Ms. Anna Marie M. Bahala and Mr. Mark Joker L. Marcos

Eggs are foods with good nutritional density, sources of protein, vitamin A, folate, selenium, choline, phosphorus, and rich in vitamin D, B12, riboflavin, biotin, and iodine. Compared to other animal protein sources, eggs provide lower calories and the richest mix of essential amino acids as well as having the best protein quality with NPU (net protein utilization) value reaching 965-97.5. On the other hand, eggs are susceptible to damage, either natural damage, chemical damage or microbiology.

Josiefel Z. Agcaoili, Mary Ann I Baua, Jose Carlos T. Mamauag, Dr. Evelyn Cristobal, and Ana C. Bañagale

The objective of this program was to enhance the knowledge and skills of the men and women in the community for them to be self-support and self- sustaining individual who can create a value not only for themselves but for the other residents of the community. On the activities extended to them such as the development and acceptability of various mead products along with lectures on the packaging and marketing of products it was documented that it was successfully executed. The evaluation among the participants shows that the activities were really interesting and that they are eager to learn additional topics under the program. However, it was also recorded that with the program introduced, none of them attempted to actualize the skills shared to them. With this, the proponents are very eager to strategies a plan to encourage them venture in business taking into account the knowledge and skills imparted to them.

Isagani P. Angeles Jr., May- Anne S. Canceran, Erwin G. Verwin, Jerom D. Ligero, Noel Patricio

In response to the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic to the livelihood, DOST-PCAARRD has an approved project on production of smoked tilapia and tilanggit for COVID-19 affected communities in Southern Isabela under the GALING-PCAARRD Kontra Covid-19 Program which focuses in food production and additional livelihood project.

This project aims to (1) provide nutritious and cheaper food for affected communities in Southern Isabela (Santiago City, Echague, Ramon), (2) conduct training/workshop for 150 beneficiaries on the processing of tilapia in affected communities in Southern Isabela (Santiago City, Echague, Ramon), (3) help selected beneficiaries to generate an additional source of income for communities affected by the COVID- 19 pandemic. The selected beneficiaries produced smoked tilapia flavored with lemongrass locally known as tanglad and tilanggit with lime leaves extract locally known as dayap.

One of the objectives of this project is to conduct training in order to capacitate the beneficiaries on smoked tilapia flavored with lemon grass and tilanggit flavored with lime leaves extract. The training was attended by the Municipal Agriculture Officers, Barangay Captain, Officials, Rural Improvement Club (RIC) President, Purok Leaders, Mengal Women Organization President, Sectoral Representative for Women, Municipal Cooperative Development Officer and the 150 beneficiaries. The 150 beneficiaries have already the skills and able to make smoked tilapia 2,100 kg and tilanggit 1,600 kg.

The Municipal Agriculturists of the selected municipalities committed their full support in the implementation of the project. They also assured strict monitoring for the proper implementation of the project in order to attain its target and deliverables. Indeed, through active participation of beneficiaries and strong support from ISU, PCAARRD and LGU, an additional source of income/livelihood, as part of the objective of the project, will be realized.

A joint undertaking of Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 02 and Isabela State University

Our country is now facing problems, struggles and crisis amid the COVID 19 pandemic that greatly affect people's livelihood, health and our food system. It is highly likely that the COVID-19 pandemic will result in increased hunger and poverty. Times like these remind us all the importance of ensuring our nation's food security. In support to the program of Department of Agriculture, headed by Secretary William D. Dar. Department Secretary to the new program HVCDP Agriculture Stimulus Package BAYANIHAN, one of the focuses of the program is increase domestic food production, to increase levels of the productivity across all commodities, and thus ensure food productivity availability affordability amidst the threat of COVID-19 pandemic. It also promotes massive food production through urban or backyard food production in the community.

Agriculture sector plays a key role in mitigating the effects of the pandemic on food production, market access, and rural employment. Economic growth in agriculture is more effective at reducing poverty and food insecurity than growth in other sectors. Investments in agriculture can help revive food production and create jobs, following a crisis, and enable rural communities to recover. With the unity of the community, we hope to improve our productivity and supply chain across the region/country.

Dr. Florenda B. Temanel 

The COVID-19 pandemic challenges the country’s healthcare system and socio-economic stability. It poses threats to livelihood and food security and availability especially in communities that are severely affected. This project aims to address household food security by providing a sustainable source of food through S&T-based home gardening. Five hundred households in 25 barangays in four municipalities were selected based on their willingness to establish home and community gardens. They were provided with free seeds, fertilizers, and tools to start their gardens. Training, technical backstopping, and IEC materials were further provided to supplement their existing knowledge and skills in vegetable gardening. Based on documentation and reports, partner-households were able to establish 60 community gardens and 200 home gardens. The project was implemented in time of recurring lockdowns in the project sites. Hence, partner-households benefitted form having a free, healthy, and readily available source of food for their families and alternative source of income in these unfavorable situations.