Vol. 29 No.4 | October-December 2020 DA-Bicol launches Agri chief hands over P200-M worth agri digitized cash assist to farmers, fishers and food subsidy by Lovella P. Guarin Super Typhoon Rolly’s first landfall on October 31. program for marginal The Agriculture czar farmers, fisherfolk handed over more than by Annielyn L. Baleza P 200 Million worth of various interventions to the province represented by Governor Joseph Cua, including 1,000 metric tons milled rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) and P121 million abaca rehabilitati on Using CFSMFF’s e-voucher system, assistance from PhilFIDA. program beneficiaries will receive P3,000 cash via payout centers accredited by The Bureau of Fisheries the Development Bank of the BATO, CATANDUANES Dar joined Senator Bong and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) (DBP) such as Mlhuillier. They are -Despite the harsh weather Go in flying to Catanduanes national director Eduardo B. also entitled to P2, 000-worth food caused by the impending on November 10, 2020. Gongona also brought 50 pack containing rice, chicken and egg. tropical storm Ulysses, The municipality of units 20-footer motorized Agriculture Secretary William Bato was hardly hit by (Please turn to page 6) PILI, - About 77 eligible farmers and fisherfolk received cash and food assistance worth a total of P5,000 during the launch of the DA-Bicol conducts trial run Department of Agriculture’s Cash and Food Subsidy for Marginal Farmers prior to the roll out of sentinel pigs and Fisherfolk (CFSMFF) Program by Emily B. Bordado on December 16, 2020 at the DA Regional Field Office in this municipality. The Department of days courtesy of Apollo The CFSMFF complements the Agriculture through the Feeds to determine if the Social Amelioration Program of other Regional Quick Response pigs can survive or progress national government agencies by providing Team for Animal Diseases to maturity without being direct cash and food assistance to eligible Emergencies conducted a trial infected by ASF virus. Young UN ambassador smallholder corn, coconut, sugarcane run to determine if the hog leads the World Food and indigenous people (IP) farmers raisers are ready and if the The recipients were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic environment is already safe among the backyard raisers Day celebration in Bicol for the 2020 second cropping season. for rearing pigs in previously whose pigs were depopulated by Lovella P. Guarin ASF-affected areas prior to due to ASF infection. The program aims to augment SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES their income considering disruptions in the roll-out of sentinel pigs. They signed an agreement SUR -Joining the whole world and agricultural activities due to successive that they will take care the nation in the celebration of the typhoons which hit . Fifty six (56) farmers of the pigs, observe the World Food Day (WFD) on October 16, from the towns of proper biosafety protocol 2020, the Department of Agriculture in It is also designed to provide and in Camarines such as regular cleaning Bicol staged a simple yet meaningful Sur province received one and disinfection and other celebration at the 3rd Floor, Training Hall of Field Operations building. (Please turn to page 8) piglet each (at least 3-month prescribed practices. old), vitamins and biologics and feeds good for 42 21 year -old Louise Emmanuelle INSIDE (Please turn to page 9) (Please turn to page12) 3 strong Typhoons wrought P11.2 FEATURE: PRDP Bicol RPAB Students granted agri B damage to Bicol agri & fisheries, Farmers’ coop in Bicol suppports approves 34 proposed scholarship in 2020 needs over P4.3 B to recover National Rice Awareness Month slaughterhouses p7 ‘20 campaign p16 p10 p15 UMAsenso EDITORIAL Towards more sustainable, long-term and Advisers: responsive solutions to address calamities

Rodel P. Tornilla, MABE Against the backdrop of a still work program for farmers are necessary Regional Executiive Director raging COVID-19 pandemic and the interventions to support the continuous unabated African Swine Fever (ASF) recovery of the farmers in the region Luz R. Marcelino plague among hogs, three successive Regional Technical Director strong typhoons battered the Bicol While the impact of typhoons on for Operations region leaving in its wake P11.27 billion fishing communities is short term-for damage on agriculture and fisheries. once fishers repair their boats and gears Edgar R. Madrid, DPM they can resume fishing activities but Regional Technical Director While Bicolanos are known to the long-term will be manifested in the for Research and Regulations be very resilient and used to coping decline of fish catch as habitats such as with typhoon-being on the typhoon’s corals and seagrasses are also damaged pathway the triple whammy or blow by the disaster. These ecosystems are Editor-in-Chief: was too much to deal with especially vital in increasing fish supplies but take Emilia B. Bordado for small farmers and fishermen who time to recover. Damaged fishponds are still grappling with the paralyzing and hatcheries may also take time Writers: effects of COVID-19, ASF and to rehabilitate and this may impact Lovella P. Guarin unstable prices of agricultural goods. on the supply of aquaculture fishes. Jayson M. Gonzales While short-term rehab assistance can Blesilda A. Nuñez Annielyn L. Baleza Given the situation that they are provide immediate relief and help Michelle Angela G. Alfigura currently in, these marginal farmers in the recovery of farmers along-term and fisherfolk cannot rebuild on their and sustainable solutions are needed. Lay-out Artists: own without external support. Hence, Lovella P. Guarin the government and other sectors An assessment and projected Zandra G. Abogado should help them to restore their impact was made by the DA Bicol productive capacity as soon as possible Assessment Team in consultation Graphic Artist: to avoid further problems like inflation, with the directly affected farmers and Zandra G. Abogado deterioration of health and nutrition agri-stakeholders adversely affected conditions and migration for employment by calamities. The team came up with IT/Encoder in other sector and in other areas. a list of recommendations for a long- Vincent Emil A. Pasumbal term solutions to address the problems For the abaca farmers in particular some of which are: 1) establishment Photographers: who are solely dependent on abaca of laboratory for agricultural structure Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr. they are at a tipping point as there stimulations to test prototypes of climate Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos is no alternative source of income resilient agriculture suitable for Bicol Ramon C. Adversario and livelihood for them now in their conditions 2) LGUs should support community. While some may resort establishment of Automated Weather to migration for employment but Stations to develop a standard and Circulation: comprehensive data base of climate and Blesilda A. Nuñez with most part of the country still Lita V. Estrella under MCQ and many businesses weather data that can be used in climate Maritess C. Dilla establishments are still non- operational modeling 30) creation of the Bicol River Vincent Emil A. Pasumbal or have closed down most likely these Basin Development Authority (BRBDA) Salvacion G. Gonowon farmers will be among the unemployed. FOR and Camarines Sur provinces Records Unit to work together 4) increase investment Interventions to support the farmers in agriculture and infrastructure 5) evacuation areas for livestock and poultry Published quarterly by the: should therefore be immediately implemented such as augmentation 6) development of Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) utilizing endemic food species Regional Agriculture and Fisheries to crop production through provision Information Section (RAFIS) of quality abaca suckers, coconut (such as sweet potato, cassava, nami, of the Department of Agriculture, seedlings, palay seeds and high peas) which can support economies of Regional Field Office No. 5 value crop seeds/planting materials scale; 7) adoption of multi-hill cropping San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur and provision of fertilizers to systems; 8) strengthening the baseline E-mail Address: [email protected] improve soil fertility. data at the municipal level under the agri Facebook: Agriculture Bicol and fisheries sector and institutionalizing Website: bicol.da.gov.ph For animals, dispersal or provision post-disaster assessment teams at LGU of carabaos, native chicken and infusion levels 9) construction of closed conduit Re-entered as a Second Class Mail Matter at or repopulation in non-ASF areas is irrigation facilities on sloping grounds and the Pili Post Office, Pili, Camarines Surunder suggested to enhance productivity. landslide prone areas 10) promotion of risk Permit No. 2019-17 on March 25, 2019. Moreover, the immediate repair financing encompassing all agricultural of irrigation facilities and cash-for- (Next page please) 2 UMAsenso October-December 2020 terms nila tapos mag-e-extend pa kaya kailangan namin ng support financially,” ACPC releases P12M-worth Gloria Cecilia Delloro Cortezano, Agri-Negosyo loans for MSEs proprietor of BYC Egg Dealer related. Reduced and even zero sales “During the pandemic, our business Through the DA’s information, but having to spend for the wages was greatly impacted because since nga education and communication (IEC) and other expenses was among walang sales halos and our sales was campaign as well as online posts in the common struggles of micro and reduced to around 30 to 40 percent, we ACPC’s Facebook page both at the small enterprises (MSEs) badly hit also had to limit our production,” Erika national and regional levels, Pereña got to by the economic shutdown associated know about the ANYO. with COVID-19 quarantine protocols. Cortezano, on the other hand, heard about To help prop up their business the program from a operations, the Department of Agriculture relative and from DA through its loan arm, the Agricultural staff at the Kadiwa Credit Policy Council (ACPC), launched ni Ani at Kita, where the Agri-Negosyo (ANYO), a loan she regularly supplies program designed to finance the capital fresh eggs. They requirements of agri-fishery based MSEs. BYC Egg Dealer Proprietor Gloria Cecilia Delloro Cortezano (center) receives immediately prepared the Notice of Award for her P1 million-worth ANYO loan from RTD for the documentary Operations Luz R. Marcelino, RTD for Research and Regulations Edgar R. requirements and In Bicol, three MSEs recently Madrid, DA-Bicol AMAD Chief Adelina A. Losa and ACPC-Bicol Focal received a total of P12 million loan Person Michael Jordan O. Roquid on October 16, 2020 as one of the highlights submitted them to under ACPC’s ANYO loan program. during the World Food Day celebration. ACPC in Bicol. These are the Talisayon Multi-Purpose Pereña, Associate Marketing Manager of On October 16, 2020, C.O.P. Pili Cooperative (TAMUCO) in Talisay, C.O.P. Pili Sweets and Pastries shared. Sweets and Pastries and BYC Egg , C.O.P. Pili Sweets “Yung mga malls na pinagsusuplayan Dealer received the Notices of Award and Pastries in Bañag, , Albay namin halos lahat nag-extend na ng and BYC Egg Dealer in New Moriones (Please continue to page 6) Ocampo, Camarines Sur. TAMUCO received P10 million ANYO loan while House of Representatives C.O.P Pili Sweets and Pastries and Republic of the Philippines BYC Egg Dealer got P1 million each. Letters November 19, 2020 Towards more...(from page 2) HON. WILLIAM D. DAR inputs 11) implementation of program to Secretary support the Tilapia Breeders in HAPA Department of Agriculture Basin along Bicol River 12) cash-for- Eliptical Road, City work (e.g.coastal clean-up) after disaster for the affected registered fisherfolk; Dear Secretary Dar: 13) provision of free insurance to commercial and municipal fisherfolk; 14) My farmer-constituents in the First District of Albay ( City establishment of multi-species hatchery and the Municipalities of Tiwi, Malinao, Malilipot, Bacacay and Sto. in each province to ensure availability Domingo) and I are truly grateful for the generous and speedy assisstance of the of stocks of high quality and high Department of Agriculture in the wake of the destruction to agricultural crops value species and, 15)institutionalization of the “Village –saving” mechanism and loss of livelihood wrought by Super Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses. among fisherfolk communities to establish immediate financial source. Director Rodel P. Tornilla, MABE, Regional Executive Director, and Dr. Mary Grace DP. Rodriguez, OIC-Chief, Field Operations Division, of the These are but some recommendations DA-REgional Field Office No.5 have forwarded to me the listing of theDA that our policy makers and legislators interventions per LGU in the total amount of P 21,657.800.00 for various items. can consider to cushion the effects of climate change and calamities could help Thank you again and warmest personal regards. small farmers and fisherfolk, recover, reconstruct and regrow their livelihood Very truly yours, even after typhoon, calamities and (Signed) EDCEL C. LAGMAN pandemic such as what we have now. Representative, First District of Albay

