DA - SAAD Cordillera

15/04/2026

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: Two farmers’ groups supported by the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) proudly showcased their products at the Agri-Trade Fair in Luba, held from April 10–15, 2026, as part of the celebration.

Both associations are engaged in high-value crop production projects. The Gayaman Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Brgy. Gayaman, Luba offered a variety of fresh lowland vegetables, while the Ban-naang Farmers Association of Brgy. San Ramon West, Manabo featured their processed peanut products.

13/04/2026

𝐈𝐂𝐘𝐌𝐈: The Buanao Farmers' Association, a farmers' group supported by the Department of Agriculture Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Malibcong, Abra, completed a training session on chili and ginger processing last March 24-27, 2026.

The activity focused on teaching participants how to produce chili oil, ginger tea, and tuba (coconut wine) to help increase the value of their harvests and provide additional livelihood opportunities for the community.

07/04/2026

| Squash Noodles mula Sabangan, Mountain Province

Mula sa Sabangan, Mountain Province, tampok ang kakaibang produktong squash noodles ng Unified Family Credit Cooperative, isang masustansya at value-added na alternatibo sa karaniwang noodles na gawa mula sa lokal na ani ng kalabasa.

Bilang benepisyaryo ng Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development, nakatanggap ang kooperatiba ng Squash Production and Processing Project, na nagbigay sa kanila ng mga kagamitan mula produksyon hanggang pagproseso.

Sa tulong ng mga makinaryang tulad ng noodle-making at mixing machines, nagawa nilang mapataas ang kalidad at consistency ng kanilang produkto habang napapalawak ang kanilang produksyon.

Ang kanilang squash noodles ay ibinebenta sa halagang Php 30 kada piraso, na abot-kaya at swak para sa mga mamimiling naghahanap ng masustansyang pagkain.

Karaniwan itong mabibili sa mga lokal na sari-sari store sa komunidad at sa mga trade fair tulad ng Kadiwa, pati na rin sa iba pang festival sa Mountain Province, kung saan patuloy nilang napapalawak ang kanilang merkado.

Para sa orders at inquiries: Maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa Unified Family Credit Cooperative sa kanilang tanggapan sa Bao-angan, Sabangan, o tumawag sa 0950-141-2065.

Source: Irish Mikee W. Wigwigan, DA - SAAD Cordillera PRDC Unit

| Squash Noodles mula Sabangan, Mountain Province
Mula sa Sabangan, Mountain Province, tampok ang kakaibang produktong squash noodles ng Unified Family Credit Cooperative, isang masustansya at value-added na alternatibo sa karaniwang noodles na gawa mula sa lokal na ani ng kalabasa.

Bilang benepisyaryo ng Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development, nakatanggap ang kooperatiba ng Squash Production and Processing Project, na nagbigay sa kanila ng mga kagamitan mula produksyon hanggang pagproseso.

Sa tulong ng mga makinaryang tulad ng noodle-making at mixing machines, nagawa nilang mapataas ang kalidad at consistency ng kanilang produkto habang napapalawak ang kanilang produksyon.

Ang kanilang squash noodles ay ibinebenta sa halagang Php 30 kada piraso, na abot-kaya at swak para sa mga mamimiling naghahanap ng masustansyang pagkain.

Karaniwan itong mabibili sa mga lokal na sari-sari store sa komunidad at sa mga trade fair tulad ng Kadiwa, pati na rin sa iba pang festival sa Mountain Province, kung saan patuloy nilang napapalawak ang kanilang merkado.

Para sa orders at inquiries: Maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa Unified Family Credit Cooperative sa kanilang tanggapan sa Bao-angan, Sabangan, o tumawag sa 0950-141-2065.

Source: Irish Mikee W. Wigwigan, DA - SAAD Cordillera PRDC Unit

31/03/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | Sabangan farmers showcase local products at Gagayam Festival trade fair

Two (2) Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) supported by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) showcased their local products at the 17th Sabangan Gagayam Festival Agro-Industrial Trade Fair held from March 19 to 22, 2026.

Full story: (link to follow)

31/03/2026

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 | From the margins to leadership: Lillian Sokao’s journey of change in Belwang

In the far-flung village of Belwang in Sadanga, a community accessible only through a nearly four-kilometer trek from the central area (Poblacion), opportunities have long been limited by its isolation. For Lillian Sokao, whose life once took a different and more uncertain path, distance has never determined her future.

