NEGROS ORIENTAL, November 15, 2021 – Three members of Magsusunog Small Coconut Farmer’s Organization (MSCFO) in Pamplona, Negros Oriental received one calf each from the initial Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program beneficiaries to sustain the group’s cattle production.

MSCFO with 50 members was organized in 2017 with an aspiration to receive project assistance from the government.

That same year, the group received 20 cattle worth Php 500,000 from the Improved Cattle Upgrading Dispersal Project of the Department of Agriculture (DA) – SAAD Program, taken care of by the 20 first-hand members.

After almost four years, 7 offspring were turned over to the next-in-line beneficiaries; four were given on April 7 and another three on November 11.

Barangay Magsusunog Committee on Agriculture Catalina Barrera expressed her gratitude for the program.

“Dako kaayo nakong pasalamat sa DA ug SAAD nga ang amoang barangay ilang gitagaan ug grant nga 20 ka baka diin kini amo karong gipatuyok diri sa among barangay diin kami niini karon nakapasanay na. Ang among 20 ka baka nakauli na mi ug naa nai nauli nga 7 ka baka,” she said.

(I am very thankful to the DA and the SAAD program for choosing our barangay to receive this grant. We have received 20 cattle before. Now, we are doing this activity (re-dispersal), and we have re-dispersed 7 offspring in total.)

The rolling over of offspring to the next-in-line beneficiaries ensures sustainability and proper cattle management.

During the event

Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo emphasized the importance of celebrating the success and luck of other people, especially those who will not be selected during the draw lots.

Mayor Degamo extended her gratitude to the program, “Three farmers from Magsusunog benefit from the intervention of the program. Thank you for giving our farmers the opportunity to own and have their own cattle. We are glad that one of the barangays in Pamplona was chosen and that the staff consistently monitor and assist our farmer’s needs.”

He added, “we can really see that the DA is there to help and provide for the needs of our farmers. I would like to remind our farmers that they have to take good care of the cattle they received by registering with RSBSA and getting them insured at the PCIC so that farmers who wish to avail of the same intervention can be given a chance. Sustainability is the key to ensuring the project’s long-term viability as well as the livelihood of our farmers.”

Mayor Degamo is also thankful to the program implementers who make sure that farmers are well taken care of, not just in monitoring the livestock but also their life positions as members of the community. ###

Writer: Jolina T. Daño, SAAD 7 Information Officer
Sources: Airine Bulgado and Jehson Campos, Pamplona and La Libertad Area Coordinators
Photos by: Jehson Campos, La Libertad Area Coordinator