Organic Agriculture Technologies Systems Developed and Adapted by Farmers in The Philippines

ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE
TECHNOLOGIES AND
SYSTEMS DEVELOPED
AND ADAPTED BY
FARMERS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Oscar B. Zamora
Blesilda M. Calub
with assistance from

Karen Joy D. Lopez
Anacorita Oliquino-Abasolo
Rubiriza D.C. Resuello
Anna Gale C. Vallez
Published by:
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and
University of the Philippines Los Baños- College of Agriculture (UPLB-CA)
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES AND SYSTEMS
DEVELOPED AND ADAPTED BY FARMERS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
Oscar B. Zamora
Blesilda M. Calub
With assistance from
Karen Joy D. Lopez

Anacorita Oliquino-Abasolo
Rubiriza D.C. Resuello
Anna Gale C. Vallez
2016
This publication is intentionally not copyrighted. The authors and
publishers encourage the translation, adaptation, and reproduction or
copying of materials in this book. However, authors and publishers only
ask that the source, particularly the farmers who developed and adapted
the organic agriculture technologies and systems contained in this book, be
cited and acknowledged.
Correct citation:
Zamora, Oscar B. and Blesilda M. Calub. 2016. Organic agriculture

technologies and systems developed and adapted by farmers in the
Philippines. DA-BAR and UPLB College of Agriculture. 70 pages.
Published 2016 by:
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)

RDMIC Bldg. Elliptical Road. Corner Visayas Ave., Diliman, Q.C. 1104
Tel. Nos: (632) 461-2900 o 461-2800
Fax: (632) 927-5691
E-mail: barrdegrants@bar.gov.ph
and
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)

College of Agriculture
College, Laguna, Philippines 4320
Tel: (6349) 536-2466
Fax: (6349) 536-2468
E-mail: obzamora@up.edu.ph; obzamora@yahoo.com
Printed in the Philippines

ISBN No. 978-971-0347-46-9
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of
Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
For more than two decades now, the Bureau of Agricultural Research has
been forging partnerships and alliances with UPLB along with other premier
institutions to develop and convey more knowledge and information to the
most important of our stakeholders: the farmers and fisherfolk. One outcome of
these partnerships is this publication.
This book on organic agriculture is not just any book as we are also championing
10 notable farmers who have taken the initiative to develop new knowledge
themselves. Indeed we have come a long way from treating our farmers as mere
beneficiaries. Today we celebrate their role as important contributors to science
and research. In this book, we see the farmer himself and the choices that he
makes, as these lead up to his harvest, as key to the sustainability of Philippine
Agriculture.
In our effort to spread awareness on the effects of this century’s agricultural

and environmental issues such as climate change, degrading soil quality, and
inorganic agricultural practices and the needed solutions, we are pinning our
hope on publications such as this. With the excellent documentation of the
conduct of organic agriculture as effective farmers see fit, we see success as
within reach.
To the authors of this book, Dr. Oscar B. Zamora and Dr. Blesilda M. Calub, and
to their team of researchers at the College of Agriculture, BAR is grateful for
your efforts of traveling near and far across the country to document the various
organic agricultural practices of our Filipino farmers.
Congratulations to the University of the Philippines Los Baños for your

successful effort in making this book on organic agriculture and food security
happen.
Mabuhay!
DR. NICOMEDES P. ELEAZAR, CESO IV

Director
University of the Philippines Los Baños
College of Agriculture (UPLB-CA)
OFFICE OF THE DEAN
The UP Los Baños-College of Agriculture is honored for co-

publishing this book with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of
Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), our long-term partner in research
and development. I wish to acknowledge with thanks all those who
contributed to the preparation of this book, particularly the authors,
Dr. Oscar B. Zamora and Dr. Blesilda M. Calub. I wish to recognize
and thank the 10 farmers who are freely sharing the technologies
and systems that they systematically developed and adapted in their
farms. This book is a concrete proof of what can be achieved with
genuine partnership and unity of purpose among partners.
To the millions of Filipinos who desire to go into organic

agriculture, this publication is our humble contribution for the
promotion and mainstreaming of organic agriculture for safe food
and healthy environment.
ENRICO P. SUPANGCO
Dean
Table of Contents
I. Organic Agriculture is Caring for the People and the 1
Environment: The Carmelfarms Story
1. Farmers’ Profile 1
2. Facilitating Factors for Conversion to Organic Farming 2
3. Ecological Principles that Guided the Conversion of the 3
Carmelfarms from Conventional to Organic/Sustainable
Agriculture
4. The Carmelfarms Components 5
5. Organic Agriculture Technologies and Practices 10
6. Future Plans 13
II. The Salvador and Emeteria Aquino (SEA) Farm 15

Showcasing Diversified, Integrated and Organic
Farming System
1. Farmers’ Profile 15
2. Motivation and Facilitating Factors for Conversion to 16
Organic Agriculture
3. Description of the Salvador and Emetria Aquino (SEA) 18
Farm
4. Future Plans 21
III. The Medtech ‘Healing’ the Land with Organic 22

Agriculture
1. Farmer’s Profile 22
2. Shifting from Conventional to Organic Agriculture 23
3. Farm Description 23
4. Farm Practices 23
5. Observed Benefits of Using Vermicompost and Vermitea 26
6. Diffusion Effect of Mr. Calilung’s Conversion to Organic 27
Farming
7. Future Plans
IV. Diversified and Integrated Organic Agriculture in a 28
Rainfed Farm in Tarlac
3. Future Plans 33
V. Making the Planet Organic Before We Become Organic 34

5. Mr. Martirez’s Organic Agribusiness Venture 38
6. Facilitating and Constraining Factors for Organic 39
Agriculture Farmers
7. Future Plans 39
VI. From ‘Magsasako’ to ‘Magsasaka’ through Organic 40

Agriculture
5. Positive Outcomes of Ka Bernies’s Decision to Shift to 43
Organic Farming
6. Future Plans 44
VII. Organic Agriculture: Consumer and Family Welfare 45

First Before Profit
5. Incentives Received by Practicing and Promoting Organic 54
Farming
6. Future Plans 54
VIII. Organic Agriculture for Safe and Healthy Food for the 55
Family
5. Problems and Challenges 60
6. Future Plans 60
IX. Success in Organic Agriculture Through Technology 61

Development and Innovation
2. Reasons for Conversion to Organic Agriculture 62
4. Problems Encountered 66
5. Future Plans 66
X. Organic Heirloom Rice Cultivation 67

2. Heirloom Varieties and Organic Agriculture 68
4. Future Plans 70
FOREWORD
Small-scale and resource-poor farmers in the Philippines are now facing

serious problems on climate change, degradation of the resource base, poverty,
and food/nutrition insecurity. Organic agriculture has been proposed to address
these issues. However, there are many impediments for farmers who want to shift
from conventional to organic agriculture. These farmers have had to face various
forces, problems, and obstacles; ranging from technical, institutional, policies,
funding concerns, scientific biases, and even emotional and personal factors.
Despite all these, there are still reasons for optimism. Farmers from various
parts of the country have developed and adapted organic agriculture technologies
and systems. These have been successfully applied to their respective farms, and
they are continuously experimenting on developing new ones. In cognizance of
these successes, drawn from long and often difficult experiences; we deemed it
fitting that their stories and experiences be acknowledged and shared with other
would be organic agriculture practitioners, students, and advocates.
No pretense is made here that the technologies and systems presented will
work anywhere; organic agriculture is circumstance- and location-specific. In
organic agriculture, there are no universal technologies. What made these farmers
successful is that they dared to conduct experiments, keenly observed effects on
their farms, until they got good results.
This publication showcases the successful application of organic agriculture

technologies and systems which the farmers had experimented on, developed,
and adapted to their local conditions. These farmers, whose farms and practices
are highlighted here, opted to face the challenges of going into organic agriculture
despite many limitations. We hope we learn from these experiences as this
publication provides valuable insights to the challenges and ultimate successes.
The primary audience of this publication are the organic agriculture

advocates and farmers who may want to try some of these farmer-developed and
adapted organic agriculture technologies and systems. It is the intention of this
publication to serve as a resource material on organic agriculture; and to serve
as an inspiration to farmers to view constraints and problems, not as problems
but as challenges and motivation towards mainstreaming organic agriculture.
To scientists and researchers, this publication opens up challenges on how these
farmers’ technologies and systems can be improved and provided scientific bases.
Finally, this publication contains information that was freely shared by farmers,
its translation to local language, adaptation and copying, and reproduction in part
or in full are encouraged. All we ask is that the original material be cited in the
usual manner. We look forward to the criticisms and the development of other
useful materials on the subject of organic agriculture. When they appear, our goal
for coming up with this publication will have been met.
Oscar B. Zamora, Ph.D Blesilda N. Calub, Ph.D

Professor Emeritus University Researcher
Crop Science Cluster, Agricultural Systems Cluster,
UPLB College of Agriculture UPLB College of Agriculture
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE 1
I. Organic Agriculture is
Caring for the People and
the Environment:
The Carmelfarms Story
Santiago K. Cervantes1 and Carmelita N. Cervantes2
1. Farmers’ Profile
The couple, Santiago (Santi) and Carmelita (Mely) Cervantes are organic
practitioners and trainers in Zone 4, Binanuaanan, Pili, Camarines Sur. Santi is 61
years old with an MS Business Management degree while Mely has a postgraduate
degree at UPLB.
In 2004, Mely was introduced to PABINHI Pilipinas, a network of scientists

and farmers that promote sustainable agriculture and seed sharing. The network
was instrumental in providing different farmer-bred selections and traditional/
heirloom rice which they tested in their farms. Also in the same year, Mely learned
about the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) technology and natural farming
through readings and interactions with farmers. She later joined the SRI-Pilipinas
Network, a national advocacy group promoting SRI. Now, Mely is a volunteer
scientist, and also the regional focal person and trainer on SRI in Bicol Region.
Mr and Mrs Cervantes (in yellow t-shirt, front) pose with students after a
training in Carmelfarms.
1Farmer Scientist from Binanuaanan, Pili, Camarines Sur
2 Extension Director, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur
E-mail: cnc330@yahoo.com
2 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
Mely carried her passion on organic agriculture in her job as a faculty,

researcher, and extension worker at the Central Bicol State University of
Agriculture (CBSUA) where she gained support for her research and advocacy
works on organic agriculture (OA). Her knowledge and skills in OA are enhanced
through her participation in various researches, and in local and international
conferences. Her endeavours in developing OA farms, including the Carmelfarms
are also recognized by the CBSUA. Their farm now serves as research and teaching
laboratory for students.
The thriving success of their farm is influenced and strengthened through the
support of the following institutions: 1) The Organic Bikol Advocateurs Network
(OBAN) which operates organic weekend market where farm products are sold;
2) Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Training Institute and RFO-5),
providing support for composting facilities and trainings; and 3) Bicol Federation
of Dairy Cooperatives (BFDC) that provides the dairy animals, technical support
and other logistics for dairy farming, and market for raw milk.
2. Facilitating Factors for Conversion to Organic Farming
The decision to venture into a more sustainable farming was an outcome of

the learning and exposures of the couple at UPLB since the 1990’s. Santi attended
UPLB’s summer short course on sustainable agriculture in 1993. He was the
Project Coordinator of Pecuaria Development Cooperative’s Organic Agriculture
program from 1996 to 1999. These exposures changed Santi’s outlook in farming
and environmental protection.
Mely, on the other hand, was exposed to the concepts and practices of
sustainable agriculture while taking up her graduate degree at UPLB. These
exposures, knowledge, and skills on OA helped Santi and Mely develop the
Carmelfarms leading to its recognition as organic farms in the Bicol region.
Raised beds are

used to retain
the fertility of the
soil and to avoid
errosion.
3. Ecological Principles that Guided the Conversion

of the Carmelfarms from Conventional to Organic/
Sustainable Agriculture
There are five ecological principles3 that guided Santi and Mely in the
conversion of their farm from conventional to organic/sustainable agriculture, as
follows:
1. DIVERSITY IS THE LAW OF NATURE
Planting of diverse crop varieties/ Integration of animals in the farm

species
2. KEEP THE SOIL COVERED AT ALL TIMES
Cover-cropping Planting of diverse crops to keep the

soil covered
3Zamora, O.B., Munsayac, Y.R., M.J.D.R. Landicho and R.D.C. Resuello 2006. Principles and Practices of
Sustainable Agriculture. CBCP-NASSA and UPLB-College of Agriculture, GA Printing Press, Makati City
160 pages.
3. STIR, DO NOT INVERT THE SOIL
Raised beds of organically enriched soil No deep plowing and soil inversion
for vegetables
4. RECYCLE AND UTILIZE AVAILABLE LOCAL RESOURCES
Rice straw is spread and recycled in the Utilization of farm waste materials
field through vermicomposting
5. NATURAL, NOT CHEMICAL
Natural fertilizers and pesticides A cow produces 8 kg of manure/day for

vermicomposting
4. The Carmelfarms Components
General description. The Carmelfarm, a 3-hectare farm acquired by Santi and

