2023 – Research | SDG 1 – No Poverty

Technical Research Category

Establishment of Ex-Situ Germplasm and Conservation of Endemic and Native Fruits of the Philippines under Isabela Climatic Condition

Proponent: Melchor C. Madrid

Abstract

The ex-situ milldam of endemic and indigenous fruit crops of the Philippines were established at ISU Echague Isabela, which is composed of 20 species. Eight rare fruit species in the Angadanan and San Guillermo were identified, morphologically characterized. and collected. These rare fruit species are namely. “Ariwat” (Terrastigma harmandii), “Banay”(Alpinia elegans), “katmon” (Dillenia Philippinensis), “Lubeg” (Syzygium lineatum). “Hililigak or “hilagak” (Uvaria rufa). Tagat-ay (Melastoma malabathricum), wild pili (Canarium spp.), and piling liitan (Canarium luzonicum). Ariwat is a woody vine growing, and the leaves are usually 3-5. but sometimes 7 leaflets, and used as a souring agent. Fruit is smooth. dark yellow when ripe, and rounded, with a fruit weight of 43.47 g per cluster. Banay is a vigorous herbaceous plant with yellow-colored fruit. The katmon is found in low- to medium-altitude forests, which can be used for landscaping, and the fruits as a souring agent. Lubeg is a medium-sized fruit tree that typically grows to a height of 5-8 meters. The fruits are berries with 22.11 g each and have an obolid form. Hiligak is a kind of vine, and the fruit is clustered, with 18 fruits. Tagat-ay is an erect shrub that reaches a height of 3 meters. The fruits are edible and sweet when it is ripe. Wild pili has 14.86 grams of matured fruit, which is smaller than Canarium ovatum and piling-Iiitan, with a fruit cross-section of heart shape and a fruit weight of 48 g utilized by the folks in the areas as liniment due to its menthol content.

Development of Palleted Biochar as an Organic Amendment for Improved Soil Quality and Productivity

Proponents: Artemio A. Martin, Jr., Batiana M. Mendoza

Abstract

Environmental challenge like global warning prompted the agricultural sector the need in develop carbon-rich materials such as biochar to improve soil fertility and crop productivity. Biochar from the 69:40 mixture of decomposed poultry manure and biowaste materials at– rice hull, corn, cobs, coconut shell, sugarcane bagasse and peanut shell – were produced thru pyrolysis. Biochar is transformed into pellets with corn starch as binder for ease of handling and application Biochar products were alkaline (pH 9.73 :0 10 39). high organic matter (38 77- 52.30 percent), and organ: carbon (22 49 — 78 13 percent). The total nitrogen ranged from 1,94 to 2 62 percent, available phosphorus is 2.88 – 3.75 percent, and potassium is 3.29 – 4.50 percent. NPK of the five (5) biochars is from 8.64 to 9.90, considered as organic. C/N ratio ranged from 11.21 – 11.60 C g-1 N considered narrow, hence preferable and acceptable. The pelleted biochar contains micronutrients with Cu (31.88-44.69 ppm), Zn (141 – 415 ppm), Mn (307 – 358 ppm) and Fe (748 – 1036 ppm). Soil pH significantly improved with biochar application, increased soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of soils. Biochar products as organic soil amendment significantly improved yield of rice, corn, eggplant and honeydew, while indicated high potential as nutrient supplement to the recommended rate of inorganic fertilizer in corn, pepper, carrot and radish. Biochar production is a waste management strategy, providing farmers and rural households inexpensive means to tum biomass wastes into quality organic fertilizer (pelleted biochar) to sustain them organic farming activities.

