To provide livelihood and income opportunities to marginalized farmers who are beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD), a total of one hundred twenty (120) heads of upgraded goats or twenty-four (24) packets were distributed to the three (3) farmer associations (FAs) in the province of Cebu last April 24-25, 2024.

With a total worth of P 960,000.00 funded under the SAAD’s Goat Production Project for FY 2024, the Alayon (San Agustin Group) of Alcoy, Lawaan Farmers Association of Alcantara, and Dawis Farmers Association (DAFA) of Samboan each received 40 heads or 5 packets consisting of 32 does and 8 bucks. A packet consists of 5 heads (4 does and 1 buck).

Prior to the distribution, these small ruminants were inspected to ensure if they were healthy and of quality. On tap, vaccination and deworming were also given after the negative results of the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) for brucellosis.

On the distribution scheme, each association selected eight members to receive 5 goats each, of which the members will have to repay 2 ready-to-breed does which will be redispersed to other members.

In addition, once the member will sell the goats, 60% of the total sales will go to the association fund, while the 40% will go to the farmer.

“Kinasing-kasing namong pasalamat sa SAAD kay dako kaayo ni nga tabang especially sa sitwasyon namo karon, unya sa oportunidad nga gihatag nila para makatabang sa among pamilya. Nakita gyud nila nga usa sa among panginahanglanon ang income ug tungod niini madungagan ang among kita sa pang adlaw-adlaw,” shared Analiza Plando, a member of Alayon (San Agustin Group).

(We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to SAAD for the livelihood projects especially in our current situation, and for the opportunity they have given to help our families. They able to see that income is one of our needs, and because of these goats, we earn additional income.)

The SAAD Phase 2 implementation in Cebu aims to provide support and assistance to smallholder farmers in developing sustainable goat farming enterprises, gearing for an increase in income, livelihood opportunities, improve food security and promote resilient farming practices.