Ahunan Power Inc., in partnership with Prime Infra Foundation, has launched a livelihood program in Pakil aimed at expanding income opportunities for local farmers through mushroom cultivation and vermicomposting. The initiative is designed to help members of Punla Samahan ng mga Magsasaka ng Pakil transition from subsistence farming to managing sustainable agricultural enterprises.
The program provides comprehensive training and hands-on learning experiences to strengthen the skills of Punla members. Participants have undergone study tours and experiential workshops to gain exposure to innovative cultivation methods, including organic farming techniques, soil health management, and proper seed selection. This approach equips farmers with the knowledge and practical expertise needed to improve productivity and diversify their income streams.
In addition to farming skills, Punla members have received guidance in organizational development, enabling them to operate as a recognized farmers’ group. The program has introduced them to value-added production processes, such as preparing and packaging mushroom-based products like mushroom chicharon. They have also learned to produce and market planting materials, including vermicast, vermicompost, and oyster mushroom spawn, offering additional revenue avenues for the community.
With support from Ahunan Power and Prime Infra Foundation, Punla aims to establish a fully operational cultivation facility within the year. The group plans to produce 500 kilograms each of vermicast and vermicompost and more than 10,000 kilograms of mushrooms annually. These outputs are expected to enhance the income of local farmers while promoting Pakil as a hub for mushroom production in Laguna.
The livelihood program is part of the broader Tayo Na Pakil initiative, which focuses on a community-centered approach to achieving an inclusive and sustainable future for the municipality. Tayo Na Pakil works alongside the development of the 1,400-megawatt pumped storage power project, providing programs in education, health, skills development, livelihood, culture, and community resilience. By the end of 2025, the initiative will have benefited thousands of residents across Pakil through various projects aimed at improving the overall quality of life.
The support provided under this program includes the provision of land for facilities, construction of a building, establishment of a laboratory, office infrastructure, and a transport vehicle. These resources enable Punla to scale up mushroom production, enhance processing and packaging capabilities, and introduce locally grown products to the broader market in Laguna.