HARVEST OF DREAMS: Citrus pioneer turns Malabing Valley into land of opportunities

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In Nueva Vizcaya, talk about citrus and one name always comes to mind. Known as the province’s Father of Citrus for pioneering the local citrus industry, farmer Alfonso Namuje, Jr. has long been recognized as a local hero, whose vision and determination turned Malabing Valley into a thriving citrus hub.

“Nung bata pa ako, mahilig na ako magtanim ng mga halaman. Baka yun ang ibinigay ng Diyos sakin,” Mr. Namujhe recalls.

From a young age, he was drawn to plants, a passion that led him to study agriculture in college. But life led him to a different direction. He found himself working at a pig farm in Laguna, where he eventually became a manager. It was only after seeing how the fruits he planted in his backyard were celebrated by the community that he realized his true calling.

“Yung mga prutas na tinanim ko, pinag-piyestahan ng mga tao. Naisip ko na ito pala ang magpapayaman sa lugar,” he says. This inspired him to return to Malabing Valley and dedicate himself fully to uplifting his hometown through citrus farming.

Before Mr. Namujhe introduced citrus, the valley’s main crops were corn and coffee. However, years of armed conflict had turned the area into a settlement for former rebel forces making financial institutions wary of investing. Still, he believed that providing livelihoods could be a powerful tool for change.

“If there’s a marketable farm product in the area, the government will take notice. Roads, electricity, infrastructure — they will follow,” he says. Guided by this vision, he introduced citrus to the valley.

He then left his well-paying job and moved back to Malabing Valley with his family. Together, they began building the foundation for what would become a thriving citrus hub. He established the Namujhe Integrated Farm, and shared knowledge with fellow farmers through the Malabing Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MVMPC), which he helped organize.

As interest in citrus grew, more farmers sought guidance. Through the MVMPC, farmers gained access to techniques, financial support, and farm inputs, while his own farm became a living classroom and an agri-tourism site.

A critical part of this transformation was LANDBANK which believed in Mr. Namujhe’s vision when others refused to. The Bank provided the financial support needed for farmers to invest in inputs and expand operations.

Citrus farming soon became a viable industry, improving livelihoods and attracting government attention — roads were built, connecting communities and markets, and what once took a five-day carabao ride to reach Solano could now be traversed in hours.

Through years of research and experimentation, Mr. Namujhe refined orchard management, introduced new cultivars, and shared his knowledge with students, co-farmers, and visitors. Malabing Valley became the heart of citrus production in Cagayan Valley, with Kasibu officially recognized as the Citrus Capital of Luzon.

“Nagpapasalamat talaga ang mga tao. They accept na ako talaga ang dahilan na nag-improve ang kanilang buhay. Sa akin, that’s my achievement. I can be proud of it,” he shared, reflecting on the gratitude of local farmers.

“Si Dad, ibang level talaga. One man’s dream, naging isang community. Isang tao lang ang gumawa nito, and pulled everybody up,” says his daughter Josephine, who was inspired to follow his father’s footsteps.

“Yung mga politician sinasabi nila, ‘Alam mo, kami makakalimutan, pero ikaw – yung binigay mo na legacy dito, I don’t think makakalimutan ka,’” Josephine proudly added, highlighting how his father’s contributions have left a lasting imprint on the community.

Mr. Namujhe’s efforts provided not just a new crop, but a new foundation for success, empowering countless farmers by granting them access to innovative citrus production techniques, financial support, and necessary farm supplies.

Through his work, many young people were able to pursue their education, and several families successfully built quality homes and acquired properties in the lowlands. His leadership and advocacy significantly contributed to creating job opportunities, effectively improving the livelihood of the entire community.

His pioneering work has earned him national recognition. Most recently, LANDBANK’s Gawad TANYAG Awards honored him as Ulirang Magsasaka, acknowledging the impact of his leadership, innovation, and community transformation.

“LANDBANK is doing their work, kaya I’m loyal to them. Maraming pumupunta sa akin na iba. Pero hanngang nandiyan pa ang LANDBANK, kasama ko yan,” he added.

Through his vision, determination, and unwavering commitment to his community, Mr. Namujhe turned a once-overlooked valley into a thriving citrus hub — leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.