Marabut, one of the closest municipalities in Samar to Eastern Visayas’ popular tourist destination, the San Juanico bridge, offers a variety of picturesque landscapes, rock formations, and beautiful beaches. It has recently attracted more investors with the increasing number of resorts and beachside developments.
A few of Marabut’s distinct landmarks are the towering rock formations along the national highway, just walking distance from a pioneer beach resort in the area, and the panoramic view of the majestic peaks in its municipal seawaters, including Madung-Badong Islets, Tooth Islets, and Kapuruan Group of Islets.
A seaside property
The scenic landscape and agricultural potential of the area didn’t go unnoticed by Mr. and Mrs. Alex Aborita, who happened to drop by on one of their trips to the eastern part of Samar Island. They came to know of a former beach resort, privy to transient clients. The seaside property had existing small-sized rooms with dilapidated interiors and beach huts built on prominent rock formations that were in dire need of renovation.
Photo credit: Cuatro Marias Rock Garden FB Page
At that time, Mr. and Mrs. Aborita were already looking for properties to expand their reach to aspiring farm school students and clients, particularly in Samar Island. This adds to their existing agri-tourism ventures –the Villaconzoilo Farm in Jaro, Leyte, and the Cuatro Marias Academy Inc. in Sta. Rita, Samar.
In 2021, the couple officially bought the 2,000 sq.m. lot in Brgy. Malabago, Marabut and revamped its name to Cuatro Marias Rock Garden. Cuatro Maria as a tribute to their four daughters, and Rock Garden, which is an identifier to the rocky seaside property and their plan to develop a garden for landscaping.
An escape to beautiful landscapes
Overlooking striking sunrises in the Leyte Gulf and with each splash of opportunity, the owners truly seized an agricultural potential that knows no bounds. Within a week after purchase, the couple started rehabilitating the area. In between three properties, they made it a point to stay at Cuatro Marias Rock Garden for two days every week continuously implementing their plans for the property. “This is part of my routine. From here in Jaro, Leyte, I head down to Sta. Rita, Samar and back home again to Jaro”, Mr. Aborita quips.
Photo credit: Cuatro Marias Rock Garden FB Page
Cuatro Maria Rock Garden has slowly changed its transient image to a family friendly, agri-tourism escape for groups and clients. More than its beautiful landscape, Mr. Aborita acknowledges the abundant agriculture and fishery resources in the area, even buying freshly caught seafoods from fishermen nearby.
In 2024, the family already acquired adjacent properties with a total of three hectares (3 has) for Cuatro Marias Rock Garden, introduced landscaping courses, expanded with its agri-tourism and vegetable production, and agro-entrepreneurship.
Cuatro Marias Rock Garden officially opened its doors in 2022, starting off with an Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) certification as Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) in March 2022. Upon its launch, it welcomed guests from various government agencies and private groups who came to know about it on social media. One thing is consistent throughout the three properties –they have maintained its online presence, which largely helps in the promotion of agriculture programs and tourism offers.
It also opened opportunities for agriculture students who would opt to have their On-The-Job training at Cuatro Marias Rock Garden, such as the students from North West Samar State University and Visayas State University, to learn agricultural technologies and innovations. Consequently, they have accommodated youth camps and group activities that match their available capacity and amenities.
Photo credit: Cuatro Marias Rock Garden FB Page
More than the scenic venue for tourists, Cuatro Marias Rock Garden primarily offered the NC II on Landscape Installation and Maintenance (Softscape). Mr. Aborita shares, “I have checked on the CLUP from Marabut to Tacloban, and all of it are tourist areas. However, the landscaping has yet to be developed. That was the first thing I did to help resort owners in Marabut.”
The expansion on adjacent lots, divided by the national road, has enabled vegetable production, including eggplant and bitter gourd. Despite its distance from the town proper, Cuatro Marias Rock Garden posts its vegetable produce via Facebook to reach more audience, while cross posting the information to clients of the more known Villaconzoilo Farm School – an online marketing strategy they deem to be effective.
Photo credit: Cuatro Marias Rock Garden FB Page
As a farm school, the Cuatro Marias Island Rock Garden Resort trained students in landscaping. Eventually, course offerings expanded with NC I and NC II in Agricultural Crops Production, NC II in Agro-entrepreneurship, and NC II in Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice Seed Certification and Farm Mechanization.
In April 2024, it released training support funds to scholars in landscape installation and maintenance (softscape) NC II under the Training for Work Scholarship Program in coordination with TESDA Samar Provincial Office.
Always a family endeavor
Cuatro Marias Rock Garden is managed by the Aborita family. “Although, operating as a family, we each have our assignments. My wife and I oversee the production. My eldest daughter is the training supervisor and trainer. She can also serve as an assessor for select NC programs. Further, she oversees tasks of the staff on the sites. My second daughter is in charge of legal matters, and the two others facilitate the tourism aspect of the sites”, said Mr. Aborita.
Since 2021, there have been more structures built for group gatherings, the surroundings have become visually appealing thanks to the improved landscapes, and clear, concrete pathways have been satisfying every guest’s visit. Mr. Aborita emphasizes the need for farmers to be innovative. “To stop is not even an option. There must be continuous learning. Always be open and be updated with technologies. At Cuatro Marias Rock Garden, in three to five years, we have already built a hotel there. I would also be renovating the swimming pools,” said Mr. Aborita.
What once was an agricultural potential from a man’s perspective, created a rock of opportunities for many. Cuatro Marias Rock Garden in Marabut, Samar is a realization of a farmer’s dream to share agricultural knowledge among the residents in Samar Island, expanding its reach in Eastern Visayas.
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