ENRIQUE VILLANUEVA, Siquijor (PIA)—Farmer Dulceta Magsalay’s work ethic and philosophy in facing life’s challenges has brought her recognition as an embodiment of a great household implementer. –
“Bisag lisod, imo rang ikalipay ug i-enjoy ang imong trabaho, walay kalisod nga mahitabo.”
(No challenge can be too unbearable if you love and find joy in your work.)
This was shared by Magsalay during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, as she emphasized her philosophy of overcoming challenges with a positive outlook.
Magsalay, 61, a food vendor and farmer from Enrique Villanueva town, was recognized as the 1st Place Outstanding Farm Household Implementer during the 53rd Adlaw sa Probinsya sa Siquijor Agri-Tourism Trade Fair.
She received ₱10,000 in cash and a plaque of recognition for her exceptional achievements in agriculture and household management.
Her success is a testament to her resourcefulness, dedication, and ability to balance her roles as a mother, vendor, and farmer.
According to Magsalay, in the mornings she sells snacks to students at schools, and in the afternoon, she goes house-to-house selling fresh vegetables harvested from her garden.
“Snack vendor ko sa eskuylahan dayon pagkahapon manuroy ug mga baligya nga mga sari-sari nga utanon sa mga kabalayan aron lang gyud maprovide nako ang panginahanglanon matag adlaw, labi na sa akong unom ka mga anak nga nanag-eskuyla,” she said.
(I am a snack vendor in the school, and in the afternoon, I go around selling various vegetables to households to earn enough for our daily needs, especially for my six children who are still studying.)
Magsalay’s farm, which now thrives with bitter gourd, string beans, eggplants, peanuts, and sweet corn, was once a barren, weed-filled plot used only as grazing land for goats and cows.
With support from a government tractor program, free fertilizer and seeds, she transformed the area into a productive farm, yielding abundant harvests.
“Magkalingaw pud ko ug garden. Ang area kasagbutan pa gyud kaayo ni, balalhenan ra gyud kaayo ug kanding ug baka. Nananom ko ug paliya, balatong, talong nga maka-harvest ko ug tag 10 ka kilo sa kada harvest sa isa ka flat unya ikaduha man ko mo-harvest sa isa ka semana,” she said.
(I also enjoy gardening. This area used to be full of weeds and was mostly just a grazing place for goats and cows. I planted bitter gourd, string beans, and eggplant, and I can harvest about 10 kilos per harvest from one plot. I usually harvest twice a week.)
Her sweet corn harvests earn her up to ₱16,000 per cycle, while also allowing her family to enjoy and share the surplus.
She said she has adopted a sustainable approach by ensuring no produce goes to waste. She sells both raw and cooked versions of her vegetables to cater to her customers’ preferences.
Magsalay attributes much of her success to government programs that provided training, livelihood assistance, and agricultural inputs.
“Dako gyud kaayog tabang nako ang gobyerno anang nag apil apil ko sa mga trainings , seminars , livelihood ug mga pasiugda,” she shared.
(The government has been a great help through the training, seminars, livelihood programs, and other initiatives I’ve attended.)
In addition to farming, Magsalay raises goats, chickens, and cows, which contribute to her income. The sale of two pigs recently allowed her to purchase piglets and improve her home by installing sliding windows.
She said that her hard work has also borne fruit in her children’s education. One of her children is now a criminology graduate, while another works as an international seafarer.
“Nalipay kaayo ko nga sa akong simpleng panginabuhi, nakapaeskuyla ko bisan hinglabihan among kalisod sauna,” she said with pride.
(I am so proud that, through my simple livelihood, I was able to send my children to school despite the hardships.)
Magsalay’s recognition as an outstanding farm household implementer is a testament to her perseverance and determination.
“Ang pagkab-ot sa kalamposan dili makab-ot dayon, hinay-hinayi lang ug focus ang imong trabaho,” she said.
(Success cannot be achieved instantly; take it step by step and stay focused on your work) she advised and encouraged others to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams. (RAC/PIA7-Siquijor with reports from Cynthia Guillepa)