A college instructor once caught a student submitting an essay entirely generated by ChatGPT, the plagiarism so obvious that the student did not even bother to read it before handing it in. Such stories are no longer rare, showing one disturbing reality: artificial intelligence cannot—and should not—be trusted all the time. Depending solely on it invites stagnation of human judgment, critical thinking, and authentic intellectual labor.

AI stumbles when the task demands empathy, cultural sensitivity, or firsthand human experience. It can produce grammatically correct paragraphs, but they often lack the pulse of lived reality, the texture of human struggle, and the subtle contradictions that define truth. A machine does not know what it feels like to sit in a flooded classroom, or to walk home after a long day of teaching in the barrios, or to watch a student’s face brighten when they finally grasp a difficult concept. These are the details that bring meaning, and no algorithm can breathe life into them the way human minds can.

Teachers, in particular, are witnesses to this limitation. When AI writes sample lesson plans or essays, it may look perfect on the surface, but the content is shallow. It is like a dish that looks delicious but tastes bland. There is no seasoning of context, no spice of local color, no aroma of lived insight. Students who rely on such work risk dulling their intellectual blades, submitting outputs that may pass a glance but collapse under serious scrutiny.

Researchers, too, must be wary. AI thrives on what already exists online; it stitches fragments of the past into a neat quilt of words. But in real research, what matters is the act of delving deeper, questioning, validating, and building new knowledge. AI cannot conduct fieldwork, it cannot observe social dynamics in the marketplace, and it certainly cannot smell the salt of the sea while interviewing fishermen about climate change. It only rehashes what others have written. To call that research is to confuse recycling with discovery.

Writers face an equally tricky trap. When one outsources the act of writing to a machine, what happens to voice, to style, to the little quirks that make one’s work distinct? AI drafts may be grammatically flawless, but they sound eerily the same, flat as canned laughter. Literature and creative expression are not just about getting the words right; they are about cultivating a voice that echoes beyond the page. If we let AI do the heavy lifting, our own voices will drown out, swallowed by a sea of sameness.

Even in journalism, the danger is palpable. AI cannot verify facts independently; it can string together information, but it cannot knock on doors, chase leads, or confront liars. It cannot sit with survivors of a typhoon and capture their trembling voices as they recount their loss. Without human fact-checking and ethical responsibility, AI-written reports can easily spread misinformation, a perilous outcome in a world already drowning in fake news.

The irony is that while AI is marketed as a tool to foster efficiency, it often lulls people into intellectual laziness. Students type a prompt and wait for instant answers. Teachers are tempted to let it prepare their lectures. Writers may see it as a shortcut for deadlines. But when the shortcut becomes the main road, we find ourselves lost, with no sense of direction, no stamina for the journey, and no capacity to think critically. The human brain, like a muscle, weakens without exercise.

Yes, AI can be a useful ally in gathering information or sparking ideas. But like fire, it is dangerous when left unchecked. The best approach is to leverage it as a starting point, not an endpoint—to navigate its offerings with skepticism, supplement its limitations with our judgment, and keep alive the gift of human thinking. After all, it is not AI that will define our future—it is our ability to remain human, to write and reason with authenticity, and to keep the flame of critical thought unwavering.

Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” – Thomas Jefferson

Categorically, I could say without fear of contradiction that our farmers have the most important and noble profession of all time.

They are definitely needed every single day of our lives.

Mankind continuously exists because of the hands that provide us foods.

This is the very reason why every nation, every government for that matter, invest largely in its pursuit of attaining food security. A must for every responsive government to ensure that there will be no food shortage and its citizenry will not go hungry. Otherwise, societal instability, chaos, and ultimately widespread hunger will prevail.

Hence, you will probably notice that our government through the intercession of the Department of Agriculture and other allied agencies are doing their damned best to motivating the farmers to keep going and produce more food not only for their own family consumption, but if possible, for other people in the community as well.

So, one thing’s for sure: Filipino farmers need training, they need access to technology, and they need better logistics systems that will allow them to transport their produce to the marketplace at a lower cost.

While it is true that our government could not easily change the mindset of Filipino Farmers – from being ordinary food producer to become a progressive entrepreneur, there is a non-stop provision of program interventions that include free high quality seeds, fertilizer, irrigation water, farm equipment or machineries, among others.

Apart from the abovementioned services or interventions the government proactively support individual or farmers group through the conduct of a series of
Enterprise

Development Trainings, for farmers to transform their farming operations into sustainable, profitable, and competitive businesses, improving their livelihoods and contributing to the overall growth of the agricultural sector.

Usually, a capability development education seminar or training is given to those who want to widen up his/her knowledge and skills in agribusiness enterprise.

Just last week, a 3-day Enterprise Development Training was conducted at the Avenue Hotel, Marasbaras in Tacloban City.

This was organized by DA-RFO 8 through AMAD’s Agribusiness Promotion Section – one of the operating units of DA responsible for equipping the farmers – whether start-ups or already engaged in micro, small, or medium livelihood activities.

Farmers need to learn the ropes of innovative ideas or tools to further improve their business acumen by adopting some basic management skills, such as these:
1. Better decision-making: helps farmers develop business planning, financial management, and risk management skills.

