In the upland town of Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, citrus trees line the roadsides and stretch across the Malabing Valley. This once-quiet farming area is now known as the Citrus Capital of Luzon—a distinction that began with the work recognized by many as the province’s father of citrus.
“I’ve always had a passion for planting. Maybe that’s the gift I was given. It’s a God-given talent,” he said, noting how his passion has led him to take up agriculture in college.
Before that, his early career took a different path. He worked at a piggery in Laguna, where he rose to the position of manager. But his interest in farming persisted.
When he saw how neighbors appreciated the fruits he grew in his backyard, he realized agriculture could do more than sustain his own family, it could provide a livelihood for the community.
“When people enjoyed the fruits I planted, I thought — this could bring progress to our area,” he recalled. That realization set him on a course back to Malabing Valley.
Potential into progress
When Namujhe returned home, Malabing Valley’s main crops were corn and coffee. The community was recovering from years of armed conflict, and the area had become a settlement for former rebels.
It was a time when investors and financial institutions were hesitant to extend support. Still, he was convinced that agricultural productivity could drive local development.
“If farmers can produce a marketable crop, the government will follow with roads and other infrastructure,” he said.
He left his stable job and moved back to Kasibu with his family, starting what would become the Namujhe Integrated Farm.
He also helped organize the Malabing Valley Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MVMPC) to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among farmers.
Through the cooperative, farmers gained access to modern farming techniques, financial assistance and essential inputs. One of the key enablers of this transformation was Land Bank of the Philippines, which recognized the potential of citrus in the region when few others did. T
The bank provided credit support that allowed farmers to expand their operations and strengthen their production base.
Gradually, citrus farming grew into a viable local industry. As farms flourished, the government invested in infrastructure. And when roads were built, travel time to markets was reduced, and the once-remote valley became more accessible.
Lasting legacy
Years of experimentation and experience allowed Namujhe to refine orchard management and introduce new citrus varieties suited to local conditions. His farm became both a training site and a model for sustainable production.
As more farmers joined the effort, Malabing Valley evolved into the center of citrus production in Cagayan Valley. For Namujhe, the impact went beyond profits and yields.
“People tell me their lives have improved because of citrus. For me, that’s the real success,” he said, adding that his daughter, Josephine, followed in her father’s leadership to inspire the community.
Under his guidance, families were able to invest in better homes, send their children to school and secure stable livelihoods. His pioneering work has been recognized nationally, most recently through LandBank’s Gawad TANYAG Awards, which named him Ulirang Magsasaka for his innovation and community impact.
“LandBAnk has been a constant partner. I remain loyal to them because they believed in us from the start,” he said.
From a farmer’s vision to a thriving agricultural hub, Namujhe Jr.’s story showed how the right partnerships can cultivate not just crops, but inclusive growth for an entire community.
