The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA concluded the SAAD Romblon FY 2025 Year-End Assessment in Odiongan, Romblon, with association presidents and representatives taking the lead in presenting their accomplishments – marking a shift toward stronger beneficiary-led reporting.
Held on January 28 and 29, the activity brought together 38 beneficiary associations under SAAD Program Phase 2 in Romblon. Each association presented updates on project implementation, interventions received from SAAD, and 2025 production and financial performance. The discussions also covered challenges encountered, best practices, and plans for the first semester of the year. An open forum followed, fostering knowledge exchange and peer learning to further strengthen project implementation and management among the associations.
SAAD MIMAROPA Regional Lead Marissa D. Vargas spearheaded the activity on behalf of DA MIMAROPA Regional Director and SAAD Regional Focal Person Atty. Christopher R. Bañas. The assessment was attended by Engr. Meljun A. Florece, Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) Unit Lead of the SAAD National Program Management Office (NPMO), and Faith D. Paulmanal, Associate Project Officer II, together with Romblon Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Engr. Annaliza A. Escarilla and Engr. Dindo Labrador, members of the Regional Program Advisory Committee (RPAC).
Also present were OIC–Provincial Veterinarian Joselito Fabon, Provincial Corn Coordinator Engr. Wally Boy Falcutila, Municipal Agriculture Officers, and other representatives from local government units.
In her message, APCO Escarilla underscored that the active involvement of association leaders is vital to the success of SAAD projects, as their leadership sets the direction for transparency, accountability, and unity within their respective organizations.
The activity concluded with the recognition of beneficiary associations that demonstrated outstanding performance in production and enterprise management through the Masagana, Negosyante, and Masigasig Awards.
Recipients of the Masagana Award were the Jolyns Vegetables and Fruits Association of San Jose; Samahang Mangagawa ng Sampong of Concepcion; Suong Farmers Association of Alcantara; and Alcantara Livestock and Poultry Producers and Marketing Association of Alcantara.
The Negosyante Award was conferred on the Matis-Anon Farmers Association of San Andres; Tubigon Planters Association of Ferrol; Paroyhog Farmers and Fisherfolks Association of Santa Maria; Samahang Mangagawa ng Sampong of Concepcion; Alcantara Livestock and Poultry Producers and Marketing Association, Kadalag-an Farmers Association, Bonlao Corn Growers Association, San Isidro Livestock and Poultry Producers Association, and Poblacion Poultry and Livestock Association, all from Alcantara.
Meanwhile, the Masigasig Award was awarded to the San Isidro Livestock and Poultry Producers Association and the Poblacion Poultry and Livestock Association, both from Alcantara.
SAAD MIMAROPA also expressed its appreciation to partner local government units, including the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), Provincial Veterinary Office (ProVet), and Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs), for their continued support in program implementation.
Meanwhile, through its Public Relations and Development Communication (PRDC) Unit, the office awarded certificates to the Samahang Mangagawa ng Sampong and Relan S. Sabac, Community Development Officer II (CDO II) of Concepcion, in recognition of their participation and full support in producing the region’s first-place entry in the SAAD FY 2025 Year-End Video Competition.
SAAD National Program Management Office–Food Production and Livelihood (NPMO–FPL) Unit Lead Engr. Meljun Florece commended the associations for their accomplishments and reiterated that inclusive growth remains the core objective of the program. He likewise acknowledged the strong partnership between the associations and their respective Community Development Officers (CDOs).
“Napakagandang makadaupang-palad po namin kayo, napakasarap sa pakiramdam na nakikita namin na naa-accomplish natin ang ating mga targets. Lagi ‘nyo pong tatandaan na ang pag-unlad ay para sa lahat. Maraming salamat po kasi naa-appreciate po namin ang pagmamahal ninyo sa mga Community Development Officers natin kasi tinuring ‘nyo silang pamilya,” he said.
(It is truly a pleasure to meet you, and it feels very good to see that we are accomplishing our targets. Always remember that development is for everyone. Thank you very much because we truly appreciate the love you show to our Community Development Officers, as you have treated them as family.)
Regional Lead Vargas commended the commitment of association leaders and encouraged them to sustain and further strengthen their enterprises in pursuit of resilient and sustainable community-based enterprises (CBEs).
“Lubos kaming nagpapasalamat sa pakikiisa ninyo at partisipasyon para ipresenta sa amin ang inyong pagpupursige para sa sustainable na kabuhayan ng inyong samahan. Nawa’y tuloy-tuloy tayong kumilos at pagyamanin ang ipinagkaloob sa inyo ng SAAD Program Phase 2 patungo sa matatag, maunlad, kumikinang, at sustainable na community-based enterprise,” said Vargas.
(We are deeply thankful for your cooperation and participation in presenting to us your efforts toward the sustainable livelihood of your association. May we continue to move forward together and enrich what has been granted to you under the SAAD Program Phase 2 toward a strong, progressive, thriving, and sustainable community-based enterprise.)
Currently, SAAD Program Phase 2 covers eight municipalities in Romblon: San Andres, Calatrava, Ferrol, Alcantara, Santa Maria, San Jose, Banton, and Concepcion.
