AMICAF-Caraga 2013 Final Report October 2012- December2013

Home , Agusan (province), Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bacuag, Basilisa, Caraga

Prepared by:

Rollie S. Parejo Science Research Specialist & Project Assistant AMICAF-Surigao del Norte, Caraga Region

and

Abner T. Montecalvo Manager, PhilRice Agusan & AMICAF-Caraga Project Leader

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

LIST OF TABLES ………………………………………………………………………..………………….iii LIST OF FIGURES ………………………………………………………………………….….…...….…. iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY …………………………………………………………...….….………....….…v

I. BASIC PROJECT INFORMATION …………………………………….…..…….…..…….……1

Description of the Project Site…………………………………………….………….…..…...…..1 Multi-hazard map of Carga region…………………………………….……….…….…..…..…...2 First Semester Per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence among Families: 2006, 2009 and 2012……………………………………….….…….…….3 Rice ecosystems and area harvested in Caraga region (2010)………….….……...…..…….3 Objectives………………………………………………………………………….……...…..…….4 Methodology…………………………………………………………….………………...…..…….4

II. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS………………………………………….………….…….….…..5

A. First Cropping Accomplishment……………………………….………….…….....…….5 Baseline Information……………………………………………….……….……...……..5 Stakeholders’ Workshop…………………………………………….…….………...…...5 Techno Demo Farms…………………………………………….………….…...... …….5 Key Features of the PalayCheck System………………………….………...…....…...7 Rice-duck farming………………………………………………………….….…...…....11 Entrepreneurship, Project Evaluation and Planning Workshop…….….…...... …....12 Farmers Field Day………………………………………………….……….….....…….12

B. Second Cropping Accomplishment………………………………………..….………..12 Techno Demo Farms……………………………………………….….…...……....……12 Climate-Smart FFS………………………………………………….….….…...... ….13 Green Super Rice (GSR) Varietal Testing Expansion…………….……...……..…....14 Farmers Field Day……………………………………………………….….……...... …..14

III. GOOD PRACTICE OPTIONS………………………………………….……….……....…..…..15

IV. MAJOR INPUTS CONTRIBUTED BY PROJECT COLLABORATORS…………....…..….16

V. EFFECT OF AMICAF PROJECT………………………………….……………….….…...... 16

VI. ANNEXES

A. FINANCIAL REPORT …………………………………………………………...... …...…..17 B. SELECTED PHOTOS OF AMICAF-CARAGA IMPLEMENTATION………………...…18

LIST OF TABLES

PAGE

Table 1. First Semester Per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence among Families: 2006, 2009 and 2012...... 3

Table 2. Common problems and coping mechanisms of farmers in the AMICAF project sites…...... 5

Table 3. Nutrient deficiency of soils in the TDF areas based on MOET results….……...…..…..……6

Table 4. Key Features of the PalayCheck System………………………………………………....….....7

Table 5. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at site #1, saline area (mild), Magallanes, Claver, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013 cropping season. ………………………………………...... ……..7

Table 6. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at site #2, saline area (highly-prone), Magallanes, Claver, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013 cropping season. ………………………………….…..…..…..….8

Table 9. Climate change vulnerability status of drought-prone TDF site # 2. …………………….…...9

Table 10 . Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at site #2, drought-prone area, Cabugao, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013 cropping season. ……………………………………..…...... …9 . Table 11. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at highly-submergence area, Magpayang, Surigao del Norte, March-June 2013 cropping season……………………………………………………………………..….…….…10

Table 12. Ratoon performance of rice entries in drought-prone environment ……………...... …….10

Table 13. Ratoon performance of rice entries under saline-prone environment ……….…..…...…..11

Table 14. Yield of two rice varieties tested under the rice-duck farming systems, Daywan, Claver, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013, cropping season…...... 11

iii

Table 15. Yield of NSIC Rc240 tested under the rice-duck and no rice-duck farming system, San Isidro, Maiinit, Surigaodel Norte, August-November 2013, cropping season….….…12

Table 16. Yield of various rice lines and varieties planted in the old and new TDF sites in Surigao del Norte, July-December, 2013……………………………………………..….…..13

Table 17. Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) in the TDF sites (August-December 2013)…………..….13

Table 18. Grain yield of various GSR lines in the four provinces of Caraga, Jul-Dec 2013…………14

Table 19. Counterpart inputs of FAO, DA, and PhilRiceAgusan to AMICAF-Caraga Project……....16

Table 20. Summary of fund utilization released by AMICAF to PhilRiceAgusan………….……...….17

LIST OF FIGURES

PAGE

Figure 1. Multi-hazard map of Caraga region………………………..…………………….……….….….2

Figure 2. Rice ecosystems and area harvested in Caraga region (2010)………………………..…....3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Caraga region is one of the many areas in the Philippines that are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects brought about by Climate Change because it is located along the Pacific seaboard. No wonder that Caraga Region is one of the most impoverished regions in the country. Hence, it ranked 4th among regions with high poverty incidence of families in 1997 and 2000. In Mindanao, Caraga has the 3rd highest poverty incidence. Malnutrition rates were also high at 49.25%, of which 34.05% were classified as mildly underweight, 11.66% as moderately underweight, 1.43% as severely underweight and 3.60% as overweight.

