Sultan Kudarat
Sultan Kudarat is a landlocked province located in the southwestern part of the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao, Philippines. It is bordered by Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, South Cotabato, and Sarangani. The provincial capital is Isulan, while Tacurong City serves as its lone component city. Known for its cultural diversity, Sultan Kudarat is home to a harmonious mix of indigenous peoples, Muslim communities, and Christian settlers, contributing to a rich cultural and social fabric.
The province spans vast agricultural lands, forests, and mountainous terrains. It boasts of natural attractions including waterfalls, caves, and mountain ranges that offer eco-tourism potential. Infrastructure and road connectivity have improved in recent years, linking rural barangays to markets and service centers. Sultan Kudarat’s economy is largely agri-based, supported by strategic programs from both local and national agencies to spur inclusive growth.
While classified as an agriculture-dominated province, Sultan Kudarat faces development challenges such as limited market access, climate vulnerability, and occasional peace and order concerns in certain remote areas. Nonetheless, it continues to show resilience through improved governance, stronger LGU participation, and active collaboration with national government agencies. The province is also included in key national poverty reduction initiatives such as SAAD, reflecting its status as both resource-rich and development-priority.
Agricultural Sector
Agriculture is the backbone of Sultan Kudarat’s economy. The province produces a wide range of crops including rice, corn, coconut, banana, rubber, oil palm, and cacao. Major agricultural municipalities include Lambayong, Isulan, Columbio, and President Quirino. High-value commercial crops are being promoted to diversify income sources for farmers, alongside traditional staples.
Livestock and poultry production also contribute significantly to the local economy. The province benefits from the convergence of agri-support services such as mechanization, irrigation, and agri-extension provided by DA and LGUs. The presence of agrarian reform communities and cooperatives helps organize farmer production and marketing, though challenges remain in terms of capital, postharvest facilities, and climate resilience.
Fisheries Sector
Despite being landlocked, Sultan Kudarat has a modest but active inland fisheries sector. Aquaculture is practiced in several municipalities, with tilapia, catfish, and freshwater prawns as common commodities. Fishponds, small reservoirs, and river systems are used for fish production, particularly in Lambayong and nearby lowland areas.
Community-based fishery projects, aquasilviculture, and fish cage operations are supported through local programs and interventions from agencies like BFAR. Capacity-building for fisherfolk organizations, support for fingerlings, and provision of fishing gear and livelihood kits have helped sustain the sector. However, access to larger markets and sustainability of aquaculture practices remain areas for improvement.
Poverty Situation
Sultan Kudarat is among the provinces in Region XII that has experienced persistent poverty, particularly in remote barangays and conflict-affected areas. While there have been gradual improvements in poverty incidence rates over the years, rural poor families still face issues related to low income, lack of access to social services, and vulnerability to shocks such as armed conflict or disasters.
Government interventions, including infrastructure, education, livelihood, and health programs, have helped narrow development gaps. However, sustainable income sources and long-term resilience-building for rural households remain critical challenges. The presence of geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) further complicates service delivery.
Project Profile
DA
The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) program has been implemented in Sultan Kudarat as part of the national effort to uplift marginalized farmers. SAAD delivers targeted interventions such as farm inputs, training, small equipment, and livelihood packages to increase food production and income among identified beneficiaries.