Mely, has clay loam soil with good drainage. It is irrigated by natural waters from Mt.
Isarog and partly by the irrigation system of the National Irrigation Administration
(NIA). Upon purchase of the farm, it was converted directly from conventional rice
monocropping to an integrated diversified farming system. The name of the farm
is biblical, taken from Mt. Carmel, a place associated with holiness, fertility, beauty,
and bounty. The resource flow in the farm was drastically changed when converted
from conventional to organic/sustainable farm (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Resource flow in Carmelfarms BEFORE and AFTER conversion to organic

agriculture.
Before
After
Crop Components
Food crops. Organic rice is the major crop planted in about one hectare of
the farm. Market is not a problem, as the produce is sold directly to the Pecuaria
Development Cooperative, Inc. (PDCI). The cooperative offers higher base price
for organic rice being the market consolidator and processor of organic rice in the
locality. The premium price is PhP 2.00 per kilogram with free hauling and freight
services. In addition, rice are sold within the community, relatives and friends
and used during trainings.
More so, other food crops planted in Carmelfarms include Vegetables, herbs,
spices, medicinal plants, root and tuber crops, and fruit trees. Vegetables planted
are upland kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), celery (Apium
graveolens), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), eggplant (Solanum melongena),
beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), okra (Abelmoschus
esculentus), pechay (Brassica rapa), squash (Cucurbita maxima), cucumber
(Cucumis sativus), broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica), carrots (Daucus carota),
and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata), and are grown in plots or raised
beds. Most of the produce is for the consumption of farm owners and workers.
The farm also supplies the vegetable needs for cooking and making salad, which
are served during trainings, meetings, and tours in the farm. The excess are sold
to friends, relatives, walk-in customers, and weekend organic markets..
Rice variety trial. With the traditional and premium rice obtained from
PABINHI and other networks, Santi and Mely maintain and conduct variety trials
in their farm. Although it is quite tedious, this research had provided them the
opportunity to select premium (colored) varieties that are well-adapted to their
local condition. The variety trial provides them readily available varieties they use
for replacement of varieties that had ‘run out’.
Varietal adaptability trial (VAT) in the ricefields of Carmelfarms.

Also there are herbs, spices, and medicinal plants grown for culinary and
medicinal purposes. These crops are used for health drinks such as juices and
tea, salads and cooking, medicines for humans and animals, and insect repellents.
Grown in the farm are basil (Ocimum basilicum), lemon grass (Andropogon
citratus), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), langkawas (Alpinia galangal), ginger
(Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma longa), saluyot (Corchorus olitorious),
lagundi (Vitex negundo), sambong (Blumea balsamifera), oregano (Origanum
vulgare), American lemon (Citrus limon), giant spinach (Spinacia oleracea),
stevia (Stevia rebaudiana), malunggay (Moringa oleifera), blue ternate (Clitoria
ternatea), and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis).
Trees. Portions of the farm without irrigation and farm boundaries are planted
with different trees for fruit, fuel, and wood. Fruit trees are bignay (Antidesma
bunius), guyabano (Annona muricata), lemon (Citrus limon), oranges (Citrus
sinensis), pili (Canarium ovatum), jack fruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), bread
fruit (Artocarpus altilis), star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito), blackberries (Rubus
fruticosus), duhat (Syzygium cumini), cacao (Theobroma cacao), santol (Sandoricum
koetjape), guava (Psidium guajava), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana), lubi-lubi
(Ficus pseudopalma), and iba (Averrhoa bilimbi). Fuel and wood trees are ipil-
ipil (Leucaena leucocephala), kakawate (Gliricidia sepium), minunga (Macaranga
tanarius), and mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Bamboos (Bambusoideae
spp.) are also planted along the creek. The farm has some indigenous trees like
narra (Pterocarpus indicus), apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus), and ilang- ilang
(Cananga odorata).
Among the fruit trees planted in the farm, Bignay stands out as the most
promising. Being rich in antioxidants, the fruit can be processed in various
products such as wine, juices, and jam. Currently, about 50 trees are already
mature and fruiting and about a hundred new seedlings were planted with feed
crops.
Grasses and multi-purpose tree species.
The farm also houses major feed sources for
dairy cattle such as Thailand Napier Pakchong
hybrid napier (Pennisetum purpureum), mulato
(Brachiaria spp), seteria (Setaria viridis),
(Arachis pintoi), and other local grasses. Grown
also in feed gardens and around the farm are
mulberry (Morus spp.), trichantera (Trichanthera
gigantea), flemengia (Flemingia macrophylla),
rensonii (Desmodium rensonii), indigofera
(Indigofera spp.), kakawate, and banana. These
plants are also sources of green and fermented
Diversified vegetable crops in
(‘kimchi’) feeds for free range chicken, domestic
Carmelfarms
wild pigs, and swine.
Livestock Components
The dairy cattle farming is one of the farm’s main enterprises that started in
2009. Ten heads of Holstein Shahiwal sourced from the National Dairy Authority
are currently raised in the farm, applying recent technologies on pasture
development in one hectare pasture area. Milk is sold to a nearby dairy plant
operated by the Bicol Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (BFDC), which processes
the milk into various dairy products.
Free range native chicken and ducks are also raised for meat, eggs, and income.
They roam in the fenced areas and given green feeds and fermented feeds. At
times, they are allowed to roam around to feed naturally and help control insects.
Native pigs are maintained for family consumption only.
Hogs raised at Carmelfarms as a part of livestock integration.
Mini nursery
There is a mini nursery with assorted seedlings of various trees, ornamental
plants, herbs, spices, and medicinal plants that provides readily available materials
for planting in the farm. planted with assorted seedlings of various. The nursery
also generates additional income when visitors buy seedlings.
Trainings at Carmelfarms
Learning facility. The farm has a training hall and sleeping quarters that
can accommodate 25-30 participants at any given time. Trainings on organic
agriculture, SRI, and dairy farming are conducted here. The couple had already
trained more than 1,500 participants consisting of agricultural technicians and
extension workers, teachers, NGO staff, farmers, LGU officials, and private
persons. Food, some of which are produced in the farm, is provided. The whole
farm serves as an organic agriculture learning and techno-demo facility and field
research laboratory.
Training and field researches conducted in Carmelfarms

Indicative farm income. The indicative farm income of the Carmelfarms

shows that diversified and integrated organic agriculture ventures could be very
productive (Table 1).
Table 1. Indicative farm income of the Carmelfarms from January to June 2014.
Income source Income (PhP)

Rice* 79000
Vegetables and Herbs 24000
Seedlings 6000
Vermiworm 21000
Vermicompost 4500
Bignay and other fruits 4960
Total (Excluding income from raw milk and fees from 139460
training conducted)
*90% are sold as grain, 10% as seeds
5. Organic Agriculture Technologies and Practices
Systems of Rice Intensification Practices
Rice is produced using the SRI technology with yield ranging from 4.0 - 5.4
tons (80-107 bags) per hectare. SRI is a practice of planting younger (8-12 days-
old) seedlings using one seedling per hill at wider spacing of 25 cm x 25 cm (or
wider). The soil is kept moist but not flooded where intermittent irrigation or
alternate wetting, and drying is practiced. Shallow flooding at 2-3 inches depth is
done 2 days before rotary weeding. Flooding is also done during the reproductive
phase.
Organic fertilizer (vermicompost) is applied at 20 bags per hectare at land

preparation and 5 bags more before the last weeding. Liquid fertilizers such as
vermitea, fermented plant juices and IMO are applied weekly until the onset
of ripening stage. Calcium phosphate is applied on the onset of reproductive
stage or about 45 days after planting for more uniform flowering, more filled and
heavier grains. All concoctions are applied later in the afternoon at 30 ml (two
tablespoon) per liter of water. They can be used alone or in combination with
other solutions such as OHN or other botanicals for pest management.
For crop protection, integrated management that requires continuous

monitoring, quick decisions and actions is applied. The following are management
practices are practiced in the farm:
- Rotary weeding is done four times before canopy closure. This done both to
control weeds and to aerate the soil. Double row weeding is practiced to save time
and labor.
- Hand weeding is done whenever necessary
- Weed Management is done by proper water management and planting tall

varieties with spreading leaves.
- Golden apple snail management is done by proper timing of irrigation to

minimize the damage to young seedlings. Mini canals are made around and across
the field to impound water for easy picking of snails.
Other measures used. include: crushing of snail eggs, broadcasting of

carbonized rice hull, dry cultivation, and regular monitoring. The collected snails
are included in the fermented organic fertilizer.
Insect pests, including birds are seldom a problem in the farm because the
traditional cultivars planted are not very attractive to these pests. However, when
insect pests are severe, OHN with superhot chilli is used. The varieties maintained
in the farm are also highly resistant to tungro.
Seeds are produced and saved for sale and for future use. It is a protocol in
the farm that there should always be seeds left for the next cropping season as a
climate change adaptation practice. At reproductive stage, a section of the rice
field is chosen for seed production. Selection and rouging is done to eliminate
unwanted plants. Rice grains in the production and seed production areas are
harvested and processed separately.
Organic Agriculture Practices for Vegetables
The major problem in vegetable production is pests especially in eggplant,

tomato, and leafy vegetables (pechay, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli). Pests are
controlled by; a) planting insect repellent plants such as lemon grass (Cymbopogon
citratus), citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus), basil (Ocimum basilicum), curry
tree (Murraya koenigii, locally called “malathion” tree) inside with vegetables;
b) diversification of crops planted; c) weekly spraying of OHN with super-hot
chilli (“siling diablo”) with perla soap, alternate spraying with kakawate (Gliricidia
sepium) fermented liquid concoctions; d) removal of damaged plants and feeding
them to native swine; e) bagging of young ampalaya (Momordica charantia) fruits;
hand picking of pests and sometimes washing; f ) use of resistant varieties; and g)
protected growing of seedlings in a bamboo green house.
Santi and Mely practice self-seed production of open pollinated vegetable

crops that are selected from healthy plants. These seeds are stored and used for
the next planting or sold to interested buyers.
Management Practices for Dairy Cattle
Dairy farming is an important component of the farm’s production system.

Dairy cattle provides 8 kg manure per day which are gathered daily and used for
vermicomposting. The dung is allowed to decompose in vermibeds which are
watered weekly with IMO and FPJ.
Dairy farming is tedious, thus, sustaining the enterprise is really a challenge.

Regular trained workers are hired to prepare feeds, feed and take care of the cattle,
clean the shed, gather and deliver milk, cut and carry feeds within and outside
the farm, and develop and maintain the pasture area. Close supervision of farm
owners is always critical in overseeing the daily operations and technical needs of
cattle. Artificial insemination (AI) and other technical services are provided by
technicians from BFDC and the National Dairy Cooperative (NDA). Santi and
Mely also sees to it that they, and the farm workers are updated with recent dairy
technologies.
Vermicompost Production
Santi and Mely produce all the organic fertilizers used in their farm. They
maintain 4-bed composting facility, each bed measures 1 x 8 meters with 0.75
m depth. All the animal waste and plant residues are collected daily and placed
in boxes to decompose. Decomposition is hastened by watering with IMO and
FPJ at 30 ml (2 tbsp) per liter of water or 1 canful (small sardine can) of each
concoction per 16 litre of water (1 tank load) or 1 medium sized pail. Rain water
(the farm has rain harvesters) or water from the fishpond is used for watering
the substrates since they believe that water from faucets contain chlorine which
kills the composting microorganisms. When substrates are ready, vermiworms
(African night crawler) are carefully laid on the bed at 1 kg worm per square
meter substrate. Continuous watering to maintain proper moisture of substrates
is done. Properly moistened substrate is indicated by 5-7 drops of water when
substrate is pressed tightly in the palm.
The vermiworms are most active at night and are sensitive to light, low
moisture, noise and vibrations. They are also protected from pests (chicken,
ducks, lizards, frog, and others) that eat them. Hence, to make the vermiworms
always productive, bins are always covered with materials such as banana leaves
and bracts, coconut leaves, plywood, old sacks, and nets to simulate darkness
throughout the day, and to protect the worms from heat, pests, and loss of
moisture. The facility is also protected from unnecessary noise from machines,
humans, and animals. Worms are handled very carefully by allowing them to be
transferred to adjacent bins with new substrates for easy harvesting of vermicasts
and composts.
Left: Interns chopping the ingredients for making concoctions.

