Year: 2025

How to Solve Water Supply Problems.

Addressing Water Scarcity in San Francisco: A Proactive Solution

The persistent issue of inconsistent water supply in Purok 4, Barangay San Francisco, Philippines, necessitates a thorough examination of the underlying causes and the implementation of sustainable solutions. The current situation, marked by monthly supply interruptions, points to potential challenges such as power constraints at the river pump, inadequate infrastructure, or operational inefficiencies. While the exact cause remains unclear, the reliance on an operating schedule rather than addressing the root of the problem highlights a critical need for proactive measures.

The core of the issue appears to be a combination of factors, including potential operational deficiencies and a possible lack of investment in modern, reliable water management systems. This situation underscores the importance of moving beyond dependency on existing systems and embracing self-reliant solutions.

A Sustainable Approach: Rainwater Harvesting

In response to this challenge, a practical and sustainable solution is proposed: the implementation of a rainwater harvesting system. This project, following the successful A-Frame Kobos initiative, focuses on leveraging the abundant rainfall experienced in the region.

Help those people who are willing to be helped

The Rain Water Collector

The project involves covering half of the chicken area with roofing, serving two primary purposes:

  • Shading: Providing a cooler environment for the poultry.
  • Rainwater Collection: Capturing rainwater for Jessie’s Sunshine Farm agriculture and household uses.

Legends:

  • WAR = West Access Road
  • LHS = Lower Hybrid Section
  • CAR = Central Area Roads
  • PS = Pig Section
  • NHSN = Northern Hybrid Section, North

An overview of the area. It is a top of our hill and can feed the filtration system by gravity!! The filtration System is existing and is currently being fed by barangay water. There is a differential Pressure Pump at the holding tank to provide solid water pressure.

Given the frequent rainfall in the area, with an average of 5-6 days per week, the potential for water collection is significant. Even light rain events, resulting in 1-2 cm of water accumulation, can contribute to the overall water supply. Heavy rainfall, occurring at least once a week, can yield up to 17 cm of water, offering a substantial volume for collection.

Water Volume Calculation

The proposed rainwater harvesting system is designed to maximize water collection. The calculation below demonstrates the potential water yield:

  • Collector Area: The collector area is 7 meters wide by 21 meters long, totaling approximately 147 square meters.
  • Water Volume: Based on a 17 cm rainfall event, the potential water collection is calculated as: 7 m×21 m×0.17 m×1000 liters/ cubic meter = 24,990 liters

Water Usage Estimate

The collected rainwater can be utilized for various purposes, including:

  • Showers: 100 liters
  • Cooking and Dishes: 20 liters
  • Laundry: 100 liters
  • Construction: 50 liters (variable)
  • Livestock and Gardening: 230 liters
  • Losses: Accounting for line losses and leaks

A daily usage rate of 500 liters is deemed realistic for the initial phase of the project. This approach ensures a sustainable and self-sufficient water supply, reducing dependency on unreliable external sources.

This Takeout might increase to 1,000 liters a day when the piggery is coming on and some of the tourist soak baths. Later we can simply build a second cistern and interconnect them, or we divide the takeout days by 2 to get the existing reservoirs capacity.

Cistern Capacity:

Our cistern will be 1 meter underground sandstone permitting. And above ground for another 1 meters. The area will be 4 meters by 2.5 meter, square. It will contain rebar in every hallow block, and a horizontal in each of the 10 layers. 10 mm deemed good enough and is standard here. Finishing will be done with Sahara cement. This volume gives us 20 cubic meters, or 20,000 liters. We can already see that one heavy rain will fill it completely or at least within one week of little rain!!

Also, to bring another thought into the math here, we can, as said before, always build another cistern beside it and couple both together. That effort would result in 40,000 liters to feed our filtration system. At a rate of 500 liters a day, this would cover 80 days, or more than two months of no rain. Or when doubled to two cisterns, plus with a doubled rate of consumptions it would also last for 40 days only. Even in the last El Nino we had some rain in two months.

Just imaging that 20,000 liters of rain in the pabo area have a weight of 1 kg per liter, which results in a total weight of 20 tons of water.

Cost Calculations:

Hallow Blocks, HB.

