Kapit-bisig, a Filipino term meaning “linking-arms,” perfectly encapsulates a remarkable story of a group of 20 farmers and fisherfolk in the quiet town of Talalora, Samar who transformed their passion into a sustainable foundation for the future of their families.
In 2023, the Kapit-Bisig Tungo sa Pag-unlad ng Mamamayan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association was selected as a beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD).
Coconut and backyard vegetable gardening are the BAFA members’ staples before they were formed as an association in 2022. The local agriculture office of Pastrana, Leyte assisted their group to become officially registered in the Department of Labor and Employment on October 5, 2022.
The SAAD program has brought a great impact on the BAFA’s farming and marketing strategies. They were able to acquire sets of ideas on the right process in preparing the land, pruning and harvesting among others. Ultimately, their perception on farming is altered as they slowly but surely become farmer-preneurs. They were able to see that with much hard work and dedication, farming can bring them prosperity.
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Cabulisan Farmers Association: Exhibiting bayanihan
in the world of agribusiness
Filipinos are renowned for their bayanihan spirit — a collective effort geared toward achieving a common goal. It is a culture that flourishes through cooperation, camaraderie, and mutual support.
As Filipinos themselves, the drive to help one another is innate in the members of the Cabulisan Farmers Association (CFA). They worked hand in hand to build a poultry house, serving as their counterpart in receiving the Egg Production Project from the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2.
The 31 farmer members of the Pagburublig han Parag-uma Association (PPA) situated in Brgy. Talisay, Mayorga, Leyte has already been vegetable farmers even before they formed their association on November 29 2021. Some of them also venture into rice farming as their main source of income.
The SAAD Program came into the PPA’s life in May 2023 through the endorsement of the municipal agriculture office of Mayorga. Exemplifying excellence in their agri-business, the program supported them through a Vegetable Production Project worth Php 734,217.00.
Stationed along National Highway in Lawaan, Eastern Samar, the Bolusao Coconut Based Integrated Farmers Association (BCBIFA) thrives amidst a landscape shaped by both geographical richness and weather hazards. Eastern Samar, known for its rugged terrain and coastal plains, presents a fertile environment ideal for agriculture yet vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons and heavy rainfall.
Young farmers of CLiRA: Shaping the future of agriculture through youth empowerment
In the rural expanse of Brgy. Casapa, Jiabong, Samar, a group of vibrant young people is writing another inspiring narrative in agriculture. The Casapa Livestock Raisers Association, Inc. (CLiRA), a dynamic collective of individuals aged 15 to 30, is proving that age is no barrier to impactful change. Once a community service youth group, CLiRA has blossomed into an agricultural vigor, demonstrating youthful energy in rural development.
Puma: Recovering From Typhoon Odette’s Aftermath
“We were devastated when Typhoon Odette toppled down almost all of our coconut trees.”
In the small town of San Ricardo, located in the southernmost part of Leyte, a farmer association with 20 members has discovered new hope amidst the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette. The powerful storm, which struck Eastern Visayas in December 2021, destroyed the farmers’ primary source of income, prompting them to rethink their future.
Pinangomhan Farmers Association:
Dividing Pillars for Stronger Foundations
Sun kissed faces, aging people like fine wines and all smiles. This is how the 33 members of the Pinangomhan Farmers Association (PFA) warmly welcomed the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program as it took a sneak peek of their farming activities nine months after they were given the Integrated Ampalaya and Egg Layer Production Project.
Strength in unity: Biliran farmers join forces for sustainable farming
“United we stand.”
These are the words of Jose Ochea, President of the Cabucgayan Farmers Association (CAFA), when asked about their secret to project sustainability.
For many years, the members of CAFA managed their own plots of land with varying degrees of success. They faced significant challenges, such as unpredictable weather, rising costs of farm inputs, and limited access to markets. Over time, they realized that the solution lay not in working harder alone, but in collaborating with one another.
Water you waiting for?
Farmers beating the heat in Biliran
In Almeria, Biliran, where the sun shines relentlessly during dry months, a group of hardworking farmers is redefining resilience and sustainability. These dedicated individuals are not only combatting the effects of climate change; they are cultivating hope within their communities by employing innovative farming strategies that enable them to thrive even in the face of drought.
Kapit-bisig in Action: A Story of Hope and Collaboration
Kapit-bisig, a Filipino term meaning “linking-arms,” perfectly encapsulates a remarkable story of a group of 20 farmers and fisherfolk in the quiet town of Talalora, Samar who transformed their passion into a sustainable foundation for the future of their families.
In 2023, the Kapit-Bisig Tungo sa Pag-unlad ng Mamamayan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association was selected as a beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD).
How sisterhood and dialogue drive SIWA’s farming success
The San Isidro Women’s Association (SIWA) embodies the strength of sisterhood and the transformative power of dialogue and open communication in farming.
Formed by women who understand the challenges and rewards of agriculture, the group relies on collaboration and shared responsibility to overcome obstacles. Through constant dialogue, these women have fostered a spirit of unity that has made their association a beacon of empowerment and success.
Sabang II RIC farmers clucking towards
eggs-cellence
As the saying goes, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the farmers in one of the barangays of Allen, Northern Samar, where a remarkable story of empowerment and resilience is unfolding.
The Sabang II Rural Improvement Club (RIC), formed just a year ago, is transforming the lives of the women in Brgy. Sabang II. This grassroots organization emerged from a vision to uplift its members by seeking access to vital government aid and resources.