OCCIDENTAL MINDORO, August 30, 2023 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in MIMAROPA distributed Php 2,445,905.56 worth of interventions under the Lowland Rice, Corn, and Cattle Production Projects to three (3) newly established associations in Looc, Occidental Mindoro.

Last June 20, 2023, the livelihood distribution was attended by a total of 70 farmers from the following farmers’ associations (FAs) namely, Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Ambil, Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Balikyas, and Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Bulacan.

Said FAs received the agricultural inputs and equipment packages which include NPK and micronutrient liquid fertilizers (1.1 liters), hermetic storage cocoon, hand tractors (2), pumps and engines (2), hybrid corn seeds (50 bags), and cattle (25 head).

Table 1. Livelihood projects received by three (3) Looc farmers associations

Through this, the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Ambil received the Lowland Rice Production Project from the program, while members of the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Balikyas received the Corn Production Project. Alongside, the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Bulacan was provided with the Cattle Production Project.

The distribution was led by SAAD MIMAROPA Assistant Regional Focal Person and DA Regional Field Office (RFO) MIMAROPA Regional Technical Director for Operations, Dr. Celso Olido, and SAAD MIMAROPA Regional lead, Marissa Vargas, with Looc Mayor Marlon V. Dela Torre, Vice Mayor Jose S. Nobelo, Municipal Agriculture Officer Zaldy V. Villarosa, Zernan Tolledo representing Congressman Leody F. Tarriela, and Municipal Councilors Orlando Zubiri, Richard Quiñones, Belson Jan Valderas, and Stanley Tristan.

Director Olido urged the farmers to take care of and maximize the projects granted to them by the program. They also expressed their gratitude for the full support, cooperation, and acceptance of the local government for the programs, projects, and activities brought by SAAD to Looc, as one of the program covered areas.

“Gusto namin (na) itong binigay na tulong ng SAAD ay gamitin ninyo para lalo pa tayong umunlad at kumita ang kabuhayan at umangat ang ating pamumuhay sa bawat barangay. Iyan po ang layunin ng SAAD,” expressed Dr. Olido.

(We encourage you to utilize the assistance offered by SAAD to foster continued development, generate income, and enhance the quality of life in each barangay. This embodies the core objective of SAAD.)

Mayor Dela Torre along with the farmers expressed their gratitude to the Department of Agriculture and the SAAD Program Phase 2 for including Looc as one of the program target areas.

“Mapalad tayo na napasama kahit napakalayo at napakaliit ng bayan ng Looc (ay) hindi tayo kinalimutan. Maraming salamat. Sana po maging successful ang programang ito,” said Mayor Dela Torre.

(We feel fortunate that even though Looc is a remote and small town, it has not been overlooked. Thank you so much. With great optimism, we hope for the success of this program.) 

“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga biyayang ibinigay ng gobyerno, sa DA, sana po ay tuloy-tuloy na ang pagpapaunlad sa amin ng kapwa ko magsasaka,” added Ms. Hiderly V. Verdera, Vice President of the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Ambil.

(I am thankful for the blessings given by the government. To the Department of Agriculture (DA), I express my hope for the progress and advancement of my fellow farmers.)

Following the distribution of interventions, said FAs underwent specialized training last June, aimed to equip them with essential skills in organizational and project management, ensuring effective project implementation.

Meanwhile, the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Ambil and  Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Balikyas are expected to harvest their crop produce during the last quarter of 2023. Alongside, members of Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Bulacan are expected to venture into multiplier farm in the coming year of 2024. ###

Writer: Melissa F. Lingco, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Information Officer
Sources: Oliver B. Cosme, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Area Coordinator – Looc, Maiden Marie M. Segue, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Associate Project Officer