By Esther Abegale Cinco
ALTAVAS, Aklan – The Green Farm gives out fresh and handpicked fish, fruits, vegetables, and services for free to those who cannot afford because of the COVID -19 pandemic.
“Some of our products like select fruits such as passion fruits and green lemons, we give for free,” according to owner Judy Villanueva Carlos.
Carlos said they give free items on a case-to-case basis, but this is only to augment the current needs, and not meant to be forever free since the farm has its operational cost as well.
He added that if people, especially farmers, want to plant fruits in their homes, they provide them seeds or seedlings from their farm.
Carlos explained that people’s immediate need right now is food amid the pandemic.
“Pag tinanggal natin lahat, anong mas kailangan natin? Food. Anong klaseng food? It’s not burger eh. As a matter of fact, ayaw mo na ng burger eh. Yung food na hindi naalter ng tao, [yung] nag-gogrow siya sa nature. Yun yung [food na] kailangan natin,” Carlos said.
He added that the farm accepts people who wants to relax and rejuvenate for free because of the economic crunch.
“Doon lang tayo sa balance. Sige lang, matulog ka lang sa duyan sa farm. Pagkagising mo at gutom ka, kuha ka lang [ng prutas at gulay] sa farm,” Carlos stated.
He believes that in life, there are some things that are meant to be given for free.
“Yung farm is a testament to that. If you don’t have money, you can go there, you can relax. Kung gusto mong pumunta at walang kang pera, it’s okay. Papapasukin kita, papakainin kita. Umupo ka lang diyan at magrelax. It’s all for free,” Carlos added.
Those who can pay may enjoy the farm’s services and products at a minimal cost only.
“For example, ngayon, yung price ng fish namin, pang three years ago pa rin. Kung 180 sila, yung sa amin 120 lang. Alam mo ba sa banwa 200 ang kilo ng luya, pero sa amin 50 lang. That’s the reason why madaming umoorder. Sabi ko nga eh okay lang [kahit mababa ang presyo], para makatulong naman,” Carlos said.
PERFECT HIDEAWAY
The Green Farm is a perfect place to those who want to experience farm life, and commune with nature.
Located in a remote and serene area of Mag Abaka in Lupo, Altavas, Aklan, the Green Farm is an eco-friendly hideaway perfect for family and friends who want to go back to the basics.
Green Farm offers activities such as hiking, trekking, fishing, board games and even picking vegetables and fruits.
WHAT TO EXPECT SOON
A coffee shop, a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mud oven pizza, and an educational lecture on farming will soon be available to those who want to visit The Green Farm.
Carlos explained that a former barista and now a chef will take charge in the coffee shop and the DIY mud oven pizza while the owners themselves will handle the educational lectures.
“Magluluto [ang mga tao] ng pizza sa outdoor oven. Bibigyan namin sila ng pizza dough. Magharvest sila ng kung anong gusto nila, red pepper or gulay na gusto nilang ilagay sa pizza,” Carlos explained.
He added that visitors can bake on their own, while also taking proper lessons on baking from the farm’s barista and chef.
“The farm offers yung dalawa na ‘yun; food and relaxation,” Carlos said.
The Green Farm is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm.
(The author is a Communication and Media Studies student of UP Visayas)