Much like Bicol region, there are provinces in Caraga that are often visited by typhoons, droughts, flooding and saline intrusion. With these, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has requested the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to include Caraga in its Climate Change Adaptation Project that was implemented in Bicol. Thus, the Assessments of Climate Change Impacts and Mapping of Vulnerability to Food Insecurity under Climate Change to Strengthen Household Food Security with Livelihoods’ Adaptation Approaches (AMICAF): STEP 3 Project was established in Surigao del Norte. Preliminary activities were done in October 2012, through a joint collaboration of AMICAF, DA-Caraga, PhilRiceAgusan and the LGUs in the selected project sites.The target sites were based on the three major agroecosystems with abiotic-related problems: saline-prone, drought-prone and submergence or flood- prone. The saline-prone and drought-prone sites were located in the three adjacent municipalities of Bacuag, Gigaquit, and Claver. The flood-prone site was located in the municipality of Mainit, which is right beside Mainit Lake, the largest lake in Caraga region.

The main objective of the project is to develop a package of rice production technologies for adverse agroecosystems in order to sustain and improve the farmers’ livelihood adaptation to climate change. Thus the project focused on the testing of various rice varieties, lines, and other relevant technologies and practices (e.g., rice-duck, MOET, LCC, etc.) in rice production in each specific adverse environment: flood-prone, saline-prone, and drought-prone. The first two seasons were devoted in the establishment of Techno Demo Farms (TDFs) and the conduct of Climate-Smart FFS.

In the first cropping season, a total of nine trials were set-up under the AMICAF project. Of these, six were TDFs (3 saline-prone, 2 drought-prone, 1 flood-prone) and three were rice-duck pilot plots. The most outstanding result of the project was the high yield of many GSR lines in all agro-ecosystems. For example, under the drought-prone environment site #1, the GSR lines HHZ5-SAL14-SAL2-Y2 and HHZ12- DT10-SAL1-DT1 obtained the highest yield of 7.7 t/ha and 7.6 t/ha, respectively. In drought-prone site #2, the GSR lines HHZ5-SAL14-SAL2-Y2, HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 and HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1, were the top yielders at 7.1 t/ha, 7.0 t/ha, and 6.8 t/ha, respectively. Meanwhile, in the saline-prone areas, the GSR lines that obtained high yields of 4.6 t/ha to 5.7 t/ha were the following: HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1, HHZ5- SAL14-SAL2-Y2,and HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1.

One important component of the TDF was the conduct of FFS which was done once a week in the demo area. This was facilitated by the LGU agricultural technologists with the close supervision by the AMICAF Project Assistant. The FFS curriculum of PalayCheck System was utilized as main reference which was later on reinforced by the Climate-Smart FFS Flip Chart developed by AMICAF.

In the second cropping season, only two old TDF sites were planted due to severe drought in the municipalities of Bacuag, Claver, and Gigaquit. This resulted in a very low yield of all rice entries which ranged from 0.5 t/ha to less than 2.0t/ha. However, in the flood-prone TDF site in Magpayang, Mainit, the yield of the GSR lines were relatively higher which ranged from 2,5-4.6 t/ha.

Also during this cropping season, the four provinces of the region were able to conduct a GSR rice line adaptation trial. The seeds were provided by AMICAF through PhilRiceAgusan. Except for Surigao del Norte where the trial was hit by drought, yield results of all GSR lines were quite promising which ranged from 3.3-5.8 t/ha in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur. Consequently, a Field Day was held at Barangay Pasta, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur which was attended by 80 participants.

Through the AMICAF project, some important good farming options were identified as follows:

 Planting of GSR seeds and other abiotic stress-tolerant rice varieties  Rice-duck farming system  Use of Minus-One Element Technique (MOET)  Right timing of rice planting and use of early maturing varieties  Diversified and integrated rice-based farming system  Use of tools, equipment, and machines to prepare and cushion the impact of climate change  Continuous education through Climate-Smart FFS

Finally, the generally good result of the AMICAF Project in Caraga region has greatly influenced the DA-Rice Program leadership to fast-track the up-scaling of the project especially on the mass production and deployment of the GSR lines and the conduct of TDF and Climate-Smart FFS.

AMICAF STEP 3 PROJECT IN CARAGA REGION 2013 FINAL REPORT

I. BASIC PROJECT INFORMATION

Title: Adaptation Testing of Rice Technologies for Flood-Prone, Saline-Prone, and Drought- Prone Environments in Support of the Assessments of Climate Change Impacts and Mapping of Vulnerability to Food Insecurity under Climate Change to Strengthen Household Food Security with Livelihoods’ Adaptation Approaches (AMICAF): STEP 3

Proponent: PhilRice Agusan

Implementing Collaborators: PhilRice Agusan, Surigaodel Norte LGUs (Municipalities of Mainit, Bacuag, Gigaquit, and Claver), DA-RFU Caraga, and FAO-Philippines

Location: Province of Surigao del Norte, Caraga Region

Project Duration: October 2012- April 2014

Description of the Project Site

The Caraga Region or Region 13 was created through Republic Act No. 7901 on February 25, 1995. It is one of the 17 administrative regions of the Philippines located at the north-eastern portion of Mindanao. The region has a total land area of 18,846.97 km² which comprises five provinces: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Dinagat Islands; six cities: Bayugan, Cabadbaran, Surigao, Tandag, Bislig ,Butuan (regional center); 67 municipalities and 1,311 barangays. The general terrains of the region are mountainous areas, flat, and rolling lands. Mountain ranges divide Agusan and Surigao provinces and sub-ranges separate most of the lowlands along the Pacific Coast. The most productive agricultural area of the region lies along the Agusan River Basin. The famous Agusan Marsh sits in the middle of Agusan del Sur. Among the lakes in the region, Lake Mainit is the widest. It traverses eight municipalities: Alegria, Tubod, Mainit and Sison in the Province of Surigao del Norte and Tubay, Santiago, Jabonga and Kitcharao in Agusan del Norte. Caraga has a Type II climatic condition (no distinct dry or wet season). Rainfall occurs throughout the year with heavy rains from November to January/February.