In a 2 meters high cistern we need 2.0 m / 0.2 meters = 10 layer or piles.
One layer is 4.0 m time two, plus 2.5 m times two = 13 meters.
All hallow blocks needed are 10 layers times 13 meters divided by 0.4 meters (the length of one HB) = 325 HB. Since we will use TWO walls due to the enormous water pressure we will time two the HBs. These are 650 HB, add 5% for breakage = 680 HB at 12 pesos a piece (Bukidnon delivered 2025) = 8,160 PHP.

Rebar, or 10 mm

Since we put a vertical 10 mm every 40 cm in the wall, we have 13 m / 0.4 +1 = 33.5 x 2 meters vertical height = 67 meters vertical rebars = 11 pieces at 145 pesos = 1,600 PHP.

Each layer will get a horizontal rebar with an overlapping of 6 times 20 cm each. These are 2 full length at 6 m each plus 1.2 m overlap = 13.2 m times 10 layers =132 meters. These are 132 / 6 m = 22 pieces of rebar 10 mm = 3,200 PHP.

Cement Calculations

https://civil-engineering-calculators.com/Quantity-Estimator/Brick-Calculator

We time this by four due to the fact that we have two instead of one wall, doubled up wall, and the chambers will be filled with mortar. Plus finishing.
16 sacks of cement at 217 PhP each = 3,500 PhP

2 tons of coarse sand screened sand. We still have more than enough. But a load of 17 cubic meters is about 20,000 PhP

Labor is calculated as

  • Digging 2 MD
  • Piling 3 MD
  • Rebar and filling 1 MD
  • Finishing 3 MD
  • Pipe Install 1 MD

Total of 10 Man Days, add two, one week total = 6,000 PhP for two guys

Roofing Material

Bamboo

The collector roof will have 21 meters length divided by 3 meter distance per posts plus one = 8 posts. This makes 16 posts in total plus 8 rafters with 1 meters overlapping on each end. The rows are 5 meters apart. Rafters are about 7 meters long.
Needed cement are 3 sacks at 3 x 217 PhP = 650 PHP

Roofing sheets

21 meters divided by 75 cm of useable coverage width = 28 sheets per length. We need three rows of them. 28 x 3 = 84 sheets at 180 PhP (Bukidnon 2025) = 15,120 PhP

Labour

One week, two guys = 6,000 PhP

Conclusion:

  • Total Material costs are 32,500 PhP
  • Total Labor costs are 12,000 PhP
  • Total Costs are about 40,000 PhP

Recovering of invested capital

At the today’s rate of usage, 40,000 PhP / 400 PhP = 100 months, but when goats and pigs and swimming pools join the entertainment we cut it down to 40 or 50 months. Plus the advantage is independence from systems that are not working as they should.

Boss Kano, COO at Jessie’s Sunshine Farm

How to build a A-Frame Bamboo Tourist Hangout

Exciting News: The Second Kobo is Coming!

Hey there, fellow nature lovers and adventure seekers! 🌿 I’ve got some thrilling news to share about our little slice of paradise. We’re gearing up to build the second Kobo, and it’s going to be a fantastic addition to our farm experience!

Location, Location, Location!

The first Kobo is nestled under the Mango Tree of the White Lady, a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying nature. But wait until you hear about the second one! This new A-Frame Kobo will be perched on the West Cliff, giving you breathtaking views of the coconut trees swaying in the valley below. Imagine sipping your morning coffee while soaking in the stunning scenery!

A Cozy Retreat

This Kobo isn’t just about the views; it’s designed for comfort and relaxation. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Size: The Kobo will measure 3×4 meters, providing a cozy space for you to unwind.
  • Patio: It will feature an 8 sqm patio (or Balcon) where you can lounge and soak up the sun.
  • Soaking Bath: We’re adding a small soaking bath sourced by rainwater, perfect for those sunset moments. Picture yourself relaxing in the tub as the sky transforms into a canvas of colors!

Nature’s Privacy Screen

In just a year, the surrounding trees will grow to create a beautiful privacy screen, making your stay even more intimate. You’ll feel like you’re in your own little world, away from the hustle and bustle. Plus, our friendly goats will be nearby, adding to the charm of the animal farm experience. It’s like a mini getaway where you can connect with nature and animals!

Rain or Shine

Worried about the weather? Don’t be! The soaking tub and patio will be covered by a roof, allowing you to enjoy your retreat even when it’s raining. Whether it’s a sunny day or a cozy rainy afternoon, you’ll have the perfect spot to relax and recharge.

Details for Welding the Corners

All corners and also wall assemblies will be pinned and welded with 10 mm to prevent wind and sheer forces from moving elements. Here is how we do it.

