2022 – Research | SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Proponent: Marina D. Acerit, Randy P. Acoba, Jennelyn L. Raymundo, Nerissa P. Batooon

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the employability, personal and professional growth, and degree program assessment of the postgraduate education graduates of Isabela State University-Echague Campus. It specifically described the profile of the graduate school graduates, their employment information, contribution of the ISU-Central Graduate School in their personal and professional growth, and assessment of the degree program offered by the ISU-CGS. It also determined the difference between the employment information of the graduate school graduates and the ISU-CGS contribution in their personal and professional growth and the difference between their employment information and their assessment of the degree programs offered by the ISU-CGS. The study utilized the descriptive-comparative design to determine the employability, personal and professional growth, and degree program assessment of the postgraduate education graduates. Descriptive (means and percentage) and inferential (T-test and F-test) statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data of the study. The findings showed that the respondents were adequately provided with rich career training opportunities which aided their acquisition of highly specialized knowledge or learning and skills in their respective fields of specialization that greatly contribute to their professional development. There were also significant differences found between the employment information of the graduate school graduates and some aspects of their personal and professional growth and their assessment of the degree programs offered by the ISU-CGS.

Proponent: Jonathan N. Nayga, Aubrey Joy M. Balbin, Ellaine O. Sotelo

Abstract

The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has resulted to disrupted food supply and value chain worldwide. Hence, there is a need to improve production management to meet the demand for food without neglecting its value to ensure profit. The farms and processing facilities should coordinate in the production of raw agricultural materials and in processing of food products to be sold to consumers. In the Philippines, goat raising is an important component of farm activities. Improving its value chain will likewise improve its economic value benefitting smallhold farmers. In Region 2, an initiative to enhance the goat food value chain was implemented through strengthening partnership with the network of stakeholders. The goat raisers were organized so that the capability building programs to improve goat production management and their entrepreneurial skills are honed. The organized farmers were registered as association or cooperative to make them qualified for government assistance programs. A private partner on food processing was also assisted under the technology business program and later invested in the establishment of food processing plant. For this particular initiative, 11 goat raising municipalities represented by 403 goat raisers were benefitted. With the organized system of production, an increase in the volume of raw materials by 57% was recorded, while 3.3 metric tons of different chevon products were sold to different consumers. Additional value-added products were also identified to further increase the value of the commodity. At present, this value-chain scheme was already presented to concerned government agencies for implementation in wider area of coverage.

Proponent: Janet P. Cunanan, Laila A. Ventura, Erdelito R. Agapito, Charibel R. Sarte, Ronald Ponce

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop dairy products utilizing available organic flavoring produced by local farmers in the neighboring towns of the university. It aims to determine the most accepted by consumers and Micro Small Medium Enterprises’ owners for commercialization. Ice cream and flavored milks were the dairy products being processed and developed that were tasted and evaluated using sensory, hedonic and semantic scales. Respondents came from group of pupils from elementary for the kid’s likeness, students from high school and college, faculty, staff, and individuals from National Government Agency’s (NGAs) and Non-government Offices’ (NGOs). Utilized flavoring were jammed mulberry fruits, ripe mango,turmeric egg, carrot, cheese, jammed tomato, and banana saba. Fresh goat and carabaos milk were used as the main dairy resource and were also tested on its effect on the produced dairy products. Mentioned flavorings were used on the development of ice cream. Flavorings for milk drink, were ube,chocolate, pandan, strawberry and melon. Both powdered and syrup on mentioned milk drink flavoring were tested. Results revealed that all developed dairy products were accepted.

