In the heart of agriculture, where crops are cultivated through hard work and farmers' stories are rooted in soil, one woman’s journey has blossomed into a tale of strength, perseverance, and resilience. The story of Paciencia Z. Sandagan, affectionately known as “Nay Pasing,” is that of a woman who began with just a handful of seeds and strong will, and is now recognized for her efforts in sustainable farming within her community.
Hailing from Brgy. Canfabi, Carigara, Leyte, Nay Pasing began her humble venture into rootcrop farming 45 years ago, cassava, sweetpotato, karlang, and palawan in her backyard in the year 1990. These crops became a staple of her household, often enjoyed as snacks like homemade lupak, especially when rice was scarce.
As a tenant farmer, Nay Pasing proudly shares how she was able to maintain authority in making farm decisions and market operations of their produced crops.
“Tenant lang ako pero ako ang tig desisyon sa gagawin dito (land), sa financial asta sa market. Ako pud ang taga tinda (cassava) directly,” she shares.
Her farming journey has not been without a struggle. Faced with the challenges of acquiring seeds or planting materials, fertilizers, and labor, Nay Pasing leaned on the strength of her family and her deep-rooted values to weather the storms of farming life.
But what truly transformed Nay Pasing’s farming practice was her collaboration with Philrootcrops at Visayas State University. She credits the institution’s technical training and knowledge extension that paved the way for boosting her cassava production.
Through Philrootcrops’ support in capacity-building and sustainable agriculture education, Nay Pasing embraced commercial cassava farming in 2018 by converting one hectare of land into a productive, income-generating field. This milestone not only boosted her yield but significantly improved her family’s well-being.
“Noon, nahihirapan pa ako kung ano ang ipapakain, kung paano ko sila [mga anak] pagpapa-aralin. Pero ngayon mas okay na. Nahuman na ang construction sa amo balay unya meron din kaming sari-sari store. Maupay na karon nga meron na kami mga tanom na cassava at ibang rootcrops,” she narrates.
“Ngayon nakapagpatapos na ako nang dalawang teacher,” she added.
With expanded access to agricultural innovations and continued support from the Department of Agriculture and partner cooperatives, she now manages four hectares of diversified farmland growing cassava, rice, corn, and copra. She has also integrated fishpond and livestock farming to further strengthen their livelihood.
Beyond her fields, Nay Pasing has served her community through leadership. She was a Sangguniang Bayan Member (2013-2018) and currently leads the Canfabi Integrated Farmers Association (CANIFA). In recognition of their association’s achievement, the group garnered 2nd Runner-Up at the 2019 Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Award (CCMEA); a feat made possible through their collaboration with the Fatima Multi-Purpose Cooperative-Carigara Cassava Cluster and strong support from DA Carigara.
During crises like Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, her generosity stood out.
“Nag share ako ng rootcrops lalo na pag 2013 noong tumama ang Bagyong Yolanda. Halos walang makain ang mga tao. Ibinibigay ko ang mga rootcrops sa mga tao namin sa community. Kung wala sila at meron ako, bigay lang,” she says, recounting how she shared her harvests with hungry neighbors when food was scarce.
Now, in 2025, Nay Pasing is rightfully honored with the Outstanding Rootcrop Farmer Award at the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Day (FFD) and UGMAD Awards, held as part of the 101st founding anniversary celebration of VSU on April 27, 2025, at the VSU Convention Center. This recognition is not merely for the yields she has grown, but for the hope she has sown in her community.
From seeds of adversity to the fruits of triumph, Nay Pasing’s story shows how empowered farmers, when supported by institutions like FMPC, DA and VSU Philrootcrops, can transform not just their land, but their lives. Her legacy is not only rooted in the soil she tills, but in the future she cultivates for others through her strength, perseverance, and resilience.