SAMA-SAMA sa SAAD

At the forefront of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program’s campaign to uplift Filipino farmers above the poverty line is Inclusivity.

SAAD embraced the sama-sama ideology in the quest to empower the marginalized Filipino communities toward sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.

A testament to such a cause is Patricio Rosal, a local of the Catarman town, in Camiguin Province.
Fondly known as Pat, Patricio Rosal is a valued no-ordinary treasurer of the Tangaro Young Farmers Association (TYFA).

Apart from his candid and friendly bearing, Pat is looked up to by the TYFA members for his admirable dedication and commitment to their shared goals for improved livelihood.

Pat was born with a walking disability. But he is no less than a catalytic member of the TYFA.

Early life in a family of farmers

Born to a family of farmers, Pat imbibed the knack for farming from his parents. He and four other siblings were raised by his parents mainly by planting coconut, banana and vegetables.
“There were five of us siblings and all of us are PWD. With our condition my parents struggled to provide for us. I am just lucky because my condition is somewhat better than my other siblings” he said.

As he was orphaned at a young age, Pat was left to fend for himself early in his life after his older siblings also kicked the bucket.

Despite his rough past, now at 34 Pat remained steadfast. Pat is a farmer who makes a living out of a parcel of land he inherited from his parents.

“I am slow at some tasks, but it is not undoable. Although I may need assistance with other chores, but I can still manage to get the work done” he professed.

On being SAAD beneficiary

“I am glad to be part of SAAD because I have no family, I have less to do with my time. I reckoned I would contribute to our association whatever it is in my capacity” Pat vowed.

As a bonafide SAAD-assisted association, the TYFA is a recipient of Integrated Poultry and High Value Crops Production Project.

“As treasurer to our SAAD project I am in-charge of monitoring the poultry – the chicken, feeds, egg production, as well as our sales and income. Sometimes I would be the one to deliver the eggs to nearby location” Pat shared.

In September 2023, Pat and 24 other members of the TYFA received a package of ready-to-lay chicken project after undergoing Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) conducted by SAAD.

With the continued support from SAAD in cooperation with the Local Government Unit of Catarman, and SAAD’s partner NGO, the Greenminds Inc., the TFYA was able to expand their egg production enterprise and engage in the production of free-range chicken, vegetables, organic fertilizer, peanut and peanut value-added products, longganisa, and stingless bee honey.

To date, the TYFA has amassed over P360k in revenue from the SAAD-granted livelihood project.

“With SAAD I truly see how beneficial it is to be a part of a group. I can see unity and harmony among the members. In my experience, so far we are doing good” Pat enthused.

Development for all with SAAD

As a developmental and transformative program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), SAAD’s primary goal is to capacitate underprivileged farmers to be an active player of the country’s agricultural economy.

“Our goal is to reach out to the marginal and vulnerable sectors to extend the services and assistance of the DA. In SAAD we believe development is for everyone. So, it is our mission to capacitate our small farmers and transform them as able contributors to economic development in their communities” said Mark Anthony Lagamon, SAAD-Northern Mindanao Operational Planning, Budget, Monitoring an Evaluation (OPBME) Lead.

To bolster Northern Mindanao’s agricultural development, the SAAD program seeks to include the youth, women, persons with disability, indigenous people, senior citizens and solo parents in the implementation of its community-based livelihood projects in 26 towns across 4 provinces of the region with high recorded poverty incidence. # (ATT)

SAAD engages MisOcc farmers in diversified farming with fruit trees seedlings grant

To empower local farmers in producing diversified farm products, the Department of Agriculture Special Area for Agricultural Development Program – Northern Mindanao recently provided Php833K worth of fruit trees seedlings and peanut seeds to six farmers’ associations (FAs) in Misamis Occidental.

A total of 130 bags of peanut seeds, 500 citrus seedlings, 500 mangosteen seedlings, and 500 durian seedlings were distributed to the following FAs – Gandawan Strawberry Growers Association of Don Victoriano Chiongban town; Punta Sulong SAAD Beneficiaries Association of Baliangao town; Maligubaan Farmers’ Association of Concepcion town; San Roque SAAD Farmers’ Association of Panaon town; Salimpuno SAAD sa Mag-Uuma Association of Sapang Dalaga town; and San Isidro Bajo Sinacaban SAAD Farmers’ Association of Sinacaban town.

The provision of said inputs is consistent with SAAD Program’s mandate to increase food production in low-income and geographically isolated areas in Northern Mindanao as a mitigating intervention to alleviate poverty.

The fruit trees seedlings and peanut seeds were provided on top of the primary livelihood projects provided by the DA-SAAD NorMin to intensify the FAs’ farm production by integrating fruit production to corn, vegetable, livestock and poultry farming.

“Farm diversification is our go-to strategy in our attempt to scale up the SAAD-assisted FAs’ means of livelihood. As we strive to transform the farmers from producers to entrepreneurs, it is imperative that they can produce varied farm products, hence the grant of SAAD’s integrated agri-livelihood projects.” said Mark Anthony D. Lagamon, DA-SAAD NorMin head of the Operational, Planning, Budget, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit.

