DAVAO — The rural barangay of Saloy in Calinan District has transformed from a struggling corn and banana farming community into a thriving cacao producer. Through hard work, government support, and a strategic partnership, local farmers have found new hope and recognition beyond Philippine shores.
From Low-Value Crops to a Thriving Industry
Saloy farmers once relied mainly on corn and banana farming, but low market prices often meant months of labor yielded little income. Families struggled to make ends meet despite their dedication to the land. The community needed a crop that could provide better returns and long-term sustainability.
Everything changed when the farmers shifted toward cacao production. With support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under its Enhanced National Greening Program, portions of Saloy were transformed into productive cacao-based agroforestry plantations. The new approach combined agriculture with forest protection.
The Birth of SOFA and a Private Partnership
The farmers organized themselves into the Saloy Organic Farmers Association, creating a unified front for their growing enterprise. This organization became the foundation for strengthening cacao farming practices and pursuing organic certification. It also opened doors to new partnerships.
Auro Chocolate Inc., a private company, introduced the community to practical cacao production and organic farming methods. This partnership provided technical knowledge and market access that individual farmers could not achieve alone. The collaboration turned scattered efforts into a coordinated, professional operation.
Rising Incomes and New Opportunities
Rising cacao prices, organic certification, and a strong market partnership have helped increase incomes across the community. New employment opportunities have emerged within Saloy as the industry grew. Farmers now earn while caring for the land, proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist.
For SOFA farmers, government support provided more than seedlings and technical assistance. It gave them the opportunity to improve their plantations, strengthen their enterprise, and build a better future for their families. The transformation has been both economic and personal.
Caring for the Forest While Growing Livelihoods
The cacao-based agroforestry model allows farmers to cultivate crops while preserving forest cover. Unlike monoculture farming, this approach maintains biodiversity and protects watersheds. The land remains healthy and productive for future generations.
Their story is proof that when communities care for the land, they can also grow opportunities for people. Saloy's farmers have demonstrated that environmental stewardship and economic progress are not competing goals. They are partners in building resilient communities.
Recognition Beyond the Philippines
The hard work of Saloy farmers has brought recognition beyond the Philippines. Their success story has become an inspiration for other farming communities seeking sustainable livelihoods. It showcases how grassroots initiatives, supported by government and private partners, can achieve global standards.
The journey from low-value crops to global recognition reflects the power of collective action. Saloy's transformation stands as a model for rural development that honors both people and the environment.
