The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) has completed a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) and stakeholder engagements in the Cordillera Administrative Region as part of the Terminal Evaluation cum Impact Assessment of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Phase 1 Program. The activity highlighted both the gains of the program and opportunities to further strengthen support for farmers.
The evaluation formally started with an FGD last February 9, 2026, at the Department of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR). The discussion was led by PIDS Senior Research Fellow Roehlano Briones, with consultant Anna Jennifer Umlas and research assistants Amerah Azis and Diana Lopez. Participants included former SAAD Phase 1 personnel and key regional officials.
At the field level, the PIDS team, with assistance from SAAD provincial area coordinators, conducted FGDs with selected Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Associations (FCAs) in Mountain Province and Kalinga on February 10–11, 2026. These included the E-Mabalite Tadian Farmers Association Inc. in Mabalite, Tadian; the Cabicalan Umon-no-unoy Farmers Organization in Nambucayan, Tabuk; and the Challengers Agricultural Cooperative in Bulo, Tabuk supported under the SAAD–BFAR component.
The discussions gave PIDS and SAAD a clearer picture of how Phase 1 was implemented on the ground and how it affected farmers’ livelihoods. Farmers shared their experiences on how the program helped improve production, income, and organizational capacity, as well as the challenges they encountered. Initial findings were presented and discussed with SAAD personnel during a regional consultation at DA-CAR on February 12, 2026.
The evaluation noted that the Program’s support helped farmers start and improve their livelihood activities. However, it also identified areas for improvement to ensure long-term benefits. These include better planning, regular monitoring, and continued guidance to farmers to help sustain the assistance provided by the government.
Farmers also expressed their hope to be connected to larger markets, including major retail outlets such as SM Supermalls. They shared that paperwork and documentation remain challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with administrative processes. This highlighted the need for more training and capacity-building activities to help farmers manage requirements and further strengthen their organizations. PIDS also emphasized the importance of closer coordination among LGUs, national agencies, and program implementers to ensure consistent community support.
Another key observation was the active participation of women in farmer organizations. The research team noted that women often attend meetings, take part in discussions, and commit time to organizational work, underscoring their strong contribution to community development.
Reflecting on the discussions, Briones said, “SAAD should remain a bridge for empowerment. Farmers should not only receive support but should also be encouraged to take ownership of their projects and find solutions on their own.” He added that community-based approaches help farmers become more resilient and less dependent in the long run.
The evaluation also highlighted the role of governance and local support, noting that long-term community benefits should be a key focus of development programs.
For SAAD implementers, the activity served as an important learning process. SAAD Mountain Province Community Development Officer Eira Basingan, who assisted the PIDS team in the field, shared that the evaluation helped them better understand farmers’ real situations. “This monitoring and focus group discussion allow us to see the impact of the projects we provide. We can learn from the farmers’ experiences and apply these lessons to our current and future projects to avoid problems and achieve better results,” she said.
PIDS is a non-stock, non-profit government corporation attached to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), mandated to conduct research to support government planning and policy-making.
The results of the SAAD Phase 1 terminal evaluation are expected to help improve future program implementation and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable agricultural development, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.###
