Santiago (right) from Our Farm Republic readies to demonstrate land preparation techniques. (Photo from OFR)
QUEZON CITY, Feb. 1 A former two-term Marikina councilor and newbie to the agricultural industry is on a mission to eradicate ‘gawat’ - the Ilocano word for ‘scarcity’ - one farm at a time through Our Farm Republic (OFR). OFR is an integrated, diversified, organic farm in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, which promotes modern techniques and best practices among rice farmers through the support of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
“I’ve always believed that there is money in agriculture. It will remain a sunrise industry,” shared Lea Santiago, founder and now head of Our Farm Republic.