Ani ng Pag-asa: The Farmers of Santa Catalina

            Farming is more than just growing crops, it is the foundation of Sta. Catalina. As part of our research, we first examined how agriculture supports local business owners, generates employment, and provides food for families. We visited the fields, talked to farmers and business owners, and even cooked some of the local cuisine.

          Walking through the big green fields of Sta. Catalina, we witnessed directly why Santa Catalina is known as the "Vegetable Bowl of the North." The well-kept fields including rice, corn, onions, and other vegetables demonstrated their commitment as farmers. We are even more grateful for their contributions to the community when we witness their tireless efforts.

         Before our interviews, we spent some time preparing to prepare lumpianada with Sta. Catalina's fresh harvest. This experience connected us to our research at a deeper level and appreciated the hard work put into every harvest.

         We also conducted interviews with Mr. William Rapisura, a farmer with more than two decades of experience. He shared with us the struggles brought by fluctuating crop prices and unpredictable weather conditions. According to him, this profession requires much resiliency. We also interviewed Mrs. Praxedes Rabino, a local entrepreneur, who explained how farmers rely on small businesses to sell their produce. Mrs. Maricel Rabena explained that it has been through online selling that farmers have expanded their markets and proved that digital platforms are effective in growing their enterprise.

         Despite extreme weather conditions, the farmers from Sta. Catalina are engrossed and diligent in their lands even if farm supplies are reaching high cost. Their persistence is that fresh vegetables are ready for the community, which means they are important components in food security and economic stability.

         As we wrapped up our research, we took some time to reflect on the lessons we had learned. Agriculture is not just a livelihood; it is a way of life that sustains families and strengthens communities. This experience deepened our appreciation for the hard work of farmers and inspired us to advocate for greater support for their industry.

         In order to make our investigations better and more appealing, we designed a web page using HTML and CSS. Other sections of the website include the background of the research, a transcript of the interviews, the obstacles of farming and the solutions, media gallery, and the summary of our investigation. By this website, we are able to ensure that more people are aware of the strong impact farming has in the area and community by making the information more interactive.

           Through this research, we gained a new appreciation for our farmers and their role in the community. Our businesses and the food on our tables depend on farming, which is more than simply a job. Despite the problems they face, farmers remain tough and dedicated. We discovered that by helping them, we can secure both our community's prosperity and the future of agriculture. We will take these lessons with us into the future since they taught us the value of patience, hard work, and teamwork.