Vol. 28 No. 4

October - December 2019 Sec. Dar turns over P23.8 M farm inputs, A total of P23.8 million (M) worth of farm inputs and machineries were turned over to machineries in farmer associations led by Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar on October 8, 2019 at the Oriental Hotel in Legazpi, Albay. Albay province received P8.16 M worth of farm implements composed of 2 mini chainsaws, 20,000 grafted cacao seedlings, 10,000 grafted pili seedlings, 1,000 bags of hybrid seeds, 1,000 bags of fertilizer, 22 sachets of disinfectant, and 20 knapsack sprayers. 117 farmers get SURE aid Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar led the awarding of P1.75 million-worth of loan assistance to 117 rice farmers during the Launch of the Expanded Survival and Recovery Assistance for Rice Farmers (SURE AID Program) aon October 8, 2019, this city. Sen. Villar, Dar, grace 18th Nat’l (Please turn to page 8) Vegetable Congress in Albay Agriculture secretary hosted by the Albay Agriculture William “Manong Willie” D. Cooperative, the Provincial Dar joined Senator Cynthia Government of Albay and DA A. Villar who was the keynote Bicol gathered some 1,000 speaker of the 18th National vegetable growers, LGU Vegetable Congress held at the representatives and agricultural Albay Astrodome in Legazpi extension workers from all over City on October 8, 2019. the country. Anchored on the The congress jointly (Please turn to page 5) Rodel Tornilla is full-fledged Regional Executive Director Eonomist Rodel P. Tornilla recently took his oath of office as full fledged Regional Executive Director (RED) of the Department of Agriculture RFO 5. His appointment was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Dec. 3, 2019. RED Tornilla was sworn to office by Agriculture Secretary William Dar on December 20, 2019. RED Tornilla now holds the position Director IV. EDITORIAL Bicolanos brace for ASF pro-actively and collaboratively The first African Swine Fever outbreak region. IEC materials were immediately including the tarpaulins already printed by in the started in July last year. printed and distributed. The regulatory the DA and BAI and distributed these also Since then there have been ASF outbreaks personnel also intensified its surveillance to their clients. in eleven provinces/cities on Luzon island and monitoring of any reported case of To help in assuring the public as of December. Despite its proximity to swine disease in any locality. The Regional especially the consumers that Bicol’s pork Region IV where the ASF was first detected Animal Diagnostic acted with dispatch in is safe to eat these private companies so far the has been spared as collecting bloods samples. coordinated with the DA and other it has managed to protect its territories The NMIS for its part aggressively carried agencies and sponsored the “Boodle” from the entry of this dreaded swine out its mandate to confiscate frozen fights where lechon and other pork dishes disease. meat and meat by-product without the are served. The elevated quarantine measures, necessary documents brought in to While the threat of ASF still looms and aggressive enforcement of laws and the region by land, by aircraft or by sea is getting closer to the Bicol territory the regulations, intensive surveillance and crafts. Confiscated items were disposed people tasked to control and manage this information dissemination; the coordinated of in designated disposal pit. It also occurrence are ready and prepared. Having efforts and enhanced collaboration of intensified its surveillance and monitoring been exposed to various natural hazards the DA regulatory personnel, the Bureau of slaughterhouses and business and calamities like typhoons, volcanic of Animal Industry (BAI) National Meat establishments selling pork and its by- eruptions, floods and other occurrences Inspection Service, the LGUs and even the products that threaten crops, animals. even human private sector are the major factors why up A group chat for the RQRT was lives, Bicolanos have became resilient and to now Bicol has no case yet of ASF and has created for easy access and sharing of have learned not only to respond but to act been classified as a protected zone. information. The RQRT regularly meet to pro-actively. The DA –Bicol regional executive get updates and discuss updates and But the most critical factor is director Rodel P. Tornilla had immediately problems encountered in the ground. preventing the entry of ASF into the Bicol reactivated the Regional Quick Reaction The members of the team always make region and sustaining its green status Team (RQRT) and has instructed all those themselves available even beyond office as a protected and ASF free zone is the involved to act with dispatch and procure hours whenever something urgent crop up cooperation of the public especially the the needed supplies and collaterals. The or there is need to provide reinforcement traders and small businessmen. Some of BAI personnel manning the checkpoints for the personnel conducting the them in connivance with some bus drivers of entry and exit points to the Bicol region surveillance, monitoring, and confiscation and conductors and private vehicle owners were beefed up upon orders of Dir. Tornilla in the field. continue to bring in illicitly frozen and to immediately hire additional personnel. For their part some private companies processed meat and other prohibited pork The Provincial government of Cam. Sur directly or indirectly engaged in the swine products from infected areas despite the also deployed its personnel to augment the industry offered their voluntary service enforcement of RA 10536. Unless these DA and BAI personnel in the checkpoints. in the effort to prevent the occurrence profit driven people would realize the long The DA veterinarians in partnership of the ASF in the region. Some private term and overall benefit of preventing with the provincial veterinarians took to companies offered to provide disinfectants entry of ASF into our region all the efforts task by immediately conducting briefings to backyard hog raisers and also helped in already invested to keep Bicol ASF free and information dissemination in all the the dissemination of information about would come to naught. provinces and major cities and towns of the the ASF by reproducing the IEC materials

Published quarterly by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) of the Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Office No. 5, San Agustin, Pili, ,

E-mail Address: [email protected] Editor-in-Chief: Emilia B. Bordado Advisers: Writers: Lovella P. Guarin Rodel P. Tornilla, MABE Jayson M. Gonzales Regional Executive Director Blesilda A. Nuñez Re-entered as a Second Class Mail Matter at Annielyn L. Baleza the Pili Post Office, Pili, Camarines Surunder Luz R. Marcelino Michelle Angela G. Alfigura Permit No. 2017-18 on March 17, 2017. Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Lay-out Artist: Lovella P. Guarin Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez Photographers: Lita V. Estrella Edgar R. Madrid, DPM Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr. Emil Pasumbal Regional Technical Director Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos Salvacion Gonowon for Research and Regulations Ramon C. Adversario Records Unit Graphic Artist: Zandra G. Abogado 2 UMAsenso October - December 2019 Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP)

Bicol provinces receive almost P11B-worth of investments from PRDP’s NGA convergence

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY – The six Of the total amount invested, P1.69 and Industry (DTI), Department of Science provinces of Bicol received P10.96 billion-worth of interventions were and Technology (DOST), Philippine billion-worth of non-Philippine Rural completed, P813,140 million programs Fiber Industry Development Authority Development Project (PRDP) investments and projects are on-going, P8.13 billion (PhilFIDA) and the Department of Social as a result of its convergence with other are proposed while P323.66 million are Welfare and Development (DSWD). national government agencies (NGAs). This under procurement. The report, which Present during the Bicol Regionwide was announced by PRDP-Bicol Planning was generated from the PRDP web- Provincial Commodity Investment Plan Specialist Mary Ann Cuya during the based Management Information System (PCIP) Implementation Assessment and Bicol Regionwide Provincial Commodity (MIS) investment tracking, shows that Interagency Convergence Planning for Investment Plan (PCIP) Implementation among the top contributors to the inter- 2021 Budget Inclusion were representatives Assessment and Interagency Convergence agency convergence are the Department from different NGAs in Bicol. These Planning for 2021 Budget Inclusion held in of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Coconut include Joel Valenzuela of PCA, Santos this city on November 26-29, 2019, which Authority (PCA), and the Department Mirandilla of the Department of Agrarian aimed to continue the operationalization of of Public Works and Highways. Other Reform (DAR), Joelle Benavidez of the the inter-agency convergence and enhance, supporters are the municipal and provincial Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources update and institutionalize the PCIPs with local government units (M/PLGUs), the (BFAR), Roy Bañas of the Department the NGAs and the provinces of Bicol as a Department of the Interior and Local of Education, Maria Janice Obias of planning tool for implementation. Government (DILG), Department of Trade Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Engr. Sergio Uy of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Melanie Patricio of PhilFIDA, Roussel Balaoro of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Nida Letters Hagos of Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center, Ernesto Tabing PANALA Farmers Association, Inc. of the National Meat Inspection Service Balogo, Oas, Albay (NMIS), Raymond Marcelino, Renato Acacio and Marianito Tesorero of the DA. The NGA representatives assisted A Resolution of thanks from the PANALA Farmers Association, Inc. of the Provincial Project Management and Balogo, Oas, Albay to OIC Regional Director Dir. Rodel P. Tornilla Department of Implementation Units (PPMIUs) of the six Agriculture Regional Office V, San Agustine, Pill Camarines Sur. provinces in the region in their planning Resolution No. 22 - Series of 2019 and budgeting workshop. PRDP-Bicol I-PLAN Component Head Aloha Gigi Bañaria called for the participants’ support in the VCA and PCIP Whereas; The officers and members of PANALA Farmers Association, Inc. updating. She also suggested the inclusion of barangay Balogo, Oas, Albay, do hereby express our sincere thanks to of the private sector in the inter-agency the Department of Agriculture Regional Office V, headed by OIC Regional convergence. Director Dir. Rodel P. Tornilla, for providing us Rice Mill and Combine “Hopefully next year, maraming Harvester. VCAs ang ma-update, maraming No Objection Letter (NOL ) issuance and Whereas; in recognition to the efforts and approval exerted by the that of the PCIP updating. Ang importante Department of Agriculture for immediate released of our projects, a motion has been raised by Mr. Rodolfo R. Madrideo, and duly seconded by Myrna A. yung investment para po sa satuyang mga Lo, to express our sincere thanks through a Board Resolution. paraoma asin mga parasira,” she added. As of November 14, 2019, I-PLAN Bicol Unanimously approved: November 22, 2019, at PANALA Farmers accounts for 29 percent share of approved Association Inc. of Balogo, Oas, Albay. value chain analysis (VCAs) of the South Luzon Cluster with 11 approved VCAs. I hereby certify to the correctness of the above mentioned resolution. Six provinces and one city in the region (Signed) FRANCIA S. PANTE also have updated PCIPs. The VCAs and Secretary PCIPs served as the DA-Bicol’s basis in the Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez crafting of the Bicol Regional Agriculture Lita V. Estrella Attested by: Emil Pasumbal and Fishery Modernization Plan (RAFMP) Salvacion Gonowon (Signed) DOMINGO D. MATEUM as well as in the annual planning and Records Unit President budgeting process. (Annielyn L. Baleza)

