In the remote community of Maragat, Kabugao, Apayao, 46-year-old Milagros Uday stands by her humble plot of land, envisioning what it could become. For years, Milagros has relied on traditional farming methods to grow rice and high-value crops, enough to feed her family but rarely sufficient to sell. Now, as a beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2, she is filled with hope for the year ahead.
Milagros is one of the members of the Maragat Upland Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Association, a beneficiary of the SAAD Program in Cordillera Region, which aims to uplift marginalized farmers through training, resources, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. While they are yet to receive their inputs and start their livelihood project, Milagros is undergoing a series of workshops and training sessions to prepare her for the journey ahead.
“Mayat diay training ta adu naadal mi. Manipud ti mayat a panagsagana ti daga aginggana iti organic farming, naadal ko nu kasano pay a pagbalinen a mayat ken nasusteng ti dagak,” said Milagros.
(The training was great because we learned a lot. From proper soil preparation to organic farming techniques, I realized how to make my land more productive and sustainable.)
Like many farmers in Apayao, Milagros face numerous challenges, from limited access to agricultural inputs to unpredictable weather patterns in their community. The dry season often makes it difficult to irrigate her fields, while strong rains sometimes wash away her efforts.
Despite these struggles, Milagros remains optimistic. “Mariknak nga ada pagbaliwan ita nga tawen (The new year feels different),” she says. “Tadta a tawen, mai-apply min diay naadal mi ta irugi min daytoy proyekto mi ditoy SAAD, ken adda da a mangtarabay kanyami (This new year, we will be able to apply what we’ve learned as we start our project with SAAD, and they are here to guide us).”
For Milagros, the new year is but a wonderful opportunity to start fresh. She dreams of a productive farm where she can grow enough to sell in local markets. Her ultimate goal is to save enough to sustain her two children, who are in college and senior high school.
“Kayat ko a makaturpos dagiti annak ko iti panagadalda, tapno maadaan da iti pagpilian ti panagbiag (I want my children to finish school for them to have options in life),” Milagros explains. “No agballigi daytoy a proyekto ket makatulong kanyami, makita ti annakko a kaya a matungpal ti dawat ken kararag mo nu pagrigatam (If this project succeeds and helps us, my children will see that you can achieve things that you you pray for through hard work).”
The Maragat Upland Farmers’ Association is set to receive seeds this quarter to commence the production activities for their chili production and processing project.
Milagros’ SAAD journey has only just begun, but her hopes are already taking root. Her story is a testament to the power of preparation and hope. As she steps into the new year with SAAD by her side, she carries the promise of a brighter tomorrow—not just for herself but for her family and the community. ###
