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 it is with 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. Lastly, she directly sells her livestock in the public markets and an informal direct purchase of orders from her loyal customers.

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. Additionally, she participated in the Dairy Cattle Production and Management Training, Training on Vegetable Gardening, entrepreneurial Development Training, and Training on Business Management among Farmers and Fisherfolks’ Associations in the unbanked Municipalities of Camiguin: Catarman, Mahinog, Guisiliban, and Sagay. She also actively participated in the 43rd Lanzones Festival, the 1st Provincial Livestock and Poultry Forum, a 2023 Natural Farming Technology System (NFTS) training, a technology demonstration project funded by PCAARRD, and an egg-laying project.

Ms. Elago has consistently demonstrated dedication and achievement in the agricultural sector and community development.  Recognized for their hard work and contributions, they have received numerous awards and recognitions.  These include:

1. Winner for the Agricultural Achievers 2024;
2. 2nd Runner-up Regional Kabuhayan Awards 2024;
3. 3rd Placer for the Agricultural Achievers 2023;
4. 2nd Prize Show mo, Bakuran Mo (During the Mental Health Awareness Month para sa Healthy Pilipinas Campaign);
5. 2nd Place Sikwate Making Contest;
6. 3rd Placer for the best Food Always in the Home (FAITH) Implementer 2023

These awards reflect Elago’s commitment to agricultural development, community engagement, and the promotion of healthy living.

As a dedicated and industrious individual, she has actively established and led several community organizations. She serves as the president of Lawigan KALIPI from 2022 to 2024, overseeing a membership of 60 women. Additionally, she also part of the PCA Lawigan Small Coconut Farmers Organization, initiated on February 28, 2023, which comprises 50 members. Additionally, DA Catarman Vegetable Farmers Association, founded in 2021, with a membership of 40 farmers. Furthermore, she is set to lead the Rural Based Organization PAFC in 2024, demonstrating her strong commitment to community development and agricultural advocacy.

She has successfully registered her business with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Barangay authorities. This step not only formalizes her enterprise but also provides her with official recognition and support within her community. By securing these registrations, she demonstrates her commitment to operating her business transparently and sustainably, opening up opportunities for growth, access to government assistance, and increased trust from customers and partners.

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.

Ms. Mildred has significantly improved her business’s marketing strategy, expanding beyond traditional methods.  She actively leverages online platforms, particularly Facebook, to promote her business.  Her posts on the Camiguin Buy and Sell page, along with assistance from Catarman’s Municipal Agriculture Officer, Mr. Joseph Navales, who also promoted it online, have contributed to increased sales.

The collaborative initiatives of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Agriculture (DA), which provided Ms. Mildred with a seed incubator, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which organized training sessions to improve her expertise in raising Rhode Island Red chickens and cattle, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which supplied Mildred with a portable solar system and various farm tools, and the Local Government Units in Camiguin, which facilitated her participation in the Kadiwa market display, collectively exemplify a strong commitment to empowering local farmers and fostering sustainable growth.

In 2024, Ms. Mildred invested in a chainsaw, ceiling covers for her livestock facilities, and feed supplies.  She also generated PHP 48,900 in sales, which she reinvested in pig breeders.

In 2025, she expanded her livestock holdings by purchasing a cattle breeder (PHP 40,000), piglets (PHP 25,000), and a horse (PHP 21,000). Her pig breeders generated PHP 65,000 in sales.

She has engaged temporary workers for farm clearing and plowing, paying them PHP 2,500 for each work.  Also a separate compensation, PHP 350, is paid for banana and coconut harvesting.

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.