As disaster response is not only a cc: Director Rodel P. Tornilla, MABE government initiative, non-government Regional Executive Director organizations (NGOs) and private sectors Dr. Mary Grace DP. Rodriguez are also enjoin to provide interventions. OIC-Chief, Field Operations Division October-December 2020 UMAsenso 3 program activated the youths of his because DA Bicol, Albay PLGU recognizes instead of being idle at home, best local family-based food producers they helped in developing CABANGAN, , of vegetable gardens in Albay- The Provincial every barangay and at Government of Albay least 100 households per through the Albay Provincial barangay to establish a Agricultural Office (APAO) and backyard garden, Albay the Department of Agriculture agriculturist Cheryll Rebeta Bicol recognized outstanding said. individuals, barangays and “This program answered local government units the food sufficiency and with best family-based food sustainability of families production program through during the quarantine the Albay Family Based days,” Rebeta added. Agricultural Programs Coordinating Officer (APCO) for Albay and Food Production Program For 2020, a total of Florentino Ubalde Jr. receives the Plaque of Appreciation in (AFBFPP) Season 4 2020 720 barangays participated behalf of the DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel P. Tornilla. Awarding Ceremony held in the said program. on December 28, 2020 at and P5,000.00 cash prize. the communal vegetable the Farmers Hall, Albay For the Senior Citizens garden. They learned about Farmers Bounty Village here. Communal Vegetable Garden, Egmedio Rico of farming, time management, Ester C.Competente of Cale, Guinobatan Federation of and most importantly, it Albay Governor Al Tiwi was awarded Best in Persons-with-disability strengthened their bonding. Francis Bichara commended Urban Gardening while (FPWD) bested Noli Sayson all agriculturists and the Galeon of Busac, Oas received of Daraga FPWD and Winners for the CVG local executives for their Best in Rural Gardening. Edgardo Salcedo of Category received cash support and participation Both received plaques City FPWD who placed prizes of P30,000.00; to the program despite the of recognition and cash first and second runners-up, P20,000.00; and P10,000.00 challenges of COVID19 awards from the Albay respectively for the for the 2020 Champion, pandemic and typhoons. Provincial Social Welfare Outstanding PWD First Runner-up, and Second and Development Communal Vegetable Runner-up, respectively. “Nahiling ko na Officer Eva Grageda. Garden (CVG) Category. successful an programang They all received plaques of recognition, assorted vegetable seeds and garden tools.

The 2020 Outstanding Barangays CVG per municipality were Nagas, Tiwi; Bangkilingan, Tabaco City; San Jose, Malilipot; Hindi, Bacacay; San Pedro, Sto.Domingo; Buyo, Manito; Malabog, Daraga; Palanog, Camalig; Calzada, Jovellar; Egmedio Rico of Guinobatan Federation of Persons-with-disability (FPWD) receives his check as the Bonga, Ligao City; San Outstanding PWD Communal Vegetable Garden (CVG). Ramon, Oas; San Ramon, Ligao City; Basicao Coastal, Pio Duran; Dapdap, Rapurapu; ini kaya ipapadagos ta The seven 2019 Regional For the 4-H CVG Gamot, ; Doña pa ini,” said Bichara. Rice Achievers of Albay all Category, Noriel Borito Mercedes, Guinobatan, and According to received the Governor Al of 4-H Club Federation of Cabangan West, Legazpi City. Albay Agriculturist Francis C. Bichara Medal Ligao City was declared Cheryll Rebeta, this Awards. They were Rebeta, Champion while Annilyn The barangay program was launched Rosalinda Belodo, Rochelle Andes of Oragon Paric 4-H captains received last March 8, 2017 and Adivino, Ronald Saulon, Club, Legazpi City and King Plaques of Recognition. conceptualized by Bichara Aileen Bombom, Felix John Lee Binlayo of Bonga which aimed to provide Murillo and Aaron Losabia. 4-H Club, Bacacay placed Among these barangays, sustainable, healthy food Aside from the medal, 1st and 2nd, respectively. the judges from DILG, for every family in Albay the achievers received a through the establishment Certificate of Recognition Binlayo shared that this (Next page please) 4 UMAsenso October-December 2020 Memorandum of Agreement.

Farmers, rural women in Guinobatan The MOA stated that they have have to give receive agri’l interventions from DA Bicol the first offspring of the Twenty-three members She also discussed rural women and their families animals to the next dispersal of the Organic Farmers African Swine Fever as they were affected by the program or recipient. Association of Mapaco (ASF) and informed the (OFAM) and the Rural participants that the province Improvement Club (RIC) of has positive cases already. Doña Mercedes in Guinobatan, Albay received their early This regular intervention Christmas gifts from the of the Livestock Program Albay Breeding Station of DA Bicol was considered (ABS) of the Department timely as the municipality of Agriculture (DA) Bicol. was severely hit by typhoons Quinta, Rolly A total of 120 native and Ulysses aside from the chickens and nine native threat of the COVID19. pigs were distributed to the beneficiaries. Aside from livestock, the The recipients of native chickens and native pigs pose for posterity According to ABS Chief Dr. beneficiaries also received with their animals inside the sack. Elsa Maranan, it is a must that 80 packs of vegetable pandemic and natural disasters. The dispersal program is the recipients should attend the seeds and IEC materials. Oli hoped that these intended to increase livestock Orientation on Native Chicken interventions will improve the production and income of and Native Pig Dispersal Guinobatan Municipal lives of these beneficiaries. farmers in the province of Albay. Program to introduce new Agriculture Officer Simeon Oli Officials of the OFAM and RIC- animal husbandry practices said that this animal dispersal Doña Mercedes assured DA and enhance the skills of the activity will greatly impact Bicol that they are committed (Jayson M. Gonzales) farmers in animal production. the lives of the farmers and to what they have signed in the photo by Jennifer Legaspi

DA Bicol, Albay PLGU recognizes...(from page 4)

APAO and DENR adjudged For the 2020 Cleanest Nuñez, all from Ligao City. Senator Cynthia Villar, in barangay Gamot as the best and Greenest Municipality/ They all received her virtual greetings, hailed barangay CVG followed by City, the LGUs of Tiwi, plaques of recognition. all the persons involved in Doña Mercedes and Cabangan Sto. Domingo, Malinao the success of the Season West for the first and second and Guinobatan received a The Most Promising 4 AFBFPP and assured runners-up, respectively. certificate of participation and Community Facilitators them of her continuous a cash prize of P30,000.00. who received Certificates support to the program. The winners received of Recognition include cash prizes of P80,000.00; The LGU-Ligao bagged Lenielobeth Freo, Sto. The program was guided P60,000.00; and P50,000.00 the cleanest and greenest Domingo; Jessie John Panga, by the theme “Go organic, for the 2020 Champion, award and followed by Oas; Dexter Repuyan, Grow organic, Eat organic”. First Runner-up, and Second Tabaco City and Camalig Polangui; Leo Allan Runner-up, respectively. for the first and second Tibi, Libon; Leonard runners-up, respectively. Minas, Jr. Tiwi; Lilia The awarding ceremony They all received Guiriba, Tabaco City; and was attended by mayors, plaques of recognition Aside from the Plaques of Fernando Llamera, Camalig. representatives of DILG, DA assorted vegetable Recognition, they all received Bicol and DENR; farmers; seeds and garden tools. cash prizes of P150,000.00; These Community City/Municipal Agricultural P125,000.00; and P100,000.00 Facilitators are technical staff officers, barangay captains Pio Duran MAO for the 2020 Champion, of APAO that were assigned and barangay officials. Rosalinda DLS Sariola related First Runner-up, and Second in each municipality to Agricultural Programs that this program united the Runner-up, respectively. provide technical assistance Coordinating Officer residents of the barangay. to the beneficiaries of the (APCO) for Albay and This year’s 2020 vegetable seeds and farm Sorsogon Florentino Ubalde Aside from learning Outstanding MAO/CAO inputs from DA Bicol that Jr. who represented DA how to plant, the residents is Dexter A. Mendoza; were distributed last Bicol Regional Executive were able to save from Outstanding AEW is Junafe March 19, 2020 to LGUs) Director Rodel P. Tornilla. buying vegetables in the M. Bruña; and Outstanding as part of the Plant, Plant, market especially during the Facilitators/Coordinators Plant Program or the quarantine period when money are Karen Ros, Rhealyn Ahon Lahat, Pagkain Sapat (Jayson M. Gonzales) was actually hard to find. Payadyad, and Michael (ALPAS) Laban sa CoViD19. October-December 2020 UMAsenso 5 ACPC releases P12M-worth...(from page 2) (NOAs) from ACPC’s partner http://bit.ly/acpcANYO. lending conduit, Producers Overseas Filipino Workers Savings Bank Corp. for (OFWs) on the other hand may their ANYO loan as one of access the online sign-up form at the highlights of the World http://bit.ly/acpcANYOOFW. Food Day celebration. Due to travel restrictions ANYO is one of the TAMUCO didn’t make it ACPC’s available credit to the awarding ceremony programs that offers but it already received P300,000 to P15 million its NOA through the C.O.P. Pili Sweets and Pastries Associate Marketing Manager Erika Pereña loan at zero interest and (center) receives the Notice of Award for her P1 million-worth ANYO loan Rural Bank of . from DA-Bicol AMAD Chief Adelina A. Losa and ACPC-Bicol Focal Person payable up to five years to The NOAs were Michael Jordan O. Roquid on October 16, 2020 as one of the highlights during support the agri ventures of personally presented to Pereña the World Food Day celebration. marginal small farmers and and Cortezano by DA-Bicol For Cortezano, the capital of MSEs whose fishers (MSFFs) and MSEs Agribusiness and Marketing P1 million Agri-Negosyo business operations were including those with MSFFs Assistance Division (AMAD) loan aid will help support impacted by the pandemic as owners or members, Chief Adelina A. Losa and their business especially by enabling them to sustain individuals, sole proprietors, ACPC-Bicol Focal Person that majority of their their businesses, diversify partnerships, corporations and Project Assistant IV purchasers seek extension their products and services as and cooperatives. Michael Jordan O. Roquid. of their term of payment. well as retain their manpower. ACPC is also According to Pereña, the Pereña and Cortezano also As of October 16, 2020, implementing the Kapital loan aid will be very helpful as expressed their satisfaction the ACPC has approved Access for Young Agripreneurs C.O.P Pili Sweets and Pastries on the Agri-Negosyo loan and released a total of P12 (KAYA) which offers a zero- explores a new product line of process and term of payment. million for three MSEs interest, uncollateralized loan of bottled smoked herring and “HindiErika Pereña, ako makapaniwala Associate Marketing na and Manager P4.6 of C.O.P.million Pili to 47 up to P500,000, payable in five shelf-stable pinangat through maySweets ganitong and Pastries program kasi individual borrowers under years for interested Filipinos its brand name, SPOON. dati pag naghahanap kami the ANYO loan program. aged 18 to 30 years old. This is the food manufacturing ng pang support, siyempre It also offers P25,000 company’s strategy to cope with nagloloans; may collateral, Meanwhile, AMAD-Bicol non-collaterized loan at zero the changing market demands may porsyento… Dito sa Agri- has already endorsed 12 loan interest and payable in 10 under the new normal condition. Negosyo, may grace period na applications for MSE category. years for individual farmers “For the Department of one year tapos may five years Losa reminded the loan and fisherfolk and up to P10 Agriculture, thank you so much term pa, zero interest… Magaan applicants to submit complete million loan aid at zero interest po sa oportunidad na ibinigay para sa amin,” Cortezano said. documentary requirements to and payable in five years for nyo po sa amin bilang isang Pereña also mentioned fast track the validation and eligible MSEs under its SURE maliit na negosyo kasi po that developing a business approval process. She added COVID-19 loan program. itong loan program na po ito, plan, with technical assistance that the ACPC now accepts malaking tulong po ito sa mga from ACPC, provides them online loan applications MSMEs na tulad namin hindi with strategies to guarantee through the Department of (Annielyn L. Baleza) lang po dahil nagka pandemya profit and strengthen Agriculture Philippines and ngayon pero dahil po gusto their repayment capacity. Agricultural Credit Policy po naming matupad pa yung Council’s Facebook page. with reports from Kenneth Valencia pangarap namin, palakihin pa The DA-Bicol AMAD For SFFs, SFF and Michael Jordan O. Roquid, yung mga negosyo namin at Chief believes that the Agri- organizations/associations DA-ACPC and Patrocinio B. Collao makatulong sa iba,” she said. Negosyo credit facility and MSEs, interested I, DA-AMAD V will stretch the operational applicants may sign up via

