SOUTHERN LEYTE, September 5, 2023 – Three (3) farmers’ associations (FAs) in Southern Leyte received intervention worth Php 1,861,000.00 under FY 2022 as part of the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) component of the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agriculture Development (DA-SAAD) Eastern Visayas. 

On May 6, 2023, the SAAD Program Phase 1 completed the delivery of inputs for the Broiler and Corn Production and Marketing Enterprise project amounting to Php 621,000.00 to the United Farmers Association of Pangi (UNIFAP) in Libagon. The Dao Integrated Farmers Association (DIFA) of Bontoc and Habay Women’s Association (HWA) in San Francisco were awarded Broiler and Vegetable Production Marketing Enterprise projects amounting to Php 620,000.00 each.

During the distribution of the livelihood interventions, the Municipal Agriculturists of Libagon, Bontoc, and San Francisco witnessed the distribution. On the other hand, DA-Livestock Regional Program Focal, Dr. Felicidada Anthea Naputo conducted a brief orientation on the  proper handling of the said projects.

Ms. Cecilia Cascas, UNIFAP president, together with the 19 members, expressed their warm and deep appreciation upon receiving the said interventions.

She said “Nagpapasalamat kami sa SAAD nga gitabangan kami hangtod karon. Ampingan namo ang mga project kay ila mi gitabangan,” (We are thankful to SAAD that, until now, they are still there to help. We promise to take really good care of the projects they have given to us.)

At present, the FAs provides eggs to nearby community markets in the area,  grocery and sari-sari stores, municipal jails, and during market days in the municipalities of  Libagon, Bontoc and San Francisco.

They also participated in the agri-trade fairs.

As they continue to explore new avenues of growth, the FAs plan to establish an Agri -minimart  for displaying their products.  They  are also eyeing  big establishments to become one of the largest suppliers in their local market.

In this, SAAD PPMSO Southern Leyte team and MAED will continue to monitor the projects. These FAs will be endorsed later to their respective LGUs for continuous support.###

Writer:    Justine May A. Delloro, DA-SAAD Region 8 Information Officer
Sources:  Rovelyn V. Timkang, DA-SAAD Region 8 Community Development Officer
Jocelyn A. Cabañas, DA-SAAD Region 8 Associate Project Officer