ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA, May 31, 20223 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development in Zamboanga Peninsula completed its social preparation activities to 545 beneficiaries from the provinces of Zamboanga Del Norte, Zamboanga Del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. 

Held from April 19 to 20, 2023 in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, the event was led by Mr. Alrashid S. Salim, SAAD Regional Report Officer, with 26 participants from Regional (RPMSO) and Provincial Management Support Offices (PPMSOs) of  Zamboanga Sibugay (ZSP), Zamboanga del Norte (ZDN), and Zamboanga del Sur (ZDS). 

Each of the 3 covered provinces reported 100% accomplishment in the conduct of beneficiary needs assessment (BNA) and encoding of farmers profiling per municipalities during the assessment. Alongside, SAAD ZAMPEN is set to roll out the livelihood projects by the following fourth quarter of 2023. In total 20 FAs with 545 members have undergone preparatory stages of the program and are now awaiting for the livelihood inputs rollout.

With a total budget of Php 57,640,000.00 for FY 2023, SAAD Zampen had obligated 38.95% or Php 21,411,999.08, while the disbursement is at 8.17% or Php 1,748,733.65.

Through the assessment, Mr. Alrashid Salim reminded the field implementers to always provide quality service in order to tailor the needs of the beneficiaries.

“Karong second quarter daghan moabot na mga deliveries so ato ni e siguro nga mahimong successful ang atuang implementation sa mga projects karong phase II. Know your duties and responsibilities well. Kung unsa ang atoang mga gaps sa phase I, ato e siguro karong phase II na makorek nato para mas nindot ang resulta ug impact iniining programa sa mga mag-uuma”, said Mr. Salim.

(This coming second quarter we have a lot of inputs to deliver, we should make sure that our projects in this Phase 2 will be successful. Know your duties and responsibilities. What are our gaps during phase 1, that we should fill in and correct so that we can see a much better result and impact of this program in the lives of our farmers.)

Ways forward 

To equip and prepare the program beneficiaries for the implementation of livelihood projects, SAAD Zampen will conduct technical training on rice, corn, banana, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry production, covering 20 FAs from the 20 municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. ###

Writer: Ellaine L. Quiamco, DA SAAD 9 Information Officer