What a corn sheller means for these farmers in Bukidnon 

At first glance, a corn sheller does one simple thing: it separates kernels from the cob, faster and more efficient than by hand. The harvested corn can then be dried, sold, or turned into food.  

Simple as it may seem, this machine is quietly transforming how farmers manage their harvest. 

For the Corn Grower Association, a group of 80 farmers in Bukidnon, corn is more than a crop. It is their main source of food and livelihood. 

And for years, the work did not end in the field.  

After every harvest, farmers spent long hours, sometimes days, removing kernels by hand. The work was slow and exhausting. By the time they finished, market prices often dropped, and opportunities to earn more had slipped away. 

Today, that is beginning to change. 

“Through Child Sponsorship, World Vision has partnered with this community cooperative to provide training, climate-smart tools, and a simple corn sheller,” said Noel Peligrino, Program Officer of World Vision.  

“Before, shelling corn by hand took hours. Now, it’s faster, cleaner, and safer, helping farmers improve the quality of their harvest and increase their income.” 

Peligrino explained that the impact goes far beyond farming. The corn harvested by the association not only feeds families at home, but is also supplied to school feeding programs in the community. “This means children receive nutritious meals, parents earn a steady income, and more children stay in school, even during climate challenges,” he said. “Sponsorship is more than just a financial commitment. It’s about giving children hope, joy, and justice for a better future.” 

From Days of Labor to Hours of Work 

Before receiving the corn sheller, farmers like Ermin, 56, president of the Corn Grower Association, recalled how difficult the process used to be. 

“In the past, we would shell corn by hand, and it could take two to three days just to finish one harvest,” Ermin shared. “Sometimes, it took around 6 to 8 hours a day, and our hands would get tired and sore. By the time we finished, the price of corn in the market had already dropped.” 

With the new corn sheller, the same amount of corn can now be processed in just a few hours. What once took days can now be finished in half a day. 

“It made harvesting easier and allowed us to sell quickly in the market,” Ermin added. “Now, we can process faster and sell while prices are still good.” 

This improved efficiency has translated into better earnings. Before, a farmer might earn around ₱2,000 to ₱3,000 per harvest (about $32 to $49 USD), depending on market timing. Now, with faster processing and improved quality, some members report earning ₱4,000 to ₱6,000 (about $66 to $98 USD), especially when they are able to sell at peak prices. 

“We are very thankful to World Vision,” Ermin said. “They helped us achieve what we dreamed of. Our group is stronger now, and our livelihood is improving.” 

Feeding Families, Supporting Children 

For many members, corn, also known locally as maize, is more than a crop. 

Judith, 72, a member of the association, uses corn to prepare traditional foods like binaki (a sweet corn delicacy) and porridge for her family. 

“We make binaki and porridge out of corn,” she said with a smile. “Corn is important because it keeps you from getting hungry easily. It fills you up.” 

But corn also helps her meet basic needs.  

“It is very important because we can buy daily needs like salt and soap,” Judith explained. 

Being part of the association has also helped her support her grandchildren.  

“I am proud to be part of the Corn Grower Association… it helps my grandchildren in school,” she said. “Without World Vision, progress would be slow. We would just rely on our own efforts. They helped us a lot.” 

For Jacqueline, 34, a mother and association member, the corn sheller is not just about harvest; it is directly linked to her child’s future. 

“The corn sheller provided by World Vision is a big help,” she shared. “It helps with our daily purchases and supports my child’s schooling.” 

With the added income, Jacqueline has learned how to budget carefully.  

“We need to budget for fuel… rice is expensive… money is limited,” she said. “But now, we are able to plan better.” 

As a parent of a sponsored child, Jacqueline also sees the impact beyond income.  

“Our children receive school supplies every year. They join many activities, and they learn a lot,” she said. 

She shared a simple but meaningful moment: “My child tells me, ‘Mom, I received something.’ It makes the child very happy. Even small things bring big joy.” 

Building Stronger Communities 

World Vision’s support goes beyond providing equipment. Members have also received training in financial management, natural farming, and leadership development. 

Winnie, 32, another association member, highlighted how these trainings have transformed their group. 

“We joined financial training seminars and workshops, and natural farming training,” she said. “We were given seeds, supplies, and farming tools.” 

With the corn sheller, their workflow has improved.  

“Drying corn became easier, selling became faster, and we can set aside some for our own consumption,” Winnie explained. 

The group also learned how to organize themselves more effectively.  

“They guided us in building our group’s vision and mission, rules and policies,” she said. “Because of that, our association became legitimate and accredited by the government.” 

This recognition opened new opportunities.  

“We can now receive government benefits and assistance, and we can connect with other associations here in Bukidnon,” Winnie added. 

She reflected on their journey with gratitude.  

“We have so much to be thankful for… even though we are small, World Vision saw us.” 

Making Hope Real 

What began as a simple tool has grown into something much more. 

Farmers now work faster and more safely. Families have more food on their tables. Children receive nutritious meals both at home and in school. Parents earn more and can support their children’s education. Communities are stronger, more organized and better equipped for the future. 

And most importantly, children are better supported. 

As Noel Peligrino emphasized, “Child sponsorship is not just about giving money. It is about creating opportunities for families to stand strong, and for children to dream of a better future.” 

In Bukidnon, the sound of corn being shelled is no longer just part of farm life. It is the sound of families beginning to make hope real.