In support of both immediate agricultural needs and long-term livelihood development, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 delivered 29 cattle worth Php 1,449,855 to three (3) farmers’ associations on July 10–11, 2025.
Two FY 2025 recipients, namely: Canaan Farmers Association (Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay) and Nilabo Farmers Association (Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte), each received nine (9) heifers and one (1) bull. Meanwhile, New Carcar Farmers Association (La Libertad, Zamboanga del Norte), a continuing beneficiary since FY 2024, also received an additional nine (9) heifers.
The cattle serve as complementary support to the associations’ ongoing short-term livelihood projects where Canaan FA integrates cattle and vegetable production, while Nilabo FA focuses on cattle and corn production. These interventions are based on last year’s Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) findings, which identified the groups’ capacity for livestock raising and the local demand for cattle, ensuring project sustainability.
Initial recipients within each group were selected based on criteria such as available pasture areas and secure livestock shelters. Prior to distribution, the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) sub-unit conducted site validations to ensure readiness.
Now in their second year of implementation, New Carcar FA is seeing early results. Of the 16 cattle (15 heifers and 1 bull) received in 2024, six have already calved, another six are currently pregnant, and the remaining three are ready for breeding. With the additional nine (9) heifers, all 25 members now own at least one cattle.
New Carcar FA President Edna Lopena shared her gratitude saying, “Daghan gyud kaayo’ng salamat sa SAAD kay gihatagan mi nila og dugang baka, nga na-tagsaan na gyud mi… Nanghinaot mi nga pila ka tuig gikan karon, mo-doble o mo-triple pa ang kadaghanon ani.”
(We are truly grateful to SAAD for providing us with additional cattle. Now each of us has one. With our continued care and the tireless support of our area coordinator, Ms. Jailyn Gamutan—who ensures the cattle receive vitamins and treatment when sick—we hope that in a few years, our herd will double or even triple.)
The initiative highlights SAAD’s commitment to sustainable, community-driven agricultural development—paving the way for stability and self-sufficiency in farming communities.###