Right: Vermibeds full of substrates for the vermiworms to digest.
6. Future Plans
The Carmelfarms has been certified organic since 2007 by the Organic
Certification Center of the Philippines (OCCP) as a satellite farm of Pecuaria
Development Cooperative, Inc. (PDCI). Despite this Santi and Mely still have
plans for the farm and they are looking forward to:
a. Increase sustainability and resiliency. The Cervantes’ plans to further increase

the farm’s biodiversity and sustain production and income. The area for feed
crops sources will be increased and intensified by planting highly productive
feed crops. Animals will be maintained to continuously supply the substrates
for organic fertilizer. Production, training, and accommodation facilities shall
be improved to withstand typhoons that are frequent in the area.
b. Strengthening of OA-based enterprises. The owners intend to pursue

promising OA-based farm enterprises such as bignay organic concentrate,
vermiculture and composting, colored rice production and organic seed
production. Production and marketing of concentrated bignay juice in the
next two years shall be pursued. Assistance from BFAD and DTI shall be
sought in developing the product.
c. Vermicomposting is a vital component of the farm and will be upgraded with

the construction of more vermicomposting beds. Research for better substrate
combinations shall be done to produce higher quality vermicompost fertilizer
materials that will pass the standards for organic fertilizer. Vermiworms and
cast will be sold for added income.
d. Production of colored rice cultivars. Continuous collection of colored rice

cultivars and conduct of adaptability trials shall be done to identify better
ones for farm and market.
e. Production of organic seeds. Continuous collection and adaptation trials of

open pollinated rice and vegetable varieties shall be done to identify varieties
most suitable for organic farming. In the next two years, appropriate facilities
and market linkage will be established for organic seed enterprise. Also, a
nursery for seedling production of rare and important plants and trees shall
be developed.
f. The Cervantes’ intends to further strengthen and improve the farm as an

organic agriculture learning and Agri-tourism destination.
g. When more funds are available, training, accommodation, restrooms, and

kitchen facilities will be improved. Walkways, themed gardens, and stations
will be developed; gates and boundaries will be secured by reinforcing the
permanent structures.
h. Farm house construction. In the next three years, the couple plans to establish
their permanent residence in the farm so that they will have more time for
supervision of farm activities. The couple were determined to have the organic
farm because it will be their home after retirement and vacation destination of
their children, and their families. They wanted a place of peace, with sufficient
supply of variety of healthy food, and natural environment. They wanted the
farm to be a showcase of sustainable practices, a destination of people who
wanted to go organic, and a testimony that OA is a fulfilling enterprise.
i. Reaching out to more needy farmers. Funds shall be generated from

engagements with partners to be used to reach out to resource-limited farmers
and communities with interest on organic farming. With the leadership of Santi
in the local people’s council and influence in the Bottom-Up-Budget(BUB)
Program, organic agriculture and dairy production shall be in the menu list of
the local government.
II. The Salvador and Emeteria

Aquino (SEA) Farm Showcasing
Diversified, Integrated and
Organic Farming System
Carlito P. Aquino1 and Carmelita N. Cervantes2
1. Farmer’s Profile
Mr. Carlito P. Aquino, a 54 year old college graduate, is married to Aileen

Aquino and they have one child. Mr. Aquino owns the Salvador and Emeteria
(SEA) Farm, named after his parents, which is located in Cagmanaba, Ocampo,
Camarines Sur. The farm is 3 hectares and was converted to organic agricultrue
on February 2009. It is a diversified and integrated farm divided into six (6)
production areas namely: 1) Rice production (1 hectare); 2) Pasture (0.5 hectare);
3) Vegetables (0.5 hectare); 4) Livestock area (0.25 hectare); 5) Dairy housing,
organic fertilizer production (0.25 hectare); and 6) Bamboo and fruit trees (0.5
hectare).
Mr. Carlito Aquino tending his organic vegetable-fish garden.

1Farmer Scientist from Cagmanaba, Ocampo Camarines Sur
2Extension Director, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Pili, Camarines Sur,
E-mail: cnc330@yahoo.com
2. Motivation and Facilitating Factors for Conversion to

Organic Agriculture
Mr. Aquino’s main motivation for conversion to organic agriculture is his

commitment to produce healthy organic products for his family. He is a Farmer
Scientist chosen by the PCAARRD through Central Bicol Sate University of
Agriculture (CBSUA). As such, he is exposed to seminars conducted by government
(e.g., Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Unit 5, CBSUA, Agriculture
Training Institute (DA-ATI), and Department of Trade and Industry) and private
institutions, where he learned organic agriculture technologies and systems.
After his conversion, he started advocating for organic agriculture. He organized
the CAANDUYOG Inc. Farmers Group. Mr. Aquino is currently the secretary
general of the Camarines Sur Organic Agriculture & Industry Development Inc.
(CAMSOID), an organization of 12 organic agriculture organizations, farmers’
cooperatives, and associations in Camarines Sur that started and organized the
Bicol Organic Congress now being supported and adapted by the Department of
Agriculture RFU-5. In recognition of his success in organic agriculture, he was
invited to be a member of the Regional Advisory Committee for Luzon of the
Foundation for Philippine Environment, Chair of the Municipal Agriculture and
Fishery Council (MAFC) in his town, and was elected as Committee Chair on
Organic of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council (RAFC) for Region V.
As one of the main advocates for organic agriculture, diversification, and

sustainable agriculture, Mr. Aquino is the anchorman of a regular local radio
program which he uses as venue to share his experiences on sustainable organic
agriculture. His being a Farmer Scientist is more than just a label. Mr. Aquino always
conducts research in his farm, which he considers his research station.
The Farmer Scientist conducting research in his farm.

Mr. Aquino is also an inventor. To support his adoption of the System of Rice
Intensification (SRI) he invented a motorized weeder out of junk materials. Based
on his tests, the weeder requires one man-day and consumes one (1) Li of gasoline
per hour of operation to weed one (1) hectare of rice area. The Department of
Agriculture RFU-5 is now supporting the production of his motorized weeder.
Testing of the motorized rotary weeder developed from junk

materials
3. Description of the Salvador and Emeteria Aquino

(SEA) Farm
The soil in the SEA farm is Tigaon clay with good water-holding capacity and
good drainage. He has a shallow tube well (STW) that provides irrigation water
during the dry months. Supplementary water could also be obtained by pumping
water from the pond.
Crop Components
Rice-based farming system. A hectare of the SEA farm is planted to several

rice varieties at any given time using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI 3) .
The other rice-based components in the system include:
a) Rice-duck system ;
b) Rice variety trial; and
c) Seed production area.
Organic vegetable-fish system. The organic vegetable-fish system was designed

by Mr. Aquino himself with the following objectives:
a) To maximize space and resources;
b) To create a balanced agro-ecosystem;
c) To satisfy needs for organic vegetables and fish;
d) To showcase the technology/system; and
e) To demonstrate art in agriculture.
Mr. Aquino commits to produce different organic vegetables to meet the needs
of his household and community. Some vegetables are grown in a greenhouse to
maintain supply throughout the year. The main vegetables planted are cucumber
(Cucumis sativus), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), squash (Cucurbita maxima),
hot pepper (Capsicum frutescens), string beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), radish
(Raphanus sativus), and others. He also grows high value cash crops such as
papaya (Carica papaya) which has high demand and commands high price.
3The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), a rice production system derived from empirical work started in the 1960s
in Madagascar by a French priest — Fr. Henri de Laulanié, is a set of principles for a more efficient interaction
among plants, soil, water and nutrients; creating a congenial environment for the healthy growth of plants and
realizing their best potential productive capacity. Briefly, it involves: careful planting of single, young seedlings per
hill at wider spacing than conventional system, keeping soil moist but well-drained and aerated, and use of compost
or other organic materials as nutrient sources. Reported yield increase were 50– 100% or more, with reduced plant
populations by 80– 90%, and less water use by 25 -50%. (See: http://sri.ciifad.cornell.edu/countries/bangladesh/
BD_Natl_SRI_Workshop_2010.pdf; http://www.pm22100.net/docs/pdf/agriculture/01_SRI/SRI-PHOTO_final%20
FORMATTED.pdf )
Organic rice and organic vegetable-fish system in the farm of Mr. Aquino
Mr. Aquino raises dairy cows for organic milk production, which is sold to the
Bicol Dairy Federation of Cooperative (BFDC) for processing and marketing. The
dairy cow production is also his source of manure for vermicompost production.
Dairy cattle is fed with rice straw silage and chopped banana trunk. Ducks, which
are integrated with his SRI rice production, is a source of meat and eggs for food,
and income. Mr. Aquino is also into upgrading the native Camarines chicken
breed grown free range for his source of meat and eggs.
Free-range chicken and dairy cattle being raised by Mr. Carlito P. Aquino
for additional income.
Nutrient Management
To provide the needed nutrients to his diverse crops, Mr. Aquino uses
vermicompost, fermented fruit juice (FFJ), indigenous microorganisms (IMO),
calcium phosphate (from duck eggshell), and vermitea.
Preparation of indigenous Preparation of fermented fruit

microorganisms (IMO) using rice and juice (FFJ) using papaya
muscovado
Preparation of fermented plant juice Preparation of calcuim phosphate

(FPJ) using indian mango (from duck eggshell)
4. Future Plans
Mr. Aquino is intent on continuing his advocacy for sustainable organic

agriculture. This includes diversification and integration of different farm
components, which he has proven to be effective in his farm. He plans to further
develop his farm into an agri-tourism destination in Bicol. He will continue his
variety rice trials and seed production. He plans to expand his greenhouse area
to produce more off-season crops. He intends to train and reach out to more
farmers to convert and mainstream them to organic agriculture. With the success
of his motorized weeder, he aims to develop and produce more innovative farm
machineries for more income, and to create more jobs.
III. The Medtech ‘Healing’

the Land with Organic
Agriculture
Bernardo Calilung1 and Cielito A. Beltran2
Mr. Bernardo Calilung, a ‘Magsasaka Siyentista’ and a medical technologist

by profession, is from Brgy. Amucao, Tarlac, Tarlac. He is married to Amelia
Calilung and they have two children who are also in health-related fields.

Mr. Calilung was the Chair of the Tarlac Seed Grower Cooperative in October
2009 and is a member of Amucao Seed Grower’s Agro Industrial Cooperative. He
is a ‘Harvest of Heroes’ awardee of the Land Bank of the Philippines.
Mr. Bernardo Calilung sharing experiences as an organic farmer.
1Farmer, Brgy. Amucao, Tarlac, Tarlac

2Dean, Institute of Agriculture, Tarlac College of Agriculture, Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac;
E-mail: tolitsbeltran@yahoo.com
2. Shifting from Conventional to Organic Agriculture
Mr. Calilung started as a conventional farmer in 1998 and shifted to organic

farming in 2010 with the assistance of Tarlac College of Agriculture through the
implementation of Science and Technology-Based Farm (STBF) project funded by
the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research
and Development (PCAARRD). Since then, he was already convinced that organic
farming is a way of giving back to nature what was taken from it. He believes that
enriching the soil by increasing the population of beneficial microorganisms will
ensure crop resilience to withstand climate change and still produce high quality
yield. Moreover, he understands the importance of producing safe and healthy
food not only for his family but for others as well.
3. Farm Description
Mr. Calilung owns a 19.48-hectare NIA-irrigated farm located in Amucao, La

Paz, Tarlac where he engages in organic rice production and rice seed production.
The farm is flat and the soil ranges from clay loam to sandy loam. His cropping
system is two (2) rice crops followed by mungbean to improve soil fertility. He
also has livestock in the farm including a carabao, 50 chickens and 20 ducks.
Mr. Calilung sells his produce to the farmers’ cooperative and through the local
government of La Paz.
4. Farm Practices
Land Preparation and Nutrient Management
A 4-wheel drive hand tractor is used for plowing and harrowing the field.
For nutrient management, 12 bags per hectare of vermicompost is applied at land
preparation. Vermitea plus Effective Microorganism Activated Solution (EMAS)
is sprayed to hasten decomposition of plant residues. Dapog method 3 is practiced
for seedling production.
3In the dapog method of rice seedling preparation, pre-germinated seeds incubated for 36 to 48 hours are
broadcasted uniformly over plastic or banana leaves at three (3) kg per square meter. Seeds are packed to make a
uniform layer of three seeds thick. Water is then sprinkled gently three to four times a day up to four days to keep
the seedbed wet. Thereafter, the seed mat is covered with one to two cm of water. The seeds are pressed lightly
once a day until the fourth day and protected from birds. Dapog seedlings are ready for transplanting within 11 to
14 days of sowing. The seedlings thus raised can be rolled like a carpet with roots facing outside and carried to the
transplanting site. The interlocked roots are loosened carefully before transplanting.
Land Preparation and Planting
Land preparation in Mr. Calilung’s rice farm consists of one passing using a
4-wheel tractor and two harrowing using a hand tractor. He practices straight row
rice planting with 1-2 seedlings per hill at a distance of 30 cm x 12 cm using a
mechanical rice transplanter.
Harrowing using hand tractor
Straight row planting at 30 cm x 12 cm

