A Ray of Hope
Helping small farmers recover from floods with solar-powered innovation.
In Camarines Sur, rice farming is more than a livelihood – it’s a way of life. But in October 2024, Severe Tropical Storm Trami brought the worst flooding the region had seen in 30 years, leaving farms underwater and harvests destroyed.
Tatay Apol, a farmer in Barangay La Purisima, lost nearly three tons of palay to the floodwaters. Like many others, he faced months of uncertainty, relying on relief supplies while waiting for the land to recover. “We were caught unprepared,” he said. “But we had no choice – we tried again.”
With support from Oxfam Pilipinas and local partner Coastal CORE, smallholder farmers in Nabua and Bula are now rebuilding with tools designed for resilience. One of the most promising innovations is the Solar Bubble Dryer – a portable, solar-powered system that helps farmers dry rice grains even during rainy weather. More than 1,000 farmers have already benefited, and local governments are exploring ways to expand access.
Unlike traditional drying methods that leave grains exposed to moisture and pests, the Solar Bubble Dryer protects harvests and improves overall yield and income. Farmers have also received training to manage and maintain the equipment, ensuring it remains a shared resource for the whole community.
Alongside the dryers, farmers will receive rice and vegetable seeds and organic fertilizers to restart planting. These efforts are helping communities not just recover, but prepare for future challenges.
“This support is a big help to us struggling farmers,” said Tatay Apol. “Now we have a way to protect what we’ve worked so hard to grow.”
