Take a virtual tour of the Philippines and learn more about how CRS is helping farmers improve their crops.
My name is Ruben Halasan and I live on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. I have 3.6 hectares of land and earn my living through farming. Several years ago, I heard from some other farmers that Catholic Relief Services was helping to open a store called the Roadside Veggies and Café (RVC) as part of its Small Farms and Marketing Program. The RVC is located next to a highly traveled road, and offers a market for farmers to sell their crops. I decided to bring some of my crops and had good success selling them at the RVC.
I also attended some workshops conducted by CRS and learned new techniques to improve my farm. These techniques have resulted in a tenfold increase of my harvest of cabbages, sweet peas, onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables. I deliver my crops to the Roadside Veggies and Café twice a week and earn a very good profit. In addition to earning more money, participating in the Small Farms and Marketing Program has helped me to feel more confident in my knowledge and abilities. I now join CRS at the workshops to present my experience and ideas to others.
My farm has become a showcase where other farmers can come to learn from onsite visits, and I have even given a presentation about my success to officials from the United States Department of Agriculture who were visiting our region. I am very proud of my farm, and feel fortunate to have participated in this program.
Learn more about Catholic Relief Services' work in the Philippines.
Learn more about Catholic Relief Services' supported agriculture projects.