Napahanga kami kay Dr. Milagros O. How, EVP of Universal Harvester, Inc.
Imagine, she went out of her way to help farmers and honor them through films.
She conceptualized the first TOFARM (The Outstanding Farmers of the Philippines) Film Festival which showcases the life of farmers.
“Nag-start ito sa aming business na fertilizer. One day, I had a chance to meet some farmers and after I’ve met them, I met more farmers. They’re friendly, hardworking. Hindi sila polluted katulad ng ibang kakilala natin. Ang kanilang concentration ay farming lang. So, I decided to have an advocacy for farmers and we started a search and award for outstanding farmers all over the Philippines. We’re on our fifth year now so we travelled all over the country to search. Maraming category siya, merong young farmers, merong innovative farming, countryside development, meron kaming People’s Choice award. It’s very rewarding to meet farmers and be able to help them,” kuwento niya.
“Since it became my obsession and my passion, it is but natural for me to think of a project like the TOFARM Film Festival. After all, mahilig din ako sa movies since I was a kid. Nakita ko na marami silang mga kuwento na dapat i-share sa atin,” dagdag pa niya.
We salute you, Dr. How. Mabuhay ka. Ang dami mong pinasayang farmers!!!
Among those in competition are Dennis Marasigan’s “Free Range”, Paolo Villanueva’s “Pauwi Na”, Zig Dulay’s “Paglipay”, Maricel Caraiga’s “Pitong Kabang Palay”, Victor Acedillo’s “Kakampi”, and Jose Johnny Nadela’s “Pilapil”.
The TOFARM Film Festival runs from July 13 to July 19 at SM Megamall and SM North EDSA.
Lex Chika
by Alex Valentine Brosas
