Meet Ronald Antigua-Arquillano, harvest supervisor of the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.
Ronald's commitment to quality assurance at the SVD Farm ensures that guests have access to newly-harvested vegetables through the Farm’s Gulayan ni San Rafael. He is also responsible for ensuring that the Farm's farm-to-table dining outlets are consistently supplied with the fresh farm produce they need.
Ronald was born in 1984 and spent his formative years in the agricultural town of Albuera, Leyte. His journey into the world of agriculture began during his first year of high school at Dr. Geronimo Barte Zaldivar Memorial School of Fisheries, an agricultural school. It was here that his passion for agriculture took root and began to flourish.
As a teenager growing up in an agricultural community, Ronald's connection to the land and the farming way of life was deeply ingrained in him. He eagerly participated in various school planting activities, where he got hands-on experience in cultivating the soil and nurturing crops. His early involvement in these activities allowed him to develop essential skills and knowledge about farming practices.
One of Ronald's notable achievements during his time at the agricultural school was his active involvement in planting various crops, including pechay, beans, and other vegetables right within the school premises. These hands-on experiences not only honed his agricultural skills but also instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to farming.
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In 1996, Ronald embarked on his first job as a farmer at Old Kano's Farm, located in Km 48 Brgy. Lalaan 2, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Cavite. He assumed the role of being in charge of farm maintenance, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring the farm's productivity and upkeep.
Around 2001, Ronald's commitment and dedication to farming led to a significant milestone in his career. He was promoted to the position of "area holder" and "planters' leader." In this capacity, he took on the responsibility of not only handling crops but also leading and training his fellow planters. His leadership skills became evident as he guided and mentored his colleagues, fostering a culture of excellence and efficiency in the farm.
Every three months, Ronald dedicated his time to train student planters who were there for their On-the-Job Training (OJT). During these training sessions, he imparted his knowledge and expertise, teaching them essential farming techniques such as planting, plot preparation, and harvesting. His willingness to share his skills with the younger generation exemplifies his commitment to nurturing the future of agriculture.
His tenure as the crop holder continued until 2016, during which he was responsible for overseeing the farm area dedicated to leafy greens. This role required precision, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of crop management, all of which Ronald exhibited admirably.
Between the years 2005 and 2015, Ronald also initiated a heartwarming practice that truly exemplifies his commitment to helping others. During that period, Ronald began an initiative wherein whenever they had extra harvest of farm produce, they would donate the surplus fruits and vegetables to the indigent members of the neighborhood.
This generous act not only showcased his compassion but also contributed to addressing food security issues within his local community. By sharing the fruits of his labor with those in need, he demonstrated a deep sense of social responsibility and an understanding of the importance of supporting his neighbors.
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In May 2021, Ronald joined the SVD Farm, marking a significant juncture in his agricultural career. At the Farm, he assumed the role of technician and harvest supervisor, a position that came with a diverse set of responsibilities crucial to its operations.
Therein, Ronald’s primary job description included the management of the SVD Farm's harvest process, a critical aspect of ensuring the quality and reliability of farm produce. Ronald was entrusted with overseeing the quality assurance of farm products not only at the Farm's Gulayan ni San Rafael but also for the farm-to-table dining experience at the Farm's Oies Kitchen and Oies Kitchenette. This role required meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food production.
Notably, during the COVID-19 lockdowns, there were fewer days of operation for the Farm's Oies Kitchenette. In response to this challenge, Ronald made the decision to join the SVD Farm, recognizing that his skills and expertise were well-suited to the Farm's evolving needs. At the time, the SVD Farm was in the early stages of expanding its crop cultivation efforts, making it an opportune moment for Ronald to contribute his knowledge.
One of Ronald's key responsibilities at the SVD Farm was to prepare plots and areas for planting, ensuring that the farm's land was optimized for crop cultivation. Additionally, he researched and identified new crops to introduce to the Farm.
Another of his primary duties was to supervise the harvesting process, where his years of experience allowed him to estimate the quantity of crops with remarkable accuracy. Ronald's ability to "tantsa ang dami," or estimate the yield, was a valuable skill that contributed to efficient harvest planning and resource management on the farm.
In his work at the SVD Farm, Ronald not only fulfilled his responsibilities with excellence but also emerged as a dedicated leader and mentor to his fellow farmers. His role as a supervisor and leader played a pivotal part in the success and growth of the Farm.
In July 2021, Ronald reached another milestone in his career when he was regularized in his role at the SVD Farm. With this official recognition, his responsibilities as a supervisor took on an even more significant role in the farm's operations.
Ronald took it upon himself to mentor and train his fellow farmers, especially new hires. This training was particularly crucial for those responsible for handling delicate crops like leafy greens and herbs. Ronald's expertise was evident as he imparted the knowledge of conducting a high-quality harvest. He emphasized the importance of being meticulous, thorough, and ensuring that the harvested produce reached the store in impeccable condition, free from defects.
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At the SVD Farm's Gulayan ni San Rafael, Ronald played an important role in ensuring the highest standards of quality assurance. His responsibilities extended beyond the fields, as he was entrusted with managing various aspects of the Farm's operations.
In his role, Ronald took charge of packing the Farm's goods, meticulously inspecting each item to guarantee its quality and freshness. This attention to detail was not limited to the packing process alone; he also oversaw the display of products, ensuring that they were attractively presented to customers.
His dedication to quality assurance extended to monitoring the supply of goods as well. Ronald was vigilant in his efforts to ensure that there was a consistent and ample stock of farm products available for customers. In cases where supplies were running low, he made sure that there were replacement stocks ready to maintain seamless customer service.
Perhaps most importantly, Ronald's role in quality assurance involved a deep understanding of the plants and produce offered at Gulayan ni San Rafael. He placed great emphasis on identifying different plant varieties, understanding their intended usage, and ensuring their freshness. This comprehensive knowledge allowed him to provide valuable insights to customers, enhancing their overall experience at the farm.
In his role, Ronald oversaw the entire process, from harvest to quality assurance and delivery. It was his responsibility to ensure that the food served in these dining places truly reflected the SVD Farm’s farm-to-table concept, with an emphasis on freshness and quality. The Farm's commitment to serving food that was sourced directly from their fields, such as salads and other dishes, required meticulous attention to detail.
One of the standout features of the SVD Farm's farm-to-table dining was the immediacy of the harvest. Ronald and his team would harvest the produce just before it was used in the dishes, ensuring that the ingredients were as fresh as possible. This dedication to freshness not only enhanced the taste of the food but also allowed visitors to experience the true essence of farm-to-table dining.
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For reservations and other information, including ways to support and connect with the SVD Farm, contact us through:
📞 0905-106-5499
📧 contact@svdlaudatosifarmfoundation.org.