Pinoy Farmer

In the heart of Bilar, Bohol, a remarkable transformation is taking place — a former overseas worker, now a thriving fish farmer, is showing how innovation, training, and hard work can turn dreams into reality. Recently, Ms. Dalagan , a beneficiary of the Aquabiz School-Technology Business Incubation (ABS-TBI) project, successfully completed her second production cycle, harvesting 50.75 kilos of giant freshwater prawn (ulang) and a staggering 938.25 kilos of tilapia . Her aquaculture venture, set on two ponds totaling 1,400 square meters , flourished over just four months , using advanced techniques and a complete Package of Technology (POT) developed for tilapia-ulang polyculture. Cultivating Success with Technology The farming journey wasn’t just about placing fingerlings in water — it was science-backed and technology-driven. Key performance results included: Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR): 7.29 for ulang, 0.87 for tilapia Survival Rates: 41.23% for ulang, 46.91% for tila...

 In the heart of the Philippine countryside, where the earth is rich and the sun generously beams its light, thousands of Filipino farmers rise with hope each morning. For many, onion farming is not just a livelihood — it’s a heritage, a life’s work cultivated through generations. But today, that heritage is under siege, not by nature, but by the tides of imported goods. The Life of an Onion Farmer Growing onions in the Philippines, especially in provinces like Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Norte, and Mindoro, is a labor of love. From planting delicate seeds to painstakingly nurturing crops through unpredictable weather, Filipino farmers invest months of sweat, care, and patience. Harvest time, typically from December to April, should be a season of reward. However, the reality for many farmers is far from prosperous. Production costs — fertilizers, irrigation, pesticides, and labor — have soared. Meanwhile, prices they receive for their onions often barely cover these costs, leaving farm...

In a major step toward food security and economic relief, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the launch of the P20 Rice Project under the KADIWA ng Pangulo program. Beginning May 2, 2025 , indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities will be able to purchase high-quality rice at just Php 20.00 per kilogram through KADIWA centers across the country. Making Affordable Rice Accessible Through this initiative, eligible beneficiaries can buy up to 30 kilos of rice per month at the highly subsidized rate. The rice supply will be procured by Food Terminal Inc. from the National Food Authority (NFA), ensuring quality and sufficient volume for the program. For the pilot run, participating local government units (LGUs) sharing the subsidy will have the option to extend the affordable rice program to all households in their community , regardless of economic status. Secretary Tiu Laurel noted that the P20 Rice Project complements the ...

Nestled in the mountainous regions of Northern Luzon, the rice terraces stand as both cultural heritage and vital agricultural systems. Built by hand and maintained for generations, these terraces showcase Filipino ingenuity and the deep bond between people and nature. Why the Rice Terraces Matter Cultural Significance: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the terraces are a symbol of ancient indigenous knowledge passed down for over 2,000 years. Sustainability: Terraced farming helps prevent soil erosion, controls water runoff, and maintains biodiversity in upland ecosystems. Food Security: These terraces support local rice production in regions where flat land is scarce. Challenges in Upland Agriculture Limited Mechanization: The terraces’ steep terrain makes it difficult to use modern farming machinery. Climate Vulnerability: Typhoons and landslides frequently damage infrastructure and crops. Youth Migration: Many young people leave farming communities, leading to fewer han...

The dry season—or summer—is a unique opportunity for farmers and home gardeners in the Philippines to grow a variety of crops that thrive under the sun. While the heat can be intense, many plants actually love the warmer weather and can produce excellent yields with proper care. Here are some of the best crops to plant during the Philippine summer: 1.  Corn (Maize) Corn is one of the most popular summer crops in the Philippines. It requires full sunlight and well-drained soil. With the right irrigation system, corn can grow rapidly and yield a profitable harvest in just a few months. 2.  Mango Known as the “king of Philippine fruits,” mangoes love the summer heat. In fact, the dry season is essential for mango trees to flower and bear fruit. Provinces like Guimaras and Zambales enjoy bumper mango harvests during this time. 3.  Watermelon Summer wouldn’t be complete without watermelons. These juicy fruits need high temperatures and lots of sunlight to ...