A successful farm requires more than just fertile soil and favorable weather. It truly flourishes when people work together, a lesson keenly embraced by forty (40) farmers on Maripipi Island, Biliran province.
Held from April 8-11, 2025, the farmers completed a specialized training program from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program, focusing intensely on sharpening their communication, teamwork, and leadership skills.
This emphasis on interpersonal skills resonated deeply with participants like Margie Salomon from the Binalayan East Farmers and Fishermen Association (BEFFA).
“Ang pagkat-on unsaon pagpakigsulti nga mas maayo sa atong mga kaubang mag-uuma makatabang nato sa pagdumala sa atong mga proyekto nga mas episyente,” Margie shared. “Nagtukod usab kini og mas lig-on nga mga relasyon sulod sa among grupo.”
(Learning how to communicate better with our fellow farmers will help us manage our projects more efficiently. It will also build stronger relationships within our group.) Her insights underscore how crucial good communication is to running a successful farm group.
This belief in the collective effort and improved internal dynamics was further emphasized by Rosy Manuel resident of the Maripipi Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (MAFFA).
“Mahalaga ang teknikal na kaalaman sa pagsasaka, ngunit kadalasan ang kakayahang makipagtrabaho nang maayos sa iba, mamuno nang epektibo, at lutasin ang mga alitan ay kailangan din upang magtagumpay ang aming asosasyon.”
[While technical knowledge in farming is vital, it is the ability to work harmoniously, lead effectively, and resolve conflicts that often determines the long-term success of our association.]
Both MAFFA, known for their corn and vegetable plots, and BEFFA, which runs a poultry project, learned practical ways to talk things out, make decisions together, and tackle problems as a team. These aren’t just abstract ideas; these skills build on earlier lessons in project management and food production, giving them a more complete toolkit for their daily work.
The training initiative is part of DA-SAAD’s larger mission across Eastern Visayas. The SAAD Program supports 126 farmer associations in six provinces, directly helping those in marginalized communities.
By combining essential livelihood assistance with strategic skill-building, DA-SAAD is empowering farmers like Margie and Rosy to be the architects of their own success, fostering thriving farms and sustainable development in remote island areas like Maripipi. ###
