Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) engaged in High-Value Crop (HVC) production across Abra have begun their planting season. As communities prepare for the production cycle, farmers are merging local resource-sharing with government support to build resilient livelihoods.
To promote climate-adaptive farming, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) encouraged a counterparting scheme.
Under this strategy, FCAs sustain their production by reinvesting income from previous sales to purchase seeds or produce their own planting materials for the next cycle. This practice ensures farmers use crop varieties suited to their specific soil. To complement these local investments, the DA-SAAD Program provides essential inputs such as fertilizers, farm tools, machinery, and essential training.
The crops were selected based on the FCAs’ basic needs assessment, their available resources, and their capacity to cultivate them. These choices were also guided by recommendations from local government units to ensure the outputs are marketable and align with the province’s agricultural plans.
Planting activities began in May and June 2026, with several associations grouping their efforts around similar commodities. Sugarcane production saw progress as the Salmabasa Agri-Fishery Farmers Association in Daguioman and the Barangay Buanao-Bangilo Farmers Association in Malibcong planted a total of 3,150 cuttings across their combined areas, reporting healthy node growth just weeks after planting. Ginger cultivation is also underway; the Talampac-Pacoc Association in Lacub reported early sprouts from their first batch, while the Kileng Binongan Tribe Farmers Association in Licuan-Baay wraps up planting 30 kilograms of ginger per member alongside their rambutan project. Additionally, the Bonglo Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Licuan-Baay sowed 1,500 luffa seeds with crops now in their early vegetative stage.
Beyond raw crop production, value-adding enterprises are a key part of the FCAs’ sustainability model. In Manabo, the Ban-naang Farmers Association planted 1.7 hectares of peanuts, which are currently germinating. This production will provide a steady, self-sourced supply of raw materials for the association’s peanut butter processing enterprise.
Ban-naang Farmers Association president Marcilino Avaellano emphasized the importance of producing their own raw materials to sustain the business.
“Talagang pinagsisikapan naming mabuti ang pagtatanim ng aming mga mani dahil ito ang magsisilbing pundasyon ng aming negosyo sa pagpoproseso ng peanut butter. Dahil kami mismo ang nagpapalago ng aming mga hilaw na materyales, natitiyak namin ang kalidad ng aming produkto, kaya buong-pagmamalaki naming maipapakita ang isang tatak na tunay na gawa ng mga lokal na magsasaka.“
(We are pouring our absolute best into planting these peanuts because they will serve as the very foundation of our peanut butter processing enterprise. By growing the raw materials ourselves, we can guarantee the quality standards of our products, allowing us to confidently showcase a brand that is truly and proudly made by local farmers.)
As planting activities continue across the province, these initiatives demonstrate how community-led investments and government support help Abra’s farmers strengthen food production, create value-added enterprises, and build sustainable rural livelihoods.###
