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 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 ...

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 ...

Farming has always been the lifeblood of the Philippines. With over 10 million Filipinos depending on agriculture for their livelihood, the tools they use—both old and new—tell a powerful story of resilience, ingenuity, and adaptation. Traditional Tools: Echoes of the Past In many rural areas, time-tested tools are still widely used. These are more than just implements—they're symbols of tradition and a deep connection to the land. Araro (Plow): Pulled by carabaos, the araro is used to till the soil, especially in rice paddies. It’s slow but effective, especially in wet, sticky terrain. Suyod (Rake): Essential for removing weeds in rice fields. Its wide, comb-like structure allows farmers to maintain neat and healthy paddies. Bolo: A multipurpose blade used for everything from clearing fields to harvesting crops. It’s a farmer’s constant companion. Modern Tools: Boosting Efficiency As farming faces the twin challenges of climate change and an aging workforce, moder...

         Onion is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the Philippines. Its versatility in cooking, as well as its high demand in the market, make it a profitable crop for farmers. However, onion farming requires knowledge and skill to ensure a successful harvest. In this blog, we will discuss some tips for Philippine farming onion that can help you achieve a bountiful crop.            1. Choose the right variety There are several varieties of onion that can be grown in the Philippines, each with its own unique characteristics. When choosing which variety to grow, consider the climate in your area, as well as the market demand for the type of onion you plan to cultivate. Some popular onion varieties in the Philippines include Red Creole, Red Pinoy, and Yellow Granex.           2. Prepare the soil Onions prefer well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.8. Prepare the soil by removing ...