MIMAROPA, December 21, 2023 – To increase their income from banana and adlai production, fifty (50) farmers from Calatrava, Romblon, and Balabac, Palawan received Php 435,600 livelihood support from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA.

The recipients who are members of Pequiño Farmers Association and Cardama Rural Improvement Club (RIC) accepted 5,000 banana suckers, 15 bags of adlai planting materials, and 15 plastic crates which are part of the Coconut Production Intercropping with Fruit Trees and Other Planting Materials and Banana Processing Projects of SAAD Phase 2 in the province.

Pequiño Farmers Association (PFA)

Composed of 25 members, the PFA received 5,000 pieces of banana sucker and 15 bags of adlai planting materials amounting to Php 420,000. Prior to receiving these interventions, the association underwent Specialized Training in Intercropping Technology.

Cultivated in a one-hectare communal farm located in Brgy. Balogo, the bananas are expected to be harvested in January to March 2024. The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) MIMAROPA will assist the FA in linking them to potential markets.

Adlai and bananas can be processed into value-added products to support local markets and add economic value. As a staple grain, adlai offers a nutritious substitute for rice. Both crops’ adaptability and sustainability fit in with ecologically friendly farming methods, supporting soil preservation and climate resilience.

Carwang Danglis Maubas Rural Improvement Club (CarDaMa RIC)

On the other hand, the Cardama Rural Improvement Club (CRIC) in Poblacion IV, Balabac, Palawan, received 15 pieces of plastic crates valued at Php 15,600 for their banana processing project. Additionally, they are set to receive processing utensils, an oven toaster, and a sealer worth Php 395,000.

During beneficiary needs assessment (BNA), association members collectively expressed their eagerness for postharvest assistance, given that banana production was a predominant agricultural activity in their community.

Prior to the receipt of livelihood interventions, the CarDaMa RIC members were prepared on livelihood and business management through Entrepreneurial Mind-setting Training facilitated by Rustom Gonzaga of AMAD MIMAROPA.

Both associations also underwent Capability-Building Training under the Social Preparation Component of the SAAD to strengthen their foundation and develop their skills, knowledge, and abilities to better manage their resources and increase productivity. ###

Writer: Melissa F. Lingco, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Information Officer II
Sources: Engr. Maiden Marie M. Segui, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Associate Project Officer II
Ian Von Yadao, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Community Development Officer II
Relan Sabac, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Community Development Officer II