CEBU CITY, February 8, 2022 – The Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program-Central Visayas held a three-day Assessment and Planning Workshop to evaluate implemented projects and prepare for future development in the region.

“Our aim is to speed up the implementation of the DA-SAAD program in 2022.”

This is the statement of the SAAD program focal person, Ms. Mae Montecillo, in her message during the region-wide FY 2021 assessment and FY 2022 planning workshop held in Cebu City from February 2 to 4, 2022.

Physical and financial records show that from the FY 2021 budget of Php 102.67 million, the region concluded at 93% obligation with 32% disbursement.

Table 1. Region 7 FY 2021 Annual Agriculture Sector Fund Utilization

Ms. Montecillo discussed that one of the opportunities identified in the low disbursement rate is the lack of foresight in project implementation such as with Infrastructure projects wherein documents like a deed of donations, road right of way, and other pertinent documents must first be considered prior to project implementation. To speed up the program execution, Ms. Montecillo highlighted the importance of open communication and creating a timeline to help address the concerns that hamper the speedy implementation.

“Being mindful of the needed documents and settling the un-deliverables will help the program move forward. Targets should be plotted considering the 2022 Election ban”, Ms. Montecillo added.

During the workshop, concerned sections of the regional office were invited to craft solutions and recommendations for the program.

Each province proposed training that will help the project implementers improve. As suggested by General Service Section Chief Joseph Rommel Bascar, SAAD staff are encouraged to research ahead and utilize manpower with a field of expertise before conducting the proposed training.

Each Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) was tasked to report updates on continuing projects, 2022 targets, calendar of activities, SAAD Saga plans, and Ani at Kita highlights.

Meanwhile, Ms. Montecillo presented updates on possible SAAD extension for Phase 2 which includes criteria for selection, such as 5th-6th class local government units. She asked assistance from provincial and area coordinators to complete the targets.

Present in the activity were Administrative and Finance Division Chief Melquiades B. Ibarra, Institutional Development Services (IDS)  Acting Chief Soledad Bensi, General Services Section (GS) Chief Joseph Rommel Bascar, Ligaya A. Ebarita from Agriculture Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), Engr. Roy Manzano and Engr. Marcial T. Agad from Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), Bohol Provincial Focal Ian Egam, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bohol Provincial Coordinators, Area Coordinators, Action Officers, Siquijor and Bohol Information Technology staff, Administrative Officers, Regional Budget Officer, Training Coordinator, and the rest of SAAD RPMSO staff. ###

Writer: Jolina Daño, Information Officer, DA-SAAD Region 7