Travel: Binahon Agroforestry Farm, Bukidnon: Farm at the Foot of Mt. Dulang Dulang

June 18, 2016 Ruth Dela Cruz

Binahon Agroforestry Farm in Bukidnon

Part 4 of 5 series of #RuthGoestoBukidnon #OABloggerAko Series sponsored by the Agricultural Training Institute.

We were back on the road after the quick visit at Jaya’s Secret Garden. I got used to the view of green landscapes and pineapple plantation in Bukidnon. When we got to our next destination – the Binahon Agroforestry Farm in Lantapan, Bukidnon, we had to leave the van and hop in the ride provided to us by Sir Henry Binahon.

Read Part 1, 2 and 3:

camping at alomah’s place: secret organic farm

cervantes farm: square foot gardening

jaya’s secret garden

It was raining when we arrived. We were immediately ushered to our room. The girls got to stay in the first floor where we had double deck beds while the boys stayed in the second floor.

The farm offers home-stay accommodation which costs Php 800 per night.

Bloggers that we are, we all looked for available outlets to charge our gadgets. We however experienced a power failure but thankfully, electricity came back after 15 minutes.

As soon as we got settled, we were escorted to the hall where we were served refreshments and had orientation.

They first discussed the rules of the house:

You must clean as you go.

After meal, you have to buss the tables and segregate the plates, glassware and silverware.

There’s a designated slippers in each toilet – use them.

Conserve water and energy.

I like the discipline that they impose in the house. I love the VIP treatment we get whenever I go on tours and press travels, but your values will always stay – it is very much like acting as if you are a guest in someone’s house.

Even if we visited during summer, it was freezing cold at night and I love that there’s a fireplace inside Binahon Agroforestry house. It was my first time to actually experience a fire place. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Ms. Cat feeling cozy!

Taking a shower was another challenge. Thankfully, they offered to boil water for us – which took an hour because of the cold temperature 🙂

The following day, we started our morning with a quick tour of the farm.

Binahon Agroforestry Farm is owned by Henry and Perla Binahon. The place is an entry-point to Mount Dulang Dulang – the second highest mountain in the Philippines (mountaineers might be interested to know) 🙂

What makes Binahon Agroforestry a unique and essential entity?

Sir Henry promotes conservation farming. During our tour, he shared that they advocate sustainable farming which should not only provide food and crops for the families, but also gives back to the environment.

Binahon Agroforestry Farm grows different crops, plants and fruit-bearing trees. The farm also grows coffee. There are different trees like rattan, bamboo and others that they chose to keep (even if it means a more challenging trek around the farm).

They also grow carrots and use this favorite vegetable to provide training and job opportunities to their students. They built a kitchen where delectable organic and all natural carrot goodies are baked and produced.

My morning coffee (plant!)

The farm also has a camping site for team buildings and group activities. In there grows different plants and flowers in variety of colors. It felt like visiting another country 🙂

We were literally on top of the mountain and higher than the clouds. The Binahon Agroforestry Farm is a good viewpoint of mountains like Mount Kalatungan, Mount Kitanglad, and Mount Dulang-Dulang.

From where we stood after the trek, we could see the clouds as if we were standing on the same level as its altitude. A great reminder that when you are determined, you stay humble and grounded, you would always find yourself on top – very much like the story of the Mr. and Mrs. Henry Binahon. I wish there were more people like them in the city who cares about the environment and providing good opportunities for the youth to contribute to the economy and environment.

If you are visiting Binahon Agroforestry Farm, please do buy baked goodies. I love the Carrot Cinnamon Roll, Carrot Cookies and the Carrot Juice. 🙂