10/10/2025
It is always a humbling experience to know inspiring farmer communities ✨️🌿
Meet Sitio Ligtas Farmers Gold Association, an upland farmers community in the mountainous area of Wawa, Montalban, Rizal. Led by Sir Jun Dela Cruz, these farmers represent the dedication and might of Montalban’s agricultural workers. They cultivate the mountain soil to produce crops like banana, coconut, papaya, and different fruits and vegetables. We witnessed first-hand their love for their craft and their passion for farming as they carry their produce, as if with ease, while traversing the mountainous terrain of Wawa and the rocky streams of the Upper Marikina River.
They're literally at nature's bosom because it takes a 20-minute boat ride from Wawa Dam to Secret River and a 30-minute hike from Secret River to Sitio Ligtas. It was a delightful adventure, indeed!
More than the warmth of nature that embraced us during our visit was the warmth and grace of these people that overflowed from their gesture. On top of this was their noble principle that left us in awe. In our conversation, Sir Jun said, "Nagtatanim kami dito hindi para sirain ang kabundukan, kundi para pagyamanin pa ang bigay ng kalikasan." As young farmers, we've learned so much from them.
If there's one word to describe our experience, it's... Nakakamangha ✨️
