CURVA, SANTIAGO, AGUSAN DEL NORTE — In the quiet rural community of Curva, a family's agricultural dream is steadily taking root. Sofia's Eco Farm, a cacao, coconut, and integrated livestock enterprise, represents a remarkable journey of perseverance, learning, and sustainable practices. What began as a modest family property in 2010 has transformed into an organized, productive, and market-oriented farm that is now gaining recognition across the country. Behind this transformation are the Curilan siblings, who have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into their family's land and create a lasting agricultural legacy.
Reviving the Land, Building a Vision
The farm's journey took a significant turn in 2018 when the Curilan family decided to rehabilitate their agricultural property. Starting with approximately 400 existing cacao trees, they focused on restoring non-fruit-bearing trees and planting additional cacao in available areas. The rehabilitation effort gradually evolved into a broader vision of building a sustainable agricultural enterprise that could create greater value from their land and products. Today, cacao stands at the heart of Sofia's Eco Farm, complemented by coconut production and integrated livestock, forming a diversified and resilient farming system.
Sustainable Farming, Quality Products
Guided by natural farming and JADAM principles, the Curilan family prioritizes soil health and ecosystem balance while minimizing synthetic chemical use. Their commitment to sustainable agriculture extends beyond production; it is about protecting the land for future generations. One of the farm's flagship products is its locally produced cacao tablea, made from cacao grown on the family farm. Currently, Sofia's Eco Farm reaches customers primarily through online selling, with products finding their way to consumers in Metro Manila, Baguio, and Butuan. The family is also looking ahead to expand into the institutional market, targeting coffee shops, hotels, and groceries that value locally produced, high-quality cacao products.
Empowerment Through Learning and Partnerships
Recognizing the importance of professionalizing their operations, the Curilan family has embraced continuous learning. Jessie Curilan strengthened his entrepreneurial knowledge through the Kapatid Mentor ME Program, gaining practical insights on business management, marketing, and financial management. The farm has also received valuable support from various government programs, including the Department of Trade and Industry's Rural Agro-enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth and One Town, One Product initiatives. A significant milestone was securing the FDA License to Operate and Certificate of Product Registration, which strengthened the farm's credibility and opened doors to wider market access. The DTI Negosyo Center Santiago has also provided essential business advisory services, while partnerships with the Department of Agriculture and ongoing Halal Certification efforts continue to expand the farm's reach.
