In a coordination meeting, DA-10 urges the AEWs regionwide to have their farmers and fishers be registered into the FFEDIS for availment of agri programs, projects and interventions from the government.

 

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a coordination meeting on Sagip Saka updates and development, together with the agricultural extension workers (AEWs) of the provincial, city and municipal agriculture offices of Misamis Oriental.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Republic Act 11321, otherwise known as the Sagip Saka Act, aims to increase farmers’ and fisherfolk’s incomes by connecting them directly to institutional buyers, including government agencies and corporations.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Sagip Saka and the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) were tackled, with the latter creating a database of registered/accredited farmers and fisherfolk.

To date, 204 farmers’ cooperative, associations (FCAs) applicants have completed the registration as a prerequisite for the availment of assistance under said law.

RED Collado detailed, that it overall aims to boost farmers’ and fishers’ production and productivity through extending agri extension services, skills development, and provision of production inputs, equipment, facilities, and infrastructure support.

Recognizing the windows of assistance that are geared towards food sovereignty and poverty alleviation, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga urged the participants to help relay the information to more FCAs for registration to the system.

Two modes of registration are being employed, either via the FFEDIS Registration Desk at DA-10 AMAD or thru web-based registration using the link: https://www.ffedis.da.gov.ph.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Agribusiness Industry Support Section Chief Jenny D. Alcobilla presented the price monitoring activities showing sources of price information from farmgate, wholesale, and retail, and the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program that directly links farmers and fisherfolk to the consuming public, making available food commodities at reasonable prices.

AMAD is also facilitating loan programs which include the Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs (KAYA) for young farmers aged 18-30 years old; AgriNegosyo (Anyo) for small farmers and fisherfolk; and loans assistance under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF). # (RDMElloren)