Evaluation of Esperanza Seaweeds Culture-Enterprise Federation: A Livelihood Project in Masbate, Philippines

The Seaweeds Culture is one of the livelihood initiatives extended by the FishCORAL Project funded by the United Nations-International Fund for Agricultural Development (UN-IFAD) with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to the fishing households in Barangay Rizal and Libertad, Esperanza, Masbate, Philippines. The study aimed to analyze the socioeconomic characteristics of household beneficiaries, identify the different types of livelihood assets, and evaluate the livelihood key performance of Esperanza Seaweeds Culture-Enterprise Federation. The study included the twenty-one beneficiaries, and data were treated based on cross-sectional quantitative data were gathered through focus group discussion and key informant interviews. It was found out that the household beneficiaries are mostly potential members of the labor force. The household income is insufficient, which translates to high poverty incidence. The income and expenditure approach as PSA's measure of poverty confirmed this. The primary livelihood assets are consumer durables, enterprise federation, credits as significant financial capital, and government transfers associated with buffering mechanisms to sustain the family needs. There is relevance and initial impact, which results in improved livelihood and some improvement in women empowerment. The claimed improvement in income could not be associated with project impact as the culture has just started. There are key challenges to the efficiency and sustainability of the project, especially from the end view of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. These significant risks are appropriately counteracted when the association does have a sustainability plan. The adaptive capacity of the association must be enhanced. Along these ends, the technical backstopping of BFAR, academe, and other agencies are very vital

Impact Assessment of Seaweeds Culture of the Inter-island Seaweeds Association in Cawayan-placer, Masbate

Part of the FishCORAL project is the roll out of the livelihood projects which would respond to the objective of reducing poverty incidence of fishing communities. One of these livelihood projects was inter-island seaweeds culture of Cawayan and Placer in Masbate. Descriptive research design and purposive sampling were used in the study. Structured survey-questionnaire was utilized and employed interview and focus group discussion as means of collecting information from the target respondents. Data revealed that the majority of the respondents’ dwell in a single house with five members and have a monthly income of P10,252.00 which is not enough to finance household expenditures due to a large number of dependents. They don’t have possession of the lot where their houses are situated. Many are challenged for sources of safe and affordable drinking water. Women empowerment in the area is fair, although disempowerment is high at 51%.  Seaweeds project in inter-island barangays does not have significant impacts on the lives of the beneficiaries because poverty incidence is higher than the set poverty threshold. Its effectiveness and efficiency could not be fully assessed although there are glaring pieces of evidence of the major challenges along with these criteria. Putting suitable intervention on the target coastal communities with close coordination on concerned agencies and proper monitoring of the project should be considered by the implementing agency to address the findings in this study. Insurance coverage is  recommended to alleviate impacts to the livelihood during inclement weather conditions. Capability development of livelihood beneficiary association along with financial literacy, basic business management, and record keeping shall be carried out

Status of Gulayan Sa Paaralan (School Garden) Program in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools of Cawayan, Masbate, Philippines: Basis for Extension Activities

The Department of Education implemented gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) to assist the government in reducing malnutrition in the country. DEBESMSCAT-Cawayan Campus assessed the state of gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) of all public schools in Cawayan, Masbate as part of the evaluation technique to establish the suitable and needed extension services to be delivered. The study employed a descriptive research approach and purposive sampling. In the study, a structured survey questionnaire was used to collect data on the status of the gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) program in the schools. Data showed that the gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) initiative had not yet been adequately implemented for a variety of reasons. Schools utilized bolo to prepare the land, which took several months to complete. Planting supplies and other inputs were unavailable at all times, causing the output to be delayed. The lack of Department of Agriculture assistance for inputs, as well as the lack of training/seminars related to the gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) program, are factors that impede the program's implementation and sustainability. Since school heads did not appropriate funding from the MOOE, all coordinators were obliged to pull money from their purses to fund the gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) initiative. Due to low vegetable output, the gulayan sa paaralan (school garden) program in Cawayan public schools does not make a substantial contribution to combating school malnutrition. The implementing agency should explore a holistic strategy for GPP implementation in schools, with close collaboration with related agencies, stakeholders, and religious monitoring of the program should be strictly observed. The capacity of the school heads and coordinators to lead is a key element to the program's success

Gulayan Sa Paaralan (School Garden) Program Coordinators Production Practices: Basis for Capacity-Building Program

