(Based on the original report by 12Beat) Melvin R. Awid, founder of UF Vanilla Farm , was recognized as one of the awardees of the 2025 Inspiring Balik-Bayan Awards during the Balik-Bayan Summit held on December 6 at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. (Image from 12Beat’s official Facebook post) Awid, a young agripreneur from Maitum, Sarangani Province , was honored under the category Inspiring Balik-Bayan Entrepreneurs , a distinction given to former Overseas Filipino Workers w

Speaking in front of the ABM students of Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC) was both an overwhelming and humbling experience. Standing before young minds eager to learn reminded me why sharing real-world experiences matters—especially in agriculture and entrepreneurship. It was truly an honor to share my journey in vanilla farming and processing—from the early challenges to the lessons learned along the way. Vanilla is often seen as a niche crop, but be

We won't deny that, long before our what-ifs were what they are, we were among the many who did not see the agricultural industry's...