Agri Chief hands over...(from page 1) fiberglass boat; 35 units the 11 municipalities 3,080 liters foliar fertilizer; on October 24-25, 2020 marine engine; 1,000 units and the provincial 5,000 pcs cassava planting wrought a total of P437 handlines; 2,000 pcs tilapia LGU of Catanduanes. materials; and other planting million damages to agricultural fingerlings; 200 pcs marine paraphernalia such as crops such as rice, corn, high plywood and 50 boxes These consisted of 1,050 seedling trays and water hose. value crops, coconut and sardines produced by BFAR - 5. bags of hybrid palay seeds; abaca; livestock and fisheries. 3,500 bags certified palay There were also antibiotics From the DA Bicol seeds; 150 bags registered palay and vitamins for livestock. While the recent Super regional office, Regional seeds; 380 pcs laminated One unit 4 Wheel Drive Typhoon Rolly wrought Executive Director Rodel sacks, 15,598 packets assorted Tractor was also turned a staggering P1.4 billion P. Tornilla handed over vegetable seeds, 300 sets over to LGU Virac. damages to agriculture, agri- certificates of award of garden tools, 110 bags organic infrastructure and postharvest a total of P23 Million fertilizer, 3,000 packets The typhoon Quinta facilities in Catanduanes. worth of assistance for plant growth enhancers, which ravaged Catanduanes 6 UMAsenso October-December 2020 To qualify for the grant, the applicant group must be registered with SEC, CDA, CDA Two Bicol FCAs get P3M Kadiwa or DOLE); must have been operating for at least three (3) ni Ani at Kita working capital grant years with proven experience in SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES vegetables from Camarines SUR –To expand the coverage Norte to Metro and also and enhance the efficiency of the to buy vegetables and other Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Program, crops from Metro Manila to the Department of Agriculture augment the dwindling supply is giving away up to P5-Million of vegetables in Camarines financial grants to qualified farmers Norte and Camarines Sur cooperatives and associations as the vegetable plantations (FCAs) under the “Enhanced in said provinces were Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive devastated by typhoon Ulysses. Food Supply Chain Program”. Bikolanas Agriculture Coop receives the check for the “Enhanced Kadiwa ni Meanwhile, the Bikolanas Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program” from RED Rodel P. Tornilla The initial beneficiaries were Agriculture Coop has been and AMAD Chief Adelina A. Losa on November 17, 2020 two FCAs namely: the Bikolanas maintaining a Kadiwa outlet Agriculture Cooperative based in Naga City and plans to use in San Felipe Naga City which the P1-M grant in product received P1 Million working consolidation, processing, capital and the Caayunan marketing and distribution of Multi-purpose Cooperative agri commodities, and in the based in , Camarines purchase of deliver vehicle. Norte which received P2 Million for the procurement The “Enhanced Kadiwa of a delivery vehicle. ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program” provides DA Bicol Regional Executive financial assistance for capacity Director Rodel P. Tornilla and enhancement of farmers Caayunan Multi-purpose Cooperative together with Basud, Camarines Norte AMAD Chief Adelina A. Losa and fisherfolk cooperatives, Mayor Adrian S. Davoco receives the check for the “Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani personally awarded the checks to associations (FCA) on value at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program” from RED Rodel P. Tornilla and AMAD Chief Adelina A. Losa on November 17, 2020 the two beneficiaries on November adding activities in the food 17, 2020 at the former’s office. supply chain such as procurement The program also gives fund management; must have of produce, aggregation, financial assistance to community- farmers/fisherfolk members; and The Caayunan MPC will initial processing, packaging, based organizations for the must have core management team use part of the grant to procure transport and distribution of operation and management of that will implement the project. a truck which will be used to agri-fishery commodities. Kadiwa retail markets or stores. transport pineapple, coconut and (Lovella P. Guarin) Students granted agri scholarship in 2020

SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, The new scholarship (for 10 months per school and 56 scholars in Sorsogon. CAMARINES SUR – Some grantees for this year came year) during the duration 401 lucky students out from the six provinces of Bicol. of their higher education In 10 years of of 430 applicants from ACEF – GIAHEP is a one of which maybe four years or implementation of ACEF- Bicol region were granted the programs of the Department more; and one time thesis GIAHEP, it has already with scholarships under of Agriculture to encourage project grant of P15,000 for granted scholarships to the Department of Agriculture the youth to pursue higher the whole course and P3,000 a total of 598 deserving -Agricultural Competitiveness education and take up Practicum/On-the-Job scholars who are mostly Enhancement Fund (ACEF) agriculture related courses. Training (OJT) allowance. children of small farmers and -Grants-In-Aid for Higher Honor students also receive fisherfolk, underprivileged Education Program (GIAHEP) “ACEF-GIAHEP aims to P10, 000 academic awards. and homeless, and for the school year (SY) 2020- contribute to the development indigenous people. 2021 until SY 2024–2025. of agriculture and fisheries Dr. Edgar R. Madrid, by increasing the number of Regional Technical Director Graduating Senior High These are in addition graduates in higher education for Research and Regulations Students and currently to the 302 ACEF- who are trained in the and Regional Coordinator enrolled college students GIAHEP scholars currently scientific habit of thought, of ACEF–GIAHEP in Bicol are usually encouraged to enrolled in various State entrepreneurial skills and said that the program started in apply in the months of Universities and Colleges technical competencies in the Bicol in 2010 and has already April to June annually. (SUCs) or Higher Education areas of agriculture, forestry, produced 262 graduates Applications could Institutions (HEIs) in Bicol. fisheries veterinary medicine of agri related courses. be submitted t o the Among the 17 regions, Bicol and related agricultural He added that there DA RFO 5 ACEF Secretariat has the most number of education programs.” are 302 scholars currently at [email protected] grantees for this year which enrolled in various SUCs/HEIs: or to the partner SUCs/HEIs. is 18% of the total 2,160 The DA ACEF-GIAHEP 50 in Albay; 93 in Camarines grantees in the Philippines. provides these scholars with Norte; 24 in CamSur; 30 in P3,500 per month stipend Catanduanes; 47 in ; (Please continue to page 8) October-December 2020 UMAsenso 7 DA Bicol launches digitized...(from page 1) assistance to marginal farmers Camarines Sur, 6,355 are from group (TWG) in assisting the as the DA’s electronic compilation of and fisherfolk who were severely Albay, 3,831 are from Camarines partner suppliers and distributors basic information on farmers, farm affected by the COVID-19 Norte, and 6,240 are from in briefing and orientation on the laborers, and fishermen, who are the pandemic, serve as market Sorsogon. The island provinces of food distribution under the program. target beneficiaries of the agency’s support to the local rice and poultry Catanduanes and Masbate have Among DA-Bicol’s partner suppliers programs and services. “Ito po ang industries, and help boost micro, 8,932 and 9,971 farmer and fisherfolk are the Camarines Sur Multi- official system ng DA which will help small, and medium enterprises. beneficiaries, respectively. Purpose Cooperative, Magarao us determine kung sino talaga yung These include 444 corn Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Nabua mga legitimate farmers at yung Using CFSMFF’s e-voucher farmers, 301 sugarcane farmers, West Multi-Purpose Cooperative, mga datos tungkol sainyo so that system, program beneficiaries 12,675 coconut farmers, 29,055 San Agustin-San Ramon Farmers we can give you the required and will receive P3,000 cash via fisherfolk and 1,468 IP farmers with Cooperative (SARFC), and needed interventions,” he added. payout centers accredited Corn farmer Jaymar T. by the Development Rivera considers the cash Bank of the Philippines and food subsidy as an early (DBP) such as Mlhuillier. Christmas gift. He expressed They are also his gratitude to the DA saying, entitled to P2, 000-worth food pack containing “Maogma po kami na rice, chicken and egg. nakatanggap kaining subsidy. Dakulang tabang The said e-voucher po ini para samo. Itong food system developed by po ito na po ang ipapakaon the DA-Information mi sa mga laborers—sa mga and Communications matanom. Itong cash man Technology Service (ICTS) po, dai na kami maluwas features a unique system- nin ibang cash igwa nang generated reference (gagamiton itong) hale code or Quick Response Cash and Food Subsidy for Marginal Farmers and Fisherfolk (CFSMFF) Program sa DA. Maogma kami. (QR) code per beneficiary beneficiaries pose for a photo during the ceremonial distribution of cash and food assistance Bilang patunay man na dae valid for two months in line with the program launch in Bicol on December 16, 2020 at the DA Regional Field nakakalingaw ang gobyerno which they can present, Office in Pili, Camarines Sur. sa anuman na pagkakataon.” along with a government- issued ID, to claim their one hectare and below landholding Malangatong Farmers Association DA-Bicol Regional Technical cash and food assistance. enrolled in the Registry System Inc. in Camarines Sur, Maporong Director for Operations Luz R. for Basic Sectors in Agriculture Farmers Association in Albay, Marcelino, AMAD Chief Adelina CFSMFF beneficiaries were (RSBSA), who are located in 5th Ambos Camarines Consumers A. Losa, BFAR V Regional identified by the implementing to 6th income class cities and 4th Cooperative in Camarines Director Nelson B. Bien, PCA agency for each sector namely the to 6th income class municipalities, Norte, and Capuy-Basud Multi- V Regional Manager Mateo DA Corn Program, Sugar Regulatory and are not covered by other Purpose Cooperative in Sorsogon. B. Zipagan, SRA Mill District Administration (SRA), Philippine Social Amelioration Programs Officer Salvador Ocampo, and Coconut Authority (PCA), Bureau for other commodities and from “Exciting po itong bagong Gumersindo B. Barcenal of NCIP- of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources other government agencies. programang ito ng DA para sa Bicol graced the launching activity. (BFAR), and National Commission mga affected ng COVID-19 dahil on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Meanwhile, the DA high-tech and digitized na po CFSMFF distribution and Agribusiness and Marketing ito,” DA-Bicol Regional Executive payment will continue at the local Bicol has an indicative Assistance Division (AMAD) Director Rodel P. Tornilla said. level to be facilitated by the DA-Bicol target of 44,470 farmers provided the list of KADIWA- and other implementing agencies and fisherfolk who qualified recognized partner suppliers. He also encouraged the in coordination with the Municipal as CFSMFF beneficiaries. They also coordinated with the farmer-beneficiaries to help and City Agricultural Offices. Of these, 9,411 are from regional CFSMFF technical working promote the RSBSA, which serves (Annielyn L. Baleza)

