FIVE municipalities under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) in Western Visayas had already completed the community needs assessment (CAN) activity for the identified farmer-beneficiaries.
According to SAAD 6 focal person Dominador Marquez, a total of 19 batches were conducted from the focused municipalities namely San Remegio, – four batches; Laua-an – four batches and Valderrama – two batches in Antique; Moises Padilla – three batches, Don Salvador Benedicto – three batches and Calatrava – three batches in Negros Occidental.
Marquez said that 35 local folks from every SAAD focused barangays actively participated in identifying agricultural intervention needs through the guidance of their respective Area Coordinators, RPMSO staff and Local Government Unit Agricultural Extension Workers.
Rose Anne Ferrer Eduardo, president of Alegria Farmers Association, Brgy. Alegria, San Remegio, Antique was delighted that during the conduct of the CNA they were thought on how to come up with a collective decision on what agricultural intervention or project they need most and would have a great impact on their livelihood.
“As farmer-leaders, barangay officials, LGU staff and SAAD personnel, we now understand our involvement and respective roles in the implementation of the identified projects.” she said.
The CNA is one of the preparatory activities being conducted in the SAAD areas to ensure that farmer-beneficiaries fully grasp the goals and objectives as well as develop a sense of ownership on the projects to be implemented in their locality. (DA SAAD Western Visayas)
