EXEMPLARY LOCAL GOVERNANCE

PRACTICES IN AGRICULTURE AND

FISHERY DEVELOPMENT

Pamela Grafilo

September 2006
 DISCLAIMER

“The views expressed in this report are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of
the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ateneo de Manila University”.
 Abstract

This paper showcases cases of exemplary local government unit practices in transforming the
local autonomy through agriculture and fishery development. These include coastal zoning in
Calbayog City, coastal resource management in Dauin, Oriental Negros, diversified organic
farming in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, the Barangay Agricultural Development Center
framework in Oriental Negros, and agricultural and fishery modernization in Tuguegarao City.
These five best practices motivate and inspire other local governments to introduce innovative
programs and provide a fertile environment for the replication of successful reforms. Moreover,
focusing on best practices rather than on failures is a way to provide positive incentives for
reform efforts and to encourage a positive outlook on development.
 EXEMPLARY LOCAL GOVERNANCE PRACTICES IN
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY DEVELOPMENT 1

Executive Summary

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said that, “good governance is perhaps the
single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development”. It is not
surprising that in recent years, good governance has taken the center stage in every
development agenda.

Yet making good governance work in a developing country like the Philippines, where more
than half of its population live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their livelihood, can
be particularly daunting.

Achieving good governance in rural areas by through the delivery of social services in an
efficient and equitable way can be challenging. The political incentives to improve governance
in rural areas are often low, given the low level of maturity of democratic institutions in the
country particularly in rural areas.

Another governance challenge for agricultural and rural development is the fact that agriculture
is subject to a variety of market failures. In remote areas and in early phases of agricultural
development, farmers cannot easily get access to inputs, technologies, credit, and output
markets.

The enactment of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code in
October 1991 was a major milestone in Philippine development since it ushered a new way to
improve governance in rural areas. The Code gave local government more powers and
resources to spur local economic development.

In agriculture, the concrete effect of the passage the Local Government Code was the
devolution of personnel, including extension workers, from the Department of Agriculture to the
local governments. The Code provides the guiding principles on how agricultural development
programs should be carried out. It also puts local governments at the forefront of service
delivery at the local level.

More than 15 years after the passage of RA 7160, the experience in so far as agricultural
development is concerned has been mixed. The biggest achievement of the Code is the
institutionalization of the concept of local autonomy and empowerment.

1
This paper is prepared by Pamela A. Grafilo, Program Officer of Galing Pook Foundation (GPF). The exemplary practices
showcased herein are from among the roster of Galing Pook awarded programs. Its mission is to “promote excellence in local
governance through recognition, sharing of information and support of efforts to replicate best practices at the local level. Galing
Pook has awarded a total of 215 local governance programs in their annual search for outstanding and trailblazing local governance
programs from 1994 to 2005.

Page 1 of 3
Innovative and resourceful local governments have successfully utilized the powers vested to
them by the Code, to effect substantial improvements in the lives of their agricultural
constituency.

Despite the difficulties that go with decentralization, substantial inroads in local autonomy have
been achieved. Indeed, local governments have taken the challenge of decentralization, and
have continuously innovated in order to make the delivery of social services to its constituency
more efficient.

This paper will showcase 5 best LGU practices in transforming the local autonomy through
agricultural and fishery development. These are:

ƒ Coastal Zoning: Delineating Coastal Waters for Commercial and Marginal

Fisherfolks
Calbayog City

The series of dialogues guided the city government that led to the implementation of the
memorandum of agreement (MOA) in 2001 on Coasting Zoning ---- which provided the
solution to the conflict between the marginal fisherfolks and the commercial fishing
operators. It also resolved the boundary and jurisdictional differences among the five
adjacent municipalities through the establishment of a fishing highway or delineation of
municipal waters.

ƒ Coastal Resource Management Program

Municipality of Dauin, Oriental Negros

Through the municipalities CRM Program, nine (9) marine sanctuaries were established
in eight (8) mainland coastal barangays, generating an estimated revenue of PhP200
thousand a month through user’s fees and ecotourism activities.

ƒ Diversified Organic Farming System (DOFS)

Magsaysay, Davao del Sur

Magsaysay instituted the Diversified Organic Farming System that resulted to the
increase of farming household’s net income; established a sustainable agricultural
approach in rice production; and, set-up a healthy farm environment.

ƒ Barangay Agricultural Development Center (BADC)

Oriental Negros Province

The provincial government established agricultural development centers in 74 sites, with

greater cooperation, or bayanihan spirit, and active participation among beneficiaries,
the program has significantly contributed in improving the production of agricultural crops
in the rural areas. As a result average annual income of farm households increased to
P90,459 in 2000 from P71,524 in 1977.

ƒ Agricultural and Fishery Modernization Program

Tuguegarao City
This is an integrated development strategy through a agricultural and fishery
modernization program. It is a complete package of technology extended to all farming

Page 2 of 3
 and fishing households of the city. The improved agricultural productivity resulted in a
dramatic increase in the farm family income to P7,000 from an average of P1,000 a
month.

The Program was developed in 2000 to address the worsening condition in agriculture. The
vision was to achieve an improved quality of life for the farming and fishing households while
ensuring the optimum balanced and sustainable development of the city.
These exemplary practices become very important advocates in stimulating and inspiring other
local governments to introduce innovative practices and provide a fertile environment for the
replication of successful reforms. Moreover, focusing on best practices rather than on failures is
a way to provide positive incentives for reform efforts and to encourage a positive outlook on
development.

These five best practices demonstrate a good spread of efforts representative of varying
modalities, strides and achievement of local government initiatives in reinvigorating the local
economy through programs on agricultural and fishery development. These LGUs exhibit the
various degrees by which the local development efforts along agriculture development are being
mainstreamed, integrated and translated into results.

These best practices prove that local governance works, --- when “communities elect good and
sincere leaders; when citizens are organized and empowered to work with government; when
leaders govern in a participatory manner; when national government agencies share powers
and resources with local governments; and, when the policy environment ensures sustainability
and creative replication of these programs.”

While these are works in progress, the LGUs have contributed significant lessons, tools and
standards for localizing agricultural development that national, other local governments and
communities can learn from. With more communities like these, the Philippines may finally find
itself on the road to sustainable and equitable development.

Page 3 of 3
 EXEMPLARY LOCAL GOVERNANCE PRACTICES IN
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERY DEVELOPMENT *

I. INTRODUCTION

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said that, “good governance is perhaps
the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting
development”. It is not surprising that in recent years, good governance has taken the
center stage in every development agenda.

Yet making good governance work in a developing country like the Philippines, where
more than half of its population live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for their
livelihood, can be particularly daunting.

Achieving good governance in rural areas by through the delivery of social services in
an efficient and equitable way can be challenging. The political incentives to improve
governance in rural areas are often low, given the low level of maturity of democratic
institutions in the country particularly in rural areas.

Another governance challenge for agricultural and rural development is the fact that
agriculture is subject to a variety of market failures. In remote areas and in early phases
of agricultural development, farmers cannot easily get access to inputs, technologies,
credit, and output markets.

