For smallholder farmers in Cagayan Valley, harvesting vegetables from communal gardens is more than just a harvesting activity. It is a transformative moment where months of collective effort reach more communities and buyers, and every single kilo harvested turns into peso.
Through the livelihood interventions of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Cagayan Valley, four Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) are successfully turning their communal gardens into sustainable livelihoods while contributing to food security in their own communities.
Kadiwa Success in Isabela
On September 26, 2026, the Samahan ng Tobacco Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (STFAC) and the San Isidro Luna Integrated Farmers Association (SILIFA) showcased their fresh produce at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Luna, Isabela. They sold squash, string beans, eggplant, bitter gourd, sponge gourd, corn, cucumber, okra, and native cabbage.
Both FCAs earned well from the event, with SILIFA making Php 3,100.00 and STFAC bringing in Php 2,600.00.
In Grupo Dana Yapayao nga Agkagkago, members recorded continuous vegetable sales on September 26 and 29. Selling their eggplant, sponge gourd, and string beans, they accumulated a total gross income of Php 1,887.50, with individual transactions reaching Php 287.50 on the first date and Php 1,600.00 on the second.
In Ramos West, Isabela, members of the Capayacan Ramos West Farmers Association recorded continuous sales from September 10 to 25. Marketing their cucumber, eggplant, and string beans, they accumulated a total gross income of Php 6,400.00, with more harvests expected as remaining crops grow.
Meanwhile, in Quirino province, the Ugnayan ng mga Lupong Agrikultura ng Dibul harvested and sold 118 kilograms of watermelon on September 24. They sold their produce at Php 35 and Php 40 per kilogram and earned Php 3,654.00.
Nourishing communities beyond the market
These communal gardens serve a deeper purpose. When they have excess harvests, members willingly share fresh vegetables and fruits with neighbors and reserve portions for household consumption. This initiative ensures that nutritious food reaches nearby families.
Even though sales change with every harvest, the farmers remain hopeful as more crops grow. Through SAAD’s ongoing training and support, these groups prove that simple help can improve farmers’ incomes and keep local communities well-fed. ###
