SIQUIJOR, December 6, 2023 – National Program Director Ulysses J. Lustria, Jr of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) led the official launching of SAAD Phase 2 and turnover of Phase 1 beneficiaries to their respective local government units (LGUs) in Siquijor, November 24. 

During the activity, 25 farmers associations from 42 barangays in municipalities of Maria, Lazi, Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor, Larena, and San Juan, Siquijor were given recognition for their dedication to manage various livelihood projects, with commodities such as integrated corn and peanut, integrated corn, cassava, mongo, and poultry, integrated vegetable and poultry, upgraded goat, upgraded cattle, dragon fruit, and poultry. Said projects benefited a total of 1,583 farmers.  

In his speech, Dir. Lustria Jr acknowledged the regional and local partners, being the government nearest to the rural populace support, for regularly monitoring and providing technical assistance to the SAAD beneficiaries in their areas, and for helping the program achieve its goal in contributing to poverty reduction as well as uplifting the lives of the farmers and fishers in rural areas.

 “Ang vision ng SAAD ay [The vision of SAAD is) gusto lang naman natin ng (we just want) socio-economically empowered farmers. Lahat nang ginagawa ng SAAD ay (Everything that SAAD does are) towards that goal,” Dir. Lustria Jr. emphasized. 

He also looks forward to continued partnership and cross-functional collaboration with the LGUs as the program commences its Phase 2 implementation in Siquijor.

Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Joel A. Elumba expressed the Program’s commitment to supporting local farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture. He highlighted that Phase 2 is designed to continue what Phase 1 has started– to further empower local communities and create a lasting impact on the lives of the beneficiaries.

“SAAD is a promise, and while there is an extension, there is an expansion…because it shows nga mas effective ang SAAD [that SAAD is more effective], mas nakatabang sa income sa farmers [contributed to farmer’s income]. These projects represent our dedication to help alleviate poverty among farmers in the country,” Dir. Elumba stated.

Attended by local government officials, farmers, and representatives from the DA, the ceremony showcased the collaborative efforts of the DA Regional Office 7, DA-PATCO Siquijor, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Veterinary Office, the 6 Municipal Agricultural Offices, and partner agencies in enhancing the agricultural sector of Siquijor. The projects, which are part of the DA’s comprehensive rural development strategy, aim to enhance farming techniques, increase productivity, and improve local farmers’ livelihoods.

SAAD Phase 2 in Siquijor will cover four (4) municipalities including Maria, Enrique Villanueva, San Juan and Larena targeting 8 FAs with 200 members to benefit from chicken egg production projects from FY 2023 to 2025.

Writer: Jessica R. Alvero, DA SAAD Central Visayas Information Officer
Sources: Romeo Ruel M. Paras, DA SAAD Central Visayas PRDC Unit Head
SAAD Siquijor PPMSO, SAAD Siquijor Area Coordinators