LAWIG

LAWIG Newsletter is the official publication of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XIII May - June 2017

The Cover Tree Planting activity at Sitio Coro, Jabonga, We are featuring in our May- was among the highlights during June issue of Lawig our national the Araw ng Agusan celebration fruit—Mango—which is usually harvested during this time of the year. Aside from its mouth-watering taste and nutritional value, it is an im- portant export earner for the as it ranks third among our fruit crops marketed abroad. We distributed free is a mango-producing IEC materials to walk- in clients during the region with a total production of 17,120 Agri - Fair exhibit metric tons in 2016. where we put up our own ATI booth In this edition, we are allotting a special page on Mango Production. ATI-Caraga workforce during the Bangus Festival where participating agencies grilled and dined the Filipino - In This Issue favorite milkfish viand

 Training on Basic Journal- ism (Page 4)

AgNor celebrates Araw ng Agusan

ATI-Caraga joins in In our bid to strengthen our linkages with the local govern-  Feature Story (Page 6) ment units, the Agricultural Training Institute-RTC XIII actively in- volved in various activities in relation to the 50th founding anniver- sary of the province of Agusan del Norte popularly known as “Araw ng Agusan” which was celebrated last June 12-17, 2017.  Mango Production (Page 7) Among the activities which ATI-Caraga joined was the Agro-

Industrial Trade Fair where the agency put up a booth to showcase its accomplishments and services and to distribute around 3,000

 Climate-resilient (Page 3) IEC materials to farmers, agricultural extension workers (AEWs), and other walk-in clients.

On the eve of June 12, ATI-Caraga staff, headed by TCS II Robert T. Poculan Jr., relished the delectable grilled milkfish during

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Training on Basic Journalism hones writing skill of Caraga AEWs

A total of 30 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), staff from the Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center, and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in Caraga region honed their skill in writing via the training “Penning It The Write Way: Training on Basic Journalism” on June 20-24, 2017 at the San Lorenzo Ruiz Pastoral Center, Ampayon, City.

The purpose of the training is to polish the writing skill of the participants, grasp new techniques, and acquire knowledge in the field of journalism. “As communicators of development and change, AEWs need to enhance their writ- ing skills because this is one way of communicating infor- Eric Ancheta from the City Agriculture Office of Butuan listens to his mation to their clients in order to increase their knowledge and recorded interview with agripreneur Engr. Carlos Salazar who is An- productivity,” said Jason Jampac, Project Officer of the said cheta’s subject in his feature story. training.

In line with this event, ATI invited resource speakers from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to mentor the participants during the workshop. They also lectured on topics like news writing, feature writing, copyreading and headline writing, and mobile photography.

During the closing program, participants with outstanding outputs were recognized. The awardees were as follows: Aia Mae F. Sarsaba from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of San Francisco, (Best in Feature Writing); Jose Karl G. Ouano from MAO- RTR, Agusan del Norte (Best in News Writing); William M. Angob from the City Agriculture Office (CAO) of (Best in Copyread- ing and Headline Writing); Conney B. Anunciado from MAO-Sibagat, Agusan del Sur (Best in Photojournalism); Ronald J. Filipinas from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist – Agusan del Norte (Best in Photo Captioning). (JGOuano-RTR)

FITS-ISS goes digital info-sharing

Write, blog, and capture!

Sharing information to communities has steadily improved throughout the years. From traditional way of training farmers and conduct of information drive in the localities, information is now digitized and readily available in the internet, anytime and anywhere.

The ATI- RTC 13 eyes a modernized, dynamic and creative use of digital tools as means of information sharing among ex- tension workers. This paved way to the conduct of intensive four-day training on Photography, Writing and Blogging last June 13- 16, 2017 at Prince Hotel, Butuan City.

Photographer-blogger and CNN- Philippines correspondent Mr. Erwin Mas- cariñas, acted as resource speaker of said training where he shared his exper- tise on three-fold fields of writing, photog- raphy and blogging. He underscored the advantage use of social media in shar- ing information, discussion and promo- tion of the banner programs/ initiatives among LGUs.

“With the advent of social media, in-

Resource speaker Erwin Mascariñas (lone male at the bottom row) is flanked by the partici- formation is easily expressed and dis- pants of the Training on Photography, Writing, and Blogging. seminated to a large, heterogeneous

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Climate-resilient on Page 3

Engr. Baquiano said that a climate-resilient individual is the basic foundation of climate-resilient community. Participants lso design a desired community where they aim for, a community that is sustainable, profitable and progressive. With the strong cooper- ation among participants, facilitators and resource speakers, the group were able to formulate the said plan. (with reports from MBaquiano).

