The President's Advocacy

Farmers are one of the most neglected sectors in our society. They are hard-working but due to limited knowledge and the inability to find the right market, they remain poor. I should know because I came from a family of farmers.

 

It saddens me every time I talk to them and witness their deteriorating hopes. It has always been my life’s wish to help them know their potential and maximize their abilities. Whenever I see idle lands and idle farmers, I find  myself asking, “what can I do and when should I do it?”

 

I tried to encourage and support them to the extent of my resources but it only lasts for quite some time. It was hard but I never gave up. For in my heart I believe that as long as the passion is there, God will help me find a way.

 

Many years back, I came across with the information about Stevia. I was drawn to it right away. I knew I had to try growing Stevia plants locally. It struck me so much that no amount of discouragement from the people around me can water me down. I wondered why, as an agricultural nation, Stevia is not popular and has not been grown in the Philippines. Learning about Stevia’s health benefits captured my curiosity even more. When I, together with some farmers, started experimenting on how to grow Stevia, it was not easy. We have had our shares of failures but the more we failed, the more we were challenged. Others gave up, a few stayed. My resources began to thin down, and there were times when my spirit wears out  as well. But  with the  farmers’ welfare in mind and my heart as a Filipino, I am always able to regain my strength.

 

Today, we have a few farmers and by God’s grace, hopefully multiply by tens, by hundreds and even by thousands. Soon, we will be able to provide more job opportunities, especially in the rural areas. We take pride in our partnership with the farmers, whom we see as key individuals in this venture.

 

Rest assured that our company’s vision will continue as long as there are dedicated farmers and fertile lands. My wish and prayer is to PASS IT ON from generation to generation so that the Filipino farmers will be proud of who they are and in what they do.

 

Let us keep our Filipino pride alive by helping each other out. Let us grow local and go global!

 

Respectfully yours,

 

Maura D. de Leon

PRESIDENT/CEO