Students granted agri...(from page 7) In the province of Meanwhile, scholars Sr. Memorial State College of Applications in the DA Camarines Sur, scholars can from Camarines Norte Agriculture and Technology RFO 5 are being submitted choose between the two may choose CamNorte (DEBESMSCAT) in . by ACEF –GIAHEP partner SUCs/HEIs, Central State College (CNSC) in regional coordinator to DA Bicol State University Mercedes, CNSC in Labo, and In Sorsogon, scholars may Undersecretary for Special of Agriculture (CBSUA) CamNorte College of Arts opt to enroll in Sorsogon State Concerns and ACEF-GIAHEP in Pili, and Partido State and Business (CANCAB). College (SSC) in Castilla or National Focal Person Waldo University (PSU) in Goa. in SSC Magallanes campus; R. Carpio, and are forwarded In Catanduanes, Bicol University in Gubat to Agriculture Secretary In Albay province, scholars may choose and Veritas College of . William Dar for his approval. scholars may opt to study in between Catanduanes State one of the three campuses University main campus For this SY 2020- 2021, of Bicol University (BU) or Panganiban Campus. the regional ACEF-GIAHEP (Lovella P. Guarin) such as BU Tabaco, and BU Secretariat forwarded a with reports from DA RFO 5 College of Agriculture and In Masbate, scholars may total of 430 applicants to ACEF-GIAHEP Secretariat Fisheries in Guinobatan. enroll at Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa the national secretariat. 8 UMAsenso October-December 2020 DA Bicol conducts trial run...(from page 1) According to Dr. Edgar indemnification for the 17 R. Madrid, Regional Technical heads. “Salamat giraray sa Director for Research and DA ta nakabali ulit ako sa mga Regulations and incident natawan kaining orig. Liwat commander of the Regional maipapadagos mi ang pag Quick Response Team (RQRT) ataman nin orig. Itong binayad for ASF and Animal Diseases, sako kan DA na indemnification Emergencies, the selection halos pinangbayad ko man of the municipalities as pilot sana sa utang ko sa feeds. areas for deployment of the Pero okay na ito ta mayo trial run pigs were based on na akong iisipon na utang. the negative monitoring report Kung marhay an resulta or no incidence report of ASF kaining aatamanon ming recurrence or new incidence orig makabawi man giraray and the compliance of the LGUs kami.” she said with optimism. with all the requirements set “Pero seguro dapat One of the recipients of the sentinel pig poses with RTD Madrid, NMIS OIC Director Dr. Alex Templonuevo, Mayor Legaspi and Regulatory by the RQRT and the Bureau matawan kami nin ayuda bako Division Chief Ms. Rosita Imperial of Animal Industry and lang sa pag-orig. Dapat may willingness and preparedness alternatibong pagkukuanan nin asin ngonian ining mga and was present during the of the LGUs to cooperate. hanapbuhay ta arog kaining orig para makapuon kamo pig distribution said that may pandemya o may epidemya giraray”, Mayor Legaspi said. their office has gathered It has been more than 10 an orig iguang masasarigan substantial evidences and months since the first ASF na iba.” she mused. In Magarao town 16 is set to file cases against farmers received the trial violators of republic Act pigs. Dr. Josefina Bañadera, 9296 or the Meat Inspection a member of the RQRT Code of the Philippines. urged the recipients of the pigs to take care of them. He also announced “Kayo ang susi sa that more LGUs have tagumpay ng trial na ito.” submitted their official She also discussed some request for the establishment tips in caring for the pigs. of slaughterhouse in their

RTD Edgar Madrid (standing) explains to Mayor Nelson Legaspi of Canaman the salient points of the MOA on Sentinel Pigs outbreak was declared in Mayor Nelson Legaspi the Camarines Sur province. of Canaman thanked DA for the trial pigs their 40 farmers Dr. Marissa Guillermo (extreme left) Livestock Program Coordinator As of December, 17,965 which he said is just one explains to the recipients of the initial sentinel pigs some tips on hog heads of swine owned by of the numerous assistance management. over 2,576 farmers have that their municipalities have Jojit Nacario of Apollo respective locality as they been depopulated in 186 already received from the Feeds which volunteered now see the importance of barangays in the provinces agency along with palay seeds, to provide for free the Hog this facility in the ensuring of Camarines Sur, fertilizers, cash assistance, feeds also discussed tips in safe and quality meat and Camarines Norte and Albay. vegetable seeds, ASF proper and efficient feeding its potential of generating indemnification, and FMRs. and care for the hogs. income for their municipality. The DA has paid over Other feed companies He cited the LGU P63 million indemnification “Maski ngani kadakul na like Pigrolac have of Canaman for positively for the depopulated hogs. challenges kitang inatubang also volunteered to responding to the clustering Leonila Alma from asin inagihan kita nin mga provide free seeds to the approach proposed by the barangay Mangayawan in kalamidad kawsa kung tano next batch of recipients. NMIS and agreeing to be Canaman surrendered 3 igua satong mga nawara o one of the 6 municipalities sows and 14 fatteners for losses. Pero yaon pirmi Meanwhile, National which shall avail of the depopulation when their ang DA handa para kita Meat Inspection Service, slaughtering services of the barangay was declared within tabangan bumangon asin OIC Regional Director Alex Naga District Abattoir, the the ASF affected zone. i-replenish su mga nawara Templonuevo who is also first of its kind in the country. She received sato arog kan mga banhi a member of the RQRT October-December 2020 UMAsenso 9 3 strong Typhoons wrought P11.2 B damage to Bicol agri & fisheries, needs over P4.3 B to recover

On the last quarter of the 2020, three successive strong typhoons namely: Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses battered the Bicol region leaving a total estimated damage amounting to P11.27 billion of which agricultural crops incurred the biggest loss at over P9.25 billion followed by damages to infrastructures amounting to P1.30 billion.

Almost 448,107 hectares of agricultural land planted to abaca, coconut, rice, vegetables and other crops suffered significant loss due to strong winds and widespread flooding. a total of 223, 433 heads such as production, seaweed farms, hatcheries The island province of were recorded damaged. postproduction, processing and and aqua-silviculture. Catanduanes bore the brunt Mortalities from poultry irrigation facilities suffered Public support facilities of of the typhoon registering include chicken (191,864 52.58% of the total damage. heads), ducks (11,866 heads) Its abaca plantation which is and chicks (7,366 heads). the province’s major crop and For farm animals swine which accounts for almost (3,125 heads), goats (3,365) 89.64% of the total production and carabao (1,078 heads) in the region was ravaged. had the most damages.

Albay province came in Production loss in terms second in terms of damage at of volume of crop production 21.32%. Its coconut and high was estimated at P6.73 value crops such as banana billion in agricultural crop. were also severely damaged. Abaca incurred the Corn crops which is highest loss amounting

partial to total damages, BFAR and techno demo For fisheries covering farms were also devastated. aquaculture or aqua farming the estimated production Meanwhile, losses in loss is P25.42 million. the livestock and poultry There were 94,831 sub-sector was estimated registered fisherfolk and at P29.95 million. A their families who were total of 223,433 heads primarily dependent on were recorded damaged. fishing who were affected. Mortalities from poultry A total of 2,944 motorized includes chicken 191,864 and non-motorized boats, heads chicken, ; 11,866 1,749 fishing gears damaged. ducks; and 7,366 chicks. For livestock 3,125 swine, In aquaculture, 3,365 goats and 1,078 carabaos damages were in the form were also reported damaged. widely grown in Camarines to P4.23 billion followed of destroyed fish cages, Sur was also heavily damaged . by rice at P1.29 billion; fish aggregating device, Immediately after For livestock and poultry Critical infrastructure mariculture park, fish-ponds, (Next page please) 10 UMAsenso October-December 2020 3 strong Typhoons wrought...(from page 10) To support food and programs were identified production, the High Value and classified according Crops Development Program, to subsectors and priority. provided 73,562 assorted vegetable seeds; 7,484 packs Among the priority of foliar fertilizers; 5,936 activities identified are sets of garden tools; 581 the provision of farm laminated sacks; 1,402 organic production inputs, livestock fertilizers; 12,156 plant growth dispersal and replacement and enhancers; 3,704 seedling rehabilitation of destroyed trays and 117 Urea fertilizers. infrastructures activities.