Having received the inputs, the farmers can augment their farm’s productivity. Essentially, this will enable them to provide nutritious food for their household while gaining additional sources of income to support their daily needs. # (JAS/ATT)

Agri exec visits LGU Impasugong town for future agri plans, projects

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON — In line with the goal of the agency of providing better services to the farmers and fisherfolk, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan paid a visit to Impasugong mayor Anthony A. Uy on February 17, in this town.

The agri exec sought the support of the local chief executive in the implementation of subprojects under the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) with the ancestral domain of Kibuwa as the target area, primarily benefiting the Higaonon tribes residing in the said domain.

Further, he tackled with the Impasugong official on the status of the projects requested by the LGU, including their Farm-to-Market Road under the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP), among others.# (CRS)

Newly promoted DA-10 personnel take oath

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Six newly promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) took their oath of office on February 21, at the agency compound, here.

Administering the oath is DA Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit, Engr. Roger V. Navarro, and assisted by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan.

The newly promoted are:

1. Bryan R. Cubita – Agricultural Center Chief II (Field Operations Division)

2. Mae Odimyrl A. Morales – Senior Science Research Specialist (Research Division)

3. Jocelyn A. Yagong – Senior Science Research Specialist (Research Division)

4. Jean Maurine O. Galao – Science Research Specialist I (Research Division)

5. Marlon T. Colita – Science Research Specialist I (Research Division)

6. Rochelle G. Lao – Planning Officer II (Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation Division)

Witnessing the ceremony is the Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board represented by its vice-chair, Patrick Ian F. Pedarse, and the division chiefs of the promoted employees.# (CRS)

DA-10 boosts onion prod’n, marks 2nd Allium Harvest Festival in Claveria town

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Bolstering Northern Mindanao’s foothold in onion production, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) held its 2nd Allium Harvest Festival on February 14 at the Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD), here.

Following the inaugural festival in Bukidnon last December and now in Misamis Oriental, DA-10 aims to expand onion cultivation across the region, stated Kersten S. Pagalan, DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person.

Four seed companies—Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., East-West Seed Company, Ramgo International, Corp., and Allied Botanical, Corp.—participated, planting red and white onion varieties on a 485-square-meter demo farm. Entries were evaluated based on yield, quality, and cost-efficiency, with results as follows:

Red Onion Category
East-West Seed Company (Super Pinoy)
Allied Botanical, Corp. (Red Nirvana)
East-West Seed Company (Red Pinoy)

White Onion Category
East-West Seed Company (Golden Pinoy)
Ramgo International, Corp. (Yellow Superex)
Allied Botanical, Corp. (Vedalia)

Further highlighting agri innovations, fertilizer companies Enviro Scope Synergy, Inc. and ThaiPhil Advance Agritech, Corp. and cold storage company Glacier Megafridge, Inc. also attended the event, respectively showcasing their fertilizer products and demonstrating the importance of cold storage in postharvest management.

Present in the event were farmers, local government units, and representatives from the Bureau of Plant Industry – Region 10, DA-Provincial Operations Center in Bukidnon, Regional Crop Protection Center 10, Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council-10, and the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 holds capbuild to equip info officers, technical personnel on radio guesting

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In a bid to accelerate the program and projects implementation for the development of the agri-fishery sector through information-dissemination activities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) spearheads the conduct of a Capability Building on Radio Guesting: Best Practices and Insights on February 19 to 20, here.

Said training aims to equip some 30 designated information officers and technical personnel under the DA and the National Irrigation Administration in serving as resource speakers during the conduct of the DA and Radyo Pilipinas’ collaborative radio program dubbed “Usapang Agrikultura”.

Since last June 3, the program has served as a platform to feature the key initiatives of the DA in support to the agricultural transformation agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. under the Bagong Pilipinas brand of leadership and governance, at the same time to highlight the progress and milestones at the grassroots level.

Airing daily over Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM, Usapang Agrikultura is scheduled from 5:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M., Mondays through Fridays, with Cocoy A. Medina serving as the host.# (JLO)

Agri-10 convenes with Earthman for potential agribiz training support

In line with the Department of Agriculture’s efforts to empower agri-entrepreneurs, Earthman & Co. pays a courtesy visit to the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO) to propose related training programs earlier today, February 19.

The said initiative aims to boost the enterprise development in the agriculture sector through a series of trainings that will cover topics on business planning and strategy, as well as financial management and marketing strategies for enterprises.

Joining the meeting are banner program focals and staff of DA-10.

Earthman & Co. is an organization that supports growth of agricultural enterprises through innovative solutions and strategic collaborations. # (AMBM)

DA-MIADP, SDS present baseline study results for ancestral domains in Mindanao

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP) presented the results of the baseline study conducted by the Sustainable Development Solutions, Corp. (SDS) for the three pilot Ancestral Domains (ADs) on February 11 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, here.

