DA program strengthens grassroots engagement through dialogue with Siargao farmer groups
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — With his third field visit, Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Director Ulysses J. Lustria Jr. continued his hands-on engagement with beneficiaries, this time in the island communities of Siargao in Surigao del Norte.
The two-day visit emphasized the SAAD Program’s commitment to participatory development by directly engaging with the three farmers’ associations of Malipayon ug Mauswagong Mag-uuma sa Mahayahay (M4) in Del Carmen, Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Mananagat sa Maribojoc (NAGAMAMA) in San Benito, and Abad Santos Farmers Association (ASFA) in Santa Monica.
Joined by SAAD Deputy Director Elmer Esplana, DA Regional Technical Director Rebecca R. Atega, Field Operations Division Chief Melody M. Guimary, and respective municipal officials, Dir. Lustria listened to the farmers’ stories, challenges, and aspirations – an approach that has shaped SAAD’s implementation in Phase 2.
“Sa dami-dami na ng organisasyon ang napuntahan ko upang marinig ang mga kwento ng kanilang buhay para malaman namin ang inyong mga pangangailangan, mga challenges na na-experience along the way sa pag-receive ng proyekto,” said the program chief.
(We want to hear your stories – where you started and how you formed as an organization – so we can understand your needs and the challenges you experienced along the way in receiving the project).
“Ang mga pangarap niyo ay pangarap din namin dahil gusto namin kayo maging successful sa buhay (Your dreams are our dreams too, because we want you to be successful in life),” Dir. Lustria added.
Under SAAD Phase 2 in FY 2023, the associations received livelihood support based on their specific needs such as egg and vegetable production in Del Carmen and San Benito, while pineapple and camote production in Santa Monica.
These interventions have begun to reshape livelihood and expanded income opportunities to the local farmers in the island. NAGAMAMA Chairperson Maria Mercedita Soriano shared how the support uplifted their lives in a once-overlooked community.
“Sa sugod palang, wa mi nagdahom nga maabtan pami sama aning mga programa, tungod sa kalayo sa among lugar ug mo tabok pa sa lain isla. Sukad pag abot sa programa sa DA-SAAD, nabati namo ang kabag-ohan sa among matag usa na kinabuhi, mas ni arang-arang among kahimtang kompara sauna,” she said.
(We never expected that the program would notice and reach us, especially our place located in remote areas and we still have to cross to another island. When the DA-SAAD program came, we felt that there were changes in our lives. Our situation has become much better compared to before).
What was once a fishing-dependent community is now seeing diversified income from egg production and is planning to scale up.
“Among panginabuhian puros ra pangisda, pero salamat sa SAAD kay tungod sa proyektong itlogan ug mga training nga gihatag, nakita namo nga mo income ang organisasyon ug gi-plano pa namo nga amo kining mas palambuon aron makuha among tinguha nga mahimong supplier sa Siargao,” Soriano added.
(Our main source of livelihood used to be only fishing, but we are very thankful to SAAD because of the egg production project and the training they provided. We’ve seen that our organization now earns income. We’re also planning to further develop this project so we can achieve our goal of becoming a supplier to Siargao).
These conversations fuel SAAD’s ongoing program refinement, ensuring that project delivery aligns with the real, evolving needs of farmers.
With strong community participation and national leadership presence, SAAD’s model continues to transform government support into grounded, locally-owned rural development. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DA-SAAD Caraga)
