ILOCOS SUR, October 18, 2024 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 trained  40 members of the PhiLead Farmers’ Association on record keeping, entrepreneurship, and enterprise management last September 26-27, 2024. 

SAAD Ilocos regional and provincial implementers facilitated the sessions in Barangay Suysuyan, Lidlidda, ensuring onsite learning to tailor lessons and hands-on modules to local conditions.

Dr. Romeo C. Opeña, Jr., Training Chief of the Center for Professional Education and Development (CPED) of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – Open University System (DMMMSU-OUS), served as one the resource persons.  

He focused on changing the way farmers think about their livelihoods. His talks included inspiring agripreneur success stories, showing participants how local farmers had successfully turned small beginnings into profitable ventures.

“An entrepreneur must be able to see opportunities where others see challenges,” said Dr. Opeña. “In agriculture, success isn’t just about hard work—it’s about learning how to innovate and grow your business strategically.”

Dr. Opeña’s lectures were designed not just to educate but also to motivate. His session on cattle management practices from the success stories of the agripreneurs, for instance, emphasized the importance of perseverance, proper care, and strategic planning – qualities essential for both farming and business.

On the second day, the often-overlooked yet crucial aspects of record keeping and bookkeeping were addressed. Led by Dr. Lher Verell S. Palabay, Chairperson of the DMMMSU-OUS BSBA Department, highlighted the importance of maintaining accurate records, not only for large-scale businesses but also for daily farm management.

According to Dr. Palabay, “Farmers need to understand that good record keeping isn’t just about tracking income and expenses – it’s about making informed decisions for the future of their enterprises.”

“Without proper records, it’s like driving a car with no dashboard. You won’t know how fast you’re going or if you’re running low on fuel. For farmers, that fuel is your resources, and records show how to manage them,” he added. 

Participants were particularly eager to learn how meticulous bookkeeping could help them grow their businesses and make better decisions regarding resource allocation, investment, and management.

“Patience is key when it comes to raising cattle,” shared Hover Pio, a participant and cattle owner, after the session. “If you take the time to care for even just one animal, it’s not impossible to grow your herd.”

Virginia Antioay, also one of the participants, shared how the training shifted her mindset toward business planning. “I now realize that running a business requires a solid plan. Just like with cattle farming, you need to think ahead and ensure you have enough resources to sustain your venture.”

At the end of the event, Municipal Agriculture Office Lidlidda Flora Lais, expressed gratitude to the SAAD team for their support and commitment to the farmers of Ilocos Sur. 

Farmers also expressed their excitement and optimism. Aida Balbin, a participant, remarked, “I’ve learned not only about cattle but also about crops like cassava, ginger, and pineapple. With the right management, even a small investment can yield big results.”

The training concluded with high hopes for the future, as farmers were equipped with fresh insights, practical skills, and renewed confidence. Through events like this, programs like SAAD continue to transform farming communities by turning simple livelihoods into sustainable and thriving enterprises. ###

Writer: Abegail Marcelino, DA-SAAD Ilocos Information Officer