October - December 2018 Vol. 27 No. 4 Agri chief turns over solar irrigation project and other assistance to Bicol by Emily B. Bordado , CAMARINES LGUs in the second district SUR - Agriculture secretary of this province. This include Emmanuel F. Piñol turned farm machineries, equipment, He was welcomed and joined Regional Technical Directors over to the Bagadion Organic hauling truck, seeds, fertilizers by Luis Raymond F. Villafuerte and other DA officials. Farmers Association the chicken, and garden tools. 2nd Congressional district Despite the short notice recently completed P5 million The secretary was representative; Atty. Marvel C. some 1,000 farmers, fisherfolk, worth Solar Powered Irrigation accompanied by undersecretary Clavecilla, Presidential Adviser and other elected System (SPIS) and other for Fisheries Eduardo B. for Bicol Affairs; Dr. Elena officials, DA officials, heads assistance and interventions Gongona who also distributed B. de los Santos, DA regional of DA attached agencies and totaling to P11.3 million to motorized bancas, fingerlings executive director; Dr. Edgar R. officials of the agriculture other farmers associations and and other fishing paraphernalia. Madrid and Rodel P. Tornilla, (Please turn to page 10)

Sec. Piñol rallies local chief execs to do chief executives to also do their part in ensuring food security their part in ensuring food security by Emily B. Bordado for their constituents as aptly CITY, METRO and agricultural officers and encounter, an engagement of spelled out in the summit theme -“We do not stakeholders from South the local chief executives, and or hash tag: “Mamamayan ko, lack food, our problem is Cluster for the Food Security other stakeholders who play Pakakainin ko.” positioning and distribution.” Summit over the week at a a vital role in ensuring food The secretary took the This was the assertion made by convention center in this city. security not only for the their opportunity to present the Agriculture Secretary, Manuel According to Secretary respective local government initiatives and intervention F. Piñol as he addressed the Piñol, the gathering which units but the entire nation as being done by the DA under over 500 municipal/city mayors was the second of a series well. The main objective of the his watch such as the Crop and municipal agriculturists nationwide was more of an summit was to rally the local (Please turn to page 11) EDITORIAL Solar irrigation, the best option for small production areas

Irrigation system is often in the country was inaugurated last But equally important to implemented in rural areas with year in Llanera, . Five this project is the strengthening poor access to reliable electricity of these SPIS have been completed and capacitation of farmers or fossil fuel. But solar radiation in the and five more organization who will be operating is an abundant resource in the are under construction. During his and maintaining these projects. countryside. Solar energy is recent visit to he They should not only be trained thus, one of the easiest ways and committed 10 more to be constructed on the proper maintenance of the accessible resources farmers can in the province. irrigation facilities. They should use to produce energy and make also be trained on financial water accessible in their areas Costing only P5 million to P7 management of their organizations One of the areas in agriculture that million the SPIS can irrigate 20 to so that they can turn this irrigation benefits the most from solar energy 50 hectares of rice field. This system system into a highly efficient and is irrigation, especially in far flung integrates and harmonizes the sustainable irrigation method. areas not reached by large irrigation different components from pump systems powered either by electricity to plant. Its operating principle is or fossil energy . Therefore, the simple. A solar generator provides use of solar energy in agriculture is electricity or power for an electric becoming increasingly popular and motor pump, which delivers water considered the logical solution for either directly into an irrigation sustained farm productivity. system or to an elevated reservoir. Fundamental design criteria for SPIS Upon his assumption as secretary include minimum maintenance, of Agriculture, Emmanuel F. Pinol maximum reliability as well as has considered solar irrigation resource efficiency. system as the best option in areas where big irrigation systems cannot With the forecast of a possible be feasible. He explains that occurrence of mild El Nino for the 2nd aside from the fact that it is not quarter of 2019, the establishment of expensive to maintain because it is more SPIS especially in those areas not dependent on gasoline diesel or where water will be really scarce can electric power it is also very practical. be a mitigating factor. As we know the crops need more water when the The Solar Powered Irrigation sun shines a lot. On one hand with System (SPIS) has become his pet a lot of sunlight a large quantity of project. The first and biggest solar energy will also be available to run powered water irrigation system or operate the irrigation system.

Published quarterly by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division of the Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Unit No. 5, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur, Tel No.(054) 477-5113 Fax 477-0381 E-mail Address: [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief: Emilia B. Bordado Re-entered as a Second Class Mail Matter at Advisers: the Pili Post Office, Pili, Camarines Surunder Writers: Lovella P. Guarin Permit No. 2017-18 on March 17, 2017. Dr. Elena B. Delos Santos Jayson M. Gonzales Regional Executive Director Blesilda A. Nuñez Annielyn L. Baleza Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez Dr. Edgar R. Madrid Michelle Angela G. Alfigura Lita V. Estrella Regional Technical Director Emil Pasumbal for Research and Regulations Lay-out Artist: Lovella P. Guarin Salvacion Gonowon Photographer/Liason Officer: Records Unit Mr. Rodel P. Tornilla Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr. OIC Regional Technical Director Illustrators: Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos for Operations and Extension Ramon C. Adversario

2 UMAsenso October - December 2018 Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Solar irrigation, the best option for small production areas Cam. Sur coco sap sugar processing center completed ahead of schedule Gemma Daguman , CAMARINES SUR – Considered (right), general manager of the as a better substitute for synthetic sugars, Federation of Baao coconut sap sugar is gaining popularity Women (FBW) Multi- in both local and international markets Purpose Cooperative because of its low glycemic index. (MPC), pose for a Results of the value chain analysis for photo outside the coconut sap sugar showed its potential in Camarines Sur Camarines Sur because of the product’s Coconut Sap Sugar definite market. Its proximity to Manila Processing Center and competitive sap based pricing strategy in Brgy. San Vicente also makes Camarines Sur a better source Baao, Camarines Sur of coconut sap sugar than those from . The 141-square meter Camarines Sur of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural The Federation of Baao Women Coconut Sap Sugar Processing Center, Development Project (PRDP) will soon (FBW) Multi-Purpose Cooperative which is part of the P7.64 million-worth start its operation to produce quality and (MPC), the proponent group, will Camarines Sur Coco Sap Sugar Processing healthy coconut sap sugar with an average implement the subproject. According to Enterprise, funded under the Department production of 76.5 tons per year. Gemma Daguman, its general manager, the completion of the Camarines Sur Coconut Sap Sugar Processing Center will positively impact the quality of lives of Letters coconut farmers and rural women in Baao, Naga City North District Irrigators Association, Inc. Camarines Sur. (NACINDIRA, INC.) “I am very happy kasi at last, three Km 9, Pacol, Naga City years na kaming naghintay ng project na ito. This time, maitu-turn over na sa amin December 28, 2018 na completed ang Coco Sap Processing Center project,” she said. Dr. Elena B. de los Santos Currently, the cooperative has Regional Executive Director 180 members engaged in agricultural DA RFO 5 production and processing who receive various assistance and will be tapped for the enterprise development (I-REAP) Madam, subproject. The processing center will employ a Project Manager who will We, the Naga City North District Irrigators Association, Inc. supervise the enterprise’s Operations and (NACINDIRA, Inc.) is a duly registered farmer-irrigators association Administration Unit. A cashier and driver with SEC Registration No. CN201431590 dated August 12, 2014 and will likewise be hired on a monthly basis NWRB Permit No. 015681. under the Administration Unit. Meanwhile, The association with the initiative of the majority of the Board women members of the FBW MPC will Members are extending our wholehearted thanks to your good office be hired under the Operations Unit. They for approving and releasing our acquisition of (1) unit Combine will be trained on the various processes Harvester, released to us last May 24, 2018. And also the release of of coconut sap sugar. FBW will organize our requested vegetable seeds distributed to our farmer members. three groups with 27 women members who Our farmer members are benefiting from this unit for fast and will work in shifting schedule as direct efficient harvesting, and the association is also generating added labors. income from the operation of this unit. “Mga housewives po sila sa ngayon We are hoping that you will give your support for the improvement pero mai-involve na po sila sa pag-process of production and postharvest operation of the association that will ng coco sap sugar. Magkakaroon na sila ng further benefit our farmer members. extra income and mapi-permanent na sila sa work nila na hindi na sa bahay lang sila gumagawa,” Daguman said. Truly yours, Coco sap collectors and syrup processors are projected to have an (Signed) Amado B. Bo additional monthly income worth Chairman P2,500.00 to P7,000.00. Also, FBW (Please turn to page 10)

