SOCCSKSARGEN, November 11, 2024 — To strengthen the management and leadership capabilities of its farmer-beneficiaries, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Soccsksargen gathered six farmers’ associations (FAs) in Sarangani, conducting a two-day Organizational Management and Leadership Training.

Held at General Santos City, the Program aimed  to bolster the capacity of the six participating FAs coming from four municipalities in Sarangani to lead and sustain their agricultural ventures. 

These FAs who attended the said training last September 2-3, 2024 includes Muslim Christian Blaan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, and Macol Integrated Farmers Association from the Municipality of Malapatan; Panyan Market Vendors Association from the Municipality of Glan; Kapimpilan Fisherfolks and Farmers Association and Kiamba Tripeople Halal Livestock Growers Association from the Municipality of Kiamba; and Bulol Awang Farmers Association from the Municipality of Alabel.

Mr. Sonny Esclamada, from DA Philippine Rural Development Project – Investments in Rural Enterprises and Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity (PRDP-IREAP), served as the resource speaker and sessions covered topics such as the fundamentals of management, organizational structure, leadership dynamics, and the lifecycle of organizations. These discussions were designed to empower association leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive their groups towards sustainable growth and success.

Also providing motivational insights during the training was Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer of Sarangani and General Santos City Ms. Joy Misterio where she emphasized that the success of any association largely hinges on the quality of its leadership. 

“It’s up to the leader to guide their members and unite them to grow their association,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of strong, cohesive leadership in fostering organizational development.

“Para madagdagan ang kanilang intervention, dapat maipakita nila sa SAAD na naggo-grow at inaalagaan talaga ang interventions na binigay ni SAAD. Mahalaga na makita ang resulta ng mga proyektong pinondohan—hindi lamang sa dami ng ani o kita, kundi pati na rin sa pangmatagalang pag-unlad ng asosasyon,” added Ms. Misterio.

(For their interventions to increase, they need to show SAAD that the interventions provided are growing and being properly managed. It’s important to see the results of these funded projects—not just in terms of yield or income, but also in the long-term development of the association.)

Further, said training was facilitated by personnel from the SAAD Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Unit which, through conducting the activity, expects that the FAs are now better equipped to manage their operations effectively, lead with purpose, and achieve their goals of community development and agricultural sustainability. ###

Writer: Jericho Jhon F. Palawan, SAAD Information Officer II