The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Cagayan Valley conducted a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) in the municipality of Calayan from April 9 to 14, 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to deliver responsive and needs-based agricultural support.
As a key activity under the Social Preparation component of the Program, the assessment targeted to gain an in-depth understanding of the current conditions, challenges, and opportunities faced by farmers and fisherfolk in the area. Beyond gathering baseline data, the CNA also served as a platform for community members to openly share their experiences, identify priority concerns, and articulate their needs directly to program implementers.
The assessment was carried out through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), engaging a total of 55 members from three Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs): the United Farmers Association (UFA) of Magsidel, the Magsidel Corn Farmers Association (MCFA), and the Cabudadan Poblacion United Farmers Association.
It was led by Jaylord Bagasin, Regional Social Preparation Lead, together with Engr. Marjorie Decena, Associate Project Officer II; Sherryl B. Arnedo, Community Development Officer II; and Jaysel Sibal, Data Controller IV, all from the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO).
Also present during the activity was Hante Tan, Municipal Agriculturist of Calayan, along with technical staff from the Municipal Agriculture Office, who provided support in facilitating the discussions and validating local data.
The results of the CNA will be used as a basis for planning and refining interventions in Calayan. These may include livelihood projects, capacity-building activities, and infrastructure support tailored to the specific needs of the community. By grounding its programs on validated data and community input, SAAD Program seeks to enhance the effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability of its assistance.
Through this initiative, DA-SAAD continues to strengthen its commitment to empowering marginalized communities through providing support and ensuring that development efforts are anchored on the realities of the farmers and fishers. ###
