Roderick Capalongan has transformed his career from advertising to mushroom farming, creating a thriving business that supports his family and community. Initially inspired by a fellow enthusiast, Roderick began mushroom production as a side hustle to generate extra income. This small venture quickly became his true passion.
In 2014, Roderick left advertising to cultivate mushrooms on a 2-hectare farm he inherited from his grandfather, naming it “Mushroom Man.” He utilized recycled agricultural waste, such as rice straw, as substrate for growing oyster mushrooms. As demand grew, he sought to expand his operations.
In 2016, Roderick partnered with Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK), which provided an initial loan of PHP 300,000. This support enabled him to enhance his facilities and grow his farm. Over the years, LANDBANK has extended a total of PHP 6.25 million to Roderick, funding equipment purchases and expanding into tilapia and catfish production.
Today, Mushroom Man delivers fresh produce daily to markets in Nueva Vizcaya and Manila, as well as provinces like Isabela, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite, and Cagayan Valley.
Roderick has implemented an integrated farming model that combines mushroom production with tilapia farming to minimize waste and reduce costs. He recycles spent mushroom substrate to cultivate duckweed as an alternative fish feed, halving his tilapia production costs and significantly boosting profits.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Roderick expanded his product line to include processed mushroom products such as siomai, crispy mushrooms, and organic fertilizers.
In recognition of his innovative practices, Roderick received the “Ulirang Magsasaka – Special Award for Integrated Farming” from LANDBANK at the Models of Excellence Recognition Initiative for Top Bank Clients (MERIT) Awards. His farm has become a model for mushroom cultivation in Nueva Vizcaya, attracting visitors eager to learn sustainable farming techniques.
Looking ahead, Roderick plans to establish a farm school to train aspiring agri-entrepreneurs in mushroom production and elevate Nueva Vizcaya as a hub for oyster mushrooms. He also intends to train abroad to learn global best practices that can benefit the local industry.
Roderick Capalongan’s journey exemplifies adaptability and passion. With LANDBANK as a trusted partner, he continues to thrive in agriculture, demonstrating that success grows where passion meets innovation.
