SAGADA, Mountain Province – Albert P. Langbayan, a farmer in the highlands of Ambasing in this municipality is one of the advocates of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Albert’s Farm as he named it, serves as proof of his years of hard work, innovation, and commitment to sustainable farming practices.
His journey into agriculture began in 2005 when he planted 87 citrus trees. Little did he know that this humble beginning would prosper into a thriving farm spanning nearly one hectare. Patience was his virtue as he waited for the citrus trees to bear fruit. To make the most of his time, he decided to diversify his crops, introducing cash crops alongside and later adding coffee to the mix.
The income generated from these ventures was not just tilled back into the farm; it laid the foundation for his farmhouse and the expansion of his agricultural area. In a strategic move, he planted lemon trees in a new area, demonstrating a keen understanding of crop rotation and sustainable land management.
But Albert’s thirst for knowledge and innovation was infinite. He decided to take a gamble on dragon cactus, starting with just one post. Today, 65 thriving dragon cactus posts stand as a proof to his daring experimentation. In a generous gesture, he gives away dragon cactus for free to anyone willing to make the journey to his farm.
All these achievements were borne out of his personal insights, experiments, and innovations until 2018, when the winds of change swept through his place. The introduction of GAP opened a new chapter for Albert’s Farm. With guidance from the Sagada Municipal Agriculture’s Office and the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera, Albert’s farm underwent a remarkable transformation into a GAP-certified haven for food safety.
“It changed my life to learn that farming is more than just growing crops; it’s also about making sure food is safe. Finding GAP was a game-changer for me. Witnessing crops sprayed with toxic pesticides truly tugs at my heart, emphasizing the importance of responsible and mindful agricultural practices,” he shared.
The metamorphosis brought not only a change in perspective but also a tangible boost to his income. The adoption of GAP meant reduced expenses on pesticides and less time spent on spraying, resulting in substantial savings. The farm, once a landscape of trials and errors, now adheres to standardized practices that prioritize both productivity and the environment.
Further, his produce has found a ready market in the local community and nearby municipalities like Bontoc, Sabangan, and Bauko. His customers demand his GAP-certified products, recognizing the quality and safety associated with his brand. No harvest goes to waste, a clear indication of the painstaking attention devoted to every cultivation cycle.
Ever the advocate for positive change, he encourages fellow farmers with GAP-certified farms to embrace and abide by the rules they have learned. For him, the essence of GAP lies not only in certification but in the genuine application of best practices for the betterment of agriculture.
Among the tangible interventions from the Department of Agriculture-CAR, he received crates, plastic sheets for his nursery, and nets, these are support extended to those who dare to innovate and embrace the principles of sustainable farming. By Leny D. Mendoza