SURIGAO DEL SUR, October 5, 2021— The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recognized another set of outstanding farmers and fishers of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program during the SAAD Saga in Surigao del Sur.
The second leg of the three-part SAAD Saga gathered representatives from 27 SAAD-assisted farmers and fishers’ groups and 9 representatives from partner local government units in the province on October 1 in Tandag City.
Seven farmers’ associations in the agriculture sector (DA) engaging in poultry, goat, and camote production; and five groups and individuals from the fishery sector (BFAR) engaging in milkfish and tilapia production were nominated.
After both agencies conducted separate evaluations, the following were identified as the outstanding beneficiaries in the province:
Agriculture Sector
- Balete Chicken Growers Association (31 members) – Bayabas
- Mag-uumang Manobo sa Hinapoyan Association (50 members) – Carmen
- Cancavan Corn Growers Association (21 members) – Carmen
Fishery Sector
- Soong Fisherfolk Association II (20 members) – Tago
- Samahan ng mga Mangingisda sa Barcelona (23 members) – Lingig
- Joel Gatillo (individual) – Bayabas
This year’s SAAD Saga focuses on recognizing the exemplary beneficiaries of the program in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur, both priority provinces of the SAAD Program in Caraga. Top three implementers from both provinces will compete once again during the SAAD Saga regional.
SAAD Saga Regional
The SAAD Saga regional level will be conducted at Bislig City Cultural Center and Sports Center on October 5. With the unprecedented protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the culminating event will follow a mixed approach: face-to-face and virtual.
Regional finalists from DA and BFAR, SAAD regional implementers, select national counterparts, and partners within the region will join the event physically. Guests and other relevant stakeholders outside Caraga will participate via Google Meet conference.
The regional event will showcase products from the finalists. Similar to the provincial events, the top three project implementers will be recognized at the end of the event.
Prizes worth of project will be allocated for agriculture in the amount of Php 250,000 for the grand winner, Php 150,000 for the 2nd, and Php 120,000 for the 3rd. Meanwhile, the three non-placers will receive Php 60,000 worth of interventions as consolation prizes.
However, for the fishery sector, BFAR will award project to the following: 1st place – Php 40,000; 2nd place – Php 30,000; and 3rd place – Php 20,000 worth of inputs.
The SAAD Saga is a relevant initiative of the program as it focuses on enterprise development. The event provides an avenue for information exchange, knowledge sharing, and feedback that can determine the challenges in the implementation and identify opportunities for improvement. ###
Writer: Mark Angelo Pineda, Information Officer- DA-SAAD Caraga
