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.
This was according to Warlito C. Madamba, SAAD Project Coordinator during the planning workshop last January 22-27, 2017 at the 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 10 poorest provinces in the country. For the Cordillera, the province of Apayao was included in the coverage area.
There are seven project proposals that underwent vigorous screening and editing incorporating activity and training design and budget.
“We will focus on livelihood, food productions, food security, and increased farmer’s income and decreased poverty rate in the seven municipalities of the province of Apayao. The municipalities include Calanasan, Apayao, Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, Pudtol and Santa Marcela.
He mentioned that seven project proposals were ready to be presented and further consultation with local government units and other line agencies. One of these project proposals is Sloping Agricultural Land Technology in the different municipalities of Apayao.
“SAAD desires to provide enough food in the region to alleviate poverty so they will focus 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 was designed to uplift the poor living conditions of the residents.
“Hoping that the project will have a wider coverage in their municipality and must prioritize livelihood and equipment”, he added.
A grand forum will be held on February 23 in the province of Apayao to be followed by a series of fora on the following months.** Alfredo Canero III
