The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 02 (DA-RFO 02), through its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, conducted a two-day Organizational Development and Strengthening Training for members of the Pieza Growers Association (PGA) and Nag-et Farmers Association (NFA) last April 29–30, 2026, in Ibung, Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya.
A total of 25 participants, composed of 20 women and five men, joined the activity centered on strengthening leadership, improving organizational management, and promoting teamwork among members of the two farmers’ associations.
The training forms part of the SAAD Cagayan Valley’s continuing capacity-building initiatives designed to help farmer organizations become more organized, productive, and sustainable.
Engr. Jonathan Nuestro, Provincial Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–Nueva Vizcaya, served as the resource speaker. Through lectures and interactive workshops, participants learned about leadership development, organizational management, financial literacy, decision-making, and team-building strategies.
During the sessions, participants were encouraged to strengthen collaboration within their organizations and develop a shared sense of accountability and responsibility in managing their associations.
The activity also highlighted the importance of proper planning and effective leadership in sustaining community-based livelihood projects and improving the overall performance of farmers’ organizations.
During the closing program, Ms. Maricel Calica, representing the Local Government Unit (LGU), encouraged the participants to apply the lessons and skills they gained from the training in their respective associations. She emphasized that translating knowledge into action is important in helping their organizations become more self-reliant and sustainable in the long run.
Overall, the training successfully equipped the participants with practical skills and fresh perspectives to enhance their leadership roles and contribute to the continued growth and development of their associations under the SAAD Program’s capacity-building initiatives. ###