The event was hosted by the DA-MIADP Regional Project Coordination Office-10 (RPCO-10), led by its Project Director and DA-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO 10) Executive Director (RED) Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan. It served as a platform to share key findings from the baseline study and discuss their implications for project implementation.

Speaking before the DA-MIADP Project Support Office (PSO) headed by Deputy Project Director (DPD) Cristy Cecilia T. Polido, the RPCOs and representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) from regions 9, 10 and 11, as well as the Local Project Management and Implementing Units (LPMIUs) of Davao del Norte, Malaybalay City, and Zamboanga del Norte, DA-MIADP 10 Project Director Pacamalan emphasized the crucial role of the baseline study serves in assessing the project’s success come endline evaluation.

Likewise, the DA official highlighted the strategies of the DA-MIADP RPCO-10’s, with emphasis on digitization and frontloading of the DA’s programs toward the targeted communities.

For his part, Dr. Nelson Faustino, DA-MIADP PSO Project Monitoring and Evaluation unit head, explained that the study used scientific tools, wherein collected data act as focal points for future impact evaluations of MIADP.

The DA-MIADP-contracted SDS Corp., conducted the baseline survey, which included training sessions for enumerators, field supervisors, research associates, and data processing staff in May 2024, and followed by the roll-out of actual survey activities in June.

Team Leader Virgilio Cabezon led the presentation of findings, covering for the Lintangan-Subanon AD in Region 9, the Daraghuyan AD in Region 10, and the Ata-Manobo AD in Region 11.

Among the surveyed ADs, the Daraghuyan AD of Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, was recognized as one of DA-MIADP RPCO 10’s partners and the project’s model AD.

Survey results identified key areas for development, particularly in improving access to potable water and upgrading road infrastructure. These are seen to enhance health conditions, spur economic activities, and strengthen community connectivity, ultimately improving the quality of life for Indigenous Peoples (IP) residents.

A 1.445-kilometer Farm-to-Market Road subproject was proposed to improve access between sitios Ulanguhon and Damitan, pending deliberation and approval by the Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) in March 2025. Additionally, initiatives to establish a Level II Potable Water Supply System is being prioritized to ensure the health and well-being of the community.

Overall, MIADP’s goals are aimed to create better market access, expand agro-economic opportunities, and improve overall living conditions for the Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs).
NCIP Zamboanga City representative, Engr. Merilyn Assaali and LPMIU Zamboanga del Norte representative, Engr. Marvin Pangilinan, both lauded the DA-MIADP’s initiatives. Pangilinan, in particular, conveyed his appreciation that an AD under their jurisdiction is benefiting from the project.

“We are thankful to our partners from the SDS, the RPCOs [and the LPMIUs] for gathering relevant information which takes commitment to reach even the remote households, giving them the chance to voice out their concerns under MIADP. This is very important, as it is geared towards improving the communities.” DPD Polido concluded.# (KAC/MIADP)

Gingoog LGU, FA to benefit from agri-interventions from DA-NUPAP

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Aiming to boost local production in urban and peri-urban areas, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) turned over agri-interventions on February 14 at the Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD), this town.

Armando R. Jansol, senior agriculturist from the local government unit of Gingoog City received 8 pole pruners for their office and 1 mini-chainsaw for the Odiongan Multipurpose Cooperative.

Jansol thanked the DA for its continued support and shared that the initiative will enhance food production, livelihood and rehabilitation of fruit trees in their locality.

Meanwhile, the initiative contributes to the agri department’s plan of expanding and improving available agri-fishery areas to increase production under the leadership of Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. # (AMBM)

DA-10 seals PhP10-M grant to Taparak farmers in Alubijid town for swine prod’n

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), led by the Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Barangay Local Government Unit of Taparak, represented by Brgy. Captain Arnold E. Palasan and the Taparak Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, represented by its President, Gaudencio B. Jadol, for a grant of a 30-sow level production farm.

With an approved budget amounting to PhP10-million (M) under the 2024 Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program, the said project will fund the establishment of 1 unit biosecurity facility (PhP6-M), and the purchase of 38 vaccinated gilts (PhP1.71-M), animal and zoological supplies (PhP2.19-M), and a package of semen (PhP95K).

Aligned with Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.’s directive, the DA issued the revised guidelines for the INSPIRE program in 2024. This, through Memorandum Circular 28, Series of 2024, now called the Modified INSPIRE program, aims to reduce 10% of imported pork (approximately 60k metric tons) by boosting domestic production.

With the production farm grant, Taparak Farmers’ MPC is eyed to boost the local swine industry by supporting repopulation efforts, enhancing biosecurity, and implementing disease control measures. These initiatives will aid recovery from African Swine Fever (ASF), ensure quality breeder stocks in the barangay, and help stabilize pork prices in the retail market.

The MOA signing was also attended by Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca of DA-10; Board Secretary, Pedro L. Leano Jr.; and Taparak’s local officials, Brgy. Secretary Josie P. Ebabacol, and Brgy. Treasurer Zosimo O. Ellevera. # (BJCE)