DA - SAAD Cordillera

13/08/2026

#𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧: SAAD reinforce communicators for inclusive, gender-fair storytelling

The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program is strengthening its communication efforts by equipping its information officers and communication practitioners with the knowledge and skills to tell stories that are more inclusive, gender-fair, and reflective of the communities it serves.

Around 100 communication practitioners, information officers, and Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons from the Department of Agriculture participated in the Workshop on Gender-Sensitive Communication and Documentation, which focused on the importance of using communication as a tool for advancing gender equality and social inclusion.

For DA-SAAD, the lessons from the three-day workshop go beyond improving words, photographs, headlines, or information materials. They reinforce a fundamental principle in development communication: how people are represented matters.

During the opening on August 4, SAAD Program Director Ulysses J. Lustria, Jr. emphasized that “gender-responsive development begins when we recognize that every individual has unique realities, needs, and opportunities. When we understand these differences, we create interventions that are more inclusive and meaningful.”

He underscored the importance of keeping farmers and fisherfolk at the center of every communication and documentation efforts and ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.

This perspective was further strengthened throughout the sessions facilitated by Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) Senior GAD Specialist May Angelica A. Saludez.

Participants revisited fundamental concepts on s*x, gender, stereotypes, and s*xism and examined how everyday language and communication practices can unintentionally reinforce bias. Through discussions and reflection activities, they were challenged to look beyond what is written or shown and consider whose experiences are represented, whose voices are heard, and who may be left out.

The second and third day from August 5 and 6, further explored Gender-Fair Language and Images (GfLI), emphasizing that gender equality should not be treated merely as a compliance requirement. Participants were introduced to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) as a broader approach that recognizes the different realities and needs of various sectors.

The Department of Agriculture's recognition through the National Award for GESI was also highlighted as an example of the agency's continuing commitment to inclusive governance and service delivery.

The workshop also examined the policy and legal foundations supporting the use of gender-fair language and images in government communication. Participants learned practical ways to identify unconscious bias in headlines, written content, photographs, illustrations, and design elements, while using balanced representation, language neutrality, and appropriate data to create more responsive communication materials.

Through hands-on activities, participants assessed existing policy documents, publications, and information, education, and communication (IEC) materials and identified areas that could be improved using gender-fair principles.

For DA-SAAD communicators, these lessons have a direct application in the field. Every farmer profile, beneficiary story, photo, caption, social media post, publication, and IEC material becomes an opportunity to present people with dignity and accurately reflect their experiences and contributions.

SAAD Caraga Information Officer, Sean Belen shared what specific lesson from the workshop that he will apply in SAAD communication work.

“​Aside from helping me become more critical in ensuring that every news article I produce incorporates gender-fair language, the training also opened my mind to be more conscious and intentional when it comes to photo composition and balanced visuals for SAAD publication materials and IECs. This is important because the main recipients of our outputs are our farmers - and breaking the cycle of s*xism and pushing gender equality forward should be brought to the grassroots level.”

“Gender‑fair communication ensures that SAAD beneficiaries are represented as equal partners in agricultural development, highlighting their contributions without bias, avoiding stereotypes, promoting inclusivity and empowerment,” said SAAD-NPMO Operations Planning Budget Monitoring and Evaluation (OPBME) staff Arjay Polistico, when asked how can can gender-fair communication improve the way SAAD beneficiaries are represented.

The workshop also prompted participants to reflect on how they portray the people behind SAAD interventions, particularly in stories and images.

“The training made me realize that gender sensitivity is not just about using the right words, but also about how we portray them and how we ensure that everyone is equally represented in the stories and images we release. I’ll be more conscious of how I frame and portray our beneficiaries and make sure that both men and women are given a voice and are equally represented in our communication materials,” shared Melissa Lingco, SAAD MIMAROPA Information Officer.

The training ultimately reinforced that effective communication is not only about delivering information. It is also about how the government sees, represents, and gives voice to the people it serves.

