Farm Tech America was established with a noble purpose – to address the pressing issues of child hunger, education, and unemployment in underprivileged communities across the Philippines. Recognizing that good nutrition is a significant barrier to education, we embarked on a journey to provide free meals to school children, believing that nourishment is the key to unlocking their full potential.
Farm Tech America (FTA), an American non-profit 501c3 Arizona corporation was founded by its President in 2021. His first visit to the Philippines in 2018 proved to be a life-changing event. After battling kidney failure and spending time in the ICU, he experienced a transformative dream. In the dream, he found himself in a field with rolling hills, an oak tree standing proudly atop the highest hill, and white puffy clouds dancing in a bright blue sky. Surrounded by others, he felt an overwhelming sense of peace and contentment. Miraculously, he regained consciousness, defying the odds, and this led him to fall in love with both a Filipina and the country of the Philippines.
During his critical moments, when all hope seemed lost, his dear friend stood by his side and shared a remedy that might help expel water from his kidneys. Despite the doctor’s skepticism, they decided to give it a try, even without a nurse to monitor the process. His friend stayed up all night, diligently monitoring every ounce of water he expelled, leaving the doctor astonished when they returned the next morning. With one last attempt at dialysis, his kidneys miraculously began functioning again. He was alive, thanks to the person who saved his life.
This life-altering experience awakened a new perspective within him. He had died and been reborn, realizing the worthlessness of the material possessions he had accumulated – homes, cars, boats, airplanes, and money – which he had once worked tirelessly to obtain.
The question remained: What would he do with the rest of his life? The answer was clear – he would give back. He would help those in need and work towards making the world a better place.
Grateful for his second chance in life, the President made a solemn vow to utilize his newfound purpose.
THE BEGINNING
He met a wonderful Filipina woman, who is now his wife and the Vice President of Farm Tech Philippines. While falling in love with her, he also fell in love with the Filipino people. He was amazed by their kind hearts and strong faith in God. He witnessed their hard work and their deep appreciation for education.
During his recovery, he reflected on his life and experiences. One particular memory stood out—the Hindu wedding of his client’s daughter. As he listened to the ceremony, he learned about the three phases of life: growing up, receiving an education, marrying, starting a family, giving back to the community, and finally, being cared for by that community in old age. He realized that he hadn’t fulfilled the giving back aspect of this cycle. In America, he felt there was a lack of community support beyond what the government provided, whereas in the Philippines, he witnessed the genuine care and love they had for their elders. He saw hope for receiving that love and care from the Filipino people and wanted to help them, believing that they would care for him in his old age.
This inspired the birth of Farm Tech America and Farm Tech Philippines Inc. Farm Tech America, an American non-profit 501c3 Arizona corporation, was established to facilitate the transfer of non-profit funds to the Philippines for the benefit of its people. He then created Farm Tech Philippines, a Philippine non-profit corporation, to receive these funds and carry out non-profit initiatives. To pursue this vision, he liquidated all his assets and donated a significant portion to these non-profit corporations.
The purpose of Farm Tech America and Farm Tech Philippines Inc. is to support the Filipino people through various non-profit endeavors. It is a testament to his deep appreciation for the country and its people, as well as his desire to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
The VISION
He saw that the Philippines could feed itself but was growing and exporting sugar instead of cultivating food to nourish its population. He realized that inspiring the youth could drive change, leading them to grow food in their own country for self-sufficiency. It was indeed a daunting task. He believed that building Satellite College Campuses and offering scholarships would be the most effective way to support this cause. However, the land he acquired was unsuitable for such an endeavor.
One day, as he stood on the acquired land, he observed children walking home from school and finally saw his inspiration – the diamonds of the community. These children held the key to a brighter future. He engaged in conversation with the principal of the local elementary school and discovered that the students there only received a small portion of rice and a piece of dried fried fish for their daily lunch. It struck him that these children represented hope for the next generation, and by helping them, they could bring positive change to their world. And the means to help them? Food!
Recognizing the prevalence of malnourishment among children in the community, he realized that offering them nutritious meals during school days would serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging their attendance, learning, and eventual success. By utilizing the acquired land for growing crops and raising livestock, he could generate local employment opportunities while also contributing to the nourishment of these children. It was a mutually beneficial situation for everyone involved, a true win-win scenario.
The ACTION
He visited the local government office (Barangay) and was warmly welcomed as the first foreigner to visit. He shared his plan with the Barangay officials, who accepted it wholeheartedly. He gained the support of both the officials and the residents. He purchased land adjacent to Calango Elementary School to construct a feeding center for the school children and teachers. During this period, he also assisted the school and the Barangay with their essential needs.
With funding from Farm Tech America, Farm Tech Philippines, and his kind-hearted former business partner, he secured the necessary funds to provide nutritional meals to these children every school day for the next twenty years.
The MISSION
Farm Tech America is committed to supporting rural communities in the Philippines plagued by poverty. FTA assists FTP’s mission in meeting the nutritional and educational needs of the school children in rural communities, identify farmland for growing crops and raising livestock in these rural areas to generate local employment, and help feed the school children therein. This provides the residents with hope and encourages parents to keep their kids in school by providing local jobs to assist in feeding these school children balanced, nutritious meals each school day. FTA will also aid local governments and schools in poverty-stricken communities in the Philippines by delivering essential services.
The JOURNEY
“Fueled by the unwavering support of our dedicated volunteers and the generosity of our donors, we strive to expand our reach and provide meals to more children in need, creating a brighter future for the communities we serve.
Together, Farm Tech America and Farm Tech Philippines, along with the immeasurable efforts of our supporters, aim to cultivate a brighter future for the Philippines, where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and flourish.
Join us on this transformative journey, and together, let us nourish the minds and bodies of the next generation, paving the way for a healthier and more educated Philippines!”
The FUTURE
We foresee the future where unemployed villagers are given local employment and their children are motivated to be in school as they are provided not only with wholesome nutritious meals every school day but also equipped with enough learning materials and better facilities. As a result, the school’s dropout cases lessen and every child enrolled thrives physically, mentally and academically. Through our continuous efforts, we aspire for the holistic development
and brighter future of this community.