October - December 2019 UMAsenso 3 Letters

Republic of the Philippines Republic of the Philippines House of Representatives House of Representatives Quezon City, Metro Manila Batasan Hills, Quezon City

November 05, 2019 06 November 2019

MR. RODEL P. TORNILLA MR. RODEL P. TORNILLA OIC-Regional Executive Director OIC Regional Executive Director Department of Agriculture RFO 5 Department of Agriculture Region V San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur San Agustin, Pill, Cam. Sur

Dear OIC-DIR. TORNILLA: Dear Dir. Tornilla:

In behalf of the numerous farmers' associations in The Kasanggayahan Festival Cooking Contest , please accept my sincerest thanks and 2019 was successfully concluded last 18 October and gratitude for giving them priority and opportunity to be your valuable assistance had made it possible. among the beneficiaries of the Department of Agriculture's In this light, I express my sincere appreciation for Mass Distribution of Farm Machineries, Equipment and granting the request to provide various interventions Agri-Inputs on October 24, 2019. This gesture shows for the participants in form of gardening and farming our heartfelt appreciation to the many sacrifices and the tools and palay seeds, as listed in your letter dated 30 grueling hours our farmers spend under the sun to put food September 2019. on our tables. May we remain true to our commitment to The overwhelming success of the abovementioned support our farmers to ensure the growth of the farming event would not have been possible without your sector of the region and establish innovative programs that support, so thank you very much. will help create a sustainable food system. Once again, thank you very much. Very trulyEVELINA yours, G. ESCUDERO, Ph. D.

Very trulyHECTOR yours, S. SANCHEZ (Signed) Deputy Speaker (Signed) 1st District, Representative, Lone District, Catanduanes

CC: Hon. Secretary William D. Dar

RODEL16 December P. TORNILLA 2019

OIC - Regional Executive Director Department of Agriculture - Region 5 San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur

Dear Director Tornilla: Greetings of Hope, Peace and Joy! Thank you for the trust and partnership you have invested with World Vision in bringing hope and lasting impact to the children, families and communities. In the last 3 years, we have reached more than 3 million children in 27 covered provinces through our meaningful partnership. In the coming years, World Vision assures to align with our country goals and aspirations, as we stay sharp-focused on assisting children especially those living in the most vulnerable and poorest areas of the Philippines. And as we journey together, we continue to be inspired by our vision for every child to experience Life in all its fullness. This Christmas season, we are reminded by the same Hope and Joy we share in serving God and our people. Indeed, we are One for Children! A meaningful Christmas and abundant New Year to you! Sincerely, (Signed) Rommel V. Fuerte Executive Director 4 UMAsenso October - December 2019 DA Bicol rolls out initial assistance to typhoon-hit farmers SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, bags; and has 11, 384 CAMARINES SUR – The bags. Truckloads of ______onslaught of Typhoon Tisoy When Typhoon Tisoy hit in the Bicol region brought Bicol there were about 76, an extensive damage to the 963 hectares standing palay agriculture sector with an initial crop at various stages in the For high value crops P29 million were also reported estimated production loss Bicol region. Partial damage which include, vegetables and in Sorsogon and Masbate. of about P2.5 billion in rice, report on play coming from fruit crops over 6,596 hectares For livestock a total of corn, high value crops, organic the LGUs as of this writing were damaged valued at over 6,246 heads of various animals , abaca livestock, fisheries show that 26,825.25 hectares of over P 697 million. Of these valued at P49,880, 686 million coconut and infrastructures and palay areas in the 6 provinces 5,520.13.86 hectares are totally were reported damaged in the facilities. have been damaged. Of these damaged and 1,076 hectares are six provinces. Immediately, DA Bicol 16,235.13 hectares have been partially damaged. For organic Damage to DA facilities through Rodel P. Tornilla, totally damaged and over agriculture an estimated and properties at the regional the OIC- Regional Executive 10, 461hectares have been production loss valued at office and its outreach stations Director has reactivated partially damaged valued P3.8million was reported in the six provinces is estimated its quick action teams and at over P946.9million. For by the provinces of Albay, at almost P29million. mobilized its personnel to corn 8,11.84 hectares have Catanduanes and Masbate. A rehabilitation plan has assess and validate the damage been damaged valued at over For the fisheries an estimated been prepared and submitted reports coming from the LGUs P167,227 million. Of these production loss valued at over to the DA Central office for and came up with a list of 4,116 hectares of the corn areas P25 million were also reported funding. (Emily B. Bordado) intervention and assistance for were totally damaged and over in Albay and Sorsogon. each of the six provinces. The 3,994 hectares were partially For coconut an estimated assistance amounting to over damaged. production loss valued over P43.1 million includes 4, 630 bags certified and 2,000 hybrid palay seeds; 5,000 bags Urea and complete fertilizers; 58,950 bags zinc sulfate; 3, 174 packs plant growth enhancers, 1,700 bags Open Pollinated Variety white flint corn, 1,700 packs assorted vegetable seeds and veterinary drugs and biologics. Some of these goods were already turned over to the Dar, Sen. Villar graces ... (from page 1) provincial government as in the case of Albay. theme: “Ensuring Food Security security. To strengthen the Production; Bureau of Plant In addition to the DA’s Amidst Climate Change resiliency of farmers under Industry Director George assistance the provinces have Adversities, the 3-day congress extreme weather conditions, Y. Culaste discussed “Seed started receiving palay seeds tackled food security, climate Villar filed a senate bill on Quality Management” and for the dry season cropping change, inclusive development “Free Index-based Agri “How to Be a GAP Certified from the PhilRice under and market access discussed by Insurance which will encourage Farm.” Bernadette San Juan, the Rice Competitiveness top caliber resource persons. the involvement of the private Director of Agribusiness and Enhancement Fund Seed There were also trade exhibition sector. “Let us also support Marketing Assistance Service component. The budget for this and equipment expo by private family farms as they are the discussed “Market Status and was derived from the tariffs seed companies and other agri- ones which will feed us,” she Opportunities for Vegetables.” generated from the imported input providers. One of the added. Dr. Cedric Daep, Albay rice brought into our country major outputs of the congress DA Undersecretary for Executive Director of Climate with the implementation of was the re-organization of the High Value Crops and Rural Change and Disaster Risk the Rice Tarrification Law National Vegetable Board and Credit Evelyn G. Lavina Management and Training which removed the quantitative the drafting and approval of presented the “Status of the Institute shared his expertise restriction on imported rice resolutions. Philippine Vegetable Industry.” on DRR in Agriculture – . Albay province has an Senator Cynthia Villar, PhilMech Executive Director Protection of Farmers and Farm allocation of of 29, 528 bags; underscored the importance Baldwin G. Jallorina discussed Inputs. (Emily B. Bordado) Camarines Sur has 91, 412 of sustainable agriculture and the “Recent Innovations in bags; Sorsogon has 18, 818 environment in achieving food Machineries on Vegetable