As DA-SAAD continues to work with farmers and fisherfolk across communities, strengthened gender-sensitive communication can help ensure that their stories are told more accurately, respectfully, and inclusively - supporting the Program's broader goal of people-centered and equitable agricultural development. # # #

𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺: 𝘑𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘈. 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘰 | 𝘚𝘈𝘈𝘋-𝘕𝘗𝘔𝘖 𝘗𝘙𝘋𝘊 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵








Department of Agriculture - Philippines

10/08/2026

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) brought together farmer leaders, Community Development Officers (CDOs), and Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) Focal Persons from Abra for the first batch of the three-day Training on an Entrepreneurial Mindset held last August 4–6, 2026 in Bangued, Abra.

The training equipped participants with practical knowledge on developing an entrepreneurial mindset, identifying business opportunities, managing risks and resources, strengthening enterprise resilience, practicing responsible entrepreneurship in the digital age, and understanding the fundamentals of financial auditing. Through interactive workshops, participants also assessed their farmers' organizations' resources, developed enterprise resource management plans, and finalized their respective Enterprise Plans.

The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Michael Rodel B. Bolante, Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Abra, together with Ms. Rebecca T. Evasco, Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Associate Project Officer of DA-SAAD CAR.

The second batch of the training is scheduled on the following weeks of August, where another group of farmer leaders, CDOs, and MLGU Focal Persons from Abra will strengthen their knowledge and skills in enterprise development as DA-SAAD CAR continues to support sustainable and market-oriented farmers' organizations.

07/08/2026

#𝐊𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐊𝐚𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐲: “𝐁𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐚”

Bawat biik na dumating sa anim na farmers' cooperatives and associations sa probinsya ng Abra ay tanda ng panibagong pagkakataon para sa kanilang samahan. Higit pa sa dagdag na alaga, ito ay panibagong hakbang tungo sa pagpapalaki ng kanilang breeding stocks at pagbuo ng mas matatag na kabuhayan para sa bawat miyembro.

Sa pamamagitan ng DA-SAAD Cordillera, nakatanggap ang mga asosasyon ng mga weaners, gilts, at boars bilang suporta sa kanilang swine breeding at fattening projects.

Kasabay ng patuloy na paggabay ng programa, unti-unting nabibigyan ang mga magsasaka ng kakayahang palaguin ang kanilang produksyon at maglatag ng pangmatagalang pinagkukunan ng kita.

07/08/2026

𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃 𝐁𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧: 𝐃𝐀-𝐒𝐀𝐀𝐃 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝟐 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐀'𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐩-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

The Department of Agriculture's Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Phase 2 has been recognized as one of the Department's top-performing projects after receiving a Certificate of Recognition for its outstanding performance under the Special Projects Monitoring and Evaluation Tool (SPMET) for the first semester of 2026.

The recognition was conferred during the Department's CY2026 Midyear Assessment for Locally-Funded and Foreign-Assisted Projects last July 31, 2026, citing the Program's exemplary implementation and significant contribution to the Department's mandate through its high evaluation rating under the SPMET.

For SAAD National Director Ulysses J. Lustria Jr., the recognition affirms the Program's enduring commitment to ensuring that agricultural development reaches even the country's most underserved communities.

"This recognition belongs to every member of the SAAD family — from our national, regional, and provincial implementers to our partners in local government and, most importantly, to the farmers and fisherfolk who continue to be the driving force of our work. It strengthens our resolve to remain true to our mission of bringing government interventions to communities that are often left behind and creating opportunities where they are needed most,” said the director.

Lustria noted that the recognition echoes the message previously shared by DA Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A. Manalo during last year’s national year-end assessment, who described the SAAD Program as the "equalizer" within the Department.

"Assistant Secretary Manalo aptly described SAAD as the Department's equalizer. While many programs are designed to achieve broad national targets, SAAD ensures that development reaches those who have historically been left behind. That is the essence of what we do,” he added.

The award highlights the collective efforts of the SAAD National Program Management Office, Regional Program Management Support Offices, Provincial Program Management Support Offices, partner agencies, and local government units in ensuring the efficient implementation of the Program's interventions.