Pest Management
Mr. Calilung found out that the vermitea does not only serve as a foliar organic
fertilizer but also acts as natural pest control with its insecticidal and fungicidal
properties4 . The vermitea is sprayed from transplanting to panicle initiation at biweekly
intervals at 200 ml per 16 liters of water. Spraying is done early in the morning before
9:00 am or late in the afternoon after 4:00 pm. He knows chlorine as an anti-microbial
agent so he does not use chlorinated water to dilute the vermitea5 .
As an organic agriculture trainer, Mr. Calilung demonstrates the procedures in

the production and use of vermicompost and vermitea. He also distributes samples of
vermicompost to other interested farmers.
Harvesting and Postharvest Operations
Rice is harvested at 80-85% maturity when rice grains turn yellow. Harvested grains
are sundried to 14% moisture.
Loading of vermitea in the knapsack sprayer
4Microorganisms from the vermicomposting process produce chitinase, which is a good insect repellent. Chitinase
break down chitin; an organic substance that is present in the cell walls of fungi and in the exoskeleton of insects
(Subha et al., 2010. Members of Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli represent the culturable diversity of chitinolytic
bacteria in chitin-enriched soils. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology. 26(10): 1875-1881). Chitinase
can also function as an insect repellent when vermitea is used as a foliar spray. Some of the microbes contained in
vermicompost have also been shown to have disease suppressant properties that can give some protection to crops
from various root and foliar pathogens. It is important that when making vermitea, only fully processed/mature
vermicomposts are used. (see: http://www.sierra-worm-compost.com/worm-tea.html)
5Standing the water in a container for 24 hours or boiling the water for 15 minutes could dissipate (remove) the
chlorine in chlorinated water into the environment.
5. Observed Benefits of Using Vermicompost and Vermitea
Standing crop of palay Standing crop of palay

under organic practice using under conventional practice
vermicompost and vermitea using agrochemicals
• Increased tiller production to 20.8 tillers per plant that was 7% higher than
in conventional farmer’s practice.
• Less incidence of pollen abortion in organic farming than conventional
farmer’s practice.
• Increased grain weight by 4 kg per cavan because of heavier and more
filled grains than in the conventional farmer’s practice.
• Increased grain yield by 29% at 62.7 cavans per half (0.5) hectare than
conventional farmer’s practice at 48.8 cavans.
Harvested grains in organic Harvested grains in

practice using vermicompost conventional practice using
and vermitea agrochemicals
6. Diffusion Effect of Mr. Calilung’s Conversion to Organic

Farming
Mr. Calilung’s experience in organic farming has convinced neighbouring rice
farmers to try organic farming. Just like Mr. Calilung, adopters also observed
higher yield from organic than conventional practices due to increased tillering
and reduced pollen abortion. Moreover, the water holding capacity of the soil was
improved due to build-up of organic matter. Pest incidence was also reduced due
to healthier plants. In general, the communities have increased their knowledge
and understanding of the beneficial effects of organic farming to the whole
agroecological system.
As a result of these experiences, the Provincial Government of Tarlac

is undertaking a province-wide technology promotion and adoption of
vermicomposting. There is now an increase in the number of farmer adopters
in Tarlac producing their own vermicompost to share or sell to fellow farmers.
The Central Azucarera de Tarlac and sugarcane farmers were provided an
additional livelihood opportunity in producing sugarcane-based vermicompost
and vermicompost tea.
7. Future Plans
Mr. Calilung’s success in organic rice farming strengthens his resolve to

continue adopting other organic farming technologies. He plans to promote
and disseminate organic agriculture practices that he has tried and tested on his
own farm to other farmers. He would still carry on the sustainable production of
vermicompost in his farm.
Threshing of organic rice in Mr. Calilung’s farm

IV. Diversified and Integrated

Organic Agriculture in a
Rainfed Farm in Tarlac
Joel Galleon1 and Cielito Beltran2
Mr. Joel Galleon, 39 years old, married to Josie Galleon and with two children, is
from David, San Jose, Tarlac. He is a graduate of the 2-year Forest Ranger program
and a 2-year course of Animal Technology at Tarlac College of Agriculture. His
farm is located in Barangay David, San Jose, Tarlac with geographical coordinates
of 15.4667 N and 120.5833 E. His farm has a total land area of 2.2 ha, 2 ha of
which is planted with rice, and 0.2 ha is planted with different vegetables. The
farm is a rainfed upland area with slightly undulating topography with Luisita
sandy loam soil type.
Mr. Joel Galleon in his rice field with organically grown rice
1Farmer from Barangay David, San Jose, Tarlac

2Dean, Institute of Agriculture, Tarlac College of Agriculture, Malacampa, Camiling, Tarlac
E-mail: tolitsbeltran@yahoo.com
Mr. Galleon developed his interest in organic agriculture after participating in

the Farmers Field School conducted by the Municipality of San Jose, Tarlac in the
Year 2010-2011. He converted to organic agriculture after being convinced that it
has positive impacts on the income and food safety of farmers like him, and their
families.
His transition to organic agriculure took almost 3 years and was difficult
because of limited financial capability. However, due to his continuous training,
innovations, and hard work, he managed to develop his farm to become one of the
vegetable and rice production demonstration farms of the Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPA) in Tarlac. He also initiated the establishment of the Barangay
David Organic Association (BDOA). Mr. Galleon further enriched his knowledge
on organic farming through his involvement in the following: (1) Association
of Tarlac Organic Producer (ATOP); (2) Organic Demo Farm of the Office of
the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) as farmer co-operator on vegetable and rice;
(3) Department of Agriculture-Central Luzon Integrated Agricultural Research
Center (DA-CLIARC), Regional Field Office (RFO)-III as farmer cooperator
on peanut production, climate smart seed system, and Organic Agriculture
Validation; and 4) Trainings and seminars on organic farming.
2. Farm Description
Crop Components
Organic rice (1.5 hectares) is the main crop in Joel’s farm. The farm is rainfed,
rice is planted in July and harvested in November, and is rotated with mungbean
(Vigna radiata). The organic vegetable crops planted are eggplant (Solanum
melongena), string beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum),
okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), and hot
peppers (Capsicum annuum). Joel practices multiple/mix cropping and crop
rotation. Crops produced are being sold to the organic market day at the DA-RFO
III in Tarlac.
3Mungbean is a good rotation crop for rice. Agronomists describe the beneficial effects of the system as the "Rotation
Effect". Mungbean is a legume with nitrogen fixing properties which is beneficial for rice. The system maximizes land use
and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers that can be expensive. Rice+Mungbean increases soil organic matter (SOM),
improves soil structure and tilth, and the chemical and biological soil properties of the soil. With more SOM, water infiltration
and retention is improved, providing increased drought resistance, and reduced erosion. Soil aggregation is increased,
allowing greater nutrient retention and utilization. Soil microorganisms also improve nutrient availability, and decrease
pathogen and pest activity through competition. The rotation breaks the life cycle of rice pests in the field because the
change of crops in a sequence decreases the population pests, which are crop-specific. Crops grown in rotation result to
about 10-25% increased yields compared to monocropping. (See: https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-good-rotation-crop-
for-a-rice-farm).
Crop components of Mr. Joel Galleon’s organic farm
With the help of his wife, Mr. Joel Galleon raises 40 native chickens, 15 native
ducks, 10 native pigs, and goats for food and income. They have 3 cattles and 2
carabaos as work animals and as sources of income. The animals are also sources
of manure which he uses as fertilizer and as substrate for vermicomposting.
Carabao, ducks, goat and pigs as additional sources of income

Farm Practices
Seedling Management. Joel maintains 10 m x 12 m net house which he uses as

a nursery for vegetable seedlings preparation before field transplanting. Bokashi and
Effective Microorganisms (EM 5) are sprayed at seedling preparation.
Nutrient Management. Joel has three (3) beds to produce the vermicompost that
he needs to supply the nutrient needs of his crops. In addition, he also prepares and
uses aerobic bokashi (Figure 1) and fermented plant/fruit juices (FPJ/FFJ) (Figure 2)
as additional sources of plant nutrients.
Vermicompost beds
Bagged vermicompost ready for use

Figure 1. Preparation of Bokashi by Mr. Joel Galleon
• 100kg rice hull

• 10kg rice bran
• 5 kg dried chicken manure
Materials • 30-40 liters of pure Effective
Microorganisms Activated Solution (EMAS)
Seal container and ferment for at least

two weeks
Process
Apply directly to the soil
Application
Figure 2. Preparation of Fermented Plant and Fruit Juice (FPJ & FFJ)
Chop plant/fruit materials Add water and molasses
Mix and ferment in covered container

Pest Management
To control crop pests and diseases, Mr. Galleon prepares and applies a bio-pesticide
he calls EM 5 (Figure 3).
Figure 3. Preparation of EM5 by Mr. Joel Galleon
• 2 Li Molasses • 1 kg neem tree leaves

• 2 Li Tuba (coconut wine) • 3 bulbs garlic
Materials
• 2 Li Lambanog • 50 kg chili (hot pepper)
• 2 Li EMAS • Non-chlorinated water
Step 1. Dissolve molasses in water
Step 2. Add tuba, lambanog and EMAS. Mix it well.
Step 3. Add the chopped neem leaves, garlic and hot pepper.
Preparation
Step 4. Ferment the solution for 30 days. Release the gas every 4 days to
prevent bottle from deformity. Use EM 5 within 3 months.
Note: Once EM 5 is diluted with water, it should be used within a day.
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
3. Future Plans
Mr Galleon will continue to learn, research, innovate, and practice organic

agriculture technologies that are adapted in circumstances and his farming system.
He will continue to share information to other farmers as a local trainer on organic
agriculture in Tarlac. He intends to expand the production of vermicompost as
additional source of income. He also planned to increase his organic vegetable
production in response to the increasing demand of the organic market.
V. Making the Planet Organic

Before We Become Organic
Tirso Martirez1 and Carmelita N. Cervantes2
Mr. Tirso Martirez is from Balatan,
Camarines Sur. He is a founding member
and officer of the Rinconada Movement
for Environment and Sustainable
Agriculture (RINCOMESA), a producer
of organic fertilizers, and a trainer on
organic/sustainable agriculture. He was
introduced to organic agriculture while he
was an active member of RINCOMESA.
Mr. Tirso Martirez

Mr. Martirez shifted to organic agriculture in 2000 after attending a training on
agroforestry production and post-production system conducted by the Philippine
Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM). Since then, he had attended several
trainings on organic agriculture where he learned more about sustainable farming
strategies that he applied in his own farm. The training courses also include Business
Organizational Management, Simple Financial Management and Bookkeeping. He
believes that equipping himself with these knowledge would not only make him an
effective organic farmer but also a successful agri-preneur. He is now a trainer on
different sustainable agriculture approaches in the Philippines. He was a participant
in a six-month organic agriculture exchange program organized by the Association
of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA), which was held in Okoyama, Japan. Mr.
Martirez envisions himself developing agro-forestry models and establishing
community-based sustainable livelihood enterprises.
1 Farmer, Balatan, Camarines Sur
2 Extension Director, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Pili, Camarines Sur,
E-mail: cnc330@gmail.com
3. Farm Description
Mr. Tirso Martirez owns a 4-hectare farm in Balatan, Camarines Sur. More
than half (60%) of his farm is alloted to Sloping Agricultural Land Technology
(SALT) and planted diverse crops. His farm has four (4) major components.
The first component is mango-based cropping system. Planted along the

contours are diverse feed, fruit, root and tuber, and other crops (Table 1). Raising
free-range chickens is also part of this component.
Table 1. List of crops planted in Mr. Martirez’s farm, Balatan, Camarines Sur
Classification Crops
Rensonii (Desmodium rensonii)
Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla)
Indigo (Indigofera spp.)
Feed crops Trichanthera (Trichanthera gigantea)
Ipil ipil (Leucaena leucocephala),
Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum)
Guatemala grass (Tripsacum andersonii)
Ube (Dioscorea alata)
Gabi (Colocasia esculenta)
Cassava (Manihot esculenta)
Root and tuber crops
Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
‘Burot’ (Dioscorea numularia)
Mango (Mangifera indica)
Coconut (Cocos nucifera)
Cacao (Theobroma cacao)
Lanzones (Lansium domesticum)
Chico (Achras zapota)
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum)
Fruit trees Longan (Dimocarpus longan)
Avocado (Persea americana)
Santol (Sandoricum koetjape)
Guava (Psidium guajava)
Balimbing (Averrhoa carambola)
Kamias (Averrhoa bilimbi)
Banana (Musa spp)
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa)
Others Grapes (Vitis vinifera)
Bamboo (Bambusa spp.)
The second component is a watershed development and aquaculture area

where he grows different kind of fruit trees and maintains a tilapia pond.
Mr. Tirso Martirez

tilapia pond as part
of his aquaculture
development.
The third component is coconut-based which he uses for the expansion of his
feed crop production.
Coconuts in the
farm of Mr. Martirez
as a source of
income and feeds
for his livestock.
The fourth component is a multi-livelihood system, including raising native

hogs, goats, and turkeys as well as processing of agroforestry by-products.
Turkeys are
also raised in
the farm of
Mr. Martirez
for aditional
income.
4. Farm Practices
Nutrient management.
Mr. Martirez uses self-produced vermicompost and EM-based fertilizers as
nutrient sources. In the preparation of EM-based fertilizer, he uses dried leaves
from the farm, and experimented on different additives as food sources for the
microrganims. Among those he had experimented on are honey, molasses, cocoa
powder, papaya, and other materials available in the farm. In all his trials, he uses
spring water to ensure that the water is not chlorinated.
Mr. Martirez’s vermicompost was subjected to routine analysis by the DA-RFU

V, Regional Soils Laboratory and was found to contain 8.28% total NPK (0.71%N,
6.76% P and 0.81% K). As additional source of income, he sells excess vermicast at
PhP 300 per 50 kg sack. Mr. Martirez shared that basal application of macro and
micro nutrients depends on the crops and soil condition.
Table 2. Utilization of liquid EM at Mr. Martirez’s Farm, Balatan, Camarines Sur
EM Formulation Purpose
15 mL EM: 1 Li water To hasten composting process
1 Li EM: 10 kg pulverized sweet

Starter feed for piglets
potato tubers
Liquid fertilizer and growth enhancer for

215 mL EM: 1 Li water
plants and seedlings
5. Mr. Martirez’s Organic Agribusiness Venture
Mr. Martirez’s dream of an agriculture enterprise is now becoming a reality.