October - December 2018 UMAsenso 3 The Hall of Fame award for LGU , City was received by Patricia G. Alsua and City Cam. Sur was received by Mayor Eduardo A. Agriculturist Eng. Dexter G. Mendoza. Severo (5th from left). Municipalt Agriculturist Gil Gabrielle H. Bordado III also received the Hall of Fame award as Outstanding MA. Top performing implementers of corn and cassava programs accorded awards performing provinces were to City and Ligao City. Nine other AEWs from BUHANGIN, awarded with cash (project The LGU of Calabanga, Cam. Bicol made it to the national – Some 2,000 delegates from grant) of P5M and trophy along Sur which had been a national award. They are: Noel G. all over the country gathered with their respective provincial winner for three consecutive Manaog and Buster Ibarbia of in an inland resort of this city agriculturists and corn years was accorded the Hall of Buhi; Ryan F. Calatrava and for the four-in-one event : coordinators who also received Fame Award and was given a Carlos B. Azanes of Calabanga; the 14th Philippine National a trophy and cash prize. Twenty special trophy and a cash grant Marly L. Corporal and Honesto Corn Congress, the awarding five (25) municipalities and of P2M which was received C. Sirios Jr. of Iriga City; ceremonies for the 6th National cities along with 21 municipal by Mayor Eduardo A. Severo. Hector Llagas of Bato, Cam, Quality Corn Achievers and city agriculturists and 16 Correspondingly, Calabanga’s Sur; Victor B. Cortes of Baao; Awards(NQCAA), the 2nd corn coordinators were also Mun. Agriculturist Gil Gabriel and Mary Jane Alivcante of Cassava Cluster Management awarded with cash prize and H. Bordado III and AEW , . They each Excellence Award (CCMEA) trophy. This year a total of 90 Joshua T. Ipo were accorded received a trophy and cash and the 2nd Cornucopia agricultural extension workers the Hall of Fame Award and prize of P16,000. Awards. (AEW) were likewise accorded given a special trophy and cash DA regional Executive The corn congress is an awards and recognition. prize of P45,000. The trophy Director Dr. Elena B. De annual activity which serves Three LGUs from the and cash prize for Ligao City los Santos along with OIC, as the venue for the various Bicol region qualified for the was received by Mayor Patricia Regional Technical Director stakeholders of the corn industry national awards. These are G. Alsua and City Agriculturist for Operations and Extension, to gather and discuss the current the LGUs of Calabanga, Iriga Eng. Dexter G. Mendoza. Rodel Tornilla, Lorenzo Alvina, issues of the sector, share the City and Ligao City along with The award for Iriga City was Regional Corn Coordinator and best farm practices, showcase their respective Municipal/ received by City Agriculturist Dr. Mary Grace Rodriguez also modern farm equipment, City agriculturist and corn Ruben S. De los Santos in joined the Bicol winners in technologies and forge market technician or AEW. A cash grant behalf of Mayor Madeline A. receiving their awards. linkages. It is highlighted with of P1M and trophy were given Gazmin. (Next page pls.) the conferment of the NQCAA, CCMEA and CORNUCOPIA to recognize the achievements of top performing Local Government Units and stakeholders in producing quality corn and cassava in support to the development of corn and cassava industry and the animal feed industry. For the NQCAA, 5 top

4 UMAsenso October - December 2018 Bicol region bagged 4 prestigious awards in national Organic Agri search CITY – The Bicol Region bagged four (4) out of the nine (9) National Organic Agriculture Achievers Awards during the 15th National Organic Agriculture Congress held on November 13-15, 2018 at the Waterfront Hotel this city. Agriculture Undersecretary Ariel T. Cayanan and National Organic Agriculture Focal Person Engr. Christopher Morales led the awarding ceremony. The province of received P3 Million project grant as National Outstanding Province implementing The national awardees proudly hold their trophies and facsimile checks. Organic Agriculture (OA) program. Governor Al bagged the award for the holder group of farmers in the finalist for Small Farmer Francis Bichara together with National Outstanding OA Focal municipality of Goa, Camarines Individual Category; and Provincial Agriculturist Cheryl Person and received P50,000 Sur. Edilberto Abad and family Rebeta, DA Bicol Regional cash award and trophy. The national finalists of Goa, Cam. Sur – national Executive Director Elena B. de Joey Hade, 25 years old, were also honored during the finalist for Organic Farming los Santos, OIC RTD Rodel P. from Goa, Cam. Sur received ceremony. Five shortlisted Family. Tornilla and Adelina A. Losa, P100,000 cash and trophy as national finalists from Bicol All the national finalists Regional OA focal person, national outstanding Young OA Region also received trophies. and major awardees were received the trophy and P3 Farmer. The Goa Agri Producers They are: Ligao City – national accompanied on stage by Million check. The province and Processors Association finalist for Outstanding City RED Ellen de los Santos, RTD garnered the highest award as it (GAPPA) was adjudged as category; Arlene Dayo, Tornilla, and Adelina A. Losa. has successfully implemented national outstanding Organic municipal OA focal person of The Bicol Region is composed the Family Based Food Agriculture Farmers’ Group Goa, Camarines Sur – national of over 75 delegates. Production Program (AFBFPP) and received P500,000 cash finalist for Outstanding Mun./ The OA congress actively participated in by 100 award and trophy. GAPPA is City OA Focal Person; Felix depicted the theme “Organic households in each the prime mover of organic Gino Murillo of Ligao City – Agriculture: Advancing the of Albay. Eleanor Daep, Albay farming system and the leading national finalist for Agricultural Local Food Culture Movement provincial Organic Agriculture consolidator and distributor Extension Worker category; in the .” (Lovella Program focal person also of organic produce of small Rossini Obligacion – national P. Guarin)

Top performing implementers of corn ... (from page 4)

Meanwhile, the of cassava clusters to the proposed she mentioned the represented by Eng. Ariel T. Cornucopia Award which is advancement of the cassava Rice Competitive Enhancement Cayanan, DA undersecretary now on its 2nd year is being industry, three cluster Fund and the Rice Ratification for Operations and Agri- given to provide incentives organizations were also given Bill which will be a big Fisheries and mechanization. and recognize the ingenuity awards one from Manolo help to the farmers. She also He underscored the vital role and resourcefulness of Fortich , one from assured her continuous pursuit of the LGUs being at the organizations in implementing Banga, South and of legislations and push for forefront in the implementation value adding on corn and another one from Carigara, government interventions such of agricultural programs. He cassava primary products. . as shared facilities program, said “LGUs provide the basic Three farmers organizations The guest of honor and access to credit, training infrastructures that support from , keynote speaker during the through farmers school, and cater to the needs of the Calamba, and Misamis awarding ceremonies was mechanization and promotion communities in their respective Oriental were conferred this Senator Cynthia A. Villar who of new technologies. areas and they play a critical award. is currently the chairperson Agriculture Secretary role in monitoring the various For the Cassava Cluster Senate Committee on Emmanuel F. Piñol who development programs in their Management Award which Agriculture and Food. Among was not able to attend due respective areas.” (Emily B. recognizes the contributions the legislations she already to a conflict in schedule was Bordado) October - December 2018 UMAsenso 5 Regional Achievers Awarding Ceremonies 2018 Corn Achievers NAGA CITY – The Department of Agriculture in Bicol feted this year’s achievers in the development of the corn and cassava industry sectors, giving out a total of cash prizes of P480,000 and plaques of recognition during the Regional Corn Congress 2018 and Awarding of Regional Quality Corn and Cassava Cluster Organization Achievers. Undersecretary Evelyn G. Laviña of DA High Value Crops and Rural Credit, and Dr. Candido B. Damo, national corn and cassava program coordinator conferred the awards to 24 awardees who were were elegantly attired in their program coordinator urged the ay hindi kabayaran, kundi Achievers awardees were barong tagalog and filipiniana. awardees to continue improving konting token lang to thank you composed of municipal/city Dr. Candido B. Damo, in doing their functions in their for your efforts. Local Government Units; mun/ national corn and cassava respective areas. “Ang awards The Corn Quality city agriculturists; agricultural extension workers; and cassava Gawad Saka & Rural Women cluster. (Lovella P. Guarin) NAGA CITY – In recognition of the outstanding contribution of our farmers and rural women to the growth of the agriculture sector, the DA in Bicol staged the annual awarding ceremonies of the achievers in this year’s Gawad Saka and Rural Women Search in one of the hotels in this City on October 10, 2018. The DA Bicol gave a total of P780,000 in cash awards and plaques of commendation to nine (9) Gawad Saka Achievers and four (4) Outstanding Rural Women awardees. Undersecretary Evelyn Sur – Outstanding Rice G. Lavina of DA’s High Value Farmer; Angelita A. Cerillo Crops and Rural Credit and of Tigaon, Camarines Sur – Chairperson of DA-Gender Outstanding Corn Farmer; and Development (GAD) Pepito M. Amaranto of , Focal System in her keynote Albay – Outstanding High speech, noted the big number Value Crop Farmer; Elmer S. of women awardees in the Salazar of Tigaon, Camarines region, particularly in the Rural Sur – Outstanding Organic Women Search. She also added Agriculture Farmer; Josephine that aside from the feats of the G. Artiaga of Lupi, Camarines Gawad Saka achievers “whose Sur – Outstanding Small contributions to the agriculture Animal Raiser; Napo RIC of sector are worth telling,” their , Albay – Outstanding Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic award and plaque. patience and endurance in Rural Improvement Club; Resources Management The assisting Agricultural complying with the tedious MAFC of Malilipot, Council (MFARMC). The Technicians received P15,000 requirements and back Albay – Outstanding Municipal winning individual received cash award each. breaking preparations for the Agricultural and Fishery P50,000 cash while outstanding During the one-day event, scrap book and for the regional Council (MAFC); PAFC groups received P75,000 cash world class products made by and national evaluation are also of Daet, and plaques. the various Rural Improvement worthy of recognition. – Outstanding Provincial Regional Outstanding Clubs (RICs) of Bicol enrolled The Gawad Saka Agricultural and Fishery Rural Woman is Ms. Josephine with the GREAT WOMEN Achievers are: Genaro A. Council (PAFC) and MFARMC G. Artiaga of Lupi, Camarines Project 2 were also exhibited. Tamon of , Camarines of Tiwi, Albay – Outstanding Sur. She received P30,000 cash (Lovella P. Guarin)

