For 33 years, Minda C. Teves worked tirelessly in Italy as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). Trained as a midwife but later finding her calling as a financial literacy advisor, she empowered countless fellow Filipinos abroad to manage their hard-earned money wisely. Her sacrifices sustained her family in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, and eventually allowed her to bring her parents and siblings with her to Italy—a testament to her determination to uplift not just herself, but those she loved.
But behind the façade of success, Minda’s health was slowly deteriorating. Years of stress and pressure took their toll, culminating in anxiety and an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. It was this painful chapter that brought her home to the Philippines, where she sought healing in the quiet embrace of nature.
It was in her hometown, surrounded by coconut trees and the sea breeze, that Minda experienced what she now calls her “turning point.” She realized that the same coconut-based products sold at premium prices in Europe were abundantly available in the Philippines—yet remained undervalued. Her personal struggle with hair loss also led her to discover the healing power of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), which helped restore her health and confidence.
Still, the road back to farming was anything but smooth. Her family’s farm had been devastated by typhoons and floods, and she saw firsthand the reluctance of many local farmers to adopt modern practices. Yet, Minda chose resilience over despair. A chance encounter with a coconut processor opened the door to training in Laguna, where she learned how to develop coconut-based products.
Armed with this knowledge and fueled by renewed purpose, she established her own enterprise. Today, her farm and La Vecchia Spiaggia Resort (The Old Beach) thrive as both a production hub and a community space. With products such as VCO, coco sugar, and coconut flour reaching markets as far as Italy and other parts of Europe, her enterprise now earns an average of ₱100,000 monthly.
But beyond profit, Minda has built something greater—a space of learning and inspiration. La Vecchia Spiaggia is now certified as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-Caraga, with additional support from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Tourism (DoT). It hosts government offices and organizations for trainings and seminars and welcomes visitors who flock to taste its homemade pizzas—over 50 variants—crafted from fresh, farm-grown herbs and vegetables. It’s a slice of Italy in Caraga, made possible by her vision.
ATI-Caraga has been a steadfast partner in this transformation, recognizing Minda not only as a beneficiary but also as an inspiration—proof that farming can be dignified, sustainable, and rewarding. During the recent Coco Talk: Coconut Techno Forum held at her farm, Minda shared her personal testimony:
“I can personally attest to the healing power of Virgin Coconut Oil and how reconnecting with nature restored my health. Farming is not just a livelihood—it is life itself. The money is right here in our country if we’re willing to work hard for it. Inspire before you expire!”
Minda’s journey from OFW to agripreneur is more than a story of financial recovery—it is a story of healing, resilience, and rediscovery of purpose. She has shown that even after life’s most difficult setbacks, it is possible to rebuild, reimagine, and inspire others.
Through the unwavering support of ATI-Caraga, and with her unshakable spirit, Minda Teves continues to light the path for farmers, OFWs, and dreamers alike.