The Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program is set to extend its coverage to 10 additional areas in the provinces of Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte by fiscal year 2026-2028.

The program, currently serving 14 priority municipalities in the two provinces, supports 28 farmers’ associations and has assisted over 700 farmers since 2023.

Junabelle Casio-Pahuyo, SAAD’s associate project officer and lead for social preparation and program management in Caraga, highlighted the expansion areas, which include Libjo, Basilisa, Loreto, and San Jose in Dinagat Islands; Bacuag and Gigaquit in Surigao del Norte mainland; and Burgos, Del Carmen, San Isidro, and Dapa in Siargao Island.

“In 2023, we implemented PHP24 million worth of livelihood projects across the 14 priority municipalities, and this year, the total reached PHP25 million,” Pahuyo said in a an interciew on Wednesday, adding that these projects included poultry raising, goat raising, egg production, pineapple farming, and vegetable production.

The SAAD program also facilitates market access for farmer-beneficiaries, helping them promote their products in provincial markets. (PNA)