In Barangay Masicong, San Fernando City, La Union, a story of transformation unfolds—not just of a farm, but of lives changed through agriculture.
Ibit’s Integrated Farm, founded by Manuel Acosta and his wife Marilene, began as a simple piece of land. Today, it stands as a model of sustainable farming and community empowerment.
From hardship to hope
Before Ibit’s Farm flourished, it was just another patch of earth. When Marilene first visited, she saw more than crops struggling under the sun—she saw farmers trapped in debt, earning little in spite of their hard work.
Determined to make a difference, the Acostas turned the farm into more than just a livelihood endeavor. They made it a place of opportunity and dignity.
Empowering farmers, strengthening communities
In 2016, after Manuel Acosta retired, the couple launched the “Adopt a Farmer and His Family” program. More than jobs, they provided homes, training, and financial support to help farmers build better lives.
From one family, the initiative expanded to four, equipping them with farm tools, business opportunities, and financial guidance. The goal was not just to farm, but to create entrepreneurs.
“We believe that when you uplift one farmer, you uplift an entire community. Farming is not just about crops; it’s about people, families, and futures,” Acosta said.
Innovation and government support
To sustain their vision, the Acostas embraced modern farming techniques. With support from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), they integrated organic farming and business strategies.
“Innovation is key to sustainable farming. With support from the DA and the DTI, we’ve integrated modern practices with traditional wisdom, enhancing efficiency and profitability for local farmers,” Acosta explained.
DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME program helped him develop the farm into a thriving agribusiness, while the Shared Service Facilities (SSF) program provided food processing tools. Even international partners supported the farm’s growth, with a Swiss organization donating P25,000 for a water supply system.
“Mr. Acosta’s strong commitment to empowering local farmers has made a significant impact on our program. His receptiveness and dedication to sustainable agricultural development serve as an inspiration to many,” DTI La Union Provincial Director Victoria Ordoño shared.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 1 meanwhile accredited Ibit’s Farm as an agri-tourism site, offering farm tours, planting activities, and farm-to-table dining experiences.
The City Government of San Fernando, seeing the farm’s promise, also provided a vermicomposting facility—turning waste into wealth, decay into life.
A farm for everyone
Ibit’s Farm is not just for farmers—it welcomes visitors eager to reconnect with nature. Guests can pick fresh vegetables, enjoy local dishes like Picknakbet and PICKnanok, or take on the PERO (Pick Eat Raw Okra) Challenge.
Through the DOT’s Farm Tourism Development Act, the farm has become a certified tourism destination, educating visitors about sustainable farming while providing livelihoods for locals.
A legacy of learning, growth
Acosta’s work extends beyond his farm. As a graduate of DTI’s Kapatid Mentor ME program, he now mentors other farmers, helping them adopt sustainable and profitable practices.
Barangay Masicong is now a learning hub, home to three DA-accredited learning sites. Acosta’s dedication has been recognized, including the DTI’s Most Entrepinoy Award at the 2020 Pammadayaw Conferment of Awards.
The heart of agri-tourism
La Union envisions becoming the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025, and Ibit’s Farm is at the center of this dream. Through programs like Plant a Bamboo for the Love of the Environment and Educational Tour for a Cause, the farm promotes sustainability and farmer empowerment.
With DOT’s Agri-Tourism Roadmap and DTI’s One Town, One Product (OTOP) initiative, farms like Ibit’s gain greater visibility and market access, ensuring long-term growth.
A harvest of purpose
During the pandemic, when markets closed, Ibit’s Farm stepped up, ensuring frontliners received fresh produce. It proved that a farm is more than just a business—it is a lifeline for the community.
As the sun rises over Ibit’s Integrated Farm, it illuminates fields filled with life and stories of perseverance. With farmers like Acosta and the support of institutions like DOT, DA, and DTI, La Union’s vision for agri-tourism is not just a goal—it is a future taking root. (CCMT/KJCR, PIA La Union)
