From chicken poultry to bakery Leyte-based farmers find additional livelihood through baking

What started as a poultry farm for the Camono-an Agrarian Reform Community Farmers Association (CARCFA) has turned into an even larger and sustainable livelihood for them. In a recent interview with MCO News TV, a local news outlet in Eastern Visayas, they shared their bakery business journey. 

Their association started with poultry (egg laying) and vegetable production as their main livelihood. Through the recommendation of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), they became a recipient of a Bakery Livelihood Kit from Pilmico Foods Corporation (Pilmico) and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (AFI). The kit included supplies, ingredients, and equipment which they received in December 2020. 

According to Ruth Borja, President of CARFCA, once they were equipped with the complete tools, they began the bakery business right away. “Nag-start kami noong December 2020 upon delivery ng mga equipment na mula sa programa ng PILMICO-DAR…Bago dumating ang bakery livelihood na ito, naka-focus po kami sa Vegetable Production at Poultry (egg laying production) livelihood ng aming association,” she said.

Camono-an Agrarian Reform Community Farmers Association’s best-selling otap

Since then, they have successfully managed and sustained their business with Otap as one of their best-selling products. Pedro Demiterio, the bakery’s master baker, has been making Otap for the past 40 years in Bulacan and Cebu. He willingly shared his years of expertise to ensure that their products are made delicious and affordable. 

“Noong nalaman ko na magtatayo ng bakery ang asosasyon sinabi ko na ako ang hahawak bilang isang master baker,” Demiterio shared. 

After more than a year of operation, the association’s bakery business is able to provide its members with additional income. Teresita Pigtuan, a member of Camono-an ARC Farmers Assoc., says that even though she just recently started selling their goods, the bakery has already helped with their household finances. “Ngayong January lamang ako ang nagtinda ng isang buwan sa talipapa at malaking tulong ito sa amin sa mga gastusin namin sa bahay,” she said. 

This is just one of the many efforts of Pilmico as they fulfill their mission of feeding humanity.  With a vision of advancing business and communities, Pilmico is steadfast and proactive in providing livelihood kits whether it’s pig raising, poultry farming, or bakery starter kits