Strengthening farmer organizations goes beyond production support as the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Ilocos continued its efforts in building more organized and self-sustaining agri-enterprises through a Training-Workshop on Enterprise Operations Manual (EOM) Preparation conducted in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.
The series of workshops were held on May 21–22, 2026 in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, May 26–27, 2026 in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, and on May 28-29 in San Vicente, Ilocos Sur involving a total of one hundred twenty (120) farmer-participants from the Bobon Farmers Association, Cappa Cappa Farmers Association, and the Lubong Farmers Association. The activities were facilitated by SAAD Area Coordinators Duane Joy B. Clemente-Binala and Raffy Q. Tolentino, with SAAD Associate Project Officer Fridlee O. Rodriguez serving as resource person.
The training focused on guiding farmers in developing their own Enterprise Operations Manuals, which serve as structured references for managing farm-based enterprises. The sessions were anchored on key components such as production systems, marketing strategies, financial management, and long-term sustainability planning.
For many participants, the activity introduced a shift in perspective from individual farm routines to a more organized, enterprise-based approach. Through guided workshops and group exercises, farmers were able to begin drafting their own manuals, helping them understand how to better structure operations and strengthen coordination within their associations.
In Burgos, Ilocos Norte, members of the Bobon Farmers Association actively took part in mapping out their enterprise processes, identifying how day-to-day farm activities contribute to a more systematic and collective production setup.
Meanwhile, in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, members of the Cappa Cappa Farmers Association worked closely with facilitators to document existing practices and identify areas where their systems can still be improved. The activity also encouraged open discussion among farmers as they aligned their goals as an organization.
Across both training sites, participants were reminded that the Enterprise Operations Manual serves as a guide that helps them plan, make better collective decisions, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods.
By the end of the workshops, both associations had begun shaping their own enterprise roadmaps through draft EOMs—marking an important step toward more organized, resilient, and growth-oriented farming communities in Ilocos. ###