From Page 1 the Sugba-Sugba Bangus Festival. A live band competition and fireworks display were added at- traction during the nighttime affair. The staff also joined the Provincial team in a Tree Planting ac- tivity in Jabonga, ADN on June 13, 2017. (JPDEJampac) San Agustin, SurSur celebrates

Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Forum Rural women on Page 3 City, on various kakanin that will be processed out The Local Government Unit of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur of cassava. Participants were also hopeful to apply their skills and held its 12th Farmers and Fisherfolks Celebration last June 13-15, knowledge learned as they venture into business and make it as 2017 with the theme "Climate Smart Agriculture: Towards a resilent another source of income. and sustainable farming and fishing for food security and sustainabil- ity." The said training was realized with the strong coordination of the Provincial Agriculture Office of Surigao del Sur, National Meat The activity started with the turn-over of the Community Fish Inspection Services (NMIS) and Caraga Food Safety Team. Landing Center under the Targeted Actions to Reduce Poverty and Generate Economic Transformation in the Fishery Sector (Target) Food safety awareness is one of the topics discussed by Dr. Program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Desiderio Julaton, Former NMIS Regional Director and Chairman of (BFAR). The opening of the Agri-Trade Fair followed which was par- the Caraga Food Safety Team. ticipated by the 13 barangays of San Agustin. On the other hand, women express their excitement to acquire Mayor Libertad O. Alameda encouraged all to do more and additional knowledge and skills from the training specifically in pro- give more during her welcome remarks. Vice Mayor Mamerta P. Milo cessing cassava even for the other crops since there are lots of reiterated the history of the celebration which aims to capacitate crops available in the farm or even in their own backyard to be uti- farmers and fisherfolks new knowledge in agriculture. It also provides lized and processed into something special. (GVArbutante) avenue to create interaction between farmers and fisherfolk to the market sector. From on Page 4 audience. The challenge is, how to effectively and creatively Dr. Juan D. Albaladejo, Regional Director of BFAR 13, and Her- present the content and emotions to attract readers,” he acleo A. Paler, Senior Agriculturist of ATI-RTC Caraga, gave their said. Few of the topics discussed were writing effective cap- words of Challenge and Inspiration. Dir. Albaladejo stressed that all should be responsible fishers. San Agustin is a rich municipality that tions, taking high-impact photos, quality blog contents, and has the potential of being a seafood source of Caraga Region. basic fundamentals in writing.

Representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of The participants indulged in photo-walk and writeshop Soils and Water Management, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical where they came-up with news/feature articles and photos and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Provincial Dis- which they used as inputs to their blogs. The resource speaker aster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), ATI-RTC showcased his personal blog, photos and various outputs to Caraga, Philippine Rice Research Institute, National Irrigation Agency inspire them further. (NIA) and (BFAR) discussed topics relevant to agriculture and Cli- mate Change Mitigation. During the sharing of impressions, Mr. Gilbert Anguay of the Provincial Agriculturist Office- Farmers’ Member Francisco Avila, and MAFC Chair- Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers said that man Nersa Hervantes also attended the activity. The activity was spearheaded by the Municipal Agricultural Services as Office ATI has been keen in teaching modernized ways sharing in- (MASO) eagerly supported by LGU- San Agustin, Surigao del Sur formation. It continuously provide avenue for unforgettable and ATI-RTC Caraga. (RAFetalsana) learning experiences among ISS, thereby, strengthening the FITS Centers. (FVABabanto)

May - June 2017 LAWIG NEWSLETTER Excellent Extension Services Beyond Boundaries Page 2

It is primordial for an apex agency in agricultural and fisheries extension to strengthen its bridges with the local govern- RTCs present accomplishments ment units (LGUs). This is the reason why we during 2nd KM Updates at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) con- tinue to reach out to the LGUs in the imple- The KM Program Coordinators of ATI-Regional mentation of our programs and mandates. To Training Centers convened for the 2nd Knowledge Management Updates last June 7-8, 2017 at mention is the TIER 2 program where we RDEC, ATI Compound, Quezon City. coordinated with local officials of Agusan del Sur when we conducted baseline surveys in During said activity, the KM accomplishments nine of its poor villages. With the help of the local officials there, our activi- per RTC for the first two quarters were presented and also the pipelined targets and activities for the ties were unhampered and fruitful. remaining quarters.

