TINGLAYAN, Kalinga – The Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agriculture Development (DA-SAAD) turned over livelihood projects worth P4 million to six farmers associations of this municipality.
These projects are interventions for crop production, livestock, machineries, and training to help in developing and sustaining the groups’ community-based enterprises.
The recipients are Belong Manubal Sustainable Development Association, Masinta Farmers Association, Mallango Ufi Farmers Association, Barangay Ambato Liglig Irrigators Association, Churawon Tribe Farmers Association, and Magic 78 Lower Bangad Farmer’s Organization.
Gov. James Edduba represented by Raquel Dumallig encouraged the beneficiaries to continue their unity and cooperation in managing awarded projects for them to improve their lives in line with the flagship of his administration, the “Lumin-awa Kalinga.”
Mayor Sacrament Gumilab represented by Hubert Patang-i extended his gratitude to the DA-SAAD for providing livelihood interventions, which the municipality can hardly provide with its limited budget. He also appreciated the assistance of SAAD staff to beneficiaries in managing their projects and in strengthening their farmers’ associations.
With the exit of the SAAD Program in the municipality by the end of 2022, Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Balag-ey Claver urged the local government unit and farmer leaders to continue bringing the government’s support to marginalized farmers until they can stand on their own.
The DA-SAAD provided training to farmers from Binongsay Malin-awa Savings and Loan Cooperative (BMSLC) of Barangay Malin-awa, Tabuk City.
The spawn preparation and mushroom production training is packaged in the FY 2022 Mushroom Production Project of the farmers’ association funded by the program.
Jomar Dawagan, BMSLC chairperson, said mushroom production is a source of additional income while waiting for corn and rice to be harvested.
“We are thankful for the training and these learnings will be put into action especially that the program will also be providing the materials for our start up,” Dawagan said. – Peter Balocnit
