Like the developing roads reaching their community, a new chapter of opportunity is beginning for the farmers of Barangay Saray, who had previously faced setbacks in their efforts to become a formal group.
The Saray Maliliit Farmers Association (SMFA), a collective of 53 dedicated individuals, is now firmly on the path to progress with the assistance of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program CALABARZON.
The journey towards formal organization was a long-standing and often disheartening one for the Saray farmers. As they shared with SAAD CALABARZON during initial engagements in 2024, years of independent efforts to establish a legally-recognized association had consistently ended in frustration. This history of stalled initiatives had fostered skepticism among the community.
Yet, beneath the surface of doubt, a persistent hope for improved livelihoods endured.
Recognizing this determination and the challenges they faced in achieving formal status, SAAD CALABARZON stepped in as a partner, embodying its commitment encapsulated in the slogan “Kaagapay sa Maunlad na Buhay” (Partner in Progressive Living).
The program pledged its full support in navigating the complexities of legal registration – the very hurdle that had previously hindered their progress. This crucial guidance proved to be the key that finally unlocked a future of greater interventions and access to vital government assistance.
Their perseverance, coupled with SAAD’s expert facilitation, culminated in the official registration of the Saray Maliliit Farmers Association under the Department of Labor and Employment on October 17, 2024 – a significant moment that transformed their previously unofficial collective into a legitimate entity.
With their association now legally recognized, the SMFA, whose primary agricultural activities centered around native swine and high-value crops like coconut and banana, became an official beneficiary eligible for targeted support.
A Participatory Rural Appraisal Assessment identified the improvement of local swine breeds as a key area for intervention. Consequently, SAAD CALABARZON tailored a comprehensive swine and high-value crop project for the SMFA, allocating Php 816,000 for implementation in Fiscal Year 2025.
Crucial to the success of this upcoming project was ensuring the farmers possessed the necessary expertise. In preparation for their role as official beneficiaries of the swine project, the association members participated in specialized training on Swine Production on April 8, 2025. This capacity-building activity equipped them with essential knowledge in managing swine farms effectively and understanding the critical importance of biosecurity measures.
During the training, Municipal Agriculturist Ms. Theresita K. Payumo underscored the significance of their hard-won organizational strength and their new status as beneficiaries.
“Nagsisimula pa lamang dumating ang mga oportunidad sa inyo. Hinihikayat ko kayo na aktibong makibahagi sa mga meeting at trainings na ganito para sa mas mapalago pa ang inyong samahan,” Ms. Payumo emphasized.
[Opportunities are just beginning to come your way now that you are officially organized. I urge you to actively participate in meetings and training like this to further strengthen your association and maximize the benefits of this project.]
SMFA Secretary Ms. Luiza A. Dinalo proudly shared the association’s progress, highlighting their connection to a private institution for potential income through pineapple cropping, complementing SAAD’s focus on bolstering their livestock industry as official project beneficiaries.
Expressing gratitude of the association, Ms. Dinalo stated: “Salamat po sa SAAD CALABARZON sa paggabay sa aming mga magsasaka lalo na sa pamamahala ng samahan.”
[Thank you to SAAD CALABARZON for guiding us farmers, especially in managing our organization.]
From a group of dedicated farmers who had faced repeated setbacks in their efforts to formalize, the Saray Maliliit Farmers Association, with the steadfast support and guidance of SAAD CALABARZON, is now a unified, officially recognized, and empowered beneficiary.
With their formal registration secured, essential training completed, and a targeted swine and vegetable intervention on the horizon for the third quarter of the year, the SMFA is poised to embrace new opportunities and cultivate a more prosperous future for their community. ###
