Agricultural program mng't office visits beneficiary association in San Isidro, Siargao Island
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program - National Program Management Office (NPMO) led by Deputy Director Pedro S. Dumaraos Jr. visited the San Miguel United and Resilient Farmers (SMURF) Association in San Isidro, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte on September 17.
The visit, hosted by the SAAD Caraga Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) formed part of the program’s continuous implementation of its social preparation component, designed to check the progress and organizational status of the local farmer beneficiaries.
Dr. Dumaraos, together with Social Preparation and Program Management (SPPM) sub-unit Officer Jackie Rebusit and Public Relations and Development Communication (PRDC) Unit Head Joash Ricanor, and the SAAD team, took the opportunity to personally engage with the SMURF farmers, discussing their agricultural initiatives and challenges.
These dialogues ensured that SAAD’s support is aligned with the needs of the community, reinforcing the Program's commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods.
During the focused group discussion, SMURF President Ricardo R. Teraytay Jr. thanked SAAD for the presence of the program in their barangay.
"Nakita namin na may income talaga sa programang hatid ng SAAD, at kailangan naming magkaisa para talagang tumagal ang aming organisasyon,” Teraytay said.
Before visiting the farmers, Dr. Dumaraos also paid a courtesy call to San Isidro Mayor Lamberto E. Domiños Jr. The meeting fostered a closer partnership between the SAAD Program and the local government, expressing gratitude for the continuous support provided to the farmers of San Isidro.
"Itutuloy namin ang suportang nasimulan ng SAAD dito sa amin para makamit ng mga farmers ang pangarap nilang pag-unlad. Kailangang makatayo sila kahit wala na tayo,” said Mayor Domiños.
He concluded that the municipality of San Isidro also helped SMURF by providing financial assistance to build poultry houses for the association’s egg production project. (DA-Caraga/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
