EASTERN VISAYAS, November 10, 2023 – To disseminate knowledge on various commodity production and develop practical skills for starting livelihood project management, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Eastern Visayas completed the conduct of 65 batches of specialized training to its beneficiaries in Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, and Samar Island. 

Held from June to August 2023, the sessions attended by 1,300 farmers belonging to 65 farmers associations (FAs) served as preparatory activity to ensure that farmers can effectively manage their agricultural interventions on rice, corn, high-value crops, livestock, and poultry projects. 

SAAD Regional Action Officer Ms. Ferlyn Basañez said they formed teams composed of program implementers and resource speakers to conduct the trainings in venues accessible to farmers such as barangay halls.

Agricultural extension workers from partner agencies as well as experts from the suppliers were tapped to teach beneficiaries the best management practices across all livelihood projects, as well as ideas for marketing and community-based enterprise (CBE) development. 

“These trained farmers can serve as knowledge hubs within their communities and they can become agents of economic growth by embracing value addition and diversification, which can help enhance the quality of their produce and explore opportunities in processing and marketing,” said Ms. Basañez. 

Mr. Rodrigo Ed Olaje, President of Brgy Lunang II Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Almagro, Samar, assured after the training that they will do their part in managing responsibly the projects they have received from SAAD. 

“Nagpapasalamat kami hini nga higayon nga kami an usa ha mga napili nga benepisyaryo. Bisan pa anu nga kakaurian, ipapadayon namon ini,” Mr. Olaje said.

(We are thankful to be selected as one of the beneficiaries. No matter what challenges we may face, we will pursue this [livelihood project]).

“Waray kami rason na diri mag-inuswagon. May ada na gud upod na mga higamit ngan seeds para han amon pag tanom, labot la ito gintagaan kami hibaro mahitungod ini na training na gin conduct,” Mr. Olaje added.

(We don’t see an excuse anymore to remain poor. Aside from the farm tools and seeds, the technical knowledge imparted to us through this training will be helpful.)

Following the conduct of specialized training, SAAD Eastern Visayas proceeded with the delivery of 65 livelihood projects under FY 2023, broken down as follows: one (1) Upland Rice and Vegetable Production, six (6) corn production, seventeen (17) high-value crops production, twenty (20) poultry production, and twenty-one (21) livestock production. ### 

Writer: Justine May A. Delloro, DA-SAAD Region 9 Information Officer

Sources: Arnold G. Nombre, Information Officer II, SAAD-RPMSO8, SAAD-Eastern Visayas OPBME-FPL