“When you are doing things that you consider precious, in turn, gives the best results for you. What results? Those that can’t, by any existing currencies, be bought, say, happiness, fulfillment and respect.” Ms. Myrna D. Blaza is a native from La Curva, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. She was raised from a family whose everyday survival lies on farming and backyard pig raising. Though exposed to tremendous epidemics and various unnecessary encounters, her love for pigs has never faded; hereby strengthened and remained still through years instead.

Right after marriage, she instantly ventured on pig farming. It was the time when she asked her husband to build a small pig house for her to operate and manage. Her being exposed to her parents’ chores as pig raisers and farmers armed her the necessary skills and knowledge relevant to survive a pig business. Eventually, she maneuvered the overall operation of her small business.

Though well-armed already of knowledge and practice on hog raising, she is still open to innovative ideas that can improve her skills in the said venture. Indeed, one of her very remarkable traits is a successful swine raiser. The provision of additional pigs from the Sustainable Livelihood Program of Department of Social Welfare and Development is not only a help for Nanay Myrna but also a challenge to consider. She feels that she has a social responsibility to fulfill in making the said project successful. Truly, she was able to live on her words knowing that the pigs given to her initially on May 2016 was properly taken care of. Hence, she was able to sell and buy new ones.

A mother always wants the best for the family no matter what expense she gets in doing so. Likely, Nanay Myrna did all she can for the welfare of her children. She believes that the quality and overall condition of the family reflects how good the mother is in providing their needs. Just like in swine management, the health and productivity of pigs are correlated to how best their handlers are in managing them. Though with seven children, Nanay Myrna was able to contribute to their needs. As fruits of her labor, she was able to support her children’s financial expenses even if they already have their own family. She also shared that there are many notable benefits this kind of business can offer. One is that when her daughter-in-law had a very critical condition during her child delivery wherein she had to sell her two fully-grown pigs to pay for the medical expenses.

Above all these things, Nanay Myrna thanks God for pouring her life with plenty of blessings and love which she then shared to her family she cherished most.

Contributor:

Jaime V. Castillo Jr., Project Development Officer II, Occidental Mindoro