Now serving as President of the Ever-wang Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Association, Lillian plays a key role in guiding the organization’s direction and decisions, grounded in resilience, shared purpose, and the belief that women can lead just as strongly as men.

Before the arrival of the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), most families in Belwang, including Lillian’s, relied primarily on backyard gardening to sustain their daily needs. While it provided food on the table, it often fell short of securing a stable and sufficient income.

Recognizing the need for a more sustainable livelihood, their group, now a profiled beneficiary of the SAAD Program, identified swine production as a viable enterprise during the Beneficiary Needs Assessment conducted back in 2024.

In July 2025, the DA-SAAD Program provided the association with three gilts, feeds, and other interventions. To maximize the support, members organized themselves into three groups, each taking shared responsibility for one pig in their respective backyards.

For Lillian, the livelihood project became an opportunity to lead. Under her guidance, members became more active in training related to swine production and management, equipping them with the knowledge needed to care for their animals and sustain the project. Today, their efforts are beginning to bear fruit, with one gilt already producing eight piglets - a promising start for the association.

However, like many grassroots initiatives, the group also faced challenges. Feed shortages tested their capacity to sustain the project, but instead of halting operations, they adapted by sourcing feeds on credit, to be paid once income is generated.
This reflects the practical, determined, and forward-looking kind of leadership Lillian embodies.

“Kaya ti babae, ti kayan ti lalaki. When it comes to decision-making, kaya ti babae, kaya na ti ag-mobilize ken kaya na ti mangitakder ti pagsayaatan ken pagimbagan,” she shared.
(What a man can do, a woman can do. When it comes to decision-making, a woman is capable of mobilizing and building what is good and beneficial for all.)

She recalls a time when women in their community were underestimated. “Idi, nababa iti trato da ti babae. Ngem tatta, ditoy ayan mi, adu ti babae nga agtrabtrabaho para ti pagbiyagan.”

(Before, women were looked down upon. But now, in our community, many women are actively working for their livelihood.)

Through her leadership and the opportunities provided by SAAD, she has witnessed a shift in economic activity, participation, and confidence among women. “Adu ti na-observe ko idi immay ti SAAD. Idi before SAAD, haan da unay makihalubilo ken maki-participate iti activities, ngem tatta ket adu dan nga maki-participate.”

(I have observed many changes since SAAD came. Before, people were not very participative, but now many are actively involved.)

Lillian’s journey is a quiet but meaningful transformation. Once part of an armed movement, she has since chosen a different path that is grounded in family, community, and livelihood. Today, her story is not defined by her past, but by the life she continues to build.

“Very proud ak ta immikkatakon ijay ket nangrugi ak ti baro a biag kas maysa nga asawa, mother, ken leader ti farmers.”

(I am very proud that I was able to leave that life behind and start anew as a wife, a mother, and a leader of farmers.)

Today, she channels her energy into strengthening their association and ensuring that opportunities reach not just a few, but the entire community.

Looking ahead, Lillian envisions expanding their livelihood beyond swine production. She hopes that, in time, their association can grow into a cooperative that will serve the whole barangay.

Her vision is to create more opportunities, especially for the youth and young mothers, so they too can have additional sources of income and a chance at a better future.

In a community reached only by hours of trekking, Lillian Sokao shows that change takes time and is built through leadership, determination, and courage. # # #

Writer: Arden S. Taltala, DA-SAAD CAR Information Officer

31/03/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | Bonglo farmers strengthen luffa production thru refresher training

To enhance members’ knowledge and improve overall agricultural productivity, the Bonglo Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Licuan-Baay, Abra, a beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA–SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), conducted a refresher training on kabatiti or luffa production alongside an association meeting in Licuan-Baay, Abra last March 20, 2026.

The activity focused on key aspects of luffa farming, including land preparation for the upcoming 2026 planting season, proper fertilizer application, appropriate planting distance, harvesting practices, and effective vine management - locally known as palapala. The association also facilitated the collection of annual membership dues amounting to Php 500.

