"As an agriculture graduate, I thought that I'm fully equipped with all the knowledge about farming but I was wrong. Through this training I've learned that there is money in agriculture. I have also learned that it is not how huge/large area we have but rather how we utilize it in order to produce a large quantity with a good quality and with lesser cost of production .” This is stated by Norman Razalo, a son of one of the beneficiries of the Climate Resilient Agriculture Community Project of the DA-ATI after he, together with other project beneficiaries who are all members of the Higaonon Tribe visited four ATI-accredited Learning Learning Sites this first week of May, 2018.
The first farm visited was the Buhian Diversified Farm in Initao, Misamis Oriental, a 1.2 coconut-based integrated diversified farm owned by Engr. And Kag. Edgar Buhian. During the visit, Kag. Nemia Penita Buhian emphasized to the visitors the importance of diversification and making sure that the enterprises that the farm engage in brings daily, monthly and yearly incomes.
The second farm visited is the Balay sa Hardin, an organic medicinal and culinary herb garden located in the midst of Iligan City. The farm also produces free range chicken and other livestock and is owned by Mr. And Mrs. Arthur Fernando. The farm is becoming a popular venue for those who want to enjoy organic, healthy and tasty food.
The third farm visited where the participants stayed overnight is the Hoyohoy Stone Chapel Organic Farm located in Hoyohoy, Tangub City and owned by former Governor Leo Loreto Ocampos. The farm has ventured into free range chicken in the uplands, herbs and ducks. During the tour to the farm, Gov Leo, as he is fondly called, taught the participants on how to increase potency of organic concoctions that they are using in their farm. He also showed his lettuce grown partially using hydrophonics.
The fourth and last farm visited is Queensland, an herb farm under coconut located in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte. Fruit trees such as durian, lanzones, rambutan and mango are also found inside the farm. Their free-range chicken is a hit to local residents. The farm is owned by Ms. Ellen Rosario.