Farmer Cesar and his journey from struggle to success through Southern Leyte State U, CRS partnership

From funding to flourishing, this is how Southern Leyte State University and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) helped a farmer, Cesar P. Obra.

1Poultry farm owner, Cesar P. Obra, from Brgy. Anahawan, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte

Super Typhoon Odette wreaked havoc on the province of Southern Leyte, leaving many small farmers in a state of devastation. Among them was Cesar, a determined resident of Barangay Anahawan, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte, who was struggling to pick up the pieces of his life in the aftermath of the catastrophic event.

Despite his unyielding resolve to provide for his family, Cesar found himself grappling with a myriad of challenges, including limited resources and an uncertain future. He was determined to overcome the obstacles and rebuild his life, brick by brick, in the face of adversity, with the odds stacked against him.

The timely intervention of Southern Leyte State U, in partnership with CRS, proved to be a ray of hope for the distressed communities in Southern Leyte. Thanks to the generous contributions from donors worldwide, the partnership set out to aid the locals in their arduous journey towards recovery and growth.

Cesar was one of the fortunate beneficiaries of the financial assistance provided by CRS, which he utilized to establish his own backyard poultry farm. The seed capital enabled him to purchase the necessary equipment and supplies, and with his farming knowledge and hard work, he successfully managed to grow his business.

Southern Leyte State University's technical training program played a pivotal role in empowering Cesar with the skills and knowledge required to operate a sustainable poultry farm. The comprehensive training curriculum covered all aspects of poultry farming, from basic hygiene practices to advanced disease prevention techniques.

With the aid of the program, Cesar became proficient in administering herbal remedies to his flock when they fell ill, significantly improving the chances of their survival. The techniques he acquired in the training were instrumental in ensuring the health and well-being of his poultry, resulting in increased productivity and profits for his business. By imparting such valuable expertise, Southern Leyte State University played a crucial role in equipping Cesar with the tools he needed to thrive in his entrepreneurial venture.

Cesar’s inspiring success story had a ripple effect on his fellow farmers in the village, as he emerged as a beacon of hope and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. His perseverance, hard work, and dedication to his craft inspired others to pursue their passions and explore new avenues for income generation.

Monitoring and Evaluation Team from Research, Innovation, and Extension Services

As a result, Cesar gained a reputation as a sought-after resource speaker, sharing his expertise and best practices in sustaining a backyard poultry farm with communities and municipalities across the province of Southern Leyte. His valuable insights and practical advice helped countless other farmers overcome challenges and achieve success in their own entrepreneurial ventures.

Cesar's unwavering commitment to his community and his willingness to share his knowledge with others have earned him the admiration and respect of his peers, making him a true leader and an invaluable asset to his community.

Cesar's story is a testament to the transformative impact that collaborations between academic institutions and aid organizations can have on the lives of vulnerable communities.

His journey from struggle to success demonstrates the power of community, determination, persistence, and knowledge. With the help of Southern Leyte State U and CRS, he established a thriving backyard poultry farm and became a source of inspiration for fellow farmers. By sharing his knowledge and best practices, Cesar empowered others to pursue their dreams and make a lasting impact on their community.

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