October - December 2016 Vol. 25 No. 4

President Rodrigo LGU Duterte meets the local chief executives and selected wins P1million as farmers of “Be Riceponsible” at the Provincial Capitol in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur, advocacy champion three days after Nina ravaged Bicol. Photo The provincial government shows President Duterte of Sorsogon, Bicol’s lone entry consulting agriculture to the DA-Philippine Rice secretary Manny F. Piñol on Research Institute (PhilRice) DA’s rehabilitation funds. nationwide BeRiceponsible Search for Best Advocacy Campaign was adjudged as champion under the Provincial Government category and won P1 Million cash prize. Hazel V. Antonio, director Pres. Duterte allocates P500 million of the Be RICEponsible campaign led the awarding ceremony which was held at for typhoon Nina rehab in Bicol PhilRice in Nueva Ecija on by Emily B. Bordado (Please turn to page 15) Typhoon Nina devastated three Bicol provinces and wrought heavy damage on the agriculture sector. FULL FLEDGED. Final damage report shows that the number of Agriculture farmers affected from the province of Camarines Sur, Secretary and is 86,735. Of this, 73,757 are rice Emmanuel farmers; 8,387 corn farmers and 4,002 are high value F. Piñol crop farmers. The value of production loss is estimated administered at over P5.1 billion. the oath of office to The total rice area affected planting anew. The assistance our beloved is 59,528.23 hectare; for corn will be in the form of palay Regional 12,727.17 hectare and for seeds to be distributed to the Executive high value crops including affected farmers. Director (RED) vegetables and fruit trees, The president also asked Elena B. de 13,337 hectares have been the recommendation of los Santos as affected. full-fledged Agriculture Secretary Manny Director IV of President Rodrigo Duterte Pinol to increase the amount Department who flew in to Catanduanes by another P50 million if of Agriculture and Camarines Sur 3 days after there is a need for it. But in Regional Field the typhoon has announced the a later statement released by Office No. 5. release of P50 million from the Sec. Piñol, this amount was national government to help increased to P500 million. farmers recoup their losses by (Please turn to page 5) De los Santos is new RED of DA Bicol Dr. Elena B. de los degree in Agriculture major Santos is the newly appointed in Animal Husbandry at the Regional Executive Director of Central Bicol State University the Department of Agriculture of Agriculture major in Animal Bicol. Her appointment as full- Husbandry. She obtained a fledged RED was signed by Master’s degree in Animal President Rodrigo Duterte last Science from the University September 28, 2016. of the at Los A very simple and unassuming Baños, and a doctor’s degree but well-organized and smart in Development Management lady, Dr. de los Santos is very from the Bicol University. much qualified, and honed for New Through DA admin diligence grounds and the job having been with the dedicationand driveway. she rose from the Old building. department for the past 36 years. (Please turn to page 11) She finished her Bachelor’s The new administration building EDITORIAL

Towards a responsible and whereabouts, their travel escapades even on official time and worst in prudent use of social media the company of people they are not Social media is indeed one of are becoming more and more addicted supposed to be mingling with them, the significant developments in to using it. A lot of what could have much so going on leisure trip with them this generation. One of the most been productive time are wasted at because these people have business important advantages of this media work, in school and at home. It is dealings with the office. Even if these is the speed and efficiency in which it also causing relationship problems. travels are made on personal time and allows communication between and Family members even though they expense public employees must have a among people by bridging geographical are sharing the same roof and even sense of delicadeza and must be discreet distances. Breaking news, trends, room are no longer interacting with because under the Code of Conduct videos, photos and other urgent and each other as they are so preoccupied and Ethical Standards (Re. 6713) important information and just about and glued to their personal computer government employees “shall endeavor anything can go viral and can spread interacting with people they meet only to discourage wrong perceptions of like wildfire on social media sites. through the social media. Indeed, this their roles as dispensers or peddlers of Through the social media people social media mania is driving wedges undue patronage. Moreover, officials stay connected to friends and families into people’s real life. Online social and employees and their families shall in today’s fast paced world usually for interactions have not only been starting lead modest lives appropriate to their free or at very minimal cost. It is also a new relationship, but also ending many positions and income. They shall not great way to meet new people and seek existing relationships. indulge in extravagant or ostentatious out groups who share common cause Some people are also using social display of wealth in any form.” or same interests. Social media is also media as their wall, plaftform or We are thus in support of the an invaluable promotional tool as it bulletin board to flaunt the good Memorandum Order of Assistant can reach large and diverse number of things (real or imagined, legit or Secretary for Operations and PRDP people. illicit activities and affairs) they have. National Project Director Ariel T. Social media is also a useful tool Any little bit of accomplishments, Cayanan anent the observance of for farmers and those engaged in milestone, travels, celebrations, prudence on the use of social media agribusiness as it an important and occasions, food, new acquisitions or during official travels /activities being inexpensive source of information just about anything even trivial and conducted by the PRDP. This should about technologies, good practices and inane and crazy or bizarre things are also be adopted by all DA officials and market information. It is also a very posted on the fb or tweeter. Modesty employees. effective channel to connect with buyers humility and decency are indeed dying As Amy Jo Martin aptly puts it: or consumers and suppliers. With its virtues. “Social media is changing the way various platforms, social media can Many social media users however we communicate and the way we be used to share information and give are also unwittingly exposing their are perceived, both positively and directives or directions to a number of personal details and activities on negatively. Every time you post a people and get immediate response. line thus, incriminating and putting photo, or update your status, you But social media has also its themselves under the critical scrutiny are contributing to your own digital downside especially when used of the public. There are government footprint and personal brand.” irresponsibly. One of the adverse employees for example who have the Let us therefore be judicious and effects of social media is that people penchant of posting or bragging their responsible in using the social media.

Published quarterly by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division of the Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Unit No. 5, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur, Tel No.(054) 477-5113 Fax 477-0381 E-mail Address: [email protected] Re-entered as a Second Class Mail Matter at the Pili Post Office, Pili, Camarines Surunder Editor-in-Chief: Emilia B. Bordado Permit No. 2014-13 on March 26, 2014. Advisers: Writers: Lovella P. Guarin Illustrators: Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos Dr. Elena B. Delos Santos Jayson M. Gonzales Ramon C. Adversario Regional Executive Director Blesilda A. Nuñez

Annielyn L. Baleza Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez Dr. Edgar R. Madrid Michelle Angela G. Alfigura Lita V. Estrella, Regional Technical Director Bernard Enrique for Research and Regulations Lay-out Artist: Lovella P. Guarin Emil Pasumbal, Photographer/Liason Officer: Salvacion Gonowon

Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr. Records Unit

2 UMAsenso October - December 2016 Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) PRDP-Bicol has biggest share in South ’s VCAs, I-REAP project proposals

