The Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in Davao Region announced Monday that eight farmers’ associations in Davao Occidental received over PHP10 million in agricultural support under the initiative this year.

The eight groups included associations in the municipalities of Jose Abad Santos, Don Marcelino, Sarangani, and Malita.

In Jose Abad Santos, over PHP2.9 million was allocated to the Lingkasa Farmers Association and Pigbaluyan Highlands Farmer Association for projects on abaca, native chicken, and goat production.

In Don Marcelino town, two groups – Dalupan Renewable Energy Community Development Association (DARECDA) and San Malbino Micro-Hydro Power Association (SANMAMIHYPA)- received interventions totaling PHP3 million to fund corn and layer chicken projects.

Meanwhile, the Sarangani Empowered Women Association (SEWA) and the PALACA Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Vendors Association received PHP2 million worth of vegetables, goats, fruit trees, and carabaos.

On the other hand, the Alayao Sustainable Farmers Association (ASFA) and the Pangaleon Farmers Association (PFA) were supported with PHP2.8 million worth of interventions to aid their corn, chicken, and goat production.

In a statement, Geniars Magsayao, chairperson of the DARECDA, thanked the government for the program, saying that the interventions resonated strongly at the community level.

“The programs in our community under SAAD gave us hope, especially in our livelihoods. Each project implemented will bring significant changes, from farming conditions to the livelihoods of families,” he said. (PNA)