From Orphan to Entrepreneur: The Inspiring Journey of Benjamin Batad III

Written by Kaluppâ Foundation Team

In a humble barangay in Santa Cruz, in the heart of Marinduque, a small island province in the Philippines, the story of Benjamin Batad III unfolds—a tale of resilience, determination, and triumph. Growing up as an orphan, Benjamin faced significant challenges early in life.

"I grew up as an orphan, which was a significant challenge in my early life. Losing my parents at a young age meant that I had to learn how to be independent and take responsibility for myself," Ben, as he is more fondly called, recalls.

Despite the difficulties, Ben was determined to pursue education. “I worked hard in school, knowing that learning was my way out of difficult circumstances. After facing many obstacles, I eventually found an opportunity to enroll in the TESDA agriculture program at Kaluppâ Foundation. This program gave me the skills I needed to create a better future for myself and helped me realize that no matter the hardships, I could always find a way forward through education and hard work,” he shares.

A Path to a Brighter Future

Ben's journey took a pivotal turn towards agribusiness when he discovered the TESDA program at the Kaluppâ Foundation. "What motivated me to pursue the TVET agriculture program was the desire to improve my life and create a stable future for myself, especially after growing up as an orphan," he shares.

“I knew that gaining practical farming skills would help me stand on my own and make a living”, Ben shares.

His interest in farming and sustainable agriculture made Agricultural Crop Production NC II (ACP NC II) the perfect fit. The success stories and achievements of Kaluppâ Foundation's students, showcased on their Facebook page, further influenced his decision to enroll. "I saw that this program truly has a positive impact on the lives of their students and alumni, which made me interested," he adds.

“I chose ACP NC II because I’ve always been interested in farming and wanted to learn more sustainable ways to grow food. The TVET program at Kaluppâ Foundation gave me the opportunity to develop hands-on skills in crop production, which I knew then that through this TESDA program, I could immediately use the practical skills which is key to starting my own business,” he shares. “Kaluppâ also has experienced instructors who are ready to teach and provide guidance, which made me more confident that I was on the right path.”

“ACP NC II felt like the best TESDA course for me,” he beams, “as it allowed me to combine my love for agriculture with a practical career path that could provide for me and my community.”

Hands-On Learning and Key Projects

During his time in the TVET program, Benjamin acquired numerous practical farming skills essential for his career. “I learned about the proper setup of a greenhouse, selecting the right seeds, soil management, fertilizer production and application techniques, seedling production, and basic accounting,” Ben shares. “They also shared with us the lifechanging benefits of turning agriculture into agribusiness.”

His instructor, Rafael Seño, fondly remembers, "He was one of the truly eager students in his batch, always on the lookout for new farming techniques and constantly asking questions to further his farming studies."

One of the most significant projects he worked on during his TESDA training was his entrepreneurship project called Dream Sprout Hydroponic Lettuce Production. “Our lettuce production project proposal helped me develop essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and managing resources, which were key to launching my business," he explains. Ben also shares that the hands-on experience and guidance from his mentors were invaluable in shaping his entrepreneurial journey.

From Small-Scale to Commercial Farming, while Giving Back to the Community

After completing the TVET program, Benjamin started his own business, Dream Sprout, specializing in hydroponic lettuce production. His role as a farm owner and manager involves overseeing all activities on the farm, from production to marketing. "Dream Sprout is a farm production setup, it is a hands-on agri-venture that allowed me to apply what I learned in the TVET program and encouraged me to start my own business and make it thrive," he notes.

The challenges he faced have made him more resilient, and his business has given him a sense of fulfillment, knowing he is contributing to his community through sustainable farming.

Through Dream Sprout, Ben has made significant contributions to his community and the agriculture industry by promoting sustainable farming practices. He shares his knowledge with researchers and aspiring farmers, helping to improve hydroponic systems and sustainable agriculture methods. Looking to the future, Ben aspires to expand Dream Sprout by adding more greenhouses and exploring new opportunities in sustainable agriculture.

"My goal is not just to grow my business but also to contribute to the industry’s sustainability efforts and provide more people with access to high-quality, locally grown produce," he says.

