To further strengthen the technical knowledge and production practices of farmers and livestock raisers in island communities, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) CALABARZON distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) booklets to beneficiary farmer associations in the municipalities of Jomalig and Patnanungan, Quezon last May 14, 2026.
The distributed IEC materials covered various agricultural and livestock production topics, including (1) Gabay sa Wastong Pamamahala ng Kalabaw at Baka, (2) Gabay sa Pagtatanim ng Pipino, Kamatis at Labanos, Gabay sa Pagtatanim ng Ampalaya, Kalabasa at Talong, (3) Gabay sa Pag-aalaga ng Baboy, (4) Gabay sa Pag-aalaga ng Native na Baboy, and (5) Gabay sa Pag-aalaga ng Katutubong Manok.
These materials were developed and enhanced using findings and recommendations from previous IEC evaluations conducted among SAAD beneficiaries in Alabat, Perez, and Quezon in Quezon Province, as well as in Tingloy, Batangas. Feedback gathered from these areas helped improve both the content and design of the booklets, ensuring that the materials remain relevant, practical, and responsive to the needs of farmer-beneficiaries.
In Jomalig, the booklets were distributed to members of the Samahan ng Magbabaka ng Casuguran (SAMACA), Talisoy United Livestock and Poultry Raisers Association (TULPRA), and Bukal Kapanalig Farmers Association (BUKAFA).
Meanwhile, farmer associations in Patnanungan that received the IEC materials included the Barangay Busdak Hog Growers Association (BUHGA), Samahan ng Kababaihan ng Amaga (SAMAKA), and Barangay Luod Hog Growers Association (BLHGA).
The booklets served as valuable reference materials during specialized training sessions, complementing the knowledge and technical guidance shared by resource persons and field personnel. These learning resources allow farmers and livestock raisers to revisit recommended production practices and apply them in their day-to-day farming activities.
One beneficiary, Rachel Roldans, shared how the information contained in the booklet on swine production directly helped improve the health and management of her animals.
“Malaki po ang naitulong sa akin ng mga booklet na aming natanggap dahil marami akong natutunan tungkol sa wastong pag-aalaga ng baboy. Dito ko nalaman ang tamang pag-aalaga sa inahing baboy at mga biik, kabilang ang kahalagahan ng pagpapasuso, tamang panahon ng pagkakapon, at pagpapagala sa mga biik sa lupa upang makakuha ng karagdagang iron,” Roldan shared.
“Nang magkaroon ng pagtatae ang aking mga biik, sinunod ko ang payong nabasa ko sa booklet at pinayagan silang makalabas ng kulungan. Makalipas ang dalawang araw ay gumaling sila, kaya lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa mga gabay na ito,” she added.
[The IEC booklets have greatly helped me improve my knowledge and understanding of proper swine production and management practices. Through these materials, I learned the appropriate care and management of sows and piglets, including the importance of ensuring that piglets are able to nurse, the proper timing for castration, and allowing piglets access to the ground to obtain additional iron. When my piglets experienced diarrhea, I followed the recommendation provided in the booklet and allowed them to roam outside their pen. After two days, they recovered, and for this, I am deeply grateful for the guidance and practical information these materials provided.]
Her experience highlights the practical value of localized and easy-to-understand learning materials in helping farmers make informed management decisions and respond to common production challenges in their farms.
Recognizing that the information needs and preferences of communities vary across localities, DA-SAAD CALABARZON is set to conduct separate IEC evaluations in Jomalig and Patnanungan to gather area-specific feedback and identify opportunities to further improve future IEC materials.
Following the successful distribution in these island municipalities, DA-SAAD CALABARZON is preparing for the next rollout of IEC booklets to farmer associations in the municipalities of Pakil and Rizal, Laguna.
Through the continuous development and distribution of localized learning materials, the program aims to make agricultural information more accessible to farmers in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, ultimately supporting improved farm productivity and more sustainable livelihoods. ###
