DA-7 holds consultation with farmers

CEBU, Philippines — In order to achieve lower poverty incidence and ensure sustainability of the projects, the Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas (DA 7) conducted a consultative meeting among stakeholders to strengthen farmer associations of the Special Area for Agriculture Development Program (SAAD) in Cebu Province.

During the meeting, the identified SAAD farmer associations in the towns of Cebu were assessed in their respective interventions of their activities, project scheme, and marketing plan on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

These identified farmers associations of the program in the province are from Tudela, Pilar, Boljoon, Alcoy, Ronda, Alcantara, Samboan, and Malabuyoc.

Meanwhile, DA 7 regional executive director Angel C. Enriquez said that the role from farmer and fisherfolk producers to entrepreneurs, who are the beneficiaries of the SAAD, are vital in attaining the goal of the said program.

Enriquez added that it is essential to strengthen the associations in order for the projects to sustain.

“Pariha sa amo goal, is to improve the lives of your colleagues. Ang amoa nga masiguro namo nga [our goal is to improve the lives of your members in the FA] once and for all, the government has invested much so don’t you think it’s high time for us already to ensure nga masuccessful pud ang project and once successful mareplicate ninyo unya mangadato nata ani,” said Enriquez.

DA’s executive director said that poverty incidence is most likely to decrease as these farmers associations will get higher income as soon as their projects will be successfully sustained and replicated.

“Sa ato pa, ang poverty incidence mo lower na kay dagko naman mo og income [the project to be successful and will be replicated, then we will get rich. With this, poverty incidence will lower]," Enriquez added.

Moreover, Gerry S. Avila, chief of the Field Operations Division, expressed that the beneficiaries of SAAD program are the “chosen ones”. He also challenged them to be an example for their respective communities especially in leading their area towards development.

“This is part of nation building, we cannot accommodate everybody so choose the best people in the barangay. Therefore, you are the chosen one to set an example so build your own business," he said.

SAAD program is a locally funded project under the DA which caters on the most marginalized agricultural and fishery sectors in the country.

This program aims to alleviate poverty by increased food production and productivity in the target areas.

DA is also providing the farmers and fisherfolks with technology, financing, marketing, and other services they need in order for them to become productive and profitable. —/FPL (FREEMAN)