The two Surigao provinces and Dinagat Islands are the most vulnerable areas on the adverse impacts of climate change considering their proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Historically, they are prone to typhoons, floods, heavy soil erosion, saline intrusion, and prolong drought periods. The hazard map of Caraga region is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 . Multi-hazard map of Carga region.

Source: Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-DENR Philippines)

The region is faced with problems of endemic diseases like schistosomiasis and malaria. Although there was a slight reduction in its prevalence for the past five years, still Caraga ranked as number two in schistosomiasis cases and number six in malaria cases nationwide. Malnutrition rates were posted at 49.25%, of which 34.05% were classified as mildly underweight, 11.66% as moderately underweight, 1.43% as severely underweight and 3.60% as overweight. Caraga Region is one of the most impoverished regions in the country since it ranked 4th among regions in the Philippines with high poverty incidence of families in 1997 and 2000. In Mindanao, Caraga has the 3rd highest poverty incidence. The first semester per capita poverty threshold and poverty incidence among families for 2006, 2009 and 2012 of Caraga and its four major provinces are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. First Semester per Capita Poverty Threshold and Poverty Incidence among Families in Caraga region: 2006, 2009 and 2012

Per Capita Poverty Incidence Place Poverty Threshold (PhP) among Families (%) 2006 2009 2012 2006 2009 2012 PHILIPPINES 6,703 8,448 9,385 23.4 22.9 22.3

Caraga 6,996 8,905 9,779 43.3 43.3 34.1 Agusan del Norte 6,943 8,860 9,528 37.3 33.5 32.0 Agusan del Sur 7,292 9,251 9,847 45.7 51.3 38.6 Surigao Del Norte 6,980 8,881 10,122 45.3 47.7 34.6 Surigao Del Sur 6,734 8,571 9,636 45.1 43.2 31.8 Source: National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB-Philippines 2013)

Caraga region is rice deficit. Its total annual palay production amounted to 400,000 metric tons and itspopulation is more than 2.4 million people. With a per capita consumption of 128 kg/person/year, rice sufficiency level of Caraga region is only 86%.

Figure 2. Rice ecosystems and area harvested in Caraga region (2010).

Caraga Region Rice situation

Dinagat Province Irrigated – 1,619 Ha. Rainfed – 752 Ha. SDN Irrigated – 9,283 Ha. Rainfed – 6,920 Ha. Rice Area = 89,744 Ha. Irrigated = 49,060 Ha. Rainfed = 39,684.0 Ha.

ADN Irrigated – 8,781 Ha. Population = 2,293,480 (2007) SDS Per Capita = 128.128 Kg. Rainfed – 4,799 Ha. Irrigated – 12,2145 Ha. Rainfed – 12,079 Ha.

ADS Irrigated – 17,232 Ha. Rainfed – 15,134 Ha.

Source: Caraga Region Rice Roadmap 2011-2016

Objectives

The main objective of this project is to develop a package of rice production technologies for adverse agroecosystems in Caraga region in order to sustain and improve its livelihood adaptation to climate change.

Specifically, the project aims to accomplish the following:

1. Forge a strong collaboration among the key stakeholders of the project, such as the DA-RFU, PhilRice, LGUs, and other government and non-government organizations.

2. Conduct at least three Techno Demo Farms (TDFs) for rice varietal adaptation in each adverse ecosystem: flood-prone, saline-prone, and drought prone;

3. Conduct Farmers Field School (FFS) in each site or municipality;

4. Gather, analyze, and report all pertinent data for the project; and

5. Develop a package of rice production technologies and practices for adverse ecosystem.

Methodology

The project focused on the testing of various rice varieties, lines, and other relevant technologies and practices (e.g., rice-duck, MOET, LCC, etc.) in rice production in each specific adverse environment: flood-prone, saline-prone, and drought-prone. The first two seasons were devoted in the establishment of Techno Demo Farms (TDFs) and the conduct of Climate-Smart FFS. This was facilitated by the LGU in close collaboration with PhilRice Research Specialist who worked as full-time Project Assistant. The DA-Caraga and the local Irrigators’ Association were also actively supporting the FFS. The FFS participants were the neighboring farmers with rice areas that are of same ecosystem represented by the field school. This was a community-based and participatory method of farmers’ capacity enhancement. The best farming options generated in the first cropping season were properly documented and initially deployed to other selected municipalities in Caraga region for further testing and adoption.

II. MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

A. First Cropping Accomplishment

Baseline Information

Baseline information was basically gathered through focus group discussion (FGD). This was done by the project stakeholders prior to the establishment of Technology Demonstration Farms (TDFs) and conduct of Climate-Smart FFS. The key problems related to climate change effects and the communities coping mechanisms are presented in Table 2.

Table 2. Common problems and coping mechanisms of farmers in the AMICAF project sites.

Agroecosystems Problems Coping Mechanisms Crop failure due to: high saline No effective coping mechanism yet Saline-prone concentration, periodic drought but to leave the field fallow. The occurrence, and serious flooding family must look for other sources of during very wet season income such as fishing and nypa thatched making and nypa wine (laksoy) production. Drought-prone Crop failure due to: significant dry Plant upland crops such as maize, spell in the months of May, July, watermelon, mungbean and cassava and August; flooding during very during dry months and replant wet period in Nov-February damaged areas hit by floods during very wet season. Flood-prone Crop damage due to: rising of Proper timing of planting rice to cope water level of Lake Mainit during with the extreme water fluctuations. rainy months of December, January, February and March

Stakeholders’ Workshop

The activity was conducted in each site prior to the establishment of TDFs and the conduct of FFS. The main participants were the neighboring farmers, the LGU officials and agricultural technologists, the DA-Caraga staff and other government and non-government agencies or organizations who have some special activities in the area.

