21/07/2026
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๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ | A farm built on teamwork, inclusion, and equal opportunities
The Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program has been committed to inclusivity and social equity. Recognizing that sustainable rural development can only be achieved when all stakeholders, regardless of socio-economic status, gender, or background, are actively involved and uplifted, the SAAD Program strives to ensure that no one is left behind in this vital journey.
This unwavering dedication is rooted in the principle of "sama-sama," which underscores the importance of collective effort, shared progress, and mutual support among communities. Guided by this, the SAAD Northern Mindanao works tirelessly to empower marginalized and underserved communities, including women, youth, indigenous people, and persons with disabilities.
Among the many inspiring stories emerging from the Program are those of Jennifer Calapiz Benubian and her brother Efren Lagos Calapiz. Their lives exemplify how determination and community support can transform humble beginnings into powerful narratives of hope and progress.
A voice expressed through actions
At 37, Jennifer is the youngest of three siblings. Despite being mute, her voice resonates loudly through her actions, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. Married and a mother of four, Jennifer's life is a testament to perseverance and adaptability.
Since childhood, Jennifer and her oldest brother, Efren, have shared a simple yet meaningful bond: weeding and tending to plants in their auntโs garden. These early experiences sowed the seeds of her love for gardening and farming.
Now a member of the Salimpuno SAAD sa Mag-Uuma (SASAMA), a farmers' association under the Department of Agriculture's Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Barangay Salimpuno, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental, Jennifer has made significant contributions to the betterment of their livelihood.
When the group was first established, Jennifer was actively involved in selling their fresh vegetables, such as okra, ampalaya, cucumber, camote, eggplant, bell pepper, string beans, kangkong, and squash, around their barangay. Her dedication to sharing the fruits of their labor helped sustain their family and fostered a deep connection to their community.
Her days of peddling ended when the association began selling their goods at the Kadiwa, a farm-to-consumer marketing initiative by DA, and at their sari-sari store. However, Jennifer still had her farming responsibilities, which include weeding, planting, pruning, applying fertilizer, and harvesting.
Jenniferโs brother, Efren, at 46, faces his own set of challenges as a deaf individual. Despite this, he has not allowed his hearing impairment to hinder his contributions.
Single and dedicated, Efren is also a member of SASAMA, whose duties include preparing the land for planting vegetables and sweet corn, and caring for the group's ducks by feeding and maintaining their health. Moreover, before SASAMA had access to its own deep well, Efren was among those responsible for sourcing water.
"Despite their impairments, Jennifer and Efren showed unwavering dedication and hard work in our farm activities," SASAMA President Jupiter Suarez said.
"Their contributions to our vegetable garden and duck egg production project are truly invaluable, and I am grateful for their resilience and commitment," he added.
SAAD and the โkaagapayโ principle
The SAAD Program's guiding principle of being a โkaagapayโ embodies the spirit of inclusivity that empowers communities like Barangay Salimpuno. By providing access to resources, training, and market opportunities, the Program ensures that every member, regardless of their background or abilities, can also participate in and benefit from rural development.
Jennifer and Efren's stories exemplify how marginalized groups, when given the right support, can become pillars of their communities. Their story inspires others to see potential beyond limitations and to foster a culture of mutual aid and respect. # # #
Writer: Jo Ann Sablad, DA-SAAD Northern Mindanao PRDC Unit
Website Link: https://saad.da.gov.ph/a-farm-built-on-teamwork-inclusion-and-equal-opportunities/
