For the Balogo Integrated Farmers’ Association (BIFA) of San Sebastian, Samar, the journey from subsistence to sustainability does not end at their poultry farm. Through the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2, the 20 farmer-members have evolved from egg producers into a unified commercial force by launching a sari-sari store last April.
The farmers’ association was a recipient of the FY 2024 Egg Production Project, which included 480 ready-to-lay (RTL) hens, feeds, biologics, and technical training.
However, the group’s leader noticed a recurring problem in their barangay: while they were producing more table eggs, the cost of traveling to the distant city to buy basic household goods and farm inputs was eating into their profits.
“Nanginginahanglan gihap it amon grupo pumalit hit pan-adlaw adlaw nga kunsumo. Sanglit, nagplano kami nga pwede man kami nala it mamaligya para mas haraniay na it amon palitanan ngan mas makakatipid kami,” said Junjun Gamot, the association president.
[Our group likewise needs to buy daily essentials. So we have decided to operate a retail store to provide us with accessible and affordable goods.]
Using Php 60,000.00 as a “rolling fund” from their egg enterprise, the members decided to own and operate a sari-sari store located in their barangay. This was not just any retail store; it was a strategic move to diversify their source of livelihood.
Rice, soap, sugar, coffee, and canned goods are purchased in bulk from the town market and sold at reasonable prices in the sari-sari store. Fresh vegetables and table eggs are also available to the customers. Each purchase made by residents adds to their year-end dividend. Because it offers essential household and daily food items, the sari-sari store can stay profitable throughout the year.
In a province like Samar where typhoons can wipe out a season’s work in a single day, the store will serve as a financial life raft.
“Kun nanginginahanglan kami hin kwarta naghuhuna-huna kami kun mangungutang ba kami kaso dako it interes. Asya nga dapat may-ada pirmi safety net it grupo. Ngan para haam, makakabulig ini nga tindahan nam,”shared Lydia Abantao, the group’s treasurer.
[When faced with financial constraints, we would think of borrowing money, but it has high interest. That is why the group should have its own safety net. And we believe this sari-sari store to be a big help.]
A month after opening the sari-sari store, the Balogo farmers recorded Php5,219.00 net income, which they added to their savings fund.
The Balogo Integrated Farmers Association aims to strengthen the sustainability of the sari-sari store through regular inventory monitoring, proper financial recording, and transparent profit-sharing among members. The group plans to expand its product offerings based on community demand.
This milestone of the farmers’ association highlights the core philosophy of the SAAD Program: enterprise development. By moving beyond simple food production into a small retail business, the farmers are expecting a diverse source of income to help them provide for their families.###
Source: Suzette R. Bertos, PPMSO Samar