Techno Demo Farms

A Techno Demo Farm is a specially-designed learning field of about 0.2-ha area where the technologies, best practices and other cropping system options are demonstrated. This is where the participants of the FFS will meet one day per week to learn, check, and share the best farming practices that fit their specific environment. For this project, a total of five techno demo farms were established during the first cropping season. The learning module was patterned after the PalayCheck System which was enhanced later by the incorporation of the Climate-Smart lessons designed by AMICAF. After identifying the TDF site, the following key activities were undertaken: lay-outing of the TDF area, soil sampling for MOET testing, organizing the FFS, input

11 supply preparation, crop establishment, monitoring and maintenance, harvest and post-harvest operations, and presentation, discussion and evaluation of results.

Before crop establishment, the soils were sampled to determine the nutrient required for fertilizer application. The Minus-One-Element-Technique (MOET) was the tool used in this activity. The results showed that the most common limiting nutrients in the TDF areas are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Sulfur (S). This is shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Nutrient deficiency of soils in the TDF areas based on MOET results.

Location/Site Nutrient deficiency Anibongan, Gigaquit/ Saline-prone N and P Cabugao, Bacuag/ Drought-prone N, P and S Magallanes, Claver/Drought-prone N, P and S Magallanes, Claver/Saline-prone N, P and S Magpayang, Mainit/Flood-prone N, K, S and Zinc

The Farmers Field School (FFS) was started right at the start of land preparation.The participants met at least once a week, discussed the topics and performed the actual farm activity relevant to the crop management area or stage of the crop. This was facilitated by the Agricultural Agriculturists (AT) of the Local Government Unit (LGU) under the close supervision of the PhilRice AMICAF Project Assistant. The learning module of the PalayCheck System was the main menu used in the FFS. This was later reinforced by the new “Climate-Smart FFS” module developed by AMICAF. PalayCheck is an integrated crop management system for rice production. It viewed rice production as a system with many component factors that must be managed in an integrated, holistic manner to optimize yield, with less damage to the environment. The key features of the PalayCheck System are shown in Table 4.

One important component activity in the FFS is the Agroecosystem Analysis (AESA) which was being conducted every meeting of the participants. This was done early in the morning to assess the status of the whole crop and its environment and most importantly to determine the various species of pest and beneficial organisms within the ricefield. Through AESA the participants were trained on the identification of the different organisms and their respective life stages in the rice ecosystem. This enhanced the decision-making process of the farmers in the effective management of the rice farm.

The best farming options that were learned by the participants in the TDF-FFS were also practiced by the participants in their respective farms. They became the show window of best farming practices in the community. Thus, the continuous learning, checking, and sharing to other farmers the best farming practices and technologies for sustaining and even improving their source of food and income were enhanced despite the adverse impact of climate change.

The performance of several Grain Super Rice (GSR) lines tested in the different TDFs during the first cropping season was very promising. Many of them significantly out-yielded the released varieties in the Philippines. The yield, yield components and some agronomic characteristics of the varieties and lines tested in the TDFs are shown in Tables 5-11.

Table 4. Key Features of the PalayCheck System

Crop Management Area Key Checks Assessment of Key Check (Indicator) Seed and Variety 1, Used high quality seeds of the Used high quality seeds Selection recommended variety recommended in the locality or have tested and proven resistant and high yielding Land Preparation 2. No high and low soil spots after Field should have 2-5 cm water depth final leveling during land leveling and no visible mounds of soil above water surface at final leveling Crop Establishment 3. Practiced synchronous planting The field should have a fallow period after fallow period of at least 30 days after harvest. It should be planted 14 days before and 4. Sufficient number of healthy after the majority of the irrigation seedlings service area has been planted. Transplanted – At 10 DAT, achieve healthy seedlings at least 25 hills/m² Direct Wet-Seeded – At 15 DAS, achieve at least 150 plants/m² for a seed rate of 40 kg/ha and 300 plants/m² for a seed rate of 80 kg/ha Nutrient Management 5. Sufficient nutrients at tillering to Sufficient nutrient at tillering to early panicle initiation and flowering panicle initiation and flowering or if LCC is used, applied N fertilizer based on LCC recommendations. Transplanted: At flowering, achieve at least 300 panicles/m² Direct Wet-Seeded : At flowering, panicle density should be at least 350 panicles/m²

Water Management 6. Avoided excessive water or drought No symptoms of stress due to stress that could affect the growth and excessive water and drought stress yield of the crop Pest Management 7. No significant yield loss due to No significant yield loss due to insect pests pests, diseases, weeds, rats, snails and birds. Harvest Management 8. Cut and threshed the crop at the Harvest/reap the crop when 1/5 or right time 20% of the grains at the base of the panicle are in hard dough stage and thresh the palay not later than 1 day after reaping for wet season, and not later than 2 days for dry season.

Table 5. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at site #1, saline area, Magallanes, Claver, Surigaodel Norte, November 2012-April 2013 cropping season.

Varieties/Lines Maturity Plant No. of No. of No. of Average (DAS) height productive filled unfilled yield (kg/ha) (cm) tillers spikelets spikelets HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 111 91.33 11.42 137.24 11.86 5,412.05 HHZ5- SAL14-SAL2-Y2 113 81.09 14.67 115.80 14.20 5,252.88 NSIC Rc190 113 90.84 16.42 85.70 11.13 5,028.16 NSIC Rc158 112 83.56 12.92 102.57 15.87 4,859.99 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 112 85.83 10.83 143.50 23.90 4,599.27 IR83140 B-11-B 113 77.62 16.92 74.63 10.63 4,444.19 HHZ1-Y4-Y1 113 89.70 11.25 136.77 7.91 4,315.74 HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 111 81.02 12.42 105.27 17.90 4,103.60 NSIC Rc292 111 84.02 12.67 79.20 14.13 3,209.05

Table 6. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at site #2, saline area, Magallanes, Claver, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013 cropping season.

