As part of the preparations for the implementation of livelihood interventions under the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2, a Group Formation Activity was conducted for potential beneficiaries in Barangays San Roque, Sinense, and San Juan in the Municipality of Anao, Tarlac, from June 17 to 19, 2026.
The three-day activity organized and prepared farmers’ associations that may qualify as beneficiaries of the program in the coming years. It also served as an initial step in strengthening farmers’ organizations by promoting active participation, enhancing organizational cohesion, and assessing their readiness to implement community-based livelihood projects.
Through the group formation process, the DA-SAAD Program assessed the organizational capacity, commitment, and preparedness of prospective beneficiaries to effectively manage the agricultural and livelihood interventions that may be provided under the program. The activity also enabled the program to identify the needs and strengths of the organizations, ensuring that future interventions would be appropriate, responsive, and aligned with the communities’ development priorities.
During the first part of the activity, DA-SAAD personnel reintroduced the program by discussing its objectives, beneficiary selection process, and the various services and assistance available to qualified farmers’ organizations. The discussion also emphasized the importance of establishing well-organized associations to ensure the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of future livelihood interventions.
Following the orientation, participants elected the officers of their respective organizations to establish a clear leadership structure. They were then guided in formulating their organizations’ Vision, Mission, and Goals (VMG). Divided into three groups, the participants collaboratively developed their VMG statements, which were subsequently presented, discussed, refined, and validated to ensure that they reflected the shared aspirations and direction of each organization.
The activity also included the drafting of organizational by-laws, providing participants with the opportunity to establish operational guidelines, define the roles and responsibilities of officers and members, and formulate policies that will govern their associations. These by-laws will serve as a framework for strengthening organizational governance and accountability.
As part of the preparations for formal registration, participants were oriented on the documentary requirements and application process for registration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Registering their organizations is expected to provide them with legal recognition, strengthen their institutional capacity, and improve their access to government programs and support services.
The Group Formation Activity formed part of the Program’s Social Preparation component, which aims to build strong, organized, and empowered farmers’ organizations before the implementation of livelihood interventions. By strengthening organizational capacity at the community level, the program continues to lay the foundation for sustainable agricultural development and improved livelihoods among its beneficiaries.
