BENGUET, April 11, 2024 – A group of 30 farmers in Tublay, Benguet is set to embark on a new venture this year through the livelihood assistance of the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2.

The Tublay Central Aduyon Farmers’ Association (TCAFA) received approval for their project, “Highland Vegetable Production and Marketing of Bell Pepper, Pole Beans and Cucumber.” 

TCAFA recently met with DA-SAAD Community Development Officer (CDO) Benny Mangili to discuss the project’s implementation details. The distribution of agricultural inputs to beneficiaries is expected by the third quarter of 2024. Additionally, the importance of establishing clear guidelines for effective project execution was emphasized.

Tublay farmers will work together to cultivate a 1-hectare communal garden. According to Mangili, these farmers primarily focus on vegetable farming, making them a perfect fit for this initiative.

Prior to project implementation, TCAFA underwent a six-month social preparation program under DA-SAAD. This program included orientation sessions, project planning workshops, and beneficiary needs assessments. The goal was to ensure a common understanding of the project’s goals and roles of all stakeholders involved.

TCAFA President Fausta Pedro highlighted the project’s potential to uplift their lives and ensure the sustainability of their agricultural practices. This optimism is shared by Secretary Maria Tictic Kisse, who emphasized their hope for a more secure future.

“We expect sa SAAD 2024, ay matulungan kami maka-angat lalong-lalo na sa agricultural farming at ma-sustain ang mga kailangan namin para sa agricultural farming,”  said Kisse. 

Through the livelihood project of SAAD, TCAFA hopes to not only enhance their existing vegetable production activities, but also establish new market connections. This could lead to a significant increase in their farm income and eventual establishment of a community-based enterprise.

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Writer: Maria Elena G. Catajan, SAAD CAR Information Officer 2 

Sources: Benny Mangili, SAAD Community Development Officer