EASTERN VISAYAS, August 19, 2022 – The Department of Agriculture- Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program of Region 8 achieved 73.8 % of its obligation and 11.23% disbursement from the Php 135,998,000 total budget for FY 2022. This was reported during the 2nd Quarter SAAD Regional Assessment held in Hotel Consuelo, Tacloban City from August 11-12, 2022. 

The two-day activity was led by Ms. Ferlynn Basañez, SAAD Action Officer together with the Agricultural Program Coordinating Officers (APCOs) of the five SAAD-covered provinces namely Leyte, Southern Leyte, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Samar, regional and provincial staff, and representative from the Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division.

SAAD partner, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Regional Program Coordinator Mr. Noel Villones provided updates on the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) and the Sustainable Livelihood Project (SLP) initiatives. With the agency’s representatives – Engineer Ryan Surban and Ms. Maria Cristina Manicani, program strategies and the governments’ collaborative efforts in addressing critical concerns on hunger mitigation, food and nutrition insecurity, and poverty reduction were discussed. 

After the presentation of accomplishments and status, the regional office laid out its plans and directives for FY 2023 as the SAAD Program will continue for its Phase 2:

• Start the validation of farmer-beneficiaries in coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) under the 5th and 6th class income class municipality.
• Relay the information based on the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recommendation that Region 8 will have an allocation of Php 143,971,000 for the FY 2023 (subject for GAA approval). 

While preparing for the next phase, the management office will also intensify its efforts to obligate and disburse its fund and close all accountabilities as Phase 1 completes.

In her closing remark, Ms. Basañez urged the SAAD field implementers to maintain close coordination with the regional office and report the issues and concerns encountered, thus, immediate actions will be taken. ###

 Writer: Arnold Nombre, DA- SAAD Region 8, Computer Programmer