To evaluate program implementation, resolve operational concerns, and realign priorities for the remaining implementation period, the Department of Agriculture – Caraga through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program conducted its 2026 Mid-Year Internal Assessment on July 15 – 16 in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.
In his opening message, SAAD Caraga Assistant Focal Person Jekem D. Sanchez underscored the importance of immediately addressing recurring operational concerns to improve program implementation.
“The challenges that we are facing must be resolved in the most immediate time. Same issues must not emerge repeatedly during our quarterly or semestral meetings,” said Sanchez.
He further explained that we can only make our progress faster if we set timelines and duly coordinate and comply with the important things to be accomplished to resolve the program’s implementation hurdles.
Representatives from the Budget and Accounting Sections, led by Jason Labadan and Airess Suello, also provided updates and clarified concerns on obligations, disbursements, and expenditure processing to further streamline the program’s financial implementation.
Among the major concerns discussed were recurring procurement issues, including pending obligations and payables, delayed deliveries, and incomplete documentary requirements from suppliers that affected the timely implementation of program activities.
These concerns were clarified during the assessment, with concerned SAAD personnel given specific timelines to complete the necessary documents and resolve pending transactions before the next implementation cycle.
Moreover, the RPMSO sub-units presented updates on their respective accomplishments, implementation status, and priority concerns, providing management with a comprehensive overview of program implementation and the necessary actions for the succeeding implementation period.
Area Coordinators also presented consolidated updates on the status of Farmers’ Associations (FAs) in their respective areas, covering production performance, enterprise development, organizational strengthening, Sales, Profits, new business ventures, and compliance with registration requirements under the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as part of the FAs transition to Community-Based Enterprise (CBEs).
For Engr. Justine Jay Pacaldo, Area Coordinator assigned in Dinagat Islands, the Internal Assessment is more than a venue for presenting accomplishments – it is an opportunity to raise field concerns, share best practices, and identify the support needed by Farmers’ Associations for more effective program implementation.
“Every Internal Assessment gives us the opportunity to present the actual situation of our Farmers’ Associations in the field. It allows us to communicate their needs directly to the Regional Office while receiving immediate guidance on the concerns we encounter during implementation. The discussions and recommendations help us improve our work and ensure that necessary interventions reach our beneficiaries on time,” Pacaldo said.
As the program enters the second half of 2026, the Mid-Year Internal Assessment reaffirmed SAAD Caraga’s commitment to responsive and efficient program implementation by strengthening coordination among technical, administrative, and financial units.
Through continuous performance monitoring and timely resolution of operational concerns, the program remains focused on delivering quality interventions and achieving its implementation targets across the region.
