In Sitio San Roque, Tungao, Butuan City, a group of farmers once spent their evenings sharing drinks and stories after long days in the field. They were “inuman buddies,” bound by camaraderie but without a common goal. Though united by friendship, they struggled with uncertain income, limited markets, and scarce opportunities. Farming was their way of life, but survival remained a daily challenge.

In 2023, their lives began to change when they were introduced to initiatives on sustainable agriculture, food security, and collective empowerment. What started as casual conversations gradually evolved into a shared vision for growth and cooperation. Guided by local leaders and development partners, they realized the strength of unity and organized themselves into the Matinabangon San Roque SLP Association.

Their first project, a communal vegetable garden, became a symbol of bayanihan and shared responsibility. Over time, the association expanded into coconut and banana consolidation, poultry production, livestock trading, fish farming, and backyard gardening. These ventures improved both food security and income, transforming individual efforts into a coordinated livelihood system.

A major turning point came in October 2024 when the association received ₱300,000 financial assistance through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga. The support strengthened their operations, improved production, and helped them access wider markets through a new consolidation hub. Members began earning an additional ₱1,500 to ₱2,000 monthly, an amount that greatly helped rural families.

The impact was immediate and deeply felt among the members. As one farmer expressed, “Dako kaayo ang tabang sa SLP ug suporta sa gobyerno. Nakahatag kini og dugang income ug mas maayong panginabuhi. (The SLP and government support have been a great help. They have provided additional income and improved our livelihood.)”

Beyond livelihood, the association became a strong support system for the community. Members helped one another during difficult times, even providing makeshift housing to those without shelter. They also partnered with schools through initiatives like “Farm-to-Table” to teach children the value of agriculture, sustainability, and supporting local farmers.

Despite challenges such as climate change, rising costs, and market uncertainty, the members continue to persevere with resilience and determination.

From a humble group of friends sharing drinks after a long day in the field, they have turned into a dynamic association filling hearts and homes with purpose. The Matinabangon San Roque SLP Association stands today as a model of grassroots transformation from inuman to ambagan, from survival to shared growth.