The story of the Hacienda Quinitio Integrated Farm of Infanta, Pangasinan, owned and operated by Lyndon and Evelyn, is a notable story of enthusiasm, innovation, and community spirit. Their journey began in July 2019 upon their retirement from Japan as government scholars, when they decided to transform their inherited 10-hectare hilltop forest into an agricultural land area.
Forest to farm: the beginnings
Initially starting with a hilly and forest-like area in 2019, they saw the need to clear the area and invest for agriculture. They started with 12 native pigs, and a variety of fruit trees like chico, caimito, langka, lanzones, rambutan, and macopa. Seeing how this can be productive and helpful, their vision extended beyond personal sustenance. They aimed to create a sustainable place for their family, and also for their community. With their humble savings, they created a pig pen for their sows and a dormitory for their staff who will take charge of their livestock. Moreover, they also ventured in pinakbet vegetables through organic farming.
Rising amidst challenges
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, their farm became a support for the community. With the limited resources amidst lockdowns, they generously distributed food resources such as pork from their pigs and vegetables from their farm. They also distributed seedlings and offered the people in their area to plant seedlings and harvest its fruits, themselves. This selflessness ingrained them deeper into the community, setting the step for their future endeavors.
As the pandemic wore on, their efforts to support the community grew even more determined. They organized workshops on sustainable farming practices, teaching others how to maximize their own resources and become more self-sufficient. They experimented with new techniques, adapting to the changing circumstances brought on by the pandemic. Through their ingenuity, they not only sustained themselves but also inspired others to do the same.
Opportunities and collaborations
In 2021, their efforts were recognized by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Infanta, leading to their introduction to the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 1 for their certification as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA). Their collaboration with ATI-RTC 1 marked a significant turning point for their farm. With the certification, they gained access to extensive training programs and resources aimed at enhancing agricultural practices.
This milestone enabled them to collaborate with various government agencies such as ATI-RTC 1 for trainings, Philippine Coconut Authority, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, among others. Working closely with government agencies provided them with critical support in securing their farm against risks and diversifying their agricultural ventures. These partnerships allowed them to implement new techniques and technologies, ensuring sustainable productivity while mitigating environmental impact. This also allowed them to investing in technologies such as composting machines, which made them immersed in vermiculture, and solar pumps for their enhanced farm's efficiency and minimizing their environmental footprint.
Their collaboration extended beyond government agencies to include educational institutions like Pangasinan State University (PSU). The partnership with PSU for the moringa plantation project in 2022 showed their commitment to innovation and education in agriculture. This project diversified their crop portfolio and served as a practical learning experience for students, nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious farmers.
Despite facing setbacks like the African Swine Fever (ASF) and avian flu, they remained steadfast to their farming practices and community support. They saw these challenges as opportunities to innovate and adapt. They expanded their operations for livestock and poultry to include cattle, goats, quails, and free-range chicken. By diversification, they not only increased their farm's resilience but also provided a broader range of products to meet community needs.
Future plans and expansion
Looking forward, they are composed to expand their impact even further with projects centered around community development. Collaborating with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) for coconut-cacao plantations represents a significant step towards diversification. Recently, they were also chosen as the recipient for the implementation of Swine Artificial Insemination sa Barangay (SWAIB). Through this project in introducing modern breeding methods, they aim to improve livestock genetics and productivity while promoting sustainable practices in animal care. With all these projects on hand, they continue to strive toward becoming an agri-tourism destination someday.
For Lyndon and Evelyn, Hacienda Quinitio Integrated Farm is not just a place of livelihood but a demonstration to their passion for agriculture and community service. Their journey shows how dedication, curiosity, and a genuine desire to make a difference can transform a hilltop farm into a model of sustainable agriculture and a place of learning and development in the region.
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