July - September 2019 Vol. 28 No. 3 Bicol is free from African Swine Fever (ASF) RCEF to benefit rice farmers in 59 Bicol pork is safe to eat LGUs in Bicol DA Bicol OIC Regional by Annielyn L. Baleza Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla led the swine industry stakeholders to a “boodle fight” Rice farmers in 59 of lechon and other pork dishes municipal and city local to assure the public that it is safe government units (LGUs) to eat pork as the Bicol Region is in Bicol will benefit from free from African Swine Fever the P3 billion-worth Rice (ASF). Heads of DA attached Competitiveness Enhancement agencies such as the National Fund (RCEF) Seed Program Meat Inspection Service to be implemented by the (Please turn to page 11) Department of Agriculture Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) beginning DA Bicol engages LGUs to buy this dry season 2020. At the Social Mobilization palay from local farmers by Lovella P. Guarin cum Consultation Among LGUs on RCEF-Seed Program NAGA CITY – To engage the Implementation for Camarines support and involvement of Sur Province held in DA the Local Government Units Regional Field Office on August (LGUs) in addressing the dip in 23, 2019, PhilRICE-Bicol prices of palay, DA Bicol OIC Project Development Officer II Regional Executive Director (Please turn to page 15) Rodel P. Tornilla invited the governors and the provincial Francis Bichara expressed his agriculturists for a meeting on support and shared his vision to Tornilla is new OIC RED of DA 5 last September. put up rice milling and drying by Lovella P. Guarin DA 5 OIC Director Tornilla facilities to be operated by the echoed DA Secretary William PLGU in Albay. He however Rodel P. Tornilla is the Dar’s call for Provincial LGUs raised the issue on the conflict 15th OIC Regional Executive (PLGUs) to allocate funds to with the provisions of RA 9184 Director (RED) of the bankroll palay-buying, drying, or the government procurement Department of Agriculture milling and rice marketing. reform act if the PLGUs will RFO 5. His appointment (S.O Tornilla also bared Secretary engage in palay trading as the 411) was signed by Secretary Dar’s arrangement with the latter is only allowed by law to Emmanuel F. Piñol last May Land Bank of the Philippines to engage in business enterprise 2, 2019 but he assumed the open a loan window for palay if there is a declaration of a position on July 1, 2019 after procurement particularly to the state of calamity. The other the optional retirement of PLGUs. former RED Elena B. delos (Please turn to page 6) Albay Governor Al (Please turn to page 9) Rodel P. Tornilla EDITORIAL Rice Tarrification Law a bitter pill to resuscitate the rice industry

The Rice Tarrification Law is a bitter was even long overdue as the Philippine system, lack of appropriate post-harvest pill that we Filipinos have to swallow to has to abide by its international trade facilities and infrastructures; conversion resuscitate our ailing rice industry. The law agreement obligation in order to spare it of agricultural lands and steady decline in was intended to make more rice available from being economically-sanctioned by the agriculture labor force. This is further in the market as our country is not rice its trading partners under the World Trade exacerbated by the fact that the agriculture self-sufficient. We import an average of 5 Organization. The implementation of the sector has not been getting the attention to 10 percent of our national requirements. law became even more urgent last year to and budgetary support it rightfully It also aims to address all obstacles to a arrest the fast rising prices where inflation deserves. competitive market, and is expected to hit 5.7 in July and 6.7 in September and to One good result that the uproar about result in a decline of rice prices. Thus, prevent food crisis. the implementation of the Rice Tarrification alongside with the implementation of the Thus, with the removal of the Law and the resounding lament of our Law , our economic managers pushed for quantitative restrictions on rice followed local farmers for the plummeting low the creation of the Rice Competitiveness the entry of cheap rice from Asian price of their palay is that it has brought Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and countries, subsequently, the inflation rate to the fore the deeply rooted, structurally immediate completion of the national rice started going down. But our country’s rice -flawed and economic inefficiencies of our roadmap to guide how government funds industry has to pay a big cost. Unscrupulous rice industry. We cannot afford to ignore should be programmed to fully support rice traders including prominent and well- them now. Our rice industry must be the plan. Through the RCEF, more than placed business oligarchs began importing given all the assistance it can get. Our local P10 billion from the tariff proceeds will huge quantities of rice. With rice traders rice farmers need help now more than be allocated to finance the promotion, shifting from buying local palay to buying ever. What they need are long term or acquisition, distribution of certified seeds, cheap imported rice outright, demand for permanent solutions not just palliatives. farm machineries, postharvest facilities local rice abruptly went down. And with The Department of Agriculture under and other infrastructures, extension and the imported rice in great abundance, the watch of Sec. William Dar has laid training support and credit assistance to Filipino rice farmers have to suffer the down a “New Thinking” and 8 Paradigms farmers listed in the Registry System for consequences as prices for our local to transform and level up Agriculture Basic Sectors in Agriculture and accredited farmers’ harvest began plummeting. . The secretary also rallies everyone to cooperatives and associations. These While the implementation of the Rice “Bring Hope and Touch the Hearts” of our interventions are expected to improve rice Tarrification Law might have triggered Farmers who have been driven to Despair. farmer’s efficiency and productivity and this scenario, there are other factors that With this is also the appeal to the patriotic enhance their competitiveness. contributed to the current status and sense of our traders and businessmen not The enactment and implementation downtrend of our country’s rice industry. to exploit but alleviate our farmers so of the Rice Tarrification Law is expected The main factors which are structural, that they will not be forced to abandon to be met with opposition by some deeply-rooted and long-standing that have farming but continue to provide food for sectors and is not without its birth pangs put the rice industry in the doldrums are: all Filipinos while they too are earning an as it opened our gates to cheap imported high production cost ; low farm gate price; increased income and living a prosperous rice. But it is a necessary gambit which lack of access to credit, poor irrigation life.

Published quarterly by the Re-entered as a Second Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Class Mail Matter at Information Section of the Department the Pili Post Office, Pili, of Agriculture, Regional Field Office No. 5 San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur Camarines Sur under Tel No.(054) 477-5113 Fax 477-0381 Permit No. 2019-17 E-mail Address: [email protected] on March 25, 2019

Editor-in-Chief: Emilia B. Bordado Advisers: Writers: Lovella P. Guarin Dr. Elena B. Delos Santos Jayson M. Gonzales Regional Executive Director Blesilda A. Nuñez Annielyn L. Baleza Dr. Edgar R. Madrid Michelle Angela G. Alfigura Regional Technical Director Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez for Research and Regulations Lay-out Artist: Lovella P. Guarin Lita V. Estrella Photographer/Liason Officer: Marites Dilla Mr. Rodel P. Tornilla Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr. Vincent Emil Pasumbal OIC Regional Technical Director Illustrators: Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos Records Unit for Operations and Extension Ramon C. Adversario

2 UMAsenso July - September 2019 Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) she underscored. PRDP-funded enterprise subprojects in the I-REAP is one of the four components of PRDP that provides technical, financial works for Bicol’s cassava, coconut and swine and infrastructure support to eligible groups in targeted project areas within the priority value chains identified under the PILI, CAMARINES SUR – Enterprise of the enterprise, business overview, Provincial Commodity Investment Plans development subprojects on cassava, input, process, output (IPO) matrix, (PCIPs). Through I-REAP, the PRDP coconut and swine being proposed for production assumption, marketing plan, aims to strengthen and develop viable funding under the Philippine Rural investment needed and initial cost sharing agriculture- and fishery-based enterprises to Development Project (PRDP) in Bicol computation. achieve its project development objectives are now being crafted. PRDP-Bicol is DA-Bicol Regional Technical of increasing annual real household currently assisting four municipal local Director for Operations and PRDP-Bicol annual income of farmer and fisherfolk government units and proponent groups in Deputy Project Director Adelina Losa beneficiaries by at least 5 percent per preparing business plans for the proposed sought the MPMIUs and PGs’ cooperation year and raising the incomes for targeted Investments in Rural Enterprises and in complying with the requirements of the beneficiaries involved in enterprise Agriculture and Fisheries Productivity Project. development by at least 30 percent. PRDP- (I-REAP) subprojects in Bula, Goa “Hindi namin yan magagawa na funded I-REAP subprojects are also and Lupi, in Camarines Sur and Jose ma-approve by September kung walang projected to increase the value of annual Panganiban, Camarines Norte. cooperation from you (Without your marketed output by 7 percent. (Annielyn At the Business Planning Workshop cooperation, we won’t be able to have these L. Baleza) for the Proposed I-REAP Subprojects business plans approved by September),” in Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte held on July 30-31, 2019 at the Department of Agriculture regional office this municipality, PRDP-Bicol Business Development Officer Patrocinio Collao Letters I discussed the PRDP I-REAP process, Samahan ng mga Magsasaka ng Calalahan economic and financial analysis, and business plan outline which includes a Zone 5, Calalahan, San Jose, Camarines Sur description of the business enterprise, market analysis, operation plan, financial RODEL P. TORNILLA plan, economic impact and sustainability OIC, Regional Executive Director mechanism of the subproject. The Department of Agriculture RFO 5 Project’s Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Project Development San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur Associate Cherry Soribello also oriented the participants on the Social Safeguards Sir: aspects of the business plan including the subproject beneficiaries, Grievance Warmest greetings! Redress Mechanism Framework, and social and environmental impacts of the SAMACA is a DOLE Registered farmers’ association with Registration subproject. Number RO500-CS-1103-050-16 effective November 3, 2016 with domicile Members of the Municipal Project at Zone 5, Calalahan, San Jose. Presently, SAMACA has 50 active members Management and Implementation Units with 70.25 hectares farming area at the aforementioned locality. Each farmer- (MPMIUs) of the aforementioned member intends to improve palay production and postharvest operations. municipalities attended the activity along with the officers of their respective Hence, in behalf of the association, SAMACA is expressing its deepest proponent groups (PG) that qualified during gratitiude for the one (1) unit of palay thresher and one (1) unit handtractor the PG selection namely the Bula Farmers with trailer you have granted to the association. It is of great help to the Cooperative (BUFACO), the Maymatan association, to its farmer members and the locality as a whole. Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, Lupi That’s why we thank you for the whole hearted support you have Organic Farmers Agribusiness Association (LOFAA) and the San Rafael Small given to the association. We thank you so much! Coconut Farmers’ Association. More power and God bless. Collao and Soribello together with Business Development Officer Engr. Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez Very truly yours, Lita V. Estrella Marianne Ariño, Budget Analyst Francis Llesis and I-REAP Project Development Marites Dilla MELCHOR C. LLAGAS Vincent Emil Pasumbal Associate Angelica Peñano assisted the Records Unit participants in preparing their workshop (Signed) SAMACA President outputs which consisted of the objectives

