While most were still asleep, the voices of hardworking farmers resonated across the airwaves during “Usapang Agrikultura,” a special segment on Radyo Pilipinas in Dagupan, Tayug, Agoo, and Laoag.
This radio program, a partnership between the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), brought to life the inspiring success stories of beneficiaries from the DA – Regional Field Office 1, through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2.
The segment aired from February 24 – 28, 2025, between 5 AM and 6 AM. It provided an avenue to highlight government initiatives aimed at uplifting farmers and fisherfolk. With a focus on sustainable livelihood projects, the discussions centered on how the SAAD Program has contributed to the economic well-being of marginalized farming communities.
Each episode featured a guest who shared first-hand experiences about their journey under the SAAD Program. The discussions covered the history of their respective associations, the interventions they received, and the impact of these projects on their livelihoods.
Ms. Lorena A. Olvena, SAAD Regional Operational Planning, Budget, Monitoring, and Evaluation (OPBME) Lead, kicked off the series by presenting the accomplishments of SAAD Phase 2 in Ilocos Region since its implementation and outlining the program’s target activities for the year.
She emphasized the goal of establishing community-based enterprises for long-term sustainability and expressed hope that SAAD’s success would reach even more farmers beyond 5th-class municipalities. “Adu pay ti kayat mi a matulungan a mannalon babaen ti SAAD. Iti panagtitinnulong ken dedikasion, kayatayo amin a rumang-ay.”
(We want to help more farmers through SAAD. With cooperation and dedication, we can all prosper.)
Following this, Danilo Suratos, President of United Brgy. San Antonio Sto. Tomas Farmers Association Inc. in Pangasinan, shared how SAAD interventions have helped enhance their agricultural productivity and cooperative efforts, with guidance from Area Coordinator Engr. Joshua T. Peduca.
“Agpaspasalamat nak kadagitay support (a naawatmi) nangruna (iti suporta) dagiti members mi. Sapay kuma ta rumang-ay pay ken agballigi daytoy asosasionmi tapnu iti kasta ket agbalin daytoy a kooperatiba,” said Suratos.
(I am grateful for the support we received, especially from our members. I hope our association continues to grow and succeed so that we can eventually become a cooperative.)
Teresita Monte, President of Pangotan Farmers Association in Ilocos Sur, accompanied by Area Coordinator Calern B. Marinas also discussed the formation of their association, the projects they have received, and the benefits of SAAD’s assistance.
“Ti asosasion mi idi ket saan nga aktibo. Ket itan, rimmigtada (dagiti members), immaktiboda, gapu kadagiti interventions a naawatmi,” said Monte.
(Our association was not active before. But now, thanks to the interventions we received, our members have become more engaged and active.)
Continuing the discussions, Wilfredo Nunes, President of Riverside Greeners Association – RISGA Inc. in Ilocos Norte, provided insights into their association’s agricultural ventures, particularly high-value crops and cattle production, which have improved their community’s livelihood.
“Tunggal meeting mi, dakami nga opisiales ken miembro, ket mapan mi subliyanan daytoy core values mi. Aware kami daytoy panagmaymaysa mi. Tapnu ag-sustain, mapadur-as ti asosasion ket masapul iti anus, kooperasion wennu panagtitinnimpuyog ti opisiales ken miembro tapnu napintas ti pannakaannayas ti panna-implementar ti proyekto nga insayangkat ti asosasion,” said Nunes.
(In every meeting, we, as officers and members, always reflect on our core values. We recognize the importance of unity. To sustain and further develop the association, patience, cooperation, and teamwork between officers and members are essential for the proper implementation of the projects initiated by the association.)
Lastly, Dina Pascua, President of Sinabugan Farmers Association in La Union, shared how SAAD interventions have strengthened their organization, improved farming practices, and boosted economic opportunities for their members, with the guidance of Engr. Joshua T. Peduca.
“Sapaykuma ta agtuytuloy dagitoy ayuda a mait-ited kanyami tapnu iti kasta ket adda pannugawan mi nga ituloy daytoy nga assosasion ken iti inted ti SAAD kanyami,” said Pascua.
(I hope that the assistance provided to us will continue so that we will have the means to sustain our association and make the most of the support given by SAAD.)
Throughout the week, the featured farmers’ association presidents shared their success stories, providing valuable insights into the background and formation of their associations, the SAAD interventions that have directly benefited their communities, their vision, mission, objectives, and core values, and the significance of high-value crop and cattle production in sustaining their livelihood. ###
