SALCEDO, EASTERN SAMAR - Over the years, women have been stereotyped as weak, less capable, and fragile. Even the vital contributions of women in farming and fishing communities remain consistently overshadowed. 

SEBASTIAN, SAMAR- “Dako ak pasasalamat nga nagkamay-ada kita hini na training, para hit amon manukan pati ha amon na mga member hit association. Nagpapasalamat ako ha SAAD nga padayon an ira suporta ha amon.”

[We are very much thankful for this training for our egg layer production and the members of our association. We are grateful for the continued support of SAAD to our group.]

“Adlaw-adlaw jud diay kami maka-kwarta sa itlog.” [The egg production project provide us daily income.]

This was the answer of Nanay Helen when asked about the egg production project they received from the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program of the Department of Agriculture.

Despite the challenges posed by age and societal expectations, a group of elderly women in Kawayan, Biliran, have emerged as strong advocates for sustainable farming.

In a remote community in Sta. Fe, Leyte where agriculture is the main source of livelihood, the Sitio Mangabanga Farmers Association (SMFA) penned a story of transformation, turning hardship into a harvest of hope.

MARABUT, SAMAR - The Barangay Pinalangga Farmers and Fishermen’s Association (BPFFA) of Marabut, Samar shares another achievement in venturing into pig raising from the project grant of the SAAD Program Phase 2.

PASTRANA, LEYTE – Forty-five (45) farmer-beneficiaries of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 were capacitated on strengthening their organization during a training conducted on February 13-14, 2025 in Pastrana, Leyte. 

SOUTHERN LEYTE – Three farmers’ associations from the Province of Southern Leyte, who are recipients of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 recently purchased additional ready-to-lay (RTL) chickens to expand their poultry enterprises. 

BORONGAN CITY – As part of its mission to create a strong partnership with local government units, the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 steered a coordination meeting with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Eastern Samar on January 20, 2025 in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. 

ALLEN, NORTHERN SAMAR - The Sabang 2 Rural Improvement Club of Allen, Northern Samar, a beneficiary of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2, continue to boost their egg production enterprise. 

BILIRAN PROVINCE – The Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) has extended support to two farmer associations in Biliran Province by providing additional chicken feeds for their poultry production projects. 

TACLOBAN CITY – Two farmer associations assisted by the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 earned a combined net income of Php12,538.00 during the Kadiwa ng Pangulo on February 6-7, 2025 at the DA RFO 8 Carpark, Kanhuraw Hill, Tacloban City. 

ALMERIA, BILIRAN - Farming has been a traditional livelihood in the Province of Biliran, but many farmers recently struggled with low yields and fluctuating market prices, prompting the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program to provide livelihood support for marginalized farmers. 

MARIPIPI, BILIRAN – The Binalayan East Farmers and Fishermen Association (BEFFA), a farmer group in Maripipi, Biliran, has recently expanded their poultry business to improve the livelihood of its members and contribute to local food production. 

TACLOBAN CITY - The Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Eastern Visayas brought together all 54 personnel from the Regional and Provincial Program Management Support Offices (R/PPMSOs) for the orientation and presentation of its strategic plans for 2025. 

MERIDA, LEYTE - The LAMACA Farmers Association, based in Brgy. Lamanoc, Merida, Leyte, has made significant progress in its poultry farming venture with sustained support from the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program.