19 GRADUATES COMPLETE FARM BUSINESS SCHOOL BATCH 7 IN MANOLO FORTICH

Honing Local Agricultural Practitioners in Manolo Fortich since 2016

The annual Farm Business School (FBS) program returned for its 7th batch, celebrating the completion of 19 graduates during a commencement ceremony held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Municipal Lobby of the New Government Center in Manolo Fortich. Their innovative and competitive products were proudly showcased as a result of intensive training, hands-on entrepreneurship sessions, and newly gained agribusiness skills.

Honing Local Agricultural Practitioners

FBS is an entrepreneurship program by the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) that provides farmers with training on financial literacy, market analysis, business plan development, and other entrepreneurship skills—adapting the “school” to the farmers’ local environment. FBS has been operating in Manolo Fortich since 2016, making it the only municipality in Region 10 that has continually conducted the program.

This year, Batch 7 started its first session last August 27, 2025, through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO). Students completed 16 productive sessions covering modules such as improving their farm products, managing business finances, and marketing their goods.

Competitive and Innovative Products

During the commencement ceremony, the graduates’ products decorated the Municipal Lobby with free tastes of food products and even on-the-spot purchases. Products ranged from dried goods, fresh vegetables, sweets, sauces, and handmade crafts. Special awards were given to graduates for their products, as well as recognitions during their product presentation last November 27.

Most Profitable Product:

Madeth’s Tilanggit, Veronica S. Esnaldo

Most Feasible Product:

Cookie Bites Bamboo Cookies by Ria Zarenna A. Dompol

Bukid Native Chicken Farm Dresses Chicken by Vicente P. Magloyoan Jr.

Most Unique Product:

Flavors of Bukidnon: Hibiscus-Pineapple Aged Kefir by Elseanor A. Cabang

Best Presenter:

John Michael M. Labis

Ria Zarenna A. Dompol

Best Farm Business Plan:

Ria Zarenna A. Dompol

FBS’ Impact on Local Farmers

FBS continues to welcome participants of all ages. Among them is 61-year-old Veronica S. Esnaldo, who received the Most Profitable Product award for her product, “Madeth’s Tilanggit,” made from juvenile tilapia processed similarly to boneless dried “danggit.” According to Esnaldo, the product is a legacy from her late husband.

“Usa ni siya ka legacy na gibilin sa akong bana sa ako nga kinahanglan na akong padayonon bisan og wala na siya,” she shared in her testimonial. “Sa akong pagtuon sa FBS daghan gyud ko og nakat-onan. Dako kaayo akong pasalamat hilabina ni Mayor Quiño nga naghatag siya og programa sama niini. Daghan ang nakabenepisyo ug daghan usab ang nakatuon.”

Education as the Major Foundation

In the newly revised 8 Point Agenda of Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, education remains one of the top priorities. In his message to the graduates, Mayor Quiño emphasized that education is the foundation of growth.

“Everything starts from education. Even the pillars of business in agriculture starts with education, training, and practicals,” he says. “Kining mga pamaagi sa Farm Business School, challenge gyud kita kung unsaon nato og baligya atong mga produkto na mag enjoy ang customer ug kita pud nga dili gansi sa ginansya.”

As the 19 FBS Batch 7 graduates move forward with their new skills and products, they carry with them the promise of a more innovative and resilient agricultural community. Their dedication highlights how empowering farmers through education creates lasting opportunities—not only for themselves but for the entire municipality of Manolo Fortich.