Aiming to strengthen local capacity for analyzing and resolving problems, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA RFO 02), through the Cagayan Valley Agriculture and Fisheries Resources Research and Extension for Development Network (CVAFRREDN) through DA Research for Development (R4D), Research and Center Experiment Stations (RCES), Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 02 (ATI RTC 02), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR 02), and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calayan, conducted a collaborative activity in support of the policy-related project entitled, “Needs Assessment of Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations in the Poorest of the Poor in Cagayan Valley.” This initiative was implemented through the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach.

The activity, held from May 5 to 9, 2025, in two of the twelve barangays of Calayan, Cagayan—Barangay Magsidel and Barangay Cabudadan— was attended by 70 residents from the said municipality, including youth, women, farmers, fisherfolk, cooperatives, associations, local and barangay officials, and representatives from various agencies. The project aimed to gather and generate baseline data by identifying the community’s current farming practices, needs, challenges, and opportunities, as well as to determine appropriate and location-specific technological interventions.

This is in support to more inclusive, multi-sectoral, and demand-driven research for development (R4D) activities in the region, it also evaluated local conditions and available resources to recommend suitable development interventions tailored to the community’s context.
In addition, the workshop employed a team-teaching method, which introduced the 14 PRA Tools, fundamental principles, and practices through interactive discussions.

In their respective messages of acceptance, local officials expressed their gratitude and support for the initiative.

Mr. Marlon S. Espiritu, Barangay Captain of Magsidel, said:

“Gusto ko lang sabihin na ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa mga kasamahan natin ngayon dahil tayo ay mapalad na isa sa mga napiling barangay para sa ganitong mga gawain upang mabigyan ng solusyon ang mga problemang mayroon tayo. Gusto ko lang bigyang-diin na tayo ay makinig ng maigi, tumutok sa mga detalyeng kanilang lilinawin—dahil lahat ng ito ay para sa ating lahat.”

Mr. Joel R. Navarro, Barangay Captain of Cabudadan, stated:

“Mapalad tayo at pumunta sila rito at idinulog sa atin ang layunin upang malaman kung ano ang mga kailangan natin para sa barangay natin tungkol sa agrikultura. Hinihiling ko lang na tayo dito sa barangay ay ibigay natin ang mga kinakailangang datos. At welcome na welcome kayo dito sa Barangay Cabudadan.”

Mr. Hante Tan, Municipal Agriculturist of Calayan, also shared his appreciation, saying:

“Kahit gaano kahirap ang pagpunta rito dahil sa biyahe, ay nakarating pa rin sila sa atin. Ang aktibidad na ito ay para sa pagva-validate—titignan nila ang sitwasyon ng agrikultura natin dito sa Calayan upang sa ganoon ay malaman nila kung ano ang mga nararapat na interbensyon at solusyon sa mga problema natin.

“Pumunta sila rito upang alamin ang mga problema natin ukol sa agrikultura, pati na rin ang sa pangingisda. Ang pagpunta nila rito ay hindi isang disgrasya kundi isang grasya—at ang pagbisita nila ngayon ay hindi lamang hanggang dito, kundi simula pa lamang ng mga susunod pang pagbisita nila sa atin”, he added.

During the activity, participants were divided into two teams with assigned personnel and tools. Facilitators included staff from R4D, ATI, BFAR, and RAFIS, who conducted various activities, such as Village Walk, Village Map, Social Map, and Village Transect, Timeline, Trend Analysis, and Venn Diagram/Institutional Diagram, Seasonal Calendar and Resource Flow Diagram, Problem Identification, Problem Ranking, Problem Cause Diagram, and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis.

The Rice-based Household Survey was also conducted to further understand the needs of the farming communities.
The PRA workshop and household survey in Calayan is one of many initiatives that demonstrate a renewed focus on Filipino farming excellence and innovation, particularly in underserved farming communities.

It highlights a commitment to support these communities with sustainable, community-driven solutions, which is a testament to DA RFO 02’s dedication to delivering outstanding services and making a meaningful impact in the lives of the poorest farmers which supports the “Research for Solutions” statement of DA RFO 02 Regional Executive Director Rose Mary G. Aquino, a phrase she consistently emphasizes and with the strong support of Regional Technical Director of Research and Regulations Ms. Kay S. Olivas. As local officials emphasized, this activity is just the beginning of ongoing support for farmers in need.

Via Paul Buenavista
Photos by Erwin Cachero and Paul Buenavista