Shyo Sayajon’s Efforts in Permaculture Farming: An Unconventional, but Effective Approach
A pioneer in climate resiliency, Shyo Sayajon designed the Nagbaclao Permaculture Garden in 2018, staking the ground and conceptualizing a project that would catalyze other projects. Located riverside in a non-descript area behind the Pasadeña elementary school, the project was one of many sites of Sayajon’s that I would visit throughout the years. Sayajon’s diverse and holistic approach aligns closely with Lawton’s notion that “you can solve all the world’s problems in a garden.”
Lawton’s thoughts on gardening are particularly resonant because they encapsulate permaculture’s philosophy and intent. It speaks to the idea that a well-designed garden, following permaculture principles, can solve many global issues, including food security, climate change, and biodiversity loss. In this context, the garden serves as a microcosm of the larger ecosystem, offering lessons on sustainable living and resource use. By nurturing the health and productivity of a garden, we can also enhance our well-being and resilience, affirming the deep connections that exist between humanity and nature. In the context of the pandemic, we reflected on this together.
During our times here, Sayajon would explain the different forms of capital as outlined by Appleseed Permaculture’s Ethan Roland. Those capitals include intellectual capital, social capital, experiential capital, natural capital, and others. This is what’s been developed on this space as well because while it may be intermittent in activity schedule, series of interactions have lead up to its creation and further development.
Natural capital has seen a boost given the incorporation of nitrogen fixers – primarily Trichanthera gigantea (Madre de Agua) and Gliricidia sepium (Madre de cacao). To implement the design, an A-frame was introduced and put into place to contour the land and dictate the flowwater. The chop-and-drop method has been been used in staking the garden beds.
To add diversity to the crops, Sayajon has also incorporated various other species such as gingers, spinaches, bananas, mulberries, and a variety of bamboo. These plants provide a variety of produce and contribute to the soil health and water retention in the area. This permaculture is based on regenerative practices, allowing spaces to rest and rejuvenate while providing inputs for other projects.
Given the ease of growing bananas, this became another area’s focus. The selection of local banana varieties – lakatan, saba, and tondan – is based on their adaptability to the environment and relevance to the local community. These varieties from the farm have been spread out to other spaces, including The Birdhouse, a variety of residential properties in Lio, at the future campus of The Earth School, and many other more.
Another vital aspect of the Nagbaclao Permaculture Garden is Sayajon’s use of vetiver, a highly effective plant for slope mitigation and soil stabilization. Aside from its practical applications, vetiver also provides ecological benefits such as water filtration and retention, building soil health, and contributing to overall water sovereignty in the area. Sayajon is committed to continue spreading vetiver around El Nido and Palawan, with Tutubig Garden (seen on the cover of ESTEL Magazine’s Issue 16) being one of the prominent spaces for this special grass.
Aside from its direct ecological benefits, the Nagbaclao Permaculture Garden also has had an impact on the local community and neighboring areas. Sayajon actively shares his permaculture knowledge with others, promoting sustainable practices and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among residents. The farm serves as a resource-sharing hub, providing inputs for other projects and receiving inputs in return, creating a mutually beneficial network. This transfer of knowledge and practices has contributed to the growth of permaculture in Palawan and helps build resilience against climate change and other challenges.
Regarding future development plans for the farm, Sayajon envisions incorporating more permaculture principles into the design and expanding its reach through collaborations with other local organizations. The farm’s commitment to sustainable and resilient practices will remain at the forefront of all plans as it continues to serve as a provider of ecological services while connecting people to sustainable agriculture.
In conclusion, the Nagbaclao Permaculture Garden is a prime example of how permaculture can be applied in unconventional areas with effective results. Its impact goes beyond just producing food; it fosters a sense of community and promotes knowledge sharing, ultimately contributing to achieving food sovereignty and ecological stability. Sayajon’s efforts in Nagbaclao inspire other permaculture initiatives, showcasing how systems thinking and holistic management can create integrated networks of spaces that work towards climate resiliency.
