ILOCOS SUR, October 15, 2024 – Thirty (30) members of the Paratong Farmers’ Association (FA) in Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur received Php 307,962.50 worth of agricultural inputs under the Integrated Cattle and Vegetable Production Project of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2. 

During a project  turnover last August 23 at the Ilocos Sur Research Center (ISReC), Paratong farmers were granted one forage chopper, and 800 kilograms (kg) of molasses. 

These interventions are expected to significantly improve the health, productivity, and overall well-being of their 30 cattle stocks, which were initially distributed last May 24, 2024. 

Prior to distribution, members and officers of Paratong FA were trained on cattle management as well as vegetable cultivation, covering topics such as proper feeding practices, disease prevention, breeding techniques, and sustainable farming methods. 

These sessions were designed to equip the farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to maximize the benefits of the agricultural inputs and ensure the long-term success of their livestock for meat and vegetable production ventures.

Assigned Area Coordinator Mr. Calern Marinaqs will conduct hands-on demonstrations on how to operate and maintain the forage chopper to assist farmers utilize the new equipment effectively and efficiently. 

Paratong FA President Teresita Raquino expressed gratitude to the SAAD Program for the valuable livelihood support and training. She emphasized that these interventions would significantly improve the lives of the farmers and their communities.

“Dakkel a pagyaman mi ta maysa kami a napili a benepisiario iti SAAD. Kadaytoy nga intervention, pagragsakan mi a nakaawat ta mapalag-an ti trabaho mi ti taltalon ken mangted naan-anay nga usarenmi,” said Raquino. 

(We are deeply grateful to be chosen as one of the beneficiaries of SAAD. With this intervention, we are happy to have received something that will lighten our work in the field and provide us with something very useful. 

She added that, “Kadaytoy a naawat, mangnamnama kami ti idakdakkel ti produksion mi iti nateng a mangted pagsayaatan mi a mannalon. Agyaman kami manen apo ket haan kayp kuma a maum-uma a mangtartaraabay kadakami. Agbiag ti Department of Agriculture! Agbiag ti SAAD!” 

(With this support, we are hopeful that our production of crops will increase, which will benefit us as farmers. Thank you once again, and we hope you will continue to guide us. Long live the Department of Agriculture! Long live SAAD!)

The SAAD Program in the Ilocos Region will continue to monitor the progress and impact of the cattle production project on the Paratong Farmers’ Association. 

Regular monitoring activities will include field visits, data collection, and evaluation of the farmers’ performance to assess the effectiveness of the interventions and identify any areas for improvement. ###

Writer: Abegail Marcelino, DA-SAAD Ilocos Information Officer