This might not be the typical expat blog, written by a German expat, living in the Philippines since 1999. It's different. In English and in German. Check it out! Enjoy reading!
Dies mag' nun wirklich nicht der typische Auswandererblog eines Deutschen auf den Philippinen sein. Er soll etwas anders sein. In Englisch und in Deutsch! Viel Spass beim Lesen!
You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?
There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!
Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!
Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!
Guadaleva Ballogan Coteng is the owner of Purest Heart Apiary in Itogon, Benguet. (Purest Heart Apiary)
Guadaleva Ballogan Coteng, owner of the Purest Heart Apiary, is a passionate beekeeper in Itogon, Benguet. As she addresses the pressing issue of inadequate local honey supply, her efforts align with the benefits of developing the bee industry. By encouraging sustainable practices and inspiring more farmers to engage in beekeeping, Guadaleva's work contributes to economic growth, environmental conservation, and improved agricultural practices. Her story resonates with the greater narrative of the advantages that a thriving bee industry can bring to the Philippines. Here are some contributions of the beekeeping industry in the country.
Pollination
Pollination is a fundamental ecological process that allows plants to reproduce. Bees are exceptional pollinators due to their foraging habits and specialized body structures. They transfer pollen from the male parts of flowers to the female parts, enabling fertilization and fruit development. By expanding the bee industry, the Philippines can significantly increase crop yields and enhance the quality of fruits and vegetables.
Honey and its health benefits
Honey is a natural sweetener and has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties make it effective in wound healing and preventing infections. Rich in antioxidants, honey can help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, supporting overall immune function. It has been utilized as a soothing remedy for sore throats and coughs, and its natural sweetness makes it a healthier alternative to refined sugars. Moreover, honey's prebiotic properties can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, aiding digestion.
Economic empowerment through apiculture
Beekeeping can generate a diverse range of products beyond honey, including beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen. These products have various commercial applications in industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing. Individuals and communities can tap into a lucrative market, creating job opportunities and bolstering economic growth in both rural and urban areas.
Safeguarding food security
There is a connection between pollinators and food security. A decline in pollinator populations can lead to reduced crop yields and potential food shortages. With an established bee industry, the Philippines can ensure reliable pollination services, leading to better crop productivity and enhanced food security.
Global collaboration and trade
Bee products, such as honey and beeswax, have a global market demand. By producing high-quality bee products, the Philippines can engage in international trade, fostering economic partnerships and enhancing the country's reputation as a sustainable and responsible producer.
The bee industry in the Philippines confronts critical challenges including pests, diseases, and habitat loss. Addressing these hurdles demands scientific research, meticulous hive management, and sustainable agricultural approaches. Effective solutions can be achieved through collaboration among beekeepers, researchers, and policymakers.
To foster the bee industry's progress, government support is imperative. Policies encouraging beekeeping, encompassing financial aid for startups, training initiatives, resource allocation for research and development, and the establishment of regulations and quality benchmarks, can catalyze thriving beekeeping endeavors. Moreover, facilitating market entry and international trade agreements can bolster the industry's economic influence. Combatting honey fraud with transparent practices ensures consumers access to genuine, high-quality honey. Thus, government-backed strategies are vital for the robust development of the bee industry.
Developing the bee industry in the Philippines holds vast potential for environmental, economic, and social benefits. From fostering ecological resilience and food security to empowering communities and contributing to global sustainability goals, beekeeping stands as a promising avenue for the country's growth.
Marvi and Rogen, owners of Anitu Food Forest. (Anitu Food Forest)
Marvi Rafael Montecillo and Rogen Montecillo, a husband and wife team, are the driving force behind the remarkable Anitu Food Forest. This passionate pair is on a mission to redefine sustainable farming and leave a positive impact on their community and environment.
Marvi ‘s great-grandparents were among the early pioneers who established a farm in a small town within Kibawe, Bukidnon during the 1950s. At that time, the area was an untouched vastness of virgin forest with old towering trees, some possibly exceeding a millennium in age, and incredibly fertile soil that inherently possessed richness without needing any further inputs. During that time, Marvi ‘s great-grandparents effortlessly cultivated and harvested coffee and cacao.
Marvi Rafael at Anitu Food Forest. (Anitu Food Forest)
However, “That is no longer the case now, as our farming methods—although created material abundance that we are all so grateful for—was a method that is one of exploitation or extracting,” Marvi said. “…majority of native trees, coffee and cacao today have been cut down as pest and diseases infest the farms in Kibawe.”
