TACLOBAN CITY—The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 is set to officially launch the Special Areas for Agricultural Development Program and turn over an initial P25 million each for the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern Samar on Monday at the Leyte Park Resort here.
The funds represent the first tranche of the P50-million fund allocated for each province as committed by Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol during his first official visit to Region 8 in July.
A few days after assuming office, Piñol met the local leaders of Eastern Visayas and discussed with them measures or strategies that will address food security and poverty alleviation in the countryside.
The SAAD Program thus came into the picture as a comprehensive strategy to provide livelihood opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk in the top ten poorest provinces in the country, including the Samar island areas.
“Saad” is the Visayan word for “promise,” and the program is anchored on two major components: social preparation, and food production and livelihood.
For the initial allocation per province, the interventions include production support services such as rice and corn seeds, fertilizers; extension or training support and technology demonstration on the production of rice, corn, high value crops, organic farming and livestock; irrigation support through the provision of pump and engine set; and provision of other agricultural equipment or facilities.
Lerey A. Panes, DA assistant secretary for Planning and Project Development and Special Projects, is expected to grace the activity today and lead the turnover of checks to the PLGUs.
Other invited guests are Governor Sharee Ann Tan of Samar, Gov. Conrado B. Nicart of Eastern Samar, Gov. Jose L. Ong Jr. of Northern Samar and heads of DA’s attached bureaus or agencies.
DA RFO 8’s OIC-Regional Executive Director Nichols A. Manalo and Assistant Regional Director Elvira C. Torres will oversee the activity.
The launching will also be highlighted with the induction of officers of the DA RFO 8’s Press Corps tagged as “Ugnayan ng Mamamahayag sa Agrikultura” or UMA President, headed by Manager Jeff Manibay of CAT 8 TV, and Mel Caspe, UMA Vice President of the Manila Standard.
UMA is an organized group of local media from different outlets including print, broadcast and TV in the region. The group which is supported by the DA RFO 8 and the Philippine Information Agency, aims to intensify the promotion and advocacy of agricultural programs and projects.