Orientation ISSN 1655-3942

CSC orients BAR Indigenous vegetables...from page 11 hronicle www.bar.gov.ph @DABAROfficial Therefore, if we could learn BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH to harness the full potential of BARC on Omnibus Rules indigenous vegetables then we could BAR not only improve the nutritional Volume 19 Issue No. 1 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research January 2018 irector Hans R. Alcantara of the Personnel Selection Board (HRMPSB). problems of most , but also Civil Service Commission (CSC) Dir. Alcantara reiterated the new role of improve and empower the lives of Dconducted a talk at the Bureau the Human Resource Officer, who in the the resource-poor communities. ### of Agricultural Research (BAR) on the case of BAR is Ms. Ludivina Pelayo, “2017 Omnibus Rules on Appointments as a member of the HRMPSB. During References and Other Human Resource Actions” the orientation, Dir. Alcantara implored 1) Capuno, O.B., Gonzaga, Z.C. (2017 ORA and OHRA) on 22-23 January the members to maintain and even Dimabuyu, H.B. and Rom, J.C. (2015). 2018. upgrade to maximum level. The bureau PHOTO by BAR-FAO-PMCU Indigenous vegetables for coping with The 2017 ORA and OHRA is is currently on a Level 2 status of the the revised and updated version of CSC Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy climate change and food security. Acta MC. 40 s. 1998 dating back to December and Excellence in Human Resource Hortic. 1102, 171-178, DOI:10.17660/ 14, 1998. The ORA-OHRA are guidelines Management (PRIME HRM). According ActaHortic.2015.1102.21. for the preparation, submission of, and to CSC, PRIME HRM is a mechanism actions to be taken on appointments that empowers government agencies 2) Oraye, C.D., Roldan, M.S., and Vadeavilla, and other human resource movements by developing their human resource D.J.V. (2017, May). Indigenous vegetables in that take place on first and second level management competencies, systems, and the : Potentials and production. positions within government agencies. practices towards greater engagement. Dir. Paper presented at the International Food “It is important that we keep ourselves Alcantara mentioned that aside from using Exhibition 2017, Agribusiness Research and updated with the changes on this new PRIME HRM as reference for special Development Track, Pasay, Metro . set of rules as it affects the way the awards and citation, it can also serve as [HRMPSB] conducts deliberations,” said grounds for the retention of the agency’s Retrieved from http://www.map-abcdf.com. Dir. Alcantara. status as an accredited agency. ph/documents/presentations/Agribusiness/ The first part of the orientation During his closing remarks, Vegetables/Indigenous%20Vegetables_ BAR REVIEWS 2017 ; PLANS FOR 2018 held on January 22 was dedicated for Dir. Alcantara commends BAR’s Human IFEX%202202_final.pdf. all rank-and-file employees of the Resource staff for their continued he Bureau of Agricultural and milestones of the bureau for change.” In conclusion, Director bureau. Dir. Alcantara discussed the partnership with CSC as well as the 3) United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Research (BAR) held its 2017 mentioning that it was “a year Eleazar appreciated the countless new requirements and updated forms bureau’s efforts to abide by the new Organization. (n.d.) Topic 1: Why we need to that applicants should be aware of as guidelines mandated by the CSC. ### “CY 2018 Annual Review of remarkable accomplishments”. effort and dedication of everyone and eat well. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/ and Planning Workshop” He furthered that, “with the change encouraged them to always strive they seek for permanent positions in (Ephraim John J. Gestupa) docrep/007/y5740e/y5740e04.htm. government office. Ton 16-19 January 2018 to review in administration a year before, to perform better not just for the Also discussed and assess the bureau’s performance we have proved that we can adapt organization but for the agriculture 4) World Health Organization. (2015, were common and in 2017, and to plan and realign to the demands and changes.” He sector as a whole. “Where we are specific qualification September). Healthy diet: fact sheet. R&D programs and initiatives with likewise acknowledged the trust right now, is where we are all meant standards for Retrieved from http://www.who.int/ the directives and priorities of the and confidence that Agriculture to be,” he said. applicants who mediacentre/factsheets/fs394/en/. Department of Agriculture (DA) for Secretary Emmanuel Piñol and other The event included plenary are looking to ------2018. officials have bestowed on the bureau presentations including DA salient be appointed or For more information: Organized by the Bureau’s to perform its tasks excellently. policy thrust, “Ensuring Food reassigned. Dr. Perlita P. Raymundo Program Development Division He also laid down several of his Availability and Affordability for The second Project Proponent (PDD), the activity was led by BAR marching orders for immediate action All: FY 2018 Plan and Budget part was dedicated College of Agriculture Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar and emphasizing on the recent statement Proposal of the Department of to head officials Isabela State University, Echague Campus was attended by key officials and of Secretary Piñol on “looking at Agriculture and Fisheries” by Mr. and members of the email: [email protected] selected staff. implementing policy changes and Joell Lales, PDD chief; “DA-Special Human Resource Dir. Alcantara (center) poses with the members of DA-BAR’s Human Resource Management Personnel Selection Board (left). Director Eleazar presented re-planning of the farm sector to Area for Agricultural Development” Management PHOTO: EJGestupa some of the major accomplishments ensure the betterment of the sector amid challenges brought by climate turn to page 2

IN THIS ISSUE... CPA R , NTCP projects funded BAR reviews 2017; plans for 2018 ...... 1 hronicle 282 596 282 CPAR, 596 NTCP projects funded ...... 1 BARBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCHC n agency that is tasked to supported 282 CPAR projects since it Usec. Cayanan graces FAO meeting ...... 3 coordinate the national agriculture started in 1998; and 596 NTCP projects it BAR attends Newton-Agham ...... 4 and fisheries research and was initiated in 2006. Dir. Eleazar is guest ...... 4 RDMIC Bldg., Ave., cor. Elliptical Rd. A Researchable areas on organic ...... 5 development (R&D) in the country, the CPAR is a location-specific Diliman, Quezon City 1104 Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) research cum extension activity that Projects on Banana stalk ...... 6 PHILIPPINES works to ensure that research-generated focuses on improving farming system BAR seminar features agri ...... 7 technologies are brought to the field to technologies for micro agro-climatic Health & Wellness seminar ...... 7 be productively used by the sector. The environment within a municipality MICROALGAE: A natural green ...... 8 Community-based Participatory Research or provinces. It merges research Sustainable Land Management ...... 9 (CPAR) and the National Technology initiatives and the involvement of Promoting indigenous cultures ...... 10 Commercialization Program (NTCP) farmer and fisherfolk cooperators in the Indigenous vegetables: more than ...... 11 — the Bureau’s flagship programs are implementation of projects in different Adlay in Region 10 ...... 12 working on this end. regions of the country. The 282 CPAR Enhancing production, protecting ...... 14 To date, BAR has funded and turn to page 2 CSC orients BAR ...... 16 Entered as second class mail at the Quezon City Central Post Office under permit no. 2C-14-01-148 NCR continuation continuation

CPAR on SCoPSA...from page 14 in production cost due to additional River Flood and Drought-Prone Areas BAR Annual...from page 1 of Enrile, Cagayan” implemented by Eight farmer-cooperators were inputs and labor, the returns were still Nipa palm products...from page 7 the DA-RFO 2. The project attained a by Ms. Cynthia de Guia, PDD qualified to be in the CPAR project. At the comparably higher versus farmers’ yield of 4,196 kg/ha and 2,933 kg/ha for assistant head; and “2018 Strategic onset of the project, farm inputs such as practice. Johny Ramos, a farmer dry season and wet season, respectively. seeds, planting materials, fertilizers, and cooperator, did not expect such a Performance Management System significant income by simply the adopting During drought condition, the improved (SPMS) Implementation” by herbicides were released directly to the cropping pattern under white corn farmers as capital inputs. However, as part a technology. He recorded an income intercropped with mungbean provided Ms. Desiree Ann Macahia of the of the CPAR guidelines on sustainability, increase from P1,366.82/ha to P10,347.00/ better income of about Php 27,990 Personnel Section. the cooperators will pay back 100 percent ha. (corn) and Php 18,082 (mungbean) All BAR divisions/unit of the inputs provided after the harvest During the farmers’ field versus the farmer’s practice of Php 19, presented their accomplishments season. Such payment will then be used as day held in October 2017, the farmers 645 (corn) and Php 1,852 (mungbean). and plans. Ms. Judith Maghanoy, seed money of the farmer association for a were able to share their testimonies Another improved cropping pattern head of Finance Division, presented wider adoption of the project. for