EASTERN SAMAR, August 15, 2023 – To enhance values, leadership, financial literacy and foster community participation, 12 newly established farmers associations (FAs) underwent social preparation activities organized by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in Eastern Visayas.
In a two (2) – month series of social preparation activities, 240 members from 12 newly organized groups from Lawaan, Giporlos, Mercedes, Salcedo, Quinapondan, Gen. MacArthur, San Policarpo, San Julian, Balangkayan, Maslog, Jipapad, and Hernani municipalities are now prepped up to receive livelihood projects that address livelihood needs.
The rebuilding values module discussed the enhancement of personal connection and commitment to their activities, communication, and financial management.
The “soc prep” activities were led by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of the 12 local government units (LGUs).
Table 1: Eastern Samar Number of Social Preparation ParticipantsPrior to the activities, farmers underwent Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) which showed that most of them are engaged in coconut farming, vegetable (pinakbet), rice, root crops production, and backyard hog raising. Further, the BNA revealed that groups are in need of organizational development training to provide the members skills on project management and leadership.
Mr. Florentino Abolencia, a member of Tanglad Rice Farmers Association expressed his deepest appreciation for the training and the projects to be granted.
“Dako it amon pagpasalamat nga nahimugso ine nga training tikang han DA-SAAD. Naghuhuna-huna ako nga makakabulig gud ine ha amon. Nagpapasalamat kami nga pinaagi hine nga programa, magkakamay-ada kami panginabuhi,” Mr. Abolencia shared.
(We are thankful that through the DA-SAAD, this training was implemented. This will be a great help to our lives. We are also grateful that we will have another livelihood to look forward to in this program.)
“Tatalinguhaon namon nga ine nga tiarabot nga proyekto nga maging mainuswagon agud maging susbaranan liwat kami han iba nga asosasyon,” he added.
(We will make sure to take good care of the project to be given to us so that we will prosper and that we may become a good role model to other associations).
The 12 FAs also received specialized training in the second week of July, 2023 related to the livelihood projects they are expected to receive.
Writer: Justine May A. Delloro, DA-SAAD Eastern Visayas Information Officer
Source: Marlyn D. Gordora, DA-SAAD Eastern Visayas Community Development officer