Proponent: Janet P. Cunanan, Laila A. Ventura, Erdelito R. Agapito, Charibel R. Sarte, Ronald Ponce

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop dairy products utilizing available organic flavoring produced by local farmers in the neighboring towns of the university. It aims to determine the most accepted by consumers and Micro Small Medium Enterprises’ owners for commercialization. Ice cream and flavored milks were the dairy products being processed and developed that were tasted and evaluated using sensory, hedonic and semantic scales. Respondents came from group of pupils from elementary for the kid’s likeness, students from high school and college, faculty, staff, and individuals from National Government Agency’s (NGAs) and Non-government Offices’ (NGOs). Utilized flavoring were jammed mulberry fruits, ripe mango,turmeric egg, carrot, cheese, jammed tomato, and banana saba. Fresh goat and carabaos milk were used as the main dairy resource and were also tested on its effect on the produced dairy products. Mentioned flavorings were used on the development of ice cream. Flavorings for milk drink, were ube,chocolate, pandan, strawberry and melon. Both powdered and syrup on mentioned milk drink flavoring were tested. Results revealed that all developed dairy products were accepted.

Proponent: Mary Joy L. Asprec , Janet P. Cunanan

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the Cream dory Pangasianodon hypophthalmus ice cream with different organic flavorings. It aims to determine the best flavorings, general acceptability, desirability, and return on investment. The respondents rated the finished product through sensory evaluation using hedonic and semantic scales. A semantic scale was used to rate the desirability and characteristics of a product in terms of color, aroma, texture, and taste. The scale ranges from 1 to 5, wherein each number has its own description. Furthermore, a hedonic scale was used to determine the acceptability of the product in terms of color, aroma, texture, and taste. The scale ranges from 1 to 9 and each value has a description. The result shows that the most accepted flavoring in terms of color, aroma, and taste was found in Treatment 4 (With FPC and P) while Treatment 1 (C) was best for texture. The general acceptability of the product was determined and Treatment 4 (With FPC and P) was the most preferred by the respondents. However, in the general desirability Treatment 2 (With FPC) was the most accepted. It was computed that the ROI of the Treatment 3, 4, and 5 were 41% while Treatment 2 at 28% and Treatment 1 at 24%. The development of Cream dory ice cream Fish Protein Concentrate fortified with organic flavorings could be an alternative to enhance nutritional value of ice cream as well as the functional value of Cream dory species value-added products.

Proponent: Erdelito R.Agapito, Janet P. Cunanan

Abstract

This study was conducted with the aim of the researchers to determine the profile of all dairy farmers in the province. It is with the thought of having an available and ample supply of milk to be used in developing and processing dairy products. Livelihood is what this study primarily will address when it finds out that the supply of milk is available and is sufficient for use. Existing cooperatives such as Roxas Dairy Farmers, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mallig and Quezon were identified to be producing a great number of milk, and individuals of several barangays of different municipalities of the province but only for less number of produced not enough to be used for mass development and processing of dairy products. With the collected data, the university with the presence of the Dairy Center within the vicinity of its Matuslalem Campus, will pursue developing dairy products and mentioned organizations will be the source of milk.

Proponent: Ma. Teressa S. Alvarez, Shiela Guinat, Jose P. Gallena Jr., Elsa S. Pinson

Abstract

In the context of significant changes in higher education and the job market, there has been extensive discussion on what qualifies graduate competency and what shapes graduates' labor market outcomes. Graduate employability is a key issue for Higher Education. The need to meet and fill in the gap between the industry and the academe response is deemed necessary. Specifically, the University's vision is to produce highly competitive and educated graduates with high competence and contribute to the country's development. Graduate competency is vital in the formation of an educated graduate the industry is looking for. Their competency is honed based on the activities and curriculum of the program as embedded in the CMOs of each program. The purpose of this study is to assess and evaluate the competency of our graduates in response to the needs of the industry and for curriculum enhancement. The graduate competency of the BA Marketing Management major reveals in the study conducted that among the competencies identified as parameters were deemed "Very Effective" and useful in their respective workplace or job. The graduates' competencies are highly expected by the industry. Though the result highlights research and extension as "Very Effective", their importance to employment shows that they are highly significant to the graduates' present job. And most of the BA MM graduates, despite all the pieces of training and exposure the college provides them, still need improvement. To further identify various essentials that can be used to enhance the curriculum and further improve the delivery of instruction and upgrade graduate competencies, a follow-up study shoiuld be conducted.

Proponent: Ronald C. Rivera, Benjamin E. Bulawit Jr.

