In a continued push to boost agricultural productivity in marginalized communities, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) CALABARZON distributed livelihood support worth Php2,013,000 to 90 farmers from three associations in Rizal, Laguna last May 28, 2025.
The participating beneficiaries include the Samahan ng mga Maghahalaman ng Brgy. Tala, Rizal, Laguna Inc., San Miguel Archangel Pook Farmers Association, and Brgy. Laguan Green Thumb Farmers Association. Each group received assistance tailored to their production needs and capacities.
For Brgy. Tala farmers, the vegetable production package included seeds, fertilizers, and farming tools. Meanwhile, the other two associations received the same package plus four (4) draft carabaos each, totaling Php 440,000. The draft animals aim to improve land preparation and ease the physical labor of farmers.
The distribution was held in Rizal, Laguna, and was attended by municipal officials and SAAD CALABARZON staff. Present were Municipal Agriculture Officer Dr. Aldwin Subijano, Admin Kris Lowie D. Isleta representing the Mayor’s Office, and SAAD Regional Lead John Carlo Narvacan.
“Nang unang dumating ang SAAD, inalam nila ang tunay na kalagayan at pangangailangan ng inyong samahan. Ngayon, dahan-dahan na itong naibibigay sa inyo — na sana’y maging daan sa mas mataas na ani, mas maayos na kita, at mas maunlad na kabuhayan,” said Dr. Subijano, who also encouraged farmers to insure their crops and livestock to minimize losses.
[When SAAD first came to your communities, they assessed your real needs. Now, these are being delivered—hopefully leading to better yields, higher incomes, and sustainable livelihoods.]
From the Mayor’s Office, Admin Isleta urged the farmers to maximize the assistance and affirmed continued LGU support in their agricultural journey.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms. Jona Royo of the San Miguel Archangel Pook Farmers Association expressed their gratitude: “Maraming salamat po sa SAAD CALABARZON sa pagtupad ninyo sa inyong pangako… Oras na para kami naman ang tumupad sa aming pangako—na hindi masasayang ang mga interbensyong ipinagkaloob sa amin.”
[Thank you for fulfilling your promise. Now it’s our turn—to ensure your support will not go to waste.]
In his closing message, SAAD Regional Lead John Carlo Narvacan reiterated that the agency’s commitment continues beyond distribution, with follow-through support in training and monitoring.
From the months of May to June, farmer-beneficiaries also underwent technical training facilitated by the SAAD CALABARZON team, equipping them with knowledge on sustainable crop production, animal care, and enterprise development.
This effort forms part of SAAD’s broader goal of strengthening food security and rural enterprise by empowering grassroots farmers across CALABARZON. ###
