BICOL, October 4, 2022 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Bicol received an overall successful rate in accomplishing all the designated targets for the third quarter of implementation which was recognized during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Regional 3rd Quarter Physical and Financial Assessment and Values Formation Training at Baras, Catanduanes on September 19 to 22, 2022. 

The region’s partial achievements were reported by SAAD Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) Report Officer Ms. Maribeth Mangalino showing an achievement rate of 83.23% obligation and 46.14% disbursement out of the Php 104,494,000.00 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2022. The region also reached its 80% target of delivering the allocated third quarter interventions to 141 farmers’ associations under different commodities such as rice, corn and cassava, high value crops, organic agriculture, and livestock and poultry. 

RPMSO Information Technology (IT) Officer Mr. Jonathan Claro likewise provided updates on the profiling activities of the three Provincial Program Management Support Offices (PPMSOs). Catanduanes posted 99% for their physical accomplishments, while Masbate posted 95%, and Sorsogon with 97%. 

Meanwhile, SAAD Information Officer, Mr. Juan Paulo Quizana presented the number of published articles for the first three quarters. Since the start of the FY 2022, SAAD Bicol has posted 29 press releases. In order to maintain productivity, he ensured clear article delegations and emphasized the importance of data efficiency when writing articles. 

The attendees also participated in the Values Formation training that was led by the Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Salvation Parish, Rev. Fr. Mark Anthony Tasarra. The activity was conducted to capacitate the staff and prepare them in the implementation of SAAD Program Phase 2.  The topics discussed were about attitude and proper outlook in different situations, and stress and trauma management. 

To conclude the agenda, Dr. Rodriguez commended the staff for their performance and urged them to continue delivering quality service to the beneficiaries residing in the far-flung areas of the region. 

The quarterly assessment aims to properly appraise the program’s progress in terms of physical activities and financial status. With Phase 1 nearing its conclusion, SAAD Bicol aims to meet necessary targets and continuously provide assistance to the marginalized farmers in the region.  

The assessment was headed by the SAAD 5 Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla and SAAD Focal Person/Field Operations Division Chief Dr. Mary Grace Rodriguez. It was attended by the personnel of SAAD-covered provinces in Bicol namely Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate together with the SAAD RPMSO staff. ###

Writer: Pauline Trixia D. Borja, DA-SAAD Sorsogon Information Officer

Photos: DA-SAAD Program

Sources:
Maribeth Mangalino, DA-SAAD Region 5 Report Officer
Juan Paulo Quizana, DA-SAAD Region 5 Information Officer
Jovinel Gianan, DA-SAAD Catanduanes Information Officer