Lessons for the road: the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose Livelihood Movement, Inc. experience in managing the integrated pest management (IPB) program in Occidental Mindoro [Philippines]

The Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose Livelihood Movement, Inc. or LM is a church-based intermediary non-governmental organization (NGO) picked by the National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC) to lead the implementation of the IPM program in Occidental Mindoro. This case study aimed to find out the experiences of the NGO in managing such government program particularly how it worked with other government organizations. Specifically, this aimed to describe the strategies employed and the problems encountered in managing the project and determine the impact of IPM program in the farming communities. This was a response to the felt need of its farmer beneficiaries who had difficulty in paying back production loans due to poor harvest. To effectively implement the project, LM forged partnership with other organizations, targeted farmers' organizations and cooperatives, conducted continuing education and training for IPM workers, collaborated with educational institutions, utilized multi-media to promote IPM, and established linkage mechanisms with partner agencies. The problems encountered were weak local government support, delayed release of LGU funds, poor work ethics of LGU [local government units]staff, and lack of sincerity of other partners. Lack of transparency and managerial leadership crisis within the lead agency had also resulted in the disintegration of people directly involved in the project. Initial performance evaluation conducted by the lead agency a year after the implementation revealed an almost 100% decrease in pesticide use among farmers, 20% reduction of production cost, and an increase of net income by at least PhP3000 per hectare. In 2009, an impact study result showed that those farmers still had high knowledge about and positive attitude towards ecologically sound farming practices but the practice of technologies relative to IPM was very low. The study revealed that the main root of the problem was attitudinal in nature especially among the field personnel. Participatory management style must be enforced where everyone is involved in planning, implementing, and evaluating of the project. There is also a need for transparency especially in terms of money and sharing of risks benefits among partners.