July - September 2019 UMAsenso 3 2nd Agri Summit brings gov’t and private sector together CSCCI in partnership with the The Department of provincial government of Cam. Agriculture in partnership with Sur. the Camarines Sur Chamber Visitors to the event had of Commerce (CSCCI) staged the chance to attend techno the 2nd Bicol Agri Summit seminars on the following which featured trade fairs, topics: Rice Competitiveness exhibit of innovative products Enhancement Program and and technologies and techno Rice Model Farm; Fall Army seminars to help farmers Worm; Organic Agriculture; improve farm productivity. Agricultural Credit Policy Over 2,000 farmers trooped Program; Financial Literacy; to the Camarines Sur Capitol Native Chicken and Duck Convention Center on August Raising; African Swine Fever 29 to 31, 2019 to take part in Policies and Management; the summit which is one of Swine Genomics and Breeding the events in the Camarines Technology; Aquaponics; Sur Business Expo being Crops Insurance; and Cacao conducted annually by the (Please turn to page 8) Farmers Assn. received P55.2M worth farm machineries SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, 87 units thresher; 12 units CAMARINES SUR – The walk behind transplanter; 2 Department of Agriculture units riding type transplanter; 4 distributed various farm units floating tiller; 9 units seed machineries and equipment spreader; 8 units reaper 23 units totaling P55.2 Million to 130 PISOS; and 32 units shallow farmers’ associations from tube well. Albay, Camarines Norte, Meanwhile, under the Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon. Corn Program, 12 farmers The mass distribution was held associations and cooperatives at the Farmers’ Hall, DA RFO received 4 multi crop drying 5 compound here on July 29, pavements; 1 unit mobile 2019. recirculating batch type dryer; Among the equipment 3 units mechanical corn sheller; distributed which were funded 2 units combine harvesters; and under the Rice Program 1 unit PISOS. include: 2 units 4WD tractor; Dr. Mary Grace DP. 4 units combine harvester DC Rodriguez, OIC Chief of Field 35; 5 units combine harvester Operations Division said that DC 70; 46 units handtractor; with the DA’s limited budget, strict screening is being done machineries are DA’s support to based on the guidelines to the farmers to ease farm labor select the most qualified from planting up to harvesting. associations from the numerous On the current problem of low organized groups that submitted buying price of palay, Alvina their intent to avail of the urged the farmers’ association machineries. to strengthen their business Dr. Rodriguez also urged model and networking. the associations to employ The chairperson/presidents strategies in order to maximize of the associations, together the use of the equipment given with their municipal/city by the DA. agriculturists, personally Lorenzo L. Alvina, DA received the equipment and Bicol Rice and Corn Program machineries. (Lovella P. Coordinator said that the Guarin)

4 UMAsenso July - September 2019 Taskforce on rice pool resources to help Bicol farmers PILI, CAMARINES SUR – competitiveness of the livestock To address the plummeting industry in the Philippines. farmgate price of palay, the Task Other immediate action plans Force on Rice crafted action will be the establishment and plans to help Bicolano rice identification of pick up points farmers. In a meeting presided for faster and easier collection by Department of Agriculture- of palay by NFA and private and Employment (DOLE), Bicol Rice and Corn Program corporations. This will be production-related costs’ Coordinator Lorenzo L. Alvina Department of Social Welfare PCIC insurance coverage, facilitated by the Cooperative and Development (DSWD) on September 11, 2019 at the Development Authority and implementing additional DA-Bicol Compound, this and the Department of Public mitigation measures to alleviate (CDA), RPCs, FCAs, local Works and Highways (DPWH) municipality, the Task Force on government units and partner the plight of affected rice Rice agreed to pool concerned will be at the forefront in farmers. buyers. The Department of accelerating Cash for Work agencies’ resources in providing Trade and Industry, Bureau The Task Force on Rice immediate interventions. Programs for affected rice was created by the Regional of Agriculture and Fisheries farmers. The Philippine Crop Among the Task Force’s Standards (BAFS), LGUs Development Council, the top priorities are providing Insurance Corporation (PCIC) highest policy-making body in and Municipal Agriculture also commit to simplify logistics support during the Offices will take charge of the region chaired by Legazpi peak of harvesting season existing procedures to expedite City Mayor Noel E. Rosal, proper source labeling of rice smallholder farmers’ crop by the DA National Food products in the market. The during its third quarter meeting Authority; intensifying joint insurance claims, particularly held on September 6, 2019. Philippine Information Agency in areas declared under State of venture as well as private (PIA) as well as all agencies It is composed of DA, CDA, and public partnership. With Calamity. DSWD, NFA, NIA, RAFC, and stakeholders will advocate At the said meeting, the the DA Agribusiness and buying of local rice to support PMS, DILG, Department of Marketing Assistance Division Regional Agricultural Fishery Tourism, Technical Education Bicolano rice farmers. Council also presented its as lead agency, in collaboration The DA-Bicol, Department and Skills Development with the Rice Processing Technical Working Group Authority (TESDA). of Agrarian Reform and private on Rice Policy Resolutions Centers (RPCs), Chambers investors are also planning to Comparative data from of Commerce and the Palaya which recommended DA-Bicol AMAD shows that as adopt the Rice Model Farm and enhancing market linkage Agri Ventures, a company similar projects to help reduce of September 2019, the average dedicated to reduce poverty, with the DSWD’s Pantawid local buying price of fresh play the rice farmers’ production Pamilyang Pilipino Program increase the income of farmers cost. Meanwhile, the National dipped by P3 to P5 and P2.50 to and farm workers through (4Ps), amending the DA-NFA P7.00 for dry palay from 2017- Irrigation Authority (NIA), incentive scheme, increasing improved productivity and the Department of Labor 2019. (Annielyn L. Baleza) Public Private Partnership Palaya Agri Ventures buys fresh palay from Bicolano farmers LIBMANAN, CAMARINES SUR - Palaya Agri Ventures started buying fresh palay at Barangay Aslong, Libmanan, Camarines Sur today on Sept 18. The private company aims to buy 25 tons of fresh palay initially from our local farmers at P3.00 higher than the prevailing price in the area. Jojo Elvira, regional manager of the private group was joined by DA Bicol OIC Regional DA Bicol also deployed a rice combine harvester (photo below) Technical Director for Operations Adelina A. Losa on to help farmers in harvesting their palay. For the use of the combine the first day of palay buying. harvester, the farmer will pay 3 cavans for every 100 cavans harvested instead of the usual 10% payment for every 100 cavans, to the harvester operator. Mar Bustarga of Rice Program said that Palaya Agri Ventures has procured a total of 50 tons fresh palay as of September 30, 2019.

July - September 2019 UMAsenso 5 Search is on for Best Gulayan sa Paaralan implementer in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY – The search is on for the best implementer of the Department of Agriculture’s Gulayan sa Paaralan in Bicol 2019. This was announced by DA-Bicol High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Report Officer Renato D. Acacio during the HVCDP 3rd Quarter Provincial and Municipal Agricultural Extension Workers review by evaluators from DA- scrapbook to the DA Regional while agriculture was rated 31st (AEWs) Meeting and Workshop Bicol and the Department of Field Office 5 will be on thus, promoting agriculture in held in this city on September Education-Bicol. October 25, 2019 at 5 p.m. Top schools through the Gulayan sa 12-13, 2019. Nominees will be evaluated five schools will be selected Paaralan program is a strategic Public primary and based on compliance with the during the technical review way of intensifying the DA’s secondary schools in Bicol required land area as well as and will be visited for final site advocacy of engaging the with at least a minimum of 200 on the level of participation, validation. youth in agricultural-related square meter vacant lot for use as management skills, resource Winners will receive activities. school garden, or the equivalent generation, technical skills and plaques of awards and agri- The Gulayan sa Paaralan in several land patches are decision making demonstrated inputs worth P10,000 to was reintroduced to 720 primary qualified to participate in the at their school gardening P30,000 during the awarding and secondary schools in Bicol contest. Schools that do not activities. The Best Gulayan ceremonies in November 2019. in 2018. In 2019, the program have vacant lot but have adopted sa Paaralan Contest also puts Acacio urged the AEWs engaged about 920 schools container gardening technology premium on innovativeness, to provide technical support regionwide. By promoting self- in a consolidated land area value adding, and program to participating schools, help food production activities equivalent to 200 square impact as well as presence of especially the teachers. He also and values among school meters may also join. Only one composting facility, creativity, cited an online survey which children, the program aims to nominee per school division use of recycled materials and showed that education ranked support the Department’s goal with complete portfolio shall be documentation. second among the social causes of achieving food security and subjected to regional technical Deadline of submission of that millennials are interested in self-sufficiency.Annielyn ( L. Baleza)