Step by step he is taking actions towards the realization of his goals. He had
already registered his business name “JGSH-V MENU AGRO-FORESTRY
PRODUCTION” at the Department of Trade and Industry in Bicol. Moreover,
he had also secured a Mayor’s Permit and BIR registration for the legitimization
of his agribusiness. In order to sustain his enterprise, Mr. Martirez employs
business strategies, based on his experiences, such as simplified sustainable
operation by making the business a family enterprise, farm management operation
cycle, and farm maintenance through communal labor sharing or “bayanihan”.
To strengthen his market linkages and sell his organic products, he is actively
involved in networking, linkaging, collaboration with stakeholders, and forging
partnerships with farmers through mentoring and sharing his actual farming
testimonies. He also participates in sustainable development campaigns as part
of his personal advocacy.
With his experience in organic farming enterprise, he was able to learn how to
maximize farm resources as source of livelihood thus gradually reducing income
leakage. He has also proven that with determination, his agri-based enterprise is
actually simple and attainable. Similarly, he believes that by making his farm diverse
and integrated, he is doing his share to help mitigate climate change impacts while
his farming approaches serve as a disaster risk reduction model.
6. Facilitating
and Constraining Factors for Organic
Agriculture Farmers
According to Mr. Martirez, there is
now an increasing demand for organic
products. However, due to limited size
of the farm, he cannot produce enough
to supply the demand. Moreover, the
system of organic certification, is also
a constraining factor. The organic
certification system makes it more
difficult for small-scale producers like
him to mainstream without organic
certification. Organic certification
is demanding and expensive for a
small-scale producer like him who
lacks capital, assets, equipment, and
resources for expansion. He shared
that he has to further improve his
record keeping and financial know-
how. He also needs support to improve
branding, packaging and labeling.
Despite his many years in organic
agriculture, other farmers and groups
still discourage him. Tirso Martirez and his mangoes for
home consumption and additional
source of income.
7. Future Plans
Mr. Martirez has grand plans in the future for his farm. He plans to collect
more indigenous plants, not only as farm resource but also as learning specimens
for future generations who might not be able to see them in their natural
environments. He also wants to expand and further develop his farm to make it
an agro-ecotourism destination and a sustainable agriculture learning center in
Bicol. Mr. Martirez also wants to explore local energy development in his farm
as source of sustainable renewable energy. In terms of product marketing, he is
preparing to improve the branding and packaging of his products. As a whole, he
sees his plans would be able to generate local jobs and he could help his fellow
Bicolanos the best way he can.
VI. From ‘Magsasako’ to

‘Magsasaka’ through Organic
Agriculture
Bernardino Nunez1 and Dinah Marie C. Dayag2
Mr. Bernardino Nunez, also known as Ka Bernie is from San Rafael, Bulacan.
He is married to Victoria Nunez and they are gifted with four (4) children. Mr.
Nuñez has 37 years of extensive farming experience and learned about organic
agriculture by attending training courses conducted by the Central Luzon Organic
Farmers’ Association (CLORFA) and by the Bulacan Agricultural State College
(BASC). He is a member of the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council
(MAFC), Palayamanan Farmers Association, Organic Farmers Association of
Bulacan, and CLORFA where he was
able to attend trainings on proper crop
and animal management, as well as share
meaningful discussions with his fellow
farmers.
Ka Bernie has been awarded several

recognitions on organic farming including
Dangal ng Lipi ng Bulacan and National
Gawad Saka Award (Farm Family Category)
both in 2012. In 2013 he was awarded as the
Best Farmer Cooperator by BASC.
Mr. Bernardino Nunez, a multi-

awarded farmer in his farm.
1Farmer, Brgy. Dagat-dagatan, San Rafael, Bulacan
2OIC, VP-RET/Director, RDM, Bulacan Agriculture State College, San Ildefonso, Bulacan,
E-mail: dinah_cabiles@yahoo.com
Ka Bernie started farming in 1978 and was a heavy chemical user until 2008.
He noticed that the chemical inputs he had been using for 30 years had adversely
affected his health. He was very thin and gets easily exhausted all the time. Also
at that time, instead of referring to himself as “magsasaka”, Ka Bernie considers
himself a “magsasako” referring to the “sako” or container bags of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides. He borrows money to buy these costly inputs and after
harvest, he pays-off his debts from creditors with bags of paddy rice.
Through the knowledge he gained from the training he attended, the realization
of putting his family’s health at risk, and the negative effects to the environment,
he decided to shift to organic farming. With his determination to change his
conventional farming ways, he did not just aim for profit and high productivity,
but he became more concerned with caring for people’s health and that of the
environment.
3. Farm Description
Ka Bernie owns a 2.5 ha diversified and integrated farm with crop and animal
components located at Brgy. Dagat-dagatan, San Rafael, Bulacan. The farm is
relatively flat with a heavy clay soil type which is ideal for rice production. His farm
depends on rain and water pumped from a deep well for its water requirement.
Ka Bernie is a certified rice seed producer. Rice is usually produced during the
wet season (July-November) and dry season (December-April). Vegetable crops
like pole sitao (Vigna unguiculata subsp. Sesquipedalis), bittergourd (Momordica
charantia), bottlegourd (Lagenaria siceraria), finger and hot peppers (Capsicum
spp.), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) are simultaneously planted with rice
(Figure 1).
Figure 1. Cropping calendar of Bernardino Nunez of San Rafael, Bulacan
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Upo/kamatis/patola/sili Ampalaya/sili/kamatis
Kamatis/sitao/patola
Palay (WS at DS)

The diversified vegetable crops are cultivated in a 3,000 m 2 lot and is rotated
within the farm. Ka Bernie’s choice of vegetables is based on the ease of crop
management and income derived, which he uses as capital for his rice production.
He believes that crop diversification helps in the control of pests in the farm and
it augments his income if other crops are marketed at a low price. Ka Bernie’s
produced rice seeds are purchased by other rice farmers in their area and by
the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) of San Rafael. On the other hand, the
vegetables are collected by traders, and are sold at the Balintawak and Oriental
markets.
Ka Bernie also raises animals for their manure which serves as fertilizer in the
farm. He raises 60 native chickens, 30 native ducks, 10 mallard ducks, 2 native
pigs, 3 cattles, and 2 carabaos.
4. Farm Practices
Nutrient management for rice
During land preparation, the field is applied with 50 bags of composted

chicken manure (50 kg per bag) and 15 bags of vermicast per hectare (Figure 2).
In addition, the rice crop is sprayed weekly with fermented plant juice (FPJ) made
from kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica) and molasses (ratio of 2:1) at 300 mL per 16-
Li knapsack sprayer from seedling stage until flowering. Vermitea is prepared by
mixing 6 kg vermicompost, 2 Li water and 1 kg molasses.
Figure 2. Nutrient Management for Rice
• Chicken manure (50 bags per hectare) and Vermicast

• (15 bags per hectare) during land preparation
• Fermented Plant Juice = 2 kg kangkong + 1 kg

molasses
• 300 mL of FPJ per knapsack (16 Li of water) sprayed
weekly
• Vermitea (6 kg vermicompost + 2 Li water + 1 kg

molasses)
• 300 mL of vermitea per knapsacksprayed at weekly
interval
Pest Management
To control pests, Ka Bernie sprays fermented makabuhay (Tinospora rumphii),

serpentina (Rauvolfia serpentina) or neem tree (Azadirachta indica) leaves mixed
with water, and molasses (Figure 3). He uses 100 ml of this concoction per 16 Li
of water, spraying only as needed.
Figure 3. Pest management
6 kg neem tree leaves/ Serpentina/ Makabuhay

+ 6 Li water + 1-2 kg molasses
Materials
7 days fermentation
Process
• 100 mL of fermented leaf juice + 16 Li water

Application • Apply as needed
5. PositiveOutcomes of Ka Bernie’s Decision to Shift to

Organic Farming
Ka Bernie observed that over time, the soil condition of his farm had improved.
The soil became more fertile, friable, and the soil’s water holding capacity
increased. This was unlike when he was still practicing conventional (chemical)
farming, wherein the field should be prepared a day before transplanting to retain
the puddled condition. He also noticed the soil is easier to plow even if left fallow
(unplanted) for sometime after land preparation.
With time, his organic rice yield gradually increased. Recently he was able to
harvest 6.35 tons per hectare. His successful transformation from conventional
farming was made known to other farmers whenever he is invited in training
courses to testify about his experiences on organic farming. His exposure as
resource person had boosted his confidence such that he was able to influence
several farmers to engage in organic farming.
His farm income enabled him to send all his children to school and finish
college. He considers this an achievement and source of pride since he only
finished elementary schooling. Although his children are all gainfully employed
in jobs related to their college degrees, they are all aware of the benefits of organic
farming and are all involved in it, following the footsteps of Ka Bernie. Their
organic farm, which is now a family endeavour, was the basis for the National
Gawad Saka Farm Family award that was given by the Department of Agriculture
in 2012.
Ka Bernie in his
vegetable farm
in Bulacan
6. Future Plans
Ka Bernie still wants to expand his knowledge on organic agriculture and he
wants to venture into organic animal raising. He also plans to apply for organic
certification of his farm with assistance from the Department of Agriculture. Ka
Bernie will still continue to encourage other farmers to engage in organic farming
by sharing his knowledge and experiences and be a living testimony on what
organic farming can do.
VII. Organic Agriculture:

Consumer and Family
Welfare First Before Profit
Reynaldo Quilicot1 and Licinia S. Saniel2
Mr. Reynaldo Quilicot, or “Nong Olong”, for people who know him, is from
Brgy. Yanaya, Carmen, Bohol. He is 46 years old and married to Marcela Quilicot
of La Paz, Carmen, Bohol. They have five (5) children, 3 already have college
degrees. Their eldest (Roy, 28 years old), finished Associate in Computer Science,
their second (Nora, 25 years old) graduated with a degree on Agricultural
Technology and the third (Patrick, 23 years old) finished BS Entrepreneurship.
The youngest two are still studying, (Reynaldo Jr., 20 years old) is taking up BS
IT-Automotive and the youngest, Razel, (16 years old) is studying BS Computer
Science. Nong Olong, who only reached elementary level is very proud that he
Mr. Reynaldo and

Ms. Marcela Quilicot
in their chillifarm
1Farmer from Brgy. Yanaya, Carmen, Bohol

2Dean, College of Agriculture, Bohol Island State University, Bilar Campus.
E-mail: licyssaniel@yahoo.com
was able to send all his children to school from the earnings of his 0.5 hectare
organic farm and vermicast production. Farming is the family’s sole source of
income that provides them their basic needs such as food, shelter, and education
for the children.
Nong Olong is an active member of the Carmen Tilapia Growers Association

