The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Region 12 officially launched the final leg of the General Development Training series for Indigenous farmers in the province of Sarangani through simultaneous capability development activities held from May 6 to 8, 2026.
Three training teams were deployed to the municipalities of Malapatan, Alabel, and Maasim to conduct the activity for SAAD-assisted associations in the province. The training was spearheaded by the Social Preparation and Program Management (SPPM) Unit together with the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) Unit staff and SAAD Area Coordinators in Sarangani.
The activity gathered farmer beneficiaries from the Fit Farmers Association, Macol Integrated Farmers Association, and Mayago Integrated Farmers Association to strengthen their organizational management skills and reinforce their responsibilities as members of community-based organizations supported by the program.
Among the topics discussed during the training were community organizing, roles and responsibilities of officers and members, keys to the success of an association, conflict management, and the Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results (SOAR) analysis of each farmers’ association. Participants also joined workshops and group activities that encouraged teamwork and active participation among members.
The training formed part of the continuing effort of DA-SAAD 12 to develop empowered and self-reliant farmers’ associations capable of properly managing the livelihood projects and interventions provided by the program. Through annual capability development activities, the program aimed to strengthen the leadership, cooperation, and decision-making skills of farmer beneficiaries to help ensure the sustainability of their organizations and enterprises.
According to Mr. Joy T. Lagsilan, 36, President of the Macol Integrated Farmers Association, the training served as an important reminder for members and officers to remain committed to their duties and responsibilities within the organization.
“Too ti mabtas di gami I dad sansibò ani fye gafaldam me I kabtas dad kanfulung me na I kduhò me I ktò me gudmelè gami na set gami mulu na glam di asosasyon ani. Bong kafye falel di ksalu yu gami balu mawag kabay snalu yu gami fye beg nun gtabeng yu,” Lagsilan shared.
(This training is truly important because it reminds us of our duties and responsibilities as officers and members of our association. We are very thankful because despite the distance, you still come to visit and help us.)
Meanwhile, Prezy B. Requiso, SAAD Area Coordinator in Sarangani, emphasized that the annual capability development training plays a vital role in maintaining strong and united associations among SAAD beneficiaries.
“Hindi lamang ito tungkol sa pagbibigay ng proyekto. Mahalaga rin na mapalakas ang samahan ng mga miyembro at maturuan silang maging mahusay na lider at responsableng miyembro upang mas mapanatili nila ang mga kabuhayang ipinagkaloob ng programa,” Requiso explained.
(This is not only about providing livelihood projects. It is equally important to strengthen the unity of members and teach them how to become good leaders and responsible members so they can sustain the livelihood projects provided by the program.)
As DA SAAD 12 begins the final leg of its General Development Training in Sarangani, participating farmers’ associations are expected to apply the knowledge and skills they gained in strengthening their organizations and improving the management of their community enterprises. The activity also reflects the program’s continuing commitment to building resilient and empowered farming communities across the province.
