GLAN, SARANGANI – Farmer-partners of the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) from Sitio Datalbulol, Barangay Sufatubo, from the municipality of Glan, Sarangani province, harvested upland rice on September 24, 2019.

Members of the Brgy. Sufatubo Farmers Association harvested at least 30 sacks of upland rice. The harvesting activity was spearheaded by SAAD Area Coordinator Ms. Prezy B. Requiso, personnel from the provincial Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sarangani, and the municipal LGU of Glan.

The harvesting was part of the FY 2017 budget.

One beneficiary, Mr. Gorgonio Romasasa and his daughter Marissa expressed their gratitude for the assistance of the SAAD Program. They were pleasantly surprised by their bountiful harvest. They shared that prior to becoming beneficiaries of the program, they struggled to find rice seeds and only planted squash and few other vegetables. Now, they no longer needed to buy rice elsewhere.

Romasasa also benefited from the provision of livestock such as goats and muscovy ducks. The 5 initial ducks he received from the SAAD Program had increased to more than a hundred. Due to the success of their farm, Romasasa was able to buy his own swine. His income had increased enough to support his children’s college education.

Since the intervention of SAAD, their farm has taken notice from former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Gina Lopez, Sarangani Governor Steve C. Solon, and the mother of Senator Manny Pacquiao, Mrs. Dionesia D. Pacquiao.

The mass harvest activity was previously featured in the television program, G Diaries.

The farmer-partners thanked former DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Pinol, Regional Director for Region 12 Milagros C. Casis, and Sarangani Governor Solon for their support.###

Writer: Ian Kevin M. Sevilla, SAAD Public Relations and Communications Officer
Contributor:  Prezy B. Requiso, SAAD RFO XII