Varieties/Lines Maturity Plant No. of No. of No. of Average (DAS) height productive filled unfilled yield (cm) tillers spikelets spikelets (kg/ha) HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 124 76.69 16.67 93.63 20.40 5,694.78 HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 119 72.52 17.50 78.80 9.20 5,339.04 NSIC Rc190 123 78.65 17.58 64.13 12.73 5,157.75 NSIC Rc158 118 77.40 19.58 85.77 22.23 4,797.25 IR83140 B-11-B 119 82.30 18.42 67.87 22.07 4,698.76 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 124 79.02 17.67 85.07 35.33 4,413.89 HHZ1-Y4-Y1 126 77.42 17.00 113.19 14.71 4,349.37 HHZ5- SAL14-SAL2-Y2 124 72.17 15.00 89.47 7.90 4,186.68 NSIC Rc292 123 75.57 17.25 68.73 6.13 3,675.54

Table 7 . Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at site #3, saline area (highly-prone), Anibongan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013. Varieties/Lines Maturity Plant No. of No. of No. of Average (DAS) height productive filled unfilled yield (kg/ha) (cm) tillers spikelets spikelets HHZ1-Y4-Y1 113 83.69 10.33 109.13 13.11 4,922.52 HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 113 80.79 11.42 90.40 21.20 4,653.13 IR83140 B-11-B 108 85.18 6.00 90.40 14.43 4,269.14 HHZ5- SAL14-SAL2-Y2 114 75.71 11.25 101.77 20.73 4,286.31 NSIC Rc190 116 80.49 15.83 64.77 14.86 3,977.65 PSB Rc18 -Farmers Var. 123 83.58 16.00 77.17 14.23 3,902.56 HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 108 72.88 10.58 100.90 19.23 3,691.16 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 108 80.16 6.58 109.27 26.20 3,527.46 NSIC Rc292 106 90.60 10.80 88.27 10.94 3,438.32

Table 8. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at site #1, drought-prone area, Magallanes, Claver, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013. Varieties/Lines Maturity Plant No. of No. of No. of Average yield (DAS) height productive filled unfilled (kg/ha) (cm) tillers spikelets spikelets HHZ5- SAL14-SAL2-Y2 115 94.85 13.25 147.37 31.33 7,698.16 HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 115 97.29 14.17 137.90 43.27 7,636.41 NSIC Rc9 119 128.28 13.58 125.00 19.63 7,147.05 NSIC Rc192 106 114.59 11.83 105.18 23.74 6,924.44 NSIC Rc286 115 108.36 16.42 89.57 25.78 6,826.74 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 115 98.19 12.92 141.43 30.10 6,432.71 NSIC Rc122 –Farmer’s var. 121 111.22 16.17 86.90 31.37 5,725.52 IR83140 B-11-B 110 90.67 20.08 72.53 45.92 5,721.80 NSIC Rc284 114 104.63 16.50 98.69 34.61 5,574.45

Table 9. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at site #2, drought-prone area, Cabugao, Bacuag, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013 cropping season.

Varieties/Lines Maturity Plant No. of No. of No. of Average yield (DAS) height productive filled unfilled (kg/ha) (cm) tillers spikelets spikelets HHZ5- SAL14-SAL2-Y2 116 89.06 16.08 118.90 21.53 7,116.92 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 116 96.30 13.67 135.63 38.67 7,030.63 HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 116 90.24 15.17 117.13 32.60 6,787.25 IR83140 B-11-B 110 91.86 18.75 101.43 18.87 6,523.41 NSIC Rc286 118 108.56 13.50 101.27 31.77 6,264.30 PSB Rc14 -Farmers Variety 107 90.67 14.42 119.33 18.00 6,051.71 NSIC Rc284 118 99.17 14.58 119.47 30.03 6,040.01 NSIC Rc192 100 98.67 10.33 101.33 21.00 5,828.61 NSIC Rc9 104 126.94 10.75 104.23 23.27 5,613.52

Table 10. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at slightly- submergence area, Magpayang, Surigao del Norte, March-June 2013 cropping season

Plant No. of No. of No. of Maturity Average Varieties/Lines Height Productive Filled unfilled (DAS) Yield (kg/ha) (cm) Tillers spikelets spikelets IR83140 B-11-B 111 93.18 11.17 74.53 35.17 4.63 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 111 88.53 12.5 85.07 60.17 4.26 HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 111 97.21 11.08 91.27 52.43 4.3 HHZ1-Y4-Y1 112 102.32 11.17 118.5 44.67 4.36 Rc18 Sub1 124 96.91 9.50 40.90 59.40 3.22 NSIC Rc194 112 90.2 8.58 56.34 28.85 3.23 PSB Rc18 130 89.67 12.75 47.8 51 3.31

Table 11. Yield, yield components and agronomic characteristics of varieties/lines tested at highly- submergence area, Magpayang, Surigao del Norte, March-June 2013 cropping season

