The Municipality of Teresa in Rizal province, the Pitahaya Farm in Tacloban City and the Masayag Farmers Association in Bohol may be hundreds of kilometers apart, but they share one thing in common: they earned the distinction as winners of the first Compost Producer Achiever’s Award.
The CoPA Award, given by the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Soils and Water Management, is in recognition of efforts and agricultural practices that enhance soil health, encourage sustainable waste management, and promote innovation and commitment in compost production.
“We hope this award will inspire other local government units and groups to follow suit, and help the DA restore the health of our soil for more bountiful harvests to foster food security—one of the aspirations of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.
The town of Teresa was feted for its composting facility for biodegradable wastes, or CFBW. Under the leadership of Mayor Rodel dela Cruz, Teresa prioritized solid waste management practices that led to significant improvements in the manner it handles trash. A key element of the program is its composting facility for biodegradable waste that processes farm, residential and market wastes into compost.
The composting facility, provided by the DA-BSWM, significantly reduced the volume of wastes destined for landfills, created local jobs and provided schools with a steady supply of vegetables. The compost produced is used for the “Gulayan sa Paaralan” project that benefits local farmers and schools.
Teresa has earned recognition for the town’s composting project, including as finalist in the 2020 Galing Pook Awards.
Pitahaya Farm, located in Barangay Salvacion, Tacloban City, was bestowed the CoPA for the effective use of composting facilities to manage waste and produce organic fertilizer. Despite challenges in waste collection, the farm produces up to 1,500 kilos of compost per week using three CFBW units, supporting both their educational programs and community clean-up efforts. The composting project also created jobs.
Pitahaya Farm is a TESDA accredited facility and recognized as an ATI learning site. It offers training in Organic Agriculture Production NC II, equipping diverse students with skills in organic farming. Jose L. Castillejos, Jr. received the award for the Pitahaya Farm.
Meanwhile, the Masayag Farmers Association (MFA), headquartered in the town of Guindulman in Bohol, uses CFBW to produce organic compost as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to expensive chemical fertilizers. The shift has improved soil health and increased crop yields.
Despite initial hesitance among members, the association’s structured approach to composting led to significant productivity boosts where yields substantially increased. Additionally, the composting facility has been used as well for mushroom production, enhancing both income and efficiency, with production tripling as a result.
With the help of the local government unit, MFA plans to expand its organic farming practices and market reach, ensuring sustainable employment and a profitable future for its members. Neil Edward dela Pena received the CoPA Award on behalf of the farmers’ group.