The enactment of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code in
October 1991 was a major milestone in Philippine development since it ushered a new
way to improve governance in rural areas. The Code gave local government more
powers and resources to spur local economic development.

In agriculture, the concrete effect of the passage the Local Government Code was the
devolution of personnel, including extension workers, from the Department of Agriculture
to the local governments. Another provision was the allocation of more funds from the
Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) to the local governments.

In theory, funds that would have previously gone to the central agencies for use at the
local level should instead go directly to the local governments. The Code provides the
guiding principles on how agricultural development programs should be carried out. It
also puts local governments at the forefront of service delivery at the local level.

*
This paper is prepared by Pamela A. Grafilo, Program Officer of Galing Pook Foundation (GPF). The exemplary practices
showcased herein are from among the roster of Galing Pook awarded programs. Its mission is to “promote excellence in local
governance through recognition, sharing of information and support of efforts to replicate best practices at the local level. Galing
Pook has awarded a total of 215 local governance programs in their annual search for outstanding and trailblazing local governance
programs from 1994 to 2005.

Page 1 of 26
More than 15 years after the passage of RA 7160, the experience in so far as
agricultural development is concerned has been mixed. The biggest achievement of the
Code is the institutionalization of the concept of local autonomy and empowerment.

Innovative and resourceful local governments have successfully utilized the powers
vested to them by the Code, to effect substantial improvements in the lives of their
agricultural constituency.

Despite the difficulties that go with decentralization, substantial inroads in local

autonomy have been achieved. Indeed, local governments have taken the challenge of
decentralization, and have continuously innovated in order to make the delivery of social
services to its constituency more efficient.

The Gawad Galing Pook, an annual awards program that identifies and showcases the
country’s best local governance programs and practices, is the Galing Pook
Foundation’s affirmative action to the need to highlight successful local governance
efforts. It provides due recognition for local government units (LGUs) to encourage
them to continuously improve their systems and to enhance the delivery of services to
the people. It has also been effective in providing models, which others could emulate
or adopt in their areas.

A total of 215 programs of 130 LGUs were awarded in the annual search for outstanding
and trailblazing local governance programs from 1994 to 2005. These best practices are
identified through a national search of local governance programs, sifted through a
multi-level rigorous screening process based on the criteria of (1) positive socio-cultural,
economic environmental, gender- equity, political, and social impact; (2) promotion of
people’s empowerment; (3) transferability and sustainability; (4) efficiency of program
service delivery; and (5) creative and willful use of powers provided by the Local
Government Code and other national legislation on decentralization and local autonomy.

This paper will showcase 5 best LGU practices in transforming the local autonomy
through agricultural and fishery development. These are:

ƒ Coastal Zoning: Delineating Coastal Waters for Commercial and Marginal

Fisherfolks
Calbayog City

ƒ Coastal Resource Management Program

Municipality of Dauin, Oriental Negros

ƒ Diversified Organic Farming System (DOFS)

Magsaysay, Davao del Sur

ƒ Barangay Agricultural Development Center (BADC)

Oriental Negros Province

ƒ Agricultural and Fishery Modernization Program

Tuguegarao City

Page 2 of 26
 These exemplary practices become very important advocates in stimulating and
inspiring other local governments to introduce innovative practices and provide a fertile
environment for the replication of successful reforms. Moreover, focusing on best
practices rather than on failures is a way to provide positive incentives for reform efforts
and to encourage a positive outlook on development.

II. Coastal Zoning:

Delineating Coastal Waters for Commercial and Marginal Fisherfolks
Calbayog City

Calbayog City is the 5th largest city in the country with a land area of 90,300 hectares.
This land mass is divided into agriculture and forest areas. Being basically an
agricultural city, fish and other fishery products are among its primary commodities.

Calbayog City has a coastline of 35 kilometers and an approximate fishery area of 1,198
square miles. The city’s 35 coastal barangays are home to 3,300 marginal fishermen
and their 15 thousand dependents. They rely heavily on fishing as a means of livelihood.

Within the 8 kilometers coastline is the city’s rich spawning grounds of both demersal
(bottom dwellers like the lapu-lapu, sweet lips or mangagat, bisugo and the like) and the
pelagic or surface fishes 9galunggong, alumahan, talakitok and tuna). Sad to say, most
of the fisherfolks remain poor owing to small fish catch and degradation of marine
resources.

Diminishing fish catch is attributed to the presence of 8 hundred to 1 thousand

commercial fisherfolks engaged in fishing activities in the coastal waters of Samar. The
rich spawning area is a natural magnet for commercial fishing boats. They scrape the
seabed, trapping egg-laden fishes into their nets, destroying millions of fish eggs,
preventing fish to multiply.

Despite the existence of RA 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code
that bans commercial fishing within 15 kilometers of a locality's coastline, encroachment
of commercial fishing vessels is almost a daily occurrence in the area. This has led to
the continuing decrease in fish catch – to the utter prejudice of the marginal fisherfolk.

Contributing to this worsening situation is the fact that the neighboring islands of
Tagapulan, Almagro, Comandag and Santo Nino --- all face Calbayog, at a distance of
less than 15 kilometers between each other. This gives rise to boundary disputes and
jurisdictional difficulties.

Feeling the effects of their dwindling catch, Calbayog fisherfolk began to mount protests
against the intrusion of the commercial fishing operators.

Finding a Win-Win Solution

Recognizing that territorial boundary dispute is an issue to resolve, the city government
took the initiative of sponsoring dialogues with the mayors of neighboring municipalities
as well as other stakeholders. He was especially concerned with the leaders of the

Page 3 of 26
marginal fisherfolk and the commercial fishing operators, including their crew of 5
thousand.

Dialogues were conducted among all the various stakeholders. The fisherfolk leaders
made known their opposition against the intrusion of the commercial fishers in
Calbayog’s spawning grounds. The commercial operators and their crew, on the other
hand, insisted that they, too, had the right to earn a living.

The city government acted as moderator and facilitator between the conflicting parties.
The series of dialogues guided the city government that led to the implementation of the
memorandum of agreement (MOA) in 2001 on Coasting Zoning ---- which provided the
solution to the conflict between the marginal fisherfolks and the commercial fishing
operators. And also, it resolved the boundary and jurisdictional differences among the
five adjacent municipalities through the establishment of a fishing highway or delineation
of municipal waters.

This has, in effect, resulted in setting up the “fishing highway” where commercial fishing
boats (with their active gears) are allowed to operate, but were banned from the
spawning grounds within 8 kilometers from the shore. A win-win situation since the big
ones are given their fishing highway, the marginal fisherfolks need no longer fear the
destruction of Calbayog’s spawning grounds.

The zoning sought to accomplish the following objectives:

ƒ Strengthen the seaborne patrol operations;

ƒ Minimize illegal fishing in the area;
ƒ Improve fish catch and income of the marginal fisherfolks.

This project became the model for coastal zoning that gave birth to the Samar Sea and
Maqueda Bay Management Council, composed of various local governments from the
first and second district of Samar. The Council will coordinate the replication of the
Calbayog experience in other municipalities.