Upscaling of Postharvest Processing and Shelf-Life of Oyster Mushroom (Processing of Mushroom Loaf)

Proponents: Melody E. Lim, Arlene L. Remigio, Ma. Leonila G. Cabbacan

Abstract

This study presents the results of a sensory evaluation conducted to assess the attributes of oyster mushroom gyoza, with participation from 50 evaluators. The gyoza were evaluated based on five sensory attributes: appearance, aroma, texture, taste/flavor, and general acceptability, using a 1-9 hedonic scale where 1 indicates “dislike extremely” and 9 indicates “like extremely.” The results demonstrated that the gyoza had a mean appearance score of 7.6, indicating favorable visual appeal. Aroma received a mean score of 7.2, suggesting general appreciation but less impact on the overall experience. The texture was highly rated with a mean of 7.8, showcasing a successful combination of the soft wrapper and tender filling. The taste/flavor emerged as the standout attribute, achieving a mean score of 8.3, reflecting strong satisfaction attributed to the umami-rich filling of the oyster mushrooms. The overall acceptability score of 8.0 confirmed that the gyoza were well-liked by the evaluators. The findings highlight the strong visual appeal, favorable texture, and particularly satisfying flavor of the oyster mushroom gyoza, establishing them as a successful plant-based alternative to traditional meat-filled dumplings.

Upscaling of Postharvest Processing and Shelf-Life of Oyster Mushroom (Processing of Mushroom Steamed Dumpling)

Proponents: Norvelyn B. Bautista, Ma. Leonila G. Cabaccan

Abstract

Social Research Category

Credit Risk Management of Agricultural Cooperatives in the Province of Isabela during COVID-19 Pandemic

Proponent: Fler L. Madayag

Abstract

Cooperatives are an integral part of the economic framework. They are an important source of finance for people and companies of all kinds, acting as a safety net for savings. During the period of covid-19 pandemic, these cooperatives are exposed to credit risk. Since implementing risk management techniques are expensive, cooperatives have found it difficult to mitigate credit risk, which might lead to a spike in delinquency rates and cause issues for the cooperatives’ financial position. This study, which combined qualitative and quantitative methods, examined the cooperative’s exposure to credit risk, its effectiveness in implementing credit risk management strategies, and the challenges that these sixteen agricultural cooperatives in Isabela encountered in mitigating credit risk. A four-point Likert scale survey questionnaire, an open and closed-ended interview questionnaire, and information from financial statements and annual reports were used to collect data. The study’s findings revealed that agricultural cooperatives in Isabela are exposed to low level of credit risk. It also showed that a broad spectrum of activities, including identification, evaluation, and mitigation, had been implemented to reduce credit risk. Furthermore, even if the majority of cooperatives have successful credit risk management, the cooperative still face various challenges in implementing risk management.

Higher Education Research

Developing Students’ Entrepreneurial Competencies among Undergraduate Students: The Case of Isabela State University – Echague Campus

Proponent: Jayson G. Gollayan

Abstract

Entrepreneurship education (EE) has become an essential tool for equipping students with the necessary skills, mindset, and confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures and contribute to economic development. This study aims to assess the impact of compulsory entrepreneurship education on the development of personal entrepreneurial competencies (PECs) among undergraduate students at Isabela State University (ISU). The research focuses on comparing the entrepreneurial competencies of students from business and non- business clusters. Using the PECs framework, a quantitative survey was conducted across ten competency domains: opportunity seeking, persistence, commitment to work contract, demand for quality and efficiency, risk-taking, goal setting. information seeking, systematic planning and monitoring, persuasion and networking, and self-confidence. A 5-point Likert scale was used to measure the extent to which students exhibit these competencies. Statistical tools such as t-tests were employed to determine significant differences between the two groups. Results revealed that while business students scored significantly higher in opportunity seeking, there were no substantial differences in the other nine competencies. Both business and non-business students demonstrated strong entrepreneurial competencies overall. The findings suggest that ISU’s entrepreneurship education program effectively

cultivates entrepreneurial competencies across disciplines. An action plan is proposed to enhance the entrepreneurship curriculum further, ensuring that students from all fields of study develop the necessary entrepreneurial skills to thrive in a competitive economic environment.

