HECTARES OF HOPE - PHILIPPINES


Exciting projects are coming to fruition in our Hectares of Hope project.
Hectares of HOPE is located on top of a mountain, 1,200 meters above sea level, and can only be accessed by cable car (which we call “tram”) or by foot on an old, rugged logging road. Walking to the property takes approximately two to three hours whereas the cable car is or tram is a quick 15 minutes followed by an additional twenty to thirty minutes of walking.
Unfortunately, the tram’s cable broke New Years so the tram has been out of commission. This has affected operations, especially the transport of our produce and farm supplies. HOPE is happy to have provided funds for the repair of the tram.
Farm tourism is a fast-growing industry in the Philippines. HOPE is able to tap into this profitable industry because we are not only building a mountain farm, but we are building a community where tourist can witness change in real time while enjoying the spectacular view of contoured farms, the mountains around us and the overlooking view of city of Davao below.
In recent years, the Philippines is seeing a surge in agri-tourism, making the country one of the top 10 agri-tourism destinations in the world. Agri-tourism supports a growing desire by consumers to head outdoors and to the countryside for more leisure opportunities and to participate in or experience activities, events or attractions not readily available in urbanized areas.
The combined aspects of tourism and agriculture enterprise present unique economic, educational and social opportunities that will contribute to uplifting the lives of the people in the community.
We are excited to see what is next to come, so far our immediate plans are for new solar panels, irrigation/drip system, the purchase of a backhoe and repair of the tram.
What we will offer when completed:
- Organic production training,
- (e.g. sowing, planting, harvesting, washing of produce and making of organic fertilizer and concoctions),
- Farm and garden tours,
- Rural Bed and Breakfast … in cabins, hobbit homes, and Glamping (glamorous camping)
- Farm-based recreational activities
- Dining experience
- Our public market & gift shop
- “Young Farmers Summer Camps” for children
Cable Car or Tram
New Backhoe to aid in construction
Future Glamping Spaces