6 UMAsenso October - December 2018 Organic Agri Achievers 2018 CITY - Some Provincial Focal Person and 500 organic agriculture awarded P25,000 and a trophy. practitioners, advocates and Ligao City of Albay supporters converge in this province was also recognized city for the 11th Bicol Organic as Outstanding City in Organic Agriculture Congress and Agriculture and awarded a cash The awardees from Albay province. Conferment of Awards for the region’s Outstanding Organic Agriculture (OA) Achievers for 2018 and promising achievers held in this city on On October 11-12. The Province of Albay clinched this year’s Outstanding Province in Organic Agriculture for its all-out support to the Organic Agriculture Program of the DA and for initiating and implementing its own program complementing the The awardees from Goa, Cam. Sur. OA program. For this the Agri Producers and Processors province was awarded a cash grant of P300,000 and a trophy received P50,000 and a trophy. Association (GAPPA) was grant worth P500,000 and a which was received by Dexter Outstanding OA extension adjudged Outstanding OA trophy which was received by Adalla, City Agriculturist and worker Felix Gino Morillo Farmers’ Group with P100,000 Provincial Agriculturist Che OA Focal Person. Rossini received P15,000 & trophy. grant and a trophy. The family Rebeta. Eleanor Daep, the Obligacion, from the same Meanwhile, the of Edilberto Abad was adjudged province’s focal person for OA city was adjudged Outstanding municipality of Goa, Cam. Sur Outstanding OA Farming was also adjudged Outstanding Small Individual Farmer and garnered four awards. The Goa (Pls turn to page 8) Bicol hosts 84th RIC nat’l confab Naga City - Some 300 women leaders mostly officers of the Rural Women Club (RIC), coordinators and focal persons across the country converged in a hotel in this city for the 84th National Convention On November 27 to 29, 2018. National RIC president Cecilia B. Veluz-de Asis, who is also an incumbent councilor of this city together with city Mayor John G. Bongat and other commitment to uplift and her message via a video clip the support, recognition and city officials welcomed the empower themselves and as she was attending an equally respect of the government and delegates. De Asis said that become productive sector of important engagement. She all other sectors. Citing the the continuing existence of the our society. underscored the vital role of role of women especially the RIC thought all its 84 years of Vice president Maria women in nation building. She RIC in agri-tourism which was existence since Maria Y. Orosa Leonor G. Robredo who was said they are not just a silent the theme chosen for this year’s founded it, is a testimony of invited as the guest of honor minority but an important sector convention, Robredo said rural women’s unwavering and keynote speaker conveyed of our society that deserve (Pls turn to page 11)

October - December 2018 UMAsenso 7 SAAD turns over carabaos to beneficiaries in Masbate & Sorsogon MASBATE – If dog is man’s best friend, the carabao is the small farmer’s best buddy as it helps ease farm works and also helps transport farm produce through all kinds of terrain. Thus, the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Some of the beneficiaries of carabaos in Sorsogon. Development (SAAD) program granted the requests of some of the beneficiaries of the program to have their own draft animal. As of October 30, 2018, the SAAD program in Bicol has distributed a total of 50 carabaos (native caraheifers) to 40 individual beneficiaries Some of the beneficiaries of carabaos in Sorsogon. in the municipalities of afford the petroleum necessary children. ampalaya, organic fertilizers, , , Esperanza in operating a tractor. Other interventions drums, garden tools, plastic and Pio V. Corpuz all in Most of the beneficiaries already distributed to the trays, wheelbarrows, UV Masbate and to 10 farmer- are living in remote areas beneficiaries in the provinces treated plastic for greenhouse beneficiaries in Sorsogon. which are not passable to public of Masbate, and and HDPE pipes. The beneficiaries of the utility vehicles. Transporting Sorsogon included native goats, Trainings have been SAAD in Masbate were very goods from their farms to the native pigs, native chicken, conducted in coordination grateful for the carabaos they market centers have long been and ducks; white corn seeds with the banner programs received as they really need a problem. With the carabao’s and upland rice seeds with to equip the beneficiaries draft animals in cultivating heavy built, it can travel in all complete fertilizer; packets of with the necessary skills to their lands especially now kinds of terrain and can carry vegetable seeds such as okra, sustain the project. (Lovella that they could scarcely their produce including their pechay, bush and pole sitao and P. Guarin)

Regional Organic ... (from page 7) Retired DA 5 employees treated and honored Family and awarded P50,000 and a Organic City. She underscored trophy. Joey Hade was Outstanding that Food Security goes hand in OA Young Farmer and awarded hand with Environment Security P30,000 cash prize and a trophy. explaining that we cannot produce Arlene Dayo was recognized enough and safe food in an Outstanding Municipal Focal unhealthy environment. Person and awarded a cash prize of Meanwhile, OIC RTD for P20,000 and a trophy. Operations & Extension Rodel Also recognized and given Tornilla stressed that “organic cash prize/grants and trophies agriculture is not just a fad. It were the promising OA Achievers is actually going back to basic namely: Iriga City as Most and reviving the traditional and promising City; Elpedio Demaiwat, local agricultural and cultural Most Promising City Focal Person; practices of our forefathers which Edgar Oliva Most Promising is aptly stated in this year’s theme: Extension Worker; Alberto Calooy “Organikong Pag-aagrikultura of Goa and Norma Bautista of para sa pag-uswag kan local na Tigaon as Most Promising Small kultura nin pagkakan sa Pilipinas” Individual Farmers; Quiras Family They keynote speaker of Ligao City, Lopez Family of was: Engr. Guillermo Saret, Tigaon, and Bagaporo Family as Jr., member. National Organic Most Promising Farming Families. Agriculture Board (NOAB). Other In her message to the resource persons also shared their awardees Mayor Sally Lee, a experiences. staunch advocate and practitioner A mini agri -fair showcased of organic agriculture bared that organic products. (Emily B. she has declared Sorsogon an Bordado with Blesilda Nunez)

8 UMAsenso October - December 2018 Nat’l Rice Awareness Month DA Bicol celebrated the National Rice Awareness Month through a media briefing on Rice-Corn Blend