Extension

ISU BIDANI-PNEA : A MULTI-FACETED STRATEGY IN EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES THROUGH FORTIFICATION OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT,LIVELIHOOD,AND PROPER NUTRITION

Proponents: Martina R.Peñalber, Myleen R. Corpuz, Mila R. Andres, Jhamie Tetz I.Mateo, Markhipolito P. Galingana, Rikka Klaire V. Galinggana

The extension project was an offshoot of the research output of the project team about product development and recipes of the College of Education (CEd)with the undergrad and grad thesis students in Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd) and Master of Arts in Teaching major in Home Technology (MAEd-HT). These research outputs became the instrument of this extension project. The project team developed and produced the following products from their research outputs: Cassava-based Sagip, Corn-based Sagip, and Rice-based Sagip, fortified with Cacao Pod Husk power(CPHP) research output of the ISU-Cagayan Valley Cacao Development Center. The output contain nutrients that mitigate Malnutrition.

The objectives of this project were: (1) Determine the demographic profile of the adopted Barangay’s of ISU BIDANI-PNEA; (2) Conduct capacity building on product demonstration for adopted Barangay’s ; (3) Conduct capacity building on product’s basic labeling, packaging, and costing (ROI); (4) Utilizing the produced product, Sagip Nutri-Pack, for Recipe development; (5) Establish rolling stores in the adopted Barangay’s of ISU BIDANI and (6) Determine the number of cases of Malnutrition in the adopted Barangay’s.

The project was able to develop (8) IEC Materials (Recipe/Brochures) developed.(1) IEC Materials was Copyrighted (Recipe/Brochures. Developed (3) Products all fortified with Cacao Pod Husk Power: Cassava-Based Sagip, Corn-Based Sagip, and Rice-Based Sagip.(4) Training designs were crafted; (4) Modules were developed). In terms of Capacity building, 20 males and 50 females were trained and capacitated ; 14 males and 8 females malnourished children were identified. In totality, there were (3) Capacity buildings conducted and two (2) MOU’s forged.

To its impact on the economy, a partnership was established between Isabela State University ,UPLB and LGU-Echague with the Barangay Salvacion, as our 1^st pilot from the 15^th adopted Barangay’s as the way-forward in Echague, Isabela. Innovation and Product Development led to livelihood for the residents; Rolling stores became an excellent source of livelihood and created jobs for the residents. The knowledge and Skills the residents acquired increase their potential to engage in livelihood training. Increasing residents’ knowledge of product creation leads to livelihood creation in the Barangay. Improve knowledge and skills in product packaging and costing. Utilizing the product helped mitigates Malnutrition. The development of products increases the demand for a larger workforce. Hence, more livelihood was created. Additional income from livelihood allows the residents to earn enough to buy food for the family, especially the children. Economic Impacts. With the creation of more livelihood, job opportunities also increase. Hence, the employment rate also increases. Putting up a Rolling Store means more income generation. Hence, revenue likewise grows, aligned with the SDG no.8 Decent work and Economic Growth

PAGBIYAGAN TI ARUBUBAYAN: PATO-MANOK AT GULAY, MAKA-KABUTENG PANGKABUHAYAN

Proponents: Isaiac C. Dela Peña, Josephine C. Cristobal, Cipriano M. Ticman, Jr.

The “Pato-Manok at Gulay, Maka-Kabuteng Pangkabuhayan (PMGMP)” Program is an integrated agricultural extension and livelihood initiative led by the Institute of Agricultural Technology at Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus. This program is conducted in collaboration with the Province of Isabela Green Ladies Association Inc. (PIGLAI) and the Cauayan City Green Ladies Organization (CCGLO). The PMGMP aims to enhance knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) for the empowerment of farmers and household parents, with a special focus on women’s organizations like the Barangay Green Ladies Organization (BGLO), in addressing poverty and food security. Through seminars, training, and workshops, the program established three main components: poultry, vegetable, and mushroom production. These components serve as training grounds for exploring livelihood practices in the community of Barangay Nagrumbuan, Cauayan City, Isabela, focusing on the production and marketing of ducks, poultry, vegetables, and mushrooms. The PMGMP Program has significantly impacted the local community by providing job opportunities to farmers and members of women’s organizations like the BGLO. Many members have now engaged in mushroom culture and production as a livelihood, funded by PIGLAI. Additionally, some members have started small businesses developing mushroom-based delicacies and products such as mushroom chicharron, sisig, and hot mushroom adobo. Other farmers have ventured into duck and poultry businesses, including broiler production, selling their products locally, and becoming a source of food and income for their families. Barangay Nagrumbuan has been recognized as one of the outstanding barangays in north Cauayan City and has been awarded the “Best Communal Garden” for its integrated vegetable production. Economically, the community has achieved additional income for their families and made technical advancements in their agribusiness ventures.

GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT TOWARD GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT (PHASE 1)

Proponents: Ruby B. Dimas, Ph.D., Evelyn B. Cristobal, Ed.D.,Josiefel Agcaoili, Jerahmeel, Elijah B. Ibale

The program of ISU, San Mariano on Gender and development towards Gender Equality and Women Empowerment is aimed to increase the level of knowledge of its women and men particularly the Gawad Kalinga and 4 P’s Recipients in the adopted barangays of Bitabian, San Mariano, Isabela and Sta. Cruz, Benito Soliven, Isabela. It is focused on Gender Sensitivity:GAD Basic Concepts and its related laws; issues and concerns such as LGBT rights, anti-bullying act, VAWC and values education. Livelihood Enterprise Development Training on Baking and Food processing technologies is also included in the training to augment their income employing different strategies as well as human and material resources. The program is anchored in the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 1, alleviation of poverty and SDG 5 gender equality among the beneficiaries and the community as a whole.

GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT TOWARD GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT (PHASE 2)

Proponents: Ruby B. Dimas, Aisie B. Liban, Arnie T. Antonio, Evelyn B, Cristobal, Jaypee A. Zipagan

The extension project of ISU, San Mariano on Gender and development towards Gender Equality and Women Empowerment is aimed to increase the level of knowledge of its women and men particularly the Gawad Kalinga and 4 P’s Recipients in the adopted barangays of Bitabian, San Mariano, Isabela and Sta. Cruz, Benito Soliven, Isabela. It is focused on Gender Sensitivity: GAD Basic Concepts and its related laws; issues and concerns such as LGBT rights, anti-bullying act, VAWC, teenage pregnancy and values education.

As per evaluation made after the conduct of the project, there are favorable results such that: the recipients become gender sensitive individuals of the community, reduced cases of teenage pregnancy, the LGBT group are accepted and respected, reduced incidents on violations against women and their children, internalized the needed values in everyday living.

NEGOSYONG PANGKABUHAYAN TUNGO SA KAUNLARAN (NEPANG) PROJECT

Proponents: Josiefel Z. Agcaoili, Evelyn B. Cristobal, Mary Ann Mamauag, Jose Carlos T. Mamauag, Ronderwin A. Vinasoy

The project Negosyong pangkabuhayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran (NEPANG) is an extension project implemented in the two adopted barangays of the campus. It’s a project implemented by the BSHM/BSHRM Core faculty in collaboration with the BSED program. To fully implement the project, the extensionists used various techniques such that coordination with the Barangay Captains were made prior to the conduct or the project. The initial plans of introducing the project among the participants were implemented as well as distribution of IEC materials were given. Then an intensive training was done highlighting key techniques in producing the products. With a collaborative effort from the extensionists and participants, an evaluation of outstanding was rated to us. The project is timely and relevant because it conforms to various Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) like SDG1 or No Poverty; SDG2 or Zero Hunger and SDG8, Decent Work. The implementation of entrepreneurial activity targeting development of livelihood enterprises among the participants of the adopted barangays were made possible because of the proponents’ enthusiasm to join in the realization of the SDGs or Sustainable Development Goals that the university wish to attain. Therefore, to have a positive economy where numerous job creation enjoys by the people which output benefits the majority, this Negosyong Pangkabuhayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran (NEPANG) is timely and relevant.

