Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur is a province in the Ilocos Region, located in the northwestern part of Luzon. It borders Ilocos Norte to the north, Abra to the northeast, Mountain Province to the east, La Union and Benguet to the south, and the South China Sea to the west. With a land area of 2,596.00 square kilometers, Ilocos Sur is characterized by coastal plains transitioning to mountainous terrains.

The province is composed of 32 municipalities and 768 barangays, with Vigan City as its capital. It has a population of 706,009 (2020 Census), predominantly belonging to the Ilocano ethnic group. Ilocano is the most widely spoken language, alongside Tagalog. Ilocos Sur’s climate is mostly tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons, making it suitable for agriculture.

Ilocos Sur’s economy is mainly based on agriculture, tourism, and small-scale industries. The province is known for its rice, tobacco, and corn production, as well as high-value crops like various fruits and vegetables. The tourism sector is also significant, with Vigan City and other historical sites attracting numerous visitors. Cottage industries, including loom weaving, furniture making, and ceramics, also contribute to the local economy. Despite its economic potential, rural communities face challenges such as climate change impacts, market competition, and the need for enhanced agricultural technologies.

Agricultural Sector

The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of Ilocos Sur’s economy, providing livelihoods and contributing significantly to the province’s food security. The sector is characterized by a mix of traditional and modern farming practices, with key crops and livestock playing vital roles.

  • Rice (staple crop, focus on yield improvement)
  • Tobacco (historical cash crop, facing market challenges)
  • Corn (food and animal feed)
  • High-value crops (fruits, vegetables, diversification efforts)
  • Livestock (swine, poultry, cattle, government support)

Fisheries Sector

Ilocos Sur has a diverse and evolving fishery sector that plays a significant role in its local economy. The fisheries sector in Ilocos Sur is categorized into four main subsectors:

  • Marine Municipal Fisheries
  • Inland Municipal Fisheries
  • Aquaculture
  • Commercial Fisheries

Overall, Ilocos Sur’s fishery sector is a vital component of its economy, providing livelihoods for many residents and contributing to the province’s food security.

Poverty Situation

Ilocos Sur has experienced fluctuations in poverty incidence over recent years. In the first semester of 2021, the poverty incidence among the population was recorded at 24.1%, indicating that nearly a quarter of the residents lived below the poverty threshold during that period.

The rise in poverty incidence in 2021 may be attributed to various factors, including economic challenges posed by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which adversely affected livelihoods and income levels.

Project Profile

DA

SAAD Program in Ilocos Sur

The SAAD program in Ilocos Sur aims to uplift marginalized farmers by providing:

  • Livestock Production Support – Distribution of goats, cattle, and poultry to enhance farmers’ income sources.
  • Crop Production Assistance – Provision of vegetable seeds, fertilizers, and farm inputs for sustainable farming.
  • Farm Mechanization and Infrastructure – Support for small-scale irrigation systems and farm equipment.
  • Capacity Building and Training – Workshops on livestock and crop management, agribusiness, and sustainable farming practices.
Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023SugponPangotanUbe ProductionPangotan Farmers Development Association Inc.241,256,816.00
2024Gregorio Del Pilar (Concepcion)ConcepcionCATTLE FATTENER PRODUCTION, MOLASSES,FORAGE CHOPPER, OTHER INTERVENTIONSBulig Hog Raisers Association702,896,120.00
2024LidliddaSuysuyanCATTLE FATTENER PRODUCTION, MOLASSES,WHEELBARROW, OTHER INTERVENTIONSPhil-lead Farmers Association752,896,120.00
2024NagbukelLaptingCATTLE FATTENER PRODUCTION, MOLASSES,WHEELBARROW, OTHER INTERVENTIONSTaripnong Dagiti Mannalon Ti Barangay Lapting Inc.992,375,150.00
2024Santa CatalinaParatongCATTLE FATTENER PRODUCTION, MOLASSES, DRUGS & BIOLOGICS, OTHER INTERVENTIONSParatong Farmers Association842,375,150.00
2024SigaySanto RosarioCATTLE FATTENER PRODUCTION, MOLASSES,WHEELBARROW, OTHER INTERVENTIONSBarangay Sto. Rosario Farmers Association851,816,060.00
2024SugponPangotanSoil Auger, Power Sprayer, Assorted Vegetable SeedsPangotan Farmers Development Association Inc.69426,649.00
2025Gregorio Del Pilar (Concepcion)ConcepcionGoat Production and High Value Crops ProductionBulig Hog Raisers Association601,618,500.00
2025LidliddaPoblacion SurCattle Production and High Value Crops ProductionPhil-lead Farmers Association1501,394,500.00
2025NagbukelLaptingCattle Production and High Value Crops ProductionTaripnong Dagiti Mannalon Ti Barangay Lapting Inc.992,973,500.00
2025Santa CatalinaParatongCattle Production and High Value Crops ProductionParatong Farmers Association801,507,500.00
2025SigaySanto RosarioGoat Production and High Value Crops ProductionBarangay Sto. Rosario Farmers Association851,618,500.00
2025SugponPangotanHauling Truck Weighing Scale HDPE Pipe Processing equipment and tools Packaging MaterialsPangotan Farmers Development Association Inc.732,150,000.00

