06/11/2025
Meet Mr. John Paul Cabangal, Founder of I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products & FarmWISE Mobile App | Agriculture Ambassador | Agripreneur | Innovator for Sustainable and Smart Farming in Province of Cotabato, Mindanao
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Mr. John Paul A. Cabangal is a Filipino agripreneur, innovator, and tech advocate from Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, Philippines.
He is the Founder/Owner of I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products, a dynamic agribusiness dedicated to Rabbit Meat Production, Hydroponics, Edible Insects such as Superworms for human consumption and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Rearing as feed for farm animals — as well as the creator of FarmWISE, an all-in-one integrated mobile application designed to empower farmers through technology to become successful agri-entrepreneurs.
Currently studying Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Major in Animal Science at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), John Paul has built his career around integrating innovation, sustainability, and digital solutions into agriculture.
“Agriculture is evolving — and farmers should evolve with it. My goal is to make smart, sustainable farming accessible to everyone.”
— John Paul A. Cabangal
His Journey: From Rural Roots to Digital Agripreneurship
Born into a farming family, John Paul’s early years were shaped by hard work and curiosity about how to make farming more efficient and profitable.
His passion for innovation took root where he joined the 4-H Club, studied at USM and developed leadership and agribusiness skills.
A simple experiment in superworm farming as feed for his backyard chicken became his breakthrough idea, one that led to the creation of GRUBilicious Chichaworm and I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products.
Through perseverance and creativity, he turned what many saw as a small, unconventional project into a multi-innovation enterprise that combines farming, technology, and sustainability.
“From superworms to super systems — that’s how we turn small ideas into real change.”
-
About I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products
I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products is a North Cotabato–based agribusiness recognized for promoting sustainable, technology-integrated farming systems in Mindanao.
It serves as a model of how local farms can thrive through narrow land area, eco-innovation, digital integration, and community empowerment.
I-Farm is also under the incubation program of DOST-PCAARRD and USM ATBI and assisted with different agencies and organization such as LGU Pigcawayan - Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (Agriculture Pigcawayan), Pigkawayan Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, Provincial Government of Cotabato, Department of Agriculture (DA) through DA-RFO 12 (Agri Tayo Soccsksargen) and Agricultural Training Institute - Region 12, Department of Trade in Industry (DTI) through DTI Cotabato Province, and also with SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC) with University of Southern Mindanao.
Core Areas of Innovation:
🦗Edible Insect Farming: Superworm – Produces high-protein feed and snacks - the Mindanao's Best Insect-based Food Snack GRUBilicious Chichaworm.
🐇 Rabbit Farming & Rabbit Lechon – Pioneers rabbit meat as a healthy, sustainable food alternative in North Cotabato.
🌱 Hydroponics Farming – Cultivates vegetables using soil-less systems for efficient and urban-friendly production.
🪰 Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Production – Converts organic waste into sustainable feed for livestock and aquaculture.
♻️ Circular Agriculture – Creates zero-waste systems by linking insect, livestock, and crop production.
👩🌾 Youth Empowerment & Training – Mentors young farmers and local entrepreneurs in sustainable agri-enterprise.
Through I-Farm, Mr. Cabangal has proven that innovation and impact can thrive in rural communities, making him one of Mindanao’s rising leaders in agri-innovatoion in Mindanao.
📱 FarmWISE Mobile App: Farming with Intelligence and Empowerment
In his continuous pursuit of innovation, John Paul founded FarmWISE, a mobile application designed to digitalize and simplify farm management.
The app helps farmers track production, access data-driven insights, connect to agri-markets, and learn modern farming techniques.
FarmWISE aims to:
📊 Digitize farm records and productivity tracking
💬 Connect farmers, suppliers, and consumers in one ecosystem
🧠 Provide data-backed guidance for smarter farming decisions
🌍 Promote transparency and sustainability in the agricultural value chain
FarmWISE is now under the incubation program of USMart TBI: A DOST-funded Technology Business Incubator in USM.
This groundbreaking initiative earned John Paul recognition in local startup and innovation circles, further solidifying his reputation as a tech-driven agripreneur.