Tier 2 program was conceived against the backdrop of low productivi- The participants were also acquainted with the ty, low income, and lack of food security. Since Agusan del Sur was identi- Knowledge Sharing on Data Privacy Act of 2012, e- fied as among the provinces with the highest poverty incidence in the coun- Extension Program, updates on the Rice Crop Man- try, we are working double time to bring development to its poor communi- ager (RCM) and Social Media updates. (FVABabanto) ties, capacitate them, and hopefully uplift their lives and liberate them from the chains of poverty. New staff undergoes VOW

Even in information dissemination and other extension activities, we To walk the talk towards high ethical standards never lose sight of the LGUs. We extended our active support and participa- in the organization, this is what the staff of the Agri- tion to the LGU of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur during the Farmers’ and cultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center Fisherfolk forum and as well as to the provincial LGU of Agusan del Norte’ XIII vowed to achieve after they underwent the Val- when they celebrated their 50th founding anniversary. In both occasions, ues Orientation Workshop (VOW) at Rural Develop- were had the chance to interact with local officials, farmers, fishers, agricul- ment Education Center, ATI Central Office, Quezon tural extension workers, and other stakeholders. City.

We have reviewed what we have done during the 1st semester of The general objective of the workshop was for 2017 and thankfully we have met our targets. We just finished setting out the participant to be able to “walk the talk” and manifest esprit de corps that strengthens moral our plans for the next two quarters and we have noted down what we need resolve, and commitment to high ethical standards. to do in order to improve our service. I am confident that we can surpass (JEJampac/GVArbutante) what we have accomplished in the first half of the year.

To our clients who continue to actively participate in our undertakings, ATI conducts training on ICS Daghang Salamat! The Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center 13 conducted training in support to installation for Internal Control System (ICS). This ROBERT T. POCULAN, JR. aimed to determine the completion and readiness of the organization to apply for corresponding certi- fication. Among the participants were the members of the Private Public Partnership – Caraga State University Farmers Land Renters Association (PPP -CFLRAI) and Cagbas Farmers Association (CAFA). In here, participants or the ICS personnel were trained to administer the quality assurance tools and readiness for the certification. (MDABoco) May - June 2017 LAWIG NEWSLETTER Excellent Extension Services Beyond Boundaries Page 7 A Quick Guide To

Mango Propagation Cultural Management  Mango can be propagated sexually using the seeds  During its productive years mango tree should be and asexually by means of vegetative parts. Howev- exposed to dry period of at least 4 to 5 months er, more growers prefer to plant grafted mangoes since more trees are planted to a hectare and fruit A mean temperature of 28°C is favorable for suc-  production is much early cessful mango production. Avoid planting trees in high altitudes were temperatures oftentimes  Advantage of sexual propagation: Trees are deep- becomes low rooted, yield are high, trees are long-lived, easy and fast way of multiplying the variety  Increase in rainfall also increases incidence of diseases particularly anthracnose and scab  Advantage of asexual propagation: When planted, the expected characters of the parent fruit is carried The recommended strains of ‘Carabao’ mango  to the offspring; grafted trees bear fruits 2 to 3 years are: ‘Golez Strain, (formerly ‘GES 73’), ‘GES 77’, after planting; trees are small in size and several ‘GES 84’, ‘GES 8’, ‘Lamao Strain No.1’. ‘MMSU numbers can be planted to a hectare. Gold’, ‘Sweet Elena’, ‘Talaban’, ‘Fresco’, ‘Tanaleon, ‘Efondo’, ‘Guimaras Super ‘ (formerly ‘Galila’), ‘JTA Sweet’, and ‘P-1 King Rodolfo’.

