CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES—The technical skills of the Area and Provincial Coordinators (AC and PCs) of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) were polished through the Project Management Workshop (PMW) at the Cebu Northwinds Hotel, Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City on June 19 to 22, 2018.
The workshop further capacitates the ACs and PCs in doing an agricultural extension and in crafting sound business plans.
Dr. Merrian P. Soliva from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) discussed the concepts and principles of agricultural extension service and community organizing. She also facilitated corresponding workshops for better appreciation of the participants.
On the other hand, Mr. Fernando Flores and Ms. Kristine Mercado from the Project Development Service (PDS) of the DA explained the basic components of a Business Plan. The topic was consistent with the SAAD’s aim to provide viable and sustainable livelihood interventions to its farmer-partners.
From the hands-on exercises, the coordinators came up with draft project proposals addressing the needs of their respective areas of assignment. From said proposals, business plans were then crafted.
Moving forward, SAAD hopes to conduct more of this kind of capability-building activity among its field implementers on a yearly basis for a more efficient and effective program implementation.
The first-ever PMW was conducted on September 2017.
Writers: Ela Arciaga, and Justin Dela Rueda, SAAD NPMO
Photos: Ashley Mae Apigo, SAAD NPMO
