Swine Raising: A Story of Success in Cang-agong

A group of men and women has managed a swine raising business in Barangay Cang-agong, Siquijor, Siquijor. They called themselves Cang-agong Sustainable Livelihood Association (CSLA).

Situated in the mountains of Siquijor town, Cang-agong is about 12 kilometers away from the town proper and is considered to be one of the remote areas in the island. Surrounded with lush vegetation, the place is cool and full of fresh air.

Most of the CSLA members are farmers earning below minimum wage. Living in the mountains could be a challenge to their livelihood because of unpredictable weather condition. This situation prompted the CSLA members to look for alternative source of income. The group proposed a swine raising and integrated farming project to Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to supplement their income.

Organized by DSWD in 2015, the group received the assistance of Php 342,000.00 from the agency in April 2016. But beforehand, Jave Yurong, the project development officer assigned in the area facilitated for the training of the members on swine raising and high value crop production, simple bookkeeping and financial literacy.

The members ventured in swine raising business since the supply of pork has been in demand in the municipality due to the increasing number of tourists and restaurants. Also, they included integrated farming or crop production since it is the members’ most common livelihood. The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the province also assisted the association with this project.

The group had a 5-year usufruct agreement with a private individual in the locality for the 1,000 square meter-lot where they established their business. The local government of Siquijor supported the group by giving them Php 12,000 worth of barbed wire to fence the area for the pigpens and vegetable garden.

This opportunity encouraged the members to be actively involved in the association and help in their business venture. In fact, they worked together in the registration of their association with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

On December 16, 2016, the association officially started their livelihood project with 16 piglets. For easy business operations, the group signed a partnership with a feeds company to supply the feeds for the piglets. The said private company also gave one (1) piglet to the association and agreed to have the feeds delivered door-to-door.

The group members believe that this livelihood project can alleviate their economic situation especially when it comes to sending their children to school. “Kapoy baya magdala og mga kauban sa grupo nga mga reklamador usahay pero ako ra gyud na gibaliwala para sa among negosyo aron mulambo ang asosasyon ug para sa akong pamilya (It’s not easy handling a group especially when they complain, but let it pass because I focus on how to make the business grow for the association and for our family),” said Maricel Gapol, CSLA Treasurer.

Like any other livelihood associations, the Cang-Agong Sustainable Livelihood Association also encountered difficulties as a group. When the late president, Julita Cantal died, the members were affected and were about to disband. But, Renalyn Jumadla, one of the members, was brave enough and stood up for the group. She encouraged the members to stay together and help manage their livelihood project. Renalyn became the new president of the association.

At present, the group is united and their business is doing well. Recently, the members already received their second profit share worth Php 1,950.00 each.

The members have strictly observed their tasks and responsibilities in keeping their business. The association hopes to achieve what it has envisioned– that their livelihood will not only benefit the members but the whole community of barangay Cang-agong.