NSJ Farm in Cueva: An Emerging Ecotourism Spot

This 17-hectare farm with 3 hectare forestland filled with rubber, mahogany and coconut trees PLUS some interesting finds was owned by Mr. Nestor S. Jumawan. He now resides in California, USA with his family and plans to open the farm to tourists by setting up a campsite and horse trail around the territory. We had an 'educational tour' throughout his place and  were introduced with different species growing there. Amazingly, his property was featured in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources publications. The agency is helping him in maintaining the forest reserve by conducting ocular visits while providing seedlings to be planted in the area.

Here are some remarkable sights in his abode:

1. Pakpak Lawin
           ...with varying sizes can be seen hanging on trees as you walk along the cobblestone covered paths and in the forest.

2. Caves
           The reason why the barangay was named Cueva was due to the fact that caves are found there. NSJ land area is that large that it approaches Famy boundary. Found near this area are the caves.

 3. Pine Trees
              Pine trees could grow in our hometown's upland areas. No need to go to Baguio nor Tagaytay to behold these.

4. Rubber Trees
            Ka Nestor's farm is the only place in Santa Maria where such trees are grown and utilized. Its milky, sticky sap flowing out of its incised trunk are collected and sold.

5. Forest Shelters
         The farm has a quiet house with noticeable kitchen and wooden furnitures. A rewarding view is seen from its veranda.The huge hut located beside the house  has Anahaw roof and solid driftwoods (hundred years of age) decorating its posts.

Cabins were made of coconut trunks.

The area has a solar-powered electricity supply.

Here are behind-the-scene shots:

I'm wearing a jacket due to cool weather and ended up sweating during the tour. 
Good thing that the place wasn't steep allowing us to  have a comfortable walk around the forest.

Rubber trees all around.

Ka Nestor giving us information about the forest.

After the hike.

Ka Nestor with his sister, Ka Nena Reyes.

Brief talk with Tin, Human Settlements Planning graduate.

You may click HERE and HERE to explore photographs of indigenous tree species growing in his place and be informed with the details of DENR's project done there.