Moreover, the Livestock About P4.3 billion and Poultry Program is needed for Recovery the typhoon, the DA to cover 91,864 hectares. dispersed 8,093 chicken; and Reconstruction for the Bicol delivered quick 4,200 ducks and 1 carabao. Agriculture and Fisheries response interventions For corn 1,507 bags of Sub Sector in Bicol. to the affected areas. GM Hybrid seeds, 360 bags Also, 1,705 sacks of These are broken down as conventional hybrid seeds and animal feeds were provided follows: Crops: (which include Over P538.99M various 656 bags of Open Pollinated as the recipients may not abaca, HVCDP, coconut, corn interventions were Flint/Glutinous White Corn. be able to provide the feed and rice P3.080,550,031; provided to the farmers. requirements of the their fowls. Fisheries: P350,814,248; The rehabilitation Livetsock and Poultry: For rice, seeds were intervention would cover 656 Based on the estimation P178,016,980; and e- distributed: 72,374 bags hectares (37% of the damaged of damages and losses using P731,571,471. Hybrid seeds; 18,684 bags area) and 1,114 hs (74% of the Post Disaster Needs Certified seeds, and 806 the damaged areas) for white Assessment (PDNA) tools, the registered seeds enough and yellow corn respectively. needed interventions, projects (Emily B. Bordado)

From 2015 to 2018, SAFIMCO earned total sales Rice Processing Centers: Farmers’ of P2.1 million; P2.6 million; P2.1 million; and P2.5 million refuge during calamities respectively. BUHI, CAMARINES SUR –As minimum output the Bicol region was battered capacity of 1 ton/ repeatedly by three strong typhoons hour milled rice; Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses in one 300 square October and November, the DA meter warehouse -funded Rice Processing Centers and weighing scale. (RPCs) in this municipality served as refuge for over 70 families. The coop started on palay Simeon Molina, General trading in 2014. Manager of the San Antonio As it expanded its Farmers Irrigators Multi-purpose operation catering Cooperative (SAFIMCO) said to 400 farmer that since the first RPC-1 was members with turned over to them in 2014, a total irrigated they always opened the facility rice area of as evacuation center for the 300 hectares, typhoon affected families. the association received another “Malaki po ang pasasalamat complete package namin sa DA RFO 5 dahil nabigyan of RPC-1 and P1-million million. In 2016, SAFIMCO In the dry and wet season kami ng dalawang RPCs, isang capital from DA Bicol in 2018. bought 3,026 cavans fresh cropping of 2019, SAFIMCO napakaluwang na bodega at palay amounting to P2.3 million. sold a total P3.3 million worth of P1-million working capital sa The coop also received a rice equivalent to 2,099 bags. bawat RPC,” Molina enthused. rice combine harvester, flatbed In 2017, 2,260 cavans fresh The coop achieved its dryer and grain collector. palay amounting to P1.76 million highest income this 2020 during The coop was one of the were bought from farmers. the Enhanced Community recipients of DA’s 37 Rice Processing In 2014, SAFIMCO bought In 2018, 2,569 cavans fresh Quarantine (ECQ) when it has sold a total of 2,413 bags rice worth P3.9 Centers situated all over rice 1,328 cavans of fresh palay from palay amounting to P2.1 million million from March to June 2020. producing areas of Bicol region. farmers amounting to P1.5 million. were bought from farmers. In 2015, the coop The coop mills these palay The increase in sales was The P5.5 million-worth RPCs bought 2,604 cavans of and sold them as milled rice. have 1 set multipass rice mill with fresh palay amounting to P1.9 (Please continue to page 17) October-December 2020 UMAsenso 11 Young UN Ambassador ...(from page 1) DG. Mabulo, an award-winning tree can offset 5.5 kilograms of CO2 this promise for our country This is a testament that chef, entrepreneur, agriculture per year, 55 kg CO2 in 10 years, that it will lend to many nations agriculture sector can advocate and global youth 4,400 kg CO2 in a year per hectare but borrow from none. “We lead economic recovery.” ambassador personally graced and 44,000 kilograms in a span can accept prosperity for the the event and shared her of 10 years per hectare of land. Philippines,” she quipped. Arlene R. Reario, Regional thoughts on agriculture in the Mabulo is currently the Nutrition Program Coordinator of Philippines She thanked the DA for Ambassador of Operation Smile Regional Nutrition Council Region inviting her. “This shows that Philippines, Breville Phils. and the V talked on COVID-19 Nutrition Her advocacy for farmers young people now have a say and Department of Tourism’s Flavours Advisories particularly the “10 started in 2016 when typhoon are empowered in the agriculture of the Philippines. She is also the Kumainments of the Department Nock-ten (known in the Phils. industry,” she enthused. She saw founder of The Culinary Lounge, of Health.” She reported that as typhoon Nina) has damaged the “stigma in the Philippines, and the Camarines Food and involuntary hunger tripled in the 80% of agricultural area in San Fernando, Camarines Sur overnight on December 25, 2016. Over thousand people also lost their homes in said town where her father Hon. Fermin Mabulo was the municipal mayor. Louise saw the urgency to build disaster resilient livelihood which was also environment friendly for the farmers who produce our food.

Thus, she initiated The Cacao Project which won for Louise the Young Champion of the Earth 2019 prize from the United Nations Environment Program. She helped farmers in San Fernando maximize their land areas by planting cacao-a high demand crop with high prospect in the global market. A short program capped the World Food Day celebration. In photo are Dr. Mary Grace Rodriguez, (at the podium) FOD OIC Chief, (seated from L): Louise Mabulo; RTD Luz R. Marcelino; RTD Edgar Madrid and Arlene Reario- Louise provided seedlings Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator. and training program to 200 farmers who planted over 85,000 where farming is associated Tourism Society. She finished country from 8.8% in December productive cacao trees in 85 to poverty and vulnerability”. Economic Development and 2019 to 30.7% in September 2020. hectares of land in San Fernando. Social Entrepreneurship at Brown According to her, by diversifying That mindset keeps people University in the United States. To combat COVID-19, their crops farmers can earn in that cycle and it is time to Reario cited the NNC Covid-19 P154, 000/hectare per year from deconstruct that mindset from Recently, Louise was honored Advisories which can be found dried cacao beans alone. If they the minds of young people. Now by Forbes Asia as one of the three in the NNC website, which will process them into fermented is an unparalleled opportunity innovative and talented Filipino include drinking 8-10 glass of cacao beans, the farmers can for the industry of agriculture youth leaders. water daily, eating 5 servings of earn P176,800.00/hectare/year. and food because young people She won the Outstanding Young fruits and vegetables daily, and can actually make a difference. Farmer of the Philippines award avoidance of fatty and salty foods. She added that every year by JCI International in 2018. more farmers were affected by One thing that inspired The WFD celebration was typhoons and drought brought her to be called a farmer which She was also a mentor at capped by the awarding of upon by climate change. And her father taught her was that Farleigh Dickinson University P1 M working capital loan each all these are being blamed on Biblically, agriculture is the direct and New York University to under Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) agriculture communities whose indicator of God’s blessings for delegates from over 116 different Loan Program for MSE to two carbon footprint is so large. By people and the nation. In the countries for the Youth Assembly. entrepreneurs namely, COP Pili incorporating agro-forestry and bible, all the most successful Sweets and Pastries based in regenerative farming methods, people are farmers, she added. Meanwhile, Luz R. Marcelino, Bañag, Daraga, Albay and BYC Regional Technical Director for Egg Dealer based in New Louise was able to help She ended her discourse Operations in her welcome remarks Moriones, Ocampo, Cam. Sur. reestablish livelihood and build with a passage from Deuteronomy acknowledged the important Agribusiness and Marketing resiliency for the farmers and at the 28:12. “The Lord will open contributions of our “food heroes”– Assistance Division Chief same time help the environment. the heavens, the storehouse the farmers who produce our Adelina A. Losa, Michael Jordan She found out that planting a of his bounty, to send rain on food. “While the COVID-19 Roquid of Agricultural Credit single cacao tree can offset carbon your land in season and bless pandemic has brought negative Policy Council (ACPC) awarded (source:www.treedom.net/en/ all the work of your hands. impact to the economy in general the check from the Producers https://www co2meter.com/blogs/ You will lend to many nations bringing most of the industries Savings Bank Corporation – the news). but borrow from none.” to a standstill, the agriculture lending conduit in Albay for ANYO. sector managed to grow by 0.50% Accordingly, a single cacao Louise wants to accept in the second quarter of 2020. 12 UMAsenso October-December 2020 All the six provinces except Catanduanes registered an increase in volume of palay production with Camarines Sur having the highest produce.

Tornilla added that rice adequacy remains the important goal of DA under Secretary Dar.

Dr. Marco P. Chavez, Mayor of San Jose, Camarines Sur, recipient of P1M project grant as national outstanding LGU, said that their award was a result of the collective efforts of the Officials and AEWs of LGU San Jose with DA bestows Rice Achievers Awards the huge contribution from the rice farmers of San Jose.

The Department of Dominador R. Paa (Canaman), receive a P1M project grant “Huwag natin tanungin Agriculture in Bicol Librado B. Banastao from DA Central office based kung ano ang magagawa ng bestowed cash awards and (Canaman), Salvacion Buena on their project proposal. DA sa atin, kundi kung ano ang plaques of recognition to the (Canaman), William B. magagawa natin para sa DA,” 2019 regional Rice Achievers Bisenio (Baao), R-Jay N. Rodel. P. Tornilla, DA RFO Awards to 32 Agricultural Romero (Bula), Jessica SD. 5 Regional Executive Director, Outstanding Local Farmer Extension Workers (AEWs) Quintana (Canaman), Aira salute the AEW awardees. Technician Dominador Paa and one municipal LGU in a T. Rivero (San Jose), Arjay “Despite the strong of Canaman, Camarines simple ceremony held at DA Ramirez ( City), Arlene typhoons, the COVID-19 Sur said in his testimony. RFO 5 on December 10, 2020. Repaso (Nabua), Francis pandemic, problems on T. Abasola (Naga City), African Swine Fever (ASF) According to Dr. The municipality of Jose G. Pollero (San Jose), and Fall Armyworm (FAW), Edgar R. Madrid, RTD for San Jose, Camarines Sur Benedict D. Almario (), hindi pa rin nagkukulang Research and Regulations, was the lone awardee Angelito Philip for the LGU category. N. Ignao (Buhi), Allan P. Salvador This is the 3rd year (San Fernando), that said LGU has been Raul G. Conmigo recognized in said category. (Sagñay), Rodolfo DC. Nuñez, The Outstanding AEWs Jr. (Canaman) from Albay are: Provincial Agriculturist Cheryl O. Rebeta, Aaron Israel T. The Outstanding Losabia (Pioduran), Rochelle AEWs from R. Adivino (OPAG), Rosalinda Sorsogon include: B. Belodo (OPAG Albay), Provincial Maria Ailene C. Bombon Agriculturist (Tabaco), Ronald R. Saulon Nestor A. Nava, (OPAG), and Felix Gino Levi G. Barcelona G. Murillo (Ligao City). (OPAG), Danilo M. Ocmer (OPAG), The Outstanding AEWs Ariane D. Duka (OPAG), John ang mga AEWs sa pagtulong the Rice Achievers from Camarines Norte Rey F. Olivenza (OPAG). sa agriculture sector.” Awards boost the morale of the are Ronnie R. Asis and AEWs to perform their best. Cesar R. Miraña (OPAG). The AEWs received Tornilla said that Palay P25, 000.00 cash and production increased by 10% “Therefore, and pinaka The Outstanding AEWs plaque of recognition from in the first semester of 2020 winner dito ay hindi ang mga from Camarines Sur are : the DA regional office. according to the Philippine AEWs kundi ang mga farmers.” Aldrin A. Bigay (Baao), Statistics Authority (PSA). Grace Santelices (San Jose), The LGU of San Jose will (Lovella P. Guarin) October-December 2020 UMAsenso 13 Feature

regional personnel the further spread of This young farmer this pest has somehow been controlled. As an additional source of income he also engages in backyard piggery navigates life with where he has 3 sows and 10 litters. ease and optimism While their municipality was among those first infected by the African Swine Fever (ASF) their barangay which is already despite difficulties remote and with high elevation has so far no incidence of this dreaded swine disease. by Emily B. Bordado As an elected kagawad or barangay Amidst life difficulties and challenges council member he is also dutifully performing this young farmer navigates the long, his duties and trying to set a good example to winding, remote, steep and rough path to his constituents especially to the youths. He is his farm and home aboard his motorcycle also an active member of the newly organized with ease, confidence and optimism. Community Agricultural Cooperative.