Designed as a capacity-building initiative, the refresher training supported new members and assisted those who recorded low production in 2025. It also served as a platform for knowledge sharing among members, fostering collaboration and strengthening technical know-how within the group.

Serving as resource person was Sonny Tejero, a newly joined member of the association with four years of experience in luffa production. His session emphasized practical, hands-on approaches to farming, which participants found highly beneficial.

"Naengganyo kami nga agnayun pay iti area production me iti luffa gapu ta naadal mi nga ada pay gayam mas nasaysayaat a panagmula ken merkado na daytoy,” said association member Elvis Simangen.

(We are inspired to expand our production area for luffa after learning that there is a better production and market for it.)

He further said, “Daytoy napili me nga proyekto from SAAD ket makatulong iti inaldaw a pagbiagan. Kas mannalon a member ti association, ikeddeng mi nga ipakat dagiti naadal mi iti daytoy a refresher training ken ibingay kadagiti sabali a kameng ti asosasion tapno mapapintas ti produksion mi amin. Naapresiar mi ti training gapu ta isursuro na ti napateg a sustainable a panagmula. Ti luffa ket saan laeng a pagtaengan ti kuarta no di ket maysa met nga eco-friendly a produkto.”

(This project from SAAD helps support our daily needs. We are committed to applying what we learned from this refresher training and sharing it with other members to improve our collective production. We appreciate the training for teaching sustainable farming practices. Luffa is not only a source of income but also an eco-friendly product.)

Community Development Officer Jackyline D. Labbagan, the area coordinator overseeing the association, commended both the resource speaker and the members for their active participation.

From October 2025 to January 2026, the association generated total sales of Php 172,900, underscoring the increasing market potential of luffa-based products in the area. After harvest, luffa gourds are processed into natural sponges and sold on a per-piece basis. Each piece is carefully graded according to size and quality, categorized as good, standard, low, and reject - to ensure consistent pricing and product standards.

Buyers typically visit the FCA site to directly source the products, handling bulk collection, transport, and distribution, with most supplies reaching markets in Metro Manila.

To support the association’s operations, the Program provided various interventions from 2024 to 2025, including a brush cutter, weighing scale, luffa seeds, OPV squash seeds, fertilizers, seedling trays, knapsack sprayer, plastic crates, as well as pipes and wires. These interventions, with a total project cost of Php 813,960, aim to strengthen production capacity and improve post-harvest handling.

The recent activity displays the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in sustaining agricultural enterprises. For the Bonglo FCA, the refresher training marks another step toward improving productivity, expanding market reach, and promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices in their community. # # #

Writer: Irish Mikee W. Wigwigan, Information Officer II

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | Bonglo farmers strengthen luffa production thru refresher training

To enhance members’ knowledge and improve overall agricultural productivity, the Bonglo Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Licuan-Baay, Abra, a beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA–SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), conducted a refresher training on kabatiti or luffa production alongside an association meeting in Licuan-Baay, Abra last March 20, 2026.

Full story: (link to follow)

31/03/2026

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 | Kalinga farmers’ group revive local enterprise from communal egg venture

After years of dormancy, the Loccong Farmers’ Association (LFA) in Barangay Loccong, Tinglayan, Kalinga has successfully revived its operations, generating a net income of Php 415,434 from communal table egg production from March to December last year. The association now produces an average of eight trays of eggs daily, supplying its community as well as neighboring areas in Butbut Proper and Buscalan.

The group of 30 members struggled with inactivity for two to three years, with no projects or income-generating activities. The turning point came when they became a partner-beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), which began supporting LFA in 2023.

Initial support back in 2024 included a poultry house, a prefabricated layer cage, 100 layer chickens, 83 sacks of feed, and technical training on poultry layer production. In 2025, the association received an additional 235 layer chickens, three cages, 74 bags of feed, vitamins, a water tank, and a power sprayer. These inputs allowed the group to restart production and steadily scale their enterprise.

Egg prices are now size-based, ranging from Php 6 for pewee to Php 12 for jumbo eggs. In the first two months of production, eggs were sold at a fixed price of Php 8 regardless of size. This strategy was later adjusted to reflect market preferences and maximize returns.

The enterprise faced minimal challenges, aside from a damaged water tank due to Typhoon Uwan and occasional soft-shelled eggs. No disease outbreaks have occurred, and the association continues to receive technical assistance and monitoring support from DA-SAAD.

