A caring person. A mother of three. A stroke victim. She was chosen to be one of the farmer-partners of Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) in Region VIII.

Her name is Anita Agbon, 45 years old, and a resident of San Sebastian, Western Samar. As a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary who only earns P 2,600 per month, it is truly difficult for her to make both ends meet for her children. Even though a portion of her body is paralyzed due to her condition, she perseveres just to provide for her family.

Just when she needed it the most, SAAD came and gave her a livelihood opportunity that would somehow change their lives. She received six heads of ready-to-lay chickens, 60 kilograms of chicken feeds, and 20 meters of polynet on June 18 to 22, 2018.

During the distribution, Anita shed tears because of sheer happiness, “I am thankful that you came and gave us all these blessings,” she uttered.

“This gave me an opportunity to raise my three children better,” Anita added.

Despite the hardships in life, Anita did not lose hope because she believes that the government is there to guide and help the poor escape the cycle of poverty.

It was raining during the distribution, and after receiving the interventions, she exclaimed, “I did not lose hope. I just waited because I knew the rain would stop.”

SAAD aims to improve the living condition of those farmers in the marginalized sector by providing them the necessary social preparation and livelihood interventions.

Writer: Arnold Nombres​, SAAD Region 8 IT Officer
Co-Writers: Ferdinand Ultra, Northern Samar PC; Jeanrose Basilan, Eastern Samar PC; Jocelyn A. Cabanas, Southern Leyte PC; Kevin Biol, SAAD Info and Adocacy Staff; Vilvic Ilo, SAAD Region 8 Admin Staff
Copy Editors: Ela Arciaga​ and Jhomai Canlas​, SAAD NPMO PR & Communications Officers

This feature article was crafted by Arnold and the rest of the representatives from Region 8, during the recently-held Effective Business Writing and Presentation Skills on June 25-29, 2018. For related news and features, visit the SAAD Program website on saad.da.gov.ph.