yearly consumption of rice subsidy in palay-buying. DA Bicol engages LGUs ... (from page 1) for their local programs and The Agribusiness and projects can reach up to 75,000 Marketing Assistance Division PLGUs contended that based Provincial Agriculturist Nestor bags. (AMAD) presented a monthly on their experiences, if an LGU Nava said that they are helping During last week’s meeting monitoring report on the average has a business model and has farmers reduce production cost with Agriculture Secretary local buying price of fresh and allocated funds for its working by subsidizing or offering to William Dar, the PLGU of dry palay in Camarines Sur and capital, trading of agricultural farmers the use of the LGU’s Cam. Sur represented by Albay randomly gathered from products can be allowed. This facilities for free during land Congressman LRay Villafuerte commercial rice traders and is currently being implemented preparation and harvesting of pledged its support. DA funded Rice Processing by the PLGU Cam. Norte in palay. The respective provincial Camarines Sur is Centers being operated by their AgriPinoy Pinoy Trading agriculturists of Masbate and considered as the rice granary farmers’ associations. The Center (APTC) located at Catanduanes admitted that they of the region having over report showed that in August, Vinzons. are not experiencing problems 82,000 hectares of rice areas the buying price of dry palay in Other PLGUs are also as the palay price has rather and attaining an annual rice Camarines Sur was P18.15 and conceptualizing their own increased in these provinces. production of more than P14.47 for fresh (wet) palay. business models to help in Cam. Sur OIC Provincial 600,000 metric tons. In Albay province, dry palay buying farmers’ palay this Agriculturist Luzena Bermeo, Meanwhile, Lorenzo was bought at P18.38 while the coming harvest season. Cam. on the other hand, said that the Alvina, DA Rice and Corn fresh (wet) palay buying price Norte Provincial Agriculturist PLGU of Cam. Sur has already Program regional coordinator, was P13.61 last month. Almirante Abad said that passed an ordinance in support presented different models Also present during the they will buy palay using the to rice subsidy program. They and good practices of PLGUs meeting were regional and business model employed will also buy palay from local in other regions which have provincial managers of the by the APTC. In Sorsogon, farmers as Camarines Sur’s already started providing National Food Authority,

6 UMAsenso July - September 2019 DA Bicol distributes 30,000 citronella tillers to prevent dengue CANAMAN, CAMARINES SUR – To halt the steady rise of dengue cases in Camarines Sur particularly in this municipality with over 80 reported cases in the last three months, the Department of Agriculture in tandem with the Tabang Bikol Movement has initiated the planting of citronella in barangays. On August 12, 2019, the DA Bicol

led by OIC Regional Executive Citronella works by Director Rodel P. Tornilla masking scents that are distributed 30,000 tillers of attractive to insects namely dengue in his municipality, 60 Survivors (PODIS) –Ilaw citronella, together with 1,000 carbon dioxide and lactic acid of which came from the coastal ng Kababaihan sa Canaman, pieces pili seedlings, 500 pieces in humans. barangay of Mangayawan. Irayangsolong Agriculture grafted cacao and 300 packets OIC RED Tornilla said During the mass Coop, and Isarog Garden vegetable seeds to some 300 that, aside from its strong smell distribution, Dr. Mary Society. beneficiaries of Tabang Bikol. which drives mosquitos away, Grace Rodriguez discussed Earlier this month, The mass distribution was held citronella can also be a source of the techniques in planting DA Bicol has turned over at the Mariners Polytechnic income as the extracts are used citronella. The plant needs a citronella oil extracting Colleges in Baras, Canaman. in making essential oils. Pili six hours of early morning machine to Tabang Bikol and cacao are also champion sunlight. One to two tillers through its Chairperson Evita commodities of Bicol due to the can be planted in the holes at a Jimenez-Tuazon. representatives from the LBP, big demand for confectioneries, distance of 0.6 x 1 meter. It can Citronella is a cogon-grass the Agricultural and Credit pili oil and chocolates here and be harvested after 8-9 months. look-alike which has various Policy Council (ACPC). abroad. Tornilla also reiterated OIC RED Tornilla and industrial uses. Its oil is highly As an immediate assistance the marching order of our new Tabang Bikol chairperson valued as it is used in perfumes, to rice farmers tilling less than Secretary William Dar to help Jimenez also signed a MOA soaps, spray, disinfectants, one hectare and affected by farmers double their income along with the recipients of paints and polish. At present, dwindling palay price, the DA in three years through crop the project namely: Philippine the Philippines still imports through the ACPC will give diversification. Coast Guard Authority, citronella oil for industrial P15,000 SURE-AID loan to Mayor Nelson Legaspi of Magarao People’s Council, consumption. ( farmers payable in 8 years Lovella P. Canaman said that as of July 31, Pili Peoples Council, People’s at zero (0) interest staring Guarin) there were 82 reported cases of Organization of Disaster September 19. The DA will also continue to give incentives to farmers’ organizations that will sell their palay to NFA based on the number of bags sold. The DA regional office will however issue a new guidelines to reduce the number of bags required to avail of the incentives in the form of farm machineries. This incentive scheme is on a first come first served basis.

July - September 2019 UMAsenso 7 DA rolls out 6th banner program - the Halal Food Industry Development Program NAGA CITY - The Department Law. Racmat added that it is of Agriculture is currently an Islamic value, a code for conducting across the country Muslim to consume only what an orientation and awareness is permissible and lawful by campaign on Halal Food Islam anchored on the principle underscored that the bottomline Industry Development Program of Thayyiban which refers is the implementation of the Rosita M. Imperial, DA (HFIDP) –its newest banner to wholesomeness, wherein Halal Program is food safety Bicol Chief of the Regulatory program in compliance with safety, cleanliness, nutrition and compliance with the Halal Division and Regional Focal the Republic Act No. 10817, and quality is assured. But requirements to make our person of HFIDP explained that or the Philippine Halal Export Halal is not only limited to products competitive especially DA’s role in the implementation Development and Promotion food but also includes non-food in the export market where of this program is more Act of 2016 .Engineer Ibrahim products. Halal certification is now a focused on the production and Racmat, the HFIDP National Over 50 participants consideration. postharvest aspect in the value Focal Person of the DA came consisting of leaders and Eng. Racmat also chain. She bared that so far the all the way from Manila to representatives of the Muslim discussed the concept, pili products ts of J. Emmanuel personally conduct the first communities, Officials principles and understanding of have already obtained Halal of a series of orientation and and representatives of the Halal and where the Religion certification. More Bicol awareness campaigns on this Provincial Agriculture Offices and Business intersect, the products and entrepreneurs latest program and provincial Veterinary Philippine National Halal have submitted their application According to Racmat, Halal Offices, DA regional officials Certification Scheme including for Halal certification which is a term from Qur’an which and staff attended said briefing the Food Safety Assurance is being done by an accredited means permitted, lawful, legal, held in one of the hotels in this Plan and the Halal agriculture third party accreditation ligitmate, allowed acceptable, city. and Fisheries and Halal feed body. A series orientation and unprohibited, or unforbidden, DA – Bicol Regional products. Meanwhile, Alfred information campaign activities free from impurities (when Technical Director for Transfiguracion Planning will also be conducted at the referring to food) and allowed Research and Regulations Officer III of HFIDP presented provincial levels. for consumption or to be eaten Dr. Edgar R. Madrid in his the Halal Food Industry Also discussed during in accordance with Shariah message to the participants Development Program and said activity were the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP Roadmap. Another Principles and Certification speaker, Jayson Ajero, Guidelines by Editha Pelin, Science Research Analyst Senior Agriculturist; Good of the Department of Animal Husbandry Practices Science and Technology (GAHP) Principles and (DOST) discussed the Practices and Organic mandate of their agency Agriculture Principles and on the Philippine halal Certification Guidelines by Export Development and Ailyn Rafer, Regional Organic Promotion Act of 2016 Agriculture Focal Person. and Halal Opportunities. (Emily B. Bordado)

2nd Agri... (from page 4) as it is key to be competitive That’s why I keep on coming for Promotion and Investment with our Asian counterparts. back here, said Villar. in Regional Expositions) Farming. That is why she espoused DA Bicol OIC Regional being implemented by the Senator Cynthia Villar, the rice tarrification law which Executive Director Rodel P. Agribusiness and Marketing Chairperson of the Senate will provide P10 billion Rice Tornilla, in his message lauded Assistance Division for three Committee on Agriculture, Competitiveness Enhancement the agri summit as a form years now. was the guest of honor during Fund (RCEF). of public and private sector Meanwhile, the summit. She cited the “50% of the country’s partnership where synergy and Governor Miguel Luis barriers confronting farmers rice production is produced by collaboration is very evident. Villafuerte announced in which could be solved if only 10 provinces (Cagayan “Providing support to regional January 2020, the provincial farmers will be entrepreneurs. Valley, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, expositions such as the Cam. LGU will enlist Youth Agri This could be possible, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Camarines Sur Business Expo is one of the Scholars to be sent to other according to her, with Sur, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, department’s thrusts under its countries to study agriculture. agricultural mechanization Leyte and North Cotabato). ASPIRE (Agribusiness Support (Lovella P. Guarin)

