A total of 21 farmer associations in Romblon under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA strengthened their organizational knowledge and capacity through a series of orientations on key farmer support services held from April 13 to 15 under SAAD Program Phase 2.
Officers of SAAD-assisted farmer associations from the municipalities of Santa Maria, Calatrava, Ferrol, San Andres, and Alcantara took part in the activity.
SAAD MIMAROPA Regional Lead Marissa D. Vargas led the opening program and emphasized its goal to prepare associations to become fully established community-based enterprises.
“Inihahanda namin kayo sa mas malaking oportunidad after the SAAD Program. This activity is a consolidation ng mga farmer support services na mahalaga para sa mga SAAD FCAs to establish a sustainable community-based enterprise,” said Vargas.
(We are preparing you for bigger opportunities after the SAAD Program. This activity is a consolidation of farmer support services that are essential for SAAD FCAs to establish a sustainable community-based enterprise.)
Representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) – Romblon, Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) – Odiongan, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) – Romblon, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), and the Institutional Development Unit (IDU) of the Department of Agriculture MIMAROPA presented various key government services that support livelihood development, including market access, financial management, and risk protection.
Jemarie M. Rayla from AMAD MIMAROPA discussed the KADIWA ng Pangulo Program and explained how it links farmers directly to consumers to increase income and ensure affordable goods. IDU Chief Hazel D. Gardoce and Dylyn D. Galoyo, IDU staff, explained the DA-CSO accreditation process, which grants organizations formal recognition and access to government programs and funding.
Leah F. Fabiculana, OIC Chief of the Client Support Section of BIR Romblon, outlined the steps in association registration and proper use of BIR forms to support legal business operations. Meanwhile, Lucille I. Cristo, insurance representative of PCIC Romblon, highlighted the value of crop and livestock insurance as protection against losses caused by calamities and diseases. Eunilaine S. Marzonia, Senior Customer Associate and New Account Clerk of LBP Romblon, guided participants on the process of opening association accounts to ensure safe and transparent fund management.
Municipal Agriculture Officers Engr. Ramel Fabon of Santa Maria, Engr. Realyn Castillon of Ferrol, and Alex John Galicia of Alcantara, along with MAO Calatrava representative Erna Moreno, joined the participants in support of farmer organizations in their respective areas.
Farmers expressed appreciation for the opportunity to gain knowledge on KADIWA, PCIC insurance, DA-CSO accreditation, LandBank account opening, and BIR regulations. They recognized these as essential tools to strengthen their organizations and improve their livelihoods.“Sa patuloy na pagbibigay ng seminars ng SAAD, tayong mga farmers ay nagiging literate. Hindi man tayo ganon kabihasa o kagaling, sa pagbibigay ng seminars ng SAAD ay nabubuksan ang aming mga kaisipan. Maraming – maraming salamat po sa patuloy na pagbibigay ng kaalaman sa aming mga beneficiary ng DA-SAAD,” said Chona G. Palaran, Public Information Officer of Kadalag-An Farmers Association in Alcantara.
(Through the continuous seminars of SAAD, we farmers become literate. Even if we are not that skilled or experienced, these seminars by SAAD open our minds. Thank you very much for continuously sharing knowledge with us, the beneficiaries of DA-SAAD.)
DA-SAAD MIMAROPA will conduct a similar activity for SAAD Phase 2 beneficiaries in Palawan.