by the PRDP to provide a snapshot of the (I-REAP) component made the biggest industry from production to marketing. contribution of 62 percent to the cluster’s These VCAs are now being translated I-REAP portfolio with a total of 17 sub- into Provincial Commodity Investment projects amounting to P45.98 million. Also Plans (PCIPs), a three-year rolling highlighted were the significant impacts of consensus plan between the Department PRDP-Bicol I-REAP sub-projects’ dry run World Bank Task Team of Agriculture and operations. The Abaca Fiber Processing Leader Frauke Jungbluth units (LGUs). As part of PRDP’s effort and Trading Enterprise, being managed by to advance reforms in government-led the Pinoy Lingap Damayan Multipurpose projects, PCIP is being positioned as a Cooperative in Virac, Catanduanes, for strategic plan for convergence. Hubilla example, has generated a net income worth PRDP-South Luzon is on top of the noted that PRDP-Bicol has generated P1.5 P1.18 million from January to October leaderboard among clusters in terms of billion on top of PRDP investments out of 2016. value chain analysis (VCA) approval. PCIPs. Lead Agriculture Economist and This was announced by Philippine Rural “The LGUs were able to fund PCIP World Bank Task Team Leader Frauke Development Project (PRDP) South even beyond PRDP budget/funding. We Jungbluth lauded PRDP-South Luzon for Luzon Director Shandy M. Hubilla during have DA-BUB, DOST and DTI supporting being the first cluster, so far, that provided the 3rd World Bank Implementation their product value chain. Ultimately, this updates about I-REAP implementation. Support Mission held on November 17, is what we really want from the start to do, “I really like that approach on more 2016 in City. Of these, 83 percent that all our processes and projects with DA I-REAP projects going forward; that you is from Bicol with a total of 18 VCAs, 11 will be aligned to the PCIP,” he said. pay attention to these results and impacts of which were already approved. VCA is Likewise, Hubilla reported that of I-REAP that were more difficult to one of the science-based tools being used PRDP-Bicol’s enterprise development capture than I-BUILD in many ways,” she added. Hubilla also discussed the feasibility results of the Village Level Coconut Water Letters Processing Facility, which was pilot-tested Republic of the Philippines in Bicol, in terms of number of nuts, initial DEPARTMENT OF AGRARIAN REFORM investment cost, net income, price per Region V – Bicol bottle and benefits to farmers. Provincial Agrarian Reform Office Meanwhile, the region accounted 42 Nursery, City percent of the cluster’s I-BUILD sub- projects. PRDP-Bicol ranked next to November 11, 2016 Calabarzon’s P1.4 billion-worth portfolio with 18 approved I-BUILD sub-projects DR. ELENA B. DE LOS SANTOS amounting to P1.35 billion. Regional Executive Director Furthermore, Hubilla underscored DA RFO 5 the correlation between the region’s agricultural area, rural population Dear Dir. DeLos Santos: and poverty incidence in the Project’s implementation. The conduct of the Agri Clinic Caravan in ARC Lantangan in , Masbate last “It’s not about equally distributing November 4, 2016 was considered a successful activity by our farmer-clients or the agrarian them (the P7 billion PRDP additional reform beneficiaries (ARBs) despite the heavy downpour. financing for I-BUILD). It’s about how we The ARBs were able to learn a lot from the lectures given by representatives from distribute them equitably,” he added. the DBESMSCAT, Department of Agriculture, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and an With a total agricultural area of 891,955 advocate of Organic Farming. During the clinic sessions, farmers were able to freely discuss hectares, Bicol has about 88.26 percent with the panel of experts their queries relative to crops, vegetables, livestock and other rural population with 41.60 percent living agri-technologies. below poverty threshold. “In terms of With this, we would like to express our warmest appreciation for the active poverty, those people residing in rural participation of Dr. Fermin Rabusa of the DA-Masbate Breeding Station who represented areas, who work in the agriculture and your office during the said activity. Likewise, we thank you further for providing us valuable fishery sector are among the poorest,” IEC materials and 200 sachets of assorted vegetable seeds. Hubilla remarked. We look forward to your usual cooperation and participation on the next agri-caravan. A team of experts from the World Thank you very much and more power. Bank headed by Jungbluth came to Lucena City for the third leg of the 3rd World Bank Very truly yours, Implementation Support Mission to review the cluster’s achievements towards the (Signed) FELIX E. FRUTO attainment of the Project’s development Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II objectives and evaluate progress since the last review mission. (Annielyn L. Baleza,)

October - December 2016 UMAsenso 3 Gabi leaves procesing facility turned over to farmers

NABUA, CAMARINES construction of the building, SUR - The Department of the facility is the DA’s support their produce are hygienic and Agriculture turned over to to farmers to enhance their safe and they can now dry their the Nabua Gabi Producers competitiveness, add value to gabi leaves even on rainy days. Association (NAGPA) the P1.5 their produce and ensure food Mayor Delia C. Simbulan million worth Community- safety through hygienic drying thanked the DA for its support Based Processing Facility and packaging practices. She to the gabi farmers as she located at Old adds that it is the vision of the acknowledged the industry Antipolo this municipality. The DA to make the municipality an and cooperation of the farmers. building will serve as office, export player of gabi. She added that the LGU also receiving, packing area for The DA has provided 10 recognizes the great potential dried gabi leaves, stock room units of Multi-Commodity of gabi as an industry and noted and even conference room for Solar Tunnel Dryer (MCSTD) that more and more farmers in the association. spread out in the gabi producing her municipality are shifting According to Rosita M. to gabi production as they saw barangays which include Sta. it is a good source of income and they still need additional Imperial, regional coordinator Lucia, Sta. Elena, La opinion, and they incur less expense. units of dryer. of the DA’s High Value San Jose and Antipolo Old. She adds that aside from the Samson Soltes, president of Crop Development Program Farmers need not dry their gabi technical support and assistance NAGPA expressed his gratitude which provided funds for the leaves in pavements, hence that their extension workers is to the DA, the LGUs and other providing to their gabi farmers, partners which have been the LGU is also supporting helping their association and he them in their training needs. promised that they would take Recently, the LGU purchased good care of the facilities and a vacuum sealer used by the equipment provided to them. gabi farmers in packaging Also present during the dried gabi leaves. The road turn-over and inauguration of leading to the barangay is the gabi processing facility also being concreted to make were: Camarines Sur Provincial it accessible and to facilitate Board Member and committee transport of agricultural chair on agriculture, Nelson produce. Julia; Jocelyn Fortuna, wife of Municipal Agriculturist Jesse 4th district representative Sal M. Duran said that at present Fortuno, Emily B. Bordado, there are over 50 hectares information officer of the DA, planted to gabi and their other municipal and barangay farmers produce an average of officials, invited farmers and 2 tons of dried gabi per month. extension workers from other There is an increasing demand municipalities who will also venture into gabi production. DA Bicol opens P4M Organic Agriculture research center

SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, organic swine production, CAMARINES SUR – Bureau vegetable production, and of Agricultural Research vermi composting facilities. (BAR) Executive Director Dr. Other functions of the Nicomedes P. Eleazar led the center include: venue of blessing and inauguration of research and extension activities the P4M Organic Agriculture for organic agriculture; develop Research and Development appropriate organic animal and Center inside the 76 hectare crop production technologies; DA RFO 5 compound here. establish organic agriculture Dr. Edgar R. Madrid, techno demo farm; assist DA Bicol Regional Technical in the establishment of bio- Director for Research said safety and certification bodies the center is equipped with in coordination with national a conference room, office government agencies; assist and processing areas where in the certification of organic Research (BAR) for the Executive Director Dr. packages of organic agriculture farms; provide training and establishment of an Organic Elena B. delos Santos in her technologies will be made. extension services to farmers, Agriculture R&D Center. He speech thanked the Bureau of Luz R. Marcelino, students and other stakeholders. added that among all regions, Agricultural Research for all Research Division Chief said Bicol is the most progressive the support even in the past BAR Executive Director and he hopes that Bicol will when she was still Research the center will cater to farmers, Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar said serve as supplier of organic Division Chief and BIARC students and State Universities all the regions were given funds products to Metro . Manager. (Lovella P. Guarin) and Colleges. It will showcase by the Bureau of Agricultural DA Bicol Regional 4 UMAsenso October - December 2016 Over P29 M pesos worth of PAMANA projects turned over to Sorsogon Lee Rodrigueza foresees that the recently upgraded Goat Production Farm will provide his constituents with “in”, healthy and cheap goat’s milk and meat. He encouraged the attendees to help each other and do their share to the efforts of the government agencies involved in the PAMANA projects. Meanwhile, seven mechanical flatbed dryers amounting to P4.9 million pesos JUBAN, Sorsogon--- PAMANA Coordinator received same project of an were turned-over to Timbayog- “Maswerte kita sa Sorsogon Engineer Cora Astillero abaca nursery. Colambis Irrigators Association ta igwa kaining PAMANA reported that 24 projects on According to OIC- and Taboc Multigrains Farmers (Payapa at Masaganang Upgrading of Goat Production Regional Director of Association, Juban; Alanao- Pamayanan) projects. Pangtulo Farm, Mechanical Flatbed PhilFIDA Mary Ann Molina, Jupi Irrigators Association, na ining turn-over. Sana gabos Dryers, Municipal Abaca at present, Sorsogueños are ; San Isidro-Bulawan na projects na itinao asin Nurseries and Small-scale still into traditional abaca Small Water Impounding itatao, masusteniran tang mga Irrigation Projects worth stripping method. With the Systems Association, Prieto kahimanwa (We are lucky here Php29.9 million pesos implementation of PAMANA Diaz; Buenavista Uhay Farmers in Sorsogon because there are were turned-over to the 24 project and the establishment Association, ; Inlagadian- PAMANA projects. This is the beneficiaries. of the nursery coupled with Escuala Irrigators Association third turn-over ceremony. I “I am happy that the Abaca equipment for a mechanized and San Ignacio Farmers hope that all the projects given Industry in my municipality stripping and drying, the Association, Casiguran; Sta. and to be given be sustained by will be revived, mechanized farmers will be able to produce Lourdes-San Antonio Irrigators us).” and developed again because of quality fibers and products and Association, Barcelona; and This was the message PAMANA,” said Gubat Mayor help in the agri-eco-tourism Siuton Farmers Irrigators of Sorsogon Provincial Sharon Rose G. Escoto when development of the province. Association, Magallanes. A Agriculturist Dr. Maria she received the Certificate of The LGU-Gubat is one of lined canal improvement for Teresa V. Destura during the Project Turn-over of the newly- the beneficiaries of the 2013 Gogon-San Juan Agricultural Department of Agriculture established Municipal Abaca PAMANA projects which also Development Workers (DA)-PAMANA Projects Nursery. include the LGUs of JUban, Irrigators Association, Prieto Turn-over Ceremonies held Aside from Gubat, , Irosin, Casiguran, Diaz. on November 23, 2016 at the the LGUs of Magallanes, Magallanes, Barcelona, and the The other projects Sorsogon Provincial Nursery, Casiguran, Juban, Prieto Diaz, PLGU of Sorsogon. including the farm, abaca Cogon, Juban, Sorsogon. Barcelona, and Irosin also PAMANA Area Manager nurseries and irrigation projects Sorsogon Provincial for Bicol of the Office of had a total budget of P25 the Presidential Adviser on million pesos. President Duterte allocates... (from page 1) the Peace Process (OPAPP) The PAMANA project is a Christopher Azucena, said that convergence program of the For her part, DA Bicol corn farmers. these projects are part of the government to ensure that basic Regional Executive Director Moreover, the DA Bicol Millenium Development Goal. services, livelihood support Dr. Elena B. delos Santos will also provide 40 heads He also disclosed that their and peace building economic also commits to augment/ carabao; 5,000 ducks; 5,000 office’s vision for Sorsogon is development programs will be supplement the budget release native chicken and 10 units to be the lead supplier of rice in provided to conflict-affected of the national government for incubators. Also 1,000 sets the . areas. (Jayson M. Gonzales) the rehabilitation of affected of farm tools and additional Sorsogon governor Robert farmers with funds derived tractors will be made available from available calamity funds the soonest possible time. of the region. Funds have also been She said that at present earmarked for the repair of the regional office has buffer small-scale irrigation facilities stocks of palay seeds of about and flatbed dryers, for vaccines 6,000 bags. In addition to this, and animal feeds. The DA regional office the regional office will procure and other DA facilities were 5,000 bags certified palay not spared by the typhoon seeds; 6,000 bags hybrid seeds; and they were also damaged 3,000 hybrid corn seeds; 1,000 including the newly constructed kgs vegetable seeds; 50,000 Administration building and pieces fruit trees and 30,000 operations building, the kgs urea fertilizers for rice and estimated value of which is estimated at P67 million. October - December 2016 UMAsenso 5 Bicolano achievers honored in 4th National Quality Corn Achievers Awards

KORONADAL CITY, SOUTH cash award and trophy. COTABATO – The Department of Meanwhile, three AEWs from Agriculture through its National Corn Masbate province received P20,000 Program staged the 4th National Quality cash. They are Mary Jane M. Alicante Corn Achievers Awards in conjunction of ; Susana Y. Arcenal of with the 12th National Corn Congress at Cataingan; Marife L. Bonsobre of the Farm @ Carpenter Hill this city on . November 16-18, 2016. The awardees were accompanied Mayor Eduardo A. Severo received DA Assistant Secretary for Operations on stage by Dr. Elena B. De los Santos, the outstanding municipal LGU award. Federico E. Laciste, Jr.; Agricultural DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Training Institute national director Dr. and Dr. Edgar R. Madrid Regional Luz A. Taposok and Philippine Maize Technical Director for Research and Federation, Inc. President Engr. Roger V. Regulations. Navarro conferred the awards. The corn congress is an annual The Quality Corn Achievers Awards undertaking of the Philippine Maize give due recognition to the prime movers Federation, Inc. and the DA to in the local government who actively disseminate information on government take part in the aggressive and effective programs, technology advancements implementation of the DA’s Corn Program. and best practices to boost corn quality Two LGUs of Bicol, namely the and productivity. The event serves as municipal LGU of Calabanga, Camarines a venue for discussing relevant issues Sur and the city LGU of Naga were Naga City Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion received affecting the corn industry by the the outstanding city LGU award. honored as outstanding municipal/city key players and stakeholders, and an LGUs and received P1 million project occasion for showcasing modern farm grant each. Mayor Eduardo A. Severo equipment, technologies and forging received the award for Calabanga and Vice market linkages. Mayor Nelson Legacion for Naga City. This year’s theme “Sulong Also, Calabanga Municipal Agriculturist, Maisan: Sapat na Pagkain ng Bayan” Gil Gabriel H. Bordado III and Naga recognizes the corn farmers noble City Agriculturist, Edna Bongalonta were task in feeding the nation and their recognized as Outstanding municipal/ significant role in attaining food city agriculturists and each received sufficiency and security in the country. P30,000 cash awards and trophy. Naga City corn coordinator Engr. Menandro REGIONAL AWARDING U. Calingacion was also among the Meanwhile, the DA 5 Corn outstanding corn coordinators and received P25,000 cash award and trophy. Program in Bicol also honoured Thirteen Agricultural Extension the 25 Regional Quality Corn Calabanga Municipal Agriculturist, Gil Workers (AEW) from Camarines Sur and Achievers during the regional Gabriel H. Bordado III - Outstanding Masbate provinces were conferred with awarding ceremony held in Naga Municipal Agriculturist the outstanding AEW award and received City on November 7, 2016. P20,000 cash awards and trophies. From The LGUs of Calabanga, Goa, the province of Camarines Sur, 10 AEWs and Tigaon, and City LGUs of Naga received the award. They are: Jonafel A. and City, all of Camarines Sur Taduran, Teresita A. Barce, and Marly received P40,000 cash award and L. Corporal all of Iriga City; Joshua T. plaques of commendation. Mayor Ipo of Calabanga; Jerry M. Mercado of Eduardo Severo of Calabanga, Goa; Annie C. Lumanog of Bula; Noel G. Goa Mayor Raquel Lim, Iriga City Manaog of Buhi; Jose G. Pollero of San agriculturist Ruben delos Santos and Jose; and Hector O. Llagas of Bato. Engr. Menandro Calingacion of Naga Benedicto C. Heraldo, AEW of Naga City received the awards for the LGUs. Five municipal and city Benedicto C. Heraldo, AEW of Naga City - City received the Hall of Famer Award as Hall of Famer Awardee as outstanding AEW outstanding AEW and received P30,000 agriculturists from the province of Camarines Sur were awarded as outstanding agriculturists and received P20,000 cash and plaques. They were Gil Gabriel Bordado III, municipal agriculturist of Calabanga; Felina Sanoy, municipal agriculturist of Goa; Lea M. Beltran, municipal agriculturist of Tigaon; Edna Bongalonta, city agriculturist of Naga City; and Ruben delos Santos, city agriculturist of Iriga City. For the city coordinator category, Engr. Menandro U. Calingacion of Naga City received P20,000 cash award and plaque. Meanwhile, 14 Agricultural extension workers (AEWs) were conferred with the regional outstanding AEW award and received P15,000 cash and plaques. (Lovella P. Guarin)