the awareness of the community. introduced under white corn and peanut finance-related concerns while Technology interventions They encouraged other farmers to intercropping also provided a higher through SCoPSA include the adopt the technology set by CPAR. Ms. Evelyn Juanillo, head of Their testimonies included not only the income of Php 8,785 compared to Administrative Division, delivered establishment of contour lines and farmer’s practice of Php 362.50 during hedgerows where other commodities difference CPAR made in their lives, but administrative concerns. Other more importantly, the deeper concern they A farmer-cooperator shows the seeds he the dry season. were planted like banana, mandarin, Meanwhile, NTCP serves presenters were: Mr. Joell Lales pineapple, and pigeon pea. Through these developed to the environment, enabling received from CVRC through the CPAR for PDD, Ms. Salvacion Ritual them to preserve the resources available to project in Enrile, Cagayan. PHOTO: RDelaCruz as a vital tool for the development hedgerows, the occurrence of soil erosion of agriculture and fisheries-related for the Program Monitoring and was minimized. It also served as a guide them. Seminar participants sample Nipa Palm enterprises ensuring the proper transfer Evaluation Division, Mr. Anthony for the farmers in establishing a furrow for In the pursuit of sustainability syrum. PHOTO: EJGestupa CPAR, NTCP...from page 1 of mature technologies for adoption and Obligado for the Technology the next cropping season. Above all, these even after project implementation, Mr. utilization of farmers and fisherfolk. Development Division, Ms. added commodities meant additional food Sabado shared the plans of the project Award” during BAR’s Agriculture and projects supported cover 613 barangay From the 596 NTCP projects, 97 were Digna Sandoval presents for the and income for the farmers. will focus on strengthening the farmers’ Fisheries Technology Forum and Product sites nationwide, involving 13,669 farmer- funded in 2017 of which 41 are new and In addition, the use of double organization to intensify their purchasing Exhibition. In the second quarter of this Institutional Development Division, and marketing power. “This move beneficiaries of which 6,907 are farmer- 56 are on-going. Ms. Julia Lapitan for the Applied row at 1 seed per hill was established, year, FREEDOM is expecting to secure cooperators and 6,762 are adoptors. Among the newest allowing a planting distance of 80cm will help them in linking with other FDA accreditation which would further One CPAR completed project Communication Division, and Ms. institutions, and partnering with traders, commercialized technologies for crops Melissa Resma for the Information x 30cm x 20cm, which yielded to an realize their goal of exporting Nipa Palm that created significant findings was include: development of chickpea- increase in the plant population at 90,910/ to ensure the continuity of the project,” he product internationally. the “Corn-based Farming Systems in based food products; evaluation and Management Unit. ha. said. ### “Tuloy tuloy parin yung nasimulan Kadingilan, Bukidnon” of the Department development of nutraceutical and Conducting the last day of Also, to achieve uniform ------natin na project sa Lanuza. Six months of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA- the activity was a meeting/workshop For more information: cosmeceutical products from saluyot planting depth and distance and better Archival B. Sabado ago, we replicated the production process RFO) 10. The technology interventions and okra; and virgin coconut oil and attended by technical focals of germination, the farmers were introduced DA-RFO 2, Dungo, Aglipay, Quirino in Butuan and in Oriental Mindoro last included the use of organic + inorganic herbal plant extract as raw materials for BAR programs. The meeting was to jabber planting strategy. To ensure soil mobile: 0916-1776694 December. So the BAR-assisted project fertilizer application, Integrated Nutrient soap-making. For livestock, there are 9 held to realign and harmonize all specific fertilization, soil analysis was email: [email protected] is now in three areas,” said FREEDOM Management (INM), and Integrated Pest or new and 11 on-going projects including plans and programs according to conducted, promoting safety and proper Lovelyn A. Gaspar director, Lope Santos III. Management (IPM) using appropriate commercial production of free-range nutrient management for the crops. OIC-Chief, Research Division Antonio Peralta, FREEDOM and improved corn varieties (Pioneer the priorities and directions set by chicken; production of organic feeds DA. The meeting also served as an For total farm management, the DA-RFO 2, Dungo, Aglipay, Quirino executive director, also mentioned 30B80). The farmer cooperators positively for native chicken; and development farmers adopted farm waste management Mobile: 0917-5027915 assessment to ensure the smooth email: [email protected] the success in Nipa Palm production responded to the technology introduced. and commercialization of selected through indoor mushroom production and in Butuan with the farmer partners in The INM in combination with organic and strains of Philippine native pigs. There operations of all the programs being vermicomposting. Not only are the community processing 20 kilos of inorganic fertilizer was highly appreciated are also 3 new fishery and aquaculture coordinated by the bureau. these an added source of food and Nipa sugar a day. In Oriental Mindoro, by the farmers considering its results in projects under NTCP one of which Mr. Lales officially income for the farmers, but also FREEDOM also produces Nipa Palm crop yields while reducing the use of is the development and promotion of concluded the activity, an added organic fertilizer, which sweetener in syrup form. This was among inorganic fertilizer and the benefit derived squid pot-seaweed farming integration acknowledging the efforts of lessened their production cost as the products showcased during Gina in using organic fertilizer. that focuses on improving income everyone for making the activity a well. Lopez’s health and wellness seminar. Another CPAR project yielding and resiliency of seaweed farmers in productive one. ### (Rita T. dela In Lanuza, profits from the substantial results was the “Enhancing small island fishing communities. ### Cruz) Effective CPAR intervention processed Nipa Palm products go to Sitio White/Purple Corn Productivity under (Leoveliza C. Fontanil) Ipil Wine Makers Association (SIWA); in The results of the CPAR Butuan, the Babag Farmers Association; intervention reflected a positive and in Oriental Mindoro, the San Teodoro PRODUCTION TEAM increase both in yield and income. Ridge, River, and Reefs Institute Inc. The CPAR farmers acquired (ST3RII). hronicle Editor: Rita T. dela Cruz higher yield compared to their old Being an advocate for healthy BARBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCHC Consulting Editor: Julia A. Lapitan practice, with an increase from living and chemical-free alternative Managing Editor/Layout: Ephraim John J. Gestupa 4.45 mt to 4.65 mt translating medicine, Gina Lopez promotes Nipa Writers: Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino, Daryl Lou A. Battad, from 8.18 to 104.49 percent Rita T. dela Cruz, John Paul II Dimacali, Leoveliza C. Fontanil, Palm sugar as an alternative sweetener Ephraim John J. Gestupa, Victoriano B. Guiam, per hectare of corn production. for commercially produced sugar. Nipa Rena S. Hermoso, Patrick Raymund A. Lesaca, Nestor Ruaboro, one of the farmer Palm products are ideal for consumers BAR CHRONICLE is published monthly by the Applied and Ian Jomari C. Panaga cooperators, recorded an average suffering from diabetes as Nipa Palm Communication Division of the Department of Agriculture Reproduction: Ricardo G. Bernardo yield of 4.45 mt/ha using farmer’s has a low glycemic index and is also - Bureau of Agricultural Research, RDMIC Building, Circulation: Lyn D. Pardilla and Lino Norman D. Reyes practice. With CPAR SCoPSA, he grown organically. During her seminar, Visayas Avenue, cor. Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon ACD Head: Julia A. Lapitan was able to increase his yield to Gina Lopez expressed G Stuff’s vision of City 1104 Philippines. Adviser: Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, CESO IV 9.10 mt/ha, which is 104 percent re-engineering the Philippine economy differential increase. to be inclusive as it continues to grow. Given these results, This publication provides regular updates on DA-BAR’s ISSN 1655-3942 G Stuff hopes to contribute to this vision Copyright. Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture 2018. increase in income is certain. by supporting products that not only activities as the country’s national coordinator for For subscription and inquiries, please contact us at: Tel. Nos. +63 (2) 461-2800 or 461-2900 The cooperators got a significant healthy and safe but also supporting the agriculture and fisheries R&D. It also highlights features local nos. 1136, 1143, 1132, 1138 Fax No. +63 (2) 927-5691 Email: [email protected] increase in income per hectare livelihood of rural communities across the and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-member Articles are also available online, visit our official website: http://www.bar.gov.ph/barchronicle from 14 to 4,782 percent per The project team conducts regular visits to the country. ### (Ephraim John J. Gestupa) institutions. Follow and like us on: @DABAROfficial hectare. Despite the increase CPAR sites in Maddela, Quirino. PHOTOS: ASabado, DA-RFO 2

