To officially kick off the third-year implementation of the Special Area for Agricultural Development Program in the Cordillera region, a Re-orientation and Capacity Building Activities were conducted for its implementers, particularly the Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO) and PPMSO staff, on January 13-17, 2025, in Baguio City.
The purpose of the activity was to refresh the SAAD implementers on the program’s guidelines, internalize their roles and responsibilities on how to accomplish this year’s targets, and, most importantly, to capacitate them with skills necessary for their field activities.
Regional Director Lois June B. Fermin shared a Bible verse from Philippians 2:2-4 as she opened the program, saying “Do not act out of selfish ambition or conceit. Look out for the interests of others, not just your own.†She emphasized the importance of being people-centered workers.
“We have to learn from what we do in the field and put it in our hearts. This will not be your job all throughout your life. You will improve or elevate in life. Do well in your job because you cannot give what you don’t have,†RD Fermin added.
The activity featured a series of lecture discussions, including Fish Health Management and Water Quality Parameters Testing, Mobile Photography and Videography, Basic Writing Skills, Effective Work-Life Integration: Happy at Home = Happy at Work, Office Decorum and Rules and Regulations, and an overview of BFAR’s 2025 Priority Thrusts and Directives. Participants were also re-oriented on the SAAD program and briefed on this year’s targets.
One of the most significant lectures, given the participants’ field responsibilities, was the technical session on managing fish health. Biologist Marilou V. Palado discussed the production of healthy, high-quality fish, methods for preventing the introduction of diseases to healthy animals, and ways to control the spread of disease-causing agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The lecture was followed by hands-on training on water quality parameters testing.
Participants also engaged in improving their writing skills. Training Specialist Rodelyn F. De Vera delivered a lecture on the Steps to Effective Writing and the Elements of Good Writing. This was followed by a workshop where participants wrote essays, news pieces, and success stories. Each participant produced an output, which was critiqued to provide insights for improvement.
Aside from honing the participants’ writing skills, they were also introduced to Mobile Photography and Videography. Audio-Visual Aids Technician Vladymir M. Mabli delivered a comprehensive lecture on understanding camera features and capabilities, the principles of photography, creative techniques, and the legal and ethical considerations when capturing photos or videos.
Another wholesome session was the discussion on the topic, “Equilibrium in Action: Happy at Home = Happy at Work.†WCC Aeronautical and Technological College Professor, Dr. Leah S. Corpuz, delivered an inspiring talk on how achieving work-life balance may seem challenging but finding work-life harmony is possible. She emphasized the 7-4-7 Rule, a structured approach to harmony that focuses on seven core areas of self-improvement (repairing thoughts, refocusing emotions, reforming habits, repairing your appearance, replacing unhealthy food, revising words, and redirecting vision). These steps address four dimensions—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being—and are practiced consistently over seven days to build sustainable habits and promote balance between home and work.
The five-day activity also included team-building and tree-planting activities at Puguis Communal Forest in La Trinidad, Benguet. Participants reconnected with nature, reflecting on 2024 and sharing aspirations for 2025. During the tree-planting activity, 40 coffee seedlings were planted.
Dr. Michelle A. Peralta, SAAD Program Coordinator, wrapped up the activity by summarizing key points from the discussions. She emphasized the importance of listing risks encountered during SAAD implementation and planning corresponding actions. She also reiterated the presentation of production data and results to concerned Local Government Units to increase their awareness and involvement.
“Our strong point is the teamwork we have built. Like the Squid Game-inspired relay game we played, we are tied to the SAAD program, ensuring no one is left behind. Together, we overcome obstacles and succeed. Each of us has distinct strengths, and this is where we complement each other,†Dr. Peralta concluded.
A total of 36 participants attended the activity, including five from the RPMSO, three from the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, and 28 from the PPMSOs. A new staff was also introduced as the Area Coordinator in Tinglayan, Kalinga.
The resource speakers for the activity included Planning Officer Arnold L. Paleng, OIC-Human Resource Management Section Irene P. Tanyag, Training Specialist De Vera, Audio-Visual Aids Technician Mabli, Biologist Marilou V. Palado, Laboratory Technician Roderick S. Pangan, Professor Dr. Corpuz, SAAD Program Coordinator Dr. Peralta, SAAD Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Leo Angeliko Jon Casing, SAAD Information Technology Officer Irish P. Lagasca, SAAD Public Relations and Development Communications Officer Eleonor A. Bognay, SAAD Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development Officer Maylyn B. Amlos, and SAAD Community Development Officer Regine G. Calucag.// EBognay