8 UMAsenso July - September 2019 AMAD links local farmers Tornilla is new OIC ... (from page 1) to supermarket chain Santos on June 30, 2019. also conferred with NFA and SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, 1,000 kilos kalamansi; 1,000 At 45 years old, OIC PCA officials and Local Chief CAMARINES SUR – Over kilos ampalaya and eggplant; RED Rodel is the youngest Executives on the on-going 30 farmers’ organizations in minimum of 1,500 kilos squash; director to be entrusted and proposed projects in their Camarines Sur, engaged in 2,000 kilos sweet potato; with the highest post at the respective provinces. commercial production of agri- 10,000 kilos watermelon; and DA regional field office in An economist, OIC commodities, have a bright 200-300 kilos oyster mushroom Bicol. On his first week as RED Rodel graduated Cum market prospect as the Libertad per week. OIC RED, he immediately Laude with the degree of Consumers Corporation (LCC) Among the participating conferred with the different BS in Agriculture major in decided to buy directly from farmers’ organizations during divisions and operating units Agricultural Economics at the farmers/producers. the market matching were: of the DA regional office to Central Bicol State University “Our goal is to have 50% Agripreneur Farmers and lay out his plans and know of Agriculture. He also tucked to 60% of our products in Producers Association based in their predicaments. He (Turn to page 13) fresh agri produce category. Libmanan, Cam. Sur (producer Hindi na delata kase marami of hot pepper, kalamansi na ang nagkakasakit,” said and lowland vegetables); Aldrin Borbe, group category Binanuanan Farmers of Pili, head of LCC during the Cam. Sur (supplier of hot Market Matching on Fruits pepper, pole sitao, cucumber and Vegetables held on July and gabi); Naga City Organic 29, 2019 at DA RFO 5 training Farmers Association (supplier hall. of cucumber, lettuce, hot “This time, LCC na pepper and kalamansi); The ang mamimili as opposed Agri Planters and Producers to concessionaires where Farmers Association of Tigaon, quality and pricing are not Cam. Sur (producer of organic controlled. Before, we dealt vegetables, lettuce, ginger with traders which resulted and gabi); Magarao Vegetable Pili Vegetable Aldrin Borbe, group to very expensive products Farmers Association (producer Growers Ass category head of LCC. which are not affordable to the of cucumber); Cam. Sur (producers consumers,” Borbe added. Multipurpose Coop (Pamplona of lowland He also urged the agri East and West cluster) vegetables); producers to look at this (producer of cucumber, squash, Bicol Entrep initiative as a partnership. ampalaya, pole sitao); Cri- Assn for There is no seasonality as the San Vegetable Growers Assn Mushroom demand for fresh produce is on of Lupi, Cam. Sur (producer and Pili a daily basis, Borbe quipped. of eggplant, cucumber, pole vegetable Adelina A. Losa, OIC sitato, and squash); May-ogob growers. Some of these volume of production at the Regional Technical Director ARB Coop of Ocampo, Cam. associations are also included for Operations and chief of Sur (producer of cucumber and time when it is needed by the in the group of OMAsenso buyer to facilitate sustainability Agribusiness and Marketing lettuce); Lupi HVC Growers sa Kabuhayan Farmers being Assistance Division (AMAD) (producer of hot pepper, of supply and ensure that supported by Vice President the farmer-producers get the urged the farmers to put eggplant, pole sitao); Minalabac Leni Robredo. premium to product quality to Farmers Assn (producer of reasonable price for their fresh OIC RTD Losa said that products. be competitive. lowland vegetables); Nabua AMAD has already prepared LCC has 80 stores in 50 Gabi Farmers Assn (producer The AMAD also conducted a plan to help the farmers similar market matching towns and cities in the Bicol of dried gabi leaves); Sto. Nino come up with the required region. Due to the growing activities in Cam. Norte, Albay consumer interest in obtaining and Sorsogon. (Lovella P. fresh products, especially Guarin) produce directly from the farm, LCC has tapped the DA On July 31, AMAD together to match them to the farmer- with Romy Tan, LCC producers. Executive Director, visited To support its chain papaya and pineapple of supermarkets, the LCC producers in Sorsogon requires the following fresh and were able to close a produce on a weekly basis: weekly delivery deal for 1,500 to 2,000 kilos of native three stores of LCC in tomato every week; at least Albay. July - September 2019 UMAsenso 9 DA Bicol hosts South Luzon Cluster Rice OPAg-Camarines Norte (3), “This Rice Achievers Achievers 2018 Awarding Masbate City (1), San Jose, Awarding will inspire more The Department of Likewise, DA-Bicol Camarines Sur (4), OPAg- Agricultural Extension Workers Agriculture (DA) conferred the newly-designated Regional Albay (1) and Pioduran (1). as soldiers of the kingdom of 2018 Rice Achievers Awards Executive Director Rodel P. Meanwhile, special the Department of Agriculture (RAA) to 74 agricultural Tornilla reminded the awardees recognition was given to to strive more. Therefore, it extension workers (AEWs) that more than the accolades that Genaro A. Tamon Jr., a Hall will never deplete the purpose and 11 local farmer technicians they received from the agency, of Famer for winning three of encouraging commitment (LFTs) from Calabarzon, what is more important is how consecutive years in the among the local government Mimaropa and Bicol during the they inspire the rice farmers to Outstanding LFT category. units… We are doing this South Luzon Cluster Awarding increase their harvest and how The Outstanding LFT Award not for ourselves but for our Ceremonies for CY 2018 RAA. they encourage their colleagues was also given to Librado clienteles—the farmers,” DA-Bicol hosted the event in Nuñez said. Naga City on July 24, 2019. Meanwhile, Banastao reassured the DA Management that the LFTs will continue to help strengthen the agriculture sector by intensifying their support services to the LGUs and fellow farmers. He also reiterated their request for an increase in their incentive. Amelia Ramos, Outstanding LFT of Buenavista, Quezon, thanked the DA for its staunch support saying “Salamat di to persevere. Banastao Jr. of Canaman, kami iniwan ng DA.” The RAA recognized the Five of the 27 Outstanding CamSur, Salvacion C. Buena Carlo Realeza, Outstanding dedicated efforts of the local AEWs from Bicol were of Canaman, Camarines Sur, AEW of Siniloan, Laguna, said government stakeholders and declared as Hall of Famers this Dominador R. Paa of Canaman, that the recognition he received agri extension workers to boost year namely Anicia P. Mancita Camarines Sur Rolando B. is a fruit of the interdependence the country’s rice production. of Magarao, Camarines Sur, Oliver of Magarao, Camarines and unity among the farmers, Each awardee received a plaque Janice B. Orciga of Iriga City, Sur, and Arnufo D. Bernas of LGUs and the DA. of recognition and cash award Camarines Sur, Julieta G. Magarao, Camarines Sur. Dr. Santiago R. Obien, worth P20,000 to encourage Deris of Nabua, Camarines Rodolfo Nuñez Jr., DA National Rice Program their commitment and excellent Sur, Rosa V. Belgica of Outstanding AEW from Consultant; Emerson S. Yago, performance. Canaman, Camarines Sur and Canaman, Camarines Sur and Planning Officer III of the DA DA Assistant Secretary Celedonio O. Elevado Jr. of Librado Banastao, Outstanding National Rice P r o g r a m ; Designate for Planning and Nabua, Camarines Sur. Other LFT from Canaman, Camarines Dennis Arpia, OIC-Regional Project Development Carlos winners for the 2018 RAA Sur, shared their success stories Technical Director (RTD) for L. Magnaye graced the event. Outstanding AEW category as well as their struggles in Operations and Extension Magnaye addressed the were from Magarao (1), Office assisting rice farmers in the of DA-Calabarzon; Ronie F awardees as modern heroes of the Provincial Agriculturist region. Nuñez asked the DA Panoy, RTD for Operations and and acknowledged their (OPAg) in Sorsogon (5), officials to remember the plight Extension of DA-Mimaropa contributions to the agriculture Iriga City, Camarines Sur (2), of AEWs and LFTs, particularly and Adelina A. Losa, RTD sector. He also challenged Tabaco City, Albay (1), Nabua, those devolved in 4th, 5th and for Operations and Extension them to promote the adoption Camarines Sur (3), OPAg- 6th class municipalities by of DA-Bicol also graced the of modern technology among Camarines Sur (1) Canaman, pushing for the approval of the activity. local farmers. Camarines Sur (3), Manito (1), Magna Carta for AEW. (Please turn to page 17)