2 BAR Chronicle January 2018 Issue January 2018 Issue BAR Chronicle 15 Feature: CPAR DA-FAO Project Usec. Cayanan graces DA-FAO meeting Enhancing production, on agro- project he Department of Agriculture to demonstrate protecting soil through (DA), through the Bureau of the true value and TAgricultural Research (BAR), importance of in partnership with the Food and agro-biodiversity by Daryl Lou A. Battad CPAR on SCoPSA Agriculture Organization (FAO) resources in the Hindi lang napataas ng CPAR ang was introduced and is being implemented. is below the optimum yield of 8 mt/ha of the United Nations, held the country. Provision ani at kita naming magsasaka, kundi A first-class municipality, Maddela is the for corn. 2nd Project Steering Committee (PSC) of policy and “naturuan pa kaming alagaan ang largest corn area of the province with Further, income from two Meeting for project titled “Dynamic capacity building yaman ng aming bayan.” a total area of 5,656 hectares, of which harvest seasons amounted to P5,411.5/ Conservation and Sustainable Use support in the 2,770 hectares of hilly areas were devoted ha and P8,161.5/ha during wet and These were the words of the to corn farming. dry seasons respectively. This income of Agrobiodiversity in Traditional participatory farmer-cooperators in Region 2 on does not adequately support an average Agro-Ecosystems of the Philippines conservation and their involvement with the project on CPAR and SCoPSA household with four members. (Rice Plus)” on 24 January 2018 in sustainable use of Community-based Participatory Action Such agricultural state Quezon City. Gracing the event was agrobiodiversity Research (CPAR) on Sustainable Corn Community-based participatory of Maddela spurred the need for DA Undersecretary for Operations resources were also Production in Sloping Areas (SCoPSA) research proves to be an effective means an intervention through research and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization accounted. implemented by the Department of in empowering farmers’ productivity in and development (R&D). Given Usec. Ariel T. Cayanan delivers his Opening Remarks during Agriculture-Regional Field Office general. This is the case of the project its topography and current farming Ariel T. Cayanan who is also the PSC In the 2nd PSC meeting of Rice Plus project. PHOTO by BAR-FAO-PMCU (DA-RFO) 2, resulting to an average titled, “CPAR on SCoPSA in Corn-based practices, the CPAR project targets to co-chairperson. attendance of 51 percent increase in yield and 139 Hilly Areas in Maddela, Quirino.” implement the SCoPSA technology to Usec. Cayanan, in his during the meeting were Mr. Joell The Rice Plus project aims percent increase in income since project Mr. Archival Sabado, CPAR control erosion, as well as hedgerow message, recognized the importance Lales, head of the BAR-Program implementation in October 2016. project leader, hoped to address issues planting to maximize farm resources. to conserve globally-important on soil degradation while improving the With CPAR, farmers were of strong collaboration among Development Division, representing crops like rice, mungbean, taro, Corn production in region 2 municipality’s existing farming system taught not only to identify farming various government agencies as a BAR Director Nicomedes Eleazar; yam, banana, abaca, among others, to optimize moisture availability thus problems and needs, but more significant instrument in ensuring Governor Pedro Mayam-o of Cagayan Valley is consistently increased production, particularly in the importantly, how to apply effective total in traditional agro-ecosystems sustainable development and Ifugao; Gov. Daisy Fuentes of South of the Philippines. Among its the top corn-producing region in the province’s sloping areas. farm productivity through integrated implementation. He emphasized on Cotabato, and other members of PSC. country. It supplies the bulk of Metro Divisoria Sur and Divisoria farming system to ensure better living components include mainstreaming Manila’s demand on corn. According to Norte were the two barangays from the for their families. CPAR paved a way the varying agricultural machinery The PMCU team, led by the agrobiodiversity conservation the data from the Philippine Statistics municipality which were selected as sites for corn farmers to fully adopt a package needs of upland, and lowland the National Project Coordinator into policy and legal frameworks, Authority (PSA) in 2014, the total corn to represent the hilly corn areas where the of technologies (POTs) on corn from farming communities and stressed Virginia L. Agcopra, refreshed the volume of production of the region is CPAR intervention is deemed best to be production to marketing. enhancing and expanding that documentation of the project PSC members on the overview of dynamic conservation practices 1,856,715 metric tons in 2014. About introduced. With a total area of 249.35 SCoPSA, a program developed implementation, results, and outputs the project discussing the three major 600,000 farm households depend on corn hectares, these areas were basically by the DA, is part of its national for agro-biodiversity in three as a major source of livelihood. mountainous and strongly sloping with advocacy to adopt soil and water is important in creating a lasting project components, namely: 1) pilot communities in Hungduan The province of Quirino, the steep terrain in various directions. conservation measures to address soil impact on the society. mainstreaming of agro-biodiversity, and Hingyon, Ifugao; and Lake forest heartland of Cagayan Valley, Results of the Participatory erosion, and to enhance productivity of In response, Mr. Jose Luis 2) expansion and conservation contributes 9 percent of the total Rural Appraisal (PRA) showed that corn corn farmers by the use of sustainable, Sebu, South Cotabato, enterprise Fernandez, FAO Representative in the activities, and 3) information and development and consumer awareness corn production in the region farming is the major source of income of adaptive corn technologies especially Philippines, underscored the essence awareness. The outputs and workplan with its total corn production the two barangays. Prior to CPAR, the in sloping areas. It was in 2013 when program, and disseminating the area of 21,167 hectares. farmers were using hybrid (GMO) corn the SCoPSA program was initiated of the project in solving challenges developed during the First Technical documented good practices to other Maddela, one of its in the hopes to increase their harvest. through the Bureau of Soils and in food production and accessibility Working (TWG) meeting that was areas. ### (Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino municipalities is However, the average grain yield from Water Management (BSWM). in rural communities through held a day before were also presented and Ian Jomari C. Panaga) where CPAR both barangays is only 4.5 mt/ha during turn to page 15 innovative and traditional practices. to the PSC for their approval. wet season and 4.8 mt/ha during dry He further acknowledged the timely season. This implementation of the project in collaboration with BAR, Project Management and Coordination Unit (PMCU), national government agencies, and local government units. Likewise, he was counting on the continuous and active support of the PSC members in ensuring the success of the project. Initiated in 2016, the DA-FAO partnership was initiated with BAR serving as the lead coordinating government agency for the project. Since its implementation, the team With DA-RFO 2 Research Manager Lovelyn Gaspar, has coordinated and visited different the CPAR team closely monitors the progress of corn Usec. Ariel T. Cayanan, PSC co-chairperson (center) with the members and production using the SCoPSA technology. PHOTO: ASabado, DA-RFO 2 sites to orient various stakeholders representatives of PSC. PHOTO by BAR-FAO-PMCU on the project. The orientation aimed

14 BAR Chronicle January 2018 Issue January 2018 Issue BAR Chronicle 3 International Collaboration continuation

