Namocon Farmers Association: Better Livelihood through Cooperative Farming

Meet 49-year old Lorenza Garcia. 

To make ends meet before, “Moray” had to collect tae-baka (dried cow manure) in the ricefields and sell it as fertilizer to landscapers and private homes. Despite the taunts, she worked hard and her determination was rewarded.  Aside from the referrals and connections she made, she was able to gain capital and finally able to farm in their one “kahon” lot. 

Lorenza "Moray" Garcia sharing her inspiring tale as a member of the Namocon Farmers Association

She now cultivates and sells vegetables – squash, monggo, string beans, etc, from her own lot. Through her perseverance, her daily earnings surpass the minimum wage rate. And with that, she was able to acquire a motorcycle to augment her small agri-business.

A sea of green going to the coop's farm

Moray’s tale is one of the many inspirational stories stemming from the Namocon Farmers Association in Brgy. Namocon in Tigbauan, Iloilo. 

Magtanim ay di biro

The Namocon Farmers Association is one of the Agricultural Training Institute’s 33 learning sites in Western Visayas. These “learning sites” are ATI-accredited farms that serve as an avenue presenting the best agricultural practices and farming strategies of highly emulated farmer leaders in the region.

Based in Aklan State University in Banga, Aklan, ATI is an extension and training arm of the Department of Agriculture mandated to train agricultural workers. ATI assists in harmonizing the management of agricultural services to empower the farmers and fisher folks towards food security, poverty alleviation and social equity for sustainable development. 

Agriculture extension workers and farmers from the provinces of Iloilo, Antique, and Guimaras learn hands on concoction making and feed formulation at the ongoing training on OA technologies at Namocon Farmers Association Learning Site
ATI Region VI

The agency gives these agri sites assistance to develop their farms into knowledge avenues where farmers, students, and agriculture enthusiasts can tour the farm and get information and hands on training on various farming technologies. 

Namocon Farmers Association was declared an ATI learning site back in 2017. An integrated diversified farm, the coop operates a 4-hectare farm with its members, aside from tending their own respective farms; devote time and effort in running the coop’s farm - producing rice and high value organic crops such as lettuce, ampalaya and eggplants.

They also grow fruits like papaya, strawberries and bananas and ornamental plants. The members also produce most of their organic farm inputs (for pest control and fertilizers) like compost, vermicast and concoctions.

Members of the Namocon Farmers Association demonstrate the preparation
of the Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) mix to be used as organic fertilizer.

The association is currently headed by Mr. Hector “Boy” Zayco whose farm is right beside the coop. He also owns and operates Sol Y Mar Family Beach Resort, which benefit from the organic produce of the farms. 

Mr Hector "Boy" Zayco 

With ATI's help, the coop shares indigenous knowledge and best practices in agriculture among its members and enlighten other farmers that there are big opportunities in farming.

With Moray’s inspiring example and through Sir Boy’s leadership, the Namocon Farmers Association helps boost the morale at the same time the actual production of resident farmers attain a better life through cooperative farming.

Unmarked photo credits Namocon Farmers FB | ATI Region VI FB