In the small community of Mapanas, Northern Samar, a new group of farmers is making notable progress in agriculture. The Magsasakang Masisipag ng Mapanas (3M) Association is a newly-formed organization consisting of 20 coconut and vegetable growers, banding together in July 2023 with hopes of securing better opportunities for their livelihoods.

What distinguishes this group is their fresh yet determined approach to the agricultural sector, demonstrating that with the right support, even newcomers can succeed.

The 3M Association, located in Brgy. Del Norte was organized initially to access much-needed government aid. Most of its members had long relied on coconut farming as their primary source of income.

Since coconut production is seasonal, the farmers needed an alternative source of livelihood to sustain their families during off-peak periods.

Recognizing this challenge, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 of the Department of Agriculture stepped in, providing their first intervention, the Diversified Farming in Corn and Vegetable Production Project, granted in July 2023. This was followed by another intervention, the Egg Layer Production project, awarded in November 2023 based on the Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA).

With SAAD’s support, the association received provisions for egg layer production worth nearly Php 1 million, composed of 440 layer chickens, 180 bags of feeds, and vital farming equipment like egg trays and weighing scales. 

Additionally, the association was granted with materials and inputs for corn and vegetable production valued at over Php 800,000, which included corn seeds, eggplant and ampalaya seeds, organic fertilizers, garden tools, and more.

These interventions were essential in laying the foundation for 3M’s agricultural venture, but the association’s success was also fueled by social preparation activities, livelihood training, capacity-building sessions, and marketing assistance provided under SAAD.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also pitched in by training members in entrepreneurship development and financial management – equipping them with crucial skills to handle their newfound responsibilities. 

In just a short period, the association’s efforts have begun to bear fruit. From their ampalaya (bitter gourd) harvest alone, they generated Php 30,000 from 200 kg of produce, while their corn yield brought in Php 17,075 from 2,000 kg. 

The highlight was their egg production, which generated a total cash asset of Php 320, 806.32 from the sale of 78,334 eggs during the same period from January to September 2024.

Reflecting on the support of SAAD in their lives, Nancy Taringting, President of the 3M Association, expressed gratitude: “We are deeply grateful to SAAD for these projects. It gives us pride and relief knowing that we now have meaningful work that sustains us.” 

She underscored that, aside from the material benefits of the projects, there is also a more profound impact on the members of the association.

For many in the 3M Association, engaging in these projects was once a daunting prospect filled with uncertainty. However, with the assistance of SAAD, they have transitioned from being mere subsistence farmers to empowered entrepreneurs, capable of generating income.

Looking ahead, the 3M Association has ambitious plans. With another round of support expected in 2024, the group is eager to expand their vegetable production and explore new ventures such as swine raising. They also plan to establish a mini store to further boost their income. ###

Writer: Lester Mark A. Lora, DA-SAAD Eastern Visayas Information Officer 

Source: Arnold Nombre, IO II; Dionito Lucban Jr., CDO II