A new retirement village with a novel concept of incorporating edible organic gardens was inaugurated on Saturday, July 11, 2015 in the highland Sitio Mandahyao, Brgy. Pondol, Balamban, Cebu with Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III as guest of honor.

This is the Amonsagana, a joint venture of Syntech Properties of Singapore and the Gonzalez family who owns the more than 32-hectare land up in the mountain that provides a panoramic view of the verdant forests all around. Also present during the launching were Valentino L. Cabansag, general manager and CEO of the Philippine Retirement Authority, local government officials and prospective retirement lot buyers.

According to Joe Villamor, the senior agriculturist of Amonsagana, the idea is to provide a healthful environment for retirees and thier families where they can grow their own vegetables the organic way.

Almost all the staff of the company had previously trained on organic vegetable production at the Costales Nature Farms in Majayjay, Laguna. Ronald Costales was also present during the launching of Amonsagana.

The retirees will be assisted in using organic vegetable production techniques, including the use of compost that is produced through the decomposition of farm wastes using beneficial microorganisms. One of those being tested is a solution of super microbes that will enhance the health of the soil and of the plants.

Aside from the usual vegetables that are used in the kitchen, culinary and medicinal herbs will be grown together with some flowering and leafy ornamentals in the landscaping. Tarragon, for instance, may become a favorite for making a refreshing hot tea harvested fresh from the garden. Basil, oregano, ginger, turmeric, chives and many others will be  grown in pocket gardens and in containers.

The residential lots  range from 420 to more than 600 square meters each so that there is ample space for the retirees to do their own brand of gardening. Aside from vegetables and herbs, another possibility is to grow suitable fruit trees in containers like imported makopa, balimbing and others.

Joe Villamor is an  agriculturist with.a long hands-on experience in vegetable production having been previously connected with a major vegetable seed company.