The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development Program in Central Visayas (DA7 SAAD) recognized and turned over the one hundred forty farmer associations’ (FA) beneficiaries of the SAAD Phase 1 to their respective local government units and launched the SAAD Phase II implementation in the province of Negros Oriental (NegOr).
The recognition and launching held in Dumaguete City was attended by the SAAD National Program Director Ulysses J. Lustria Jr., National SAAD Deputy Director, Dr. Pedro S. Dumaraos Jr., DA7’s Agricultural Provincial Coordinating Officer of Negros Oriental Alejandro E. Rafal, Provincial Agriculturist Emmanuel Caduyac and representatives from the 25 municipalities of the province.
Director Lustria, in his message, said shared of going back to the vision of SAAD which is to be socio-economically empowered farmer and fisherfolk.
“Ako ata ang na-inspire niyo, as I watch and listen to your testimonies and success stories, we have achieved our vision. I hope that in SAAD Phase, it will continue na maging mas mas socio-economically empowered kayo (you will be more socio-economically empowered kayo),” said Dir. Lustria.
SAAD Phase 1, which started in 2017 to 2022 had a total of 140 organized FA beneficiaries, which were awarded with plaques of recognition for their efforts and exemplary performance in sustaining their livelihood projects. The FAs were now turned to the LGUs of Canlaon City, Vallehermoso, Guihulngan City, La Libertad, Jimalalud, Tayasan, Ayungon, Bindoy, Manjuyod, Mabinay, Bais City, Tanjay City, Pamplona, Amlan, San Jose, Sibulan, Dumaguete City, Bacong, Valencia, Dauin, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Sta. Catalina, Bayawan City and Basay.
Recognized as exemplary FA were MABAMA Livelihood Association in Ayungon and Sitio Cabigtian Cayangcangon, Tambo, Colos FA (CaCaTaCoFA), while three farmer-beneficairies, namely Niel Jay Academia of CaCaTaCoFA, Rolando Bendanillo of Bagtic Livelihood Association for Better Tomorrow (BAGLABETO), and Felix Turtur of Panca Farmer’s Association were awarded as exemplary farmers for their skills, hardwork and dedication.
LGUs and other regional/provincial line agencies were also recognized for the established strong collaboration, support and partnership in the implementation of the SAAD projects.
Bendanillo, a SAAD beneficiary from BAGLABETO expressed his gratitude to the program, for the assistance they (FA) received and how it helped attain individual’s aspirations.
“Sa akong pagpaningkamot, akong naimpas ako kargahan nga akong inutang pina-agi sa ako mga utanon ug napahuman nako ang ako anak sa iya pag-eskwela. Nagpasalamat ko sa SAAD kay nakab-ot nako kung unsa man ang naa nako karon. Dako kayo siya (SAAD) og kapuslanan ug nakapagaan gud sa amo kinabuhi. Daghang Salamat SAAD.” said Mr. Bendanillo.
(With my persistence in farming, I was able to fully pay the vehicle I loaned and supported the education of my son. I’m thankful to SAAD that I’ve reached where I am today. SAAD helped us improve our way of living. Thank you so much SAAD.”)
APCO Rafal, on behalf of the DA7, said the implementation of SAAD in the province will have the full support of the management, and a better Negros Oriental in terms of achieving food security and sufficiency.
With the culmination of the SAAD Phase 1, the LGUs are committed to continue in assisting and monitoring the progress of their respective SAAD FAs. With the kick-off of the SAAD Phase 2, the province looks forward to a more food sufficient and secured Negros Oriental.
