The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 recently distributed agricultural interventions to 32 beneficiaries of the United Barangay San Antonio Sto. Tomas Farmers Association Inc. (UBSASTFAI) in Santo Tomas, Pangasinan last May 24, 2025.
Held alongside the groundbreaking ceremony of the Lower Agno River Irrigation System (LARIS) Paitan Dam, and graced by His Excellency President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., the initiative saw the direct turnover of forage seeds valued at Php 30,050 to the association.
This distribution, a key component of SAAD’s poverty alleviation efforts, was further highlighted by President Marcos, who spoke to the farmers, emphasizing the national government’s dedication to supporting agricultural programs like SAAD.
“Para po sa ating mga magsasaka, makakaasa kayo na nandito ang inyong pamahalaan na handang umagapay sa inyo. Hiling ko lang po, patuloy tayong magtulungan. Kapit-bisig nating palakasin ang sektor ng agrikultura at tiyakin na may pagkain sa hapag ng bawat Pilipino,” said President Marcos in his message to the farmers during the groundbreaking event.
The SAAD intervention was formally received by the association’s president Mr. Danilo B. Suratos.
“Malaking tulong ito sa pagpapakain ng aming mga alagang hayop. Sa panahon ng kakulangan sa pastulan, ang mga binhing ito ay magbibigay ginhawa sa amin,” Suratos shared.
(This is a big help in feeding our livestock. During times when pasture is scarce, these seeds will provide us relief.)
The UBSASTFAI is a registered farmer organization in Santo Tomas primarily composed of smallholder farmers engaged in crop cultivation and livestock raising. Established to collectively address common agricultural challenges and enhance their members’ economic well-being, the association actively participates in government programs.
They were among the groups that previously received 26 head of cattle fattener under the SAAD Program back in May 2023, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to improving livestock productivity and sustainable farming.
The provision of forage seeds is a strategic intervention by SAAD, directly addressing challenges faced by livestock farmers, particularly in ensuring a consistent feed supply. By enabling farmers to cultivate their own forage, the program helps reduce dependency on external sources, lower production costs, and ultimately improve the profitability of their livestock operations.
The farmers’ association is also among the local groups expected to directly benefit from the Paitan Dam once it is completed. The dam is expected to supply irrigation to over 12,000 hectares of farmland, including areas in eastern Pangasinan and nearby towns in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija. ###
