DIPOLOG CITY — Smiles and laughter brightens the atmosphere as the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program launches in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on June 13, 2017 at Virginia Elementary School, Brgy. Diwan, Dipolog City. SAAD Program Director Lerey A. Panes graced the said event as well as steered the provision of agricultural assistance to the beneficiaries of SAAD in Diwan.

In his remarks, Panes emphasised the importance of the market for the sustainability of the agriculture in the area. He then vowed to provide help to the marginalized farmers in Diwan through the SAAD Program. Panes delivered his message in their native language, Bisaya, which made the crowd feel even more connected to him.

A ceremonial distribution of interventions followed where Asec. Panes along with Dipolog City Mayor Dexter Darel Uy, City Agriculturist Engr. Jose Kerr Porlas and SAAD Provincial Coordinator for Zamboanga del Norte, Ronillo Dusaban handed over Durian seedlings and vegetable seeds to 500 beneficiaries. Various activities including a dental mission and an information drive were as well carried out in the event.

Mayor Uy, on the other hand, expressed his support for the SAAD program in his acceptance and commitment message.

After the successful launch, Asec Panes together with SAAD Provincial Program Management Office of Zamboanga del Norte and Mayor Uy visited the Diwan sitio proper for a communal garden planting. ###