BFAR

BFAR SAAD in Ilocos Sur

SAAD initiatives under BFAR focus on improving Ilocos Sur’s fisheries sector through:

  • Tilapia and Milkfish Fingerling Distribution – Providing high-quality fingerlings to enhance fish production in inland and coastal areas.
  • Development of Fishponds and Community Hatcheries – Establishing and rehabilitating fishponds to increase aquaculture productivity.
  • Technical Training on Sustainable Aquaculture – Conducting workshops on fish farming, proper feeding, and disease management.
  • Provision of Fishing Equipment and Post-Harvest Support – Supplying boats, nets, and storage facilities to improve fishers’ livelihoods.
Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023Gregorio Del Pilar (Concepcion)Alfonso (Tangaoan)Tilapia Culture in PondBaclayen Fisherfolk Association18349,000.00
2023Santa CatalinaParatongTilapia Culture in PondParatong Asesnso Fisherfolk Association18349,000.00
2023SigaySan RamonTilapia Culture in PondSan Ramon,poblacion,mabileg Fisherfolk Association(spm Fa)18349,000.00
2024Gregorio Del Pilar (Concepcion)Alfonso (Tangaoan)Tilapia Culture in PondBaklayen Fisherfolk Association18263,750.00
2024LidliddaBanucalTilapia Culture in PondTilapia Growers Association18318,750.00
2024NagbukelLaptingTilapia Culture in PondBanat Taleb Fisherfolk Association18318,750.00
2024San IldefonsoBusiing NorteTilapia Culture in HDPE CageBusiing Norte Dappat Fisherfolk Association18668,100.00
2024San IldefonsoBusiing SurTilapia Culture in HDPE CageSamahan Ng Mga Mga Mangingisda Sa Busiing Cen-sur18668,100.00
2024San VicenteSan SebastianTilapia Culture in HDPE CageTignay San Vicente Fisherfolk Association18668,100.00
2024Santa CatalinaParatongTilapia Culture in PondParatong Asenso Fisherfolk Association18263,750.00
2024SigaySan RamonTilapia Culture in PondSpm Fisherfolk Association18263,750.00
2025Gregorio Del Pilar (Concepcion)Alfonso (Tangaoan)Tilapia Culture in PondBaclayen Fisherfolk Association18457,500.00
2025LidliddaBanucalTilapia Culture in PondTilapia Growers Fisherfolk Association19479,000.00
2025NagbukelTalebTilapia Culture in PondBanat Taleb Fisherfolk Association18479,000.00
2025San IldefonsoBusiing NorteTilapia Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4mBusiing Norte Dappat Fisherfolk Association19330,400.00
2025San IldefonsoBusiing SurTilapia Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4mSamahan Ng Mangingisda Sa Busiing Cen-sur18330,400.00
2025San VicenteSan SebastianTilapia Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4mTignay San Vicente Fisherfolk Association18330,400.00
2025Santa CatalinaParatongTilapia Culture in PondParatong Asesnso Fisherfolk Association18361,000.00
2025SigaySan RamonTilapia Culture in PondSan Ramon,poblacion,mabileg Fisherfolk Association(spm Fa)18552,000.00
2025SugponBangaTilapia Culture in PondLutota Fisherfolk Assoc.25529,750.00
2025SugponCaoayanTilapia Culture in PondCapana Fisherfolk Assoc.25529,750.00
2026Gregorio Del Pilar (Concepcion)Alfonso (Tangaoan)Tilapia Culture in PondBaclayen Fisherfolk Association18406,750.00
2026LidliddaBanucalTilapia Culture in PondTilapia Growers Fisherfolk Association18403,750.00
2026NagbukelTalebTilapia Culture in PondBanat Taleb Fisherfolk Association18386,750.00
2026San IldefonsoBusiing NorteMilkfish Culture in PondBusiing Dappat Fisherfolk Association18862,000.00
2026San IldefonsoBusiing SurMilkfish Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4mSamahan Ng Mangingisda Sa Busiing Cen-sur18862,000.00
2026San VicentePudocMilkfish Culture in 2 HDPE Cage, Per Cage 6m X 5m X 4mTignay San Vicente Fisherfolk Association18862,000.00
2026Santa CatalinaParatongTilapia Culture in PondParatong Asenso Fisherfolk Association18382,750.00
2026SigaySan RamonTilapia Culture in PondSan Ramon,poblacion,mabileg Fisherfolk Association(spm Fa)18385,250.00
2026SugponBangaTilapia Culture in PondLutota Fisherfolk Assoc.25550,600.00
2026SugponCaoayanTilapia Culture in PondCapana Fisherfolk Assoc.25324,250.00