October - December 2019 UMAsenso 5 (Left) The Agri Planters and Food Processors Association of Tigaon (TAPFPAT) received P500,000 as 2019 National Organic farmers of Tigaon, Outstanding Organic Farmers’ Group. (Right) Elmer Salazar CSur win nat’l OA awards received P200,000 for winning the Small Farmer category. sakit na ang ating kalupaaan, so is the institutionalization of ALFONSO, CAVITE – national finalists to the various I advocate the use of organic the Participatory Guarantee Organic farmers of Tigaon, categories: Sienna C. Sombrero materials,” added Sec. Dar. System or PGS which will ease Camarines Sur received their of Tigaon for national To help organic farmers in the stumbling block to organic second national award during Outstanding Municipal OA availing organic certification, certification. the 16th National Organic Focal Person, Luisita Navo of Sec. Dar announced that Christopher Morales, National Agriculture Congress held at Baao, Cam. Sur for Agricultural DA has revised the Organic Program Coordinator of Camp Bejamin, this town on Extension Worker category; Agriculture Standards, and the Organic Agriculture Program November 12, 2019. Amata family of Goa for OA final document will be issued at reported that among the Asian Elmer Salazar, 43 year farming family category. the end of the year. countries, the Philippines ranks old organic producer fr om Agriculture Secretary Meanwhile, DA 5th in terms of number of barangay Huyon-huyon bagged the National Outstanding Small Farmer category. He received P200,000 cash award. Meanwhile, The Agri Planters and Food Processors Association of Tigaon (TAPFPAT) was adjudged as National Outstanding Organic Farmers’ Group. The group received P500,000 cash award. Salazar is currently the president of TAPFPAT, a group of 68 organic farmers granted with 3rd party certification by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines. These William D. Dar in his keynote Undersecretary Evelyn Laviña, organic producers with 166,001 farmers were also registered speech, stressed his support Alternate Chairperson of the organic farmers and 4th in with the Bureau of Agriculture to the Organic Agriculture National Organic Agriculture terms of organic area with and Fisheries Standards as Program. “Ako ay sumusuporta Board, in her speech, announced 200,065 hectares. producers of organic rice seeds sa Organikong Agrikultura,” that the proposed amendments This year’s theme is and assorted vegetables and are said Sec. Dar. He also to the Organic Agriculture “Organikong Agrikultura sa also compliant to the Philippine emphasized the importance of Act is already undergoing the Kumikitang Kabuhayan para National Standard (PNS) for analyzing the condition of the required legislative process in sa Kalusugan at Kapaligiran. organic agriculture since 2011. country’s 12 million hectares the Congress and Senate. The (Lovella P. Guarin) Also recognized during of agricultural land to come up major provision for amendment the awarding were the with informed decisions. “May

(L-R) National finalists: Amata family of Goa for OA farming family category; Luisita Navo of Baao, Cam. Sur for Agricultural Extension Worker category; and Sienna C. Sombrero of Tigaon for national Outstanding Municipal OA Focal Person.

6 UMAsenso October - December 2019 Bicol team bags nat’l Corn and Cassava Achievers awards ILOILO CITY. The Tuburan United Farmers Association from Masbate under the leadership of Robinson Riveral bagged the top award for the Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Award and received a plaque of recognition and P 5 million worth of monetary incentives for farm inputs, machineries, equipment and vehicle. The Recognition and Awarding ceremonies was held The Agri Extension Workers and LGU awardees from Bicol region. in Iloilo City on November and Buster Ibarbia of Buhi, all and Cassava Industry vibrant participants from different 12-14 .during the staging of of Camarines Sur. The AEWs despite economic challenges. regions to promote rice-corn the 4 in 1 event that is: The were awarded cash price of It also serves as venue for the blend as well as organize model 15th National Corn Congress, 20,000 each and a plaque. various stakeholders of the cluster areas for corn . He the 17th National Quality The Outstanding Regional corn industry to come up with a also emphasized the value of Corn Achievers Award, the Team composed of: Rodel common goal and tackle current sharing to Extension Workers. 3rd CORNCUPIA Award Tornilla, Regional Executive issues of the sector. The role “The real test is not only in and the 3rd Cassava Cluster Director, Adelina Loza, of the Agricultural Extension school but what you learn, Management Awards. Regional Technical Director, Workers with the support of you acquire then you apply Also recognized and Marygrace Rodriguez, OIC the Local Government Units and eventually, you teach” he awarded were the Outstanding chief, Operations Division, is also recognized as partners said. “The important parameter municipalities/cities. The Lorenzo Alvina, Regional Rice in the effective implementation is, you should bear fruit, you city of along with its & Corn Coordinator, Michelle of DA programs. This year’s multiply yourself in so many City Agriculturist Ruben de Bergantin & Ailene Babilonia, theme is “Productivity Growth: and we will be all builders of los Santos were conferred the Hall of Fame award after being a national awardee for 3 The Tuburan consecutive years. The LGU United Farmers was awarded a cash grant of Association P2 million to be used for their of Cawayan, proposed project. While the Masbate won City Agriculturist received a P5 million cash incentive of 30,000.00. as Champion Meanwhile the LGU of the 2019 of Tigaon headed by Mayor Cassava Cluster Pamela Rhina Fuentebella Management along with its Municipal Excellence Agriculturist Leah Beltran also Awards. made it to the top 20 outstanding municipality/municipal agriculturist. The LGU received P 1 million project grant while the Municipal Agriculturist both Agriculturist II and Corn Key to Sustainable Corn this planet” he added. received 30,000. Program staff. They were Production and Food Security.” Other guests present were: Also recognized were also awarded a certificate of The Department of Agriculture Arthur Defensor Jr., Governor, the Outstanding Agricultural recognition and a plaque. in collaboration with the Province of Iloilo; Edralina Extension Workers: Susana The more than 60 delegates Agricultural Training Institute Serrano, PhD, Chair, National Arcenal of Cataingan Masbate; from Bicol was represented by (ATI), the Philippine Maize Technical Working Group, Dir. Marife Bonsobre of Uson, Lorenzo Alvina together with Federation (PhilMaize) and Lorenzo Carangian, National Masbate, Noel Paz of Marygrace Rodriguez during the Provincial Government of Corn Program Coordinator, Albay; Ryan Calatrava and the flag march. Iloilo hosted the event. Engr. Remelyn Recoter,MNSA, Carlos Azanes, of The National event In his keynote speech, Regional Executive Director, Camarines Sur; Honesto Sirios is held yearly to give due Engr. Ariel Cayanan, DA DA RFO-VI. (Emily B. Jr. & Meda Monge of iriga recognition to the key players Undersecretary for Operations, Bordado) City; Arlene Repaso of Nabua who have made the Corn encouraged the more than 1,000

