Ten (10) farmers’ associations in Tingloy, Batangas received Php 554,594 worth of agricultural equipment and tools from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 last January 30-31, 2025.
This distribution aims to promote diversification and boost local agricultural productivity, empowering communities to become self-sufficient and resilient.
One of the recipient groups was the Samahang Magsasaka ng Barangay Papaya (SMBP), which focuses primarily on vegetable production packaged with corn. Meanwhile, seven associations namely, San Juan Tingloy Farmers Association (SAJTIFA), Barangay Corona Agricultural Farmers Organization (BACAFO), Samahang Agrikultural ng Pisa (SAPI), San Isidro Farmers Agricultural Organization (SIFAO), Talahib Farmers Association (TAFA), Pedronians Agricultural Farmers Association (PAFA) and Makawayan Agricultural Farmers Association (MAFA)) prioritized goat farming; the Gamao Agricultural Farmers Association (GAFA) is venturing into native chicken production; and the Samahan ng Magsasaka sa Hilagang Kanluran ng Tingloy, Batangas SAMAHIKA cultivates tissue-cultured Lakatan bananas.
While their primary focus varies, all associations will receive support for vegetable production. This approach reflects the program’s strategy of providing a mix of long-term and quick-yielding inputs, considering the sustenance and income-generating potential of each group of beneficiaries.
Distributed items include seedling bags, handheld pumps, pruning shears, grafting knives, grasscutters, shovels, pick mattocks, bolos, UV plastic sheet, seedling trays, trellising twine, and plastic drums. In addition to that, chicken nets were given to the Gamao Agricultural Farmers Association (GAFA) for their upcoming native chicken production.
In a recent distribution in Brgy. Papaya, Mr. Florencio Evangelista, a member of SMBP, shared updates and progress regarding their vegetable production venture. It was on September 10, 2024, when Php 1,176,310 worth of vegetable seeds and fertilizers were provided to their association with 35 total members.
“Nagsimula po kaming magtanim noong Nobyembre, at sa kasalukuyan po ay nakakaani na po kami sa aming munting bakuran. Imbis na bibilhin pa po namin ang mga gulay, ay pinipitas na lang po namin ito ngayon.”
[We started our backyard garden in November, and we’re harvesting our produce now. We’re enjoying the benefits of homegrown vegetables and no longer have to buy them from the market.]
SMBP President Ms. Doris Atienza, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the additional support, saying: “Ang mga kagamitang ito ay makakatulong ng malaki upang mas lalo pang mapagyaman ang pagsasaka at mapanatili ang pagkakaroon ng masaganang pagkain dito sa aming lugar.”
[With these resources, the farmers of Tingloy are more motivated to enhance their livelihoods and, most importantly, increase food security in their respective communities.]
SAAD CALABARZON plans to continue monitoring the progress of these associations and explore opportunities for future support and expansion. ###