The recognition also reflects the dedication of SAAD personnel on the ground, said Lustria, and its partners in advancing its goals of increasing agricultural productivity, strengthening rural livelihoods, and improving the socio-economic conditions of beneficiary communities through sustainable and community-driven development initiatives.

“As we continue implementing Phase 2, we remain committed to helping reduce poverty in agriculture and fisheries by empowering vulnerable communities through sustainable livelihood opportunities.” concluded the SAAD chief.

Written by: Joash David L. Ricanor | SAAD-NPMO PRDC Unit

06/08/2026

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: DA empowers communicators through Gender-Sensitive Communication and Documentation Workshop

Around 100 communication practitioners, information officers, and Gender and Development (GAD) focal persons from the Department of Agriculture (DA) gathered for the opening of the Workshop on Gender-Sensitive Communication and Documentation, reaffirming the Department's commitment to promoting inclusive, people-centered, and gender-responsive communication across its programs and initiatives.

In his opening message, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Director Ulysses J. Lustria, Jr. emphasized that gender-responsive development begins with recognizing that every individual has unique realities, needs, and opportunities.

He underscored that understanding these differences enables government programs to design interventions that are more inclusive, equitable, and meaningful. He likewise reminded participants that through the Program, farmers and fisherfolk should remain at the center of every decision to ensure that no one is left behind in achieving sustainable agricultural development.

Meanwhile, delivering the message on behalf of DA Ilocos Regional Executive Director Fidel L. Libao, Dr. Marvin G. Quilates, OIC of the Pangasinan Research and Experiment Center and APCO for Pangasinan, highlighted the critical role of gender-sensitive communication in development work. He stressed that it is more than simply fulfilling a requirement, it is about ensuring that every program and intervention recognizes and responds to the diverse realities of women and men farmers, fisherfolk, youth, families, and communities.

Dr. Quilates also emphasized that every story documented and every message communicated should reflect the Department's commitment to making its programs more inclusive, responsive, and genuinely people-centered.
Serving as the resource speaker for the training, Senior GAD Specialist from the Sectoral Coordination Division of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), May Angelica A. Saludez, led the session on Gender-Sensitive Communication. She discussed the fundamental concepts of s*x and gender, gender stereotypes, and s*xism, which refers to prejudice or discrimination against a person or group based on their s*x or gender.

Saludez explained that language has the power to influence perceptions, shape behaviors, and either reinforce or challenge gender biases. She encouraged participants to consciously use gender-fair and inclusive language in writing, documentation, and public communication to ensure that information materials uphold equality, respect, and dignity for all.

The participants also engaged in reflection exercises and group discussions, examining how everyday words, expressions, and communication practices may unintentionally perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination. The activity encouraged them to become more intentional in producing communication materials that accurately represent the diverse experiences and contributions of all sectors.

The first day concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to integrate gender-sensitive principles into their communication and documentation efforts, recognizing that effective storytelling is not only about sharing information but also about advancing inclusion, empowering communities, and supporting equitable agricultural development.

The workshop continues today, August 5, with discussions on gender-sensitive documentation and practical strategies for applying gender-responsive communication in government publications, digital platforms, and advocacy initiatives.

06/08/2026

“Gender-responsive development begins when we recognize that every individual has unique realities, needs, and opportunities. When we understand these differences, we create interventions that are more inclusive and meaningful.

Through the SAAD Program, let us continue to put farmers and fisherfolk at the center of every decision, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.”

𝐔𝐋𝐘𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐉. 𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀, 𝐉𝐑
Director, SAAD Program
During the opening of the Workshop on Gender Sensitive Communication & Documentation in Pangasinan | August 4, 2026

“Gender-responsive development begins when we recognize that every individual has unique realities, needs, and opportunities. When we understand these differences, we create interventions that are more inclusive and meaningful.

Through the SAAD Program, let us continue to put farmers and fisherfolk at the center of every decision, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.”

𝐔𝐋𝐘𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐒 𝐉. 𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀, 𝐉𝐑
Director, SAAD Program

During the opening of the Workshop on Gender Sensitive Communication & Documentation in Pangasinan | August 4, 2026

06/08/2026

“Gender-sensitive communication is more than fulfilling a requirement — it is assuring that every program and intervention sees, hears, and responds to the diverse realities of the people we serve. Behind every SAAD intervention are women and men farmers, fisherfolk, youth, families, and communities, each with unique needs, roles, and aspirations.

