×

Situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw, the municipality of Liliw is hailed as the “Footwear Capital of Laguna.” For more than 50 years now, its footwear industry has been churning out cheap and durable slippers sold both in town and online retailers. Sixteen years ago, the Liliw Tourism Council began the annual “Liliw Gat Tayaw Tsinelas Festival”, which became popular among tourists. But aside from its affordable footwear, cold water springs and native sweets, there’s one more thing to look forward to in your next visit to this town!

Because of its cool weather that plays from 10 to 29 degrees Celsuis, flower production thrives in this area. And such is also the reason why a strawberry farm can be found here.


Photo by Emmanuel Cortez

Michael John Valencia, one of the organic farmers of Lolo Kap’s Strawberry Farm, narrated that the plantation began three years ago with a single strawberry plant from California given by Dr. Rey Lantin of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) to his friend Mario Cortez, the owner of the farm. A year later, the plant had adapted to the environment and bore fruit. Even the farmers were surprised that the plants thrived, allowing them to enjoy an initial harvest of at least five kilos every other day during the fruiting season. The strawberries were sold at Php 200 to 250 per kilo.

Valencia noted that during rainy season, runners or shoots springing from the root increase in numbers in preparation for harvest season, which happens every six months. The farm plans to produce 10,000 seedlings to propagate strawberry plants in Laguna so that Liliw will be eventually known as the Strawberry Capital of CALABARZON. Each seedling costs 25 pesos.


Photo by Alyssa Jane Santos

Overripe or damaged strawberries are put into good use. Just like in Baguio, strawberry jam is available here at Php 80 or more depending on jar size.


Oganic Farmers (left to right Michael Valencia and Emmanuel Cortez)

Aside from strawberries, other organic vegetables that can be brought here are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, parsley and lettuce. As of now, the area is still being developed, but the owner hopes to fully open its farm’s doors during the fruiting season when temperatures drop in December until February next year!


Photo by Dennis Cabral Datu (Mario Cortez, strawberry farm owner)

How to get to Lolo Kap’s Strawberry Farm?

1. Ride a bus bound for Lucena that will pass through San Pablo, Laguna.

2. Get off SM San Pablo and ride a jeep to bayan. Get down at the Manga Circle near the San Pablo Fire station.

3. Ride a jeepney bound for Nagcarlan/Liliw.

4. Before reaching the Liliw town proper, get off at the Laguan Day Care Center along the main road.

5. Enter the narrow road on the right. Upon reaching Barangay Ibabang Sungi, stay on the road until you reach Ilayang Sungi. A few meters away, you can see the greenhouse where the farm is located.


Photo by Evangeline Moncada Sollodin‎