Homegrown Dream: Redefining career and family life through local agriculture

As they say, “Home is where the heart is.” For many residents of Candoni, Negros Occidental, they’ve found careers and benefits that don’t lie in distant cities but thrive right where the heart resides, allowing both personal growth and family stability.

In the Philippines, where many seek opportunities far from home, one Candoni local is redefining growth by staying close to his roots.

Rediscovering home and purpose

At 45, Dexter Bejos has lived a life of hard work, determination, and sacrifice. For 20 years, he worked in a construction site in the northern part of Negros Occidental, spending long hours away from his wife and two children, one a 20-year-old college student and the other a 12-year-old elementary student. His job required him to travel up to an entire day just to reach the construction site, so going home daily was not feasible. Due to contracts, he often stayed on-site for extended periods, sometimes two months or more, residing in temporary accommodations.

The nature of construction work further compounded the challenge for Dexter as he recalls how deadlines required working seven days a week. The pressure to meet agreed timelines left little room for personal time.

The grueling schedule often meant arriving on the family’s special day itself or missing out entirely on precious moments and holiday celebrations.

There was even a time when Dexter couldn’t make it home to his wife and two children on holidays. His work was far from home, making it impossible to return quickly and have an extended stay with his family.

“Dati, pamilya ko ang pumupunta sa akin sa construction site ‘pag ‘di ako makauwi.” (“Before, it was my family who would visit me at the construction site because I couldn’t go home.”)

All that changed when he found an opportunity that allowed him to stay closer to home, creating a better balance between career and family life.

A fresh start on familiar ground

In March 2024, Dexter’s journey took a turn when he joined Hacienda Asia Plantations, Inc. (HAPI) as a field engineer. His days now revolve around conducting surveys, maintaining road networks, and overseeing daily road maintenance. Along the way, he engages with farmers and talks to residents, deepening his connection to the community.

He shared with pride how much he values his new role and the opportunity it provided not only to him but to other residents in their town.

“Sinasabi ko nga sa mga kasamahan ko, minsan lang mangyari na may oportunidad sa lugar namin. Kung naranasan mo na’ng magtrabaho sa ibang lugar, hindi mo na talaga ipagpapalit ang pagkakataong makapagtrabaho dito sa Candoni.” (I’d always tell my peers, opportunities like this rarely happen in our town. Once you’ve experienced working away from home, you wouldn’t trade the chance to work here in Candoni.)

Dexter recalled that for the first time, he was able to celebrate together with his family in Candoni. “Mas masaya ngayon kumpara noong nagtatrabaho pa ako sa malayo, Ngayon, magkakasama kaming nakapagdaos ng holidays dito sa lugar ko.” (I am happier now compared to when I was working far away. Now, we were able to celebrate the holidays together here at home.)

Earning a salary above the minimum wage, receiving government benefits, and enjoying free meals and accommodation have eased his family’s financial burdens and brought Dexter to his roots closer.

Cultivating a sustainable future

Since operating its Palm Oil project in 2023, his new employer has been dedicated to cultivating high-value crops while championing sustainable and modern agricultural practices. Beyond driving productivity, it has become a catalyst for progress, creating job opportunities for residents in Candoni.

For Dexter, his employer’s presence has been a transformative opportunity and financial advantage for them. Even before the company’s establishment, he was open to working in local agriculture. After waiting six months, he eagerly applied and secured a position, allowing him to contribute to his hometown’s growth.

He shares the meaningful impact of having a job that comes directly to their community, calling it one of the most notable experiences of his life.

“Dati, maraming tauhan ko mula rito sa Candoni na dinadala ko pa sa ibang lugar para magtrabaho, pero ngayon, trabaho na ang pumunta sa amin, at isa iyon sa pinakamagandang naranasan ko rito.” (In the past, I would bring many of my workers from Candoni to other places for work, but now, work has come to us, and that is one of the best things that has happened to me here.)

Through local job creation, his new employer benefits not only individuals but also their families, contributing to the area’s long-term well-being.

‎The growth of initiatives like his employer’s palm oil project aligns with the efforts of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Candoni in fostering agricultural development and local employment. Fostering an environment that encourages sustainable opportunities has allowed residents like Dexter to build stable careers within the community.

This opportunity strengthened Dexter’s bond with his family. His journey reflects the profound impact of sustainable local employment, proving that fulfillment doesn’t always mean leaving home. Sometimes, it thrives right where your roots are.