EASTERN SAMAR—The onset of the monsoon season did not stop the culmination and mass induction rites of four (4) association officials held at the covered court of Barangay Sabang, Oras, Eastern Samar on 5 June 2018. Despite the heavy rain, the swine and goat farmers were undaunted because they believed that with the rains come bountiful blessings.

And so the blessings came in the form of incentives that the gracious and amiable Mayor of the Municipality of Oras Hon. Viviane P. Alvarez committed two (2) piglets that will be given to each of the top three farmers who, upon harvest of the hogs they raised for the 2017 program implementation, obtained the highest gross weight. Evangeline C. Moscosa (Brgy. Sabang), Arnel T. Moscosa (Brgy. Nadacpan), and Romeo C. Caliba (Brgy. Pangudtan)—whose hogs weighed 91.0 kg, 90.0 kg, and 86.0 kg, respectively—could not contain their happiness upon learning that they would receive this unexpected present from the Local Chief Executive (LCE).

Three of the four quadrant barangays Sabang, Nadacpan, and Pangudtan are recipients of the Swine Production Project of SAAD Program, while the fourth – Brgy. Saurong, is a recipient of the Goat Production Project. These farmers from the interior barangays belong to the poorest of the poor; hence, they were chosen as beneficiaries.

At their own initiative but with active support of the Office of the Municipal Agricultural Services, the recipients organized themselves, elected the officers of their respective associations, and held the induction ceremony. According to Provincial Coordinator (PC) of SAAD–PPMSO Eastern Samar Ms. Jeanrose G. Basilan, among the program–covered areas, the event was the first that ever happened in the province. During her speech, PC Basilan commended them for their efforts to form an association, which means they are currently a notch above the rest.

With the guidance of the supportive and facilitative Agricultural Technologist (AT) Ms. Leonora B. Japzon, and Municipal Agriculturist (MA) Mr. Salvador Dalosa, the farmer-partners formulated a five–year Livestock Development Plan, detailing the joint plans of the associations until 2022, and how they could sustain the swine and goat projects to benefit other members of the communities who are not SAAD Program beneficiaries.

In their inspirational messages, Mayor Alvarez and Sangguniang Barangay (SB) Member Mr. Benito Colico urged all those present to love and cherish (higugmaon ngan ugopan) the project, and even make some personal sacrifices, for in the end, their efforts will surely not be in vain. The activity ended on a happy note with the ubiquitous curacha (traditional native dance) that raised funds for the associations. ###

Writer: Michael F. Dabuet, DA-RFO 8 Adminstrative Officer III

Copy Editor: Ela Arciaga, SAAD NPMO PR & Communications Officer

Originally published on Peryodikit – July News Round-Up (Issue No. VI, Volume No. II Series of 2018), Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development Program (DA-SAAD) Regional Field Office VIII Official Publication