Meet Ronnel Olivar-Landicho, the farm production supervisor of the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm.
Notwithstanding his soft-spoken personality, Ronnel's career as a farmer has already made a substantial impact. At just 35 years old, he found himself in a leadership position at the SVD Farm, responsible for its overall production.
In this role, he has successfully contributed to the Farm's growth and efficiency. Moreover, even before his work at the SVD Farm, Ronnel’s life had always been tied to agriculture.
Ronnel’s agricultural journey began in the picturesque Brgy. Sambong, Tagaytay City, where he was born on May 17, 1988. When he was 7 years old, until he was 15 years old, he immersed himself in the world of farming, even though his family did not own the land; they were tenants. This farm covered two hectares and was home to a variety of crops, including niyog (coconut), avocado, and mangga (mango).
His family had been tenants on this land for decades, and he had been living on and working in the farm since his birth. His connection to the land was deep-rooted, both figuratively and literally. They also had pet cows, and Ronnel took on the responsibility of caring for these animals.
In the mornings, he would attend school, balancing his education with his agricultural responsibilities. In the afternoons, he would engage in kumpay, gathering grass to feed the cows. Afterward, he found time for play, showcasing the balance he struck between work and leisure.
During these early years, Ronnel was already involved in the harvest of fruits such as avocado and papaya. These formative years laid the foundation for his future in agriculture, instilling in him the values of hard work, responsibility, and a deep love for the land.
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The road to success in agriculture was far from smooth for Ronnel and his family. While agriculture played a crucial role in sustaining their livelihood, it was not a widely lucrative endeavor. In fact, agriculture was not the most popular or profitable choice for many, and the prevailing mindset was often described as "isang kahig, isang tuka"—a subsistence lifestyle, where one's daily existence is marked by constant toil and just enough to get by.
Despite the hardships, this way of life was what Ronnel knew and had grown up with, so he and his family persevered. Both of his parents and the previous generations of their family were farmers, and this shared heritage instilled in Ronnel a sense of purpose and the desire to learn and continue the family tradition.
Ronnel's journey in agriculture was not only shaped by his family's dedication but also by the valuable lessons he learned from his lolo (grandfather), who had been a farmer for an impressive sixty years. Working as tenants on a 1.5-hectare private farm beside SVD Tagaytay, Ronnel and his lolo cultivated palay (rice) before diversifying into other crops due to pest challenges. These crops included kamote (sweet potatoes), labanos (radishes), kamatis (tomatoes), and mais (corn).
During his time as an apprentice, Ronnel not only acquired practical knowledge about crop cultivation and management but also imbibed the wisdom and traditional farming practices that his lolo had honed over the years. The mentorship of his lolo instilled in Ronnel a strong work ethic and a profound respect for the land.
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Ronnel openly admitted that he found it difficult to thrive in a traditional classroom environment. In fact, he is a high school undergraduate, having stopped his formal education after completing elementary school. The limited opportunities and resources available to him meant that farming was not just a choice; it was a necessity, he said. With no other viable options, he decided to channel his energy and dedication into the world of agriculture. The classroom may not have been his forte, but he found his calling in the fields and on the farm.
His struggle in the classroom did not deter him from pursuing his dreams. Instead, Ronnel focused on developing his practical skills through hands-on experience. He discovered that he had a natural aptitude for agriculture.
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In 2004, a new chapter in Ronnel's agricultural journey began when his family became tenants for a 1,200 square meter land. This marked a significant shift as they started tilling this land as a family. Their choice of crop for this venture was pinya (pineapple), and it was Ronnel, along with the support of his family, who took charge of this endeavor from planting to harvest and sale.
Their dedication and hard work paid off as they cultivated approximately 5,000 pieces of pineapple. Ronnel's hands-on involvement in every aspect of the farming process, from planting the pineapple shoots to harvesting the ripe fruit, demonstrated his commitment and passion for agriculture.
In addition to their pineapple venture, Ronnel's family also expanded into other agricultural activities, such as kapihan (coffee) and sagingan (banana plantation), further diversifying their sources of income. With a family unit of four, including Ronnel and his brother Ian, they worked together to overcome challenges and achieve their agricultural goals.
