PIÑAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE – Department of Agriculture (DA) – Regional Field Office (RFO) VIII remained the top performer of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program as recognized during the latter’s 2nd Quarter Assessment in Manuel’s Resort, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte (ZaNorte) held from August 6 to 10, 2018.
From 59% obligation in the 1st quarter, DA Region VIII got 87.79% obligation for the 1st Semester vs. FY 2018 General Appropriation Act (GAA) budget. The top-performing region is followed by DA Cordillera Administrative Region at 86.92% and DA Region V at 74.7%.
See SAAD Top Performing Regions commended during its National 1st Quarterly Assessment
During the assessment
“This is not only our time to measure our targets; this is also the time to learn from each other, the time of reflection to recalibrate our strategies, the time for updating on new policies; and the time to enjoy the place and each and everyone’s company.” This is what SAAD Director Bernadette San Juan emphasized during the assessment.
DA Region IX Director Constancio Alama and Executive Assistant for the Governor of ZaNorte Fraxides Rubia also gave their speeches. They were both grateful for holding the event in the twin-city province.
The event started off as SAAD implementers settled issues and concerns as they recall the agreements in the 1st Quarter Assessment, which was presented by Darwin Pamatmat, SAAD National Program Management Office (NPMO) Planning and Budget Head.
After that, SAAD regional representatives, as well as SAAD Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), presented their FY 2018 Physical and Financial Accomplishments. It was also decided that the regions will present a video of their actual accomplishments, highlighting the enterprises developed, for SAAD’s 3rd Quarter Assessment this October 2018.
Meanwhile, SAAD national staff sat down with their regional and provincial teams to discuss and evaluate their projects which were included in their multi-year proposals for FY 2019-2022.
Staff from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation Region IX clarified issues regarding SAAD’s availment of insurance for its beneficiaries.
Ulysses Lustria, Jr. from SAAD NPMO Planning and Monitoring Group discussed the draft guidelines for SAAD’s Cash for Assets (CfA). SAAD intends to provide CfA, temporary work to the most vulnerable population, as the program’s another intervention.
On the other hand, SAAD NPMO Planning Officer Justin dela Rueda explained the template for Farm Record Keeping, which farmers can use to monitor their income and expenses.
A tribute was also presented to honor the life of late Louie Española and the services he rendered in the program as the SAAD Provincial Coordinator for Compostela Valley. He passed away on July 11, 2018.
SAAD visits projects in ZaNorte
DA Region IX also prepared a field visitation to monitor some SAAD projects implemented in ZaNorte.
On the 9th of August 2018, SAAD implementers visited the Layer Chicken Egg Machine Production in New Siquijor, Mutia and the Sweet Corn & Goat Production in Sta. Catalina, La Libertad. ###
Writer: Jhomai Canlas, SAAD PR & Communications Officer