Adlay in Region 10...from page 12 area for expansion was allotted constituting technology and R&D forums. a five-hectare techno demo area in the “The promotion and BAR attends Newton-Agham reception provinces and some commercial demo cum advocacy is simultaneous with our efforts in seed production with other municipalities implementing on the ground the commercial he Bureau of Agricultural in each province. “The harvest of the production of adlay in Region 10. Our Research (BAR), led by Director techno-demo varies from area to area. region is the zonal center in for TNicomedes P. Eleazar, together But the average yield is 1-1.5 tons in the research development extension, so we also with Ms. Cynthia de Guia and Mr. Ian municipalities. There were municipalities advocate the adoption of adlay in Mindanao Jomari Panaga of the bureau’s Program that got 2- 2.5 tons,” reported Salvani. to maximize the productivity. Mindanao Development Division attended the We also have the “Plant Now, Pay region has vast areas which are potentially Newton-Agham Reception on 11 Later” which is another strategy under suited for the commercial production January 2018 at the British Embassy the enhancement program providing seed of adlay because truly Mindanao is the Land Manila. capital for adlay to interested farmers. An of Promise,” she concluded. ### Organized by the British 18-hectare area has been allotted for this ------Embassy, the event intends to program. For more info: give recognition to the awardees Juanita Salvani of the UK-Philippines Swine and Technology transfer of Adlay Chief, Research Division Poultry Research Initiative and the NMACLRC, DA-RFO 10 participants for the Global Innovation “One primary strategy that we Malaybalay, Bukidnon The awardees of the BBSRC-DA Swine implement in transferring the technologies Policy Accelerator (GIPA) Leader’s and Poultry Research Initiative with Dir. mobile: 0917-1327029 to the farmer is through technology email:[email protected] Programme. Nicomedes Eleazar of DA-BAR and Dir. demonstrations. We reinforce this with Vivencio Mamaril of DA-BPO. PHOTO: JJumalon Under the programme, BAR technology briefings and conduct provides research grant for two A farmer from Bukidnon inspects the competitive, sustainable and resilient maturity of Adlay (Kibuwa variety) hands-on training subjecting three-year projects approved by UK agriculture and fishery sector as aligned PHOTO: RDelaCruz the participants on how to Biotechnology and Biological Sciences with the thrusts and priorities of DA. areas that were not favorable so it has a plant adlay on the ground and do Research Council (BBSRC). Key outputs from these research lower yield of two tons,” she added. value-adding. We believe that Among the Filipino awardees and development projects include the hands-on training is the fastest were Dr. Loinda Baldrias from the creation of low cost detection kits for Enhancement of adlay production way to transfer the technology, University of the Philippines Los Bańos important diseases in the swine and they will learn better rather than who will be conducting a research on poultry industry. Ultimately, these Another project that Region 10 has just conduct mere lectures,” said rapid diagnostics and control strategies initiatives will pave the way for an been implementing is the enhancement of Salvani. for enteric bacterial pathogens in improved animal health management the production of adlay which focuses on Another method of Director Eleazar delivering a message on transferring technology, according Philippine poultry production; and in the Philippines wherein not only behalf of the DA with a main theme on expanding planting areas for commercial Dr. Clarissa Yvonne Domingo and Dr. cum seed production. to her, is through the conduct of An Adlay farmer dries adlay using NOMIARC’s commercial farms will benefit but also continuously working together towards farmers’ field days and joining Virginia Venturina from the Central the majority of the backyard farms a more competitive, sustainable and Under this project, a 100-hectare portable bubble dryer. PHOTO: RDelaCruz State University who will be to realize inclusive growth. ### (Ian resilient agriculture and fishery sector. exploring on a strategic approach to Jomari C. Panaga) PHOTO: JJumalon identifying and combating porcine Sustainable land...from page 9 change adaptation strategy for lowland without compromising human health and reproductive and respiratory syndrome ecosystem; soil conservation guided farm environment. Some of the technologies virus outbreaks and other porcine viral on WOCAT tools and methodologies. system; vegetative approach in controlling incorporated under this approach are the diseases. Eleazar is guest of honor Subsequently, SLM and climate change wind and water erosion in sand dune following: crop rotation, aquaculture, waste BAR Director Eleazar, in his adaptation best practices using the WOCAT areas; LANDCARE - Claveria Landcare recycling, diversified cropping, alternate message on behalf of the Department in MNCCI meeting principle were documented, resulting in Association (CLCA); and Woodlot. wetting and drying, nutrient management, of Agriculture (DA), said that “we the knowledge tool titled, “Guidelines These SLM practices present and integrated pest management. irector Nicomedes P. Eleazar of the pineapple, Spanish red pineapple, abaca, on the Identification, Selection, and details the specifications and main features The impacts of the approach are are grateful for the Newton Fund Documentation of Sustainable Land of the technology; where it was used with among the highlights presented, and of and its goal of building research Bureau of Agricultural Research rimas, coffee, cacao, carabao mango, (BAR) was guest of honor during jute sack, soybean, mungbean garlic, Management (SLM) Best Practices.” respect to natural and human environment; which is also true to all SLM practices. and innovation partnerships with D These set of guidelines were tailored fit and how it has impacted the ecosystem as a This project targets to gauge the impact of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce batuan, coconut, sesame, gabi, siling partner countries to support economic st to the Philippine setting, with the intent whole. SLM through improved land management, development and social welfare, as well and Industry (MNCCI) 1 Quarter General labuyo, Stevia, sweet sorghum, pigeon to provide protocol, present principles, adoption of technology, improved as develop research and innovation Membership Meeting on 27 January 2018 pea, agroforestry, and edible landscaping and analyze promising SLM practices The case of Palayamanan livelihoods, poverty alleviation, improved capacity for long-term sustainable in Naga City. technology. For fisheries and livestock, as references in the documentation and situation of disadvantaged groups, and Addressing the officers and among the BAR-supported technologies upscaling of SLM. One of the SLM practices long-term impact of subsidies. growth.” Furthermore, he encouraged members of the MNCCI, Dr. Eleazar are seaweeds, squid, mudcrab, tamban, to continuously work together in To date, the project was documented and established through In essence, such practices are recognized the important role of fish canning and value-added fishery able to develop 33 SLM technologies the project was the “Palayamanan”, bound by three guiding principles – coming up with transformative and research and development (R&D) in the products, native pig, native chicken, goat, such as alternate wetting and drying; implemented by the Philippine Rice increased land productivity, improved catalytic steps that would guide our advancement of agriculture and fisheries and bee among others. compact farming for vegetable Research Institute (PhilRice) in Nueva livelihoods, and improved ecosystem path towards competitive, sustainable sector and how the bureau continuously The bureau chief also stressed production; composting using indigenous Ecija. Palayamanan, a term coined from – which are now highly accessible and and resilient agriculture and fishery coordinates and supports researches and the importance of Public-Private microorganism (IMO); conservation palayan (rice field) andkayamanan available for all stakeholders through the sector. technologies to address both production Partnership as a key strategy in building tillage practices for corn production; (wealth), is a rice-based farming system PhilCAT-SLM and WOCAT websites. ### BAR’s very own Ms. Cynthia de and profitability. a strong, sustainable, and progressive contour farming; ecological engineering that strengthens the understanding of the Guia was one of the participants in the He also discussed the National agri-business enterprise resulting to job for irrigated lowland rice ecosystem; science of diversification and cropping Reference: GIPA Leader’s Programme that aims Technology Commercialization Program generation and augmenting family’s multi-storey cropping; Natural Vegetative systems to increase farm productivity and Bswm.da.gov.ph. (2018). PhilCAT-SLM Landing to accelerate the effective formulation (NTCP), one of the flagship programs income. Furthermore, he acknowledged Strips (NVS); rockwall terracing; Small address food security. Page. [online] Available at: http://www.bswm. and delivery of national innovation of the BAR, wherein specific attention the complementation and convergence Water Impounding Project (SWIP); and Providing actual research results, da.gov.ph/philcat-slm [Accessed 2 Feb. 2018]. is being given to strengthening a initiatives that BAR and MNCCI can start windbreaks to name a few. this SLM practice reflects the objectives, ------policies. These initiatives and programs Nine SLM approaches were also methods, stages of implementation, and For more information: were participated by BAR as part of market-driven approach, benefitting all and build on. accomplished which include community- stakeholders of the value chain. He also One of the highlights of the event role of stakeholders. Engr. Samuel Contreras its commitment to provide the needed based forest management; assisted Further, the approach introduced DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management technologies for the Philippine swine shared various commodities that are was the induction and oath-taking of natural regeneration (ANR); conservation a systematized method of farm Diliman, Quezon City and poultry industry, and enhance its abundant in Region 5, which BAR has the 2018 MNCCI Executive Officers farming village; integrated soil and management involving technologies and Tel. No.: (632) 923-0459 supported. These include pili, Queen water conservation approach; climate practices to utilize available resources email: [email protected] human resource to effectively achieve turn to page 5

