SOUTH COTABATO, February 6, 2024 – In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing community engagement and sustainable agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture Region 12 – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA 12-SAAD) spearheaded a transformative cascading training program on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA).

Over 25 participants were introduced to PRA concepts and methodologies in the initial phase of the training which kicked off in General Santos City last November 20-24, 2023.

Demonstrating the practical application of PRA principles, DA12-SAAD organized visits to the municipalities of Maasim and Kiamba in Sarangani Province. These areas, also being target beneficiaries of DA12-SAAD, were selected as sites for conducting the program for its agricultural significance.

The visit in Maasim provided participants with an opportunity to engage directly with local farmers. Through participatory mapping exercises and resource analysis, staff members and trainers gained insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural community.

Meanwhile, the simultaneous visit in Kiamba made it possible for the team to understand the diverse agricultural landscape and the aspirations of the local population. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, conducting community consultations and collaborative mapping of agricultural lands.

These activities facilitated a deeper connection between DA12-SAAD staff and the communities they serve, fostering a more inclusive and participatory approach to agricultural development.

Engr. Julie Mie Belongan, SAAD OPBME Unit Head,  expressed optimism about the cascading training and the on-site participatory activities.

“By integrating PRA into the agricultural development process and visiting the communities we serve, we aim to empower our staff to work more collaboratively with local stakeholders. This approach ensures that the agricultural projects we implement are not only technically sound but also rooted in the specific needs and aspirations of the people we serve,” Belongan said.

Participatory Rural Appraisal

PRA is a dynamic and inclusive method that involves community members in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development projects. This training covers a wide range of topics, including community mapping, resource analysis, participatory decision-making, and the identification of key stakeholders in community development.

Initiating the cascading training, DA12-SAAD has a core group of trainers and expert facilitators who are well-versed in PRA methodologies. These trainers will then pass on their knowledge to a selected group of staff members from other units such as the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) unit, Information Technology and Database Development (ITDD) unit, and the Public Relations and Communications (PRC) Unit who will be the next trainers during the actual conduct of the PRA Activities targeted  to reaching  the  beneficiaries in Region 12.

This pioneering approach is set to empower staff members across the region, creating a ripple effect of knowledge and skill-building that promises to reshape agricultural development practices in the area.

Starting this year, the team will begin to visit and conduct PRA activities across SOCCSKSARGEN. ###

Writer: Vincent Rae T. Porras, DA-SAAD Region 12 Information Officer
Sources: John B. Pascual, DA-SAAD Regional Focal Person, Engr. Julie Mie Y. Belongan, DA-SAAD 12 Sr., Regional OPBME Head, Justin G. Aquino, DA-SAAD 12 Information Officer, Ruel S. Pascua, DA-SAAD 12 Data Controller, Jimboy A. Ago, DA-SAAD 12 Associate Project Office