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.
The two-day activity, graced by SAAD National Program Director Ulysses J. Lustria Jr., and the Office of the Undersecretary for Operations, represented by Mr. Manuel Dimalaluan, served as a platform for sharing experiences, exchanging knowledge, and shaping the direction of community-based agricultural development in the region.
Resource speakers from partner agencies and organizations brought valuable insights that connected grassroots farming with broader development goals. A representative from the Project Management and Evaluation Division (PMED) emphasized the importance of Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation, highlighting how it strengthens the legitimacy of farmers’ associations and opens access to government support.
Speakers from JCI Philippines encouraged farmers to embrace leadership and civic engagement, noting that strong farmer-leaders play a vital role in driving community participation and ensuring that local voices are heard in policy dialogues.
Meanwhile, experts from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) shared strategies for building resilience and sustainability in agri-fisheries, while the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) highlighted opportunities for financial literacy and credit assistance to help farmers expand their livelihood projects.
Additionally, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) tackled risk management, underscoring the importance of insurance in protecting farmers from unexpected losses due to climate change and natural disasters.
Complementing these discussions, resource persons also delved into emerging topics such as corporate social responsibility and cyber hygiene, encouraging participants to be proactive not only in their farms but also in adapting to digital and social trends that affect rural development.
By tying these topics to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the speakers showed that farmers’ everyday efforts—whether in securing food, protecting livelihoods, or organizing themselves—are part of a larger movement for inclusive growth, sustainability, and community empowerment.
Anchored on the theme “Building Bridges for Sustainable Development Goals”, the SAAD National Public Relations and Development Communication (PRDC) head Joash Nicanor David emphasized that the summit was designed not only to evaluate projects but to celebrate the farmers themselves—the heart of the program.
From upland vegetable growers to egg producers and livestock raisers, each story painted a picture of perseverance amid challenges. Several farmers shared how unpredictable weather and pests tested their patience, while others spoke proudly of cooperative efforts that led to improved harvests and better income. Beyond technical discussions, farmers bonded over their shared realities, realizing that their struggles and successes were deeply interconnected.
For the farmer-participants, the summit was more than just a formal gathering—it was a rare chance to speak out, share lessons from the fields, and inspire one another.
“As recipients of the SAAD livelihood projects, we are here not just to represent our groups, but to carry the voices of the farmers in our own communities,” said Lenard Jabolin, President of Casapa Livestock Raisers Association (CLiRA) from Jiabong, Samar.
As the summit concluded, the 42 farmers stood united by a common vision: to nurture their land, strengthen their associations, and continue feeding communities with pride and dignity. Their stories reminded everyone that agriculture is not just livelihood—it is resilience, legacy, and hope for the next generation. ###
Writer: Jessica R. Alvero, Information Officer II