Dr. Candido B. Damo, national Corn & Cassava Program coordinator (seated 2nd from right) and Dr. Felicito M. Rodriguez, University Researcher of Institute of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture of Agriculture, UPLB (3rd from left) graced the media briefing, together with Over 25 media practitioners attended the briefing on Rice-Corn Blend which was staged by DA RAFIS in Naga City in celebration of the Rice Lorenzo L. Alvina, regional Corn Program Coordinator Awareness Month in November. (right) and Rodel P. Tornilla, OIC RTD for Operations and During the briefing, the participants took home 2 kilos of rice-corn Extension and Rice Program Coordinator. blend (a mixture of rice and white corn grits at 70:30 ratio) which is being Emily B. Bordado (standing left), Regional Information sold by Arrow Multipurpose Coop in Panganiban Drive, Naga City. Officer facilitated the open forum. Goa farmers received corn seed warehouse Before the year ends, the DA Corn Program turned over to Maymatan Farmers Multipurpose Coop the P5M corn seed warehouse established at Digdigon, Goa, Cam. Sur. Maymatan coop is composed of 470 farmers whose main livelihood are either rice, corn and cassava farming. Coop Chairperson Felina Sanoy and former Municipal Agriculturist of Goa, expressed her gratitude to the DA for the full support given to the corn farmers of Goa. In his message to the members of the Maymatan Multipurpose Coop, Lorenzo L. Alvina DA Bicol Corn Program coordinator, said that the warehouse is intended as storage for corn seeds particularly in times of calamities. Alvina recalled the slump in corn price in 2017 which was caused by the farmers’ individualism, “pa-isa-isa ang pagbenta ng mais ng ating magsasaka, that’s why we could not chieve the required quantity by the San Miguel Corporation. Minsan pa ay basa ang mga produktong mais kaya hindi din tinatanggap ng consoldator,” Alvina added. Ngayong hindi na problema ang drying facilities, ang kailangan lang gawin nang magmamais ay magtanim at mag- ani nang sabay-sabay upang maattain ang volume at quality na required by the buyers. The DA earlier turned over a Village Type Drying facility worth P4.5M complete with cob dryer, mechanical corn sheller, grain dryer. These facilities will boost corn production in Goa with current total corn area of 1,631.5 hectares. Also present during the inauguration were Municipal Agriculturist Jerry Mercado, officers and members of Maymatan Coop, Municipal Council of Goa and representatives from the Land Bank and ACPC. (Lovella Guarin)

October - December 2018 UMAsenso 9 Agri chief turns over ... (from page 1) and fishery council and some members of the local media trooped to the site to meet the secretary and witness the event. Secretary Piñol pointed out that in small areas where big irrigation systems cannot be epektibo itong solar irrigation’, Sec. Manny F. Piñol addresses over 1,000 farmers during his feasible small irrigation systems he shared. He added that it Byaheng Bukid in Libmanan, Cam. Sur before Christmas day. like the solar powered irrigation will give about P100 thousand Camarines Sur alone there are the government appreciation is the best option. “Aside from additional income to farmers. already four completed SPIS for their vital contribution the fact that it is not expensive This solar irrigation worth projects. Ten more of these to our nation. He explains to maintain because it is not P5million can irrigate 10 to 20 projects are currently under that while the government dependent on gasoline, diesel hectares of rice fields. Its storage construction. He pointed out is now providing support to or electric power it is also very tank has a carrying capacity of that Bicol being proximately poor families via the 4Ps our practical. Kung kalian tag init 200 cubic liters and its surface located to Metro Manila its farmers deserve even more to at kailangan talaga ang tubig pump can discharge 33.4 liters agricultural development be supported as they feed our sa sakahan saka magaling at per second. Piñol bared that in should be given priority. He people and they are engaged in promised to make Bicol one of productive undertakings which the most progressive regions in contribute to the economic the country. growth of our nation. He committed to set more Sec. Piñol’s visit to solar irrigation projects in other Bicol was the first leg of his areas in Bicol. For Cam. Sur he 5-day caravan or “Byaheng committed to establish 10 more Bukid” before the close of SPIS projects and allocate an the year. He proceeded to additional P100 million in whose agricultural the form of loan facility as development he committed he challenged Representative to personally oversee. From Luis Raymond Villafuerte there he will also be dropping and governor Miguel Luis to by other regions along the way Sec. Piñol led the inauguration of the P5M Solar Powered increase the production yield in to visit agricultural projects Irrigation Project in Bagadion, Libmanan, Cam. Sur. the province by 10% next year and interact with farmers and which presently has an average stakeholders. The last leg will Cam. Sur coco sap ... (from page 3) production yield of 3.7 metric be in Mindanao to his home tons per hectare. province in Cotabato. (Emily MPC members are expected to business planning, marketing, Sec. Piñol likewise bared B. Bordado) receive a dividend share worth and bookkeeping as well as his proposal to provide pension P15,505.60 per year. packaging and labelling. for farmers of at least P1,000 Prior to the completion During the punchlist per month as an incentive and of the Camarines Sur Coconut inspection conducted by the Sap Sugar Processing Center, PRDP-Bicol infrastructure the FBW conducted a dry run development (I-BUILD) team operation of the Camarines Sur on October 29, 2018, Roads Coco Sap Sugar Processing and Bridges Specialist Zosimo Enterprise using fuel stove. Ordas Jr., the Camarines Sur “Ang laking tulong nito Coconut Sap Sugar Processing sa amin kasi hindi po namin Center is the first project of the kakayanin ang pagpapa- said province to be completed construct ng building. Very ahead of schedule. Punchlist thankful po kami sa PRDP. inspection is usually conducted Sa wakas meron na po when the project reaches the kaming processing center na accomplishment of at least makakatulong sa mga farmers 95 percent to evaluate the PRDP I-BUILD Head Engr. Arnie Ilan (2nd from right) and at sa mga gumagawa po ng accomplishment based on the Roads and Bridges Specialist Engr. Zosimo Ordas (1st from coco sap sugar,” she added. plan and detailed engineering left) conduct the Punchlist Inspection at the Camarines Sur PRDP also trained the FBW design. (Annielyn L. Baleza) Coconut Sap Sugar Processing Center in Brgy. San Vicente Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Baao, Camarines Sur. 10 UMAsenso October - December 2018 Sec. Piñol rallies local ... (from page 1) Suitability color- coded maps; the solar powered irrigation systems; the provision of easy access loans among others. As an incentive to the mayors who personally attended the summit Piñol committed to provide P10M worth Farm-to Market Road for each town to be included in the 2020 budget. The other DA top officials who were present during the summit were Segfredo Serrano, undersecretary for Policy and Planning who gave councils to draft their municipal the welcome remarks; Arnel food security plans. First, de Mesa, Regional Executive they have to identify which Director of DA Calabarzon food commodities are already and Luzon B cluster head who sufficient or have surplus in presented the South Luzon each municipality and which cluster situationer; Dr. Elena are deficient by computing B. De los Santos, RED of DA the net available production Bicol; Antonio Gerundio, RED volume over the per capita of MIMAROPA; and other top consumption or requirement of officials of the DA regional the local population. These data offices and attached agencies. became the basis for drafting a Prior to the summit municipal food security action the DA regional offices plan. food security action plan. As a consisted of over 200 which convened the municipal During the food summit in culminating activity the local included 23 mayors and 1 vice agriculturists, representatives Manila these action plans were chief executives who personally mayor. Most of the mayors and stakeholders from the formally turned over to the attended the summit and the sent their representatives and rice, corn, fishery sector, DA through Sec. Piñol. Mayor representatives affixed their their Municipal Agriculturists, livestock, high value crops, Fernando Mesa of Alabat signature to the commitment but 75 percent of the Bicol’s organic agriculture, farmers Island in Province and wall as a manifestation of their municipalities were able to organizations and other rural- Mayor Antonio Carolino of Sta. pledge to food security of their submit their municipal food based organizations including Maria Laguna did the honors locality and the entire nation. security action plan. (Emily B. the agriculture and fishery of presenting their municipal The Bicol delegation Bordado) Bicol hosts 84th RIC ... (from page 7) that combining agiculture and rich natural endowments of sites which can be the venue RIC Awardee and Thailand tourism can spur economic, every region. She added that for imparting or promoting new experiences on rice cracker, social and educational growth as women are very creative and knowledge, technologies and banana, egg Mud making in a community. Aside from innovative they can develop best practices on sustainable and pili nut processing. The generating jobs agri-tourism various products or engage in agriculture and environment delegates were also brought will open business opportunities value adding using the available friendly farm practices. She to the SONRISA learning or agri-enterprises for the rural resources in the locality. She said this is where the RIC Site and the deer farm of the families and reduce urban added that agri -tourism can members or the women can province. migration. also rekindle the appreciation paly an important role as they One of the highlights of the Meanwhile Agriculture on the importance of agriculture very good and effective as event was the General assembly regional executive director, among the youths. teachers or mentors. and rendering of reports by Dr. Elena de los Santos in For her part, Elsa Parrot, The 3-day event featured the officers, selection and her message read by Dr. Mary Rural Based Organization lectures on agri- tourism coronation of Mrs. RIC and Grace Rodriguez, OIC chief of (RBO) national Focal person development, financial the ceremonial awarding of the the Field Operations Division of f the ATI who represented literacy and sharing of good RIC Outreach Project. said that agri-tourism has great OIC- director Dr. Luz Taposok practices and experiences by The conduct convention potential to thrive and flourish shared that farm or agri— successful entrepreneurs in was also supported by the especially in the rural areas tourism sites or centers now cacao processing, No-Bake DA and the ATI and the City because of the agricultural being established across the cake making, Success story of government of Naga. (Emily B. nature of our economy and the country also serve as learning an Outstanding Gawad Saka Bordado)