Given their active participation in all aspects of program implementation, the fisherfolks
have a strong sense of ownership of the program. They do not wait for the city officials
to enforce the fishery laws but they, themselves take initiative, even women and children
take time to report illegal fishing in the area. People participate in planning,
implementation, and monitoring of fishery activities. The spirit of volunteerism, enhanced
their commitment to the program.

Capturing Gains

Before the zoning and the demarcation of the fishing highway, fisherfolk say that they
have to spend about 5 hours to land two kilos of fish. After the zoning, when most
commercial fishing boats were banned from Calbayog’s spawning grounds, there was a
marked improvement in the marginal fishermen’s catch, --- from 2 kilos in 5 hours to 2
kilos in an hour.

Page 4 of 26
Based on a rapid rural appraisal and fish stock assessment undertaken by a local NGO,
fish catch have indeed improved. Note the remarkable increase in fish catch in metric
tons from 1983 / 1994 to 2002. (Please see table below.)

Table. Fish Catch in Samar Sea

1983 1994 2002
Pelagic Fishes
(MT) (MT) (MT)
Jacks, Scad, Mullet 11,720 3,800 7,320
Herrings, sardines 4,677 9,105 12,200
Mackerels 4,535 9,511 13,150
Spanish mackerel, Tuna 4,885 6,343 12,900
Bonitos 11,659 1,125 2,290
Total 36,876 29,884 47,880
Source: CERD - Samar

Due to lesser fishery effort (catch per unit effort) that is, fisherfolks have more time to
participate in community activities like meeting and training and assist in the household
chores. Decrease fishing effort also meant that women are given enough time to
participate in consultative dialogues and trainings. In effect, the women took active part
even in the enforcement of laws.

The communities and the fisherfolks are active participants in preserving their gains
through seaborne partrol operations through the Bantay Dagat. The has also been
significant decrease in illegal fishing in the area.

In 2001, the community made 46 apprehensions of commercial boats mostly from

Calbayog, Santo Nino, Almagro, Santa Margarita, San Isidro, Masbate, Tacloban,
Catbalogan and Iloilo. Violators paid a fine of only PhP210 thousand, which is too small
given the destruction and environmental destruction they cause.

After the zoning program in 2002, apprehensions decreased to 30, with a total fine of
PhP170 thousand. In 2003, there were only 20 apprehensions, mostly small trawlers.
This year, only 12 commercial trawlers were apprehended. Members of the patrol team
sesrve on a voluntary basis.

Expanding Gains

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement by the Local Chief Executives of

neighboring municipalities that established a fishing highway in the area, ensures the
program's continuity even beyond the current administration. The City Fisheries Code of
Calbayog, Ordinance 2003-16-030 reinforced the existing MOA.

The following are factors which helped sustain the program:

ƒ The 2001 MOA on the Zoning has the approval of both the commercial fishing
operators (including crew members) and the marginal fisherfolks.

Page 5 of 26
 ƒ Public awareness of its beneficial effect on fishing conservation, saving the fish
spawners from being destroyed by commercial fishers. This has resulted in the
improved fish production as shown in the table earlier cited.

ƒ The advocacy campaign as well as capacity building seminars given by various

NGOs in the area (Center for Environment and Resource Development,
Environment Legal Assistance Center and the Western Samar Development
Foundation) for the fisherfolk and stakeholders; the “Pintakasi (bayanihan) and
spirit of volunteerism by the people continue to propel the program forward.

ƒ Active promotion of coastal zoning in nearby municipalities that could usher the
replication of the program in Samar. This would lead to further improve not only
the livelihood of the fisherfolks but ensure the protection and conservation of
marine resources and biodiversity in the area.

III. Coastal Resource Management Program

Municipality of Dauin, Oriental Negros

The municipality of Dauin is located along the coastal area in the province of Oriental
Negros,15 kilometers south of Dumaguete City. It is comprised of eight (8) coastal, one
(1) island and fourteen (14) upland barangays. The main source of livelihood is fishing
and farming.

In 1980, there was a noted significant decrease in the fish catch of the local fisherfolks.
This was attributed to rampant illegal and destructive fishing and encroachment of
commercial fishers from other towns within the municipal water of Dauin.

Because of this, the local government initiated a program to address the problem and to
help improve the economic well-being of the local fisherfolks. The program also sought
to rehabilitate the condition of the corals and natural habitat and breeding grounds of all
marine species.

With the technical assistance from the Provincial Government and Silliman University
Marine Laboratory (SUML), the establishment of a community-based Marine Protected
Area (MPA) in the island barangay of Apo was conceptualized in 1984. This program
transformed Apo Island to one of the best diving sites in the world.

Because of the successful result of the community-managed Marine Protected Area in

Apo Island, the program was replicated in eight coastal barangays in the other parts of
the municipality. The MPAs are managed by fishermen's associations with support from
the barangay and the municipal government.

Fostering Community Involvement

During the implementation of the program, it has encountered problems and strong
opposition from the fisherfolks and constituents who thought that the project is going to
deprive them of their only source of livelihood.

Page 6 of 26
To ensure community involvement, several consultation and dialogues were conducted
to solicit and hear their views, suggestions and apprehensions with regards to the
establishment of the protected areas. The fisherfolks were organized into associations to
prepare them as the primary resource users to manage the marine resources.

The process of people empowerment was legitimized by institutionalizing the

Fishermen's Association (FA) through the Coastal Resource Management Ordinance
that granted power to the fisherfolks to exercise management control over the MPAs.
This principle of responsible ownership insured the protection and conservation of
coastal resources for livelihood and future food security. Community acceptance through
the FA was gradually realized.

The communities through their associations developed a sense of responsibility and

dedication to the program because they realized that they themselves are the ultimate
beneficiaries of the program. The local government with the support and assistance of
non-government organizations (NGOs) conducted several trainings and seminars to
strengthen and capacitate the FAs' to become effective managers and implementers of
the project.

To guide program implementation and the development of the municipality’s marine

resources, Dauin together with its constituency embarked in the formulation of its 5-Year
Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Plan. The plan was a product of a participatory
process that ensured community representation as well as participation representatives
from each association were convened to join in the planning and formulation process.

Applicable provisions under the Fisheries Code of the Philippines (RA 8550) were also
incorporated in the CRM Ordinance in order to strengthen the legal power of its
enforcement.

To further enhance the Coastal Resource Management strategy, the Municipal Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources Management Council (MFARMC) under RA 8550 was formed to
serve in an advisory capacity to the Municipal Government. The composition of the
MFARMC included representatives from the government, non-government
organizations, private sector and the fisherfolks. The Council assisted in the planning,
implementation, and enforcement of fishery laws and regulations in the municipal
waters. Through the MFARMC the CRM ordinance has been improved to address the
core issue of open access against commercial fishers and non-resident fishermen in the
municipal water.

At present, apprehension of illegal fishers has been intensified with the collaborative
effort of the Bantay Dagat and the Police Environment Development Officer (PEDO).
Both agencies were commissioned as lead enforcers. Many policies proposed by
MFARMC and adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan have strengthened the promotion of
a sustainable people-powered CRM program in the municipality of Dauin.

