In Barangay Milagrosa, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, Vegie Mosqueda, a 38-year-old 4Ps beneficiary and mother of two, demonstrates how hard work and community support can transform lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vegie seized the opportunity to improve her life through the government’s Payapa At Masaganang Pamayanan – Conflict Vulnerable Area (PAMANA-CVA) and the DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).  Provided with a ₱20,000 grant, she started a hog farm.

Despite having no prior experience in livestock farming, she immersed herself in entrepreneurship training, mastering hog-raising techniques and financial management.

Her strategic allocation of funds—75% reinvested into growth—turned ₱20,000 into a thriving business generating over ₱125,000. This income enabled her to fund her children’s education. She also planned to upgrade their home to a concrete one, purchase a parcel of land, and secure her family’s stability. “Gi isip nako ang kada piso nga kita nako mura sad kini og liso, nga akong gipatubo (I think that every penny that I earn is like a seed that I grow),” Vegie reflects.

Vegie works diligently and doubles her efforts to achieve her impressive success. Her husband helps her when she feels tired, supporting her and taking care of tasks like building pigpens and managing the piggery. Their children also pitch in by feeding and looking after the animals. Their shared responsibility not only strengthened their business but also deepened family bonds. They faced rising feed prices and animal illnesses together, demonstrating that resilience is more attainable when people unite.

Vegie’s impact reaches far past her farm’s boundaries. As Vice President of the women’s association, she fights for women’s rights and motivates mothers in the 4Ps program to build independence. She teaches her neighbors how to turn hog waste into natural fertilizer through hands-on workshops, thereby reducing pollution and promoting greener farming practices. Partnering with local leaders, she advocates for tree-planting projects and environmental concerns, which proves that a thriving community cares for both its people and the environment.

Careful planning serves as the foundation of her success. Clear financial records, strategic investments in cutting-edge breeding methods, and a range of ventures—such as motorcycle transport services to enhance market access—highlight her innovative nature.

From January to June 2024, resources were allocated for expenses, including food, vitamins, land payments, and savings, achieving a balance between present requirements and future growth.

Vegie Mosqueda’s influence on the community transcends economics. Her commitment to community wellness is evident in her leadership of blood donation drives and her guidance of aspiring entrepreneurs.

A core philosophy guides Vegie: When one woman rises, she lifts her household. She believes that the unity of a community, often sparked by empowered women, is the first step toward transforming a nation.

The journey of Vegie manifested what one can achieve when government support meets grassroots determination. By combining care for the environment, sound financial practices, and inclusive leadership, she shows that sustainable development is possible. As her farm and community grow, Vegie is creating a legacy of strength, teamwork, and hope for future generations.

Vegie Mosqueda’s story exemplifies how government aid and community effort can work together to create lasting change. By focusing on eco-friendly practices, sound financial choices, and leadership that includes everyone, she transformed her hog farm into a success and uplifted her community. Her journey proves that sustainability is achievable, leaving a legacy of resilience, teamwork, and hope for future generations. ###