"Farming is certainly a strong calling – maybe not professionally in these days but as a hobby," says Ka Gerry Geronimo, the country’s well-known advocate of agri-entrepreneurship. "People are looking for a place to get away from the city, and get in touch with their ‘cultivating’ side. At Hacienda Sta. Monica in Lipa, Batangas, farming enthusiasts and their families can truly explore this side of themselves and cherish in the joys of tending to life."
Ka Gerry, a multi-awarded radio and TV personality and agriculture educator, recommends that farming be done in a place that is conducive to the healthy development of plants and animals. Lipa, nestled 1,025 feet above sea-level, offers cool climates all year round to promote the growth of many kinds of flora and fauna. Its rich, fertile soil is the perfect place to grow ornamental plants such as roses, orchids and gerberas, marketable crops such as bananas, oranges and coffee. In the Philippines, coffee was first grown in Lipa in the late 1700s and is still the best source for the world’s most unique blend, Kapeng Barako, and remains one of Manila’s main sources of poultry and meat products.
Located in the heart of Lipa, a mere five minutes from the town proper, is Hacienda Sta. Monica, the country estate for residential and farm development that fulfills the common yearning for a family getaway or for aspiring farmers to realize their dreams and pursue their goals through leisure farming. A project of LPHI, Ayala Land’s affordable housing subsidiary, Hacienda Sta. Monica is only as few kilometers away from the Lipa town proper and key landmarks such as the Lipa Cathedral and Carmelite Church.
LPHI president Manuel Colayco says, "We at LPHI chose Lipa to be Hacienda Sta. Monica’s home because of the country-meets-city flavor of the city. Taking note of how rich the soils is in Lipa, Hacienda St. Monica gives residents the best farming experience and the fulfilling satisfaction of caring for animals and plants."
Aspiring gentleman farmers at Hacienda Sta. Monica are able to learn more than the basics of growing ornamental plants, vegetables and fruit trees with the help of skilled personnel from Family Farm School and supplies provided by Javiland Palms and Flower Factory. This network of agro-experts in Hacienda Sta. Monica give residents and lot-owners more than enough support as they venture into small-scale farming.