PASSING THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE: The Success Story of a Seamstress-Turned-Farmer

Amor R. Tibio, a seamstress for over a decade, now manages a farm.

Amor R. Tibio never imagined herself working under the sun, tilling the land, and growing crops. 

All she ever knew, and wanted to do, was to sew. 

Her story began in the busy streets of Manila, where she spent over a decade working as a seamstress. She left her hometown of Mangan, Banga, Aklan because life in the province offered few opportunities, and she wanted to help her family.

“Masaya naman ako sa pananahi dahil kasama ko ang aking mga kapatid,” Amor recalled, smiling as she remembered those early years.

But her life in Manila was far from smooth. She endured one hardship after another—a fire that took away her home, moments of being robbed, and even days of hunger. Still, she persevered, knowing she needed to send money back home for her parents.

The Turning Point

Everything changed when her father got sick.

“Nagkasakit ang aking tatay at ako ang inaasahang mag-alaga,” Amor said softly.

As the eldest among five siblings, Amor decided to come home for good. It was then that she inherited a piece of farmland from her parents. What started as a responsibility soon became her inspiration to start something meaningful.

From Threads to Seeds

In 2004, Amor officially became a registered farmer, with help from the Department of Agriculture. She received seeds and fertilizer support, which gave her the courage to turn the small family land into a reliable source of livelihood. 

But Amor didn’t stop there—she wanted to learn everything she could about farming.

“Noong Oktubre 2020 isa ako sa naging participant ng seminar sa ATI-RTC VI ng Rural Women Nourishing the World: A Seminar for processing for Fruits and Vegetables. Nagtraining din ako ng Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program noong September 2020 sa Golden Harvest Farm. Kamakailan, napabilang din ako sa isa sa mga trainees ng Organic Agriculture and Production NC II - Raise Organic Hogs sa Meliton Farm And Technological Institute, Inc., sa tulong ng programa ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority,” Amor shared proudly.

These trainings gave her new knowledge like using organic fertilizers and modern techniques such as Key Check 1–9 to improve the yield and quality of her crops. Her enthusiasm even inspired her three daughters to undergo training at the Meliton Integrated Organic Farm under TESDA programs.

Fruits of Hard Work

Years of dedication have turned Amor’s farmland into a picture of abundance. Every harvest season, she gathers about 50 sacks of rice and around 500 coconuts every three months.

“May gulayan din kami katulad ng okra, talong, pipino, talbos ng kamote, gabi, kangkong, at iba’t ibang klase ng uri ng prutas katulad ng bayabas, guyabano, saging na saba, latundan, langka, suha, lanzones, dragon fruit, at rambutan. Pandagdag kita at pangkonsumo na rin ng pamilya,” she said.

Her earnings now exceed PHP50,000 per harvest season. When fruit season arrives, especially for lanzones, rambutan, and dragon fruit, her income increases by 20% or more.

For Amor, every sack of rice and every basket of fruit is not just produce—it’s proof of her hard work and resilience.

Amor's farm grows eggplants and other vegetables such as okra, cucumber, camote, taro, and water spinach.

A Mother’s Greatest Reward

Despite the success she has found on her farm, Amor’s greatest dream is not wealth; it is education.

“Kahit isa lang akong magsasaka, minimithi at ninanais ko pa rin na makapagtapos ng pag-aaral ang aking mga anak,” she said.

Her eldest daughter, Angelica Joy, is taking up BS Elementary Education at Aklan State University. Angeline, her second daughter, is pursuing BS Hospitality Management at Malay College. Her youngest, Avegail, is in Grade 11 at Mangan National High School.

Gratitude and Legacy

Looking at her farm, Amor often thinks of her late parents, who planted in her the seeds of hard work and perseverance.

“Sa katas ng pagsasaka, ang tagumpay ng aking mga anak sa huling araw ay siya ring tagumpay sa hinaharap ko. Ito ay aking ipinagpapasalamat sa aking mga magulang na kung saan ang binhi ng aking sipag ay siya ring bunga ng aking pag-asa,” she said.

Whereas she only ever wanted to sew before, she now happily quips, “mananahi noon, ipinagmamalaking magsasaka na ngayon.”

From a seamstress struggling in the city to a proud farmer cultivating the land of her roots, Amor has indeed passed through the eye of the needle and succeeded in her new endeavor.

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