Financially, the operation generated Php 555,732 in gross income with Php 140,298 incurred operating expenses. Net earnings are being reinvested into the business, including plans to purchase 300 additional layer chickens. An expansion poultry house has already been constructed to accommodate growth, with the long-term goal of raising 1,000 chickens to meet demand across three communities.

Jomar Ao-as, LFA Vice President, emphasized the importance of reinvestment and technical support. “Namnamaen mi nga agtultuloy ken agballigi daytoy nga itlogan a negosyo mi. Itadta, saan pay nga umanay ti production mi iti kasapulan ti komunidad. Isunga plano mi a padakkelen pay ti manukan babaen ti naipatakder min nga extension ken panaggatang tu pay iti stocks, tapno matungpal mi dagiti arapaap mi para iti asosasyon,” he explained.

[We hope that this egg production enterprise will continue and succeed. At present, our production is still not enough to meet the community’s demand. That is why we plan to expand our poultry operation through the extension we have built and by increasing our stocks, so we can achieve our goals and aspirations for the association.]

Through careful planning and continued program support, the LFA is on track to transform from a dormant group into a model of sustainable local egg production in Kalinga. # # #

Writer: Arden S. Taltala, DA-SAAD CAR Information Officer

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 | Kalinga farmers’ group revive local enterprise from communal egg venture

After years of dormancy, the Loccong Farmers’ Association (LFA) in Barangay Loccong, Tinglayan, Kalinga has successfully revived its operations, generating a net income of Php 415,434 from communal table egg production from March to December last year. The association now produces an average of eight trays of eggs daily, supplying its community as well as neighboring areas in Butbut Proper and Buscalan.

Full story: Link to follow

30/03/2026

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 | AMFACO expands poultry enterprise with new housing in Paracelis

The Amolong Farmers’ Agriculture Cooperative (AMFACO) in Brgy. Poblacion, Paracelis, Mountain Province has grown from having no local egg supply to producing 11 trays daily, marked by the completion of a poultry house extension in March 2026.

Before the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) stepped in, eggs sold in the community were sourced entirely from nearby municipalities. Access was limited and often dependent on external supply.

That changed in 2023 when AMFACO became a SAAD-assisted farmers’ cooperative and ventured into communal table egg production.

With support provided from 2024 to 2025, including poultry housing, cages, layer chickens, feeds, and a water system, the group was able to establish and gradually expand its operations. Technical training on table egg production and management further strengthened their capacity to run the enterprise efficiently. To boost production, the cooperative also secured an additional 100 stocks through a loan from the Municipal Cooperatives and Development Office.

Today, the project supplies eggs within their barangay, producing an average of 11 trays daily and benefiting 30 members. Aside from improving access to fresh eggs, the enterprise has also become a growing source of income for the group.

From March to December 2025, AMFACO recorded a gross income of Php 602,012. These were primarily reinvested into operations, including feeds, labor, and facility improvements, allowing the cooperative to sustain and scale its production.

Despite this progress, challenges still persist. Fluctuating weather conditions and the influx of lower-priced eggs from nearby areas such as Natonin and Isabela have affected both production and pricing. Limited stocks have also made it difficult to meet increasing demand within the community.

Amor Sumalag, AMFACO General Manager, said that the expansion reflects both progress and responsibility. "Idi, magapo pay iti sabali a lugar ti itlog mi. Ita, datayo metten ti mangsuplay ditoy Poblacion," said Sumalag.

[Before, our egg supplies came from other places. Now, we are the ones supplying here in Poblacion.]

"Dakkel a tulong daytoy a proyekto, ngem makitami pay a masapul a papigsaen ti production tapno ad-adda a ma-meet ti demand dagiti tattao," he added.

[The project is a big help, but we also see that we need to strengthen our production even further to better meet the demand.]

To remain competitive, AMFACO adjusted its pricing since the start of the year. The completion of a new poultry house extension further strengthened their capacity to produce more eggs and improve operational efficiency. Complementing this are newly installed support facilities, including a deep well and a comfort room, ensuring better water access and sanitation.

