ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, November 13, 2024 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 provided additional income opportunities through vegetable production project to 25 farmers from the municipality of Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The Israel Farmers’ Association is the first identified group of the program in the municipality. In 2023, the group initially received 75 goats worth Php 1,030,125. Proving their hard work and diligence, the original stocks of goats produced a total of 40 offspring; four (4) of which were sold worth Php 13,500 while 36 kids were returned to the association for their multiplier farm.

As a result, SAAD provided additional support through a vegetable production project worth Php 711,774 for FY 2024, offering new income opportunities while they continue to maintain the livestock. Prior to the delivery of the inputs, the group received various training from organization and financial management and technical training to capacitate them in sustaining the project.

On October 18, 2024, the SAAD Program officially turned over 140 cans and 50 packs of various vegetable seeds, including string beans, sweet pepper, squash, eggplant, sweet corn, and ampalaya, as well as 170 bags of inorganic fertilizers, 150 bags of vermicast, 20 packs of insecticides, 40 boxes of fungicides, 40 seedling trays, 30 plastic crates, and four wheelbarrows to the associations.

During the ceremony, Imelda Vice Mayor Roselyn Silva expressed her admiration for the association’s dedication and hard work. She emphasized the potential of the Israel Farmers Association to serve as a model for other farming communities in the region.

“Ang munisipyo sa Imelda naglantaw nga himuon mo nga role model sa ubang mga farmers. Paniguroan ninyo nga mag malahutayon ang proyekto kay ang LGU andam mo-tabang sa inyoha. Puhon maplastar na ni inyong panginabuhian, mahimo na mo nga sun-anan sa ubang grupo sa mag-uuma, nga nangandoy pud og kaginhawaan sa kinabuhi,” she stated.

(The municipality of Imelda sees you as a role model for other farmers. Make sure that the project becomes sustainable because the LGU is ready to help you. Hopefully, once your livelihood is established, you will become an inspiration to other farming groups who also aspire for a better life.)

Municipal Agriculturist of Imelda Mr. Jerry Joquiño, also assured the farmers of ongoing support, especially in marketing their produce: “Siguruon namo nga ma-karga ang mga utan didto sa sentro sa Imelda, ug pangitaan mo og pwesto kung asa ninyo ibaligya ang mga utan sa umaabot Disyembre puhon.”

(We assure you that the vegetables will be transported to the town center in Imelda, and we will find you a place there to sell the vegetables this December.)

The turnover was immediately followed with the distribution of inputs. The farmers allocated one hectare for communal vegetable planting and an additional hectare for sweet corn, while the remaining inputs will be utilized across a total of four hectares in their individual farms. 

The members of Israel FA have so far cultivated this October two (2) cans of squash and two (2) kilograms sweet corn in their communal farm. While for their individual backyard gardens, they have started planting various vegetables in a staggered manner. 

Israel FA President Milissa Acabal also committed to maintaining unity among the members and continuing their hard work to fulfill both their vision and that of the municipality, which is to become a good example for other farmers in Imelda. ###

Writer: Aimee Lou D. Madjus, DA-SAAD ZamPen Information Officer