And our 2nd to the last stop for our Organic Agriculture Farm tour in Northern Mindanao was Binahon Agroforestry Farm.
Our journey to Binahon Agroforestry Farm started here. This is not the farm proper yet. Well, since the little truck service is full already with other bloggers and our luggages, me and Rey decided to walk 600 meters uphill to reach Binahon Agroforestry Farm’s main property.
It wasn’t that bad actually. Glad that I experienced something like this and I really enjoyed walking, eventhough it was really muddy that time due to intermittent rainshowers. But looking on the brighter side, it was a good exercise though hahaha! Plus, we were able to meet with some locals while on our way there.
And so we reached our destination. The Binahon Agroforestry Farm or BAFF which is located at the foot of Mt. Dulang-dulang in Sitio Bol-ogan, brgy. Songco, Lantapan,Bukidnon. This 8-hectare farm is owned by husband and wife tandem, Mr. Henry Binahon and Mrs. Perla Binahon(BAFF Manager).
Just my observation. All of the organic farms that I have visited, each were managed and built by husband and wife. It’s just so inspiring knowing these kind of success stories. With all the hardwork, passion and love… They have created something that can somehow leave a legacy on their decendants.
Going back, the Binahon Agroforestry Farm (BAFF) is an upland farm which practices sustainable ecological agriculture. where visitors, practitioners and even students can learn and experience the application of different farming systems and conservation as well.
Binahon Agroforestry Farm offers accommodation for those visitors who are planning to stay overnight or more for farm tour, seminars or trainings. This was our room. There’s also a room on the 2nd floor but no bed frames. Just mattresses on the floor. Each bed has one pillow, one blanket and a towel. I believe there are 4 rooms in Binahon Farm. They also have clean restfooms for female and male. Again just like in Alomah’s Place, the water there is freezing cold. You can request for hot water, but you have to advise it to the personnel ahead of time so they can prepare it for you just in time for you to use.
There’s also a fireplace that would keep you warm in a cold place like this(just a warning. If you don’t want to smell like smoke, then don’t stay in the fireplace area when lighted. :). Look at that cat comfortably sitting in front of the fireplace. So cute!
Before the farm presentation, we were served with warm and delicious carrot cinnamon cake and carrot-calamansi juice for refreshment. And after about an hour or two, we were served with a very sumptous organic dinner prepapred by Ms. Perla Binahon.
By the way, BAFF offers catering services for all occasions such as:
- Weddings
- Birthdays
- Anniversaries
- Seminars
- Meetings
The next day, Mr. Henry Binahon toured us around the farm. Thank God it did not rain during the tour. It was really exciting, since it was our first time to tour around a farm this big.
I love how the Binahon farm recycle and implement zero-waste management. Instead of throwing away items that may be junk for others, but the farm still find ways to re-use things by converting them as plant pots, chairs, tables and many more.
The farm maintains the harmonious balance among nature, agriculture and production, because all of these elements are interconnected in many ways and has specific roles which are beneficial to one another. The farm practices these approaches and techniques: (Source:http://binahonagroforestryfarm.blogspot.com)
1. Soil and Water Conservation (SWC)
– contour farming and natural vegetative strips (NVS)
- 2. Ensuring Food Security and Enhancing Food Chain
– multi-story and intercropping
– integrated pest management - 3. Organic Farming
– vermi culture and composting
– biopesticides
Binahon Farm grows different crops, fruit and non-fruit bearing trees. and it all starts here in the farm’s nursery. They also have two other properties which houses seedlings and where clients can buy as well.
Organic fertilizer is also available. And since BAFF is a learning site, students, OJTs can also learn and experiment in creating a good concoction for organic fertilizers.
Binahon Agroforestry Farm specializes in carrot production and they actually process it into value-adding product development which generates additional income for the farm.
WHAT ELSE TO SEE IN BINAHON AGROFORESTRY FARM?:
Thank you so much Mr. Henry and Perla of Binahon Agroforestry Farm for accommodating us. It was truly a wonderful experience for me. I would definitely go back again if there’s a chance. This farm is really an inspiration, knowing how the farm started and how the Binahons’ kept their feet on the ground and remained simple inspite of their success.
For inquiries and more information, you may reach Binahon Agroforestry Farm through the following:
Website: www.binahonagroforestryfarm.blogspot.com/
Mobile Number:0917-8796880/0906-6468573/0910-6143237
Telefax: (088)221-2337
Email: binahonagroforestryfarm(at)gmail.com
Mailing address: 02-92 Claro M. Recto Ave., Malaybalay City. Bukidnon
You might be interested with my other Mindanao Organic Farm Tour blogs:
