More than rich heritage and traditions

A small and serene community known for preserving its rich heritage, Sagada has made another milestone in countryside development.

The Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) in the town was awarded as 2014 Gawad SakaOutstanding MAFC for its numerous contributions for the development of the agriculture sector.

One of its significant achievements is piloting the creation of Barangay Agricultural Extension Workers (BAEW) in barangay Balugan, through the initiative of Councilor Valentin Lam-Osen in 2012. “He wanted a group to assist the local government unit (LGU) in agriculture-related activities such as  vaccination of animals,” said Sagada MAFC Chairperson Esteban Solang.

“The BAEWs also conduct monitoring of Department of Agriculture (DA)-funded projects. The results of the monitoring and the status of those projects are reported to barangay officials and discussed with the MAFC members,” he added.

Another notable involvement of the council in the municipality is their support on the local clean and green campaign and zero waste management programs, as “it is the desire of the Sagada MAFC to protect the environment especially because Sagada is a tourist spot,” the MAFC chairperson explained.

Furthermore, the council has created linkages with the government and endorsed several resolutions and project proposals to concerned agencies to address the needs of the farmers in their community.

Upon the council’s request and coordination with the LGU, trainings and capacity-building activities were also conducted to enhance the skills of farmers and encourage them to undertake their own entrepreneurial activities. Currently, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Department of Trade and Industry and some private organizations are providing trainings and seminars for the farmers in the municipality.

The MAFC in this area also advocates organic farming through vermicomposting and the concoction of liquid fertilizers and pesticides. “We do not encounter challenges in marketing our organic products especially that the DA and the ATI assist us in promoting our products. We hope to produce more organically grown commodities that will prolong the lives of the consumers,” said Mr. Solang.

“We are able to attain our annual targets because of the unity and cooperation in the council,” the chairperson stressed during an interview.

“We make sure to consult technical experts and officials of concerned agencies to address the concerns of the framers,” Chairperson Solang said, adding that he hopes that partnership among government agencies and farmers organizations will continue.

They were also able to negotiate with the local government unit to improve the dispersal of livestock animals.

As for the MAFC chairperson, AFC is the mechanism in which issues in the barangays are reported to the DA and other concerned agencies.

“The best part of being in the AFC is that we are able to address the needs and concerns of the farmers which will eventually affect the community and the sector. It also serves as a venue for volunteerism as well as for learning and knowledge-sharing. We also gain friends through the council,” he shared.

“The MAFC chairperson is very active in championing the needs of the agri-fishery community. The members are also vigorous in joining our monitoring activities,” said MAFC Coordinator Escarlet Mayapit.

“We look forward to more recognition for Sagada MAFC,” the coordinator emphasized.

(With report from Adam Borja, DA Rice Program)