What else to do in a farm? Surely, growing crops and raising animals are. But in Garin Farm at San Joaquin, I guess they take it at another notch higher. Using eco-friendly and practical techniques, Garin Farm definitely showcases the creativity of the Ilonggos in making agriculture more productive in a sustainable way.

A beautiful canopy of vines complete with hanging vegetables such as squash greets the visitors

A wide array of animals is raised in the farm. There are ducks, rabbits, cows, pigs, doves, horses, sheep, and goats, to name a few. What’s interesting in the farm is their practice of zero waste management. A perfect example is their layered chicken farming where they harvest not only eggs, but also the manure which were used as fertilizer and as a fuel. I believe their aiming to make the farm self-sustaining, as if having its own ecosystem, where nothing is wasted but properly utilized. A classic feature among Garin Farms in Iloilo province.

Ang Kanding na may bangs.

A cow near the Bahay Kubo

Brownmeat Chicken

They say it's modern, I say it's fashionable...

One of the interesting displays in the farm is their sample of backyard farming, done in limited space. In a structure a size of a garage, Garin Farm was able to demonstrate how you can grow your own vegetable garden while living in a highly-urbanized city, or in the suburbs. The plants were grown almost vertically, placed on materials you can find anywhere – used tires, wood, wires, and tin roof, etc.

This huge pig is housed inside the mini-farm.

Hmmm, this will be useful especially in these times when almost all prices of produce are skyrocketing.

Bahay Kubo certainly made a comeback in Garin Farm. A beautiful bahay kubo was constructed and was surrounded with plants arranged the way they are in the song, “Bahay Kubo”. Don’t forget to sing while in the garden!

View of the garden from the Bahay Kubo

Extracting coconut sap which is used in making tuba

Wanna have a taste of the Garin Farm produce? Before exiting the farm, you can purchase eggs, virgin coconut oil, vegetables and fruits, organic coconut sugar, and more. Take home these cheap but quality produce and share with your family and friends.

Ang Langgaw nga Maisog! - Nagapanglagas!

Getting There:

From Iloilo International Airport:
- You can take the Shuttle Bus going to SM City, Iloilo.
- From SM City, Iloilo, take the SM Mandurriao jeepney and take a stop at the nearby intersection under the overpass and ride the Oton bound jeep going to the jeepney terminal located in Mohon, Oton.
- In Mohon Oton Terminal, there will be several San Joaquin jeepneys ready to take you to GarinFarm for 60 pesos only.
From Iloilo City Proper
- Take the San Joaquin bound jeepney from Super terminal, Iloilo City.
- You can also take buses going to Anini-y or Dao Antique in Molo Terminal. Tell the bus conductor to drop you off in San Joaquin.
From San Joaquin Town Proper:
- Take a tricycle ride and tell the driver to take you to GarinFarm, Brgy. Huna. Brgy. Huna is a 2-minute ride from San Joaquin town proper.

For Private Transportation:
- San Joaquin is the last town in the southern part of Iloilo.
- The 53.5 Km drive along Iloilo- Antique National Road would get you in San Joaquin in about 1 hour.
- There will be signage and billboards directions along the highway going to GarinFarm to guide you.

Tips in Visiting Garin Farm San Joaquin:

• Bring umbrellas, sunblocks, shades and other protection you can have against the sun (if you visit from morning til after lunch). Don’t forget to hydrate yourself while climbing the stairs going to the cross.
• If you plan to try the zip line, kayaking, swimming, etc., plan ahead and bring extra budget. The entrance fee is not consumable (literally it’s for the entrance only).
• Take your time. Enjoy the scene. Stay safe.
• Visit also the town of San Joaquin. It’s really beautiful. I recommend visiting the 19th Century church and the camposanto along the highway for a taste of Ilonggo heritage. The plaza is clean, organized, and perfectly manicured which faces their handsome People’s Center. You may spend lunch facing the sea at Tiolas.

Related Posts:

Garin Farm at San Joaquin (Part 1): The Pilgrimage

Garin Farm at San Joaquin (Part 3): An Adventure You Shouldn’t Miss

Iloilo I LOVE! is presenting our recent adventure at Garin Farm in a series of posts. Watch out for the coming posts soon. 

Note: Iloilo I LOVE! is not connected in anyway to GarinFarm.