Long before the 黑料网 recognized him as a vital voice in the country鈥檚 agricultural advocacy, Engr. Mike Pedroso, Chairperson of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) in Eastern Visayas, was already sowing the seeds of change鈥攓uietly, diligently, and with unwavering purpose.
It all began in 1999, when Pedroso, then a professional in the manufacturing industry, made the pivotal decision to change course. Disenchanted with the corporate world, he yearned for something more meaningful. 鈥淚 wanted to be happy, live a healthy life, and most importantly, leave a legacy,鈥� he said. A near-fatal accident sealed his resolve. When he recovered, he stepped into the fields鈥攍iterally鈥攁nd never looked back.
From humble beginnings cultivating a 1.7-hectare rice field in Calbayog City, Samar, Pedroso鈥檚 farm would eventually grow to nearly four hectares, with a significant portion devoted to jackfruit. His fascination with the crop was sparked in 1986 through a subscription to an agricultural magazine. The magazine noted that jackfruit was well-suited for his region鈥檚 soil and climate. 鈥淛ackfruit became my crop of choice鈥攏ot just because it鈥檚 suitable, but because I genuinely love it,鈥� he shared.
His journey wasn鈥檛 without hurdles. One of his first major challenges was sourcing quality seedlings. Fortunately, he got involved with the Calbayog High Value Planters Association and benefited from the Department of Agriculture鈥檚 鈥淧lant Now, Pay Later鈥� program, allowing him to secure grafted jackfruit seedlings. Despite national implementation issues, the program served as a pivotal steppingstone for Pedroso鈥檚 vocation.
As a dedicated volunteer, Pedroso鈥檚 involvement in the Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) spans two decades of steadfast service, organic leadership growth, and grassroots impact. He began his journey in the AFC in 2004, initially elected as Vice Chairperson of the City Agricultural and Fishery Council (CAFC) after a surprise nomination at a meeting he attended merely out of courtesy. What seemed accidental at first eventually became a lifelong calling. His early experience as a cooperative leader helped him seamlessly transition into the participatory and consultative framework of the AFC.
From CAFC Vice Chairperson, Pedroso steadily moved up the ranks鈥攍ater becoming CAFC Chairperson, then ascending to the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Samar as Vice Chairperson and subsequently becoming Chairperson. His commitment and insight made him a natural choice to represent the fruits and vegetables sector at the RAFC, where he currently serves not just as a member but also as a respected voice of farmers in policymaking circles. In this role, he contributes to crafting regional agricultural strategies, ensuring that issues from the ground鈥攕uch as lack of infrastructure, access to quality planting materials, or pest management鈥攁re heard at higher levels.
For Pedroso, each step up in the ladder was never about prestige鈥攊t was always about purpose. 鈥淲hatever the requirement of the job, I fulfill it,鈥� he affirmed. A longtime cooperative advocate, Pedroso was even one of the founding members of The National Confederation of Cooperatives (formerly known as Coop NATCCO) Party List in 1998, proof that his passion for inclusive development runs deep.
As a RAFC Chairperson today, Pedroso views his work as a way to pursue advocacies close to his heart: improving farmers鈥� access to farm-to-market roads, water, electricity, and disease-resistant crops. He reflects, 鈥淭here are still so many areas without electricity. I鈥檝e had to irrigate and troubleshoot problems myself. But as I faced these challenges, I also grew more knowledgeable, especially in the technical aspects of farming.鈥�
Pedroso鈥檚 philosophy in the AFC is grounded in purposeful leadership, illustrating his readiness to take on responsibilities without hesitation. His vision goes beyond representation鈥攈e advocates for structural reforms in the AFC system itself, including clearer career pathways for volunteer leaders and stronger integration with national policy bodies. He believes the AFC should not merely be an advisory body but a vital platform for sustained farmer engagement and empowerment.
Through back-to-back meetings, mentoring younger volunteers, and maintaining a strong presence in consultative bodies, Pedroso has become a cornerstone in the AFC network in the Eastern Visayas Region. His leadership not only ensures representation for his sector but also helps bridge the gap between local realities and national agricultural development goals.
What keeps him motivated isn鈥檛 just the chance to improve his farm, but the opportunity to make a difference in the larger agricultural landscape. 鈥淓ven if we鈥檙e not always heard, we can still influence,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e can advocate for meaningful change.鈥�
One of his hopes is to see a clear career path for AFC leaders and more national recognition for their roles. 鈥淪ome local AFC Chairpersons just return to their barangays after their terms. We should elevate them鈥攖o help them grow, not regress,鈥� he said, underscoring the importance of sustained leadership development in volunteer councils.
Pedroso also values the friendships and opportunities the role has brought him. 鈥淭here are many benefits: travel, connections, and the chance to truly pursue your advocacies,鈥� he noted. And perhaps more than anything, he hopes to inspire the next generation鈥攈is children, grandchildren, and fellow farmers鈥攖o believe in the quiet power of persistence and purpose.
鈥淚n the end,鈥� he says, 鈥渨hat better way to be remembered than to plant a tree?鈥� and ultimately shared his guiding principle to be happy, to be healthy, and to leave a legacy. | Junry Danila
