Fruit farming in North Cotabato, Philippines

My good friend, Mario Calayco, was recently featured by the Philippines' Department of Agriculture Central Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center for his outstanding fruit farm in President Roxas, North Cotabato province. Here's the article 

Sampling the stinky durian.

Mr. Calayco has traveled across Southeast Asia to sample and bring back specimens of many tropical fruits.  He's making great strides in economic development in my mom's home province.   


I've known Mr. Calayco for many years during my summer trips to the Philippines.  Formerly the town mayor, I was introduced to him by my aunt, then the principal of the high school.  His strong interest in all things politics and history made for very interesting conversation, and I think he was impressed that a young boy of 15 loved to talk about such things.  We could talk and talk for many hours!

Enjoying buko pandan.

On my last trip to the Philippines in 2005, I went out to his farm to sample some of the fruits.  He even got me to try durian -- which I was no fan before, and still after, trying it.