The Program also mobilized the private / business sector support. Resorts and dive
shops are being involved in the implementation and policy enforcement of the program.
The program coordinates and collaborates with NGOs (CCEFI, Reef Check, etc.), the
academe (Silliman University and Negros Oriental State University) and national
government agencies such as the DENR and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic

Page 7 of 26
 Resources from the initial assessment of potential sites, to the establishment of
protected areas.

The academe was tapped by the program to monitor and evaluate both the protected
area and the peripheral areas using a more scientific approaches and systems.

Reaping the Gains

In 1996, Apo Island was declared a Protected Seascape and Landscape Area pursuant
to Presidential Proclamation No. 436 administered by the Protected Area Management
Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The Coral Reef Monitoring Survey done by the Coastal Conservation & Education
Foundation in March 2002 indicated healthy growth of corals and diverse marine species
within the protected area.

Figure: User’s Fee System

MTO TOURIST
(Municipal Treasurer’s Office)
• Present the ticket to
• Central ticket source the collector on site
• Sells ticket to:
ACCES TO MARINE
RESERVE
FISHERMEN’S
ASSOCIATION
• can buy tickets in bulk and
sell in retail to tourists or
out of town dive shops on
site

DIVE SHOPS AND RESORTS

TOURIST
• can buy tickets in bulk and
sell in retail to tourists or out • Present the ticket to
of town dive shops on site the collector on site
who in turn sell them to their
guests

Its robust marine life has attracted both local and foreign diving enthusiasts in Dauin.
Influx of investors operating resorts and dive shops have increased from only four (4) to
fifteen (15) at present.

Dauin and its protected areas has become a favorite site of study tours from other
provinces and municipalities within the country. In fact, other countries such as Vietnam
and Palau have visited the municipality to learn from their experience.

Page 8 of 26
What sets the Dauin apart from other CRM programs is its capability to generate
substantial revenues from tourism. Local government revenue is generated from the
operation of the marine sanctuaries through the users-fee system.

Revenue collection is regulated through the user’s fee centralized ticketing system
shown in the flow chart above.

Since the user’s fee collection system was implemented in 2002, the local government
has generated at least PhP 4.7million of revenues. The revenues continue to show
remarkable increases through the years. Collection increased by 357 percent from 2004
to 2005. From January to July 2006 alone, user’s fees have already reached PhP1.9
million. This is an indication not only of the success of the program, but the continuing
influx of tourists in the area.

In terms of over-all contribution to total local government revenue, CRM income

contributes almost the same amount as income generated from all other income-
generating activities (real property tax, business tax, etc) of the municipality put together.
Indeed, the CRM program is the major source of income for the municipality.

Revenues generated by the CRM program are plowed back to the program. The
revenues are placed in a trust fund that can only be used to support activities related to
the implementation of the CRM Program. This is the program’s way of giving back its
gains to the people.

Forty percent of the income goes to the fishermen associations to support their activities
and projects. Thirteen percent of the FA’ share is allocated to Bantay Dagat, and the rest
for the maintenance of the marine sanctuary.

Moreover, 40 percent is the municipal government’s share and the remaining 20 percent
is given to the barangay. To ensure that the earnings of the MPA’s are used well, the
funds are only released upon submission and approval of a detailed work and financial
plan that shows how it will be used for the CRM Program.

Table. Income from the CRM Program and

Other LGU Income Generating Activities
Local CRM Income
Year
Income (PhP) (PhP)
2002 1,753,074.73 93,050.00
2003 1,824,619.77 66,050.00
2004 1,960,862.66 302,150.00
2005 2,984,562.27 2,321,320.00
2006 2,939,808.18 1,947,450.00
Total 11,462,927.61 4,730,020.00
Note: 2006 data as of July 2006

Aside from the earnings from user’s fees, Silliman University Marine Laboratory reported
that fish catch outside the MPA have increased, thus income of fisherfolks have
increased both through fish catch and share of users fee revenue generated.

Page 9 of 26
Because of the very significant impact of the program, it has opened more opportunities
and has generated a lot of goodwill for partnerships with other stakeholders. Non-
government organizations approach the local government and offer technical and
financial assistance for the continuous management of the project.

Among these partnerships include the Coastal Conservation Education Foundation, Inc.
(CCEFI), St. Catherine Family Helper Project, Inc., Integrated Population in relation to
Coastal Resource Management (IPOPCORM), Program for Appropriate Technology on
Health (PATH) Foundation, Silliman University Marine Laboratory/Silliman University
Angelo King Center for Research & Environment Management (SUML/SUAKREM),
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Water Watch-Heifer
International and Reef.

Recognizing the importance of its CRM program, the municipality is also linking its other
development programs to CRM, to wit:

ƒ CRM Program is being integrated in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP)
of the Municipality

ƒ The EcoGov assisted Program on Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) and Ecological
Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Plan have complimented holistically in the
success of the CRM Program.

ƒ PATH Foundation Philippines, Inc (PFPI) implemented Integrated Population and

Coastal Resource Management (IPOPCORM) through reproductive health and
livelihood program for the coastal dwellers in the nine (9) coastal barangays.

ƒ Local Poverty Reduction Action Program thru Code NGO facilitated by St.
Catherine Family Helper, Inc. has conducted the Poverty Incidence Monitoring
taking into consideration the impact of the program to the life of the coastal
dwellers.

ƒ Tapped the elementary and high schools to incorporate the CRM Program of the
municipality in their curriculum and lessons.

ƒ Developed a municipal hymn and organized the annual KINAIYAHAN FESTIVAL

adopted through Sanggunian Bayan resolution as an effective mechanism to
promote the protection of the environment.

Institutionalizing Gains

The main sustainability strategy of the CRM program is community management.

For instance, the first marine sanctuary established in Dauin, the Apo Island Marine
Sanctuary, was turned over to the barangay with the help from the Silliman University
Marine Laboratory headed by Dr. Angel C. Alcala. In 1996, Silliman turned over the
project to the municipal government who subsequently turned it over to barangay to
manage. This was undertaken through the Marine Management Committee. The
barangay government for its part, passed an ordinance regulating the use of the marine
sanctuary, empowering and transferring the management to the community. Adoption of

Page 10 of 26
 regulating ordinance was made by the Sangguniang Bayan to ensure sustainability of
the project.

Institutionalization of the program gains through enabling legislation was another key to
sustain the program. Formulation of the CRM ordinance also underwent a long
consultative and participatory process to gain total community acceptance and
commitment. A governing ordinance was passed for each MPA to legitimize its
establishment and operation.

Trainings and seminars are conducted regularly to the members of the FAs to further
develop their understanding on the program and prepare them to become effective
leaders and capacitate them to effectively manage the project. On-going trainings and
continuous education with technical assistance from the NGOs are also conducted for
the sustainable management and development of the various MPAs.

At present, amendments to some provisions of the CRM ordinance were just completed
to address the program’s current needs. A unified ordinance governing all the MPAs was
also adopted to further strengthen the program.

