BICOL, July 27, 2023 – Fostering sustainable growth in the agricultural sector, seven (7) farmers associations (FAs) under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 1 collectively earned Php 61,017.00 during the launching of the Department of Agriculture’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo in the Bicol Region.

The event held on July 17, 2023 was simultaneously conducted in the provinces of Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. Kadiwa ng Pangulo is a market linkage facilitation program of the DA, which aims to establish a market for small farmers and fisherfolk to sell their products directly to the consumers.

Joining the event are the program beneficiaries from Embarcadero Agri-Itik Farmers Association, Naspi Agricultural Workers Association, Kilikilihan Poultry Raisers Association, Balatohan Vegetable Growers Association, San Marcos Vegetable Farmers Association, Nagkakaisang Mamamayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Brgy. Panubigan (NAMATUKA), Samahang Pangkaunlaran ng Tagpu at Nanipsan (SAPANGTANAN). Through this, a total of 336 program beneficiaries were encouraged to participate in said event. 

During the event, FAs from Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate were able to showcase their agricultural products such as live ducks, chicken eggs, fresh vegetables like upo, eggplant, ampalaya, and squash, as well as value-added products, such as taro chips, cassava chicharon, and salted eggs. With this, a total of Php 61,017 worth of revenue were acquired by the association members. 

Table 1. SAAD Bicol Phase 1 FAs sales during the Kadiwa ng Pangulo

(Kadiwa ng Pangulo helped boost our small business. We are always thankful to the SAAD Program for the knowledge they shared to us, most especially in food processing. We are delighted that people are starting to recognize our products.)

Moreover, San Isidro Vegetable Farmers Association with 26 members and San Antonio Farmers Association with 27 members, newly organized groups, and Vegetable Production Projects beneficiaries of SAAD Program Phase 2 also joined the event. Being new to the program, the groups accumulated total revenue wasPhp 10,920.

FAs under Phase 1 are now under the care of their respective Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) for further assistance.###

Writer: Juan Paulo A. Quizana, SAAD Bicol Associate Project Officer
Sources: Mary Rose Detera, SAAD Bicol Associate Project Officer, Pauline Trixia D. Borja, SAAD Bicol Information Officer, Raynette B. De Jesus, SAAD Bicol Senior Administrative Staff, Jovinel M. Gianan, SAAD Bicol Information Officer