A farmer from Davao del Sur shared how his Apple trees successfully bear fruit despite the Philippine climate.
It can be recalled that it was common knowledge that Apple trees couldn’t grow in the Philippines because the climate was not right for the said species to thrive.
However, Benzone Kennedy Sepe, a Bachelor of Agriculture Technology graduate from Davao del Sur State College, proved that everything was possible regarding farming.
Sepe has documented his apple tree growth since 2020 and has tried different variants to be planted in his orchard.
One of the most notable variants of apple he was planting is the Wambugu Apple variety, known for thriving in countries with warmer climates.
According to him, one of his dreams was to visit America to personally see an Apple Tree as he thought that the said fruit-bearing species was impossible to live in the Philippines.
“Noon Pangarap ko talagang makapunta ng America para makakita ng Apple Trees. Since matagal pa yata ako makapunta dun, itinanim ko nalang ang pangarap ko,” said Sepe.
“Ngayon pupunta lang ako sa likod ng bahay lipat sa ibang lote may apple trees na madali pang puntahan,” he added.
His orchard was open to the public, and they were allowed to buy fruits and grafted apples so visitors could also try growing trees.
Aside from apples, Sepe also grew cherries, which are also not typically being grown in the Philippines.