As part of the celebration of Farmers and Fisherfolk Month 2025, a meaningful and festive gathering was successfully held last May 28, 2025, in Brgy. Maimpis, San Fernando, Pampanga, honoring the hard work and contributions of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk including the farmer-beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.
Representatives from SAAD Central Luzon farmers’ associations (FA) from both Nueva Ecija and Tarlac were invited to take part in the celebration. Marites Santos and Florante Reyes from the Bamban-Maasin Swine Farmers Association were among the attendees, along with Elpidio B. Rico and Rolando Neri of the Nagsabaran-Casipo Livestock Raisers Association based in San Clemente, Tarlac.
From the municipality of Anao, Marina G. De Vera and Rhoda I. Gamboa participated as members of the Campos-West Corn Farmers Association. Also present were Elvira Velasco and Juliana Angala representing the Pagdanggayan Ti Mannalon Bantog Farmers Association, as well as Charlie Dela Cruz and Mateo Labagnoy from the Rizal Livelihood Farmers Association. Eduardo Galindo and Michael Bautista from the Casili Anao Corn Growers Association were also present.
From the Samahan ng Magsasaka ng Barangay Coral, attendees included Danilo Figueroa, Dominador Apostol, and Liezl Macaraeg. Representing the Nagkaisang Samahang Magsasaka ng Barangay Toledo were Nerry Deguzman and Ferdinand Astrero from Ramos, Tarlac.
Augusto T. Ambrocio and Jose Marquez Jr. came on behalf of the Cabawangan Corn Farmers Association. Jingle A. Ibarra and Roberto I. Idos joined the activity as members of the Ambasador Swine Farmers Association. Estela Ramiscal and Nancy Ramirez represented the Mayantoc Duck Farmers Association, while Jay June Aguilar and Christopher Mejia attended on behalf of the Maeling Poultry Farmers Association. Also present were Ma. Desiree Apostol and Jane Dela Cruz from the Medico Hog Raisers Association, along with Melanie Millamina and Cristina Bagalay of the Monic Swineherd Association from Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija.
For many of the SAAD beneficiaries, it was not only an opportunity to participate in discussions on vital programs such as the Corn Program, Livestock Program, and Regulatory Division initiatives, but also a chance to be recognized and appreciated for their efforts in uplifting their communities through agriculture. They were at the heart of the event—acknowledged not just as attendees, but as honored guests and partners in development.
One of the key discussions during the program was the mainstreaming of the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) strategy, which aims to strengthen and unify smallholder farmers and fisherfolk—an initiative that directly supports SAAD beneficiaries in scaling up their productivity and market access.
The Agrisenso Lending Program and the programs of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) were also introduced, which seek to help ensure the livelihood security of farmers. Additionally, the use of alternative feeds for free-range chickens was discussed, along with the possibility of San Miguel Corporation serving as an institutional buyer for the beneficiaries’ harvests. Through this, the farmers gained an initial idea of their potential buyers, which will help them in terms of marketing.
Adding excitement to the day’s activities, attendees were also given a chance to win prizes through a raffle draw, which brought an air of joy and celebration to the event. For many, this simple gesture served as a token of gratitude and encouragement for their continued commitment to food security and rural development.
In her closing remarks, Regional Technical Director Dr. Irene Adion emphasized the Department of Agriculture’s unwavering support for farmers. She encouraged everyone, especially the SAAD beneficiaries, to not hesitate in seeking assistance from the department when facing challenges or needing support for their livelihood. Further, she affirmed the importance of farming not only in the Philippines but nationwide as it provides foods which are the main necessity of the people.
“Huwag po kayong magdalawang isip na humingi ng tulong sa ahensyang ito lalo na kung may kinahaharap kayong mga pagsubok sa paagsasaka,” said Adion.
The event stood as a testament to the strong partnership between the government and the country’s farmers and fisherfolk particularly the SAAD Program beneficiaries whose dedication continues to drive the growth of the agriculture sector.###