4 BAR Chronicle January 2018 Issue January 2018 Issue BAR Chronicle 13 Feature: Adlay Livestock Blending traditional Researchable areas on ORGANIC Adlay in Region 10: with modern technology DAIRY CATTLE identified by Rita T. dela Cruz n an effort to finalize the Organic of the Dairy Training he choice between traditional versus Agriculture Research and Research Institute of Tmodern technology is never an IDevelopment, and Extension Agenda the University of the “either-or” issue. Experience shows Program (OA RDEAP), the Bureau of Philippines Los Baños that blending traditional and modern Agricultural Research (BAR), through its (UPLB); and Mr. technologies can transform subsistence Program Development Division (PDD), Dominador Salvacion farmers to large-scale commercial spearheaded a “Reassessment Workshop of the National Dairy producers. Traditional knowledge and for Researchable Areas on Dairy Cattle Administration. practices, when given due consideration for the OA RDE Agenda 2017-2023” on 4 They expounded on in introducing new technology or January 2018 at BAR. the identification of intervention, have a higher chance of The workshop aimed to prioritize researchable areas for and finetune the harmonization of the producing the target Participants who joined the Reassessment Workshop for producing successful generation and Researchable Areas on Dairy Cattle for the Organic Agriculture adoption at the farm level. OA agenda pertaining to livestock sector products: organic beef vis-a-vis the current thrusts of DA, and organic dairy Research and Development, and Extension Agenda Program. This particularly applies with the PHOTO: PRLesaca case of adlay (Croix lacrima jobi), a tall specifically on: 1) making food available products; as well as grain-bearing perennial tropical plant of and affordable; 2) increasing the income of the identification of possible resolutions of relevant and appropriate technologies. the family Poaceae (grass) that recently, farmers and fishers; and 3) increasing the on the matter. The recommendations of Serving as project evaluators were has been gaining popularity due to its resilience of agriculture to climate change the technical evaluators, in support to the Dr. Blesilda Calub of UPLB, NOAP health benefits. risks. dairy industry, were incorporated into the representatives, and BAR OA focals. Adlay is an indigenous crop that BAR, realizing the importance of agenda. The rankings of the researchable is being cultivated by the local people large ruminants, deliberately calibrated its Among the highlights of the areas on a per sub-system basis were in Bukidnon long before it became the OA program to include these animals into workshop was the presentation of Mr. identified, and according to the value talk of the town. Recently, adlay rose the OA mainstream. Ronald John Lamano of the National chain approach. The identification of the to fame after an intense promotion of Since the OA RDEAP is on a Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) lead agency and co-lead, and timeline of its health benefits reaching well-known national scope, and dairy cattle and who presented the current thrusts and implementation within the medium-term celebrities to personally prefer it as part buffalo, having been identified as regional priorities. He also highlighted “Component (2018-2023) were also discussed. of their daily diets and endorsing it to and adaptability of adlay varieties in the spacing practiced by the Subanen Tribe, an priority commodities, the workshop 2: Research and Development”, which is The OA RDEAP Livestock the public. Adlay is gluten-free, has low pioneering regions and to recommend which indigenous group in Zamboanga, prevailed was guided by experts from the dairy on strengthening R&D through the active Program 2018-2023 will now serve glycemic-index, and a great source of varieties are to be grown for commercial as the most recommended,” revealed industry, led by Dr. Annabelle Sarabia collaboration with government agencies, as basis and reference for the funding protein making it a healthier choice for production. Salvani. and Dr. Daniel Aquino of the Philippine private sector, and indigenous groups for prioritization of OA projects.### (Patrick rice especially for the health-conscious. For DA-RFO 10, aside from “On fertilization, there is a treatment Carabao Center; Mr. Menandro Loresco the continuous upgrading and innovation Raymund A. Lesaca) conducting AYT, it also initiated the that is best in combination with inorganic Pioneering research on adlay identification and fine-tuning of a package specifically, for seed production. However, if MNCCI Meeting...from page 4 of technology (POT) for adlay that can we venture into an organic adlay production, “Adlay is native in Bukidnon. be immediately used by the farmers and we can substitute the inorganic and Board of Directors led by its MNCCI We have a barangay in Malaybalay producers. recommendation with organic. If we’re President Ferdinand D. Sia. In his inaugural called “Aglayan” because there were a going into commercial production, inorganic address, President Sia said that “MNCCI lot of adlay growing in the area, so the Package of Technology for adlay environment; but for seed production we will be working towards strengthening name of the place was coined after the still recommend for research stations, like agri-entrepreneurship that will at the same crop which is adlay,” recalled Juanita “We have finetuned the POT ours, to have the combination of organic and time empower the farmers and fishermen as Salvani, chief, Research Division based for adlay. This includes specific inorganic to be able to achieve quality of productive members of the community.” at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural recommendations for growing adlay on seeds, quality kernels of adlay,” she added. According to MNCCI, they are eyeing Crops and Livestock Research Complex a commercial scale, what varieties to Since it is not recommended to put up an incubation center for marketing, (formerly NOMIARC), Department of plant, recommended spacing and distance, to grow adlay as a monocrop in prime packaging and promotion, technology Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA- fertilization, and even the appropriate crops areas, part of the POT is to recommend transfer, and training of stakeholders in both RFO) 10. to combine with adlay,” said Salvani. the crop that if combined with adlay will the agriculture and fishery sectors and with Due to its suitability in the area, Results of the AYT in Region 10 reap high return for farmers. “Among those possible collaboration with BAR and DA. it was prioritized as one of the major showed that the leading recommended that we have studied, adlay is best combined A non-partisan voluntary business commodities in our region for promotion varieties are “Kibuwa” followed by with sweet potato, soybean, or peanut. organization, MNCCI is composed of under the DA- High Value Crops “Gulian” and “Kinampay”. Other varieties Sweet potato is the best combination that’s business units representing the agricultural, Development Program (HVCDP). such as “Pulot” and “Tapol” (glutinous) are why we had set up a technology demo here commercial, industrial, and services sector DA-RFO 10 was one of the not recommended as they were found not at the station for our farmers to copy and within the first to the third congressional pioneering regions that conducted suited to the agro-climatic condition of the adapt,” explained Salvani. districts of Camarines Sur (loosely called region. “We’re proud to say that with the research and development (R&D) as Metro Naga). One of its aims is to serve (above) MNCCI Vice-President Engr. initiatives since it was first introduced in Prior to the result of the AYT, the technology, with the proper management as the working arm of business in social Jaime M. Kalaw, Jr. and President 2010 as an alternative to rice and corn indigenous people of Bukidnon has been that we used in most of our adlay trials at the development. Ferdinand D. Sia award the Certificate of under the Food Sufficiency Program planting the “Kibuwa” variety proving center, we’re getting higher yields compared Also present in the event was Appreciation to Dir. Eleazar for serving of the government. The other regions that traditional practices should never be with the techno-demo in the provinces Dr. Josephine F. Cruz, vice president as Guest and Honor. (right) BAR Dir. were: 10, 2, 9, 4A and 5 –all of which disregarded in introducing a package of which is a little bit lower due to different for Research, Extension Production and Eleazar with Dr. Josephine F. Cruz, implemented the adaptability yield trial technology as they prove not only beneficial climate and different management. Here Entrepreneurial Development of the Central vice president for Research, Extension (AYT) for adlay varieties funded by the but effective. at the station, it’s a researcher-managed Bicol State University of Agriculture who Production and Entrepreneurial Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) “Also part of the recommendation that’s why we are able to get more excellent likewise serves as project leader to various Development of Central Bicol State through HVCDP. The prime objective is the spacing or planting distance. We results. In the farmers’ field, it is between BAR-supported projects. ### (Ma. Eloisa H. University of Agriculture. PHOTOS: FGretchin of the AYT was to identify suitability found that the traditional method of 2-2.5 tons per hectare and there are even Aquino) turn to page 13

12 BAR Chronicle January 2018 Issue January 2018 Issue BAR Chronicle 5 Livestock Feature: Indigenous Vegetables