“Sa pagsasaka o pagtatanim hindi per cropping which gives him a gross income naman kailangan mataas ang pinag- of about P85,000 or a net income of about aralan mo para maging matagumapay. P30,000 to P40,000 per cropping depending Ang importante yung pursigido ka, nasa on the prevailing buying price of corn. puso mo ito at bukas ang iyong isip na matuto ng mga makabagong teknolohiya”. He continues to upgrade his knowledge These were the words imparted by on corn production as he eagerly attends Mark Salem-Sales, 26 year-old corn farmer seminars and trainings conducted by the from the hilly and remote barangay of DA, ATI and other institutions. He recently Tomagodtod in Calabanga, Camarines participated and completed the course on Sur which currently has the biggest corn Corn Production conducted by the ATI With his father already estranged from area in the province and in the region. via the School-on the Air done virtually their family and has already his own family, in compliance with the COVID-19 protocol. Mark stays with his mother and other siblings But despite this belief Mark persevered and helps in providing the family’s financial need to pursue and finish a Bachelors Degree in The LGU corn technicians are always on including the school expenses of his siblings. Entrepreneurship at the Calabanga Community hand to provide him technical assistance and College while tending to the three (3) hectare support. Assigned to their area is Alma Tablate. Despite the long stretch of narrow, corn farm owned by his maternal grandmother. steep, winding, rough and unfinished road He related that since he was seven years old According to Mark he uses 2 bags hybrid that leads to his farm and home, Mark he was already exposed to farming which corn seeds (88 40 NK) per hectare. He received navigates the path aboard his motorcycle was the source of income of their family. 5 bags of hybrid corn seeds and fungicide from with ease, with confidence and optimism. the DA regional office under the Corn program. He urges his fellow youth to invest in The fifth child in the brood of He uses chicken manure as basal farming. “Tangkilikin natin ang pagtatanim ten he was already doing farm work in fertilizer for his corn crops knowing kasi ito ang bumubuhay sa atin. Kailangan their farm when he was 10 years old. that continuous planting of corn tayo mismo mag produce ng ating mga “Ang pagtatanim ng mais ang siyang could deplete the fertility of the soil. kailangan na produkto at huwag na umangkat kinamulatan ko nang hanapbuhay ng aming sa ibang bansa kasi malawak ang lupain pamilya kaya ito na rin ang tinahak ko. Moreover, his father is engaged in buy and natin. At kahit nga yung mga nasa urban Pero siyempre gusto ko rin umangat at mas sell of chicken dung. He needs 100 bags per areas pwede rin magtanim. Maraming paraan, lalng lumawak ang aking kaalaman. Kaya hectare of chicken manure (at 40 kg per bag). maraming oportunidad kung gugustuhin natin”. po nagpursige akong makatapos ng pag aaral.” When directly bought from the source –(a He used to go with his father poultry farm in the town bring the corn seeds from their farm of Pili) one sack of dried to the comprada of the family of the chicken dung costs P25. incumbent Mayor Eduardo Severo, whose But when already major business is corn trading. transported to Calabanga one sack is sold at P75 Later, he also worked for them to on cash basis and P100 earn income for his school expense. He was if on credit. He also uses convinced that corn production is a viable commercial fertilizers: and profitable business as the corn industry complete and Urea. in their municipality continues to thrive and even the area continues to expand. Just like any other undertaking corn production True enough anywhere you look there has its attendant risk. are vast areas and patches of land planted Mark mentions to corn either in open areas or under coconut among them extreme and or intercropped with other crops. weather conditions or climate change, Mark has already put his stake erratic market prices and pest infestation in agriculture and has sowed the seeds of He is now working full time on his corn citing Fall Army Worm as the newest hope for a brighter and more prosperous farm. With no adverse weather condition, that is, pests that has infected their corn crops. future. He challenges his fellow youth no occurrence of El Nino or La Nina or typhoons But thanks to the close surveillance as he ask: “Ikaw handa ka na ba?” and major pest infestation, he said he harvests and monitoring of the extension workers an average of 6 tons of yellow corn per hectare and the timely intervention of the DA 14 UMAsenso October-December 2020 Feature hauling truck, to name a few.

Recently, the cooperative also received a working capital worth P5 million, under the DA- Agricultural Credit Policy Council’s (ACPC) Expanded SURE Aid and Recovery Project (SURE COVID-19). This enabled the PDC to procure organic fresh palay at P16 per kilogram (brown) P17 per kilogram (red). It also buys dried palay at P17 to P18 per kilogram (brown) and P19 to P20 (red). It also offers loans to its members in the form of production inputs. To give back to the community, PDC provided relief National packages including 10 kilograms of Farmers’ coop supports rice to its farmer-members and the residents of Brgy. Lanipga in Bula, Rice Awareness Month ’20 campaign Camarines Sur, where its office and by Annielyn L. Baleza processing area is located during “Grow local. Buy local. Eat local.” Thus, as it grows, the cooperative started the lockdown in April and after the onslaught The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Bicol producing its own inputs including seeds of typhoons Quinta, Rolly and Ulysses. amplifies this year’s National Rice Awareness and bio-organic fertilizers. It also established “Malaking tulong sa production Month (NRAM) theme to support rice farmers its marketing arms-the Federation of People’s and marketing si DA kasi yung lahat ng in the region for them to recover from the Sustainable Development Cooperative (FPSDC), pinaplano namin naisu-support rin sa amin impact of the back-to-back typhoons. This which has 1,000 outlets nationwide, Sunnywood ng ahensya. Maraming salamat Department year’s theme is a sequel to the 2019 Superfoods Corp., with 1,300 outlets, and of Agriculture kasi lahat nang nai-support campaign with emphasis on local rice Global Organic and Wellness Corporation (ninyo) ay napakinabangan namin, marami production in addition to marketing and (GLOWCORP), with 800 outlets, which yung natutulungan namin,” Bicaldo added. consumption of locally produced rice. maintains the cooperative’s international market. The PDC delivers four truckloads of organic Ludem B. Molina, PDC farmer-member, One of the staunch supporters rice to Metro Manila monthly, with 25 tons of attested to this, saying, “Napakaraming of rice farmers in Bicol is the Pecuaria organic rice each for the said markets. benefits na nakukuha kami bilang member Development Cooperative (PDC) based It also sells organic rice to walk-in clients sa PDC. Yung mga inputs namin nauutang in Brgy. Lanipga Bula, Camarines Sur. in its display center in Bula, Camarines Sur. namin gaya nung seeds, bio-organic fertilizer at “Kung ang lahat ng Pilipino kumakain In 2019, the coop got P40 million sales from nagbabayad lang kami pag na-harvest. Pag na- ng unpolished (rice) no need tayong mag- its organic rice products. In addition, the harvest po yung palay namin, dinadala namin export kasi pag unpolished ang kinain mo, PDC expanded its organic rice production sa coop at nababayaran po kami ng sapat na masustansya na, kakaunti lang ang makakain presyo dahil kung nabibili yung palay sa open mo imbes na magsasaing ka ng isang kilo, ¼ market ng P12, sa amin nabibili ng P18-P19 kilo lang isasaing mo, busog na ‘yung pamilya depende po sa kagandahan at sitwasyon mo,” PDC General Manager Miller Bicaldo said. ng palay sa panahon.” He also mentioned that many The coop, composed of a group of agrarian farmers in Bula now benefit from the Small reform beneficiaries known as the People’s Water Impounding Project (SWIP) that Coalition for Unity on Agrarian Reform Integrated DA-Bicol has turned over last August. Action (PECUARIA) was organized and registered with Cooperative Development Cooperative In a Memorandum issued by the Office (CDA) in September 1991. It is a cooperative of the DA Secretary on October 5, 2020, engaged in the production and marketing of Secretary William D. Dar rallied various rice certified organic pigmented rice like red, brown stakeholders, particularly farmers to “Grow local” and black. Its businesses also include milling areas to Camarines Norte and Sorsogon. by optimizing farm yields using the PalayCheck and marketing as well as bio-organic fertilizer The cooperative also eyes expanding System and other technologies and practices production. PDC has 426 regular members their operation in and . recommended by DA. He also encouraged and 350 associate members. Thirty of PDC’s “Ang opportunity sa organic rice, marami. them to avail government services through farmer-members are into organic rice production Kasi ang organic rice, ito po ang puwede the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund in about 120 hectares of the 817 hectares nating i-export na kagaya ng ibang bansa na (RCEF), Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) and total land area owned by the cooperative. nagdadala dito ng mga produkto,” Bicaldo said. National Rice Program (NRP). The Agri Chief also sought local government units and other Sustainability is at the core of PDC’s To gain access to the international market, institutions’ support for local farmers by “Buying operation from production to marketing. PDC secured Halal certification and 3rd party local.” This can be done by buying rice farmers’ certification from the Organic harvests at a reasonable price, adopting Certification Center of the Philippines KADIWA as farmers’ marketing platform at the (OCCP) starting 2007. At present, community or LGU level, and lobbying local PDC is exploring the possibility of ordinances to implement truthful labeling of rice marketing its products in the Middle source in the market. East, Egypt, and Switzerland. Moreover, he urged the rice-consuming public to “Eat local” by patronizing locally- With all these achievements, produced rice, consuming brown rice PDC acknowledged the major or other nutritious forms of rice, and contributions of the DA-Bicol, practicing the “Don’t waste rice” behavior. particularly the Rice and Organic Pursuant to Proclamation No. 524, s. 2004, Agriculture programs. Bicaldo said November is declared as the National that the DA funded the cooperative’s Rice Awareness Month. Likewise, per rice processing complex, warehouse, Proclamation No. 1030, s. 2015, it coincides color sorter, circulating dryer, and with the Organic Agriculture Month celebration. October-December 2020 UMAsenso 15 LGU but ranges from P20 million to P50 million.

These include Legaspi City and Ligao City PRDP Bicol RPAB approves in Albay; Naga City, Iriga City and in Camarines Sur and in Sorsogon.