In recognition of the Municipality's successful dedication and achievement in the

preservation of marine environment, DENR has awarded Dauin a Level 1 certification as
best implementer in Coastal Resource Management throughout the Province of Oriental
Negros and in Region VII.

At present, there are nine (9) marine sanctuaries established in eight (8) mainland
coastal barangays generating an estimated revenue of PhP 200 thousand a month
through user’s fees and ecotourism activities.

IV. Diversified Organic Farming System (DOFS)

Magsaysay, Davao del Sur

The Municipality of Magsaysay is known as the "Rice Granary" of the Province of Davao
del Sur with a total of 3,358 hectares of irrigated rice fields tilled by the farmers, who
constitute 70 percent of the municipality's workforce.

Sad to say, most of the farmers in Magsaysay remain poor and productivity continued to
diminish owing to several factors, the farmers themselves have identified through a
series of consultations conducted by the municipal government:

ƒ Low household income, caused by high production cost;

ƒ Prevalence of pest and diseases;
ƒ Poor soil productivity;
ƒ Unstable market price of farm products;
ƒ Absence or lack of alternative source of income; and
ƒ Inadequate post harvest facilities.

Since majority of its population depend on rice farming, the municipal government
realized that there could never be genuine development in Magsaysay if the plight of the
farmers is not addressed.

Page 11 of 26
Increasing and Diversifying Farm Production

In 2002, the municipality of Magsaysay instituted the Diversified Organic Farming

System (DOFS) to address the worsening situation. The DOFS is one of the five flagship
programs of the municipality of Magsaysay.

The DOFS main goal is to improve the economic condition and the quality of life of the
marginalized farmers. Consistent with these goals, the following objectives were set:

ƒ To increase the household net income of the farmers;

ƒ To establish a sustainable agricultural approach in rice production;
ƒ To establish a healthy farm environment.

To attain these objectives, the following strategies were designed and implemented:

ƒ Organic method of rice production (Zero chemical farming);

ƒ Diversification of farm products;
ƒ Provision of alternative sources of income to farmers;
ƒ Development of farmer-based research for information and technology-transfer;
ƒ Broader and favorable marketing linkages

To implement the organic rice production, the DOFS Program adopted the following
farming technologies:

ƒ Integrated Pests Management (IPM),

ƒ Low External Inputs System of Agriculture (LEISA),
ƒ System of Rice Intensification (SRI), and
ƒ Bio-dynamic farming system.

The program has six components that complement each other, aimed not only to
increase rice production but to diversify farm production. Concretely, at the farm level,
the farmers are involved with the production of organic rice, which is the main source of
livelihood, along with backyard gardening, livestock, poultry, fish culture, and high-value
crops.

Model farms were established in strategic areas in the municipality to showcase

diversified farm production. A complete package of support services were provided to
the farmers during the initial stage of program implementation. This includes organic
fertilizers, farm tools (weeder), livestock and poultry, vegetable seeds, fish fingerlings
and other high-value crops seedlings. To ensure the sustainability and viability of the
program, a cost-sharing scheme was formulated that specifies the farmer’s counterpart.

The program advocated and supported farmer-based research through field trials, farm-
to-farm visits, on-field technical assistance, on-site farm planning, trainings and farm
experience documentation, external field exposures, and technology-transfer. These
activities were implemented to give farmers field and first-hand exposure to farming
techniques and technologies. It also gave the farmers the opportunity to learn from
fellow farmers. Actual field experience and sharing of knowledge served as learning
laboratories that allowed cross-fertilization of farming technologies that led to the
enhancement of farming techniques and approaches.

Page 12 of 26
 Linking farmers to the market was another vital component of the program. The
program did not stop at improving farm productivity but it also provided the necessary
market linkages for the farmers’ produce.

To create broader and favorable market for its products, the local government
established a partnership with the Kilolog Farmers Multi-Purpose Coop (KiMFaCo) in the
packaging, promotion and marketing of DOFS products. Later on, the municipality
encouraged local rice traders from the business sector to participate in the promotion
and marketing of DOFS products. The organic rice produced by the program is now
labeled and promoted as MagRice (Magsaysay Rice) and is widely distributed within and
outside the municipality.

As the production of DOFS products increased, marketing outlets in neighboring towns

and cities were gradually established by the local government and partner organizations.
At present, the increase in demand for the organically grown MagRice has encouraged
more farmers to adopt the program. Moreover, current organic rice producers are
expanding their production areas to meet increasing market demand.

Reaping the Gains

The farming technologies adopted and employed under the DOFS Program resulted to
low production input but high farm productivity. This is translated to lesser production
expenses but higher net income for the local farmers. The methods applied have
liberated rice farmers from usage of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and other
petrochemicals that are not only expensive but are also harmful to the environment.

Table. Comparative Study between the Conventional Inorganic Farming System

and Organic Farming (Per Hectare / in PhP)
Conventional Farming DOFS Organic
Production Input / Activities
Approach Farming Approach
Land Preparation 4,000 4,000
Transplanting 2,000 1,800
Fertilizer @ 8 bags average 7,800 None
Seeds 1,600 100
Pesticides 9,000 None
Weeding 1,500 2,000
Marking of Field None 300
BD / KNF Preparation and Field Spray None 1,400
Thresher and Harvester (Share 17:1) 4,816 4,816
Meals and Miscellaneous Expenses 2,000 2,000
Total Cost of Production 32,716 17,916
Gross Production (Average yield in ton) 4.97 3.85
Gross Income (Farmgate Price: P10/k /
49,700 42,350
P11/k for organic rice)
Net Income 16,984 24,434
Return on Investment (%) 51.91% 114.89%
Source: Municipality of Magsasay

Page 13 of 26
A study conducted by the LGU and its implementing partners show the economic
viability of the program. (Please refer to the Table above.)

Aside from the income derived from farming, the farmers also generated additional
income from their diversified farm production. They now do not only produce rice, but
also grow vegetables, fruits, fish and raise livestock and poultry. This provided another
source of livelihood for the farmers, amounting to at PhP 12,325.00 annually.

Backyard gardening or Food Always in the Home (FAITH) guaranteed the availability of
food at the household. Without FAITH, a farmer household would spend a minimum of
P 10.00/day for vegetable and spices for their daily consumption. This would mean that
a farming family is spending PhP 1,200.00 every cropping season (120 days). The
savings can be utilized to support other needs of the household such as education and
health.

The increasing demand for organic fertilizers and the need for weeders (farm tools)
opened other economic opportunities and activities for local entrepreneurs. This means
more enterprises and more active investments.

Moreover, the broader marketing linkages in the neighboring towns and cities have
gradually established competitive market prices for the DOFS products. Increased
farmers income translates to higher buying capacity of farmers, --- thus ushering a more
vibrant local economy in the municipality.

Aside from the economic benefits, the DOFS Program contributes in the rehabilitation
and protection of the environment. Biodynamic farming employed by the program
adheres to the law of nature and life's natural cycle. The reduction (if not the eradication)
of the usage of synthetic chemicals in farming helps promote sustainable farming
technologies and approaches. By using organic fertilizers, agricultural and domestic
waste have been reduced, recycled and used in productive activities. Organic farming
technologies restores soil fertility and reduces water and air pollution. Above all, the
DOFS program increased the level of ecological awareness of the people especially the
farmers.

