CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar — The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted a two-day monitoring and evaluation of Samar State University’s Inclusive Science for Livelihood in Agri-Aqua (ISLA) in Small Islands: Livelihood Empowerment through Sustainable Climate-Resilient Agri-Aqua and Natural Resources Enhancement (ISLA-LEtS CARE) Program on March 25–26, 2026.
Led by Dr. Engelbert Lalican and Mr. Alexander John Borja of the Technology Transfer and Promotion Division, the evaluation aimed to track the progress of science-based interventions designed to uplift small island communities through sustainable livelihood and resource management.
“In our pursuit of genuine community transformation, we turn enthusiasm into passion and vision into actions,” Dr. Palencia stated, duly represented by Engr. Ma. Lourdes P. Amante, VP for Student Affairs and Services.
Dr. Felisa E. Gomba, VP for Research and Extension Services, who supported the message, noted the importance of institutional support for the program’s four component projects.
The first day of the evaluation centered on the presentation of semi-annual accomplishments and challenges encountered by the respective project leaders. Dr. Evelyn Tablante of the Samar Provincial Science and Technology Office presented for Project 1 (KATHA); Ms. Coleen Tibar for Project 2 (BUHAY); Dr. Marife Mustacisa-Lacaba for Project 3 (AGHAM); and Dr. Jose Marlon Refuncion for Project 4 (YAMAN). Following the presentations, the monitoring team highlighted the “ways forward,” providing valuable insights and suggestions for catch-up activities to refine the program’s implementation.
The second day shifted to a site visit in the municipality of Daram, where the team inspected key deliverables including the “three sisters” (corn, beans, and squash) demo farm and the Science and Technology Community-Based Farm (STCBF) for sweet potatoes in Brgy. Marupangdan. The visit concluded in Brgy. Astorga with an inspection of the long-line mussel farm and processing center. The activity saw active participation from the Samar PSTO and partner agencies, including LGU Daram Mayor Hon. Lucia Astorga and team, DTI-Samar, the Provincial Agriculture Office, PENRO, and BFAR, reinforcing a unified approach to island enterprise development under the SSU Center for Lifelong Learning.
Program Leader Dr. Marife Mustacisa-Lacaba highlighted the strategic necessity of the M&E process in bridging local efforts with national and global standards. She noted that the evaluation is “crucial to ensure that every project component remains strictly aligned with the organizational objectives of both DOST and SSU.” She further stressed that this alignment is a vital step toward the realization of Ambisyon Natin 2040, ensuring that grassroots interventions in Samar are firmly anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for poverty reduction and life on land and below water.