BUTUAN CITY: The Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program is set to extend its coverage to 10 additional areas in the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte by fiscal year 2026-2028. The initiative aims to bolster the agricultural sector by reaching more farmers in the region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the SAAD program currently serves 14 priority municipalities in these provinces, supporting 28 farmers’ associations and having assisted over 700 farmers since 2023. This strategic expansion will include new areas such as Libjo, Basilisa, Loreto, and San Jose in Dinagat Islands; Bacuag and Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte mainland; and Burgos, Del Carmen, San Isidro, and Dapa in Siargao Island, as highlighted by Junabelle Casio-Pahuyo, SAAD’s associate project officer and lead for social preparation and program management in Caraga.
In a recent interview, Pahuyo shared, “In 2023, we implemented PHP24 million worth of livelihood projects across t
he 14 priority municipalities, and this year, the total reached PHP25 million.” These projects encompass various agricultural activities, including poultry raising, goat raising, egg production, pineapple farming, and vegetable production, offering diverse opportunities for farmers to enhance their productivity and income.
Moreover, the SAAD program plays a crucial role in facilitating market access for farmer-beneficiaries, enabling them to promote their products in provincial markets, thereby ensuring a broader reach and better economic prospects for the agricultural communities involved.