Transition to syntropic farming
Marvi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Xavier University—Ateneo de Cagayan. His academic pursuit ignited a deep interest upon encountering the concept of syntropic or regenerative farming. According to Marvi, “Syntropic or regenerative farming is a type of farming method that takes the advice of mother nature which has created abundance all over the planet.”
Rogen at Anitu Food Forest. (Anitu Food Forest)
Marvi further explained that “Syntropy refers to the tendency of systems to become more organized, complex, or integrated over time. In this sense, syntropy would represent the process of systems moving towards a state of greater order and organization.”
In essence, Marvi said that this can be illustrated as the transition from basic grasslands to intricate forests. By introducing human intervention, which involves actions like meticulously pruning or trimming biomass grass and densely planting numerous plants and trees, it can accelerate the pace at which growth, complexity, and abundance develop. This acceleration effectively condenses what nature might naturally accomplish in 200 years into a mere 10 to 20 years.
This innovative agricultural methodology emulates the way of nature, which has nurtured abundance throughout the planet's history. “For millions of years, life evolved from the simple one-celled microorganism and spread all over the planet into very complex ecosystems consisting of various plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, jungles, forests and even human civilizations etc.,” Marvi said.
Marvi and Rogen together on their farm. (Anitu Food Forest)
Founding Anitu Forest
In the year 2020, Marvi entered the bonds of matrimony with his beloved partner. In collaboration with his spouse, Roge Montecillo, a recipient of the Young Farmers Challenge Program Award in the enterprise category. The Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Start-Up is a competitive financial grant assistance program aimed at supporting young individuals or groups interested in starting new agri-fishery enterprises by providing start-up capital for profitable ventures.
Their mutual entrepreneurial spirit sparked a realization that as entrepreneurs, they are responsible for identifying solutions to various challenges. This gave birth to Anitu Forest, an endeavor driven by a mission to tackle critical issues such as deforestation, excessive reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, insufficient cacao production in the Philippines, and the scarcity of viable employment opportunities.
Rogen making hot chocolate at kaamulan grounds. (Anitu Food Forest)
Through a series of small experiments, they are determined to address these challenges by creating cacao forest farms and eventually launching a tree-to-bar chocolate company. Currently, they are crafting their chocolates at home.
Marvi and Rogen take care of various crops like coconuts, bananas, ginger, and cassava. As the tall native forest trees grow, they also plant cacao underneath. The main aim is to make yummy chocolate, so Marvi is working to bring back the trees that have always been around in this area.
Marvi and Rogen are pioneers of syntropic farming in the Philippines. While permaculture is practiced by many in the country, they are embracing syntropic farming as a way to achieve larger-scale natural agriculture that generates surplus produce, aiming to compete with conventional farming in terms of both production and cost-efficiency. According to their perspective, any method of natural farming should not only ensure the well-being of the community and the environment but also prove financially sustainable, with the ultimate goal being abundance. Given the expert assessment that much of the soil in the Philippines is severely degraded, Marvi and Rogen view syntropic farming as a potential solution to address this concern.
The couple believe that there's a disconnection between big financial institutions and their origins. They think there should be a return to the idea of "sound money" and a focus on supporting producers. They point out that in the past, things like cocoa beans and gold were used as money.
Chocolate products called chocolate barks. (Anitu Food Forest)
Looking at history, they've noticed that societies like Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, Rome, and the Maya, which harmed their soil's fertility, saw their farming suffer. This often led to problems in society and the economy, eventually causing their downfall.
They consider themselves fortunate to engage in natural farming, understanding that as humans, they are an integral part of nature rather than separate from it. “With this in mind, we feel we are doing a very important job. And despite the difficulties, the feeling that we are doing something important pushes us to work harder and, hopefully, smarter,” Marvi said.
Learning syntropic farming proved to be a challenging and costly journey for Marvi and Rogen. They are grateful for the internet, which granted them access to a range of resources, including books like "Agricultura Syntropica" by Rebello and Sakamoto, written in Portuguese and translated into English. They also engaged in Facebook discussions with fellow syntropic farmers from Brazil, Australia, and Mexico. Through these avenues, they managed to amalgamate their learning and put it into practice.
Chopping and dropping of biomass such as branches and leaves to serve as fertilizers. (Anitu Food Forest)
While it's tempting to attribute their challenges to limited finances and lack of machinery, Marvi and Rogen recognize a more fundamental gap: the absence of knowledge and a culture that values continuous learning and knowledge accumulation.
Marvi and Rogen acknowledge the words of Ernst Gotsch, the visionary behind the synthesis of syntropic farming, and emphasize the significance of knowledge by stating, "Knowledge is the best fertilizer."
