The Ilocos Region has been recognized for its outstanding performance in the implementation of the Phase II Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program for the first semester of Fiscal Year 2024 in the recently conducted Mid-year Assessment of the program held in Mambajao, Camiguin on July 29-August 2, 2024.
The region has proudly garnered the Top Performer in Disbursement Award for FY 2024 First Semester with a disbursement rating of 68.25% or a utilized fund of P13.04M out of its allocated CY 2024 budget of P37.5M.
The award was received by SAAD Program Focal Ms. Lorena Olveรฑa, in behalf of the Department of Agriculture-Ilocos Region.
Besting other 14 DA-SAAD covered regions in the country, Ilocos Region’s strong disbursement rate is a testament to its efficient implementation of the program, ensuring that support reaches the intended beneficiaries in a timely manner.
Reflecting an efficient utilization of resources, the achieved disbursement rating translates to a P13M worth of interventions carried out to twelve (12) Farmers Association-beneficiaries under the SAAD program in Region I.
The program beneficiaries received various forms of assistance intended to boost sustainable livelihood enterprises for the associations under DA-SAAD’s four components such as Social Preparation; Food Production and Livelihood; Marketing Assistance; Enterprise Development; and Program Management.
This achievement also reflects the collaborative efforts of the SAAD program implementers from the DA-RFO I with its developmental partners, the local government units, other partner agencies and partner organizations who have worked tirelessly to implement the SAAD Program in the region effectively and efficiently.
By continuing to prioritize the needs of farmers and fisherfolk and promote inclusive growth in the agricultural sector, the region aims to contribute to the overall development and progress of its rural communities.
The SAAD Program, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, aims to reduce poverty, improve food security, and increase the income of marginalized farmers and fisherfolk in the country.##
