In the eastern-central part of Benguet, 38-year-old Ray Copas works as a farmer in Natubleng, Municipality of Buguias. For years, he planted potatoes and other vegetables depending on the season. However, growing potatoes has become increasingly challenging—both financially and economically.
To maintain good yields, Ray and other farmers have long relied on importing potato cuttings from Canada. But changing conditions and logistical issues have made these imports unreliable. Despite their efforts, the quality of imported cuttings is not always guaranteed. Ray shared that although cutting technology is available at Benguet State University, the long queues and high demand often make it difficult for farmers to secure enough supply.
“Minsan wala ka pang makukuha sa dami kasi ng farmers na kumukuha,” he said.
To address this, the Potato Advanced Technologies for Transfer and Adoption Towards Transformation and Agri-preneurial Sustainability (PATTATTAS) project was launched—a collaboration among the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Shang Properties and Kerry Group Philippines Foundation, Benguet State University, and United Potato Producers of Benguet and Mountain Province, Inc. (UPPBMPI). Through this initiative, farmers like Ray can now produce their own high-quality, locally grown potato cuttings called “Igorota and Granola.”
Last September 17, GBF inaugurated a newly built greenhouse in Natubleng, Buguias, Benguet. The facility enables farmers to propagate quality seed potatoes directly on their farms, creating a more scalable and sustainable production system. This greenhouse is the first of three to be constructed in Buguias and Kabayan, Benguet. Trained farmers from UPPBMPI will lead operations to establish a continuous and reliable potato production cycle—helping boost yields, increase income, and strengthen their community’s livelihood.
For Ray, having access to their own greenhouse is a source of hope.
“Makakatulong sa amin [dahil] makakaproduce kami ng seedlings na puwede naming itanim. Hindi ka na mamroblema sa paghanap ng punla. Makakatulong ka rin sa mga kasamahan mong farmers kasi dito rin sila kukuha ng mga seedling nila,” he shared.
By working hand in hand with our partners and the farming communities, we are cultivating sustainable systems that transform potato farming into a thriving agri-preneurial enterprise—one that secures the future of local farmers like Ray.
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GBF's Juan Community is a program that unites key stakeholders to uplift local communities through education-driven initiatives.