October - December 2019 UMAsenso 7 Bicolana corn farmer-leader conferred as National Gawad Saka Oustanding Corn Farmer 2018 aking nakamit na premyo o karangalan sa buhay kong ito. PASAY CITY- “Nag-umpisa Sana maging model po ako kami sa sobrang hirap sa at inspirasyon ng kapwa ko buhay na kung hindi ka magsasaka ng mais,” she said. magsaka hindi ka aani. Dun DA-Bicol OIC-Regional nabuo yung motto ko na kung Executive Director Rodel P. hindi ako magtatanim, wala Tornilla and Tigaon Municipal occasion, acknowledged the the DA’s renewed commitment akong aanihin, wala kaming Agriculturist Lea M. Beltran awardees as heroes for their to champion the farmers magandang buhay,” said corn accompanied Cerillo on perseverance and sacrifices in and fisherfolk’s causes and farmer Angelita Cerillo of stage together with the providing food for the Filipino advancing their welfare. Brgy. Libod Tigaon, Camarines representatives of the DA-Bicol people. He also reaffirmed The 48th Gawad Saka Sur as she recounts her humble Gawad Saka Committee. President Duterte’s vision to Awarding Ceremonies honored beginnings. Presidential give every Filipino a life of 11 individual and 9 group Winning the Most Communications Operations comfort and dignity with the achievers in 5 categories Outstanding Corn Farmer Office (PCOO) Secretary Jose basic premise of adequate food namely crops, livestock, fishery, Award, Cerillo was among the Ruperto Martin M. Andanar, on every table. institutions and agricultural 20 national awardees during who represented President In his message, Secretary research.(Annielyn L. Baleza) the 48th Gawad Saka Parangal Rodrigo R. Duterte during the William D. Dar underscored sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda Awarding Ceremony held at the Philippine ... (from page 1) International Convention 117 rice farmers get SURE Center on October 22, 2019. Each of the 53 rice farmers Joining the DA Secretary Dar discussed the Rice She was the first female corn from Sta. Magdalena and 20 at the event were DA-Bicol Competitiveness Enhancement farmer from Bicol to bag the rice farmers from , OIC-Regional Executive Program (RCEP). The said award. She received a Sorsogon as well as 44 rice Director Rodel P. Tornilla, program, which has an annual certificate of recognition, farmers from , Albay Albay Governor Al Francis appropriation of P10 billion trophy and P250,000 cash received cash cards containing C. Bichara, Albay 3rd District for the next six years, is award. the full loan amount of P15,000 Representative Fernando T. designed to complement and An innovator and early during the said activity. The Cabredo, Legazpi City Mayor supplement the existing DA- adopter of agricultural SURE AID is a lending program Noel E. Rosal, LBP Manager National Rice Program (DA- technology, Cerillo’s five- that aims to help cushion Hil Benedict G. Manzanadez, NRP) by providing machineries hectare farm served as a venue the impact of plummeting and Paulo Antonio Rodriguez and equipment, rice seed for techno-demo projects farmgate price of palay by of the Agricultural Credit and development, propagation and as a model farm for the assisting eligible rice farmers Policy Council (ACPC). and promotion, expanded Department of Agriculture whose incomes were adversely A total of 3,771 rice rice credit assistance and rice (DA)-Bicol’s Site Specific affected by low palay prices. farmers in Bicol will benefit extension services to qualified Nutrient Management The P2.5 billion-worth program from the SURE AID Program. rice farmers. (SSNM) research. With careful being implemented by the These consist of 1,000 farmers “Makakaasa po kayo na application of innovative Land Bank of the Philippines in Camarines Sur, 1,500 this is just the starting year and production technologies from (LBP) nationwide provides farmers in , this will be through for the next seed selection, land preparation, rice farmers who are tilling one 1,130 farmers in Albay and 141 six years,” Dar said. (Annielyn planting, pest and diseases hectare of land and below with farmers in Sorsogon. L. Baleza) management, harvesting to a one-time, zero-interest and On the same occasion, postharvest practices, her farm no collateral direct loan boasts an average production of assistance amounting 11 tons per hectare. to P15,000 payable for “Na-encourage ako ng eight years. Department of Agriculture, na- build up nila ako, nahubog nila ako sa mga bagong kaalaman na nai-share nila sa akin para makamit ko ang magandang Some of the recipients ani, magandang buhay para of the loan assistance sa aking pamilya… Talagang under the Survival hindi matatawaran ang aking Recovery Assistance nakamit na tagumpay at ang Program (SURE) AID program.

8 UMAsenso October - December 2019 DA honors 2019 Regional Gawad Saka and Rural Women Achievers... NAGA CITY – Department of Agriculture Bicol honored 10 Regional Outstanding Gawad Saka achievers three Rural Women Achievers in a simple awarding ceremonies held in a hotel here. Under the 2019 Regional Gawad Saka awards, five (5) individuals and five (5) groups were recognized for their exemplary contributions to the development of agriculture in their different areas. The following were the Regional Outstanding Organic Baras – Outstanding MAFC; for the winning groups. The winners in the individual Agriculture Farmer. HML Provincial Agricultural and Agricultural Extension Workers categories: Edgar A. Pesebre of Foods Corporation of , Fishery Council (PAFC) of who assisted the winners in Balanguibang, , Albay Albay is Regional Outstanding Camarines Norte – Outstanding packaging the scrap book also is Regional Outstanding Rice Agri-Entrepreneur. PAFC; City Fisheries received cash prize of P15,000. Farmer. Nomer C. Mortega For the Gawad Saka group and Aquatic Resources Meanwhile, three admirable of Magallanes, Sorsogon is categories, the awardees were: Management Council rural women were also feted Regional Outstanding Young Bayani Purisima and family (CFARMC) of – during the ceremony. Farmer. Lino C. Jamora, Sr. of – Outstanding Farm Family; Outstanding CFARMC. Hailed as 2019 Regional Aroroy, Masbate is Regional San Roque Rural Improvement The winners in the Outstanding Rural Woman is Outstanding High Value Crops Club (RIC) – Outstanding RIC; Gawad Saka individual Rossini Obligacion of Ligao Farmer. Josephine G. Artiaga Municipal Agricultural and categories received P50,000 City. Obligacion owns and of Lupi, Camarines Sur is Fishery Council (MAFC) of cash award each, and P75,000 (Turn to page 17) ...and Regional Corn and Cassava Achievers

The 2019 regional corn and cassava achievers. The Department of Agriculture-Bicol recognized 17 outstanding Local Government Units (LGUs), municipal and city agriculturists, corn coordinators, agricultural extension workers, and the regional champion of the Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Awards with exceptional performance in the promotion and development of corn and cassava during the Awarding of the 2019 Corn and Cassava Achievers held in Naga City on November 7-8, 2019. The regional outstanding LGUs were Tigaon, Cam. Sur, Iriga City (Hall of Famer), and Ligao City Albay. Outstanding Municpal/City Agriculturists were: Lea Beltran of Tigaon; Ruben delos Santos of Iriga City; and Engr. Dexter Mendoza of Ligao City, Albay. The regional outstanding LGU and municipal/city agriculturists received P25,000. Ten Outstanding Corn AEWs received P17,500 and plaque of recognition. They were: Susana Arcenal (Cataingan) and Marife Bonsobre (Uson) both from the province of Masbate. From Albay: Noel Paz (Ligao City). From Camarines Sur: Honesto Sirios, Jr. (Iriga City); Meda Monge (Iriga City); Ryan Calatrava (Calabanga); Carlos Azañes (Calabanga); Arlene Repaso (Nabua); Buster Ibarbia (Buhi); Benedicto Heraldo (Naga City). Cassava Cluster Management Excellence Award was given to Tuburan United Farmers Association (TUFA) of Cawayan, Masbate. The TUFA received P25,000.

October - December 2019 UMAsenso 9 NEWS in PHOTO First 800 Albay rice farmers received rice seeds under RCEF Over 800 rice farmers of Daraga, Albay were the first recipients of 1,000 bags certified rice seeds (RC 222 and RC 216) distributed by the DA-PhilRice under the Seed Component of the P10 billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). Governor Al Francis Bichara, DA Bicol OIC -Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla, and Albay Provincial Agriculturist Cheryl Rebeta led the distribution of seeds and technical briefing at the Albay Farmers Bounty Village in Cabangan, Albay on November 27, 2019. The RCEP aims to reduce the average production cost of palay (unmilled rice) from the current P12 per kilogram (kg) to P8/kg by 2025 through various interventions under the Rice Tarrification Law. Of the total RCEF fund P5 B will be set aside for farm machinery, P3B for inbred rice seeds, and P1B each for credit, and training and extension.

Sec. Dar consults with Local Chief Executives of Bicol DA Secretary William D. Dar underscores the importance of strong partnership between the national government represented by DA vis-à-vis local government units (LGUs) in attaining DA’s vision of a food secure country with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk during a meeting and dialogue with local chief executives held in Oriental Hotel, Legazpi City on October 8, 2019. Dar said that with this vision, the overarching goal is bountiful harvest and high income for farmers and fisherfolk (ani at kita). He also sought the support of the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) in promoting the eight paradigms to level up the country’s agriculture sector with the hope of doubling the incomes of the farmers and fisherfolk after five years. Albay Governor Al Francis C. Bichara, Masbate Governor Antonio T. Kho, Acting Governor of Catanduanes Shirley Abundo, Sorsogon 1st District Representative Evelina G. Escudero, Albay 3rd District Representative Fernando T. Cabredo and other LCEs and their representatives attended the meeting. Also present were top officials of DA regional office and its bureaus and attached agencies headed by DA 5 Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla; and provincial agriculturists.

