SOLANO, Nueva Vizcaya – Roderick Capalongan built a dynamic career in
advertising, mastering project management, below-the-line communications, and
complex campaign operations. But what started as a side hustle soon turned into his
true passion—mushroom farming.
Inspired by a fellow farming enthusiast, Roderick initially ventured into mushroom
production to generate extra income for his family. However, what began as a small
project soon became his full-time calling.
In 2014, he left advertising behind to grow mushrooms on a 2-hectare farmland he
inherited from his grandfather. Roderick named his own farm “Mushroom Man” and used recycled agricultural waste, such as rice straw, as substrate to grow oyster
mushrooms.
As demand grew, so did Roderick’s desire to scale up the business. In 2016, he
found a reliable partner in Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) which stepped
in with an initial loan of P300,000.00, giving Roderick the boost he needed to
expand his operations.
“Salamat sa LANDBANK dahil palagi silang handang sumuporta sa akin at sa projects
ko. Sa tulong nila, nakapagpatayo ako ng facilities at nakapag-expand ng farm ko,”
said Roderick.
Over the years, LANDBANK has extended a total of P6.25 million to support
Roderick’s mushroom production, which covered the purchase of equipment and the
construction of mushroom housing, and even the expansion to tilapia and catfish
production.
The Mushroom Man currently delivers fresh produce daily to market outlets in Nueva
Vizcaya and Manila, as well as in the provinces of Isabela, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite
and Cagayan Valley.
Innovation meets sustainability
Roderick adopted an integrated farming business model that combines mushroom production with tilapia fish farming to minimize farm waste, reduce operational costs, and promote resource efficiency.
One of his sustainable farm methods involve recycling mushroom spent—a byproduct of his
mushroom production—to cultivate duckweeds as an alternative to artificial commercial fish
feeds.
This recycling practice reduced the cost of his tilapia production by half and significantly
increased his profits.
“Sa panahon ngayon, tumataas na ang presyo ng farm inputs, tulad ng tilapia feeds. Kaya kailangan maging resourceful para gumanda ang kita,” said Roderick.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Roderick also expanded his product line to include processed mushroom products, which include siomai, crispy mushroom, mushroom spread, and chili paste, alongside organic fertilizers.
A trailblazer in mushroom and integrated farming
In recognition of his innovative practices and contributions to the local mushroom industry, LANDBANK conferred to Roderick the “Ulirang Magsasaka – Special Award for Integrated Farming” at the Bank’s Models of Excellence Recognition Initiative for Top Bank Clients (MERIT) Awards.
integrated farming during the LANDBANK MERIT Awards in Malate, Manila.
The MERIT Awards celebrated the Bank’s top development partners in the delivery
of essential financial and support services in local communities nationwide.
Roderick’s farm has become the model mushroom farm in Nueva Vizcaya, attracting
local and foreign visitors, including students, cooperatives and associations, to learn
from his expertise about mushroom and integrated farming.
National agencies like Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department
of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and state universities
also work closely with the farm to promote sustainable farming practices and
enhance agricultural education.
Looking ahead, Roderick plans to build a farm school to train aspiring agri-
entrepreneurs in mushroom production and elevate Nueva Vizcaya as a hub for
oyster mushroom production.
He likewise plans to train abroad to refine his skills and learn best global practices to
help boost the local industry.
“We are planning to train sa ibang bansa para mag-uwi ng advanced technology at
matuto ng modern practices for mushroom production. Naniniwala ako na kaya natin
magkaroon ng globally competitive mushroom industry,” said Roderick.
A Journey from Campaigns to Cultivation
Roderick Capalongan’s journey from the advertising world to agriculture is a
testament to his adaptability to embrace change and passion to pursue his calling.
With LANDBANK as his trusted partner, he continues to thrive—proving that success
grows where passion and innovation meet.
Through partnerships like these, LANDBANK is empowering farmers and Filipinos
nationwide for a better future.
About LANDBANK
LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines with the
largest portfolio in support of agriculture, fisheries, and rural development.
Promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation, and sustainable national
development, the Bank is present in all 82 provinces in the county and is committed
to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from
countryside to countrywide.
