The Department of Agriculture’s agriculture sector, but we were able (DA) top guns met on January 9, to share a significant contribution to for the assessment of the 2018 agri the reduction of the inflation rate,” performance and synchronization of Piñol said. action plans for the upcoming months. In his message, the agri chief Led by Agriculture Secretary stressed that the DA family must Manny Piñol, undersecretaries, continue with its advocacies with assistant secretaries, regional consideration for the future. executive directors, bureau and “We will continue to implement service directors, heads of attached sustainable agri-fishery programs, agencies and corporations and other hitting targets to satisfy the needs of DA supports Manila Bay support staff of the Department today, but keeping in mind the future forged their commitment to better generation,” he said. rehab, joins project kick off serve not only the farmers, fishers, As such, Piñol directed all DA At least 600 personnel and officials (We only committed 400 people. and other agri stakeholders, but the officials to implement food production of the Department of Agriculture As per the head count earlier, more whole nation as well. programs and other agricultural (DA) and its attached bureaus and than 600 people arrived, so we have “It has been a bad year for the Please turn to page 7 agencies participated in the launching much support from our employees),” of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation he said. Piñol congratulates DA fam project held on January 27, 2019 at The DA is one of the 13 for job well done the Manila Baywalk. government agencies directed by Joining thousands of workers and the Supreme Court Mandamus “I am proud of all of you. Agriculture everyone to use the “not so good” may not have grown that much, but it’s experiences of the past as a lesson on volunteers from government and non- on Manila Bay to take actions in still a job well done.” how to improve themselves. government agencies, DA employees the clean-up, rehabilitation, and This was the heartwarming message “Take pride of bearing the name of gathered for the solidarity walk from preservation of the Manila Bay. Led of Secretary Emmanuel Piñol to the the Department of Agriculture and take Department of Agriculture (DA) family care of the position that was given to Quirino Grandstand to the Baywalk by the Department of Environment during the first flag raising ceremony you,” he said. near Rajah Sulayman Plaza and and Natural Resources (DENR), of the year held at the DA grounds in Undersecretary for Operations Ariel helped in the initial cleanup along the project aims at restoring and Quezon City on January 7. Cayanan stressed that it is the moral Manila Bay. maintaining Manila Bay’s SB level, During the ceremony, Piñol obligation of the DA employees to reminded everybody to stay passionate monitor and ensure that the government DA Undersecretary for Operations which means that the water is safe and creative in executing the needed programs reach its rightful beneficiaries. Ariel Cayanan was thankful for the for swimming, skin-diving, and other services of the clienteles especially the Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary support shown by the DA officials and forms of contact recreation. farmers and fisherfolk as they battle for Administration and Acting Chief employees recognizing that the event Cayanan said that the Bureau the effects brought about by climate of Staff for the Office of the Secretary change. Roldan Gorgonio called for the was scheduled on a Sunday, which is of Animal Industry, Bureau of Soils “Plan ahead and focus not only collective prayers of the DA family to supposed to be a family day. and Water Management, Bureau of on food production but environmental benefit farmers, fishers, and other food “Ang commitment lang po natin ay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, protection to ensure that our next producers of the country. generation will enjoy a sustainable and “Agriculture is highly dependent nasa apat na raang tao. As per head and the Regional Field Offices in productive agriculture,” Piñol reminded on weather. While this is beyond count kanina, mahigit na anim na raan Region III and Region IV-A are the everyone. our control, we can ask for divine po ang dumating, so maganda po main agencies under DA that will be Undersecretary for Policy and intervention for help,” he added. ### ang suporta ng ating mga empleyado Planning Segfredo Serrano reminded (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID) Please turn to page 7

GIAN JANUARY 2019 AGGIE TRENDS.indd 1 1/30/19 11:04 AM Isang panibagong hamon ang kakaharapin ng Department of Agriculture Kasunod nito, hinamon ng Kalihim ang mga bumubuo sa DA na mas (DA) sa pagpasok ng panibagong taon. paigtingin pa ang mga pagsisikap upang mapayabong at mapaunlad ang Kabilang na rito ang pagpapataas ng antas at dami ng produksyon sa Philippine agriculture sa mga darating na panahon. kabila ng pabago-bagong klima at kondisyong pangkapaligiran. Bukod pa Dugtong pa ni Sec., hindi lamang produksyon ang dapat na bantayan kundi rito, inaasahan din ang epekto sa production cost ng iba’t ibang salik tulad ng maging ang paglalatag ng mga inisyatiba na ligtas at makakalikasan. pagtaas ng presyo ng langis at gasolina. Aniya, hindi lamang dapat nakatuon ang Agriculture Department sa Hindi man naging maganda ang pangkalahatang performance ng paniniguro na may sapat na suplay ng pagkain ang mga Filipino. Ayon sa pambansang agrikultura noong nakaraang taon, positibo si Sec. Manny Piñol kanya, mahalaga ring napapangalagaan ang kalikasan sa kabila ng iba’t ibang na magiging mas maunlad at produktibo ito sa taong kasalukuyan. gawaing pangsakahan at pangisdaan, upang mapanatili itong produktibo sa Base sa mensahe ng Kalihim sa mga pinuno ng iba’t ibang ahensya sa ilalim matagal na panahon. ng Kagawaran, bagama’t naging mababa ang pag-angat ng Philippine agri- Agad ding ipinag-utos ni Sec. sa Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance fi shery, nakapag-ambag pa rin ito sa pagbaba ng infl ation rate ng bansa. Service ang pagsasakatuparan ng isang pag-aaral ukol sa ugnayan ng dami “Kasama po ang Kagawaran sa binanggit ng Pangulo na nakatulong sa ng populasyon at pangangailangan para sa iba’t ibang produkto bilang tugon pagpapababa ng mataas na infl ation rate ng Pilipinas.” sa trade imbalance. Please turn to page 7