6 UMAsenso October - December 2016 Bicolanos shine in agriculture and fishery councils awarding ceremonies Cecilia Nuñez, Masbate Provincial AFC Coordinator. CLARK PAMPANGA – Three Bicolano volunteers who have committed themselves to uplifting the agriculture and fishery sector through their involvement in the Agriculture and Fishery Councils (AFCs) shone and took the center stage as they were recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions during the 2nd Volunteers Day and Awarding of Outstanding AFC Chairpersons and Coordinators held in one of the hotels in this sprawling industrial development Imelda P. Acompañado, Bicol AFC free zone. The occasion was under the charge and Nora Aribon, PAFC Chair of Masbate coordinator for 17 years. auspices of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and the Department of Agriculture. Eighty eight (88)- year old Nora C. Aribon chairperson of the Provincial AFC of the province of Masbate was given a standing ovation by her fellow Bicolanos and colleagues as she walked the aisle up to the stage to receive her award. She has served as PAFC chair for 16 years. Resplendent and still well-poised and elegant Annie C. Lumanog, MAFC Coordinator Carlito Aquino, MAFC Chair of Ocmpo, in her red Filipiniana-inspired gown she received of Bula, Cam. Sur Cam. Sur a plaque of commendation and a cash prize of P60,000. establishment of Gulayan sa secretary and current led by Alfredo Rillo of Albay In her impromptu speech barangay and Tilapia fingerlings International Red Cross who is now the new RAFC she was asked to deliver she Dispersal program and Governor, Corazon Alma de chair for Bicol. The other Bicol said: ”One is never too old to assisting farmers insure their Leon was the guest of honor RAFC officers and provincial contribute to help people who crops. and keynote speaker during chairpersons were Alfredo S. live marginally.” She mentions Past AFC coordinators were the awarding ceremonies. Oben of Albay; Edgar A. Canet that her province has been also recognized and awarded She said that “volunteerism of Cam. Sur; Nora Aribon identified as one of the poorest certificates of commendation is the highest form of public of Masbate, Luzviminda T. provinces in the country and for their dedicated service and community service.” A Oropesa of Catanduanes, this challenged her to do and involvement in the AFC. multi awardee herself she says Efren S. Mago of Cam. Norte; something to uplift the lives Among them was Imelda P. she treasures most the honor Virginia P. Oanzon of Sorsogon of her people in the agriculture Acompañado who has served recently bestowed on her : the and Eusebio Oliva, Jr. of Naga and fishery sector. as Bicol’s Regional AFC Volunteer Life Achievement Independent Cities AFC. Also declared as winner Coordinator for 17 years. Aloha Award. She adds that the true Also present during the to this year’s Outstanding Gigi Bañaria, chief of DA- measure of success is “How event were Sarah Gutierrez- Provincial AFC coordinator Bicol Planning and Monitoring we have touched the lives of Cayona, OIC of PCAF, and was Cecilia M. Nuñez also Division is now the designated others” as she deplores that some DA regional executive of Masbate who has been RAFC Executive Officer what ails our country now is directors (RED) Dr. Elena B. coordinating AFC activities (REO) in consonance with not only poverty in materials de los Santos, Dr. Andrew of the province for the past DA-CO memorandum dated things but “poverty of ideas and Villacorta, RED of DA III, 11 years. Her effective 21 March 2014 re: Creation of poverty of ideals”. the host region, AFC leaders, coordinating strategies have RAFC Office and designation Also given a plaque of coordinators and secretariat. helped improved the welfare of of RAFC Executive Officer and recognition was the Municipal Over 500 delegates from Masbateños. She also received Secretariat. AFC of Ocampo Camarines the 15 regions attended the a plaque of commendation and DA undersecretary Sur for being adjudged as event which was ushered in by a cash prize of P60,000. for Policy and Planning, Outstanding MAFC for the an operational meeting on the Meanwhile, the Research & Development and 2016 National Gawad Saka first day where the 2016 AFC Municipal AFC coordinator of Regulations set the tone of the Achievers Award and the PAFC accomplishments by regions Bula town in Camarines Sur, occasion in his inspirational of Masbate also adjudged as were presented and directions, Annie C. Lumanog was also message where he shared his Outstanding PAFC for the same targets for 2017 were laid down. given a special citation and a views about volunteerism. He national search, the awarding of Results of the AFC monitoring cash prize of P25,000 there says volunteerism is an exercise which was held on December and Evaluation as well as the being no other contenders who of choice and wisdom and we 12th at the PICC in Pasay City. results of the “Participatory have fully complied with the do things because we believe After the awarding Governance: An Evaluative requirements for the municipal it is the right thing to do. He ceremonies, Engr. Ariel T. Study of PCAFs, CBs” coordinators category. She underscores that “volunteerism Cayanan, DA Undersecretary conducted by the Development was cited for 12 years of should be seasonal”. for Operations administer the Academy of the Philippines inspiring work to support Former Civil Service oath of office to the newly were also presented. (Emily B. her municipality including Chairperson and DSWD elected set of RAFC officers Bordado)

October - December 2016 UMAsenso 7 Bicol bags three national Gawad Saka awards in 2016

PASAY CITY - The Department award. He was accompanied of Agriculture honored twenty by his wife Jojie and Sorsogon two (22) outstanding individual Provincial Agriculturist Ma farmers and organizations Teresa Destura. Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council of Masbate. during the awarding ceremony Meanwhile the Provincial of the agency’s most prestigious Agricultural and Fishery search - the 46th Gawad Saka Council (PAFC) of Masbate – held on December 12, 2016 is outstanding PAFC. Masbate at the Philippine International PAFC Chair, 88-year old Nora Convention Center (PICC) Aribon received the presidential here. citation, trophy, project grant The Gawad Saka is an of P300,000 and P50,000 cash annual search which started in award. She was accompanied 1970 to recognize the Filipino by Congresswoman Elisa farmers and fisherfolk’s Olga T. Kho of 2nd district remarkable accomplishments of Masbate, and Mayor Ian Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council of Ocampo. and innovations which boosted Sepulveda of Esperanza. The productivity and economic PAFC contributed in reducing growth of the agriculture sector. the poverty incidence of the For this year the Bicol region province from 14th poorest bagged three national awards. province in the country in 2012 Jose E. Amador, 74 year old to rank 34th in 2015 thereby farmer of Guinlajon in Sorsogon removing Masbate in famous City is outstanding High Value club 20 list of poorest provinces Crops Farmer. He is a pioneer which had been occupied by in pili production in Sorsogon. Masbate for almost 20 years. In His three decades orchard the Bicol region, Masbate now contains 500 organically grown ranks as 3rd, surpassing the HVCC farmer Jose Amador of . pili trees and is a good source provinces of Catanduanes and of scion and grafted planting . and MAFC officers. The increasing rice productivity and materials. As Magsasaka The Municipal Agricultural MAFC was cited because of income in Ocampo. Siyentista of PCARRD he is and Fishery Council (MAFC) its strong partnership with the DA Bicol Regional often sought as resource speaker of Ocampo in Camarines Sur LGU of Ocampo which paved Executive Director Elena on pili grafting. His farm has is outstanding MAFC. Ocampo the way for the implementation B. delos Santos and Gawad been a techno-demo site for MAFC chair Carlito Aquino of the P2.5 million Municipal Saka regional focal person DA, on-the –job trainings and received the presidential Agriculture an Fishery Aloha Gigi I. Banaria also experiment on pili and by- citation, trophy, project grant Development Plan 2015 which accompanied the awardees at products by SUCs. Mr. Amador of P300,000 and P50,000 cash prioritized the construction the stage. (Lovella P. Guarin) received a presidential citation, award. With him were mayor and rehabilitation of existing trophy and P200,000 cash Corazon Olos, SB members irrigation facilities, thereby REGIONAL AWARDING Meanwhile, the DA 5 regional Gawad Saka committee headed by Aloha Gigi I. Bañaria also honoured the 25 Regional Gawad Saka Achievers in Naga City on October 13, 2016. Left photo shows (standing from left) Outstanding Farm Family - Rafael S. Lagunsing of Sta. Justina, Buhi, Cam. Sur; Outstanding Young Farmer - Nomer Mortega of Caditaan, Magallanes, Sorsogon; Outstanding Small Farmer Organization - Pinoy Lingap - Damayan Coop of Virac, Catanduanes; Outstanding Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council - MAFC Ocampo headed by Carlito Aquino; Outstanding Bgy. Food Terminal - SAFIMCO BFT of San Antonio, Buhi, Cam. Sur managed by Simeon Molina; Outstanding High Value Crops Farmer: Jose E. Amador of Guinlajon, Sorsogon City; Outstanding Corn Farmer: Engr. Raul T. Carreras of Panagan, Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Not in photo are Outstanding Rural Improvement Club - San Jose RIC of Bula, Cam. Sur headed by Mercedes Bajado; and Outstanding Provincial Agricultural Fishery Council - PAFC Masbate led by Nora Aribon. The individual winners received plaques and cash award of P30,000, while under the group categories, the winners received P50,000 cash awards. The assisting Agricultural Technicians also received P15,000 cash awards.

