The idea of improving their farm first came to Enrico Batungbacal after he graduated from college. Even though he had no background in farming, he was determined to help his father develop their land. With a strong sense of purpose and a desire to learn, Enrico took the first steps toward transforming their family’s farm. “Nagdesisyon ako na kausapin ang aking ama, sabihin sa kanya na gusto ko siya tulungan para pagandahin yung negosyo dito sa farm,” he quipped.
THE FACE OF EARLY OBSTACLES
It wasn’t one of those success stories where everything immediately falls into place —the beginning was far from easy. In his first year of managing the farm, a typhoon struck. For someone with no agricultural backgrount, that could have been the end. But for Enrico, it became a turning point.
“Buti na lang malakas ang loob ko, ipinagpatuloy ko ang aking ginagawa”, Enrico recalled.
Despite the challenges, he managed to stay afloat. It wasn’t luck—it was because Enrico focused on building a system that worked. He started training their workers more closely and making sure everyone was on the same page. Slowly, things began to shift.
“Mas natutukan ko yung mga tao namin para yung trabaho ay magkaroon ng sistema… nag break-even naman kami, kahit na binagyo kami,” he explained.
THE GROWTH OF BATUNGBACAL’S FARM
From 1990 to 1995, the farm experienced significant growth. Production steadily increased, leading to the rise in income. However, the journey was not without challenges. After bringing their mangoes to an exporter, Enrico realized they weren’t getting paid well. The mango farmer took matters into his own hands. He sold the products directly to the buyers. It was a bold move, and it worked. With more control over pricing and presentation, Batungbacal mangoes started carving out their market space. They were no longer just fruits from the province but branded, boxed, and labeled.
Social media also played a big part in that growth. Sharing snapshots of their harvests online helped build connections with customers nearby. But it wasn’t just marketing; the product spoke for itself.
With the business constantly improving, the attached agencies under the Department of Agriculture were also there to guide and help the farm by sharing knowledge of the market and inputs. Later, Enrico applied the farm to become a learning site for agriculture (LSA) through the Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon, turning it into a place where aspiring farmers could learn, grow, and be inspired.
“Sa kahaba-haba kong naging magma-mangga, gusto ko naman ibahagi rin doon sa mga ibang nag- uumpisa o doon sa kasalukuyan ding nagma-mangga; ibahagi yung mga kaalaman na naipon ko sa loob ng 36 years sa farming,” he shared.
WHAT LIES BEHIND THE SUCCESS
But the real heart of Batungbacal Farms isn’t just in its soil—it’s in the people who keep it alive every day.
One is Melody Elgarlino, the farm’s administrative assistant and sales representative. Melody ensures mangoes are harvested at the right time and even the most minor details are taken seriously. She learned this process directly from Sir Enrico.
“Bago kasi mag-harvest ng mangga, nagta-try kami na siguro three days before ng harvest, mag-o-open kasi muna si Sir Enrico ng mga mangoes by batch; kukuha siya ng sample” she says.
“Dapat talaga may tamang kulay yung mangoes para yung tamis niya, para yung sarap ng mangga nandyan. Kaya kailangan po tamang gulang,” she added.
But it’s not just about farming; it’s also about how you sell it.
“Ako po kapag nagbebenta, pinatitikim ko po sa buyers at kayo ang magsabi kung ano po yung lasa, kung di masarap, kung di po kayo nasiyahan, ibabalik po namin yung pera ninyo,” Melody confidently shared.
Then there’s Jonathan Aratia, the farm’s tractor operator. What started as a job driving heavy machinery turned into a journey of learning and growth. Over the years, Jonathan has picked up various farm skills and even joined training programs for modern equipment.
Their growth proves that Batungbacal Farm doesn’t just cultivate crops; it builds people.
MORE THAN JUST MANGOES
Today, Batungbacal Farms is thriving. But it’s not just about business. For Enrico, it’s about creating something sustainable for his family, workers, and other farmers looking for a place to begin.
In every mango harvested and every box sent out, there’s a story of struggle and growth. And with every bite of their sweet, ripened fruit, you’re not just tasting a product—you’re tasting the result of years of perseverance, community, and love for the land.
Sweet success, indeed.
by: Sopia Marie P. Lapuz & Samantha S. Valino
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