The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program in Northern Mindanao turned over a Php 1.788 million-worth of hauling trucks to its farmers’ association in Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental last September 15, 2026.
The recipient of the truck is the Gandawan Strawberry Growers’ Association (GSGA) in Barangay Gandawan, Don Victoriano Chiongbian. The acquisition of the truck is seen to boost the day-to-day operations of the association and services to its members.
According to Sherafin Simon P. Calacar, Head of the SAAD-Region 10 Operational Planning, Budget, Monitoring, and Evaluation (OPBME) Unit, the provision of the hauling truck is anticipated to significantly bolster the association’s hauling and operational capabilities.
“This development will not only enhance their operational efficiency but also contribute to increased productivity and higher income for our farmer-beneficiaries,” Calacar said.
The association, for its part, expressed their gratitude to the SAAD Program, citing that with the hauling truck, they will be able to deliver their produce without paying a delivery fee to markets outside of Don Victoriano Chiongbian town.
“Dako among pasalamat sa SAAD. Niabot na gyud ang among gipangandoy ug dili nami maglisod og hatod sa amoang mga produkto. Kargahan kini namo sa amoang mga utanon, repolyo, sayote, sibuyas ug uban pa ug dili lang ang mga miyembro ang mogamit dini lakip na ang ubang mga mag-uuma dinhi sa amoang barangay, lakip na sa ubang barangay sakop sa Don Victoriano aron sa dugang income sa amoang asosasyon,” said GSGA member Jenelyn Sacal.
[We are very grateful to the SAAD Program. Our long-awaited dream has finally come true, and we no longer have to struggle to deliver our products. We will load it with our vegetables like cabbage, sayote, onions, and others. Not only will the members use it, but also other farmers here in our barangay, including those from other barangays under Don Victoriano, to increase the income of our association.]
The provision of a hauling truck aligns with SAAD Program’s broader goal of fostering sustainable agricultural growth through targeted support and capacity-building measures. By equipping local farmers with the right tools, the Program aims to empower communities, improve food security, and stimulate local economies. ###
