The sound of waves lapping the shore of Tingloy, Batangas, provides a fitting soundtrack to Adoracion “Doris” A. Atienza’s life. Here, amid the rustling coconut trees, this 61-year-old farmer demonstrates the power of perseverance and vision in agriculture.
Her passion for community and agricultural development began in her parents’ cornfields. As a child, she learned the value of hard work and the importance of nurturing the land. Despite opportunities elsewhere, she returned to Tingloy, where she continues to cultivate her farm and raise livestock, furthering her commitment to the island’s well-being.
For Doris, agriculture transcends mere livelihood; it is, as she considers it, her “twin” – the very bedrock upon which her family has established their lives. Through farming, they have not only secured their sustenance but also funded their education and ensured their well-being.
Over the years, Doris has observed the shift in local farming, from the once plentiful buli, a native weaving plant, to the increasing prevalence of goat raising.
This intimate understanding of agriculture, gained through years of observation and personal connection, has also made Doris keenly aware of the specific challenges faced by farmers. Raising livestock, for instance, is difficult due to costly feed, and calamities can cut off access to the mainland, causing feed shortages.
Yet, her resilience never wavers. She sees these challenges not as setbacks, but as reminders of the importance of diversifying her farm.
Building on this resourceful approach, Doris is also a sharp businesswoman who knows how much investment agriculture needs. She’s the active president of Team Buli, where she and other members make various items like bags and banigs (woven mats) to make the most of their local natural resources.
Doris’ leadership extends beyond her farm. In 2023, she became president of the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Barangay Papaya (SMBP), an organization created to support local farmers through the Social Preparation initiative of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in CALABARZON.
She envisions SMBP as an inclusive organization that empowers farmers and strengthens community ties, enabling them to improve their livelihoods with SAAD’s assistance.
“Nagpapasalamat ang aming komunidad sa SAAD CALABARZON dahil hindi lamang ito nagbigay ng suporta sa aming kabuhayan, kundi muling pinukaw ang diwa ng pagkakaisa sa hanay ng mga magsasaka,” said Doris.
[Our community is deeply grateful to SAAD CALABARZON for their invaluable support, which not only enhanced our livelihood but also reignited the spirit of unity among our farmers.]
As part of SAAD’s interventions, SMBP received its first livelihood support through a corn-vegetable project aimed at enhancing local food production. Doris envisions a more united and productive agricultural community, where farmers work together to achieve sustainable growth.
“Sa pamamagitan ng aktwal na pakikisalamuha ng mga taga SAAD, nakita at naunawaan nila ang tunay naming pangangailangan, kaya’t mas naintindihan ng mga magsasaka kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa sa isang samahan,” she said.
[Their direct engagement allowed them to witness and understand our genuine needs firsthand, helping our farmers recognize the vital role of cooperation and unity within our organization.]
Currently, SAAD’s livelihood support is enabling SMBP members to cultivate their first communal vegetable plots, providing both a source of fresh produce for their families and the potential for income generation through local sales.
As the planting season turns, so too does the cycle of life in Tingloy. The seeds sown through the DA-SAAD Program, nurtured by Doris’ leadership and the collaborative spirit of SMBP, promise a bountiful harvest. The island’s rhythm continues, a blend of ocean waves and rustling palms, a testament to the enduring connection between people and the land, a connection that Doris embodies and strengthens with every passing season. ###