Projects on banana stalk, Indigenous vegetables: and medicinal value, income generation, suitability for low-input system, and local More than just healthy eating agro-climatic conditions where these waterlily, and jute reviewed vegetables are planted. by Rena S. Hermoso They also learned that among these vegetables some are on their way to extinction including bagbagkong, himbabao, patani, kuchai, and native lasuna. To conserve these indigenous vegetables, ISU continuously gives planting materials to walk-in farmers. They also collaborated with other stakeholders to help in the conservation and promotion of indigenous vegetables. More so, technologies that were generated through this project were disseminated to different stakeholders through fora, seminars, training, extension activities, and distribution of information, ISU research staff with ampalaya education and communication materials. treated with chemical-free pesticide. PHOTO: PRaymundo Benefits in consuming indigenous vegetables BAR Director Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar (6th from left, standing) is joined by healthy lifestyle starts with what P. Raymundo from the ISU Echague Dr. Enrico Supangco, dean of College of Agriculture and Food Science, UPLB you eat. According to the United Campus conducted a research project According to Dr. Perlita P. (5th fr L) and Ms. Salvacion Ritual, head of BAR-PMED (7th fr L), together Nations’ Food and Agriculture titled, Conservation and Utilization of Raymundo, “consumption of indigenous with partner-institutions from UPLB, USM, PCC, PSAU, and PhilFIDA. A vegetables is the most sustainable PHOTOS: PRLesaca Organization, vegetables and fruits are Indigenous Vegetables in Region 2. important sources of micronutrients and Funded by the Bureau of way of reducing and controlling n on-site progress review and dietary fiber. The Department of Science Agricultural Research and implemented micronutrient deficiencies in resource- monitoring of the Bureau of and Technology-Food and Nutrition by ISU, Echague Campus, the project poor communities.” She also added that Agricultural Research (BAR)- Institute suggests that a healthy meal focused on the collection, multiplication, the “utilization and increased production A should be composed of 33 percent rice, evaluation, and conservation of of indigenous vegetables can promote funded project on the utilization 33 percent vegetables, 17 percent meat, indigenous vegetables to ensure the economic opportunities” which can of dehydrated banana stalks and empower the poor and enhance their waterlily as extender for ruminant and 17 percent fruit. Likewise, the World availability of good quality seeds for Health Organization (WHO) recommends the sustainable supply of planting social security. feeds to be mixed with commercial eating at least 400 grams of fruits and materials needed in Moreover, indigenous vegetables feed ingredients, and jute as source vegetables a day. However, “the increased the conduct of R&D of fiber for the textile industry, were production of processed food, rapid and/or stakeholders. conducted on 30-31 January 2018 at (L-R) Dr. Remedios VJ. Abgona of (L-R) Dr. Arnel del Barrio, PCC Executive PhilFIDA and Dr. Ernesto Supan of PSAU Director and Dr. Norman de Jesus of urbanization and changing lifestyles It was aimed to: 1) the University of the Philippines Los PSAU has led to a shift in dietary patterns. establish nursery Baños (UPLB), College, Laguna. The People are now consuming more foods and budwood garden activity aimed to assess and evaluate of PCC; Dr. Norman de Jesus and high in energy, fats, free sugars or salt/ following certain the progress of the projects; and Dr. Ernesto Supan of PSAU; Dr. sodium, and many do not eat enough fruit, R&D components; polish the planned activities for the Josephine Migalbin of USM; and Dr. vegetables and dietary fiber,” according to 2) establish 1,000 succeeding quarters. Amado A. Angeles, director of Dairy WHO. square meter on- The review was necessary to Training and Research Institute-UPLB. Indigenous vegetables are farm research to pilot vegetables native to or originating from test the adaptability keep Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel On PhilFIDA’s jute presentation, Dr. a particular environment which are often of the identified Piñol abreast on the latest development Eleazar mentioned to Dr. Abgona easier to grow, resistant to pests and indigenous vegetables about the project specifically on the that the agency can upscale the jute diseases, and generally acceptable to local executing the good use banana stalks and waterlily, both (L-R) Dr. Josephine Migalbin of USM and project through BAR’s Technology taste. agricultural practices of which are treated wastes that can Dr. Amado A. Angeles, DTRI Director Commercialization Division. on production and Telosma precumbens more commonly known in Isabela as be used as feed extender for small and The evaluators during the Cagayan Valley’s indigenous vegetables postproduction; 3) “Bagbagkong” is a vegetable with a consistency and taste large ruminants. The conceptualization State Agricultural University (PSAU), review were Dr. Enrico Supangco, conduct a benchmark similar to string beans. PHOTO: PRaymundo of this R&D project came as an University of Southern Mindanao dean of College of Agriculture, UPLB; The Cagayan Valley region is study on the existing instruction of Secretary Piñol to (USM), Philippine Carabao Center Ms. Salvacion Ritual, head of BAR’s “endowed with 56 different indigenous production, post production practices, and can adapt to harsh growing conditions vegetables excluding the rare or utilization of indigenous vegetables in the and disease infestation. Thus, cultivation conduct R&D studies on banana stalks (PCC), and Philippine Fiber Industry Program Monitoring and Evaluation of indigenous vegetables “means a and waterlily. Development Authority (PhilFIDA). Division (PMED), who earlier gave underutilized vegetables used by the region; and 4) promote the utilization of rural people living near Sierra Madre,” indigenous vegetables through conduct of better adaptation to the ecosystem and Present during the review was PSAU and USM are focused on goats the workshop mechanics and activities said Dr. Perlita P. Raymundo, Isabela field days and dissemination of research. reduction in the need for pesticides,” said BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar in Luzon and Mindanao, respectively. to be undertaken during the plenary State University (ISU) Echague Campus. The project has identified nine Dr. Raymundo. She also mentioned that who acknowledged the efforts of the Meanwhile, UPLB and PCC are session. Also joining as co-evaluators However, she also said that there is priority indigenous vegetable, namely: planting indigenous vegetables could team and extended the Secretary’s looking into dairy cattle and buffaloes, were Ms. Rhea Desalesa and other a growing concern on the decline in alugbati, ampalayang ligaw, bagbagkong, help in mitigating the effects of climate commendation on the progress of respectively while PhilFIDA studies on BAR technical staff. Ms. Marnelie G. the production, consumption, and kuchai, himbabao, lasuna, patani, siling change because the use of pesticides the project. He also expressed his the use of banana stalk and waterlily as Subong of PMED served as review conservation of these vegetables in the labuyo, and talinum. These vegetables is prohibitive. According to Capuno full support to the project as this will sources of fiber. coordinator and facilitator. region. contain high percentage of antioxidants et. al. (2015), indigenous vegetables’ contribute to the livestock and fiber Presenting the updates and Capping the activity was a tour To maximize, therefore, the full and can adapt to local growing conditions. “adaptability, plasticity and resilience to industries in general. salient accomplishments were: Dr. at DTRI’s farm where Dr. Angeles potential of indigenous vegetables in the The identification of the priority stresses provide farmers with the needed Cagayan Valley region, Dr. Reynaldo indigenous vegetables was done while coping strategies to confront climate The partner-institutions involved Remedios Abgona of PhilFIDA; Dr. showed how fresh water lilies were change.” in the project are UPLB, Pampanga Arnel del Barrio, executive director being processed and fed to animals. L. Raymundo together with Dr. Perlita considering the following: nutritional turn to page 16 ### (Patrick Raymund A. Lesaca) 6 BAR Chronicle January 2018 Issue January 2018 Issue BAR Chronicle 11 Feature: Agro-biodiversity Seminar Series Promoting indigenous cultures

