2023 – Research | SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

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.

Proponents: Josiefel Z. Agcaoili, DHM, Evelyn B. Cristobal, Ed.D,Mary Ann Mamauag, DHM, 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.

Proponents: Ruby B. Dimas, 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.

Proponents: Ruby B. Dimas, Proponents: 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.

Proponents: Aisie O. Bete- Liban,  Apol Joy D. Cagayan, Elizabeth C. Barrera, Grace D. Yanos, Kristopher R. Lopez, Arnie T. Antonio, Rockangel Jamoral, Jaypee A. Zipagan

The educational literacy capability program for secondary school was conducted by the faculty of the Bachelor of Secondary Education Program of ISU San Mariano Campus in partnership with the faculty and students of Daragutan East National High School (DENHS) located at Daragutan East, San Mariano, Isabela. The aim of this extension program is to conduct training and provide knowledge and skills necessary in utilizing the latest educational tools in teaching and learning practices, technical and communication skills needed in enhancing the school publication, and increase participants’ research involvement. There were 62 students and faculty recipients of this program, with 40 females and 22 males. Through series of meetings with partner agency and training conducted, there are 5 conceptualized science investigatory projects presented by the grade 10 students, 3 journalistic writing outputs presented by the student members of school publication and there are 6 conceptualized action research titles presented by the faculty-participants. To ensure continuity of the extension program, the DENHS also assigned a faculty research coordinator, school publication adviser and SIP coordinator to help monitor the participants in continuously working on their outputs. Moreover, an open-line communication was created by the proponents for on-site and online consultations with the participants.

Proponents: Martina R.Peñalber, Myleen R. Corpuz, Mila R. Andres, Jhamie Tetz I.Mateo, MarkhipolitoP.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

Proponents: Rockangel Jamoral, Kristopher R. Lopez, Novalyn R. Vidal, Elizabeth C. Barrera,  Jaypee A. Zipagan, Grace  D. Yanos

The Agta IPs of San Mariano, Isabela, among the earliest indigenous groups in the Philippines, continue to struggle with poverty, marginalization, and illiteracy. Although they strongly desire for literacy and education (Luna, 2023), their deplorable condition hinders their educational participation. To address these challenges, the CLAN program was launched in 2023, which aims to empower the Agta IPs by promoting literacy, enhancing community engagement, and addressing fundamental needs in a 3-year period. In its second phase, two projects were launched: Project TEACh and Project ACE. Using the spiral progression approach, the program delivers literacy, numeracy, and civic awareness education, aligning with several SDGs. Findings revealed that these two projects significantly increased their knowledge of basic reading, writing, and counting skills. Likewise, they manifested most of the expected attributes of civic consciousness and community participation. Nevertheless, further deepening of the topics is suggested to provide functional literacy and substantial community integration, which this program envisioned to transform the Agta IPs into active and integrated community members.

Proponents: Ivy M. Tarun, Rosalinda B. Guiyab, Jake D. La Madrid, Amy Lyn M. Maddalora

This extension project aims to establish Community Learning Tech Hubs in the Northern Isabela region, with the goal of fostering equity and facilitating enhanced access to education. The project recognizes the pressing need to address educational disparities and bridge the digital divide prevalent in underserved 4.ertities.

The project made use of a participatory approach to involve local communities in the design, implementation, and evaluation of the CLTHs. The project worked with local government units, and schools in identifying the areas and communities that will benefit the most from the CLTHs. The project also provided training on the use and management of CLTHs to local stakeholders to ensure its sustainability.

The project likewise made use of survey to collect data on the significant contributions brought about by the CLTHs to the communities. Statistical analysis was, used to analyse the data to identify the immediate  ate effect or outcome of the project.

Overall, this project was able to contribute to the efforts of the local government units in promoting social inclusion and equity in education, and in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10: Reduced %equalities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Proponent: Marvin Cabantac

Tulong-Dunong sa Kawaning Gobyerno at Kabataan is an extension program of the School of Arts and Sciences at Isabela State University (ISU) Cauayan City Campus. This initiative, in partnership with the Local Government of Cauayan City, the Municipality of Burgos, Isabela, and Alicia Water District, was established to support Bachelor of Arts students in preparing for the annual Civil Service Commission’s Career Service Eligibility Examination, both Professional and Sub-Professional levels.

The program has expanded to include local government employees and personnel from other government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) who aspire to pass the Civil Service Examination (CSE). The review sessions involve both pre- and post-testing on key areas, including Numerical Ability, Verbal Ability, Logical and Reasoning Ability, and General Information, with a focus on the Philippine Constitution.

A team of expert lecturers leads the program, drawing from the faculty of the School of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, and successful alumni who are certified Career Service Eligibles and Licensed Professional Teachers. Since 2013, successful participants have gone on to serve in various government agencies, benefiting from the security of tenure that comes with being a Career Service Eligible. Alumni of the program now work in diverse roles, including as lawyers, law enforcers, and government employees, contributing meaningfully across different levels of public service.

The program has not only helped improve career opportunities but also uplifted the lives of its participants. The sustained success of Tulong-Dunong sa Kawaning Gobyerno at Kabataan has made a significant impact in the community, empowering individuals to serve the nation as committed civil servants.

Proponents: Jolan Baccay Sy, Ma. Christina V. Magabilin, Jake La Madrid, Jolan Baccay Sy, Allen M. Paz

The extension project, “Solar Photovoltaic System Community Training for Northern Isabela,” successfully addressed the need for affordable and clean energy in the region, aligning with United Nations Development goals. The initiative empowered local communities by providing comprehensive training in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of solar photovoltaic systems. This program aimed to tackle energy challenges and economic disparities in Northern Isabela, Philippines. Participants, including residents, community leaders, and aspiring technicians, underwent workshops and hands-on experiences, gaining expertise in solar PV technology, safety protocols, and system design. The project not only enhanced technical skills but also instilled an understanding of the economic, environmental, and social benefits of renewable energy. The extension program facilitated community cohesion, fostering collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through surveys and statistical analysis, the project assessed the immediate impact on communities. The results indicated significant positive changes attributed to the solar PV training. The “Solar Photovoltaic System Community Training for Northern Isabela” extension program stands as a successful model for community empowerment through renewable energy education. It has made substantial progress in enhancing local capacity, contributing to sustainable development, and aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG-7) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG10). The knowledge and skills imparted during this initiative lay a solid foundation for future endeavors aimed at improving the quality of life in Northern Isabela.

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.

Proponents: 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.