Teaching syntropic farming to the community's workers posed a significant challenge. “There are terminologies, scientific terms and phenomena that are not easily translatable to Bisaya.,” Marvi said. “But simply by doing and practicing syntropic farming, all of us, not only our workers, have slowly learned along the way.”
The spatial arrangement involves the division of plant species into distinct layers, each occupying specific proportions of space including tall, medium, low, and groundcover plants. (Anitu Food Forest)
Although Marvi and Rogen were primarily engaged in conventional farming across most of their land, they initiated small experimental plots to practice syntropic farming. “The covid pandemic pushed us to risk a lot which actually helped us to improve faster,” Marvi said. “It was a pain to see our failed experiments die together with our false notions, but there is no way around it. We must fail in some things in order to learn and improve."
Success amidst skepticism
Despite the skepticism of nearby farmers who claim that "zero-chemical" or natural farming is unattainable due to the depleted and highly acidic soil in the area, Marvi and Rogen's farm yield presents a contrasting story. They successfully cultivate ginger, cassava, vegetables, bananas, and cacao without relying on chemical inputs.
“We believe, as time goes on, the soil fertility and biodiversity increase and our farm produce as well,” Marvi said.
Cacao fermentation process. (Anitu Food Forest)
Marvi and Rogen’s vision revolves around establishing a sustainable business through reforestation farming. “By making the consumers part of the reforestation process, we create a virtuous cycle where money flows from the city towards reforestation projects, and at the same time the forest provides high-quality food to people in the cities,” Marvi said.
Marvi and Rogen plan to expand their cacao forest farms, collaborating with and instructing fellow farms in the ways of syntropic farming, facilitating the growth of a craft chocolate market, and ultimately establishing a chocolate factory.
In the initial phase of their farming venture, Marvi and Rogen's aim is to demonstrate that syntropic farming is a superior method compared to conventional practices.
Current products from naturally grown cacao. (Anitu Food Forest)
“This is a thesis, and only time will tell if we can show that indeed it is,” Marvi said. “Once we are able to prove it, we hope to partner with our neighbors to not only reforest our small barangay but create job opportunities and even spark a few minds who wish to engage in agri entrepreneurship.”
Within their farm, they provide consistent employment for around 10 to 15 people throughout the year. As entrepreneurs, their task involves selling their chocolates to consumers all across the Philippines, especially in urban areas. This way, they want to encourage consumers to actively participate in the reforestation process.
Marvi and Rogen together with the people they help by providing jobs. (Anitu Food Forest)
Vision for a sustainable future
In their perspective, the era of regenerative farming has arrived. With access to technology, machinery, equipment, and a wealth of knowledge, they recognize the potential for more effective farming practices.
Marvi and Rogen consider themselves entrepreneurs, tasked with finding solutions to challenges. They value the idea that in society, the success of one translates to success for all. This notion extends to farming, where prosperity is accessible to all farmers, and the benefits of high-quality produce are shared.
Marvi and Rogen first time to sell hot chocolate at Kaamulan Festival. (Anitu Food Forest)
In their optimistic view, the multiplication of wealth, knowledge, and love occurs naturally as civilization progresses. They firmly hold that optimism and problem-solving can pave the way to addressing all challenges.
Life, for Marvi and Rogen, is an expedition they've chosen to embrace. “Despite a lot of unknowns and risks, this is what makes life worth living. Being a reforester and a regenerative farmer and creating a business around that is truly satisfying work.” Marvin said. “We believe in value creation, contribution to the community, and raising a family. These things make us happy.”
The next article will discuss syntropic farming, its benefits, principles, and its potential for better and more sustainable food production.
Wild and natural form of the waling-waling orchid flower. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
The waling-waling orchid, scientifically known as Vanda sanderiana, is a stunning and highly prized orchid species native to the Philippines. Also referred to as the "Queen of Philippine Flowers," the waling-waling orchid is renowned for its exceptional beauty and unique characteristics.
The waling-waling orchid typically blooms during the months of June to August, although there may be some variations in blooming periods depending on specific growing conditions and environmental factors. This period is considered the peak flowering season for the waling-waling orchid.
Waling-waling orchid flowers with yellow, green, and white is the alba form which came about with intense breeding efforts in Hawaii in the 1950s. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
The waling-waling orchid exhibits various forms, each with its unique charm. The froebeliana variety showcases a dark coloration while the albata exhibit lighter hues with purplish markings. Additionally, there is the alba, which was artificially induced through intensive inbreeding in Hawaii, resulting in green and yellow forms. The diversity of waling-waling varieties contributes to its immense popularity among orchid enthusiasts.
