YIELD OF SUCCESS: DOLE AMP-ASSISTED FARMERS ASSOCIATION HARVESTS 24,000 KILOS OF CORN ON FIRST REAP

Six months after the turnover of assistance in the form of materials and supplies under the Adjustment Measures Program of the Department of Labor and Employment IV-A Batangas Provincial Office, the Calatagan Corn Farmers Association (CCFA) now harvested the first batch of their corn crops, totaling approximately 24,000 kilos.

As Mr. Antonio M. Rivera Jr., President of the CCFA, recalled, a year ago, they were having serious setbacks after the difficulties in the field of sugarcane farming.

“Ako po ay dating sugarcane planters dahil nga dun sa pagkakasara ng central dito sa nasugbu ay naapektuhan ang aming industriya ng pag tutubo at nahirapan kami sa pag papailo kaya nag hanap kami ng another crops na pwedi naming ipalit sa sugarcane kaya doon na namin na pwede ang yellow corn,” Mr. Rivera remarked.

Mr. Antonio and their association members were among those who suffered due to the closure of the milling plant in Nasugbu, Batangas, an event that disrupted their livelihood in sugarcane farming. In response, the DOLE stepped in and provided targeted interventions, helping displaced workers transition to alternative livelihoods, including formal employment, self-employment, and other sustainable pathways.

During the transition, the association acknowledged facing significant challenges, particularly due to a lack of access to technology and necessary farming materials. Recognizing these gaps, DOLE provided vital assistance that enabled the farmers to overcome initial hurdles and begin their new venture into corn farming.

“Doon naman po pumasok yung programa AMP na kami nga po ay nabahaginan ng farm inputs tulad ng abono, sako ng net, bilaran pang spray, automatic sprayer, napsack sprayer yung mga pampatubig ng AMP maraming salamat po doon,” Mr. Antonio shared.

As part of its continued commitment, DOLE project focal persons and coordinators have been actively monitoring the progress of the Calatagan Corn Farmers Association since the release of the assistance on December 9, 2024, in Calatagan, Batangas. 

Mr. Antonio expressed his sincere gratitude for the assistance received and hoped for a more prosperous yield in the future. 

“Siguro yung mga naging karanasan namin ng under AMP program ay talga namang gumaan ang mga farmers dahil nga doon sa mga farm inputs na hindi kaya iprovide ng DA ay naibigay saamin tulad yung anim na pirasong abono per hectare at saka yung mga sprayer at yung mga gamot nanpang uod at pang damo ay na provide AMP program talagang napaka ganda at napakalaki ng naitulong nito para sa aming mga farmers,” he added.

Moreover, through the provision of these supplies, Mr. Antonio and the association members shared how the experience has positively changed their perception of government agencies like the DOLE, recognizing its vital role in effectively delivering programs that truly address the needs of workers like them.

“Siguro po yung pag babago na naranasan under amp program ay yung makita namin na meron palang mga government agency na handang tumulong sa pag-fa-farm ng mais at syempre naiba yung pananaw na akala namin ay isang mahirap pero andoon pala yung government katulad ng DA at DOLE so napakalaki po talagang tulong at nagbibigay pag asa sa aming mga farmers na lalo pang magsipag magtanim ng mais at mag-produce ng mais dito sa amin sa grupo namin,” Mr. Antonio said.

The initial harvest of approximately 24,000 kilos of corn came from the six hectares of farmland initially cultivated by the association, yielding an estimated income of at least Php 43,000 per hectare. According to Mr. Antonio, the remaining supplies from the program will be utilized in the next planting season, with the hope of supporting even more farmers who are transitioning from sugarcane to corn farming.

Through the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), the Department of Labor and Employment has played a crucial role in providing the necessary support for a sustainable and just transition for affected workers, paving the way for more resilient and diversified livelihood opportunities. #

Mr. Antonio with some of their members during the site visit of DOLE personnel monitoring the progress of the project. (Photo by L. De Torres)

Mr. Antonio, with DOLE Assistant Labor Inspector, Ms. Patricia Magsino, during the site monitoring and visit at Calatagan, Batangas. (Photo by L. De Torres)