North Cotabato gets P25-M SAAD funds from DA-12

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- The Department of Agriculture in Region 12 have special projects for indigents residents that will help them improve lives and have decent sources of income, officials said today. Engr. Mila Casis, DA regional director for the SOCCSKSARGEN region, yesterday handed over a check to acting North Cotabato Gov. Shirlyn Macasarte amounting to PHP25-million as initial fund of Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program. SOCCSKSARGEN is composed of the provinces of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and Gen. Santos. North Cotabato has 17 municipalities and one city. The release of SAAD fund for North Cotabato came after Director Casis facilitated the fund transfer of funds for local governments of Sarangani and Maguindanao last week. SAAD is a strategy of the Department of Agriculture to look at the weaknesses of an area in terms of potentials for food production and livelihood programs. Casis said the program is in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s thrust to increase food production and alleviate poverty. It intends to alleviate poverty through increased food production and productivity in the target areas by providing the appropriate technology, financing, marketing and other support services in order to make the farmers and fisherfolk productive and profitable. Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol has repeatedly reminded local government executives that the DA programs aimed at alleviating poverty must be implemented with full transparency and no delays.