18 ASPIRING AGRI-ENTREPRENEURS COMPLETES FBS

Farm Business School Graduation Batch 6

The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), led by Municipal Agriculturist Gemma G. Cania, proudly presented the 6th batch of Farm Business School (FBS) program graduates, comprising 18 agricultural entrepreneurs, on February 27, 2025, at the Municipal Lobby, New Government Center, Barangay Tankulan.

FBS is a comprehensive training program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen livelihood by utilizing raw materials from agricultural produce and transforming them into feasible and sustainable businesses. It follows a learning-by-doing approach, enabling agri-entrepreneurs to enhance their business skills, particularly in marketing their agricultural products.

One of the graduates, Charlie Louie Luna from Barangay Tankulan, is a home-based food entrepreneur and owner of AFK Delights. He received multiple awards during the FBS graduation, including Best Farm Business Plan and Most Unique Product for his Smoked Pork Belly. “Dako kayo og tabang ang FBS sa akoa since gasugod pa ko og business. Daghan ko og natun-an when it comes to business. Thankful kaayo ko sa LGU nga naa silay ingon ani nga program ug definitely sa MAO,” stated Luna.

The participants underwent a four-month training course, during which they crafted their Farm Business Plans—strategic documents outlining their goals, financial projections, and growth strategies. These plans serve as essential tools to ensure their businesses remain secure, sustainable, and profitable. “Success is not overnight, so hinay-hinay ug dili mo dapat ma wad-an og focus. Ingon pa, success starts with a good vision. There will always be failures because we cannot eradicate risks, always naa gyud na nagsunod sa ato. What's important is we know how to manage sa risk kung muabot nana siya,” said Assistant Center Director Efren Macario of the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) Region 10, addressing the graduates.

The Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich, through MAO, continues to emphasize its commitment to the agricultural sector, which is the third priority in the 10-point agenda of Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño. “Ang atong administrasyon nag-focus on four major agendas. Number one is education. This is an education, edukasyon para sa pag-uma. Second is health program, di ka man maka-uma og gihilantan ka. Number three is agriculture ug number four is employment through livelihood. So that is the four major agenda and the others is mandated by the DILG,” underscored Mayor Quiño. The FBS program aligns with these four major agendas, making it one of the most significant initiatives in the municipality.