“FarmWISE is not just an app — it’s a platform that gives farmers wisdom, access, and opportunities.”-
-
💡 Recognition in Startup and Innovation Competitions
John Paul’s creativity and entrepreneurial drive were highlighted when he became an awardee of the Young Farmers Challenge (Region 12 YFC Soccsksargen ) for his venture Science and Technology–based Rabbit Production.
He also competed in a pitching competition where he presented FarmWISE.
His strong grasp of both farming realities and digital tools impressed judges and audiences alike, demonstrating how innovation can emerge directly from the fields.
“When farmers become innovators, we change not just our farms — we change our future.”
🌏 International Exposure & Leadership
🇯🇵 Japan – Young Filipino Farm Leaders’ Training Program (YFFLTPJ)
In 2018, John Paul was chosen as one of the Filipino delegates to Japan under the Young Filipino Farm Leaders’ Training Program (YFFLTPJ), where he spent 11 months learning precision agriculture, farm business management, and agri-technology systems.
“Japan taught me that farming is both a science and a way of life.”
🇸🇬 Singapore – Cotabato Province Immersion Program on Innovation (2025)
Recently, he was selected as a delegate representing Provincial Government of Cotabato through Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza and USM for the Innovation Immersion Program in Singapore, a global exposure program on agritech and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
He returned with deeper insights on agri-innovation hubs, digital transformation, and market connectivity, which now guide his work at I-Farm.
“Innovation doesn’t stop at the farm — it begins there."
"(Real Impact Made Together) - My recent experience exploring Singapore’s Innovation Ecosystem left me deeply inspired. It was a powerful example of how vision, organization, and compassion can come together to create a society that thrives on innovation, not just for economic growth, but for the well-being of its people and the environment."
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🏆 Achievements and Milestones
Youth Ambassador for Agriculture, Department of Agriculture (DA)
🌿 Founder/Owner, I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products
📱 Founder & Developer, FarmWISE Mobile App
🪱 Producer/Manufacturer, GRUBilicious Chichaworms – North Cotabato’s First Insect-based Food Snack
🐇 Pioneer, Rabbit Lechon – promoting alternative protein in North Cotabato
🌿 Advocate, Hydroponic Vegetable Production for food sustainability
🪰 Developer, Black Soldier Fly as source of Sustainable Protein for sustainable livestock nutrition
🧑🌾 Awardee, Young Farmer Challenge 2021– Department of Agriculture (DA)
🧠 Finalist, DOST-PCAARRD Agri-Aqua Innovation Challenge (2024)
📰 Featured by:
Manila Times - "Worming his way up" (Feb.2025)
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – “Superworm to Superfood: Turning Insects into Opportunities” (Feb 2025)
Agriculture.com.ph – “Live Superworms Feed on Vegetables” (Sept 2025)
💬 Speaker & Mentor, youth agripreneurship, animal husbandry and sustainable farming seminars across Region XII
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Vision and Advocacy
Mr. Cabangal envisions a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future for Philippine agriculture — where farmers are empowered by innovation, technology, and knowledge.
He advocates for:
Sustainable and circular food systems
Digital transformation in farming communities
Empowering the next generation of agripreneurs
Climate-smart and data-driven agricultural practices
“Agriculture must evolve with the times. When we innovate, we not only feed our people — we sustain our planet amd the Future.”
His ultimate goal is to establish a Mindanao Agri-Innovation Center, a hub that will integrate research, technology, and entrepreneurship to uplift farmers and strengthen regional food security.
---
👨👦👦Community Impact and Growth
Through I-Farm, John Paul has:
Created meaningful livelihood opportunities for local youth and farmers.
Pioneered waste-to-feed systems through BSF and superworms.
Introduced digital solutions that modernize farm management.
Inspired countless students, young farmers and entrepreneurs a to view agriculture as a profession of purpose and potential.
“We started with small, but what we’re truly cultivating are ideas that sustain communities.”
---
📣 Connect and Learn More
Follow Mr. John Paul A. Cabangal and his ventures to learn more about sustainable farming, agri-technology, and youth empowerment.
