𝐁𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐎𝐎 𝐒𝐂𝐎𝐎𝐏| 𝐈𝐒𝐔 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐃𝐆 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬 | ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus, in partnership with the KADIWA Program and the Department of Agriculture, launched a community-based agricultural program aimed at strengthening farmer productivity, improving rural livelihoods, and aligning local action with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, April 20.

The initiative, “Paglulunsad ng Inisyatibang Pagbubungkal at Pag-aani: Programang Pangkomunidad Para sa Kaunlaran ng mga Magsasaka,” was initiated under the leadership of Prof. Marisol S. Foronda, PhD, Executive Officer of the campus, and spearheaded by the Institute of Agricultural Technology under Asst. Prof. Cipriano M. Ticman Jr., PhD. The program featured a KADIWA market linkage component that connected local producers directly to consumers, reinforcing food accessibility and farmer profitability.

Several agri-entrepreneurs and farmer groups mounted stalls showcasing fresh produce, planting materials, and value-added goods. Participating partners included Villa Florenda Farm Resort led by Mr. Emil Viktor B. Subillaga; Jerry D’ Agri Integrated Farm under Mr. Jerry Mar Rafael; Allied Botanical Corporation represented by Mr. Arvin Jay Narciso; Valley Nursery and Amore Farm managed by Mr. Ricky Valdez; Aurora Vegetable Growers Association headed by Ms. Australia R. Andrea; Flow of Pariir, Saranay, Cabatuan, Isabela operated by Ms. Riza M. Cordoso; and 4H Club Aurora led by Mr. Benedick Calderon.

The stalls offered a range of vegetables, fruits, and crop seedlings, highlighting local production capacity and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The KADIWA Program platform enabled farmers to bypass intermediaries, ensuring fair pricing while expanding market reach.

Additionally, the integration of the KADIWA Program into the broader initiative advances SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through improved food supply chains and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through strengthened rural enterprise. It also supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting efficient distribution and direct market access. The program sustains knowledge exchange through on-site engagement among farmers, students, and agricultural experts.

Isabela State University-Cauayan Campus links academic research, government support, and grassroots enterprise to drive community-led agricultural transformation.

—