Finally, our last stop for our Northern Mindanao leg of Organic Agriculture farm tour… The Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Center (MKAETDC).
Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Center is a 22-hectare upland farm located at Sinaburan, Imbayao Malaybalay City in Bukidnon. Owned by, again, a husband and wife tandem Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Maputi.
Compared to the other organic farms that we visited in Bukidnon, you will feel a very laid-back ambiance in the MKAETDC. But I like it! it is so natural. I feel like i’m one with the nature.
So this is where we were supposed to sleep that night. There’s no need for electric fan since it is cold in the place. Malaybalay City is said to be the “South Summer Capital of the Philippines” so there’s a natural cold air circulating around us.
This is Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Center learning site where we had our short briefing and had our sumptuous organic lunch.
For our refreshment, the center made us this freshly-made passion fruit juice. It’s the best! Too bad I was not able to ask how do they make one.
After our lunch, Sir Benjamin took us to a guided tour around MKAETDC(well, not all the 22-hextare land hahaha, just a portion of it). He’s really a very simple and humble man.
Going back, Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Center is very active in protecting Mt. Kitanglad and promotes sustainable upland farming systems in the area which covers different organic farming activities such as:
UPLAND FARMING SYSTEM
RAIN FORESTRATION
HONEYBEE CULTURE
Actually, this is not the actual Honeybee culture site. Wasn’t able to see the area. Just saw this beehive hanging in the tree while we were touring the area.
NURSERY OPERATION
LIVESTOCKS
ECOLOGICAL WALK AND CAMPING
Imagine, I’ve already seen so many things within the center’s vicinity which is actually just a part of the whole property. Tiring but rewarding. Actually there’s more.
Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Center also raises frogs which also helps in insect control.
The center also makes essential oil like Citronella which they actually sold for Php100-P120 pesos. Not sure for the exact price.
Lastly, I love how disciplined organic farms are when it comes to waste segregation. How these farms practices zero-waste just to protect and conserve the environment.
Too bad, we have to cut our stay in the center due to unforseen situations. But I really learned a lot from our short stay at Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Center . I am really amazed how Organic Farmer like Mr. Maputi manages the center with a big land area. Such a rewarding experience.
For more information about Mt. Kitanglad Agri-Ecological Techno-Demo Center, you may contact Agricultural Training Institute:
Address: Eliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City( Near North Avenue)
Phone: +63-2-9298541 to 49
Email: ati_director@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.ati.da.gov.ph