During the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) pilot roll-out conducted by the SAAD National Program Management Office (NPMO) last March 10–12, 2026 in Paracelis, SAAD Deputy Director Elmer Esplana lauded AMFACO for its effective management and well-organized record-keeping system. These are, accordingly, key factors that contributed to the enterprise’s steady growth and sustainability.

From zero production to a growing community-based enterprise, AMFACO’s journey reflects how strategic support, coupled with strong management and community effort, can build a livelihood and a reliable source of food within the community. # # #

Writer: Arden S. Taltala, DA-SAAD CAR Information Officer

𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 | AMFACO expands poultry enterprise with new housing in Paracelis

The Amolong Farmers’ Agriculture Cooperative (AMFACO) in Brgy. Poblacion, Paracelis, Mountain Province has grown from having no local egg supply to producing 11 trays daily, marked by the completion of a poultry house extension in March 2026.

Full story: (link to follow)

30/03/2026

#𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃: 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐋𝐕𝐀) (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟒)

In the LVA, Effectiveness looks at how much impact a project can truly deliver.

It focuses on the scale and results of an intervention — ensuring it can generate meaningful economic and financial benefits for beneficiaries. This may include providing the right number of livestock for an association, achieving strong survival or production rates, increasing catch in fisheries, or even enabling beneficiaries to grow their income into new business opportunities.

Effectiveness answers the question: Will this project make a real difference?

By prioritizing impactful interventions, SAAD Phase 2 helps ensure that livelihood projects translate into tangible gains and improved quality of life for its beneficiaries.

#𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃: 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐕𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐋𝐕𝐀) (𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟒)

In the LVA, Effectiveness looks at how much impact a project can truly deliver.

It focuses on the scale and results of an intervention — ensuring it can generate meaningful economic and financial benefits for beneficiaries. This may include providing the right number of livestock for an association, achieving strong survival or production rates, increasing catch in fisheries, or even enabling beneficiaries to grow their income into new business opportunities.

Effectiveness answers the question: Will this project make a real difference?

By prioritizing impactful interventions, SAAD Phase 2 helps ensure that livelihood projects translate into tangible gains and improved quality of life for its beneficiaries.





Department of Agriculture - Philippines

30/03/2026

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | SAAD CAR hosts first FPL rollout in Mountain Province

The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 brought its Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) Component monitoring tools to the field for testing, validation, and refinement alongside the farmers it aims to serve.

From March 10 to 12, DA-SAAD Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) hosted the roll-out of the Program’s first FPL Guidelines implementation, positioning the municipality of Paracelis as a hub for field innovation to improve how the Program tracks food production and livelihood outcomes.

The rollout opened with a strategic orientation attended by 23 Community Development Officers (CDOs) from the Provincial Program Management Support Offices (PPMSOs) across Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province and staff from the Regional PMSO. National SAAD officials led discussions on the guidelines and monitoring tools under the FPL Component, covering interventions in high-value crops, livestock, and poultry.

Paracelis was selected as the pilot site due to the notable progress of its SAAD-assisted Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), making it an ideal setting to validate whether the tools reflect actual field realities.

The Amolong Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (AMFACO), managing a poultry production project in Brgy. Poblacion, and Akeg Farmers' Association, operating oyster mushroom and vermicompost production in Brgy. Bananao, served as pilot partners for the roll-out.

Divided into teams, participants took on roles as interviewers and documenters to capture real-time data on operations. The activity became a collaborative process where farmers and association officers actively shared insights, from production performance to operational challenges, which allowed implementers to see beyond forms and into actual project dynamics.

The exercise revealed both strengths and gaps in the templates, offering immediate insights on their usability, clarity, and completeness.

During the visit, SAAD Deputy Director Elmer Esplana particularly commended the table egg production project of AMFACO, noting its strong implementation and potential to serve as a model for other FCAs across regions. He further emphasized that the project could be developed into an e-learning site, where other farmer groups and implementers may learn best practices in poultry production under the SAAD Program.

CDOs processed and analyzed the information gathered during field validation and presented their findings, highlighting the production status, documentation practices, and operational conditions of the assisted FCAs.

Representatives from the National Program Management Office (NPMO) provided observations on how the tools performed in real scenarios and offered recommendations to refine the monitoring system and ensure it remains both technically sound and practical for field use.

