Pedro B. 'Jhong' Fenis, Jr.
BS Agriculture graduate of Caraga State University.
Born from a religious leader parents with agricultural background but landless.
Interest to agriculture came naturally as he grow. After graduation, Jhong volunteered in a small and family-based farmer's federation in Lanao del Norte. There he worked as an agriculture extensionist. It was a test for his academic background. But beyond the technology exchange he learned and understood the real and daily-life struggles of the small farmers. He was exposed to the fishing and farming communities. The low prioritization for agriculture and the economic challenges mailly pushed the younger generations away from local food growing.
There he understood food sovereignty and agroecology as frameworks empowering the local food producers and the economic development paradigm that must not destroy the environment, but enrich instead.
The contract ended and he returned home bringing the experience and inspirations.
Opportunity came through to the Organic Agriculture Program of the Sibagat LGU. Motivated to learn more and share his experience and skills acquired, he enjoyed the bumpy and challenging rides. But an enriching experience for him.
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, his belief in local and safe food production was proven correct. So, he took part and actively campaign in his community the 'Liso sa Kinabuhi' project of the Sibagat LGU at that time.
With 'Limited Area, Maximum Production or (LAMP)' in mind, households can produce food for household consumption as the primary target and the neighborhood.
But still for him, the support from the government agencies prioritizing agriculture, local food production to marketing lines and necessary infrastructure services is a must. Engaging civil society and advocates outside the bureaucracy is also important. And this must be the development paradigm for an agriculture-based municipality like Sibagat.
Jhong today together with fellow young cultivators of hope and spreaders of light in the Organic Agriculture campaign continue to ride the bumps and humps towards sustainable and healthy Sibagat.
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