Professor established a farm to relax later found himself teaching others how to grow food

By Eula Dee Lañada
Photos by Kent Edward S. Ballesteros

Located in the heart of San Antonio, Zambales, a serene and exciting place to visit is Bukid ni Juan A hectare dedicated in growing various crops, it became an instrument in molding and giving confidence and knowledge among farmers, students, and anyone who are passionate in farming.

Mr. Ferdinand M. Domingo, a professor of an institution and owner of the farm, started to develop the farm as an interest in practicing the different technologies and as a form of relaxation in his professional endeavor.

Ferdinand M. Domingo, a professor of an institution and owner of the farm, developed the farm to practice the different technologies and as a form of relaxation in his professional endeavor.

As the farm grew, the fire in Domingo’s passion and dedication in serving the community even grew larger. He helps his neighboring farms by teaching different technologies in farm production, combining the modern and traditional practices with safer alternatives

Domingo quipped, “We need to share knowledge and skills to the community to improve the lives of everyone. Technologies will be useless unless extended to those who are in need. With this, we will be forever food secured and our products will be competent in the market.”

Bukid ni Juan, as an integrated diversified organic farm, produces safe and healthy products from livestock to high value crops. Jhe farm delivers goods to different restaurants and hostels located in different parts of Zambales. The farm also offers delicacies which are offered among the visitors upon their request and the availability of the ingredients in the farm.

Aside from the tutorials on how to grow a certain crop and different strategies on propagating and maximizing the yield, the farm offers pick and pay wherein you will enjoy to harvest the crop you desire to eat.

As a community-based farm, one of the activities is the dispersal of livestock among farmers. With this, he is helping neighboring farmers to also produce animal stocks at the same time extending his blessings to reach out more farmers. The farm also lets other farmers use their facilities. They also have training activities which build the capability of the individuals especially the 4Ps in the municipality

This article was first published as Bukid Ni Juan in Vignette A Travelogue of Central Luzon’s Agritourism Sites from the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center III.