Amid the trials and tribulations that life had thrown his way, this cooperative leader has emerged as a symbol of strong spirit and determination. Limping from a leg operation, nursing wounds from a harrowing vehicular accident, and enduring the disheartening separation from his family due to the grip of Covid lockdowns, this extraordinary individual remained undeterred in his mission. Through sheer resilience and vision, he took on a journey of transformation, breathing life into a struggling cooperative in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Despite facing numerous challenges, his dedication and innovative thinking propelled the cooperative towards unprecedented success, turning it into a millionaire enterprise. This is the awe-inspiring story of Joeirene "Toots" M. Campomanes whose spirit and determination broke all barriers, carving a mark on the farming community in San Miguel.

Campomanes is the General Manager of Magroyong Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAFAMUCO). When he joined the cooperative in September 2021 during the lockdown, he recognized the pressing need for change. The farmers were struggling, and the cooperative's assets were meager, with only 250,000 pesos to its name.

“I’m originally from Davao. When I came here, I saw a group of farmers congregating in a waiting shed. They were discussing requirements to avail of financial support from the government and ways to revitalize their cooperative. So, I told them, ‘I can help you re-build your cooperative.’”

With a belief that alternatives were crucial in mitigating risks, Campomanes urged the farmers to diversify their income sources. He realized that depending solely on rice farming has left farmers vulnerable to natural disasters like floods and storms.

“If risks are everywhere, then you should always have ready alternatives,” Campomanes stressed.

When he took in as MAFAMUCO’s General Manager, he introduced various reforms such as scrapping fees for member farmers borrowing farm machinery from the cooperative. His reasoning was simple: since the machinery was provided by the government for free, the farmers should benefit directly without additional costs.

“Why are you making a profit out of your own farmers? This is for them; they should use it for free.”

Campomanes did not stop thinking about how to further help farmers. During a devastating storm that wiped out all the standing crops, he was compelled to seek alternative sources of income. He discovered the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, which offered fingerlings and feeds. Learning about the cooperative's vacant land, there he established a tilapia farming project, providing the farmers with an additional livelihood opportunity.

Observing that San Miguel imported most of its vegetables outside the region despite having vast agricultural land, Campomanes sought assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA). Through his efforts, he obtained free vegetable seeds. He planted it and after a few weeks, distributed the seedlings to the farmers.

“If you just give seeds, they might forget to plant them. But if you give seedlings, you are encouraging them to grow and nurture the plant.”

Having both tilapia and vegetables, the farmers have learned the value of diversified and integrated farming. Campomanes’ aim was to reduce the community's dependency on external sources and ensure a more sustainable future.

Also recognizing the importance of knowledge sharing and agricultural extension services, Campomanes led MAFAMUCO’s transformative journey to establishing a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA). Named the Las Casas de Campomanes farm, this ATI-certified LSA is dedicating its time, resources, and expertise to create a space where fellow farmers can gather, learn, and thrive through sharing of new techniques, practices, and technologies.

Taking MAFAMUCO’s ambitions further, Campomanes pursued the INSPIRE program of the DA, resulting in a 4.5-million-peso piggery project. This initiative involved constructing a 300-capacity bio-secure facility, allowing the cooperative to venture into the piggery business. Campomanes understood that collaboration with the local government was essential for securing additional projects and financial support. He forged an alliance with the newly-elected mayor, Hon. Michael T. Corilla, who shared a vision of agricultural development. Through a Memorandum of Agreement, the cooperative partnered with the LGU of San Miguel, facilitating easier project implementation and support for the farmers.

Today, Campomanes has elevated MAFAMUCO to the role of a consolidator within the agricultural market. By positioning the cooperative at the core of central marketing, they have gained influence and strengthened their connections. Campomanes' relentless efforts and dedication have not only revitalized the cooperative but have also empowered the farmers of San Miguel to overcome challenges and thrive in the face of adversity. His success story stands as an inspiration to cooperative leaders everywhere, demonstrating the power of innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to creating a sustainable future.