in agro-biodiversity conservation he Bureau of Agricultural Research T(BAR), through its Applied BARCommunication Division,seminar conducted an series features by John Paul II Dimacali in-house seminar featuring agricultural and fisheries credit programs of the Agricultural agri-fisheriesCredit Policy Council (ACPC) and Land credit programs premium products, and stronger capacities Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) on for product development, value-addition, 25 January 2018. Serving as the resource marketing, business and financial speakers were Ms. Emmalyn Guinto, chief of planning. These efforts will be achieved ACPC’s Information Systems Management in close collaboration with various Division and Ms. Lara Tiphanie Daquioag, government agencies, private sector, and program officer of LANDBANK’s Program (left) Ms. Emmalyn Guinto from ACPC talks about PLEA Program and SURE farming communities which conserve and Management Department. Assistance Program; (right) Ms. Lara Tiphanie Daquioag from LANDBANK talks sustain the agro-biodiversity. Ms. Guinto discussed the ACPC’s about the General Lending Guidelines for Cooperatives and their credit programs The Helobung Festival provided Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) for small farmers and fishers/cooperatives. PHOTO: RHermoso an opportunity for project partners and Program and Survival and Recovery Members of Lake Sebu Indigenous Women and Farmers Association beneficiaries to promote the benefits that (LASIWFA) attend a training on product processing. PHOTO: JPDimacali (SURE) Assistance Program. Launched in tapped by the Department of Agriculture/ Program, Coffee 100 Financing Program, can be derived from the conservation and June 2017, the PLEA Program is “mabilis, ACPC. There are two types of loan Coconut Production and Processing sustainable use of agro-biodiversity. madali at abot-kayang pautang para sa assistance: 1) Survival Assistance for Financing Program, KAlikasang s the demand for food, land, Environment Facility, aims to enhance and Among those showcased during maliliit na magsasaka at mangingisda,” emergency and immediate needs of the Kabuhayan para sa WAstong PamaYANan and other resources for human expand the dynamic conservation practices the festival were products developed from said Ms. Guinto. It features easy and borrowers, and 2) Recovery Assistance for (KAWAYAN) Program, Enhanced Sugarcane development continues to that sustain globally significant agro- traditional varieties of yam, taro, banana, convenient credit access, low interest rate rehabilitation of farming/fishing or livelihood Financing Program, Oil Palm Financing, A and rice. Indigenous women were also increase, humans also face environmental biodiversity in traditional agro-ecosystems at six percent per annum, expanded credit activities. Small farmers and fishers whose Onion Financing Program, LBP-SMC Corn degradation, deforestation, unregulated of the Philippines. The pilot sites were trained on processing, packaging and delivery channels, instills credit discipline, livelihoods were affected by the calamity are and Cassava Assembles/Consolidators land use and urbanization, and climate selected for their rich crop diversity and labeling, including market linkages for and focused on the marginal farmers/fishers. eligible to borrow from this program. SURE Financing Program, Agri-Mechanization change. Governments down to the indigenous conservation initiatives and these products with economic potentials. The PLEA Program is designed to finance Assistance Program has 0% interest charge Financing program, Climate Resilient communities are under pressure to farming practices. The project will continue to the production of crops, livestock and the but conduits may charge service fee of up to Agriculture, Banana Financing Program, produce more, using fewer resources work with different stakeholders to requirements in fishing activity. Marginal/ three percent. Poultry Lending Program, Rubber Financing in the midst of man-made and climate- Free, Prior and Informed Consent open opportunities for scaling-up IP small farmers/fishers who are registered Moreover, Ms. Daquioag talked program, and LANDBANK CAlamity related disasters. More than ever, (FPIC) communities’ unique and traditional with the Registry System for Basic Sectors about LANDBANK’s General Lending REhabilitation Support (CARES) Program. traditional agro-ecosystems need to agricultural knowledge and practices.### in Agriculture (RSBSA) or enrolled in the Guidelines for Cooperatives and then she Aside from these credit programs, evolve and the role of agro-biodiversity The core principles of the FAO Juan Magsasaka’t Mangingisda National briefly discussed their credit programs for she also mentioned that LANDBANK in providing solutions to many complex Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples ------Database System are eligible to borrow from small farmers and fishers/cooperatives. in partnership with the Department of development issues, including food are self-determination; the respect for For more information: this program. These credit programs are: Integrated Agriculture, ACPC, and Department of security and nutrition can no longer be indigenous knowledge, cultures and Project Management and On the other hand, the SURE Support for the Development of Aquaculture Agrarian Reform offers special credit underestimated. traditional practices that contribute to Coordination Unit Assistance Program is a grant and loan (ISDA) Program, Seaweed Financing programs. These are the Agrarian Production The Philippines is one of the sustainable and equitable development; and BAR Building, Visayas Ave. assistance for calamity-affected small program, Masustansyang Inumin sa Likas Credit Program (APCP), Sikat Saka I and few mega-diverse countries in the world Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). Diliman, Quezon City farmers and fishers and their households na Kalusugan (MILK) Program, Credit II Program (SSP) and Agricultural and being home to thousands of globally- As the project works with Tel. (02) 9288505 loc 2130 extended thru existing partner-financial Assistance for Cacao Agri-Business and Fisheries Financing Program (AFFP). ### significant agricultural species. There are indigenous cultural communities, FAO in email: [email protected] institutions and/or lending conduits to be Organizations (CACAO) 100 Financing (Rena S. Hermoso) more than 5,500 traditional rice varieties partnership with the National Commission in the country, along with a broad array on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has of indigenous and endemic varieties of conducted series of dialogues and sessions crops such as eggplants, mungbean, taro, on FPIC in all project areas. These also health & wellness seminar yam, banana, and abaca, among many included the detailed presentation of others. project activities and consultation on the features Nipa Palm Products This remarkable wealth of agro- proposed technical design of a community- biodiversity was one of the highlights of based seed/gene bank. FPIC is mandated ormer DENR Secretary Gina Lopez health and wellness store founded by the Helobung Festival, celebrated every by Indigenous Peoples Rights Acts (IPRA) promoted Nipa Palm products Gina Lopez five years ago. November in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. law passed in 1997. Fduring her health and wellness Much similar to G Stuff’s A town feast that features the culture and As of December 2017, community seminar at the Rockwell Center, advocacy for a cleaner environment livelihood of T’boli and B’laan tribes, the leaders have agreed to the implementation on 20 January 2018. The processing of and for empowering communities, Helobung Festival is also a thanksgiving of the project in their areas and have Nipa Palm products began as a funded FREEDOM’s project encourages celebration for a bountiful harvest and committed to sign the FPIC Memorandum research project of the Bureau of Mindanao coastal communities in abundance. of Agreement between community- Agricultural Research (BAR) in Lanuza, utilizing Nipa Palm plantations in the Lake Sebu is one of the three pilot designated representatives and DA-BAR. . It is implemented by production of food products and not sites (along with Hungduan and Hingyon the Foundation for Rural Enterprise and just for raw materials for construction. in Ifugao) of the “Dynamic conservation Socio-economic benefits Ecology Development of Mindanao They provide farmer associations with and sustainable use of agro-biodiversity Incorporated (FREEDOM). the technical assistance needed to turn in traditional ago-ecosystems of the Under this partnership, IP Lopez came to discover Nipa their livelihood of harvesting Nipa sap Philippines” a project of the Food and communities will be provided with Palm sugar and syrup after they were into a profitable enterprise worthy of Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the socio-economic benefits such as market- brought to her by a close friend from international recognition. United Nations and the Department of based incentive systems that reward the Mindoro who recommended that she In 2015, FREDOM’s Nipa Ms. Gina Lopez talks to seminar Agriculture’s Bureau of Agricultural production of traditional varieties, detailed Products developed with assistance of try it. Today, FREEDOM’s Nipa Palm Palm sugar bagged the “Best Product participants about the benefits of Nipa Research (DA-BAR). The project, market-valuation analyses to assess the the project being implemented by FAO products are being sold at G Stuff, a turn to page 15 Palm products. PHOTO: EJGestupa which is financed through the Global marketability of indigenous varieties as and BAR PHOTO: JPDimacali

10 BAR Chronicle January 2018 Issue January 2018 Issue BAR Chronicle 7 Feature: Aquaculture Feature: SLM

