25/04/2026
๐๐๐ฐ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฌ๐ | Special Area for Agricultural Development-National Program Management Office (NPMO) Conducts Project Monitoring and Evaluation Visit in Luna, Isabela
๐๐๐๐, ๐๐ฌ๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ โthe Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) National Program Management Office (NPMO) conducted a project site visit and monitoring activity in Luna, Isabela, on April 24, 2026. The initiative aimed to assess implementation progress, identify challenges, and gather direct feedback to ensure the program's continued success in the region.
The Siglat Luna Fish Pond Operators Association (SLFPOA) was established in 2021 and officially registered on November 10, 2022. Since its inception, the association has supported a total of 38 SAAD beneficiaries, primarily focusing on the production of tilapia as its primary commodity, and currently, the association maintains a dedicated 34 active members. The SLFPOA demonstrated significant productivity in its fisheries operations for the year 2025, achieving a total production volume of 4,867 kilograms. Through a series of harvests between November and December, the association generated a total gross income of โฑ567,862.00 on December 16, 2025. The production consisted of various fish sizes with unit price peaking at โฑ170.00 per kilogram during high-demand periods in late December.
During the visit, the team conducted on-site inspections of the fishpond areas and engaged directly with association members through consultations and discussions. Beneficiaries shared their experiences, highlighting both the positive impacts of the program and the challenges they continue to face, including fluctuating market prices, input costs, and environmental factors. In line with this, technical recommendations were provided by the monitoring team to further improve productivity and sustainability. The importance of maintaining accurate production records and reinforcing organizational management was likewise emphasized to ensure transparency and efficiency within the association.
Arvin Salvador, President of SLFPOA, expressed his sincere appreciation for the continued support of the SAAD Program, highlighting its significant contribution to improving their associationโs productivity and strengthening their capacity in managing their livelihood. He also extended his gratitude for the visit of the DA SAAD and BFAR SAAD, noting that it served as an inspiration to the members of the association.
โUna sa lahat, lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa pagbisita ni Director Uly at sa kanyang mga kasamahan. Malaking bagay po sa amin ang inyong pagbisita. Napakaganda po ng proyektong hatid ng SAAD Program. Marami na po itong naidulot na magagandang pagbabago sa aming buhay. Bukod sa dagdag na kabuhayan, malaki rin po ang naitulong ng programa sa paglinang ng aming kakayahan sa pamamagitan ng ibaโt ibang trainings na ibinigay sa amin. Kaya lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat,โ said Salvador.
Through continuous monitoring, technical support, and collaboration with the stakeholders, the program aims to sustain the gains achieved by the association and further enhance its production capacity. Moving forward, the insights gathered during the visit will guide strategic interventions to address existing challenges and ensure the long-term growth and resilience of the association and its members. The activity also opened opportunities for strengthened collaboration between BFAR-SAAD and DA-SAAD Region 02 in delivering more responsive and targeted interventions to SAAD beneficiaries across the region.
The visit was headed by SAAD National Director Ulysses Lustria Jr., along with DA-SAAD Cagayan Valley Operational Planning, Budget, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit Lead Bernard Malazzab, and Food Production Livelihood Sub-unit Lead Emelito Yuro. They were joined by representatives from the Local Government Unit of Luna and the Municipal Agriculture Office, headed by Nestor Labog, Municipal Agriculturist, together with his staff, Fisheries Coordinator Alvin Matutino. Also present from the Regional and Provincial Program Management Office were Mark Kevin Ramos, BFAR SAAD Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Sophia Lei Manzano, Community Development Officer II, Francis Marie Daquioag, Fisheries Technologies, and Cleodette Lucena, SAAD Information Officer.
"๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ก๐๐ฒ."
About DA-BFAR SAAD Phase 2:
The Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-BFAR SAAD) Program Phase 2 aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improve the living conditions of vulnerable fisherfolk and their communities by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities and support for poor fishing sectors. These interventions intend to complement the DA banner programs and assist beneficiaries in establishing community-based fishery enterprises. The BFAR-SAAD strives to enhance food security and promote economic growth in targeted areas across the Philippines.