The Philippine dream

Friday, January 27, 2012

Merlita, a daughter of farmer tenants in Lanao del Norte, in the Philippines, has big plans for her future: "I want to grow my poultry business and become rich." Some years ago she worked as a household for only a few dollars per week, now she raises chickens and has her own convenience store. What caused this changes and made her so positive about her future?

Merlita is the eldest of six children and is the only one with a college degree. Like most Filipinos who face limited employment opportunities, she decided to emigrate to Manila to look for work. Later, she worked as household help in Laguna and Bulacan for almost 7 years. During these years, she earned about USD 45 a month. 

After saving some money, she decided to return home. She started a small sari-sari/ convenience store beside her house. In 2004, Merlita joined PASAKA, a local organisation of coconut farmers advocating agrarian reform and livelihood development. Now, seven years later, she is part of the PASAKA board of directors, and the overall-in-charge of PASAKA's multi-purpose cooperative's copra trading business. In this capacity, she handles finance, marketing, and even oversees delivery and logistics.

As a young member of the organisation, Merlita was chosen to be part of an international exchange program. Probably one of her most exciting adventures, she was sent to Netherlands for a week to learn more about farming technologies.
Before she joined PASAKA, Merlita has to depend on her own savings, and sometimes loans from her parents. Fortunately, she received a cow and four chickens, as part of PASAKA's livelihood programs for its members. As beneficiary, she is required to take care of these livestock and pay back by returning some of the animal's future offspring.

July 2011 Merlita was able to sell at least 10 chickens. A kilo of chicken costs P130/kilo. This translates to P2,650 (about 61,84 USD)  in sales, and at least P 2,100 (49 USD) net income. She sells her chicken to her neighbours who are mostly Muslims, the reason why the sales peak during Ramadan months. The eggs she sells at her sari-sari store or she uses them for breakfast.

This steady stream of additional income, including the various trainings she has received makes Merlita very grateful for PASAKA. Since she joined PASAKA, she built her own house, expanded her sari-sari store business, and sent her nephew to a vocational school. She also provides support to some of her relatives who have bigger families. She now pays for her parent's utility bills.

Merlita's story proves that with enough training and support, and an entrepreneurial attitude, one can achieve a better life. Opportunities need not be too far from home. As for her future plans, she is very ambitious: "I want to grow my poultry business and become rich."