La Huerta: A Success Story in Agri-Entrepreneurship

Bernadette de los Santos was one among 111 Filipino farmers featured in a book titled "The Art of Agribusiness: 111 and More Success Stories in Agri-Entrepreneurship" compiled by Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.

The book recognizes farmers whose stories would inspire Filipinos to get into agri-entrepreneurship. It also commemorates DA's 111th anniversary.

Secretary Yap has always been supportive of trailblazers in agriculture. He makes the stories known so people will be aware that there are farmers who make good and do their part in giving life to agriculture in the Philippines.

The book features La Huerta and its owner, Bernadette in a colorful 2-page spread. It highlights the lady farmer's achievements, particularly her single-handed conversion of a once-idle agricultural land into a place of learning and relaxation. The write-up also stresses on La Huerta's novelty idea of "pick and pay," which makes tourists and enthusiasts savor the joys of harvest. Soon, tourists will experience "living the farm life" with the additional accommodation structure soon to be built at La Huerta.

Bernadette, who was DA's Most Outstanding Rural Woman of 2008 says, "For me, such recognition is just but bonus for the joys that I already reap so bountifully in living the farm and rural life. Farming does not only give me joy, it also makes me a responsible steward of my environment, which we all should be."

The book was launched on November 23, 2009 at the Podium, Mandaluyong City. It sells for P2,000 ($43) and available in all National Bookstore outlets.

F.A.R.M.ers came to support their Inay, who exuded her usual promdi confidence in the red carpet.

Congratulations! We are always so proud of you!