Detailed description

This project is intended for the indigenous peoples living at Sitio Pisapungan, Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac. 53 members of the community benefitted from the training that focused on agriculture and entrepreneurial skills, developing their skills in cultivating land from preparation to harvesting time. Through basic entrepreneurial skills, the IP community will be able to gain knowledge on how to practically manage their resources. This project was made possible in partnership with the Community Support program (CSP) Team OG 31st Mechanized Infantry Company under the supervision of 1LT Carlo Tabaculde, members of Tambayan Farmer's Association Ng So Pisapungan at Sitio Pisapungan , Brgy Sta Juliana, Capas, Tarlac, in collaboration with the BTF-ELCAC of Sta. Juliana, Concepcion Vocational School, Rotary Club of Midtown Tarlac and Hon. Andy Lacson of Concepcion, Tarlac.

Community assessment: How the project team learned about the community’s needs

Initial assessment were done through coordination with co-lead agencies for this project who visited the community and discussed with the elders of the group what possible assistance the community needs. The area of Sitio Pisapungan is very much isolated, crossing raging rivers a couple of times through carabao-driven bamboo sled after 6 hours of trek by foot on a sunny day. When it rains, reaching it gets a lot harder. The vast land areas and fertile soil surrounding the community is suitable for crop productions. This is where the partnership with TESDA came handy. Suitable crops for growing in the area were presented and suggested. Training from land cultivation to harvesting crops were given. Also given were additional entrepreneurial training so that participants will be able to grow and sustain their own business.

Project impact: How the project will help the community after the project ends

Being an isolated area, Sitio Pisapungan residents suffer the most during rainy season. Food is scarce and they cannot go and look for work in neighboring communities due to high level of water in the river, for crossing the river would be impossible. The seedlings that we provided will not only bring food on the table, but also a source of additional income for the 51 families that participated in the training. With better knowledge on soil preparation and techniques of growing plants, they will be able to harvest more produce and have additional income. They were also given training on how to manage their resources.

Sustainability: How the benefits of the project will continue afterward