In 2006, Ronnel demonstrated his determination and resourcefulness. He patiently waited ("nagpasapit") for the harvest of their pineapple crops, knowing that the fruits of his labor would bring not only sustenance but also opportunities for growth. From the proceeds of their pineapple harvest, he began to save diligently, with a clear goal in mind – to buy cows.
By 2008, Ronnel's hard work and disciplined saving had allowed him to acquire three cows. These cattle not only represented an investment in his family's future but also a symbol of his commitment to improving their quality of life.
In 2009, another significant milestone was reached. After the successful harvest of pineapples, Ronnel made the difficult decision to sell two out of the three cows he had purchased. The proceeds from this sale were used to purchase a house for his family.
But Ronnel's aspirations didn't stop there. He used part of the remaining funds to buy a tricycle, an investment that would change the course of his family's future. Becoming a tricycle driver not only provided a steady source of income but also improved their overall quality of life.
During this period, Ronnel may have contemplated whether he would ever return to agriculture. Farming, with its uncertainties and complexities, can be a daunting endeavor, especially when compared to the more predictable nature of a job like tricycle driving.
However, it was the unexpected onset of the pandemic that marked a turning point in Ronnel's journey. The pandemic disrupted livelihoods across various sectors, including transportation. This unforeseen circumstance prompted him to reconsider his return to farming.
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Despite the initial hardships and uncertainties that farming presented, Ronnel made the courageous decision to go back to it. His return to agriculture was not just a personal choice; it was a commitment born out of a sense of responsibility and trust. The SVD Farm recognized his dedication and believed in his potential as a farmer, and this trust played a pivotal role in his decision to stay.
When Ronnel assumed the role of farm production supervisor at the SVD Farm, he was entrusted with a significant responsibility. This position came with a range of important duties and tasks that were crucial to the farm's success and sustainability. Ronnel's appointment reflected the high regard and trust placed in his abilities as a dedicated farmer.
In the midst of the challenging year that was 2020, a new chapter in Ronnel's agricultural journey unfolded. In July, right around the time when his wife had just given birth and the pandemic had disrupted the usual sources of livelihood, Ronnel found an opportunity to work with the SVD Tagaytay Community.
The rector of the SVD Tagaytay Community, Fr. Samuel Naceno-Agcaracar, SVD, recognized Ronnel's potential and offered him a role as a farmer within the seminary during the lockdowns. This gesture of support and trust provided Ronnel with a lifeline during uncertain times.
In his capacity as a farmer at the seminary, Ronnel took on the vital responsibility of maintaining the mini-garden within the seminary grounds. This garden served as a source of fresh produce, including talong (eggplant), pechay (Chinese cabbage), lettuce, sitaw (string beans), and okra. Ronnel's daily tasks included caring for these crops and ensuring their optimal growth.
Additionally, he provided valuable assistance to the SVD priests, helping them in the day-to-day upkeep of the garden. His commitment and dedication to this role were commendable, and his efforts contributed to the availability of fresh, homegrown produce for the community, especially during a time when access to such resources was limited.
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On September 5, 2020 Ronnel continued his journey with the SVD Farm, where he played an instrumental role during its initial phase, assisting in the first five months before it opened to the public. During this period, Ronnel worked closely with the SVD priests and seminarians, contributing to various aspects of farm development. One of his primary responsibilities was to assist in clearing and planting fruit trees, a crucial task in establishing a productive and sustainable farm.
In addition to his role in tree planting, Ronnel played a pivotal role in preparing the land for cultivation. His hands-on involvement in the day-to-day operations of the farm, even during physically demanding tasks like land preparation, showcased his dedication and work ethic.
Furthermore, Ronnel served as a link between the SVD Farm and the kitchens of the Divine Word Seminary Tagaytay (DWST). He ensured that the harvest from the farm, which included kalabasa (squash), saging (bananas), and pechay (Chinese cabbage), made its way to the seminary kitchens. This contribution not only provided fresh and locally sourced produce to the seminary but also demonstrated the farm's capacity to sustain itself and contribute to the nutritional needs of the community.
