12/08/2026
๐๐ก ๐ฃ๐๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฆ | Rooted in Unity: DA-NIR SAAD Strengthens Farmersโ Organizations through Capability Building in La Castellana
Farming is not only about cultivating the land. For rural communities, building an organization that can work together, make sound decisions, and sustain its efforts is equally important. Recognizing this, the Department of Agriculture - Negros Island Region Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-NIR SAAD) Program conducted a series of Capability Enhancement Trainings for farmer-beneficiaries across different barangays in La Castellana throughout July 2026.
The training series began on July 8 in Barangay Sag-ang, where 21 members of the Mandayao-Gomes Farmers and Workers Association (MAGOFAWA) participated in the session. This was followed by a training in Barangay Robles on July 10, attended by 29 farmers - 14 members of the Sitio Bungyod Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (SOBARBA) and 15 members of the Hda. Agho Camandag Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (HAGCARBA).
The series continued in Barangay Talaptap on July 17, with 17 members of the Mainuswagon na Association nga may Gabay nga Handum nga Ipadayun nga Maghimakas Agud Maangkon ang Kahilwayan sa Palangabuhi-an kag duta nga Aguman sang Taga Talaptap (MAGHIMAKASTA) taking part in the training. It concluded with back-to-back sessions in Barangay Lalagsan on July 23, involving 16 members of the Sitio Baclayon Barangay Lalagsan Farmers Association (SBBLFA), and Barangay Masulog on July 24, with 18 members of the Masulog Integrated Farmers and Farm Workers Association (MIFFWA).
Across the different sessions, Ms. Amy V. Parillo, Area Coordinator of DA-NIR SAAD, served as the primary resource speaker. The training was anchored on two key areas: Leadership and Organizational Strengthening and Values Formation. Through workshops and interactive activities, participants were encouraged to examine how leadership, participation, communication, and collective decision-making can contribute to stronger and more functional farmer organizations.
Beyond organizational skills, the Values Formation sessions created space for participants to reflect on their relationships with one another and on the deeper purpose of their associations. The discussions emphasized that an association is more than a group formed around a common project - it is also a community where members can support, understand, and work with one another toward shared goals.
With a total of 101 farmer-beneficiaries reached across six associations, the capability enhancement activities provided more than training sessions. They created opportunities for farmers to strengthen their organizations from within - by developing leadership, building trust, and reinforcing their sense of shared responsibility. Through these strengthened associations, the DA-NIR SAAD Program aims to help farmer-beneficiaries become more capable of managing their collective efforts and pursuing sustainable opportunities for their communities in La Castellana. # # #
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