Zamboanga Sibugay has a total population of 584,685 as of April 2017 according to the Philippine Statistical Authority (PSA). It has 16 municipalities and 389 barangays. Its top five agricultural products include coconut (the highest at 204,384 metric tons in an area of 67,772 hectares), rice, corn, banana and mango. Ipil is one of the 16 municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay and it is in poblacion (center) where the municipal hall is located.

Barangay Magdaup is located in southern part of the capitol town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay. It is about 3.5 kilometers from the center of the town. The village is considered a coastal ecosystem with rolling landscape and alluvial plains. There are three bodies of water that serve the barangay which contribute to the quality of water in the coastal areas and that also affect seaweeds production. Based on 2015 National Census, the total population is 3,423 which accounts for about 684.60 households with an average of 5 members. The barangay is composed of the following ethno-linguistic groups: 702 Tausog; 1694 Kalibugan; 169 Samal; 173 Maguindanao; 685 Cebuano . Thirty-six (36) percent of its population belong to the 0-12 age bracket. While 24 percent belong to 13-24 age bracket and only about 13 percent are in the age bracket 37 and above.

Barangay Magdaup is part of Zamboanga Sibugay which has the longest coastline in Mindanao, home to diverse marine life and one of the major fishing grounds of Ipil. 89 percent of its residents are engaged in farming and mari-culture and greater majority of which are seaweed farmers.

Barangay Buluan, Ipil. While Barangay Buluan is adjacent to Magdaup through the sea coast, it is accessible by land transportation through the national highway going to Zambaonga City. It is about 6 kilometers from the city proper. Buluan is the home of the fish sanctuary and marine protected area of Ipil within the surroundings of one of its village island called the Buluan Island. It is also a tourist destination area maintained by the municipal local government.

Project Objectives:

To improve productivity and income of select seaweed growers/farmers in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay through the LIFE Model. Specifically, the project aims to:

1. Improve seaweed growers/farmers' productivity and income by using sustainable and appropriate production, post-production and marketing practices;

2. Strengthen seaweed growers/farmer groups, improve social cohesion and promote gender equality and cultural sensitivity;

3. Enhance links between seaweed growers/farmers and both government and non-government institutions relevant to improving their productivity and strengthening their groups;

4. Document and analyse the adoption, productivity and welfare improvement of farmers in these conflict-vulnerable communities that use the LIFE model.