An exit conference capped the rollout, bringing together the NPMO, RPMSO, and Provincial teams to align on key findings, next steps, and timelines for improving and rolling out the FPL monitoring tools across other SAAD areas.

While the activity concluded in Paracelis, its implications extend far beyond the municipality.

As the FPL Component continues to roll out in other regions, the lessons from Paracelis will serve as a reference point which proves that effective program systems are not just designed, but tested, challenged, and improved in the field. # # #

Writer: Arden S. Taltala, DA-SAAD CAR Information Officer

𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 | SAAD CAR hosts first FPL rollout in Mountain Province

The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 brought its Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) Component monitoring tools to the field for testing, validation, and refinement alongside the farmers it aims to serve.

Full story: (link to follow)

30/03/2026

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 | In Her Hands: The quiet power of a mother sustaining a mountain community

In a small town where the mountains shape both the land and the rhythm of life, strength is not always loud. Sometimes, it takes the form of a mother who wakes before dawn, completes her chores without ceremony, and walks a familiar path to do work that few will notice - but many depend on.

Mylene O. Cailen is one of those women.

She does not carry a title that draws attention. She is rarely seen in meetings or standing before crowds. Yet in Paracelis, Mountain Province, her daily labor moves through the community in the most ordinary and essential way - through trays of eggs delivered to local stores.

Her day begins while the sky is still dark. Before anything else, she tends to her family - preparing meals, organizing the morning, ensuring that everything at home is in order. Only then does she step into the next part of her day, walking toward a nearby poultry house.

Hundreds of chickens fill the space, each requiring care that cannot be delayed or overlooked. Cleanliness must be maintained. Feed must be prepared. Eggs must be gathered carefully, one by one, tray by tray. There is rhythm, but there is no pause.
It is the kind of labor that demands presence - physical, consistent, and often unseen.

And yet, this is where Mylene stands at the center of something larger than herself.
The poultry project she helps sustain has become part of how the community feeds itself. In a place where goods once had to travel from neighboring provinces like Isabela and Kalinga, eggs are now sourced locally - sold in nearby sari-sari stores, circulating within the town. What appears on store shelves is only the final step of a much longer process, one that begins with work like hers.

Supported by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the project has steadily grown. Income has increased. Production has stabilized. The cooperative has strengthened.

But growth here is not measured by numbers alone.

It is measured in routine - the kind that repeats each day, regardless of weather, distance, or difficulty.

When rains come and the pathways turn slippery, the work does not stop. When storms pass and conditions become more difficult, the routine continues. The chickens still need feeding. The eggs still need collecting.

So she goes.

Not out of obligation alone, but from a quiet understanding of responsibility.
“The chickens depend on us,” she says simply.

In those words lies something deeply familiar to many women - the instinct to show up, to continue, to carry what needs to be carried without seeking recognition.

Beyond the poultry house, her labor extends further. She tends a small garden. She returns home to responsibilities that never quite end. Her roles do not divide neatly across the day - they overlap, intertwine, and persist.

And still, she moves through them.

The cooperative she works with began as a simple association, rooted in the Cordilleran practice of binnadang - a tradition of shared labor and collective effort. Through small contributions and steady participation, it evolved into something more formal, more structured, and more sustainable.

In many ways, that growth mirrors the work of women like Mylene - gradual, consistent, and built over time.

When asked about the project, she does not speak of systems or frameworks. Instead, she speaks of what it has made possible.

“Salamat SAAD ta dakkel ti intulong na daytoy project iti coop mi,” she shared, expressing her gratitude for the support extended to their cooperative.

It is a simple statement - but it carries weight. The work matters because this Women's Month, stories like extends beyond the workplace. It supports families. It creates stability. It opens small but meaningful opportunities.

Mylene’s remind us that empowerment is not always found in grand moments or bold declarations.

Sometimes, it is found in repetition.

In the choice to wake up early, every day.
In the willingness to take on many roles without complaint.
In the quiet determination to keep going, even when the work is hard and the path uncertain.

In Paracelis, life moves as it always does - markets open, meals are prepared, store shelves are filled.

And within that steady flow are the unseen contributions of women like Mylene.

Not asking to be recognized.
Not waiting to be celebrated.

Simply doing the work that sustains a family - and a community.

Writer: Irish Mikee W. Wigwigan, Information Officer II