The Center for Integrated Organic Farming System intends to become an agro-ecotourism destination in the community of Sitio Busikong, Brgy. Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao.
The municipality of Upi is located in the province of Maguindanao. It is composed of 23 barangays and has a total land area of 743 sq. km. and a total population of 53,543. Mainly composed of agricultural mountainous types of land, 90 per cent of its population rely on farming as their main source of livelihood.
Corn is the primary produce of Upi. However, a large amount of capital is needed to sustain its production. Farming inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, machineries and other tools are provided by financiers and middlemen at high prices. The spike in labour costs adds up to the burden of the farmers.
With this, the Busikong Greenland Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BGMPC) established the Center for Integrated Organic Farming System as a learning hub and livelihood opportunity. The centre will primarily serve as a venue for learning and exploring the latest ideas and technologies in farming. The farmer–cooperators will be taught with the latest and most efficient ways of maximising utilisation of their farms. Financial assistance and access to machineries will also be provided to augment to their financial capabilities.
In the same manner, the centre will serve as a model and tourist destination for residents within and outside Upi as it features recreation facilities suited for academic, business and leisure activities. The centre intends to employ out-of-school youth (OSY), solo parents, and senior citizens to become more inclusive and expand environmental sustainability.