To further expand banana production and strengthen livelihood opportunities among farmer-beneficiaries in Manay, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Davao Region delivered an additional 9,500 Banana Lakatan plantlets to the Matabang-Pagsayawan-Liloan Farmers Association (MAPALIFA) on April 16, 2026, in Barangay Taocanga, Manay.
The recent delivery followed the first batch of Banana Lakatan plantlets distributed to the association in December 2025 as part of the Program’s continuing agricultural livelihood assistance. According to the association, the initial batch was completely planted by February 2026, covering an existing production area of 11.5 hectares, while the newly delivered plantlets are scheduled for planting in June in a 12-hectare production area.
Prior to the delivery, MAPALIFA members previously participated in a Specialized Training on Banana Production and Management conducted by the Program last February, which equipped the beneficiaries with knowledge and practical skills on proper banana cultivation, maintenance, and production management to help ensure the sustainability of the project.
MAPALIFA Chairperson Marcelino Magno expressed appreciation for the continued assistance extended by the program:
“Dako kaayo among pasalamat sa mga tanom nga saging nga gihatag sa SAAD, ug amoa kining pagatarungon aron naa pa mi madawat nga mga proyekto sa umaabot”, he said.
(We are very grateful for the banana plantlets provided by SAAD, and we will properly manage and take care of them so that we may continue to receive more projects in the future.)
Meanwhile, Area Coordinator Romeo Lu emphasized the importance of ensuring that all interventions provided to the association are properly utilized and sustained.
“Atoa gyud paningkamotan nga tanan madawat sa asosasyon kay matanom gyud kay para ra pud ni sa ila. Sukad pa sa unang batch nga nadeliver, amoa gyud kining gipalungtad”, he shared.
(We are really making efforts to ensure that everything received by the association will be planted since these interventions are intended for them. Since the first batch was delivered, we have continuously sustained and monitored this initiative.)
With the continued support from the DA-SAAD Program, MAPALIFA is further equipped to strengthen its Banana Lakatan production while enhancing livelihood opportunities and improving the productivity of its members..###
