The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development Program in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) conducted workshops last February, assisting 26 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in developing robust operational manuals. This initiative, spanning Kalinga, Abra, and Benguet, aims to improve governance and ensure the sustainability of these agricultural groups.
Farmer representatives from the four SAAD-supported associations in Kalinga gathered on February 5-6, 2025, to finalize their governance frameworks, financial policies, and sustainability plans. With guidance from DA-SAAD CAR’s Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Sub-unit Associate Project Officers Yeng V. Taneo and Jon Ray K. Waking, alongside assigned Community Development Officers, the participants strengthened their organizational structures to better manage high-value crops and poultry production projects.
In Abra, 16 associations convened on February 19-20, 2025, and refined their operational manuals. Engaged primarily in table egg production, vegetable farming, and swine raising, the FCAs received insights from DA-SAAD CAR’s MAED Sub-unit, Abra OIC-Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Jomahr B. Zales, and the concerned municipal agriculture officers, to ensure that their policies support long-term sustainability and efficient resource management.
Six Benguet-based FCAs participated in the same workshop held in Baguio City from February 26 to 27, 2025. DA-SAAD CAR Assistant Operations Officer Ronan Soriano and Planning Officer Judy Rose Bisoy, along with the MAED Sub-unit, provided valuable guidance, helping the associations strengthen organizational policies, streamline operations, and enhance project implementation strategies for their high-value crop enterprises.
Throughout these workshops, the participants refined their governance structures and sustainability plans, developing clear roadmaps for their associations’ future operations. By improving leadership policies, financial transparency, and project execution strategies, the FCAs are better prepared to sustain their enterprises beyond the program’s direct support.
In his message, Soriano emphasized the importance of Operations Manual in ensuring the sustainability of the farmers’ projects. “With your Operations Manuals, I believe you can implement your projects more efficiently and manage your resources effectively. Even with the SAAD program’s conclusion, these manuals will serve as your guide in sustaining and growing your enterprises. I challenge you to be productive and resourceful in maximizing the interventions provided,” he said.
This initiative builds on a similar activity conducted in Apayao last January 15-16, benefiting four FCAs. Meanwhile, 12 FCAs from Mountain Province and six from Ifugao are set to undergo the same process in March 2025. By equipping farmers with well-structured operational manuals, DA-SAAD CAR ensures that the FCAs can maximize resources, navigate challenges, and establish self-sustaining agricultural enterprises – securing long-term benefits for Cordillera farming communities. ###
