In the rural heart of Butuan City, where the sun rises over vast rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, Arlyn P. Tagupa’s life and livelihood depend on the land she has worked for many years. The daughter of farmers and now a mother herself, Arlyn lives in Purok 4, Lemon, with her husband and two children. Together, they rely on the rice that grows beneath their feet. But for years, this rice was never enough—not enough to support their family, not enough to lift them out of the cycle of hardship that defines much of rural farming life in the Philippines.

Arlyn’s story mirrors that of thousands of other Filipino farmers who have struggled with traditional farming methods, a lack of access to high-quality seeds, and limited financial resources. But her story is also one of transformation and hope, brought about through determination and the opportunities provided by the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

The Struggles of a Traditional Farmer

For years, Arlyn farmed using the methods passed down from her parents and neighbors—methods that, though time-tested, were often inefficient and exhausting. She lacked modern farming machinery, and her access to quality seeds was restricted. Most seasons, she could only plant lower-grade rice varieties, limiting her yield to 70 sacks per hectare. With the high cost of labor, fertilizers, and other farming inputs, each growing season was a gamble. Arlyn often found herself borrowing money just to keep her farm running.

“We would harvest, but it was never enough,” Arlyn recalls. “The costs kept rising, but the harvest did not improve. It was hard for my husband and me to save or provide more for our children.”

Her earnings from farming, which should have been a source of pride and sustainability, barely covered the costs. She and her husband would sit down each season and do the math, counting the pesos to see if they could make ends meet. But with expenses reaching up to PHP 25,000 per hectare, and income from the harvest barely covering that, the future seemed uncertain.

The lack of machinery only compounded the problem. Arlyn had to rely on simple, labor-intensive tools like the Turtle Tiller and Tracer, which slowed her down and made each planting season more grueling than the last. These limitations made it nearly impossible to grow her farm and increase productivity.

The Turning Point: Enter the RCEF Program

It was in 2021 that Arlyn’s life began to take a different turn. The RCEF program, designed to support farmers like her through modern technologies and training, arrived in their area. Through the RCEF Farmer Field School (FFS), Arlyn enrolled in a comprehensive training program that covered modern farming techniques, seed quality improvement, and pest management.

“I was determined to learn,” Arlyn said. “I realized that if I kept farming the way I always had, nothing would change. I wanted to be able to provide a better life for my children.

The RCEF program provided Arlyn with access to high-quality rice varieties, such as RC 160 and RC 480, which were proven to increase yield. The training she received was not only about planting rice but understanding the ecosystem her farm was a part of. She learned about Agro Ecosystem Analysis and how to monitor the health of her crops. She now knew how to control pests without overusing insecticides, which not only saved her money but also protected the health of her soil.

Moreover, Arlyn was introduced to farm mechanization—modern machines that could replace the manual labor she had been accustomed to. These machines allowed her to till the land more efficiently and plant rice at a much faster pace. The tools she had once relied on, like the Turtle Tiller, became a thing of the past.

“Using the machines for the first time was like stepping into a new world,” she said with a smile. “I could do more in a day than I used to do in a week.”

A Harvest of Success

The results were almost immediate. Within one planting season, Arlyn saw a dramatic change in her farm’s productivity. Her rice yield increased from 70 sacks per hectare to 100 sacks, a 43% improvement. This increase allowed her to sell her rice at a higher price, and for the first time in years, she could see the potential for a brighter future.

The benefits of the RCEF program went beyond just the rice yield. With modern machinery, Arlyn no longer had to spend as much on labor or deal with the physical exhaustion that had once been part of her daily routine. She could now spend more time with her family, helping her children with their homework or simply enjoying the peace of their rural home.

“Before RCEF, I always felt like I was racing against time and money,” Arlyn said. “Now, I have more control over both.”

Arlyn’s success also had a ripple effect in her community. Seeing her rise above the challenges of traditional farming methods, other farmers began to take notice. Arlyn became a local advocate for the RCEF program, encouraging her neighbors to enroll in the same training she had undergone. She now holds informal classes in her community, sharing her knowledge and helping others transition to more modern farming techniques.

A Brighter Future for Arlyn and Her Community

For Arlyn, success is no longer just about surviving each harvest season. It’s about building a future for her children and ensuring that her community can thrive together. Her earnings have increased significantly, allowing her to invest in her farm and her family’s future. The new skills she learned through the RCEF program not only lifted her out of the cycle of debt and uncertainty but also empowered her to dream bigger.

“I never imagined that farming could be this fulfilling,” Arlyn reflected. “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’m excited to keep learning and growing.”

As she looks out over her thriving rice fields, now green and full of promise, Arlyn knows that her journey is far from over. She plans to continue expanding her farm, experimenting with new techniques, and working with the RCEF program to help even more farmers succeed.

The journey from hardship to success has been a long one, but Arlyn’s story is proof that with the right support, education, and tools, even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome. Her determination and willingness to embrace change have not only transformed her own life but also offered hope to an entire community of farmers, all striving for a better tomorrow.