Get to Know Yamang Bukid Farm, Palawan's Saved Sanctuary

YBF, used to be a barren hillside located some 45 minutes away from the city proper, was a victim of illegal logging perpetrated by locals. Interestingly, they have turned over a new leaf and became workers for the farm site. In fact, the majority of more or less 200 YBF employees have engaged in timber harvesting, destructive kaingin (slash-and-burn farming), and charcoal making before working for the company.

With help from the University of the Philippines Los Banos’ agriculture experts, they have transformed the 10-hectare idle land into what is now a flourishing farm destination that attracts throngs of locals and tourists every day, especially on weekends. It was initially planted with turmeric, which is the company’s primary product. But later on, the management decided to grow a plethora of chemical-free vegetables and other medicinal plants which they also sell to visitors.

Situated in between verdant mountains and away from the city’s hustle and bustle, YBF’s unspoiled rural setting allows for some rest and relaxation. If you got more time to spare, you can also experience glamping at YBF. The crisp mountain breeze you can take in here could send you into introspection and make you recreate yourself. With the regreening of YBF, the once degraded place has also developed into a thriving ecosystem as it has seen the return of Palawan-native species of birds, insects and a whole lot more.

If there’s one thing YBF is visited for, it is its sunflower plantation, which is a visually-appealing backdrop for everyone’s Instagram photos. Aside from the flower garden, the farm doesn’t run out of picture-perfect spots like the tree swings and other Bali-inspired installations. You may also want to check out its restrooms that celebrate gender diversity. Of course, a visit here isn’t complete without taking photos at the “I Love YBF” marker.

Include YBF restaurant in your bucket list on your visit to fully experience the place. A halal-certified restaurant, here you can try its specialties, like the grilled chicken, native chicken binakol (Filipino chicken soup cooked in coconut water), and coconut chicken curry. While at the rustic restaurant, you’ll also be delighted by the locally-made arts and crafts displayed all over.

Aside from YBF’s famous turmeric tea, visitors also recommend you to taste its signature “Palawan energy drink,” made from honey, calamansi, and camote top. For something sweet, you can also sample YBF’s yummy turmeric and malunggay ice cream, and buy “sumbulo” or suman sa bulo (glutinous rice cake cooked inside a bamboo) and other take-home goodies for your loved ones back home.

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In every aspect of its operation since it started in August 2017, YBF ensures it is true to its tagline, “doing business with a heart.” At YBF, workers, including senior citizens, from the lowest to highest ranks are paid way higher than the minimum wage and enjoy lots of benefits.

This Palawan’s first DOT-accredited farm destination is also committed to biodiversity conservation and fighting deforestation. To give back to nature, the former illegal loggers it hired spearheaded the planting of around 1,000 native tree species on the observance of Earth Day 2019. And the nicest thing about YBF is it can be visited by anyone regardless of socioeconomic status because it gives free entrance for all!

Yamang Bukid Farm proves Puerto Princesa City isn’t just about adventure but also about savoring the simple yet pleasurable rural life.