Mandala Residential Farm Estates
Every breath of life counts at the Mandala Residential Farm Estates. Themed with the tropical-Asian elements of harmony, it comes replete with scenic views and the gift of lush earth. Truly, this immaculate hideaway inspires the perfect setting to rediscover what we have always been blessed with.
Carefully tucked away within Timberland Heights, this agroforest farmlot estate comes complete with such community amenities as clubhouse, seminar rooms, farm supply and machinery depot, produce market, swimming pool, parks, and playgrounds.
Build your dream house in a verdant nature paradise then sit back and enjoy what you have created - a safe and blissful environment in which to grow vegetables, fruit trees, and flowers; raise children who know how to embrace nature's grace and splendor; cultivate a new-found passion for everyday living.
Farmlot owners are assured of full service support for farm design, programmed farm development, developmental implementation, and produce marketing assistance.
Mandala Residential Farm Estates Quick Facts
Views:
- Metro Manila
- Laguna
- Manila Bay
- Provinces to SW and N
Elevation: 285 Meters Above Sea Level
Total Lot Area: 40 Hectares
Ave. Lot Size : 1,200 Square Meters
No. of Lots: 213 Lots
Lot Size Range: 750 Square Meters - 1.3 Hectare
Density: 5 lots per 1 hectare
Amenities:
- Landscaped Gateway with Guardhouse
- Multi-purpose Clubhouse with View Deck
- Swimming Pool
- Playground
- Picnic Area with Tree Park
- Centralized Water System
- Perimeter Fence
Our Agroforestry
WHAT IS AGROFORESTRY?
Agroforestry is a land-use management system that combines the production of trees with agricultural crops, animals and/or other resources in the same area. It aims to increase or sustain productivity while maintaining ecological stability. It also hopes to increase income for improved quality of life.
WHAT CAN WE GET FROM AGROFORESTRY?
Agroforestry promotes self-sufficiency. You can optimize land use to increase production and satisfy needs. Trees and other plants supply life-giving oxygen and help purify the air. They also sequester carbon by absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and incorporate them in their biomass.
Trees also provide us with fuel wood, raw materials for construction and other needs. They also serve as barriers for protecting food crops against soil erosion and destructive wind; and provide fodder to animals and materials for organic fertilizer. Animal wastes could be used as fertilizer while food crops provide for subsistence and cash needs. Good interaction among these components serves as the primary step in attaining agroforestry's twin goals of production and protection.
Ecologically, agroforestry helps rehabilitate and preserve the environment through soil and water conservation in sloping lands. Tree roots hold the soil together thus minimizing erosion and eventually the occurrence of floods during rainy season. Tree canopies also help conserve the soil from the erosive impact of raindrops. It does not only intercept large amounts of rainfall but also the incoming radiation depending on the percent of canopy coverage, leaf structure and crown stratification. The leaf litter and humus built up under the tree stands control the flow of water and allow it to percolate into the soil.
While contributing to conservation strategies, trees also serve as "nutrient pumps" and improve soil fertility. Nitrogen-fixing trees are able to fix nitrogen gas from the atmosphere and convert them to ammonia. These nutrients are then returned to the soil through the litter fall or when the prunings are applied as mulch or green manure (organic fertilizer).
During decomposition, the prunings release the nutrients and increase organic matter in the soil thereby improving soil fertility, soil structure, infiltration and moisture-holding capacity.
Efficient utilization of water and nutrients in the soil profile is achieved by intercropping deep-rooted crops with shallow-rooted species. This enables the trees to minimize competition for water and nutrients far below the soil surface.
All the protective and ameliorative roles of agroforestry discussed could result to long-term benefits particularly in the overall improvement of the socio-economic conditions of the subsistence upland farmers. As the upland ecosystem is properly conserved through agroforestry, it follows that improved productivity would be sustained through time. The stable production of goods and services, in turn, ensures self-sufficiency in food, fuel, fodder and other necessities. The extra income could also be used for other social benefits such as clothing, shelter, medical care and education of their children. All of these can contribute to the general improvement in the quality of life of the farmers.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM?
Agroforestry systems should be productive
- Generates direct benefits such as food, fodder, feed for fish and livestock, fuel, polewood/wood, other products such as gums, resins, latex, oil, herbal medicine, etc.
