PROMOTING COMMERCIALIZATION OF SWEETPOTATO CLEAN PLANTING

MATERIALS (SP-CPM): SUPPORT TO THE

FOOD AND FEED INDUSTRY

Lilibeth B. Laranang, Ma. Elena T. Caguioa, Judith F. Espiritu,

Leonell P. Lijauco, Maribel C. Ramales, Rizalina M. Tablarin,
Celso V. Torres, Ernesto A. Viray

Abstract

The project was undertaken to sustain the availability of good

quality sweetpotato planting materials in order to reduce the incidence of
the virus disease complex thereby increasing yield and income of farmers
and ultimately address the increasing demand of sweetpotato food and
feed industry.

Capability building of 83 farmers and ATs on Sweetpotato

Integrated Crop Management (ICM) focused on clean planting material
production and utilization was carried out through the Farmers Field
School (FFS) methodology in collaboration with the LGU of Tarlac
province. This resulted in the propagation of 35.9 hectares of SP-CPM
that were distributed and grown by farmers of Pangasinan, Zambales,
Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Camarines Sur, and other key sweetpotato areas of
Tarlac. More than 150 hectares were planted with SP-CPM in Tarlac
alone.

SPCPM production is a profitable enterprise as it gives farmers

as much as 325% rate of return on production and 217% on utilization.

The promotion of the health benefits of and livelihood opportunities

from sweetpotato was undertaken through trainings to 24 FHRM
coordinators, 408 women in nine (9) municipalities and 66 THE teachers
of DepEd Tarlac Schools Division.

Recently, the RIC of Mayantoc, Tarlac received a grant of

P100,000.00 from DOLE and was a recipient of Gawad Saka Award of DA
Region III for their project on sweetpotato processing.
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INTRODUCTION

Sweetpotato is one of the world’s most important, versatile yet

underexploited food crops. About 90% of the world’s production comes from Asia

and the Philippines ranks fifth next to Vietnam, Indonesia, India and China

(Huaccho and Hijmans, 2000). BAS in 2003 has recorded Leyte, Camarines Sur,

Bohol, Albay and Quezon as the top five producers of sweetpotato in the country

but in its 2004 report Tarlac was listed to have the fifth largest hectarage of

sweetpotato but has the largest contiguous commercial sweetpotato area in the

Philippines.

Ninety percent of sweetpotato produced in the Philippines is used for food,

5% for feed and another 5% for processing. Per capita consumption is only

about 18 kg per year compared to the more than 100 kg per year for rice. To

expand demand for this crop, value-adding processing technologies are needed

to encourage farmers to produce more.

Sweetpotato is high in vitamins A, C, and E, B6, copper, dietary fiber,

manganese, folate, potassium and iron. Varieties with yellow to orange flesh

indicate higher beta-carotene content while those with purple flesh have high

anthocyanin content (http://www.whfoods.org). As a rootcrop, it has better

carbohydrate complex that is good for diabetics since they are “stabilizers”, not

“enhancers” (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines). Its protein content is

half as much as the common potato but has less sugar (http://www.whfoods.org).

It was reported by FAO (1999) that sweetpotato can produce more edible energy

per hectare per day than wheat, rice or cassava.

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History has recorded the contribution of sweetpotato in saving lives of

millions of people in the world in times of calamities and war. Just recently, with

the soaring prices of rice and oil, this root crop was considered an alternative

source of energy and nutrient by many sectors of the society.

Rationale

The production of sweetpotato clean planting materials (SP-CPM) was

initiated to address problems on the incidence of the “camote kulot” disease that

has been attacking sweetpotato in Central Luzon since 1991. The use of

SPCPM proved to reduce the incidence of the disease thereby increasing yield

and income of farmers.

The virus complex disease, however, continuously plague the sweetpotato

industry resulting in reduced yield. The move of San Miguel Corporation to

increase their production to meet their required volume for dried chips for the

animal feeds demand for large volume of production. This entails large number

of clean planting materials and therefore expansion of areas for SP-CPM

production. This expansion is translated not only in terms of area but also in

terms of trained farmers to maintain the quality of planting materials produced.

On the other hand, the increase in demand for the material aside from

SMC comes mostly from areas and from farmers who have participated in the

recently concluded project. This implies that there are still a lot of farmers who

do not have access to the technology. To address this issue, there is a need to

promote the technology over a larger area.

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State of the Art

In the late 1990s, Laranang and Navarro (2000) conducted a study to

address the virus disease complex that is plaguing the sweetpotato industry in

Central Luzon. The study focused on production and utilization of pathogen-

tested planting materials (more popularly known now as clean planting materials

or SP-CPM) particularly of the Super Bureau variety.

The process of producing SP-CPM is illustrated in Figure 1. It includes

the clean up process involving thermotherapy and meristem culture. Meristem

cultured plantlets are serologically indexed following the Enzyme-Linked

Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and grafted to Ipomoea setosa.

The pathogen-tested mother plants are further multiplied inside nethouses

following the Rapid Multiplication Technique (RMT) or the use of single node

cuttings. Field multiplication is done in non-traditional sweetpotato producing

areas where the virus disease complex is not prevalent. The stem cuttings (SP-

CPM) derived from multiplier farms are utilized for storage root production.

Piloting the utilization of SP-CPM proved to reduce significantly the

incidence of the virus disease complex resulting in significant increase in yield

and consequently improved the income of the sweetpotato farmers.

Dissemination of the said technology is through participatory approach following

the Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Sweetpotato Integrated Crop Management

(ICM) that is focused on SP-CPM production.

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Analysis of the Problem

Farmers were hindered to produce sweetpotato roots in a large scale

because of the following reasons:

1. Low productivity brought in by the continuous spread of the virus

disease complex especially in major sweetpotato producing areas

2. Scarcity of good quality planting materials

3. Unstable market price of sweetpotato roots

4. Lack of technical know-how

5. Lack of awareness on the economic viability of SP-CPM

6. Lack of local government support to sweetpotato-related

undertakings

7. Lack of awareness on the health benefits of sweetpotato including

products produced out of sweetpotato, and

8. Absence of alternative market for sweetpotato storage roots

Thus, the project promotes the commercialization of SP-CPM to support

the food and feed industry. The project was undertaken through various capability

building activities like the FFS on sweetpotato ICM focused on CPM production

and training on food processing for women; promotional activities on the

production and utilization of SP-CPM, the health benefits of sweetpotato and

sweetpotato-based food products, the livelihood opportunities on CPM

production and food processing; the economic viability of SP-CPM production

and utilization, and food and feed processing; and market linkaging. These
 6

undertakings paved the way in coming up with a market-driven sweetpotato

production ensuring its viability and satisfaction to both buyers and suppliers.

Conceptual Framework

This study was conducted with the recognition of several factors affecting

sweetpotato livelihood in Tarlac with particular emphasis on the current potentials

of sweetpotato products and by-products emanating from the production and use

of SP-CPM (Figure 2). The awareness and capability development, promotional

strategies and other interventions like technical and market assistance extended

depends on how the target collaborators respond to this opportunity apart from

the existing market potentials, socio-economic, agro-ecological and institutional

environment in which they operate. There is also a need to provide opportunities

for market forces (buyers and sellers) to establish strong partnerships to ensure

organized and market driven production, identify support services needed,

maximize idle resources that are readily available, hence come up with

interventions and strategies in support to the emerging sweetpotato enterprise or

livelihood in Tarlac to become viable and sustainable.

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Figure 1. The SP-CPM production process

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Inputs

Market Potentials of SP
Socio-economic factors
Agro-ecological factors
Stakeholders check/
Institutional factors

GAPS and Concern

Identification

Process
Promotional
Awareness and Capability Strategies
Development - Techno-demo
- TOT Field Days
- FFS Product Launching
- PTD Field Day
- others Other Services - others
Technical Services
Market Linkaging
others

Output

SUSTAINABLE SP-CPM SUPPLY

Indicators: Organized/accredited SP-CPM producers
Maximized idle resources (landless,
displaced workers, women groups,
OSY, idle lands, etc.

FOOD FEED
(Fresh market, (Chips, fresh rejects for
snack foods, flour) livestock raisers)

SUSTAINABLE SP LIVELIHOOD

Figure 2. Conceptual framework of the study

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OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

Generally, the project aims to commercialize the production of SP-CPM so

as to improve sweetpotato farm productivity as well as the livelihood and income

of various stakeholders of the industry.

Specifically, it aims to:

1. ensure the availability of good quality sweetpotato clean planting

materials;

2. showcase the commercial production of SP-CPM;

3. determine the economic viability of producing and utilizing SP-CPM ;

4. establish networking among SP-CPM and SP-by-products producers; and

5. promote the utilization of and health benefits of sweetpotato for food and

use as feed for animals.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

SP-CPM Production and Utilization

The livelihood systems analysis conducted by Adion et al (1999) unravels

the different issues associated with sweetpotato production, marketing,

processing and consumption and determines their relevance to the existing

livelihood systems. It identified “camote kulot”, lack of quality planting materials,

low soil fertility and lack of control of the market by the farmers as the priority

problems of households involved in sweetpotato associated livelihoods.

