THE FARM

    In 2006, Mark Collier acquired ownership of a 25 acre mountaintop farm near San Antonio, Philippines (not far from Mangagoy). The farm, which has over 300 producing coconut trees, banana trees, durian, and other fruits, may also be used in the future for planting of vegetables to be sold to local markets, as well as help feed many of the hungry in the Mangagoy area. The farm, which was up until recently managed by Mayflor, produces a sizeable crop of coconuts twice annually. The farm is now being managed by our trusted associate, Marlita Lariosa.

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Tree climber headed to the top to gather coconuts.

Harvest helpers stripping coconut husks. The coconuts will later be cracked and dried. After the drying, the coconut meat is removed from the inside, bagged, and sold by the kilo (approximately 2.2 lbs). The finished product is called copra, and is pressed for it's oil that's used in suntan lotion, soap, cooking oil, and other products.

The carabao (ox or water buffalo) serves the same purpose in Philippines farming as the tractor does in U.S. farming. The bagged copra is hauled down the mountain by the carabao where trucks are met on the main road. The copra is weighed and sold to the buyers.

Carabao ~~ Six of these animals were used in the April harvest.

During the monsoon rainy season the grass and undergrowth soon becomes a jungle as seen in the background of this picture. It takes only 3 to 4 months for this to happen if the grass is not cut. When the farm was bought it took 10 men with machetes 7 days to clear the farm. This property is located on a mountaintop overlooking the ocean and town of Mangagoy. It has clean air, clean spring drinking water, but no electricity. There are no wild animals ever seen much on the property. You will, however, find a few snakes, centipedes, and mosquitos there. A caretaker and his wife (Yoyo & Yaya) live in a hut on the property and care for it on a 50-50 profit share between the caretaker and owner. More plans are in the making for the farm, which will benefit the jobless and hungry.

Update from webmaster October 16, 2007

Mayflor is now in America and married to Mark Collier. All Philippines farm activites are now being managed by Marlita Lariosa of Mangagoy. Mayflor continues to direct farm and food operations from Florence, Alabama by way of internet and telephone.

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Owners

MARK COLLIER ~ Florence, Alabama USA

Email contact: shoalcrk@bellsouth.net

MAYFLOR HONTANOSAS-COLLIER ~ Florence, Alabama USA

Email contact:  ladymay_ann@yahoo.com