Over sixty (60) farmers took part in the two-day Capability Development Training and Social Preparation Assessment last July 8 to 9, 2025, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program SOCCSKSARGEN.
Participants were among the three farmers’ associations (FAs) in Cotabato province which included the Upper Valley-Dulao Farmers Association and Badak United Farmers Association from Alamada, and the Kisabao Bangsamoro Farmers Association from Banisilan.
The training forms part of SAAD’s core strategy of building strong farmer organizations beyond material interventions. The Capability Development (CapDev) sessions focused on organizational strengthening, leadership development, decision-making, and values formation, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to better manage their associations.
Concurrently, the Social Preparation (SocPrep) Assessment provided a diagnostic evaluation of each FA’s operational structure, resource needs, and governance practices. Findings from the assessment are expected to guide future program interventions to ensure they are tailored to the specific needs of each association.
The activity was implemented in partnership with the Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) of Alamada and Banisilan, which provided on-ground support to ensure that the outcomes align with local development plans.
“We see this as a shared mission. When agencies like DA-SAAD and LGUs work together, the impact is multiplied,” said Regional Focal Person from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Alamada Maria Eden Barredo.
Further, participants expressed appreciation for the training, many of whom were attending their first formal session on organizational development. Teodora E. Quemado, President of Upper Valley-Dulao FA, said the experience taught them how to plan and decide as an organization.
“Sa una, nagtigum lang kami kung may problema sa tanom o kung kulang og ayuda. Pero karon, nakasabot kami kung paano magplano, magdesisyon bilang isa ka organisasyon. Dako gyud among pasalamat sa SAAD. Naghatag sila dili lang produkto, kundi kahibalo kung unsaon pagpadagan ani tanan,” shared Quemado.
(Before, we only gathered when we had crop problems or lacked support. But now, we understand how to plan and decide as an organization. We are truly grateful to SAAD not just for the projects, but for the knowledge to manage them.)
For this year, SAAD SOCCSKSARGEN will continue to strengthen its commitment to support all active farmers’ associations in the region, aiming to build a stronger, more inclusive farming sector in Cotabato and nearby areas.###
