Sowing Seeds of Change: Toto’s Dedication to Self-Reliant Farm

Raymi Fermiza, or Toto, as he is known to many, is Fr. John's dedicated and trusted assistant in his program, the Self Reliant Farm. Toto’s journey with the program began with a simple yet significant decision—to volunteer. At the height of the pandemic, Toto, like many others, found himself unemployed. With his mother working at the La Immaculada Concepcion Parish in Culion, he chose to volunteer his time and service to the church. This led to a pivotal introduction by Fr. Roderick Caabay to Fr. John Nguyen, who was sharing his vision for the development of a Self-Reliant Farm in Culion. Fr. John’s ideas deeply resonated with Toto, sparking an immediate connection to the mission.

On October 28, 2020, Toto officially became Fr. John’s assistant. Initially, Toto thought it would be temporary, planning to return to his tourism work once things returned to normal. However, as he became more deeply involved in supporting the establishment of the Self-Reliant Farm, Toto recognized the significance of the work they were doing. His dedication quickly grew, making him an indispensable partner in managing the daily operations and advancing Fr. John’s vision.

Toto was born in a small town in Negros Occidental. In 2000, his family moved from Bacolod City to Culion.  As the eldest of three siblings, he has a close-knit relationship with his family. His immediate younger brother, who was born prematurely, has special needs, while his youngest brother is approaching his college graduation. The unwavering support and hard work of Toto’s parents have greatly influenced his own perseverance and dedication.

Toto’s journey has always been one of resilience. He balanced two part-time jobs while studying at Loyola College of Culion, where he earned a degree in BS Entrepreneurship, majoring in Entrepreneurial Tourism. In the mornings, he sold fish before attending classes, and by night, he worked in hotel housekeeping.

Outside of his commitments to the farm, Toto remains passionate about learning and travel. He aspires to broaden his expertise in farm operations, hoping to utilize this knowledge to further uplift his community.

Toto’s story serves as an inspiring example of how an individual's commitment and passion can have a lasting impact. From a volunteer with an open heart to an essential support to Fr. John, he continues to make meaningful contributions each day.