The program focuses on priority barangays with high poverty incidence, supporting both subsistence and market-oriented agriculture. Success stories include community-managed vegetable farms, poultry production, and rice-corn enhancement projects. DA-SAAD also links beneficiaries with local government and other agencies for sustainability.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Bagumbayan | Chua | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable Production and Post Harvest Equipment Support | Panitikan Farmers Association | 10 | 607,500.00 |
| 2023 | Bagumbayan | Chua | Horse Production | Sitio Mudti Salatan Manubo Dulangan Rural Workers Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Bagumbayan | Kanulay | Horse Production | San Roque Farmers Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Columbio | Poblacion | Meat Processing with Equipment Support | Lam-alis Tribal Womens Association | 15 | 78,975.00 |
| 2023 | Columbio | Polomolok | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable Production and Post Harvest Equipment Support | Polomolok Peace And Development Volunteers Farmers Association | 20 | 715,000.00 |
| 2023 | Kalamansig | Obial | Upgraded Goat Production with Equipment Support | Malahutayong Kababaihan Sa Brgy. Obial (mkbo) Rural Improvement Club | 15 | 303,750.00 |
| 2023 | Kalamansig | Obial | Upgraded Goat Production with Equipment Support | Obial Comboy Farmers Association | 15 | 303,750.00 |
| 2023 | Kalamansig | Sabanal | Horse Production | Kumaningag United Farmers Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Kalamansig | Sabanal | Horse Production | Ric Sabanal Womens Industrial Development Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Palumbi | Mallard Duck Production with Equipment Support | Silungan Bangsamoro Farmers Association | 25 | 396,750.00 |
| 2023 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Tinumigues | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable Production and Post Harvest Equipment Support | Tinumigues Agri- Business Association | 20 | 715,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lebak | Kalamongog | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable Production and Post Harvest Equipment Support | Kalamongog Teduray Farmers Association | 20 | 515,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lebak | Nuling | Meat Processing with Equipment Support | Nuling Womens Association | 15 | 78,975.00 |
| 2023 | Lebak | Salangsang | Horse Production | Dulangan Manobo Coffee Farmers Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lebak | Salangsang | Horse Production | Salansang Coffee Production Farmers Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Palimbang | Baluan | Horse Production | Bakbakon Farmers Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Palimbang | Baluan | Horse Production | Masaganang Nayon Sa Baluan (masanab) Farmers Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Palimbang | Napnapon | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable Production and Post Harvest Equipment Support | Napnapon Farmers Assoication | 20 | 515,000.00 |
| 2023 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Bugso | Horse Production | Bugso Ip Farmers Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Buklod | Horse Production | Buklod Womens Association | 10 | 45,000.00 |
| 2023 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Malegdeg | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable Production and Post Harvest Equipment Support | Malegdeg Agririan Reform Beneficiaries And Diversified Farm Owner Association | 20 | 715,000.00 |
| 2024 | Bagumbayan | Chua | Integrated Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support, Vegetable and Livestock Production | Sitio Mudti Salatan Manobo-dulangan Rural Worker's Association | 30 | 1,459,850.00 |
| 2024 | Bagumbayan | Kapaya | Mallard Duck Production | Kapaya United Farmers And Duck Raisers Association | 20 | 350,000.00 |
| 2024 | Bagumbayan | Titulok | Upgraded Cattle Production | General Titulok Farmers Association | 20 | 595,000.00 |
| 2024 | Columbio | Libertad | Mallard Duck Production | Colundibus Communal Irrigators Association | 20 | 350,000.00 |
| 2024 | Columbio | Mayo | Integrated Lakatan Production with Vegetable Production | Sitio Bila Dike Farmers Association | 20 | 393,000.00 |
| 2024 | Columbio | Polomolok | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable and Livestock Production | Polomolok Peace And Development Volunteers Farmers Association | 30 | 1,037,250.00 |
| 2024 | Kalamansig | Dumangas Nuevo | Layer Chicken Production | Dumangas Nuevo Rural Womens Farmers Association | 20 | 298,610.00 |