- Produces Indirect benefits or "service roles" such as soil and water conservation, fertility improvement, microclimate amelioration, live fencing, etc.
- Increases income
Agroforestry systems should be sustainable
- Employs soil and water conservation strategies to ensure long-term productivity
- Can withstand sudden changes in weather, epidemic and market prices
- Requires putting some forms of incentives into the technology to ensure the adoption of conservation practices especially those that are operating close to the margin of subsistence
Agroforestry systems should be easily adopted and socially acceptable
- Technologies should be culturally acceptable and easily adoptable
- Directly involves the farmers in the design and planning of agroforestry systems to ensure adoption
- Consistent with technical, financial and manpower capabilities of the local people/target clients
SOME OF PRACTICED AGROFORESTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Alley cropping system
Also known as hedgerow intercropping system, the alley cropping system is most often practiced in gently to moderately sloping areas. It involves the planting of leguminous trees or shrubs as hedgerows along contours. Aside from serving as physical barriers against soil erosion, the hedgerows provide beneficial effects on the associated crops. The leaves can be pruned for organic fertilizer, used as fodder for livestock, or serve as mulch to control moisture loss.
However, trees compete for sunlight, space, water and nutrient uptake of the food crops. Hence, trees that could withstand frequent pruning are used to allow greater light penetration for the crops planted along the alleys. Deep-rooted trees are also preferred to minimize competition for water and nutrients in the soil. Nitrogen-fixing trees or shrubs are also preferred as hedgerows.
This system is also best exemplified by the Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1) developed by the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC) in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
Multistorey system
This system comprises the production of mixed species of trees and food crops occupying different canopy levels. Trees and shrubs often occupy the upper layer while the lower layer is made up of shade-tolerant crops like banana, coffee, pineapple and others.
The series of canopy layers protect the soil against the erosive impact of rainfall thereby reducing soil erosion and surface run-off. However, the upper layer of the tree canopy reduces light penetration for the crops underneath. Thus, shade-tolerant crops are grown underneath and branch pruning or thinning of overstorey trees are applied when necessary.
Tree-crop grazing system
Cattle, goats, sheep and other animals are allowed to graze freely in between the large trees in the relatively mature tree plantations of the tree-crop grazing system. This system may also be adopted in coconut plantations provided that the dungs of large ruminants are regularly collected for organic fertilizer. Regular collection should be done because dungs serve as breeding areas of rhinoceros beetles which are pests of coconut.
Live fence system
Trees can serve as fences by growing rows of palatable trees or shrubs around a certain grassland area enclosing the grazing animals inside. Aside from the trees' role as fence, they can be managed (e.g. regular top pruning to encourage more lateral branching) such that the enclosed animals can browse on the low-lying branches serving as fodder supplement.
Protein bank system
This involves the intensive planting of fodder trees/shrubs and pasture grasses on a small plot. Leguminous fodder trees or shrubs (e.g. ipil-ipil, kakawate, Desmodium, etc.) serve as supplementary source of protein for livestock. In this system, the fodder trees or shrubs may be established as small plots on certain portions of the farm or pasture areas. These areas are planted intensively for maximum fodder production. The areas are also fenced off and regularly pruned. The top and branch prunings are fed to the animals through the "cut and carry" system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will the water distribution be enough to supply the entire development?
We have a water tank dedicated to Mandala Residential Farm Estates with a capacity of 167,200 liters.
Q: How soon can I start?
Right now, farm lot owners of Mandala Residential Farm Estates of West & North phases can start farming. As soon as the land titles are turned over to lot owners of Mandala Residential Farm Estates of South & East phases, they can also start farming.
Q: What is the elevation of Mandala Residential Farm Estates?
Mandala Residential Farm Estates elevation ranges from 200 to 225 meters above sea level.
Q: Is it possible to grow fruit trees in Mandala Residential Farm Estates?
Yes. We prefer local or endemic species of fruit trees.
Q: Can I grow Robusta and Arabica coffee?
Yes. You can grow Arabica coffee but not Robusta because it grows best at an elevation of 800 meters above sea level and higher.
