GrowingNature.
More than twenty years ago, this land had no road and no water source. Today it grows the sweetest fruits and some of the Philippines' rarest native flowers.
Our Story
More than twenty years ago, our founder bought a piece of land in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas. There was no road access, no water source, and plenty of reasons to wonder if it was the right decision at all.
Then the land began producing the sweetest saba bananas anyone had tasted. Not long after, something rarer appeared: Rafflesia lagascae, one of the Philippines' rarest native flowers, growing naturally on the property.
That discovery changed everything. It became clear this land was meant not only to produce, but also to protect — not only to harvest, but also to preserve. And so, Dakong Marikit came to life.
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documented medicinal plant species grow wild in the same forest that shelters our Rafflesia — a reminder that this land is a source of healing as much as beauty.
Today, Dakong Marikit is more than a farm. Every tree planted is an investment in the environment. Every rare species protected is an investment in the nation's natural heritage. And every scholar mentored is an investment in the future.
The scholarship program is not separate from the farm — it is a natural extension of its mission. Just as every plant is nurtured to reach its fullest potential, so is every scholar entrusted to Dakong Marikit's care.
“A living classroom where we cultivate people, purpose, and possibilities.”
What Guides Us
Passion with Purpose
“We love what we do, and we do it with care.”
Putting our hearts into the land, treating each plant with respect, and taking pride in our daily work.
Innovation & Excellence
“We aim for the best and always look for better ways.”
Delivering world-class, premium quality in all we grow while embracing smarter, cleaner farming methods.
Continuous Learning & Value Creation
“We grow together and leave things better than we found them.”
Constantly expanding our skills, sharing knowledge, and making sure every project adds real value.
Building for Tomorrow
“Every small job today makes our farm stronger and safer tomorrow.”
Ensuring safety, total care, and sustainability in every action — creating a lasting positive impact.
Sa gitna ng kalikasan,
simoy ng hangin nakakamtan.
Likas na yaman, sa paligid, kagandahan.
Busilak at payak, pakiramdam ay gayak
Dahil sa mayabong na mga bulaklak,
na kay ganda at mahalimuyak.
Kasama ng mga punong hilik sa kanilang bunga
Mga paru-paro at ibong masayang kumakanta
Sa lugar na ito tunay na saya ay walang hanggan
Damdamin ay masigla, puno ng kaligayahan.
Dakong Marikit, May 3, 2014
Growing Nature. Growing People. Growing Tomorrow.
The Farm
A working farm in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, dedicated to breeding, collecting, and organically cultivating rare, fragrant Philippine plants alongside high-value crops — a living sanctuary where scientific plant care meets fun, learning, and discovery.
The Dakong Marikit Model
Gabay Marikit: Empowers scholars through hands-on experience, building the next generation of high-agency agribusiness leaders.
What We Grow
The Foundation
Cultivating leaders in the heart of nature's beauty.
2023
Launched farm-involvement projects to align scholarship efforts with agribusiness.
2025
Successfully graduated the first batch of 3 scholars.
2026
Scaled to 16 scholars and onboarded 5 new mentors to support program growth.
2030
Growing a vibrant ecosystem of scholars, active mentors, and sustainable farm-led community initiatives.
Scholar Profile
- Annual household income under ₱250,000
- No failing grades; minimum GWA of 2.00
- Good moral character and active community engagement
Priority degree programs (open to all fields of study):
“This scholarship is not just financial support, it is my lifeline, my hope, and my chance to secure a better future for myself and my family.”
Christian Baclay
UPM '28, BS Pharmaceutical Science
“Dakong Marikit scholarship has given me the opportunity to learn from mentors who are already successful in their respective fields, which constantly inspires me to do better.”
Regine Dacillo
UPD '28, BS Community Nutrition
“Being able to personally witness projects that we helped conceptualize being built and realized is an incredibly fulfilling experience. It makes you feel that your voice matters.”
Richard Torio
UPD '26, B Landscape Architecture
The Connection
The Farm's real needs and opportunities inspire scholar research and projects. Those projects, in turn, bring new ideas back to the Farm and the wider community — a cycle of growth that runs in both directions.
Bridging Tradition and Technology
QR-coded plant markers installed across the farm, increasing visitor awareness of herbal properties and plant toxicity.
Phytochemical Screening of Antidesma bunius L.
A scientific exploration into the medicinal potential of the Bignay leaf, grown right on the farm.
Project Salok
The Dakong Marikit water dam project, developed by scholars to address local water security.
Events & Updates
From scholar gatherings to farm milestones — pick an event below to see the photos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the farm, scholarship foundation, and community visits.
Visits to the farm are arranged by appointment. Please reach out to us via the contact form below with your preferred date and group size, and our team will get back to you with details.
We strictly practice organic and conscientious agriculture using organic fertilizers, smart crop pruning, and digital tracking to maintain a pest-free, disease-free, and ecologically sustainable estate.
We cultivate high-value crops like saba bananas, coconut, coffee, cacao, ube, and specialty fruits alongside rare, fragrant Philippine flora—including the wild Rafflesia lagascae and over 100 documented medicinal plant species.
Students with an annual household income under ₱250,000, a minimum GWA of 2.00, and no failing grades are eligible. While we focus on priority courses, applications across all degree programs are evaluated based on merit.
Scholars engage in hands-on agribusiness, nutrition, and infrastructure projects. Examples include installing QR-coded plant markers, exploring medicinal leaf extraction (Bignay), and developing community water security initiatives like Project Salok.
We welcome professionals, educators, and organizations looking to support our scholars through 1-on-1 mentorship, workshops, or farm-based research projects. Reach out via our contact form to explore partnership opportunities.
Guests can enjoy guided educational walks, interactive fruit-picking, local welcome herbal concoctions, and hands-on learning experiences that showcase Philippine natural heritage and sustainable agriculture.
Contact
Have a question about the Farm or the Foundation? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.
dakongmarikitfarm@gmail.com
Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, Philippines