10 UMAsenso October - December 2019 NEWS in PHOTO Secretary William Dar and OIC RED Rodel P. Tornilla hold a press conference with the media persons in Albay during his visit in Legazpi City on October 8, 2019.

Bicolano farmers gear up for mechanization CAMALIG, ALBAY - As needs and environment. These 6 years up to 2024 to increase Mechanization (PHilMech) the Department of Agriculture will then be the basis of the their productivity and make Director Arnel Ramir A. Apaga revs up to modernize the DA in procuring the machines them more competitive. Of the underscored the importance agriculture sector, DA - Bicol which will be made available to 10 billion, P5 billion would of the support of all sectors in partnership with Korean farmers as stipulated under the go to farm mechanization, especially the LGUs in farm machinery manufacturers Rice Tarrification Law”. P3billion will be invested for promoting farm mechanization. recently staged an agricultural The Tarrification Law the provision of quality seeds, He enjoined the farmers mechanization Roadshow for or Republic Act (RA) P1billion for credit support and to propose to the DA what modern farming Techniques 11203, establishes the Rice P1 billion for training of rice machineries they need. But and technologies at the Albay Competitiveness Enhancement farmers. more than that they should Farmers Bounty Village here. Program (RCEP) which Meanwhile, Philippine learn how and when to use The two-day event which was stipulates for the allocation of Center for Postharvest these machinery effectively, dubbed: “Gear Up Bicol 2019” P10billion per year in the next Development and efficiently and optimally. showcased latest machineries Dr. Valentino C. Perdido, and technologies developed Project Development Officer by Korean manufacturers. and consultant at the Office Over 600 Bicolano farmers, of the Assistant Secretary for association farmers leaders Operations explains that in and even students attended 2018, the Philippines through said event which also featured Department of Agriculture has seminars and actual field entered into a Memorandum demonstrations. of Understanding with the According to Rodel Republic of Korea through P. Tornilla, DA Bicol OIC the Korea Agricultural -Regional Executive Director Machinery Industry “farm mechanization must be Cooperative (KAMICO) for a widely accepted and adopted (Turn to page 17) by our farmers as this is one strategy that could help increase their production and income, lower the cost of production and address the problem on labor shortage especially during peak farming operations. Thus, we brought this roadshow here so that our farmers can see for themselves the benefits and advantages of mechanization. From among the machineries showcased and demonstrated the farmers can choose which is appropriate, responsive and adapted to their

October - December 2019 UMAsenso 11 Mainstreaming the Agta-Tabangnon IP into Agri-economic

