Beginning with a few pesos – initially from their membership fees and monthly dues, the Samahan ng mga Magsasaka at Nangingisda ng Brgy. Mascariña, Quezon, Quezon (SAMANA) have built their own financial empowerment demonstrating that even small amounts, when pooled together, can create tangible opportunities.
This determined association of 52 members has successfully increased their initial funds of Php 3,500 to an impressive amount of Php 15,000 within fourteen months starting from December 2023 to February, this year.
Further bolstering their capacity, SAMANA received a significant boost through the Department of Agricultural – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program, which allotted them a Vegetable and Tissue-cultured Lakatan Project amounting to Php 1,061,374 distributed between August to September 2024. This support included various vegetables seeds, lakatan seedlings, equipment, tools, fertilizers, and pesticides, complemented by specialized training.
Recognizing the demanding schedules of its members, primarily engaged in agricultural and fishing activities, the association thoughtfully adapted its operational rhythm.
Instead of monthly meetings, SAMANA now convenes twice a month or once every two months, holding their meetings every first Friday. This adjustment ensures greater participation and engagement from its members.
The said amount was pooled from members’ contributions; a bi-monthly due of Php 20, totaling an affordable annual contribution of Php 120, alongside a one-time membership fee of Php 50, underscores the association’s considerate approach.
Their carefully planned financial structure ensures that contributing to the collective fund remains accessible to all, reflecting their commitment to inclusive growth and shared prosperity.
The initial funds collected were strategically used to initiate their loan credit system.
Members in need could borrow money, with a clear agreement of a 5% interest rate. To ensure responsible borrowing and repayment, a crucial rule was established: failure to repay on time meant ineligibility for future loans for four months. The credit system not only provided crucial financial support to members but also fostered a culture of accountability and responsibility.
Looking ahead, SAMANA has strategic plans for their growing capital. The association intends to open a bank account, with the initial deposits sourced from the continuous sales of their communal vegetable garden, a project supported by the SAAD program.
Leveraging the resources provided by the program, SAMANA members began planting in their communal garden in February 2025 and plan to continue, utilizing also the open-pollinated nature of the seeds for subsequent plantings.
This plan showcases their commitment to diversifying their income streams and further strengthening their financial stability. Interestingly, finding a market for their produce has not been an issue, with local demand often exceeding their supply.
While their Php 15,000 will continue to fuel their credit system, SAMANA aims to set up a larger venture as their funds increase. Understanding the local economy and their desire to create more substantial economic opportunities for their members, they aspire to engage in a buy-and-sell business of copra, a significant livelihood in their area alongside vegetable farming.
Beyond their collective endeavors, each member also cultivates their own background gardens, providing an additional source of food and income. These individual efforts complement their collective actions, further highlighting the community’s overall dedication to self-sufficiency and economic improvement.
According to Jogie Angulo, the association’s President, a training on Financial Literacy and the Establishment of By-laws provided on November 23, 2023 by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program proved to be instrumental. The training empowered them to strategically think about growing their funds and provided the framework for their operational guidelines.
“Ang interbensyon po at mga pagsasanay na ibinigay sa amin ng SAAD ay isang napakalaking tulong po para sa aming samahan. Hindi lamang po ito tungkol sa mga pananim, kagamitan at kaalaman, kundi pati na rin sa pagtuturo at paggabay sa amin kung paano tumayo sa sarili naming mga paa,” Jogie emphasized.
[The intervention and training that SAAD provided to us have been a very big help for our association. It wasn’t just about the crops, tools, and knowledge, but also about teaching and guiding us towards self-sufficiency.]
Their demonstration of a shared vision, coupled with practical and member-centric strategies, can transform modest beginnings into significant collective achievements. Indeed, SAMANA stands as an inspiring testament to a group that proactively works towards realizing their dreams for their community and families. ###