Plant No. of No. of No. of Maturity Average Yield Varieties/Lines Height Productive Filled unfilled (DAS) (kg/ha) (cm) Tillers Spikelets spikelets IR83140 B-11-B 112 86.03 11.58 71.33 47.13 3.71 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 112 84.28 10.33 122.00 89.90 4.05 HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 112 92.93 8.00 96.47 46.40 4.11 HHZ1-Y4-Y1 112 90.37 7.75 146.53 69.73 3.71 Rc18 Sub1 124 95.96 9.00 47.70 62.00 2.61 NSIC Rc194 112 82.71 11.25 56.69 52.23 2.58 PSB Rc18 130 95.74 11.75 40.20 83.40 1.50

To increase productivity of the rice farm, rice ratooning was tried in the two TDF sites. Ratooning is the practice of managing the rice stubbles right after harvest of the main crop so as to activate the dormant buds to become healthy and vigorous ratoon tillers. The ratoon crop will mature approximately 65% less than the main crop. It requires very less labor on crop maintenance and other production inputs. In 2009 dry cropping season, it was reported that an average yield of 30 bags per hectare (1.5 tons/ha) was obtained from the 300-hectare hybrid rice ratoon in Ormoc City, Northern Leyte. Thus the potential contribution of the ratoon crop to rice production must be properly harnessed. The performance of the ratoon crop under the drought TDF site is quite promising. The yield ranged from 1.3 t/ha up to almost 2.0 t/ha. Again, the yields of many GSR lines were higher than the approved varieties. This is shown in Table 12. Also under the saline environment, rice ratoon is feasible as shown in the grain yield obtained from the TDF at Magallanes, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. The ratoon yield of varieties and lines tested under saline-prone environment are shown in Table 13.

Table 12. Ratoon performance of rice entries in drought-prone environment (A. Daposala’s TDF). Lines/Varieties Yield Number of days from harvest of main crop t/ha IR83140 B-11-B 1.86 56 HHZ5- SAL14-SAL2-Y2 1.96 48 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 1.84 48 HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 1.65 48 NSIC Rc284 1.63 48 NSIC Rc286 1.76 48 NSIC Rc122 -Farmers Variety 1.25 43 NSIC Rc192 1.26 56 NSIC Rc9 1.34 48

Table 13. Ratoon performance of rice entries under saline-prone environment Lines/Varieties Yield Number of days from harvest of main crop t/ha IR83140 B-11-B 0.45 42 HHZ5- SAL14-SAL2-Y2 0.60 42 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 0.57 42 HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 0.97 42 NSIC Rc190 1.30 42 NSIC Rc292 0.76 42 NSIC Rc158 -FV 1.50 42 HHZ1-Y4-Y1 1.63 42 HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 1.33 42

Rice-duck farming

To exploit the positive integration of ducks in the irrigated rice farm, rice-duck farming was also tested in the AMICAF Project. Integrated rice-duck farming has been popularized in the Philippines for several years already. In Mindanao, the largest rice-duck areas could be found in Zamboanga Peninsula. This practice has many advantages considering the highy symbiotic relatioship of ducks and rice in the irrigated agro-ecosystem. Ducks feeds on weeds, snails and other rice pests in the field and at the same time their manures will serve as the natural or organic fertilizers of the rice crop. The rice crop on the other hand provides a good environment for the ducks as they feed on the different organisms harboring in the rice paddies. The ducklings may be dispersed in the paddies a week after transplanting and shall be kept for egg laying or fattening once rice starts heading or flowering. The ratio could be 200- 500 ducklings per hectare. Supplementary feeds may be provided at least once a day to make the herd more tamed and healthy.

In December 2012, one rice-duck demo farm was established in Barangay Daywan, Claver, Surigao del Norte. A total of 20 ducklings were integrated in a 1,000 sqm irrigated rice farm. Results of the trial is shown in Table 14. Another rice-duck demo farm was established in August 2013 in the Municipality of Mainit, Surigao del Norte, the flood-prone project site (Table 15). The beneficiaries of this practice were very happy with the results because they did not buy fertilizers and pesticide anymore but their yields are comparable if not higher than the conventional practice.Thus they commit to continue doing it on their own in the next cropping seasons.

Table 14. Yield of two rice varieties tested under the rice-duck and no rice-duck farming systems, Daywan, Claver, Surigao del Norte, November 2012-April 2013, cropping season.

System/Practice Yield (kg/ha) Maturity Days

PSB Rc18 Rice-Duck 4,330 123 Rice alone/no duck 3,290 123 Jollirice (Hybrid from BioSeed company) Rice-Duck 3,650 110 Rice alone/no-duck 3,670 110

Table 15. Yield of rice variety NSIC Rc240 tested under the rice-duck and no rice-duck farming system, San Isidro,Maiinit,Surigaodel Norte, August-November 2013, cropping season.

System/Practice Yield (kg/ha) Maturity Days

NSIC Rc240 Rice-Duck 2.35 115 Rice alone/no duck 2.01 115

Entrepreneurship, Project Evaluation and Planning Workshop

One important accomplishment for the first cropping season was the conduct of Entrepreneurship Workshop on April 23-24, 2013 and the Project Evaluation/Planning Workshop on April 24-25, 2013 at PhilRiceAgusan. These vital activities were facilitated by the AMICAF key personnel from Quezon City headquarters and from Bicol region. This was attended by 33 participants, namely: 16 LGU agricultural technologists and officials, 7 farmers-cooperators, 4 PhilRice staff and 6 AMICAF staff. Because of the very promising project results, there was a consensus to replicate the project in the other provinces of Caraga region, such as Agusandel Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur. This was implemented starting May 2013 with the support of DA-Caraga and LGUs concerned. AMICAF provided the test materials (GSR seeds) thru PhilRiceAgusan.

Farmers Field Day

In the first cropping, a field day was conducted at Barangay Magpayang, Mainit, Surigaodel Norte on July 11, 2013. This was attended by 60 participants composed of farmers and staff coming from PhilRice, DA-RFU, and LGUs. Expenses of the Field Day were shouldered by PhilRiceAgusan.

