Driven by a shared goal of expanding opportunities and improving access to government programs and support, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program CALABARZON, in partnership with the DA – Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, supported the establishment of the first island-wide federation of goat farmers in Tingloy, Batangas.
Officially registered and certified by the Department of Labor and Employment last January 12, 2026, the Tingloy Island Goat Farmers Federation (TIGOFF) marks a major milestone for the island’s agricultural sector. Its registration unites previously independent farmers’ groups into a single federation with a stronger and more coordinated voice.
TIGOFF brings together ten existing farmers’ associations, comprising a total of 300 members from various barangays across the island. These include the San Juan Tingloy Farmers Association (SAJTIFA), Barangay Corona Agricultural Farmers Organization (BACAFO), Gamao Agricultural Farmers Association (GAFA), Pedronians Agriculture Farmers Association (PAFA), Makawayan Agricultural Farmers Association (MAFA), Samahang Magsasaka ng Barangay Papaya (SMBP), Talahib Agriculture Farmers Association (TAFA), San Isidro Farmers Agricultural Organization (SIFAO), Samahang Agrikultural ng Pisa (SAPI), and the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Hilagang Kanluran ng Tingloy, Batangas (SAMAHIKA).
The foundation of the federation was laid on August 14, 2025, when representatives from the ten associations convened with the assistance of the SAAD Program to elect their officers and establish a unified leadership structure. This was further solidified on November 19, 2025, with the ratification of TIGOFF’s Constitution and By-Laws, providing clear policies and a shared direction for the organization.
“Ang pagtatatag namin ng isang pederasyon ng mga magkakambing ay hindi lamang isang tagumpay ng organisasyon, kundi bunga rin ng pagkakaisa at iisang layunin ng bawat magsasaka tungo sa isang mas maunlad na bukas. Sa pamamagitan ng ating pederasyon, mas mapapalakas natin ang ating mga kakayanan at boses upang mas mapadali ang pagkuha natin ng mga suporta mula sa pamahalaan at iba pang organisasyon,” said Mr. Pamfilo De Austria, TIGOFF president.
[The establishment of the goat federation represents not just an organizational achievement, but the shared vision and unity of our farmers as we move toward growth and development. Through the federation, we can consolidate our efforts and voices, strengthen our bargaining power, and access broader support from government agencies and development partners.]
With its official registration secured, TIGOFF now serves as a platform for collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable livelihood development. The federation is expected to open more opportunities for training, production support, and market access, benefiting not only its members but the wider agricultural community of Tingloy. ###