10 UMAsenso July - September 2019 VP Robredo graces ASPIRE event NAGA CITY - Vice President beneficiaries served or number Ma. Leonor (Leni) G. Robredo of goods or interventions graces this year’s staging provided. “We should focus of the ASPIRE event in her more on the impact on the home city on July 10, 2019 income and the social benefits which showcased the various of these assistance on the life of agricultural products of some the people we are assisting.” 70 local farmers, processors She underscored the need to and small and medium take into account the current entrepreneurs. ASPIRE which needs and baseline data when stands for Agribusiness Support providing intervention and for Promotion and Investment assistance to farmers and other in Regional Expositions is a stakeholders. She cited the program of the Department result of the survey conducted of Agriculture which aims by her office prior to their Executive Director Rodel and fishermen's incomes, and to bridge the gap between launching of her Angat Buhay P. Tornilla pointed out that bridging gaps through public- the farmers, producers and Program. According to her the the ASPIRE program is a private partnerships, thereby processors, buyers, investors survey result showed that most convergence undertaking of improving their quality of life." and consumers. farmers in Camarines Sur plant government and private sector The law signed by the president In her message the vice eggplant. “ But this is not what which aims to integrate efforts on April 17 establishes the president urged for a change most business establishments in the entire agri-business Farmers and Fisherfolk or shift in the mindset of and restaurants and traders in value chain. Thus, the DA has Enterprise Development program implementers. She the province need. So there partnered with the Philippine Program, a comprehensive said that development program is a mismatch and we need to Chamber of Commerce and set of objectives, targets, and implementers should not address this,” she underscored. Industry, the Metro Naga holistic approach in promoting measure success or outcome For his part newly designated Chamber of Commerce, the establishment of enterprise in terms of the number of DA – Bicol OIC- Regional the Provincial Chamber of involving agricultural and Commerce, the DTI and the fishery products. City government of Naga and To oversee the Bicol pork is safe ... (from page 1) other partners. He assured of implementation of the program, DA’s commitment to help the the law creates the Farmers and Bureau of local producers and SMEs and Fisherfolk Enterprise Animal Industry and to aggressively promote Development Council, (BAI) Veterinary Bicol’s regional commodities which will be chaired by DA Quarantine such as pili, abaca, gabi and Secretary or his duly authorized Services were queen pineapple. He said that at representative who is at least an present, as well the regional level the ASPIRE undersecretary. as heads of Program is being orchestrated Members include one the Provincial by the Agribusiness Marketing representative each from the Agriculture Office Assistance Division (AMAD). DTI, the DILG, the Department of Camarines Sur, Clarin P. Tobias, the of Finance, the Cooperative Phil. Information regional governor of the Development Authority, Agency (PIA), PCCI explained that the role a national organization of and Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Private of the business sector in said farmers cooperatives or feed millers and other swine industry stakeholders, members of the convergence is to mentor the associations, and a national media and DA employees also joined the boodle fight which was small and medium entrepreneurs organization of fisherfolk co-sponsored by the Univet Nutrition and Animal Healthcare Co. in terms of determining costing, cooperatives or associations; or UNAHCO. innovations, improving quality and two representatives from and value adding. the agriculture, food, restaurant Meanwhile, Dir. Bernadette and business sectors. F. San Juan, DA Director of the Also present during the Agribusiness and Marketing opening ceremonies of the Assistance Service who came 4-day event were : Naga City all the way from Quezon City vice-mayor Cecilia V. de Asis; announces the good news that DTI director Edna Tejada; DA will now be implementing Ferdinand D. Sia, president the Sagip Saka Act or R.A. of MNCI along with other 11321 which aimed at "helping MNCCI officers; Adelina A. the agricultural and fishing Losa , Chief of DA 5-AMAD. communities reach their full (Emily B. Bordado) potential, increasing farmers'

July - September 2019 UMAsenso 11 Want to De-stress? --Hie off to Mirisbiris and By Emily B. Bordado immerse in nature’s bliss he town of Sto. they settled in the US and built Down below the property Domingo in Albay their family there. They have about a 10 to 15 minutes’ walk Tprovince is known for two children. She pursued a is the couple’s home and Villa its beaches and proximity to degree in Nursing and earned Serena guest house fronting the Mayon volcano. But there is a a Masters Degree in Nursing Albay Gulf where tiny coral new spot in this town which is and worked as a Family Nurse polyps and other marine life attracting tourists even locals. Practitioner. But after their build a reef and provide habitat The Mirisbiris and Nature retirement they decided to or sanctuary for varied colored Garden along the road to return to the Philippines and reef fishes. The iconic majestic Barangay Salvacion is a perfect Chris who been a volcanologist Mayon volcano provides a destination for nature lovers, has been fascinated by Mount scenic backdrop. plant enthusiasts, beach bums Mayon so they looked for a Local medicinal and or those who simply want to place close to the volcano. culinary herbs, spices and for nature, environmental relax and get away from the This 10-hectare garden ornamental plants and those protection and sustainable noise and bustle of city life. nature farm is also a learning which she collected from her farming fishing and living not This nature garden is center which promotes and travels abroad and other parts only for this generation but for owned by the couple Glenda advocates conservation and of the country abound in their future generations as well. The (nee Tapel) who hails from protection of natural resources garden and these are now being Newhall couple has invested Camarines Sur and her and bio-diversity and adopts propagated and multiplied. much for the maintenance of American husband Christopher organic gardening. On its upper Some of them are for sale. the naturally growing trees and Newhall, a world renowned portion, the farm showcases a But Mirisbiris Garden vegetation in their 10-hectare geologist and volcanologist rain forest-to-reef environment and Nature Center operates who has decided to settle in the as it is located in the middle of a land and establishes new not for profit and does not plantations. They regularly Philippines after retiring from forest with lush vegetation and cater only to guests or visitors his work in the United States. agro – forest trees and bamboo conduct information and who come to stay or visit their They met when Chris was groove. Forest animals like education campaign for school assigned in Bicol as a peace birds, lizards, insects, plus a place. It is driven by its vision children and provide assistance corps volunteer and she was a few mammals like the nocturnal and mission to promote and for their education through teacher. When they got married civet are also seen in the area. advocate love and respect scholarships. They came up with a simple catalogue with accompanying photos and brief write up of some indigenous plants that thrive in Mirisbiris. Her husband Chris being a geologist has also traced and published in a flyer a brief historical evolution of the town of Sto.Domingo and the coastal barangay including Salvacion where Mirisbiris is part of. These are framed and (Next page pls.) 12 UMAsenso July - September 2019 hanged on the walls of their various learning activities center. such as lessons on art, crafts, Ms. Glenda who has never yoga, photography, cooking Tornilla is new OIC ... (From page 9) forgotten her love for teaching, demonstration, and forest a Master’s degree in Applied In 2016, he was promoted trains and assists mothers in tours. Business Economics major in as Agricultural Center Chief the area to engage in livelihood The Mirisbiris Garden Food Systems Management II and OIC Chief of the Field activities using the available Educational Foundation, Inc. from the University of Asia Operations Division. He was resources or recycling materials which they have organized and and the Pacific in Pasig City catapulted to post of OIC such as plastic into usable bags registered with the SEC as an in 2008. He has achieved Regional Technical Director such as bags. “The mothers NGO is dedicated to nature his impressive educational for Operations on March 2017 have also to earn somehow so education. It has been working acumen through various and has held said position they contribute to the family with local high school students scholarship grants from the before he was appointed as income,” Ma’am Glenda said. to expose them to horticulture PCARRD in Los Baños, OIC RED effective July 1, Laguna and Agricultural 2019. She takes delight in in and organic gardening. They Training Institute in Quezon Having been mentored unravelling the potentials also provide assistance to City. by his predecessor, Dr. and the many good things that school children through His first job was in the Elena B. delos Santos, who can be derived from our rich scholarships. government sector as Coconut is a very hard working natural resources if we only are For this, their foundation Development Officer at the and an expert manager, creative and innovative enough. was among the awardees Philippine Coconut Authority OIC RED Rodel is also She thus, concocted many recognized by the Department –Region V from 1996 to expertly steering DA Bicol recipes and products from of Environment and Natural 2000. In 2002 his stint at the to perform at its best, both the indigenous fruits in their Resources (DENR) in the Department of Agriculture in financial disbursements garden. She has baked cookies prestigious “Saringaya Award” Regional Office V begun and in achieving the physical and pastries with malunggay. in 2017 which has 10 staff. when he was appointed as targets of the agency without Science Research Assistant prejudice to the welfare of She has also processed the Today, the Center is at the Crop Improvement the farmers. As he has been fruit an indigenous but now frequented by guests, tourists Unit of the Bicol Integrated closely involved with the rarely found and known I for tour, seminars, retreats, Agricultural Research Center Rice Program for the most our country - the Flacourtia receptions, medication, (BIARC) of the Research part of his 23 years in the inermis (commonly known adventure and relaxation. Here, Division. The following government, the rice farmers as lovi-lovi or batako one can enjoy the tranquillity year, he was promoted as are closest to his heart and he plum) into jam with mixed and serenity of the countryside Agriculturist I or Researcher has been aggressively taking lemonsitong castila which are while enjoying the comforts at the same division where he steps to help them become now available in bottles. She that most travellers expect. authored and co-authored 16 globally competitive. Among also makes her own blend of It utilizes solar energy to run research papers some of which these steps were provision juices using the passion fruit most of its facilities. They garnered Best Paper Awards. of agri-machineries, seeds In 2010, he was appointed and farm inputs to qualified (mirinda), cucumber, blue also practice water harvesting. as Technical Assistant of farmers. He has also detailed ternate and other concoctions Almost 99% of their water is the then Regional Technical a number of six-wheeler which are served along with rain water. Director for Operations and trucks to the NFA provincial local delicacies in their B &B The place is 45 minutes Extension Dr. Ellen delos offices of Albay, Camarines Kapehan or mini restaurant. away from Legazpi City and is Santos and was also appointed Norte, Camarines Sur and She generously shares with just along the newly cemented Regional Rice Program Sorsogon during the peak of the folks in their community and widened provincial road. Report Officer, a post which palay harvest season this year especially the women whatever It is accessible by car, tricycle, he held until 2019. In 2012, (2019) to encourage farmers new learnings or discoveries and motorcycles. he was tasked as Co-Project to sell their palay to NFA she has found. She has For those who want to Investigator/Extension at high price. The farmers’ organized the Bgy. Salvacion de-stress, immerse yourself in Specialist of the Bicol Agri- organizations that sell their Water Project, a five-year palay to NFA also received Mother Society, Inc. nature or take a dip into the USAID funded project that incentives in the form of farm Although Maam Glenda beach of Mirisbiris Garden aimed to introduce innovative equipment and machineries no longer nurses the sick and and Nature Center and be re- rice farming practices to based on accumulated points the recuperating patients she charged and be rejuvenated. farmers in Bicol to mitigate or number of bags sold to is now preoccupied nurturing the impact of climate change. NFA. and caring for nature – a In 2013, he was appointed passion which she shares with as Economist of the Phil. her husband. Rural Development Project They have organized an regional project coordination annual Earth Day Festival office, a position he still holds in April which features as of this writing.

