Batangas
Batangas is a province located in the CALABARZON Region (Region IV-A) in Luzon, Philippines. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strategic location along the southwestern coast of Luzon. The province is bordered by Cavite and Laguna to the north, Quezon to the east, and the West Philippine Sea to the west. It also faces the Verde Island Passage to the south, known as one of the world’s most biodiverse marine areas. Batangas City serves as the provincial capital and is a major port city, contributing to the province’s strong trade and commercial activity.
Batangas covers a total land area of approximately 3,119.72 square kilometers and consists of 31 municipalities, 3 component cities (Batangas City, Lipa City, and Tanauan City), and 1,078 barangays. It has a population of over 2.9 million people, making it one of the most populated provinces in the country.
The province is widely known for its historical and cultural landmarks, including the Taal Basilica, the largest Catholic church in Asia, and the Heritage Town of Taal, which features well-preserved Spanish colonial houses. Batangas is also famous for the Taal Volcano, one of the smallest but most active volcanoes in the world, situated within Taal Lake.
Agricultural Sector
Batangas has a diverse economy driven by agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, tourism, and trade. Its agricultural sector produces crops such as sugarcane, coconut, coffee, rice, and fruits. The province is also known for its thriving livestock and poultry industries, particularly cattle and hog production. The coastal municipalities contribute significantly to the province’s fisheries sector, with fish farming and deep-sea fishing providing livelihood to many Batangueños.
Fisheries Sector
Batangas has a thriving and diverse fisheries sector, benefiting from its strategic location along the West Philippine Sea and the Verde Island Passage, one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world. The province is a significant producer of marine and aquaculture products, including milkfish (bangus), tilapia, round scad (galunggong), sardines, tuna, and anchovies. The coastal waters of Batangas are also known for producing high-value species such as lapu-lapu (grouper), maya-maya (snapper), and mackerel. Fishponds and fish cages are widely used for the cultivation of bangus and tilapia, particularly in areas surrounding Taal Lake and other inland water bodies.
Poverty Situation
The province’s strategic location, diversified economy, and well-developed infrastructure contribute to its economic stability. However, despite these advantages, pockets of poverty remain, particularly in rural and coastal areas where communities rely heavily on agriculture and fisheries for their livelihood. In the agricultural sector, poverty is linked to limited access to modern farming technology, high production costs, and the impact of climate change on crop yields and fishing activities. The fisheries sector faces similar issues, with small-scale fisherfolk struggling with overfishing, illegal fishing, and marine degradation. These challenges affect their income and overall economic security.
Project Profile
DA
For its first year of implementation, SAAD Program Phase 2 was launched in the municipality of Tingloy with a target of 10 beneficiary communities. SAAD’s sustained efforts led to the registration of nine (9) farmers’ associations (FAs) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The key DA SAAD projects in Batangas include:
- Corn & Vegetable Production
- Livestock Distribution (Goats & Poultry)
- Training Programs
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Tingloy | Corona | Goat + Vegetable Production | Barangay Corona Agricultural Farmers Organization | 23 | 741,296.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | Gamao | Native Chicken + Vegetable Production | Gamao Agricultural Farmers Association | 46 | 688,282.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | Makawayan | Goat + Vegetable Production | Makawayan Agricultural Farmers Association | 34 | 741,296.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | Papaya | Vegetable + White Corn Production | Samahang Magsasaka Ng Barangay Papaya | 36 | 1,088,310.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | Pisa | Goat + Vegetable Production | Samahang Agrikultural Ng Pisa | 29 | 741,296.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | San Isidro | Goat + Vegetable Production | San Isidro Farmers Agricultural Organization | 30 | 741,296.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | San Jose | Lakatan + Vegetable Production | Samahan Ng Magsasaka Sa Hilagang Kanluran Ng Tingloy, Batangas | 74 | 850,882.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | San Juan | Goat + Vegetable Production | San Juan Tingloy Farmers Association | 24 | 741,296.