The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2, through its Social Preparation (SocPrep) Unit, conducted a training on project management and values formation for 19 newly-identified farmers’ associations (FAs) across the Zamboanga Peninsula from May 6 to 16, 2025.
The activity was conducted in two batches, held simultaneously from May 6–9 and May 13–16, 2025, in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga Sibugay. It was facilitated by SAAD’s Social Preparation staff and Area Coordinators, who also served as resource speakers.
The training strengthened the organizational capacity of the associations and enhanced their readiness to receive livelihood support under the FY 2025 implementation.
Through the sessions, participants learned about basic organizational development, project and financial management, leadership, and values formation — all essential for effective project execution and long-term sustainability.
The training serves as a vital step in ensuring that farmers are not only recipients of assistance but also capable stewards of the projects they will manage. It fosters accountability, unity, and effective leadership within associations, equipping members with the right mindset and skills to optimize resources and lead their communities toward progress.
To highlight the importance of this activity, Ms. Catherine S. Aranton, Social Preparation Unit Lead, emphasized that these trainings are the foundation of sustainable development.
“By helping our partner associations understand the importance of project management and shared values, we build resilient communities who are not just beneficiaries, but leaders of change,” said Aranton.
In Zamboanga del Sur, the participating FAs were the Sapang Pinoles FA from Lakewood; New Oroqueta Kalipi Association from Tabina; Tagaytay Hill FA from Josefina; Rural Improvement Club from Sominot; Cumarom FA from Midsalip; Kilusang Pagbabago Lumbal FA from Vincenzo Sagun; Pongapong Corn and Root Crops FA from San Pablo; and Nilo FA from Tigbao.
Zamboanga del Norte was represented by the Libay Farfish Association from Sibutad; Rambon FA from Godod; Nilabo FA from Rizal; Palalian Upland FA from Kalawit; Totongon FA from Mutia; San Jose FA from La Libertad; and Litalip FA from Jose Dalman.
Meanwhile, in Zamboanga Sibugay, the participating groups were the Kahayagan FA from Olutanga; Aurora FA from Talusan; Sto. Niño FA from Mabuhay; and Canaan FA from Imelda.
With SAAD’s FY 2025 implementation already in full swing, these foundational trainings are seen to ensure that SAAD-supported communities are equipped not only with resources but also with the knowledge, confidence, and shared values necessary to sustain agricultural development and improve their quality of life. ###
