APAYAO, August 25, 2021 – The Nagbabalayan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (NFFA) in Kabugao, Apayao received the first set of inputs of the Integrated Fruit Trees and Peanut Project from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.

The inputs, which consists of 1,200 lanzones seedlings and 60 plastic crates worth Php 931,230 under FY 2021 fund, were awarded to the NFFA on August 10.

The project aims at helping farmers strengthen fruit production capacity since their area is also a rising fruit basket in Apayao.

The said association is composed of 20 beneficiaries from the indigenous Isnag community who received 60 seedlings and three plastic trays each. 

“Umuna, kayat ko nga pasalamatan iti Diyos iti agnanayun nga blessings. Dakel nga pinagyaman mi iti SAAD program, kin iti agnanayun nga suporta iti implementers, nga uray kasanu iti kinaadayu iti lugar mi umay da lata nga dumanun tapno maikkan kami iti supporta nga mabalin pagbiyagan. Kin nangrunruna ita nga pandemya, itul-tuluy yu lata iti dumanun tapno matulungan kami.  Etuy nga proyekto iti babaen ti Fruit Trees and Peanut Production nga apan mi rugyanan ket namnamaen mi nga makatulong to nga mangted kanyami iti pagbiyagan bilang fruit producers,” shared NFFA chairperson Frederick O. Balbal.

[First, I would like to thank God for the unending blessings. Knowing that we live in remote areas, the SAAD Program and its implementers continue to provide us with livelihood assistance. Now that we are in the midst of a crisis, I would also like to mention also that SAAD field implementers are risking their lives just to provide us with technical support. As we begin with Fruit Trees and Peanut Production, we are hoping that this will help us in terms of livelihood as we turn into efficient fruit producers.]

The second component scheduled for delivery consists of 300 kilograms of peanut seeds, 60 bags of fertilizer, 20 bags of urea, 10 drying nets, 10 brush cutters, and two power tillers worth Php 763,380. They will be turned over once lockdown measures against COVID-19 have been lifted. Peanut seeds will be cultivated in around 20-hectare clustered areas.

As part of the social preparation, SAAD Project Development Officer Shermyn Pecban said that each of the beneficiaries was validated for having at least 2,500 square meters (sqm) of production area to cater to seedlings.

Apayao LGU-assigned focal person Rhea B. Garcia emphasized the urgency of planting the seedlings to avoid mortalities.

She said the Municipal Agricultural Office will conduct constant monitoring to cater to any assistance needed by the beneficiaries.

“Iti counterpart iti Municipal Agricultural Office ket tumulong kin i-assure nga  agkay-kasya tayu nga rugyanan iti pinag mula tapno 100% tayu nga malpas nga imula agituy naited nga 1,200 pieces of lanzones seedlings ijay production area yo within the end of the month,” shared Ms. Garcia.

[Our counterpart is to ensure and assist the association in transplanting the seedlings. We aim to achieve that at the end of the month, these 1,200 pieces of lanzones are already transplanted to their respective production areas.] ###

 

Writer: Kathleen Faye B. Agonoy, Information Officer I, SAAD Apayao