To strengthen project sustainability and harmonize the implementation of community-based enterprises, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program conducted a three-day Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) Cascading and Field Validation activity for the Chicken Layer Egg Production enterprise in Barangay Odiong, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, from June 16 to 18, 2026.
The activity was facilitated by representatives from the DA-SAAD National Program Management Office (NPMO), namely Engr. Meljun A. Florece, FPL Sub-Unit Lead; Marie Abigail Dela Cruz, Social Preparation Sub-Unit Lead; and Marifel Ortega, SAAD Focal Person for the Negros Island Region (NIR). They were joined by DA-SAAD NIR personnel led by Eliezar Villar, Alternate Focal Person, to equip participants with updated FPL guidelines, standardized monitoring tools, and practical field validation experience.
The first day focused on strengthening participants’ capacity to monitor and assess livelihood projects after the distribution of agricultural interventions. Discussions centered on the modified FPL framework, emphasizing the long-term sustainability of SAAD-assisted enterprises. Participants also aligned their understanding of the finalized nine-stage FPL process flow, which serves as a guide in implementing and monitoring livelihood projects.
On the second day, the team conducted field validation, pilot testing, and project assessment activities at the Minahan Hog Raiser Association in Barangay Odiong. The visit aimed to evaluate the current status of the association’s chicken layer enterprise, assess its implementation strategies, and determine the continued relevance of the interventions provided by the program.
Through on-site consultations, technical discussions, and operational support, the DA-SAAD team worked closely with association members to identify areas for improvement and strengthen their ongoing egg production operations.
According to Jonjie Mistas, president of the Minahan Hog Raiser Association, the activity provided valuable learning opportunities not only for the participants but also for the association. He noted that the validation process could help improve production monitoring, expand market opportunities, and address operational concerns to support the long-term viability of the enterprise.
The activity also served as a venue for beneficiaries to share their field experiences, daily operational challenges, and aspirations for the enterprise. In return, they received technical guidance and recommendations aimed at improving production management while ensuring that enterprise operations remain responsive to local conditions and aligned with national standards.
On the final day, participants conducted data processing and analysis sessions to validate findings and develop strategic recommendations for improving FPL implementation across the region. The activity concluded with a synthesis session where participants consolidated key observations, lessons learned, and recommendations from the field validation.
The initiative reflects DA-SAAD’s continued commitment to strengthening community-based enterprises and supporting marginalized farmers in becoming resilient, self-sustaining, and food-secure agricultural entrepreneurs.
