March 12, 2025, Cagayan Valley – The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Cagayan Valley is setting the stage for a more impactful and sustained agricultural service delivery in the years ahead.

This comes after SAAD Region 2 secured major milestones in 2024, earning national recognition not only from farmer associations and Local Government Unit (LGU) stakeholders but also from the DA-SAAD Central Office. The region was named the Second Overall Top Performer for FY 2024, achieving an impressive 92.96% performance score, and was also recognized as the Top Performer in Obligation Rate, with a perfect 100% utilization among all SAAD-covered regions.

The two Certificates of Appreciation were awarded by SAAD National Program Management Office (NPMO) Director Ulysses J. Lustria Jr. and received by the SAAD Cagayan Valley team, led by Dr. Marvin B. Luis, OIC – Field Operations and Division (FOD) Chief and SAAD Assistant Regional Focal; Dr. Bernard M. Malazzab Jr., Operations, Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring, and Evaluation (OPBME) Lead; and Mr. Emelito M. Yuro, Food Production and Livelihood Unit (FPL) Sub-unit Lead. The awarding took place during the SAAD Phase 2 FY 2026 National Plan and Budget Workshop at The Shoreline, Waterfront Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Zambales, from March 3 to 7, 2025.

Dr. Malazzab highlighted the 100% physical accomplishment rate, while the disbursement rate reached 76.54%, slightly affected by typhoon-related delays in Batanes infrastructure projects. Despite these challenges, SAAD Cagayan Valley excelled, proving that even as a “baby” region—having only started in SAAD’s second phase in 2023—it could efficiently manage and fully utilize ₱43.5 million in allocated funds.

He attributed this success to strategic collaborations with Provincial Program Management Support Offices (PPMSOs) and DA-banner programs, securing additional technical assistance to enhance implementation. Early planning also played a crucial role, ensuring smooth execution of programs.

Dr. Malazzab expressed gratitude to the hardworking farmers, pledging:

“Pangako namin na hindi namin sila iiwan hangga’t hindi sila nagiging resilient na asosasyon. Ang ibinibigay namin ay hindi lang tulong pangkabuhayan, kundi isang pundasyon para sa paglago at pag-unlad ng kanilang komunidad.”

(We promise that we will not leave them until they become a resilient association. What we provide is not just livelihood assistance, it is a foundation for their community’s growth and sustainability).

He also extended appreciation to DA Cagayan Valley Regional Executive Director Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Dr. Roberto C. Busania, Dr. Luis, former FOD Chief Engr. Monico Castro, and various LGU stakeholders who have been instrumental in SAAD’s success.

Meanwhile, Engr. Marjorie P. Decena, Associate Project Officer (APO) II for Social Preparations, emphasized that these achievements reflect the dedication of SAAD’s workforce.

“Ang ginagawa natin sa office ay masunod kung ano ang meron sa guidelines at matulungan ang ating mga magsasaka. Dito palang ay satisfied na tayo dahil alam natin sa isang buong taon ay nakapaghatid tayo ng serbisyo, so nakakataba ng puso na ang mga awards na ito ay nakikita ating mga ginagawa,” she expressed.

(What we do in the office is to follow the guidelines and ensure that we help our farmers. Just knowing that we have delivered services throughout the year is already satisfying, but these awards make it even more heartwarming as they recognize our efforts).

As SAAD Cagayan Valley moves forward, its top priority remains strengthening support for farmers, ensuring that every intervention leads to greater resilience, productivity, and long-term agricultural sustainability.