There were lots of production technologies/innovations such as control of

specific pests, varieties for specific purposes and cropping patterns for specific
 10

agro-ecosystems generated by various research institutions. However, such

technologies/innovations were developed in a more controlled environment and

are often not compatible and applicable to actual farm and farmers conditions. An

emerging approach to address these limitations is to involve farmers and other

stakeholders in the conceptualization, implementation and evaluation of the

research activity (Rodriguez, et al .2003).

Farmer participatory research has been done in Tarlac and Bataan

(Laranang, et al 2000, Rodgriguez et al, 2003, Dolores et al, 2005) to develop

SP-ICM technologies appropriate to the farm and farmers’ conditions and needs.

The FFS approach in learning sweetpotato planting materials production was

piloted in Bataan by Laranang et al (2000) and was later adapted in Tarlac as

venue for farmer learning on clean planting material production and also control

and prevention of the virus disease complex. The field schools used a curriculum

that is focused on the propagation and management of CPM inside and outside

nethouses and on cultural management of CPM for root and planting materials

production. Special topics such as experimentation, farm record keeping,

financial analysis, etc that were found necessary were also discussed.

Participatory research methodologies used in aid of learning such as farmer-

managed experiments, field observations, discussions, cross visits, field trips and

group dynamics were conducted. Project launching, field days, end of season

evaluations, and review and planning workshops were used to increase

awareness of other actors and stakeholders about the learning process and

CPM. All activities were designed and implemented according to farmers’ needs
 11

and situations making the project flexible and adaptive to local situations (Basilio

et al, 2004).

Basilio et al (2004) further reported that farmers trained through the FFS

appreciated the nature of viral diseases and understood the dynamics of disease

transmission including concepts of vectors, reinfection and alternate hosts. More

importantly, they acquired skills necessary not only to produce CPM for their own

farms but also in making an enterprise out of it. CPM production and use were

spearheaded by FFS graduates and/or members of farmer organizations.

The economic gains of propagating clean sweetpotato planting materials

was demonstrated in the pilot test conducted in Baldios, Sta. Ignacia by

Laranang and Navarro (2000) where a farmer has a net income of P58,778.50

from his sales of stem cuttings and storage roots of his one hectare multiplier

farm. CPM production provided farmers a new source of livelihood. Likewise,

Tablarin et al (2005) reported the benefits experienced by the Sapang PMPCI

from the use of CPM such as reduced cost of planting materials and also on

reduced disease incidence leading to higher yields.

Basilio et al (2004 ) stated that while the use of CPM performed better in

terms of yield and has reduced incidence of the virus disease complex in a

Farmer Participatory Research (FPR) conducted, a serious drawback on its use

remains, that the plants have no resistance to the viruses. It was mentioned by

Basilio et al ( 2004 ) that after the CPM plants were transferred into the fields,

beneficial effects disappeared over a three to four year period due to re-infection.

In addition, if CPM production is to be developed as an enterprise, there has to

 12

be a mechanism of ensuring quality of produce. However, Basilio ( 2004 ) further

reported that the current system is still beset with problems such as absence of

production and distribution protocols which will serve as a guide to CPM

producers/users to ensure quality production and the limited capacities of non-

FFS graduate farmers to undertake CPM production.

Even though CPM can reduce incidence of the camote kulot and thus

improve yield, factors affecting productivity of sweetpotato in the region are multi-

faceted and dynamic (Adion et al, 1999). Managing kulot alone necessitates

reliance on other components of an integrated crop management strategy –

resistant varieties, disease management, nutrient management, soil and water

conservation.

Tablarin et al (2005) found out in their assessment of the socio-economic

contributions of CPM to sweetpotato livelihood that there are a lot of constraints

and opportunities in improving the production, distribution and utilization of CPM

in Central Luzon and this calls for an action and research agenda that will focus

on the expansion of CPM production, development of production and distribution

protocols that will provide quality control, and retooling of farmers.

A recent socio-technical evaluation of CPM conducted by Dolores (2005)

has shown that while CPM is important, the use of CPM alone is not enough for a

successful sweetpotato production but is just part of a combination of crop

management practices. On the other hand, it was found out in the sweetpotato-

ICM surveys conducted by Sister, Dolores and Rodriguez (2006) as cited by

Dolores et al (2006) that the key crop management practices affecting

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marketable yields in Tarlac are early harvesting as pest and disease

management, and increasing P and K application.

It was likewise noted by Dolores, et al. (2006) that in addition to crop

management, there are considerable differences across towns due to effect of

the biophysical and even socio-economic context of sweetpotato production.

The biophysical environment dictates planting schedule and crop requirements in

terms of management.

Dolores, et al. (2006) further pointed out that location-specific crop

management is truly the other half of the “CPM story”, and that the pest and

management should be ensconced in good ICM practices.

Sweetpotato as Health Food

The promotion of sweetpotato as health food is worldwide. Often called

“almost perfect nourishing food”, sweetpotato contains vitamins, minerals and

many other nutrients that contribute to maintenance and good health. In Japan,

researches have been conducted about the health promoting functions of

sweetpotato as stated by Yoshimoto, M., 2001 (Furuta et al., 1997) such as the

antioxidative and radical scavenging activities especially in the purple varieties

that contain anthocyanin, the β-carotene in the yellow and orange varieties, and

the polyphenolics, and vitamins C and E in all varieties was reported by Furuta,

et al., 1997 (as cited by Yoshimoto, M. 2001).

According to Yoshimoto, M. (2001) the consumption of the purple

sweetpotato juice has been recognized clinically in Japan to reduce liver injury as
 14

reported by Susa et al., 1999. In the same article, Yoshimoto cited that β-

carotene in sweetpotato helps cure chronic liver diseases. While carrot is known

for its high β-carotene content (about 7mg per 100 g of edible part) sweetpotato

varieties with orange flesh contain about 10 to 14mg β-carotene per 100 g of

edible portion.

It was likewise highlighted in the same issue of Farming Japan that

ganglioside, a substance found in sweetpotato juice, not only checks

multiplication of cultured human He La cells (cancer of neck of the womb) and B-

16 cells (Melanoma, a type of skin cancer) but also turns cancer cells into healthy

ones again. Likewise, in another investigation where the effects of as many as

82 kinds of vegetable juice and plant components on the division and

multiplication of cancer cells were determined, sweetpotato was found to have

especially high cancer checking rates. Furthermore, drinking the juice of the

purple sweetpotato variety reduces the blood pressure.

According to a JICA expert who came over the Philippines for the

Sweetpotato Festival in Moncada, Tarlac in 2005 (personal communication),

sweetpotato wine locally known as “shochu” is becoming more popular than the

rice wine, “sake” in Japan.

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MATERIALS AND METHODS

The activities listed in Table 1 were undertaken to come up with the

objectives of the project.

Table 1. Activities undertaken towards the fulfillment of project objectives

Objectives Activities/Strategies
 To ensure availability of good  Capability building
quality planting materials  TOT on SP-ICM focused on CPM
production
 FFS on SP-ICM focused on CPM
production
 Commercial production of CPM
 To promote utilization of SP-CPM  Field Days and FFS Graduation
 Techno-Demonstration
 To determine the economic viability  Monitoring of commercial production
of producing and utilizing SP-CPM areas
 To promote the health benefits of  Capability building
and livelihood opportunities from  TOT on
sweetpotato Sweetpotato Food Processing
 Training on Sweetpotato Food
Processing for Women
 Product Launching/Exhibits
 Sale of Sweetpotato Food Products
 Linkage to Market
 Production of sweetpotato flour
 To promote the utilization of  Demonstration of chipping and
sweetpotato chips for feed and flour drying of sweetpotato rejects for
feed and flour
 To promote networking of SP-CPM  Cross visits/Lakbay-aral
and sweetpotato by-product  Field days/ Graduation
producers  Product launching/Investment Forum
 Meetings/Nutrition month/Exhibits
 Organization of FFS graduates into a
Cooperative
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Coordination with Collaborators and Beneficiaries

The initial activity undertaken prior to the implementation of the project

was coordination with target partners and beneficiaries. A series of coordination

followed with the LGUs that expressed interest in joining the project. The roles of

the LGUS were defined.

Coordination was likewise done with the Department of Education in both

Schools Division of Tarlac province and the Tarlac City for the promotion of

sweetpotato as health food for school children and on the marketing of

sweetpotato-based snack food products prepared by women processors in

school canteens. Likewise, collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare

and Development was undertaken with the same purpose.

SP-CPM and Storage Root Production

Capability building on SP-ICM focused on SP-CPM production was initially

carried out with the conduct of Training of Trainers (TOT) then with the Farmers

Field School (FFS) in three sites.

Cross visit or Lakbay Aral by the FFS participants to other learning sites

was done not only as a way of learning or appreciating the successful

experiences of other farmers but also of establishing networks with other

sweetpotato farmers.

