Four (4) farmer associations in Tablas Island underwent a Training on Organizational Strengthening under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program MIMAROPA as part of its Social Preparation component.
The two-day training was conducted last February 3 and 4, at Harbour Chateau in Odiongan, Romblon, and was attended by members of Kadalag-An Farmers Association, Camili Corn Growers Association, Alcantara Coconut Farmers Association, and Sto. Niño Farmers and Fisherfolks Association from the municipalities of Alcantara and Santa Maria.
The activity was spearheaded by Social Preparation and Program Management (SPPM) Sub-unit Lead Jea Anne Yase, together with Jercel Catubig, Associate Project Officer I–SPPM. Participants were guided in understanding their vision, mission, goals, and objectives to help them better appreciate their roles as officers and members of their respective associations.
Aside from lecture discussions, the training also featured team-building activities aimed at strengthening teamwork, effective communication, and leadership among participants.
Chona Laparan, Public Information Officer of Kadalag-An Farmers Association, expressed her gratitude for the activity and highlighted its importance to the growth and development of their organization.
“Ang gin ubra nakon na Strengthening hay para ito sa ikalalago ng ating asosasyon, napaka-ganda ng daloy kung masundan po natin lalo na yung tungkol sa pagme-meeting, napakaganda pong practice sa ating asosasyon,” said Laparan.
(The Organizational Strengthening we did is for the growth of our association. The flow of the activity was very good, especially if we are able to follow it – particularly the part about conducting meetings, which is a very good practice for our association.)
The said associations comprised the first batch of Organizational Strengthening trainees for Tablas Island for the first quarter of FY 2026. The training series is set to continue in the island municipality of Concepcion this March.
The activity is crucial at the start of the year, as these associations – new expansion projects of the SAAD Program that began only last year – need to strengthen the backbone of their organizations to effectively manage and sustain their respective projects.
