Dawn breaks over the mountains of San Nicolas, Pangasinan. The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the morning mist—a scent that, until recently, was foreign to this remote village. This is Barangay Fianza, where a community bakery has become more than just a source of daily bread; it has become a symbol of hope and transformation.
A Village Cut Off
The journey to Fianza tells you everything about its challenges. Robert Padilla, who navigates the village’s “Weapon” truck through treacherous mountain paths, knows every perilous turn. “When the rains come,” he says, “rocks cover our roads. We’re constantly making new paths just to survive.”
For generations, the villagers lived by the rhythm of the seasons—farming when they could, fishing for bunog (goby fish) in the river when they couldn’t. But isolation does take its toll. Opportunities, like simple pleasures such as fresh bread, remained out of reach.
An Opportunity
Despite these hardships, the spirit of bayanihan remained strong in Fianza. The community, led by their Barangay Captain and the Fianza Family and Community Association, began exploring ways to create sustainable livelihoods that could thrive despite their remote location.
They proposed a bakery project, recognizing the need for both a stable income source and access to basic necessities in their isolated village.
Their vision caught the attention of Pure Bayanihan, who together with the 104th Maneuver Company and stakeholders like Atty. Charlene Lagua, saw potential where others saw problems. They didn’t just bring equipment; they brought possibility.”
The first time I touched the dough,” recalls Roda Macayan, now president of Mountains Bakery, “my hands were shaking. But as we trained at Salingcob Center, learning to make pandesal, cakes, and cinnamon rolls, I realized we were kneading more than bread—we were kneading our future.”
Where Farm Meets Flour
What makes Fianza’s story unique is how they’ve woven their new skills into their existing livelihood. The bakery doesn’t replace farming—it complements it. Fresh local produce finds its way into their baked goods, creating a farm-to-bakery cycle that sustains the community year-round.
Rising Together
At 61, Luzviminda, also a farmer from the community, has seen many projects come and go. But this one, she says, is different: “We grow together. When one stumbles, others help. This is how we build something lasting.”
The impact ripples through the community. Children now start their day with fresh bread. Farmers have become bakers. And the village that once only dreamed of having a bakery in their town is now planning a coffee shop for visiting cyclists and hikers. “We are excited to see this venture grow!” they shared.
Dreams Rising Like Dough
Today, Mountains Bakery stands as more than a building—it’s a testament to what’s possible when communities are empowered to shape their own destiny. Police Captain Christine Jean Lamsen puts it beautifully: “This isn’t just about food—it’s about unity. When communities lead, everyone rises.”
As the sun sets behind Fianza’s mountains, Roda shares her vision: “Soon, tourists will hike our trails and taste our bread. We’ll show them that even the most remote village can rise above its challenges.”
Join the Journey
This is more than a story about bread—it’s about breaking the cycle of isolation and poverty. With your support, Pure Bayanihan can help more communities like Fianza turn their dreams into reality.
Because sometimes, hope rises like fresh dough in the morning sun.
Partner with Pure Bayanihan today and help write the next chapter in stories like Fianza’s.
