Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program officially turned-over its Php 1.1 million worth of agricultural materials and infrastructure project to the abaca farmers of San Antonio Farmers Organization (SAFO), last July 15, 2025 in Brgy. San Antonio, Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte.
The activity was graced by DA Caraga’s RTD for Operations, RTD Rebecca R. Atega; Agusan Del Norte Provincial Governor, Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante; and RTR Municipal Mayor, Richard P. Daquipil.
“You must nurture this opportunity that was given to you by the government to create a stable livelihood and income source to provide for your family,” said Governor Amante, explaining that maintaining a good record when it comes to project implementation will open more opportunities for the group.
Talking to the farmers of RTR, Director Atega highlighted the importance of convergence among the regional, provincial, and municipal implementers to conduct regular project monitoring to gauge its success and ensure market identification and linkages.
“Aside from technical support, SAAD will also help in the marketing aspect of your abaca fibers through its Marketing Assistance and Marketing Development (MAED) component,” RTD Atega noted.
During the activity, SAFO formally received their farm tools, fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, and farm tools as supplemental support to their abaca production project. The group also received various vegetable seeds as part of the program’s crop diversification initiative for additional income sources.
As the FA awaits to harvest their abaca fibers at the latter part of the year, the group also received their UV plastic shed infrastructure to provide proper drying area to their stripped fibers in the future.
The program will continue to provide technical and marketing assistance to the FA by partnering with DA’s attached agencies and strengthen its coordination with the municipal and provincial local government to uphold the ultimate goal of the program of providing sustainable livelihood to its FAs by establishing their Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs).
