BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has achieved a major milestone by successfully enrolling and profiling 82 farmers’ associations (FAs) with 2,460 members in a significant stride towards the implementation of Phase 2.
This effort is part of the social preparation phase dedicated to beneficiaries in the region.
The comprehensive on-site beneficiary profiling, led by SAAD area coordinators and community development officers, covered 42 municipalities across Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao, and Mountain Province.
The meticulous process involved gathering socio-economic data to identify the needs and potentials of local farmers.
In Abra, a total of 50 FAs from various municipalities were profiled, opening the possibility for them to receive agricultural projects ranging from crop to poultry and livestock production.
Similar initiatives were undertaken in Apayao, where the municipalities of Calanasan and Kabugao qualified, and Benguet, where six FAs with 180 members were identified in Kibungan, Sablan, and Tublay.
Kalinga saw the profiling of four FAs with 120 farmers, targeting the revival of Ubi, Coffee, and Ginger Production, as well as Highland Vegetable (Bell Pepper and Sayote) Production.
Meanwhile, in Mountain Province, 12 FAs from different municipalities were profiled, covering a spectrum of potential projects such as Coffee and Vegetable Production, Squash Production and Processing, Communal Table Egg Production, Swine Fattening, and Fruit Trees Production.
Ifugao witnessed the qualification of municipalities Asipulo, Tinoc, and Hingyon, with six FAs and 180 farmers profiled, paving the way for possible beneficiaries of crop, poultry, and livestock production projects.
To streamline the process and enhance efficiency, regional information technologists facilitated the enlistment of recipients into a central registry system.
This system serves as a comprehensive database, ensuring a more precise identification of project recipients and minimizing the risk of duplication.
This approach optimizes the allocation of resources and expands outreach to farmers in need.
With the enlistment phase completed, SAAD beneficiaries in the CAR region are set to undergo a series of capability-building and specialized training in the first quarter of this year.
This strategic initiative aims to prepare farmers for the agricultural assistance they are about to receive.
Subsequently, SAAD CAR will roll out livelihood projects, fostering agricultural activities and transforming them into successful community-based enterprises. (Maria Elena G. Catajan)
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