Many years ago this piece of land in Brgy. Sukailang, Surigao City was never a sight to behold. It was once barren and rocky. Later it was left pocked and scarred by a small-scale mining site that was only short-lived. Then it became a hideout of armed elements which caused the place to turn into a no man’s land. Thanks to this man, through his courage, ingenuity and eye for opportunity, he was able to transform a wasteland into a farm attraction in Sukailang. Meet Engr. Woodrow Escobal, a Chemical Engineer by profession and owner of JB Nature Farm and Learning Site cooperator of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

(Below is an excerpt of ATI’s English-translated interview with Engr. Woodrow Escobal)

How did you start JB Nature Farm?
What you see is a recreated forest. It was a logging area before and after there were no more trees to cut people used it as a small-scale mining area. For some time, rebels used to dwell according to the residents which was why there were some who discouraged me to buy the area. But we were magnetized by the beauty of the area, its topography and proximity to downtown Surigao where my wife works. So we decided to buy the place. We decided to develop the farm in a sustainable and environment-friendly way that is why we called it JB Nature Farm.

What inspired you to conceptualize this kind of farm?
I was inspired through what I read in the internet and publications. In 2012, I was able to visit Costales Farm and learned about nature farming and underwent a week-long intensive training. Through the help of ATI, I was able to attend a forum in Mati, Davao Oriental on farm tourism as an added service aside from training. That gave me the idea to incorporate here the farm tourism concept. The construction of our Pasalubong Center and guitar-shaped wave pool is underway which will soon be an added attraction in the farm.

What is unique in JB Nature Farm?
We applied a method in farming called permaculture. This is a design process in farming system where you take into consideration all the elements that may affect farming such as topography, soil condition, water sources and wind.
What I want here is to create a food forest. So we started planting trees. We raised hogs, goats and chickens the natural way and used their wastes to bring back the fertility of soil, make composts and promote a farm free from odor and harmful chemicals.
These fallen leaves, for example, we collect and shred it for faster decomposition. We mix them with animal manure along with green matters, vegetable peelings and effective microorganisms.

How did your partnership with ATI started?
I was introduced to ATI through the Provincial Agriculture Office of Surigao del Norte. Before, my farm was not this intense because it was just like “farming for our own consumption.” But they saw its potential as a demonstration farm. So through their assistance, JB Nature Farm was granted the certificate as a learning site two years ago and lately was upgraded as a School for Practical Agriculture. They donated training facilities and financed the construction of a dormitory to accommodate trainees who wish to stay over. We also spent on our own for the upgrading of our training site because we want our farmers to feel comfortable as they come and learn the natural way of farming.

Tell me about your recent partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).
Lately, I signed an agreement with DepEd to accommodate their senior high students who wants to learn about agriculture. We housed 23 students for their work immersion program for two weeks. It was a very successful training because they learned a lot during their stay here and they also realized that farming is a good profession. This is what I want to advocate to the young generation because these days only a few of them are interested in agriculture.

What is your message to people out there who have lands that looks infertile or unproductive?
If you have idle lands, you have to develop it. There is no such thing as infertile soil. You can develop any land into a productive farm whatever its condition may be. All you need is hardwork and the will to undergo training in JB Nature Farm. Here, we can enhance your knowledge and skill in farming so that you can transform your idle land into something wonderful.

(For those interested to visit and learn in JB Nature Farm, you may visit the place in Brgy. Sukailang, Surigao City or you may contact Engr. Woodrow Escobal via his mobile number at
0930-193-8864)