Strong government support transforms farmers into a thriving vegetable entrepreneurs

In 2013, the Tinigaw Integrated Farmers Association (TIFA) began with nothing more than a 500-square-meter communal garden and a shared aspiration- to provide fresh vegetables to their community while generating additional income for their families. What once seemed modest eventually evolved into a model of organized, women-led vegetable production, strengthened through the unified efforts of government agricultural institutions.

From that small plot of land, the association steadily built its foundation. As demand for their vegetables increased, members realized they needed to expand production to meet the needs of their buyers. This led to the establishment of Farm 1 on a leased area. Nearly a decade later, in 2022, Farm 2 was developed just few steps away, further increasing their production capacity.

Today, TIFA cultivates a total of 3,955 sq.m. of farmland. The once-small communal initiative has evolved into a structured and sustainable vegetable enterprise that ensures regular supply within and beyond their locality.

Women at the Forefront of Production

TIFA is composed of 22 members, the majority of whom are women. Their collective effort drives the association’s daily operations. Each day, two to three members work on the farm, and all members are encouraged to contribute at least two hours when available. This shared system fosters accountability, ownership, and unity.

Their farm produces a wide variety of high-value crops including tomato, eggplant, okra, cabbage, sweet potato, papaya, squash, string beans, cucumber, and chili. To maintain steady production, they divide their land into designated plots, ensuring staggered planting and continuous harvesting throughout the year.

“We started small, but we dreamed big,” shared Tinigaw’s Rural Improvement Club (IRC) President Maria Agnes Babilico. “As long as there buyers who need fresh vegetables, we will continue to find ways to increase our production,” she added.

Beyond vegetable cultivation, TIFA also propagates seedlings. While most are sued in their own fields, extra seedlings are sold to generate additional income. The association collectively decides on farmgate prices, allowing members to manage pricing strategies based on market conditions.

Strengthened Through Institutional Support

The transformation of TIFA was significantly strengthened through coordinated interventions from the Department of Agriculture through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the Local Government Unit of Kalibo and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Aklan.

Through these collaborations, TIFA received a solar-powered irrigation system that has become a game changer not only for the association but also for surrounding farmers. The facility covers a three-hectare service area, ensuring reliable water supply and reducing dependence on costly fuel-powered pumps.

“The solar-powered irrigation system greatly improved our productivity. Even during dry periods, we can sustain our crops. It also benefits other farmers nearby, not just our members,” TIFA President Portivillar Florentino, Sr. explained.

In addition to irrigation support, the association received a multi-cultivator, farm tools, nursery facilities, and various agricultural inputs that enhances efficiency in land preparation and crop management.

Capacity-building initiatives further empowered the group. Members underwent training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and cucurbits production, which significantly improved crop health and yields.

Kalibo Municipal HVCDP Coordinator Linarel Intano underscored that TIFA’s progress reflects the impact of sustained technical guidance and coordinated government support. She noted that trainings on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and crop diversification, including cucurbits and “Bahay Kubo” vegetables, helped improve yields, strengthen organizational management, and open additional income opportunities for the association.

“TIFA demonstrates how proper training and right technology can transform a small farmers’ group into a stable enterprise,” Intano said.

She added that support mechanisms such as solar-powered irrigation enhanced the group’s resilience and productivity.

“When national and local government efforts work together, farmer associations become more self-sustaining and capable of expanding their impact,” she emphasized.

Meanwhile, continuous monitoring and technical assistance from the LGU and the Provincial Agriculture ensured that production remained stable and sustainable. The collaboration among institutions provided both infrastructure and knowledge- two essential pillars in agricultural development.

Economic Gains and Inclusive Growth

From a modest communal initiative, TIFA has evolved into a productive enterprise, generating more than ₱100,000 in annual income in favorable production years. More importantly, the association has established working capital and strengthened its internal financial management systems.

Under their four-year renewable land-use, 75% of the income goes to the association while 25% is allocated to the landowner. At the end of each year, net income is distributed equally among members as dividends.

“It is a big help to our members. At the end of the year, everyone receives their share. The income returns to those who worked for it,” Florentino emphasized.

This dividend-sharing ensures inclusive growth, reinforcing the cooperative spirit that defines TIFA. Members not only earn from daily sales but also benefit from the collective success of the enterprise.

Beyond income, the farm also serves as a safety net. When members lack vegetables for their households, they can access produce from the farm either for consumption. The association also extends a small internal loaning program to members, further strengthening financial resilience.

“Beyond income, the farm gives our members security. If someone needs food for their family, they can get vegetables from the farm, and we also have a small loan program to help when needed,” Babilico explained.

Social Impact Beyond the Farm

The influence of TIFA extends beyond economic gains. The association donates vegetables to schools for feeding programs and provides seedlings for school gardens. These initiatives promote nutrition and agricultural awareness within the community.

TIFA also serves as a learning site for visiting farmers who wish to adopt similar production systems. Members willingly share their best practices, from plot management to pest control strategies.

In line with the goal of encouraging youth participation in agriculture, TIFA mentos 4-H Club members and teaches backyard gardening to their own children. By engaging young learners, the association contributes to building the next generation of farmers.

Looking Ahead

With strengthened capacity, reliable irrigation, diversified crops, and sustained institutional backing, TIFA is now looking toward expansion in nearby barangays.

From a 500-square-meter communal garden to a thriving vegetable enterprise, TIFA stands as a proof to how coordinated support from government agricultural programs and strong community leadership can strengthen high-value crops production, improve rural livelihood, and contribute local food security.

Their journey proves that when farmers are empowered with the right tools, training, and partnerships, even the smallest plot of land can cultivate not only crops- but opportunity, resilience, and shared prosperity.###

Story by Myleen S. Subang and Photos by MSSubang & Cristine F. Lauresta/DA-RAFIS 6