The Barangay Takut Farmers’ Association (BTFA) of Sto. Niño, Samar, earned a gross income of Php19,600 from their vegetable production project, funded by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.
Composed of twenty members, BTFA successfully harvested 240 kilograms of assorted vegetables between December 2024 and January 2025. Bitter gourd (ampalaya) significantly constituted about 88% of the total yield, with the remainder consisting of eggplants, cucumbers, string beans, and tomatoes.
Working collaboratively, the members marketed their produce within their community and neighboring barangays. As an island-situated association, their harvest became a valuable resource not just for their members but for the entire municipality.
“This project from the SAAD Program is a huge help to augment our income,” shared Ms. Nimpha De Dios, a BTFA member.
With their initial earnings, the group plans to open a bank account in Calbayog City, creating a contingency fund for future needs. Beyond the financial gains, the SAAD project has fostered a stronger sense of unity and an entrepreneurial spirit within the BTFA.
“Because of this project, we were able to help one another for the betterment of the group and the project,” shared Ms. Wella Barandino, BTFA President. “We’ll discuss what’s best for our association and our project.”
To further enhance their project, the SAAD Program Phase 2 provided the BTFA with 10 cans of assorted vegetable seeds in March 2025, along with essential farm tools like pruning shears, hanging weighing scales, plastic mulch, polynet, and a knapsack sprayer in February 2025.
“We thank the SAAD Program for the additional support provided to the association,” Ms. Barandino expressed. “This will largely contribute to the improvement of our communal areas.”
With this supplemental support, the BTFA plans to continue and increase their production, aiming to expand their farming area. This strategic move is expected to directly boost their overall income and further solidify their economic standing. ###
Source: Zussette Bertos, PPMSO Samar
