In five municipalities across Samar, farmer associations supported by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Phase 2 learned to track income, manage group dynamics, and plan for long-term growth through a focused training series on enterprise development in the month of June, this year.
Led by the Program’s Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) unit, in partnership with the Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO), the training equipped farmers with foundational knowledge on financial literacy, values formation, and entrepreneurship.
Among the participants was Mr. Roman Eder Jr., member of the Brgy. Pinalangga Farmers and Fishermen’s Association (BPFFA), who shared his takeaway: “Damu an amon nabaruan parte han tama nga pag-recording san mga expenses pati han mga nasulod nga kwarta. Dapat tanan nga transaksyon may sulat para klarado an tanan.”
(We learned a lot about proper recording of expenses and income. Every transaction must be noted so everything is clear.)
Other groups who also joined the training include the Marabut Integrated Agricultural Producers Farmers Federation Inc. in Marabut, Matuguinao Swine Raisers Association in Matuguinao, Casapa Livestock Raisers Association (CLiRA), and the Brgy. Hinaga Women’s Association in Jiabong — all beneficiaries of SAAD livelihood projects.
Aside from financial recording, the training also tackled conflict management to help groups understand internal dynamics and foster better collaboration among members. Participants reflected on individual traits and values that influence the success of collective farming and agribusiness efforts.
To enhance the farmers’ entrepreneurial perspective, sessions on product value-adding and processing were also conducted. One association involved in swine production was introduced to the basics of tocino-making, broadening their prospects for product development and income diversification.
“An training nakabulig gud pag-abre han amon panhunahuna, disiplina, determinasyon, ngan tamang pagplano para sa kadalag-an han proyekto. Diri la kami basta parag-uma — pwede kami magin negosyante,” said Michael Gobrin, President of the Dao Farmers Association.
(The training really helped open our minds to discipline, determination, and proper planning. We’re not just farmers — we can be entrepreneurs too.)
SAAD Area Coordinator Mr. Paulo E. Dacallos shared that the positive turnout affirmed the farmers’ readiness to take on bigger responsibilities. “We witnessed the willingness of the farmers to learn. We’ll continue to support and guide them in applying these lessons to help their associations grow.”
The training also covered entrepreneurship and value-adding to equip farmer groups with sustainable approaches in managing their resources and enhancing their products. One farmer association, engaged in swine production, was introduced to the basics of tocino processing as a potential value-adding activity aligned with their existing livelihood.
Through consistent learning and support, Samar’s farmer groups are moving closer to becoming self-sustaining enterprises — grounded in local realities, and empowered by knowledge. ###
