Meaningful progress in agricultural development often arises not from isolated efforts, but from collaborative partnerships where diverse entities pool their resources and expertise. In the Ilocos Region, this strategy is at the heart of every initiative of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Focused on improving livelihoods for farmers in marginalized areas, SAAD Phase 2 thrives on a strong alliance with Local Government Units (LGUs) in each municipality where projects are implemented.
Back in 2023, SAAD Program was launched in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan; it has since operated in 11 municipalities, supported 12 farmers’ associations, and directly impacted the lives of 715 individual farmers. This widespread reach is achieved through the collaborative implementation of SAAD with LGUs.
LGUs, meanwhile, bring an intimate understanding of their local agricultural landscape, the specific needs of their farming communities, and the existing infrastructure. This localized knowledge is invaluable in identifying suitable beneficiaries for SAAD’s livelihood projects, ensuring that resources are targeted effectively and equitably.
Their involvement extends beyond beneficiary selection; LGUs play a crucial role in providing logistical support, facilitating access to land and resources, securing necessary permits, and assisting with the maintenance of crucial infrastructure such as irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads.
Furthermore, the collaboration extends to capacity building. LGUs, through their agricultural extension workers and other technical staff, often provide supplementary training and technical assistance to the farmers, complementing the expertise provided by SAAD.
Apart from logistical support and resource sharing, SAAD Ilocos Team recognizes the importance of continuous communication with LGUs partners, thus regular consultation dialogues are conducted.
A recent consultation in San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, exemplified this commitment. Social Preparation Sub-unit Lead Jerold Cabang, Area Coordinator Christian Corpuz, and Mark Joseph Rala Assistant Provincial Lead in Ilocos Sur met with Municipal Agriculturist Rosemarie C. Etrata, along with representatives from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development.
“Our goal is to ensure that SAAD projects align with the specific needs of the community,” said Cabang, while Corpuz emphasized that, “Collaboration between the local government and SAAD is crucial in achieving our shared vision for agricultural growth.”
For her part, Ms. Etrata emphasized the importance of strengthening local agricultural programs, saying: “We are thankful for the partnership with the SAAD program… This dialogue helps us identify the real needs of our farmers so we can make the right decisions for their development.”
These dialogues, along with the ongoing collaboration between SAAD and LGUs across the region, underscore SAAD Ilocos’ commitment to responsive and collaborative project implementation. This continuous partnership ensures that SAAD remains attuned to local needs, maximizing its impact on the livelihoods of Ilocos farmers. ###
