This former OFW became an agripreneur and a farming community inspiration

By: Vic Thor Palarca

Surigao Del Sur- Minda C. Teves, 69 dedicated 33 years of her life working in Italy as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Initially employed as a midwife, she later built a successful side career as a financial literacy advisor, empowering fellow kababayans with practical money-management advice. Her hard work enabled her to provide consistent financial support to her family back home in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur. Over time, Minda’s success allowed her to bring her parents and siblings to live with her in Italy.

Despite the many achievements and the fulfillment she found in uplifting others through financial literacy, Minda’s health began to deteriorate. Years of mounting stress and pressure culminated in a debilitating breakdown, accompanied by anxiety and a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Forced to return to the Philippines to recuperate, Minda found solace in her hometown and in spending time with nature.

During this period of rest and reflection, Minda experienced a life-changing “Aha! moment.” She realized that coconut-based products, popular in Italy and across Europe, commanded premium prices, yet these products originated from abundant coconuts back home. Moreover, when battling severe hair loss, she discovered the healing power of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), which helped restore her hair and prevented further hair loss.

Minda’s family had a humble beginning rooted in coconut farming and trading, but attempts to revive their forsaken farm were fraught with challenges. Natural calamities battered their hometown, typhoons repeatedly struck Surigao del Sur, and a devastating flood washed away their farm and family home. The frequent tropical storms and flash floods all the more made farming success difficult to attain.

Compounding these natural trials was the prevailing mindset among local farmers which is the reluctance to embrace modern agricultural practices, paired with tepid support from other government entities. This stark reality remains a significant obstacle for the farming community.

However, Minda’s resilience and unwavering optimism pushed her forward. A fortuitous meeting with a coconut processor led her to participate in a training program in Laguna focused on developing coconut-based products. Armed with newfound knowledge and skills, Minda began creating her own line of coconut products. Today, her coconut farm and farm resort generate an average monthly income of P100,000.00, with products such as VCO, hair oil, coco sugar, and coconut flour shipped to Italy and neighboring European countries.

Her farm resort enterprise, La Vecchia Spiaggia Resort (LVSR)—Italian for “The Old Beach”—has become more than just a farm. It now serves as a favored venue for government offices like ATI- Caraga and private organizations conducting trainings and seminars. The resort also draws walk-in customers eager to try its unique offering like their homemade pizzas made from homegrown ingredients, blending authentic Italian flavors with herbs and spices freshly harvested from their garden. The kitchen boasts an impressive repertoire of 50 pizza variants. Talk about a touch of Italia in Caraga!

La Vecchia Spiaggia is recognized as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) certified by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and is supported as well by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DoT). Minda’s vision is to elevate her diversified farm planted with champion commodities like coconut, cacao, and coffee into a fully accredited agritourism destination focused on producing, value-adding, learning & development agritourism farm in the years to come.

“Ang mga Filipino OFW sa Europe, wala nay balak muoli, ug isa na ako adto (The Filipino OFW in Europe no longer have plans to go home, and I am one of them). In our research, we discovered that only three percent of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) achieve significant success. Our study examined both the positive and negative impacts of migration on their lives. When I first returned home, I was uncertain about what to do or whom to turn to for support. Prior to receiving assistance from the ATI, our organization was known as House of Eco-Life – Surigao del Sur. After some time and recovery, I can personally attest to the healing power of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and how reconnecting with nature played a crucial role in restoring my health”, Minda shared during the Coco Talk: Coconut Techno Forum organized by ATI-Caraga through its Information Services Section (ISS) held at La Vecchia on August 18-20, 2025.

When asked about the message she wishes to share with her fellow farmers and aspiring agripreneurs, Minda responded with heartfelt conviction, “Farming is not just a livelihood—it is life itself. The money is right here in our country if we’re willing to work hard for it. Inspire before you expire!”