| 2024 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Sadsalan | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable and Livestock Production | Gawang Bangsamoro Farmers Association | 30 | 1,022,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Tambak | Mallard Duck Production | Central Magungaya Bangsamoro Farmers Association | 20 | 350,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lebak | Pansud | Mallard Duck Production | Pansud Womens Association | 20 | 350,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lebak | Salangsang | Integrated Coffee Production with Vegetable Production | Dulangan Manobo Coffee Farmers Association | 20 | 353,250.00 |
| 2024 | Lebak | Salangsang | Integrated Coffee Production with Vegetable Production | Salangsang Coffee Production Farmers Association | 20 | 353,250.00 |
| 2024 | Palimbang | Baliango | Layer Chicken Production | Gandungan Farmers And Fishing Association | 20 | 288,610.00 |
| 2024 | Palimbang | Baluan | Integrated Corn Production with Vegetable and Livestock Production | Bakbakon Baluan Farmers Association | 30 | 1,062,500.00 |
| 2024 | Palimbang | Lumitan | Mallard Duck Production | Lumitan High Value Crop Womens Association | 20 | 350,000.00 |
| 2024 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Buenaflores | Integrated Coffee Production with Vegetable Production | Senator Ninoy Aquino Farmers Association | 20 | 333,000.00 |
| 2024 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Buklod | Integrated Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support, Vegetable and Livestock Production | Buklod Womens Association | 30 | 1,968,060.00 |
| 2024 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Malegdeg | Layer Chicken Production | Tuburan Farmers Association | 20 | 288,610.00 |
| 2025 | Bagumbayan | Chua | Integrated Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support and Livestock Production | Sitio Mudti Salatan Manobo-dulangan Rural Worker's Association | 30 | 1,225,250.00 |
| 2025 | Bagumbayan | Kapaya | Mallard Duck Production | Kapaya United Farmers And Duck Raisers Association | 20 | 280,750.00 |
| 2025 | Bagumbayan | Titulok | Upgraded Cattle Production | General Titulok Farmers Association | 20 | 448,750.00 |
| 2025 | Columbio | Libertad | Mallard Duck Production | Nadalco Farmers Association | 20 | 280,750.00 |
| 2025 | Columbio | Mayo | Lakatan Production | Sitio Bila Dike Farmers Association | 20 | 352,750.00 |
| 2025 | Columbio | Polomolok | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | Polomolok Peace And Development Volunteers And Farmers Association | 30 | 1,156,916.67 |
| 2025 | Kalamansig | Dumangas Nuevo | Layer Chicken Production | Rural Womens Farmers Association | 20 | 313,250.00 |
| 2025 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Sadsalan | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | Gawang Bangsamoro Farmers Association | 30 | 1,156,916.67 |
| 2025 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Tambak | Mallard Duck Production | Central Magungaya Bangsamoro Farmers Association | 20 | 280,750.00 |
| 2025 | Lebak | Pansud | Mallard Duck Production | Pansud Womens Association | 20 | 280,750.00 |
| 2025 | Lebak | Salangsang | Coffee Production | Dulangan Manobo Coffee Farmers Association | 20 | 468,750.00 |
| 2025 | Lebak | Salangsang | Coffee Production | Salangsang Coffee Production Farmers Association | 20 | 468,750.00 |
| 2025 | Palimbang | Baliango | Layer Chicken Production | Gandungan Farmers And Fishing Association | 20 | 313,250.00 |
| 2025 | Palimbang | Baluan | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | Bakbakon Baluan Farmers Association | 30 | 1,156,916.67 |
| 2025 | Palimbang | Lumitan | Mallard Duck Production | Lumitan High Value Crop Womens Association | 20 | 280,750.00 |
| 2025 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Buenaflores | Coffee Production | Senator Ninoy Aquino Farmers Association | 20 | 468,750.00 |
| 2025 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Buklod | Integrated Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support and Livestock Production | Buklod Womens Association | 30 | 1,225,250.00 |
| 2025 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Malegdeg | Layer Chicken Production | Tuburan Farmers Association | 20 | 313,250.00 |
| 2026 | Bagumbayan | Chua | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | Sitio Mudti Salatan Manobo-dulangan Rural Worker's Association | 30 | 526,500.00 |
| 2026 | Bagumbayan | Kapaya | Mallard Duck Production | Kapaya United Farmers And Duck Raisers Association | 20 | 433,500.00 |
| 2026 | Bagumbayan | Titulok | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | General Titulok Farmers Association | 20 | 601,000.00 |
| 2026 | Columbio | Libertad | Mallard Duck Production | Nadalco Farmers Association | 20 | 324,500.00 |
| 2026 | Columbio | Mayo | Lakatan Production | Sitio Bila Dike Farmers Association | 20 | 352,750.00 |
