Episode 31: Changing Mindsets to Make Farm-to-Table Work in the Philippines with Carlo Aguilar

Good and Green

Chit Juan sits down with Carlomagno “Carlo the Farmer” Aguilar to talk about how growing your own food can change both consumer and farmer mindsets, reduce waste, and make farm-to-table truly work in the Philippines. Carlo shares his mission to localize food production, empower communities, and bring fresh, sustainable food closer to home. From backyard gardens to island-to-island farming solutions, he explains how anyone can start small and make a big impact. This episode is filled with practical tips, inspiring stories, and a vision for a future where every Filipino household can access fresh, healthy food.

GUEST BIO:

Carlomagno “Carlo the Farmer” Aguilar is a social entrepreneur, farm consultant, and agri-educator passionate about making food-growing a part of daily life. Founder of CoGrow and Fresherb, he helps transform idle lands into sustainable farms, trains the next generation of farmers, and supports businesses in growing their own food. Recognized by the BPI Sinag Foundation for his impactful farm consultancy model, Carlo is on a mission to bring food closer to people while promoting farm-to-table practices across the Philippines. Through his active presence on social media, he continues to inspire Filipinos to grow their own food, proving his belief that “everyone can grow.”

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• How Carlo’s childhood and family inspired his love for farming.
• Why communication between farmers and chefs is key to reducing waste.
• Practical tips for households to start backyard or tower gardens.
• The importance of growing for a ready market to ensure farm profitability.
• How localization can address food security in the Philippines.
• Carlo’s passion for teaching and sharing farming knowledge freely.

QUOTES:

• My inner self brought me back to my real and mission—going back to the soil. — Carlo Aguilar
• Communication is very important for farmers and chefs. — Carlo Aguilar
• I would recommend, if you don't have space, do a tower garden. — Carlo Aguilar
• If you will it, you can do it. — Chit Juan
• I just love teaching. I enjoy teaching. — Carlo Aguilar
• My mission in life is to fix the agri sector of the Philippines. — Carlo Aguilar
• Grow food where food is needed. — Carlo Aguilar
• I believe that food localization starts at home. — Carlo Aguilar

LINKS or RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Connect with Carlo Aguilar on:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carlomagnoaguilar9376
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlomagno.aguilar
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlothefarmer
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlothefarmer

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