Pests and Disease Control

 Anthracnose is the most common mango dis- ease. Symptoms are black, pin size lesions Establishment of Mango Orchard which coalesce to form bigger spots and holes in the leaves. It can be controlled by If the area has not been planted to any crops, cut  pruning the affected parts and spraying with trees, uproot grasses, and remove stones. For previ- recommended fungicides especially during ously cultivated areas, single plowing and two har- rainy season. rowing are necessary. Land preparation should be done in summer.  Grubs and Termites feed on the roots and stems of the tree. Under heavy infestation, When the soil is fertile, 1.0 x 1.0 feet hole can be  grafted plants die. Granular insecticides such excavated in the field. If the soil is hard, rocky and as (a.i.Furadan) (50 g/tree) applied as soil infertile, larger holes of 0.5 x 0.5 meter is recom- drench will kill the insects in the soil while mended. contact insecticides are necessary for those found on the trunk and branches.  In the square system, a tree is planted at each cor- ner of the square while in the triangular, trees are  Thrips are small insects and new pest problem set in the corners of the triangle, equidistant to each during flushing. Leaves affected result to dry- other. In the quincunx, a filler tree is planted in the ing and the burning symptom is prevalent. middle of the square to maximize space. Spray contact insecticide particularly under- neath the leaf surface where the insect stays.  The spacings for ‘Carabao’ mango are 10 x 10 m (100 trees), 12 x 12 m (70 trees), 14 x 14 m (51 trees)  Mango Twig cutter/borer cuts or girdles the and 16 x 16 m (39 trees), 20 x 20 m (25 trees). How- branch/twig. Spray the whole canopy with in- ever, it is recommended that ‘Carabao’ mango secticide. Repeat after a month. Prune dam- should be planted at least 14 x 14 meters. aged twigs and branches in summer.

Source: Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) May - June 2017 LAWIG NEWSLETTER Excellent Extension Services Beyond Boundaries Page 6

By: Aia Mae F. Sarsaba

“I give my attention in farming, I am very proud that I am a farmer. I encourage that we should go into farming” - Engr. Carlos “Bong” Salazar

It has always been said that for a farmer to succeed and prosper, they have to treat farming as a business enterprise. One man has taken this ad- vice by heart that in fact, he became a Gawad-Saka Awardee, both at regional and national levels; recipient of Rolex Award International; and just recently has been re- cognized as one of the Outstanding Bayuganons of the city of , Agusan del Sur. He was also featured in different publications like the Gold Star Daily, national news, and international publications.

His name is Engineer Carlos Salazar - Engr. Bong as he is fondly called from Salvacion, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. He is a licensed agricultural engineer and a former National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator. Currently, he is an accredited Extension Service Provider (ESP) of Agricultural Training Insti- tute (ATI). His wife is Regina Cahiles-Salazar and is the present mayor of Lila, Bohol. He has five children, all of which are professionals.

Though not an Agusanon by origin, with energy and ambition, he set his sight to the vast blue horizon and longed for an opportunity in a faraway land. Finally, fate brought him to Bayugan, then a quiet town full of uncertainties. He was assigned there as an entry-level engineer in NIA. At first he had no property until a friend helped him to acquire land.

“I acquired the land through instalment basis. I was penniless and landless when I got here in Bayugan City,”uttered Engr. Bong.

May - June 2017 LAWIG NEWSLETTER Excellent Extension Services Beyond Boundaries Page 3

Training addresses Climate-resilient livelihood project organic intervention launch in AgNor in lowland rice The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 13 recently conduct- ed the Phase I and II of the Climate-Resilient Agriculture Project in Butuan City and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The Phase I project specifically titled as ‘Identification Twenty-two (22) Agricultural Ex- of Sustainable Livelihood Project in the Community for Climate-Resilient Agriculture. tension Workers (AEWs) and farmer- It aimed to formulate a climate-resilient livelihood for the community.

leaders from selected municipalities of On the other hand, Phase II was coined as the ‘Risk and Opportunity Assess- Region XIII attended the training on ment for the Identified Livelihood Project: Focusing on Vulnerability and Capacity Managing Organic Intervention in Low- Assessment’. It aimed to assess the identified livelihood risk and hazard as identified in Phase I. land Rice Production on May 16 – 18, 2017 at AMIGO Inc. Salvacion, Bayu- The participants were able to conduct a baseline survey and formulate an initial findings for potential livelihood project. They also undergone hazard and vulnerability gan City. assessments of the said community. With the use of the baseline survey together with an open forum, the group already have the data to be analyzed and process for The Agricultural Machineries on livelihood in the community fit for the project. Irrigation that Grow Organic (AMIGO) They were able to assess the Inc. is a newly registered extension present situation of the area to allow service provider registered and assist- the management to surface what ed by the Agricultural Training Institute are available resources to be uti- lized for community development. (ATI) Region 13. Contingency plan was also formu- lated by the participants, this will The training aimed to equip the help the community in the prepara- participants with the basic knowledge tion and planning when hazard on managing organic fertilizer and pes- strike. This activity also help partici Participants got their heads together during pants to safeguard their family. ticides in different stages of lowland the workshop session of the Climate-resilient livelihood project Continued in Page 5 rice production and to introduce agri- cultural production technologies.