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | San Pedro | Goat + Vegetable Production | Pedronians Agricultural Farmers Association | 22 | 741,296.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | Talahib | Goat + Vegetable Production | Talahib Farmers Association | 40 | 741,296.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | Corona | Goat + Vegetable Production | Barangay Corona Agricultural Farmers Organization | 24 | 399,180.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | Gamao | Goat + Vegetable Production | Gamao Agricultural Farmers Association | 50 | 341,200.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | Makawayan | Goat + Vegetable Production | Makawayan Agricultural Farmers Association | 34 | 399,180.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | Papaya | Goat + Vegetable Production | Samahang Magsasaka Ng Barangay Papaya | 25 | 342,300.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | Pisa | Goat + Vegetable Production | Samahang Agrikultural Ng Pisa | 29 | 399,180.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | San Isidro | Swine + Vegetable Production | San Isidro Farmers Agricultural Organization | 31 | 430,000.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | San Jose | Goat + Vegetable Production | Samahan Ng Magsasaka Sa Hilagang-kanluran Ng Tingloy, Batagngas | 39 | 343,300.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | San Juan | Goat + Vegetable Production | San Juan Tingloy Farmers Association | 24 | 684,280.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | San Pedro | Goat + Vegetable Production | Pedronians Agricultural Farmers Association | 22 | 341,200.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | Talahib | Goat + Vegetable Production | Talahib Farmers Association | 40 | 682,180.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | Corona | Goat + Vegetable Production | Barangay Corona Agricultural Farmers Organization | 14 | 585,730.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | Gamao | Goat+ Vegetable Production | Gamao Agricultural Farmers Association | 28 | 499,960.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | Makawayan | Goat+ Vegetable Production | Makawayan Agricultural Farmers Association | 28 | 401,730.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | Papaya | Goat+ Vegetable Production | Samahang Magsasaka Ng Barangay Papaya | 29 | 606,160.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | Pisa | Swine Production | Samahang Agrikultural Ng Pisa | 25 | 613,250.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | San Isidro | Swine + Vegetable Production | San Isidro Farmers Agricultural Organization | 25 | 621,750.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | San Jose | Goat+ Vegetable Production | Samahan Ng Magsasaka Sa Hilagang Kanluran Ng Tingloy, Batangas | 37 | 703,030.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | San Juan | Goat+ Vegetable Production | San Juan Tingloy Farmers Association | 25 | 623,250.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | San Pedro | Goat+ Vegetable Production | Pedronians Agricultural Farmers Association | 25 | 397,030.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | Talahib | Goat+ Vegetable Production | Talahib Farmers Association | 25 | 608,830.00 |
BFAR
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program in Batangas focuses on enhancing the province’s fisheries sector by providing support to marginalized fisherfolk. The projects aim to increase fish production, improve livelihood opportunities, and ensure sustainable fishing practices. The key BFAR SAAD initiatives in Batangas include:
- Distribution of Fishing Gears
- Post-harvest Technology Packages
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Tingloy | San Juan | Fishing Gear (Squid hook and Accessories) | Samahan Ng Mangingisda Sa San Juan | 40 | 425,000.00 |
| 2024 | San Nicolas | Maabud North | Post-Harvest Equipment/Materials | Samahan Ng Kababaihang Mangingisda At Tindera Sa Maabud North, Abelo, At Balete (sakamatmab) | 25 | 976,000.00 |
| 2024 | Tingloy | San Juan | (TRAINING) Entrepreneurial Mind-Setting How to Start a Business Consumer Education Basic Marketing | Samahan Ng Mangingisda Sa San Juan (samasasa) | 33 | 36,000.00 |
| 2025 | San Nicolas | Maabud North | Motorized Boat (23 footer) in Support to Post-Harvest Equipment/Materials | Samahan Ng Kababaihang Mangingisda At Tindera Ng Maabud North (sakamatmab) | 25 | 800,000.00 |
| 2025 | Tingloy | San Juan | Fishing Gear (Shallow Payao) in Support to Post-Harvest Equipment/Materials | Samahan Ng Mangingisda Sa San Juan (samasasa) | 33 | 722,000.00 |
| 2026 | San Nicolas | Maabud North | Post-Harvest Facility | Samahan Ng Kababaihang Mangingisda At Tindera Ng Maabud North (sakamatmab) | 25 | 1,000,000.00 |
| 2026 | Tingloy | San Juan | (TRAINING) Understanding Financial Management Record Keeping | Samahan Ng Mangingisda Sa San Juan (samasasa) | 32 | 96,750.00 |