The farmers of New Lourdes in Cortes, Bohol turned challenges into opportunities through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, strengthening both their poultry and high-value crop enterprises.
Through training, livelihood support, and continuous guidance, members of the New Lourdes Cortes Farmers Association gained the skills and confidence to manage projects that now provide steady income for their community.
Association President Rito Virginia shared that before the intervention, managing livelihood projects was difficult. Now with SAAD’s support, the association has become more capable of sustaining its operations.
He said, “Dili nami mamroblema unsa among buhaton kay gi-kumpletohan na tanan sa SAAD, mao nga wala nami problema nga hunahunaon.”
(We no longer struggle in managing because we already have the knowledge and ideas on how to do it.)
He added that even before the project turnover, members were already trained to handle poultry production and crop farming on their own.
One of the association’s main income sources is its Chicken Egg Production project. Based on their records, the group maintains 292 productive laying hens. In 2025, the association produced 85,535 eggs, generating Php 728,652.20 in sales.
In the first quarter of 2026, they produced an additional 20,608 eggs, earning Php 168,584. From 2025 to March 2026, total production reached over 106,000 eggs, with combined sales amounting to Php 897,236.20. Egg prices range from Php 150 for small to Php 360 for extra-jumbo sizes.
Eggs are sold within the barangay and nearby areas, including barangays in the municipality of Batuan, ensuring a regular market and steady income for the association.
Virginia also highlighted that SAAD provided comprehensive support, including technical training, capacity-building, and market-related interventions.
Aside from poultry, the association also cultivates ubi kinampay, a premium violet yam valued for its aroma, flavor, and quality. In 2025, farmers harvested and sold several batches, earning Php 13,240 based on recorded sales.
Harvest records included individual sales of 7.5 kilograms (kgs), 6.5kgs, 20kgs, and 25kgs, showing active participation among members. Some harvests were also kept for household consumption and planting materials.
For Virginia, ubi kinampay is more than a source of income – it is part of their culture, passed down through generations.
“Ang ubi kinampay na gihatag ni SAAD Program usa na siya ka klase sa mahalon na ubi. Lami ni siya kay humot unya nindot gyud siya’g quality,” he shared.
(The ubi kinampay given by the SAAD Program is a valuable variety of yam. It is delicious, fragrant, and of very good quality.)
With another harvest expected and poultry operations continuing to grow, the farmers of New Lourdes remain optimistic. Through the SAAD Program, support has turned into self-reliance, stronger livelihoods, and renewed hope for farming families in the community.
