The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in Zamboanga Peninsula continues to strengthen its support to farmers by providing additional vermicast to six (6) farmers’ groups across Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur.
This intervention is designed to reinforce ongoing crop production efforts and ensure optimal growing conditions for sustained agricultural success.
A total of 435 bags of vermicast worth Php 278,400 were distributed to the following associations of Israel Farmers Association (FA) from Imelda, Kasigpitan FA from Talusan, and Bagong Silang FA from Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay; and Lumponid Gardeners’ Association, Cabaluran Banana Planters Association (CBPA) from Midsalip, and Eastern Poblacion FA (EPFA) from Sominot, Zamboanga del Sur.
These groups are current beneficiaries of various DA-SAAD crop projects, including banana, corn, and vegetable production. The provision of additional organic fertilizer serves as a critical supplement to the inputs already delivered under the program, ensuring that the crops planted are nurtured under enriched and sustainable soil conditions.
While many farmers still rely on inorganic fertilizers, DA-SAAD recognizes the growing need to promote organic alternatives such as vermicast. As an eco-friendly input, vermicast supports soil health, reduces chemical dependency, and encourages more resilient and sustainable farming systems—key pillars of the department’s agenda for rural development.
Now in its third year of implementation, DA-SAAD Phase 2 in the region has reported numerous success stories in crop production. One such case is the Eastern Poblacion Farmers Association (EPFA), which earned over Php100,000 from its corn harvest in a three-hectare communal garden.
The group also recorded more than 3,000 kilograms of harvested produce, amounting to Php 64,000 in earnings from the same garden. They continue to monitor their two-month-old corn farm and anticipate more returns from their maturing banana plantations.
EPFA President Ms. Lorencia Ellunado shared how their journey has been full of challenges and victories:
“Sukad pagtanom namo og saging sa 2023, daghan mi’g naagian—grabe ang kainit pero naningkamot mi’g hakot tubig. Niabot ang panahon nga nihuyang ang grupo, pero nabangon gihapon tungod sa walay puas nga suporta sa SAAD—dili lang sa kagamitan, kundi apil ang ilang presensya nga nagdasig namo. Karong gihatagan napud mi og dugang vermicast, gidungog gyud nila among mga hangyo permi,” said Ellunado.
(Since we started planting bananas in 2023, we’ve gone through a lot—there was extreme heat, but we worked hard to fetch water. There was a time when the group grew weak, but we managed to recover because of the unwavering support from SAAD—not just through the provision of tools, but also through their presence, which kept us motivated. Now that we’ve been given additional vermicast, we truly feel that our requests are always heard.)
The continuous provision of interventions such as vermicast is a reflection of DA-SAAD’s commitment to holistic agricultural development—not just in supplying tools and inputs, but in ensuring long-term productivity through sustainable practices. ###