he even decided to take a shot at the including weather forecasts through Presidency. a link which will bring him to the He noted that many of the country’s PAGASA website. farmers do not even know the type of By typing his region, province, town soil they have in their farms and other and barangay in designated boxes in factors like climatic conditions which the website, the farmer will get the list would affect their productivity. of crops suitable for his village. Shortly after he appointed me He has the option to determine as Secretary of Agriculture, the where in his barangay he could plant Color-Coded Agriculture Map a specifi c crop by clicking any of the Model in Technology: concept was immediately studied listed crop, like cacao or pineapple. by the Adaptation, Mitigation and When he does that, the interactive Duterte Digital Agri Map, Intervention in Agriculture (AMIA) map will be layered with several featured in Berlin Meet and the Bureau of Soils and Water colors indicating where the crop could Management (BSWM). be ideally grown which would be Berlin, Germany - A digital color- Project (PRDP), a World Bank and A young Subanen computer shown by the color green and where coded agricultural guide map Philippine Government funded project programmer handled the loading of it is not advisable to plant as shown conceptualized by President Rody which uses digital technology and the data into the Color-Coded Guide by color red. Duterte when he was still Mayor of drones for geo-tagging and aerial Map which was completed eight The NACCAG is expected to protect Davao City was featured prominently mapping. months after the start of the Duterte the farmer from the expensive and in the Global Forum on Food and The National Color-Coded Presidency. time consuming experimental planting Agriculture (GFFA) here where over Agriculture Guide Map (www. It was offi cially launched by in his farm where after wasting time 100 Agriculture Ministers gathered to farmersguidemap.gov.ph) is one of President Duterte in Malacañang on and money, he cuts down a crop that discuss the digitalization of agriculture the technological instruments used March 7, 2017 and called the National does not bear fruit simply because it is for greater effi ciency and productivity. by the PRDP in the implementation Color-Coded Agriculture Guide Map. not suited in the area. German Chancellor Angela Merkel of the project along with the The www.farmersguidemap.gov. When I presented the program delivered the keynote address during Expanded Vulnerability and Suitability ph provides farmers access to very before other Agriculture Ministers the main session of the three-day Assessment (E-VSA), the Applied important information on the type during one of the sessions of the 11th Berlin Agriculture Ministers’ Geo-Tagging Technology (AGT) and of soil he has in his village, the kind GFFA 2019, I felt a sense of joy and Conference 2019 which focused on the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). of crops suitable to his area and the fulfi lment realizing that what was “Agriculture Goes Digital - Smart The concept of a National Color- hazards and risks he must watch out just a simple idea which then Mayor Solutions for Future Farming.” Coded Agriculture Guide (NACCAG) for. Duterte discussed with me would now The Philippines presented its Map was discussed by President The farmer will also have access to become a model for digital agriculture experience on digitalization through Duterte with me when he was still a map showing sources of water and which other countries could learn the Philippine Rural Development Mayor of Davao City and long before the depth of water level in his area, from. Aggie Trends | January 2019 2

GIAN JANUARY 2019 AGGIE TRENDS.indd 2 1/30/19 11:04 AM DA extends assistance to calamity stricken Bicol farmers With Region V sustaining the will be immediately made available to highest death toll and damage on farmers affected by the calamity. An agriculture, Secretary Emmanuel additional P20,000 in recovery loan Piñol of the Department of Agriculture assistance will likewise be provided (DA) rushed to Bicol provinces on to farmers, which they can use to January 3 and 4 to personally inspect purchase the needed inputs so they the areas heavily affected by Typhoon can immediately restart farming/ Usman and confer with local offi cials fi shing operations and recoup from and farmers. Ret. Commodore their losses. Eduardo Gongona, Undersecretary “The government is here to help for Fisheries and Jocelyn Alma you. I urge everyone to avail of these Badiola, Executive Director of the loan assistance, and so when I come DA in Western Visayas starts Agricultural Credit Policy Council back here I can see the impact of (ACPC), accompanied the Secretary. these programs on you and your suitability trial for sorghum In Masbate City, Piñol interacted family’s lives,” Piñol said. In support to Secretary Emmanuel which can be used as an alternative with some 500 farmers and local During the forum, the agri chief Piñol’s call for developing sorghum raw ingredient for animal feeds. offi cials as part of the efforts of the presented the Solar Powered