The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) conducted its FY 2026 1st Quarter Assessment in Orani, Bataan on April 13–15, 2026 to review the progress of Phase 2 implementation in Central Luzon.
The activity gathered the SAAD Central Luzon workforce to present unit-level accomplishments, assess first quarter performance, and identify gaps affecting implementation. It also served as a venue to align strategies and guide upcoming activities and capacity-building interventions.
As of the first quarter, the program recorded notable progress in fund utilization. A total of Php 14.60 million, or 28% of the allocated budget, was obligated, while Php 2.69 million, equivalent to 18.46%, was already disbursed. These figures indicate the program’s ongoing efforts to translate allocated funds into actual project implementation on the ground.
In terms of physical accomplishments, strengthened coordination with Local Government Units (LGUs) and regular monitoring enabled the timely delivery of interventions and immediate response to farmers’ concerns. This approach allowed farmer associations to promptly report issues, resulting in faster resolution and improved implementation of projects.
In his opening message, Central Luzon Operational Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation (OPBME) Lead Ricky C. Manguerra emphasized the importance of consistent monitoring at the municipal level to ensure organized implementation. He also acknowledged the continued support of LGUs in facilitating program activities.
“Maganda ‘yong nasimulan natin na andyan ang focus natin sa pag monitor at kinocommend ko kayo doon after all lahat naman ng ginagawa nating ito ay para sa ikauunlad ng ating mga farmers. Kaya sana ipagpatuloy lang natin ‘yong ating suporta sa isa’t isa,” said Manguerra.
(What we have started is commendable, especially our focus on monitoring, and I commend all of you for that. After all, everything we are doing is for the progress and development of our farmers. I hope we continue supporting one another.)
Updates on livestock interventions were also presented, particularly in Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija and San Clemente, Tarlac, where Area Coordinators were assigned to intensify monitoring to prevent high mortality rates and support the sustainability of projects.
The assessment also highlighted the need to fast-track the completion of backlog activities while maintaining quality standards. Updates on procurement progress, fund utilization, and qualification guidelines for new beneficiaries were likewise discussed.
The activity concluded with a renewed commitment from all units to strengthen coordination and improve performance in delivering both financial and physical targets of the SAAD Program.