October - December 2018 UMAsenso 11 in the community with 80 integration. The duck eggs participants for five months provided food for their family Climate resilient from June to October 2018. . Cecilia Quipayo on the other During the simple hand tried processing the nipa graduation ceremonies held fruits which used to be ignored FFS graduates on October 31 at the barangay in their community. “Dati dai chapel, the Climate Resilient pinapansin. Pwede palan source share experiences Agriculture (CRA) Digest in of income siya”, she bared. flip chart format were turned The Bureau of Agricultural over to the community through Research through DA Regional & good practices the Barangay chairperson Noli Research Division under Panti and to the Municipal Ms. Marcelino has funded By Emily B. Bordado Local Government Unit the project with Arlene I. de through Danilo Bordon, the Asis providing the technical PAMPLONA, CAM. SUR – Barangay, Cagbunga of this municipality a small agricultural community which is located along the Bicol River is prone to flooding whenever the river overflows and its interior and neighboring barangays are prone to drought especially during the dry months. But despite their location’s vulnerability to flooding and drought, the to address climate change in municipal agriculturist. Also assistance and training for the people of this barangay are agriculture. present during the graduation women. industrious, tenacious and According to Sandy, ceremonies were Luz Monina de Belen attested resilient. Bobier, the project research Marcelino, chief of the DA that the Farm Weather Advisory Through the years the assistant, some of the Research Division, Lorenzo provided by the project has residents of Cagbunga and interventions introduced in Alvina, DA’s focal person on guided her when to start the neighboring barangays the community were the use Disaster Risk Management planting. She noted though that have learned to adapt to the of Green Super Rice (GSR) 11 (DRRM); and Emily Bordado; the rain forecast being aired on vagaries of weather and found variety which is known to be Chief of the DA Information the local TV channel does not ways to mitigate the adverse flood and saline tolerant; the section; other barangay conform with the rain forecast impact of the various factors planting of Taro varieties; the officials and farmer leaders mentioned in the Farm Weather that affect their livelihood use of Ultra Violet Stabilized from Cagbunga, Cagbibi and Advisory provided by AMIA and existence. For these they (UVS )Plastic as dryer; Patong. so she is sometimes confused. were chosen to be the pilot Crop Rain sheltering; Rice- The highlight of the event Meanwhile Norma Leosala site for the implementation of duck integration; nipa fruit was the testimonies rendered shared the benefits from the Adaptation and Mitigation processing; use of farm weather by the farmer cooperators and availing of Crop Insurance Initiative in Agriculture Project advisory and availment of crop beneficiaries of the various which somehow eased her woes (AMIA) of the Department of insurance. interventions. Judith Imperial whne a typhoon damages her Agriculture. Their community Alongside with these shared how she was able to crops. By carefully listening to has been dubbed as the AMIA interventions extension support attain a higher yield from the the explanations of the PCIC Village as it showcases various via the Climate Resiliency usual 13 cavans to 40 cavans representatives she was able to interventions and initiatives Farmers School was conducted by using the GSR 11 variety. comply with the requirements. San Juan and Rufina She said non-approval of Sabalboro related that heir claims is primarily due to the taro have yielded big leaves discrepancy in data provided and have grown so tall and by the claimant. “Mayo nin recovered fast even when salt paboritismo sa pagtao nin water intruded into their field. indemnification kan PCIC, she Enelia Sabalboro enthused asserts. about the effectiveness and According to Alvina efficiency of using UVS plastic AMIA aims to build climate sheet placed at about 2 feet resilient communities by using over the palay grains to hasten new tools and developing drying. new ways of doing things in Rufina Sabalboro and mainstreaming climate change Monina de Belen also shared adaptation and mitigation their experience in rice-duck strategies in the country.

12 UMAsenso October - December 2018 DA Bicol holds regional technology forum & in-house review

NAGA CITY – Agricultural assess the probable impact of research and innovation are research results on agricultural vital to economic growth. productivity and sustainability The DA 5 research division, of agri-ventures. thus holds the 1st Regional 14 completed researches Technology Investment Forum were presented under four and 30th In-house review on categories and the best studies October 25-26, 2018 at the and posters were given cash OIC RTD Rodel P. Tornilla underscores the need to invest in Avenue Plaza Hotel this city. awards. The first placer for research to produce more with less and in a sustainable manner. DA Bicol RTD Rodel P. paper presentation under the Tornilla, in his speech, said Technology Generation was Cam. Sur presented by Ailyn R. presentation received P10,000 that with the threat of climate the study entitled “In-Vitro Adante. Under the Technology –first prize; P7,500-second change, the challenge to our Propagation of Pineapple at Verification, the first prize prize; and P5,000 – third prize. researchers is to help farmers DA Region 5 presented by was bagged by the study For the poster competition, produce more under difficult Behilda Balisoro. The second “Community-based Action the first place went to the conditions. place was garnered by the study Research for Climate-Resilient study on mungbean, the Tornilla, who started in “Enhancing the Saleability of Agriculture (CRA) in Region second place went to CRA in government as a research Local Garlic Variety through 5 presented by Sandy Bobier Region 5 and the third place assistant said that before, Maillard Reaction Processing with co-authors L. Marcelino, went to “Substitution of Spent funds for agricultural presented by Rosella Formento. Lorenzo Alvina, and RTD Mushroom Substrate for Vermi research are very scarce, but Meanwhile, the first Edgar R. Madrid. The second Production by L. Marcelino, nowadays public investment placer under the Technology prize went to “Validation Angelina Penaserada, Ma. for agricultural research has Adaptation category was of Site-Specific Nutrient Shiela Nierva, Joseph Nacario, soared up to millions of pesos entitled “Improved Rice Management options through Arnufo De Asis and Nonito as the government has come to Genotypes for Enhancing Technology Demonstration by Dieta. Winners received cash recognize the need to invest in Productivity in Different Ailyn Adante, Luz Marcelino prizes of P5,000, 4,000 and research to produce more with Ecosystems in Bicol” presented and Gladys Camaing. P3,000 respectively. less and in a more sustainable by Tara Christina Machica. In Under the Technology The panel of evaluators manner. He thus challenged the second place was the study Commercialization category, came from renowned the researchers to develop a “Yield Response of Queen the sole Best Paper was universities, SUCs, DA and technology that would ensure Pineapple to Plant Spacing the study “Technology private sector. food in the table, surplus and Fertilizer Management Commercialization of Dr. Edgar R. Madrid, RTD production and ultimately presented by Maria Christina Mungbean Production in Bicol for Research and Regulations viable enterprise. Campita. The third place Region by L. Marcelino, Engr. together with Luz R. Marcelino This year, According to was garnered by the research Henrilyn Yamson, Danilo and Corazon A. Orbon, CBES Luz R. Marcelino, Chief of “Validating the Effects of Bordon, Nellie Pasion, and Superintendent, bestowed the the Research Division, the Continuous Use of Yellow RTD Edgar R. Madrid. awards to the winners. (Lovella scientific conference aimed to Hybrid Corn at Calabanga, The winners in the paper P. Guarin)