Topics were comprehensively discussed by the AMIGO staff to wit; Integrated Nutrient Management (INM), Ecological fertility, Integrated Pest Man- agement (IPM), Botanical plants, RA 10068 provision and laws, Organic rice production and compost organic ferti- lizer preparation.

The participants were very much delighted and thankful for the oppor- tunity that ATI and the government has given to them. The leanings they got will be one of their weapons on the fight Rural women train on Cassava production they will take as they continue their living as farmers. The said training is The Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center 13 currently con- ducted a skills training on cassava processing in City, Surigao del Sur on indeed relevant and the participants May 31 to June 2. learned a lot. (MDABoco) This aimed to equip and empower thirty (30) women from Tago and Tandag

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Editorial Board

About the Newsletter GINALYN V. ARBUTANTE FIL VICTOR A. BABANTO is a Cebuano/Bisaya term which means to sail, navigate, voyage, travel on water Lawig MARIA DEN A. BOCO propelled by wind or by other means. The word represents ATI-Caraga braving the sea of JASON PAUL DADS E. JAMPAC uncertainty and journeying together through calm and rough times. Writers/Editors

The logo shows a balanghai which is an ancient sailboat used by Butuanons to trade JOSE KARL G. OUANO across kingdoms in China and Southeast Asia as early as 1001 AD. In 1976, one of the AIA MAE F. SARSABA nine balanghais discovered was excavated at Libertad, Butuan City, setting the ENGR. MATTHEW G. BAQUIANO Contributors/ Reporters record as the first-ever large wooden vessel excavated in Southeast Asia. In 2015, it be-

came the country’s National Boat as it serves as an icon of craftsmanship and seamanship HERMIS S. SAÑEZ of our Filipino ancestors. JASON PAUL DADS E. JAMPAC Design / Illustration In this May - June issue, we are promoting through our design — the Mango and the vege- tables of summer — to give cognizance and importance to these commodities. Apart from the design, we are also informing our readers that this issue will be the last of our Technical Advisers newsletter. Next quarter, will level-up into a magazine-type publication. It will be Lawig ROBERT T. POCULAN JR. produced quarterly by the Information Services Section of the Agricultural Training Institute TCS II / Over-All Adviser - Regional Training Center XIII. SAMUEL L. CALONZO Lawig : Sailing Together Through Calm and Rough Seas TCS I/Assistant Adviser

HERACLEO A. PALER From Page 5 Sr. Agriculturist/Head, PAS Section

Over the years, his name was a resounding echo to every farmers JOCELYN A. BAYONA throughout the Caraga region. He is known as an organic farming advo- TS III/Head, CDMS Section cate. Since then he has devoted his time in organic farming. Being a gov- ernment employee with a higher position in the office and at the same GINALYN V. ARBUTANTE Information Officer II / Head, IS Sec- time a farmer has never been easy for Engr. Bong. With his determination tion to succeed (and his love to farming), he did research and sought existing technologies in organic farming. NENA L. LOMUNTAD Planning Officer II/Head, Planning Unit

Gifted with intelligence, he was able to develop a Sustainable System REMEDIOS C. AMILAO of Irrigated Agriculture (SSIA) in his organic rice production practicing in- HRMO / Head, Admin. and Finance termittent system of irrigation which uses lesser amount of water for rice Unit

production. This technology enables him to increase his production to an Agricultural Training Institute average of 198 bags per hectare with an average of 50 kls per bag. Also, Regional Training Center XIII he introduced this technology to the farmers through seminars and train- Los Angeles, Butuan City ings. (085) 815-7528 [email protected] Today, he was able to put-up the 3K and RC Enterprise. He has his own Rice Mill which amounts to P 28M (including the land and perimeter Visit us on the web at fence), a 36-hectares of rice land, piggery, vermicomposting facility, four www.ati.da.gov.ph/caraga units shredder machine and one unit hammer mill which he uses for his organic fertilizer production. He also installed his own deep well for irriga- tion. “I give my attention in farm- ing, I am very proud that I am a Moreover, he is able to organize a group of farmers and formed the farmer. I encourage that we Agricultural Machineries on Irrigation Growing Organic Farm, Inc. (AMIGO). should go into farming,” stam- mered Engr. Bong n a mellow As of now his farm caters various trainings and seminars through ATI mood. and the Department of Agriculture. Meanwhile, as an entrepreneur, he supplies organic fertilizers throughout the Mindanao and even in Visayas For him, life as farmer is bit- and Luzon. His farm may soon become a farm tourism site as his initial tersweet – it is hard, yet reward- talks with the Department of Tourism (DOT) had been positive so far. ing.