Additional production facilities and other livelihood support are set to benefit Phase 2 farmer-beneficiaries in Catanduanes through a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Bicol and Fundacion de Religiosos para la Salud (FRS).
Under this partnership which began in March of last year, two SAAD Phase 2 Poultry Production beneficiaries—Magsaysay Poultry Raisers Association (MAPRA) in Bagamanoc and Sicmil Poultry Raisers (SPFA) in Gigmoto—are set to receive concrete poultry housing facilities to support the expansion of their livestock operations and enterprise activities.
The FRS conducted comprehensive monitoring and evaluation activities in the province to identify potential beneficiaries. This was carried out in close coordination with the Provincial and Municipal Government Units (P/MLGU) of the province, together with Caritas Virac Justice and Peace Inc., a non-profit organization and the social action and development arm of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Catanduanes.
Through thorough assessment, the two SAAD farmers associations qualified for the foundation’s support. FRS also committed assistance to their respective municipalities through fish preservation initiatives and the rehabilitation of community facilities like local gymnasiums. These efforts align with the foundation’s broader advocacy for community protection and inclusive rural development.
Following this, FRS representatives met with the members of MARPA and SPFA, along with representatives from the foundation’s stakeholders in the province, to discuss agreements and land ownership conditions last January 2026. The meeting clarified tenure arrangements, outlined the roles and responsibilities of each party, and ensured that the use of the land would align with the foundation’s program objectives. Construction of said facilities is scheduled to begin in April 2026.
Another stakeholder meeting involving the FAs, LGUs, and partner agencies will be held in the coming months to finalize a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) detailing the needs and capacities of the beneficiaries.
MAPRA President Marilyn C. Lanon expressed her gratitude for the support extended to their association:
“Dakulang pasalamat namo sa FRS sa proyektong ini, pati na samong LGU sa pag donar nin daga para pagtugdukan nin bagong pasilidad. Dai mi man malingawan ang SAAD program na sinda ang nag organisar saamo,sa paagi nin mga training, community building pati seminar. Bako lang hanapbuhay an itinao samo kundi iyo na pagbuo samo bilang sarong komonidad na boronyog sa sarong proyekto. Salamat SAAD ta gabos nindo tinatao samo.”
(We extend our deepest gratitude to FRS for this meaningful project and to our LGU for donating the land for the construction and expansion of the facility. We also thank the DA-SAAD Program for organizing and strengthening our association through training, community building, and seminars. Aside from livelihood, SAAD helped us improve our community. Thank you, SAAD, for everything you’ve given us.)
The collaboration between DA-SAAD, FRS, LGUs, and partner institutions reflects a shared commitment to building self-sustaining FAs in Catanduanes. With the upcoming construction of production facilities and the continued provision of complementary livelihood support, the initiative is expected to boost poultry production and generate sustainable income opportunities for beneficiaries. ###
