In Search of Orange Orchards
Barangay Maligcong of Bontoc, Mountain Province is not just a spot of wonderful rice terraces; it is also a haven of orange orchards whose produce are mostly sold in Poblacion, Bontoc and other places in Luzon. To get a better picture, travel with us to the northern and colder part of Bontoc as we explore it for our Doon Po Sa Amin (DPSA) learning challenge.
The trip to Maligcong by jeep took us about 30 minutes even if the upland journey is only about 6 km from the town proper because some parts of the road are rugged and muddy. After paying 20 pesos, we got off the jeep and started walking the rest of the muddy road because it was still under construction. We proceeded to the house of Heirnce Fayofay (one of our team members) before going to the view deck. It was like watching the clouds while riding in an airplane. We overlooked one mountain that seemed covered with rice terraces.
After having a full meal of native tilapia from a nearby fishpond, we rested while planning what farm to visit first. Heirnce’s father told us that Mr. Nardo Khayad, an orchard owner, was available so we immediately prepared our things and hurried to their place. Houses there are not so near each other unlike other barangays so we started our long walk so we could finish the interview and still have time to visit the Ili or the first settlement that is the farthest but most beautiful part of Maligcong. Mr. Khayad met us with a cheerful smile and we started our interview right away. He explained all the types of oranges that are available there and the days of maturity of the oranges. He also let us roam around his orchard to see the different types of the oranges. We noticed that he also has about 5 fish ponds near his orchard. There were few fishes because they were lacking water. The best part there was eating the sweet “reject” oranges while taking pictures of the big ones. After roaming, interviewing and taking pictures, we thanked Mr. Khayad for his time, patience and kindness.
There was much time left for us to visit the Ili, also known as Favarey where we can see rice granaries and water falls. Favarey is the farthest part of the place. We needed to pass through the terraces which covered almost one mountain because at the other side of the terraces is where the place was located. We had fun trying to overtake each other so we could reach the place ASAP. We never took a rest because of our excitement to see more beautiful terraces and big water falls. When we reached the place, Heirnce took us to the top of the village where old, bent trees extended their arms to the heavens. There, we feasted our eyes at the beautiful terraces, rushing water falls and lush vegetation before trudging through the terraces again.
When we reached the edge of the terraces, we met Heirnce’s grandfather who is the barangay captain of Maligcong. He invited us to drink coffee but it was getting dark and we still had some way to go. We thanked him and hurried back to Heirnce’s house. We were much relieved when we saw Heirnce’s father who had come to meet us to give the flashlight. After supper, we were so exhausted we slept like logs!
In the morning, we ate our breakfast late because we woke up late. Heirnce’s father was going to Poblacion, Bontoc so he told us to take care. He also said that Mr. Thomas Sadcopen is available so it is the right time to visit his farm.
At about 8am, we prepared our things and trekked to Mr. Sadcopen’s farm. He uses organic fertilizer and he showed us where they grind and compost organic plants. He showed us what varieties he had planted. After roaming and finishing the interview. Mr.Sadcopen gave us about two to three kilograms of oranges. We thanked him and proceeded back to the house. We ate the juicy oranges on our way home. When we arrived at the house, we heated our leftover for our lunch. We were famished so the food tasted very delicious. We all agreed to hike on our way back so we could see other orchards along the way.
On our way home, we saw many more farms and we saw the panoramic view of Bontoc. We really couldn’t believe that we were gazing down at our own home town valley. It took us about three hours to reach Poblacion. We had lots of fun taking pictures and planning what to write. Heirnce also entertained us about stories of Maligcong. She shared that the Maligcong people are hospital, trusted, kind, helpful and disciplined. They leave their houses unlocked when they go to the fields because no one ever enters to steal. Hospitality is very much alive also. Even if you do not know the people there, they are always ready to help you; they can let you eat and sleep with them especially if you missed the last jeep going to town.
As I lay in my own bed that night, it seemed unbelievable that I was able to hike two mountains. It really was an exhilarating experience that made me appreciate and understand my hometown in a hundred different ways. In particular, I realized that the oranges on our kitchen table were not just something my mother bought at the market.
Our trip to Maligcong was like being tasked  by our teacher to report on stars as an assignment but instead of just drawing and reading about it, we were able to reach the stars glowing in the sky, play with them and have them teach us how to appreciate and understand their wonders!