The members of the Villa Manzano Norte Farmers Association (VILMANORFA) in Perez, Quezon used to rely mostly on traditional practices in raising pigs, often facing losses due to limited technical knowledge. Through the support of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) CALABARZON, the group is now steadily establishing itself as a community of skilled and confident swine raisers.
For 58-year-old association president Mrs. Nancy Resco, the transformation has been both practical and personal. Before engaging with the program, she had prior experience in swine raising but admitted that she lacked the necessary technical knowledge to manage it effectively.
Without proper guidance on animal health, feeding, and management practices, raising pigs was more of a trial-and-error endeavor than a sustainable livelihood. This frequent illness and mortality among their livestock, leading to financial losses.
The introduction of SAAD training marked a turning point for the association. Through seminars, hands-on learning sessions, and the distribution of informational materials such as booklets and pamphlets, members were equipped with proper swine production practices from feeding management to animal health care.
“Noong na-train ako sa mga seminar ng SAAD, doon ko po nalaman na ang baboy pala ay hindi basta inaalagaan may tamang proseso pala. Kaya pala noong una, maraming nagkakasakit at namamatay sa mga alaga ko–kulang pa pala ako sa kaalaman tungkol sa pag aalaga ng baboy. Ngayon nung nag training kami sa SAAD, binasa ko yung mga pinamigay nilang mga booklets at pamphlet, doon ko nalaman na ganoon pala,” Resco shared.
[When I attended the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program seminars, I learned that raising pigs is not as simple as it seems; it actually requires following proper procedures. That explained why many of the pigs I raised before got sick and died; I lacked sufficient knowledge in proper swine management. After undergoing the SAAD training and reading the booklets and pamphlets they provided, I finally understood how it should really be done.]
By applying what they learned, members noticed a significant improvement in their swine production, wherein cases of illness and livestock mortality were reduced. The shift from traditional to knowledge-based farming enabled members to better manage their resources and sustain their livelihood.
Beyond technical skills, the program also fostered organizational and personal development. From being confined to household routines, Resco and her fellow members became more socially engaged and confident. Participation in the association exposed them to leadership roles, decision-making processes, and stakeholder interactions—skills essential for sustaining collective enterprise.
The association is not only focused on maintaining its swine production but is also now working toward long-term sustainability by planning strategic livelihood expansions. Members aim to grow and sell their swine stocks, recover production costs, and allocate earnings into their collective savings in the bank, which currently amount to approximately Php 70,000.
To further secure their operations, VILMANORFA is exploring the possibility of producing their own feeds through feed-processing equipment to address potential supply shortages. They also plan to diversify into value-adding enterprises such as processing pork into products like longganisa, ham, and tocino.
Despite challenges such as the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak, the organization remains resilient, anchored by strong cooperation and unity among its members.
“Ang puhunan lang namin ay pagod at sakripisyo namin sa livelihood na ibinigay ng SAAD CALABARZON dito sa Villa Manzano Norte Perez, Quezon,” Resco emphasized.
[Our investment is solely our hard work and sacrifices we pour into the livelihood provided by SAAD CALABARZON here in Villa Manzano Norte Perez, Quezon.]
For the group, SAAD represents more than just agricultural assistance. It has become a catalyst for empowerment and self-reliance within their community.
“Ngayon po ay napag-isip-isip ko na ang SAAD ay hindi lamang isang programa, isa po siyang malaking tulong sa pamahalaan at pamayanan ng Barangay Villa Manzano Norte, kaya lubos po ang pasasalamat ko at ng samahan sa SAAD dahil patuloy nila kaming sinusuportahan at ginagabayan sa programang ito,” she added.
[Now I have come to realize that SAAD is not just a simple program–it is a significant support system for both the government and the community of Barangay Villa Manzano Norte. That is why I, together with our association, am deeply grateful to SAAD for their continued support and guidance in this initiative.]
The program has also highlighted the increasing role of women in community development. Women members are now more actively participating in meetings and leadership activities, reflecting a shift toward greater inclusivity.
“Ang babae ngayon ay powerful na, ngayon ay tawagin, lalo na sa mga pagpupulong, di katulad ng dati na mga lalaki lang ang humaharap sa pagpupulong,” said Resco.
[Women today are empowered—they are now recognized and called upon, especially in meetings, unlike before when only men held influence.]
As VILMANORFA continues its journey, one thing remains clear: transformation is not achieved overnight. It is built through continuous learning, collective effort, and the willingness to adapt. With the continuous guidance and support of SAAD CALABARZON, what started as a modest intervention has grown into a sustainable pathway toward inclusive rural development, the group is optimistic that they can sustain and grow their livelihood initiatives in the years to come.
And for these farmers, progress is not just measured in income but in confidence, unity, and the belief that with the right knowledge and mindset, a better future is always within reach.
Through its holistic approach, combining technical training, resource provision, and organizational development, the SAAD Program Phase 2 continues to empower farmer-beneficiaries, transforming not only their livelihoods but also their outlook toward a more sustainable and self-sufficient future. ###