July - September 2019 UMAsenso 13 Baao farmer unearths by Lovella P. Guarin luxury cacao variety By Lovella P. Guarin

f there is anyone who can attest that cacao bears fruit to a hundred years, it Iis Romeo B. Quiñonez, a cacao farmer of Baao, Camarines Sur. He and his cousins have inherited more than five hectares of land planted with century old cacao trees from their grand father - Albino Beldua Bismonte (1898 – 1979), a home-bred “chocolatero” who introduced the first Criollos and Forasteros in Sitio Igamot, in Baao. Criollo, Forastero and Trinitario are the three varieties of cacao or cocoa beans Criollo is a very high quality cocoa bean and is very aromatic and lacks bitter taste. This variety is used as main ingredients in enthusiasm to restore the Señor Albino 3,000 cacao seedlings at a distance of 3 luxury chocolates that is why it is the most meters x 3 meters as intercrop between prized variety of cacao in modern day. Only farm to its old glory. The duo managed to get their first coconuts and bananas in vacant areas. They 3% of the world’s cocoa production came practice traditional and organic approaches from Criollo as it is becoming very scarce training on cacao under the COCOAPHILS in 2017. Thereafter, they attended series of as they strive to bring out the distinct and expensive. Meanwhile, Trinitario is flavor of their native beans. As they have a cross breed of Forastero and Criollo. It trainings and seminars sponsored by the represents about 12% of the learned from the trainings world’s cocoa production. they attended, they began to Forastero is a high yielding produce their own concoctions variety, an everyday cocoa to sustain the fertilizer and with strong, earthy flavors. It pesticide requirement of the represents about 85% of the cacao trees. world’s cocoa production. Their efforts were amply (source: chocolate.co.uk/ rewarded every time they blogs) harvest the cacao pods which Transforming a century they process into handcrafted old farm was very hard chocolates and tabrillas. at first as Romie has no While most cacao bean background in farming. He producers value quantity over was a former government quality, Albino’s heirloom employee and has also cacao gives much weight to worked with an NGO. flavor. Luckily his cousin Aldo B. Romie and Aldo are Bismonte was also interested full of visions for the Señor to resurrect the cacao plantation of their grandfather. They went Department of Agriculture and Department Albino Farm. It was registered with the into a research frenzy to learn the ropes of of Trade and Industry. They were also lucky Department of Trade and Industry in April cacao production. They hired farmhands to attend trainings on Good Agricultural 1, 2016. It carries the trademark logo of who helped them in the identification, Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Albino’s Heirloom Cacao duly registered recovery and rehabilitation of the heirloom Practices. In 2018, the Agricultural with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) cacao trees. Instead of getting seedlings Training Institute (ATI) introduced them on June 21, 2018. The tireless duo is also from other sources, they germinated their to Organic Agriculture. Later on, the DA working on the farm’s application for own native cacao seeds. Bicol Organic Agriculture program, and Organic Agriculture certification. Through painstaking efforts and the Baao Municipal Agriculture Office Cacao farmers like Romie and Aldo research, they discovered that the dominant in partnership with the Baao Organic can look up to a bright future in cacao as variety in his farm that has survived for Producers and Processors Association demand for chocolates worldwide is rising over a hundred years was the pure Criollo (BAAOPPA) poured out their support. while there is a slump in production in – the “rock star” of all cacaos. After rehabilitating the century old cacao producing countries such as Ivory This discovery fueled their passion and cacao trees, they also planted an additional Coast, Ghana, West Africa and Indonesia. (Next page pls.)

14 UMAsenso July - September 2019 RCEF to benefit ... (from page 1)

Glenn C. De Peralta and his team discussed Rice Industry Roadmap of achieving an depending on farm size. Eligibility to the program particularly its scope and average yield of six tons per hectare in receive seeds in the next program cycle process flow to 22 Municipal Agriculturists high- and five tons per hectare in medium- shall depend on farmer organizations’ in the province and their staff. yielding provinces towards a rice secure ability to achieve the yield target for the According to De Peralta, RCEF was Philippines. The RCEP is also projected to two seasons that they received free seeds. created based on the Republic Act 11203 or reduce production and marketing costs by Hector O. Llagas, Municipal the Rice Trade Liberalization Law, which 30 percent as well as postharvest losses. Agriculturist of Bato, Camarines Sur said lifts the quantitative restriction on rice The program covers a total of 75,400 that this is a good news especially now that and replaces it with tariff. He mentioned hectares of rice area in 59 LGUs in the rice farmers are worried about the seeming that the Rice Fund established the Rice region with high potential for improving imbalance in the country’s rice industry as Competitiveness Enhancement Program competitiveness—27 in Camarines Sur, buying price of fresh palay dropped to only (RCEP) designed to complement and 12 in Albay, 11 in Sorsogon and nine in P12 per kilogram as of August 2019. supplement the existing DA-National Rice Masbate. According to DA Rice Program “Medyo nangangamba ang mga rice Program (DA-NRP). Report Officer Arra Nicole Nicolas, farmers na dapat may maging suporta na To help improve the competitiveness these areas were selected based on their programa galing sa gobyerno kung paano and income of rice farmers along with cumulative scores on various criteria mapataas ang presyo ng bigas kasi yung other components of the RCEF such as mechanization, credit and extension, the six-year RCEF Seed Program will implement four component projects: 1. Promoting and distributing certified seeds of inbred rice varieties, 2. Mobilizing and including the size of area harvested, yield nakikita nila parang hindi balanse ang strengthening local seed production, 3. level, cost of production and share of sistema na kung saan laging mababa yung Supporting variety development, and 4. irrigated area. Targeted RCEF areas were bilihan ng palay samantalang hindi natin Strengthening farmer organizations. These also verified by comparing data on area makontrol ang pagbaba.Makakatulong components aim to increase the adoption of planted and area harvested to rice from the itong RCEP kasi unang-una makaka-avail certified inbred seeds and integrated crop LGU, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) sila ng binhi na siguradong de-kalidad at management to contribute to the Philippine and the Philippine Rice Information System least nakikita nila na may tulong o ayuda (PRISM). Its initial implementation will galing sa gobyerno,” he said. focus on cities and municipalities with an Victoria C. Lapitan, PhilRICE- Baao farmer ... annual area planted larger than 100 hectares Bicol Branch Director sought the LGUs’ as potential operation areas. For dry season and partner agencies’ support to the (from page 14) 2020, only LGUs with areas greater than RCEP particularly in validating potential Taking advantage of this development, the 500 hectares were allocated with RCEP beneficiaries. Annielyn( L. Baleza) High Value Crops Development Program funds because of budget constraints. (HVCDP) of the Department of Agriculture RCEP will benefit rice farmers (DA) in Bicol is focusing its efforts on this who belong to a DA-accredited farmer dollar earner as a priority commodity. organization or any accrediting government Recently, the HVCDP provided agency recognized by the DA, farmers organic fertilizer, cacao planting materials listed in the DA-updated Registry System and garden tools to Romie and Aldo. for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture The DA regional office is giving 500 (RSBSA), farmer-members whose rice pieces cacao seedlings (UF 18 and BR farms can cover at least 20 hectares in total 25) to farmers who are willing to put up a in one to two adjacent villages in one city techno demo. To capacitate the recipients or municipality and farming in rice fields of the planting materials, the DA is located in the selected municipalities. conducting trainings on cacao production Qualified farmers will receive free seeds and Good Agricultural Practices as well as initially for two consecutive planting nursery management. Fermentation boxes, seasons. For dry season 2020, a maximum pole prunner, moisture meters are also of four bags containing 20 kilograms of being provided to farmers. seeds per bag will be given to farmers