October - December 2018 UMAsenso 13 More rice farmers to benefit from DA’s flatbed dryers by Lovella P. Guarin he “Ber” months signal not only the festive air of Christmas but also the Tonset of rain and sometimes typhoon which can jeopardize our rice farmers’ harvests for the wet season cropping. But today rice farmers are not worried as in the past because of the availability now presidents, secretaries and flat bed operators dahil hindi natuyo,” he related. of Flatbed Dryers (FBDs). Since 2007, the attended the 3-day training. Thus, Aguilar submitted a letter Department of Agriculture has established Engr. Penafrancia O. Suzara, Engineer request to DA Regional Executive Director 362 units of flatbed dryers in the region II of the Regional Agricultural Engineering Elena B. de los Santos for the installation funded under the Rice Program. Less than a Division (RAED) said that FBDs were of flatbed dryer in their area. The members hundred dryers were also established under provided by the DA in the past years to pay P25/ bag of wet palay. P20 goes to the the Bottom Up Budgeting Project. These reduce postharvest losses and help farmers’ coop and P5 to the FBD operator. Their dryers have benefited over 350 farmers’ associations generate income from palay dryer is open 24 hours to coop members organizations and NFA provincial offices. drying. Engr. Suzara also urged the and even non-members. The FBD has a Flat bed dryers can dry dripping wet participants to maximize the use of their maximum capacity of 120 bags. Based on palay and corn. Drying or removal of excess FBDs and maintain two operators to ensure Aguilar’s experience, they have dried 85 moisture for safe storage is another way of continuous operation. She also reminded bags at 50 kilos palay for 10 hours using increasing farmers’ income by reducing the association presidents to save some 6 liters diesel and 11 bags rice hull. He is quantity and quality losses. Dried palay at of their income for the maintenance of optimistic that more farmers in his area will 14% moisture content can be stored up to the facility as the DA can only shoulder earn higher profit with the aid of the FBD. three months while farmers are waiting for the rehabilitation of the shed, furnace and Meanwhile, another participant was higher price, thus expanding opportunities flooring. Elpidio Gabo, founding chairman and for farmers. Engr. Suzara added that these FBDs current Production Manager of the Ambos The provision of FBD is governed which cost P700,000 to P850,000 (for Camarines Agri Coop based in Bgy. by a Memorandum of Agreement FBDs with mixer) designed by the Itumang, Talisay, Camarines Norte. Their (MOA) between the DA, PhilMech and PhilMech were given for free by the DA coop received two (2) units recirculating the recipient organization. One of the to the recipient organizations. The only flatbed dryers, in addition to the P16M conditions stipulated in the MOA is that counterpart from the recipient was 200 sq. worth Rice Processing Center 2 granted to incase the FBD has not been utilized for m. lot area and 6x13 sq. m flooring. The them by the DA in 2014. These facilities two or more months, the DA has the right FBDs use rice hull as fuel and gasoline to helped their 140 members maintain their to transfer the said FBD to another farmers’ start the engine blower. over 300 hectares paddy rice field and organization. One new recipient of FBD was 100 hectares upland rice areas scattered In 2014, the DA has stopped Montecalvario Smart Farmers Association all over Camarines Norte. The coop buys constructing FBDs and focused on (MOCSFA) represented in the training by the farmer member’s produce either fresh rehabilitation and transfer of existing units. its president, Jejomar C. Aguilar. The coop or dry. Out of its income from years of Thus, a number of farmers’ organizations has 55 members tilling close to 100 hectares operation, the coop was able to purchase which have not received the facility were rice areas. Aguilar noticed that there is a truck, and developed the business area. given chance this time around. not a single flatbed dryer installed to in They also managed the maintenance of the And on October 24-26, 2018, these barangay Montecalvario and neighboring equipment. During the harvest season from new recipients of the FBDs that have been barangays in Buhi, Camarines Sur. Their March to May (dry season) and October- repossessed by the DA due to non-use, constant problem during wet season is they December (wet season), the drying underwent a Training on the Operation cannot store their palay. “kahit mababa operations of the coop lasted for 14 hours and Maintenance of Flatbed Dryer at ang presyo, kailangan nang ibenta ang everyday. Regal Plaza Hotel this municipality. Over palay. Kung iniimbak naman maraming Niño Bengosta, Science Research 30 participants composed of association nasasayang, tumutubo na at nangingitim Specialist II and Cluster Head for Luzon B of PhilMech served as resource speaker during the training. Through lectures and hands on exercises, the participants learned the concept of biomass furnace, parts and functions of FBD, operating procedure, and safety measures, maintenance, trouble shooting and preparation of Utilization Report. The DA through the RAED is monitoring the status of these FBDs through the required utilization report to be submitted by the recipients of FBDs.

14 UMAsenso October - December 2018 Scientific breakthroughs, bus. opportunities highlighted at 1st Pili Natl Scientific Confab NAGA CITY, CAMARINES conference which featured local SUR – Pili’s antioxidant and international researchers and anticancer properties. who presented their scientific Pharmaceutical and cosmetic papers about pili. use of pili essential oils. OIC RTD for Operations Separation and analysis and Extension Rodel P. Tornilla techniques as well as reads the keynote message of standardization in producing Sec. Piñol. quality essential oils. These Dr. Mary Grace DP. are just few of the scientific Rodriguez, OIC Chief of the breakthroughs and business DA RFO V and High Value opportunities unveiled during Crops Development Program the 1st Pili (Canarium spp.) (HVCDP) Regional Focal Dr. Professor Temel Ozek, director of Anadolu University National Scientific Conference Person, shared the status, Medicinal Plants, Drugs and Scientific Research Center in and Trade Fair held on prospects and Bicol initiatives Turkey and main research presentor, discusses “Ensuring for pili industry Quality of Oils Through Standardization” during the November 5-6, 2018, this city. confab. With the theme Entrepreneurs who “Advancing the Pili Industry ventured in pili nut processing Industry Through Science such as Maria Lydia P. Lomibao and Technology,” the two-day of J. Emmanuel Pastries-The activity was initiated by the House of Pili and Myra Zandra Philippine Pili Industry League N. Gestiada of Vicky’s Pili and Inc. (PhilPILI) headed by Food Products shared their Rosalina S. Tan in coordination success stories, best practices with the Department of and personal experiences that Agriculture Regional Field contributed to their success in Office V (DA RFO V), the the pili industry. Local Government Unit of The 1st Pili (Canarium Naga City, Elemie Naturals spp.) National Scientific and other partner agencies and Conference and Trade Fair also DA RFO V division chiefs and officials (L-R) Luz R. Marcelino, institutions. marks the soft launch of the Adelina A. Losa, RTD Tornilla, and Dr. Mary Grace DP. Rodriguez About 192 pili stakeholders coffee table book “Pili: Treasure join Dr. Professor Temel Ozek, director of Anadolu University nationwide attended the of Bicolandia.” (Annielyn L. Medicinal Plants, Drugs and Scientific Research Center in Turkey Baleza) (5th from left) and Philippine Pili Industry League Inc. (PhilPILI) President Rosalina S. Tan in a photo. Over 500 farmers completed training course on Organic Farming SAN JOSE, PILI being aggressively promoted B. Bordado, the chief of the readings and trainings they CAMARINES SUR - by the DA. She acknowledged Regional Agriculture and attended like this SOA which is Over 500 farmers from 13 the support of the Local Information Section. She a traditional but very effective municipalities and 2 cities of government units through acknowledged the farmers learning method. Camarines Sur completed the the municipal agriculturists present especially the graduates A representative of Senator 5- month course on Organic and extension workers who as “Mga Bayani sa Lahat Cynthia Villar, also graced the Agriculture via the School on assisted the farmer enrollees ng Panahon” (Heroes for all graduation ceremonies held at the Air Program conducted during the conduct of the seasons). She explained that the Atrium of the Central Bicol by the Agricultural Training training. while the DA support both State University of Agriculture Institute (ATI) in partnership The participants came from the organic and conventional She discussed the different with the Department of the municipalities of Baao, farming, it is up to the farmers projects of Senator Villar Agriculture and the Local Buhi, , Calabanga, Goa, to decide and chose which type and the Villar Foundation in government Units. Pili, , San Fernando, of farming they would want particular the learning sites According to Vivien San Jose, Sangay, , to choose or adopt. What is across the country which are Carable, OIC Director of the , Tigaon, Nabua and important is that farmers make helping farmers including the ATI, the SOA was in support the cities of Iriga and Naga. enlightened decision based youth upgrade their knowledge to the National Organic The DA regional Office on the right knowledge and and skills in agricultural Agriculture Program which is was represented by Emilia information they have from entrepreneurship.

