Development programs often seek to improve economic indicators, but their definitive success lies in their impact on human lives. In Mercedes, Eastern Samar, the Buyayawon Farmers Association (BFA) achieved this by leveraging the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program’s Egg Production Project.
BFA not only enhanced agricultural productivity, but also unexpectedly created a vital social safety net for farmers facing unforeseen emergencies.
Ms. Maricris B. Capagalan, auditor of the association, failed to hold back her tears as she recounted the impact of the SAAD Program on her family during a recent financial crisis.
“Han January 2025, na-ospital an akon asawa. Tungod na mayda na pondo an amon asosasyon, nakahuram kami hin kwarta para pambayad ha ospital,” Maricris said.
[Last January 2025, my husband got hospitalized. I was able to borrow money from our association’s fund to pay our hospital bill.]
In early 2023, the SAAD Program Phase 2 granted the Buyayawon Farmers Association an Egg Layer Production Project consisting of 408 heads of ready-to-lay chickens, feeds, and other inputs, valued at Php 890,975.
Through its efficient operation and marketing management, the BFA was able to make significant financial progress. In just one year and eight months, the association’s savings soared to Php 184,335.00, with Php 47,635.00 cash on hand.
To protect their members in times of need, the association unanimously promulgated a resolution last year, allowing members to avail themselves of 0% interest medical or educational emergency loans.
“Diri man ta tinuyo pero naabot gud it panahon nga kinahanglan naton hin mahuraman hin kwarta. Sanglit, dako gud ine na bulig ine ha amon asosasyon ha panahon hin emergency ilabi na nga waray ine interest,” added Maricris.
[There are really instances where we need to borrow money. This initiative is a big help to us in times of emergency, especially since it has no interest rate.]
BFA President Mr. Luis Ablay, Jr., also shared his experience on how this undertaking gave relief when his daughter-in-law faced a complicated childbirth requiring hospitalization.
“Dumaop ako ha amon asosasyon para umaro hin bulig kay kinahanglan namon hin pondo para maoperahan hin cesarean section an akon umagad kay komplikado an kabutang han akon apo,” Mr. Ablay stated.
[I needed to borrow money from our association to finance the caesarian operation of my daughter-in-law, for her to have safe delivery.]
“Tungod hine na pautang na waray porsyento, dako ine na bulig ha amon mga miyembro. Sanglit dako it akon pasalamat nahinganhi ha amon ine na proyekto han SAAD kay dako an naibulig ha amon pamilya.”
[Lending with zero interest is a huge help to our members. Because of this, I am thankful that the SAAD project found a way for us.]
Beyond the invaluable emergency loans, the group also benefited from the profitability of their egg production where they shared their dividends totaling Php 108,000 since 2023.
At present, BFA continues this practice of mutual support while strategically focusing on the long-term sustainability of their egg enterprise through investments in battery cages, an extended layer house, and an additional 455 ready-to-lay chickens.
Indeed, the SAAD Program’s mission encompasses providing agricultural support and uplifting the marginalized sector against poverty, while also serving as a safety net and a beacon of hope for farmers during times of crisis. ###
Source: Marlyn Gordora, PPMSO Eastern Samar