July - September 2019 UMAsenso 15 House of Rimas Ice Cream opens in Naga City Taste our Rimas ice cream Luz Marcelino, chief of available at the newly opened the Research Division, said House of Rimas Ice Cream that Rimas ice cream was one located at Universal Road, of the 17 different products Zone 6, Triangulo, Naga City. from the breadfruit which Its very unique and creamy were developed by the DA's flavor will surely impress your product development team led taste buds. You will also keep by Arlene I. de Asis. Other coming back for more once products include Rimas flour, you taste the Vegie de Fruta Ice pastillas, custard, muffins, cream. pinoy fries, torones. kimchi, This is a breakthrough cookies and a lot more. public private partnership This project which was funded between the Department of by the Bureau of Agricultural Agriculture Research Division Research (BAR) was cited as and the Yulaik Food Products "Best Innovative Product" in owned by the fabulous 2013. entrepreneur and wine Aside from rimas ice connoisseur Lorna Daud. cream technology, the DA also Rimas is a very healthy provided the materials for the alternative as it is rich in construction of this House of potassium and carbohydrates. Rimas Ice Cream. It helps prevent intestinal The Yulaik Food Products and bowel movement related also include Lipote and mango problems. It also effectively wines, marmalades among reduces cholesterol level. others. (Lovella P. Guarin) DA R&D projects vie for Best Paper award NAGA CITY - The Department of Agriculture Bicol held its 1st Regional Research, Development and Extension Network (BRRDEN) Research Development & Extension Review and 2nd Regional Technology Investment Forum on August 22-23 at a hotel here. The activity is an annual Dr. Edgar R. Madrid Luz Marcelino Cora Orbon undertaking of the Research Division which aims to the policy direction of newly activity. Capability of Bicol’s Agta evaluate completed Research appointed Secretary William Adjudged as best IPs through Palayamanan & Development projects Dar in the preparation of R research paper under various Approach (by G. Nunez ), funded by DA and Bureau of & D proposals and in the categories (ranking 1st, 2nd Assessment of Queen Pineapple Agricultural Research (BAR) implementation of R & D and 3rd) respectively were: For Industry in Camarines Norte and technologies generated with projects. He also mentioned Technology Commercialization Towards Effective Value Chain location- specific adaptation to the twin goals under Dar category: Community Based Management (by M.C. Campita Bicol condition and at the same administration, “Masaganang Mushroom Production in Bicol MC and A. Abordo), Magnitude time showcase developed/ ani at Dagdag Kita.” “Dapat Region (by P. Oliver, E. Hilotin, & Viability of Mechanization generated technologies that has may katuturan at gamit A. De Asis, L. Marcelino, of Agri Fishery Industry in Cam been adapted by farmers, agri- ang produkto ng inyong and E. Madrid); Participatory Norte ( by R. Diño, J.M. Nape). entrepreneurs, manufacturers pananaliksik. Sayang lang Performance Testing & For Technology Adaptation/ and other stakeholders. kung hindi magagamit ang Validation in Bicol Region Technology Verification Dr. Edgar Madrid, resulta ng inyong research” he (by C. Orbon, T. Machica, category: Community Based Regional Technical Director continued. M. Aldecoa, L. Bermillo, M. Action Research for Climate for Research and Development Simultaneous presentation Bibay and M. Noceda). For Resilient Agriculture in encouraged more than 100 and critiquing of research the Socio Economic Research Region V (by L. Marcelino, L., participants to take note on projects dominated the 2 day category: Enhancing the (Next page pls)

16 UMAsenso July - September 2019 DA Bicol’s partnership with SMFI boosts cassava model farm production CAWAYAN, MASBATE recorded a total production of – What used to be a dry 600 metric tons and a yield of wasteland in Brgy. Tuburan, 30 metric tons per hectare fresh in this municipality is now a tubers from its 1200-hectare source of income of rural folks total production area. living within the area. TUFA, the first cassava In partnership with San model farm in Bicol, has Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI), the received various inputs Department of Agriculture- from DA-Bicol including Cassava Assembler Program, resulting to low population of Bicol’s Cassava Program planting materials, fertilizers, which stresses the role of pathogenic bacteria. now reaps the harvest of its machineries such as cassava assemblers in SMFI’s raw SMFI Agri-Technician 30-hectare Cassava Model chipper and cassava granulator material sourcing business Jerick C. Marcaida also Farm, being managed by as well as trainings and strategy. The program demonstrated the process of the Tuburan United Farmers market-related activities since encourages farmers to organize vertical planting of cassava, Association (TUFA), in November 2018. DA-Bicol and form business units and proper peeling and cassava Cawayan, Masbate. also provided the organization assemble a minimum of 20 chopping, as part of the Cassava According to Robinson C. with a four-wheel drive tractor hectares of cassava plantation. Harvest Festival’s program Riveral, chairman of TUFA, to aid in land preparation, a It offers a guaranteed market highlights. DA-Bicol’s efforts to connect cassava digger, mobile drier with purchase agreement, The TUFA is one of them to an established and sure and a cassava drying plant. a definite floor price and the national finalists in market drew cassava farmers in The agency also facilitated technical assistance. the 2019 Cassava Cluster his locality back to farming. soil sampling in the area. As of “May pera sa cassava,” he Management Excellence At the Cassava Model September 2019, the TUFA has said. Awards, which recognizes Farm Harvest Festival attended reported a net income of P20, Britanico cited the cassava cluster organizations by TUFA members and 270.00. increasing demand for cassava with outstanding performance prospective farmer-members To encourage more as a high energy raw material in the implementation of on September 17, 2019, Engr. farmers to plant more cassava, for feeds because it is highly cassava-related projects and Michelle Maligang, Cassava Raymund R. Britanico, SMFI’s digestible, contains high interventions by the DA Program Report Officer, Luzon Operational Head, energy as well as lactic acid Cassava Program. (Annielyn L. stated that the association has discussed the company’s and nurtures good bacteria Baleza)

(from page 16) DA R&D ... DA Bicol hosts ... (from page 10)

Alvina, A. Nicolas, S. Bobier); “Mas kailangan natin ang mas mahigpit at mas Accelerating the Development matingkad na paglilingkod para masiguro na ang and Dissemination of ating mga magsasaka ay hindi bibitiw sa kabila ng Technologies for Direct mga hamon,” Arpia said. Cora Orbon Seeded Rice in Irrigated and The RAA Awarding Ceremonies is an annual Rainfed Ecosystem ( by M. De event by the DA to honor and celebrate all achievers Peralta, G. Nunez, A. Rivera); who made exemplary contributions and wielded Maximizing Productivity of unwavering support towards the implementation of Queen Pineapple through Leaf the National Food Staples Self-sufficiency Program. Harvesting and Application of (Annielyn L. Baleza) (Turn to page 19)

