Careful preparation continues for the next phase of livelihood support under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA–SAAD) Program Phase 2, as monitoring and site visit activities were conducted among three farmers’ associations in Zamboanga del Norte from February 3 to 5, 2026.
The activities were part of early groundwork to ensure that proposed projects for the succeeding years are technically sound and responsive to local conditions. Led by Mr. Mark Joseph Lorete of the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) Sub-unit, the activities focused on assessing production areas and readiness of farmers’ organizations.
In the municipality of Sirawai, Mr. Lorete conducted a site visit for the proposed layer chicken housing construction area of the Bugwakan Farmers Association under the Layer Chicken–Egg Production Project. This group underwent a SAAD Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) in 2024 and has been identified for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2026 program implementation.
This was followed by a coordination meeting with the Municipal Mayor and key stakeholders, including representatives from the farmers’ association, the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), and the Engineering Office, to jointly review site conditions and ensure compliance with technical and engineering requirements.
In Kalawit, the focus shifted to existing production activities. Monitoring of native chicken production was carried out for the New Calamba Farmers Association. The activity documented the current poultry inventory, including the number of grown chickens, chicks, weaned chicks, and incubated eggs, providing a clearer picture of the association’s production capacity and overall livelihood progress.
Another site visit activity was conducted in Barangay Sipaon, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte, where a proposed area for layer chicken egg production was assessed. A technical briefing accompanied the activity to orient the members of the Sipaon Farmers Association, an existing program beneficiary, to reinforce project requirements, management considerations, and their roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the livelihood project.
These monitoring and evaluation efforts highlight DA–SAAD’s emphasis on preparation, coordination, and sustainability. By assessing sites early, engaging local government units, and guiding farmers’ associations, the program moves closer to reducing implementation risks and strengthening project outcomes.
Moving forward, DA–SAAD Phase 2 will continue regular monitoring, site visits, and technical coordination to ensure that livelihood projects scheduled for 2026 are well-prepared, locally supported, and positioned to deliver lasting benefits to farming communities.###
Source: Mr. Mark Joseph S. Lorete, DA-SAAD FPL, Associate Project Officer I