Q: What farming method is used at Mandala Residential Farm Estates?
Organic farming is practiced at Timberland Heights. Plant nutrition is done by applying vermi-compost (decomposed organic material using worms) to the soil. Disease prevention and pests are controlled utilizing botanical and biological methods. Mechanical control such as green house or netted garden beds is also practiced to prevent insect attacks.
Q: What can I do in Mandala Residential Farm Estates in Timberland Heights?
Your property in Mandala can be used for residential and farming purposes. You may go into organic farming, bee farms, coffee farms, fruit orchard, flower farming, aqua culture, etc., aside from this, amenities will also be available like a multi-purpose clubhouse, swimming pool, and outdoor recreational facilities.
Q: How much space could be allotted for residential and for farming in Mandala Residential Farm Estates?
A minimum of 80% of the total property area must be devoted to farming activities and the maximum buildable area/house is 20% of the total farm lot area property.
Q: Do we have a free hand in designing and lay outing of our farm lot and residential house?
Yes, as long as the design will consider the Deed of Restrictions, as well as the Design and Farm Guidelines.
Q: What farm services does Timberland Heights provide to lot buyers of Mandala Residential Farm Estates?
Timberland Heights Farm Management Services team of experts can provide farm planning and design, investment costing, design implementation, farm production management, and soon, marketing of produce.
Q: Who will teach me how to farm?
Well-trained Farm Services Management Staff of Timberland Heights can give hands-on training to lot owners on farming. There is also an existing tie-up in the field of Agroforestry between Timberland Heights and University of the Philippines Los Baños - Institute of Agroforestry (UPLB-IAF). Regular seminars on various farming modules and hands on training will be conducted to assist owners in the development of their farmlot.
There are pool of experienced farm workers who can assist our lot owners in their farming needs, from land preparation up to harvesting. We also offer a wide selection of planting materials of local origin such as ornamentals, fruit trees & forest trees.
Q: What high-value crops can I plant in Mandala Residential Farm Estates?
Some high value crops already grown at the site were vegetables such as tomato, lettuce, cucumber, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, mustard and pechay. Additionally, some of the culinary herbs also successfully grown are basil, mint, rosemary, black pepper, oregano and tarragon.
Q: Can I raise both fowls and livestock animals?
Yes. The number of heads of fowls, livestock animals or a combination of both that is allowed in a lot shall be based on the area devoted to farming activities.
Q: How much money do I need to set up a farm development in my property?
The initial investment needed to the development of your farm lot depends on the technology and the extent of utilization of the property.
Q: How much money can I make if I seriously consider farm lot development in my property?
Profitability varies depending on the technology you choose, ability to control cost and how you manage your farmlot. Questions and concerns will be discussed to the client in detail as soon as you avail of the farm management services to start farm development.
Q: Can you help me with the feasibility study for my farm development?
Yes. In Mandala, the feasibility of farming varies from lot to lot depending on your chosen technology, the required farm developments and the crops you select. The Farm Services Management will be available for consultation to discuss details if the client is now qualified for farmlot development. A feasibility study can be requested at a cost mutually agreed upon once you have determined the type of farming suited for you.
Q: Who will implement the rules and guidelines for farm lot owners in Mandala?
The task of the subdivision management is the responsibility of the Subdivision Administration, while farm management is a task by the Farm Services Management.
Q: What type of soil does Mandala Residential Farm Estate have?
Our soil structure is clay loam.
Q: What will I do with all the excess produce harvested from my lot?
You can sell the excess quality produce from your farmlot c/o Timberland Heights Farm Management Services. Later on, when there's an economic volume of quality produce to be sold from lot owners at Mandala, we will put up a Kumbasari market to sell to the market.
Q: What kind of animals can I bring to my farm?
Animals, with the exception of swine, may be allowed as long as they are properly contained and do not interfere with the normal enjoyment of a safe environment. Pets and livestock should be properly vaccinated. Fowls, livestock or a combination of both may be allowed but with consideration to the policies as stipulated on the Deed of Restrictions of Mandala Residential Farm Estates.
Q: Who will implement the rules and guidelines for farmlot owners in Mandala?
This is the responsibility of the Subdivision and Farm Management Group.