MARAMAG, Bukidnon – A back-to-back review of impact assessment (IA) and supply chain improvement (SCI) projects was held recently in this university town of Bukidnon.
Conducted at the Central Mindanao University (CMU), the activity was aimed at monitoring the progress of the different project activities in relation to their targets and expected milestones; addressing the constraints met; and developing corrective actions.
SCI projects on sardines, mudcrab, abalone, and sago were presented respectively by Prof. Viola Amano of Bicol University (BU) and Dr. Teresita Narvaez of Western Mindanao University; Dr. Arnulfo Mascariñas of BU, Dr. Fe Porciuncula of Central Luzon State University (CLSU), and Prof. Sheila Poonon of CMU; Prof. Alice Prieto-Carolino of University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), Dr. Fe Gabunada of Visayas State University (VSU), and Dr. Brenda Ramoneda of VSU, and Chancellor Sylvia Concepcion and Prof. Thaddeus Acuña of UP Mindanao.
These commodity-industries are plagued with various constraints which limit the extent by which these industries can realize their full potential. These include, among other concerns, the absence of synchronicity in production, marketing, and logistical concerns; and limited information on socioeconomic dimension. Moreover, non-implementation of existing policies as well as the lack of these hinders the development of these industries.
The evaluation team recommended establishing the technical, financial, and economic viability of the abalone and mudcrab hatcheries and sago plantation. For sardines, the project needs to review the standards for its dried form or “tuyo”. Researchers were also recommended to study the implications of the fishing ban on the canned and bottled sardines industry.
On the other hand, ongoing IA projects on R&D and technology commercialization projects/programs on seaweeds, milkfish, shrimp, tilapia, and goat were presented by Prof. Maritess Panabang of UP Los Baños (UPLB), Dr. Yolanda Garcia of UPLB, Dr. Fe Gabunada of VSU, Dr. Luzviminda Galang of CLSU, and Prof. Normito Zapata Jr. of UPLB, respectively. A completed IA project on mango was also presented by Dr. Marilyn Elauria of UPLB.
PCAARRD’s non-degree training programs were also presented by Prof. Rodger Valientes of UPLB, Dr. Adel Laureto of CMU, and Prof. Wilma Tejero of Silliman University.
All IA project teams were able to document the economic impact of their respective commodities. Among these were increased farm yield, improved product quality, increased farmer’s income, and change in the supply and demand situation.
Some of them documented the social impact at the farm level. Social impacts include development of entrepreneurial skills and attainment of aspirations, among others.
To further firm up the results of the IA studies, the review panel recommended the inclusion of other tools in assessing the impact at various levels as well as validation of assumptions used in the study. Regression and cost-and-return analyses, and surplus estimation, were suggested in some of the IA projects.
The panel also recommended the quantitative and qualitative documentation of environmental impacts.