Habilin Farms: Transforming Lives, Landscapes and Communities through Permaculture

FOOD SECURITY

By replicating successful ecological systems and diversifying food sources, Habilin Farms prides itself in supplying nutritious and organic produce to both locals and people outside Quezon Province.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

From embodying and preaching permaculture practices to employing the use of renewable materials, Habilin Farms champions sustainability.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION

By faithfully following permaculture ethics and regenerative farming practices, Habilin Farms aids in the healing of Mother Nature’s environmental systems

WHAT IS HABILIN FARMS

Habilin Farms is a permaculture farm that focuses on regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices such as agroforestry, organic agriculture, integrated diversified farming and more. It is located in Ilayang Bukal, Tayabas Quezon, more or less a 3-hour drive away from Metro Manila.

Placed right at the foot of Mount Banahaw and overlooking Tayabas Bay (430 meters above sea level), Habilin Farms is as a promising location for farm tourism.

PARTNERSHIPS, ACCREDITATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

WHAT TO DO IN HABILIN FARMS

THE AUTHENTIC PERMACULTURE EXPERIENCE

Habilin Farms gives you an authentic permaculture experience that gives you a glimpse of true sustainable living. Every aspect of living is already provided by Mother Nature, from the organic food that’s available down to the spring water for drinking and bathing.

In the farm you can pick produce and plant seeds. You can also forage and cook dishes whose ingredients come straight from the area, providing a true farm to table experience.

EXPERIENCE MOTHER NATURE

You can experience Mother Nature in her most nurturing form. The cool weather and fresh air is relaxing, while the mountain spring water can both quench your thirst and cool your body.

If you want to feel inspired, the place one of the best sunrise views in Tayabas. You could take a walk while admiring nature in self-reflection. You could also do a little bit of grounding or earthing which can positively impact your overall health.

NATURE’S CAMPSITE

Habilin Farms has several areas designated for those who prefer to set up camp and experience the outdoors to rough it out rather than be in the comfort of modern concrete walls.

If you’d like a more hands-on experience of Mother Nature, you can pitch a tent or place a sleeping bag on the ground so you can sleep directly under the stars. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can bring a hammock to the farm and you’re good to go.

AUTHENTIC FARM TO TABLE

Habilin Farms allows you to order food but most of the time, it serves whatever dish is prepared for the day. What makes this dining experience unique is the foraging experience. Whatever the food is depends on what can be harvested from the farm, making it a more authentic farm-to-table experience.

There are also indigenous edibles that grow throughout the farm. These edible flora and fungi are native to the location and thrive wildly.

PERSONAL AND GROUP FARM RETREATS

It is always a good idea to have a retreat and set time to find oneself and reflect on life purpose, career or just get to know each other through shared experiences. Both personal and group retreats, are helpful in motivating and inspiring individuals.

Habilin Farms’ picturesque landscapes and natural sounds provide the perfect backdrop to have these retreats. If you’re in a group, farm activities are great for shared experiences.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteering is an act of love because while volunteers might not always have the time, they always have the heart. And whether it’s planting trees to help rejuvenate Mother Earth or help prepare indigenous recipes for the local community, Habilin Farms gives you opportunities to give back to the world.

For some simple farm work, you get to experience the farm’s beautiful landscape, sights, sounds and you get free accommodations as well!

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITIES

Because of the effects of climate change, corporations have shifted to the people, planet, purpose and profit mindset. Now being more planet conscious, organizations have made corporate social responsibility almost a part of their day-to-day operations.

Habilin Farms provides a slew of activities that corporations and other similar organizations can take part of, from planting native trees to helping out in the local community.

FARM COWORKING AND COLIVING

The concept of coworking in the Philippines has expanded from renting empty office spaces in Metro Manila to working spaces in Siargao by the beach. But have you ever heard of a farm coworking or coliving space?

Habilin Farms provides you with the perfect ambiance to concentrate while working. And to add to that, the Internet connection’s fairly fast, making it a good place to get work done and get some rest at the same time.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISES AND ECO-ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Did you know that Salakot-making is a dying art? The skills to make heritage craft like these need to be passed down but sadly, there are very few people who have an interest in them.

For the purposes of preserving heritage crafts like Salakot-making and the like, Habilin Farms has committed itself to facilitating social enterprises and other eco-entrepreneurship initiatives that help both the local community and the environment.