nationwide as an alternative source Director Recoter added that farm national government to bring projects Irrigation Systems (SPIS), which has for livestock and poultry feeds, the cooperators will be tapped to assist and programs closer to the people. been operating in some parts of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the research stations in planting Here, he turned over more than country now. Western Visayas started a varietal sorghum in target areas. P16-million (M) worth of agricultural “In Camarines Sur, we have already suitability trial in Capiz. “We will also link the farmers to assistance consisting of production established four units,” he added. The National Sorghum feed millers and institutional buyers,” inputs and farm equipment. Piñol underscored the benefi ts of Development Program (NSDP) she said. From Masbate, Piñol and the the said system, which is according was launched by Secretary Piñol in The benefi ciaries of NSDP are the DA team fl ew to Libon, Albay and to him is the best option for areas Kidapawan City last year. indigenous peoples (IPs) and other conferred with Mayor Wilfredo where big irrigation systems cannot DA Regional Executive Director farmers who want to go into sorghum Maronilla. Here, he also met with be feasible. Remelyn Recoter spearheaded the production. about a thousand farmers, local “It is only worth about P6.5 million ceremonial planting of sorghum in Further, Director Recoter told the offi cials, heads of DA attached and can irrigate 10 to 20 hectares of the DA’s Research Outreach Stations municipal agriculturists of Capiz that agencies, as well as the municipal rice fi eld,” he said adding that SPIS is (ROS) in Malapad Cogon, Sigma, the DA is also eyeing to propagate agriculturists and extension workers. not expensive to maintain because it and Astorga, Dumarao recently. sorghum in areas of Tapaz, Jamindan, For Albay, Piñol committed an is not dependent on gasoline or diesel In her message she stressed and Dumarao. “We will be supporting additional P50 M funds through or electric power. that sorghum can be used as feed the farmers through research and the Production Loan Easy Access He further explained that the ingredient aside from corn, and as development, production and (PLEA) Program managed by the technology is also very practical as alternative food staple. In addition, processing, and in marketing and ACPC. Under the Survival and this system uses pipes set up above sorghum will complement the rice enterprise development,” Recoter Recovery Assistance (SURE) Loan the ground thus it is appropriate for and corn programs in support to added. Program, also an ACPC initiative, an any types of land terrain. the country’s food staple suffi ciency The NDSP will be implemented by emergency loan assistance of P5,000 Please turn to page 7 program. the DA’s Special Area for Agricultural The establishment of demonstration Development (SAAD) starting this farms in Sigma and Dumarao will help year. determine if sorghum is suitable for Similar varietal trials will also be production in the province. Sorghum put up in other DA research stations is a drought-tolerant, hardy, easy-to- across the region this month. propagate, and rich in protein crop P10-million worth monolithic dome soon to open in Cagayan Valley The Department of Agriculture seeds and other inputs. (DA) in Region 2 is set to activate this DA Regional Executive Director year the fi rst-ever monolithic dome Narciso Edillo said that the dome, erected at the DA-Southern Cagayan which is almost completed, measures Research Center in Minanga Norte, 8.5 meters in height, 15 meters Iguig, Cagayan. The P10-million in width, and 30 meters in length. worth dome will serve as a warehouse The dome also has a climate-smart of agricultural products such as farm technology that can withstand typhoons and earthquake. “The state-of-the-art warehouse will be a breakthrough in the region’s agriculture sector, particularly for seeds storage to maintain seed viability and quality,” Edillo said. He added, “This can also be used as human shelter or evacuation center during calamities, cold storage for agricultural products, and many others.” The DA regional offi ce has been speeding up the dome’s completion for it to compare the new warehouse’s benefi ts over the traditional storage or warehouses. Please turn to page 7 Aggie Trends | January 2019 3

GIAN JANUARY 2019 AGGIE TRENDS.indd 3 1/30/19 11:04 AM Photo from Reuters

Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID

African swine fever or ASF has countries of sub-Saharan Africa. In of catering food wastes or left-overs awareness and preparedness on been making rounds on both local Europe, ASF remains endemic only from international and domestic ASF. and international news, but what is in Sardinia (Italy). Outbreaks have airports and seaports as swine swill The NMIS memorandum the disease really? occurred outside of Africa including feed throughout the country. encourages everyone to ensure ASF is a highly contagious the outbreaks in Georgia in 2007, the The latest memorandum issued that only pigs with valid Veterinary hemorrhagic disease affecting pigs, fi rst ever report of ASF in that part by DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol Health Certifi cate (VHC) and/or warthogs (native pigs in the Philippine of Europe, and in some Caribbean is the implementation of veterinary shipping permits are accepted in setting), European wild boar, and countries. quarantine measures including the slaughterhouses. It also enjoins American wild pigs. ASF-infected establishment of footbaths in all entry everyone to remain vigilant in pigs suffer high fever, loss of appetite, How does ASF spread? points of the country including cruise conducting meat inspection, ensure hemorrhages