LUNA, Apayao – Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) targets to decrease the poverty rate in the province of Apayao to above threshold by the year 2022, according to Warlito C. Madamba, SAAD Project Coordinator during the planning workshop last January 22-27, 2017 at DA-CAR Regional office.
Under the SAAD, the DA has allocated P100 million worth of livelihood programs to help improve the lives of the farmers in the ten poorest provinces in the country. The province of Apayao is the only coverage area in the Cordillera.
There were seven project proposals that underwent vigorous screening and editing, incorporating activity and training design and budget.
“We will focus on livelihood, food production, food security, and increased farmer’s income, and decreased poverty rate in the seven municipalities of Apayao, namely, Calanasan, Apayao, Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, Pudtol and Santa Marcela.
Madamba mentioned that the seven project proposals are ready to be presented for further consultation on implementation with the local government units and other line agencies. One of these project proposals is the implementation of Sloping Agricultural Land Technology in the different municipalities of the province.
“SAAD aims to provide enough food in the region to alleviate poverty so the focus will be on increasing vegetable production and livelihood for the said region,” Madamba added.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rolly Guiang of Sta. Marcela, Apayao expect that SAAD will be a great help in the municipality since it iss designed to improve the poor living condition of the residents.
“We hope that the project will have a wider coverage in our municipality and that livelihood and mechanization are prioritised”, he added.
A grand forum will be held on February 23 on SAAS to be followed by a series of forum the following month.
By Alfredo Canero III