Later on, with his brother Ian, Ronnel led the construction of the SVD Farm's Laudato Si' Kubo. Using reclaimed wood, the brothers build the kubo which would be the place where the SVD Farm's farmers would rest in between work. This work further exemplifies Ronnel's commitment to the Farm's mission. Their joint efforts in this endeavor symbolized the importance of collaboration and shared values within the family, strengthening their bond while also contributing to the growth of the SVD Farm.
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The dedication and hard work of Ronnel and his team at the SVD Farm did not go unnoticed. When benefactors and supporters saw the remarkable efforts and the positive impact they were making, help and support poured in from various quarters. Assistance came in the form of generous donations from both government and private donors.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) was one of the entities that recognized the significance of the work being done at the SVD Farm. They stepped forward with contributions that greatly benefited the farm's operations. Among the donations from the DA were essential tools for agriculture and gardening, such as palas (shovels), sprayers, and kalaykay (harvesting baskets). These tools not only improved the efficiency of farm work but also enabled the cultivation of a wider variety of crops.
In addition to tools, the donations also included essential agricultural supplies like fertilizer and seeds. These resources were instrumental in enhancing the productivity of the farm and expanding its capabilities. The availability of high-quality seeds and fertilizers allowed the farm to diversify its crops and optimize its yields.
Private donors, too, recognized the value of the SVD Farm's mission and contributed generously to support its initiatives. Their contributions, inspired by Ronnel's hard work, not only provided financial support but also symbolized a shared commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
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In 2021, Ronnel's journey continued as he played a significant role in the growth and development of the SVD Farm. However, his path was not without its challenges, particularly in the area of agricultural knowledge and practices.
When the SVD Farm first opened its doors, Ronnel, like many others, had limited knowledge of advanced farming techniques. Recognizing the need to enhance his skills and understanding of modern agricultural practices, he embarked on a journey of learning and self-improvement.
Under the guidance of Fr. Sam, Ronnel actively sought opportunities to expand his agricultural knowledge. He attended a series of training sessions and seminars organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA). These sessions, collectively known as the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training, were designed to equip farmers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to excel in farming. In 2022, Ronnel trained under Rijk Zwaan, a renowned vegetable breeding company. Through this training, he gained valuable insights into identifying and controlling plant diseases and learned advanced techniques for optimizing crop growth.
However, Ronnel's commitment to learning did not end with his own personal growth. He recognized the importance of sharing the knowledge he had acquired with fellow farmers at the SVD Farm. Teaching others was an extension of his dedication to the Farm's mission and the broader community.
Despite the progress made, Ronnel understood that there was always more to learn. His desire for further education in agriculture stemmed from his commitment to improving and sustaining the production of the SVD Farm.
Ronnel also assumed the role of a farming teacher, sharing his knowledge and experiences with fellow farmers. His teaching style was marked by humility and a genuine willingness to learn from others. His approach not only inspired his peers but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among all the farmers. Ronnel's dedication to supplementing the existing knowledge of his fellow farmers further reinforced the collaborative spirit that drives sustainable agriculture.
In the past, the Farm struggled to meet its target quotas, but with Ronnel at the helm, it began to consistently achieve and even surpass these goals. His leadership brought about a newfound sense of purpose and direction to the farm's operations.
One of the standout qualities of Ronnel's leadership was his ability to foster a strong spirit of collaboration among the farm's workers. He recognized the value of diversity, with each individual bringing their unique skills and backgrounds to the table. Ronnel ensured that this diversity was not a source of division but rather a source of strength. Farmers, united under his guidance, worked together seamlessly, creating a harmonious and productive environment.
The story of the SVD Farm's development under Ronnel's leadership is a shining example of the positive impact that an inspired and knowledgeable leader can have on an agricultural community.
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Ronnel has a valuable message to share with young farmers based on his experiences. In his own words, he highlights the significance of embracing a career in farming, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.
As a supervisor, Ronnel has gained essential skills and insights. His dedication to continuous learning has not only benefited his farm but has also positioned him as a valuable resource for fellow farmers in the community. Ronnel emphasizes the importance of expanding one's knowledge base, adding to their skill set, and maintaining a strong work ethic.
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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.