Abstract

This study focused on the assessment of computer education literacy of police officers in Angadanan, Isabela. It involved 49 respondents from the RMFB 205th Infantry Battalion and PNP Angadanan Quarter. The researcher employed descriptive design through the use of the adopted Computer Education Literacy questionnaire from Son (2015). The demographic profile of respondents in terms of sex, age, rank, highest educational attainment, and length of service were also collected. In terms of the number of training, 93.90 % of the police officers of Angadanan have no training in computer education literacy. On the other hand, in terms of the frequency of usage of computer education, data showed that the respondents are rarely using these tools. Lastly, respondents have shown a poor level of computer literacy skills in the 4 aspects of computer educational tools with a grand mean of 2.11. Studies have shown that positive attitudes toward the computer are essential to a commitment to acquiring knowledge and skills in computer use. The challenge for law enforcement is to create computer-related training or programs that can eliminate computer anxiety and increase competencies in operating computers and associated software used in law enforcement agencies. Hence, a computer literacy education program is necessary as an intervention strategy to narrow the computer literacy gap among police officers in Angadanan, Isabela.

Proponent: Jolo R. Galabay, Flordeliza R. Bassiag, Generaldo D. Maylem, Ricmar P. Aquino

Abstract

This study focused on the effect of Ivermectin among outpatient individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the repurposed drug being advocated for Covid-19 is Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug believed to suppressed viral reproduction based on some studies conducted. A total 455 individuals who were prescribed with Ivermectin either for prophylaxis and treatment for asymptomatic and non-severe COVID-19 patients with high exposure and positive cases were obtained from the out-patient clinic and were interviewed through their smartphone numbers and were also contacted through FB messenger (for those available). Consent was obtained through smartphone calls to the participants and they were asked to agree voluntarily to be interviewed. Interviews were done through phone calls and through set googlemeet and FB messenger interviews. The data gathered from the interviews done were double checked and encoded in Microsoft Excel and partly run in SPSS. For the open-ended questions, all answers were categorized using qualitative method and were quantitatively analyzed. Most of the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequencies, means and percent scores. The respondents were divided into two categories, those undergone prophylaxis but were negative from COVID-19 but with exposures and those who were tested positive through rapid antigen tests (RAT) and RT-qPCR. Findings showed that mean age of participants is 53.5 years (18, 89); majority (61%) were females and married (67%). The overall household size is 4.3, higher than the ideal household sizes of 2.7-3.0. As to their education, most of the participants (31.7%) were high school graduates and 28% were able to reach college level. The participants came from Luzon regions (45.9%) while most of their occupation were under the group of “blue collar jobs” (31.5%). Majority (75.3%) of the participants interviewed have incomes of below PhP131,484.00 or “poor”.
Majority (91%) of the interviewed participants who took Ivermectin did not visit a physician or clinic. Based on their responses, 50% had signs and symptoms of COVID-19 but either mild and asymptomatic to moderate. Only 55 participants (12.6%) underwent COVID-19 testing (RAT and RT-qPCR). Effects of Ivermectin among participants: majority had no signs and symptoms after taking the drug while good effects or positive effects from taking Ivermectin were felt by the participants which are mostly related to respiratory (4%), gastrointestinal (6.8%), psychological (3%), integumentary (2.3%), musculoskeletal system (5.7%), immunologic (8.9%) and neurologic (10.7%). Bad or negative effects were considered very minor. The length of Ivermectin intake among the participants were varied from one day to 12 months while the dosage that majority took is 15 mg (83%). There were 41 percent who said “yes” if they had ideas on Ivermectin while more than half (59%) of the participants responded “no”. For those who responded yes, their ideas included “medicine for animals” (25%), “protection against COVID-19” (15%), “anti-parasitic” (8.3%) and “prevention from COVID-19” (6%) while others mentioned sources of ideas which include “referred by friend/relatives”(21%), watched or heard via zoom meetings/news/internet/radio and tv” (18.3%). The thoughts of the participants when they were given or prescribed with Ivermectin were mostly related to their ‘beliefs (66%)’, ‘curiosity (24%)’ and also related to ‘doubts (10%)’. The effects of ivermectin, given the varied length of days and months (1 day - 12 months) of taking it as prophylaxis or for the treatment of asymptomatic Covid-19 exposed individuals, which was either prescribed by a physician or provided by the clinic to the participants, were generally good, given its anti-inflammatory action to the different body systems. Based on the results, majority of the participants did not have any signs and symptoms felt after taking ivermectin while there are some that felt very positive effects of ivermectin. Only few felt negative effects, by which, a 1% recorded in literatures makes ivermectin a very acceptable and cheaper drug that can help in preventing COVID-19 aside from being a parasitic drug.

