MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga- ‘In every adversity, there is always opportunity,” said Chan Pangilinan, recalling the uncertain days of 2020 when the COVID-19 lockdown disrupted lives across the country. That same year, he and his brother, Choy, transformed a small backyard in Pampanga into RSM Integrated Farm — now a diversified, income-generating venture just minutes from their workplaces in Clark Freeport Zone.
“Nag-umpisa kami sa Japanese koi fish dahil noong lockdown walang nakakalabas kaya kailangan ng mga tao ang libangan,” Chan shared. What began as a single koi pond for leisure has expanded into five ponds housing about 2,000 koi of varying sizes and varieties. Since 2023, RSM has been importing koi from Japan, ensuring a steady supply for local hobbyists. The farm also sells fish food, medicines, and provides pond maintenance services.
In 2022, as pandemic restrictions eased, the brothers ventured into poultry with 100 Darag chicks sourced from Panay Island at ₱150 each. Known for its rich flavor, the breed quickly attracted restaurant buyers. Today, RSM produces roughly 350 eggs a month and also sells dressed Darag chicken.
By 2023, the brothers added 30 ducks, priced at ₱600 each. “Iyong mga itlog nila ginagawa naming leche flan at iyong karne binibili din ng mga local restaurants kaya may market,” Chan said.
The farm has since diversified further, raising goats, sheep, and native pigs — creating multiple revenue streams. Two full-time workers now assist with operations, and profits cover the farm’s operating costs.
Chan, an avionics graduate, and Choy, a certified public accountant, credit their professional backgrounds for the farm’s organized growth. While employed full-time in Clark, they run RSM in their spare time, balancing passion with business strategy.
Backyard farming, they believe, holds vast potential for households with even small land areas. “Sipag at tiyaga lang, maliit na puhunan at maliit na lugar,” Chan stressed.
RSM Integrated Farm now stands as proof that with vision, hard work, and creativity, even a lockdown hobby can evolve into a sustainable and profitable livelihood.