BISLIG CITY, October 8, 2021 — The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 13 awarded 6 Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program farmers and fisherfolk beneficiaries from Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur for their exceptional project management during the Regional SAAD Saga on October 5, 2021.

The culminating event of the three-part forum gathered representatives from 12 SAAD-assisted farmers and fisherfolk associations at the Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center in Surigao del Sur. The event was broadcasted via Google Meet with participants from national and regional counterparts.

On behalf of Bislig City Mayor Hon. Florencio C. Garay, Executive Assistant III Oscar B. Macua expressed his gratitude for organizing the event in their city. “We are honored to be a part of this forum as the host city. We are happy and thankful because the program also extended support to our farmers.” The city is a recipient of goat and free-range chicken production projects.

As a relevant initiative, the forum provides an avenue for information exchange, knowledge sharing, and feedback among its partners and relevant stakeholders.

In his welcome message, SAAD National Program Director Myer G. Mula said showcasing various enterprises developed by the farmers is only one aspect of the forum.

“Above all, ang pinaka importante dito ay may pagkain ang mga beneficiaries natin sa hapagkainan. Iyon po ang pinakabasic na sinosolve po natin.” (It is important that our beneficiaries have enough food. Such is the primary goal of the program.)

DA Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo extended his appreciation to the beneficiaries for their contribution to the implementation of the program.

“Importante na mabigyan kayo ng recognition dahil kayo ang susi sa tagumpay ng programa. Kayong lahat ay winner.” (You deserve all this recognition because you are key players to the success of the program. You are all winners.)

BFAR Assistant Regional Director Edgardo P. Balambao added that the program is a remarkable feat in helping the poor and marginalized.

“The assistance will serve as the seed capital that will eventually grow with the continuous extension of our technical support.”

Regional awardees

Six farmers’ associations from the agriculture sector (DA) and six groups and individuals from the fishery sector (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) qualified for the SAAD Saga Regional Level.

The said beneficiaries were nominated and evaluated at the provincial level based on their project management, accomplishments and short-term results, innovativeness, and sustainability efforts.

Another round of evaluation following the same criteria was conducted at the regional level. The following are the outstanding beneficiaries in the region:

Agriculture Sector

Grand winner – Cancavan Corn Growers Association (21 members) – Carmen

2nd Place – Culiram SAAD Abaca Farmers’ Association (66 members) – Talacogon

3rd Place – Balete Chicken Growers Association (31 members) – Bayabas

Finalists (non-placers):

• Muritula USAD Farmers’ Association (80 members) – San Luis

• Mag-uumang Manobo sa Hinapoyan Association (50 members) – Carmen

• Cosep Peoples’ Organization (54 members) – Rosario

Fishery Sector

Grand winner – Marjhun Samson (individual) – Esperanza

2nd Place – Doña Flavia Farmers and Fisherfolk’ Association (84 members) – San Luis

3rd Place – Soong Fisherfolk Association II (20 members) – Tago

Finalists (non-placers):

• Vosbogart Acop (individual) – Sta. Josefa

• Samahan ng mga Mangingisda sa Barcelona (23 members) – Lingig

• Joel Gatillo (individual) – Bayabas

The winners received plaques of recognition, certificates of appreciation (finalists), and additional SAAD livelihood interventions through cash prizes.

Winning farmers associations received projects worth Php 250,000 for the grand prize; Php 150,000 for the 2nd place; and Php 120,000 for the 3rd place. The three remaining non-placers took home Php 60,000 worth of interventions as consolation prizes.

Meanwhile, winners from the fishery sector received Php 40,000 for the grand prize; Php 30,000 for the 2nd place; and Php 20,000 for the 3rd place.

The event concluded with closing remarks by DA-SAAD Deputy Focal Person Jekem D. Sanchez. “Congratulations to all the winners. Thank you to our partners and everyone that helped conduct the Regional SAAD Saga. Daghang salamat.” ###

Writer: Mark Angelo Pineda, Information Officer- DA-SAAD Caraga