Courtesy call with the BISU-Bilar Campus Director Dr. Marietta M. Macalolot, SciCAT Phase I and Phase II project leaders Mr. Jorge Cabelin and Ms. Jenifer Marie Gasatan, and SciCAT farm owner Mr. Jose Travero
The Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation (RBME) team from the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) conducted a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) field visit for the completed PCAARRD-funded project titled “Project 8. Establishment of Science for the Convergence of Agriculture and Tourism (SciCAT) Farm in Sitio Lagiwliw, Zamora, Bilar, Bohol – Batch 2” last May 4, 2023, in Bilar, Bohol.
The SciCAT project was implemented by the Bilar Campus of Bohol Island State University (BISU) from October 2019 to September 2021 under the leadership of Mr. Jorge P. Cabelin.
The field visit was part of the ongoing PCAARRD-implemented project titled, “Enhancement of the Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation System for PCAARRD-Supported Programs and Projects,” which aims to enhance the RBME system for PCAARRD-funded/supported programs and projects. It aims to identify the actual outputs, outcomes, and impacts that transpired through the project’s intervention as well as the status of the rehabilitation of the SciCAT farm after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.
OPWG Training Hall damaged by Typhoon Odette (Image credit: Kristine Banalo)
The RBME team, led by Ms. Genny G. Bandoles, had a courtesy visit to the Campus Director, Dr. Marietta M. Macalolot. Ms. Bandoles introduced the RBME project and the purpose of the field visit to the SciCAT project team, BISU-Bilar campus officials, and the SciCAT farm owner.
Mr. Jose T. Travero, farm owner of the Oikos Peace and Wellness Garden (OPWG), was interviewed by Ms. Bandoles and Ms. Kristine S. Banalo about his experience and thoughts as a farmer-cooperator in the SciCAT project.
The project enabled Mr. Travero to expand and improve the services offered by the farm. Several structures and facilities were constructed as part of the project, including freshwater fishpond, pergola, entry signage, cottages/homestay, riprap at the riverfront, and vegetable and herb garden.
The farm owner looks forward to the enhanced rehabilitation of the farm and establishment of more partnerships as the farm was damaged during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.