For a group of farmers in Almeria, Biliran, what began as a simple livelihood intervention through the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program grew into a sustainable enterprise that generated over Php 170,000 in collective savings.
From January to May this year, the 20 members of the Sampao Small Water Irrigation System Association, Inc. (SSWISA) harvested 2,657 kilograms of assorted vegetables through the FY 2023 Corn and Vegetable Production Project, which was implemented with a total project cost of Php 781,342.
The harvest, comprising 1,654 kilograms of watermelon, 658 kilograms of cucumber, 186 kilograms of okra, and 159 kilograms of string beans was sold to nearby markets, yielding a gross income of Php 137,367.
Aside from marketing their produce, the association successfully managed their expenses, allowing them to set aside the said Php 170,000 in collective savings from the previous cycle.
According to treasurer Lilia Caparro, these funds were allocated for operational expenses, dividends, and reinvestment in the group’s next cropping cycle.
“Kini ang bunga sa among kahago ug sa pagsalig nga among gihatag sa usag usa. Wala lang mi nagtanom og mga utanon—nadugangan namo ang among pagsalig, among pagtinabangay, ug among abilidad sa pagplano para sa umaabot,” said Alberto Asumbrado, SSWISA president.
[This is the fruit of our hard work and the trust we placed in each other. We didn’t just grow vegetables—we grew our confidence, our teamwork, and our ability to plan for the future.]
Equipped with seeds, fertilizers, tools, and hands-on training from SAAD, the group embraced sustainable practices while improving food security and household income in their barangay.
“Kini ang bunga sa among kahago ug sa pagsalig nga among gihatag sa usag usa. Wala lang mi nagtanom og mga utanon—nadugangan namo ang among pagsalig, among pagtinabangay, ug among abilidad sa pagplano para sa umaabot,” said Alberto Asumbrado, SSWISA President.
(This is the fruit of our hard work and the trust we placed in one another. We didn’t just grow vegetables—we grew our confidence, our teamwork, and our ability to plan for the future.)
The association eyes to expand their vegetable area and increase input supply for the next cycle, signaling a forward-looking mindset and stronger organizational planning.
SAAD Biliran Provincial Coordinator Rizza Dorango lauded the group’s discipline and impact: “We deeply appreciate the hard work and dedication of these farmers, who continue to grow more vegetables not only to achieve their association’s goals but also to promote sustainability and strengthen food security in their communities.”
As SSWISA prepares for its next cycle, the farmers remain grounded in the lessons of the past and committed to growing more than just crops—they are cultivating a future of resilience, savings, and shared growth. ###
Source: Rizza Dorango and Floriel A. Royo, PPMSO Biliran
