In the heart of Brgy. San Eugenio, Aringay, La Union, a women-led organization has set the benchmark for sustainable livelihood and community-driven enterprise. The Aringay Veggies Agriculture Cooperative, formerly known as Aringay Veggie Products Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA), has emerged as the first-ever Champion of the National Gawad Sulong under the Best Microenterprise Development Association category in August 2024. Their remarkable journey under the DSWD Field Office 1 (DSWD FO 1) – Ilocos Region Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) showcases how innovation, sustainability, and community engagement can drive real economic and social impact.
From SLPA to a Flourishing Cooperative
The Aringay Veggies started as an SLPA in 2022, composed of 30 dedicated members. In March 2023, they received funding through the SLP’s Microenterprise Development Track under Program Convergence Budgeting – Zero Hunger, a portfolio designed to establish livelihood by harmonizing government programs and services geared towards food sufficiency and poverty reduction. The association later transitioned into a cooperative in May 2023, solidifying its commitment to long-term sustainability and growth.
With the support of the Seed Capital Fund amounting to PhP450,000.00, and Community Mobilization Fund at PhP78,000.00 from SLP, the cooperative started selling both raw and processed vegetables. Their flagship products —Veggie Chips and Veggie Noodles come in various nutritious variants, including eggplant, squash, okra, string beans, and malunggay. Not only do they produce their own vegetables, but they also source raw materials from local farmer associations and communities in Aringay, ensuring an inclusive and community-driven supply chain.
Championing Excellence in Sustainable Microenterprise
The Aringay Veggies clinched the National Gawad Sulong award by excelling in key indicators such as Sustainability, Impact, Economic Viability, Innovation, Organizational Development, and Gender Responsiveness. Their achievements highlight their ability to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility.
The said cooperative is even an advocate of green business practices, using eco-friendly packaging, composting discarded vegetables into fertilizer, and promoting a zero-waste approach in their operations.
Market Expansion and Community Development
Their success in securing major government marketing agreements has been a game-changer. In their first year of operations, they landed a PhP1.5 million contract with the DSWD FO 1 Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP). In 2024, they renewed and expanded the agreement to almost PhP2 million. Furthermore, they secured almost PhP1 million supply contract in 2024 to provide rice for the DSWD FO1 Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth.
Beyond government contracts, Aringay Veggies has expanded its market reach, with products available in tourism centers, restaurants, and resorts, even reaching Metro Manila. The cooperative has also become a key player in job creation, employing local resellers and offering internship opportunities for students in food technology and cookery programs.
A Model for other SLP Associations
Through its Bio-Intensive Garden Boosting Socio-economic Transformation through Enhanced Convergence and Re-Engineered Sustainability (BIG BOOSTER) livelihood model, the cooperative has set an example for other SLP associations to follow. This model has been replicated in Aringay, paving the way for more food production ventures under the Aringay Zero Hunger initiative. A collaborative effort between the Local Government Unit of Aringay and DSWD FO 1 – SLP, this initiative aims to uplift socio-economic conditions while ensuring food sufficiency in the area.
As a cooperative, Aringay Veggies has also been playing as a “Big Brother” to small SLP associations, providing technical assistance and purchasing their products—an approach that strengthens the entire local agri-business ecosystem.
Empowering Women, Uplifting Communities
At its core, Aringay Veggies is more than just a business—it is a movement empowering women, uplifting communities, and driving sustainable change. By integrating innovation, environmental consciousness, and social responsibility, they have set the gold standard for SLP Associations nationwide.
Their triumph in the National Gawad Sulong is a testament to the power of collective effort and strategic livelihood development—a beacon of hope that sustainable microenterprises can thrive, create impact, and inspire others to follow suit.
The SLP is a capacity-building program for the identified poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities aimed at providing viable interventions and support to improve the program participants’ socio-economic conditions. (by: Rogerio B. Bismonte III – Sustainable Livelihood Program)