B. Second Cropping Accomplishment

Techno Demo Farms

The farmers in the old TDF sites were not used to plant rice for the second cropping season because of regular severe drought for the period. But due to high yields of the GSR lines in the first cropping, the farmers were tempted to plant rice in the second cropping season. True to their usual experience, drought appeared and they only harvested very little from their crop. However, in the new TDF sites in Mainit, which is irrigated and submergence- prone, the yields of GSR line performed better. Table 16 shows the yields obtained from the sites mentioned and Table 17 shows the average rainfall in that particular season.

Table 16. Yield of various rice lines and varieties planted in the old and new TDF sites in Surigaodel Norte, July-December, 2013. TDF Sites Agroecosystem Variety/Line Yield (t/ha) Old sites Brgy. Saline Prone IR 83140-B-11-B (GSR 11) 1.62 Anibongan, HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 (GSR 12a) 1.50 Gigaquit, SDN. HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 (GSR 5a) 1.37 NSIC Rc292 (FV) 1.28 HHZ1-Y4-Y1 (GSR 1) 1.12 HHZ5-SAL14-SAL2-Y2 (GSR 5) 0.95 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 (GSR 8) 0.81

Brgy. Cabugao, Drought Prone IR 83140-B-11-B (GSR 11) 0.81 Bacuag, SDN. HHZ12-DT10-SAL1-DT1 (GSR 12a) 0.81 HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 (GSR 8) 0.76 HHZ5-SAL14-SAL2-Y2 (GSR 5) 0.69 PSB Rc14 -FV 0.68 HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 (GSR 5a) 0.51

New sites Brgy. Slightly- HHZ5-SAL8-DT3-SUB1 (GSR 5a) 3.08 Magpayang, submerged HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 (GSR 8) 4.62 Mainit, SDN IR 83140-B-11-B (GSR 11) 4.44 HHZ1-Y4-Y1 (GSR 1) 3.16 Rc18 Sub1 4.27 PSB Rc82 - FV 2.42

Brgy. Highly- HHZ5-SAL14-SAL2-Y2 (GSR 5) 3.16 Magpayang, submerged HHZ8-SAL6-SAL3-Y2 (GSR 8) 3.16 Mainit, SDN IR 83140-B-11-B (GSR 11) 3.22 HHZ1-Y4-Y1 (GSR 1) 3.01 PSB Rc82 - FV 2.46

Table 17. Average Monthly Rainfall (mm) in the TDF sites (August-December 2013) TDF Site August Sept Oct Nov Dec Cabugao,Bacuag, Surigao delNorte 3.46 1.83 29.83 No data No data

Brgy. Anibongan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte 5.4 2.67 8.16 No data No data

Brgy. Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao del Norte No data 10 22 22 23

Climate-Smart FFS The Climate-Smart FFS was conducted at the flood prone project site in Barangay Magpayang, Mainit, Surigaodel Norte in March-November 2013. This was actively participated by 18 farmers and two Agricultural Technologists of Mainit. The FFS was facilitated by the AMICAF Project Assistant from PhilRiceAgusan.

Green Super Rice (GSR) Varietal Testing Expansion

The excellent performance of the GSR lines in the TDF sites has encouraged the Provincial Agriculturists to test the materials in their respective provinces. This was implemented in the July to December 2013 cropping season. The GSR seeds were provided by AMICAF through PhilRiceAgusan. Yields of the trials are shown in Table 18.

Table 18.Grain yield of various GSR lines in the four provinces of Caraga, Jul-Dec 2013. Location Agroecosystem Variety Yield (t/ha) Buenavista, Drought Prone GSR 5a 5.79 Agusan del Norte GSR 12a 5.47 GSR 11 5.41 GSR 1 5.29 GSR 5 4.65

Pasta, San Drought Prone GSR 12a 4.25 Francisco, GSR 5 3.54 Agusan del Sur GSR 1 3.35 GSR 5a 3.30 Dinorado 2.66 Black Rice 0.99

Biga-an, Submergence GSR 8 5.24 Hinatuan, Prone GSR 5 4.26 Surigao del Sur GSR 11 3.76 GSR 12a 3.50 GSR 5a 3.46

Surigao del Norte Upland GSR 1 1.97 (Brgy. Ipil, Area/Drought GSR 5a 0.67 Surigao City) GSR 12a 0.47 Dinorado - FV 0.51 GSR 5 1.22 GSR 11 2.53

Farmers Field Day

In the second cropping, a Field Day was held at Barangay Pasta, San Francisco, Agusandel Sur. This was an AMICAF expansion site on GSR field testing. The field day was attended by 80 participants composedof farmers, representatives from PhilRice, Provincial and Municipal LGUs, Seed Producers, and Irrigators Associations. Expenses of the Field Day were shouldered by PhilRice and the farmer cooperator.

III. GOOD PRACTICE OPTIONS

Through the AMICAF project, some important good farming practice options (GPOs) were identified as follows:

1. Planting of GSR seeds and other abiotic stress-tolerant rice varieties. After two cropping seasons of implementation, farmers in the different adverse agroecosystems now realized the importance of using rice cultivars that are especially-bred for their specific environments. For example, in Barangay Anibongan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte which is a saline prone area, most farmers preferred to plant GSR 1, GSR 5a and GSR 11. In Brgy Cabugao, Bacuag, a drought prone area, they preferred GSR 11, GSR 5 and GSR 8. In Brgy. Magpayang, Maiinit, which is a flood-prone area, farmers prefer to plant GSR 5a and GSR 11.

