Our Backyard Treasure: Harvesting Lakatan

 Good day, Hivers!I’m back with another blog post. It’s been a little while since I last shared something here because I’ve been so busy training my table tennis players for their upcoming District Meet contest. But today, I want to shift gears and talk about something refreshing, our newly harvested batch of bananas. Truly, it feels like a blessing to continue reaping the fruit of hard work. The variety we just harvested is called “Lakatan” in our local area. Many of you probably know that Lakatan (also spelled Lacatan) are diploid banana cultivars from the Philippines. Alongside Latundan and Saba, it’s one of the most common cultivars grown here. What makes Lakatan special is that it’s considered the most popular dessert banana in the Philippines. In fact, it is more expensive than the more common Latundan and Cavendish bananas because of its distinct taste, vibrant color, and nutritional value. And yes, we have this treasure right in our own backyard. Honestly, it feels like keeping a little goldmine at home. The sweet, firm texture of Lakatan bananas makes them a family favorite, whether eaten fresh or paired with other snacks.aside from that, I’m just grateful that amidst today’s challenges, especially with rising food costs, we still have alternative food sources we can rely on. Having fruit-bearing plants in the yard really brings peace of mind you know that no matter what, you’ll always have something to put on the table. That’s why I believe it’s never too late to start planting. Whether it’s fruits, vegetables, or herbs, the effort you put in today will reward you in the future. Aside from saving money, planting teaches patience, responsibility, and appreciation for the food we eat. It’s a reminder that hard work and patience always pay off, and that planting even in small spaces can be one of the wisest investments for both health and survival. So to everyone reading this, maybe now is the time to try planting something in your backyard. Who knows? You might also find yourself harvesting your own “treasure” someday.