Field Day was conducted to showcase the activities done in the FFS

learning sites. Also featured is the commercial production of SP-CPM and its

utilization in commercial farms. Likewise, mass graduation for the FFS was

conducted. The participants from the three sites were gathered in both occasions
 17

together with supporters of this type of undertaking and other stakeholders of the

sweetpotato industry representing the market for SP-CPM, fresh roots and other

sweetpotato by-products, and financing institutions.

Commercialization of SP-CPM was allowed only to farmers who have

undergone the FFS to ensure good quality planting materials supplied to the root

producers. Likewise, storage root production utilizing SP-CPM was showcased

to promote utilization of the planting materials especially in new areas.

Monitoring of the commercial farms in terms of quality and performance

was done by the trained ATs. The production process was documented while

inputs and costs were determined. The return on investment (ROI) was later

computed to determine the profitability of the operation.

Sweetpotato-based Food Processing

A TOT on sweetpotato food processing for the Farm and Home Resources

and Management (FHRM) coordinators was initially conducted to train them

prepare and package sweetpotato snack foods and other products such as wine,

vinegar and juice out of fresh sweetpotato and sweetpotato flour. As part of their

practicum, the trained FHRM technicians assisted the project team in

capacitating groups of organized women in the participating municipalities.

The sweetpotato-based food products were first launched during the

celebration of the Nutrition Month of 2007 with the officers of the trained women

groups and the Home Economics teachers of the DepEd Division of Tarlac as

guests. Apart from promoting the products, the aim of the activity was to link the

women processors with the intended market. The products were likewise
 18

launched during the Field Day conducted in Mayantoc, Tarlac and were promoted

in various exhibits held in the province

Chipping of sweetpotato rejects for flour and animal feed was

demonstrated using the chipping machine designed and fabricated by a member

of the team. Finished products such as dried chips for animal feed, flour, and

polvoron out of sweetpotato flour were shown during the demonstration. To

support the requirements of the trained women for sweetpotato flour, a microflour

mill was set up by the Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA) and operated by the

project team.
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Established Partnership with the LGUs and Beneficiaries

The project gained strong support from various sectors of the government

and of the community in various activities undertaken (Table 2) such as SP-CPM

production and utilization, sweetpotato-based food processing, and processing of

sweetpotato chips for flour and animal feed. Partnership with the LGUs and other

partners and beneficiaries started with the attendance of the ATs and FHMTs in

the TOTs conducted on sweetpotato production and processing. Through proper

coordination with the LGUs, the trained ATs assisted in identifying the FFS

participants and the learning site and in co-facilitating the FFS on sweetpotato

ICM as part of his/her hands-on training for his/her participation in the TOT. On

the other hand, the FHRM coordinators assisted in the identification and training

of organized women on sweetpotato-based food processing.

The Provincial Government Office (PGO) of Tarlac provided financial

assistance amounting to P64,500.00 for food of the ATs participating in the ten-

day live-in TOT. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist is directly taking part in

the implementation of the project with the provincial HVCC coordinator forming

part of the Project Team.

Apart from the LGUs, the project has also collaborated with the

Department of Education of both the Division of Tarlac Province and the Tarlac

City Schools Division especially on the promotion of sweetpotato as a health food

for school children and on the marketing of the sweetpotato snack food products

prepared by women processors in the school canteens. Collaboration with the

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DepEd in this aspect resulted in requests from Home Economics teachers for a

training on sweetpotato food processing. Likewise, collaboration with the

Department of Social Welfare and Development was undertaken with the same

purpose.

Partnership with farmers and women groups was established with their

participation to the trainings conducted.

Awareness and Capability Development

Training of Trainers (TOT) on Sweetpotato Integrated

Crop Management (ICM) Focused on SP-CPM Production

A Training of Trainers (TOT) on Sweetpotato ICM that is focused on SP-

CPM production was conducted on March 19 to 30, 2007 and this was

participated in by 12 male and 7 female ATs from five (5) key and two (2) new

sweetpotato growing municipalities of the province, The curriculum in this ten-

day live-in training focused on both the facilitation process and the sweetpotato

ICM and SP-CPM production technologies. The strategy used was a

combination of lectures and hands-on training.

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The participants were exposed to actual sweetpotato production through a

field visit to the sweetpotato commercial farms in Sapang, Moncada, Tarlac. The

participants likewise participated in the harvest festival coordinated by the San

Miguel Corporation (SMC) together with the Land Bank of the Philippines and

was attended by officers of active farmers cooperatives from Region 3 that are

prospective sweetpotato dried chips assemblers of SMC. This activity provided

the participants opportunity to link with the possible market for the

Table 2. The collaborators of the project

Local Government Unit (LGU) Activities
Provincial Government Unit and SP-ICM, Storage root production, SP Processing
the Offica of the Provincial Agric.
Anao SP Food Processing
Bamban SP Food Processing
Camiling SP-CPM Production
Capas SP-CPM Production,
SP Processing
Concepcion SP-ICM, Storage root production, SP Processing
Gerona SP-ICM, Storage root
production, SP Processing
Mayantoc SP-CPM Production;
SP processing
Moncada SP-ICM Storage root production,
SP Food processing
Paniqui SP Food Processing; SP
chips for flour and feed
Pura SP-CPM production
Ramos SP Food Processing
San Jose SP-CPM Production
Sta. Ignacia SP-CPM Production, SP
Food Processing
Tarlac City SP-CPM Production, SP Food Processing
Training on SP-based food processing
Victoria SP Food Processing
Others
Department of Education SP Food Processing
(2 Divisions in Tarlac)
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Office of the Provincial Social SP Food Processing

Welfare and Development
Agricultural Training Institute,
Region 3
ABS-CBN Bayan Foundation
with Globe Telecom
MSWD of Calasiao, Pangasinan
Farmer Groups (Sapang PMPCI)
Women Groups (Mayantoc RIC)
SP Food Processing
SP Food Processing
SP Food Processing
SP-CPM production and
utilization; SP chips for feed;
SP Food Processing

SP-CPM and storage roots and likewise to the financing institution. The project

leader of TCA provided a power point presentation of the technical aspects of

sweetpotato production during the festival.

Results of the pre- and post-tests administered revealed that there was a

very significant increase in knowledge gained by the participants regarding SP-

ICM particularly on SP-CPM production ranging from 40% to 1,100% or an

average increase of 212.6%. This shows that the training modality is effective in

creating awareness and in developing capabilities to conduct FFS in their

respective areas.

Part of the practicum of the TOT graduates was to co-facilitate

in the Farmers Field School established in their area.

Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Sweetpotato Integrated Crop Management

Focused on SP-CPM Production

The FFS Learning Sites. The FFS on Sweetpotato ICM focused on SP-

CPM production was conducted in the three municipalities of Tarlac (Sta. Ignacia,

Mayantoc, Tarlac City) that were chosen based on the following criteria:
 23

1. The municipality is not a traditional sweetpotato producing area and

therefore the virus disease complex is not prevalent in the area. This

criterion ensures that the planting materials produced will not be

infected with the virus disease complex.

2. There are areas where sweetpotato can be planted during the wet

season in time for the preparation of planting materials for the main

season planting which starts on the month of October.

Sta. Ignacia. The municipality of Sta. Ignacia was the first to embark on

SP-CPM production. Sweetpotato is mainly grown for planting materials Thirty

farmers in the area were earlier trained through the FFS to propagate the SP-

CPM and with the support of the LGU in the form of soft loans, they were able to

provide a portion of the SP-CPM requirement of some farmers in the nearby

sweetpotato producing areas like Moncada, Gerona, Pangasinan, Baguio,

Zambales, etc. SP-CPM is usually propagated in the marginal and to some

extent idle lands of Sta. Ignacia. Because the production capacity is low, and

there is high demand for the product, more farmers became interested to

participate in the production of SP-CPM. As a result, Sta. Ignacia gained the

reputation as the source of sweetpotato clean planting materials.

Mayantoc. The municipality is mainly a rice producing area but there are

marginal areas that are left idle which can be cultivated for SPCPM propagation.

Mapalacsiao, Tarlac City. This is part of the Hacienda Luisita. While there

is a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on use of the estate, the LGU of Tarlac

City forged a MOA with the management to use ten (10) hectares in each of the
 24

six (6) barangays covered. Part of this was planted with sweetpotato for two

consecutive years prior to the project but the farmers were able to harvest only

two bags (90 kg/bag) of good roots for the two hectares planted because of lack

of technical know-how.

The FFS Participants. With the assistance of the ATs trained during the

TOT, participants of the FFS were identified with the following criteria:

1. regardless of gender, the farmer is willing to attend the weekly session for 18

weeks;

2. he/she has at least 0.5 hectares to be devoted to SP-CPM propagation;

3. he/she is willing to practice what he/she learned from the FFS

In Sta. Ignacia, the farmer participants were active members of the San

Sotero PMPCI. Similarly, participants in Tarlac City were active members of the

Sulong, Tulong-tulong PMPCI while in Mayantoc, Tarlac most of the farmers

came from eight different barangays of the municipality while three (3) came from

the adjacent municipality of Camiling.