in the skin and internal While the Philippines is ASF- ships. There is also the mandatory proper disposal of condemned organs. In severe cases, the fever free, awareness on how the virus inspection of vessels docking in the carcasses and parts, maintain causes death within two to 10 days, spreads is important to prepare for its Philippine ports with meat supplies thorough cleaning and disinfection of on the average. prevention. According to the OIE, the or fi shermen coming from the West personal protective equipment, tools, ASF presents high mortality rates ASF’s epidemiology is complex and its Philippine Sea with meat products equipment and premises after every in pigs. While it is not considered as transmission varies depending on the from China. a health threat to humans, it poses a environment, pig production systems, The DA closely coordinates operation, and to report suspected huge economic threat to the country’s the presence or absence of competent with the Bureau of Customs at all occurrence of ASF for investigation P200-billion swine industry. According tick vectors, human behavior, and the international air and sea ports for the and appropriate actions. to the Department of Agriculture- presence or absence of wild pigs. rigid inspection of the check-in and Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI), Routes of transmission can include: hand carried luggages of incoming Good news the Philippine swine industry is one • Direct contact with infected passengers from ASF-affected On a positive note, the ASF is not of the biggest contributors to the domestic or wild pigs; countries and confi scation and considered a zoonotic disease. This country’s agricultural growth, posting • Indirect contact through ingestion destruction of all pork products from means that it cannot be transmitted over 16 percent increase in gross of contaminated materials such as China and other affected countries from animals to humans. While earnings, owing to the increasing food waste, feed, or garbage; and within 24 hours. there is no approved cure or vaccine demand for pork and production • Contaminated fomites or To date, the importation of pigs against ASF yet, farm hygiene, expansion. biological vectors (soft ticks of and their products including pork stringent import policies through tight In addition, the country’s total swine the genus Ornithodoros) where meat and semen from 13 countries biosecurity measures, and unifi ed inventory is estimated at 12.78 million present. is temporarily banned to protect the efforts to contain and eradicate the as of July 1, 2018, and ranks eighth local swine industry. These countries ASF are the possible solutions. in the world in terms of pork volume Government efforts include China, Hungary, Belgium, production and number of breeding To prevent the ASF from entering Latvia, Poland, Romania, Russia, As the famous saying goes sows. Historically, the Philippines is the country, joint efforts between Ukraine, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, “Prevention is better than cure.” The free from ASF. different government agencies have Moldova, South Africa, and Zambia. Philippines remains and will remain been put into place. DA National Meat Inspection ASF-free if these solutions are Reported cases of ASF The DA, through BAI, has issued Service (NMIS) Executive Director followed to preserve and protect the According to the World Organization several memoranda as part of Ernesto Gonzales also released country’s P200 billion hog production for Animal Health (OIE), ASF is precautionary measures. This a Memorandum Order to support industry. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, generally prevalent and endemic in includes the prohibition on the use the national efforts on increasing DA-AFID) Aggie Trends | January 2019 4

GIAN JANUARY 2019 AGGIE TRENDS.indd 4 1/30/19 11:04 AM ‘Fleet of drones’ to aid DA in disaster mapping and assessments Timely, reliable, and suffi cient decision for disaster response and Information System, how to fl y and information is the key to effective rehabilitation. A 50-hectare fi eld can Ongoing projects operate drones, and analysis of planning and decision making. be covered by a quadcopter for only The DA and FAO have an remote sensing and satellite images With the use of unmanned aerial 25 minutes. A single engine fi xed ongoing collaborative project called with the fi eld offi ces and attached vehicle (UAV), also known as wing drone can cover 300 hectares the Development of an Enhanced bureaus and agencies.” He even remotely piloted aircraft or drone, in an hour, while a twin engine fi xed Production and Risk Management commended the RFOs XI and VI for the Department of Agriculture (DA) wing drone can cover 800 hectares in in Agriculture (EPRiMA) Integrated their initiative to procure their own is expected to take its disaster risk one and a half hour. It can also cover Decision Support System that will twin engine fi xed-wing UAV units. reduction and management (DRRM) areas as far as 15 kilometers from capitalize on the agencies’ efforts to a new height. the base points and it can be fl own on the use of drones. “We will have Post-disaster operation and Engr. Christopher Morales, Chief even with strong wind condition. a web-based decision support tool drone limitations of the DA Field Programs Operational The DA Central Offi ce now has for DRRM that will integrate various Currently, the FPOPD collects Planning Division (FPOPD), shared twin engine fi xed wing, single engine datasets from drones, satellite data only after a disaster to validate that the Department’s use of fi xed wing, and quadcopter UAV images, weather forecasts, dynamic damage reports submitted by local drones in DRRM is based on the units. Out of the 16 regional fi eld cropping