PADRE BURGOS, SOUTHERN LEYTE - The Agri-Aqua Hapag Fair 2025 in Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte was a festive gathering that highlighted the agricultural products of two farmer associations supported by the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, namely, the Coot-Dinahugan Integrated Farmers Association (CDIFA), and the Association of Farmers and Fisherfolk of Brgy. Sta. Sofia (AFFOBS). 

MARIPIPI, BILIRAN — In the small, remote island municipality of Maripipi, a group of farmers and fishers have discovered how an egg-laying project can foster self-reliance and ambition.

The Binalayan East Farmers and Fisherman Association (BEFFA) recently celebrated a major milestone. On October 25, 2025, the association used its own hard-earned savings to procure 350 heads of ready-to-lay (RTL) chickens, bringing their total flock to 810 heads.

SAN POLICARPO, EASTERN SAMAR - On October 2, 2025, the Bahay Elementary School in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar was filled with children’s smiles and laughter — not for a holiday celebration, but as a heartfelt gesture for the farmers in their town.

MACARTHUR, LEYTE — “Nalipay kami kay natagan kami hin additional na pakabuhi pinaagi han paghatag ha amon hin mga gamit pag-uma,” shared Rogelio Pica, President of Asuncion Del Senior Integrated Farmers Association (ADSIFA).

[We are grateful for receiving this additional livelihood through the provision of farming inputs.]

QUINAPONDAN, EASTERN SAMAR - In Eastern Samar, hard work and teamwork paid off for the 20 farmer-beneficiaries of the DA-SAAD Program, who collectively earned a net income of ₱374,709.00 from producing more than 12 metric tons (MT) of assorted vegetables in two years.

TALALORA, SAMAR - In a small farming community of Talalora, Samar, hope grows in rows of vegetable crops. 

For the 24 members of the Kapit-bisig Tungo sa Pag-unlad ng Mamamayan Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, their six-month harvest is more than just a yield — it is a story of hard work, resilience, and the promise of better days ahead.

SOUTHERN LEYTE - For many farmers in Eastern Visayas, planting crops is only half the battle. Selling them, keeping records, and managing their income are challenges that often go unspoken. 

PASTRANA, LEYTE - The Barangay Aringit Farmers Association (BAFA) in Pastrana, Leyte turned their hard work into income, earning ₱17,650.00 from selling 823 kilograms of assorted vegetables throughout the month of August.

TACLOBAN CITY, LEYTE- From September 15 to 19, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Eastern Visayas brought together regional and provincial program implementers to address one of the region’s most pressing needs: a reliable market for locally produced agricultural goods.

TACLOBAN CITY – Forty-two (42) farmers from all six provinces of Eastern Visayas came together for the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Phase 2 SAAD Summit, held in Tacloban City on September 11-12, 2025. 

Chili. Garlic. Oil.

A simple blend of ingredients — but for the Barrio Upat Farmers Association (BUFA) from Tunga, Leyte, it became a powerful symbol of resilience, creativity, and livelihood transformation.

SAMAR - A total of 156 farmers from three island municipalities in Samar Province gained additional knowledge as the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 of the Department of Agriculture conducted a series of marketing and enterprise development training in July.

Life, like ampalaya, can be bitter — but with hard work and the right support, even the most bitter beginnings can lead to the sweetest rewards.

For 53-year-old Marrisa Corpin and the 22 members of Pinangomhan Farmers Association, farming this bitter vegetable started as a hard pill to swallow. But through perseverance, patience, and just the right amount of grit, they turned what was once a bitter venture into a flavorful success story.

MARIPIPI ISLAND, BILIRAN - A wave of celebration swept across the small island town of Maripipi as local farmers marked a major achievement — surpassing ₱1 million in egg sales through their community-based poultry project. 

HINDANG, LEYTE - A new livelihood is taking shape in Barangay San Vicente, Hindang, Leyte, as local farmers venture into poultry farming with support from the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program. 

MARABUT, SAMAR – To equip implementers with the necessary knowledge and tools for robust community engagement and project implementation in the region, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 successfully conducted the piloting of its Social Preparation Roll-out in Eastern Visayas last June.