Proponent: Glorilyn B. Alejandro, Allen Alejandro, Ma. Cristina Lalaine M. Nerona, Angelica R. Cadiz

Abstract

This study focused on the production of “Hopyang Gabi Con Mais” food product and evaluation of its quality and potential for acceptance, aiming to improve nutrition and helps diversify the food sources of low-income families especially in the City of Ilagan. Hopyang Gabi Con Mais was produced from taro roots, and white corn. Increase in nutritive content like nutrients, vitamins and minerals of the product are obtained from taro root and white corn. Taro plant is a powerhouse of nutrients. It roots contain vitamins like folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin, thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K. Additionally, the root has antioxidants like cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene. Other minerals that are present in taro roots are copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, and magnesium, iron, and calcium. The electrolytes present in taro roots are potassium, sodium, and thiamine in white corn. The developed food product was evaluated by the respondents to determine its level of acceptability in terms of appearance, aroma, taste and texture which garnered an overall descriptive rating of highly acceptable. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the level of acceptability of hopyang gabi con mais in terms of appearance, aroma, taste, and texture as perceived by the respondents according to their age groups. Equal amount of taro root powder, and other essential ingredients can be processed to produce an excellent hopya dough. The developed hopia product has more essential nutrients from taro roots and white corn which helps to nourish human health. Being cheap in its production cost, ease of preparation, abundance and availability, white corn and other important ingredients, it is then recommennded that the developed food product will be introduced and advertised in the City of Ilagan being the Corn Capital of the Philippines in generalk and the Province in particular.

Proponent: Precila C. Delima

Abstract

This study focused on the effect of Ivermectin among outpatient individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the repurposed drug being advocated for Covid-19 is Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug believed to suppressed viral reproduction based on some studies conducted. A total 455 individuals who were prescribed with Ivermectin either for prophylaxis and treatment for asymptomatic and non-severe COVID-19 patients with high exposure and positive cases were obtained from the out-patient clinic and were interviewed through their smartphone numbers and were also contacted through FB messenger (for those available). Consent was obtained through smartphone calls to the participants and they were asked to agree voluntarily to be interviewed. Interviews were done through phone calls and through set googlemeet and FB messenger interviews. The data gathered from the interviews done were double checked and encoded in Microsoft Excel and partly run in SPSS. For the open-ended questions, all answers were categorized using qualitative method and were quantitatively analyzed. Most of the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics like frequencies, means and percent scores. The respondents were divided into two categories, those undergone prophylaxis but were negative from COVID-19 but with exposures and those who were tested positive through rapid antigen tests (RAT) and RT-qPCR. Findings showed that mean age of participants is 53.5 years (18, 89); majority (61%) were females and married (67%). The overall household size is 4.3, higher than the ideal household sizes of 2.7-3.0. As to their education, most of the participants (31.7%) were high school graduates and 28% were able to reach college level. The participants came from Luzon regions (45.9%) while most of their occupation were under the group of “blue collar jobs” (31.5%). Majority (75.3%) of the participants interviewed have incomes of below PhP131,484.00 or “poor”.
Majority (91%) of the interviewed participants who took Ivermectin did not visit a physician or clinic. Based on their responses, 50% had signs and symptoms of COVID-19 but either mild and asymptomatic to moderate. Only 55 participants (12.6%) underwent COVID-19 testing (RAT and RT-qPCR). Effects of Ivermectin among participants: majority had no signs and symptoms after taking the drug while good effects or positive effects from taking Ivermectin were felt by the participants which are mostly related to respiratory (4%), gastrointestinal (6.8%), psychological (3%), integumentary (2.3%), musculoskeletal system (5.7%), immunologic (8.9%) and neurologic (10.7%). Bad or negative effects were considered very minor. The length of Ivermectin intake among the participants were varied from one day to 12 months while the dosage that majority took is 15 mg (83%). There were 41 percent who said “yes” if they had ideas on Ivermectin while more than half (59%) of the participants responded “no”. For those who responded yes, their ideas included “medicine for animals” (25%), “protection against COVID-19” (15%), “anti-parasitic” (8.3%) and “prevention from COVID-19” (6%) while others mentioned sources of ideas which include “referred by friend/relatives”(21%), watched or heard via zoom meetings/news/internet/radio and tv” (18.3%). The thoughts of the participants when they were given or prescribed with Ivermectin were mostly related to their ‘beliefs (66%)’, ‘curiosity (24%)’ and also related to ‘doubts (10%)’. The effects of ivermectin, given the varied length of days and months (1 day - 12 months) of taking it as prophylaxis or for the treatment of asymptomatic Covid-19 exposed individuals, which was either prescribed by a physician or provided by the clinic to the participants, were generally good, given its anti-inflammatory action to the different body systems. Based on the results, majority of the participants did not have any signs and symptoms felt after taking ivermectin while there are some that felt very positive effects of ivermectin. Only few felt negative effects, by which, a 1% recorded in literatures makes ivermectin a very acceptable and cheaper drug that can help in preventing COVID-19 aside from being a parasitic drug.

