by Elpidio R. Estioko
Unknown to many, the newly installed Undersecretary for the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is, together with his wife Rowena, the visionary behind Eco-Friendly Yalida Farms & Adventures in Paracelis, Mountain Province in the Philippines.
When my colleague Dr. Manny Dannug, PhD, former dean of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as undersecretary of the NAPC on August 11, 2026, the first to congratulate him was Yalida Farms & Adventures.
Immediately, I thought: “What was Usec Dannug’s role in the farm-tourism sustainable destination located in Paracelis, Mountain Province, Philippines, offering outdoor activities, eco-friendly agriculture, and community-focused experiences?”
The PUP community has known him as an organizer, a faculty activist, and a voice of change in university affairs. Active in the farm? As I See It, he must have diverted/redirected his adrenaline in the rural community.
On their website, I found out he is one of the co-founders and visionaries behind Yalida Farms & Adventures, alongside his wife Rowena. He confirmed this during our phone conversation and was very proud of being the visionary of the farming community.
The project began in July 2023, inspired by the 25th wedding anniversary of Roman and Rowena, a couple who share a deep passion for outdoor adventures, sustainable development and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
They are described as the “visionaries” who conceived and launched Yalida, aiming to create a sustainable farm-tourism destination that blends natural beauty with thrilling activities such as zip-lining, motor racing, rappelling, glamping, trekking, and orchard experiences.
Usec Dean Dannug’s role in Yalida is that of a co-creator and guiding force in its conception, mission, and long-term development as a sustainable adventure and farm-tourism destination.
As I See It, Yalida Farms & Adventures is a modern version of the haciendas and rural farm communities during the early times. It’s a blend of the old tradition, if I may say, and the new practices in today’s eco-friendly 21st century.
So, Yalida Farms offers a mix of adventure sports and agricultural experiences, including: zip line, motor race track, rappelling, thrill biking, hiking, trekking; Campsites, glamping, gazebos; Orchard with tropical fruits, cacao, bananas, cassava, corn; Mountain-top coffee shop; and Upcoming farm school. These activities are designed to combine nature’s beauty with thrilling experiences, while supporting local communities and the environment.
Yalida also hosts events like Pride Month celebrations and collaborates with local groups, including the Philippine Special Forces, for training and community engagement.
Yes, it’s not the tradition of a farm we know, but a version of old and new! So, if it is a mix, then people of all ages can fit into the farm and enjoy their interests with gusto and satisfaction.
As a visionary, Dr. Dannug is really proud and happy to have initiated, together with his wife, a community that is self-sustaining, populated with ordinary but proud folks full of pride belonging to the rural community.
Kudos to you, Dr. Manny and Rowena! You both deserve the best accolade on earth!
I enjoy communing with nature. I may have to schedule a weekend visit to Yalida Farms & Adventures!
ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream, which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments, email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.
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