Malnutrition is a pressing concern in the Philippines, and the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP) was initiated to combat this issue. This study aimed to investigate the production techniques employed by GPP coordinators in their various school gardens in connection with the school-based feeding program. The study employed a descriptive survey research design and collected data through a survey questionnaire administered to 49 GPP coordinators in the Municipality of Cawayan. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze the collected data. The findings showed that the majority of GPP coordinators utilized organic fertilizers in their school gardens, and the most commonly grown vegetables were pechay, tomatoes, and eggplants. Nevertheless, the coordinators faced several challenges, including managing pests and diseases, and procuring sufficient resources such as water, labor, and tools. The study recommends training GPP coordinators on good agricultural practices, establishing a community-managed school garden system, and allocating adequate resources for the program's sustainability to address these challenges. The study's results demonstrate that the successful implementation of GPP in schools can lead to increased vegetable output and the eradication of malnourished children in schools. As a result, supporting and strengthening the GPP program is critical to combating malnutrition in the Philippines. The study's findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders interested in developing and improving the GPP program. Overall, this study serves as a foundation for future research and interventions aimed at reducing malnutrition and improving food security in the Philippines

Impact Assessment of Aqua Silviculture of Milagros and Placer, Masbate

With the alarming poverty incidence among fisherfolks communities, the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) embarked a project dubbed as Fisheries, Coastal Resources and Livelihood (FishCORAL) funded by United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (UN-IFAD) to address the problem by providing livelihood project to the coastal areas of different regions in the country. To assess the impact of the said project in the Bicol region, Bicol University in collaboration with different State Colleges and Universities in the region conducted a project called impact assessment on different project of the FishCORAL livelihood projects. The aim of the study is to assess the key indicators of the project if the goals of the project was met with the implementation of the livelihood project. The study used convenience sampling in the field surveys and focus group discussions to draw conclusion wherein the respondents are the recipient of the aqua silviculture livelihood project. The study reveals that the beneficiaries is under big household category making them hard to financially sustain the basic needs of the family because there is large percentage of dependent individuals. It was also noted that they do not have their own lot where they built their houses and the source of drinking water is unprotected well.  In addition, the livelihood project is not sustainable because of various problems such as no profit from the first production cycle, most of the beneficiaries backed out during the implementation and the association itself is not technically prepared to implement the project to sustainable ends. Conduct of more technical capability training along varied aspects of aqua silviculture shall be caried out. Also, trainings on financial literacy, business management and basic record keeping are very necessary. There is also a need to craft a clearcut guideline and operational protocol to guide the aqua silviculture venture.  Maybe, a root cause analysis of the previous production cycle should be carried-out to highlight lessons and undertake corrective measures. The association must be reorganized, reoriented and retooled

Baseline Assessment of Rice Production Practices in Selected Barangays of Cawayan, Masbate, Philippines

This descriptive study was conducted to obtain baseline data on the rice production practices in the identified barangays of Cawayan, Masbate for the government to offer real-time intervention. A structured survey questionnaire was used to gather information on the socio-demographic characteristics and rice production practices of the farmers. Aging farmers in the three barangays of Cawayan were observed with an age ranging from 50–60 years old. About 61% of them are classified as small-scale farmers and been tilling the land for more than 31 years. Despite the years they have been in farming, they still belong to the poorest sector with a monthly family income of PHP 800.00. About 96% of the farms in the identified barangays are rain-dependent. Majority of the farmers find difficulty in identifying the variety they are using, and 73% of them used seeds from their previous harvest as planting materials. Land preparation is done through the use of animal-drawn plows and employs direct seeding to minimize expenses. The manual method of controlling weeds, insect pests, and harvesting was practiced by the farmers. The application of fertilizer employed by the farmers is not based on the recommended rate. In totality, farmers obtained breakeven or negative income from their production. The gaps in the farming practices of the farmers can be filled through a holistic and sustainable extension program like Mag-Uma Kaupod ang Pamilya (Farming Together with the Family) in which family members are involved in agricultural production to achieve sufficient and sustainable food for all

Baseline Assessment of Marine Resources Caught by Fishermen in Selected Coastal Barangays of Cawayan, Masbate, Philippines

Marine resources have been essential for human consumption and livelihood activities, particularly for small-scale fishermen in the fishing industry. This study employed a descriptive research design, utilizing interviews and structured survey questionnaires for data collection. The findings revealed the presence of 28 fish species caught by the fishermen in Cawayan, including Asian seabass, bisugo, dolphin fish, giant trevally, gold band goatfish, grouper, lattice monocle bream, mackerel tuna, mullet, needlefish, narrow barred, octopus, oxeye scad, pink shrimp, pin spotted spinefoot, pony fish, sardines, sailfish, shark, short mackerel, slip mouth fish, squid, stingray, threadfin emperor, whiting, and yellow stripe scad. The study also identified five shellfish species, namely baler shell, fierce shell, mother-of-pearl shell, scallop, and ark shell. Seaweed species, including sea moss and sea grapes, as well as the presence of blue crab, contributed to the diverse marine ecosystem. Age emerged as a significant factor in fishing, as older fishermen exhibited extensive knowledge and expertise in identifying the caught fish species. Younger individuals, on the other hand, demonstrated physical strength and minimized the risk of work-related injuries. Notably, a significant portion of fishermen (32%) operated boats they did not own, with motorboats being the preferred choice for the majority (93%). Additionally, 72% of respondents indicated that their fishing income covered only their daily expenses, while 57% lacked alternative sources of income during unfavorable weather conditions. The researchers recommend educating and equipping fishermen with the latest fishing knowledge and skills, facilitated by collaborative efforts among the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), local government units (LGUs), community extensionists, and extension workers. Sharing sustainable and advanced fishing practices will contribute to the well-being and long-term prosperity of fishing communities

