CorCAARRD Knowledge Repository
Welcome to the CorCAARRD Institutional Repository
The Consortium of the Cordillera Administrative Region Research and Development (CorCAARRD) Repository is a digital platform developed and maintained by CorCAARRD head quarters located at Benguet State University to archive, preserve, and disseminate scholarly, scientific, and technical outputs generated through the collaborative efforts of CorCAARRD member institutions and partners.
This repository supports open access to knowledge, focusing primarily on agriculture, natural resources, and development research relevant to the Cordillera region and beyond. Here, you can explore a wide array of resources, including project reports, policy briefs, journal articles, extension materials, conference proceedings, theses, and more.
Aligned with the mission of DOST-PCAARRD and BSU’s vision as a premier university for science and technology in agriculture, the CorCAARRD Repository provides a central hub for knowledge sharing, transparency, and innovation.
Start exploring today, and be part of building a smarter and research-driven future.
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- Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development (CorCAARRD) Banner of Programs
- Cordillera Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research and Development (CorCAARRD) Regional Focus Commodities
Recent Submissions
Weaving Culture and Technology: Digitalizing Cooperative Accounting Information Systems in an Indigenous Community
(2025-10-30) Rachel F. Posot
Project TBBECCO is an innovative, culture-sensitive extension initiative of the Accountancy Department of Mountain Province State University (MPSU) that introduced a simplified Excel-Based Accounting Information System (AIS) designed for small, farmer-led cooperatives. The project specifically addressed the operational, technological, and governance gaps of the Tomangew Bayyo Basic Ecclesial Credit Cooperative (TBBECCO) - a newly established indigenous cooperative in Bayyo, Bontoc—whose members are predominantly farmers with limited formal education and financial literacy. Grounded in the values of ug-ugfo (collective work), tengaw (respectful rest), and inayan (moral accountability), the project exemplified how indigenous culture can serve as a
foundation for technological innovation and inclusive development. The initiative combined evidence-based intervention, participatory training, and culturally grounded implementation to strengthen TBBECCO’s financial management, governance, and compliance with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Through hands-on, simulation-based capacity building, members learned to record transactions, generate financial reports, and manage cooperative operations digitally using the farmer-friendly AIS. Partnerships with ASCCO, and the Provincial Cooperative Office (PCO) played a pivotal role - providing mentorship, equipment, and technical assistance that ensured smooth implementation, reduced costs,
and institutionalized sustainability mechanisms. The project yielded transformative impacts: (1) socially, it fostered collective learning and strengthened accountability rooted in indigenous values; (2) technologically, it digitalized recordkeeping and introduced reliable, easy-to-use financial reporting tools; (3) economically, it improved efficiency and prevented losses from tax penalties through compliance; and (4) politically, it enabled TBBECCO to secure its Certificate of Compliance and Tax Exemption - a milestone of legitimacy and sustainability. The cooperative’s renewed partnership agreements and high client satisfaction further affirmed the system’s usability and long-term value. Ultimately, Project TBBECCO demonstrates how research-driven, culturally grounded, and technologically adaptive extension work can transform grassroots cooperatives into transparent, compliant, and self-sustaining institutions. By aligning local empowerment with national and global development goals—including SDGs 1, 8, and 16—the project stands as a replicable model for strengthening indigenous cooperatives
through participatory digital transformation and values-based governance.
ATBI Networking and Capacity Building Phase 2
(2025-10-30) Ruth C. Diego; Ana B. Mendoza; Raymundo H. Pawid; Frevy T. Orencia
The ATBI Networking and Capacity Building Phase 2 Project, aimed to foster growth
of 22 Agri-Aqua Technology Business Incubators (ATBIs) under the DOST-PCAARRD
National ATBI Program, was implemented by Benguet State University from July 1,
2021 to June 30, 2024.
With a general objective to encourage and support 22 ATBIs in their efforts to generate
jobs, income, and socio-economic development, the specific objectives included
developing/strengthening ATBIs through training and mentoring, establishing the ATBI
curriculum, reinforcing the national ATBI network, and assessing the socio-economic
impact of ATBIs.
The project successfully accomplished its expected outputs, as evaluated using the
"6Ps and 2Is" framework. Policy, however, was not included as expected output. Key
achievements included developing six training modules and a coffee table book on
ATBIs, filing 10 copyrights for various print materials, conducting the ATBI Masterclass
for ATBI project teams, two trainings for ATBI graduates and two for DOST Regional
Offices, a National ATBI Conference and four webinars. Memorandums of Agreement
(MOAs) were forged with 20 ATBIs and three other organizations, and Memorandums
of Understanding (MOU) with three Thai universities. While metrics for social and
economic impact were identified, the analysis and writing of impact study was still
ongoing.