and is described as the “original source of all material wealth.” True enough, land is a natural resource MICROALGAE: A natural green Lfrom which all elements function together by Leoveliza C. Fontanil providing survival and sustenance to Sustainable Land mankind from the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, the house we superfood for fish live in, to the clothes we wear –since the beginning of time. Management: In the words of an English economist, Dr. Alfred Marshall, “Land is defined as the materials and the forces Saving lands, Saving people which nature gives freely for man’s aid, in by Daryl Lou A. Battad land and water, in air and light and heat.” This means that land is an indispensable asset that not only provides for, but prospers a nation. However, this tremendous dependence of man to the land resource elicits drastic effects that can impact the present and future generations. And since land is non-reproducible, man is left with the moral responsibility to care for it, much more preserve it. Synergy of land and agriculture on the land resource, having to consequently Address Abiotic Stresses in Areas The country boasts of its vast intensify agricultural production in order to Vulnerable to Climate Change.” Nutritionally-rich Spirulina propagated through an optimized photobioreactor (PBR) to probe the effects of various parameters natural resources that are home to a wide meet basic human needs. These agricultural Led by Soil Conservation and system. PHOTO: LFontanil array of ecosystems and biodiversity. The activities were observed to be carried Management Division Chief Engr. Samuel on microalgae growth in terms of the out at the expense of naturally sustaining Contreras, the project partnered with modification of culture media, light Philippine economy relies heavily on ne of the most important inputs in complete set of key compounds such as its natural resources. In fact, with a land healthy ecosystems. As a result, land has various government and non-government configuration and its culture process. area of 30 million hectares, 47 percent is consistently exhibited low production agencies and state college and universities aquaculture is feed, and the most amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty-acids As a result, the alpha PBR prototype significant criteria of it are price, (PUFA’s), carotenoids, and vitamins A, devoted to agriculture. potential, as well as many cases of soil and (SUCs). With funding support from the O showed a significant increase in growth Given this, the agricultural water erosion, nutrient degradation, and loss DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research quality, quantity, availability, and efficient C, D, E, B12 or cobalamin that boost the rates in terms of cell count and cell size labor force remains strong accounting to of valuable land to desertification. (BAR), the project aimed to develop SLM feeding system. The natural foods of required nutritional diet of fish. One of of Spirulina. The cost of power used fish are algae and plankton. However, the characteristics of this quality feed is about 36 percent of the total employed The concerted efforts of both land decision support tools to combat land for lighting system was low; the culture population, the second largest share of and agriculture should be taken seriously, degradation and diminish the effects of under contained cultivation condition, the the presence of natural constituents that time was decreased and created as quality of the farmed fish depends mainly has high value of nutraceuticals. These employment in the country. Moreover, the as one cannot go without the other. Land is climate change. highest biomass yield improvement with 2015 data from the Philippine Statistics the most essential part of all life-sustaining on the quality of the food that is being compounds include omega-3 fatty acids, approximately 70 percent increase in Authority (PSA) shows that the Gross production on the earth, thus it deserves How is this done? provided. carbohydrates, dietary minerals, and microalgae production. Value Added (GVA) in agriculture and a comprehensive, potent, and sustainable Today, defatted soybean meal phycobiliproteins. The developed PBR system is fisheries accounted for 9.4 percent of the measures to enhance production, while SLM has been around for quite is the most common, low-cost food for Due to its boundless nutrient now being undertaken by the Alsons Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with lowering – if not eliminating – the risks of some time but the knowledge gaps mostly fish. However, soybean meal is not the contents, Dr. Dayrit highlighted the Aquaculture Corporation, an industry which a 0.34 percent increment was further deterioration. in terms of area covered, impacts, and natural diet of fish because it lacks in main benefits of feeding Spirulina for partner based in Sarangani, Province, and recorded. economics of SLM have become the key compounds required for proper fish aquaculture purposes. Among the benefits one of the major aquaculture companies The rapid growth of the The SLM project limiting factor for these technologies nutrition. Thus, the use of soybean meal include: 1) increase and give a more in the Philippines. The optimized PBR population however, has put a major strain to be fully utilized. With the alarming presents a major limitation in providing uniform growth rate for fish; 2) improve system and culture condition of Spirulina Sustainable Land rate of land degradation and climate healthy growth conditions in Philippine the digestion; as a result of more nutrition Management (SLM) is defined as change repercussions, Engr. Contreras are transferred to Alsons where it will the use of land and water resources, and his team resolved to document SLM aquaculture. The challenge, therefore, is are extracted from the food and there be scaled-up, further optimized and pilot to provide the ideal natural foods for fish are no indigestible components; 3) boost including soils, water, animals, and knowledge and practices, put them into a tested to make the product market-ready. plants, for the production of goods to database, and process them into knowledge such as microalgae at a competitive price, the immune system and aid prevention ### high quality, and adequate quantity. of swollen abdomens due to blocked meet changing human needs, while products that can be used as decision ------simultaneously ensuring the long- support tools. To address this, the Bureau of intestinal passages; and 4) enhance For more information: Agricultural Research (BAR), funded production of special enzymes that break term productive potential of these The project focused on different Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit, RCh resources and the maintenance of their ecosystems in the country with varying a project titled, “Development of down digested fats into energy rather than Project Leader and Professor Technology for Efficient Microalgae letting them build up in the fishes body. environmental functions. climate types and topography which Department of Chemistry SLM is among the include the Cordillera Administrative Production: Photobioreactor Design, Feed Seeing its importance, Dr. Dayrit Ateneo de Manila University solutions seen to address land Region (CAR), Central Luzon, Southern and High-value Metabolites” that aimed and his team fabricated an optimized Tel. Nos.: +632-426-6001 extension 5620 degradation and climate change issues. Luzon, Eastern Visayas, and the Northern to provide superior fish food through PBR system and culture condition for the email: [email protected] However, a pressing question persists: Mindanao region. the development of local microalgae. production of Spirulina. Unlike other PBR “Why are such measures not used, There were six components Under the leadership of phycologist and designs for algae growth, the features of applied, or promoted?” involved in the implementation of the chemist professor, Dr. Fabian M. Dayrit developed enhance PBR are inexpensive, Driven by the urgent project. It follows the principles set by of the Ateneo de Manila (ADMU), he easy to clean, and reuse, subject in need for knowledge management and the World Overview of Conservation developed a technology that is simple, efficient illumination, and the materials decision support tools to facilitate Approaches and Technologies (WOCAT), reliable and efficient photobioreactor are readily available so that the fabrication broader adoption of SLM to address an established global network of (PBR) design system to maximize the is easy and scalable. issues and threats of climate change sustainable land management specialists. yield and optimized culture conditions for Using the transparent polyethylene and land degradation, the Department WOCAT provides methodological tools microalgae production of Spirulina. bag with cut-out plastic jug for its support of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and and guidelines to national and regional Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) are the inventive technology developed Water Management (DA-BSWM) institutions in carrying out initiatives to came up with a research project scale up SLM among all stakeholders. or the blue-green photosynthetic by the team as the PBR housing or The PhilCAT-SLM webpage offers a wide array microalgae, known as the highest natural the culturarium for algae. Part of their titled, “Development of Decision As in any research project, it is of SLM tools and practices using the WOCAT Support Tools on Sustainable Land imperative to conduct awareness raising, protein source, contains about 55-70 worked on photobioreactor systems is Spirulina harvested from the Alson technology. Screen grab from www.bswm.da.gov.ph/philcat-slm/ percent essential protein profile with a the involvement of prototypes designed Management (SLM) as a Key to education, and training particularly, Aquaculture Corporation Phil. PHOTO: FDayrit turn to page 13 8 BAR Chronicle January 2018 Issue January 2018 Issue BAR Chronicle 9