MASBATE, May 29, 2025 — In a pursuit of continually promoting inclusive, data-driven, and transparent agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Bicol conducted its annual beneficiary profiling for SAAD Phase 2 in Ticao Island, Masbate.
Held throughout the whole month of April 2025, the profiling activity is part of DA-SAAD’s commitment to maintaining updated, accurate, and reliable records of its farmer-beneficiaries. These records serve as the basis for the effective delivery of agricultural interventions, including farm tools and machinery, seeds, and fertilizers to farmers who need sustainable inputs and proper farm equipment.
The Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) Masbate team collaborated with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of San Fernando and Batuan to carry out the profiling activity. The team visited six (6) SAAD-covered barangays in the Ticao Island which includes Magkaipit, Progreso, and Sowa in LGU San Fernando; and Cañares, Canvañez, and Nasandig in LGU Batuan.
Field validations and in-depth interviews with farmer-beneficiaries were conducted which facilitated the profile updating of 158 documented individuals. These on-the-ground engagements were used to gather the farmers’ current data, including the received interventions, produced crops, monthly gross income, and their active participation in ongoing SAAD Program initiatives.
By connecting directly with farmers, the profiling activity ensures that services reach those who need them most and creates a meaningful opportunity to listen to their stories and challenges.
All gathered data during the activity was collected in full compliance with the Data Privacy Act of 2012, ensuring that all personal and sensitive information is handled with the utmost confidentiality and ethical care. This reinforces SAAD’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and protection of farmer-beneficiaries’ personal information.
Aileen Canale, member of Nasandig Corn Cassava Farmers Organization, expressed the full support of her group regarding the said activity and highlighted their appreciation for the significance of the profiling in addressing the needs of farmers.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa taga tuig na pag conduct san profiling san SAAD didi sa amon asosasyon kay dahil sani nagkakaigwa man kami san pamaagi para maipaabot kun nano pa an amon mga pangangailangan na bulig kag training. Lubos kami na nagapasalamat sa programa san SAAD sa patuloy na pagsuporta sa amon na mga parauma.”
(We are truly thankful for the yearly profiling activity conducted by SAAD in our association, as it serves as a valuable channel for us to voice out the assistance we need. We sincerely appreciate the continued support of the SAAD Program for us farmers.)
This activity follows the conduct of similar profiling efforts in Mainland Masbate last February and March 2025. By the end of the second quarter of 2025, SAAD Bicol aims to profile 620 farmer-beneficiaries under SAAD Phase 2 across the province.
