BOHOL, November 23, 2022 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Bohol recognized performing farmers and associations during the conduct of its stakeholders’ meeting held on November 11, 2022, in Tagbilaran City.
Several Boholano farmers’ and associations received recognition from the previously held DA-SAAD Bohol stakeholders meeting. The basis of the recognition was based on the FAs’ performance in the following criteria: (a) program management; (b) record-keeping; (c) accomplishments and short-term results; (d) quality of produce; (e) innovativeness; and (f) sustainability. These indicators are pillars of improved productivity, product quality, organization harmony, and success in community enterprise operations.
The DA-Regional Field Office 7 (DA-RFO 7) Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations, Engr. Cirilo N. Namoc spearheaded the ceremony and awarded the successful farmers and farmers’ associations (FAs) from the five (5) SAAD-covered areas for their outstanding outputs and contributions to the Program’s success.
Aside from group awards, RTD Namoc also recognized five (5) individual farmers for their outstanding performance and dedication to the projects. These farmers are also members of SAAD FAs namely: Mario O. Lagura from Bien Unido; Nelsa S. Torregosa from Buenavista; Nenita E. Rosas from Getafe; Renante C. Daguing from Mabini; and Melinda B. Binondo from Pres. Carlos P. Garcia. Each received one (1) unit each of the following: wheelbarrow, weighing scale, and pick mattock.
Table 1. Awards and recognition received by the farmersRenante Daguing, president of the Minol Rice and Vegetable Farmers’ Association and this year’s SAAD Best Farmer awardee in Bohol shared the Programs’ impact on his life. Daguing has been a member and a beneficiary since 2019.
“Mapasalamaton kay dako ug tabang sa pagpananum, nakadawat ug drum, seeds, abono, kabaw, ug uban pang mga project nga gihatag. Dako ug tabang ang programa kay nakapahuman kos akong bata sa college ug nakapaskwela sa akong mga anak, nakapalit ko ug gamit pang basak, buntang pambalay, ug pagkaon. Mapasalamaton ko kay naapil kos programa sukad 2019,” he shared.
(I am thankful for the great help in planting, receiving drum, seeds, fertilizer, carabao, and other projects that were given. The Program was a great help because my daughter finished her college studies and I was able to send my other children to school, also I invested in equipment , home appliances, and food. I am grateful that I have been included in the Program since 2019.)
“On behalf sa uban nakong kauban sa groupo, mapasalamaton mi kay libre mi tanan. Bisan matapos ang SAAD padayon ra gihapon ko sa akong pagpananum” (On behalf of the members of our association, we thank all the people behind this Program. As the Program nears conclusion, we will continue our farming activities), Daguing added.
Capping up the awarding ceremony, the Minol Rice and Vegetable Farmers Association bagged first place among the SAAD-assisted associations in the province because of their management and projection toward community-based enterprise (CBE).
Among the 41 FAs based in Bohol, Minol Rice and Vegetable Farmers Association has been able to apply for Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) business registration for their enterprise, a huge factor why they won first place. Such registrations are one of the indicators that the CBE is moving towards sustainability.
As a prize, the FA received one (1) unit of a wheelbarrow, weighing scale, and pick mattock. The Campamanog Carabao and Vegetable Farmers Association placed second and received one (1) weighing scale, and pick mattock. The Taytay SAAD Farmers Association placed third and received one (1) unit point steel shovel.
Phase 1 culmination
Although Bohol province remains SAAD-covered for Phase 2, new beneficiaries will be accommodated especially in the additional municipalities.
Correspondingly, the said meeting does not only recognize the farmers and FAs accomplishments but also is a preparation for the turn over of the Phase 1 SAAD beneficiaries to the Municipal Government of Bohol and future endorsements to other government agencies to strengthen the FAs’ operations and sustain their enterprises.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippines Carabao Center (PCC), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were among the government agencies present at the meeting. The three (3) agencies presented different services to offer to the FAs.
The DOST offered assistance particular for value-adding in products and packaging for the FAs’ squash, peanut butter, vegetable pickles, and ice cream products.
Meanwhile, PCC has been DA-SAAD 7’s partner agency since 2019. PCC discussed the following services: Bull loan option, Artificial Insemination, and carabao milking enterprise opportunity to help carabao production and boost cara-products in the area.
Additionally, DTI walked through the FA on their program for Small and Medium Enterprises through their Negosyo Centers and oriented the FAs how to avail of the said services.
As the Program expands to Phase 2, it ensures the proper turnover of its Phase 1 beneficiaries and their capacity to be independent and continue operations, all under one vision of the Program to increase food production and alleviate poverty. ###
Writer: Jolina Daño, DA-SAAD Region 7 Information Officer
Sources: Maria Reigelyn Malarijes, DA-SAAD Bohol Provincial Coordinator
Photo documentation: DA-SAAD Region 7 and DA RFO VII-RAFIS