development The tribal community express their thanks to their guests through songs. By Emily B. Bordado he Agta- Tabangon Cabalinadan, Tigaon provides she started for 3 decades her projects and be with the tribe in Coyao-yao, quality education for free to now. Beside her educational tribal people to guide them, TTigaon Camarines Sur all underprivileged children mission, she was instrumental celebrate, and join in their is a community of indigenous moreover those from the in obtaining free medical gatherings. The Agta are her people who had abandoned ethnic tribe. In addition, operation of a 47- year old extended families, whom she their former nomadic way of many Tribal student in from Aeta woman from Coyaoyao, cares for as she respects their life and have now opted to High-school were recipients Tigaon, with an inborn culture. settle in a permanent location of scholarship grant from the deformity on her forehead. Although this new and are now slowly embracing Foundation, so with the Two- The woman was illiterate, generation of Agta-Tabagnon the modern way of life, new Year German Dual System of who looked like a freak was are now settled in one farming techniques and Vocational Education for High well known in the village, yet place and no longer practice welcoming new livelihood school graduate who were out simply ignored. the traditional method of opportunities. of school. Their learned skills Through her German cultivating crops through About 21 households turned the once idle hands Donors, Carmen was able to shifting fields and conducting of this Indigenous People are into productive members in bring her to Germany for a rituals , their livelihoods are now settled inside or within their families and in their free operation from the best dependent on the natural the periphery of a 3.5 hectare village, while others who Neurologist. While in her home environment. Planting land which was previously strived graduated in College village she was isolated and rootcrops, vegetables and other owned by one of the members as Education and others. Some uncared, she was well cared cash crops is the livelihood of the tribe but has now been are now Licensed Teachers by the Germans while in the of most tribal families in this donated to the Hansel and and employed. Successful hospital and even after her post community. From time to time Gretel Foundation, founded graduates inspired other Agta operation was provided with the men also earn income as by Carmen Dapilos, whose parents to support their children her needs for 4 months. Before hired as farm workers. Most advocacy is to: “Protect and pursue higher education instead her departure the Germans who of them are also beneficiaries Promote the Vanishing Culture of sending them as household have developed a fondness for of the government’s cash of the Agta, through Education, help or laborer. her contributed some amount transfer program or 4Ps. Food Production and Revival Carmen, a native of for her house and lot before But recently a new of Culture”. Calabanga, worked in back in her hometown. livelihood opportunity was Five registered private Germany until her retirement, As a gesture of gratitude made available for this tribal pre-schools with in dedicate most of her time the Tribal Chieftain graced the tribal community in Cayao- Rinconada and Partido, two for her development work Foundation initially with 1.5 yao. For and in behalf of of which in Coyaoyao and here in Camarines Sur which hectare, where Carmen build the tribe Carmen requested another school for them. The assistance from Department chieftain then challenged of Agriculture regional office Carmen for more development, which initially and readily for another 2 hectares he would provided vegetable seeds. But give. She continued to develop in 2018 the DA through its the land, provided water source, Livestock Program provided built a Cultural Heritage the group with an initial 10 Center, and invited landless heads of native pig breeders Agta Families to live within consisting of 9 gilts and 1 the area, provided them space hog. An additional 10 was to till their own vegetables for again dispersed to the other their own consumption, for members of the tribe. After free. They even get typhoon more than 3 months the pigs aid in the form of housing started breeding. materials and sacks of rice for Efren Arce and his their existence. wife Marilou are among the Carmen built her simple, beneficiaries of the native pigs conducive house inside the from the DA. They considered Carmen Dapilos (right), founder /president of the Hansel and area to have more time monitor (Next page pls) Gretel Foundation hands over vegetable seeds to an IP family. 12 UMAsenso October - December 2019 it a big blessing that they were vegetables provided cultural coordinator of the tribe given the pig as it provided by the DA and these has currently 10 breeders and them an additional income. On have been their source 12 weaners or growers. As the first farrowing of their sow of food for their daily there are demands for roasted it produced 11 litters. After 2 consumption. pig (lechon) She has started months they sold the 3 piglets Adelina Claridad accepting orders. Their roasted for P2,200 each which gave is also one of the native pig is sold at P150 per them an income of 6,600. The recipients of the native kilo. four piglets they passed on to pig from the DA. She On special occasions such their neighbors who signified started with a breeder as fiestas and birthdays a pig is intention to take care of it which gave birth to 7 butchered and the community (paataman). The agreement piglets. After 2 months gather and partakes of the between them is that 3 litters she sold the 2 piglets sumptuous food served for will be returned to them when 4Ps I have already advanced at P2,200 each. The 3 piglets everyone. they become weanlings. the amount from local lenders. she entrusted (paataman) to With the interventions “Marhay ang mag-ataman But with the sale of the piglets her daughter and neighbors provided by the DA and nin orig para pa-ogbonon ta I could at least set aside some who have signified to take care other institutions helping the sa oras nin pangnangaipo o amount as savings. It also of them with the agreement tribal community it is slowly emergency puwedeng ipabakal gives me a good feeling that I that 3 litters or piglets will veering away from their tolos “,says Efren Arce,. “Saka know I have invested my effort be given back to her after previous subsistence way bakong arog kan copra ang and time for the income that I farrowing. She retained 2 of life - that is, they only orig bakong gayo bantayan. have earned). produced everything they need for their survival. Today, they are producing cash crops and had ventured into native pig production/breeding in order to earn an extra income for their families. They are now giving premium to education , that is why most of the income they derive are spent for the educational expenses of their children who have to commute daily to the nearest school or even to the . Efren Arce , one of the beneficiaries of The community has vegetable and native pigs. already access to electricity Kun ma ogbon lang, ‘ he Romeo Mendoza who litters for breeding. which is a great advantage. added. .(Taking care of hogs has seasonal job as calamansi Rosalyn Claridad, The one lane road leading for breeding is good as you picker is also very thankful daughter of Adelina is another to the community is already can easily sell it when a sudden for this new livelihood recipient of the native pig concreted and accessible to or urgent need crops up. Unlike opportunity. He earns P400 for breeding. She said she motorcycles and light vehicles. copra taking care of pigs does daily as calamansi picker enjoys taking care of the But household access to water not require much time except in the plantation within the pigs. “Nakakahale ni pagal is quite difficult. Mrs. Dapilos during farrowing)”. municipality or the adjoining paghale sa trabaho lalu na kung exerted efforts to make water Malou shares that while they town of Goa. But as the work nahiling mo na su mga ogbon . accessible in the area. She were assured of receiving is seasonal there are days when Igua kang aasahan na dagdag spent quite an big amount to monthly cash allowance as he has no earnings. He also na income ( Taking care of the drill water from the ground 4Ps beneficiary, she noted owns a Carabao but it is only pigs can ease your tiredness or water tables. The residents that even before the scheduled a yearling (less than 2 years) and stress when you arrive fervently hope that a solution release of the cash assistance When it gets older he will from work especially when to address the water problem she has already loaned it in be using it as a draft animal you see the piglets. There is in their community will advance from their informal . When the native pig was something to look forward soon be considered and be loan source. “Bago mag abot dispersed to the community for – an additional source of in the pipeline of their local and kwarta sa 4Ps naiutang he also availed of it. They income for the family). government. na”. Pero digdi sa orig may have at present 1 breeder and The recipients do not Despite the simple naititipon maski purupaano. 4 weanlings which they will have to spend much for the conveniences and new Saka marhay sa pagmati soon sell. He said that the feeds. They use pinawa and opportunities that this na aram mo pigpagalan mo, sale from the pigs has been other rootcrops and local community is now enjoying, it pig tawan nin oras para a big help to their family as vegetables as feeds. Their pigs has not completely abandoned magkaigwa ka kaidtong they use it to buy food and are confined in pens in their its age-old traditions and income.’ (Even before the for the school expenses of the backyard. values passed on to them by release of our allowance from children. They also planted the Marivie Belleza, the (Pls. turn to page 15) October - December 2019 UMAsenso 13 SAAD helps farmers become entrepreneurs n the second year of implementation of DA’s armor against poverty, Othe Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) in Bicol has extended various technical assistance to a total of 4,393 farmer beneficiaries from the 3 provinces – Masbate, Catanduanes and Sorsogon. These assistance included 19 trainings on upland/rainfed rice production, 22 trainings for corn enterprise development, 24 trainings for high value crops production, 16 trainings livestock Under the high value crops production production, and 18 trainings for organic Aroroy Juban Vegetable Farmers, package, the beneficiaries received 1,576 agriculture production. Binanuahan Vegetable Farmers, Samahang kilograms vegetable seeds, 9,230 bags It has organized a total of 65 farmer Pangkabuhayan at Pangkaunlaran ng Calpi, organic fertilizer, 650 pieces drums, groups who have received interventions Maralitang Magsasakang Association, 1,832 sets garden tools, 6,000 pieces from rice, corn, and high value crops - all in Sorsogon which participated in the plastic tray, 150 meter HDPE Pipes, 650 assistance packages, and 764 individual Kasanggayahan Festival in Rompeolas, pieces wheelbarrow, 85 rolls UV treated beneficiaries who received inputs from the last October 17-31, 2019. plastic, 6,320 grafted mango seedlings, livestock and poultry production package. The SAAD farmer organizations sold 20,000 grafted cacao seedlings, 12,000 The rice production livelihood various agricultural products such as pili, budded calamansi, and 1,500,000 root crop component is composed of 4 packages lowland vegetables, peanut, corn, sili, cuttings. expected to lessen the cost of production salted eggs, and native handicraft. Under the livestock production of farmers. The distributed package 1 The program is also supporting a start- package, the program distributed 672 heads consisted of 1,920 bags rice seeds, 1,920 up entrepreneurial activity of processed doe, 192 heads buck, 5,325 heads native bags complete fertilizers, 3,840 laminated meat in Masbate under livestock related chicken, 1,880 heads ducks, 655 heads sacks, 76,800 empty sacks, 3 palay enterprise and cassava chips in Catanduanes native piglet, 72,250 kgs rice bran (feeds thresher, 9 brush cutter, and 36 heads of under crops related business enterprise. for native pig), 16 heads draft animals, and draft animal; package 2 with 1,280 bags The Special Area for Agricultural constructed 33 goat houses, as well as 7 rice seeds, 1,280 bags complete fertilizers, Development (SAAD) Program is a chicken breeding pens. 2,560 laminated sacks, 51,200 empty locally-funded project of the Department Aside from the trainings and sacks, 6 mobile rice mill, 6 brush cutter, of Agriculture with the aim of uplifting the distribution of interventions, SAAD and 24 heads draft animal; package 3 with lives of farmers in the poorest provinces of helped organized beneficiary farmers 300 bags rice seeds, 300 bags complete the country. into groups which are now starting to fertilizers, 600 laminated sacks, 12,000 In 2018, the program has included venture in enterprise development. Among empty sacks, 15 brush cutter, and 48 heads the 3 provinces in Bicol Region which are these organized farmers’ groups were of draft animal; and package 4 with 2,450 Masbate, Catanduanes, and Sorsogon. The Juban Organic Farmers Producers Coop, kgs of vermicast, 18 kgs Bio N, and 85 kgs covered municipalities of the program in Bacolod Vegetable Farmers Association, african night crawler. the region are the following - Monreal, San Under the corn production package, a Pascual, Balud, Mandaon, total of 600 bags of white corn seeds, 600 Esperanza, and Pio V Corpuz bags complete fertilizer, 52,000 cassava for Masbate; Bagamanoc, seed pieces, 3 units corn grits mill, 8 units Baras, Bato, Gigmoto, mechanical corn sheller, 5 units cassava Panganiban, and San Miguel chipper, and 12 heads draft animals were for Catanduanes; and , distributed. Magallanes, Pilar, Juban, , and SAAD national Deputy Director for Sorsogon. The above-mentioned Ulysses J. Lustria, Jr. (second areas were chosen based on their poverty from left), awards the certificate incidence and the “island equity principle”. of recognition to SAAD Bicol for The program has 2 major components; garnering the 3rd place among 11 the Social Preparation component which regions in terms of physical and involves the conduct of trainings for the financial accomplishments in CY sharing of technical knowledge to the 2019. SAAD Bicol also garnered the beneficiaries, and the Food and Livelihood Best Video award and Best in Cow Production component which comprises Girl Attire. SAAD Action Officer Dr. the interventions and inputs received by the Mary Grace DP. Rodriguez led the Bicol delegation in receiving the award during the beneficiaries. national assessment in Baguio City. 14 UMAsenso October - December 2019 DA-Bicol joins Sagip Saka Act public consultation TAGAYTAY City---“Ang tagumpay ng Pilipinas ay nakasalalay sa tagumpay ng pinakamahirap na sector ng Pilipinas---ang magsasaka.” This was the message of the principal author and proponent---Senator Francis Pangilinan during the Sagip Saka IRR Public Consultation Luzon B Cluster (CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Bicol) held on October 4, 2019 at the Tagaytay International Convention Center here. Signed into law by President Rodrigo Bicol RAFC Chairperson Jose Cordero shoots a question to Senator Francis Duterte on April 17, 2019, the Sagip Pangilinan (right) during the Sagip Saka Consultation. Saka Act or the Republic Act No. 11321 This council shall be composed of production activities. established the "Farmers and Fisherfolk the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Moreover, government groups will Enterprise Development Program." Trade and Industry (DTI), Interior and directly purchase agricultural and fisheries This program is “a comprehensive Local Government (DILG), and Finance products from local farmers, fisherfolks, set of objectives, targets, and holistic (DOF), as well as representatives from and accredited cooperatives. They will be approach in promoting the establishment the Cooperative Development Authority exempted from the Procurement Law plus of enterprises involving agricultural and (CDA), farmers' and fisherfolk's tax incentives and exemptions. With SSA, fishery products.” Pangilinan considered associations, and agriculture/food/ farmers will be assured of interventions, the signing of the law as a “major victory restaurant/business sectors. support, guidance and assistance. for farmers and fisherfolk.” Activities and funding support for “Nothing is more joyful than a bountiful The program shall be integrated and Sagip Saka will be included in the DA's harvest,” Pangilinan said as he shared his be made consistent with the Agriculture annual plan and budget proposal. experience with farming. and Fisheries Modernization Plan, and the Farmers and Fisherfolks will be The Bicol delegation was composed Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises provided assistance through agricultural of 30 participants consisted of DA staff, Development Plan. extension services; skills development; Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council The said law also created the provision of production inputs, equipment (RAFC), OPAG, and representatives from “Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise and facilities; access to credit, crop St. Anthony Coop (Jayson M. Development Council” to oversee the insurance, markets and technologies; and Gonzales) proper implementation of the program. infrastructure for production and post- Mainstreaming the Agta - Respect our farmers Tabangnon... (from page 13) their ancestors. They are very hard working and industrious Ang tagumpay ng Pilipinas ay and they give high value for word of honor. Whatever they say nakasalalay sa tagumpay ng pinakamahirap or commit to do - they fulfill. They are not competitive and na sector ng Pilipinas---ang magsasaka. selfish. Whatever good things they have they generously share Kaya, respetuhin natin sila.” with their fellow tribesmen. They value whatever good thing or These derogatory terms and remarks-- assistance they receive and consider it as”utang na loob” or debt -“Nangangamote, nangingitlog, pupulutin of gratitude . They may not be able to express their gratefulness sa kangkungan, nangangalabasa, verbally but they show it in their action – through songs or dances bagsakan and ‘Hampaslupa” show which they readily obliged to do complete with their traditional how Filipinos looked down on farming. tribal wear especially when there are visitors. And they have a high sense of loyalty. “Minamasama natin ang pagsasaka” through these terms. They are proud to showcase their talents and cultural “Kamote, itlog, kangkong, kalabasa” are commodities that traditions and heritage that is why Mrs. Dapilos has constructed a have high nutrient contents. Using these terms to attribute to mini amphitheater for them. failed grades, stupidity and other negative connotations are The Agta Tabangon of Tigaon are now slowly getting into the completely out of context considering the benefits we get from mainstream of development. But they have no conflict with their eating these vegetables and egg. identity and they are proud of their ancestry. They are no longer in In other countries like Thailand, King Boribor has high isolation from external, social economic and cultural influences. regards to farming as it is the backbone of the economy. In As of now they are still earning a living for subsistence, yet they China, Confucius said that Teachers feed the mind and soul but strive in farming, engage in animal production. The native pig it is the Farmers that feed and nourish the body. farming inspires. With their dreamy eyes, they visualize a herd of Respect the farmers or else, we will never be food secured.” black pigs roaming around their palm hut. They dream for their children believing that a bright future awaits them. - Senator Francis Pangilinan

