ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE—Department of Agriculture (DA) – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Zamboanga del Norte (Regional Satellite Office IX/RSO IX) held Municipal Wide Consultations (MWC) in different barangays (brgys.) of Zamboanga del Norte from February until March 2018.

The MWC aims to orient the attendees regarding SAAD projects, as well as to present the project status guidelines for 2017-2022 implementation; to identify and prioritize projects for 2019 until year 2022 implementation, and to meet with 2017 & 2018 partner communities.

The MWC in Malayal, Sibuco was held on February 20, 2018. It was attended by no less than SAAD Farmers Associations in Malayal, and Local Government Unit (LGU) officials, with the Municipal Mayor of Sibuco, Mayor Norbideiri B. Edding at the helm. Also present was Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) of Dipolog, Ms. Ana Aying, representing DA-RSO IX.

Covered were the conduct of Community Mapping, Problem and its corresponding Objective Tree, consultation with the farmer-beneficiaries regarding their needs in the years to come, and the identification of the three (3) barangay-recipients of the Layer Chicken Production Project.

The beneficiaries were reminded of their responsibilities including the lacking requirements that still need to be complied under the 2017 SAAD Projects. SAAD ZaNorte is also set to geotag three (3) remaining beneficiary groups in the days to come.

Meanwhile, due to geographical constraints, the SAAD farmers of the hinterlands of Brgy. Paniran could not attend the MWC on its original schedule. Their Chairperson, Ms. Cecilia Alas-as was present in their behalf, and with this, the special meeting has been moved for the said group on March 10, 2018.

Similar activities were held in Brgy. Malayal, in Sibuco on the same day; in Brgys. Makiang, Siocon on March 13, 2018; then two weeks after in Baliguian on March 27, 2018.

Writer: Ela Arciaga, PR & Communications Officer