Of the 83 participants in the three FFS sites, 59 are men and 24 are

women. Sixteen (16) ATs assigned in sweetpotato growing areas of the

municipality participated in the FFS together with 67 farmers. While Mayantoc

has only one participating AT in the FFS conducted, it was able to conduct

another FFS that was funded and managed by the LGU. This is a spill over

activity of the initial FFS in the area. The participants upon learning of the good

experiences of the first batch of trainees, formally requested the local executive

to fund the conduct of another FFS and the request was readily acted favorably.
 25

Twenty nine farmers were graduated on September 24, 2008. Together with the

first batch of trainees in Ambalingit, Mayantoc, they formed a cooperative. The

induction of the set of Officers coincided with the graduation of FFS in San

Bartolome, Mayantoc, Tarlac.

Table 3. Participants of the FFS in three sites

Location Men Women Farmers Agric. Tech Total

Ambalingit, 23 3 25 1 26
Mayantoc
San Sotero Sta. 16 12 19 9 28
Ignacia
Mapalacsiao,Tarlac 20 9 23 6 29
City
TOTAL 59 24 67 16 83

FFS Implementation and Curriculum. Participants of the FFS in the

three municipalities met every week in the learning nethouse/farm for a period of

18 weeks whereby topics discussed and/or activities undertaken depend on the

growth stage of the plant.

The curriculum followed was based on the needs of the farmers identified

during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD). A calendar of activities prepared

based on the curriculum served only as a guide for the facilitators. Activities

done in the different sites varied due to differences in prevailing conditions in the

learning field. Implementation of the FFS is basically hands-on and participatory

in nature (Appendix Table 2).

Increase in Knowledge. There was an increase in knowledge of the

participants in Mapalacsiao, Tarlac City ranging from 22% to 175% or an average

of 67%; 25% to 100% in Ambalingit, Mayantoc or an average of 20.24%, and an

 26

increase ranging from 11% to 367% in San Sotero, Sta. Ignacia or an average of

73%. This was based on the scores obtained from the pre- and post tests. This

suggests that experiential and discovery learning are effective methods of

learning for farmers.

Propagation of SP_CPM. Learning nethouses/fields were set up in the

three sites. Each learning site was given 50 mother plants to propagate and

multiply in the modified nethouses provided. The farmers were trained to

propagate the SP-CPM inside nethouses following the Rapid Multiplication

Technique (RMT) or the single node cutting technique and propagate the stem

cuttings in multiplier farms.

Experimentation. One of the important learnings in the FFS was the

setting up of experiments. The experiment conducted dealt on the comparison of

the growth performance of stem cuttings with varied number of nodes (1, 2, 3

nodes and shoot) for SP-CPM multiplication. In this experiment, farmers

discovered that the shoot grows faster than the nodes during the first four weeks

but the length of the vine produced from varied number of nodes becomes

comparable with the shoot at week five. Farmers realize the importance of

separating the node cuttings with the shoot. They likewise found out that Rapid

Multiplication Technique (RMT) is very vital in the propagation of planting

materials since the use of single node cuttings is more economical, requires less

stem cuttings and less space in a shorter period of time.

 27

Special Topics. Topics indicated in the curriculum were discussed as it

arose. Oftentimes, these special topics were discussed after the farmers have

discovered for themselves the problem and the possible solutions to the problem.

Facilitators to these special topics are experts in the field, mostly faculty

researchers and members of the Root Crop Research and Training Center Core

Team of Tarlac College of Agriculture.

Sweetpotato Field Day and Mass Graduation

The Sweetpotato Field Day and Mass Graduation were conducted

separately. The mass graduation of 83 participants from the 3 sites was held in

the 1.5 hectare Techno-Demo Farm of the Sulong Tulong-Tulong Cooperative, a

 28

group of displaced workers of Hacienda Luisita who participated in the FFS. The

Field Day was conducted in one of the learning sites where a techno demo on

SP-CPM production highlighted the difference in quality of planting materials

(SP-CPM) obtained from plants raised under good management practices in

nethouses and planting materials from plants grown in farmers’ field where the

virus complex disease is prevalent. Both activities were well attended by FFS

participants from the three sites (Mayantoc, Sta. Ignacia, and Tarlac City), local

executives of participating municipalities including the Sagguniang Bayan

members, the coordinator for Central Luzon of the San Miguel Corporation who

talked about market opportunities with SMC while Dr. Vic Tagata of Land Bank of

the Philippines explained financial assistance provided by LBP to sweetpotato

farmers. The Board of Directors of Sapang PMPCI, a successful cooperative

involved on sweetpotato production and chips processing were invited to inspire

the participants. The manager, Engr. Cesar Tabago, gave his testimony on his

personal experiences on SP production and SP chips processing. Supporters of

this undertaking including Dr. Gelia T. Castillo, a national scientist for Rural

Sociology, the Governor of the Province, municipal mayors and/or

representatives together with the Municipal Agriculturists from 15 collaborating

LGUs including the Provincial Government Office (PGO) and the Office of the

Provincial Agriculturist, and NEDA 3 staff headed by RD Remigio A. Mercado

who was the Keynote Speaker.

Certificates of Completion were awarded to the graduates. A testimony of

experiences in the Sweetpotato FFS was delivered by a representative from

 29

each of the sites. The representative of the Tarlac City emphasized the

significant impact of their participation particularly in the marked increase in yield.

The representative of Sta. Ignacia talked of how important their participation to

the FFS was as it prepared them to the good management practices required of

the propagation of SP-CPM so that they will be able to maintain good quality

planting materials. Like the Mayantoc representative, he also mentioned how

fellow farmers despise them of spending time for the sweetpotato FFS but as the

activity is about to end, these same farmers are already willing to participate

because they have realized the benefits the can get out of the exercise. In

between talks of the speakers was the presentation of sweetpotato FFS songs

composed by each group.

Sweetpotato Field day and Mass Graduation of FFS Participants

 30

Commercial Propagation of SP-CPM

The SP-CPM commercially grown by the FFS farmers were sourced out

from the 50 mother plants they maintain in the learning nethouse. The

participants while still attending the FFS are already commercially producing SP-

CPM in their own farms, hence they are earning while still learning the

technology. Commercial production in the 4 municipalities is depicted in the Table

below.

Table 5. Commercial production of CPM in 2007 in the participating barangays

Location Area
Mayantoc, Tarlac 8.0 ha
San Sotero, Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac 6.4 ha
San Juan de Mata, Tarlac City 0.5 ha
Mapalacsiao, Tarlac City 2.0 ha
Sapang, Moncada, Tarlac 19 ha
TOTAL Area Planted 35.9 ha

Distribution and Utilization of SP-CPM Produced in 2007-2008

The SP-CPM produced by the FFS graduates were distributed to different

parts of the region and in other regions of the country (Figure 3). The SP-CPM

purchased from TCA and other sources were either planted directly for storage

root production or further multiplied to be planted in wider area which is a

common practice of farmers. Bulk of the SP-CPM produced by the FFS

graduates in the three sites (Sta. Ignacia, Mayantoc, and Tarlac City) was bought

by the Sapang PMPCI (Table 6). These were likewise multiplied and became a

source of planting materials for 102 hectares that were planted in Moncada,

Tarlac and another 12 hectares in Concepcion, Tarlac. Farmers from Balutu,

 31

Table 6. Area planted with SP-CPM for storage root production during the
cropping season 2007-2008
Location Area Planted (Ha)
Sapang, Moncada c/o Sapang PMPCI* 102
Café, Concepcion c/o Sapang PMPCI 12
Balutu, Concepcion 27.5
Patling, Capas 8.0
PMMA 1.0
RMTU 2.0
Asingan, Pangasinan 3.0
Mayantoc, Tarlac 3.0
Goa, Camarines Sur 10.0
Total 166.5

Concepcion likewise bought SP-CPM from TCA and Mayantoc growers and

planted in 27.5 hectares of sweetpotato farm. Other buyers were from Zambales

(RMTU and PMMA), Pangasinan, Goa, Camarines Sur, Cabanatuan City,

Bulacan and other sweetpotato growing municipalities of Tarlac.

TCA plays a vital role in the distribution system as show in Figure 3, being

the sole source of mother plants. TCA links the SP-CPM growers to buyers and

vise versa and helps organize the growers in meeting demands of the root

producers.

