The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) formally turned over two vermi-composting facilities to farmer organizations in Luba, Abra on June 18, 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening sustainable agriculture and community-based enterprise development in the municipality.
Led by SAAD CAR Operations Officer Dr. Rosemarie B. Tesoro, the Gayaman Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GFMPC) and the Upper Luba Farmers Irrigators Association (ULFIA) were awarded one facility each, with a total project value of Php 500,000.00 under the Food Production and Livelihood component of the SAAD Program. Both groups are actively engaged in highland vegetable production and are expected to integrate vermi-composting into their farming systems to improve soil fertility and reduce production costs.
The turnover ceremony was attended by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Luba, represented by Municipal Agriculturist Reynaldo B. Manuel, who expressed strong support for the intervention. He committed the LGU’s continued assistance in guiding implementation, providing technical support, and helping facilitate the sourcing of earthworms needed for the vermi-composting operations.
During the ceremony, Mr. Ronan M. Soriano, Assistant SAAD Operations Officer, highlighted that the project is meant to help farmers build long-term capacity in organic fertilizer production, describing it as “nga makatulong ken pagrugianan” — something that will help and serve as a starting point for improved farming practices and income opportunities. Thus, said project is intended not only as production support but as a foundation for sustainable livelihood.
Acceptance messages were delivered by FCA Manager Jovito G. Rosendo of GFMPC and Barangay Captain Ramon L. Taynan of Lul-luno, representing the FCA President of ULFIA. Both leaders expressed gratitude for the project and affirmed their commitment to properly manage and sustain the facilities.
“Panagyaman ken aywanan me, ken itultuloy me daytoy nga project” (We are grateful, we will take care of this, and we will continue this project), Rosendo said, emphasizing the group’s commitment to safeguard and continue the initiative.
Their messages reflected strong ownership of the project, reinforcing the role of farmer organizations as stewards of community-based livelihood interventions.
Immediately after the turnover, SAAD CAR personnel, LGU representatives, and FCA officers held a coordination meeting to map out next steps for the project’s sustainability. The discussion focused on strengthening linkages with DA banner programs, as well as exploring partnerships with other national agencies and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU).
The meeting also outlined plans to integrate the vermi-composting initiative into broader agricultural development strategies in Abra, including technical support, enterprise scaling, and potential market opportunities for organic fertilizers.###