2. Increased efficiency: Farmers learn to optimize resources, reduce costs, and improve productivity.

Enhanced Market

Access and sharpen their competitive edge thru:

1. Market analysis: This helps farmers understand market trends, consumer preferences, and competitor analysis.

2. Value-added products: Farmers learn to create value-added products, increasing their marketability resulting in the creation of a market niche.

Increased Income and Profitability:

1. Diversification: This introduces farmers to new crops, products, or services, reducing dependence on a single (most often seasonal) commodity.

2. Financial literacy: They need to learn to manage their finances, access credit, and make informed investment decisions.

Sustainability and Resilience:

1. Sustainable practices: Training promotes environmentally friendly and socially responsible farming practices.

2. Risk management: They learn to mitigate risks, such as climate change, pests, and diseases.

Networking and Collaboration:

1. Partnerships: their exposure to trainings facilitates connections with other farmers, buyers, and stakeholders. A farmer should not rely on middlemen or traders, but should know to market his product directly to institutional buyers.

2. Knowledge Sharing: Farmers exchange experiences, best practices, and innovative ideas.

By attending in Enterprise Development Training, farmers can transform their farming operations into sustainable, profitable, and competitive businesses, improving their livelihoods and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.

Moreover, they are encouraged to take action, and if possible, think global. Modesty aside, compared to our neighboring countries, Filipinos, could stand tall and feel proud of our innate talents. Studies have shown that ordinary Filipino farmers are perceived to have high literacy and can confidently speak or communicate in English with any foreign visitors.
Perhaps, it’s about time that we think of the future for our country’s agriculture sector for the sake of the next generation, by doing the best we can, and make our mark.

The entire activity goes further than just mere skills training provision. It was purposively designed to catalyze the creation of livelihood enterprises that shall be implemented by the trainees, immediately after the training.

Remember that every successful entrepreneur started with a dream, faced challenges, and persevered. In the end, truly build and contribute real wealth, good morals, and happiness as what the late Sir Thomas Jefferson once said.

Starting a family business offers unique rewards – shared purpose, flexible schedules, and the chance to build a legacy. However, it demands careful planning and execution. This guide outlines key steps to successfully launch your venture.

1. Idea Generation and Validation

Begin by brainstorming business ideas that leverage your family’s skills and passions. Consider your collective strengths, interests, and available resources. Avoid simply choosing an idea because it sounds lucrative; focus on something you’re genuinely enthusiastic about, as this will fuel your perseverance through challenges. Thoroughly understand your customer base: their needs, preferences, and purchasing behaviors. Identify competing offerings and analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Research market size and growth potential to gauge demand for your product or service. This can involve surveys, interviews, and analyzing online trends.

2. Crafting a Solid Business Plan

A comprehensive business plan is your roadmap. It should include:

– Executive Summary: A concise overview of your business, its goals, and its strategy.

– Company Description: Detail your business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC), mission, and values.

– Market Analysis: Your market research findings on target customer demographics, competitive landscape, and industry trends.

– Organization and Management: Describe your family’s roles and responsibilities within the business. Clearly define who is responsible for what.

– Service or Product Line: Detailed descriptions of what you’ll offer, including pricing strategies.

– Marketing and Sales Strategy: Describe your marketing strategy, encompassing advertising, social media engagement, and chosen sales channels to reach your target customers.- Funding Request (if applicable): If seeking external funding, detail your financial needs and how you’ll use the funds.

– Financial Projections: Include realistic financial forecasts, including projected income, expenses, and profit margins.

3. Legal and Financial Foundations

Choose the appropriate legal structure for your business. Consult with a legal professional to determine the best option for your family’s circumstances and liability concerns. This might be a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or other structure. Secure necessary licenses and permits. Establish a separate business bank account to maintain clear financial records and protect your personal assets. Explore funding options, including personal savings, loans, crowdfunding, or grants.

4. Defining Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly defining roles and responsibilities within the family is paramount. Avoid ambiguity and conflict by creating a formal structure that outlines each member’s contributions, decision-making authority, and accountability. Regular family meetings to discuss business matters are essential, fostering open communication and collaboration. Implement effective communication protocols to streamline workflows and minimize miscommunication. Consider creating a family constitution outlining decision-making processes and conflict resolution strategies.

5. Marketing and Sales

Develop a robust marketing and sales strategy. Leverage your family’s network and connections to build initial customer relationships. Utilize social media, local networking events, and online platforms to reach a wider audience. Prioritize exceptional customer service to foster loyalty and generate referrals. Continuously monitor marketing performance, adjusting strategies based on data-driven insights. Track your marketing efforts and adapt your strategy based on results.

6. Managing Finances and Growth

Maintain meticulous financial records. Track income, expenses, and profits regularly. Use accounting software to streamline financial management. Invest in appropriate technology and tools to enhance efficiency and productivity. Regularly review your business plan and adapt it as needed to respond to market changes and business growth. Consider seeking mentorship or advice from experienced business owners.

7. Balancing Family and Business

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. Maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries between work and family time. Schedule regular family time to prevent burnout and maintain strong family relationships. Communicate openly about work-related stress and find healthy ways to manage it. Your family’s well-being is paramount to the success of your family business.

Starting a family business is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. By carefully planning, defining roles, and fostering open communication, you can increase your chances of success and build a thriving business that strengthens your family bonds. Remember that flexibility and adaptability are key to navigating the ever-changing business landscape.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!