Proponent: Betchie E. Aguinaldo, Paulo Opiña, Jane Gelindon

Abstract

This study aims to the development of the iCity Digital Business Locator in Cauayan City, Isabela to be able to create an initial online business platform that will contain a foundational database management system for the business locator used by IT Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) score cards for investors. It is also intended to locate the businesses in the city based on the data of the DTI as well as the data of LGU to create opportunities for future investors and existing MSMEs. The result shows the conceptual model diagram of the development of the iCity Digital Business Locator the researcher needs to gather data from different agencies of the municipality of Cauayan City to get their profile (Human Resource, Transportation, Water, Power, Residential, Business, and Crime data). The data will be used for data mining and analytics processes to generate data from different organizations. It also enhanced local business awareness and aided citizens in navigating city services, facilities, and events, its web apps increase the effectiveness of city administration by applying the Agile Scrum and data mining techniques to generate data trends of consumer and market profile of Cauayan City to attract investors.

Proponents: Marisol C. Bareno

Abstract

The project aimed to promote the following UN SDG’s: end extreme poverty in all forms through provision of skills and training to operate catering business that would generate income for the target clientele; end hunger achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture through practicing proper business protocols, food handing and sanitation to meet nutritional needs of potential catering clients; achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls through engaging the target clientele.
SMGLO as an association positively affected their way of living by empowering the members in producing their own income through catering business services and eventually mitigated discrimination against women and girls. Lastly, this project sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all through provision of dignified jobs.

Proponents: Ronie G. Torres; Mary Grace C. Buraga; Ma. Theresa R. Respicio

Abstract

Banana is a perennial herb grown everywhere in the Philippines from large scale farming to backyard gardening, and it has been considered as one of the local staples of Filipino. However, the untapped potential of processing and value addition has often gone unnoticed. Hence, in collaboration with the Tumauini Cumabao Irrigators Association, Camasi Farmers Association, and Mororan Irrigators Association, and through the Isabela Irrigation Management Office of Lingaling, the Isabela State University (ISU) Angadanan Campus launched an extension program which aims to impart valuable knowledge and skills through a Banana Fruit Processing Workshop (Food Technology Venture).
Through this project, ISU Angadanan intend to advocate SDG 1 through imparting knowledge and skills that may serve as a lifeline towards economic sustainability, offering participants a path to create businesses and alleviate poverty. Specifically, this project contributes to the attainment SDG 2 by equipping the communities how to effectively process and preserve their harvest in such a way that they can reduce food wastage and increase food security. Overall, this program lies the aspirations of SDG 4 through sharing knowledge and empowering individuals with practical skills nurtures the intellectual and practical capabilities of the communities. This project also will achieve SGD8 by proving decent work opportunities for individuals and economic growth among recipient communities.