2. Rice-duck farming system. This practice has many advantages considering the highy symbiotic relatioship of ducks and rice in the irrigated agro-ecosystem. Ducks feeds on weeds, snails and other rice pests in the field and at the same time their manures will serve as the organic fertilizers of the rice crop. The rice crop on the other hand provides a good environment for the ducks as they feed on the different organisms harboring in the rice paddies. This is ideal in the submergence-prone enviroment.

3. Use of Minus-One Element Technique (MOET). This is a very simple, practical, and effective tool in determining the kind and amount of fertilizers to apply in the particular field.

4. Right timing of rice planting and use of early maturing varieties. A good cropping calendar is vital in areas where extreme weather fluctuations usually occur. Farmers should be adept on how and when to escape and evade the most serious threat of this phenomenon.

5. Diversified and integrated rice-based farming system. Intergrated farming systems (IFS) or diversified farming is one of the best options to increase farm productivity, sustainablity and resilency. A good example is the planting of mungbean, vegetables, and watermelons right after the harvest of the rice crop. Also some portions of the farm will be planted with cassava, sweet potato, taro and other root crops for food security in times of crisis.

6. Use of tools, equipment, and machines to prepare and cushion the impact of climate change. There are important specific farming physical resources that farmers should acquire or possess such as rainguage, water pumps, storage bags or containers (e.g. superbags), etc. for them to be truly prepared in times of extreme weather disturbances.

7. Rice ratooning. The performance of the ratoon crop under the drought TDF site is quite promising. The yield ranged from 1.3 t/ha up to almost 2.0 t/ha.

8. Continuous learning on clean, green, and climate-smart agriculture through Climate-Smart FFS. One of the best defense mechanisms for farmers to adapt to climate change and improve their food safety and security is continuous education and this is strongly promoted by AMICAF through the Climate-Smart FFS.

IV. MAJOR INPUTS CONTRIBUTED BY PROJECT COLLABORATORS

Table 19. Counterpart inputs of FAO, DA, and PhilRice Agusan to AMICAF-Caraga Project. Project Collaborators Input Counterpart

FAO-Philippines Fund Release: P479,320,000.00

In-Kind: For PhilRiceAgusan: 1 laptop computer, 1 small camera, 1 small GPS gadget,1 printer

For the TDF Farmers: Super bags, white corn seeds, vegetable seeds, 3 units water pump engines, GSR seeds

Fund Release: P1,012,000.00 DA-RFU Caraga Technical Assistance: Rice Specialist

PhilRiceAgusan In Kind: Office space, vehicle, full-time Project Assistant LGUs In Kind: Agricultural Technologists

V. EFFECT OF AMICAF PROJECT

One of the most outstanding effects of the AMICAF Project in Caraga region is not only its contribution to the improvement of farmers productivity in the TDF sites but the immediate favorable action by the leadership of the DA-Rice Program to fast-track the up-scaling of the results of the project especially on the mass reproduction and deployment of the GSR lines in the whole region and its neighboring regions of Mindanao. The Rice Seed Coordinator of DA- Caraga has recently advised PhilRice Agusan to keep all available GSR seeds in the station and that of the farmer cooperators for DA’s procurement.

VI. ANNEX

A. FINANCIAL REPORT

Summary of fund utilization released by AMICAF to PhilRice Agusan As of December 31, 2013

Funds Received: 1st Release (30%) 179,745.00 2nd Release (50%) 299,575.00 Total Release 479,320.00 less: Bank Charge (850.00/release) 1,700.00 Total Release - Net 477,620.00

Disbursements:

PS: Honorarium - Project Leader (1) 102,000.00 Honorarium - Asst. Proj. Leader (2) 100,000.00 Rice Specialist (1) 176,475.23

MOOE: Supplies (Office, etc.) 25,780.08 Communication 515.00 Office Table & Chair 7,950.00

Admin Cost (13% & 12 % Average) 12.5% x 479,320 59,915.00 Total Disbursement 472,635.31

Unexpended Balance 4,984.69

Prepared by:

MILA C. MONTECALVO

Bookkeeper

Certified correct:

IRINE M. CONEJERO, CPA

Station Accountant

B. SELECTED PHOTOS OF AMICAF-CARAGA IMPLEMENTATION

First Cropping Season

Dr. Lito U. Bautista, AMICAF National Project Manager, presented the project to PhilRice Agusan staff

Dr. Bautista briefed DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director, Dr. Edna Mabeza and RTD Edgardo Dahino on AMICAF project

Climate forum at Magallanes, Claver, Surigao del Norte

Seed sowing at Cabugao, Bacuag TDF

MOET result in Anibongan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte

Straight row marking prior to transplanting at AnibonganTDF, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte

Floods hit the project sites on January 16, 2013 (Above photo: AnibonganTDFsite)

Climate-Smart FFS participants conducting AESA in Cabugao TDF

Ripening phase of rice entries at Mr. Daposala’s TDF (drought-prone)

Training of Trainers on Entrepreneurship and Evaluation/Planning Workshop, AMICAF- Caraga, April 23-25, 2013, PhilRice Training Building, Basilisa, RTR, Agusan del Norte

Second Cropping Season

Anibongan, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte TDF shows crack soil due to drought stress

Drought effect at Cabugao TDF

Field Day in Brgy. Pasta, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur

Mr. Domeciano Iligan, farmer cooperator in Pasta, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur gave testimony on AMICAF Project during Field Day

Mr. Jun Arpon, Chief of Meteorology Office, DOST-,PAGASA, Surigao City gave lecture on Weather & Climate during the Climate-Smart FFS in Magpayang, Mainit, Surigao del Norte

Field day at Mainit, Surigao del Norte