BAGUIO CITY, April 3, 2024 – To further support farmers’ associations (FAs) in adopting effective bookkeeping practices, development workers of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program are set to conduct on-site cascading of bookkeeping lessons and mentoring among beneficiaries across priority municipalities in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).  

SAAD CAR implementers will rollout a training program for farmers prior to the distribution of livelihood projects by the third quarter this year. They aim to provide members of 82 FAs with the necessary bookkeeping so they could track their income, expenses, and investments accurately. By maintaining proper financial records, farmers can make informed decisions about resource allocation, budgeting, and investment opportunities. 

The said initiative is set to be a continuation of a recently conducted refresher course titled “Simplified Bookkeeping Accounting for Non-Accountants” last March 5, 2024, under the guidance of Marketing Specialist II Garp Kimayong of the DA-CAR Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division. 

The participants consisted of 16 SAAD Community Development Officers (CDO), three (3) Associate Project Officers, one (1) Information Officer, two (2) data controllers, and two (2) Administrative Assistants. They engaged in group activities designed to facilitate effective learning. The results are then processed and evaluated by Mr. Kimayong, allowing for valuable feedback and reinforcement of key concepts.

“Farmers can be bookkeepers, too, with the help of our SAAD officers,” said Kimayong as he recognized the vital role of knowledgeable and supportive SAAD development workers in empowering farmers. With their guidance, farmers can confidently embrace bookkeeping practices, make informed decisions, and optimize their agricultural operations for long-term success.

With the on-site cascading of bookkeeping lessons and mentoring, the development workers of the SAAD Program are ensuring that farmers’ associations receive hands-on support and guidance in implementing proper bookkeeping practices. This personalized approach aims to enhance financial management skills of farmers who are expected to develop and establish their respective community-based enterprises. 

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Writer: Maria Elena G. Catajan

Sources: Garp Kimayong, DA-CAR Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD)