PJ Haight

Coming Home

No matter which part of the world you are displaced as an OFW, you will always crave the feeling of home. PJ Haight’s inspiring story about coming home resonates with many Overseas Filipino Workers, especially those in farming.

Before becoming a farmer and one of the managers of their family farm, Haight’s Place, PJ sought work opportunities in Japan to learn advanced farming techniques. However, after three years, he returned to Atok, Benguet. Though he initially left the Philippines for personal reasons, he ultimately realized that Haight’s Farm was his home.

Now managing the farm, PJ’s greatest wish is stable vegetable prices—a long-standing challenge for Filipino farmers. Market instability forces them to sell at unfairly low prices, dictated by middlemen and traders, often barely covering production costs.

“Kahit maganda yung products mo, kung yung price hindi, very low”

Without direct access to consumers, farmers struggle to earn a sustainable livelihood. PJ believes that ensuring fair and stable prices would improve farmers' lives and preserve Atok’s agricultural legacy.

Fruits are displayed in Baguio Hangar market. Market instability pressures farmers to either continue farming at a loss, or look for a more stable livelihood.

The Value of Farmers

A comparison on the treatment of farmers in Japan and in the Philippines

PJ’s story mirrors that of his uncle, Edward Haight, who also worked on a farm in Japan, eventually becoming a manager. When asked about the growing number of Filipinos—both professionals and non-professionals—who choose to farm abroad, his smile dropped.

Photo by Jonathon Galione/iStock

In Japan, farm work is respected, with salaries ranging from P40,000 to P60,000 per month. In contrast, Filipino farmers earn a fraction of that amount, often struggling to support their families. Edward questions why Filipino farmers remain undervalued when they are responsible for putting food on our tables. If farming were more profitable, young Filipinos might stay in agriculture rather than seek work abroad. Edward believes farming should be seen as an honorable profession, not just an occupation of last resort.

"Without farmers, there is no food. Without food, there is no life. Why do we not treat them with dignity?"

Photo by Atom Araullo

In Japan, farmers receive fair wages and benefits, while in the Philippines, farming is still seen as low-status work. He urges a shift in mindset—Filipino farmers should be regarded as skilled professionals who contribute immensely to society.

Photo by Atom Araullo

Their responsibility extends beyond the farm as they also maintain the household and serve as the primary caregiver to their families, working around the clock with no days off.