The DOFS complements the solid waste management program of the municipality.
Given the need for organic fertilizers to support rice production, the demand for organic
waste increased.
Due to this demand, solid waste management program of the LGU had been effective
and was able to develop and produce organic fertilizers which now labeled as MagFer
(Magsaysay Fertilizer). Household and farmers organizations were also trained to
produce and process their own fertilizer from wastes and other indigenous materials and
other resources.

Moreover, organic farming made it possible for fish-culture to be integrated in the

program. In Magsaysay, fish is grown in rice fields, thus maximizing utilization of scarce
land and other productive resources.

More importantly, the program revived and promoted the use of environment-friendly
indigenous methods of rice production. The farmers become "scientists" of their own
farms by establishing a farmer-based research. They have become independent in

Page 14 of 26
managing their farm; plant breeding; land preparation; pest management; and
production of fertilizer from indigenous materials.

Convergence of Support

The DOFS Program was conceptualized, developed, planned, implemented and

sustained through the concerted efforts of various program stakeholders-- the farmers,
civil society organizations, national government agencies and the local government.

Capacitating and mobilizing farmers’ organization was vital in the success of program
implementation. A series of trainings and capability-building activities were undertaken
in the rice producing barangays. The trainings bolstered the farmers’ commitment to the
Program. Farmers were open to conduct field trials in their farm land and the
establishment of model farms. The training conducted included farm planning, pest
management, Korean natural farming techniques, processing, LIESA, SRI and bio-
dynamic technology.

The farm-to-farm visits boosted the morale of the farmers as they proudly show their
farm to other farmers and narrate the challenges and problems they encountered as well
as the solutions they applied based on what they have learned from the DOFS Program.
Likewise, visiting farmers would learn also from those experiences thus enriching their
capability in managing their respective farms.

The program adopted also the "coaching system" among farmers by establishing
Barangay Extension Workers (BEW) within the area.

The local government also mobilized NGOs and the support of national government
agencies around the program. The Consortium for the Development of Southern
Mindanao Cooperatives and the Don Bosco Diocesan Youth Center, Inc. helped
introduce the bio-dynamic farming technology to the farmers. Later on, SEARICE, a
pioneering rice research institute, also provided much-needed support to the program.

Because of the success of the program, more and more national government agencies
and government officials volunteer to support and provide assistance. These include the
Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office which offered technical assistance; the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which identified the municipality as the main
producer of organic rice under its "One Town, One Product" (OTOP) Program; and the
offices of Senators Magsaysay and Biazon who signified their interest to give technical
support to the program.

As MagRice expands its market and gains consumer support, a quality control system is
necessary to set standards that will ensure quality of products. The program is
amobilizing and organizing farmers’ organizations and cooperatives to develop an
Internal Quality Control System (IQCS). This system will be implemented with the help
of farmers’ organizations to ensure strict monitoring of the activities of the farmers
(planting, growing, harvesting, processing and even marketing of products) to guarantee
compliance in accordance with the methods of organic farming and sustainable
agriculture.

Page 15 of 26
 Transferability and Sustainability

The methods and strategies applied in the DOFS Program are employed or
implemented with the end-in-view of assuring that the program implementation, even
beyond the current administration, sustainable. Support legislations were adopted by the
Local Sangguniang Bayan and the Barangay Council of different barangays that will
make sure that budget are made available to support the program. The local government
and its partners (farmers’ organization and CSOs) have entered into agreements that
spell out their respective roles, responsibilities and obligations under the DOFS
Program.

The concrete and tangible results of the program currently enjoyed by the farmers have
strengthened their commitment to the DOFS farming technologies as a viable and
sustainable source of livelihood. More farmers begin to manage and cultivate their farms
the “DOFS way” without much assistance from the LGU personnel. Moreover, all the
DOFS adopters have now realized the great disparity of the conventional farming
approach and the DOFS approach, not only in terms of income but on its long-term
effects on the environment.

The program is easy to replication in other municipalities. The DOFS Program is simple
and the technologies employed are available, affordable and accessible in most parts of
the country. On the part of the local government, initiating DOFS Program would not
require huge amount of budget allocation. By utilizing the existing workforce (MAO
Personnel) and mobilizing the community, partner organizations, and equity from
adopters/farmers, costs will not only be minimized but will also build stakeholdership that
will sustain the program.

V. Barangay Agricultural Development Center (BADC)

Oriental Negros Province

The province of Oriental Negros, located in Central Visayas, has a total land area of
5,402.3 square kilometers. The province is composed of 557 barangays, majority of
which are situated in rural areas. The province is endowed with good climate and
abundant resources, making conditions for agriculture and fishery development, ideal.
However, most of the farming and fishing activities are confined in the lowland areas.
This is unfortunate because a huge chunk of the barangays, 403 out of 557 barangays
are in the upland areas.

Since services from both government and non-government agencies rarely reach the
uplands, the huge agricultural and fishery potential of these areas remained untapped.
Moreover, food shortage and unstable supply of fish and other food crops such as rice
and vegetables became perennial problems in these areas. Without stable source of
food and livelihood, most of the households wallow in extreme poverty. It is not
surprising that these barangays have become hotbeds for insurgency.

For this reason, most of the people in the upland areas seek employment in urban
centers as household helpers, construction workers or take odd-paying jobs to earn a
living. The influx of migrant workers from the rural areas to the province’s urban centers
added to the worsening urban social problems.

Page 16 of 26
 This was the challenge faced by the provincial government led by Governor George P.
Arnaiz when it embarked on a program called Barangay Agricultural Development
Center (BADC) in 1998.

The BADC set the following objectives:

ƒ provide agriculture-led government services;

ƒ address the needs of people in the hinterland; and,
ƒ minimize the problem of insurgency.

The program specifically targeted to raise the income of farm households by 15% within
a period of 10 years, or up to 2007.

Harnessing Synergy in the Communities

With people empowerment as the guiding principle, the program ensured the active
participation of its constituency in the agricultural development towards a self-reliant
community.

The process of empowerment involved the social preparation of beneficiaries. The

barangays undergo participatory rapid appraisal (PRA) where the communities
themselves analyze their conditions, identify problems and solutions, and participate in
development activities, --- from project planning and implementation.

This participatory process is illustrated in more detail in the diagram given below.

Aside from facilitating the participatory process, BADC also serves as a training center
for agriculture and fishery development, with active participation of women. Training is
focused on values education, leadership, management skills, and community
participatory planning processes. The program promotes agricultural practices that
include integrated pest management, organic farming, vermi-composting, contour
farming, and natural farming systems.
Moreover, BADC provides a venue for convergence of resources and services provided
by government line agencies. Through BADC, delivery of services to intended
beneficiaries is hastened and ensured. The program also facilitated farmers’ access to
credit from financing institutions through Quedancor and Land Bank, resulting in mass
propagation of banana and abaca plantlets in coordination with the Negros Oriental
State University.