PROGRAM/PROJECT TITLE: RESILIENCE-BUILDING AMONG SMALLHOLDER FARMERS OF SELECTED UPLAND FARMING COMMUNITIES IN THE PROVINCE OF ISABELA, PHILIPPINES

The smallholder upland farmers in Isabela, Philippines are one of the most vulnerable sectors to external shocks such as pandemic, climate change and natural calamities, particularly typhoons. As external shocks are inevitable, there is a need to build the resilience of agricultural sector especially in developing nations such as the Philippines particularly the vulnerable farmers in the uplands farming communities in the country through redesigning of their agricultural production systems that are based on the sustainable use of natural resources such as agroforestry system. This proposed capacity development project aims to increase the resilience of vulnerable smallholder farmers in the uplands from critical and pervasive threats of COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. There are policy assessments done and proposed specific suggestions for institutionalization of agroforestry in the area. The conduct of multiple trainings such as workshops and training of trainers enhanced and encouraged the farmers to be more engaged with the proposal of the demonstration farms which are now present in certain areas of the upland barangays.

SDG Addressed: SDG 1 – No Poverty; SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 11- Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

6P’s Per Objectives:

This proposed capacity development project aims to increase the resilience of vulnerable smallholder farmers in the uplands from critical and pervasive threats of COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. The project specifically aimed to:

build the knowledge and skills of upland smallholder farmers, farmer organizations, and local government units in the design and establishment of appropriate agroforestry systems in their local communities (People Services, Places and Partnerships) ;
utilize and strengthen the resources and capacity of local multi-stakeholders respectively, for collaborative resilience-building projects (People Services, Places and Partnerships) ; and
formulate policy recommendations for institutionalization of adaptive and resilience-building programs (Policies, Publication)

WEED BENEFITS – THE UTILIZATION OF GRASSES, SEDGES, AND BROADLEAVES AS SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD

Proponents: Eloi Theresa A. Romero, Evelyn B. Cristobal, Jackson Ramos

Grasses, sedges, and broadleaves are considered weeds. These are plants whose undesirable features outweigh their desirable characteristics. They are known as pest in the agricultural fields that interfere with crop growth and development through competition and allelopathy. However, since weeds are plants, they have characteristics that can be beneficial to the ecosystem and to man in daily life including as a source of livelihood. One of the potential livelihoods from the use of weeds is through preserving weeds and using it for letter cards, bookmarks, and other handicrafts such as invitation cards bouquet of dried weeds for weddings, birthdays, valentines’ day, and Christmas gift cards.

Youth at Women and Children Protection Center and Lingap Center were the beneficiaries of these projects by teaching them about weed preservation and used it in making valuable products as a source of income. As feedback, the project served as emotional outlet for the youths from Women and Children Protection Center, skills in arts and craftsmanship were discovered and enhanced, learned that weeds can be a source of income, and the skills taught by the project helped each participant become entrepreneurs while staying in the centers and/or leaving the centers to start a new life.

WINGS OF CHANGE: BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH POULTRY PRODUCTION

Proponent: Lilibeth S. Languido

The Isabela State University San Mariano Campus has been well known in terms of Agricultural production from crops to livestock production since 1978. Poultry production is one of the focusses of the institution since the commodity is considered as one of the quickest productions that gives return/ income and requires less capital and labor. In 2021, the campus is one of the lucky recipients of the Poultry Multiplier Farm worth Five Million (5,000,000.00) under the Bayanihan II program of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 02, which aims to alleviate the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the affected constituents (Displaced workers) of the community. The University was given the task to produce quality breeders (Rooster and Hen) and chicks, that were dispersed to qualified recipients for upgrading purposes. A repayment scheme was also implemented in which farmers were obliged to repay 20 chicks one year after the receipt of the animals to ensure the continuity of the project. At present a total of eight hundred ninety-six (896) heads have been dispersed in the municipality of San Mariano, with twenty-nine (29) recipients. Eighteen (18) men, and eleven (11) women were empowered through the series of trainings conducted, an increase in population of the Native chicken by the recipient of Brgy. Dibuluan, San Mariano, Isabela at about 180% based on the data was noted and an additional income amounting to 6,968 pesos was reported by various beneficiaries. The project is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals addressing SDG nos. 1,2,3, 4,5,8,10,12,15 and 17, in which impacts on the beneficiaries may be measured.