ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) staff of Zambonga del Norte met with agriculturists in Dipolog, Dapitan, and La Libertad through a series of consultation dialogues to finalize the project proposals of the SAAD Program identified beneficiaries.

According to Dipolog City Agriculturist Kerr Porlas, two associations are ready to implement a project in the area, dubbed as ‘Sapat na Pagkain at Pangkabuhayan’, which is designed to benefit 500 households. This will include the establishment of vegetable gardens in every home, cultivation of tropical fruits, and native chicken production.

In Dapitan City, team SAAD ZANORTE met with SAAD Focal Person Susan Empeynado and City Agriculturist Eugenio Endrina to refine some features of the proposals for the Cassava Production and Goat Raising Project for the beneficiaries in Barangay Dimpalan.

Empeynado suggested planting materials for cassava production shall only be procured from Dapitan City to prevent the spread of the witches’ broom disease. She is also optimistic that the projects will be a success as they have already established a market for cassava chips and goats.

Currently, the City of Dapitan is operating a Negosyo Center as marketing support to farmers.

Meanwhile, the staff also had a dialogue with Municipal Agriculturist Abelita Baldero and Municipal Administrator Annabelle Pameron to talk about the proposed Integrated Farming Project with native chicken and sweet corn production.

The municipal government will assist the town’s beneficiaries of the SAAD Program in renting land for growing sweet corn as most of them are landless farmers. ###