
Lando Desales jumped on every training opportunity that his farming cooperative offered. Being a farmer leader, Lando’s coop naturally recommended him when the Cocoa PAL Project was in search of trainees. Not long after, he became a Cocoa PAL Extensionist Facilitator. It was in this role that CIDAMi Executive Director, Val Turtur, saw his potential in becoming a good role model for other farmers. “I observed how Lando applied what he had learned and how that was able to help improve his income,†recalls Mr. Turtur. “Sir Val saw how I wanted to teach other farmers even if I was not being paid for it,†says Lando. At the conclusion of Cocoa PAL, Mr. Turtur hired him.
By January 2014, Lando became the CIDAMi Field Coordinator to the Paquibato farmer beneficiaries of MinCARES, a project that was dedicated to assisting families affected by Typhoon Bopha back in 2012. Lando coordinated with the beneficiaries to assist them in adopting cacao-based diversified farming to help them regain their source of livelihood. Lando was a great role model for the other farmers. His farm served as a benchmark for how good farming practices could improve income.
The MinCARES project concluded by mid-2014, but Lando continued to be the Paquibato Field Coordinator for the follow-up project, Cacao FEAST. To assist farmer beneficiaries for Cacao FEAST, Lando now provides technical training to farmers on site and monitors their progress according to the objectives of this new project. He admits he is grateful for a job that now provides him with a steady salary and allowance, and at the time, has introduced him to new skills such as how to use a computer.
As a field coordinator, Lando recognizes the importance of bonding with the farmers. They listen better and apply the training and knowledge received more from Cacao FEAST. “It’s important to do things with them, says Lando. Sometimes, Lando even sleeps in the homes of some of the farmers. Younger farmers also fondly call him Papa. In spending time with the farmers, Lando is able to continuously discuss about the farmers’ production, livelihood and households.
Lando has definitely come a long way from being the farmer who was receiving training to the one who is now providing it. With all the knowledge and farming experiences he has acquired, he has not only seen the improvement of his income, but Lando is evidence that when farmers learn more, they also have the opportunity to teach and train other farmers and help them grow.