In the humble municipality of San Isidro, Leyte, lies the San Isidro Crossing Farmers Cooperative (SANCRIFA). SANCRIFA stands as a testament to resilience, collaboration, and innovation. Founded and chaired by Donald Yparraguirre, this cooperative has grown from a small group of like-minded individuals into a transformative organization that uplifts farmers and fishers across their municipality.
"Our mission is to improve the lives of farmers and fishers through agriculture and aquaculture," shares Donald. Registered with both the Cooperative Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office VIII, SANCRIFA now proudly counts 176 members, with membership open to all qualified farmers and fishers in the municipality.
Expanding Services for Farmers
SANCRIFA has become a beacon of support for its members, offering a range of services designed to enhance productivity and income. Among their most impactful initiatives are tractor services for land preparation, shelling services for corn, and a thriving retail enterprise that includes a meat shop and a KADIWA-inspired store. The cooperative also buys produce directly from farmers, ensuring fair prices and sustainable incomes.
Recently, SANCRIFA added artificial insemination (AI) services for swine to its roster of offerings, a move made possible through a collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). This new service is part of the INSPIRE Project, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the swine industry after the devastating impact of African Swine Fever (ASF).
“The swine multiplier farm under INSPIRE addresses three critical needs: improving the genetics of our hogs, recycling animal waste into organic fertilizer, and meeting the meat consumption requirements of our community,” Donald explains.
ATI’s Transformative Role
SANCRIFA’s partnership with ATI has been a game-changer. Donald explains that ATI not only provided funding and resources but also ensured the cooperative was equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to sustain the project. Donald himself underwent intensive training at the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), where he learned best practices in swine management and artificial insemination.
"ATI doesn't just give projects—they provide the preparation and training needed to make them successful. They enhanced our capacity to manage farms and even encouraged us to teach other farmers," says Donald.
This collaboration has empowered SANCRIFA to contribute to the local hog industry in meaningful ways. The cooperative is now responsible for producing 30 breeder sows and four boars, along with hundreds of piglets, which are distributed to farmers as part of their repayment scheme. By passing the gift forward, SANCRIFA ensures that the benefits of the project ripple through the community.
Building a Sustainable Future
Beyond swine production, SANCRIFA is embracing sustainability. They have established an animal waste drying facility to convert manure into organic fertilizer, which supports local crop production while reducing reliance on chemical inputs. Vermicomposting is another avenue the cooperative is exploring, further strengthening their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Despite challenges like high demand for breeder stock and the need for skilled farm workers, SANCRIFA remains determined to expand its impact. They have also started training members in artificial insemination techniques, empowering farmers to manage their operations independently and save on service costs.
A Vision Shared
For Donald, SANCRIFA’s vision aligns closely with that of ATI: to empower farmers and transform rural communities. “ATI encourages us to enhance our capabilities and share what we learn with others. It feels like their vision of teaching farmers is a mirror of our own,” he reflects.
Through its innovative services and unwavering commitment to its members, SANCRIFA has become more than just a cooperative—it is a lifeline, a teacher, and a partner in progress. With its sights set on creating a sustainable and competitive agricultural sector, SANCRIFA is paving the way for a brighter future for farmers in San Isidro and beyond.
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