The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) convened four Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) from Apayao to enhance their organizational efficiency, transparency, and long-term sustainability for the new year.
Held last January 15-16 in San Isidro, Apayao, SAAD CAR officials sat down with the Pasihad Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, Soda Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, Idagara Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, and Maragat Upland Farmers and Fisherfolks Association to refine their respective Operations Manuals. Community leaders and members from the four FCAs, alongside provincial and municipal agriculture officers were present in the activity.
Throughout the duration, the participants engaged in comprehensive presentations and thorough reviews of their draft manuals. The sessions allowed for the identification of gaps, incorporation of best practices, and integration of feedback tailored to the specific needs of their associations.
The Operations Manual serves as a vital document that formalizes an FCA’s structure, governance, policies, and operational procedures. It not only guides the day-to-day operations but also reinforces accountability and compliance aligned with the agricultural and organizational standards.
Yeng V. Taneo, Associate Project Officer (APO) under the Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Sub-unit of DA-SAAD CAR, highlighted that the crafting and review of an Operations Manual ensures that the FCAs would be able to operate with clear objectives and a shared vision; crucial for sustained growth and effective resource management.
Participants shared their experiences and exchanged ideas during the review process, fostering a spirit of collaboration. The feedback focused on key areas such as financial management, membership policies, decision-making protocols, and conflict resolution mechanisms.
Jon Ray K. Waking, also a MAED Sub-unit APO, added that after polishing the Operations Manual drafts, validation and adoption of the documents will follow through the FCA’s general assemblies. He further emphasized that once implemented, these documents will serve as blueprints for efficient and transparent operations, empowering the associations to maximize their impact to the community.
The activity exemplifies SAAD’s commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural development through capacity-building and support for farmer organizations. By equipping FCAs with tools for success, the program continues to drive positive change in the agricultural sector, one community at a time. ###