Page 17 of 26
 Figure: BADC Participatory Program Implementation:

Social Participatory Participatory Participatory Participatory

Preparation Rapid Planning Implementation Evaluation
(SP) Appraisal Process Phase Process
(PPP)
(PRA) (PIP) (PEP)

BADC
BADC in
establishment RBOs-Formal & Informal Leaders Community place

Increase
Production
Empowered
BADC:
conduit of
services Change
Of
Lifestyle

-identification -community -participate HRD -construction -stakeholders are

of Formal & assessment I (value of BADC- not measured
Informal -transect walk clarification Bayanihan viewed as subject
Leaders -spot mapping leadership -participate in of study rather,
-institutional -data gathering communication trainings they are the
diagramming using indigenous team building) (officers, center of
-immersion of materials -participate HRD leadership and evaluation
community -community org. mgt.), -reflect, analyze
workers assembly II (Participatory FFS, IGP, skills and take action on
- validation of trainings issues and
demographic/ Planning (agriculture & concerns
socio/ fishery -responsive &
cultural/ Training) technologies) reflective
economic data Contribution: techniques &
process: more Land donation, approaches at the
participatory -visioning free labor, grassroots level
manner than -SWOT Building
extractive. _action planning materials, LGU -people centered
Contribution: process: -evolve 20% EDF they are the key
Volunteer Time- solution, course actors not mere
effort of actions to facts of evaluation
overcome blocks
/ barriers and Contribution:
obstacles

Page 18 of 26
Improving Agricultural Production

Results of the program indicate great promise. From 7 pilot sites in 1998, the program
now has 74 sites, with 22 pending requests. There is greater cooperation, or bayanihan
spirit, and active participation among beneficiaries, indicating a change in values. Local
chief executives belonging to rival political parties work closely with the provincial
government.

The program has significantly contributed in improving the production of agricultural

crops in the rural areas.

Table. Agricutlural Production in BADC Sites

Average Annual Production Average Annual Production
Commodity
Before BADC (MT) After BADC in 74 Sites (MT)
Rice 900 6,647.7
Corn 1,900 11,311.2
Vegetables 1,800 802.8
Rootcrops 600 807.7
Legumes 300 389.6
Fish 0 93.4

Since 2000, about 700 inland fishponds propagating tilapia had been established in
upland BADC sites, producing an average of 93.4 tons in 2003. Before 2000, fish
production was zero. As a result, malnutrition rate in these sites decreased between
2001 and 2003. According to the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), malnutrition
rate in Tayawan, Bayawan, was down from 20 to 10.4%; in Calicanan, Pamplona, from
19 to 13.3%; in Fatima, Pamplona, from 25.2 to 14.1%; in Pal-ew, Tanjay, from 7.7 to
7.3%; in Nalundan, Bindoy, from 13.3 to 8.1%; and in E. Villanueva, Sibulan, from 4.9 to
3.4%.

Market days, or “tabo,” and activities in the auction markets also increased from once to
thrice a week.

As a result average annual income of farm households increased to P90,459 in 2000

from P71,524 in 1977, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Sustaining Gains and Impact

For sustainability, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial council) passed ordinances

and resolutions in support of BADC. A community-based monitoring system has been
adopted, involving monthly and quarterly conferences and bi-annual reviews and
assessments. Rural-based organizations and other groups are continually strengthened.

The diagram blow best illustrates the approaches being employed by the program to
sustain and expand its gains. It shows how community and various stakeholders
(academe, private sector, government agencies) are mobilized to support program. The
synergy is fueled by local government initiative and innovative approaches.

Page 19 of 26

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION
ƒ Program presentation to
Brgy. Council
ƒ Identification
&mobilization of leaders
of rural-based org.
ƒ Formulation of farmers’
class and farm techno
INTEGRATED AREA
DEVELOPMENT
ƒ Involvement of
participating agencies
during the conduct of
trainings such as HRD,
Skills, OLMT and other
relevant trainings
ƒ Mainstreaming of gender
sensitivity activities into
the agricultural programs
& j
BADC CONSTRUCTION WITH
TRI-LGU COUNTERPARTING
SCHEME
ƒ Land donation on site
ƒ Labor through “dagyaw”
bayanihan system
ƒ Construction materials –
counterparting (program,
municipal, barangay)
COMMUNITY
IMMERSION
APPROACH
DIFFICULTIES
ƒ Insurgency problem ƒ Technologists as
community
ƒ Road condition
problem workers live in
their areas to
ƒ Mobility
(transportation) build the trust
and confidence of
problem
stakeholders
thereby creating
peoples’
participation for
sustainability.
CHALLENGES ENTERPRISE
ƒ Apathetic attitude of APPROACH
the community ƒ The community as
ƒ Lukewarm LGU support stakeholders to
development have
acquired
entrepreneurship
skills for socio-
economic
INSTITUTIONALIZATION
ƒ SP Resolution #430 TRI-PARTNERSHIP
and Approved VENTURE
ƒ Ordinance #4, series
ƒ The LGU-provincial,
of 2003
municipal and
barangay level have
provided budgetary
support taken from
their 20% EDF to
institutionalize
Page 20 of 26
VI. Agricultural and Fishery Modernization Program
Tuguegarao City

Of the 10,998 households of Tuguegarao City, at least 6,132 households live below the
poverty line. These households earn less than P9,880 a month, the poverty threshold
for a family of 6 in Region 02 in 1997. The poorest earned P500 a month. Most of these
households depend on farming and fishing for their livelihood.

Rural farmers remained dependent to traders and landlords for their every need, --- the
purchase of seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs, the payment of hired labor during
harvest, a family member needing hospitalization or burial, a child entering college or
getting married, the repair of the house or farm implements, and even the celebration of
the barangay fiesta. Heavily indebted and having no capital, no technology, no quality
inputs and equipment and entrepreneurial skills, the farmers ended up in more debt with
each crop year. Thus, the vicious cycle of poverty and indebtedness among the rural
farmers ensues.

Hence, in spite the fertile alluvium along the city's riverbanks, the availability of
technology, credit facilities and commercial services and the presence of 2 big public
markets, Tuguegarao's agricultural production remained below its potential.

In 1995, Tuguegarao's sufficiency levels for the following commodities are as follows:

Grains - 63 %
Fruits and vegetables - 76 %
Dried beans and nuts - 77 %
Beef/carabeef - 24 %
Pork - 50 %
Poultry meat - 98 %
Eggs - 34 %
Fish - 3%

Agriculture continued to lose manpower because of marginal agricultural incomes,

uneconomic farm sizes, inadequate irrigation facilities, indiscriminate rapid land
conversion, farmers' inadequate entrepreneurial skills, and the lack of a viable marketing
scheme to equitably compensate the farmers of their labors and risks.

These conditions made Tuguegarao highly dependent on its neighboring towns and
provinces for food and other agricultural inputs, causing substantial cash outflow for food
supply and inputs for trade and industry. The daily influx of traders to Tuguegarao
aggravated the traffic congestion and garbage problems of the young city.

Anchoring Development on Agriculture

To break and reverse these negative conditions, the city had to come up with integrated
development strategy that included the Tuguegarao City Agricultural and Fishery
Modernization Program. It is a complete package of technology extended to all farming
and fishing households of the city.