October - December 2019 UMAsenso 15 12th Bicol Organic Agriculture Congress draws more enthusiasts NAGA CITY – Over 600 organic agriculture practitioners, enthusiasts and advocates from the six provinces of Bicol gathered in one of the hotels in this city on October 21 t0 22 for the 12th Bicol Organic Agriculture Congress. Engineer Christopher V. Morales, Director of the DA National Agriculture Organic Program graced the event together with Adelberto Baniqued who sits at the National organic Agriculture Board as Mindanao Small Farmer Representative and who discussed updates and new policies and guidelines on the OA OA Small Individual Farmer and program. received P50,000. Lorenzo Intia from Director Morales commended the Caraycayon in Tigaon, Camarines Bicol OA program under the leadership Sur was conferred Outstanding OIC- Regional Technical Director and Young Farmer in OA and received concurrently Regional OA focal person, P30,000. Adelina A. Losa for consistently The Agricultural Extension bagging top national awards in the workers who have been at the National Annual Search for OA frontline assisting the OA farmers Achievers and efficiently disbursing were also recognized and awarded. and utilizing the budget allocations for They were: Sienna Sombrero Of LGU the OA program. He also noted Bicol Tigaon as Outstanding OA Municipal Organic Agriculture Program’s 90% Focal person and received P20,000 attainment by far of its target for 2019 and Luisita Navo as Outstanding . He asserted that the OA Program is Engr. Christopher V. Morales, program director of OA extension Worker and received active and firm in accomplishing its National Organic Agriculture Program, led the ribbon P15,000. All the awardees were goal and urged everyone to continue cutting during the 12th BOAC. also given plaque of appreciation. to support and strengthen the program. All these regional winners will vie He added that the annual conduct of for the national award which will OA congress and recognition of the be announced and conferred during achievers is an avenue to inspire and the National OA Congress at Camp encourage more farmers to go into Benjamin in Alfonso Cavite on organic farming. November 12-14, 2019. According to DA Bicol’s OIC- Also recognized and given cash Regional Executive Director Rodel prizes were the most promising P. Tornilla as of September this year awardees namely: Municipality a total of 46,448 or 6.06% of the total of Tigaon as Most Promising agricultural area of Bicol region is either Municipality; Borabo family of in-conversion or already converted Tigaon as Most Promising Small to organic and 98 farms equivalent to Farming Family; Rossini Obligacion, 128 hectares were already certified as Angelica Sapon and Vincer Quibral organic by the Organic Certification The event was highlighted by the as Most promising Individual farmers; Center of the Philippines. conferment of awards and recognition Grace Dejumo as Most Promising City to the seven (7) individual and group Focal person and Felix Gino Murillo as awardees for the 2019 Regional Organic Most promising Extension Worker. Agriculture Achievers. Ligao City Successful and model organic from Albay province was conferred as agriculture practitioners shared their best Outstanding City in Organic Agriculture practices and experiences revolving on and awarded a cash Prize of P300,000 this year’s adapted theme: Organikong and a plaque. The Agri-Planters and Agrikultura sa Mauswag na Kabuhayan Food Processors Association of Tigaon para sa Marhay na Salud asin Kapalibutan. (TAPFPAT) was conferred as Outstanding These include Fr. Ian Trillanes of Emiliano’s Organic Agriculture Small Farmer Group Nature Farm, Cherry T. Lo of Sonrisa Farm; and received a cash prize of P100,000. The Josephine Artiaga of St. Francis Sta. Rita Amata Family (Florentino and Edalyn) Nature’s Farm, Jose Obligacion of Joross from San Pedroin Goa, Camarines Sur was Farm. Patrick Belisario who discussed conferred as Outstanding OA Small Farm Sustainable Livelihood & their Impact to Family and awarded P50,000. Meanwhile, Environment Elmer Salazar was conferred Outstanding (Next page pls.)

16 UMAsenso October - December 2019 Sorsogon Province

Bicolano farmers gear up ... (from page 11) collaboration on agricultural coops and members from these Joongang Precision headed paddy seeder, disc plow , machinery research and machineries. by its executive manager, Branson Tractors; lifters and development, establishment KAMICO director Kyonsoo Park. many more. of an agricultural machinery Kim Kyong Soo graced The machineries Also present during the manufacturing cluster the event and reaffirmed showcased and demonstrated event were Albay provincial and establishment of a their coop’s commitment to include the following: Agriculturist Cheryl Rebeta, demonstration complex on their partnership with the 40HP tractor with Levee & Vicente Moyo, municipal agricultural mechanization Philippines: “There is enough loader; 55 HP tractor with counclor of Camalig; and enhancement of room, for us to work together. plow; 40HP tractor with Stephanie Breboneria, workforce skills through We should unite and join Rotavator & Leveler; Seeder; president, Bicol Irrigators trainings. our efforts and resources for Handy cultivator set with Association Federation; Albay Governor Al development”, he emphasized. former and mulcher; boom Carlito P.Aquino; MAFC Francis Bichara said that The other Korean companies sprayer, drone (for spraying chair of Ocampo. Hilda A. mechanization could address who participated in roadshow pesticides and fertilizers); Lopez, assistant provincial the farmers problem on very were: Fit Corea Trading rice polishing machine; corn agriculturist, agricultural costly and diminishing farm Philippines headed by its mill, agricultural product extension workers and labor. He also pointed out president, Philip Kim; dryer; vibration separator. farmer leader representatives the advantage of channeling Leehwa Industry headed by Agricultural product washer; from the different provinces the farm machineries through its president Sekjin Lee and levee production machine; 5 of Bicol and media cooperatives which can managing Director Jonseung in 1 rice milling & polishing representatives who also efficiently manage them and Cho; ASIATECH headed by machine; underground crop covered the event. (Emily B. generate income for their its president Wonki Chun; and harvester (for garlic and onion) Bordado)