This orchid species has a monopodial growth habit, meaning it grows vertically, with a single stem that produces leaves and flowers along its length. The leaves are long, narrow, and leathery, providing an elegant backdrop to the remarkable blooms.
Due to its beauty, the waling-waling orchid has become a foundation for breeding programs. Its bloodline has been utilized to develop other vanda orchids with desirable traits such as vigorous growth and large, round flowers. While the waling-waling's own flower characteristics may not be strongly inherited by its progenies, its robust vegetative properties are often passed down.
Papilionanda Antonio Puyat orchid is an example of the heavy influence of waling waling in orchid breeding. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
The waling-waling orchid is indigenous to the foothills of Mount Apo in the province of Davao, located on the island of Mindanao. While the waling-waling orchid's natural range is predominantly in Davao, it can also be found in other regions of Mindanao such as Maguindanao, South Cotabato, and possibly Basilan.
Cultivation and care
As a tropical flower, the waling-waling orchid flourishes in warm environments and does not thrive in cool climates. It has been extensively propagated, leading to a significant global population. However, its rarity is still recognized due to the challenges of finding it in its natural habitat, mainly due to intensive collection and poaching. To cultivate waling-waling successfully, understanding its specific requirements is crucial.
Waling-waling orchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight, mimicking their natural habitat under the shade of trees. Care should be taken to prevent direct exposure to sunlight during the summer months, which can lead to leaf burning. Adequate watering is vital, considering its tropical origins. Daily watering is recommended, especially in regions with high humidity. The root tips should appear fleshy, green, or purple, indicating sufficient hydration. Watering should be done before 4 PM to allow excess water to evaporate, reducing the risk of diseases and root rot.
Waling-waling orchids with superior forms and colors. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
Providing the waling-waling orchid with proper nutrition is essential for its healthy growth. Regular fertilizer application during watering, once a week, helps supply essential nutrients. Additionally, ensuring adequate air circulation is crucial. Spacing individual waling-waling plants apart prevents the spread of diseases, and the leaves should not touch each other, allowing free airflow.
Waling-waling orchids naturally grow on tree trunks, making it beneficial to provide a potting medium for them to cling onto, such as wood or bark. While they can survive without a medium, their survival is more reliant on careful watering and regular fertilizer application, as they have no alternative moisture source. Utilizing potting media can encourage keiki production and reduce maintenance efforts. Keiki is an offshoot plant that develops on the stem or base of the parent orchid. However, for those with limited resources and space, hanging the orchid using wire or vanda baskets with charcoal or wood can also be suitable as long as the growth remains upright.
Wild and natural form of the waling-waling orchid flower. (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)
One intriguing characteristic of the waling-waling orchid is its propensity to produce keikis, which are offshoots that sap nutrients from the mother plant. To prevent the decline of the mother plant, it is recommended to separate the keikis individually before they start affecting the parent's vitality. The waling-waling orchid is widely propagated commercially and readily available in the market, making it accessible to enthusiasts and collectors.
The waling-waling orchid, with its noble beauty and intriguing characteristics, holds a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. There have been movements and discussions advocating for the Waling-waling to be recognized as the national flower of the Philippines. Despite challenges in establishing it as the national flower, its cultural significance remains undeniable. With proper care and understanding of its tropical requirements, enthusiasts can cultivate and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the waling-waling orchid. Its varied forms, captivating blooms, and rich history continue to inspire awe and admiration, making it a treasured gem of the Philippines.
The Philippines is hit by typhoons 15 to 20 times a year. Farmers experience severe agricultural damage because of flooding and strong winds. We can do nothing to prevent typhoons, but several methods exist to reduce their damage. One of those is the installation of natural windbreaks to lessen and redirect the impact of strong winds.
Natural windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs that serve as barriers to strong winds. They reduce wind velocity to protect crops, structures, and houses. They also help prevent soil erosion.
Windbreaks are planted against the direction of the wind, and their effectiveness depends on the planting rows' density, height, and length. The denser the windbreak is, the more significant the wind speed reduction.
Native trees are great options for natural windbreaks. They are already adapted to the Philippine climate, meaning they have developed the resiliency for surviving the extreme local conditions. Here are five native Philippine tree windbreaks to save your crop from strong typhoon winds.
Narra(Pterocarpus indicus)
Narra is considered the national tree of the Philippines because it is a strong and resilient tree – the characteristic that represents Filipinos. Narra trees are often utilized as shade and ornamental trees because of their robust canopy. It is also used as a lumber tree as it produces good quality wood for making furniture. Sadly, narra is a critically endangered tree because of illegal logging. There are only several thousand narra trees left. It is now a prioritized tree for conservation and reforestation.
