In the shadow of La Union’s mountains, a story of hope, resilience, and innovation unfolded—a couple’s journey to transform dreams into reality and redefine the boundaries of agriculture.
It was September 2020 when Veberly Jubilo and Frederick Uyaan faced a turning point.
The pandemic had disrupted their stable careers, forcing them to make a bold decision: leave the security of their government and private sector jobs to embrace the uncertainty of a new venture in Barangay Tallipugo, Balaoan, La Union.
The Uyaan couple, both agriculturists by profession, decided to return home to focus on meeting their basic needs.
Veberly’s husband, a former intern in Israel who specialized in mushroom production, used his expertise to help establish their new source of livelihood.
Their story reflects resilience and resourcefulness in adapting to life’s challenges.
Inspired by the rugged mountain ranges that surround their hometown, they christened their dream Vel Seirra Integrated Farm, a name that reflected not only their roots but also their aspirations.
Starting with just 100 fruiting bags of oyster mushrooms, they embarked on a journey that would transform not only their lives but also their community.
She recalled that they started with nothing but courage, a vision, and the belief that agriculture could change their lives and those around them.
“Every day, we reminded ourselves that even the tallest mountains are conquered step by step,” Uyaan said.
The first ascent: planting seeds of possibility
Every great climb begins with a leap of faith.
For the couple, that leap came with challenges as steep as the mountains themselves.
Climate change posed a threat to their crops, and oyster mushrooms were an unfamiliar product in their locality.
Doubts from neighbors and friends lingered like thick mist over a peak, but the couple persevered.
They knocked on doors with baskets of freshly harvested mushrooms, offering free tastings and educating their neighbors on their nutritional benefits and versatility.
Slowly, curiosity replaced skepticism, and orders began to trickle in for mushroom tocino, kropek, and chili garlic oil.
The mountain was daunting, but the Uyaans knew they didn’t have to climb it alone.
Assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 1 and the local government unit (LGU) of Balaoan provided the couple with the support they needed to navigate the climb.
A rope to climb: The Young Farmers’ Challenge
In the midst of their climb, the couple discovered the Young Farmers’ Challenge (YFC) program of DA, which provided a lifeline in the form of start-up capital for young agri-preneurs.
Competing at provincial, regional, and national levels, they secured not only recognition but also financial support, reinvesting every grant into their farm.
From makeshift structures, they built concrete growing houses, expanded to 5,000 fruiting bags, and sold an additional 2,000 monthly to other growers.
Their hard work paid off, and their vision began to take shape.
Trailblazing with community support
The Uyaans’ journey evolved into a mission to uplift their community.
With guidance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), they participated in trade fairs and Kadiwa programs, further boosting demand for their products.
Their farm became a beacon of collaboration, earning accreditation as a DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) learning site where they trained fellow farmers, young agri-preneurs, and students in sustainable practices.
She shared that their goal has always been to share their knowledge and inspire others to see the potential in agriculture.
“It’s not just about our success; it’s about creating opportunities for everyone in our community,” she added.
Dr. Grace Ventura, head of the Partnerships and Accreditation Services Section of ATI Ilocos Region, meanwhile encouraged Uyaan and the farmer-beneficiaries of their training programs to not only reap the fruits of their newfound knowledge but also to plant seeds of inspiration and empowerment in others.
She emphasized that the success and growth achieved through these training sessions should not be kept to themselves but shared, extending the benefits to the larger farming community.
“I hope that what they have learned will not only serve as a means for them to harvest a better livelihood and income but also inspire them to sow the same opportunities in the lives of their fellow aspiring farmers, especially since the training we provide is free,” she explained.
Her words paint a vivid picture of knowledge as both a tool and a gift—one that should be passed on.
By encouraging these farmers to share what they have learned, Dr. Ventura envisions a network of farmers supporting one another, creating a ripple effect that will lead to a stronger, more resilient farming community.
Through this spirit of collaboration and shared learning, farmers are empowered to break barriers, foster innovation, and contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Scaling higher: diversification and innovation
With their farm thriving, the couple expanded their operations to include rabbit farming, poultry production, vermicomposting, and onion farming—introducing varieties such as red, white, spring, and lasona onions to their area.
They also ventured into processed mushroom products like mushroom nutriwine, chicharon, tempura, and dinakdakan, which gained popularity locally and nationally through online platforms.
The LGU Balaoan and partner agencies continued to champion their efforts, showcasing their products in local festivals and trade fairs and encouraging other young entrepreneurs to follow their example.
The summit in sight
Today, Vel Seirra Integrated Farm stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and collaboration.
With a monthly gross income of P50,000 to P70,000, the couple has not only built a sustainable livelihood but also created jobs for out-of-school youth, mothers, and members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps).
For years, around 15 associations, including youth groups and entrepreneurs, as well as 19 private individuals from the region, have been provided with free technical training in mushroom and fruiting bag production.
This training not only enabled them to expand their knowledge and expertise in the field but also helped them sustain their basic needs and served as a reliable source of livelihood.
By 2028, they envision their farm as the leading producer of fresh mushrooms and fruiting bags in Region 1 while continuing to inspire sustainable agricultural practices.
To achieve this, they plan to strengthen collaborations with national agencies and LGUs by providing free training and workshops, offering their farm as a venue for hands-on demonstrations, and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs by lending them mushroom fruiting bags.
This approach not only nurtures their business growth but also contributes to the wider development of the agricultural community in the region.
A climb worth taking
The story of the couple is more than a tale of success—it’s a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the power of dreams.
She said that every challenge they faced became a stepping stone, and every small victory reminded them that the climb had been worth it.
“The mountain will always be there, but it’s the journey that makes the view at the top so rewarding,” Uyaan concluded.
From the foothills of La Union to the heights of their aspirations, the couple’s journey proves that with faith, community, and determination, even the steepest mountains can be conquered. (CCMT/AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
