Planting the Seeds of Progress: Romano Reyes for SAKA

“Para ‘di mapag-iwanan, nag double time ako sa pag-aaral. Laman ako ng library—research dito at doon—talagang nagsunog ako ng kilay dahil ayaw kong mawala sa pagiging SAKA scholar.”

After three years of studying , he eventually received a Diploma in Agricultural Technology. As a PSFI scholar, Billy also attended the Leadership Enhancement and Attitude Development (LEAD) workshops, a three-day training session that aims to instill positive values, ethics, and leadership skills to PSFI scholars to prepare them for the world at large.

This experience helped Billy find the self-confidence and self-esteem he needed to dream bigger and work harder.

“Ang laki ng impact ng LEAD sa aking total personality development. Dito na rin ako nagsimulang mangarap ng maayos at masaganang buhay para sa aking pamilya at magiging sariling pamilya.”

Post-SAKA, Billy started working to help provide for his family. He became a nurse aid, a driver, and even worked as an OFW in Saudi Arabia for 2 years. However, he found that being with his family was what brought joy to his life, so he returned home to help improve their farm. Using his knowledge from SAKA, he was able to transform their family’s land into a model farm, making it a sought-after location for movies and television shows.

“Those were the hay-days of our farm. Sabi ko, pwede na din akong lumagay sa tahimik, may maayos na kinikita ang farm.”

Around this time, Billy decided to settle down and start a family. . Things were moving in the right direction: he had a successful farm, was expecting a bountiful harvest, and a beautiful life with his wife and their children. But shortly after, their farm was hit by a storm, devastating their crops in its wake. After experiencing this twice, Billy decided to find another source of income to continue supporting his growing family.

He found a job as a driver and delivery man for a company in Manila for medical trade items. It did not take long before he became a sales agent for various suppliers in the city.

“Ang prinsipyo ko sa buhay ay wala akong trabahong hindi kinakaya kasi ang katuwiran ko, mas mahirap pa rito ang ginagawa ko sa bukid.”

After a while, he was able to learn the tricks of the trade. With his keen mind and close attention to detail, he observed and took note of the proper ways to manage a business. He then quit his job and used his savings to start his own pharmaceutical business.

“Sa tiyaga, sipag, double time, at pagpupursige, medyo tumaas na ang kinikita ng negosyo. Palagi akong nag cocompute ng pumapasok at lumalabas na cash. Nagustuhan ng mga clients ko ang fast service with good customer care kaya ako nabigyan ng break.”

Once more, Billy’s dedication shone through. Using skills and knowledge he acquired from SAKA and LEAD, he steadily built a name for himself and established a solid clientele and maintained relationships with different customers and suppliers.

Along with the expansion of his business, Billy used his finances to purchase a bigger farm and invest in multiple properties. Despite his roaring success, he never forgot the people that matter most to him—his family. Billy is happy to be where he is today—handling business side by side with his wife, his children enrolled at reputable schools, and able to support his siblings in multiple ways.. Billy has also been known to extend a hand to other PSFI scholars who are in need of guidance, never forgetting that he was once where they are standing now.