Dipolog City–”Magtanim ay ‘di biro,” truly resonated with DSWD RRP-CCAM focal persons from Visayas and Mindanao on June 11, as they doved into the realities of farming firsthand. This was part of the second day of the Project LAWA at BINHI Experiential Exchange Learning Visit, where VisMin focal persons, together with representatives from the Provincial/Local Government Unit (P/LGU) of Zamboanga del Norte and participants from DSWD Central Office, visited several LAWA at BINHI sites in Moliton, President Manuel A. Roxas; Sitio Purongan, Buenavista; and HVC Buenavista, Sergio Osmeña Sr.
At two of the three BINHI sites, capsicum, more commonly known as sweet pepper—a staple in dishes like Afritada—was the crop of choice. According to Aristeo Javier, Subanen president of the Maple Grove Farmers Association, they selected sweet pepper due to its strong market potential. In the previous cropping season, they experienced a mismatch between their produce and market demand, prompting a strategic shift in crops.
Meanwhile, the Sitio Purongan Farmers Association presented their Farm Business Plan, which projects a 10% return on investment (ROI) from the 20,000 sweet pepper hills planted. This projection appears promising, considering they previously recorded PHP 1 million in gross sales from sweet pepper during the July 2024 cropping season. Known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor and crisp texture, sweet peppers present a potentially profitable choice. For the farmers of BINHI in LGU Sergio Osmeña Sr. and LGU President Manuel A. Roxas, this crop might just be their sweet spot.
In addition to sweet pepper, another highlight from the BINHI site visits was sweet corn production by the Banbanan Farmers Association in Sergio Osmeña Sr. Crop rotation is a regular practice among the farmers, helping prevent pest infestation. For their third cropping—and the first under Project LAWA at BINHI—the Banbanan Farmers Association chose to plant sweet corn, not only to deter pests, but also as a strategic move to compete with external vendors who sell sweet corn to locals at competitive prices.
Beyond crops, the Maple Grove Farmers Association is also exploring aquaculture. In addition to their BINHI site, they manage a LAWA site stocked with hito (catfish) fingerlings. Their area is abundant in water resources, requiring only assistance in excavating and establishing the pond. The association envisions building a nursery and hatchery, aiming to become a local supplier of fingerlings to other hatcheries in the area. Their goal is to expand their livelihood beyond crop production by engaging in fingerling cultivation. The LAWA at BINHI sites in Moliton, President Manuel A. Roxas serve as their starting capital for this vision.
Supporting them on the ground is Community Coordinator Brian Sargento, the essential link who ensures that government initiatives remain people-centered, responsive, and impactful at the grassroots level. During the open forum, he reminded beneficiaries to carry out their work with dedication, assuring them of his continued support as they navigate the journey of project implementation, “We do it with heart, and I promise to be with you.”
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