Economic Viability of SP-CPM Production and Utilization

The best indicator of improved farm productivity and the best way to

promote SP-CPM production and utilization to non-traditional sweetpotato

farmers, investors and potential adopters is the economic benefits or return

derived from the operation. Table 7 shows the cost and return analysis of a one

hectare SP-CPM multiplication farm of Allan Bautista in Mayantoc, Tarlac during

the 2007 planting season and of Mr. Rene Soriano of Balutu, Concepcion who
 32

Zambales Pangasinan
RMTU/PMMA (PSU)

Camiling, Camarines Sur

Tarlac TCA (Goa)

Sta Ignacia, Mayantoc, Mapalacsiao,

Tarlac Tarlac Tarlac City

Zambales Zambales Concepcion

Sapang PMPCI Sapang PMPCI Sapang

PMPCI

Pangasinan Concepcion Capas

Nueva Ecija Bulacan

San Jose,
Tarlac

Figure 3. Distribution of SP-CPM produced by FFS graduates in 2007-2008

utilized SP-CPM sourced out from TCA and Mayantoc growers. While the

intention is for SP-CPM production, a greater part of the income generated was

derived from the storage roots harvested. The price of sweetpotato storage roots

at P1,300/bag during the time of harvest was at its peak since the production

time is off-season. This is an example of a case where SP-CPM plays a dual

 33

Table 7. Cost and return analysis of Mr. Allan Bautista’s one hectare SP-CPM
multiplication farm in Mayantoc, Tarlac, 2007 and Mr. Rene Soriano’s
one hectare storage root farm in Concepcion, Tarlac utilizing SP-CPM

Particulars Allan Bautista Rene Soriano

I. Yield SP-CPM SP-CPM Utilization
Production Total Total (PhP)
(PhP)
 Stem cuttings 300,000 x
0.20/cutting:
PhP60,000.0
0
 Storage\roots: Good 160 bags x 95 x 1,200/bag=114,000
Medium P1,300/bag = 20 x 600/bag = 12,000
Small P208,000.00 7 x 200/bag = 1,400
Sub-Total P268,000.00 P127,400.00
II. Production Cost 63,020.00 40,200.00
Labor
 Land preparation 6,000.00 2 x 1,500=3,000
 Planting and Fertilizer 3,200.00 16 x 200=3,200
application
 Hilling up 1,200.00 2 x 300=600
 Harvesting
 Stem cuttings 15,000.00 2,000
 Storage roots 3,000.00 2,000.00
 Hauling cost 5,000.00 2 x 1,500=3,000
Material Inputs
 Stem cuttings 8,000.00 60 bundles x
P120/bundle=7,200
 Fertilizer 6,800.00 6 bags 14-14-14 @
1,700/bundle=10,200
Sub-total 14,400.00 28,200.00
III. Overhead Cost
 Land rent 10,000.00 10,000.00
 Interest on Capital 4,820.00 2,000.00
Sub-total 14,820.00 12,000.00
IV. Net Income 204,980.00 87,200.00
V. Return on Investment 325% 217%

role, that for stem cuttings and storage roots, hence the return on investment is

very high at 325%.

 34

On the other hand, the cost and return analysis of the one hectare farm of

Mr. Rene Soriano of Concepcion, Tarlac, a first time user of SP-CPM show that

the return of investment is high because of the significant increase in yield from

5.8 tons to 12.2 tons or 110% when SP-CPM was used. Hence, SP-CPM

production and utilization is indeed a promising, viable and profitable enterprise.

Training on Sweetpotato -based Food Processing

Eighty ATs and Home Economics teachers (Table 8) of DepEd Tarlac

participated in the TOT on Sweetpotato-based food processing. The module for

the three-days training includes both lecture and hands-on preparation of the

sweetpotato-based food products. Trained technicians assisted the project team

in the identification of participants and in the facilitation of the training proper.

Table 8. TOT conducted on sweetpotato-based food processing

Date Participants Number
March 14-16, Farm and Home Resource 24
2007 Management (FHRM) Program
coordinators
July 28 & Home Economics Teachers of 54
August 4, 2007 Tarlac Schools Division
August 24, Home Economics Teachers of City 12
2007 Schools Division of Tarlac
TOTAL 80

A total of seven (7) batches of trainees from seven (7) participating

municipalities consisting of 355 women were trained on sweetpotato-based food

processing in 2007 (Table 9). These women are members of established women

organizations such as RIC, 4H Club, or FYDP who are willing to be trained and

have the potential of turning sweetpotato processing as a livelihood project.

 35

On July 25, 2008, during the celebration of Nutrition month in Calasiao,

Pangasinan, another 53 women were trained upon a formal request from the

local executive through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer

(MSWDO). As of August, 2008 the training has been extended to 16 barangays

of the municipality attended by 560 women.

.
Table 9. Trainings conducted on sweetpotato-based food processing

Date Municipality No. of Spill Over

Participants No. of No. of
Trainings Participants
April 17-18, Ambalingit, 23 - -
2007 Mayantoc, Tarlac
April 19-20, Anao, Tarlac 24 2 50
2007
April 24-25, Balanti, Tarlac City 31 - -
2007
May 3-4, 2007 Gerona, Tarlac 24 - -
May 16-17, Bamban, Tarlac 40 - -
2007
May 24-25, Concepcion, Tarlac 23 6 150
2007
May 29-30, Ramos, Tarlac 32 - -
2007
June 26, 2007 La Maja Rica Hotel 50 - -
c/o ABS-CBN Bayan
Foundation
July 18-19, Victoria, Tarlac 45 - -
2007
Nov 14-15, ATI Region 3 63 - -
2007
July 25, 2008 Calasiao, 53 16 560
Pangasinan
TOTAL 408 24 790
.

The sweetpotato-based food items demonstrated during the trainings were

Polvoron, Tart, Brownies, Yummy Yema, Balls (Buchi-like) with sesame seeds,
 36

Jam, Beverage/Juice, Vinegar and wine. The products were introduced to school

children because these were found saleable in school canteens. Other products

were intended for the household. Also included in the training is the packaging of

Sweetpotato-based Food Products

food products.

Apart from the seven (7) municipalities targeted for this project, there were

also requests from other municipalities/groups for a similar training like the ABS-

CBN Bayan Foundation in line with the BridgeCom Program of Globe

TeleCommunication, the Agricultural Training Institute of Region 3, and the LGU

of Victoria, Tarlac.

Moreover, through the initiative of the FHRM coordinators, other groups of

women were likewise trained with funding from the LGU. In the case of

Concepcion, Tarlac, additional 6 sets of trainings were conducted to 6 groups of

women in 6 barangays of the municipality training a total of 150 women.

In Maruglo and Sta. Juliana in the municipality of Capas, Tarlac, the

training was extended by 3 TOT graduates to the indigenous groups of women

 37

(Aetas) in the area. There were five (5) batches of trainings conducted with 40

participants per batch. Seventy percent of the participants were Aetas. Through

these initiatives, the Aetas became aware of the many processed products from

sweetpotato besides the boiled, fried and camote cue.

Launching of Sweetpotato-based Food Products

The sweetpotato-based food products were formally launched during the

celebration of the Nutrition Month of TCA in 2007. Invited during the launching

were the graduates of the TOT on Sweetpotato Food Processing conducted in

TCA, representatives of women groups trained on Sweetpotato Food processing,

Home Economics teachers from seven (7) municipalities, and representatives of

the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Office of the Provincial Rural Health

Officer and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer. Snacks

served during the launching were all sweetpotato-based products.

The objective was to link the women groups with the intended market, the

school children, through the Home Economics teachers managing the school

canteens.

The sweetpotato-based food products were likewise launched during the

Sweetpotato Field Day conducted in Mayantoc, Tarlac.

Production, Promotion and Marketing of Sweetpotato-based Food Products

There is continuous production of sweetpotato-based food products in

TCA and by women groups because of the acceptance of the products by a wide

range of consumers. The Sweetpotato-based food products, apart from being

 38

promoted as health food for school children, are likewise being promoted as gift

and/or pasalubong items. With the fabrication of sweetpotato microflour mill in

TCA, sweetpotato flour is now made available to the trained groups of women

allowing them to produce Sweetpotato-based baked products.

The women group, Rural Improvement Club (RIC), in Ambalingit,

Mayantoc, Tarlac is now engaged in commercial processing of Sweetpotato balls,

Sweetpotato beverage and Sweetpotato wine. The group composed of 21

women started with a capital of P2,100.00 that came from the P100 contribution

of each member. The high demand for SP balls and beverage encouraged these

women to produce more, supplying the canteens of Mayantoc Central School,

offices, and the Mayantoc Academy. Using a pedicab, Sweetpotato butchi are

likewise sold to school children of Ambalingit Primary School.

Sweetpotato balls with sesame and SP juice were identified to be most

liked by children and adults in the community and these are now commercially

produced in the participating areas.

 39

With the assistance of the DepEd, trained teachers have integrated

information dissemination on the many benefits of sweetpotato to school

children. Some even involved parents of school children. The sweetpotato

products are highlighted in various exhibits and Agro-trade Fairs in different

municipalities like the 2007 celebration of the Nutrition month in Tarlac City; the

Sweetpotato Festival on March 4, 2007 in Moncada, Tarlac; the week-long

celebration of the 135th Founding Anniversary of Tarlac province which featured a

contest on sweetpotato products among groups of women in the province; and a

demonstration of sweetpotato food processing by the project team. The products

were likewise displayed during the celebration of Araw ng Kalayaan in the

provincial capitol.

