SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (February 14) — In a quiet barangay on Siargao Island better known for surf breaks than farm outputs, a group of women farmers is proving that small-scale agriculture can deliver big impact.
The Malipayon ug Mauswagong Mag-uuma sa Mahayahay (M4), a women-led farmers’ association in Barangay Mahayahay, Del Carmen, earned a total gross sale of ₱550,702 in 2025 after selling 75,337 eggs — a milestone that underscores how community-based enterprises can thrive with the right support.
The group is backed by the Department of Agriculture through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program, which assists marginalized farmers in remote and conflict-affected areas.
Bringing Eggs Closer to Home
For years, residents of Barangay Mahayahay had to travel to Dapa — Siargao’s main commercial hub — just to buy fresh table eggs.
Now, thanks to M4’s poultry project, eggs of different sizes are available within the community at reasonable prices.
“Our egg production project through the DA’s SAAD has made fresh table eggs more accessible. Eggs are an essential part of our community, especially for students who rely on them for daily nutrition,” said M4 Chairperson Marnie Q. Lubapis.
Display Officer Catherine C. Garrido highlighted the convenience factor: “Instead of traveling all the way to Dapa, locals in Barangay Mahayahay can now buy fresh table eggs here.”
Beyond accessibility, the project contributes to local food security — a critical concern for island communities vulnerable to supply disruptions due to bad weather or transport constraints.
Empowering Women, Strengthening Families
For many members, the project is more than a farm venture — it is a lifeline.
“Most of our members are housewives, and this project gives us an opportunity to earn income to help provide for our families and cover daily needs,” said Vice Chairperson Lilibeth J. Erong.
The association has adopted a sustainability model that balances immediate benefits with long-term growth. Twice a year — every June and December — 50 percent of net income is distributed equally among members, while the remaining half is saved to fund operational costs, maintenance, and expansion.
This disciplined reinvestment strategy has allowed the group to steadily build capital instead of relying solely on external aid.
Weathering Risks, Planning Expansion
Despite their gains, challenges remain. The group’s vegetable production initiative was affected by typhoons that struck the region in the last quarter of 2025 — a reminder of the climate vulnerabilities faced by island-based farmers.
To diversify income and reduce risk, M4 plans to purchase additional layer chickens to meet growing egg demand while reviving vegetable production as part of a broader expansion of their display center.
Guided by the DA-SAAD area coordinator, the group has crafted an annual action plan assigning clear responsibilities and targets — a step toward transforming the association into a sustainable community-based enterprise.
A Model for Rural Enterprise
As SAAD Caraga continues to mentor M4 and other farmers’ groups, the success of the Mahayahay women illustrates how targeted agricultural support can generate income, improve nutrition, and strengthen local economies — particularly in geographically isolated communities like Siargao.
From 75,337 eggs to over half a million pesos in gross sales, the numbers tell one story.
But in Barangay Mahayahay, the bigger impact is measured in daily meals secured, debts avoided, and women who now see themselves not just as homemakers — but as entrepreneurs shaping their community’s future.
