Mushroom for profit: a livelihood assistance project for the youth in Pangasinan [Philippines]

The R and D [research and development] project generally aimed to create/open innovative alternative livelihood assistance for the agriculture graduates of Pangasinan. Specifically, the project aims to: develop and strengthen manpower capabilities of 300 unemployed graduates on mushroom low cost technology, efficient and economically productive industry utilizing indigenous or agro-industrial/forest wastes, develop strong partnership among 10 local government units (LGU), 5 people's organizations, non-governmental organizations and 2 state colleges and universities and private higher education institutions in promoting mushroom production technology and assist 300 beneficiaries. The choice of the LGUs and other offices was based on the premise that majority of PSU graduates originated from these municipalities, identified as impoverished municipalities (KALAHI sites) and the manifestation of political support from the local executives. Consultation and planning with the potential partners and stakeholders as well as formulation of implementing rules and regulations was undertaken to identify perceived problems and solutions on the issues related to mushroom production. Training of screened beneficiaries on mushroom package of technologies and management were conducted in the Mushroom Research and Development Center, Sta. Maria, Pangasinan and the rest were in the stakeholders' places. IECM were distributed to the beneficiaries. Equipments, supplies and materials were purchased to enhance the capability of the proponents and beneficiaries to sustain the production of mushroom and delivery of services. Design of ideal mushroom fruiting house was given to the potential mushroom growers. The need for a directory of the identified beneficiaries were documented which was necessary for planning and decision-making purposes of the management. M and E thru on-site/field monitoring and evaluation of the beneficiaries' project were conducted to validate the accomplishments written on the report.