Vivian B. Flores goes where few are willing – into far-flung sitios tucked deep in the Cordillera landscape, where farmers wait not just for support, but for someone to understand their needs.
As a Community Development Officer (CDO) of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Abra, she spends long days facilitating projects, organizing communities, and documenting progress often after nightfall.
On July 9, 2025, at the DA-SAAD Cordillera Regional Mid-Year Assessment held in Sagada, Mountain Province, Vivian was recognized as one of the top-performing field staff in the region. Her commitment and consistency during the first half of the year earned her a Certificate of Recognition from the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO).
“Vivian exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. She is committed, responsive, and consistent,” said SAAD CAR Assistant Operations Officer Ronan M. Soriano.
Assigned in the rugged towns of Abra, Vivian works closely with Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in implementing community-based agricultural livelihood projects. Her tasks include facilitating training, organizing farmers, and monitoring projects which takes her through rough terrain and often beyond regular working hours.
“Nu sumung-sungad nak paylang ket nakaisemen ti farmers, ken nu panpansinen dak uray outside of work, maibagak nga somehow ada impact diay trabaho nga ar-aramidek,” shared Vivian.
[Even while I’m still at the entrance of the communities, I see that the farmers are already smiling at me, and when they acknowledge me even outside of work, I can say that somehow, the work I do is making an impact.)
“Ken nu makitak metlang nga mas confident dan ken mas organized dan babaen kadagitay inar-aramid mi, maibagak met nga fulfilled nak,” she added.
[And when I see them become more confident and organized because of the work we do together, that’s where I find fulfillment.]
The recognition serves not only as a personal milestone for Vivian but also as a reminder of the vital roles that field workers play in the success of government programs on the ground. Behind each farmer and each livelihood supported is a staff member like her who walks the trail and stays with communities long enough to witness progress.###