8 UMAsenso October - December 2016 Bicolana agri-entrepreneur 3rd place in 2015 Natl Search for Outstanding Rural Women

MALATE, MANILA – An among the six RICs in the Bicol agri-entrepreneur from Castilla, region chosen by the GREAT Sorsogon made it to the top WOMEN 2 project to be the three in this year’s search for recipient of capacity building Outstanding Rural Women. support and to be linked to Carina V. Arellano, president investors here and abroad. of Rural Improvement Club of At their residence in Nasipit in Castilla was adjudged , Castilla, Arellano 2nd Runner Up in said search grows lettuce, herbs and spices during the awarding ceremony she uses in her catering business. held at the Land Bank of the She also practices organic Philippines Plaza this city. agriculture and prepares her Arellano received P50,000 own vermi compost which she cash award and trophy from the uses as fertilizer for her crops. sector contributes 40% of The 2016 national DA Undersecretary Bernadette Her garden is an accredited the Gross Domestic Product Outstanding Rural Woman Romulo Puyat, Executive learning site of the Agricultural and 60% of the jobs, or 67% Jocelyn Moya – Hekrdle of Director Emmeline Verzosa Training Institute Bicol and has if agribusiness generated in region, in her of the Philippine Commission been venue for various trainings agriculture is included. acceptance speech said that on Women (PCW) and other of the Nasipit RIC, P4MP and Alex V. Buenanventura, the poverty is not a hindrance members of the board of judges 4H-Club, the longest of which the new President and CEO of to succeed in life, and the best of the search. was the six months Farmers Land Bank of the Philippines, quality of a woman leader is Arellano manages a five- Field School Diversification in announced that his vision is to servanthood attitude. She is a hectare mango, cashew, and Organic Agriculture. triple the loan exposure of Land leader of an indigenous peoples rootcrops plantation which The search is being Bank to small farmers from its group in Barangay Bandila, was left from their 48 hectares conducted annually by the current P37.9 billion, which is Toboso in Negros Occidental. land appropriated by agrarian Department of Agriculture only 8.2% of the bank’s total Aloha Gigi I. Bañaria, DA reform to 16 families in Sitio Gender and Development loans, to up to P115 billion by Bicol GAD focal person said Nasipit. She also organized the (GAD) Focal System since the end of President Duterte’s that for the past five years the ARBs into Rural Improvement 2003 to pay tribute to women term. Bicol region remained in the top Club (RIC), 4H Club and especially in the rural areas as This year, six outstanding three, and bagged the top award P4MP. Arellano is the president women compose half of the rural women from Regions 2, in 2015 by Luz Oropeza of of the RIC now composed of 21 entire population, Director 5, 6, Negros Island, 12, 13 were Baras, Catanduanes. (Lovella members. The Nasipit RIC is Verzosa said. “Agriculture honoured. Guarin) Retired professor turned farmer is Bicol’s 2016 Outstanding Rural Woman NAGA CITY – OCTOBER 15 She received P10,000 cash is INTERNATIONAL DAY OF prize and plaque. Consolation RURAL WOMEN. In line with prize of P5,000 were likewise this, the DA Bicol staged the given to the other contenders. awarding ceremonies for this The simple awarding ceremony year’s Most Outstanding Rural was held at the Villa Caceres Woman search on October 13, Hotel this city. growth of the economy.” sons are now professionals. The 2016 in one of the hotels in DA Bicol Regional Meanwhile, Manang Narie two are doctors in government this city. Six (6) exceptional Executive Director Elena B. de in her response, thanked the DA hospitals and one is a teacher at rural women competed for the los Santos read the message of for the prestigious award. She DEBESMSCAT. award. Atty. Ranibai D. Dilangalen, said the award is a bonus to her Now, she is an accredited Ms. Narie M. Asuncion of DA Undersecretary for Special as a farmer. “Hindi ko inaasahan seed grower of the Bureau Cabitan, Mandaon, Masbate Concerns. …”It is no secret that na mananalo ako. Sanay naman of Plant Industry. Aside from is 2016 Regional Outstanding sustainable rural development kaming magtrabaho ng walang organic rice, she also cultivates Rural Woman of Bicol. Ms. requires the active role of premyo” she added. corn, cashew, mango and Asuncion is a retired professor women in our society, after all Manag Narie is 68 years tilapia. She also developed of DEBESMSCAT in Mandaon. more than half of our population old. After retiring as professor a 3.5 hectare agri eco farm She received P30,000 cash are women. Their role in nation of DEBESMSCAT in Mandaon, which now serves as site for prize and a plaque. building is enshrined in our she devoted her full time to farmers field school in rice Other winners were: 1st constitution. Women are as farming. Her husband died of and vegetable and On-the-job Runner Up – Ms. Yolanda R. capable of, if not better in illness when their eldest son training for students. De Leon of Bagacay, Gubat, improving the wellbeing of was halfway in college. This She is currently the Sorsogon. She received their families and communities. crisis did not deter her to send president of three organizations P20,000 cash prize and plaque; That is why it is necessary to her three children to school in Mandaon: the Mango and 2nd Runner Up – Ms. empower them. If women are along with their relatives. Growers Association of Rubelyn R. Balon of Calabagas, given equal opportunities, they All her sacrifices and Mandaon; the Masipag Farmers San Vicente, Camarines Norte. contribute significantly to the hardwork paid off as all of her Association and MESA. (Lovella Guarin) October - December 2016 UMAsenso 9 National Finalists

Provincial Agriculturist Cheryl Rebeta received the award for Province of Albay.

Organic farmers’ assn of Tigaon receives national accolade

LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE to deliver the needed volume the moment Eleanor Daep, Albay Provincial – Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. your product captures the imagination of Organic Agriculture Program Piñol led the awarding ceremonies of the the buyers. “Baka puro lang tayo sample.” Coordinator. National Organic Agriculture Achievers’ Also focus on good packaging as it matters Awards (NQAAA) during the 13th National a lot. Organic Agriculture Congress held at Plaza To show his full support to organic del Norte Convention Center. agriculture, Sec. Piñol said that recently, The Agri-Planters and Food Processors he approved P25 Million assistance for Association of Tigaon (TAPFPAT) of the organic rice production in . “Pag- Bicol region won as national outstanding igihin nyo ang inyong produkto and we are Organic Agriculture group category and 100% behind you. I will volunteer “I would they received P500,000 worth of project like to see new people and new products in grant. The TAPFPAT led by its Chairman the international market”, he added. Elmer Salazar, has 14 members who are Engr. Christopher V. Morales, certified organic farmers. The association National Organic Agriculture Program Dexter Mendoza, City Organic had set up an Internal Control System to Coordinator reported that in the country, Agriculture Program Coordinator. achieve product qualities that meet market 343,387 hectares are already converted into requirements. organic or 4.75% of the total agriculture The national finalists were also area. Therefore, the program only needs honoured during the ceremony and given .25% more areas to be converted to organic a plaque of recognition. The Province of to reach the 5% target nationwide. Out Albay, finalist in outstanding province of these areas, 525,864 metric tons were category; Ligao City, finalist in City produced and were sold to 106 destinations category; Eleanor O. Daep, finalist in including international markets such Provincial Focal Person category; Dexter as Malaysia, Canada and California for A. Mendoza, finalist in city focal person heirloom rice, and 20 international market category; Edilberto A. Abad, finalist in OA destinations for coconut and abaca. individual farmer category; Amata family, The Amata family of Goa, Camarines Governor Imee R. Marcos of Ilocos Sur. finalist in Outstanding OA farming family Norte Province in her welcome address category. said there should also be a program for More than 1,700 regional delegates the women and the youth under organic as composed of farmers, organic practitioners, Filipino farmers are getting much older. agricultural extension workers; provincial Also present were Usec. Bernadette and municipal focal persons; processors, Romulo-Puyat, Undersecretary for producers and traders of organic crops and Administration and Finance and Alternate livestock participated in three day congress. Chair of National Organic Agriculture Secretary Piñol said that right now the world Board; DIWA Partylist representative is moving towards organic farming, it’s all Emmeline A. Villar who represented over the world. “But I also have to support Senator Cynthia Villa; and National those traditional farmers who are using Organic Agriculture Board members. inorganic fertilizers because they are also The National Organic Agriculture part of the Philippine agriculture. He urged Program gave a total of P4,120,000 in cash Edilberto Abad of Goa, Cam. Sur. the organic farmers to make sure to be able (Next page please)

