The SAKSAK program of Toledo City (“Sinanduloy alang sa Kahimsog,Sinanduloy alang sa Kabusog”) has started in the month of May 2008. Our City Mayor Hon. Arlene Zambo was quite happy for its creation through the energetic efforts of Hon.Gwen Garcia, Governor of Cebu.  Much as she was again very happy since the Honorable Governor considered Toledo City as one of the beneficiaries of this SAKSAK Program with the fund
allocation of P200,000.00  to address the seeming rice shortage situation . Likewise, this program could put additional interest on her food production program. Inasmuch as this is not an economic enterprise, but purely public service that caters to the needs of the “poorest among the poor” families.  Since then, she called up series of conferences to all department heads concerned for unified efforts for its implementation. The City has entered into  a MOA in line with the agencies, that of the  LGU and NFA (National Food Authority). The strategy of fund Allocations and budgeting was made smoothly through the Treasury and City Accountant’s end. LCE has directed the CSWDO,  CAS, and CHO for the formulation of plan, information dissemination, promotion advocacy, monitor and performance  evaluation. The CSWDO has made its assessment and the identification of the priority indigent families and issue consumption card to those who could avail the program. It’s outstanding master-listing of data showed that
 there were 9,691 families all throughout the 38 barangays. As soon as all the requirements needed were ready,  it started its pace during the month of July in celebration of the Nutrition month activities. This month also  was the LGU’s regular program, the so-called DUAW ALAGAD sa Katawhan Program. Whereby all LGU’s officials  spearheaded by our City Mayor bringing with them the government services to all barangays. As one of these
services, there was an incorporation of the SAKSAK program for the people to avail. 

The CAS initiative on this program has prime importance in the production of sweet potato.

 This office has called meetings with the farmers to plant sweet potato (camote) to supply for the SAKSAK program.  The farmers were encouraged since a ready market is established to buy all their produced. They were made to avail of the fertilizer subsidy program at 50% discounting with free BIO-N organic fertilizer. A package of technology was made available for them as one of our interventions. We have a total number of 48 farmers who were in the masterlist covering an 18.85 hectares in various barangays. This office was also task to assist with the City Treasurer’s Office
(CTO) in the selling activity of the camote. As of September 10, 2008, there were 5,327 kilos sold. There were also 3,264 families being served of the program which is 34% from the masterlist. This covers 17 barangays or 45% out of the total 38 barangays. The program is still in progress in which we schedule two (2) barangays per week until all of the 38 barangays will be served.  

RENELIO J. MABAO
Acting City Agriculturist