DA honors 2019 reg’l Gawad ... (from page 9) Women search committees for 12th Bicol Organic manages the Joross Farm, Ariel T. Cayanan as keynote consistently coming up with Agriculture ... commercial producer of speaker. In his speech, Manalo national winners in the different (from page 16) organic culinary and medicinal cited that most of the Filipino categories. Eight regional herbs, fruits and vegetables. farmers are already greying, Gawad Saka winners made it She is also a certified organic as the outstanding farmers are as national finalists while the Adding color and drawing practitioner and consultant and mostly above 50 years old. Bicolana rural women were crowds to this year’s regional a staunch advocate of organic And even the Agricultural always in the top three in the OA regional congress were agriculture and healthy living. Technicians are also greying, national level. the selling booths of various The second place regional he said. Thus, he encouraged Also present during the organic products from the six outstanding Rural Woman was the parents who have children awarding ceremonies were provinces. Twenty three (23) 76 year old Yolanda De Leon working abroad to encourage Adelina A. Losa, DA Bicol OIC exhibitors participated in the of Gubat, Sorsogon and third their children to invest in Regional technical Director mini fair and brisk selling was place was Anicia Baluzo of agriculture in their respective for Operations; Aloha Gigi noted as more consumers are , Camarines Norte. areas. He also challenged the I. Bañaria, regional Gawad now clamoring for organic and Obligacion received LGUs as DA’s partner, to push Saka coordinator; Regional naturally grown or processed P30,000 while De Leon the young agricultural students AFC Chairperson Jose products. received P15,000 and P10,000 to partner with the farmers in Cordero; provincial Gawad The event was capped by for Baluzo. their areas and practice what Saka Coordinators; provincial the drafting and presentation Dr. U-nichols A. Manalo, they learn in school. and municipal agriculturists of Resolutions. (Emily B. the Chief of DA Special Meanwhile, DA Bicol OIC of winning provinces/ Bordado) Project Coordinating and Regional Executive Director municipalities; and GREAT Management Assistance Rodel P. Tornilla lauded the women entrepreneurs. (Lovella Division represented DA painstaking efforts of the Gawad P. Guarin) Undersecretary for Operations Saka and Outstanding Rural

October - December 2019 UMAsenso 17 PRAISE recognizes top performers The DA RFO Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE) gave various awards to the Admin & Finance top performing groups and individuals Regional Executive Director of DA5 on December 18, 2019. PRAISE Committee Chairperson Dr. Mary The Administrative and Finance Grace DP. Rodriguez (left) and Vice Chair Division got the Best Organizational Best Organizational Units Awards Adelina A. Losa (right) award the plaque of Unit Award. were given to Administrative & recognition to RED Rodel P. Tornilla. Finance Division; Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD); Field Operations Division (FOD); Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD); Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation Division (PMED); R e g i o n a l Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED); Regional Agriculture Research AMAD and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS); Regulatory Division; and Research Division.

Regulatory Field Operations Division

Integrated Laboratories PMED Best Banner Programs (in order) were Rice Program; Livestock and Poultry Program; Corn Program; High Value Crops Development Program; Organic Agriculture Program; and Halal RAFIS Rice Program Food Industry Development Program.

Livestock Program Corn Program HVCD Program

1818 UMAsensoUMAsenso OctoberOctober - - December December 2019 2019 PRAISE recognizes... DA Bicol holds poster and Various taskforces/team were also honored and given plaque essay contests on World Food of recognition during the DA RFO 5 Annual Recognition and Thanksgiving. The awardees inlcuded: Regional Task Force Day and OA month Committee for Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program Naga City Division ranked 2nd (RCEP); Regional Fall Army Worm (FAW) Task Force; Regional SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, and Renz Gerald S. Carillo of Quick Response Team (RQRT) for African Swine Fever (ASF); CAMARINES SUR – Two San Carlos Elementary School High Value Crops Development Team (HVCD); and Disaster Risk Grade 6 pupils of Sorsogon in City ranked 3rd. They Reduction Management Team. Pilot Elementary School won received P2,000 and P1,000 this year’s simultaneous Poster cash awards respectively. Meanwhile, certificates of recognition were awarded to Making contests in celebration All the rest of the the following committees/teams: Bids and Awards Committee of the World Food Day and contestants received P500 (BAC); focal persons and secretariat of Organic Agriculture National Organic Agriculture consolation prizes and tokens. Awards; Outstanding Rural Women Committee; High Value Crops (OA) Month held at the DA On the same occasion, an essay Development Program Committee; Gawad Saka; Rice and Corn training hall on October 1. writing contest for the junior Achievers Committees. Ma. Dominique D. Alcantara, 11-year old pupil high school divisions, also in celebration of the National Adjudged as Best Research Outreach Stations (ROSes) were: from Sorsogon won the first Organic Agriculture month was Sorsogon Dairy Production and Technology Center (SDPTC); place in the On-the-Spot Poster conducted in the same venue Central Bicol Experiment Station (CBES); and Camarines Norte Making Contest depicting the but the result will be announced Lowland Rainfed Research Station (CNLRRS). World Food Day theme which will be celebrated on October later. 16. Alcantara received P3,000 The three contests were cash prize and certificate of coordinated by the Regional commendation. The 2nd place Agriculture and Fisheries was won by Christian James Information Section (RAFIS) A. Monta of Iriga Central and Agribusiness and School. The 3rd place was won Marketing Assistance Division by Jericho Bermundo of Don (AMAD) in partnership with Telesforo Llorin Elementary the Department of Education SDPTC School, Nabua West District of (DepEd) regional office in Camarines Sur. They received Bicol. P2,000 and P1,000 cash prizes The winners of the poster respectively and certificates. making contests will compete The annual poster making in the national competitions contest for public elementary in Quezon City on October school students has been one 15 for the WFD event and on of the highlights of the World November 4-6 at the Boy Scout Food Day which depict this of the Phils., Mt. Makiling, Los CBES year’s theme “Our actions are Baños, Laguna for the National our future. Healthy diets for a Organic Agriculture Poster #ZeroHunger world.” competition. Meanwhile, the On-the- Adelina A. Losa, DA Bicol OIC Spot Poster Making Contest Regional Technical Director in connection with the Organic for Operations and Extension Agriculture Month observance graced the event together in November was topped by with Ms. Christie Alvarez, Alyzza D. Dechavez, also an Education Program Supervisor, 11-year old pupil of Sorsogon. division supervisors, coaches She received P3,000 cash and and contestants. (Lovella P. CNLRRS certificate. Winnoh R. Ogarte of Guarin)

BAC

October - December 2019 October - December 2019 UMAsenso 19 Rice Awareness Month Media Briefing Close to 30 media persons attended the media briefing on rice in connection with the celebration of Rice Awareness Month. Lorenzo Alvina, DA 5 Rice and Corn Program coordinator presented the Rice Production Situationer. Engr. Henry Tristeza, Regional Director of the National Food Authority (NFA) Region 5 discussed the status of palay procurement and other measures being taken by the NFA to help farmers in the midst of plummeting palay buying price. He assured the media that NFA has adequate rice buffer stock. DA 5 Regional Information Officer Emily B. Bordado discussed the Eight Paradigms of the DA in line with the New Thinking.

Sorsogon pupil wins in Nat’l. World Food Day poster contest Ma. Dominique D. P20,000 cash prize, atrophy both Alcantara, a pupil of Sorsogon for pupil and the school. Pilot Elementary School was She was accompanied by her adjudged as among the 5 coach Imelda R. Dellosa. national top winners in the DA Undersecretary for FAO-DA World Food Day Operations Ariel T. Cayanan on-the-spot poster making handed the award. He was contest participated in by 13 assisted by FAO officials, regional winners. The national country director Pearson and elimination and awarding Asst. director Tamara Duran. ceremonies was conducted in The contestants depicted on Quezon City as a culminating their artwork this year's World activity for the World Food Day Food Day theme: "Our Action, on October 16. our future: Towards a #zero All five winners received hunger world."

Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit No. 5 Reg’l Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section e-mail: darafid5 @ yahoo.com RE-ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER at Pili, Post Office, visit our website: Pili, Cam. Sur under Permit No. 2017-18 bicol.da.gov.ph on March 17, 2017