calendars, and drought government units (LGUs), but National Strategic Plan of Action for offi ces (RFOs), two DA RFOs have monitoring (based on the Agricultural systems are being developed to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in twin engine fi xed wing, 10 RFOs Stress Index System or ASIS),” the validate and supplement datasets Agriculture and Fisheries. Anchored have single engine fi xed wing, and FPOPD explained. from satellite images. on the four priority areas of the all the RFOs have quadcopters. FPOPD Assistant Chief Lorna The Department had used drones Photo from Reuters Sendai Framework for DRR of the Equipped with sensors and multi- Belinda Calda said, “We closely in post-disaster operations and United Nations, the DA strategic camera systems, the drones used coordinate with the Philippine validation activities. Specifi cally, plan focuses on understanding by the DA can capture visible red, Atmospheric Geophysical the DA applied the technology risks, strengthening disaster risk green, and blue (RGB) images and Astronomical Services to assess the damage caused governance, reducing disaster risk and near infrared (NIR) images. By Administration (PAGASA), other by Typhoons Lawin and Nina in for resilience, and preparing to combining the visible and NIR light concerned offi ces of the Department 2016, Typhoon Vinta in 2017, and respond and build back better. refl ected by vegetation, Normalized of Science and Technology (DOST), Typhoon Ompong in 2018. Drones Difference Vegetation Index and local DRRM units or councils were also used to assess the extent Drone application in DRRM (NDVI) images can be generated for localized weather forecasts and of cocolisap or coconut scale insect In 2015, the DA and the Food to determine the crop health in the data.” She added that the FPOPD infestation in Compostela Valley and and Agriculture Organization of the area. An orthomosaic or stitched and partner agencies capacitate to monitor the drought in Isabela. United Nations (FAO) collaborated images and a digital elevation the RFOs with science-based tools However, the use of drones on the application of drone in pre- model can also be generated from through trainings and workshops to can be limited by bad weather and post-disaster assessments. drone-captured images for mapping optimize the available data and new conditions and the topography or Since then, the Department has disaster-affected areas and damage technology. the natural and artifi cial physical continued to acquire more drones report validation. Engr. Morales mentioned, “We features of a given area. Engr. and hold trainings on the drone According to the FPOPD, the DA started in 2015 and 2016 (with Morales also recognized that with operation and mapping technology. strategic plan also uses existing the drone initiative) and we were the limited budget and UAV units of According to Engr. Morales, systems such as early warning aggressive in organizing trainings the DA, it cannot immediately cover drones make fi eld validation faster systems and database to understand in 2017 and 2018. In fact, in or validate an area of 1.2 million and more effi cient. He added that risk, monitor disasters or calamities, 2017, we held a modular training hectares for example. the data collected by drones help and provide evidence-based and on DRRM, which focuses on Please turn to page 7 the DA provides evidence-based proactive response. database management, Geographic

Aggie Trends | January 2019 5

GIAN JANUARY 2019 AGGIE TRENDS.indd 5 1/30/19 11:04 AM Performance of Philippine Agriculture, 4th Quarter 2018 Agriculture grew by 1.80 percent in the fourth quarter of 2018. Crops, livestock, poultry and fi sheries contributed to the higher production during the quarter. At current prices, the gross value of agricultural production amounted to PhP 521.2 billion, higher by 4.05 percent than the previous year’s level. From January to December 2018, agricultural Photo from BPI production increased by 0.56 percent. Crops production slightly increased by 0.25 percent. It Bureau of Plant Industry fl ies high at 89 accounted for 50.40 percent of The Bureau of Plant Industry Korea, Iran, UAE, India, Vietnam, as certifi ed seed. It also inspected the total agricultural output. Palay (BPI) celebrated its 89th Founding Netherlands, USA, Cambodia, and 20,921 hectares and accredited 1,607 production declined by 2.20 percent Anniversary with series of activities Indonesia, among others. Certifi cates seed growers. A total of 655,070 fruit while corn production grew by 10.82 highlighting the accomplishment of for ornamental plants like sanseveria, seedlings were tagged across the percent. Increases in production the agency in 2018. basket grass, tillandsia, nidulariun, country. were registered by coconut, banana, With this year’s theme, “Paving and draceana which were transported BPI was able to distribute some pineapple, coffee, mango, tobacco, the way to food safety and security to Japan, Netherlands, Thailand, 75,066 kilograms of assorted abaca, mongo, tomato, onion, through protecting plant health,” BPI- USA, Australia, Singapore, Korea, vegetable seeds, 143,225 pieces of cabbage and rubber. At current prices, OIC Director George Culaste stressed Taiwan, Germany, and Canada were assorted fruit bagging trees, 40,568 the value of crop production amounted the roles of the agency in ensuring the also issued. pieces of coffee and cacao, 48,040 to PhP 295.4 billion, 2.19 percent country’s food safety and security. In addition, about 47,153 Sanitary pieces of root crops, and 7,846 pieces higher than the previous year’s record. “We must strengthen our research, and Phytosanitary (SPS) import of other planting materials to farmers. On an annual basis, crops production production, and pest management; clearance were