Eight Farmers’ Cooperative Associations (FCAs) in Siquijor received essential farm inputs through the partnership of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Central Visayas and the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Siquijor last July 15, 2025.
The distribution, led by the PVO, took place in municipalities covered by the SAAD Program. In Larena, the Bintangan El Paraiso Association and the Ponong Farmers and Women Association were the beneficiaries. In San Juan, assistance was given to the Can-asagan Rural Improvement Club and the Purok Suldon Farmers Association. In Maria, the Orchid Rural Improvement Club in Cabal-asan and the Olang Women’s Association in Olang received support. Lastly, Enrique Villanueva, the Pari-an Small Coconut Farmers Organization and the Balolong Livelihood Association were the recipients.
The interventions from the DA-SAAD Program included 80 empty sacks branded with the SAAD logo and 2,400 cardboard egg trays. The PVO provided 8 gallons of disinfectant, 8 bottles of multivitamins with electrolytes, and 8 plastic drums. The eight associations each received an equal share: 10 sacks, 300 egg trays, 1 gallon of disinfectant, 1 bottle of multivitamins, and 1 plastic drum.
SAAD Provincial Coordinator Harold F. Malabot and Area Coordinator Bernadette P. Camilo facilitated the distribution, with support from Dr. John Jammael Patagoc of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO).
Representatives from the associations expressed their gratitude, sharing that the timely assistance helped restore key parts of their poultry projects – especially the egg trays, which had worn out after several cycles. They also highlighted the importance of the disinfectants and multivitamins in maintaining poultry health. Meanwhile, the plastic drums will support cleaning, sanitation, and water storage, which is especially helpful in areas facing water shortages.
According to one of the members of the Punong Farmers Association, “Dako among pasalamat sa DA-SAAD sa mga egg tray ug mga sako, ug sa Provincial Veterinary Office ilabina kang Dr. John Jammael B. Patagoc, OIC-Provincial Veterinarian, nga gitagaan mi ug higayon nga makatabang kini sa among panginabuhian sa manukan.”
(We are truly grateful to DA-SAAD for the egg trays and sacks, and to the Provincial Veterinary Office, especially Dr. John Jammael B. Patagoc, OIC-Provincial Veterinarian, for giving us this opportunity. These will greatly help in sustaining our poultry livelihood.)
Meanwhile, the PVO’s support highlights its ongoing role in strengthening the province’s poultry sector – not only by providing technical guidance through training but also by delivering continued material assistance.
