From the Editor

Dear Reader,

We hope that you are keeping safe, healthy, and productive.

This month, we feature stories from all over the Philippines. From Luzon, we have our cover story, that of a Zambales farm whose decision to go use hydroponics has meant profits.

Also from the island is a former coconut farm in Quezon that has been rehabilitated into a productive natural farm in just three years.

From Visayas, we feature the diversified coconut farm of a former OFW in Southern Leyte that earns over P100,000 a month. Also in this issue is a dragonfruit farm in Iloilo that started out as a hobby, but is now on its way to becoming a farm tourism site.

Plant enthusiasts know that Mindanao is a hotspot for endemic species, with many still being discovered or awaiting discovery. 108 orchid species have recently been found on Mt. Busa in Southern Mindanao, one of the many reasons it’s important to preserve the area’s flora and fauna. In Surigao del Sur, we feature the story of a housewife who didn’t let living beside swampland stop her from cultivating a flourishing garden. And in Zamboanga, we follow the story of a community that has found hope and profit after turning to gardening after being displaced by the Zamboanga Siege.

These are but some of the inspiring stories collected in this issue. To live on a farm is something many Filipinos aspire for. It’s heartening to know that for more and more of our kababayans, it has turned from an aspiration to a dream come true.