CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Patrick Tomonglay, a young farmer from Claveria, Misamis Oriental, has built a path in agriculture, focusing on lettuce production and sustainable practices.
His journey began in 2022 when he joined the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) under the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD). The YFC supports Filipinos aged 18–30 in starting agribusiness ventures. Tomonglay proposed “Pat’s Aquaponics,” a system that integrates plant and fish cultivation. In this setup, fish waste serves as nutrients for plants, while the plants help filter the water.
His proposal won at the provincial level, earning him a P50,000 capital grant.
Tomonglay learned that farming requires constant adjustment. Over time, he built a customer base for his produce.
In 2023, he was selected for the Young Filipino Farm Leaders Training Program in Japan (YFFLTPJ), an 11-month internship organized by the DA– Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC), and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). The program trains young farmers on agricultural methods used in Japan.
Tomonglay trained under host farmer Ishihara Naoki who taught him modern ways to cultivate grapes, pears, and rice. He focused mainly on grapes, learning the proper care, pruning, thinning, fertilization, harvesting, and marketing. He also experienced Japanese culture and developed confidence through the program. He returned to the Philippines in February 2024 and started Tomonglay Farm, applying the techniques he learned abroad. He now mentors other farmers and aspiring agripreneurs.
“Naay kalamboan, sa pagkakaron, maka-produce na mi ug lettuce ug hinay-hinay na pud mi naka-engage sa mga local consumers diri sa Claveria,” Tomonglay said.
(There is development, right now, we can produce lettuce and we are slowly engaging local consumers here in Claveria.)
Influenced by conservation farming in Japan, Tomonglay practices sustainable methods at his farm
“Tungod ani, naka-income mi ug nagamit namo ang kita aron i-improve among greenhouse—gikan sa kahoy ug kawayan, karon among gipulihan ug metal pipe scaffolding para magamit siya panglong-term,” he said.
(Because of this, we have income and we use it to improve our greenhouse – from wood to bamboo, and now we changed it to metal pipe scaffolding for long term use.)
He believes technology can engage youth in agriculture.
“Atong mga kabatan-unan karon mahilig sa gadgets, basin pwede ra gyapon nato na ma-apply sa farming,” he added.
(Our younger generation now is hooked on gadgets, perhaps they can also apply it to farming.)
He expressed gratitude to the Municipality of Claveria through its Municipal Agricultural Office, and to the Misamis Oriental provincial government for financial support during his training in Japan. (ATI RTC-X/PIA Misamis Oriental)
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