‍Reimagining Success in Philippine Agriculture: Leyneth Suan, An Atypical Smallholder Cacao Farmer

Whenever we hear about success in the Philippine agriculture or agribusiness industry, it is always about our opportunities in the global market, breakthrough technology, and the concerted efforts of policymakers and implementers alike that assisted thousands of farmers into sustainable livelihood. Rarely do we notice other smaller indicators of success because we are told to “focus on the bigger picture.” Even rarer do we see the changing and growing demographic of farmers.

Under the Danish-funded Sustainable Integration of Philippine Smallholder Farmers into the Global Cacao Value Chain Project of PBSP with MARS Foods, Kennemer Foods International, and Agronomika Finance Corporation, 1,300 smallholder farmers are not only improving their livelihoods but also shaping the future of cacao farming. Among them are atypical figures—individuals whose unconventional journeys redefine success in agriculture. One such farmer is Leyneth Hechanova Suan from Brooke’s Point, Palawan, whose story challenges the norms of cacao cultivation.

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🌱From OFW to Cacao Farmer

Leyneth's parents struggled in farming after shifting from fishing, barely managing to support their six children. To secure a decent living for their family, she went abroad to work as a remittance officer in Abu Dhabi, UAE. But she felt the call to return home—to care for her family and focus on their farm. With no prior experience in cacao cultivation, Leyneth watched videos, reading online resources, and connecting with farmer groups.

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💙 The Impact of PBSP and the DANIDA Cacao Project

Her engagement with PBSP reshaped her mindset on cacao cultivation. Before she was part of the Project, pests, diseases, and low cacao prices, discouraged her. Through cacao rehabilitation, technical training, business process seminars, and the support of PBSP field technician, she improved her production methods and became more passionate about cacao– even after going through El Niño in 2024. Through the project, she also established stable market links, securing commercial partnerships and stable prices—turning farming into a sustainable living.

✨ Why Atypical Figures Matter

Stories like Leyneth's are a new perspective of “success” in agriculture. Hers is a story about how farming is just as stable a livelihood as employment abroad—maybe even better. The rise of atypical farmers reshapes not only the cacao industry but also how society views agriculture as a viable, modern livelihood.