DA-SAAD MIMAROPA recognized among SAAD Phase 2’s FY 2026 1st Semester Top Performers

Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, August 12, 2026 — The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA was recognized as one of the FY 2026 Top Performers for the 1st Semester of SAAD Program Phase 2, with an overall score of 78.93% based on its physical and financial accomplishments.

The recognition was presented by SAAD National Program Management Office (NPMO) Director Ulysses J. Lustria, Jr. and Deputy Director Elmer R. Esplana during the DA-SAAD FY 2026 Midyear Performance Review held in Zamboanga City on July 28–30. Regional Operational Planning, Budget, Monitoring, and Evaluation (OPBME) Lead Marissa D. Vargas received the certificate on behalf of DA-SAAD MIMAROPA.

For the first semester, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA recorded a total allotment of P87.529 million from current and continuing funds. Of this amount, P47.742 million or 54.54% was obligated, while P11.239 million or 23.54% was disbursed.

The lower obligation rate was due to the recent fuel crisis, which caused significant price changes and limited fertilizer availability. These conditions affected the market scoping process. The failure to procure P9.5 million worth of various poultry projects due to the lack of the required Supplier’s/Small Business License Certificate (SLCC) among prospective bidders also affected the obligation rate.

Disbursement also slowed due to delays in document facilitation. Project sites in remote islands faced consecutive low-pressure areas and typhoons, while limited ferry schedules further delayed the process.

Despite these challenges, the region posted strong physical accomplishments. Under Community Capacity and Governance, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA conducted 32 capacity-building activities and trained 645 beneficiaries, both 100% of their targets. It also completed 16 Social Preparation Assessments.

Under Food Production and Livelihood, the region conducted 58 technical and specialized trainings, with 100% accomplishment, and trained 1,233 farmers, or 105% of the 1,170.

For current-year funds, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA implemented 57 livelihood projects against a target of 24, achieving 238% accomplishment. These projects reached 1,186 beneficiaries, or 227% of the 523 target.

For continuing funds, 19 of the 40 targeted livelihood projects were implemented, for a 47.5% accomplishment rate. The remaining projects are set for completion by the third quarter of FY 2026.

DA RFO MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director and SAAD Regional Focal Atty. Christopher R. Bañas congratulated the DA-SAAD MIMAROPA team and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to farmers, particularly those in remote islands and communities.

“Binabati ko ang buong DA-SAAD MIMAROPA sa pagkilalang inyong natanggap. Patuloy nating isusulong ang mga programa at proyekto na tunay na makatutulong sa ating mga magsasaka, lalo na sa mga nasa malalayong isla at komunidad ng rehiyon. Higit pa nating pag-ibayuhin ang ating dedikasyon at sipag, dahil bilang kaagapay ng ating mga magsasaka, mahalaga ang ating sama-samang pagkilos tungo sa kanilang mas maunlad na kabuhayan,” said RED Bañas.

[I congratulate the entire DA-SAAD MIMAROPA on the recognition you have received. We will continue to promote programs and projects that will truly benefit our farmers, especially those in the remote islands and communities of the region. Let us further strengthen our dedication and hard work because, as partners of our farmers, our collective efforts are important in improving their livelihoods.]

For OPBME Lead Vargas, the recognition is a result of the hard work of the DA-SAAD MIMAROPA team, together with local government units, farmer-beneficiaries and other partner agencies, despite challenges in program implementation.

The team will continue to work together to improve program implementation and provide more support to its beneficiaries in establishing sustainable Community-Based Enterprises (CBEs).