Through a strong partnership with ADRA New Zealand in effecting change in the lives of the people of Mercedes, Camarines Norte, ADRA Philippines pushes on with the final year of the Sustainable and Resilient Agribusiness Development in Mercedes or SARAM Project.

This three-year development program is funded by the government of New Zealand to work with the poorest of the poor and marginalized in Mercedes.

SARAM focuses on three main areas: the System in Rice Intensification (SRI), fish cage farming and organic vegetable farming. The beneficiaries are appreciative and receptive in taking the challenge of adopting new skills and techniques to improve their livelihood.

“Naging mas marami po ang aming aning gulay kaysa dati  at salamat po sa ADRA na patuloy na nagbibigay sa amin ng mga kaalaman upang mas gumaan ang aming buhay” (Our vegetable harvest increased than before and thanks to ADRA that continuously gives us the knowledge and skills to make our lives better) says Natividad Vega, 32 years old,  a recipient of the organic vegetable farming.

Using an approach where the community partners work in groups, relationships are being enhanced, and cooperation and results are much greater.