The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Central Visayas conducted a Capacity Building on Organizational Strengthening, Structuring, Planning, and Management for 12 farmer associations (FAs) in Cebu Province, held in two batches on April 14–17 and April 21–24, 2026.
The activity strengthened farmer organizations by improving their governance, leadership, and management capacities. It followed the earlier conduct of the same training in Bohol Province, expanding the Program’s support to more associations across the region.
The sessions covered key organizational development topics such as reviewing and updating constitutions and by-laws, strengthening leadership structures, and crafting resolutions to guide decision-making. These help ensure that associations operate in an organized, transparent, and sustainable manner.
Through discussions, workshops, and guided exercises, participants gained practical knowledge to improve their internal systems and work more effectively as a group. The training also highlighted the value of shared leadership, accountability, and active participation of members in reaching their goals.
Maricel A. Embudo, a member of the Langin Integrated Farmers Association (LIFA), shared her appreciation for the activity.
“Magpasalamat gyud ko’g dako sa mga facilitators and resource speakers sa inyong gihatag napud nga higayon nga makat-on mi pinaagi sa training. Dako kaayo ni og ikatabang sa among asosasyon ug sa tagsa-tagsa namo nga mga katungod isip miyembro sa asosasyon. Na-encourage gyud mi nga magpabilin’g lig-on nga magbarog sa among pundok hangtud sa hangtod, ug walay bisan usa nga makapabungkag namo. Maong dako akong respetar ug pagsaludo sa SAAD, daghan kaayong salamat,” Embudo said.
(I would like to thank the facilitators and resource speakers for giving us another opportunity to learn through this training. This is a big help to our association and to each of us as members. We are encouraged to stay strong and united, and that no one can break us. I express my respect and gratitude to SAAD, thank you very much.)
The DA-SAAD Program continues to support farmer groups not only through livelihood assistance, but also by providing capacity-building activities that help sustain and strengthen their organizations.
With improved structures and systems, these associations are now better prepared to manage resources, implement projects, and uphold good governance in their communities.
