Edgar Osico is a lumad who hasbeen living in Sabang Adgwan since birth. He has helped his father in cultivating their corn farm as it is their primary source of income, being fish as the secondary. With that long engagement in farming, he is used to practice the conventional farming as they were taught by the government agriculture technicians and by the promotional activities of the chemical companies.

But after straight 3 cropping cycles of adopting the organic practices being taught by PAKISAMA- Mindanao, he can aptly enumerate difference and benefits of organic farming. He is confident to claim that his income and physical health has improved by practicing organic farming. Even if the number of yield in kilos is not as high compared to chemical farming which is 1,500 kilos for 1st cropping, 1,350 kilos for the 2nd cropping that still the actual net income is higher at 8,300.00 PHP compared to average of 1,875 kilos with the production cost of 9,000.00 PHP that will earn only 7,875.00 using the chemical farming. Above All, Edgar can eat healthy white and not chemical laden yellow corn. he also feels good knowing that he does not contribute to the poisoning of the rivers and lakes surrounding his barangay whuch they also use as fishing ground

with the benefits he gained from practicing NFTS and biodynamic farming, he is a living example to his fellow farmers and he helps promote organic farming to his relatives and neighbors by sharing his knowledge and skills in making concoctions.

(Milestone report No. 4, PAKISAMA-Mindanao, “Providing Livelihood support and Broadening Local Participation in Natural Resource Management project”, August 11, 2008)

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