October - December 2018 UMAsenso 15 DA-PCAF to measure agri mechanization in Bicol NAGA CITY – Five years after facilities being used by our the signing and implementation farmers as well as production of the Agricultural and Fisheries area in hectare, volume RAED Chief Engr. Nilda Mechanization (AFMech) of production and volume are power sprayer, mechanical Albaño. law in June 2013, how far has of produce for milling per fertilizer applicator, and agricultural mechanization municipality. mechanical weeder. Also efficiency in order to a achieve gone in our country? This is For rice production, the survey included in the survey are food security and safety and the question, the Department will cover agri machineries hauling truck, seed cleaner, increase farmers' income, of Agriculture (DA) and and postharvest facilities being seed spreader and mechanical among others.” the Philippine Council for used by farmers during land grain collector. Among the important Agriculture and Fisheries preparation, planting, crops In the survey, machineries milestones of the AFMech Law (PCAF) want to answer. Farm care management, harvesting, given by the DA, DAR, DSWD was the creation of the Bureau mechanization is not only threshing, drying, milling, and and DOST to the farmers as of Agricultural and Fisheries crucial to the department’s storage. well as privately owned are Engineering (BAFE) mandated pursuit of food security but also Machineries provided included but not those owned to coordinate, oversee and to the government’s goal of to farmers to aid in land by private rice mills. monitor the national planning inclusive growth. preparation include 2-wheel Engr. Serrano added that the and implementation of agri- Relative to this, the drive tractor, 4-wheel drive output of this survey will cover fisheries engineering, farm- Regional Agricultural tractor, multi-track type tractor, the municipal level. “Kung to-market road and other Engineering Division (RAED) hand tractor and floating aling munisipyo ang mababa agri-fisheries infrastructure of DA 5 in tandem with the tiller. The machineries used in pa ang level ng mechanization projects. The Agricultural PCAF recently invited the planting include walk behind ay yun ang bibigyan ng priority Engineering Group of the provincial agriculturists and rice transplanter, riding type intervention ng pamahalaan,” Local Government Units was engineers of the six Bicol rice transplanter, mechanical he quipped. He explained that also strengthened. Moreover, provinces for a three-day seeder and drum seeder. For the level of mechanization the Agricultural Machinery workshop held in Naga City on harvesting, the farmers are shall be determined in terms of Testing and Evaluation Centers October 29-31, 2018. using combine harvester, hp./ha. through the Modified (AMTEC) of the UPLB was institutionalized and designated as the premier and reference testing center in the country. It is assisting the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards in the formulation of quality, safety and performance standards of agricultural and fisheries machinery and of accreditation guidelines for testing centers. Prov’l. agriculturists and engineers of Bicol provinces attended the workshop. Engr. Froilan The AFMech Law also Serrano of PCAF organized the Agri-Fisheries Engr. Froilan Serrano of multi-crop combine harvested Mechanization RDE Network PCAF introduced the Modified or reaper. During threshing, Agricultural Mechanization responsible for the formulation Agricultural Mechanization they either use small or large Index procedure which include and implementation of the Index (MAMI), a procedure mechanical thresher. For the determination of soil type, National Agricultural and to determine the level of drying, the government has effective field capacity of Fisheries Mechanization mechanization in terms of provided numerous facilities power source, inputs applied, RDE Agenda. The network is horsepower (hp)/ hectare (ha). that include flatbed dryers, amount of irrigation water chaired by the Phil. Center for The Modified Mechanization reversible airflow flatbed used, rice variety and yield. Postharvest Development and Index was formulated by dryers, mobile recirculating The Agricultural and Mechanization (PHilMech). the UPLB, Center for Agri- dryer, recirculating batch dryer Fisheries Mechanization An official survey on farm Fisheries and BioSystems and multi-purpose drying (AFMech) Law or RA 106011 mechanization released by Mechanization and the PCAF. pavement. The milling facilities was aimed to “promote the PhilMech in 2013 recorded The RAED in coordination include single pass rice mill, development and adoption of the mechanization level of with the Provincial Engineering multi-pass rice mill and brown modern, appropriate and cost- farms in the Philippines at 1.23 Group (PAEG) will conduct rice mill. For storage, the effective and environmentally- horsepower per hectare. Rice a comprehensive survey to farmers were given warehouse safe agricultural and fisheries and corn farms had the highest determine the number of agri or hermetic storage. For crop machinery and equipment to level of farm power at 2.31 hp/ machineries and postharvest care management, included enhance farm productivity and ha. (Lovella P. Guarin)

16 UMAsenso October - December 2018 Sorsogon Province

DA Bicol conducts forum on SOGIE basics in the workplace and VAWC NAGA CITY – Rain, not Philippine Coconut Authority her real name, 23, works as a (PCA), National Meat government employee. Raised Inspection Service (NMIS) with a cultural stereotype and Philippine Fisheries that only men and women Development Authority are socially acceptable, she (PFDA) who attended the SPO4 Liza Jane Cañares-Alteza Kristine R. Busadre, GAD grew up confused about her forum on SOGIE Basics in the (left) discusses Republic Act Officer of DSWD lectures on real identity. At a Christmas Workplace and VAWC held on 9262 also known as the “Anti- “Sex, Orientation, Gender party back in grade school, November 28, 2018, this city. Violence Against Women and Identity Expression.” she opted to wear denim An offshoot of the gender Their Children Act of 2004.” pants, spaghetti-strapped top and development forum held under a black, long-sleeved in 2017, the activity aims SOGIE. has or had a sexual or dating checkered shirt, and a pair of to create awareness among According to Busadre, sex relationship or with whom he sneakers. In high school, she employees about SOGIE refers to being male, female has a common child. intentionally missed her junior and its concepts in relation or intersexual. Orientation, “VAWC includes but and senior promenade simply to the workplace, discuss on the other hand, answers is not limited to physical because she’s uncomfortable value gender differences, and the question “To whom am I violence, sexual violence, being dolled up and wearing internalize gender issues both attracted to? Who do I love?” psychological violence and high-heeled footwear. She at the professional level and in and can vary from heterosexual, economic abuse,” said SPO4 appreciates beautiful women their personal lives. Likewise, bisexual, homosexual, asexual Alteza. She also explained and instead of being attracted it is the DA RFO V’s way of or pansexual. Gender identity how issuance of Protection to the opposite sex, she envies expressing support to the 18- answers the question: “Who Order can prevent further acts what they are capable of doing. day annual campaign to end am I?” which can be a man, of VAWC and discussed the “Ano ba talaga ako?” VAW, which remains a public woman, transgender, bigender duties of barangay officials and “Normal ba ako?” issue of national concern. or agender. The way in which law enforcers in ensuring its “Saan ba ako belong?” In her lecture on the a person projects his or her implementation. “Okay lang ba kay God? topic, Kristine R. Busadre, gender identity usually through The forum on SOGIE Kasalanan ba na taliwas sa Regional Gender and appearance, fashion and Basics in the Workplace and itinuro nya ang nararamdaman Development Officer at the behavior is called Expression VAWC is also anchored on ko?” Department of Social Welfare which can be feminine, the Sustainable Development Although she never experienced being bullied in school or in the workplace for being “different,” these questions have been tormenting Rain for many years. But after the Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Basics in the Workplace and Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Forum, Rain felt enlightened. She can now define herself based from her SOGIE: Female, Asexual, and Development (DSWD) masculine or androgynous. Goals on Gender Equality, Agender and Androgenous. described SOGIE and Meanwhile, SPO4 Liza Decent Work and Economic Rain was among the 81 identified the different treaties, Jane Cañares-Alteza educated Growth and Peace, Justice and personnel of the Department conventions and other local and the participants about Republic Strong Institutions. of Agriculture Field Office international laws discussing Act 9262 also known as “Lahat tayo may karapatan V and its attached agencies the rights of LGBTQIA++. the “Anti-Violence Against kaya igalang na lang natin ang and line bureaus including She also debunked stereotypes Women and Their Children isa’t isa. Challenge ko sa sarili Agricultural Training Institute based on SOGIE and clarified Act of 2004.” Signed into law ko na irespeto ko din ang iba (ATI), Bureau of Fisheries and how these affect employees and on March 8, 2004, RA 9262 kasi alam ko na nirerespeto Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the LGBTQIA+ community. defines VAWC as any act or din nila kung ano ako. Walang Philippine Crop Insurance Moreover, she challenged the a series of acts committed by pagja-judge, basta ginagawa Corporation (PCIC), Philippine participants to express their any person against a woman namin ng maayos ang trabaho Fiber Industry Development commitment to end abuse who is his wife/former wife, a namin,” Rain added. (Annielyn Authority (PhilFIDA), and discrimination based on woman with whom the person L. Baleza)

October - December 2018 UMAsenso 17 PRAISE recognizes top performing divisions/units/employees

Field Operations Division Admin & Finance Division Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Division

Agribusiness & Marketing Division Regulatory Division Research Division

Integrated Laboratories Division Engineering Division (RAED) Information Section (RAFIS)