released for plants, BPI’s National Seed Industry posted a 0.98 percent drop in 2018. Livestock registered a 1.64 safeguard the Philippine plant plant products, and planting materials, Council (NSIC) approved the percent increase in production. It industry; and enforce our regulatory while 30 biosafety permits were issued registration of 22 rice, six ornamentals, contributed 17.74 percent to the total functions in support to the current for commercial propagation and direct 21 corn, four fi eld legumes, three agricultural production. Carabao, thrust of the Department of Agriculture use for food, feed, or processing. tobacco, one coffee, and two mango hog and dairy came up with output (DA),” Culaste said. The BPI accredited 106 exporters new varieties for commercialization. gains during the fourth quarter of of banana, mango, pineapple, In 2018, the agency intercepted 2018. At current prices, the value of Bureau Performance papaya, young coconut, asparagus, 60x40 container vans of onions, livestock production reached PhP 91.9 In 2018, the BPI was able to and shallots and 133 banana, mango, carrots, and spinach declared as fresh billion, up by 7.42 percent from the issue a total of 88,275 Phytosanitary pineapple, papaya, and okra facilities. apples and pears from 11 consignees previous year’s level. From January to Certifi cates on different commodities It also accredited 215 pineapple and which were issued warrant of seizure December 2018, livestock production such as Cavendish banana, fresh banana farms and seven quarantine and detention. In addition, BPI went up by 1.89 percent. pineapple, coconut products, falcata treatment providers for heat treatment required 18 rice importers to comply Poultry production expanded lumber, banana chips, and tobacco and fumigation. all documentary requirements for by 6.99 percent during the quarter, products. These commodities The bureau sealed and tagged Plant Quarantine Inspection. accounting for 16.18 percent to were exported to Japan, China, 1.818 million bags of rice seeds Please turn to page 7 the total agricultural output. The value of poultry production amounted to PhP 60.7 billion at current prices. This was 1.74 percent higher than the Crop insurance, loan assistance for previous year’s record. From January to December 2018, poultry production victims of Usman increased by 5.75 percent. A week after Agriculture Secretary Mindoro will receive P11.9 M,” Piñol Loaning Program of DA,” Piñol said. Fisheries production went up by Emmanuel Piñol visited the Bicol said. During his inspection in Bicol 1.93 percent. It shared 15.68 percent Region, the Department of Agriculture He added that Bernabe reported and Northern Samar regions, Piñol in the total agricultural output. Except (DA) and its line agencies started the adjustment of farms and claims committed P50 M initial fund for for roundscad and yellowfi n tuna, to deliver interventions to farmers validation activities since late Albay, P20 M for Masbate, and P5 M all the major fi sh species recorded affected by Tropical Depression December. PCIC is now validating for San Roque in Northern Samar. increases in output. At current prices, Usman. the farmers affected in the Cordillera “PLEA program meanwhile is the value of fi sheries production The Philippine Crop Insurance Region. also available at six percent annual reached PhP 73.3 billion or 9.88 Corporation (PCIC) released P160- The Agricultural Credit Policy interest with no collateral for farmers percent more this period. On an million (M) worth of insurance Council (ACPC) allotted P175 M for and fi shermen,” Piñol stated. annual basis, fi sheries output declined payments to the provinces of Bicol, the implementation of the Production The National Food Authority by 1.13 percent in 2018. Northern and Eastern Samar, Loan Easy Access (PLEA) in (NFA) issued 13,730 bags of rice for On the average, prices received by farmers increased by 2.22 Quezon, and Oriental Mindoro. Camarines Sur, Masbate, Albay, and relief operations in nine provinces of percent. Price increments were noted “Jovy Bernabe (of PCIC) said that Northern Samar provinces. regions 4, 5, and 8. for crops at 1.94 percent, livestock around 14,200 farmers in the Bicol “ACPC is now preparing the “The distribution of seeds (rice, at 5.69 percent and fi sheries at 7.80 Region will get a total of P116 M listing and validation of farmers corn, vegetables) and drugs and percent while poultry recorded an while 4,300 farmers in the provinces and fi shermen who will be lent up biologics for livestock and poultry has average drop of 4.91 percent. From of Northern and Eastern Samar will to P25,000 for no collateral at zero been fast tracked,” Piñol said. ### January to December 2018, farmgate be paid P32.5 M. Farmers numbering interest on a per-family basis under (Kristel Joyce Merle, DA-AFID) prices went up by an average of 5.62 around 1,503 in Quezon and Oriental the Survival and Recovery (SURE) percent. (PSA) Aggie Trends | January 2019 6

