For farmers and fisherfolk in CALABARZON, every challenge in the field becomes a lesson in resilience, and every service gap presents an opportunity to improve. This perspective guided the FY2025 Year-End Assessment of the Department of Agriculture–Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program CALABARZON, where implementers gathered to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, address operational challenges, and refine strategies for this year.
This event ensured that program interventions remain responsive to the needs of fifth-class and sixth-class municipalities across the region.
Held in Argosino Conference Hall of Lipa Agricultural Research and Experiment Station (LARES) in Marawoy, Lipa City, the activity convened key officials including the Office of the OIC-Regional Executive Director, Engr. Redelliza A. Gruezo; OIC-RTD for Research, Regulations, and ILD, Ms. Editha M. Salvosa; Special Assistant for Extension Support, Education and Training (ESET) Services under DA – Office for Undersecretary for Operations, Mr. Manuel M. Dimalaluan; and SAAD National Program Management Office headed by Deputy Director, Mr. Elmer R. Esplana.
Also present were Quezon 1st district representative, Ms. Edith M. Haway; OIC-Chief Field Operations Division, Mr. Felix Joselito H. Noceda; Research Division, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division, Accounting Section, Budget Section, PMED, AMAD, RSBSA, GAD, F2C2, CSO, and the Livestock and High-Value Crops Development Program. The assessment was also joined by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO), and all municipal agriculturists from Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon.
While performance reports and data were presented, discussions went beyond numbers, focusing instead on the realities faced during implementation, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Sharing insights from the field, Dr. Wilmer Faylon highlighted the challenges of reaching remote communities, including island barangays with limited access.
“Konting buwis-buhay dahil sa hirap ng pinagdaanan, pagtawid ng dagat at pag-abot sa mga isla na halos walang daan. Pero doon namin nakita ang tunay na diwa ng public service, ano ba yung essence ng pagtulong, ano ba yung essence ng sinasabi natin na for the people, by the people, with the people,” he shared.
[There were moments of great risk due to the difficulties we faced, crossing seas and reaching islands with almost no roads. But it was there that we truly understood the essence of public service, the essence of helping, the essence of the phrase we always say that for the people, by the people, with the people.]
Dr. Faylon also emphasized that SAAD’s strength lies in its social preparation process, where beneficiaries themselves identify their needs, capacities, and solutions, making interventions more targeted and effective, especially with the support of local government units (LGUs).
Echoing this commitment, Mr. Esplana said that SAAD is built on responsibility, discipline, and perseverance.
“Ang mga programa natin ay hindi idinisenyo para maging madali. May kaakibat itong responsibilidad, tiyaga, at malinaw na paninindigan,” he said.
[Our programs are not designed to be easy. It comes with responsibility, perseverance, and firm commitment.]
He reiterated that SAAD’s purpose is to improve food production, household consumption, and commercial viability, ultimately helping reduce poverty through community-based enterprises.
“Mahalaga na alam ng beneficiaries hindi lang kung paano mag-produce, kundi kung paano mag-produce para ibenta,” he added.
[It is important that beneficiaries know not only how to produce, but how to produce for the market.]
During the assessment, several concerns and recommendations were raised across units. The Administrative and Procurement component reported that, out of the Php 39,590,000 FY 2025 funds, 99.86% was obligated, amounting to Php 39,530,000, while 96.66% was disbursed, or approximately Php 38,200,000. They also highlighted the need for seasonal prioritization of intervention deliveries in island municipalities such as Jomalig and Patnanungan.
The National Program Management Office (NPMO) emphasized the importance of assisting farmers’ associations (FAs) in marketing their products, while the Provincial Veterinary Office of Laguna recommended partnerships with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to enhance market-related skills among beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, the IDD unit, together with the Gender and Development (GAD) Program, proposed conducting gender analysis to promote inclusive development among SAAD beneficiaries. In terms of transparency and impact measurement, PRDC also shared plans to document Return on Investment (ROI) per association, ensuring that communications highlight actual income gains. Updates on the enhanced Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and its RSBSA application were also presented to strengthen beneficiary profiling and data management.
Further recommendations included market studies and market matching activities through collaboration between the Marketing and Enterprise Development (MAED) and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD). AMAD likewise shared plans to conduct field visits to Jomalig and Patnanungan to assess market conditions and identify opportunities for improved market linkage.
The importance of CSO accreditation was also discussed by Ms. Carmelita Ramos, CSO Focal Person and how it will benefit the existing farmers associations catered by the SAAD program.
Ms. Edith M. Haway, Quezon 1st District Agricultural Programs Coordinator, commended the SAAD CALABARZON team, particularly for its strong social preparation initiatives such as training and organizational development. She encouraged the program to forge stronger tie-ups with other DA programs to further enhance convergence, sustainability, and overall impact.
In her closing message, Regional Technical Director Editha Salvosa recognized the dedication of the SAAD CALABARZON team and reminded implementers of the program’s greater purpose.
“Ginagawa ninyo ang trabaho nang may puso at isipan. Nagsisimula ito sa aksyon, koordinasyon, at kolaborasyon, hanggang sa outcome. Tandaan, magkaiba ang output at outcome,” she emphasized.
[You do your work with both heart and mind. It starts with action, coordination, and collaboration, leading to outcomes. Remember, output is different from outcome.]
As DA-SAAD CALABARZON moves into the new year, the Year-End Assessment reaffirmed the program’s commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that lessons learned and strategies refined ultimately leads to improved lives for farmers and fisherfolk, especially in the region’s most underserved communities.###
