The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 strengthened its engagement with farmer-beneficiaries in Zamboanga del Sur through a series of Social Preparation (SocPrep) roll-outs conducted from June 2 to 26, 2026, providing a platform for farmers to share their experiences, concerns, and recommendations directly with program implementers.
The month-long activity covered the municipalities of Josefina, Midsalip, Vincenzo A. Sagun, Tigbao, Sominot, San Pablo, Lakewood, and Tabina. In Josefina, the team engaged with members of the Ebarle Farmers Association (FA), Tagaytay Hill FA, and Sebukang FA. Roll-outs were also conducted in Midsalip, covering the Cabaluran Banana Planters Association, Cumarom FA, and Lumponid FA.
Meanwhile, farmer-beneficiaries from Kilusang Pagbabago Kabatan FA, Linoguayan FA, and Lumbal FA in Vincenzo A. Sagun participated in the activity, along with members of Nilo FA, Poblacion Tigbao FA, and Makulip FA in Tigbao. In Sominot, consultations were held with Eastern Poblacion FA, Rizal FA, and the Sition Duray Rural Improvement Club.
The roll-outs further reached Kapamanok Rootcrops FA, Pongapong FA, and Makugihon Organic Farming Association in San Pablo; Lukuan Integrated FA and Sapang Pinoles FA in Lakewood; and the Mabuhay Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Association, Abong-Abong FA, and New Oroquieta FA in Tabina.
The activities were spearheaded by SPPM Sub-Unit staff Ms. Catherine Aranton, Ms. Krizza Marie Sergas, and Mr. Benhar Abunawas, together with MAED Sub-Unit Lead Ms. Reena Marie Clemente, who engaged with farmer-beneficiaries through interviews and discussions in each Farmers’ Association covered by the roll-out.
The SocPrep roll-outs served as an avenue for meaningful conversations between the program and its beneficiaries. The activity focused on “kamustahan” sessions and consultations with the farmers to determine the present condition of their associations, their experiences in implementing projects, and the challenges they continue to face in their respective communities.
Each activity was conducted for one day in every barangay and gathered 15 participants per Farmers’ Association, composed of five association officers and ten members. This composition ensured that both the leadership and the general membership of the associations were given equal opportunities to share their experiences and insights.
The roll-outs primarily utilized Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) as data-gathering approaches. Through the FGDs, participants collectively discussed the status of their organizations, their participation in program activities, organizational strengths, and areas that need further support. Meanwhile, KIIs provided a more in-depth understanding of the experiences and perspectives of key officers and selected members, allowing the team to capture issues and recommendations that may not surface during group discussions.
The activity also enabled the SPPM team to gather qualitative information on how the associations are functioning, the level of participation among members, and the factors affecting the sustainability of their projects and organizations. More importantly, it gave farmer-beneficiaries the opportunity to openly express their concerns, aspirations, and suggestions directly to program implementers.
By listening to the voices of farmers and understanding their realities on the ground, the DA-SAAD Program continues to strengthen its community-based approach to development—recognizing that sustainable interventions begin with meaningful engagement, active participation, and strong relationships with the communities it serves.
Following the completion of the SocPrep roll-outs in Zamboanga del Sur, similar activities are set to be conducted in the other provinces of the Zamboanga Peninsula in the coming months as part of DA-SAAD’s continuing efforts to build empowered, participative, and resilient farming communities across the region.###