(CTGA), Carmen Multi-purpose Cooperative (CMCP), Samahang Nayon Multi-
Purpose Cooperative, La Paz Vegetable Growers, and Bol-anong Mag uugma.
With the success of his organic agriculture enterprise, he was awarded the
Municipal Level Grand Winner of the Best Organic Vegetable Garden for the
Utanon sa Tugkaran Alang sa Kabataan (UTAK) Program. He was a finalist for
the provincial-wide search for the Best Bahay Kubo FAITH Garden in 2010,
Outstanding Vegetable Grower in 2008 (Barangay Level), 2nd Place for the “O My
Gulay sa Barangay” Program (Provincial Level), and 2010 Gawad Saka Awardee
as Outstanding High Value Commercial Crop (HVCC) Farmer.
Nong Olong was an on and off family driver and a rice mill worker/operator
before he became a full time farmer in 2008. His primary reason in adopting organic
agriculture is to provide safe food for his family and for other people. He decided
to go into organic agriculture after attending a training on organic vegetable
production at their Municipal Agriculture Office. Armed with the new learnings
he had acquired, he utilized his tenanted 0.5 hectare land into an integrated and
diversified farm which used to be a conventional farm using agrochemicals that
was supplied by the landowner. In the initial stage of the conversion process,
Nong Olong experienced financial losses due to the significant decrease in yield.
But that experience did not deter him to continue organic farming because he
believes that in the long run the soil will be in good condition again.
His knowledge and skills on organic farming were further enhanced from the
trainings he had taken as a member of different organizations that pursue organic
agriculture. He was also influenced to pursue organic agriculture by his daughter
who was then a student taking up Agricultural Technology at the Bohol Island
State University. It was his daughter who first brought him a handful of African
night crawler that he had multiplied and used in his vermicompost. He was not
only able to learn the scientific side of farming but also its management.
A portion of Mr. Quilicot’s farm planted with pechay
3. Farm Description
The Quilicot farm is located in Sitio San Miguel Dos, Brgy. La Paz, Carmen,
Bohol where the famous Chocolate Hills can be found. The farm has a flat
elevation and the soil is Sevilla clay. It is 58 kilometers away from the city proper
but is only 4 kilometers away from the Carmen Public Market. Nong Olong’s
farm is diversified and integrated Nong Olong uses his self-produced vermicast,
vermitea, carbonized rice hull (CRH) 3, compost tea, and employs Natural Farming
Technology Systems (NFTS) in growing his crops. He also raises pigs organically,
ducks, and native chicken as sources of additional income, and cultures tilapia for
home consumption. The water in the farm comes from a family-owned deep well.
All family members participate in the farm activities.
3Mr. Quilicot believes that the use of carbonized rice hull (CRH) in his farm is one of the keys for his success in organic
agriculture. The soil type of his farm is heavy (Sevilla clay). In the production of CRH, the non-carbon materials from
rice hull are removed from the material. This leaves a structure that is honeycombed with tiny pores and high
adsorption capacity. The cumulative surface area of this is immense, providing a home for billions of beneficial
bacteria and other micro-organisms. These in turn release minerals from the soil for plant use, fix nitrogen in the
soil, and add to the biomass of the soil. The more organisms in soil environment, the more stable it becomes. This
is the reason why soils with CRH have reduced major pest problems, improved soil texture especially of clay soils,
and more nutritious crops than soils applied with a chemical fertilizer, and much better than those sprayed with
pesticides. (See: http://japanhomestead.blogspot.com/2010/03/rice-hull-charcoal-making-and-using-it.html
4. Farm Practices
Crop Components
Vegetables. The vegetable crops planted include eggplant (Solanum

melongena), pechay (Brassica rapa), pole sitao (Vigna unquiculata sesquipedalis),
sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum), baguio beans (Phaseolus compessus), squash
(Curcubita maxima), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), chayote (Sechium edule),
papaya (Carica papaya), bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), and lettuce (Lactuca
sativa). Among these vegetables, the eggplant occupies the largest production
area because of preference by the farmer due to high profitability, ie. high market
demand and better selling price. Also, he does not need to buy seeds to establish
new seedlings because he saves seeds4 from selected fruits of the previous cropping
season which he plants in the next cropping. On the other hand, sweet pepper is
not planted on a regular basis and pechay has the smallest production area.
Root Crops. Nong Olong plants ube (Dioscorea alata) and taro (Colocasia
esculenta) in his farm, the common rootcrops in the province. He prefers these
rootcrops because they do not need any fertilizer or pesticide and they are easy
to manage. He visits this crop only when they need weeding and at harvest. Nong
Olong does not plant cassava because he believes that it is a heavy nutrient feeder
and it could deplete the soil nutrient reserves very quickly.
Herbal (Medicinal) Plants. The family of Nong Olong maintains an area

planted with medicinal plants (Figure 2) like peppermint (Herba Buena; Mentha
arvensis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), turmeric (Curcuma longa), lagundi (Vitex
negundo), gabon or sambong (Blumea balsamifera), menthol (Mentha piperita),
aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), hanlilika or katakataka (Kalanchoe pinnata), mayana
(Coleus blumei), guava(Psidium guajara), lubi-lubi (Solanum nigrum), guyabano
(Annona muricata), malunggay (Moringa oleifera), and bitter gourd (Momordica
charantia). These plants are used to cure minor illnesses like cough, cold,
headache, stomach ache, and treatment for wounds and cuts. The medicinal plants
are mostly used for minor illnesses and as first aid. In addition to his family, his
neighbours also benefit from these medicinal crops. These plants are also used
by Nong Olong as additional materials for his fermented plant juice and for pest
management.
4Doing self seed production in effect is direct selection within an organic system. In doing this, farmers practicing
organic agriculture will be better able to realize higher yield because the seeds planted are more adapted to organic
production systems. (See: Murphy et al. 2006. Evidence of varietal adaptation to organic farming systems. Field
Crops Research.102(3): 172-177)
Figure 2. Some herbal/medicinal plants in the farm of Mr. Reynaldo Quilicot which are
also used as ingredients in the preparation of fermented plant juice in the farm.
Menthol Sambong Herba buena

(Mentha piperita) (Blumea balsamifera) (Mentha arvensis)
Fruits and other crops. Fruit trees like papaya, guyabano, cacao (Theobroma
cacao), orange (Citrus sinesis), banana (Musa spp.), lanzones (Lansium
domesticum), and pomelo (Citrus grandis) are planted in the whole farm. Tree
management practices only includes pruning and thinning which is done only
as needed. Coconut (Cocos nucifera) and corn (Zea mays) are also planted in his
farm which also provide additional income.
Nutrient Management
In growing vegetables, Nong Olong uses the Natural Farming Technology

System (NFTS), compost tea brew (vermitea), and vermicast to supply the nutrient
requirements of the crops. He applies one (1) kilogram vermicast per hill before
planting.
Nong Olong’s own trials resulted to concoctions that best fit his needs in the
farm. He developed variations of Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN), FFJ, FPJ, and
his own mix of compost tea brew which are the sources of nutrients for his crops
(Table 2). He claims that his compost tea brew with goat manure is very effective
as insect repellent. Below are the tried and tested organic fertilizers and botanical
pesticides that Nong Olong made.
Table 2. Concoctions adapted and used by Mr. Reynaldo Quilicot in his farm in Brgy.
La Paz, Carmen, Bohol.
Organic Materials How to Make How to Apply When to

Fertilizer and Needed Apply
Botanical
Pesticides
1 kg crushed Mix the first Mix 30 ml of Start spraying
garlic or onion 3 ingredients OHN with 1 Li one week after
bulb or ginger in a large of water planting until
or turmeric container and last harvest
cover.
1 kg Spray at 7-10
muscovado After 4-5 days interval
sugar days, add gin late in the
then seal the afternoon
2 Li coconut container.. (about 4 pm)
OHN vinegar After 7 days,
strain to
1 bottle gin
obtain the
liquid part
which is ready
for use.
Keep the
liquid OHN in
a clean empty
bottle.
1 kg ripe Mix the Spray at flower
banana or ingredients emergence
papaya in a large
container and
1 kg cover.
muscovado
sugar After 7 days,
FPJ strain to
obtain the
liquid part
which is ready
for use. Keep
the liquid in a
clean empty
bottle.
Table 2. Continued..
Organic Materials How to Make How to Apply When to

Fertilizer and Needed Apply
Botanical
Pesticides
500 g oregano Mix the
ingredients
500 g sambong in a large
container and
500 g herba cover.
buena
After 7 days,
500 g menthol strain to
FFJ leaves obtain the
liquid part
1 kg which is ready
muscovado for use. Keep
sugar the liquid in a
clean empty
bottle.
1 kg Mix the
muscovado ingredients
sugar in a large
container and
1 kg goat cover.
manure
After 7 days,
1 kg vermicast strain to
obtain the
Compost 30 Li water liquid part
tea
which is ready
for use.
Keep the
liquid in a
clean empty
bottle
Pest Management
Nong Olong uses simple and safe methods in pest management. He does not
use chemical pesticides because he believes that insects will develop pesticide
resistance which would make them more difficult to control. Instead, he practices
handpicking and crushing of insect pests early in the morning and late in
the afternoon. He also sprays OHN and compost tea brew as part of his pest
management approach. He practices multiple cropping and crop rotation in any
given part of the farm, and fallowing to prevent severe pest infestation.
Handpicking, crushing and

spraying with OHN for pest
management in vegetables
Water Management
Water management in Nong Olong’s farm is done manually using a water

hose, and hand-held water sprinkler. This is done around 7 to 10 in the morning.
When there is a heavy rainfall, Nong Olong does not water his plants until the
soil is dry. But during sunny days, Nong Olong waters his crops twice daily, early
in the morning and late in the afternoon. His water source is from a deep well in
the farm.
Animal Components
Nong Olong raises a carabao, native chickens, organic pigs, goats, and ducks.
The animals are for sale and for family consumption. The carabao is mainly used for
plowing and together with other animals, provides manure for vermicomposting.
He chose these animals because they are easy to manage. Nong Olong’s livestock
are bought mostly by his friends and neighbors.
Fisheries Component
Nong Olong has a small fishpond surrounded by papaya where he raises tilapia.
At present, the tilapia is mainly for home consumption but he plans to expand his
fishpond and maximize tilapia production for the market.
Vermicomposting Component
Nong Olong has a covered shed where he has several elevated beds made out
of coco lumber lined with plastic for vermicomposting. He produces at least 100
bags of vermicompost per month in excess of his requirements. He sells them at
PhP 200 per bag. Although he is aware that he can sell the compost for a higher
price, he still sells them at a low price to enable the other farmers to experience
the benefit of vermicompost and organic agriculture, and hopefully to start their
own vermicompost production.
Vermicompost production in beds made

of local available materials in the farm of
Mr. Reynaldo Quilicot.
5. Incentives Received by Practicing and Promoting

Organic Farming
With the numerous recognitions from different organizations and institutions
that Nong Olong received for his practices in organic farming, he was also able to
obtain various rewards that help him further improve his farm production. These
include tools and equipment such as water pump, knapsack sprayer, seedling
trays, carts for harvest and a tricycle unit for transporting his produce. Indeed,
Nong Olong had gone a long way from being a part time driver to a full time
organic farmer.
A tricycle for transporting the produce, a knapsack sprayer for

spraying concoctions and a water pump to provide water as prizes for
accomplishments as a successful organic agriculture farmer.
6. Future Plans
One of Nong Olong’s plans as his personal advocacy is to encourage more
farmers to produce organically grown food for a healthier community. Even if
he is an agri-entrepreneur, he believes that consumer welfare should come first
before profit. Being a tenant, he knows the difficulty of decision making when it
comes to the concerns of the farm. Hence, he also plans to buy a farm of his own
where he can be free to do anything whatever he wants without the landlord’s
consent. He will still continue to plant different varieties of vegetables and add
more in the future to provide for the needs of the local market in Bohol. Nong
Olong was once a supplier of lettuce in one grocery store in Bohol but he was
unable to produce enough to meet the demand. It is Nong Olong’s aspiration that
farmers across the country would adopt organic farming and that locally organic
produce could compete in the global market.
VIII. Organic Agriculture for

Safe and Healthy Food for
the Family
Benito Santos1 and Dinah Marie C. Dayag2
Mr. Benito Santos, a college graduate, is from San Rafael, Bulacan. He is
married to Nida Santos and they have one child. He has been farming for 20 years
and had attended numerous trainings on organic agriculture. He was able to share
his learning and experiences on organic agriculture to a larger audience after he
was tapped by the Municipal Agriculture Office as a resource person in trainings.
As a member of different groups and organizations, he is actively involved

in the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC), Central Luzon
Organic Agriculture Farmers’ Association (CLORFA), and Nutritional Farming
Association. With his passion in agriculture, Mr. Santos was awarded the
Outstanding Local Farmer Technician of Central Luzon in 2015 during the
National Convention of Local Farmer Technician.
Mr. Benito Santos in his rice field in San Rafael, Bulacan.
1Farmer from Brgy San Roque, San Rafael, Bulacan

2OIC, VP-RET/Director, RDM, Bulacan Agriculture State College, San Ildefonso, Bulacan,
E-mail: dinah_cabiles@yahoo.com
Mr. Santos started as a conventional farmer in 1995. But in 2003, because

of his exposure to organic agriculture after attending seminars and symposia,
he decided to eventually apply the practices he learned from CLORFA and
MASIPAG. In 2007, he gradually converted his farm to organic agriculture from
30:70 (organic: conventional), to 40:60, 50:50, 75:25 until he reached 100% full
organic conversion in 2010 3. His motivation in shifting to organic agriculture is
to provide safe and healthy food for his family. He believes that synthetic chemical
farming is harmful to the environment.
3. Farm Description
Mr. Santos owns a 1.5 ha diversified and integrated farm which is rice-based
with vegetables, livestock and poultry. His farm is largely rainfed with limited
irrigation from his man-made irrigation system. He markets his produce through
the Sabariaga Rice Mill and sells vegetables to neighbors, friends, and interested
consumers. Eggs and free-range chicken are sold at the 8 Waves Waterpark, a local
resort.
Portion of Mr. Benito Santos farm planted with

organically grown tomatoes
3This is the horizontal approach to conversion, i.e., a portion of the farm is completely converted to organic while
the remaining is still conventional. The size of the farm converted to organic is increased with time until the whole
farm is converted to organic. Another approach is called vertical conversion. In this approach, the use of chemical
fertilizers and pesticides are gradually reduced in the whole farm using substitutes such as organic concoctions
every cropping season until no more chemicals are used in the whole farm. (See: Zamora, O.B., et al. 2006. Principles
and Practices of Sustainable Agriculture. CBCP-NASSA and UPLB-College of Agriculture. 160 pages.
4. Farm Practices
Crop Components
During the wet season (August-November) and dry season (December-

