Golden Homesite Plan of Ed Nankil

Dr Abe V Rotor

Golden Homesite Plan was submitted by Mr Ed Nankil to Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid (people's School on Air) as an assignment.  Its vivid presentation touches six (6) interrelated lessons, namely:
 
1. Homesite 1000 sq m area or equivalent to 1 mu, average farm size in China extensively cultivated to sustain more than the needs of the family, but for the market as well. Recommended particularly for those preparing to retire, and retirees, thus the name - Golden Homesite. 

2. Integration - horizontal (crops by season spread year round), and vertical (multi-storey cropping, thus a 1000 sq m area is equivalent to 2000 up to 5000 sq m effective area, depending on the "layers" of crops raised at a given time. Depends greatly on multiple cropping and crop rotation technology, and non-cash inputs.  Tri-commodity approach (crops, animals and fish) .

3. Self-sufficiency target in food of farm products (fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry and livestock), as well as garden products (flowers and herbals). Model applies to both urban and rural setting. 



4. Agro-ecology - unity and harmony of farming and environmental conservation,  underlying principle of sustainable productivity. Include recycling (composting), natural farming (least use of chemical-based input, and non-GMO plants and animals), optimum, instead of maximum utilization of the land, thus allowing it to fallow or rest.  

5. Bahay Kubo concept functionally modified to meet present conditions. Reliance on local resources (bamboo, nipa, coco lumber), homesite and house design (trees as windbreak and shade, pond cools the surroundings, natural ventilation).  Homesite is also a wildlife sanctuary, helps restore threatened and endangered species of plants, birds, others. 

6. Strengthen family bond, restrains migration to the city, upholds Filipino dignity and promotes indigenous culture. The homesite provides a healthy environment for growing up and for spending the golden years of life, it is a workshop, a place to learn, enjoy, reflect and meditate.   

The above lessons are invariably discussed in this blog (LIVING WITH NATURE) from among 3000 posts.  Acknowledgement: Mr Ed Nankil.  More power to you!