In line with the expansion of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO 2), through its Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO), conducted a two-day Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) for the Omoc Growers Association (OGA) last February 19-20, 2025, in Omoc, Nagbitin, Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya.
The activity forms part of the social preparation and community validation process for newly covered Farmers’ Cooperative Associations (FCAs) under the SAAD expansion areas. It aimed to generate baseline community data, identify priority agricultural and organizational concerns, assess available resources, and determine viable enterprise opportunities aligned with local conditions.
The PRA was facilitated by the RPMSO team headed by Mr. Emelito Yuro, in coordination with the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist led by Mr. Arsenio Mariñas. A total of 30 OGA members participated, along with representatives from the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU). Through participatory tools such as community mapping, problem analysis, and resource assessment, members actively shared insights essential to crafting responsive and sustainable interventions.
Mr. Mariñas encouraged the newly organized FCA to maximize the opportunity provided under the SAAD Program Cagayan Valley. He emphasized that strong organizational management, transparency, and collective responsibility are critical to ensuring long-term project sustainability. He also highlighted the importance of proactive participation, particularly in enterprise management and financial accountability, citing the successful SAAD-supported FCAs in the municipality.
OGA President Mr. Jefrey Nieves expressed the association’s gratitude for being included in the SAAD Phase 2 expansion and affirmed their commitment to work in unity, strengthen their organization, and responsibly manage the support that they will receive.
The conduct of the PRA ensures that proposed interventions will be community-driven, market-oriented, and grounded on validated needs. As a locally funded program of the Department of Agriculture, SAAD seeks to uplift marginalized farmers and fisherfolk by providing livelihood assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and enterprise development support in priority areas.
Through strengthened collaboration among DA-RFO 2, local government partners, and farmer-beneficiaries, the inclusion of OGA in the SAAD Phase 2 expansion reflects the program’s continuing commitment to inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable agricultural development in Cagayan Valley region. ###
Contributor: Barby L. Balcita, Information Officer II, RAFIS