GIAN JANUARY 2019 AGGIE TRENDS.indd 6 1/30/19 11:04 AM PiPiñol urges DA...from page 1 Bagong Hamon...from page 2 P10-million worth...from page 3 Bureau of Plant...from page 6 livelihood initiatives that are Inatasan naman niya ang Bureau The idea for the dome-shaped Last year, the bureau implemented environmentally sound and safe. of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources warehouse was fi rst introduced to the Department Circular No. 6 indicating “Emphasize location-specifi c (BFAR) na ipagpatuloy ang mga DA during a national conference of the General Guidelines and agricultural engineers last year, with Requirements for the Accreditation of farming and discourage the use of sustenableng programa para sa weed killers and other chemical- foreign and local experts presenting Private Seed Testing Laboratories and mga mangingisda, kabilang na ang based concoctions,” he said. the technology. DA Administrative Circular 1 Series paglalatag ng loan and credit window In spite of the growth decline and Engr. Generoso Oli, Field of 2018 or Rules and Regulations facility at pagtatayo ng postharvest the missed targets, the Secretary Operations Division Chief of DA on the Certifi cate of Philippine Good infrastructure tulad ng cold storage at Regional Field Offi ce 2, said that their Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP). is optimistic that the Philippine offi ce immediately considered the agriculture and fi shery will rise this ice making centers. project. Positive Outlook year. Hiniling ni Sec. Manny mula sa PhilRice at National Food Authority “Considering that the technology “The Philippine plant industry “We will use last year’s lessons to on ‘monolithic’ is a breakthrough in forecasts an improved performance (NFA) ang pangangampanya hinggil determine the interventions that we the fi eld of construction and its cost this year,” Culaste said. will undertake to enable us to hit our sa paggamit ng high-yielding varieties. is comparable to that of the allocated Following the implementation of targets even with bad weather. We Kasunod nito, ipinaalala niya sa NFA fund for conventional warehouse,” he the PhilGAP circular, the BPI has can do better,” he said. na higit pang pag-ibayuhin ang palay said. accredited fi ve private plant food Before ending his speech, Piñol procurement program at hikayatin ang “Eight similar projects will be testing laboratories and issued 106 congratulated everyone for keeping mga magsasaka na sa pamahalaan constructed this year at cooperatives certifi cates. the Department corruption-free. magbenta ng palay. or farmer organizations regionwide,” Having secured a partnership with “There has been no serious issues Inatasan din niya ang National he added. China for the export of fresh young A monolithic dome is a structure coconut and quick frozen fruits of of corruption for two and a half years Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) at cast in a one-piece form, which may banana, mango, and pineapple, now, and I thank everyone for this. Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) na be permanent or temporary, and may the Philippine fruits are expected to The Department has now regained mas maging matapat at maingat or may not remain part of the fi nished penetrate the Chinese market. the trust of the people,” he said. ### sa pagbibigay ng import permits. structure. (PNA) During the festivities, the BPI (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFID) Iminungkahi din niya sa NMIS na launched a Pest Surveillance Manual ‘Fleet of Drones’...from page 5 magpatupad ng mas mahigpit na which is vital for gathering information guidelines para sa pagpapasok ng on the days of presence, absence, and DA supports...from page 1 Investing in UAV technology karneng manggagaling sa Europa. population levels of pests in farms. involved in the rehabilitation effort. “We were thinking that there This will help the bureau forecast and Ibinilin naman niya sa Bureau “Where water fl ows, that is should be a fl eet of drones or provide accurate pest advisory. of Agricultural and Fisheries from where food grows,” he added additional UAV units in every region, Also highlighting the 89th year stressing the importance of Manila Engineering (BAFE) na magtatag so that if there is a need to validate anniversary of the bureau, a two-day Bay and other bodies of water to the ng regional equipment pool upang a vast area, neighboring regions or agri-bazaar featuring fresh fruits and agriculture sector. tugunan ang mga pangangailangan provinces can work together,” Engr. vegetables produced by local farmers He also mentioned the reef to was staged at the BPI compound on ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda Morales stated. He also mentioned ridge principle emphasizing the January 16–17. ### (Kristel Merle, connectivity of land and water for a sakaling masira o magkaproblema about the DA’s plan to establish a DA-AFID) holistic perspective. ang kanilang mga makina. drone technology center and his Supporting the message of DENR Panghuli, itinagubilin niya sa vision for the DA to develop, design, Secretary Roy Cimatu, Cayanan Information and Communications and fabricate its own UAV. “That will also encouraged the DA family to be be in the future,” he said. Technology Service (ICTS) na bumuo inspired by the previous project on Resulting from the DA and FAO ng website kung saan mababatid ang the rehabilitation of Boracay. initiative to use drones in DRRM, the dami ng ani ng agricultural produce “To sustain it, we really have to drone technology center will enhance discipline ourselves, and at the same sa iba’t ibang key production areas sa the capacity and competency of the time we really have to think not only of buong bansa. Ito ay upang maiwasan personnel of the DA and attached today but also of the future,” he said. ang over supply at pagbagsak ng bureaus and agencies in the The rehabilitation project, dubbed presyo sa mga merkado. as the Battle for Manila Bay, is a application of UAV and related geo- historic event for the welfare of the Sa mga darating na panahon, spatial technologies in the agriculture next generation of Filipinos. ### inaasahang mas tututukan ng and fi sheries sector. Engr. Morales (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID) Kagawaran ang mekanisayon at said, “This (project) will be in collaboration with the DA Information DA extends...from page 3 modernisasyon ng mga sakahan at and Communications Technology pangisdaan para sa mas matatag While in Albay, DA also turned-over Service (ICTS) and state universities at sustenableng produksyon. to 15 