34 proposed slaughterhouses The required area for the site of all the The proposed sub-projects for the the infrastructure types identified in the DA- proposed slaughterhouses is set by NMIS at construction of 27 units of “AA” slaughterhouses ALPAS program that would restore the a minimum of 2,000 square meters. Under and rehabilitation and improvement of 7 existing food supply chain disrupted due to COVID 19. the PRDP, the cost sharing for the project “AA” slaughterhouses submitted by 34 Local implementation is 80% from the loan proceeds; government units from all provinces of Bicol These include pre- and post- harvest 10% from the government of the Philippines and were favorably endorsed by the Regional Project infra facilities, access road, bridges, irrigation only 10% will be the equity of the proponent LGU. Advisory Board (RPAB) of the Philippine Rural systems, and water supply subprojects Development Project (PRDP) of the Department and other infrastructures in line with the The team of Dr. Templonuevo of Agriculture to the South Project Office commodity value chain of the region. together with the PRDP Bicol I-Build team for approval and funding during its meeting headed by Engineer Ted Eleda went on a on September 30, 2020 conducted virtually. The proposals for slaughterhouses marathon ocular inspection and validation in Bicol were classified into five all the prospective sites in the 6 provinces. The aggregate costs of the 34 units categories based on capacity and cost. of these projects totals to P1.065 billion. The first category has the capability On same meeting the RPAB of slaughtering 60-100 heads per day members present decided to terminate The proponent LGUs saw the importance but whose structural and operational the implementation of the Construction/ of investing in slaughterhouse after the National components is pegged at P50 million. Rehabilitation of Pinagwarasan- Lanot Meat Inspection Service through its OIC– Included in this category are farm-to market road connecting Basud and Regional Director Dr. Alex Templonuevo has Daraga and Tabaco City in Albay; in Mercedes in Camarines Norte with an original been aggressively promoting the establishment Camarines Norte and Placer in Masbate. target length of 35.7 kms and supposed to of slaughterhouse to provide consumers be completed on May 2017 but to date has clean, fresh and quality meat compliance The second category has also the only 52.49% actual work accomplishment. to hygienic slaughtering, make trading capability of slaughtering 60 to 100 heads segment of swine and cattle more efficient per day but the total cost of the structural and The main reason cited was the that will positively affect raisers’ income. operational components is placed at Php hazardous situation in the area due to 40million. The proponent LGUs which qualified threats of the insurgents against the He underscored that the slaughterhouse is not only a vital facility to be provided by LGUs as stipulated in the Local Government Code but is also a viable and profitable investment as it can also generate revenue for the LGU and generate employment.

Dr. Templonuevo who was invited as resource person during the RPAB meeting explained that the slaughterhouse can address the present emerging animal health diseases like the ASF and elevate under this category are: Calabanga and Buhi contractor and even the PRDP personnel. the meat hygiene situation in the LGUs. in Camarines Sur and Virac in Catanduanes. The RPAB virtual meeting or The PRDP which is funded by The third category has the capability teleconference was facilitated by Adelina A. the World Bank with counterpart from of slaughtering 20 to 60 heads per day Losa, PRDP-Bicol Deputy Proj. Director. DA the Philippine government is jointly and the total cost is P30 million. Included Regional Executive Director and PRDP–Bicol being implemented by the Department of in this category are Capalonga and Jose Proj. Director, Rodel P. Tornilla also joined Agriculture and the Local Government Units. Panganiban in Camarines Norte; Ragay, the meeting and commended the proponent Milaor, Bula and Ocampo in Camarines groups and LGUs including the Bicol PRDP The project is primarily intended to Sur and Bulan and Gubat in Sorsogon. team for turning out a very good performance boost rural income and reduce poverty by despite the difficulty in mobility and conduct of improving rural infrastructure, supporting Eight municipalities qualified to the 4th some activities due to the COVID 19 pandemic. small enterprises and livelihood projects category which is capable of slaughtering He cited in particular the LGU of Aroroy, in the rural areas across the country. 15-50 heads per day and with structural Masbate and the contractor for setting a record and operational component worth only P20 of finishing its FMR sub-project 5 months It has aligned its thrusts to the DA’s vision million. These include Malilpot in Albay; ahead of its targeted completion timeline. of transforming the Philippine Agriculture: Cabusao, , and Sangay in During COVID 19 and Beyond by ensuring Camarines Sur; Bato in Catanduanes; , The RPAB members who participated strong value chain, affordable, safe and Barcelona and Sta. Magdalena in Sorsogon. were; Eng. Sergio Uy of DPWH; Lerma Dino of nutritious food and a vibrant rural economy. DAR; John Michael Gangawan of DENR; Suzette Meanwhile, 5 cities and 1 municipality Brioso Buenaventura of DTI; Antonio Pasano of The WB has approved the Retrofitted proposed and qualified for the Improvement/ DILG; Nonie Enolva of BFAR and Jose Cordero Additional Financing 2 amounting to Rehabilitation of their existing AA abattoir of RAFC and other staff of the PRDP Bicol US $280 million wherein 31% are to be capable of slaughtering more than 100 heads per identified from the subprojects to support day. The cost for improvement varies for each (Emily B. Bordado) 16 UMAsenso October-December 2020 Rice Processing Centers: Farmers’...(from page 11) due to the demand for milled rice from Local months. Molina said that they are using the residents who used to travel 13 kilometers Government Units for their relief assistance. P1- million cash award the coop received just to buy necessities at the town proper. from DA-NIA in 2015 in this loan scheme. The LGU of Buhi bought 1,300 bags The coop was also a recipient of a Barangay Molina said that from their P375, 000 milled rice from SAFIMCO; Polangui barangay Food Terminal (BFT) in 2014. DA provided BFT package, the coop was able to sustain councils bought 300 bags; and 3 barangay SAFIMCO with cold storage facilities, the BFT operations through the years and councils of Iriga City bought 150 bags milled rice. technical assistance and working capital. their BFT is currently worth P700,000. Aside from palay trading, SAFIMCO is currently engaged in input dealership, The BFT which serves as depository of As of December 2019, and micro finance. The coop offers a low- the farmers’ agricultural produce helped make SAFIMCO has P42.8 million assets. interest agricultural loan to farmer members basic necessities and quality food like rice, (Lovella P. Guarin) at P15, 000 per hectare payable in 4 fish, vegetables and fruits, available to the

micro and small enterprises (MSMEs); Kadiwa Various stakeholders participate in ni Ani at Kita; urban agriculture and Livestock Livelihood Enterprise Program which provides livelihood thru distribution of livestock modules, FY 2022 plans via virtual dialogues including feeds, machinery and equipment. SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES SUR–To the DA were presented by Ms. Mary Ann R. cascade to various stakeholders the strategic Cuya. She highlighted the DA’s food security Also to be continued are Revitalized directions, thrusts and priorities in the framework which envisions a food secure and Gulayan Project, expanded Agri Insurance agri-fishery sector and thereby promote resilient Philippines by enabling the sector to Project, and Social Amelioration Program for complementation of plans and programs of the government at the local, regional, and national levels, the Department of Agriculture in Bicol conducted series of virtual planning dialogue with various stakeholders in preparation for the FY 2022 Plans and Budget Proposals (PBPs) via ZOOM.

The virtual planning dialogue with the national government agencies such as NIA, DENR, DSWD, DOST, DPWH, DAR, and DOT was held on November 26, 2020. The provincial local government units were consulted on November 27, 2020. Private continuously recover socially and economically Farmers; continues updating of the RSBSA; sector representatives of vegetables, cacao, and be resilient under the “new normal”. assistance to Indigenous Peoples (IPs); coconut, livestock, rice and corn as well as Farm Tourism program; Farm and Fisheries members of the RAFC were consulted on Strategies include: 1)Improving agri fishery Clustering and Consolidation Program December 2, 2020. Forty-three (43) Municipal productivity within ecological limit thru the use (F2C2); Youth Agripreneurship Program to Local Government Units (MLGUs) from all of science-based decision support tools to encourage the youth to venture in agriculture over Bicol participated in the virtual planning improve resilience and productivity, promotion of and agribusiness; Agriculture Dialogue and dialogue on December 3, 2020. SUC Presidents/ intercropping and integrated farming systems, Information Network Groups (ADING) program representatives of Sorsogon State University; intensify the promotion of urban agriculture, which aims to establish integrity circles at Cam.Norte State University; Central Bicol backyard and community gardening, and the local, provincial, regional and national State University of Agriculture; Partido State timely and effective implementation of RCEF levels; and Enhancement of Partnership University; and DEBESMSU participated in the and other support measures; 2)Intensifying with the private sector particularly in forging virtual planning dialogue on December 4, 2020. development and adoption of modern, climate- contract-growing and marketing agreements. and-disaster-resilient production technologies In each of the dialogue, Chief Statistical thru accelerating irrigation development, Proposed interventions should also support Specialist Danilo V. Lucena presented the intensifying research, intensifying the the recently passed agri-related laws: 1)Rice 2019 performance of agriculture in Bicol. provision of appropriate farm machineries, Tariffication Law or RA 11203 with emphasis Aloha Gigi I. Banaria, Chief of PMED equipment and facilities; 3)Increasing on aggressive approach towards developing presented the rationale of the activity wherein access to digitally supported value chain; 4) competitiveness of local industry, and provision she emphasized that the conduct of these Increasing agri-fishery-based enterprises; of enabling mechanism to continue domestic joint planning is very timely considering and 5)Adequate financing; Enforcing rice trade. 2)Sagip Saka Act or RA 11321. that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted Food safety standards and regulations. the important role of LGUs in ensuring Proposals supporting this Act could include food security in their respective localities Meanwhile, Dr. Mary Grace DP. Rodriguez, assistance on the application for certifications and the Mandanas ruling on expanding the Chief of the Field Operations Division (e.g. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good budget of the LGUs will take effect in 2022. discussed the priority areas of interventions Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA, etc.) of DA’s banner programs. She reported that She stressed that it is important for DA based on guidelines, COVID-19 response Bañaria added that the expected outputs to be able to practice its steering function programs of DA shall be continued in 2022, of the dialogue includes the consolidated for the AFS by communicating DA’s policy such as Rice Resiliency Project which aims to report on the highlights of the documentations framework, strategic directions and thrusts ensure availability of local rice thru increased of the activities conducted, accomplished and priorities to the LGUs to ensure that production by providing seeds and fertilizers; templates of priority programs, activities and they are given priority in the local budget. Rice Farmers Financial Assistance and projects and a Three-year Rolling Investment Financial Subsidy to Rice Farmers which Program (3YR-IP) which will serve as input Their participation aims to provides P5,000 cash to eligible rice farmers; to the updated Public Investment Program mobilize resources for the sector Expanded SURE AID and Recovery Project and the annual plan and budget for FY 2022. which are outside DA’s scope. which provides zero interest loans to small Subsequently, the strategic directions of farmers and fishers and agri-based (Lovella P. Guarin) October-December 2020 UMAsenso 17 SPECIAL PROJECTS Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP)

habal o mga tricycle o kaya itong mga motorbike na mura lang ang singil sa bawat sako ng niyog at palay at mga mais na galing sa aming sakahan,” he said.

