First of the major programs is the Integrated Extension Program for Rootcrops (IEPR). Although the IEPR has only a small funding coming from the Visayas State University (VSU), it has been the catalyst for various partnerships and other engagements as it continued to backstop all the other development projects and has been used to fund extension related activities like meetings and travels. The IEPR has various subprojects under its wings which are the (1) Continuous Production, Distribution and Monitoring of Rootcrops Varieties among Different Users (2) Technology Transfer Through Trainings and Promotion of Rootcrops Technologies and Monitoring of Extension Activities (3) Nursery Establishment, Production and Monitoring Support System for Rootcrops Supply ChainDevelopement and (4) Support Systems to Rootcrop-based Action Projects to Enhance Impact.
Through the said projects, the Philrootcrops has contributed to the continued existence of the recommended root crop varieties in the farmers field in region 8 and in various parts of the country, reached the clienteles through training on rootcrop production and processing, established rootcrop nurseries and partnered with various Business Development Support (BDS) providers for the provision of necessary supports to the clienteles especially for the improvements in their processing activities. A lot of LGU- based Gender and Development (GAD) funds, DSWD budgets and other supports were acquired by the beneficiaries through the help of ESED in coordination also with other development projects facilitated by the ESED.
The other minor engagements include the facilitation of the development of the Kaisahan beneficiaries in Ormoc and Kanangga. Kaisahan is a non-government organization composed of lawyers who are helping the transfer of lands to the agrarian reform beneficiaries. Some of the beneficiaries are already engaged in rootcrop production and processing but still needs further support to be developed. ESED provided both technical and supplemental budget support to the Kaisahan Inc.
The Philrootcrops-ESED was also involved in the development facilitation for the beneficiaries of the Philippine-Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI). PMPI is a catholic-based NGO that is working for the development supports of the victims of mining. The engagement with PMPI is in Manicani and Homonhon Islands in Guiuan. The Islands have been dilapidated due to severe mining, although mining operations have already stopped due partly to the efforts of the NGO. The role of PhilRootcrops-ESED in the area is to establish rootcrop based enterprises or livelihoods to veer them away from mining activities. The PhilRootcrops already conducted assessments, FGDs and FBS sessions to rootcrops farmers, processors and other stakeholders in the area. The pictures below are the conduct of FGD and field assessment in the area.
There was also an engagement with Neys van Hoograten Foundation (NHF) with a goal of uplifting the nutritional status of some Yolanda-affected communities in Leyte and some rebel returnees. The highlight for 2017 was the gathering and processing of the necessary information to be used for the policies related to improving the nutritional status of the target beneficiaries. This started in September 2017 and will end on March 2019.
Other engagements were with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Forestry (PCAF) for the collection of relevant and important information for policy making; with the International Foundation for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for the technical assistance in the conduct of the development related activities of the organization; with the International Potato Center (CIP) also for the technical assistance in the conduct of their development activities. IFAD and CIP activities also had engagements abroad through Dr. Julieta R. Roa.