Ticud Farmers’ Journey of Growth

   

In the heart of Iloilo City, where concrete towers often overshadow the green, a remarkable transformation is unfolding. The story of the Ticud Farmers Association in La Paz, Iloilo City, is one of resilience, community spirit, and the power of agriculture to change lives. Under the leadership of Ticud Farmers Association President Joe Marie Hortillosa, this group of dedicated individuals is proving that even in the most urbanized environments, the seeds of hope can flourish.

For years, the residents of Barangay Ticud watched as vast, underutilized spaces remained idle-empty lots and narrow backyards that could have been transformed into productive gardens. The challenge was not a lack of desire but a lack of resources and knowledge.

“Because we are the only ones here in the city with a wide area and have never been given a way how to use that area,” Joe Marie recalls, reflecting on the untapped potential surrounding them.

The introduction of the Department of Agriculture’s National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) signaled a fresh start for the community. Through this initiative, residents gained access to sustainable farming methods- learning urban gardening, container farming, and greenhouse cultivation. In time, even discarded plastic containers found new purpose, sprouting with leafy greens and gradually reshaping the community’s environment.

One of the most remarkable achievements of the association has been the shift from passive learners to active educators. Initially, members attended workshops led by agricultural specialists. Today, they proudly conduct training sessions for their neighbors, sharing the skills they once learned.

“Before, we were the ones being trained. Now, we are the ones training the others,” Joe Marie states with pride. This transition not only enhances their knowledge but also fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community.

   

The impact of their efforts beyond technical know-how; it ignites a mindset shift. The farmers understand that limited space should never be a barrier to food security. The farmers understand that limited space should never be a barrier to food security. Through creativity and persistence, even metal drums and discarded tires have been repurposed into thriving mini farms.

“Gardening is not just a hobby, it can also help our community and our lives,” Joe Marie emphasizes. Gardening has become a lifeline, providing fresh produce and fostering a sense of community.

The Ticud Farmers Association has already begun expanding its reach. With a newly prioritized 1,500-square-meter coastal site set to become a community market, residents will soon have a dedicated space to sell their harvests. Additionally, plans are underway for an integrated farming contest between urban and peri-urban gardens, encouraging friendly competition and sustainable practices.

Through the Tawid Gutom program, the association harvests weekly, supplying a small talipapa (local market) where residents can purchase affordable, pesticide-free produce. A group chat keeps customers updated on available stocks, ensuring no harvest goes to waste.

“It is stated in our GC what products they can buy that we are displaying,” Joe Marie explains. “They can also receive those products immediately, and they can comment if they like our harvested vegetables.” This initiative not only provides fresh food but also fosters a sense of connection among residents, addressing food insecurity while promoting local economies.

Joe Marie envisions an Iloilo where every barangay embraces urban agriculture.

“I encourage all the residents and our neighboring barangays not to close the door to the upcoming opportunities here in Iloilo City.” His vision is clear — to inspire others to seize opportunities and cultivate their own gardens of hope.

But the real harvest lies in the intangible rewards—unity, self-sufficiency, and dignity.

   

“We invested hard work, blood, and sweat,” Joe Marie reflects on the early struggles. “But the fruits of our efforts are there in the end.” The journey has not been easy, but the fruits of their labor are beginning to show.

As the Ticud farmers continues to grow, Joe Marie and his team remain steadfast in their mission. They are not just cultivating crops; they are cultivating a community.

“We used to just look for these interventions, but now we are holding on to the programs that were implemented in our barangay.” Joe Marie expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the City Agriculture Office, the Ticud barangay officials, and all that supports their endeavors. 

This story is not just about farming; it is about the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the promise of a brighter future. The seeds of change have been sown, and the harvest is just beginning. (Text by: Rejena Abelarde and Amber Dawn Bañes/WVSU Interns | Photos by: Vivien Nimue Qiumpo & Cristine Lauresta/DA – RAFIS 6)