Abra De Ilog boasts its high mountains and vast farm lands which makes agriculture the main livelihood of the population. One of the associations that thrives in this business is the Cabacao Unlad Saka SLP Association that started in June 2016. Almost all the members were already farmers who aspired to earn more by creating an association.

Upon market analysis, the SLPA identified rice and corn production as a viable livelihood considering the terrain of the province. The association president, Nerlita Venturanza, merged the two Sustainable Livelihood Program associations: the Rice production and Corn Production. Through this, the resources of the associations are maximized for higher profit.

AFTER PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

Aside from the additional income they earn from farming, the association has already produced assets including varieties of seeds and farming machines. Also, they grabbed the ‘Best Dressed Carabao and Kariton’ during the Piyesta ng Abra De Ilog last 2017. The association is currently supplying the local market of Abra De Ilog since the transaction is fast and hassle-free but they are already planning to increase the quantity of their production to expand in the neighboring provinces.

For 120 cavans of rice or corn, a member earns a gross income of Php 40,000.00 per harvest. The SLPA also offers microlending service for the members. They contribute Php 50.00 every meeting to serve as their capital. The income from the 3% interest rate goes to the savings of the association.

They have received a total of 4 water pumps, seeds, and mobile dryer from the Department of Agriculture for their rice and corn crops. Also, members grab every opportunity to learn additional knowledge on farming through attending seminars and training near the area. There are members who explored other livelihood to provide for their family.

KWENTO NG PAGSIBOL

Nerlita Venturanza, SLPA President, shared that what challenges her the most as a leader is the lack of persistence of some members. Despite this, she doesn’t get tired explaining the end result when they work hard, be resourceful, and wait patiently during tough times in farming. She shared, “Ang nakatulong talaga sa amin para i-manage ang mga members ay ‘yung pagtuturo sa kanila ng ethics. Dahil alam nila kung ano ang nararapat gawin, mas magiging tapat sila sa tungkulin dito sa asosasyon.”  

“Malaking tulong yung starter kit na binigay samin dahil nangungutang lang ako dati sa traders pero nang maging member ako ng SLP, ang panimulang kapital ang ginamit ko para makaipon ng kaunti. Ngayon, hindi na ko mag-iisip pa saan kukuha ng pantanim sa susunod sa cycle,” shared Nerlita.

The association used every equipment they have to maximize their production volume of rice and corn. Through this, members are able to build their personal livelihood assets including additional livelihood, household items, tuition fee for their children, and many more.

One strategy members do is they leave a portion of their earnings in the association as their personal savings. Through this, they are able to save enough capital for the next planting season. As Nerlita says, “Sa mga kapwa magsasaka, ano mang tulong na natatanggap ay dapat magamit sa maayos, ilagay sa maayos.” ###