Mayflor Buena tends to her agri-shop in Pangil, Laguna. Photo: Alren Beronio/CARE

Starting my business was difficult, but with persistence and the support of my neighbors, friends, and farmers, my agri-shop gradually grew. In the first four months, sales were small, but now they have reached over ₱100,000.00!”

Mayflor Buena was already a trusted leader in her community in Pangil, Laguna, long before she opened her agri-shop. As a Barangay Nutrition Scholar, she worked closely with health workers and local families, monitoring children’s nutrition, advising mothers, and supporting community nutrition programs. But while she helped others, her own life became increasingly difficult.

The pandemic brought heavy challenges. She fought for her life and the survival of her newborn during a complicated childbirth, spending nearly a month in the hospital. Shortly after she recovered, a powerful storm destroyed her family’s crops, their main source of food and income.

During this difficult time, Mayflor joined the Asenso sa Good Agriculture Package Social Enterprise (aGAP SE). She saw an opportunity to change her family’s future and signed up to be an aGAP “Roving Agent,” a role that combines community leadership with business.

She learned to run a sustainable agri-shop by building strong relationships with reliable suppliers and creating a local market for crops gathered from nearby farms. This business now supports her family’s income while ensuring her neighbors have easy access to quality supplies and fair prices. By consolidating and selling local produce, she has established a reliable trade hub that benefits the entire community.

By applying Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), she improved her crop yields and grew healthier, more consistent harvests. These vegetables now provide both a steady source of food for her family and an additional source of income.

Mayflor now bridges the gap between health and harvests. Because she has spent years caring for the well-being of local families, farmers trust her agricultural advice. She is a constant presence in the fields, leading training sessions and visiting farms to help neighbors troubleshoot their crops. Women, in particular, find a mentor in her, feeling comfortable asking her for guidance on everything from growing vegetables to starting a small business.

The impact of her leadership is spreading throughout the village. More families are adopting better farming techniques, leading to higher yields and a wider variety of food on their tables. Women who once felt confined to the home now see themselves as leaders and entrepreneurs, often looking to Mayflor for encouragement. For her family, life has stabilized. The income from her agri-shop means they can pay for education and save for future planting seasons with confidence.

Beyond the financial gains, Mayflor has rediscovered hope. By building a network of farmers, suppliers, and partners, she no longer feels like she is facing the future alone. She knows her community is now better prepared to weather whatever storms may come. Today, she balances her roles as a health advocate, a business owner, and a community mentor. Her journey is a testament to the fact that when you invest in one woman’s leadership, you strengthen an entire community.

“Do not rush success. Welcome opportunities, stay positive, and trust that with perseverance and faith, every challenge can be overcome.”