PinoyEcoFarmer

I already read countless articles about this man who considers fruit tree conservation as  a passion. For most of us who share the same interests, this man is really larger than life. Dr. Roberto Coronel, a retired University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) professor has undoubtedly all the credentials and experience that sets him apart from most of us when it comes to fruit trees but what struck me most when I finally came to meet the man is his very down to earth and humble way of relating with people. Unselfishly sharing his thoughts and knowledge on fruit trees.  It is like a father passing on something to his children.

We were treated to an excursion around his farm where he takes pride in the collection of fruit bearing trees. Some of them are native, indigenous and others are from different parts of the world which he collected during his travels. A sampling of the fruits in season was an added bonus to what we came for.

The two-day hands-on basic training seminar on nursery propagation was indeed well worth it. Not only did we learn but more importantly were even more inspired to be part of doing something that will contribute to “greening” the Philippines through more fruit trees. I brought with me our farmhelp so he can learn firsthand the techniques in propagating trees and hopefully do it in our farm.

The stay in Dr. Coronel’s home and nursery was also partly an introduction to the new fruits and a rediscovering of the fruits that I had as a child growing up in the province. The mouth watering plump balimbing and the sight of the black pili fruits were enough to transport me back to the memories of my home province in Sorsogon where we used to have balimbing in our backyard and regularly had blanched pili pulp as a sidedish (a favorite in our household).

We also bought from him planting materials for our farm at very reasonable prices that even came with lots of freebies. Some seeds and cuttings were just given away. We had rambutan, balimbing, biriba, abiu, blackberry, anise, variegated calamansi and lansones among others. A trio of bantam chicken which he raises in small portion of his backyard also came home with us.

Someday as those trees bear their fruits, I will certainly remember the man who truly inspired farmers like me to be part of something that future generations (including my children) will come to enjoy as well.

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I also posted the photos of the training course in my Facebook account. Dr. Coronel labeled the fruits. Here is the link.

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