With the launch of the first leg of VSU’s iCARE Philippines, in partnership with iLAJA Siargao and AGREA-Siargao, with the title, “Para sa Isla: Capacity Building on Regenerative Agriculture and Organizational Development,” the VSU Extension Office has formally commenced its efforts to emplement a first-ever University-led Extension initiative.

Led by Dr. Catherine C. Arradaza, Director for Extension, the initiative reflects VSU’s commitment to advancing an extension program that is not only responsive to pressing community concerns but is also driven by the needs and demands of the communities it serves.

By means of its participatory and demand-driven approach, the VSU iCARE services ensure that activities are aligned with the priorities of partner/requesting communities and stakeholders. This approach optimizes the initiatives to assist communities in improving their livelihood, empowering members, and enhancing their quality of life, particularly in underserved areas. 

At the outset of the two-day training, the iCARE Philippines team, led by Component Leader Ganessa Rose G. Cuevas, was warmly greeted by the vibrant smiles of around 80 farmers from Del Carmen, Siargao, who filled the Del Carmen Women’s Center. 

Ms. Christine De Siree D. Jodloman, Executive Director of AGREA, greeted the participants and organizers with a warm welcome through a video message, followed by the MAFO of Del Carmen, Dr. Fidel Jr. III T. Gonzales. They emphasized the relevance of this training for the farmers of the municipality and how much capacity-building initiatives are crucial in building climate-resilient agricultural systems and ensuring food security for the island communities. The President & CEO of iLAJA Inc., Mr. Jerry B. Salino Jr. also provided the rationale and overview of the activity, orienting the participants on the lectures and workshops that they can look forward to in the coming days. 

The interactive lecture sessions on Day 1 included “Soil and Water Conservation and Integrated Nutrient Management,” which was discussed by Dr. Mark Anthony M. Barbadillo from the VSU Department of Soil Science; and “Nursery Management and Agroforestry Systems,” by Ms. Serica Joy C. Dadios from the VSU Institute of Tropical Ecology and Environmental Science. Both sessions were met with active participation from the farmers who eagerly asked questions and shared their own experiences.

Mr. Mark Dalin, Stakeholders and Engagement Lead of UNDP-LGU also gave the closing remarks during the day 1 of the training, emphasizing the relevance of this activity to their mission of strengthening community resilience.

On the second day of training, the event was graced by the presence of the ever-supportive Municipal Mayor of Del Carmen, Hon. Alfredo M. Coro II, who expressed his appreciation for the iCARE Philippines team and the organizers and shared the initiatives that they have started in the municipality that would greatly benefit from the training. The mayor’s presence underscored the municipality’s strong commitment to agricultural development and the well-being of its farming communities. Hon. Coro also noted that the partnerships being forged through this training are essential in their continuous efforts for sustainable rural development.

The active presence of government agencies, NGOs, and People’s Organizations has proved to be an enabling environment for the farmers of Del Carmen. One that created a fertile ground for proactive community members striving for sustainable change and long-term progress. 

During day 2 of the workshop, the farmers engaged in practical activities with Ms. Dadios and Dr. Barbadillo, showcasing their respective topics in the field. Meanwhile, in the afternoon, Dr. Karen Luz P. Yap from the VSU Department of Agricultural Education and Environment led a highly engaging discussion-workshop with farmers on “Organizational Development.” The discussions focused on strengthening leadership and fostering collaboration to build sustainable community organizations.

The first leg of iCARE Philippines proved that transformative extension work is not merely about delivering lectures. It is also about fostering genuine partnerships and walking alongside communities in their journey toward resilience and self-reliance. It demonstrated that with a shared vision, the academe, LGU, CSOs, and farmers can make meaningful and lasting change in our communities. 

Indeed, this is only the beginning. The palpable eagerness to learn from the farmers of Del Carmen serves as a powerful reminder of why this work matters, and why this must continue.