As part of its continuing partnership, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) recently solidified its commitment to the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in helping its beneficiaries in the Bicol Region through a significant collaboration.
Director Ulysses Lustria Jr. of the SAAD National Program Management Office (NPMO) met with TIKA Country Director Ibrahim Katirci in an initial visit of the vegetable hauling truck last November 9, 2024 in Caloocan City.
“This new vegetable hauling truck will significantly boost the operational efficiency of SAAD beneficiaries in Bicol. Transportation logistics posed a major challenge for many of our farmers but with this reliable vehicle, they will be able to transport their goods more quickly and cost-effectively, opening up new market opportunities and improving their overall livelihoods. We deeply appreciate TIKA’s support in addressing this need,” said Lustria.
The vegetable truck, a robust four-wheel-drive model equipped with climate control, is specifically designed to mitigate post-harvest losses by ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of agricultural produce.
The truck is set to benefit 10 Phase 1 SAAD farmers associations (FAs) in Sorsogon who are beneficiaries of the High-Value Crop (HVC) Production Project. These FAs include Poctol Backyard Farmers Association, Esperanza Farmers Association, Comapo-capo Integrated Farmers Association, Samahang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkaunlaran ng Calpi, Bacolod Women’s Organic Farmers Association, Puting Sapa Vegetable Growers Association, Green Thumb Catanagan Farmers Association, Binanuahan Vegetable Farmers Association, Tres Marias Vegetable Farmers Association and, Gimagaan IPs Farmers Association.
As his response, Dir. Katirci reiterated TIKA’s dedication to promoting sustainable agricultural development in the Philippines. The donation of the vegetable truck represents a tangible demonstration of their commitment, providing direct and beneficial support to farmers participating in the SAAD Program.
The vegetable hauling truck will help these groups easily transport their produce from their vegetable and crop production. The improved transportation will not only reduce spoilage and waste but also facilitate timely access to markets, potentially leading to increased income for farmers. Furthermore, the enhanced efficiency in the agricultural supply chain is expected to stimulate economic growth within the province, contributing to improved livelihoods.
With this, both Director Lustria and Mr. Katirci expressed their optimism for continued collaboration, exploring future opportunities to leverage their respective expertise and resources to further advance agricultural development in Bicol.
Following this visit, a formal turnover ceremony to the FAs is scheduled towards the end of February, which will be spearheaded by the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) and Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) of Sorsogon.
Aside from the SAAD chief and Dir. Katirci, the event expects the attendance of the officials of the RPMSO, PPMSO including OIC – Regional Technical Director of Bicol Dr. Mary Grace DP. Rodriguez and other DA officials, and representatives from the local government in Sorsogon.
With the exact turnover date to be finalized, TIKA has approved the early use of the vegetable hauling truck by the 10 FAs in Sorsogon, with the assistance of the RPMSO of Bicol and PPMSO of Sorsogon.