March), one hectare of his land is planted with rice and 0.5 hectare is planted with
diverse vegetables (Figure 1). The choice of vegetables he plants depends on their
ease of management, their market demand, and value. Patola (Luffa aegyptiaca)
is planted from December to March, sigarillas (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus) in
May to August, and pole sitao (Vigna unguiculata sesquipedalis) from September
to November. In addition, Mr. Santos also plants papaya (Carica papaya),
bittergourd (Momordica charantia), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and chilli
pepper (Capsicum annuum).
Figure 1. Cropping Calendar of Mr. Benito Santos, San Roque, San Rafael, Bulacan
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Rice Rice
Patola Sigarillas Pole Sitao
Papaya
Nutrient management
During land preparation, Mr. Santos applies 40 bags of animal manure,

60 bags of rice hull, 10 bags of vermicast per hectare, and rice straw from the
previous crop harvest is spread in the field. In addition, other organic fertilizers
(Table 1) made from available local resources are applied. He recommends using
malunggay leaves in making fermented plant juice because he contends that it
has high nutritional content. Fresh leaves of Malunggay (gram for gram) has 7x
more vitamin C of oranges, 4x more vitamin A than carrot, 3x more potassium of
banana, 4x more calcium of milk and 2x the protein of yoghurt3.
3Compared to equivalent amounts (in weight) of other foods, malunggay has seven times more Vitamin C than
orange, four times more calcuim and two times more protien than milk, four times more vitamin A than camote
and three times more potasium than bananas. (see:www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph)
Table 1. Supplemental sources of nutrients applied in the rice farm of Mr. Benito Santos,
San Roque, San Rafael, Bulacan
Main ingredients
Organic
(No. of days of How and when to apply
fertilizer
fermentation)
20 kg kangkong 300 ml FPJ per 16 Li knapsack
sprayer + 200 ml of molasses
10 kg molasses
Sprayed weekly after 15 DAT
Fermented
Plant Juice (FPJ) 20 kg malunggay leaves 300 ml FPJ per 16 Li knapsack
sprayer + 200 ml of molasses
10 kg molasses
Sprayed weekly after 15 DAT
20 kg banana fruits 300 ml FPJ per 16 Li knapsack

(Butuan-type) sprayer + 200 ml of molasses
Fermented Fruit
Juice (FPJ) 10 kg molasses Sprayed weekly after 15 DAT
(fermented for 7 days)

1:1 fish innards/ 300 ml FPJ per 16 Li knapsack
Fish Amino fish:molasses (fermented for sprayer + 200 ml of molasses
Acid/Kuhol 21 days)
Amino Acid Sprayed weekly after 15 DAT
Pest Management
For pest management, Mr. Santos prepares a mixture of four (4) kg neem tree
leaves, makabuhay, chilli (Capsicum spp.) and four (4) Li water which he ferments
for 3 to 5 days. The dilution ratio for spraying is one (1) Li of the concoction mixed
with 16 Li of water or 1 knapsack sprayer (Figure 2). This botanical spray is used
only as needed. He also plants tubli (Derris elliptica) and kakawate (Gliricidia
sepium) around the farm for their insecticidal properties.
Figure 2. Pest Management (Mr. Benito Santos)
4 kg Neem tree leaves/ Makabuhay/ Sili

tare + 4 Li water
3-5 days fermentation
1 L of fermented juice + 16 Li water

Spray as needed
Animal components
Mr. Santos owns carabaos which are used as draft animals, 50 free-range chickens,
and 12 ducks that provide food and income from their eggs and meat.
Carabaos and free range chicken used as draft power and

additional source of income.
5. Problems and Challenges

The main challenge for Mr. Santos is the lack of market for his organic
produce. He finds it difficult to compete in the existing market when he adds
a price premium of PhP 1.00 per kg of his organic produce. For his organic
products to have wider market reach and to get higher price, he plans to
obtain organic certification. However, he thinks that the adjacent farms using
agrochemicals may contaminate his farm that would pose a problem for the
certification of his farm.
6. Future Plans
Now that Mr. Santos is in full swing on organic farming, he plans to apply
for organic certification to assure his buyers that his produce are free from
synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and thus boost his marketing strategy. He
also plans to continue conducting research on new organic farming technologies
to further improve his farm production in a sustainable manner. Likewise, he
will continue extending help to other farmers by sharing knowledge and lessons
he learned from organic farming.
Mr. Benito Santos sharing his knowledge and experiences

on organic farming.
IX. Success in Organic

Agriculture Through
Technology Development
and Innovation
Mario Urtal1, Indihra B. Dimaporo-Tawantawan2 , Anita B. Ministerio3,
Eddie S. Ministerio, Sr.4 and Amalhaya D. Omar-Macmod5
1. Farmer’s profile
Mr. Mario Urtal is an organic practitioner

and innovator from Brgy. Pandanan,
Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
He is 40 years old, married to Victoriana
Urtal, and with 2 children. At present, he is
the president-elect of the Parents-Teachers
Association in Pandanan Elementary
School and Public Information Officer of
the Sustainable Agriculture Practitioners’
Organization of Lanao, Inc. (SAPOL).
Mr. Urtal owns two parcels of land

approximately 5,000 m2 and 9,000 m2
located in Brgy. Kauswagan, Sultan Naga
Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte. The farm is
10 km away from the market. Mr. Mario Urtal in his
vegetable farm.
1Farmer from Brgy. Pandanan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte
2Director, Research and Extension, Mindanao State University – Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (MSU-
LNAC) E-mail: ibd.msulnac@gmail.com
3 Research Coordinator, Agronomy Department, MSU-LNAC
4 Extension Coordinator, Agronomy Department, MSU-LNAC
5 Coordinator, Agricultural Education Department, MSU-LNAC
2. Reasons for Conversion to Organic Agriculture

Mr. Urtal was a conventional farmer for 10 years, from 1999-2009. In 2009, he
converted to organic farming for safe food sources and to lessen farm production
expenses.
3. The Farm Description
Crop Components
The major crops planted by Mr. Urtal are bitter gourd (Momordica charantia),
eggplant (Solanum melongena), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), pole sitao (Phaseolus
vulgaris), and pepper (Capsicum annuum) or atsal. He also occasionally plants okra
(Abelmoschus esculemtum), peanut (Arachis hypogea), upo (Lagenaria siceraria),
cassava (Manihot esculenta), gabi (Colocasia esculenta), luya (Zingiber officinale),
and corn (Zea mays). These vegetables are preferred because they are well adapted
to his location, they are short duration crops, and they are easy to market. He plants
atsal (Green bell pepper) in time to be harvested between the months of October to
January when the demand and price are very high.
Also planted in Mr. Urtal’s two (2) parcels of land are trees/fruit trees such
as mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), gmelina (Gmelina arborea), coconut (Cocos
nucifera), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), santol (Sandoricum koetjape),
lansones (Lansium domesticum), avocado (Persea Americana), makopa (Syzygium
samarangense), banana (Musa spp.), and papaya (Carica papaya).
Nutrient Management
Fertilizer management practices include the use of fermented seaweeds6, locally

called guso (Eucheuma alvarezii) and samo (Sargassum fluitans) (Table 1), Fermented
Effective Microorganisms (FEM) (Figure 1), Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO),
CalPhos, Fermented Amino Acid (FAA), and Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ). The IMO
is used as a plant/soil drench. CalPhos is ‘burnt’ eggshells7 fermented in vinegar that
6Seaweeds-based fertilizers have many benefits. They provide natural hormones and many nutrients not found in
other forms/types of fertilizer. The alginates in seaweeds act as soil conditioners. It reacts with the nutrients in the
soil and form long and cross-linked polymers that improve the crumbing in the soil, swell up when wet, and retain
moisture for long periods. (See: http://hubpages.com/living/The-Benefits-of-Using-Liquid-Seaweed-Fertilizer)
7Eggshells are primarily made out of calcium carbonate (93%). It also contains about 1% nitrogen, an essential
nutrient. In addition, eggshells contain other trace minerals like phosphoric acid that are beneficial to plant growth
and health. (See: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/homemade-eggshell-plant-fertilizer-42947.html).
provides Calcium, phosphorus, and some micronutrients. In his farm, fermented

guso increases vegetable and fruit production, and produce heavier rice grains. The
use of fermented effective microorganism (FEM) on the other hand, resulted to
vigorous growth in vegetables and reduced fruit drop.
Figure 1. Preparation of Farmer's Effective Microorganism (FEM) by Mr. Mario Urtal
• 3 kg each of finely chopped banana, papaya and squash

• 5 pieces of fresh eggs
• 3 kg of molasses
MATERIALS • 10 Li water
• Put chopped materials in container or drum

• Add 10 Li of water, fresh eggs and molasses
• Cover the container, ferment and mix every 10days for 30 days
PROCESS • After 30 days, mix daily until 45 days
• Mix 1-2 cups of FEM per 16 Li in knapsack sprayer and spray

before sunrise or between 4:00-6:00pm
APPLICATION
Farmer’s Effective
Microorganism
(FEM)
Table 1. Preparation and use of fermented ‘guso’ (Mr. Mario Urtal)
1.Materials:
2 kg ‘guso’ (Euchema alvarezii);
1 kg ‘samo’ (Sargassum
fluitans)
2 Li molasses
2. Boil 2 Li of water in a clay pot
3. Put the 2 kg chopped ‘guso’;

then mix 1 kg of ‘samo’ in 2 L
molasses
4. Bring to boil in 45 minutes;

mix in 20 Li of water
5. Strain and store in a container

or drum
Usage - Mix 1-2 cups of fermented guso in 16 Li water and spray or drench
vegetables every 10 days.
Pest Management
Mr. Urtal practices crop rotation, i.e., he plants sweet pepper (atsal) on July-
August, followed by eggplant, tomato then ampalaya. The rotation system is done
both in time and space. He observed that this system over time is very effective in
reducing pest incidence in his farm.
In cases of severe pest infestation, Mr. Urtal uses several concoctions. These
are:
(1) PANTASI which is a mixture of panyawan or makabuhay (Tinospora

rumphii), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and hot pepper (C. frutescens, sili);
(2) KUTASI which is the acronym for the mixture of kubong (Dioscorea
hispida), tobacco and sili; and
(3) “MARVIC’ is a concoction

that Mr.Urtal developed and
tested by himself. He used to call
this concoction ‘Bulay-Bulay’ but
later renamed it ‘MARVIC’ after
his name and his wife Victoriana.
The following are the ingredients
in the preparation of MARVIC:
garlic (Allium sativum), ginger, red
onion (A. sepa), hot pepper (sili),
and bark of kalachuchi (Plumeria
spp.), vinegar, and coconut milk
(gata) (Figure 2). Because of
the efficacy of this concoction
in Mario’s farm for pest control,
e.g., as insect repellant and fungal
diseases in crops, some of his
co-farmers encouraged him to
produce more to be sold to them.
He also uses a yellow box coated with

a mixture of oil, ‘tuba’ and ‘kinugay’
(dried muscovado) inside. The yellow
color, tuba, and kinugay are insect PANTASI (Panyawan - Tabako - Sili)
attractants, while the oil acts as stickers
that ‘traps’ the insects.
Figure 2. Preparation and use of "MARVIC" for pest management by Mr. Urtal.
• 3 kg each of finely chopped ginger, onion, garlic, and

bark of kalachuchi
• 2 cups of hot pepper
• 20 Li of vinegar
MATERIALS • Coconut milk from 3 nuts
• Put chopped materials in a drum

• Add 10 Li of sour vinegar; add the coconut milk (gata)
• Cover/seal container and ferment for 10-15 days
PROCESS
• Mix 200 ml of MARVIC in 16 Li water in knapsack

sprayer and spray before sunrise or between 4:00-6:00
pm every 7-10 days
APPLICATION
4. Problems encountered
The main problem that Mr. Urtal encountered in his shift to organic agriculture is
insect pest infestation. Since he does use pesticides because of health issues and cost,
he experimented on many concoctions for insect management using materials readily
available to him. His soil is compacted and although he has not submitted his soil for
analyses, he thinks his soil is acidic. He sprays IMO to soften the soil and use CalPhos
to correct soil acidity. His other problem is low income and profit, and water scarcity.
5. Future Plans
Mr. Urtal wants to develop his own vermicompost and demo farm. He is also
currently conducting experiments to compare if there is any difference in plant
response to fermented ‘guso’ that is boiled and unboiled. He plans to acquire some farm
equipment such as power sprayer, knapsack sprayer, and a carbonizer.
Organic Heirloom Rice

