Department of Agriculture Cordillera Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) targets to decrease the poverty rate in Apayao.

SAAD Project Coordinator Warlito C. Madamba said the DA has allocated P100 million worth of livelihood programs to help improve the lives of the farmers in the 10 poorest provinces in the country. For the Cordillera, Apayao was included in the coverage area.

Seven project proposals underwent vigorous screening and editing, which incorporated activity and training design and budget.

“We will focus on livelihood, food production, food security, and increased farmers’ income and decreased poverty rate in Calanasan Apayao, Conner, Flora, Kabugao, Luna, Pudtol, and Santa Marcela in Apayao,”Madamba said.

He said seven project proposals were ready to be presented and further consultation with implementation to the local government units and other line agencies. Among the project proposed is sloping agricultural land technology in the different Apayao municipalities.

“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.

Sta. Marcela Mayor Rolly Guiang expects that SAAD will be a great help in the municipality since it was designed to uplift poor living conditions. - Alfredo Canero III