Proponents: Hazel Beth M. Bautista, Nikki Joyce C. Curan, Christian Lloyd D. Taguba

Abstract

Today, dramatic advances in technology and progress in globalization are transforming our communities into a single borderless community in which there is interaction of diverse knowledge and culture. Our society demands continuous innovation and the creation of new knowledge to achieve sustainable development and growth. As the country moves toward the promotion of sustainable development, the role of the academe, industry, and other sectors of the economy become increasingly significant. Thus, this outreach program is timely for it provides an appropriate action to help the unemployed women in barangay San Fabian, Echague, Isabela to develop their skills and potential in order to earn for a living in order to addressed several Sustainable development Goals namely:

Proponents: Rosalie C. Leal, Orpha S. Saguibo, Ryan Jay O. Agron, Isagani M. Valerozo, Mar Heisen A. Yanos, Renalyn P. Mora

Abstract

Value - laden education is significant yet rare component of the contemporary society. This kind of education can empower individuals who are capable of leading not only small communities but entire nations. In an attempt to promote such endeavor, the Isabela State University launched the Project CAVE (Community Attitude and Value Enhancement). The project aimed to cultivate positive attitudes and enhance individual values with hopes of fostering sustainability in high performance and productive personal growth among members of the target community.

The extension program was implemented on January of 2019 and successfully completed on June of 2022. It was carried out by the entire faculty and staff of College of Education, ISU, San Mateo Campus in collaboration the stakeholders and beneficiaries namely; NIA, the Local Government Unit (LGU), the St. Matthew Parish, the organizations IGLO, and, RIC. The project was implemented and achieved through dynamic lectures and discussion, workshops and flexible collaboration, and application exercises.

To further ensure the attainment of the project’s goals, monitoring and evaluation was regularly conducted in order to assess the progress of the said endeavor. It also effectively measured the impact that the project in the community. Dr. Rosalie Leal, the project leader emphasized the immeasurable significance of value development in creating a just and well environment, “honing the core values of a person is not only a personal journey, it’s a fundamental building block for a harmonious and strong society”. Ms. Orpha Saguibo also stated the complimentary connection of a strong core value to one’s life, in his own word he said, “Understanding the significance of values (could) help us navigate life’s many complexities with integrity, empathy, and respect, fostering meaningful connections and positive changes in our communities”.

This project is the output of the researches conducted by R. Leal (2014) and J. Espinosa (2018), in their study regarding stress experiences and roles and practices of parents in youth development, respectively. The project CAVE is expected to continue its operation even beyond the assigned duration of implementation. “It is committed to significantly contribute to the development and be a stepping stone for sustainable attitude and values formation to the community.” (Project CAVE Terminal Report 2022).

Proponent:Jenifer L. Subia

Abstract

San Mateo, Isabela is popularly known as the Munggo Capital of the Philippines. The town has more than 7,500 hectares of farms planted with mung beans during the dry season. There was an average production of 1,000 kilograms of munggo per hectare which could imply a total production of 7,500,000 kgs.
The ultimate challenge nowadays is to make the economy more stable. One approach is to provide the community with workable livelihood projects that will generate business and patentable innovative products to help people in the community to have a reliable source of income.
As an institution of higher learning, ISU-San Mateo Campus shares the goal of other public and private organizations to stabilize the economy. Due to the higher demand for product innovation, and as a support to the programs: One Town, One Product (OTOP) and One Campus, One Product, and the greater needs in livelihood programs strengthening the innovative processing of mungbean should be implemented. As a result, the institution created an extension program on mungbean processing that could be adapted by different clientele with different outcomes.
The Rural Improvement Club San Mateo Federation, the Isabela Green Ladies Organizations, MSMEs Out-of-school-youth, and P4MPs were the first organizations that benefited from the training program offered by ISU-SM. The said training was attended by 47 participants which include thirty (30) married women over 40 years old who are RIC, IGLO, and MSMEs; twelve (12) male farmers who are P4MPs over the age of forty (40); four (4 ) unmarried males who are out of school youth between the ages of 18 and 21; and a 19-year-old girl.
The extension project entitled, “Mungbean Processing: Munggo Hatid ay Bagong Kasanayan at Pangkabuhayan” will cater to viable livelihood in the community. The four (4) courses incorporated in the project will develop both the personal and entrepreneurial competencies and skills in making innovative products from mungbean. Additionally, the activity promotes mungbean product processing as an agri-business opportunity, creates proficient mungbean product manufacturers, and improves the standard of living for marginal farmers and landless individuals, especially women’s organizations.

