CARAGA REGION, April 1, 2024 – To help the farmer groups in Caraga become more organized, efficient, and sustainable in their operations, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Caraga started a series of two-day workshops on Financial Management for the 28 Phase 2 assisted farmer groups. 

Each farmer’s association (FA) will have 10 representatives to attend the said activity, and cascade what they have learned to the members. In total, 280 participants from different municipalities in Caraga are expected to participate. 

For the first batch held on March 7-8, 40 participants from the San Juan Abaca Farmers Association (SJAFA), United Farmers Association of Camp Edward (UFACE), San Antonio Farmers Organization (SAFO), and Balangbalang Farmers Organization (BAFO) completed the session. The rest of the 240 participants will undergo the workshop, scheduled for this April. 

The workshop was part of the efforts of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) to improve the skills and readiness of its beneficiaries, and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage their finances, especially during the implementation of their projects. 

The diverse representation of farmer groups reflects the inclusive nature of the workshop, which aimed to reach out to as many communities as possible and provide them with the necessary skills to improve their financial management.

The activity focused on teaching participants how to manage their finances effectively. They learned about resource allocation, planning for expected and unexpected expenses, managing assets, and making wise spending decisions. It also covered topics such as cash planning, creating budget calendars, finding funding sources, setting service rates, and maintaining proper documentation and records. These skills are essential in ensuring transparency and accountability within the organizations.

“We are grateful to DA-SAAD for conducting the Financial Management workshop. Through this, we fully understood and learned the importance of managing the finances in our association. Additionally, this will aid us to manage our personal expenses daily,” shared SJAFA Chairman Ramon Basil.

The workshop was spearheaded by the personnel from Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO), officers and staff of the Municipal Government of Remedios T. Romualdez, Agusan Del Norte and Alegria, Surigao del Norte. ###

Writer: Shena Mae C. Pabia, DA-SAAD Caraga Regional Information Officer