At first glance, the word permaculture may sound like a buzzword pulled from an eco-manifesto. But in the hands of Nenieveh “Weng” Glinoga, permaculture becomes more than theory but a quiet revolution in how Filipinos are approaching land, food, and sustainability.
Speaking in episode 214 of DZRH’s Agri Asenso, Weng—a farmer-educator and staunch advocate of natural integrated farming—lays down a blueprint for farming that works with nature, not against it.
“Sa umpisa magta-trabaho ka—magbubungkal ka ng lupa, mag-aalaga ka. Pero darating ang panahon, kalikasan na ang mag-aalaga sa'yo,” Weng shared, capturing the heart of permaculture in a single, powerful insight.
A Farm That Grows Itself
Permaculture, as Weng explains, is short for permanent agriculture. It means building systems that, once established, rely less on human intervention and more on ecological harmony. In essence, the farm becomes self-sustaining.
This design-centered approach helps farmers minimize waste, conserve energy, and reduce input costs. It isn’t about high-tech machinery or expensive chemicals—it’s about rethinking how we work with the land.
Mapping the Zones: Where Everything Has a Place
Central to the permaculture model is the concept of zoning. In Weng’s farm, everything has a purpose—and a place based on how often it’s needed. She outlined five zones, each with a strategic role:
- Zone 0 – The Home Base: This is where the farmer lives. All other zones radiate outward from this hub.
- Zone 1 – Daily Needs: Close to home, this area includes easily harvested crops like lemongrass, pechay, chili, and onions.
- Zone 2 – Less Frequent Needs: A bit farther out, this zone is home to fruit trees like calamansi and mango.
- Zone 3 – Animal Allies: Here live the goats, cows, and chickens—far enough to avoid disruption, close enough for care.
- Zone 4 – Long-Term Trees: This production forest hosts narra and molave—trees cultivated for future needs.
- Zone 5 – The Untouched Wild: A protected virgin forest, this area is left to nature entirely. It serves both as a conservation space and a reminder of the ecosystem’s power to regenerate on its own.
“Ang mahalaga is to start with understanding—kilalanin mo muna ang lupa, bago mo ito galawin,” Weng shared.
A Return to Natural Farming
Permaculture is more than a farming technique; it’s a philosophy that aligns with the age-old wisdom of Filipino farming ancestors—updated with today’s environmental consciousness.
Natural integrated farming, as advocated by Weng, shuns synthetic inputs in favor of composting, crop rotation, intercropping, and indigenous plant knowledge. It encourages biodiversity, improves soil health, and builds resilience against erratic weather conditions.
And perhaps most importantly, it offers a sense of empowerment—especially to smallholder farmers seeking independence from big-agri dependency.
The Future is Rooted in the Past
As more Filipino farmers embrace techniques like permaculture and tissue culture (as featured in Agri Asenso episode 198), the agricultural landscape of the country slowly evolves into one that is both modern and rooted in tradition.
Wengs message is clear: “Design your land well now, and soon, you’ll find that nature is working with you, not just for you.”
Catch the full episode here:
https://www.facebook.com/ATIinteractive/videos/1074899558067290
