Photographed by Artu Nepomuceno for the December 2024/January 2025 Issue of Vogue Philippines
Photographed by Artu Nepomuceno for the December 2024/January 2025 Issue of Vogue Philippines
The Perrines intend to make the most of Tuminugan Farm in Bukidnon, to grow abundance and share abundance.
This is a story about love and community, intertwined with roots and wisdom, above ground and below. This story takes place in the foothills of a sacred mountain in Mindanao: Mt. Kitanglad in Bukidnon. It is the story of caring, between the trees that cover the ridges and the people who care for each other, and care for this land called Tuminugan, a Binukid word that means “Paradise, that sprung from nothing, created by God.”
From a majestic acacia tree in front of the home of the Perrine family, who have been stewards of this land for fifty years, one can see the sacred Kitanglad and clear blue sky early in the morning. By mid-morning, the mountain is blanketed in clouds. By afternoon, it is misty and raining. By dusk, one can hear the music of the forest: crickets and cicadas that calm the human spirit.
Sleeping in this house, snuggled under the covers, the forest feels so close. It is as if the beds are in the forest, with a cool breeze coming through the screened windows. A number of homes within the farm, including this one, are now being offered as farm stays, in answer to the call of guests who wish to experience this life in the mountains, close to the wilderness.
Here, one will experience the endless possibilities of another way of living that is more mindful, intentional, regenerative and inclusive. A place where you can see a movement called permaculture being practiced. What is permaculture? Simply put, it is a way of farming, living and working in harmony with nature.
In Tuminugan, I witnessed earth care, people care, and fair share (the principles of permaculture) woven into the farm operations and the community’s way of life.
The Perrines treat fellow human beings with respect and dignity, generously providing a space for a Saturday farmers market. This space transforms into a chapel on Sunday morning, when you will hear children singing songs of gratitude and youth playing guitar in the church band. It all feels very wholesome and grounded. During the service, the pastor’s wife Tata and volunteers Ason, Delia, Daisy, Milafor and Lilly take turns preparing lunch in an adjoining community kitchen.
Generous portions of organic chicken adobo, organic vegetables, rice, and corn fill the plates of children and parents alike. They sit outside at tables and chairs, among the trees, breathing clean air, eating organic food. It is so decent. A picture of what is possible in the Philippines and in the world.
Walking around Tuminugan Farm with Renee Perrine, one of the farm’s main stewards, reminds me of the relationship I have with the land I steward in Kai Farms, a permaculture farm in Silang, Cavite. As women of the earth, we are in touch, and know the ecosystem well. We live in community with the people, the plants, and trees. We know the slopes, the history, and lessons learned from seasons of planting and seasons of life.
“We are not food insecure,” says Renee. The Perrines’ intention has been to make the most of the land and to grow abundance and share abundance. First they planted vegetables, then coffee (Robusta and Arabica), and superfood crops like turmeric, with the intention of helping people with their health and wellness.
The Perrines have converted the original chapel of the farm into a permaculture school, with Renee being a certified consultant, designer, and trainer for permaculture. She studied and worked on permaculture certification during the pandemic, when farm operations had to cease because Bukidnon was very strict and people’s movements were restricted.
The farm was taken over by wild plants. But it was an opportunity to do things differently. Together with the farmers, they have co-created a new model for fair share. Food is grown organically in Tuminugan and the model is 70 percent of whatever is sold goes to the farmers and 30 percent to the Perrine family. The Perrines bequeathed all their sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens to the farmers. In a model that is working so far, 50 percent of any meat they sell is for the farmers to keep.
“Respetado sila,” says my van driver. The Perrines have a reputation for generosity of spirit, and for truly caring for the people of the land. Another way they show this care is through Hineleban Foundation, which dedicates itself to empowering the Indigenous and Bangsamoro People of Mindanao by addressing food security, sustainable livelihood and reforestation for Bukidnon and beyond. In return for their care, the family is respected, protected, and loved back.
Powered by the community, Tuminugan Farm is now processing and packaging organic Arabica coffee, turmeric, adlai, yacon syrup, and making organic snacks and bottled products. There is also a space for treating giant bamboo and a facility for distilling rum.
With an “awareness that we cannot do it alone,” the Perrines have been blessed with good partnerships. They have partnered with many groups including Base Bahay Foundation for socialized bamboo housing and Lost Island Center for Kape for specialty coffee. In the city, Healthy Options and Real Food carry their organic products. Now they are looking for an enlightened developer for an eco village, which will be about shared values in shared spaces.
Tuminugan is a story of love and community, intertwined with wisdom, from men, women, youth, spirituality, and earth. Woven together like the roots of the trees and the mycelium network below ground, supporting life on earth.
This is the story of us, because it is a story of what is possible when human beings do right, by each other and Mother Earth. It is humanity’s happy ending. A story of what is possible when we choose hope and choose to dream of a future where people and planet thrive in loving wisdom, sharing abundance, peace, compassion, and light. Together.
Tuminugan welcomes sign ups for the permaculture course, farm visits and farm stays at tuminuganfarm.com.
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