Promotion of Sweetpotato as Health Food

Sweetpotato is being promoted as health food through the sale of

sweetpotato-based snack foods in school canteens, in offices, and in the market.

With the assistance of the DepEd, trained teachers have integrated information

dissemination on the many benefits of sweetpotato to school children. Some

even involved parents of school children.

During the 2007 celebration of the Nutrition month in Tarlac City, one of

the highlights of the affair was the demonstration by the trained women on

sweetpotato-based snack food processing particularly the sweetpotato balls with

 40

sesame seeds, sweetpotato polvoron and sweetpotato juice. Visitors and other

spectators during the celebration had a taste of the products.

On March 4, 2007 during the Sweetpotato Festival in Moncada, Tarlac, a

demonstration on sweetpotato Food Processing was conducted. Varied

sweetpotato food products were likewise displayed/sold by TCA and women

groups/LGU during Agro-Trade Fairs in different municipalities.

The week-long celebration of the 135th Founding Anniversary of Tarlac

province featured a contest on sweetpotato products among groups of women in

the province and a demonstration of sweetpotato food processing by the project

team.

Sweetpotato products were showcased during the celebration of Araw ng Kalayaan

at Tarlac provincial capitol by trained women groups.

Support to Women Groups on Sweetpotato Food Processing

Two women groups (RIC of Ambalingit, Mayantoc, Tarlac and Balanti,

Tarlac City) producing SP-based food products obtained grants for kitchen tools,

equipment and other supplies from DOLE.

In Mayantoc, Tarlac, the group received P5,000.00 worth of utensils from

the LGU. In January 23, 2008, financial grant amounting to PhP100,000.00 was

awarded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the purchase
 41

of equipments and kitchen tools. This group of women achieved this year’s

Gawad Saka Award of DA, Regional Level. In Tarlac City, 20 trained women

involved in sweetpotato processing were provided individually a grant of

P10,000.00 each.

This grant is exclusive of financial assistance awarded by the LGUs.

Efforts in linking the other groups to other financing institutions are also being

done.

Members of the RIC of Ambalingit, Mayantoc during the awarding of P 100,000 grant
from DOLE; the President and the FHMT of Mayantoc with the check.

Techno-Demo on Chipping for Feed and Flour

Using the chipping machine designed and fabricated by TCA, chipping

operations for feed and flour was demonstrated to 59 farmers in 3 barangays

(Balaoang, Rang-ayan and Aduas) in the municipality of Paniqui, Tarlac in

collaboration with the Municipal Agriculture Office. Lecture on processing of

sweetpotato for feed and flour and the importance of chipping including quality

control and use of finished products was likewise done. The economic benefits

of processing sweetpotato into flour were discussed. Samples of finished

products like the dried chips sold to the San Miguel Corporation, and sweetpotato
 42

flour were shown. The participants were also given samples of sweetpotato

polvoron for a taste of a sweetpotato flour-based snack food.

Techno-demo on chipping for feed and flour in Paniqui, Tarlac

 43

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

The project was undertaken to sustain the availability of good quality

sweetpotato planting materials in order to reduce the incidence of the virus

complex disease thereby increasing yield and income of the farmers and will

ultimately address the increasing demand for sweetpotato food and feed

industry.

Collaboration with the LGUs of different municipalities in the province

and some local agencies together with farmers and women groups were

established.

Capability development on Integrated Crop Management (ICM)

focused on clean planting material and storage root production were

undertaken through the FFS as a methodology to widely disseminate the

benefits of producing and utilizing SP-CPM to the stakeholders. The trained

ATs from the three sites co-facilitated the activity. Eighty three (83) farmers

and ATs completed the FFS and were given Certificates of Completion during

the Mass graduation conducted in November, 2007. The FFS as a

participatory learning methodology is effective in training farmers propagate

and utilize SP-CPM.

SPCPM production is a viable and profitable enterprise as it gives

farmers as much as 325% rate of return as evidenced by the sales reports of

farmers. Likewise, the utilization of SP-CPM for storage root production

 44

resulted in marked increase in yield and income of the farmers of Balutu,

Concepcion by as much as 217%.

Groups of women were likewise trained on processing ten sweetpotato

products. Three TOTs were conducted for FHMTs and THE teachers of

DepEd of Tarlac. Four hundred eight women were likewise trained in 11

municipalities of the province. The sweetpotato products were launched

during the 2007 Nutrition Month celebration. These were displayed and sold

in various trade fairs and are promoted as gift or pasalubong items. The

products are gaining wide acceptance from varied groups of consumers.

Conclusion

Involving the local government unit through training of selected agricultural

technologists could provide effective partners in monitoring farmers’ field

activities.

The concept of learning by doing is very applicable to farmers who are

willing to adopt new technologies resulted in the successful production and

commercialization of sweetpotato clean planting materials.

Strategy in promoting the utilization of the SP-CPM is to inform key

personnel of agencies involved and those targeted to be involved in the industry.

Conducting field days and FFS graduation program paved the opportunity to

invite heads of local government units, SMC, Land Bank and DepEd, resulting in

requests for trainings and technical assistance on SP-CPM production.

The economic viability of producing and utilizing SP-CPM relies on its

proper production and distribution. Requiring farmers to undergo training like the
 45

FFS on SP-CPM and monitoring their farm activities resulted in higher income of

the trained farmers and wider area of SP production.

Training of selected FHRM coordinators of the LGUs and women leaders

stirred the livelihood opportunity awareness as well as the health benefits from

sweetpotato. The Gawad-Saka Award received by the Ambalingit RIC proves that

the conducted TOT and training of women in food processing is very effective

and productive.

Product launching and exhibiting of SP food products contributed to the

increasing number of market linkages. Similarly, the continuous production of SP-

flour assured the stable business prospect of SP-baked products.

The unstable market price of sweetpotato hindered many farmers in

increasing their production area. Conducting demonstration on chipping and

drying in SP-producing communities provided sweetpotato farmers alternatives to

regulate the price and preserve the value of sweetpotato as it provides the

market assurance in the form of feeds and flour.

Stable business opportunity for SP-CPM and sweetpotato-based products

can be achieved through regular contacts of all stakeholders. This was initiated

through cross-visits and organization of FFS graduates into a Cooperative.

Implications

1. The project gained strong support in the promotion, production and

utilization of SPCPM from different stakeholders not only in the province of

Tarlac but also in nearby provinces.

 46

2. The SPCPM technology had increased the farmers’ level of productivity in

terms of yield and income because of the ease in its management thus

even women and children can work on it.

3. SPCPM technology is economically viable because it gives the farmers

high profit due to minimal cost being incurred. Likewise, the technology on

SP food processing had given the women groups an opportunity to earn

additional income due to low cost of production.

4. Idle lands were converted to the production of SP-CPM during the wet

season planting.

5. The flour production that was initiated had addressed the limited use of

fresh roots, thus increasing its market value and at the same time can

substitute the imported wheat flour

6. The promotion of sweetpotato as a health food for school children gained

wide acceptance among varied groups of consumers.

7. The attendance of supporters of this type of undertakings during field days

and mass graduation generated funding assistance, participation of

personnel of the LGUs and the private sector such as the SMC in

promoting use of SP-CPM.

Recommendations

1. Development of production and distribution protocols through the

concerted efforts of various stakeholders to provide quality control

measures and procedures. Once developed, the said protocols should be

institutionalized to assure sustainability of quality SP-CPM;

 47

2. Organize and capacitate sweetpotato farmers to bargain collectively and

engage in commercial and profitable endeavor;

3. Investment fora and other similar settings must be organized to provide

avenues for buyers and sellers to meet, address gaps and issues and

ensure a win-win approach of attaining a sustainable sweetpotato

livelihood;

4. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of production and utilization of SP-

CPM.

5. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of women organization engaged in

sweetpotato food processing.

6. Expansion of the technology on SP-CPM and SP food processing to other

municipalities of Tarlac and nearby provinces.

7. Monitoring of the shelf life of SP- flour and SP-based Food Products

8. Continuous promotion of sweetpotato as health food.

9. Come up with more sweetpotato-based food products

10. Production of IEC materials in support to training assistance extended

 48

LITERATURE CITED

Adion, I., C. Ingal, C. Aganon, T. Estrera, M. Nieves, J. Galindez, C. Aguilar, L.

Laranang, R. Mondala, and P. Tangonan. 1999. An analysis of the
sustainability of sweetpotato enterprise in the livelihood system in Central
Luzon. Terminal Report Los Baños Laguna: CIP-UPWARD. 74 p.

Basilio, C.S., R.M. Tablarin, F. L. Porciuncula and L.M. Dolores. 2004. Assessing
impacts of pathogen-tested sweetpotato planting materials in Central
Luzon, Philippines. CIP-UPWARD, TCA, CLSU, IPB-UPLB.

