QUEZON CITY, June 24, 2021 – The Central Luzon State University (CLSU) will evaluate the social preparation activities of the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program in relation to the establishment of community-based enterprises.

CLSU is an institution specializing in impact evaluation and studies in the agriculture and fisheries sectors of the country.

A memorandum of agreement between the DA-SAAD through Secretary William D. Dar and the CLSU by President Edgar A. Orden was signed on June 23.

The university will partner with 14 state colleges and universities to conduct the assessment in 14 provinces from 6 regions. A total of 2,775 respondents – 215 program implementers and 2,560 beneficiaries – will be interviewed via survey, focus group discussion, and key informant interview.

“The program is in its 5th year of implementation thus a need for an evaluation,” said SAAD Director Myer G. Mula.

The 6-month study with a project fund of Php 6.7 million will be shouldered by the program to identify issues and concerns on the said activities that would improve the program’s implementation for the remaining year and possibly for 2023 to 2028, if Congress’ request for extension will be approved.

Moreover, the study will be helpful as a guide to other implemented and future DA programs or projects.

The SAAD Program, which started in 2017 until 2022, has four components – two of which are social preparation as well as marketing assistance and enterprise development.

The social preparation activities were conducted to ensure appropriate livelihood interventions were provided to the identified farmers and fisherfolk from the 30 poorest provinces or areas covered by Executive Order No. 50 series of 2018.

The beneficiaries will also attend various capacity-building activities and specialized training to prepare and empower them before the turnover of projects.

Enterprise development is the end goal of the SAAD Program for its farmers and fisherfolk. Implementers will assist in marketing the beneficiaries’ produce and sustaining their livelihood.

“The program provides a holistic development approach to uplift the lives of the farmers and fishers,” shared Director Mula. ###

Writer: Jhomai S. Canlas, Head of SAAD Public Relations and Communications