The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with (L-R seated) Dr. Othello B. Capuno, VP for Research and Extension; Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin, VSU President; Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., SEARCA Director; Hon. Silvestre T. Lumarda, Municipal Mayor of Inopocan; Mr. Anecito B. Asencion, Inopacan MAO. The witnesses (L-R standing) Ms. Rebecca M. Cormares from DTI; Dr. Wolfreda T. Alesna, ViFARD Executive Director; Dr. Vilma M. Patindol, ATI-RTC8 Director; Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, former VSU President; Dr. Bessie M. Burgos, SEARCA R & D Program Head; Prof. Rolando T. Bello, ISARD Over-all Coordinator; Ms. Angelic M. Reglos, Project Assistant.
The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in collaboration with the Visayas State University (VSU), Visayas Consortium for Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Program (VICAARP) and in partnership with the LGU of Inopacan, Leyte signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the program entitled “Piloting Models of Inclusive and Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (ISARD): Strengthening Linkages among Farmers, Government and Industry Sectors for Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Development in Inopacan, Leyte” last March 31, 2016 at the PhilRootcrops, VSU, Baybay City, Leyte.
The ISARD Program aims to pilot-test agricultural and rural development models that can potentially address the prevailing socio-economic conditions particularly to attain food sufficiency and reduced poverty incidence in the municipality of Inopacan, Leyte. Specifically, it also wants to improve production, productivity and income from growing selected/market-oriented crops through better knowledge management, and provision of production and technical support. The project also aims to organize growers and increase their linkage to market and other stakeholders in agriculture and rural development, and finally, to improve the capability of both the growers and agricultural technicians of the Municipality of Inopacan, Leyte.
Why is it implemented in Inopacan, Leyte?
Inopacan is a third class municipality in the province of Leyte in the Eastern Visayas Region of the Philippines. It has a population of approximately 20,000 (2010 est.) and most are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. By 2015, the main crops grown are coconut, corn, banana and rootcrops, while minor crops are vegetables and fruits. Aside from crops, residents also raise livestock such as swine, native chicken, ducks and goats.
In a recent Participatory and Rapid Rural Appraisal (PRA/RRA) conducted by the Visayas State University (VSU) involving four of the upland barangays of Inopacan, the following problems were identified: inadequate irrigation system, lack of fertile open farms since coconut are planted in relatively fertile areas, disinterest in farming among the youth, low commodity farmgate price, and food insecurity.
The implementation of the program is governed by the four interrelated components, namely: Technical Assistance; Institutional Development and Capacity Building; Knowledge Management; and Linkaging for Support Services. The program commenced in March 2016 and will end on April 2019.