As communicators and development practitioners, may we continue to tell the real and human stories of change, resilience, and hope. Let every message we share and every story we document reflect our commitment to making SAAD more inclusive, responsive, and truly people-centered.”

𝐃𝐑. 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐍 𝐆. 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒
OIC, Pangasinan Research and Experiment Center
APCO for Pangasinan
DA–RFO Ilocos
delivering the message on behalf of Regional Executive Director Fidel L. Libao during the opening of the Workshop on Gender Sensitive Communication & Documentation in Pangasinan | August 4, 2026

“Gender-sensitive communication is more than fulfilling a requirement — it is assuring that every program and intervention sees, hears, and responds to the diverse realities of the people we serve. Behind every SAAD intervention are women and men farmers, fisherfolk, youth, families, and communities, each with unique needs, roles, and aspirations.

As communicators and development practitioners, may we continue to tell the real and human stories of change, resilience, and hope. Let every message we share and every story we document reflect our commitment to making SAAD more inclusive, responsive, and truly people-centered.”

𝐃𝐑. 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐍 𝐆. 𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒
OIC, Pangasinan Research and Experiment Center
APCO for Pangasinan
DA–RFO Ilocos

delivering the message on behalf of Regional Executive Director Fidel L. Libao during the opening of the Workshop on Gender Sensitive Communication & Documentation in Pangasinan | August 4, 2026

31/07/2026

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: The Salmabasa Agri-Fishery Farmers Association in Barangay Cabaruyan, Daguioman, Abra participated in the Training on Sugarcane and Cassava Processing, Packaging, and Labelling held on July 27–29, 2026.

The three-day training introduced participants to value-adding opportunities, including the development of cassava chips coated with muscovado, while strengthening their knowledge and skills in product processing, packaging, and labelling.

The sessions were facilitated by resource persons Mr. Rodel B. Bolante of DTI Abra and Ms. Myrna A. Claustro of 3A Claustro's Food Products.

The Salmabasa Agri-Fishery Farmers Association is one of the farmer organizations supported by the Departmentf Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in its Sugarcane Production and Processing Project.

31/07/2026

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬’ 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬

After President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, 2026, The President’s Report to the People (2022–2026) recognized the Department of Agriculture - Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program for supporting 1,729 Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) nationwide and implementing 2,196 livelihood projects to help communities compete better in local and international markets.

From 2022 to 2026, DA-SAAD CAR contributed 82 livelihood projects to this nationwide accomplishment, alongside 246 social preparation activities, 126 specialized trainings, and 129 market and enterprise development-related activities.

Behind these numbers are farmers’ organizations across the Cordillera empowered through capacity-building, livelihood support, and enterprise development. With the SAAD Program, they continue to build stronger foundations for sustainable livelihoods and greater market opportunities.

Download and read the full report here: https://tinyurl.com/3ehcseu3

13/07/2026

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒: Farmer-officers and representatives from the six Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) in the municipalities of Asipulo, Hingyon, and Tinoc participated in the Training on Marketing under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2, held on July 8, 2026, in Lamut, Ifugao.

The initiative was designed to enhance the participants' knowledge and skills in agribusiness development, product promotion, and market linkages, thereby supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of their community-based enterprises.

Angel Darwin E. Ordonia, Associate Project Officer for the Marketing and Enterprise Development (MAED) component, served as the resource person to discuss strategic marketing and enterprise sustainability. Concurrently, Associate Project Officer Abigail T. Bulangen evaluated the FCAs and provided administrative guidance on organizational management, financial accountability, and project implementation. Community Development Officer Florante M. Imbalat also facilitated the event and provided hands-on assistance to the participants throughout the session.

This activity successfully concluded the Training on Marketing under the MAED component, following its completion across other target provinces. The next series of MAED capacity-building interventions will focus on Entrepreneurial Mindset and Values Formation.