Grubby hands, shaggy clothes, dripping sweat, and roasting heat. Words we can imagine in the farming world, a life representation of Ms. Mildred Campus Elago, a 38-year-old farmer from Lawigan, Catarman, Camiguin, who embodies the hardworking and fulfilling life of farming.

Ms. Mildred Campus and Mr. Joey Elago embarked on a remarkable farming journey that began with a blessing – their farm was filled with abundant supplies and goods. With their unwavering dedication, they tirelessly nurtured their farm and lovingly raised two exceptional boys, whom they also taught the importance of hard work and perseverance.

Their inspiring tale is a true testament to the power of grit and determination. Despite facing challenges such as limited resources and no direct market or buyers for their stocks, Ms. Campus and Mr. Elago refused to give up. Instead, they pushed forward with great vigor to grow their business and keep their life sailing smoothly. Their farm was a treasure trove of bountiful vegetables, fruits, and other crops or animals. Their commitment to their craft was unwavering, and they strived to make the most out of their resources.

Through thick and thin, they remained grateful for their blessings and continued to work hard towards their goals. As we all know, life is always changing, unreliable, and inconsistent, as is the Elago family’s life story.

Hopes vanished when typhoon Odette washed out their well-taken care-of farm. Outraged by the fact that they have always been hands-on with their business, which supports their everyday needs, but was damaged uncontrollably. Sales strike down due to slender supplies. After investing a year of hard work, they were left with only 11 high-breed goats out of the original 40. This meant that they had to bear a significant loss of P150,000, which was undoubtedly a huge burden for them to deal with.

Despite their efforts, they were unable to save their investment, and it must have been a difficult situation for them to cope with. It’s disheartening to hear that this person lost their entire monthly income due to an unexpected increase in demand. It must have been a difficult situation for them to handle, especially when they were working hard to build a business and make a living.

It’s important to recognize the effort and determination that went into generating an income from selling eggs, dressed chickens, vegetables, and bananas. It was heartbreaking to witness the downfall of a once sky-high business due to the devastating Typhoon Odette.

However, Ms. Mildred Elago’s resilience as a farmer is admirable, and her success in the market world is truly inspiring. Understandably, facing such a setback can be discouraging, but it’s crucial to remember that perseverance and resilience are key to overcoming adversity.

Despite the challenges they faced, some programs took the initiative to reach out and offer assistance. One of these programs was the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which was fortunate enough to receive a Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) worth P10,000.00. They wisely invested the money they had received in purchasing native chickens and rabbits. Through careful evaluation and analysis, they discovered that while rabbits were not in high demand, there was a significant market for chicken production. With this newfound knowledge, they decided to expand their efforts and focus more on raising chickens.

Their dedication and commitment to their business venture serve as a true inspiration for those looking to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship. Their lives took a turn for the better when a small business owner in Cagayan De Oro City offered them a contract to supply chicken, goat, and meat. They signed a Marketing Agreement with the help of the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) to become the running supply partner for Catarman District Hospital in the Province of Camiguin. They have also secured a spot for Kadiwa ng Pangulo every Friday of the month at the Provincial Capitol of Camiguin.

Through various training, seminars, and capability-building activities, they have enhanced their skills in the realm of business, including Entrepreneurial Development Training, Financial Literacy, and Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS) Training. Their journey is a testament to the power of hard work and determination, and their success serves as an inspiration to all those who are striving to achieve their dreams. The fruition of the programs and agencies involved in this initiative is truly inspiring. Their unwavering commitment to creating an empowered and resilient society for Filipinos has led to a future where everyone can enjoy an improved quality of life, free from hunger, poverty, abuse, and exploitation.

The joint efforts of the DSWD, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have served as a true pilot of perseverance, inspiring individuals such as Mildred Elago to overcome adversity and achieve success.

Their dedication and perseverance serve as a shining example of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. With gratitude she said from the interview “Daku kaayo akong kalipay nga kami tinuoray natagaan sa kahigayunan ug suporta sa DSWD. It helps us in our everyday living. Nakatabang dugang sa among panginabuhian. Busa aku kini ampingan ug padayon aku nga maningkamot nga akong mapalambo ang gihatag kanako sa Gobyerno, aron sa ingon niana daghan pa nga mga individual ang matabangan.”- Mildred Elago 2024.

Ms. Mildred Campus Elago is a true inspiration in the world of farming. With her calloused hands, rugged clothes, and undaunted spirit, she embodies the virtues of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Her unwavering commitment to her crops and animals, even in the face of challenging conditions, is a testament that we can all learn to embrace life’s challenges with courage and determination and find fulfillment in the pursuit of our goals. Her success reminds us of the importance of never giving up on our dreams, even in the face of adversity. It is crucial to stay focused and motivated, keeping in mind that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. By demonstrating patience and putting in the necessary effort, we can surmount any obstacle and attain the objectives we set for ourselves.