In front of a mirror beside the aging television set, Maydene Demesana meticulously applies the final touches to her make-up, radiating elegance in her borrowed white formal dress. She will receive a prestigious provincial award for her business proposal for Demesana Diversified Vegetable Farm.
The farm is a 1-hectare diversified production area located in San Simon, Cagayan de Oro City. Demesana and her family can earn P20,000–30,000 per month from selling garden variety vegetables like cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, and string beans, with 300–500 kilos harvested per week for each commodity.
Justine Sabanal from the Agriculture Productivity Office (APOO) of Cagayan de Oro City guided Demesana on her journey to success. As an experienced professional, he provided Demesana with the necessary support and expertise to help her achieve her goals.
As the eldest of seven children in a family of hardworking farmers, Demesana grew up witnessing her parents’s unwavering dedication to providing a brighter future through education. Despite discouragement from a neighbor, she remained steadfast in pursuing her dreams, turning negativity into a driving force for success.
Her decision to specialize in agriculture during her senior year at San Simon High School provided her with numerous opportunities. The City Agriculture Office’s invitation to join the Binhi ng Pag Asa program, which focused on youth engagement in agriculture, led her to join the 4H club, where she honed her skills through various training sessions and seminars, quenching her thirst for new knowledge. The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) sponsored a youth camp, which deepened her understanding of the field.
“Food is everything, and farmers are the foundation of it. Appreciate the effort of farmers, support them, and learn from their stories. “Grab the opportunity, start small, and don’t stop learning, “ Demesana said in an online interview, encouraging young people to engage in farming.
The adoption of hydroponics technology has not only revolutionized farming practices but also created new economic opportunities within the community. Many members, particularly the youth, have embraced this innovative approach, leading to additional income generation for individuals and families alike. Demesana and her partners have not only enriched the community with sustainable food sources, but have also empowered its members to thrive economically and contribute positively to their surroundings.
Demesana has transcended her role as a successful entrepreneur to become a trainer at an urban micro-farm, which now stands as a vital local food source for the community. Collaborating with her partners, including the 4H club, APOO, Kids Who Farm, Young Farmers Challenge, and the Kagay-anon Youth Network Alliance (KAYA NA), they have introduced hydroponics technology, igniting a wave of interest among the youth.
The U.S. Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs selected Demesana to represent the Philippines at the 2024 U.S.-ASEAN Women’s Leadership Academy for YSEALI, or the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, a highly competitive cultural exchange program for emerging leaders from Southeast Asia, in March 2024. Her inclusion was a huge honor and a testament to her dedication and leadership.
Demesana joined over 60 Southeast Asian women leaders focusing on food security—a vital issue covering agriculture, biotech, nutrition, and more.
Demesana’s vision extends beyond personal success; she dreams of a day when every Filipino has food on their table, eradicating hunger among the youth. She believes that by advocating for sustainable farming practices, she can foster a healthy and vibrant community for all.
As she clutches her hard-earned certificate, Demesana’s eyes glisten with tears of joy, glancing at her proud parents. In that moment, she sees not just her achievement but the culmination of her family’s sacrifices and her unwavering determination to make a difference in the world of agriculture. (ATI-10/PIA-10)
