The AIM2Flourish project in my Integral Human Development (IHD) is such a delight. I found the assignment challenging to start but very fulfilling upon completing and publishing my work. The process of looking for a business to hit at least one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) has been the greatest dilemma that I had. Out of the 10 companies that I targeted, only three of them responded. Unfortunately, all three of them also declined or did not consent to be published at a later part of the interview negotiation. That situation was the most nerve-wracking for me as I was about three weeks away from the project submission.
Fortunately, I was able to be inspired by someone to tap a farm, an SME with a unique way of farming. I contacted Sir Benjy of Bukidnon Bee Farm (my subject and published AIM2Flourish project) over the internet. My invitation to him was made through phone calls and Facebook Messenger communication. This is due to the terrible telecommunications in the municipality of Bukidnon with poor internet and mobile data reliability. Fortunately, Sir Benjy and I were able to communicate after a few weeks, and Bukidnon Bee Farm already accepted my invitation.
I firmly believe that my journey in the AIM2Flourish project also expanded my development as an integral human being. The project taught me to improve on my contingency plans both in my academic and personal life during the entire process. The realization of having extra contingency plans was due to the full decline of interview invitations that I sent out to all my targeted companies. The concern taught me to be persistent in sending another set of interview questions. Still, it also taught me to be calm even if I am overwhelmed with stress due to unforeseen delays in my AIM2Flourish project. If I were to draw further this experience in my IHD Flower, I believe I would have improved well on the emotional and social aspects of my being.
Working with Bukidnon Bee Farm (BBF) and listening to their stories and noble mission to save the bees first before prioritizing profit made me happy. I have found out that there are still businesses that are genuinely looking out for the benefit of the planet and people first before profit. Even if BBF is still an SME and located away from the city’s glamor, they can see the beauty and enjoy their lives through meek and honest living. During my interview with Sir Benjy, what struck me the most was his honesty in caring for the bees and providing unadulterated (no chemicals and additives) honey to their customers. Such value is rare at present, and I am beyond grateful to share their story online. BBF is also not concerned that others will replicate their business. In fact, they encourage and train other people to venture into bee farming, as it will be a profitable business for others. It will also be beneficial to the environment. Their strong desire to live an honest life and business is something that I will never forget. I will try my best to share their story with my friends and family, so we will all be inspired to live the same way.
The AIM2Flourish project and the wisdom from my professors, classmates, and guest speakers in the IHD class made my heart and mind full. I have learned and enjoyed every session. There is never a dull session, and every session contributed positively to my well-being. I am grateful for this course and hope to enroll in similarly engaging classes for my upcoming elective courses.
View the story of Bukidnon Bee Farm on the AIM2Flourish website: https://aim2flourish.com/innovations/its-honesty-honey.
The author is an MBA student at the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business, DLSU. He can be reached at jacinto_tan@dlsu.edu.ph.
The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty, and its administrators.
