Farmers in Barangay Pangotan, Sugpon, are strengthening both their leadership roles and livestock practices after a recent assessment showed gaps in how their organization manages people and production.
Members of the Pangotan Farmers Development Association completed a two-day refresher training on leadership and livestock management last January 29–30, following findings from the Department of Agriculture’s Social Preparation rollout under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program.
The assessment pointed to the need for clearer roles within the association and improved livestock practices, particularly in goat production. The refresher course was designed to address those gaps by reinforcing leadership skills while introducing practical technologies farmers can apply on their farms.
On the first day, SAAD Associate Project Officer Fridlee O. Rodriguez led sessions on leadership and team building, focusing on the responsibilities of officers and members based on the results of the organizational assessment. Group discussions and activities centered on communication, teamwork and shared decision-making.
Livestock management took focus on the second day, with Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College Associate Professor Alicia G. Eleorin discussing goat care, feeding, and health management. Farmers raised common concerns encountered in their daily operations during an open forum, linking the discussion to issues identified during the social preparation phase.
Hands-on demonstrations followed, including salt lick preparation and silage making—technologies aimed at improving livestock nutrition and reducing feeding costs, especially during lean seasons.
The refresher training was facilitated by SAAD Information Officer Abegail Marcelino and supported by the Municipal Agriculture Office of Sugpon, headed by Victoria S. Sumagca, with assistance from agricultural technician Maricel Dayawen.
For DA-SAAD Ilocos, the activity marked a continuation of its effort to move farmer groups beyond production support by strengthening organizational capacity alongside livelihood development.###
