BUTUAN CITY — In a city where the heat index frequently climbs to a blistering 47 degrees Celsius, the idea of harvesting fresh strawberries sounds more like a mirage than a business plan.
Yet, in the rugged highlands of Barangay Anticala, farmer Versandear Abuzo is proving that with the right altitude and a bit of “digital hustle,” the red gems of the north can thrive in the heart of the south.
Abuzo’s journey from a shopping mall employee in Cagayan de Oro City to a pioneering “agripreneur” began in 2022.
While his neighbors focused on traditional, often oversupplied crops like beans and eggplant, Abuzo saw a gap in the market. He wanted something distinct, something with high demand that Butuanons usually had to source from as far as Bukidnon or Benguet.
The secret of Anticala
The success of Abuzo’s RV Strawberry Farm is its geography.
While Butuan’s city center sits near sea level, Barangay Anticala is a “far-flung” mountain community with an average elevation of approximately 500 to 800 meters above sea level.
This higher altitude provides the crucial “microclimate” strawberries need:
For every 1,000 meters of elevation, the temperature typically drops by about 6.5 degree Celsius. This makes Anticala significantly cooler than the sweltering lowlands.
Abuzo utilizes “ever-bearing” cultivars. Unlike traditional strawberries that require specific seasonal triggers, these varieties are adapted to produce fruit year-round in tropical highlands, provided they are shielded from extreme direct heat.
Abuzo didn’t start with a massive estate. He began with a humble investment of P50 per strawberry runner.
His breakthrough came through the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) “Young Farmers Challenge,” a competitive grant program targeting Filipinos ages 18 to 30. The program provided him with the necessary seed capital, mentorship and technical training to transform a “futile” idea into a profitable reality.
“When I started, many people did not believe in my work,” Abuzo recalled. “But the DA, and the Butuan City Agriculture and Veterinary Department (CAVD) supported me, not just with funds, but with training in everything from financial management to product labeling.”
Today, the farm is a thriving enterprise. Abuzo sells runners for P50 to P95 and fresh berries for P800 per kilo.
To maximize his yield, he has diversified into value-added products like strawberry juice, jams and even piyaya (flatbread) filled with strawberry spread. His monthly earnings now range between P15,000 and P30,000, far exceeding his previous retail salary.
‘Knowledge gap’
Unlike his neighbors who could swap tips on common vegetables, Abuzo had to be his own expert.
When plant diseases struck, he turned to the internet and specialized agricultural journals to find solutions. This self-reliance has turned his farm into a “Learning Site for Agriculture,” where he now shares his knowledge with others.
Abuzo’s story is a testament to the power of the Young Farmers Challenge.
It highlights how, with sustained government support and a willingness to take risks, the next generation of Caraganons can turn the challenge of climate and food security into a viable, sweet success.PIA
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Key takeaways
Versandear Abuzo’s success in Butuan City is a road map for young Filipinos who want to turn a “crazy idea” into a profitable career.
If you’re inspired by his journey, the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Young Farmers Challenge is your gateway.
Here is a quick guide on how to apply for the 2026 cycle:
1. Check your eligibility
Before preparing your pitch, ensure you meet the basic criteria:
– Age: Must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
– Citizenship: Natural-born Filipino citizen.
– Competency: Must have the resources, network or capability to engage in an agri-fishery business within your competing region.
– Group status: For group entries (two to three members), all must meet the age and citizenship criteria, and must not be related up to the second degree of consanguinity.
2. Prepare the documentary requirements
The DA requires specific forms to ensure your business model is viable:
– Application letter: Addressed to the regional executive director of your DA Regional Field Office.
– Business model canvas: This is the “soul” of your application. It outlines your value proposition, customer segments and revenue streams.
– Activity and financial plan: A detailed breakdown of how you will spend the grant and your projected income.
– Proof of identity and residency: Valid ID (with birthdate), and a barangay certificate or ID showing your home address.
– Land authority: If your business is in production, you’ll need a notarized “Authority to Use Land” or a Tax Declaration/Title if you own the land.
3. The application process
– Inquiry: Visit your Municipal or Provincial Agriculture Office or the DA Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division in your region.
– Submission: You can often submit applications online via the designated email of your DA Regional Field Office or in person.
Competition levels:
– Provincial level: Winners can receive up to P80,000.
– Regional level: Top performers can win an additional P150,000.
– National level: The best of the best compete for grants of up to P300,000.
Quick tips for a winning pitch
– Focus on innovation: Like Abuzo’s strawberries, the judges look for “something different” that solves a local problem or meets a high demand.
– Sustainability is key: Show that your business can survive after the grant money is spent.
– Utilize free training: The DA and Butuan City Agriculture and Veterinary Department offer free workshops on financial management and product labeling — take them.