10 UMAsenso October - December 2016 De los Santos is new RED.. (from page 1) and improving the systems ranks starting as Job Order the Rice Program; Deputy cacao, mango, carabao, and operations of the DA. Livestock Poultry Technologist Project Director and now cattle, hog, and chicken were She wants to ensure that all then as Agriculture Food Project Director of the World also sustained attributed to transactions in the department Technologist, Agriculture Bank funded Philippine Rural timely delivery of critical are transparent and not marred Development Specialist and Development Project (PRDP); interventions and incorporation with irregularity or corruption. Senior Agriculturist. Her regional focal person of then of disaster preparedness , quick Upon assumption she met major supervisory break came Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) response to calamities coupled with division/section chief and when she was promoted as and assistant project director with aggressive promotion of focal persons and laid down Agricultural Center Chief III of another WB funded special climate smart technologies her policies and stand against where she was also designated project – the Bicol Agri-Water and good practices and use of any irregularity in program as chief of the Research Project. modern science based tools. implementation. She also met Division and Manager of the As RTD for operations Together with her predecessor with suppliers and contractors Bicol Integrated Agricultural and Extension and regional former regional executive transacting business with the Research Center for six years. focal person for rice director, Eng. Abelardo department and laid down her Then she was appointed Chief program she supervised the Bragas she transformed policies. She then reassigned Agriculturist, then Director III implementation of DA’s key and upgraded the physical people to where they would be or Assistant Director for Field banner programs. These structures and infrastructure of more effective. Operations and Extension a resulted to good performance of the DA regional office and its She remains down- position she held for five years. major agricultural commodities provincial outreach stations and to-earth, very accommodating She is very hard working in the region such as rice, corn facilities. But more and approachable and never and adept at multi-tasking and other major agricultural than transforming the physical fail to look back to her humble as evidenced in the various commodities which maintained structures and infrastructures beginnings. But she is firm in tasks and responsibilities she regional sufficiency level. of DA Bicol, Dr. de los Santos upholding what she believes is has handled and continues to Production growth of rice, is also keen on transforming right. (Emily B. Bordado) handle. For the past 5 years she has been the Regional Focal Person/Coordinator of

Organic farmers’ Josephine assn... (from page 10) Costales, owner of the Costales Nature Farm awards for the seven categories. DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Elena Bicol Organic Agriculture gives over P1.1 M in awards B. delos Santos and Adelina A. Losa, Chief of AMAD Meanwhile, the - Outstanding OA individual Trillanes, parish priest of Lupi, and regional focal person of organic achievers were farmer received P50,000 Camarines Sur; Dr. Georgina Organic Agriculture Program honored earlier during cash award; Amata family J. Bordado, president of the led the Bicol delegation of the 9th Bicol Organic - Outstanding OA farming Central Bicol State University more than 90 participants Agriculture Congress held family received P100,000 of Agriculture; and Ms. composed of awardees, in Naga City, where the project grant; and the Agri- Josephine Costales, owner of organic farmers, LGU officials, OA program gave P1.116 Planters and Food Processors the Costales Nature Farm in agricultural extension workers million cash awards to Association of Tigaon Majayjay, who shared and representatives from the regional winners. (TAPFPAT) - Outstanding their best practices in organic academe. The Province of Albay OA group category, received production, marketing and Aside from the awarding received a project grant worth P100,000 funding assistance networking of their products. ceremonies which was the P500,000. Ligao City has a for their OA projects. All the A total of 23 exhibitors highlight of the event, there project grant worth P300,000; regional winners also received displayed various organic was also a trade fair where Eleanor O. Daep – Outstanding plaques of commendation. agriculture products during the the RPM Pili Nuts of Naga OA Provincial Focal Person The congress was graced two-day exhibit and garnered City, Legazpi City Organic received P25,000; Dexter by three members of the a total sales of P226,139. Trading Post and Nabua Gabi A. Mendoza - Outstanding National OA Board: Fr. Ian (Lovella Guarin) Farmers participated; plenary OA city focal session, break-out sessions person received for beginners, research and P20,000 cash marketing groups, photo award; Benedicto contest, and cooking contest. Heraldo - The Slow Food Phils., a new Outstanding OA movement which looks at Extension Worker the quality of food, life and received P20,000 preservation of biodiversity cash award; was also launched. Edilberto A. Abad October - December 2016 UMAsenso 11 A new agri-tourism site unfolds in Cam. Norte by Lovella P. Guarin , CAMARINES Dragon fruit is gaining Argel serves as manager Watering is done once a week NORTE – A leisurely drive popularity nowadays as the of the farm. Together with a only during hot weather. along the Bicol Natural Park new money-maker because of private agro-forester, Romeo True to the name of the farm, in this town will give you a its reputation as a prestigious Marbella, who hailed from Jayarchelle, Integrated Organic glimpse of the undulating hills health fruit. Albay, and 40 farm laborers Farm, they used purely lined with thousands of posts Engr. Arnold Ferrandiz, they converted the once wild organic fertilizers and insect filled with clinging cactus the owner of the farm who forest into a striking paradise. or pest controls such as fish vines known as dragon fruit. is based in , Camarines Romeo finished agro-forestry amino acid, fermented plant The Jayarchelle dragon Norte, started developing at the University of the juice which Argel learned to fruit farm is located at the this farm in June 2015. He is Philippines in Los Banos, formulate. foot of a mountain, you will an engineer but he ventured Laguna and pursued his passion A number of solar need to climb a steep cliff into farming as he is hooked on exotic plants by serving as a panels are installed along the and then voila! – you will to online researches on plant private consultant/technician perimeters of the dragon fruit be mesmerized by the most production techniques. The for private farms. plantation. Romeo related that amazing view of verdant rows evergreen fruit belonging to The area actually covers dragon fruits love sunlight of dragon fruits surrounded by the cactus species indigenous two mountains which were and they can be induced to coconut trees. Imagine what to United States of America contoured to prevent erosion. flower and carry on with its it would be like in April to caught his interest and with The undulating hills according photosynthesis process even at October when the plants will the help of his brother Argel to Romeo is very beneficial night time as long as they are be teeming with scarlet fruits Ferrandiz, they developed the to the dragon fruits as rain under solar powered lights. shaped like the scales of the sprawling four hectare area into water can flow freely and does mythical dragon and flowers what is now the Jayarchelle not remain in the clay soil. with intense shapes. Organic Integrated Farm. Camarines Norte has type 2 climate with no dry season and with a very pronounced maximum rain period from the months of November to January. The exotic dragon fruit does not favor so much water and it thrives best during summer time. Currently, more than 3,100 posts with 4 dragon fruit cuttings of American beauty or the yellow variety per post dominated the farm, but there When asked why they are also plots of exotic plants have chosen dragon fruit to such as grapes and strawberries invest in, Argel pointed out imported from Spain. the health benefits of the fruit The posts are placed at which they believe to help in a distance of 2x2 meters. (Next page pls.)

