For the members of the Riverside Greener Association (RISGA) in Dumalneg, farming has always meant working with what they have, with hopes that each season brings better harvests.
This May, that hope grew stronger as they received 1,500 kilograms of ginger rhizomes worth Php 351,000 from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2.
The planting materials are expected to help the group recover from setbacks in their previous cycle last year, when their ginger crop suffered heavy damage during the reproductive stage due to rhizome rot — a disease often triggered by excess moisture, poor drainage, or infected planting materials.
Despite the challenges, the farmers remained committed to improving their practices and continuing their work.
“Uray adu dagiti parikut, agtignay kami latta,” said RISGA President Wilfredo Nonesa. “Dakkel ti panagyamanmi kadagiti tumultulong kadakami, ken saan kami a maawanan ti namnama.”
(Even with many challenges, we are moving forward. We are deeply grateful to those supporting us, and we won’t lose hope.)
The project turnover was led by Ilocos Norte APCO Medardo B. Pablo, Assistant APCO Charles Charlie Belisario, and SAAD Area Coordinator Duane Joy Clemente, who also checked the project site and gave technical reminders to help improve cultivation outcomes.
According to Mr. Pablo, the key is continued learning and care. “Nu agtultuloy ti panagadal ken panagtaripato ti mannalon, mabalin a mapatubo manen daytoy a proyekto ken agbalin pay a triple ti ani.”
(If farmers keep learning and tending to their crops well, this project can recover and even triple its yield.)
He also encouraged the association to make their project visible to the public by maintaining proper signages, saying it shows transparency and accountability in implementation.
For the farmers, the support isn’t just about receiving inputs — it’s about knowing that they are not alone in their journey.
“Aramidenyu ti amin a kabaelanyu, addakami ditoy a mangsuporta kadakayo,” said Area Coordinator Clemente. (Do your best, and we will be here to support you.)
This assistance is part of SAAD’s ongoing work to empower farmers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas through targeted and consistent support.
Previously, RISGA received 2,000 kg of ginger rhizomes in 2023, and this year’s replenishment offers a new chance to move forward with stronger, smarter practices. ###
