In the Municipality of Dolores, Quezon, 38-year-old Dennis Alcazar wakes up every day determined to build a better life for his family. Once an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Qatar, a security guard, and a factory worker, Dennis has found his calling in livestock farming. Now a successful hog and cow raiser, Dennis shares his story of hard work, resilience, and faith.
“Mula bata pa lang, natutunan ko na ang pag-aalaga ng hayop sa mga magulang ko,” Dennis recalls. But before becoming a full-time farmer in 2018, he explored other ventures, even trying his hand at vegetable farming. “Sinubukan kong magtanim ng gulay tulad ng sitaw, talong, at sili. Pero kapag may bagyo, sirang-sira agad ang tanim. Kaya nagdesisyon akong mag-focus sa pag-aalaga ng baboy at baka. Mas sigurado ang kita,” he explains.
Dennis has been in livestock farming for six years now, and his decision has proven wise. His journey took a significant leap when he learned about the AgriNegosyo loan program of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) through the Luntian Multi-Purpose Cooperative, of which he is a member.
Through the program, Dennis borrowed ₱300,000 for cow fattening. “Ginamit ko ito nang maayos, sinunod ko ang business plan ko, at nagtipid ako. Kaya sa loob ng halos dalawang taon, nabayaran ko agad ang utang,” he proudly shares.
The Agrinegosyo loan program offers individuals up to ₱300,000 and micro and small enterprises up to ₱15 million, with a low 2% interest rate and a one-time service fee of 3.5% for individuals and 3.5% per annum for enterprises.
For Dennis, this affordable financing was a game-changer. “Napakalaking tulong ng programang ito. Mababa ang interest at magaan ang bayaran.”
After successfully paying off his first loan, Dennis applied for another ₱200,000 loan to upgrade his pigpen from wood to a sturdier structure. “Dahil sa dagdag na kapital, dumoble ang kita ko,” he says. “Noon, parang laborer lang ako. Yung kita, hati kami ng may-ari dahil siya ang nagbibigay ng puhunan. Ngayon, mas kaya ko nang suportahan ang pamilya ko.”
Dennis’s wife, an elementary school teacher, and their baby are his greatest inspirations. “Para sa kanila lahat ng ginagawa ko. Gusto kong ibigay sa kanila ang magandang buhay. Pinapangako ko na magtatrabaho ako nang mabuti para sa kanila,” he says with a smile.
Being a member of the Luntian MPC has also been a blessing. “Sila na ang bumibili ng livestock ko sa mas mataas na presyo. Hindi ko na kailangang maghanap pa ng buyer. Malaking tulong din yung mga training at suporta sa marketing na binibigay nila,” Dennis shares.
Despite challenges like the African Swine Fever (ASF), Dennis remains steadfast. He has implemented strict biosecurity measures to protect his farm. “May mga araw na mahirap, tulad ng kapag may bagong silang na hindi nabubuhay. Pero sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na magpatuloy lang. Magsimula ng maliit, magtrabaho nang mabuti. Hindi naman tayo pababayan ni Lord,” he advises fellow farmers.
Grateful for the support he has received, Dennis expresses his commitment to being a responsible borrower. “Salamat sa Luntian MPC at ACPC sa tiwala at tulong. Pinapangako ko na babayaran ko lagi ang utang ko sa tamang oras. Hindi ko sisirain ang reputasyon ko,” he says.
Dennis’ story is one of perseverance and faith – an example of how opportunities, when paired with determination, can transform lives. “Sa mga kapwa ko magsasaka, huwag kayong susuko. Sumali sa mga cooperative tulad ng Luntian MPC at sulitin ang mga programang tulad ng Agrinegosyo,” he encourages.
From working abroad to thriving at home, Dennis Alcazar is proof that success begins with a dream and grows with hard work.