12 UMAsenso October - December 2016 ibang kinita ko ay palagi kong ibinibili ng baka o baboy kaya C.Norte trading center sabay na dumadami din ang mga alaga kong hayop,” Mang Rolando relates. bares top grosser The couple came from families of farmers. Aling Alicia related that after their farmers for 2016 wedding, they immediately by Lovella P. Guarin rent a small farm out of the cash gifts they have received , CAMARINES One secret of their from their ninongs and ninangs. NORTE --- If there are top bountiful harvests is the They planted rice, fruits and grossing movie celebrities, chicken (layers) dung they vegetables and also raised there are also top grossing use as basal fertilizer which baho naman.’ Sabi ko di bale hogs and cattle which Mang farmers in this 3rd class are mixed in the soil during na, malaking pera naman yan Rolando said have been a big municipality. Spouses Alicia land preparation. Mang pag-ani.” help in financing the schooling and Rolando Jimenez of Rolando buys a truck load of “Ang kagalingan sa of their five daughters. Barangay Calangkawan Sur chicken dung from pagiging magsasaka ay basta’t Aling Alicia and Mang recently earned the reputation as at P100 per sack. “Sabi ng mga masipag at matyaga ka lang Rolando did not finish high 2016 top grossing farmers who bumibisita sa bahay namin, ay madali ang pera. Sa bawat school. That’s why they made ani ko ng palay o gulay, ang earned a total of P336,765.00 ‘ang ganda nga ng bahay, ang (Please turn to page 14) by just regularly selling their fruits and vegetable produce to the DA funded Agripinoy Trading Center (APTC) at Vinzons, Camarines Norte during the whole year. The couple grows various vegetables like eggplant, squash, upo and string beans planted at different locations in the barangay. Aling Alicia also grows watermelon in a three hectare area, while Mang Rolando tends to their one hectare rice farm, 14 cattle and 2 carabaos. The couple maintains more than five hectares planted to different crops but they rent the land for P3,000 per hectare per cropping. They employ an average of 10 laborers.

A new agri-tourism ... (from page 12) prevention of cancer, diabetes, flowers to only three to four per and lowers cholesterol better plant so that the fruits can grow than mangosteen. up to 1 kilo. While waiting for the The Jayarchelle farm had dragon fruits to flower and bear its first harvest in the summer fruit which takes about 8-10 of 2015 when they harvested months, Argel and Romeo three kilos per post sold at found a way to multiply the P150 per kilo. Comes April to cuttings The and Agri at the Planters same time and NovemberOCCP for the this 3rd year, party the organicdragon awardee as outstanding Control System (ICS). The saveFood on Processors the cost Association of cuttings fruitscertification. will start to bear fruits Municipal Focal Person. association has set up an ICS whichof Tigaon is P100 (TAPFPAT) per piece. in They the again Though as fruiting the takes association place The TAPFPAT is one of to achieve product qualities areprovince grafting of the Camarinesmature cuttings Sur forwas several formally months registered each year. with the recipients of her Bahay that meet market requirements, ofstarted dragon its fruit. operations Mature shoots in June 5 TheyDOLE are as looking TAPFPAT forward in Juneto a KuboDifferent Project varieties which aimsof grape to fruitsestablish and cohesivestrawberries marketing are inches2013 long and are registered collected from with more2015, bountiful the members harvest as werethey establishalso being an organiccultivated garden at the in Jayarchelleunit and enhance integrated capabilities farm. the trees. Department Then the lower of Labor parts believedfederated that in dragon 2013 fruit by can the every home in all barangays of to reach economies of scales. areand chopped Employment into wedge (DOLE) shaped continueMunicipal to Agriculture be productive Office for AgriculturalTigaon. Practices (GAP) ChairmanMetro Manila Salazar and the heads media, the andin Novemberinserted into 2015.the tree It stock. has 30-50under years the name if provided “Tigaon with is certification The association – a preparation was to ICStogether personnel; with the enthusiasm there are of According51 members to Argel, coming this is from one adequateGoing All care. Organic Now” or theircompetently bid for organic headed agriculture by its threethe people members behind in this the Internalproject, of12 the barangays their trade of Tigaon, secrets all in simplyLast “TIGAON”, year, a after technical they certification.Chairman/Quality Argel Control already Approvalit would not Committee; be long before 2 achievingof them very practicing high survival organic teamhave undergonefrom the Department trainings on of attendedManager the Mr.required Elmer training. S. internalthis farm inspectors; will be one 1 buying of the ratefarming of cuttings in an aggregateand very tasty area Agricultureorganic agriculture regional conducted office Salazar.With He the has attention attended the all officerbest agro-tourism and 1 sitestreasurer; in the the fruit.of 50.64 Romeo hectares. also Initially, shared that 14 visitedby Sienna the farmSombrero, and assisted 2015 farmfour is phases getting of at trainingspresent from on municipalprovince of focal Camarines person Norte.for OA theyof them thin have out applied or prune to the inNational it application Organic Agriculture to Good touristsOrganic coming Agriculture from as Internal far as serves as technical adviser.

October - December 2016 UMAsenso 13 (from page 13) subsidy for inputs. The squash (binote) – P15/kilo; C.Norte trading center... provincial HVCDP coordinator pagulong – P40/kilo; peanut and the APTC staff meet the (bulldog) – P40/kilo; banana sure all their children will finish and trainings and by assisting vegetable farmers every month (latundan) – P25/kilo (ripe) and a course in college. The eldest them in marketing their to update them on the new P20/kilo (unripe); saba – P18/ is a teacher, the second child is produce at the APTC and even programs of the government kilo; ripe papaya fruit – P18/ a police officer and the three in neighboring municipalities, and new technologies in kilo; sweet potato – P25/kilo; others are all professionals and Camarines Sur towns and cities farming. The APTC staff as red hot pepper – P250/kilo have found jobs in Manila. They and Legazpi City in Albay, well as the HVCDP technicians The prices of major crops also built a huge bungalow Paranaque and at Sentrong of various municipalities also in the coverage areas of Cam. where all the children and Pamilihan in Sariaya Quezon regularly monitor the farms Norte are steadily increasing grandchildren have their own if ever there are surplus of to extend technical assistance and benefitting the farmers, rooms whenever they are in the produce like sweet potato and and forge market linkages. because traders can no longer province. squash. The APTC staff also conducts dictate the price. For example, Mang Rolando used to drive The APTC also maintains daily monitoring of wholesale the squash which in the past a tricycle in Daet to augment four (4) reefer vans and one prices in Daet and Labo public dipped at a very low price of their income, while Aling (1) hauling truck which make markets and even in Sariaya P1.00 per piece now commands Alicia used to sell their produce rounds in the municipalities of Quezon so that they can offer a wholesale price of as high as in the sidewalks of the Daet Vinzons, Labo, Talisay, Basud the best price for the benefit of P18.00 per kilo. The farmers market. “Nakikipaghabulan and Daet. the farmers. also learned proper crop ako sa pulis noon dahil bawal In his report submitted As of this writing, the rotation and are now observing APTC buys the following the cropping calendar, thus commodities on whole sale they are able to program their basis:: ampalaya – P68/kilo; harvest and avoid over supply. eggplant – P43/kilo; pole sitao Some farmers still sell their – P38/kilo; pechay – P22/ produce to traders but only if the kilo; Kalamansi – P40/kilo; price is higher than the running tomatoes – P38/kilo; ginger – price at the APTC. Otherwise, P50/kilo; pepper – P68/kilo; they will just contact the APTC Upo – P18/piece; okra – P40/ to pick their produce and get kilo; cucumber – P22/kilo; the cash immediately. squash (suprema) –P18/kilo; Market access expo activity conducted daw magtinda sa bangketa. to Adelina Losa, Chief of In line with the provide an opportunity for the Ngayon na may APTC na, Agribusiness and Marketing Gender Responsive participants to learn the current wala nang kahirap-hirap ang Assistance Division (AMAD), Economic Actions for the trends in showcasing fresh pagmamarket (ng ani). Isang Engr. Almirante Abad, APTC Transformation of Women products, artisan and locally tawag lang sa APTC, nandyan project manager and Cam. Project(GREAT WOMEN 2) made products and prepare na ang van para mag pick up.” Norte Provincial Agriculturist of the national government for a possible replication of a Another notable contribution said that as of December which aims to strengthen Gourmet Weekend Market in of the APTC was the expansion 2016, a total of 514 individual the capacity of women to Legaspi or Naga City . of area planted to vegetables farmers are supplying various establish and develop their The 17 delegation was in Camarines Norte. Many agricultural products to own businesses, the DA headed by Aloha Gigi Banaria, farmers were encouraged the APTC. The APTC has Bicol in partnership with the Planning chief and Regional to propagate vegetables in disbursed P10,321,700 for the Philippine Commission on GAD Focal person along with commercial scale because they purchase of 695.1814 metric Women (PCW) conducted RIC leaders. Kathleen Aquino see a sure market in the APTC. tons of fruits and vegetables a Market Access Exposure and Patrick Asinero of PCW These farmers adapted multi- in 2016 and collected a total Activity for Women Micro- served as guide. They toured cropping to ensure continuous sales of P10,748,334.99 for Entrepreneurs (WMEs) on around the Salcedo Weekend supply of different types of the total 666.7013 metric tons November 26-28 at Makati Market at Makati City which vegetables at all times. agricultural crops sold in the City and Quezon City. showcased organic products, Cristina Campita, same year. The activity aimed to the Down to Earth Farm Shop provincial focal person of APTC In 2014, there were only 53 reported that as of December traders or wholesale buyers, but 2016, there were already 200 in 2015, the buyers increased to hectares planted to lowland and 960 or an increment of 1,811%. upland vegetables in the service As of December 2016, a total of area of the APTC. 839 bulk buyers transacted with Part of this development is the APTC generating a total of attributed to the augmentation P101,357.10 in trading fees. of technical staff of the APTC The APTC also invests who regularly teach farmers the in contract growing with new and effective technologies organized vegetable farmers’ through conduct of seminars groups where the DA provides