Dolores, L. M. et. al. 2005. Effectiveness and Benefits of Using Clean

Sweetpotato Planting Materials: A Technical Assessment in Central Luzon.
CIP-UPWARD Terminal Report.

Dolores, L.M., J.D.C. Rodriguez, and L.E. Sister. 2006. Quick Survey of
Sweetpotato ICM Practices in Tarlac Province, Central Luzon. CIP-
UPWARD, IPB-UPLB, TCA.

Dolores, L.M., I.M. Adion, R. Castro, and L.Sister.2006. Pilot Season-Long

Monitoring of Sweetpotato ICM: Bamban Agroecosystem, Wet Season
2006. CIP-UPWARD, IPB-UPLB, DA-CLIARC, OMA-Bamban, Tarlac

Laranang, L. and Navarro T. 2000 Production and utilization of Pathogen tested

sweetpotato planting materials. Terminal Report, Project funded by
PCARRD, DOST granted to Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA), 1998-
2001.

Laranang, L.B., J. DC. Rodriguez and R. U. Mondala. 2000. Establishment of

production and distribution system of pathogen-tested sweetpotato
planting materials. CIP-UPWARD, TCA .

Rodriguez, J. D.C., J.L. Galindez, F. Gonzales, C.S. Basilio, and J. Lacamento.

2002. Participatory Development of Technology Components for SP-ICM
in Central Luzon. CIP-UPWARD, TCA, CLSU, BSC.

Tablarin, R.M. et. al. 2005. Socio-Economic Contributions of Clean Sweetpotato

Planting Materials to Farmers’ Livelihood in Central Luzon CIP-UPWARD
Terminal Report.

Yoshimoto, M., 2001. New Trends of Processing and Use of Sweetpotato in

Japan. Farming Japan Vol 35-6 pp 22-28

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines

http://www.whfoods.org
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors express their profound gratitude to the following

persons/agencies that extended their assistance in making this project possible:

NEDA III through its KR2 Productivity Enhancement Program under the
leadership of Dir. Remigio A. Mercado for the financial grant
provided for the implementation of the project;

The Provincial Government Office of Tarlac headed by Gov. Victor A. Yap

for providing financial assistance to cover the cost of
accommodation, meals and snacks of the ATs from the LGUs who
attended the TOT on SP-CPM production and for extending moral
support and inspiration to farmers during the Mass Graduation;

The Office of the Provincial Agriculture of Tarlac

The local executives, ATs and MA/MAOs of the following LGUs for their
assistance in the project implementation;

Collaborating Agencies:

LGU of Tarlac Province, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist

LGU of Anao, Tarlac
LGU of Bamban, Tarlac
LGU of Camiling, Tarlac
LGU of Capas, Tarlac
LGU of Concepcion, Tarlac
LGU of Gerona, Tarlac
LGU of Mayantoc, Tarlac
LGU of Moncada, Tarlac
LGU of Paniqui, Tarlac
LGU of Pura, Tarlac
LGU of Ramos, Tarlac
LGU of Tarlac City, Tarlac
LGU of San Jose, Tarlac
LGU of Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac
LGU of Victoria, Tarlac
Department of Education, Division of Tarlac
Department of Education, Tarlac City Schools Division
Agricultural Training Institute, Region 3
Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Tarlac
Municipal Agricultural Officer, Province of Tarlac
Agricultural Technologists, Province of Tarlac
Women Organizations and Youth
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APPENDICES
 51

Appendix Table 1. Activities for the TOT on FFS for Sweetpotato Integrated Crop
Management (ICM) Focused on Clean Planting Material
Production
DAY TIME FFS ACTIVITIES/SPECIAL TOPIC Facilitator
1 7:30-8:00 Registration of Participants
8:00-9:30 Opening Program
9:30-9:45 Coffee Break
9:45-10:15 Pre-test
Filling-up of questionnaire on participants’ profile
10:15-10:45 Principles and concepts of participatory learning
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:45 Strategies for designing participatory activities
2:45-3:00 BREAK
3:00-5:00 Introduction to FFS
2 8:00-9:45 FFS Planning and Preparation
9:45-10:00 BREAK
10:00-11:45 Curriculum Development and FFS Implementation
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:45 FFS Coordination and Management
2:45-3:00 BREAK
3:00-5:00 Skills in Training Facilitation
3 8:00-9:45 Agro-ecosystem Analysis (AESA)
9:45-10:00 BREAK
10:00-11:45 Critical stages of sweetpotato plant growth /
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:45 Selection of sweetpotato varieties
2:45-3:00 BREAK
3:00-5:00 Selection of good quality planting materials
4 8:00-9:45 Setting up experiments
9:45-10:00 BREAK
10:00-11:45 Field Observation, Data Collection and Analysis
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:45 The Virus Complex Disease and Its Management
2:45-3:00 BREAK
3:00-5:00 SP-CPM Production System
5 8:00-9:45 Importance and Ideal Structure of a Nethouse
9:45-10:00 BREAK
10:00-11:45 Building a Nethouse
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:45 Preparation of Growing Media
2:45-3:00 BREAK
3:00-5:00 Rapid Multiplication Technique
6 8:00-9:45 Nutrient and Water Management of Mother
Plants/Single Nodes in Nethouses
9:46-10:00 BREAK
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10:01-11:45 Handling, Transport and Outplanting of PT Plants

DAY TIME FFS ACTIVITIES/SPECIAL TOPIC Facilitator
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:45 Good Soil for Sweetpotato
2:46-3:00 BREAK
3:01-5:00 Land preparation and Planting in Multiplication and
Production Farms
7 8:00-9:45 Soil Fertility Management in Multiplication and
Production Farms
9:46-10:00 BREAK
10:01-11:45 Pest Management in Multiplication and Production
Farms (Diseases)
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:45 Pest Management in Multiplication and Production
Farms (Insect Pests)
2:46-3:00 BREAK
3:01-5:00 Pest Management in Multiplication and Production
Farms (Weeds and other pests)
8 8:00-9:45 Harvesting and Yield Estimation
9:46-10:00 BREAK
10:01-11:45 Post-Harvest Handling and Storage
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-2:45 Sweetpotato Utilization/Product Development
2:46-3:00 BREAK
3:01-5:00 Marketing of Sweetpotato
9 8:00-9:45 Farm Record Keeping
9:46-10:00 BREAK
10:01-11:45 Planning for FFS Monitoring and Evaluation
LUNCH BREAK
1:00-5:00 Action Plan
10 8:00-9:45 Presentation of Action Plan
9:46-10:00 BREAK
10:01-11:45 Post Test
LUNCH BREAK
PM GRADUATION
HOME SWEET HOME
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Appendix Table 2. Curriculum for the FFS

Session ACTIVITIES/TOPIC
1 Orientation Meeting with participants, facilitators and partners from the
LGU.
2 Pre-test; Filling up of profile by participants.
Leveling of expectations.
3 Setting up of learning nethouse.
Planting of mother plants.
Importance and Ideal Structure of a Nethouse (ST)
4 Observe growth of mother plants; Collect data on
number of nodes and length of vine (AESA).
The Virus Complex Disease and its Management (ST)
The SP-CPM Production System (ST)
5 AESA (ST)
Rapid Multiplication Technique (RMT) (ST)
Observe growth of mother plants; Collect data on number of nodes
and length of vine (AESA)
6 AESA; Experimentation (ST)
7 AESA; Set up experiment
Field Observation, Data Collection and Analysis (ST)
8 AESA, Data Collection
Set up experiment
Farm Record Keeping (ST)
9 AESA, Data Collection
Good Soil for Sweetpotato (ST and Group Exercise)
Land Preparation (ST and Actual)
10 AESA, Data Collection
Planting and Fertilizer Application in Multiplication Farm
Selection of Good Quality Planting Materials, Handling and Transport
(ST)
11 AESA, Data Collection
Set up experiment
Critical Stages of Sweetpotato Plant
Pest Management: Weeds
12 Cross Visit/Field Trip to TCA SP-CPM Production Area
Selection of Sweetpotato Varieties
Pest Management: Diseases and Insect Pests
13 AESA, Data Collection
Social Technology
14 AESA, Data Collection; Marketing
15 Presentation of Experiments
Enterprise Development
16 Field Day
17 Post Test
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Appendix Table 3. Increase in knowledge of participants in the TOT

Participant Score
Pre- % Post- % Differenc % Change
Test Test e (%)
1 5 33.0 8 53.0 3 20 60
2 3 20.0 9 60.0 6 40 200
3 4 26.6 10 66.6 6 40 150
4 6 40.0 11 73.3 5 33 83
5 3 20.0 11 73.3 8 53 267
6 6 40.0 13 86.6 7 47 117
7 2 13.3 10 66.6 8 53 400
8 1 6.6 12 80.0 11 73 1100
9 5 33.3 7 46.6 2 13 40
10 4 26.6 7 46.6 3 20 75
11 5 46.6 7 46.6 2 13 40
12 6 40.0 9 60.0 3 20 50
13 3 20.0 7 46.6 4 27 133
14 3 20.0 10 66.6 7 47 233
15 3 20.0 8 53.3 5 33 167
16 2 13.3 8 53.3 6 40 300
17 4 26.6 7 46.6 3 20 75
18 4 26.6 6 40.0 2 13 50
19 1 6.6 6 40.0 5 33 500