Cultivation
Ms. Rowena Gonnay1 , Ferdinand L. Ganotice2 and Anne Gale C. Vallez3
1. Farmer Profile
Ms. Rowena Gonnay, 41 years old,

is married to Mr. Randy Gonnay, and
is blessed with 5 children. She has
been an organic farmer since 1990 in
Brgy. Dangtalan, Pasil, Kalinga. She
graduated with BS Agribusiness and
Management degree at Don Mariano
Marcos Memorial State University in
La Union.
She is a farmer-leader of the Kalinga

Rice Terraces Farmers’ Cooperative
(KRFTC) and an active member of
Unoy-Pasil Terraces Association
(UPTA). Being a practicing Ms. Rowena Gonnay showing
farmer genuinely concerned with one of her awards
conserving heirloom rice farming, she
conscientiously performs her work as Farm Superintendent II in her hometown of
Pasil. Ms. Rowena became a National and Regional Awardee as the Best Organic
Rice Producer in Kalinga and the 2014 National Organic Agriculture Achievers
Award - (NOAAA) Agricultural Extension Worker awardee.
1Farmer from Brgy. Dangtalan, Pasil, Kalinga

2Program Chair and Researcher, Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Kalinga-Apayao State College, Bulanao,
Tabuk City, Kalinga.
E-mail: ferdinandganotice@yahoo.com
3University Research Associate, University of the Philippines-Los Baños
2. Heirloom Varieties and Organic Agriculture
Rice planting in Pasil, Kalinga is generally organic. Ms. Gonnay maintains and
organically grows many traditional heirloom rice varieties in her farm. With the
incursion of conventional rice farming technologies, Ms. Gonnay believes that
the heirloom rice varieties must be conserved and protected. She is continuously
developing her organic farm, and learning new techniques to increase her
knowledge that she disseminates to her village. She serves as inspiration to other
farmers in the area who are in transition back to organic farming. Through her
efforts their cooperative is currently exporting organic rice to Montana, USA and
Italy.
3. Farm Description
Crop Components
Ms. Gonnay’s farm is planted with rice and vegetables. Since the farm has a hilly
terrain, rice is planted in terraces while vegetables are planted in the alleys and borders
of the rice plots. The rice fields are at least 300 m2 to 2,000 m2. The common rice varieties
planted are Unoy3 and Ogak. Unoy is the generic term for medium-grained rice variety,
which is not aromatic, red or white in color, and with good eating quality. Some of these
varieties are ulikan, chong-ak, alig, napoy, and chekot. The rice variety they export is
red rice called chong-ak, which is aromatic and medium-sized grain. Ogak on the other
hand, is a rice variety commonly planted during wet season.
Seed samples of traditional/heirloom rice varieties being maintained and

planted by Rowena Gonnay and Pasil farmers.
3The famed ‘unoy’ rices of Kalinga are heirloom rice varieties that have established niche export markets in the United
States and Europe. (See: http://www.philstar.com/agriculture/711337/disease-ravages-famed-unoy-rice). Traditionally,
the red Unoy is always served during festivals and ceremonies to please the Kalinga God “Kabunyan”. (See: http://www.
heirloomrice.com/pdfs/Rice_Organic_Renaissance.pdf)
Selection of varieties to be planted is based on the farmer’s preferences. Some of the

selection criteria being used are long panicles, resistance to drought, good eating quality
(soft and aromatic), and high tillering capacity (e.g., more than 10 tillers per hill).
Rice is planted twice a year. The first cropping is from July to August, which is
harvested from November to December. The second cropping is from December to
January and harvesting is from May to June. Crops planted in higher elevation generally
have longer maturity period (6 months) while in lower elevations it takes only 4-5
months before crops can be harvested. The mean rice harvest during dry season (3.5
per hectare) is higher than during wet season (2.9 tons per hectare). Mean grain yield in
the area is 3.5 to 4 tons per hectare.
Vegetables are planted for home consumption. Crops planted are squash (Cucurbita
sp.), string beans (Vigna unguiculata), white beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), sweet potato
(Ipomoea batatas), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and mungbean (Vigna radiata). The area
allotted for vegetables and fruit trees is approximately more than 100 square meters. To
rest and maintain the natural productivity of the soil, Ms. Gonnay practices pailongon
or allowing the soil to rest or fallow for 2-3 years.
Rice seedling preparation. Good quality seeds are selected for better harvest. Ms.
Gonnay has two methods of rice seedling preparation. In the first method, the panicles
are sown directly in the rice paddy. In the second method, rice seeds are soaked in water
with Indigenous Microorganisms (IMO) for 24 hours. According to her, this practice
results to the production of more vigorous seedlings. The seeds are germinated in a
piece of cloth and incubated by keeping it covered by sack to build some heat. This is
important in the high elevation mountainous village of Pasil.
The cultured IMO is diluted with water and sprayed to the seedbed. During the first
cropping in July to August with warmer days, seedlings are grown to 25 days old before
transplanting. However, in the colder months of the second cropping in December to
January, seedlings are grown up to 30 days old before transplanting.
Weeding is done during booting to flowering stage. Spraying of fermented liquid

organic fertilizers is done before dough stage to flowering. Ms. Gonnay encountered
problems on low seed germination and zinc (Zn) deficiency.
Nutrient Management
Wild sunflower, rice hull, IMO, rice straw, cogon (Imperata cylindrica) and kakawate
(Gliricidia sepium) are incorporated in the soil during land preparation. Azolla as source
of nitrogen is added 14 days after transplanting, while eggshells as source of calcium is
incorporated 45-50 days after transplanting. She uses vermicompost produced using
sunflower, banana trunks, shredded weeds, and pig manure as substrates.
She sprays fermented plant juices (FPJ) weekly starting at 14 DAT at 480 mL (32
tbsp) per 16 Li of water. She has limited production of FPJ because of the availability
of sugar and molasses. When sprayer is not available, she applies FPJ through an
improvised drip irrigation system.
Pest Management
Common pests observed in her farm are rats, stem borer, rice bug, birds, earthworms,
and snails. Rats are managed by using traps with coconut as baits. Snails are controlled
by hand picking or by luring the snails to feed on papaya and gabi leaves. The leaves with
snails are removed and crushed to ferment to become liquid plant supplements.
The animals being raised in the farm are carabaos, native chickens, and native pigs.
The native pigs are fed with leftover rice, rice bran, and sweet potato. Animal manures
are used for vermicomposting.
5. Future Plans
Ms. Gonnay’s passion is to share her organic agriculture knowledge and technologies
with the other farmers in her town and in nearby communities. Hence, she intends
to learn more about organic agriculture so she can be more effective in conducting
training courses and seminars to interested farmers. She intends to find a solution to the
zinc deficiency of her farm, She will also continue developing her organic farm so she
can show that organic agriculture really works.
About this Publication
This publication is one of the outputs of the recently concluded project entitled
“National Validation and Documentation of Organic Production Systems for Rice and
Vegetables”, which was funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural
Research (DA-BAR) and implemented by the Crop Science and Agriculture Systems
Clusters of the UPLB-College of Agriculture. The project was implemented nationwide
in 23 sites involving project partners from the ten (10) Regional Integrated Agricultural
Research Centers (RIARCs), 12 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and the Office
of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) of Batanes. Among others, one of the specific
objectives of the project is, “To document local farmers’ current organic and conventional
practices for rice and vegetable production in various locations in the country”.
In the field monitoring visits, the members of UPLB-based project management team
were able to interact with many organic farmers who had developed or adapted organic
agriculture technologies and systems. What is remarkable that these farmers were very
willing to freely share to others the technologies and systems that they are already using
in their farms. In consultation with local project leaders, 10 farmers were selected and
were invited to present their experiences in a forum held on 5-6, November 2015 at UP
Los Baños. Invited audience were other farmers, university students, faculty members,
researchers, and others who are interested in organic agriculture.
The farmers conducted experimentation by themselves out of curiosity, necessity,
interest, or altruistic reasons, e.g., provide safe food for the consumers and help other
farmers. The organic agriculture technologies and systems in this publication therefore
are informal innovations and adaptation, and are results of systematic observations
under their specific conditions and circumstances.
This publication is a contribution to communicate the outputs of these notable
farmers to a wider audience; hopefully to benefit a greater number of farmers and
organic agriculture advocates and practitioners. Finally, this publication does not intend
to be recommendatory or prescriptive; those who are interested in the technologies
and systems contained herein are encouraged to experiment on, and adapt them in
their farms. Further information, clarification or details of technology or system in any
section may be obtained by sending an email to the second author of each section
The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) is one of the staff bureaus of the Department
of Agriculture (DA) which was established to lead and coordinate the national agriculture
and fisheries research and development (R&D) in the country. BAR is committed to
consolidate, strengthen, and develop the agriculture and fisheries R&D system for the
purpose of improving its effectiveness and efficiency by ensuring customer satisfaction
and continuous improvement through work excellence, teamwork and networking,
accountability and innovation.
The University of the Philippines Los Baños-College of Agriculture is a premier institution

of higher learning in agriculture and food sciences promoting the development of a
robust agriculture sector and industry that meets the challenges of food security and
safety, poverty, climate change and environmental sustainability.
Cover design, layout and edits by Winster T. Abasolo, Aleli M. Caraan, Anacorita Oliquino-Abasolo

Organic Agriculture Technologies Systems Developed and Adapted by Farmers in The Philippines

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ORGANIC

with assistance from

With assistance from

Karen Joy D. Lopez

Zamora, Oscar B. and Blesilda M. Calub. 2016. Organic agriculture

Published 2016 by:

Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)

University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)

Printed in the Philippines

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

In our effort to spread awareness on the effects of this century’s agricultural

Congratulations to the University of the Philippines Los Baños for your

DR. NICOMEDES P. ELEAZAR, CESO IV

OFFICE OF THE DEAN

The UP Los Baños-College of Agriculture is honored for co-

To the millions of Filipinos who desire to go into organic

II. The Salvador and Emeteria Aquino (SEA) Farm 15

III. The Medtech ‘Healing’ the Land with Organic 22

V. Making the Planet Organic Before We Become Organic 34

VI. From ‘Magsasako’ to ‘Magsasaka’ through Organic 40

VII. Organic Agriculture: Consumer and Family Welfare 45

IX. Success in Organic Agriculture Through Technology 61

X. Organic Heirloom Rice Cultivation 67

Small-scale and resource-poor farmers in the Philippines are now facing

This publication showcases the successful application of organic agriculture

The primary audience of this publication are the organic agriculture

Oscar B. Zamora, Ph.D Blesilda N. Calub, Ph.D

In 2004, Mely was introduced to PABINHI Pilipinas, a network of scientists

Mely carried her passion on organic agriculture in her job as a faculty,

2. Facilitating Factors for Conversion to Organic Farming

The decision to venture into a more sustainable farming was an outcome of

Raised beds are

3. Ecological Principles that Guided the Conversion

1. DIVERSITY IS THE LAW OF NATURE

Planting of diverse crop varieties/ Integration of animals in the farm

2. KEEP THE SOIL COVERED AT ALL TIMES

Cover-cropping Planting of diverse crops to keep the

3. STIR, DO NOT INVERT THE SOIL

4. RECYCLE AND UTILIZE AVAILABLE LOCAL RESOURCES

5. NATURAL, NOT CHEMICAL

Natural fertilizers and pesticides A cow produces 8 kg of manure/day for

4. The Carmelfarms Components

General description. The Carmelfarm, a 3-hectare farm acquired by Santi and

Figure 1. Resource flow in Carmelfarms BEFORE and AFTER conversion to organic

Varietal adaptability trial (VAT) in the ricefields of Carmelfarms.

Hogs raised at Carmelfarms as a part of livestock integration.

Training and field researches conducted in Carmelfarms

Indicative farm income. The indicative farm income of the Carmelfarms

Income source Income (PhP)

5. Organic Agriculture Technologies and Practices

Systems of Rice Intensification Practices

Organic fertilizer (vermicompost) is applied at 20 bags per hectare at land

For crop protection, integrated management that requires continuous

- Hand weeding is done whenever necessary

- Weed Management is done by proper water management and planting tall

- Golden apple snail management is done by proper timing of irrigation to

Other measures used. include: crushing of snail eggs, broadcasting of

Organic Agriculture Practices for Vegetables

The major problem in vegetable production is pests especially in eggplant,

Santi and Mely practice self-seed production of open pollinated vegetable

Management Practices for Dairy Cattle

Dairy farming is an important component of the farm’s production system.

Dairy farming is tedious, thus, sustaining the enterprise is really a challenge.