🌐 Facebook: facebook.com/ifarm.agribiz
📧 Email: [email protected]
📍 Location: Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, Philippines
Meet Mr. John Paul Cabangal, Founder of I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products & FarmWISE Mobile App | Agriculture Ambassador | Agripreneur | Innovator for Sustainable and Smart Farming in Province of Cotabato, Mindanao
-
Mr. John Paul A. Cabangal is a Filipino agripreneur, innovator, and tech advocate from Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, Philippines.
He is the Founder/Owner of I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products, a dynamic agribusiness dedicated to Rabbit Meat Production, Hydroponics, Edible Insects such as Superworms for human consumption and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Rearing as feed for farm animals — as well as the creator of FarmWISE, an all-in-one integrated mobile application designed to empower farmers through technology to become successful agri-entrepreneurs.
Currently studying Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – Major in Animal Science at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), John Paul has built his career around integrating innovation, sustainability, and digital solutions into agriculture.
“Agriculture is evolving — and farmers should evolve with it. My goal is to make smart, sustainable farming accessible to everyone.”
— John Paul A. Cabangal
His Journey: From Rural Roots to Digital Agripreneurship
Born into a farming family, John Paul’s early years were shaped by hard work and curiosity about how to make farming more efficient and profitable.
His passion for innovation took root where he joined the 4-H Club, studied at USM and developed leadership and agribusiness skills.
A simple experiment in superworm farming as feed for his backyard chicken became his breakthrough idea, one that led to the creation of GRUBilicious Chichaworm and I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products.
Through perseverance and creativity, he turned what many saw as a small, unconventional project into a multi-innovation enterprise that combines farming, technology, and sustainability.
“From superworms to super systems — that’s how we turn small ideas into real change.”
-
About I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products
I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products is a North Cotabato–based agribusiness recognized for promoting sustainable, technology-integrated farming systems in Mindanao.
It serves as a model of how local farms can thrive through narrow land area, eco-innovation, digital integration, and community empowerment.
I-Farm is also under the incubation program of DOST-PCAARRD and USM ATBI and assisted with different agencies and organization such as LGU Pigcawayan - Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (Agriculture Pigcawayan), Pigkawayan Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, Provincial Government of Cotabato, Department of Agriculture (DA) through DA-RFO 12 (Agri Tayo Soccsksargen) and Agricultural Training Institute - Region 12, Department of Trade in Industry (DTI) through DTI Cotabato Province, and also with SOCCSKSARGEN Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research Development Consortium (SOXAARRDEC) with University of Southern Mindanao.
Core Areas of Innovation:
🦗Edible Insect Farming: Superworm – Produces high-protein feed and snacks - the Mindanao's Best Insect-based Food Snack GRUBilicious Chichaworm.
🐇 Rabbit Farming & Rabbit Lechon – Pioneers rabbit meat as a healthy, sustainable food alternative in North Cotabato.
🌱 Hydroponics Farming – Cultivates vegetables using soil-less systems for efficient and urban-friendly production.
🪰 Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Production – Converts organic waste into sustainable feed for livestock and aquaculture.
♻️ Circular Agriculture – Creates zero-waste systems by linking insect, livestock, and crop production.
👩🌾 Youth Empowerment & Training – Mentors young farmers and local entrepreneurs in sustainable agri-enterprise.
Through I-Farm, Mr. Cabangal has proven that innovation and impact can thrive in rural communities, making him one of Mindanao’s rising leaders in agri-innovatoion in Mindanao.
📱 FarmWISE Mobile App: Farming with Intelligence and Empowerment
In his continuous pursuit of innovation, John Paul founded FarmWISE, a mobile application designed to digitalize and simplify farm management.
The app helps farmers track production, access data-driven insights, connect to agri-markets, and learn modern farming techniques.
FarmWISE aims to:
📊 Digitize farm records and productivity tracking
💬 Connect farmers, suppliers, and consumers in one ecosystem
🧠 Provide data-backed guidance for smarter farming decisions
🌍 Promote transparency and sustainability in the agricultural value chain
FarmWISE is now under the incubation program of USMart TBI: A DOST-funded Technology Business Incubator in USM.
This groundbreaking initiative earned John Paul recognition in local startup and innovation circles, further solidifying his reputation as a tech-driven agripreneur.