| 2026 | Columbio | Polomolok | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | Polomolok Peace And Development Volunteers And Farmers Association | 30 | 526,500.00 |
| 2026 | Kalamansig | Dumangas Nuevo | Layer Chicken Production | Dumangas Nuevo Rural Womens Farmers Association | 20 | 1,131,550.00 |
| 2026 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Sadsalan | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | Gawang Bangsamoro Farmers Association | 35 | 1,156,916.67 |
| 2026 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Tambak | Mallard Duck Production | Central Magungaya Bangsamoro Farmers Association | 20 | 324,500.00 |
| 2026 | Lebak | Pansud | Mallard Duck Production | Pansud Womens Association | 20 | 324,500.00 |
| 2026 | Lebak | Salangsang | Coffee Production | Dulangan Manobo Coffee Farmers Association | 20 | 491,600.00 |
| 2026 | Lebak | Salangsang | Coffee Production | Salangsang Coffee Production Farmers Association | 20 | 491,600.00 |
| 2026 | Palimbang | Baliango | Layer Chicken Production | Gandungan Farmers And Fishing Association | 20 | 1,131,550.00 |
| 2026 | Palimbang | Baluan | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | Bakbakon Baluan Farmers Association | 30 | 526,500.00 |
| 2026 | Palimbang | Lumitan | Mallard Duck Production | Lumitan High Value Crop Womens Association | 20 | 324,500.00 |
| 2026 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Buenaflores | Coffee Production | Senator Ninoy Aquino Farmers Association | 20 | 491,600.00 |
| 2026 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Buklod | Corn Production with Post Harvest Equipment Support | Buklod Womens Association | 30 | 526,500.00 |
| 2026 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Malegdeg | Layer Chicken Production | Tuburan Farmers Association | 20 | 1,131,550.00 |
BFAR
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – SAAD (BFAR-SAAD) complements the DA component by targeting fisherfolk in vulnerable inland communities. In Sultan Kudarat, the program provides support such as fingerlings, fish feed, tilapia cages, capacity building, and organizational strengthening.
BFAR-SAAD aims to create community-based aquaculture livelihood systems that can serve as sustainable income sources for small-scale fisherfolk. Through partnerships with local governments and fisherfolk associations, the program helps build a foundation for inclusive inland fishery development despite the province’s non-coastal geography.
| Year Covered | Municipality | Barangay | Project | Association | Members | Input Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Bagumbayan | Busok | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Busok Fisherfolks Association | 42 | 1,600,000.00 |
| 2023 | Columbio | Telafas | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Columbio Fishery And Aquaculture Association | 42 | 1,600,000.00 |
| 2023 | Kalamansig | Pag-Asa | Post-Harvest Equipment and Materials | Kalamansig Marginalized Fisherfolk Association | 19 | 300,000.00 |
| 2023 | Kalamansig | Sabanal | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Sabanal National Highschool Parents, Teachers Association | 57 | 1,600,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Poblacion (Lambayong) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Lambayong Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 42 | 1,600,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lebak | Kinodalan | Milkfish Culture in Pond | Lebak United Aquaculture Association | 30 | 700,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lebak | Kinodalan | Fishing Gear (Shallow Payao) | Kinudalan Integrated Fisherfolk Association | 45 | 1,000,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lebak | Taguisa | Post-Harvest Equipment and Materials | Sultan Kudarat Fishfarmers Association Incorporation | 17 | 300,000.00 |
| 2023 | Lutayan | Blingkong | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Lutayan Hito And Tilapia Growers Association | 42 | 1,600,000.00 |
| 2023 | Palimbang | Baliango | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Baliango-palimbang Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 1,600,000.00 |
| 2023 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Kuden | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Senator Ninoy Aquino Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 42 | 1,600,000.00 |
| 2024 | Bagumbayan | Busok | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Busok Fisherfolks Association (bfa) | 42 | 1,200,000.00 |
| 2024 | Columbio | Telafas | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Columbio Fishery And Aquaculture Association | 42 | 1,200,000.00 |
| 2024 | Kalamansig | Pag-Asa | Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia in support to Post-Harvest Equipment/Materials | Kalamansig Marginalized Fisherfolk Association | 19 | 1,411,000.00 |