Ben’s agribusiness career has helped him grow in many ways. “It has taught me to be more disciplined, organized, and confident in making decisions.”, he shares. “Starting Dream Sprout has also made me more resilient, as I’ve learned to face challenges and turn them into opportunities. Personally, it has given me a sense of fulfillment, knowing that I’m not only building my own future but also helping others through sustainable farming.”

Mentorship and Support

Ben credits much of his success during his training to the dedicated mentors and instructors at Kaluppâ Foundation. Figures like Sir Rafa, Ma'am Bevs, Sir Edda, Sir Jherson,a and Doc Bacorro, played crucial roles in his development. “They guided us through every step of our tasks and were always ready to give feedback to improve our work," he says. Their constant support and feedback helped me improve my work and instilled in me the importance of diligence and care.

Additionally, the unwavering support from Mommy Sally, who tirelessly cooked lunch for the students, and the trust and encouragement from the entire Kaluppâ community, significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth.

Winning the Young Farmers Challenge MIMAROPA 2024 Startup Component Provincial Level Award

Ben's hard work and resilience did not go unnoticed as he emerged victorious at the Startup Component Provincial Level, showcasing his innovative venture, Dream Sprout Hydro Leaf. His pioneering approach to sustainable agriculture, including his winning enterprise’s Business Model Canvas and approach has set him apart, earning praise for its potential to revolutionize local farming practices.

Ben's success in winning the provincial leg of the Startup Component Provincial Level Award is a testament to his innovation, vision, and determination. Dream Sprout Hydro Leaf is more than just an entrepreneurial venture—it represents a step toward redefining farming in the 21st century. Through his hard work and ingenuity, Ben is paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient agricultural future not just for his community, but also for Marinduque and the region.

As the agricultural industry evolves, young innovators like Ben are making progress by introducing sustainability and modern techniques to the sector. Programs that nurture and equip the youth play a crucial role in securing the future of farming and agribusiness.

"I'm continually striving to enhance this project more," he shares. "Who knows, I might even win at the Regionals and contribute more to my community!"

Inspiring Young People in Agriculture

Ben's story is a powerful reminder that with the right training, dedication, and mindset, anything is possible. He encourages current and future TESDA and Kaluppâ Foundation students to embrace learning, stay open to new experiences, and trust that challenges will only make them stronger.

“I believe my story can inspire current and future TESDA students by showing them that with the right training, dedication, and mindset, anything is possible. Starting from humble beginnings, I was able to turn my passion for agriculture into a thriving business, thanks to the skills and knowledge I gained from the TESDA program.

“What I want students to understand is that success isn’t just about having a degree; it’s about having the determination to apply what you’ve learned and use it to create opportunities not just for ourselves but also for others," he emphasizes. “The journey may not always be easy, but with persistence, you can overcome challenges and grow both personally and professionally.”

“Through my experience with TESDA and Kaluppâ Foundation, I’ve seen how education can change lives. I hope my story encourages students to take full advantage of the resources available to them, trust in their abilities, and keep pushing forward. Whether it’s starting a business, contributing to your community, or pursuing further education, the skills and experiences gained in TVET can set you up for success in countless ways.”

Through TVET, Ben was able to transform his passion for farming into a thriving business. It gave him the confidence to take risks, the knowledge to succeed, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on his community. “My advice is to embrace learning, stay open to new experiences, and trust that the challenges along the way will only make you stronger.”

His story is a source of inspiration and empowerment for anyone looking to explore the opportunities that TVET education can offer.

Towards the Future

"Looking back on my journey from completing the TVET program at Kaluppâ Foundation to starting Dream Sprout, I am proud of how far I’ve come and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge has shaped me into a more resilient and focused entrepreneur," Ben reflects.

"Looking to the future, I aspire to expand Dream Sprout by adding two additional greenhouses with drip fertigation systems to increase production efficiency and crop yield. I also aim to explore new opportunities in sustainable agriculture, further developing innovative farming methods to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly agricultural system.”

“My goal is not just to grow my business but also to contribute to the industry’s sustainability efforts and provide more people with access to high-quality, locally grown produce." Ben also shares, “I plan to continue mentoring aspiring farmers and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate their own paths toward success.”

“Ultimately, my vision is to make a lasting impact on my community and the environment through practical agriculture, mentoring, and continuous education.”