Meet Ariel Laurao-Hila, farmer and livestock supervisor from the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.
Ariel has an extended career as a farmer, beginning in 2008 and continuing to the present day. This nearly fifteen-year journey is a testament to his dedication and resilience, defying the notion that success in agriculture is solely dependent on formal education.
Despite limited formal education and modest beginnings, Ariel's unwavering commitment to his work as a farmer spans nearly fifteen years.
Ariel's journey in farming commenced over a decade ago, and it is a story of sheer dedication and hard work. Born on June 18, 1987, in the picturesque Brgy. Aroroy, Masbate, Ariel grew up in a place known for its natural beauty but also its challenges in the realm of agriculture. Despite the odds, Ariel found his calling in farming, a choice that would come to define his life's work.
Ariel's journey in livestock management began back in 2006 when he was just a fifth-grade student. After completing his school day, Ariel would spend his afternoons caring for livestock. What is truly remarkable is that, during this period, Ariel did not own any livestock himself. Instead, he selflessly dedicated his time and efforts to looking after the cows and pigs of his neighbors, gaining valuable experience in animal husbandry.
His motivation was simple yet profound—to save up the money he earned from his work. Ariel recognized the potential of livestock in providing additional income and sustainability for his family.
***
In 2008, Ariel became a pineapple farmer in Brgy. Tolentino East, Tagaytay. For thirteen years, he toiled tirelessly, tending to his fields with a sense of purpose that went beyond mere livelihood. His diligence as a farmer went beyond routine tasks; it was about adopting best practices, innovative techniques, and technology to improve his yields and protect the environment.
A pivotal turning point in Ariel's journey came in 2021 when he joined the SVD Farm as a farmer. Here, he embraced the principles of Laudato Si', and he became a true steward of the land, an advocate for conservation and sustainability.
His responsibilities at the SVD Farm included farm production, working as a farmer, and contributing to the various aspects of farming. His role involved not only planting and cultivating crops but also harvesting and delivering them to the SVD Farm's produce outlet, the Gulayan ni San Rafael, where visitors to the Farm could purchase freshly-harvested farm produce. Through his work here, he demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that the farm's produce was of top quality and reached the market on time.
In addition to crop cultivation, Ariel played a vital role in caring for livestock, particularly the SVD Farm's wild-boar hybrid pigs, and in maintaining the Farm's open fields by removing weeds.
Furthermore, Ariel was always ready to lend a hand in carpentry work when necessary, showing his willingness to go over and beyond his primary responsibilities.
Alongside his work at the SVD Farm, Ariel also conducts other agricultural work at other similar locations, including working part-time and contributing his skills and experience at a nearby dragonfruit garden in Tagaytay City.
Ariel is a remarkable farmer, not only because of his dedication but also because of his significant contributions to the community, the agriculture industry, and the country. His story serves as an inspiration for the younger generation to venture into farming.
***
For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.