“What the mind can conceive, the body can achieve.”
This was the inspirational quote that the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) 8 imparted in its presentation during the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program 2nd Quarter Physical and Financial Assessment held at Manuel’s Resort, Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte on 6–10 August 2018.
The assessment was spearheaded by the National Program Management Office (NMPO) led by SAAD Program National Director Bernadette F. San Juan. The Monitoring and Evaluation Division (MED) of DA–Central Office (CO) was ably represented by two (2) staff. Eight (8) Regional Field Offices (RFOs), namely: CAR, RFOs 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 were likewise represented. RPMSO 8 sent eight (8) participants to attend the activity.
Overall, SAAD Program has a total budget of Php 721,268,000.00 for FY 2018. As of June 30, it had obligated 57.03% of the amount. Versus the first semester target of Php 540,951,000.00, the program reached 76.04% obligation amounting to Php 411,357,930.00.
Region 8 ranked 1st in financial obligations reaching 87.79% of the annual obligations, out of the Php 126,670,000.00 allocation. CAR followed with 86.92%, and Region 5, with 74.70%.
As against 1st semester targets, Region 8 still ranked 1st with actual percentage of 117.06%. In terms of disbursement, CAR ranked 1st with 180.56% rate based on BED 3. Region 8 ranked 4th with 58.62%.
In recognition for a job well done, RPMSO 8 received a Plaque of Appreciation for being top performer in terms of financial obligations for the 2nd Quarter of FY 2018. Another plaque was given in appreciation for hosting the 1st Quarter National Assessment at Caluwayan Palm Island Resort and Restaurant, Marabut, Samar on 23–27 April 2018.
The assessment incorporated a workshop evaluating the multi–year proposals for 2020–2022 during the 3rd day. The rating sheet was discussed and provided to the regional representatives for use in the evaluation. In addition, a template for farm recordkeeping was presented by NPMO for further deliberation by RPMSOs, wherein valid suggestions/recommendations will be incorporated in the final version of the farm record.
Agreements were documented, and these will be furnished the regions in a form of memorandum highlighting the main points made during the event.
A field visit was conducted on the 4th day to SAAD Program beneficiaries of Poultry, Goat, and Corn Production Projects, specifically in the municipalities of Mutya and La Libertad, Zamboanga del Norte.
At the early part of 2018, Dr. Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, DA–RFO 8 Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations and SAAD RPMSO 8 Focal Person, claimed that 2018 means Number 1, Region 8. Serendipitously, the claim is proving to be true. ###
Writer: Vilvic L. Ilo, DA-RFO 8 Project Evaluation Officer
Copy Editor: Ela Arciaga, SAAD NPMO PR & Communications Officer
Originally published on Peryodikit – August News (Issue No. VIII, Volume No. II Series of 2018), Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development Program (DA-SAAD) Regional Field Office VIII Official Publication
