TARLAC, November 12, 2024 – To enhance the business knowledge and to cultivate right mindset among farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Central Luzon conducted a Basic Business Recording, Values Formation, and Entrepreneurial Mind Setting Training for 160 SAAD farmer-beneficiaries in Tarlac last August 6-14, 2024.

Eight farmers associations (FAs) attended the training namely: Campos-West Corn Production Farmers Association, Casili Anao Corn Grower Association, Pagdanggayan Ti Mannalon Bantog Farmers Association, Rizal Livelihood Farmers Association, Samahang Magsasaka ng Brgy. Coral, Nagkaisang Magsasaka ng Barangay Toledo, Bamban-Maasin Swine Farmers Association, and Nagsabaran-Casipo Livestock Raiser Association. 

SAAD Central Luzon sought the expertise of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)  and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as resource persons sharing their valuable knowledge with the farmers.

Bank Officer II from the BSP North Luzon Regional Office Gomer Gomez educated the participants on how to recognize counterfeit currency. This was crucial in equipping the farmers with the skills to identify fake money, as they prepare to enter the business industry. Additionally, Gomez’s insights into text scams provided the farmers with practical knowledge to safeguard themselves against common fraud tactics and to avoid the potential threats posed by widespread text scams.

After the preliminary sessions, DTI Tarlac Trade Industry Development Analyst Jhoy Alouh Pangilinan led a segment on Entrepreneurial Mind Setting which provided farmers with practical decision-making skills and knowledge on how to create opportunities, address potential challenges within their associations, and devise solutions for their businesses. This training comes with a comprehensive workshop after the discussion. 

Further, SAAD Regional Coordinator Ricky C. Manguerra encouraged the farmers as he stated, “I-mindset po natin na ang lahat ng gagawin natin ay nagsisimula sa unang hakbang. Bagama’t madami pa po tayong pagdadaanan kasama po dito iyong ginagawa natin pagsasanay. Marami po kaming plano para sa inyo, ang kailangan lang po naming ay ang inyong dedikasyon, determinasyon, at pagyakap sa programa ng SAAD.” 

(We need to keep in mind that everything starts with the first step. Although there will be many challenges ahead, including this training, we have many plans for you. What we need from you is dedication, determination, and your support to the SAAD Program.) ###

Writer: Gennadiy C. Duque, SAAD Central Luzon Information Officer