Pompeyo R. Cornejo, affectionately known as Tatay Ninoy to his friends and family, passed away last March 2, 2024, at the age of 61. Tatay Ninoy was one of the senior farmers of the SVD Laudato Si’ Farm, and his passing is mourned by all of us.
We invite you to commemorate and celebrate with us the life and legacy of a man who was not just a farmer but a cornerstone of the SVD Farm family and the SVD Tagaytay community as a whole.
Born on May 4, 1962, Tatay Ninoy was one of the pioneers who dedicated his knowledge and skills towards tilling the very land that now thrives as the SVD Farm.
He, alongside his fellow farmers, Rogelio Sabidolas (Tatay Rogelio) and Rodrigo de Leon, Sr. (Tatay Lakay), were among the first workers to toil the soil, even before the SVD Farm officially came into existence.
In a testament to his unwavering commitment, Tatay Ninoy and his companions planted the seeds of what would later become the SVD Farm, cultivating coffee and pineapples long before the SVD Farm took its present form. Their dedication laid the foundation for the thriving agricultural haven that stands as a testament to sustainable farming practices today.
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During the wake, Fr. Sam shared a poignant insight into his profound connection with the SVD Farm, stating, "Si Tatay Ninoy lang ang nakakaalam ng kasuluk-sulukan ng SVD Farm."
Tatay Ninoy's intimate knowledge of the land was not merely professional; it was a connection forged through years of labor, love, and the shared dream of cultivating a sustainable and flourishing farm.
Ms. Olivia A. Tolentino, former Human Resources (HR) Officer of the SVD Farm, also fondly remembered Tatay Ninoy as a symbol of warmth and camaraderie. "Ang palagi kong naaalala kay Tatay Ninoy ay ang pagiging palabati niya, hindi lamang sa akin kundi sa aming lahat,” she said.
She described his infectious smile and friendly demeanor, a constant presence even in the most trying moments of farm work. "Mami-miss ko rin talaga si Tatay Ninoy", she added.
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In an interview last January, before the third anniversary of the SVD Farm, Tatay Ninoy’s wife Soreta Cornejo, fondly known as Nanay Soreng, reflected on the challenges and triumphs she and her husband faced during their journey as farmers and as partners.
Nanay Soreng shared the SVD Farm's impact on their lives and expresses gratitude to the generous benefactors who have supported the SVD Farm, and in turn, the workers of the SVD Farm such as themselves.
Despite the challenges that they faced, Nanay Soreng remains resilient, sharing that she and her husband were able to spend time together to rest and enjoy each other’s company.
The legacy of Tatay Ninoy, continued by Nanay Soreng and those who share their love, is not just one of toil and hardship. It is a testament to the strength that comes from a genuine connection to the land and the unwavering support of a community that extends beyond the fields of the SVD Farm.
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As the SVD Farm continues to thrive and evolve, Tatay Ninoy Cornejo's legacy lives on in the verdant fields and the hearts of those who shared his journey. His story serves as an inspiration for future generations of farmers, a reminder that dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for the land can transform a humble patch of soil into a thriving agricultural haven.
Tatay Ninoy may have left this world, but his spirit remains deeply rooted in the fertile grounds of the SVD Farm.
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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.