Join Us on This Journey!

We’re super excited about this new Kobo and can’t wait to welcome you to this unique experience. It’s all about creating a space where you can escape, unwind, and enjoy the beauty of nature. So, keep an eye out for updates as we bring this vision to life!

What do you think? Are you excited to visit the new Kobo? Let me know your thoughts or any questions you might have! 🌅

Where to Find Our Turkey and Chicken Friends!

Welcome, poultry enthusiasts and curious cluckers! 🐔 Are you on a quest for the ultimate intel about our fabulous chickens and turkeys? Well, you’ve pecked your way to the right place!

Here’s the scoop on where to find all the juicy details about our feathered friends:

Turkey Talk: If you’re more of a turkey person, don’t worry! We’ve got plenty of gobble-worthy info waiting for you.

The Chicken and Turkey Project: This is your golden egg of information! Dive into our new page dedicated to the chicken project. It’s like a treasure map, but instead of gold, you’ll find everything you need to know about our free-running chickens and poults.

Visit to see all of our friends.

Feathered Fun Facts: Did you know that chickens can recognize over 100 faces? They’re not just pretty beaks; they’re also social butterflies (or should we say, social chickens?).

So, whether you’re looking to raise your own flock or just want to admire their feathery charm from afar, our page is the place to be!

Now, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore! And if you have any questions or need more clucking good info, just ask! 🦃✨

The Unyielding Earth: A Farmer’s Fight against Erosion

Landslides and Heavy Rain

The land, a source of life and livelihood, is often a silent battleground. On our farm, nestled in the hills, this battle is fought daily against the relentless forces of erosion. The past few months have been a stark reminder and wake up call of nature’s power, as the soil, our most precious resource, slips away with every heavy rainfall. The scale of the problem is undeniable.

We’re losing an estimated 6 inches of soil each year. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a visible reality. Roads are being swamped with sediment, and the roots of our coconut trees, once safely buried, are now exposed. In a matter of a decade, we fear our once-fertile hill will be barren. The situation is more than just a threat to our income; it’s a threat to our future.

Our young coconut trees, the promise of tomorrow, are particularly vulnerable. We’ve invested months in planting them, but their tender roots are no match for the forces of nature.

To combat this, we’ve embarked on a multi-pronged approach. We are building a drainage system to channel the water, and we are embracing terracing to slow down the flow. Planting vegetation has been a crucial step, but the young trees are still struggling. The most dramatic illustration of the problem comes during heavy rains. Then, our roads transform into raging creeks, torrents of brown water carrying away precious topsoil. The force of the water is immense, carving new channels, deepening and widening existing ones. The West Cliff Section, WCS, , in particular, has become a focal point of our struggles. During one especially violent storm, the saturated soil gave way, triggering a landslide. The earth, once firm, became a churning mass of mud and debris, cascading down the slope. The impact was devastating, not only taking away more of our precious land but also exposing the danger of slides and erosion, and creating a visible scar on the landscape. In the face of such challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

Yet, the Bible reminds us in Genesis 1:28 that we are called to “fill the earth and subdue it.” This call is not just about exploitation; it’s about stewardship. It’s about caring for the land, recognizing its value, and working to protect it. Just as the parable of the sower teaches us about tending to the soil of our hearts, so too must we tend to the soil beneath our feet. We must continue to plant, build, and protect, trusting that even in the face of adversity, there is hope for renewal and a future harvest. The work is hard, but the promise of a fruitful land, sustained by our efforts and blessed by God Almighty, keeps us going.

How to designate sectors in Agroforestry

Completion of Sector and Road Mapping.
Coconut Tree Planting Finished.

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of our Sector and Road Mapping project. All of our roads and sectors have boundaries and names. This initiative has allowed us to systematically name and organize all sectors and roads within our operational area, enhancing our precision and efficiency in management.

In addition to this achievement, we are proud to report that we have successfully planted a total of 790 coconut trees. About 500 of them are hybrids. This milestone reflects our commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental stewardship. Each tree has been meticulously categorized and logged into our system, ensuring comprehensive tracking and management.

The dimensions of this project not only highlight our dedication to organization but also our proactive approach to enhancing agricultural productivity. We look forward to the positive impact these efforts will have on our community and the environment.

We thank all neighbors, far and near, for their continued support as we strive for excellence in our initiatives.