Assessing Environmental Law Awareness Among Bachelor of Elementary Education Students: A Study on Knowledge and Attitudes

The study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge and attitudes towards environmental laws among Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) students. A quantitative research design was utilized, and the primary data-gathering tool was a survey questionnaire. The study discovered that the BEED students had a generally poor level of knowledge, but their attitudes toward environmental laws were positive. The outcomes showed that only a few students were concerned about the environment and supported environmental protection, and a majority of them did not practice positive behavior. Despite knowing the penalties for violating environmental laws in the Philippines and the procedures for reporting environmental violations, many students continued their bad practices. Only a small proportion of them exhibited positive behavior or practices that supported environmental protection. Therefore, the BEED students at DEBESMSCAT, Cawayan, Campus had an insufficient and incomplete understanding of the environmental laws in the Philippines. The findings of the study highlighted the need to enhance the environmental education curriculum in the BEED program to improve the student's knowledge and attitudes toward environmental laws. As the students' knowledge and attitudes towards environmental laws could significantly impact their behavior and practices, it was essential to strengthen their comprehension of environmental laws and their role in environmental protection. The study emphasized the responsibility of academic institutions in promoting environmental education among students to ensure that they became environmentally responsible citizens in the future

Productivity and Profitability of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum M.) Production in Masbate Under Improved Nutrient Management with and without Mulching

Field trial on tomato production was conducted under two sources of fertilizer through integrated application with and without mulching material to measure the growth, productivity and profitability of the said crop in the province of Masbate. The study was laid in a two-factor factorial Randomized Complete Block Design. Fertilizer treatments were tested in treatment of mulching (rice straw and control). The factorial treatment combinations were as follows: A1B1 - no fertilizer and without mulching; A2B1 - complete fertilizer without mulching; A3B1 - goat manure without mulching; A4B1 - complete fertilizer + goat manure without mulching; A1B2 - no fertilizer and with mulching; A2B2 - complete fertilizer with mulching; A3B2 - goat manure with mulching; A4B2 - complete fertilizer + goat manure with mulching. The study revealed that the treatment that exhibits higher growth (plant height and number of branches) and yield (38.41 t/ha.) is in the treatment under complete fertilizer + goat manure. The same treatment also obtained higher number of fruits (543) and higher number of marketable fruits (424) per treatment with significant difference. In terms of the fruit size, length and diameter of the tomato, complete fertilizer + goat manure shows dominant effect. Profitability showed significant difference between treatments were the complete fertilizer + goat manure, complete fertilizer, goat manure, and control got 1,334, 1,265.15, 517.51 and 52.20 respectively. Therefore, the integration of organic (goat manure) and synthetic fertilizer (Triple 14) will enhance the yield of the tomato in Masbate and it is highly profitable

Assessment of environmental law awareness and pro-environmental behavior among DEBESMSCAT- Cawayan Campus Agriculture students

<p>Environment and natural resources were crucial to the existence of abiotic and biotic organisms, which included human beings. As the environment degraded, one of the key solutions was the next generation's perception, understanding, and attitude toward environmental laws. Thus, the paper studied the knowledge and attitude of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture students toward environmental laws in the Philippines. The study was conducted through a structured survey questionnaire and interview. The study revealed that students of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture of the DEBESMSCAT-Cawayan Campus had poor knowledge and awareness of environmental laws. However, their attitude towards environmental law enforcement was considered essential. Additionally, students believed that the government was not effective in enforcing environmental laws in the country, their level of confidence in the government towards environmental law was low, and they perceived that most people were not aware of environmental laws. Lastly, community clean-up drives, tree planting, conservation of electricity, and everyone's responsibility were pro-environmental behaviors of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture students. Therefore, strict implementation and molding of agriculture students in their subjects were necessary to strengthen their attitude toward environmental laws. It was also vital to enhance their leadership skills to influence the community as they had positive behavior in the implementation of environmental laws.</p&gt