Average 212.6

Lowest = 40
Highest = 1,100
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Appendix Table 4. Area planted by sixteen of the 29 farmers who participated in

the FFS conducted in San Sotero, Tarlac

Name of Farmer Area Planted

1. Noel Mangrobang .25
2. Jose Domingo .25
3. Sominet Laolon .50
4. Loreto Regis .50
5. Isaias Melecotones .60
6. Leonora Lamorina 1.0
7. SSMPC .25
8. Robert Balabis .50
9. Erlenda Alcantara .25
10. Feliciano Mangino .60
11. Rufino del Castro .25
12. Edgardo Halili .25
13. Arsenio Palomo .40
14. Remegio Capian .30
15. Eileen Tinedor .50
16. Melanio Doria 1.0
TOTAL 6.4 ha

Appendix Table 4. Area planted by eight of the 28 farmers who participated in

the FFS conducted in Ambalingit, Mayantoc, Tarlac

Name of Farmer Area Planted

1. Eduardo Ventura 1.75
2. Dominador Corpuz 1.00
3. Allan Bautista 1.25
4. Elpidio Julian 0.50
5. Canoto Cobangbang 0.75
6. Venancio Laguines 0.50
7. Rey Marcos 1.20
8. Fidel Arenzana 2.00
TOTAL 8.0 ha
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PROMOTING THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF SWEETPOTATO CLEAN

PLANTING MATERIALS (SP-CPM): SUPPORT TO THE FOOD AND FEED
INDUSTRY

SIGNIFICANCE OF FINDINGS

1. Social acceptability

The technologies extended such as SP-CPM production and

utilization, processing/utilization of sweetpotato products and by-products

provided opportunities to the various sectors, even to the poorest of the

poor in terms of employment, livelihood or alternative source of income,

and establish a link with target markets and have access to support

services from pre-production, production, marketing up to utilization.

The introduction of sweetpotato food products to school children,

the promotion of sweetpotato as health food and its improved packaging

have improved or elevated the status of sweetpotato from food for the

poor to a food for all types of people since the products gained wide

acceptance from varied groups of consumers as favorite snack food or

dessert to pasalubong and gift item.

The trainings conducted on women had multiplier effects. This has

resulted in requests from other LGUs and groups of women including the

DA-ATI 3 that is now requesting for trainings in other provinces of Central

Luzon. The LGU of Calasiao from nearby province of Pangasinan that

was trained in July, 2008 has immediately effected the training of more

women in 16 barangays (as of this writing) totaling to 560.

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More and more big time farmers are engaged in sweetpotato

production, from SP-CPM production to utilization, with the San Miguel

Corporation promoting use of SP-CPM to their assemblers. The project

has trained a staff of Congressman Antonio Cireles of Zamboanga del Sur

on micropropagation of SP-CPM in their bid to utilize large portion of the

farm in the province for sweetpotato production. The Board member of

Camarines Sur who is currently the chair of the Committee on Agriculture

of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan introduced the propagation and use of

SP-CPM in the area by propagating 2,500 mother plants for his 10

hectares farm. The Leungs of Tanay, Rizal who have hundreds of

hectares for sweetpotato and other sources of fuel have started planting

10 hectares as multiplier farm.

SUCs such as the PMMA, RMTU, BASC, PSU have likewise

started getting SP-CPM from TCA and producing, utilizing and promoting it

in their areas of jurisdiction. The requests for clean up of varieties

specifically grown in Zambales is indicative of acceptance of the

technology. Likewise, there is an on-going FFS in Mayantoc, Tarlac as an

off-shoot of requests from farmers after the conduct of the first training in

the municipality last year. The said FFS is being run by two (2) graduates

of the TOT with technical assistance from the project team and funding

from the LGU.

While it is in its initial stage, the request of CIP from project

management to assist Solomon Islands on their virus problem by

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employing a similar strategy on use of CPM is also an indication of the

technical and social feasibility of the technology.

End users are the disguised, unpaid labor and reserve labor, farm

workers, housewives, displaced workers, out of school youth (OSY), the

rural poor

2. Technical Feasibility

 In the conduct of capacity development components such as the TOT,

and the FFS for sweetpotato integrated crop management that is

focused on SP-CPM production, the farmer and AT participants have

increased their knowledge by an average of 212% for the TOT, and

an average of 67, 20.4 and 73% in Mapalacsiao, Tarlac City and Sta.

Ignacia, Tarlac, respectively.

 The use of SP-CPM increased the productivity level of farmers from

5.8 tons/ha to 12.2 tons per ha or a 110% increase in areas where

farmers are first time users due to significant reduction of incidence of

the disease

 The technology on RMT is simple and manageable even by women

and children.

 The cost of nethouses was made affordable by modifying the design to

a mosquito net type.

 It does not require much capital to start a business for both SP-CPM

and snack foods

 Can be applied in various locations

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 Commercialization efforts increased income of farmers by as much as

325% since producing SP-CPM plays a dual role, that for stem cuttings

and storage roots; idle resources such as land are tapped resulting in

increase in land area utilized for sweetpotato production; satisfy

industrial demand; promote or maximize local resources; employed

hundreds of people for planting and harvesting alone.

 Using the sweetpotato rejects (the big ones locally known as “karag”

and those infected by gapang for the production of flour; and to some

extent chipping the weevil infested roots for animal feeds) provide

plenty of options for farmers to adopt. Sweet potato flour as a

substitute for the imported wheat flour and producing sweetpotato

chips for the production of animal feed as substitute of the imported

corn would help in a way stabilize Philippine economy.

 Simple and manageable cultivation practices; easy to follow; can be

accomplished even by children and women

 Planting can be schedules in time or off-season where price is high

 Technology does not require much effort

3. Financial/economic viability

Measures to assess financial/economic soundness

 Productivity level in terms of

 60

 Yield/ha; increase from 5.8 tons/ha using traditional

planting material to 12.2 tons/ha using SP-CPM or an

Increase of 110% for first time users;

 Net income/ ROI/ha ranges from 325% for the dual role in

producing SP-CPM, and an ROI of 217% for utilizing CPM.

 Women processed SP food products because they

generate an income from a little capital making SP

processing acceptable to women with less capital to start a

business.

 Sapang PMPCI for the past four (4) years have been

contracted by SMC to produce dried chips for animal feeds

but through the years have failed to meet the demand due

to a very good price offered in the fresh market.

 Requirement for flour by women is also increasing but the

high cost due to drying, women prefer to produce their flour

requirement

 Low input high profit or economically viable

 Sp rejects are utilized

 Additional income for the different stakeholders

 Created livelihood for women

 The many uses of SP such as dried chips for animal feeds have

helped stabilize the price of SP

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4. Environmental soundness

 Tap idle areas and maximize its use on SP-CPM production

 The use of organic fertilizer in SP-CPM propagation inside nethouses

is promoted

 Nethouses can be put up or installed in the backyard or home garden

and managed by members of the household

 The technology ensures the production of CPM that contributes to the

conservation of varieties from attack of viruses

 Promote organic health food products

5. Political acceptability

 The LGUs and other stakeholders of sweetpotato in the province

are listed with their role, participation and its effect (spill over)

 Tarlac is known as commercial sweetpotato producer in the country

and that political leaders in the whole province are helping promote

or provide support to its production up to its utilization to ensure a

sustainable sweetpotato enterprise/livelihood apart from ensuring a

productive and empowered populace;

 The Provincial Government Office allotted P64,000.00 for meals

and snacks of participants and training management during the

conduct of the TOT, and the grant of 1 carabao (draft animal) for

each group of participants in support to their farming operation;

 62

 The participatory approach employed in capability building provided

every stakeholders equal opportunity to promote their ranks. For

example in the case of FFS farmers of Mayantoc and Camiling,

Tarlac, they have organized themselves into a cooperative so as to

improve their bargaining powers and transact business with

industries while they have greater chances to have access to

support services of various sectors. These are indications that

through the FFS they are empowered,

 The local executive of Mayantoc participated in the production and

utilization of CPM so as to encourage more farmers to venture into

the technology. The LGU provide a grant amounting to P5,000.00

for the purchase of kitchen utensils in support of women who

started utilizing the sweetpotato produce from the area. Because,

the products gained wide acceptance from various groups of

consumers, the women group with the assistance of the project and

the FHRM coordinator and other technicians from the LGU after 10

months of operation received a P100,000.00 grant from DOLE for

the processing of sweetpotato balls with sesame seeds, SP

beverage and SP wine. Other groups received the same

assistance such as the women of Balanti, Tarlac City. Assistance

provided by other LGUs was the conduct of more training by the

LGU.