CATANDUANES, November 12, 2024 – To reinforce the continued collaboration between the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program and other state agencies, a collaborative meeting with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was held for possible linkages for the SAAD beneficiaries in Catanduanes last October 9, 2024. 

The meeting focused on enhancing partnerships of private and public offices through DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program and DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). 

In separate consultations, the SAAD Program Bicol invited Michelle Manantan from the DSWD-Gigmoto Municipal Link and Melanie T. Borbe from DOLE Gigmoto and Manager Designate for the town’s Public Employment Services Office (PESO) and met the members of Samahang Ikauunlad Tungo sa Kaayusang Pang-Agrikultura (SIKAP), Sicmil Poultry Farmers Association (SPFA), and Sicmil Organic Farmers Association.

During the meeting, the farmers associations (FAs) explored ways to leverage government programs to boost production and sustain their projects. DSWD and DOLE representatives presented specific initiatives, including the SLP and TUPAD programs, focusing on developing impoverished individuals and active associations.

DSWD-Gigmoto Municipal Link Michelle Manantan, assured the farmers that she would coordinate with the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) focal to access available programs. This includes financial support to the association in expanding their livelihood projects, depending on the association’s qualifications. The SLP aims to empower associations through group-based funding that could significantly boost their production capacity.

On the other hand, DOLE- SWAID/ PESO Manager Designate Melanie T. Borbe guided the farmers on the benefits of DOLE’s TUPAD program. TUPAD offers immediate financial assistance to both individual farmers and the association as a whole. Farmers will engage in garden labor, and other related short-term work for 10 days within their production areas, allowing them to earn an individual income of Php. 3,900.00 while contributing to the development of their livelihood projects.

Highlighting the significant impact of inter-agency linkages, SPFA Secretary, Maria Sandra Dela Peña said, “Ang aktibidad na ginibo mi ngonian kaiba ang DOLE pati DSWD, sarong tabang na gapahiling na ang SAAD padagos na gatuwang bako lang sa presente na panahon kundi man para magi kaming handa na sa paagi kang mga tabang nin ibang ahensya, maka sustenar kami kan samong proyekto pati igwa kami nin ibang raranihan pag kami nangaipuhan nin tabang para sa among asosasyon. Ini makatuwang lang bako lang sa samong grupo pati sa lambang pamilya na igwa kami.”

(This activity is an initiative that testifies to the continued support of the SAAD Program to our immediate needs. Through the assistance of partner agencies, we are prepared to sustain our production in the long run. If ever our association requires further assistance, we know which organizations we can turn to for support. This will benefit our association and the families of our members.) 

The integration of the DSWD-SLP and DOLE-TUPAD on the livelihood provision of the Program  provides an additional layer of support to ensure that SAAD farmer-beneficiaries are equipped with the tools they need for the improvement of their organization. ###

Writer: Jovinel M. Gianan, DA- SAAD Region V- Information Officer
Source:  Rea T. Ortiz, Community Development Officer II