| 2024 | Kalamansig | Sabanal | Village-Type Freshwater Hatchery (Hito) | Sabanal National High School Parents, Teachers Association | 57 | 297,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Poblacion (Lambayong) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Lambayong Farmers And Fisherfolks Association | 42 | 1,200,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lebak | Datu Karon | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Datu Karon Fishermen Association | 37 | 1,025,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lebak | Kinodalan | Milkfish Culture in Pond | Lebak United Aquaculture Association | 30 | 1,082,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lebak | Kinodalan | Post-Harvest Equipment/Materials in support to Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia | Kinudalan Integrated Fisherfolks Association | 45 | 1,200,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lebak | Tibpuan | Post-Harvest Equipment and Materials | Sultan Kudarat Fishfarmers Association, Inc. | 17 | 197,000.00 |
| 2024 | Lutayan | Blingkong | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Lutayan Hito And Tilapia Growers Association | 42 | 1,297,000.00 |
| 2024 | Palimbang | Baliango | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Baliango-palimbang Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 1,297,000.00 |
| 2024 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Kuden | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Senator Ninoy Aquino Farmers And Fisherfolk Association | 42 | 1,297,000.00 |
| 2025 | Bagumbayan | Busok | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Busok Fisherfolk Association | 42 | 1,202,000.00 |
| 2025 | Columbio | Telafas | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Columbio Fishery And Aqua-culture Associaiton | 42 | 1,202,000.00 |
| 2025 | Kalamansig | Pag-Asa | Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Kalamansig Marginalized Fisherfolk | 30 | 888,000.00 |
| 2025 | Kalamansig | Sabanal | Village-Type Freshwater Hatchery (Hito) | Sabanal National High School Parents, Teachers Associaton | 57 | 725,000.00 |
| 2025 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Poblacion (Lambayong) | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Lambayong Farmers And Fisherfolks | 42 | 1,202,000.00 |
| 2025 | Lebak | Datu Karon | Motorized Boat (42 footer) | Datu Karon Fishermen Association | 37 | 1,650,000.00 |
| 2025 | Lebak | Kinodalan | Motorized Boat (25 footer) | Kinudalan Integrated Fisherfolks Association | 45 | 696,000.00 |
| 2025 | Lebak | Kinodalan | Milkfish Culture in Pond | Lebak United Aquaculture Association | 30 | 648,000.00 |
| 2025 | Lebak | Tibpuan | Post-Harvest Equipment and Materials | Sultan Kudarat Fish Farmers Association Inc. | 29 | 490,000.00 |
| 2025 | Lutayan | Blingkong | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Lutayan Hito And Tilapia Growers Association | 42 | 1,202,000.00 |
| 2025 | Palimbang | Baliango | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Baliango-palimbang Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 992,000.00 |
| 2025 | Sen. Ninoy Aquino | Kuden | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Senator Ninoy Aquino Farmers And Fisherfolk Associaiton | 42 | 1,202,000.00 |
| 2026 | Bagumbayan | Busok | Tilapia Culture in Pond ( 600 sq. meter ) | Busok Fisherfolk Association | 42 | 1,100,000.00 |
| 2026 | Columbio | Telafas | Tilapia Culture in Pond ( 600 sq. meter ) | Columbio Fishery And Aquaculture Association (colfaas) | 42 | 1,100,000.00 |
| 2026 | Kalamansig | Pag-Asa | Fishing Gear and Paraphernalia | Kalamansig Marginalized Fisherfolk Association | 29 | 620,000.00 |
| 2026 | Kalamansig | Sabanal | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Sabanal National High School Parents Teacher Association | 57 | 790,000.00 |
| 2026 | Lambayong (Mariano Marcos) | Poblacion (Lambayong) | Tilapia Culture in Pond ( 600 sq. meter ) | Lambayong Farmers And Fisherfolks Association (laffa) | 42 | 1,100,000.00 |
| 2026 | Lebak | Datu Karon | Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao) | Datu Karon Fishermen Association | 30 | 760,000.00 |
| 2026 | Lebak | Kinodalan | Post-Harvest Equipment/Materials | Kinudalan Integrated Fisherfolks Association (kifa) | 45 | 550,000.00 |
| 2026 | Lebak | Kinodalan | Milkfish Culture in Fishpen | Lebak United Aquaculture Association | 36 | 758,000.00 |
| 2026 | Lebak | Tibpuan | Post-Harvest Equipment/Materials | Sultan Kudarat Fish Farmers Association Inc. | 30 | 565,000.00 |
| 2026 | Lutayan | Blingkong | Tilapia Culture in Pond | Lutayan Hito And Tilapia Growers Association | 42 | 1,100,000.00 |
| 2026 | Palimbang | Baliango | Motorized Boat (42 footer) | Baliango-palimbang Fisherfolk Association | 43 | 1,600,000.00 |