Fourteen farmers’ associations from Alabat, Perez, and Quezon received approximately Php 130,000 worth of agricultural tools and Php 570,000 worth of feed support from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) CALABARZON under its FY 2026 Food Production and Livelihood interventions in April.
The distributed agri-tools include bolos, plastic crates, plastic drums with covers, seedling trays, sprinklers, and trowels, all aimed at enhancing productivity and efficiency in farming operations. Plastic drums, for instance, can be used for water storage, especially in areas where access to reliable water sources is limited and may be further affected by the expected onset of El Niño in mid-2026.
Jennel Gendrano, President of the Villa Esperanza Farmers Association (VEFA) and a recipient of the program’s vegetable project since 2024, expressed his gratitude for the continuous assistance provided by DA-SAAD.
“Lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa DA-SAAD sa inyong kaloob na kagamitan at patuloy na suporta para sa aming paghahalaman. Malaking tulong po ito sa aming samahan upang mapalago ang aming proyekto na layuning magtanim at magkaroon ng sustainable na pinagkukunan ng pagkain at dagdag pagkakakitaan. Malaking blessings po ito para sa amin,” Gendrano shared.
[We are very thankful to DA-SAAD for the tools and ongoing support for farming activities. This assistance means a lot to our association as we continue to grow our project and work toward having a sustainable source of food and additional income. This is truly a blessing for us. ]
Meanwhile, the feed support provided consists of breeder mash, lactating mash, grower pellets, starter pellets, pre-starter pellets, chick booster crumble, and chick starter crumble to strengthen livestock and poultry production among the beneficiaries. These feeds are intended to support the different growth stages of swine, particularly as most swine-related FAs continue to expand and increase their livestock operations.
These interventions were part of the Program’s continuous support as it enters its fourth year of implementation, reinforcing its commitment to uplift the socio-economic conditions of farmers. The provision of such assistance is especially important as the associations gradually transition from production to marketing.
“Patuloy pa rin ang suporta natin sa ating mga magsasaka. Nakakatuwa dumarami na ang bilang ng mga baboy at manok na naibahagi ng programa. Gayundin sa mga tanim na gulay, marami na rin ang kanilang naaani. Tulong-tulong talaga para tuloy-tuloy din ang progreso,” said Area Coordinator Ronilo Villabroza Jr.
[Our support for our farmers continues. It is fulfilling to see the number of pigs and chickens distributed by the program increasing. They are also harvesting many vegetables now. We are really working together so that progress continues.]
Among the recipient groups in Alabat are the San Isidro Small Coconut Farmers Organization (SISCFO), Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Brgy. Villa Norte, Villa Norte Small Coconut Farmers Organization (VNSCFO), Farmers and Hog Raisers Association of Brgy. Villa Jesus Weste, and Villa Esperanza Farmers Association (VEFA).
In Perez, beneficiaries include the Coconut Farmers Fisher Folk Hog Raisers Association Barangay Pambuhan (COFFISERA), Mainit Farmers Association (MAFA), Sangirin Farmers and Livestock Association (SAFALIA), Farmers and Livestock Raiser Association of Villa Manzano Sur (FALIRA), and Villa Manzano Norte Farmers Association (VILMANORFA).
Meanwhile, in Quezon, Quezon, recipient groups are the Coconut Farmers Association of Villa Gomez (CFAV), Samahan ng mga Magsasaka at Nangingisda ng Brgy. Mascarina Quezon (SAMANA), Sabang Quezon Farmers Association, and Tindig ng mga Nagkakaisang Mangingisda ng Poblacion 5.
These associations are recipients of various projects from the program focusing on swine production, native chicken production, and vegetable production which are among the key commodities identified to improve food security and increase opportunities in these island municipalities.
With continued technical and livelihood support, SAAD CALABARZON further strengthened farmers’ associations and guided them toward resilient, self-sustaining, and market-driven enterprises, equipping them to carry forward the progress they have achieved beyond the program’s implementation. ###
