Luyong Mushroom Farm is an integrated family farm owned by Mr. Henry B. Luyong, a public school teacher, and managed by his wife, Mrs. Estela D. Luyong, a local barangay official.
The story of their success has been anything but easy; it has been a true test of faith and a roller coaster ride. Henry's interest in mushroom cultivation began 24 years ago when he attended an outreach program conducted by a non-government organization that discussed mushroom production in their barangay.
From that moment, he started cultivating mushrooms at home intermittently. However, due to financial constraints, he had to pause his efforts to prioritize his familyโs needs. Mr. Luyong's dream of establishing a dedicated mushroom house remained unrealized until he was invited to become one of the incubatees in the CMU-ATBI Program launched in 2018. This opportunity reignited his passion for mushroom cultivation and opened up the possibility for him to re-engage in this enterprise.
The following year, they utilized available resources and successfully produced 1,200 fruiting bags with an initial capital of only PhP500. Additionally, they constructed a medium-production building capable of accommodating up to 6,000 fruiting bags.
Throughout their journey, the family business faced numerous difficulties and challenges that forced them to decide whether to continue mushroom cultivation or abandon it altogether. Issues included contamination of fruiting bags and a lack of market for their harvests. However, through experimentation and perseverance, they overcame these obstacles. Social media played a vital role in their marketing efforts, helping them create market linkages.
After teaching classes during the day, Henry would return home to tend to his mushroom house as part of his daily routine. His relentless research led him to successfully create and produce his own spawn for use on their farm.
During the pandemic, with assistance from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Lantapan, Henry was officially recognized as a Magsasakang Siyentista (MS) by the Agricultural Training Institute. He showcased his innovative technology for mushroom cultivation and shared his knowledge as a resource person during various training sessions, symposiums, and seminars. After two long years of hard work, Luyong Mushroom Farm was awarded Outstanding Farm Family in the Farm Family Category during the Gawad Saka 2023 at the provincial level.
Today, the farm stands as one of the largest producers of fresh oyster mushrooms in the municipality, harvesting an average of 10-15 kilograms daily and creating job opportunities within the community. Their market includes several stores, school cafeterias, and fast-food outlets throughout Bukidnon Province. They also have resellers both inside and outside Lantapan. The farm generates sufficient income to support the family's daily needs and expenses while significantly contributing to their children's sustainable education.
Located at Purok 5 in Barangay Bantuanon, Lantapan, Bukidnon, Luyong Mushroom Farm welcomes on-the-job training (OJT) students from various states and universities as well as immersion students from senior high schools. As this narrative unfolds, the family expresses their endless gratitude to the Lord for all the blessings they have received. (written and submitted by / photos by:ย Zaldy K. Dangilan, Jr.)ย
