AGUSAN DEL NORTE, August 7, 2024 – Twenty-five (25) members of Balangbalang Farmers Organization (BAFO) received the livelihood interventions under the FY 2024 Banana and Egg Production Project worth Php 1.78 million last July 30, 2024.

 

The project was intended for the BAFO to diversify their income streams, optimize land use, and ensure sufficient food production for their families and community. 

 

Before the delivery, BAFO also received Training on Pre- and Post-harvest Technology for Banana to prepare them in project management, proper banana farming, and product marketing last April 29, 2024. 

 

Table 1. Interventions under Banana and Egg Production Project received by BAFO

 

Interventions	Quantity	Unit of measure	Date of Delivery (2024)	Project Cost  (Php)
Banana Planting Materials (Cardava variety)	6,500	pcs	August	325,000.00
Organic Fertilizer	100	bags	October	80,000.00
Complete Fertilizer	25	bags	May	75,000.00
Ammonium Sulfate	25	bags	May	68,750.00
Muriate of Potash	75	bags	May	313,500.00
Urea	50	bags	May	175,000.00
Herbicide	50	liter	May	40,000.00
Fungicide	25	kg	May	21,250.00
Insecticide	25	liter	October	37,500.00
Bunch wrapper	250	kg	October	112,210.00
Farm tools (lagaraw)	25	pcs	April	11,250.00
Basket	25	pcs	October	3,750.00
Vegetable seeds	125	pack	August	41,250.00
Ready to Lay Pullets	96	heads	July	96,400.00
Feeds	60	bags	July	131,900.00
Egg Trays	100	pcs	July	5,000.00
Drugs and biologics	37	number	July	65,000.00
Syringe	1	box	July	500.00
Weighing Scale (egg)	1	unit	July	5,000.00
Water Plastic Drum	2	pcs	July	6,600.00
Net	4	rolls	May	40,000.00
Specialized Training	2	number	conducted	90,000.00
Market-Related Training	1	number	conducted	45,000.00
Total				1,789,860.00

 

During the distribution, Municipal Mayor Richard P. Daquipil thanked the DA-SAAD for its effort in helping the marginalized communities. 

 

“Dako akong pasalamat sa Department of Agriculture sa SAAD program sa gihatag nila. Ang pagkugi, mao ni ang pinaka importante nga atong isukli aning proyekto. Pinaagi ani nga mga proyekto mao ni tulay para molambo ta, mao ni atong dakong pasalamatan.”

 

(I am very grateful to the Department of Agriculture for the SAAD program they have provided. Hard work is the most important thing we can give back to this project. Through these projects, this is the bridge for us to prosper, that is why we are really grateful.)

 

Meanwhile, BAFO Chairman Guillermo B. Gumatay acknowledged and expressed his gratitude for the efforts of DA-SAAD in selecting their organization as a beneficiary. He highlighted that the SAAD intervention is a vital tool in their fight against poverty, offering significant support to improve their livelihoods and economic stability.

 

Banana project management

 

In the banana project management, a total of 6.25 hectares has been targeted for banana production using the Cardava variety. Each member is allocated 0.25 hectares and is responsible for managing their designated area. This includes land preparation, planting, applying fertilizers, water management, sanitation, pest management, and harvesting. The banana planting materials are scheduled to be received in August this year.  

 

Egg project management

 

As additional support for the banana project, BAFO received Ready-to-Lay (RTL) pullets for an egg production project on July 24, 2024. The project includes two modules of RTL pullets, containing a total of 96 head. Each member agreed to implement 4-5 sub-groups responsible for daily operations, which include feeding, cleaning, supplying water, providing vitamins, and ensuring effective implementation of the project. The pullets are expected to start laying eggs two weeks after distribution. 

 

The turnover ceremony, led by the SAAD Caraga team, was attended by several dignitaries, including Remedios T. Romualdez Municipal Mayor Richard P. Daquipil, Municipal Agriculturist Maria Nenita T. Daohog, Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council representative Jimmy H. Lorena, Agusan del Norte Provincial Administrator Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, Provincial Agriculture representative Julius Cesar Lomarda, Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council representative Jodel T. Llanto, and Barangay Balangbalang Councilors Armando Mejala and Porferio H. Montalban, Jr.

 

The SAAD project turnover aims to support the FA by improving their quality of life, increasing income, and helping them develop in line with their goal of becoming a cooperative by August this year. ###

Writer: Shena Mae C. Pabia, SAAD-Caraga Regional Information Officer