Meet Mr. Nelson Domingo, a 55-year-old farmer from San Joaquin, Balungao, Pangasinan. Despite being a graduate of mechanical engineering, he made the decision to pursue farming due to his family background in the field.

Since he started farming in 1995, Mr. Domingo has actively participated in meetings and training sessions related to farming. In 1998, he became an inbred seed grower after being convinced by a local government unit (LGU) friend.

Mr. Domingo is the chairman of the Pangasinan Organic Seed Growers and Nursery Multipurpose Cooperative located in San Vicente, Urdaneta, Pangasinan. The cooperative boasts 281 active members and has been under his leadership since 2013. Through his efforts, he has provided livelihood opportunities to farmer-laborers in their community and has increased their income. Additionally, he has advocated for other municipalities to receive government interventions and has represented the concerns of his fellow farmers during national activities.

In the country, Region 1 farmers are among the first to harvest their produce. Their cooperative is partnered with PhilRice, and as part of their commitment, they supply 58,476 bags of certified seeds, weighing 20kg each, for the RCEF seed program.

When asked about his success as a farmer, Mr. Domingo humbly expressed that he is content with what he does. “Ang masasabi ko lang, masaya ako sa ginagawa ko, nakakatulong ako sa kapwa ko magsasaka” (All I can say is I am happy with what I am doing; I am able to help my fellow farmers). He finds fulfillment in helping his fellow farmers and has been able to achieve personal milestones such as purchasing his desired vehicle, a 4-hectare land and a tractor, and sending his daughter to a good university.

With support from the Department of Agriculture, they have received valuable assistance, including four circulating dryers that are crucial for seed growers like them, as well as a transplanter, harvester, and training sessions.

Mr. Domingo expresses his gratitude to the DA for their unwavering support. He acknowledges that without the provision of machinery, their progress would have been hindered. He is thankful to the agriculture sector for not neglecting their needs and for the opportunities they have been provided with.

In conclusion, Mr. Nelson Domingo serves as an exemplary farmer in his community, dedicated to his work, and passionate about assisting his fellow farmers. “Salamat sa DA kasi hindi sila nagpabaya. Nagbigay sila sa amin ng counterpart hanggang sa fully subsidized ang mechanization, hindi kami umunlad kung di sila nagbigay ng mga machinery, kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Department of Agriculture na hindi kami pinabayaan”.