With “SAAD, kaagapay sa maunlad na buhay” as its guiding principle, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program continues to empower farmers’ associations (FAs) not just through livelihood, but through unity, leadership, and growth. This was the essence of the series of team-building activities held for 10 FAs in Sorsogon Province during March and April 2025.
Driven by the goals of organizational strengthening and shared development, the initiative brought together farmers from Matnog, Bulusan, Prieto Diaz, and Castilla. The participating FAs included the Samahang Magsasaka ng Poropandan, San Roque Natural Farming Association, Bagong Barrio Vegetable FA, Barangay San Juan Rice FA, San Vicente Corn and Cassava FA, Sinang-atan FA, Tinampo FA, Organikong Gulay kang Grupong Ulagnon, Fabrica Poultry Raisers Association, and San Isidro Vegetable FA.
The activity was part of SAAD’s Social Preparation component, which addresses both basic and complex needs of beneficiaries by facilitating group training sessions, organizational development, and participatory consultations to build trust and cohesion among members.
Collaborative Development
Led by SAAD’s regional and provincial teams in the province of Sorsogon, the team-building activity served as a platform to enhance communication, coordination, and decision-making among FAs. With guidance from experienced facilitators, participants sharpened their interpersonal and leadership skills—key tools as they gear toward self-reliant, market-ready enterprises.
One key session prompted the farmers to select images that represented their aspirations and life experiences. The reflective visual storytelling exercise highlighted the power of self-expression and emphasized how individual stories fuel collective progress.
Teresita Jao, a member of San Roque Natural Farming Association in Bulusan, shared her hope for the future of her children: “Kita mga ina, wara kita pangarap sa saato bata kundi urupod kita sa pangarap para makakadto kita sa magayon na kinabukasan. Dapat open-minded kita na pirme kita makadto sa positive thinking, kasi kung kita pirmi negative, papano ta maguide an ato pamilya. Wara imposible basta may mayad kita na hangarin.”
(As mothers, we wish for nothing but better lives for our children. We need to have open minds and be positive thinkers. If we become pessimistic, we will only be weakening ourselves. Nothing is impossible as long as we work on our dreams.)
A key highlight of the event was a discussion on how the FAs could maximize their strengths and seize growth opportunities. The training enforced the concept of success as a collaborative exercise fueled by cooperation and goal orientation. This underscored the importance of peer support and collective accountability. FAs shared their unique strategies and success stories, creating a space for learning and inspiration.
Looking at a photo of a family, Marilyn Canino from Samahang Magsasaka ng Poropandan saw a mirror of their unity: “Parehas man ini saato, nagdaghan baga sira, tapos kita man nagkasararo man para madagdagan an miyembro ta didi sa SAAD. Na maging matatag kita, na mas lalo magawat kita didi.”
(We are very similar. We are a big family united in our aspiration to grow more. We must uphold the right values, maintain stability, and continue to thrive for years with SAAD).
From Inspiration to Action
More than just bonding exercises, the event ignited purpose and commitment among the participants. As they returned to their respective communities, the FAs carried with them a renewed determination to apply what they learned and lead with confidence.
By the end of the sessions, participants were not just hopeful – they were equipped. They understood their roles as community leaders and were inspired to steer their organizations toward long-term sustainability and shared success.
Through empowering initiatives like this, the SAAD Program proves that meaningful development begins with strong relationships. It is through being kaagapay or a reliable partner, that SAAD walks alongside the Filipino farmer, not just in livelihood, but in life. ###
