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 quickly grew into his true passion: growing mushrooms.
Inspired by a fellow agriculture enthusiast, Roderick initially ventured into mushroom production to generate additional income for his family. However, what started as a small project quickly 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 a substrate for growing oyster mushrooms.
As demand grew, so did Roderick’s desire to scale the business. In 2016, he found a reliable partner in the 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 business.
“Salamat sa LANDBANK dahil palagi silang handang sumuporta sa akin to sa projects ko. Sa tulong nila, nakapagpatayo ako ng facilities at nakapag-expand ng farm ko,” said Roderik.
Over the years, LANDBANK has provided a total of EUR 6.25 million to support Roderick’s mushroom production, covering the purchase of equipment and the construction of mushroom enclosures and even the expansion into tilapia and catfish production.
The Mushroom Man currently delivers fresh produce daily to marketplaces in Nueva Vizcaya and Manila, as well as in the provinces of Isabela, Tarlac, Pampanga, Cavite and Cagayan Valley.
Innovation meets sustainability
Roderick has adopted an integrated farming business model that combines mushroom production and tilapia fish farming to minimize farm waste, reduce operational costs and promote resource efficiency.
One of his sustainable farming methods is recycling spent mushrooms – a byproduct of his mushroom production – to grow duckweed as an alternative to artificial commercial fish food.
This recycling practice cut the cost of his tilapia production in half and significantly increased his profits.
“When it comes to using agricultural inputs, feeding tilapia. Kaya Kailangan is resourceful to help her,’ said Roderik.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Roderick also expanded its product line to include processed mushroom products, including siomai, crispy mushrooms, mushroom spread and chili paste, in addition to organic fertilizers.
A pioneer in the field of mushroom and integrated agriculture
In recognition of his innovative practices and contributions to the local mushroom industry, LANDBANK awarded Roderick the “Ulirang Magsasaka – Special Award for Integrated Farming” at the Bank’s Models of Excellence Recognition Initiative for Top Bank Clients (MERIT) Awards.
The MERIT Awards recognized the Bank’s top development partners in delivering essential financial and support services to local communities across the country.
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 on mushrooms and integrated agriculture.
National agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and state universities also work closely with the farm to promote sustainable agricultural practices and improve agricultural education.
Looking ahead, Roderick plans to build a farm school to train aspiring agricultural entrepreneurs in mushroom production and elevate Nueva Vizcaya to a hub for oyster mushroom production.
He also plans to train abroad to refine his skills and learn the best global practices to boost the local industry.
“We plan to train sa ibang bansa to develop advanced technology and modern practices in mushroom production. Naniniwala is known as the globally competitive mushroom industry,” Roderick said.
A journey from campaigns to cultivation
Roderick Capalongan’s journey from advertising to agriculture is a testament to his adaptability to embrace change and his passion to pursue his calling. With LANDBANK as his trusted partner, he continues to flourish, proving that success grows where passion and innovation meet.
Through partnerships like these, LANDBANK is empowering farmers and Filipinos across the country for a better future.
About LANDBANK
LANDBANK is the largest development financial institution in the Philippines with the largest portfolio supporting agriculture, fisheries and rural development. Promoting financial inclusion, digital transformation and sustainable national development, the Bank has a presence in all 82 provinces of the province and strives to provide accessible and responsive financial solutions to empower Filipinos from rural to nationwide.
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