An organization of 24 farmers and fisherfolk in Barangay Bayanihan, Libjo, Dinagat Islands, is making strides in its government-funded projects.

Organized in 2023, the BMMMA, or the Bayanihan Makugihong Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda Asosasyon (Bayanihan Industrious Farmers and Fisherfolk Association), received annual interventions from the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) 13 (Caraga Region).

“Support for poultry production includes ready-to-lay chickens, feeds, biologics, and training,” Rhyan Libor, DA-13’s SAAD area coordinator for Dinagat Islands, said in an interview on Wednesday.

He added that the group received PHP580,000 in 2023, PHP626,000 in 2024, and PHP125,000 in 2025 for the annual development of its egg production project.

“The poultry project has already earned over PHP1.5 million in gross sales of eggs from 2023 until early March this year,” Libor said.

In 2024, the group also received PHP250,000 from the SAAD program to support vegetable and sweet corn production.

Last month, the group also harvested 181 kg. of sweet corn, 44 kg. of ampalaya, and 119 kg. of string beans, earning PHP16,188 in gross sales.

“We are working to sustain this project to help the needs of our members,” said Jenalyn Menil, the organization’s business manager, in a separate interview.

This year, using a portion of their gross income, the group plans to increase the number of ready-to-lay chickens to boost production.

“The support of the government helped us not only cope with the daily needs of our families but also to provide fresh farm products in our markets in Dinagat,” Menil said. (PNA)