The first quarter of 2025 has witnessed a significant undertaking within Northern Samar’s agricultural communities, as the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 strategically invests in the foundational capacities of 13 recipient farmers’ associations (FAs).
Through a series of community organizing initiatives conducted from January to March, the SAAD Program fostered strong leadership qualities and enhanced collaborative teamwork, deemed essential for the sustainable advancement of incoming livelihood projects. This proactive approach transformed the traditionally individualistic agricultural practices into cohesive and collective endeavors.
The FAs participating in this organizational strengthening included the Bagong Sabang Vegetable Raisers Association, DAO Farmers Association, Magsasakang Masisipag ng Mapanas (3M) Association, Magtaon Farmers Association, Pio Del Pilar Farmers Association, and Bagacay Farmers Association.
Furthermore, the capacity-building sessions were extended to encompass the Destacado Farmers Association, Mongolbongol Farmers Association, Sabang II Rural Improvement Club, Samahan ng OFW para sa Agrikultura ng Allen (SOPAA), Victoria Vegetable Producers Association, Libertad Farmers & Fisherfolks Association, and Rosal Integrated Farmers Association.
These associations are set to receive tailored interventions in crop production, livestock rearing, and poultry farming, based on comprehensive assessments of their specific requirements and local conditions.
Under the rubric of the Social Preparation Component, the SAAD Program is poised to play a significant role in shaping the beneficiaries’ strategic vision, orienting it towards the dual objectives of project success and operational sustainability.
To achieve this, the said FAs engaged in comprehensive training modules specifically designed to establish a knowledge base and a strong collective commitment to project implementation protocols.
The curriculum incorporated active learning methodologies focusing on areas such as advocacy development, market relationship management, and the establishment of inter-organizational networking and strategic alliances.
The farmer groups also received instruction in essential skills pertaining to negotiation, leadership efficacy, and intra-group teamwork.
SAAD Provincial Coordinator Ms. Juhannah Maruhom emphasized the fundamental importance of community organizing as a prerequisite for effective program implementation.
“The very first step in preparing farmers to effectively manage our project is to equip them with a strong foundation of values and advocacy. Central to this preparation is community organizing which fosters cooperation among the farmers towards a shared vision for the project,” said Maruhom.
Moreover, the implemented capacity-building activities were instrumental in enabling the participating farmers to acquire enhanced levels of confidence, expertise, and pertinent insights, thereby augmenting their capacity to make informed operational decisions and proactively address potential challenges.
Leveraging the guidance and sustained support from the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs), and barangay officials, the SAAD Provincial Program Management and Support Office (PPMSO) of Northern Samar maintains a perspective of measured optimism regarding the comprehensive empowerment of the farmer-beneficiaries and the facilitation of long-term project sustainability.
Maruhom reminded the SAAD beneficiaries that their active participation, willingness to learn, and unity – whether as individuals, association, or as a community – are essential, a sentiment echoed in the Nortehanon slogan: “An mga Nortehanon – marig-on, mainuswagon ngan malipayon. Padayon nga kauswagan,” she said.
[Nortehanons are resilient, progressive and jubilant. Let us continue to progress.]