Page 21 of 26
The Program was developed in 2000 to address the worsening condition in agriculture.
The vision was to achieve an improved quality of life for the farming and fishing
households while ensuring the optimum balanced and sustainable development of the
city. The Program specifically aims to:

ƒ Reduce poverty,
ƒ Achieve food security for the city,
ƒ Social equity for farmers and fisher folks,
ƒ Rationalize use of the city's limited resources and;
ƒ Promote people empowerment, sustainable development and global
competitiveness.

The Program's Components include:

ƒ Crop Development,
ƒ Livestock Development,
ƒ Fishery Development,
ƒ Technology and Other Support Services,
ƒ Institutional Capability Building, and,
ƒ Farm and Home Resource Management.

The Program provides and organizes a wide range of interventions and support
mechanisms such as study tours; trainings; demonstration farms; Farmers Training
Center; Livestock Auction Market; modern abbatoir; seeds and fertilizer subsidy; seeds
and seedling dispersal; tractor services; post-harvest facilities; nurseries; irrigation
facilities; farm-to-market roads; overflow bridge; fingerling dispersal; fish cage
development; livestock dispersal, vaccination and upgrading; livelihood trainings and
assistance; cooperative, management and entrepreneurial development; agricultural
extension services; agro-industrial trade fairs; marketing assistance; crop disaster
rehabilitation; and continuing education for farmers, farming households and agricultural
extension workers.

In response to government support and assistance, the farmers, fishermen, rural women
and youth have become active partners in barangay projects for Clean and Green,
Livelihood Development, Barangay Strategic Development Planning, Cultural Heritage
Development, Health and Nutrition, Sports Development, Peace and Order, Youth and
Child Welfare and Protection, Functional Literacy and Cooperative Development.

Improved Productivity and Income

Through the program’s various interventions, agricultural productivity has greatly

improved, the local economy was revitalized, more resources were mobilized and people
participation in good governance was encouraged. (Please refer to succeeding table.)

The improved agricultural productivity resulted in a dramatic increase in the farm family
income to P7,000 from an average of P1,000 a month. Land preparation cost, on the
other hand, dramatically dropped to P1,000 from P1,800 per hectare. Wastage also
declined to just 5% from 8-10%.

Page 22 of 26
Page 23 of 26
Another indication of remarkable improvement of productivity is the fact that farmers now
have least two croppings a year when there used to be only one. Other farmers are able
to have five croppings within the last two years.

Moreover, the province’s Lake Dada became a productive fishing area from an idle
murky body of water. For the longest time, the lake was a wasted resource often
overlooked because of its brown waters. When found ideal for fish caging, the lake
yielded a hefty harvest.

Today, 25 fish cages have been set up for fishermen but the number is closely
monitored so fish kill would not occur. Limiting the fish cages to the lake’s carrying
capacity is also meant to protect the natural resource.

Mustering People Support

Convinced that the Program will effectively reduce poverty in Tuguegarao, the city
government led many meetings and barangay assemblies to create awareness and build
consensus around the program.

In response, various stakeholders (from the barangays, schools, businessmen, grains

traders, agricultural input providers, big landowners, banks, NGOs, regional line
agencies, farmers and fishermen) cooperated with the city government and worked
together, in spite differences and uncertainties to formulate a strategic plan to modernize
management, financing and infrastructure of the program. This consultative and
participatory process generated commitment and support for the program.

Based on the results of these various consultations, the MTAFMP was refined and
presented to the Municipal Development Council (MDC) for review, approval and
favorable endorsement to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) for final approval. During the
approval process, the farmer leaders unobtrusively solicited the support of the members
of the MDC and SB for favorable action on a plan that would bring about real and
dramatic changes in their lives and communities.

The effective partnership between the city government and the farmers served as the
Program's driving force to translate the MTAFMP into reality. The barangays were urged
to activate their Barangay Agricultural and Fishery Councils to serve as grass root
conduits of the MTAFMP activities. The city government mounted a massive MTAFMP
information dissemination campaign to obtain the needed mass-based support for the
modernization program.

Community involvement and stakeholdership also increased as they reap the gains from
the program. At the start of the program, the farming and fishing households could only
contribute their time and effort. With each successful undertaking, their farm household
income increased. Then, the program beneficiaries were able to provide farm inputs and
to contribute materials and meals during Field Days that served as Farmers Classes
Graduation and Presentation of Results. Today, they can undertake program replications
in their own farms using their own resources.

Page 24 of 26
 Transferability and Sustainability

Given the multitude of the program’s accomplishments, the challenge is to ensure that
gains are further expanded and sustained. To accomplish this, the city government in
partnership with the various stakeholders undertook and institutionalized the following
measures:

ƒ Agricultural and Fishery Modernization Strategic Planning. Strategic planning

was undertaken with different stakeholders to validate existing conditions, agree
on goals, objectives and priorities, and generate solutions, commitments and
support around the Program.

ƒ Formal Adoption of the Medium Term Agricultural and Fishery Modernization

Plan. The MTAFMP was approved by the Municipal Development Council and
the Sangguniang Bayan. This ensured that annual program components would
be included in the Annual Development Plan and funded by the Annual Budget.

ƒ Organization, Federation and Continuous Education of Farmers, Fishermen,

Farm Women and Farm Youth. The farmers, fishermen, farm women and farm
youth were organized, federated, trained and formed into cooperatives. They are
now capable of operating the different Program components.

ƒ Good Urban Governance. Involving the stakeholders in decision making,

program transparency and efficiency gained the beneficiaries' cooperation, trust
and confidence. Subsidiarity allowed the trained City Agricultural Technologists
to effectively serve the needs of the target beneficiaries. Promoting the security
of the poor and ensuring their participation in community-building restored their
dignity. The program results moved the farming and fishing households to
sustain the program. Successful, satisfied beneficiaries immediately translate
into greater purchasing power and lesser social burden for the government. They
sustain the Program best.

The Program also offers valuable lessons for other local governments who may want to
replicate their Program:

ƒ Approaches to replicate in other areas should include strategic planning with

stakeholders so as to generate widespread support and mobilization of
resources.

ƒ Make agricultural modernization a component of other developmental programs

to integrate it in the over-all city development strategic plan

VII. CONCLUSION

These five best practices demonstrate a good spread of efforts representative of varying
modalities, strides and achievement of local government initiatives in reinvigorating the
local economy through programs on agricultural and fishery development. These LGUs

Page 25 of 26
exhibit the various degrees by which the local development efforts along agriculture
development are being mainstreamed, integrated and translated into results.

These best practices prove that local governance works, --- when “communities elect
good and sincere leaders; when citizens are organized and empowered to work with
government; when leaders govern in a participatory manner; when national government
agencies share powers and resources with local governments; and, when the policy
environment ensures sustainability and creative replication of these programs.”

While these are works in progress, the LGUs have contributed significant lessons, tools
and standards for localizing agricultural development that national, other local
governments and communities can learn from. With more communities like these, the
Philippines may finally find itself on the road to sustainable and equitable development.

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