Narra (Judgefloro/Wikimedia Commons)
Narra is an excellent addition to agricultural green manure and livestock pasture because its leaves are rich in nitrogen. It bears fragrant yellow flowers that usually bloom from February to May. The tree’s flowers are also important sources of nectar and pollen for bees.
Even though it can reach up to 35 meters in height, it has strong resistance to strong winds and is unlikely to be easily uprooted because of its extensive roots.
Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi)
Kamagong is famous for its expensive dark hardwood. Its timber is dubbed “ironwood” because it is one of the hardest woods in the Philippine lumber industry. Its wood is a good material for constructing house flooring, posts, furniture, and wood carvings. Its precious wood attracts loggers, making it another vulnerable tree species.
Kamagong (Judgefloro/Wikimedia Commons)
It is commonly found at low to medium altitudes. The tree is usually planted to provide roadside shade and as an ornamental tree. It bears the fuzzy fruit locally known as mabolo or velvet persimmon in English.
Kamagong can grow up to 33 meters high. It also grows its roots deep in the ground, helping it stay upright during strong typhoons.
Katmon (Dillenia philippinensis)
Katmon is an indigenous tree found in the Philippines. It is planted as an ornamental tree for public parks because of its yellow or white flowers. The flowers develop into a round green, edible, sour fruit that can be eaten raw or cooked in dishes like sinigang. The wood of the katmon tree can be built into cabinets and for small wood construction.
Katmon (Wiki Farazi/Wikimedia Commons)
Katmon trees can grow up to 17 meters. They naturally grow well in forests of low and medium altitudes. They form a root structure called a buttress. These roots form above the ground and serve as stabilizers that prevent the tree from toppling down.
Pili (Canarium ovatum)
The pili is an erect, medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters. Pili is a famous tree in the Bicol region because of its pili nuts and oil. Bicol considers pili their flagship crop because the pili industry is vital in generating jobs and income in the region. Besides the Bicol region, pili trees are abundant in Western and Eastern Visayas, Southern Tagalog, Caraga, and Southern Mindanao.
Pili grove (Zyrahila/Wikimedia Commons)
The pili tree bears the hard pili fruit. Inside the fruit is the kernel that can be eaten raw or roasted. The resin from its bark, called elemi, is used for pharmaceutical and industrial purposes, while the oil from the fruit is for culinary use.
The pili trees in Bicol have stood the test of time, surviving many typhoons that hit the region. Pili trees have an extensive root system making them an excellent candidate to resist strong typhoon winds.
Bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum)
Bitaog or tamanu tree is another tree that is native to the Philippines. It can grow up to 35 meters tall. It is commonly found along shores throughout the Philippines but is commonly seen in Cagayan, Sorsogon, Palawan, Masbate, Leyte, and Mindanao. Because it prefers to grow alongside the coastal areas, bitaog wood is used in boat construction. It is also an excellent shade and ornamental tree planted along roads and parks.
Bitaog (Forest & Kim Starr/Wikimdedia Commons)
The leaves and fruits of the bitaog tree are said to be poisonous. However, the seed of the fruit is used for the casing of the local coconut candies called “sundot kulangot.” While the tamanu oil, collected from the fruit seed, is used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.
Bitaog trees are great windbreaks as they naturally thrive in the windy conditions of the coastal areas. They also develop deep roots to penetrate beyond the sandy soils of the shores.
More than just windbreaks
The Philippine forest has undergone rapid deforestation through the years. This has left many of our native vulnerable or critically endangered because of illegal logging. Planting of native trees is important in the conservation of these trees. Also, native trees provide shelter to local wildlife
Besides protecting lives and livelihood from the destructive capability of strong winds from typhoons, native trees can provide additional income through their by-products such as their fruits and seeds.
The Philippines is hit by typhoons 15 to 20 times a year. Farmers experience severe agricultural damage because of flooding and strong winds. We can do nothing to prevent typhoons, but several methods exist to reduce their damage. One of those is the installation of natural windbreaks to lessen and redirect the impact of strong winds.
Natural windbreaks are rows of trees or shrubs that serve as barriers to strong winds. They reduce wind velocity to protect crops, structures, and houses. They also help prevent soil erosion.
Windbreaks are planted against the direction of the wind, and their effectiveness depends on the planting rows' density, height, and length. The denser the windbreak is, the more significant the wind speed reduction.
Native trees are great options for natural windbreaks. They are already adapted to the Philippine climate, meaning they have developed the resiliency for surviving the extreme local conditions. Here are five native Philippine tree windbreaks to save your crop from strong typhoon winds.
