Fields of Hope: Estrelita Bonagua’s Journey Through Seasons of Change

Estrelita P. Bonagua

Barangay Wawa, Pililla, Rizal

Business: Melon and Watermelon Farming

MFI Partner: ASHI

A Farmer with an Eye on the Seasons

On an 11,000-square-meter farm in Pililla, Rizal, Estrelita Bonagua carefully nurtures rows of melon and watermelon. Each melon harvest lasts about two months, while watermelons take up to 2.5 months. During the off-season, she and her husband also grow sitaw (string beans) and palay (rice) to maximize the land’s productivity.

Her journey with ASHI began in 2021, when she received her first loan of Php 5,000. Today, she manages a Php 45,000 loan, using it to strengthen operations and absorb the shocks of rising input costs. Her husband, who also serves as caretaker of the land, manages farming logistics and pays a rental fee of Php 4,000 to 5,000 per harvest to the landowner.

Facing the Greatest Risks

Farming has always been vulnerable, but climate change has intensified the risks. During Typhoon Christine in 2024, much of Estrelita’s produce was destroyed. The storm left her with only 150 to 250 cavans of palay which was far below expected yields. The COVID-19 pandemic also dealt a heavy blow. Sales slowed, buyers were scarce, and movement was restricted, leaving harvests at risk of spoilage.

How ASHI Stepped In

ASHI played a critical role in Estrelita’s ability to recover and adapt. Through financial capital, ASHI enabled her to stabilize operations, adjust her input budgets, and continue planting despite inflationary pressures. Beyond funding, ASHI offered business management seminars, which Estrelita attended to qualify for loan increases. ASHI also served as a link between her and the local government, helping her access binhi (seeds), pesticides, and other critical supplies.

Farming with Strategy

Estrelita manages her finances with discipline. Earnings from melon and watermelon are rolled over into palay production. She dreams of purchasing additional equipment, including a refrigerator, and even hopes to transform part of her home into a complementary business venture.

Long-term, Estrelita wants to branch out into poultry supply, agricultural feeds, and agri-medicines. These are essentials in rural farming communities like hers. But to do that, she hopes to access additional capital of Php 50,000 to 100,000 which would allow her to scale responsibly and build greater financial security.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite her growing skillset and business sense, Estrelita continues to face challenges beyond her control. El Niño and La Niña patterns threaten to cancel entire planting seasons. Flooding and pests can wipe out months of work overnight. Yet she remains steadfast, armed with knowledge, support, and the will to keep planting.