Farmers’ Associations (FAs) from three (3) barangays in Cotabato Province took part in the second cluster of Capability Development Training and Social Preparation Assessment spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program last July 10-11, 2025.
The activity was conducted onsite across three locations, namely Brgy. Bao in Alamada, Brgy. Carugmanan in Banisilan, and Brgy. Kimarayag in Pigcawayan. Participating groups included the Bao Integrated Farmers Association, the Lower Carugmanan Farmers Association, and the P4MP–Kimarayag Chapter.
The two-day training improved the internal systems of each farmers’ association by guiding members in teamwork and basic organizational management. The Social Preparation assessment, on the other hand, evaluated the current standing of each group, measuring their operational capacity, leadership functionality, and areas where additional support is needed.
SAAD SOCCSKSARGEN personnel facilitated the activity, while staff from the Municipal Agriculturist Offices (MAO) of Alamada, Banisilan, and Pigcawayan offered support and technical insights throughout the sessions.
According to the SAAD team, the goal of the intervention is not just to assess where the associations stand, but to equip them with the tools to become self-reliant and better organized.
“We want these groups to reach a level where they can manage their own matters efficiently, from decision-making to resource management. It’s not enough to give them inputs; we need to ensure they can handle the responsibility that comes with running a community-based organization,” said SAAD Area Coordinator Rodel A. Miranda.
Many farmers in attendance appreciated the activity for being practical and relevant to their day-to-day needs as association members.
“Daghan mi nakat-unan. Mas klaro na sa amoa karon kung unsaon pagplano ug pag-organisa,” said President of the P4MP–Kimarayag Chapter Hernane Arandilla.
(We learned a lot. It’s much clearer to us now how to plan and organize as a group.)
Following this, SAAD SOCCSKSARGEN continues to roll out similar training across the province to continuously support marginalized communities under the Program.###