Social Enterprises And Eco-entrepreneurship

Corporate And Community Trainings On Permaculture

CORPORATE & COMMUNITY TRAININGS

When an individual learns something new, it is an enlightening moment. When groups learn, it is a celebration. Habilin Farms caters to trainings for both corporate organizations and local communities.

When we conduct trainings, the topics could range from agricultural techniques like permaculture, to cultural awareness. If you’re an organization or a company, you can also use the farm as a venue to conduct your own trainings.

AS FEATURED IN:

A BRIEF HISTORY OF HABILIN FARMS

Habilin Farms used to be an underutilized coconut plantation until the pandemic happened. Originally meant to be a family farm and resthouse for its owner and founder, Ben Francia (also known as Bambu in his farming circles and in the local area), the farm’s direction took a different turn.

After getting proper academic training on organic farming and permaculture, one inspiration lead to another, prompting Ben to transform Habilin Farms into what it is now: an accredited learning site for agriculture and a designated permaculture site.

THE NOBLE TAYABAS

Out of all the eight cities and towns in the Philippines, Tayabas was the only villa that was given the title “La Muy Noble” or “the most noble” by Spain in 1703.

Now known as the City of Tayabas, it is a component city in the Province of Quezon. Best known for its lambanog, its food, and its tourism spots, Tayabas is a wonderful weekend getaway that has a rich historical significance partnered with beautiful cultural attractions.

A CULTURAL TREASURE TROVE

Tayabas is a treasure trove of historical and architectural wonders that stand the test of time. Housing the Minor Basilica of St. Michael The Archangel, along with over 20 Spanish stone bridges with under-carvings from Filipino ancestors, heritage houses and other historical landmarks, Tayabas stands as a vivid reminder of its noble and historic past.

This makes it a potential candidate for being included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

minor basilica of st michael the archangel

AGRICULTURAL ABUNDANCE

Out of Tayabas’ 23,095 hectares, 15,816 (68.4%) is used for agricultural purposes. Well known for its agricultural produce. Tayabas produces coconut, rice, root crops and vegetables. Because of the fertile soil, growing produce and other useful crops is relatively easy in Tayabas.

Tayabasins also showcase their harvest through festivals to celebrate not only their commonly-held religious beliefs, but also their gratefulness for a good harvest.

PERMACULTURE WAY OF LIFE

Guided by the 3 ethics: 1) Earth Care, 2) People Care and 3) Fair Share and keeping to heart the 12 principles, Habilin Farms is an example of how humans and Mother Nature can co-exist without having to damage the other in order to survive.

WHAT IS PERMACULTURE

Originally, permaculture is a design system that’s supposed to help practitioners create prolific and resilient environments. It is grounded on 3 principal ethics: earth care, people care and fair share.

For Habilin Farms, it’s more than just that. Permaculture is what informs its people’s way of life and influences its day to day operations. More than just a design system, it’s a lifestyle that strikes a balance for both Humans and Nature.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT

Permaculture promotes ecological balance and diversity, conserves resources and enhances the resilience of various systems against natural disasters, through its ethics and principles. It also guarantees that we get the things we need like food, energy and more without causing too much harm.

Habilin Farms follows these same ethics and principles of permaculture to solve issues about food security, sustainability and environmental restoration.

NURTURE NATURE

One way Habilin Farms applies the principles of permaculture is by growing food in the most natural way possible – the way nature intended. It does not condone the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

The way it survives and thrives is by simulating naturally occurring environments and through diversified farming practices. Through these, Habilin Farms is able to abundantly grow native trees in conjunction with organic produce.

Nurture Nature And Nature Will Nurture You

FREEDOM MEETS FUNCTION

Since Habilin Farms doesn’t take an industrialized approach to agriculture, there’s more freedom for the flora and even fauna in the area. This is evident in the way the farm takes care of its livestock, making sure that they graze and forage freely.

It also allows for the growth of wild and native flora and fauna in the farm. These species of plants and animals contribute to the diversity of the system, making it more prolific and resilient.

A few of our

GALLERY PHOTOS

SEND US A MESSAGE

Whether you’d like to learn how to optimally set up your farm or get guided training on permaculture, we’ll be able to help. Feel free to contact us through the following channels and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible:

https://www.facebook.com/habilinfarms
https://www.instagram.com/habilinfarms

You may also visit our Contact Us Page and send us a message!