From humble beginnings marked by limited resources and livelihood challenges, the San Malbino Micro-Hydro Power Association (SANMAMIHYPA) in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental is reaping the rewards of its collective efforts through the construction of association function hall financed by income generated from their Layer Chicken Production Project provided by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program.
The ongoing construction, which began in May 2026, marks a significant milestone for the 145-member association. Funded entirely through earnings from the organization’s livelihood enterprise, the function hall stands as a tangible testament to how sustainable agricultural interventions can foster not only increased incomes but also lasting community development.
For SANMAMIHYPA members, the rising structure represents more than just a building. It stands as a symbol of years of perseverance, collective effort, and transformation.
Founded in 2019 and officially registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in 2021, SANMAMIHYPA initially relied on traditional farming activities as its primary source of income. Members cultivated coconut, corn, abaca, root crops, vegetables, and various fruit crops to support their families and sustain their community.
A turning point came in 2023 when the association became a beneficiary of the SAAD Program through the Corn and Layer Chicken Production Projects. These livelihood interventions enabled members to enhance production, diversify income sources, and strengthen the organization’s capacity to manage sustainable enterprises.
Beyond the economic benefits, Rebecca Amlabat, Association Secretary, emphasized the positive social impact brought by the program:
“Para sa akoa sa SAAD aduna mi panaghiusa ug tinabangay. Nausab na ang asosasyon. Sauna walay kahayag, naglisod mi. Karon ang SAAD naghatag sa amo ug kaugmaon, adunay kausaban amoang sitio”, she said.
(For me, because of SAAD, we developed unity and cooperation. The association has changed. Before, there was little hope and we struggled. Now, SAAD has given us a brighter future, and there are visible changes in our community.)
The association’s strengthened operations have also yielded impressive financial results. In 2025, SANMAMIHYPA recorded a net income of Php 358,625. During the first quarter of 2026 alone, the association generated Php 72,838 in net income, reflecting the continued viability and sustainability of its livelihood enterprises.
As part of its long-term development, SANMAMIHYPA is currently pursuing Civil Society Organization (CSO) Accreditation, believing that obtaining accreditation will expand opportunities to access larger development initiatives, livelihood projects, and partnerships that can further benefit its members and the wider community.
As the walls of the new function hall continue to rise, members remain hopeful and eager for the opportunities it will bring to their organization and community. From an association once challenged by limited opportunities, SANMAMIHYPA has now emerged as a model of grassroots development — building not only infrastructure, but also stronger livelihoods, greater resilience, and a brighter future for the people of Sitio San Malbino.###
