For almost nine years, the Go Negosyo has been recognizing and inspiring entrepreneurs from different sectors that have contributed to the social development of our country and their respective community. It has been honoring entrepreneurs who have started small but because of their passion and determination to innovate continuously to suit their products and services to market demand, their businesses have grown. This month, they geared up for a first Agri-Negosyo Summit that happened at the World Trade Center, Pasay City on July 25, 2014 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

The Go Negosyo has selected 15 awardees of the Most Inspiring Agripreneurs and Agri-Enablers 2014. These awardees were chosen through theirinspiring journey, achievements, and inspiring stories through which they have made a strong impact to the society and have helped their community by providing trainings and employment.

During the event, the attendees had the privilege to hear from the founding trustee of Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, Mr. Joey Concepcion, and from the agri-champions in government, such as: Sen. Cynthia Villar, Senate Committee Food and Agriculture chair, Sec. Kiko Pangilinan, the presidential consultant on food security and agricultural modernization, CARD-MRI founder and CEO Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, who shared his vision on why he established banks for the poor farmers. The New Zealand Amb. Reuben Levermore also shared his country’s program in helping the agriculture sector.

The Go Negosyo's 15 Most Inspiring Agripre-neurs who shared their own stories are:

• Senen Bacani, who led his community towards change and development through the establishment of La Frutera Inc. La Frutera serves as an instrument to promote peace and equality in the region and has resulted in countless opportunities for prosperity.
• Tennyson Chen, who turned to breeding and growing livestock after facing many challenges in different business ventures. Now Bounty Fresh Food has been distributing thousands of dressed chickens all over the country and has partnered with its roast chicken chain, Chooks-To-Go.
• Henry Lim Bon Liong, who, with his vision of a rice self-sufficient Philippines, developed SL Agritech Corporation. SL Agritech’s aggressiveness coupled with innovation and technology has led to the modernization of the rice industry.            
• Joseph Calata, who is the youngest business tycoon in the country, started by bravely turning the family business into the Philippines’ largest distributor of agrochemicals, feeds, fertilizers, and seed and, armed with his belief that the agriculture sector should and can be empowered, has proudly led the Calata Corporation to success.
• Danilo Fausto, who has recognized that the Filipino farmers’ partners — the carabaos — don’t simply plow the fields but are also natural sources of nourishment for Filipinos.  Through DVF Dairy Farms, he has set a standard for high-quality milk, cheese, and dairy products. His different mindset towards carabaos has helped farmers gain sustainable income and livelihood.
• Mr. Arsenio Barcelona, who transported and applied ideas and techniques he had learned abroad in order to grow world-class fruit-bearing seeds in the country. He mastered the art of growing fruits, took the risk, and persuaded farmers to utilize the seeds. His Harbes Agribusiness Corporation has helped increase farmers’ yield and improve production.     
• Jacqueline & Antonio Alleje, who arethe pioneers of small-scale dairy production in the country. Their advocacy on organic farming has inspired many to try and invest in the industry. Rizal Dairy Farms is now a top supplier of high-class dairy products to hotels and restaurants.
• Martin and Pilamar, who hatched a poultry business despite challenging situations. Their partnership has provided them the strength and courage to continue with production. Gemsun Marketing has lent a hand to the town of San Jose, Batangas, making it known as the “Egg Basket of Luzon.” Martin and Pilamar are models of perseverance, determination, and fortitude in achieving growth.
• Ronald Costales, who is a humble man with big vision for agriculture and who leads in the integration of agriculture and tourism through his well-developed and eye-catching Costales Nature Farms. He proved that agriculture is not simply planting crops in vast lands but should also incorporate aesthetic value.
• Arestina Papillon, who has a big heart and interest in chickens. Learning all farming methods from scratch, she has proven that her passion, patience, and high regard for quality have made Pamora Farms the pride of Abra province and an agri-tourism destination. But success is not hers alone, as she shares it with the community through  livelihood programs and seminars.
• Jeffrey Lim, whose capital in his JSJ Goat Farm is his passion and genuine love for animals, specifically goats. His consideration for their well-being has led to the top-quality facility that helps them produce delicious goats’ milk. JSJ Goat Farm is now one of the prime producers of goat products.
• Maximo Ricohermoso, who pioneered seaweed cultivation in the country and transformed it into a high-value product, carrageenan. His company, MCPI Carrageenan Corporation, is committed to providing local fisher folk with an alternative but nature-friendly source of income. His leadership has led to awareness and appreciation of the world market for carrageenan.
• Dr. Mylene Matti, who heads Greenearth Heritage Foundation and has turned a land donation into a productive plantation of organic vegetables. She believes that the transformation of the land is dependent on the loving hands of the farmers who cultivate and nurture it.
• Philippine Biochar Association, that played an important role in promoting the benefits of their product, biochar, towards environmental sustainability. To save the planet and improve people’s lives by converting agricultural waste into a valuable product that helps boost farm soil fertility is part of their mission.
• Neil Molina, who is a farm worker and has been a source of inspiration for many Filipinos here and abroad. His dream for a better future for his family started with his cow investments. He shares his formula for success and gives advice to aspiring entrepreneurs through his mentorship programs.

The stories of the above-mentioned personages encourage us to try and test our skills in venturing into the right kind of idea-based entrepreneurship. These entrepreneurs are now giving back as they inspire and share practical knowledge and advice to others in the seminar.

Article by : Jamie Chua