municipalities and three cities and colleges will possibly be tapped Sigla’t Yaman various interventions and assistance Pagbubutihin din ang pagpapautang to be our partners.” totaling to over P3.5 M. These include at pagtatatag ng mga solar-powered The DA’s DRRM strategic plan sa Kanayunan certifi ed palay and open pollinated irrigation systems, at higit pang envisions that by 2025, DRRM should variety white corn seeds, assorted papagbutihin ang pagpaplano at vegetable seeds, ducks, cattle, have been mainstreamed into the turkeys, and native pigs. pamamahala sa mga proyektong development planning and actions in On his second day in the region, pang-agrikultura sa iba’t ibang the agriculture and fi sheries sector. It Piñol met with Albay Governor Al rehiyon. also aims at enhancing the resilience Francis Bichara, who is also the Panatag ang Kalihim na mas of the sector to natural hazards and Regional Development Council (RDC) bibigyang pansin ng administrasyong disasters. chair, and the DA regional executive With a cost-effective technology Duterte ang agrikultura ngayong taon, directors from the four typhoon- like the UAV, impact mapping and base na rin sa pahayag ng economic affected regions: CALABARZON, assessments can be done and MIMAROPA, Bicol and Eastern managers. Kailangan lamang aniya, relevant data can be collected and Visayas to fi rm up the rehabilitation ipakitang handa tayo na ipatupad disseminated. Timely and locally plan for the affected farmers and ang ating mga nasimulang gawain relevant information can also fi sherfolk. Later during the day, the at siguruhing may pakinabang ang be provided to decision-making Secretary joined President Rodrigo mga magsasaka at mangingisdang Duterte during his visit in affected bodies and the farming and fi shing areas. (Emily Bordado, DA-RAFIS -5) Filipino mula sa ating mga proyekto. communities to guide their actions ### (ADR) and minimize or prevent risk. Aggie Trends | January 2019 7

GIAN JANUARY 2019 AGGIE TRENDS.indd 7 1/30/19 11:05 AM Pagkaing Halal, pagkaing ligtas para sa lahat

Ang Halal ay salitang Arabe na ang ibig sabihin ay ipinahihintulot, naaayon ½ lemon, kinatas sa batas, pinapayagan o katanggap-tanggap. Kung ang tinutukoy ay pagkain, 1 piraso dahon ng laurel ito ay yaong mga malaya mula sa mga bagay na ipinagbabawal sa mga 4 butil ng bawang, tinadtad Muslim na kainin. Ang pagproseso, paggawa, o pag-imbak ng pagkain ay 2 sibuyas (malalaki), ginayat dapat na ’di nagtataglay ng produkto o karne ng hayop na kinatay, ginamitan ng 3 piraso tanglad kasangkapan, o makinarya na nilinis ayon sa batas Islamiko (Shari ‘ah). 3 piraso sili, tinadtad Ang haram naman ay isa ring salitang Arabe na ang kahulugan ay pamintang durog ipinagbabawal o ’di ipinahihintulot. Sa pagkain, sinasabing haram ang karne asin ng baboy, hamon, bacon, tocino, o ano mang galing sa karne ng baboy. Haram mantika ding maituturing ang karne ng baka, manok, kambing, usa, at iba pa na inihanda sabaw ng pinaglagaan ng baka nang ’di naaayon sa batas Islamiko. Paraan ng pagluluto: Para sa maraming Pilipino kapag sinabing Halal ang pagkain, ang unang 1. Sa isang malaking bowl, pagsama-samahin ang curry powder, paprika, tumatatak sa isipan ay pagkain para sa mga Muslim lamang pero kung ating cinnamon, at katas ng lemon, paghaluing mabuti. susuriin, ito ay maaari ding maging pagkain para sa lahat. 2. Ilagay ang pinakuluang laman ng baka at ibabad ng 30 minuto. Narito ang ilang mga pagkaing halal na maaari nating lutuin at ihain sa ating 3. Sa isang palayok, magpainit ng mantika at iprito ang ibinabad na karne hapag-kainan. ng baka. Itabi. 4. Igisa ang bawang at sibuyas sa palayok na ginamit at ilagay ang karne, Pastil lagyan ng dahon ng laurel, ibuhos ang sabaw ng nilaga at ang gata Mga sangkap: (ikalawang piga) at pakuluan ng 40 minuto sa mahinang apoy. 1 kilo manok 5. Ilagay ang tomato paste, peanut butter, tanglad, sili at pakuluan ng 30 4 tasa bigas (puti) minuto. 1 sibuyas (ginayat nang pino) 6. Idagdag ang gata (unang piga) at hayaang maluto sa loob ng 15 minuto, 3 kutsara mantika timplahan ng asin at paminta ayon sa panlasa. ¼ tasa toyo 7. Hanguin at ihain. ½ tasa suka ½ kutsarita paminta Ginataang katipa asin Mga sangkap: dahon ng saging 5 hito Paraan ng pagluluto: 1 niyog, kinudkod 1. Isaing ang bigas, itabi. 2 tasa gata ng niyog 2. Hiwain ang manok at pakuluan hanggang lumambot. 2 sibuyas (malalaki) 3. Palamigin ang manok bago gawing flakes. 6 na butil ng bawang 4. Magpainit ng mantika sa kawali, igisa ang sibuyas sa mahinang apoy. ½ tasa dahon ng sibuyas Ilagay ang manok, timplahan ng asin at paminta. palapa (toasted grated coconut) 5. Iluto ng 10 minuto, ilagay ang suka at toyo. Hayaang maluto hanggang siling labuyo (para sa palapa) magmantika. Hanguin. luya 6. Maglagay ng katamtamang dami ng kanin sa dahon ng saging at lagyan asin ito ng nilutong chicken adobo flakes at balutin. Paggawa ng Palapa 7. Ihain ng mainit Ilagay sa kawali ang kinudkod na niyog, lagyan ng kaunting asin at isalang sa apoy hanggang sa medyo maglangis ng kaunti at magkulay light brown, Beef Kulma lagyan ng siling labuyo (puwedeng ’di lagyan kung ayaw ng maanghang). Mga sangkap: Hanguin. 1 kilo karne ng baka, hiniwa ng pakwadrado, nilaga Paraan ng pagluluto: 3 kutsarang peanut butter 1. Linisin ang hito, lagyan ng kaunting asin at ihawin. Hatiin ng 3 piraso ½ tasa gata ng niyog (unang piga) bawat isa, itabi. 3 tasa gata ng niyog (pangalawang piga) 2. Maggisa ng bawang, sibuyas, at luya. Ilagay ang hito. ½ tasa tomato paste 3. Ibuhos ang gata at ilagay ang ginawang palapa. 1 kutsarita paprika powder 4. Takpan hanggang sa maluto. Hanguin. 2 kutsara curry powder 5. Budburan ng dahon ng sibuyas bago ihain. 1 kutsara cinnamon powder Sinaliksik ni Marites Madera Aggie Trends | January 2019 8

GIAN JANUARY 2019 AGGIE TRENDS.indd 8 1/30/19 11:05 AM