(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

The Philippines recently took center stage at one of the Middle East’s largest agricultural trade exhibitions, AGRA Middle East , held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on October 7–8. 🇵🇭🌍 Filipino delegates showcased a wide range of homegrown products, aiming to expand market opportunities and highlight the innovative capabilities of the country’s agricultural sector. The Filipino Times According to the article, “The PH pavilion showcased distinctive products rarely seen i

By Melvin R. Awid, Sarangani Vanilla Farmer Taking risks has always been a defining part of my journey, and this year, that risk led me...

By MELVIN R. AWID, Sarangani Vanilla Farmer The AGRA Middle East 2024 trade show, the largest agricultural event in the region, was a...

The 26th Davao Agri-Trade Expo (DATE) was more than just an agricultural event—it was a celebration of young, innovative minds shaping...

By MELVIN AWID, Sarangani Vanilla Farmer Being the only representative outside the Davao Region  at the 26th Davao Agri-Trade Expo...

By Melvin R. Awid, Sarangani Vanilla Farmer Exciting news for the future of the vanilla industry! We are proud to share the photos from...

By Melvin R. Awid, Sarangani Vanilla Farmer ☑️ Branding ☑️ Pitching 🔜 Awarding The Young Farmers Challenge Fund Program (YFC)  is more...

Sarangani Province, Philippines - The UF Vanilla Farm launched its Authentic Vanilla Extract and Authentic Vanilla Syrup in a soft...

A new chapter for vanilla farming in Sarangani  has begun! 🌱✨ Congratulations to Melvin Awid  for the successful vanilla launching...

Hey everyone! The 22nd Binuyugan Festival is here and we are thrilled to announce the soft launch of our authentic vanilla extract and...

#BNMM2023 | Ngayong darating na Mayo, ating bigyang pagpupugay ang kabayanihan ng ating magsasaka't mangingisdang Pilipino!🇵🇭🇵🇭💚💛...

Ka-pasyal, this #BinuyuganFestival2023, smell the pleasant sensation brought by authentic vanilla extracts and learn about the sprouting...

By Melvin R. Awid, Sarangani Vanilla Farmer Making a difference—no matter how small—always feels fulfilling. And recently, I had the...

April 19, 2023 - The Malapatan District Jail has garnered attention for its progressive approach to inmate rehabilitation. Under the...

“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦.” 🫶🏼 We offer you our...

Supporting small businesses not only benefits the local economy, but it also gives you greater value for your money. Local businesses...

When people ask me why I would quit a promising position in the maritime sector, I always reply that I am following what my creative mind...

(Original article written by Genory Vanz Alfasain/Voice of the Youth Network as published online at Philippine Information Agency’s...

An initiative by Urban Farms PH to build the vanilla industry in the province of Sarangani is called UF Vanilla [Farm]. We will act as a...

By MELVIN AWID, Sarangani Vanilla farmer As a sailor who discovered the beauty and bounty of farming, I'd like to thank the Office of...

By Melvin R. Awid, Sarangani Vanilla Farmer My journey to the national competition  may have ended, but my agri-journey  is far from...

#YFCprogram | Urban Farms PH vanilla farmer joins Young Farmer’s Challenge 2022