Every community has its own strengths, resources, experiences, and aspirations. Recognizing these local capacities is an important step toward developing interventions that are not only responsive but also sustainable.
Guided by the principle that communities should actively participate in shaping their own development, the Department of Agriculture–Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 – Ilocos conducted a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) cum Social Preparation Assessment and Enterprise Assessment among selected farmers’ and livelihood associations in the region.
The assessment activities were facilitated by Regional OPBME–MAED Alternate Lead Ms. Diana D. Cascayan, together with the SAAD Area Coordinators and staff.
The assessment activities began with the Pangotan Farmers Development Association in Sugpon, Ilocos Sur on July 20–21, 2026. This was followed by the Delles Burgos La Union Livelihood Association in Burgos, La Union on July 23–24, 2026.
The program then engaged the Malaggao Adams Farmers Association Inc. in Adams, Ilocos Norte on July 28–29, 2026, and the Riverside Greeners Association–RISGA Inc. in Dumalneg, Ilocos Norte on July 30–31, 2026.
More than gathering information, the activity created a space where association members could share their experiences, identify their needs, and collectively explore opportunities for growth.
Through facilitated discussions and group activities, participants assessed the resources and skills already available within their communities. They also identified potential enterprise opportunities and discussed possible livelihood ventures that could contribute to improving their income and strengthening their organizations.
The participatory process encouraged members to reflect on what they already have and how these resources and capacities could be developed into opportunities. Their local knowledge and experiences became important inputs in identifying livelihood initiatives that are practical, relevant, and aligned with their communities’ conditions.
The activity also looked into the associations’ organizational capacity, leadership, participation, and readiness to implement program interventions. These discussions helped identify both existing strengths and areas where further organizational development and capacity-building support may be needed.
Most importantly, the assessment provided association members with an opportunity to voice their concerns, expectations, and aspirations. By listening directly to the communities, the DA-SAAD Program can better understand the realities faced by the associations and work with them in identifying interventions that respond to their priorities.
The information gathered will serve as baseline data for future program planning. It will help guide the identification of appropriate assistance, capacity-building activities, and enterprise development interventions that are suited to the associations’ resources, capabilities, and development goals.
The activity also strengthened communication and coordination between the DA-SAAD Program Phase 2 – Ilocos and the participating associations. Through continued engagement, both the program and the communities can develop a shared understanding of local needs and work toward common development objectives.
The PRA cum Social Preparation Assessment and Enterprise Assessment will continue throughout August until the first week of September 2026, reaching more participating associations in Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. The succeeding activities will further document community resources, assess organizational readiness, identify potential livelihood and enterprise opportunities, and gather the perspectives of association members.
As the assessment reaches more communities, the voices and experiences of rural association members will continue to guide the planning of future interventions.
Through this participatory approach, communities are not viewed merely as recipients of assistance. Instead, they are recognized as active partners whose knowledge, resources, and collective aspirations are essential in building sustainable livelihoods.
By starting with what communities have, listening to what they need, and working with them to identify opportunities, the DA-SAAD Program Phase 2 – Ilocos continues to support stronger rural organizations, more responsive enterprise initiatives, and improved income opportunities for participating communities.###
