SURIGAO DEL SUR, November 17, 2021 — Farmer-partners from 32 assisted associations of the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Caraga Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program underwent training on enterprise development to be agripreneurs.

Thirty (30) farmers from Agusan del Sur participated in the first leg of the training in San Francisco on November 10, while 44 farmers from Surigao del Sur joined the second leg in Tandag City on November 12.

In 2021, the DA-Caraga SAAD Program entered its enterprise management stage, the final phase of its three-year roadmap. As a relevant initiative, the program focuses on improving the entrepreneurial skills of its farmer-partners.

The training focused on developing and sustaining an enterprise and practical approaches to overcoming related challenges.

In March 2021, the program conducted a related training on market identification among the same groups, teaching them how to develop a marketing plan and profile target markets. The series of related training is part of the Php 1.6 million funds allocated by the program to assist the farmers as they embark on value-adding, product packaging and labeling, among other entrepreneurial activities.

Marketing Specialist Marilou E. Gruyal of the DA 13 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), who served as the resource person of the training, encouraged the farmers to seek additional support from other agencies.

“Aside from the assistance available at the DA, you can tap your local government units (LGUs) to support your expansion plans. If you need external financial support, seek it provided that you are a responsible payer. You are already a company, so I encourage you to act like one,” she said.

SAAD-funded livelihood projects in Agusan del Sur include abaca, cacao, and rice production established in San Luis, Talacogon, Rosario, and Veruela.

Meanwhile, the projects in Surigao del Sur include native chicken, goat, camote, ube, and corn production established in Lingig, Carmen, Bayabas, and Bislig City.

Wrapping up the year, the SAAD Program will conduct another training on interpersonal development skills in November to help improve the farmers’ management and leadership skills. ###

Writer: Mark Angelo Pineda, Information Officer- DA-SAAD Caraga