DEPARTMENT of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) targets to decrease the poverty rate in Apayao province by 2022.
This was according to Warlito Madamba, SAAD Project Coordinator during the planning workshop held January 22-27 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 province in the country.
Apayao is the lone recipient of SAAD in the Cordillera region.
At least seven project proposals 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,” said Madamba.
The municipalities include Calanasan, Apayao, Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, Pudtol and Santa Marcela.
Madamba added seven project proposals were ready to be presented and further consultation with implementation to the 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 expect SAAD will be a great help in the municipality since it was designed to uplift the poor living condition of the residence.
“Hoping the project will have a wider coverage in their municipality and must prioritize to livelihood and equipment”, he added.
A grand forum will be held on February 23 in the province to be followed by a series of forum on the following month. (Alfredo Canero III/DA-CAR)