July - September 2019 UMAsenso 17 that sorghum is one of the 200 hectares for sorghum Masbate’s mining town Department of Agriculture’s production in 2020. Farmers new priority commodities from Aroroy committed 50 eyes sorghum production to with a targeted expansion area hectares of its agricultural land of 191.50 hectares in 2019. for sorghum production while boost rural economy She also sought the LGU’s Balud agreed to develop 12 kaya an iyong tanan adi kita commitment to achieve the hectares for the same purpose. AROROY, MASBATE sa pangabuhayan kay an required sorghum production A similar training was – Despite its flourishing importante sa tao pagkaon, area. Meanwhile, SMFI Luzon conducted in Cawayan, economy as a gold-rich town, pangabuhayan (I am very Operational Head Raymund Masbate on September 18, Mayor Arturo Virtucio deemed happy to see that many of you Britanico and Central and 2019. it necessary to invest in are interested in this livelihood South Luzon Corn Production “Kun kikitaon ninyo an renewable sources of income. project because most of all, Specialist Orlando Agustin kuwarta ada saiyo barangay. The training on sorghum food and income are equally oriented the participants about Napakatahom na opportunity production conducted by the important for us),” Virtucio the SMFI Assembler Program/ ini dili lamang kay an ada Department of Agriculture- said. Sorghum Production. They is sorghum, kun hain an Bicol in partnership with A team from DA-Bicol also assured the farmers of inyo kalipay, didto kamo— the San Miguel Foods Inc. headed by Sorghum Program a guaranteed market with balinghoy, sorghum, isad (SMFI) came in timely as the Report Officer Engr. Michelle purchase agreement and a na alternative (As you can local chief executive aims to Maligang discussed the Techno guaranteed floor price. see, you have the money in boost its agricultural economy. Guide on Sorghum Production “Whatever you produce, your barangay. This is a big About 70 representatives of which includes the growth and we will buy at an agreed price,” opportunity not only because different farmers’ organizations development of the sorghum Agustin said. of sorghum, you also have from Aroroy and the nearby plant, tillage and planting As of June 2019, the DA- cassava as an alternative. Do municipality of Balud attended practices, water management, Bicol has two techno demo what makes you happy),” the activity which was held in fertilization as well as weed farms for sorghum which are Virtucio added. the Municipal Hall of Aroroy and insect pest and diseases both in the vegetative stage Sorghum, one of the world’s top on September 19, 2019. control. Maligang also shared -- the 1.5-hectare techno five cereal crops, is considered “Malipay ako san pagkita some updates about the demo in Asid, Masbate and an ideal raw material for ko saiyo na damo na interested sorghum techno demo farm at the 1-hectare techno demo livestock and poultry feeds. sadi na pangkabuhayan. Most of the Masbate Breeding Station. in Aroroy, Masbate. The (Annielyn L. Baleza) all, amo ini an pinakaimportante Maligang mentioned agency proposes to develop Starbex fair showcases products of DA Bicol’s GREAT Women proj. beneficiaries About 12 individual Tornilla thanked the Starbex entrepreneurs. Investment beneficiaries and rural women Corp. and Ayala Malls opportunities in Mushroom organizations under the Legazpi for their initiative to Production was also discussed. DA Great Women Project highlight agri-business and 2 participated in the Grand farm tourism in their activity. The rimas or breadfruit- Starbex Fair (TGSF), a two- Tornilla underscored that their flavored ice cream being week pre-Christmas expo on partnership is a big contributor commercially produced by agri-trade, tourism, food and to the agency’s goal of Lorna Daud under the brand Emilyn M. Labor, a DA bazaar for a cause, organized attaining food security, poverty Yulaik was also launched. GREAT Women beneficiary, by the Starbex Corp. and co- reduction and a progressive The GREAT Women was one of the exhibitors sponsored by the DA-Bicol economy in the region. Project 2 is a collaborative in the Starbex fair. She Agribusiness and Marketing “Ang mga ganito pong project of the DA-Bicol and owns the Jireh Food Assistance Division (AMAD) activity ay naka-align po sa the Philippine Commission Products, manufacturer of in Ayala Malls Legazpi City new thinking na pino-promote on Women (PCW) and the famous veggie chips which opened last August 25, ng ating bagong Secretary ng funded by the Government in Daet, Camarines Norte, 2019. Department of Agriculture— of Canada which focuses which won 5th place in the Their booths showcase yung partnership with private on the competitiveness and Best Product Competition local products with some sector and other partners para sustainability of women's at the 14th Agriculture and innovations like coco jam, lalo pang mapaunlad ang ating enterprises. Aside from Fisheries Technology Forum seaweed noodles, rice puto, mga maliliit na magsasaka, marketing assistance, Labor and Product Exhibition muscovado sugar, brown rice, maliliit na negosyante para also profited from GREAT sponsored by the Bureau turmeric tea, and dried dilis, sila ay makapag-compete Women Project 2-funded of Agriculture in 2018 in among others. globally. Kailangan po tayong trainings on basic accounting, Mandaluyong City. She In his message during magtulungan,” Tornilla said. product development, market received a P1M project the Opening Program of the Aside from the trade testing and packaging. grant. TGSF, DA-Bicol Regional exhibit, TGSF also featured (Annielyn L. Baleza) Executive Director Rodel P. learning sessions for aspiring 18 UMAsenso July - September 2019 DA Bicol’s AMIA to strengthen eco-efficiency of agri-fishery sector thru CRVA The Department of DA regional office this Agriculture-Bicol is banking on municipality, Sandy B. Bobier, the Adaptation and Mitigation DA-Bicol AMIA Project Initiative in Agriculture Technical Staff, said that the (AMIA) Project’s Climate CRVA is a tool that DA policy Risk Vulnerability Assessment makers can use in planning The DA 5 AMIA team. (CRVA) to establish an eco- and implementing long-term efficient agri-fishery sector. interventions to address climate orientations on the CRVA communities in terms of Using an adaptive capacity risks. He mentioned that AMIA process to the Provincial Local technological and institutional tool based on the survey tool deployed 11 enumerators in the Government Units (PLGUs) to innovations as well as access developed by the International six provinces of Bicol to gather rally support from the Office of to climate-relevant support Center for Tropical Agriculture data on every municipality’s the Provincial and Municipal services. AMIA is the DA’s (CIAT), a Consortium of adaptive capacity indicators Agriculturist, Provincial flagship program for climate International Agricultural including economic capital, crop and Municipal Planning and adaptation and mitigation. Research (CGIAR) center and occurrence, and anticipatory Development Office and Coordinated and managed by leader of the CGIAR Research systems and institutions. The agricultural extension workers the Systems-Wide Climate Program on Climate Change, CRVA also covers the natural (AEWs). Change Office. It is designed Agriculture and Food Security, capital, social capital, physical, The CRVA results, due to establish climate-resilient the DA-Bicol AMIA Project institutional, human capital and for completion this September agri-fishery communities has started conducting the health. The conduct of CRVA is 2019 will be used as basis nationwide. (Annielyn L. CRVA in June 2019 to draft a being undertaken by the AMIA in identifying new AMIA Baleza) map that will show vulnerable project in partnership with villages in addition to the areas, climate hazards and crop the DA-Bicol’s Disaster Risk 11 existing AMIA model models in the region from 2019 Reduction and Management villages in Pamplona, Gainza, to 2050. Also, CRVA results will Office. Tigaon and Buhi in Camarines Making biotech be used as basis in preparing Bobier appealed to Sur. Bobier added that upon investment briefs of climate- the concerned provincial project completion, AMIA ... (from page 20) resilient and sustainable and municipal offices to will present the CRVA results agricultural practices and facilitate the CRVA process by to local policymakers through Technology. As rice and corn interventions. providing accurate and timely stakeholder consultation farmer he shared how he had During the AMIA Monthly information to the AMIA meetings for possible cross increased his yield and income Meeting and Updating held Project’s enumerators. AMIA sectoral collaboration. and reduced his production on August 13, 2019 at the conducted a series of provincial AMIA villages, are model cost by using BT corn which no longer required spraying of (from page 16) chemicals. He shared his good DA R&D ... practices and how his success WCAI (by M.C. Campita, E. Yield Performance (by M.C. Agriculture & Fishery Council; has also had its impact on the Dipasupil, J. Evangelista, and Campita). Dr. Luis Amano, Professor other farmers in his community. F. Campita).For Technology Winning Posters were: of Bicol University; Dr. Raul The activity was facilitated Generation/Information Community Based Action Bradecina, President of Partido by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel N. Generation category: Efficacy Research for Climate Resilient State University; Dr. Luis Alparce, the Information, Trial of RCM-Based Nutrient Agriculture in Region 5; Amano , Professor of Bicol Education and Communication Recommendation In Direct- Efficacy of RCM-Based University; Dr. Edith Lomerio, (IEC) Technical Committee Seeded Inbreds and Hybrids Nutrient Recommended for Guinobatan Albay (Private chair of the DA -BPO. He also (by C. Orbon, T. Machica, L. Drilled Inbreds and Hybrids; Sector); Dr. Marissa Estrella, shared his journey as priest from Aldecoa, L. Bermillo, B. Bibay, Community Based Mushroom BICARRD Consortium Tabaco City who was forced to M. Noceda, R. Malazarte, E. Production Project in Bicol Director; Dr. Yolanda go on leave to tend to an ailing Sibuc, and S. Rili). Region. Castroverde, Consultant of father (who eventually passed Production Performance, The board of judges was Universidad de Sta. Isabel away) and experienced mild Sensory Characterization and composed of Dr. Maria Dulce (USI). depression over his loss and Carcass Quality of Camarines Mostoles, VP Research & Cash Prizes and certificates how he found and responded to Native Chicken Fed with AMFR Entrepreneur Project Extension were awarded to winning entries. a new mission or calling to help and Concoction as Additive of CBSUA; Dr. Vicotria Certificates of Technology feed the hungry by helping the (by A. San Buenaventura, M. Lapitan, Branch Manager of Transfer were also awarded scientific community and the Peñas, S. Ampongan, and S. PhilRice Bicol; Prof. Vladimir to Technology Adaptors as government in advocating safe, No-o); Staggered Planting Foronda of CBSUA; Dr. Aries tangible measure of indicator affordable and sustainable food of Queen Pineapple Suckers Ativo (CBSUA), Mr. Tomas of Research & Development’s for every Filipino especially the and its Effect on Growth and Arroyo of DA, Regional accomplishments. (B. Nunez) poor. (Emily B. Bordado) UMAsenso 19 Making biotechnology acceptable to more Filipinos

NAGA CITY - To address the problem of providing food to a rapidly growing population, the scientific communities worldwide including the Philippines are advocating a balanced, safe and sustainable approach using the best conventional crop technology and the best of biotechnology to achieve sustainable food production. Biotechnology is a modern technology that makes use of organisms (or parts intended to help achieve food Institute of Pathology, St. Luke’s Project. Marcellas Y. Barrogo, thereof) to make or modify security and food sufficiency. Medical Center who gave the Project Development Officer products; improve and develop He related the uprooting overview on Biotechnology. IV of the BPO discussed the DA microorganisms, plants or incident of the field trials on Another speaker was Dr. Peter Biotech Program’s Initiatives animals; or develop organisms Golden Rice in 2013 right M. Magdaraog, who is also a and Projects. for specific purposes in a more inside the DA compound which member of the Bureau of Plant On the second day Dr. precise manner. he said is an indication of the Industry (BPI) Biotechnology Reynante L. Ordonio, of the The Biotechnology opposition of some group to Technical Advisory Group. Philippine Rice Research Program Office (BPO) of the that project. He underscored He discussed the Philippine Institute (PhilRice) discussed Department of Agriculture is that the challenge is how to Regulatory System for the Healthier Rice Project of thus, intensifying its advocacy make Biotechnology products Genetically Modified Crops: which he is the project leader. and information dissemination and methods acceptable to the DOST-DA-DENR-DOH- To cap the gathering a campaign on Biotechnology most Filipinos. He assured of DILG Joint Department Gawad Saka Awardee (2013) and promoting the Healthier DA Bicol’s continuous support Circular No.01, series of and a very successful farmer Rice Project across the country. to the Biotech programs and 2016. Dr. Lourdes D. Taylo, who came all the way from It has recently partnered with projects. university researcher from Nueva Ecija, Juanito Rama the DA Bicol Regional Office to Over 80 municipal the UP Los Baños - Institute shared his success story as impart the necessary knowledge agriculturists, extension of Plant Breeding presented adopter of Genetically Modified and deepen appreciation about workers, farmer leaders, and updates on the Bt Eggplant (Please turn to page 19) Biotechnology among the DA staff attended the 2-day program/project implementers seminar on Biotech in one of of agricultural programs on the hotels in this city. High the ground and the farmer caliber experts and speakers themselves. came all the way from Manila DA- Bicol OIC Regional to discuss various topics on Department of Agriculture Executive Director Rodel Biotechnology, impart their Regional Field Unit No. 5 P. Tornilla in his welcome knowledge and experiences Reg’l Agriculture and Fisheries message expressed his support on the subject matter and Information Section RE-ENTERED and appreciation to the to dispel misinformation, e-mail: darafid5 @ yahoo.com AS SECOND CLASS initiative of the BPO to launch myths and false claims about MAIL MATTER an information dissemination biotechnology. at Pili, Post Office, campaign about the various Pili, Cam. Sur One of the speakers was Dr. visit our website: under Permit No. 2019-17 initiatives of the government Nina G. Gloriani, Consultant, bicol.da.gov.ph on March 25, 2019 on Biotechnology which are Clinical Microbiology Section,