BEST DOLE LIVELIHOOD PROJECT

Mushroom Production, Cultivation and Processing

By: YTabuk Agri-growers Association

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ASSOCIATION:

YTABUK AGRI-GROWERS ASSOCIATION is a newly organized farmers’ association headed

by Alma Mae Bangelan – Cortez. It is located at Purok 10 Laya West, Tabuk, Kalinga.
The association is composed of 51 member engaged in purely farming activities.

Established and organized in September 30, 2019, YTAGA became a paragon of goodwill to
fellow Ykalingas who were mostly below the poverty line. It is registered under The Department
of Labor and Employment, accredited as People’s Organization by the City of Tabuk Local
Government Unit accredited as Farmer’s association by the Department of Agriculture -
Cordillera Administrative Region.

The association’s capacity to lead and grow was then challenged by the PADEMIC-Covid 19.
On March 15, 2021 the President of the Philippines declared Enhance Community Quarantine all
over the country.
Many lose their jobs and HOPE aswell as the pandemic never ended. Spearheaded by the
President of the association Ms. Alma Mae Bangelan – Cortez assisted by the 25 members who
were all alumni of Clemencia farm under Agricultural Crop production NC II initiated to conduct
trainings on Mushroom Production and Processing to different barangay, municipalities and
association for the purpose of having food on every farmers’ table by using the Flexible Learning
Delivery System.
On September 2020, the Department of Labor and Employment through the Barangay LGU
released the fund for the purchase of Supplies and Equipment for Mushroom Production and
Processing. On November 2020, supplies and equipment were delivered to the association.
On December 2020, supplies and equipment were distributed to members actively engage on
Mushroom Production.

Furthermore, YTABUK AGRI-GROWERS ASSOCIATION flagship product is Oyster

Mushroom. Hence, it grows and sources only the best locally grown Organic Mushrooms. By
partnering with the most quality oriented organic mushroom farms and providing technical
support to these farms, the organization satisfies the stringent quality requirements of restaurants,
gourmet, food stores and discerning consumers. But that’s not all, because the organization is
also R&D driven, ever producing value-added artisanal mushroom products that challenge your
palate while keeping you healthy. It also perpetually explores new avenues that push the
boundaries of mushroom consumption.

YTAGA has been collaborating with various enterprises such as LAB Mushroom House,
Mansaja-aw Farm, Honorio Clamencia’s Integrated Farm, Office of the City Agricultural
Services, Department of Agriculture-CAR, Agro-Foods, Department of Trade and Industries,
TESDA and Private Mushroom Farms for the purpose of promoting the Philippine mushroom
industry, and now they are working to make it globally competitive.

ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT:

The organization is composed of rural workers, 80% of which belong beyond the base of the
pyramid. Nevertheless, these seasonal farm workers, underemployed homebased workers in the
community are identified to have the capability to engage in entrepreneurial undertaking and
cooperative endeavor.
The organization’s Vision states, “To promote Agri-Business by encouraging institutional and
private sector investments and linkages to ensure the empowerment of all farmers.
The organization’s Mission states that YTabuk Agri-growers Association is determined to link
small farmers to technology as well as to the markets in association with private, corporate or
cooperative sector and if necessary, by providing backward and forward linkages.
The CORE VALUES are:
1.Accountability/Ethics To hold yourself and others accountable to a code of ethics derived
from your values. To address the appropriateness of your behaviour in relation to your values.
2.Achievement To accomplish something noteworthy and admirable in your work, education, or
your life in general.
3.Adaptability/Flexibility To adjust yourself readily to changing conditions and to remain
flexible during ongoing processes.
4. Efficiency/Planning To plan processes and activities which, when implemented, will make
the best possible use of available resources.
5. Law/Guide To see authoritative principles and regulations as a means for creating your own
criteria and moral conscience, and questioning those rules until they are clear and meaningful to
you.
The main objectives and purpose of the organization are:
1.To empower the local farmers to enhance their capacity toward productive agriculture through
the use of good agricultural practices;
2.To assist the government in the implementation of the agricultural programs and;
3. To serve as an avenue to link local farmers, agricultural program facilitators and product
market.
ECCONOMIC ACTIVITIES:

A. MUSHROOM GROWING HOUSE:

B. PASTEURIZER 1,000 FRUITING BAG CAPACITY

PASTEURIZER ALL THE WAY FROM PAMPANGA

C. FRESH MUSHROOM RETAIL AND WHOLESALE

D. MUSHROOM PROCESSING
E.MUSHROOM PRODUCTION
F: TRAINING AND SEMINARS@ MANSAJA-AW ECOFARM
G. SORGHUM TECHNOLOGY
SORGHUM IS THE PREFERED MEDIA FOR SPAWN MAKING . . . IT CAN BE SOLD AT
A PRICE HIGH THAN PALAY AND CORN.
H. SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
AND EMPLOYMENT
PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:

The farm has a manager who plans, organizes and controls the whole business. The cashier will
implement the business plans, strategies, training and proposals, and responsible in handling the
sales receipts and disbursements. The proposed project will need the services of a bookkeeper
for preparation of the needed business financial statements and submit reports to regulatory
agencies. The management
hired qualified and competent personnel from the organization because all members of the
organization highly match the requirements of the needed personnel and at the same time,
Human Resource Policies and Working Policies will be implemented in the administration of the
business. The work will be assigned to different employees according to their schedule.
I.SPAWN PRODUCTION
J. FRUITING BAG PRODUCTION
K. PLANT PRODUCTION
L. Mushroom Soap Making @ Makati
CITATION RECEIVED:
 "Take the time to help other people without expecting a reward or
gratitude is definitely important in living an optimistic life."
“Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them.” – Lady Bird Johnson
Assisting the youth to create their organization.
Training the Cullayanan farmers on Sorghum technology with Allied Botanical
Corporation
Training the NIA participants in Rizal, Kalinga
Vinegar Processing in Laya West, Tabuk, Kalinga
Training conducted in Lin-awa Rehabilitation Center
Teaching Mushroom Processing to the owners of Mansaja-aw Farm and Flora agro
Tourism Farm
Students from Kalinga state University visiting the production Site
Other Documents:
Various training conducted:
With Uma, lubuagan

Agricultural Fair
Kalinga Treasures Fair
Women Livelihood Balong, Tabuk