The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 conducted a two-day training workshop on Enterprise Operations Manual (EOM) Preparation for the Bulig Hog Raisers Association in Barangay Concepcion, Gregorio del Pilar, Ilocos Sur last June 24-25, 2025.
The training guided the participants in drafting their own EOMs, which are comprehensive documents designed to outline the structure, processes, and sustainability plans of their hog production ventures. These manuals will serve as operational blueprints aligned with DA-SAAD’s push toward building community-based enterprises under Phase 2.
Fridlee O. Rodriguez, SAAD Associate Project Officer, led the technical sessions, breaking down the official manual template into key components: project background, production processes, marketing systems, financial management, organizational structure, monitoring and evaluation, and sustainability strategies.
“The Enterprise Operations Manual is a roadmap for the future of their businesses,” said Rodriguez. “Through this training, we’re empowering farmers to think like entrepreneurs, manage with structure, and grow with vision.”
Facilitating the workshop was SAAD Area Coordinator Engr. Christian G. Corpuz, who ensured interactive group activities and guided participants in drafting their customized EOMs.
“We made sure every member had a voice in crafting their enterprise blueprint. It’s about building a sense of ownership among the farmers,” he shared.
For SAAD OPBME Regional Lead Lorena A. Olveña, the activity reflects the program’s evolving direction.
“This initiative represents our shift toward enterprise development and sustainability. We are guiding farmers not only to produce, but also to manage and expand. The manual they are creating is a vital tool for that journey,” Olveña noted.
During the opening program, Bulig Hog Raisers Association President Wallie Jonjon N. Budao thanked the DA-SAAD team for the opportunity.
“Daytoy ket pagsayaatan tayo a beneficiaries. Dakkel a tulong daytoy kadakami tapno maamuan mi ti umno a panangidaulo iti negosyo ken ti panagurnos kadagiti ar-aramiden mi. Agyaman kami unay iti DA-SAAD iti daytoy nga oportunidad,” he said.
(This is for the good of us beneficiaries. This training is a big help for us to learn proper enterprise management and organize our operations. We are truly grateful to DA-SAAD for this opportunity.)
Barangay Captain Arnold D. Lawaguey also welcomed the conduct of the training in their community.
“Agyaman kami iti pannakaisayangkat daytoy a panagsanay ditoy barangay mi. Naragsak kami a napili a pagidadaelan daytoy nga aktibidad. Daytoy ket dakdakkel a tulong kadagiti mannalon iti komunidad mi,” he expressed.
(We are thankful that this training is being conducted here in our barangay. We are glad to be chosen as the host of this activity. This is a big help for the farmers in our community.)
By the end of the session, the participants completed draft versions of their operations manuals, which will be submitted to the SAAD Regional Office for review. These working documents are expected to help systematize enterprise operations and ensure the sustainability of the association’s hog-raising project. ###
