Members of the Calvario Farmers Association (CAFA) in Barangay Calvario, Lila, Bohol, successfully generated a total of Php 245,855 from watermelon production and marketing activities conducted from April to June 2026, demonstrating the potential of diversified farming and strengthened market linkages in improving farmers’ livelihoods.
The association collectively harvested and sold approximately 4,838 kilograms (kgs) of watermelon, cultivated by its 11 members. The produce was marketed in the municipalities of Lila, Loboc, Loay, Alburquerque, Baclayon, and Jagna, as well as in Tagbilaran City. Some farmer-beneficiaries also sold their produce directly to consumers and motorists along the Lila Highway.
The watermelon enterprise forms part of the Vegetable and Carabao Production with Marketing and Enterprise Project under the Department of Agriculture Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program. The watermelon seeds used by the farmers were provided by the Local Government Unit of Lila through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), highlighting the importance of collaboration between national and local government agencies in supporting farming communities.
Established in March 2023, the Calvario Farmers Association consists of 30 SAAD farmer-beneficiaries whose primary source of livelihood is farming. Prior to joining the SAAD Program, members were mainly engaged in cultivating high-value crops such as bitter gourd, okra, and eggplant, while also growing corn, bananas, and raising livestock, particularly carabaos. The farmer-beneficiaries adopt diversified farming cultivating various crops within a single area. This season, they have also included watermelon as part of their crop diversification to optimize farm resources.
Through the SAAD Program, the association received various interventions, including production inputs, farm implements, livestock support, and capacity-building activities that enhanced the farmers’ technical knowledge and management skills. These interventions have contributed to increased productivity, improved farming practices, and additional income opportunities for the beneficiaries.
Beneficiary Delia Liray expressed her gratitude for the assistance provided by the program. She shared, “Namembro ko sa CAFA Association sa 2023 ug nakadawat mi og mga seeds, gunting, tambal sa mananap, ug baril nga nakatabang gyud sa among pagpanguma. Salamat kaayo sa tanan.”
(I became a member of the CAFA Association in 2023, and we received seeds, pruning shears, animal medicines, and sprayers that greatly helped our farming activities. Thank you very much.)
Similarly, Eulalia Licomes thanked the program for helping expand their agricultural activities through the interventions they received.
“Dako kaayong pasalamat nga nahimo ming miyembro sa SAAD kay nadugangan ang among pananom pinaagi sa mga seedlings ug fertilizers nga gipanghatag sa programa. Daghang salamat sa SAAD,” she said.
(We are deeply grateful to be part of SAAD because it has helped expand our farming activities through the seedlings and fertilizers provided by the program. We sincerely thank SAAD for its support.)
Meanwhile, Apolinario Piollo emphasized how the interventions provided relief and hope to farming households.
“Nagpasalamat ko’g dako nga niabot ang farmers association nga usa pod ning nakatabang sa amo. Gipanagaan mi’g baril ug uban pang kagamitan, ug dako kaayo ang tabang ilabina ang kabaw. Sa among kalisod, nakahatag kini og kahupayan ug paglaom,” he shared.
(I am very thankful that the farmers’ association came and helped us. We were provided with sprayers and other equipment, and the carabao assistance has been especially helpful. Amid our hardships, these interventions have brought relief and hope.)
The successful watermelon marketing initiative of CAFA underscores how appropriate agricultural interventions, strong partnerships, and continuous capacity-building can empower smallholder farmers to improve their productivity and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for their communities.
