Sustaining the momentum from last year’s breakthrough, the United Brgy. San Antonio Sto. Tomas Farmers’ Association Inc. (UBSASTFAI) continues to make significant strides from its integrated cattle and corn production project under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2.
From January to June 20, 2025, the association earned a gross income of Php 749,000 from the sale of 15 fattened cattle, averaging Php 49,933.33 per head. This recent development brings the total number of cattle sold to 25 out of the 32 distributed through SAAD assistance since May 2023.
“Daytoy pay laeng ti rugi ti panagdur-as ken panagprogressibo ti asosasyon mi. Tarigagay mi nga igatang manen ti baka itoy sumaruno nga bulan tapno agtultuloy ti progreso ken panagkaykaysa mi,” shared Association President Danilo B. Suratos,
(This is just the beginning of our association’s growth and progress. We aim to purchase more cattle in the coming months to sustain our development and strengthen our unity.)
The recent earnings build on last year’s sales of Php 424,000 from 10 head of cattle, reflecting the group’s steady growth and efficient resource management.
The cattle were part of a Php 1.4 million Corn Production Project package from SAAD which included farm inputs such as corn seeds, fertilizers, and tools. In a resource-smart move, the farmers used portions of their sweet corn harvest as cattle fodder — cutting feed costs while maximizing the synergy between livestock and crop production.
“When a farmer succeeds, a whole community is inspired to keep planting hope and harvesting success,” said SAAD Agriculturist Khristina Leodeth P. Gagote, who has been closely monitoring the association’s progress.
SAAD Area Coordinator for Sto. Tomas, Engr. Joshua T. Peduca, highlighted the community’s commitment.
“Seeing the farmers of Sto. Tomas’ rise and taking full ownership of this project is truly inspiring. Their dedication, discipline, and teamwork are what development should look like on the ground. We in DA-SAAD Ilocos are proud to walk alongside them in this journey,” said Peduca.
Under the association’s rollover policy, 40% of each member’s cattle sales are pooled back into the group. These reinvested funds are used to acquire additional livestock, improve farm infrastructure, and support other income-generating initiatives — establishing a cycle of sustainability and shared accountability.
The seven remaining cattle are currently being raised using the same best practices that have underpinned the group’s success: regular veterinary check-ups, proper feeding, and collective care. These animals are expected to provide future income opportunities while sustaining the association’s capital base.
President Suratos emphasized the broader impact of SAAD’s support: “The training and resources from the SAAD Program have helped us go beyond subsistence farming. We’re now thinking like agripreneurs — with the goal of building something that lasts for our families and community.”
With expansion plans underway, UBSASTFAI continues to set an example of how farmer-led initiatives, when backed by responsive government support, can create lasting change in rural areas. ###
