Art and Agriculture in Lucban, Quezon

BY ANDREI POLICARPIO

NESTLED ON THE FOOTHILLS of the magnificent Mount Banahaw, the town of Lucban in Quezon province exudes a captivating charm that befits its mystical mountain location. Despite the scorching heatwave that has been plaguing the country, Lucban manages to maintain pleasantly cool temperatures below 30°C, in stark contrast to the dangerous heat experienced in the lowlands. Rain showers, whether gentle drizzles or torrential downpours, persistently grace this town, enhancing its enchanting ambiance and adding a unique touch to its agricultural landscape.

As you journey from the neighboring town of Majayjay, you'll witness vast stretches of agricultural land, set against the backdrop of the towering Banahaw. Ominous clouds often cloak its peak, further amplifying the mountain's mystique. The continuous light drizzles serve as a reliable indication that you are nearing Lucban.

At the heart of Lucban's allure lies the Pahiyas Festival, a distinctive celebration that harmoniously blends art and agriculture. This annual event captivates thousands of visitors, solidifying Lucban's position as a thriving tourism hub in Quezon Province.

Embracing this momentum, Bukid Amara, much like the Pahiyas Festival, endeavors to merge art and agriculture through its remarkable farm. Located just outside the bustling town center, Bukid Amara proudly stands adjacent to picturesque coconut and rice farms, which are already Instagram-worthy on their own. However, it's upon setting foot inside the farm that you're truly mesmerized. The sight is picturesque—a vibrant sea of colors set against the backdrop of Banahaw. With its refreshing ambiance, cool climate, and convenient proximity to Lucban,

Bukid Amara becomes an ideal weekend getaway, just a three-hour drive from Manila, enticing visitors from the city and nearby provinces. Strolling through the farm, you'll be captivated by meticulously arranged flower displays adorning the landscape. You'll notice the farm's staff gathering flower petals and placing them in take-out packages. To our surprise, these beautiful flowers also find their way onto our plates for lunch! Bukid Amara not only cultivates flowers for visual pleasure, but they also grow edible varieties used in their in-house restaurant and sold to guests.

Another highlight of the farm is its two greenhouses, one larger than the other. The smaller one nurtures a variety of home-grown vegetables and herbs, which also find their way to the farm’s restaurant. Guests have the opportunity to “Pick and Pay” for plants they wish to take home. The larger greenhouse, on the other hand, represents a groundbreaking development not only for Bukid Amara but also for agriculture in Region IV-A.

This greenhouse operates an advanced system for cultivating high-value melon crops, including Japanese, Yellow Canary, Persian, Spanish, Israeli, and Galia varieties. The Japanese Melon variety, in particular, operates on a “Fully Automated Greenhouse System” funded by the DOST IVA's Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP). This initiative aims to enhance the productivity and competitiveness of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. Greenfields Magazine had the privilege of attending the launch of this state-of-the-art system, witnessing firsthand how smart technology revolutionizes agricultural production, potentially boosting the entire industry, not only in the local area but also nationwide. Michael Caballes, the Owner and Chief Farmer of Bukid Amara, demonstrated the system’s functionality and personally served freshly cut Japanese Melons to the guests.

With the introduction of the new greenhouse systems, Mr. Caballes aims to address agricultural challenges in Lucban associated with excessive rainfall in the area. He envisions smart agriculture as the way forward for Philippine agriculture, and Bukid Amara as a shining example of how a local farm can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Bukid Amara’s commitment to excellence and innovation has not gone unnoticed. The farm has been honored with the prestigious “Best Farm Tourism Experience” award in Calabarzon for 2022, solidifying its reputation as a top destination in the region. It also serves as a training site for the Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Training Institute, further highlighting its role in advancing agricultural practices.

Looking ahead, Bukid Amara has plans to introduce an overnight option for guests, catering to the ever-growing tourism industry in Lucban. Visitors will soon have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the farm's tranquil atmosphere and experience the harmonious union of art and agriculture on a more profound level.

As Lucban continues to captivate with its mystical charm and the Pahiyas Festival enthralls crowds year after year, Bukid Amara stands as a shining example to the profound connection between nature and human creativity. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant flower arrangements, and innovative agricultural practices, it beckons visitors to witness the beauty that arises when art and agriculture converge in perfect harmony.

Bukid Amara has been awarded the "Best Farm Tourism Experience" in Calabarzon for 2022.

Through initiatives such as the Convergence Initiative Project and Consolidated Farm Production System, Piddig has become a hub for sustainable and inclusive development.