Proponent: Maria Theresa R. Aggabao

Abstract

The promotion and adoption of technology in agriculture and food processing is a gradual process, requiring both the readiness of the technology and its intended adopters. In the municipality of Roxas, Isabela, an innovative project has demonstrated how the presence and abundance of raw materials, combined with collaborative efforts, can lead to the development of a thriving tomato processing industry. This essay provides an overview of the journey and impact of this project, highlighting its potential for women's empowerment and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Processed tomato food products are a rare find in commercial establishments, yet the region boasts a bountiful tomato harvest. The project's journey begins with the Marcos Tomato Livelihood Association (MARTOLA), an organized group in Roxas, Isabela, which was approached by the Local Government Unit (LGU) to address the challenge of excess tomato harvests. Recognizing the potential, the LGU enlisted the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to train MARTOLA members in tomato jam production.
Under the Learning Express (LeX) Program, in collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic (SP), MARTOLA was introduced to innovative solutions using Design Thinking. This collaboration resulted in the development of a new tomato jam formulation. The success of the project prompted the birth of the Roxas West Ladies Tomato Industry (RoxWeLTI) in 2019, with a membership of 100 women from different barangays. This new association expanded the scope of tomato product development beyond jam, including tomato salt powder, tomato rings, tomato candy, tomato puree, dried tomatoes, and tomato concentrate.
One of the significant challenges faced by the association was to meet government regulations and standards to ensure product safety. This involved obtaining the License to Operate (LTO) for the tomato processing center. The process required collaboration between multiple stakeholders, including Bahaginan sa Roxas, Inc. a non-government organization (NGO), the Local Government Unit of Roxas, Isabela, the Isabela State University Cabagan Campus (ISUC) and other line agencies of government like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Agriculture (DA). The rigorous requirements, from training and business registration to laboratory testing of sample products, were diligently addressed. The physical infrastructure improvements, in line with DOST and Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) standards, were primarily spearheaded by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the LGU, with technical support from ISUC.
In February 2020, the tomato processing center was evaluated by the FDA, and after nearly two years of hard work, the association received its license to operate (LTO) in August 2020. The project's success encouraged the formation of the RoxWeLTI, which evolved into a promising business venture potential for commercialization. The association received continuous support from the LGU, the local NGO, the ISUC, other government agencies, and SP, an international academic institution, providing both technical and financial support.
The future of the project involves the implementation of a bigger undertaking, the Scaling-up of Tomato-based Enterprise in Roxas, Isabela which will be funded by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), potential for regional, national, and international recognition. The components of the project will provide the additional equipment, trainings and product development activities that will upscale the entrepreneurial capability of the members of RoxWeLTI. This plan will empower the women by providing them additional income, and equipping them with new skills and self-confidence and financial independence.
Based on the foregoing narrative, the accomplishments so far achieved by this project aligns with three United Nations SDGs as follows: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by reducing food wastage, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating a community-based entrepreneurial activity, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by reducing the carbon footprint of local food products.
In conclusion, the journey of tomato processing in Roxas, Isabela, serves as a remarkable example of how local resources, collaborative efforts, and the empowerment of women can contribute to sustainable development and align with global SDGs. This project showcases the potential of agriculture and food processing to bring about positive change at the micro and macro levels, benefiting communities, the environment, and society as a whole.