Despite its successes in improving the National ATBI Program, challenges were met
i.e. activities delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic, difficulty in conducting reviews and
mentoring due to varying developmental stages of ATBIs and their incubatees, and
time-consuming MOA approval process. Issues were addressed using virtual platform
and collaborating with other projects and partners.
Saving the Banamba (Philippine Eagle- Pithecophaga jefferyi) Through Sustainable Biodiversity Conservation Technologies and Innovations in Apayao
(2025-10-30) David A. Rodolfo; Olivia C. Tomas; Maria Christina Z. Manicad; Hannie T. Martin; Ryan W. Gabit; Nathaniel Llamelo; Rodel A. Tapuro
The project aims to address the critical endangerment of the Philippine Eagle, one of the largest and rarest birds of prey, by implementing sustainable biodiversity conservation technologies and innovations. Through a multi-faceted approach, the project seeks to preserve the Philippine Eagle’s habitat, mitigate threats to its survival, and engage local communities in conservation efforts.
Approaches include forging partnerships with government agencies, and local communities to leverage resources and expertise for comprehensive conservation efforts. Promotion of viable biodiversity conservation technologies and upland productivity enhancement innovations were implemented to assure habitat conservation and livelihood
opportunities for the upland communities.
With a budget of 2 million pesos allocated towards research, technology acquisition, community engagement activities, capacity building, establishment of technology demonstration areas, and monitoring and evaluation. By combining innovative technologies with community engagement and sound conservation practices, the project will ensure the long-term survival of the Philippine Eagle while promoting sustainable
biodiversity conservation and showcasing upland development opportunities in Apayao.
Mechanization of Yellow Corn Production in CAR: Status, Challenges, and Prospects
(2025-10-30) Reina A. Cardona; Jovinia S. Lucas; Mary Ann B. Felix; Cindy Gayle M. Mallare
Yellow corn is a key feed component supporting the Philippines’ livestock and poultry sectors. Despite yield improvements over the past decades, national self-sufficiency remains at 57%. To address this, the Department of Agriculture targets a yield of 4.15 metric tons per hectare by 2028, emphasizing mechanization as a key strategy. This study assessed the suitability and adoption of mechanization among yellow corn farmers in the Cordillera Administrative Region, where sloping terrains limit machinery use. A total of 297 farmers and 20 stakeholders were interviewed. Results showed that most producers were smallholders cultivating an average of 1.89 hectares under rainfed conditions. Only 31% of farms were located on flat lands, while 65% operated on sloping or steep areas. Ownership of machinery was minimal, though utilization exceeded ownership due to rental and service arrangements. On average, only 24% of farm operations in the region used motorized equipment. Generally, farmers using machinery reported reduced man-day requirements and higher yields but faced higher costs. Full mechanization in the farm operations, land preparation, planting, harvesting and shelling, and drying could increase yield by 36%, reduce man-days by 64%, but raise costs by 57%. Financial, accessibility, and technical constraints were the major barriers to adoption of agricultural machinery. Hence, regional mechanization efforts should prioritize small-scale, terrain-suited, and adaptive technologies, alongside shared off-farm facilities such as mechanical dryers, to improve accessibility and farmer adoption.
Ethnobotany and cultural significance of wild tea plants in Mountain Province, Philippines
(2025-10-30) Lichelyn M. Nasungan*
This study uniquely focuses on assessing the diversity and documenting the ethnobotanical knowledge of wild tea plants in Mountain Province, a distinct category of culturally important flora often overlooked in regional research. A Rapid Ethnobotanical Appraisal employed semi-structured interviews with 220 key informants. The Cultural Importance (CI) index was calculated for each species using frequency counts. The study successfully identified eighteen (18) distinct wild tea plant species, representing 13 taxonomic families. A thorough analysis of their conservation status using the IUCN Red List revealed a diverse profile: twelve (12) species are categorized as Least Concern, three (3) are classified as Vulnerable, and three (3) are Not Assessed. The documented uses of these plants are remarkably varied, including human food, medicine, food processing, condiments, and domestic applications. They are typically prepared by decoction or steeping from various plant parts. Notably, Cinnamomum mercadoi S. Vidal ranked first with the highest CI index (0.57), underscoring its exceptional cultural significance and widespread use within the communities. The findings of this research offer a critical baseline for crafting effective conservation policies and promoting the preservation of wild tea habitats through the active involvement of indigenous communities. The documented knowledge can be integrated into regional development strategies to support sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, this study strongly encourages future scientific validation of the potential medical uses of these plants, particularly those with a high cultural importance index and those identified as vulnerable, to ensure their sustainable use and conservation.