Marcaida added that without the FMR, hauling cost of one sack of copra ranges from P50 to P100. Now, it is fixed at P50 per sack.

With the project’s completion, the Municipal Project Management Implementation Unit (MPMIU) of Aroroy, Masbate also projects a P1.9 million worth of savings in vehicle operating cost, reduction of transport losses by 3.3 percent on palay, 2.8 percent on copra, Farmers and residents reap emerging 9 percent on banana and 1.4 percent on corn. They also expect an expansion of agricultural benefits of completed PRDP-funded area for cassava and coconut by 140 hectares on the first year FMR in Masbate after the project completion. The PRDP-Bicol headed or residents of five F land travel via motor bike from Brgy. papuntang Aroroy,” Jonel Wilson by Regional Regional Executive barangays in Aroroy, Masbate, San Agustin, on the other hand, Regala, Punong Barangay, Brgy. Director and PRDP-Bicol Project having a world-class farm-to-market costs P200 to P300. San Agustin Aroroy, Masbate, Director Rodel P. Tornilla turned road (FMR) such as the 15-kilometer With the concrete FMR, travel Wilmor C. Marcaida, president of over the San Agustin to Tigbao Concreting of San Agustin to time and fare were reduced to the Kapisanan ng mga Magniniyog FMR to the local government unit Tigbao FMR from the Philippine one hour and P100, respectively. at Magsasaka Pinag-isa (KAMPI), of Aroroy on September 8, 2020. Rural Development Project (PRDP) said that the PRDP-funded FMR is worth more than a pot of gold. “Ang magandang naidulot is a blessing for farmers like him Tornilla reminded the nitong kalsada, napakaganda who used to suffer from the muddy, stakeholders, particularly the This coastal town, known for na po dahil ang mga produkto rough, and oftentimes, slippery road. barangay beneficiaries of their its gold mine site, recently sets namin mabilis na maipunta dun He added that the road significant role in the Operation the record for completing its first sa bayan kasi konkreto na sya at development has resulted to and Maintenance (O&M) PRDP infrastructure development kung sakaling may mga pasyente increase in farmers’ income (I-BUILD) subproject five months of the FMR. ahead of schedule. The 242.56 Based on the PRDP million-worth FMR will benefit a guidelines, the local government total of 11,541 individuals or 2,231 unit (LGU) is responsible for households, 1,836 of which are the O&M of the completed farmers and fisherfolk from five subproject for at least 10 barangays in Aroroy. By improving years in accordance with the access for both farm inputs and provisions stipulated in the outputs to and from the production operation and maintenance plan sites, the I-BUILD infrastructure and subproject Implementation subproject aims to support the Management Agreement (IMA). municipality’s coconut value chain. “Ang isang bubuo po sa “Nung dati, nung open road sistema ng ating proyekto ay pa lang itong kalsada na ito ay yung ating mga barangay kasi Barangay captains of the five barangays within the road influence area of the 15-kilometer since ngayon po ay ibinigay na napakahirap ng transportasyon Concreting of San Agustin to Tigbao FMR pose for a photo with DA-Bicol Regional Executive tungo dito sa barangay ng Tigbao Director and concurrently the PRDP-Bicol Project Director Rodel P. Tornilla (3rd from left) sainyo ang pangangalaga, yung lalo na yung mga farmers kung while holding their Certificates of Turn-Over during the Turn-Over Ceremony of the said operation and maintenance ng FMR on September 8, 2020 at Brgy. Don Pablo Dela Rosa Aroroy, Masbate. paano ita-transport yung mga kalsadang ito, kayo na po ang produkto nila pang-agrikultura… kami mabilis na yun madala as it reduced the hauling cost mangangalaga nito,” he remarked. lalo na kung panahon ng tag- papunta ng bayan kasi konkreto of their agricultural products. ulan, napakahirap kung paano na nga,” Rey C. Oliva, Punong PRDP is a national project ide-deliver yung mga produkto Baranggay of Brgy. Don Pablo “Napakalaking tulong sa jointly funded by the World Bank, nila, kung saan ide-deliver, Dela Rosa Aroroy, Masbate, said. mga magsasaka at magniniyog the national government and the saang lugar, napakahirap po at lalo na sa mga mangingisda participating LGU that is being ng transportasyon,” Jomar D. “Nakakatulong kasi sa mga na pabalik-balik, naghahatid ng implemented by the DA to establish Oliva, Punong Barangay of Brgy. may sakit papuntang Aroroy. Dati kanilang mga produkto. Dati po a modern, value chain-oriented and Tigbao Aroroy, Masbate, narrated. nung hindi pa ‘to kalsada galing ang kinikita namin ay napakababa climate-resilient agri-fishery sector. Residents of Brgy. Tigbao used San Agustin papuntang Malubi, dahilan sa napakalaking gastusin to travel by boat to reach the papuntang Aroroy, masyadong sa paghihila ng aming mga town center within 15 minutes. mahirap ang daanan at malayo, produkto. Ngayon na may daanan mga dalawang oras ang byahe. Sa na, konti na lang ang ginagastos (Annielyn L. Baleza) Meanwhile, travelling by land ngayon, mga isang oras na lang namin kasi mayroong habal- would take two hours. A two-hour 18 UMAsenso October-December 2020 SPECIAL PROJECTS Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD)

planting materials, 4,000 calamansi trees, 300,000 SAAD farmers in Catanduanes sustain root crops cuttings, 200 vegetable production amid pandemic bags organic fertilizers. Close to 500 farmer the San Miguel Farm Workers the San Marcos Vegetable The SAAD implementers members of the 10 organized Association with 56 members Farmers Association who were also able to complete farmers groups from the initially earned P3, 870.00; are mostly housewives have the delivery of interventions remote areas of Catanduanes and the Salvacion Farmers been recipient of SAAD under Vegetable Production included in the Special Area Association composed of 19 interventions since 2018 when Package for CY 2019 which for Agricultural Development members earned P2, 545.00. they received an integrated included 316 kilograms (SAAD) are now enjoying the vegetable and pig production vegetable seeds, 1,600 bags fruits of their labor as they In San Miguel, package which consisted of organic fertilizer, 100 pieces continue to harvest from their Catanduanes, the Suchan piglets, pig pen and rice bran. drums, 300 garden tools, 1,200 respective vegetable farms. Vegetable Farmers Association plastic trays, 26 meter HDE with 48 members earned The association was pipes, 100 pieces wheelbarrow, The six municipalities P1, 510.00 from vegetable registered with DOLE in 20 rolls UV treated plastic. included in SAAD in production in the month of January 2020. They are the island province of August. Another active farmers’ cultivating a total area of Meanwhile, partial Catanduanes are Baras, association, the San Marcos 5 hectares. These women distribution was made on the Gigmoto, Bato, Panganiban, Vegetable Farmers Association members help feed their families target Vegetable Production San Miguel and . initially earned P1, 030.00. and are also involved in their Package for CY 2020 which community through farming includes 300 kilos vegetable For the whole month of Recently, Barangay San and communal gardening. seeds, 300 bags organic August 2020, the 10 associations Marcos was adjudged as the San Marcos is a small fertilizer, 203 drums, 303 earned an aggregate income cleanest and greenest barangay barangay that can be reached garden tools, 2,000 plastic of Php 41,015.00 from in San Miguel in terms of by walking for 1 to 2 hours or trays, 100 meters HDPE Pipes, the sales of 1,564 kilos of implementation of solid waste through riding a habal-habal. 142 wheelbarrow, 60 rolls assorted vegetables such as management, health and The farmers of the association plastic mulch, 133 knapsack eggplant, ampalaya, cucumber, sanitation, and maintenance are hardworking and active sprayer. Under the Plantation okra, pechay, sili, squash, of communal garden with members of the community. Crops Establishment Project, patola, string beans and upo. nursery, and was declared planting materials were winner of the “Halaman Dr. Mary Grace Rodriguez, partially distributed from Fifty (50) members of the ni Mang Isko Program”. SAAD Action Officer of among the following targets San Miguel SAAD Vegetable for CY 2020: 7,600 rambutan Farmers Association in the trees, 360 lemon seedlings, municipality of Baras earned 248,500 root crop cuttings and P10,050 from the sales of 76 bags organic fertilizers. vegetables harvested from their communal garden. In the The Special Area for municipality of Gigmoto three Agricultural Development organized farmers’ groups (SAAD) promotes food have also sold their produce self-sufficiency among the and earned some income. beneficiaries in the remote The Sioron High Value Crops areas of the island province Farmers Association composed of Catanduanes by providing of 50 members earned P9, sustainable livelihood 130.00; the Gigmoto San support in terms of vegetable Vicente SAAD with 37 and livestock production. members earned P1, 820.00; and the San Pedro Farmers Aside from the sold Association with 75 members products, the vegetables earned an initial of P6, 530.00 Bicol said that SAAD has planted by the farmers helped The contest covered the in their everyday consumption. from the sales in August 2020. 24 barangays of San Miguel, allocated P4.3 Million for the Vegetable Production The reported sales of the including the SAAD covered farmers’ associations are on Meanwhile, in the barangays such as San Project of 15 organized municipality of Bato, the groups of beneficiaries top of the vegetable harvest Marcos, Tobrehon, Balatohan, of the individual farmers Cagraray High Value Crops Kilikilihan, Dayawa, and JMA. in Catanduanes for 2020. Growers Association with which they allocate for The LGU initiated contest their family consumption. 55 members initially earned started from January 2020 to In 2019, SAAD P1, 000; and the San Roque May 2020 and the awarding beneficiaries in Catanduanes Vegetable Association with also received various (Lovella P. Guarin) ceremony was held last August with reports and photos 56 members initially earned 12, 2020 at Patio De San Miguel. interventions under the P3, 530 from the sale of their Plantation Crops Establishment from Melrose Bernal SAAD Provincial Coordinator in newly harvested vegetables. The 36 members of which included 1,200 grafted In Panganiban, Catanduanes, mango trees, 8,000 cacao Catanduanes UMAsenso 19 Key Strategies to ‘Grow’ 12 Agriculture in 2021 and Beyond The key strategies will accelerate transformation towards a modern and industrialized Philippine agriculture thru an inclusive approach.

1 Farm Clustering/ 2 4 Infrastructure Province-led Investments Bayanihan Agri Agriculture and Clusters (BACs) Fisheries Extension 3 System (PAFES) Agri-industrial Business Corridors (ABCs)

5 Post-harvest, Processing Logistics, and Marketing Support 6 8 Mobilization and Digital 7 Empowerment of Agriculture Climate Change Partners to Attain Scale Adaptation and Mitigation Measures

9 11 Global Trade, Export 10 Ease of Doing Business and Development and Food Safety and Transparent Procurement Promotion Regulations

12 Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 5 Strategic Communication Support San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS 5) [email protected] Agriculture Bicol bicol.da.gov.ph “A food-secure and resilient Philippines with RE-ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER empowered and prosperous farmers and fisherfolk” at Pili, Post Office, Pili, CamSur under Permit No. 2019-17 on March 25, 2019