CARAGA Region, September 30, 2024 – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Deputy Director, Dr. Pedro S. Dumaraos, Jr., visited Surigao del Norte to monitor training sessions on Organizational Development, Leadership, Teamwork, and Conducting Meetings for SAAD Phase 2 beneficiaries. The training held on September 11-12 in Dinagat Islands and September 18-19, 2024, for Surigao del Norte farmers was also attended by Ms. Jackie Rebusit, Social Preparation, and Program Management Officer, and Joash David Ricanor, Head of Public Relations and Development Communications.

The training highlighted the vital importance of Organizational Development, Leadership, Teamwork, and Conducting Meetings in improving agricultural practices, with a total of 180 participants from 18 farmers associations (FAs) – each consisting of 10 representatives – attending from Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands. 

The FAs that attended the training in Surigao del Norte included the Abad Santos Farmers Association and Bailan Farmer Entrepreneur’s Association from Santa Monica; Bongdo SAAD Farmers Organization and Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Mananagat sa Maribojoc, Inc. from San Benito; United Del Pilar Farmers Association and San Miguel United and Resilient Farmers from San Isidro; Caridad Vegetable Association and Consolacion Goat Raisers Association from Pilar; United Farmers Association of Sta. Cruz and Active Farmers Association of Magsaysay from General Luna; and Makugihong Mag-uuma sa Katipunan and Malipayon ug Mauswagong Mag-uuma sa Mahayahay from Del Carmen. 

Meanwhile the FAs who attended in Dinagat Islands were Doña Helen Sewing Womens Association and Bayanihan Makugihong, Mag-uuma, Mangingisda Asosasyon from Libjo; Malinao Poultry Raisers Association and Mabini Multipurpose Cooperative from Tubajon; and Pangie Farmers’ Association and Justiniana Edera Livestock Grower Association from Dinagat (Table 1).

Table 1. Livelihood interventions received by the FAs in Siargao, Surigao del Norte 

and Dinagat Islands

SAAD Deputy Dir. Dumaraos reminded the farmers that, “Ang SAAD ay isang oportunidad. Maraming programa ang gobyerno, ngunit bibihira ang dumarating sa mga malalayong lugar tulad nito. Kaya’t masuwerte kayo dahil isa ang SAAD sa mga nagdala ng pagkakataon at proyekto rito para sa inyo.”

(SAAD is an opportunity. There are many government programs, but it is rare for them to reach remote places like this. That’s why you are fortunate, as SAAD is one of the programs that brought opportunities and projects here for you.)

The SAAD Caraga RPMSO personnel who served as resource persons included Ms. Junabelle C. Casio, the regional Social Preparation and Program Management (SPPM) Lead, discussing Leadership, and Ms. Shena Mae C. Pabia, Lead for Public Relations and Development Communications (PRDC) Caraga, presenting on Organizational Development. Meanwhile, Mr. Ariel B. Obillos and Mr. Laurence P. Bandola, area coordinators for Siargao Island, covered topics such as teamwork and conducting Meetings.

As graduates from the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Community Organizing held in April 2024, organized by the SAAD-NPMO, they cascaded what they have learned and provided valuable insights during workshops focused on establishing clear responsibilities for the associations and better equipping the farmers for greater sustainability and success in implementation. 

These training sessions also included hands-on workshops where farmers learned to define their roles, apply adaptive leadership techniques, and foster unity and collaboration.

Chairperson Ramie R. Minguita of the Caridad Vegetable Association (CAVEA) expressed his gratitude to the program for allowing them to enhance their capabilities, not just in managing the project but also in empowering the members within the organization. He emphasized that this is essential for becoming an effective group of farmers.

By equipping beneficiaries with essential knowledge and skills in organizational development, leadership, teamwork, and conducting meetings, the program aims to support agricultural activities and improve the quality of life. As these farmers implement what they have learned, they enhance the potential for growth and collaboration within their community. ###

Writer: Shena Pabia, DA-SAAD Caraga Information Officer