A Post from the Pako Field

The Friends of ENCA Farm Newsletter

Fall Edition, 2015

The Sensations at ENCA Farm:

Reflections on my time at ENCA

by Board Member Javier San Andres

The Philippines' northern mountains, with views of rice terraces and scents of foliage on the backs of fresh wind, etched blue by streams and brown by trails, painted green by Benguet pines on every side, like emerald clouds, caresses a heart cultivated from the union of terra and humana. My visit to this heart, the ENCA Farm, proved a profound and sensorial trip. I received a glimpse of how devotion toward natural agricultural practice and environmental conservation looked, smelled, felt, sounded, and tasted.

It looked like chickens, dozens of them, roaming freely within the farm grounds, though never straying too far from their food and water supplies (I even saw chicks on the back of their mother hen, resting under the shade of a bush). It looked like the red, tomato-sized macopa fruit, ripe on its vine dangling a meter above my companions and I. Xela, one of the family members, took a stick and brought the vine closer. She took the macopa and later sliced it for us in her auntie's house on the farm. It tasted delicious with salt and reminded me of a pear.

Conversations with Xela and Andrea Cosalan about the political climate in nearby Baguio City educated me of disputes regarding land ownership during our hike around the farm. Commercialization of mountainsides, similar to where we were, were threats not only to the environment but to the livelihoods of farmers as well. Education seemed a vital piece to the protection of this venerating way of life, and ENCA's stewards were more than happy to share what they knew.

Though my stay lasted only a day, I felt welcomed by the Cosalans who take care of this land. Communal culture is honored over home-grown brewed coffee for merienda and rice and sinigang soup for dinner. They were very kind, and to be a guest in their midst was a true pleasure. I want to return and learn more about their practices as this trip has helped me look at farming with a more intimate lens.

Friends host the Denver Book Launch of Agam: Filipino Naratives on Uncertainty and Climate Change

Pictured with partners Elephant Energy and Nokero. Red returend to the Philippines with a suitcase full of small-scale solar products!

Friends was honored to host Renato Redentor Constantino, (Red) for this special book launch event last

month. Event guests learned about the incredible work he and his team do at the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.

The event drew a dynamic crowd of Posner Center organizations, other international development and non-profit workers, members of the Filipino American Community of Colorado, and Friends of ENCA Farm supporters. Red gave a compelling presentation about the creation of Agam, and the audience heard three excerpts read from the book. Red also shared about the work ICSC is conducting in Tacloban City to educate and train the next generation of Solar Scholars, launching a fleet of electric jeepney's, and to train community first responders for the next disaster.

It was a dynamic and innovative evening that

enlightened the audience about the struggle of climate change in the Philippines and inspired all of us to take action to be a part of the future change.

We still have books available for sale. Please e-mail us if you are interested in purchasing this beautiful book. Proceeds support both Friends of ENCA Farm and ICSC, two wonderful causes.

Join us for the 5th Annual Nourish Event:

Saturday, October 24th in Denver, Colorado

Enjoy Filipino Cuisine prepared by acclaimed Filipina Chef Yana Gilbuena of Salo Series. Cultural entertainment by the Philippine American Society of Colorado dance troupe, and learn about our program's impact on the ground in the Philippines. We look forward to seeing you at this special brunch!

Want to win a free ticket to the event, a copy of the book Agam, or a gift card to Huckleberry Roasters?

Be entered into the drawing by submitting a photo of your garden/farm during this fall harvest with hashtag:

#gardenforenca via social media

(facebook, twitter, and instagram)

Photos must be submitted no later than October 7th at 5pm MST. Help us connect the local to global garden and farming movement.

Filipino Recipe Corner

Enjoy the the flavors and tastes of a true Filipino dish: Pinakbet! A traditional Filipino dish that originates with the Ilocano people of the Northwest Region of the Philippines. A unique but traditional aspect of the dish is Bagoong: dried shrimp paste. Enjoy this delicious dish!

Pinakbet Recipe