Organic Agriculture - Best Banner Program CBES - Best Research Outreach Station Luz Marcelino - Marcos R Vega

Corn and Cassava Achievers Awards Gemma Bulalacao Committee ORED/ RAFIS/ PMED Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Stakeholders Awardee Best Liason Officer 2018

Organic Agriculture Rice Achievers Awards Gawad Saka and Outstanding Rural Women Achievers Award Committee Committee Search Committee 1818 UMAsensoUMAsenso OctoberOctober -- DecemberDecember 20182018 Pets get free veterinary services Sorsogon (from SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAM. studes... page 20) SUR---“Bako po ining ayam. cash prize of P20,000.00 while Garo aki mi na po ini (This Gino will receive P5,000.00. is not a dog. He is like our The contest aimed own child),” said 34-year old to promote and enhance Doriesa Villamater on her half- awareness, appreciation and husky, half-asong Pinoy (aspin) value of Organic Agriculture dog named Leila Defourth on to the society and elicit how they treat their pet dogs. cooperation and support of the Leila was being carried on public in upgrading the quality Villamater’s shoulders like a and standards of Organic baby to comfort her from the Agriculture in the country. anti-rabies injection. The regional contest for Leila was one of the 139 the two categories was held on dogs and cats who were either October 1, 2018 at the Polangui spayed, neutered, vaccinated General Comprehensive High with anti-rabies or anti-parvo School, Polangui, Albay. virus, and dewormed for free The second and third by 12 veterinarians from place winners for the Regional government and private offices with LGU-Pili during the local subject any dog or horse to Poster-Making contest were as highlight of the Animal celebration of World Animal dogfights or horsefights, kill or Winnoh R. Ogarte of Naga Welfare Month celebration of Day. cause or procure to be tortured the Department of Agriculture- Central School 1, Naga City Under RA 8545, or or deprived of adequate care, and Marlon Rementizo Jr. from Bicol on October 11, 2018 at Animal Welfare Act of 1998 sustenance or shelter, or maltreat the covered court of the DA- Polangui North Central School, it is "unlawful for any person or use the same in research Polangui, Albay, respectively. Bicol here. to torture any animal, to or experiments not expressly The DA Regulatory For the Regional Essay- neglect to provide adequate authorized by the Committee Writing Contest, Nikki Shane Division earlier conducted care, sustenance of shelter, on Animal Welfare." (Jayson info campaign in partnership V. Pillejera of Masbate National or maltreat any animal or to M. Gonzales) Comprehensive High School, and Blesil C. DA honors outstanding rural ... (from page 20) Luna of Bicol Regional Science High School, Ligao City raising cattle, the family was home to take care of her ailing striving to be inclusive – to placed second and third place able to attain a gross income parents. She then ventured into cater to all; the producers, the respectively. of P1.07 million from their farming. Using her savings she consumers, the traders and First, second and third coconut, cacao, guyabano, developed the one hectare hilly other players. She disclosed place winners received a cash mangosteen, red pepper and land along the highway of Lupi that the DA- GAD system prize of P3,000.00; P2,000.00; ginger acquiring a total ROI into an integrated diversified is working out that the 5% and P1,000.00 respectively. of 224%. As a woman leader, organic farm now known as St. budget allocated for GAD from (Jayson M. Gonzales / photos she was instrumental in buying Francis St. Rita Nature Farm. the various programs of the courtesy of Christie Alvarez the lot where the Farmers It has become the first certified government but appropriated and coach Glenn Sentes) Development Cooperative organic farm in the province. equitably that is, 2% to be used was established and she also Her farm which she personally for GAD focused projects and facilitated the P1million loan manage is into commercial 3% on attribution. from government, as well as production of organically She commended the which had gained recognition the acquisition of the lot where certified swine as well as native winners and thanked the even internationally. Last year the milk collection center of pigs, which are sold as breeder people behind the Annual the grand prize winner was Cadalian Dairy Farmers Coop or roasted organic lechon. She Search for the Outstanding Rebecca Sanchez Purisima a now stands. is an active member of various Rural Women in Agriculture. tribal chieftain from Tigaon, Artiaga on the other hand civic and agri- organizations in She made special mention Camarines Sur who also is proof that perseverance, hard her municipality. and requested the audience to represented the Philippine in work and being open to new Agriculture secretary applaud of the Bicol women APECS’s Women in Agriculture things can make a big difference Pinol in his message read by team headed by Aloha Gigi and Fisheries (WiAF) Dialogue to one’s life. For 20 years she Usec. Lavina said that the DA Banaria, the DA-GAD regional in Papua New Guinea. Purisima worked overseas as domestic is continuously retooling its focal person for working very was also invited during this helper to help her family and system and making headway to hard in all their undertakings. year’s awarding ceremony who support the education of her level the playing field for men Since the conferment of this have inspirational message. siblings. She was an active and women. prestigious National Award, Yearly Bicol’s regional winner crusader of migrants rights. Usec, Lavina for her part the Bicol region has produced in this search is always in the In 2011 she decided to go underscored that the DA is 3 national grand winners top three. (Emily B. Bordado)

October - December 2018 October - December 2018 UMAsenso 19 DA honors outstanding rural women 2018 PASAY CITY - The prize of P10,000 each was Department of Agriculture given to Evelyn Agtarap honors the outstanding women Duldulao of , Luna, in agriculture who have Luna, ; Francisca- demonstrated excellence in Somejo-Rimalos of Bgy. Tapel, their agri-based undertakings Gonzaga, and Susana which uplifted not only their Villanca-Arcenal of Tinago, families but the community as Talisay, Daanbantayan, Cebu. well. In a simple but meaningful Grace was cited for ceremonies, the top six national being outstanding not only finalists selected from the 15 in the field of agriculture, regional winners were conferred environment conservation and trophies, plaques and a total protection but also exemplary of P355,000 cash prizes. This in community service and in year’s top three Outstanding promoting advocacies such as Rural Women are, Evelyn Josephine G. Artiaga of Lupi, Cam. Sur, 2nd Runner Up women empowerment and rural Alegado-Grace of barangay received the award from Usec. Laviña (2nd from right). development. She personally Lauis, Candelaria, ; Evelyn Grace, the grand postharvest facility. Evangeline oversees the management of Evangeline Asistado-Novela winner received a cash prize Novela and Josephione Artiaga, the three-hectare farm where of Cadalian, District, of P150,00 and an additional 1st and 2nd runner up received they produce rice, mango and Davao City and Josephine prize in the form of production P100,000 and P75,000 cash vegetables and an agro-forest Gandol Artiaga of Bulawan inputs, farm machinery and prize respectively. Consolation area where cashew, tamarind Sr., Lupi Camarines Sur. DA and ginger are intercropped undersecretary for High Value with agro-forest trees. Crops and Rural Credit and Harvested fruits are processed concurrently the chairperson of to add value. From all these she the Gender and Development earned a gross income of about (GAD) Focal Point System P3millin with a 49.91% ROI in Evelyn Laviña conferred the 2017. awards, on December 7, 2018 Novela is engaged in at the Philippine Convention dairy production and selling Center. Usec. Evelyn Evelyn Grace, Rebecca Sanchez male offspring. Aside from Laviña the grand winner. Purisima, 2017 winner (Turn to page 19) Sorsogon studes shine in Nat’l. poster, essay tilts for organic agri CITY ---Bicol Department of Agriculture Both students were winners Regional Field Unit No. 5 Region representatives shone in the recently concluded Reg’l Agriculture and Fisheries in the National On-the-Spot Regional On-the-Spot Poster- Information Section Poster-Making and Essay- RE-ENTERED Making and Essay-Writing e-mail: darafid5 @ yahoo.com AS SECOND CLASS Writing Contests with the Contests held last October 1, MAIL MATTER theme “Organic Agriculture: 2018 at the Polangui General at Pili, Post Office, Advancing the local food Pili, Cam. Sur Comprehensive High School. visit our website: culture movement in the De la Rosa will receive under Permit No. 2017-18 on March 17, 2017 Philippines” in celebration (Turn to page 19) bicol.da.gov.ph of Organic Agriculture Month in November. The event was sponsored by Engr. Christopher DA & DepEd in one of Morales (center), the hotels here. National Program Daryll Jan M. De Coordinator la Rosa of Sorsogon of Organic National High School Agriculture placed second in the awards the essay-writing contest certificates to while Krysten G. Gino Daryll Jan Dela of the Sorsogon Pilot Rosa (4th from Elementary School left) and Krysten placed fifth in the poster- Gino (4th from making contest. right).