TVIRD’s Joel Lucmong trains local farmers on sustainable livelihood
Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur / September 2026 – Behind every technical training institution are dedicated people who drive programs to help communities turn knowledge into practical skills and livelihood opportunities.
For Joel G. Lucmong, Demo Farm Specialist of TVI Resource Development Philippines Inc. (TVIRD) his work goes beyond managing a farm school. It is an opportunity to share his valuable knowledge that could improve the livelihood of Bayog farmers within the periphery of the company’s Balabag Gold and Silver Project in Zamboanga del Sur.
“For me, the most important thing is to help them understand why these farming practices matter and how they can use these in their own communities,” Joel said.
At the heart of his vocation is TVIRD’s Sidlak Demo Farm, Inc. – a facility that serves as a learning and training venue for community members, and the only TESDA-accredited institution of its kind operated by a mining company in the region. Through practical demonstrations and hands-on activities, Sidlak has successfully graduated 735 trainees since its inception in 2022.
Sharing practical knowledge
Joel’s areas of work include organic farming, sustainable agriculture, modern farming techniques, farm management, resource utilization, and agri-based livelihood development. He emphasized that learning through actual experience allows participants to observe, participate, ask questions, and adapt to their domestic farming activities.
“When people learn something and are able to apply it in their own farm, that is when you know the training has made a difference,” he said. Through these activities, participants gain a better understanding of proper farm management and environmentally responsible practices.
Beyond Sidlak, Joel works closely with TVIRD’s communities to promote self-reliance. “When I share knowledge and other people use and share it as well, the benefit becomes bigger than just one person,” he explained, citing synergies that result from sharing.
Indigenous roots, modern techniques
As a proud lumad of the Subanen tribe, Joel brings a personal connection to the people he serves. His heritage has deepened his appreciation for local knowledge, culture, cooperation, and respect for the environment.
“Our culture teaches us to value our community, respect our surroundings, and learn from what has been passed down to us. I carry those values into the work that I do,” Joel declared, adding that indigenous knowledge and modern agricultural practices can complement one another.
Traditional understanding of the land and local practices can provide a strong foundation, while appropriate modern techniques can offer additional ways to improve productivity, according to him. This reflects the importance of development that respects traditional livelihood and generational knowledge.
Empowering people through agriculture
For Joel, agriculture is about people sharing knowledge and building a future together.
“As long as there is someone willing to learn, there is always an opportunity to share. And when that knowledge helps improve someone’s life, then the work becomes meaningful,” he concluded.
From Sidlak Demo Farm to TVIRD’s communities, Joel continues to make a huge impact by helping people enhance their capabilities and chart their own future.
To date, TVIRD has invested Php11 million in Sidlak’s community livelihood programs with over 1,000 total beneficiaries served.
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