In their first full cropping cycle under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program, the Victoria Vegetable Producers Association (VVPA) posted a total net income of Php 146,738 from their communal vegetable farm.
Located in Victoria, Northern Samar, the 20-member association began implementing the Vegetable Production Project under SAAD Phase 2 in 2023. Between April and June 2025, the group harvested 3,423 kilograms of assorted vegetables: 2,794.5 kilos of ampalaya, 187 kilos of string beans, 83.5 kilos of pepper, and 358 kilos of pechay.
With production expenses amounting to Php 38,340, the farmers recorded gross sales of Php 185,080, supplying their produce to sari-sari stores and households within the community. This localized marketing approach not only ensured access to fresh, affordable vegetables for residents but also strengthened the group’s ties to their local economy.
According to member Kinth E. Corro, their high yield was a result of both traditional diligence and improved techniques: “Usa na nagpapasiguro hin hataas na ani an paggamit san organic nga abono ngan pagtanggal san mga banwa para wara kaagaw san nutrients an mga tanom. Amon gihap ginbibisita adlaw adlaw an amon tanuman.”
(We ensure a higher harvest through the use of organic fertilizer and by removing weeds to prevent competition for nutrients. We also visit our farm every day.)
Marketing was another area the group invested effort in.
“May yaon kam direct buyers tikang merkado san Allen nga nakuha mismo sa amon area. An taga DA sa Victoria upod gihap hin pag-angkat san am produkto para mabaligya sa munisipyo,” he added.
(We have direct buyers from the Allen market who pick up our products from the farm. The DA office in Victoria also helps market our produce in the municipality.)
Buoyed by their success, VVPA is now preparing for the next planting season with plans to diversify their offerings. They aim to grow a wider range of fruits and crops such as watermelon, papaya, melon, pineapple, honeydew, and corn. They are also considering introducing a water pump to improve irrigation and farm maintenance.
“Plano pa namon magtanom hin prutas… para mas damu pa amon maibaligya. Magamit na gihap kami hin water pump para mas maalagaan namon an amon mga tanom.”
(We plan to grow more fruits so we can offer more products. We’re also looking at using a water pump to improve our crop care.)
The case of VVPA illustrates the potential of organized, community-led agriculture when paired with sustained support and technical guidance. As the next season begins, the farmers of Victoria are planting not just crops—but ambition and resilience for a more food-secure future. ###
Source: Juhannah M. Maruhom, PPMSO Northern Samar
