SIMPLE BEGINNINGS
Prior to 2020, Habilin Farms used to be a coconut plantation. At the time, Ben Francia was working on improving and innovating his digital marketing agency. When the pandemic hit, he was able to focus on the land and initially designed it to be a weekend family retreat.
One inspiration lead to another though and after getting training on permaculture and organic farming, he was able to transform Habilin Farms into what it is today.
BORN FROM ADVERSITY
In 2020, Ben became the ultimate plantito by regularly working on the farm on a weekly basis. Taking proper education from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), he completed the Organic Agricultural Production (OAP) course and became a full-time farmer.
After more than 4 years of learning, Habilin Farms is now what it is today: an accredited learning site for agriculture and a recognized permaculture site.
NOT AN ORDINARY ORGANIC FARM
Habilin Farms prides itself on being a permaculture farm that focuses on sustainable agricultural practices like agroforestry, organic agriculture and integrated diversified farming.
Inspired by the ethics and principles of permaculture, Habilin Farms is committed to growing food in the most natural way possible. It is also determined to champion sustainable living through the initiatives it supports and the way its people live their lives.
BEAUTY IN DIVERSITY
By planting different fruit trees, root crops and other produce together, Habilin Farms emulates how they would grow in the wild. This plus livestock integration that helps keep weed and insect populations in check while fertilizing the soil with their excrements creates a resilient and productive ecosystem.
It also supports the local community and has provided opportunities for the locals whose expertise range from farming to handicrafts.
BUILT WITH PERMACULTURE IN MIND
Habilin Farms fervently believes in its mantra that is: Nurture nature and nature will nurture you. This actually stems from 3 ethics that form the core of Permaculture: Earth Care, People Care and Fair Share. These 3 ethics help to create a more sustainable farm that’s not only eager to take care of its people, but also of the Earth that helps keep it alive.
EARTH CARE
This ethic emphasizes protecting the environment and restoring degraded systems crucial for survival. If water, forests, and soil are misused, Earth’s ability to support life diminishes.
Habilin Farms practices Earth Care by avoiding artificial fertilizers and pesticides, minimizing carbon footprint by using organic alternatives like banana leaves over plastic or paper utensils.
PEOPLE CARE
This ethic prioritizes human health and well-being, ensuring security and stability. This mindset fosters Earth care as people are more inclined to protect the environment. Strong communities like indigenous tribes exemplify this.
Habilin Farms practices People Care by eschewing harmful chemicals in food production and creating job opportunities, benefiting the local community.
FAIR SHARE
This ethic emphasizes responsible consumption, redistributing excess resources to both Earth Care and People Care. It’s vital to distribute Earth’s resources among people while replenishing the Earth for its sustenance.
Habilin Farms ensures that any surplus returns to the Earth, minimizing waste and enhancing soil fertility. By composting biodegradable materials, they enrich the soil, closing the loop of resource consumption and regeneration.
THE ISSUES WE SOLVE
Because of its commitment to the permaculture design approach, Habilin Farms is guaranteed to last for many generations to come because of how it is sustainably built – every improvement and adjustment is made with both purpose and the long-term in mind. But it is also through this approach that it also solves three fundamental problems the world currently faces.
FOOD SECURITY
A civilization’s longevity depends on its ability to grow and distribute food to its people. Habilin Farms’ commitment to food security is grounded not in the simplistic premise of neglectfully taking from the land, but rather from taking good care of it and replicating successful ecosystems.
By prioritizing conservation and biodiversity, Habilin Farms ensures the long-term viability of food production while safeguarding the ecosystem.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
With the effects of climate change already being felt across the world and with economic instability already on the rise, it’s important to adapt to a sustainable way of life.
Habilin Farms commits to this by approaching every decision that needs to be made with this in mind, from the amount of food prepared, right down to the materials used for all sorts of craft. The farm also engages in educating others about sustainable practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION
The planet is in peril with the escalating climate crisis. Environmental restoration is crucial to counteract this threat. Habilin Farms specializes in replicating ecosystems, repairing damaged habitats.
These initiatives mitigate damage and secure a sustainable future for generations. Moreover, Habilin Farms actively educates and engages communities in environmental conservation, fostering a collective commitment to preserving our planet.
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!
