Kidapawan, South Cotabato – Following the success of the first SAAD Saga event, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) held its second one at Kidapawan City, South Cotabato on September 19, 2019.

North Cotabato is the second province to hold the said event, following Zamboanga del Norte whose event was held last July 19, 2019.

The SAAD Saga showcases the good practices of selected SAAD farmer organizations in terms of enterprise development and management.

A total of 451 attendees, ranging from SAAD officials and personnel, local government officials, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders, flocked the JCX Complex in Kidapawan City to celebrate the victories of the program’s farmer-partners in the province. A trade fair was also held on location where 8 farmer organizations gathered to share their success stories and showcase their products.

The event began with opening messages from Cotabato Second District Board Member Dr. Krista Piñol-Solis, DA Regional Executive Director for Region 12 Engr. Milagros C. Casis, Regional Technical Director for Operations Zaldy M. Boloron, and SAAD IT Cluster Head Marvin P. Segovia.

The third best implementer, the Tibao San Vicente Ferrer Multi-Purpose Cooperative from the municipality of M’lang, through its swine fattening project, produced high-quality pork products. The cooperative used to only plant rice. It was awarded P100,000.00 worth of government-assisted projects.

The runner-up, the Central Bulanan Farm Workers Association from Midsayap, through its egg machine and vegetable production projects, thrived by supplying eggs and vegetables to the local market. The association received P200,000.00 worth of government-assisted projects.

The top performing group, Magpet’s Kamada Integrated Farmers Association (KIFA), formerly an all-women’s association, received a swine production project. Its successes include introducing its own processed meat products, opening its own meat shop, supplying food service establishments, and having a Memorandum of Agreement with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Magpet to have their own place in their local public market. The association won P300,000.00 worth of government projects.

RED Casis encouraged other SAAD beneficiaries to follow the footsteps of the winning associations to improve their livelihood and quality of life.

Other SAAD provinces are currently preparing for their respective Saga events.###

Writers: Ian Kevin M. Sevilla and Jemiema D.R. Arro, SAAD NPMO