“FarmWISE is not just an app — it’s a platform that gives farmers wisdom, access, and opportunities.”-
-
💡 Recognition in Startup and Innovation Competitions
John Paul’s creativity and entrepreneurial drive were highlighted when he became an awardee of the Young Farmers Challenge (Region 12 YFC Soccsksargen ) for his venture Science and Technology–based Rabbit Production.
He also competed in a pitching competition where he presented FarmWISE.
His strong grasp of both farming realities and digital tools impressed judges and audiences alike, demonstrating how innovation can emerge directly from the fields.
“When farmers become innovators, we change not just our farms — we change our future.”
🌏 International Exposure & Leadership
🇯🇵 Japan – Young Filipino Farm Leaders’ Training Program (YFFLTPJ)
In 2018, John Paul was chosen as one of the Filipino delegates to Japan under the Young Filipino Farm Leaders’ Training Program (YFFLTPJ), where he spent 11 months learning precision agriculture, farm business management, and agri-technology systems.
“Japan taught me that farming is both a science and a way of life.”
🇸🇬 Singapore – Cotabato Province Immersion Program on Innovation (2025)
Recently, he was selected as a delegate representing Provincial Government of Cotabato through Emmylou Lala Taliño-Mendoza and USM for the Innovation Immersion Program in Singapore, a global exposure program on agritech and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
He returned with deeper insights on agri-innovation hubs, digital transformation, and market connectivity, which now guide his work at I-Farm.
“Innovation doesn’t stop at the farm — it begins there."
"(Real Impact Made Together) - My recent experience exploring Singapore’s Innovation Ecosystem left me deeply inspired. It was a powerful example of how vision, organization, and compassion can come together to create a society that thrives on innovation, not just for economic growth, but for the well-being of its people and the environment."
-
🏆 Achievements and Milestones
Youth Ambassador for Agriculture, Department of Agriculture (DA)
🌿 Founder/Owner, I-Farm Agribiz & Food Products
📱 Founder & Developer, FarmWISE Mobile App
🪱 Producer/Manufacturer, GRUBilicious Chichaworms – North Cotabato’s First Insect-based Food Snack
🐇 Pioneer, Rabbit Lechon – promoting alternative protein in North Cotabato
🌿 Advocate, Hydroponic Vegetable Production for food sustainability
🪰 Developer, Black Soldier Fly as source of Sustainable Protein for sustainable livestock nutrition
🧑🌾 Awardee, Young Farmer Challenge 2021– Department of Agriculture (DA)
🧠 Finalist, DOST-PCAARRD Agri-Aqua Innovation Challenge (2024)
📰 Featured by:
Manila Times - "Worming his way up" (Feb.2025)
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) – “Superworm to Superfood: Turning Insects into Opportunities” (Feb 2025)
Agriculture.com.ph – “Live Superworms Feed on Vegetables” (Sept 2025)
💬 Speaker & Mentor, youth agripreneurship, animal husbandry and sustainable farming seminars across Region XII
---
Vision and Advocacy
Mr. Cabangal envisions a smart, inclusive, and sustainable future for Philippine agriculture — where farmers are empowered by innovation, technology, and knowledge.
He advocates for:
Sustainable and circular food systems
Digital transformation in farming communities
Empowering the next generation of agripreneurs
Climate-smart and data-driven agricultural practices
“Agriculture must evolve with the times. When we innovate, we not only feed our people — we sustain our planet amd the Future.”
His ultimate goal is to establish a Mindanao Agri-Innovation Center, a hub that will integrate research, technology, and entrepreneurship to uplift farmers and strengthen regional food security.
---
👨👦👦Community Impact and Growth
Through I-Farm, John Paul has:
Created meaningful livelihood opportunities for local youth and farmers.
Pioneered waste-to-feed systems through BSF and superworms.
Introduced digital solutions that modernize farm management.
Inspired countless students, young farmers and entrepreneurs a to view agriculture as a profession of purpose and potential.
“We started with small, but what we’re truly cultivating are ideas that sustain communities.”
---
📣 Connect and Learn More
Follow Mr. John Paul A. Cabangal and his ventures to learn more about sustainable farming, agri-technology, and youth empowerment.
🌐 Facebook: facebook.com/ifarm.agribiz
📧 Email: [email protected]
📍 Location: Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, Philippines
