The Sitio Ol-olingen Lap-lapog Agriculture and Fisheries Association, a recognized Farmers’ Cooperative and Association (FCA) in the municipality of Villaviciosa, generated Php399,040 gross income from selling 23 pigs under the livestock project of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
The poultry venture is part of SAAD’s agricultural intervention package between 2024 and 2025, wherein the group received 18 piglets. This support included the construction of a housing unit, vitamins and biologics, and a steady supply of various feeds ranging from starter to lactating formulas.
To ensure the project’s long-term viability, the Lap-lapog farmers also underwent swine production and management training in 2024, which equipped them with the technical expertise necessary for animal husbandry and efficient farm operations.
The association’s journey began in 2024 with an initial delivery of six piglets, which were raised and sold in May 2025 for Php119,270. Building on this momentum, the program provided an additional 12 piglets in December 2025.
By April 2026, the association successfully marketed 11 fattening pigs from this second batch, generating a substantial Php183,590. These figures represent more than just profit; they are the tangible results of disciplined agricultural management and a productive government partnership.
Rather than spending their earnings, the association adopted a strategic “rotation” model to ensure the business remains self-sustaining. Using proceeds from their initial sales, the group procured one gilt and six piglets in August 2025; from this stock, they sold additional pigs totaling Php96,180.
This was followed by the purchase of nine more piglets in April 2026, funded by the proceeds from the batch of 11 pigs. This cycle of reinvestment allows the association to maintain a continuous production line, reducing reliance on external aid and establishing a permanent source of income for its members.
Florencia P. Baggas, the President of the association, expressed appreciation for the impact the project has on their daily lives. She highlighted that the initiative has provided more than just meat; it has provided a future.
“Thank you DA-SAAD CAR itoy project nga inpaay yu iti association mi tapno ada ti pagbiagan mi. Nagmayat ti nagbanagan na daytoy nga projet ta nakagatang kami ti sarili mi nga gilt ken piglets. Bareng agtuloy-tuloy toy panaglaku mi.”
(Thank you to the DA-SAAD CAR for this project provided to our association for our livelihood. The outcome of the project is great since we are able to buy our own gilt and piglets. Hopefully, we will be able to sell continuously.)
Marenil Matbagan, SAAD Area Coordinator handling the association, reflects on this growth, noting that such projects only truly materialize when the farmers themselves are committed to the success of their organization.
The association’s progress serves as a model for other rural communities in the region. It demonstrates that with the right combination of high-quality inputs, technical training, and community dedication, sustainable agricultural growth is more than just an idea – it is a path to ensuring farmers no longer live in poverty.###
