Calapan City, PHILIPPINES, 13.10.08 - It is usually a long day for a local priest, Father Cris Raymundo, 42, who, when he is not administering the sacraments, is farming Church lands as part of his ministry.  People say they benefit from the farming ministry.

When he brings produce to the local market, he collects garbage from the streets and a dumpsite. Workers shred this using a machine lent by the city government and compost it. With chemical fertilizer costing at least 2,000 pesos a sack, the self-made fertilizer saves a lot of money the priest said.

Composting entails hard work and patience, Father Raymundo acknowledged, but he said it has taught him to care for the environment. He feels joyful at being able to share produce and earn money from it.

Farming ministry "has brought me closer to the people, to the environment and, of course, to God, who has been patiently cultivating me as well," he said.