Solsona, Ilocos Norte – Macon Marcelino Dawey, a 37-year-old former financial professional, has successfully transitioned from working in microfinance and as a financial expat to becoming a thriving agricultural entrepreneur in Ilocos Norte. This shift is a testament to her belief in the profitability of agriculture, a sector often undervalued in terms of its economic potential.
According to Philippines News Agency, who shared her story with the Philippine News Agency on Friday, the journey to agricultural success was not straightforward. After nine years in the financial sector, including a stint in Myanmar, she founded Dawey Integrated Farm in Barangay Maan-anteng, Solsona, Ilocos Norte, alongside her former colleague, Juna Pearl Samar from Leyte. Despite initial challenges in hog breeding, which suffered losses due to African swine fever, and difficulties in marketing vegetables, Dawey persisted in her agricultural endeavors.
The onset of the pandemic, rather than hindering her progress, opened new opportunities. Dawey's farm began catering to the growing number of plant enthusiasts, known locally as plantitos and plantitas, by producing high-quality seedlings. This pivot was further bolstered by the local government's suggestion to increase seedling production for farmers.
With the support of the Department of Agriculture and other government agencies, Dawey overcame initial sales challenges and established connections to larger markets that valued the quality of her seedlings. The farm uses sustainable practices, such as employing vermicast and carbonized rice hull in seedling production and focusing on F1 hybrid varieties for better yield. Seedlings are sold individually and in wholesale trays at competitive prices.
Dawey Integrated Farm has diversified its agricultural portfolio, producing a variety of seedlings for papaya, eggplant, pepper, tomatoes, okra, and other lowland vegetables throughout the year. Additionally, the farm engages in tilapia and hito (catfish) production, as well as free-range chicken and native hog farming.
To extend its market reach, Dawey Integrated Farm participates in trade fairs and pop-up bazaars organized by the government. Dawey expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement received from local government units, the Department of Agriculture, and other government agencies.
Dawey's transition from a career in finance to becoming a successful agricultural entrepreneur highlights the potential for profitability and growth in the agriculture sector, underscoring her belief that with dedication and the right support, there is indeed money in agriculture.