Proponent: Marvin Cabantac

Abstrac

The “Tulong Dunong sa kawaning Gobyerno” extension program of the School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) has successfully produced a total of twenty-four (24) Civil Service Exam passers composing government employees, youth, and mothers from the March 17 and August 7 Civil Service Commission (CSC) exams.
The 24 examinees from the different localities of Isabela such as the City Government of Cauayan, Alicia Water District, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Alicia, LGU Burgos, the Local Youth Development Office of Cauayan City, and a volunteer from a non-government agency which is not yet included as a clientele of the program have undergone a series of reviews before the set examinations. The examinees included eleven females and thirteen males.
The Tulong Dunong jumpstarted in 2013 as a program to cater to the students of the Bachelor of Arts in preparation for the annual Career Service Eligibility Examination, professional and sub-professional category, of the Civil Service Commission. It generated 85 passers since the establishment of the program. At present, the successful passers are serving in different government agencies serving as civil servants. They are now working as lawyers, law enforcers, and government employees.
This project was designed to give equal opportunity to everyone especially mothers, persons with special needs, and working students in the law or postgraduate degree to attain their professional advancement by providing a chance to obtain their career service eligibility at the ease and comfort of their time and place. Specifically, it aimed to provide quality review for the examinees in the different areas of the examination; to train them how to use different techniques in responding to the different questions during the CS Examination; to provide equal opportunity to women who are struggling in their work and studies to prepare in their CS Examination; and to increase their chances of passing the CS examination.
This extension project is scheduled to be presented by Mr. Marvin Cabantac, the project leader, in the Higher Education category at the 8th Biennial National Philippine Association of Extension Program Implementors, Inc. (PAEPI) convention next year.

Proponents: Ronie G. Torres, Franklin A. Samonte, Ma. Theresa R. Respicio & Dr. Romel B. Cristobal

Abstract

In accordance with the University’s mission and in the pursuit of community development for social transformation, Isabela State University- Angadanan Campus has launched the extension program entitled “Skills Development for Less Served Individuals,” in 2020 and has since become a regular activity of the school, exemplifying a commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 (No Poverty), 4 (Quality Education), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
The program aims to offer technical-vocational skills training, utilizing the school’s patented technology devices and equipment, along with a passionate commitment to extend practical skills to the most marginalized members of the community. The program highlights a Competency-Based Training (CBT) approach, meticulously designed to ensure that participants not only acquire knowledge but also gain the hands-on skills necessary for their chosen fields. After the skills training, basic tools were provided to the beneficiaries, enabling them to apply their newfound knowledge in practical settings.
The success of this initiative hinges on its responsiveness to the actual needs of the community. At the end of the program, the trainees achieved a remarkable 100 percent passing rate in the institutional assessment administered by the host College. Furthermore, they were rated as “Competent” in the national assessment conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Through the program, participants were able to learn the following: 1) drive, service, and maintain light-weight motor vehicles; 2) install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; 3) repair and maintain domestic appliances; and 4) prepare and produce pastry products, cakes, and desserts.
This initiative garnered acknowledgment during the 8th Philippine Association of Extension Providers, Inc. (PAEPI) Biennial National Convention on Extension and General Assembly Meeting in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in collaboration with Bohol Island State University where it secured the Third Best Paper Award in the Search Best Paper in the Engineering, ICT, and Industrial Technology category. Additionally, it was presented at the 1st International Multidisciplinary Research & Extension Conference in San Antonio, Basco, Batanes.
The “Skills Development for Less Served Individuals” program exemplifies the power of education and skills development to transform lives and uplift communities. By providing individuals with the skills needed for decent work and economic growth, offering accessible and quality training, and equipping participants with the skills required for sustainable livelihoods, it embodies the aspirations of SDGs 1, 4, and 8. This initiative not only empowers individuals but also uplifts entire communities, serving as a beacon of hope and opportunity to all.

Proponents: Clarinda C. Galiza, Elizabeth C. Barrera, Hydee G. Cuizon

Abstract

The participants were Sanguniang Kabataan (SK) officers and members. They were chosen because as student-leaders, they are expected to be good communicators, and must have excellent comprehension skills to alleviate communication problems. They were given classroom activities which aimed to develop the learner’s communication skills. These activities come in the form of learning tasks and other activities that require excellent reading performance.