14 UMAsenso October - December 2016 DA The monthlong Bicol Business Industry Vice President Jeremy A. Losa, invited seven (7) local Month was sponsored by Lo; and Emily B. Bordado, exhibitors composed of three participates the Chamber DA Bicol regional information organic food producers and four of Commerce and Industry officer who represented (4) pili and cacao processors. in Bicol in cooperation with the City Regional Executive Director In the message of DA Business Government of Naga. Elena B. delos Santos. Director delos Santos which The opening ceremony was As one of the major was read by Emily Bordado, Month graced by Naga City Mayor sponsors of the event, the she stressed that “Agriculture is NAGA CITY – The John G. Bongat; Department DA Bicol Agribusiness and the mother of all industries. As Department of Agriculture of Trade and Industry (DTI) Marketing Assistance Division agriculture progresses, so will Bicol participated in the Bicol Regional Director Jocelyn (AMAD) headed by Adelina the industries.” Business Month which kicked Blanco; DTI provincial director off with the opening of Agri- Edna Tejada; Naga City Vice (from page 1) Aqua Exhibits and Trade Fair Mayor Nelson Legacion; LGU Sorsogon wins P1 M ... on November 7, 2016 at the Councilor Nene de Asis; Phil. SM activity center this city. December 27, 2016. Members offer half-rice servings. Chamber of Commerce and of the Sorsogon BeRiceponsible Also seen as vital factor team and staff of the Office in the campaign of the LGU of the Provincial Agriculturist Sorsogon was the forging Levy Barcelon, Engr. Hiroshi of partnership with more De Vera, Annavi Layco and than 30 public and private Debbie Ferwelo received the schools, government and non- award in behalf of the LGU. government organizations in The search for advocating responsible rice RICEponsible champions is an consumption. With funding initiative of the Department of support from the DA regional Agriculture to encourage the office and other partners, farmers, consumers and policy several thousand copies of makers to promote or advocate leaflets, flyers and stickers about non-wastage of rice and the campaign were printed and consumption of healthier forms distributed to schools, offices of rice in their communities. and restaurants, and intensified Launched in August 2015, use of social media and special the BeRiceponsible search was opened to which features grass fed beef guava, mango and passion all LGUs, government and free ranged native chicken fruit wine produced by one offices and public and other organic produce. The of the participants, Lorna and private Higher group proceeded to the ECHO Daud was also showcased. Education Institutions Store also in Makati and had a What caught their attention (HEIs) aggressively taste of a delicious banana heart was a display of home made promoting and burger and iced tea lemon grass. pili nuts coated with turmeric a d v o c a t i n g The ECHO store stands for E- and chilli powder which is responsible rice environment, C-community, also worth duplicating. The consumption and H-hope, O-organizatiion. group then proceeded to the reduction of wastage and events like brown rice feeding Reena Francisco, part store SIDCORR Sunday Market at appreciation of rice farmers and simple fora greatly helped owner, said she advocates the Quezon City. using multimedia approaches. in the campaign. concept of sustainable food, The group also proceeded A total of 35 public schools In cooperation with the healthier meals that have fresh to the Earth Kitchen/GOT nationwide competed under Regional Agriculture and ingredients that are organically heart Store in Quezon City. the Academe Category and Fisheries Information Section grown and are chemical free. Pinky Parra, manager/owner 25 Local Government Units (RAFIS) of the Department of They also went to GREAT has the same advocacy to (LGUs) competed under the Agriculture Bicol, the province WOMEN showroom. make natural and fresh food LGU category. Winners in the conducted the Run4Rice year 4 According to Lot Tan, store always available for health two categories were given cash in November 2016 which was proprietor, their products came conscious customers. prizes: P1 million for the first well attended by more than 700 from marginalized communities The participants had prize; P500,000 for the second runners. and women group from all over a productive learning prize; and P300,000 for the third Taking off from the the Philippines. She said that experience. They realized prize. All winners also received National Year of Rice 2013, she encouraged her suppliers that the infusion of money or plaques of appreciation. the Be RICEponsible campaign to make quality products as she capital into a business is not Antonio added that the Sorsogon tapped the RAFIS in all regions is already engaged into export the only thing which matters. LGU through the Office of to engage all Filipinos to do business. It needs time, sound planning, the Provincial Agriculturist their part in achieving rice At the Legaspi Weekend networking/linkaging and which bested all other LGU self-sufficiency in the country Market which featured creative strategies that a entries, has implemented the through elimination of rice Filipino and foreign cuisines, woman can allocate like the best strategies and created the wastage; eating brown rice; they observed the method of GREAT Women 2 project most impact on their campaign mixing rice with other staples preparing healthy foods and had which is a good and sound capped with the enactment such as corn; and showing the idea of duplicating it in their example of a public-private of a Rice Conservation appreciation for our rice own version. Products such as partnership. (Blesilda A. Ordinance requiring all food farmers. (Lovella P. Guarin) home made tomato juice & Nunez) establishments in Sorsogon to

October - December 2016 UMAsenso 15 DA thanksgiving celebration 2016

(Next page pls.) 16 Children’s UMAsenso October - December 2016 Party that although there are a number of farmers engaged More farmers in Bicol trained days. New shoots will grow in cassava production, there is from the stalks. He would again no stable market compared to on cassava production cut the stalks with new shoots corn. and plant it. He noticed that its “Barato an bakal sa saod Over 40 corn farmers and Autos added that in the tubers are larger compared to kan balinghoy, a-singko kada agricultural technicians from Bicol Region, there are cassava the first harvested tubers. kilo (Our cassava is purchased Ligao City and , Albay varieties identified as Orbase, Autos encouraged the cheap in the local market, participated in the Training Lanuza and Laysa. farmers to have their soil tested five pesos per kilo),” narrated on Cassava Production and Rodrigo Bañadera of Sitio or analyzed before applying Donna Bazar of Balinad, Processing conducted by the Garayon, Barangay Balinad, fertilizers. They should also Polangui. Bazar said that in her Department of Agriculture- Polangui said that they plant limit the use of fertilizers for 27 years as farmer, they always Bicol on October 18, 2016 cassava a month after they their cassava since there are complain of the cheap price of at Barangay Alnay, in this their cassava. municipality. Sandro hoped that through The same training was this training, the farmers will also conducted in corn areas be organized into a farmers’ in Masbate and Camarines Sur association so that they could to capacitate farmers and help synchronize their efforts and augment the income of farmers ventilate their needs to the DA by intercropping cassava in and other institutions. their corn farms. At present, LGU-Polangui DA-Bicol Senior Science has no marketing support to Research Specialist Nympha their cassava produce except Autos said that at present there promotion and trainings. are 48 cassava varieties that Autos also advised the farmers were accredited by the Regional to plant Tuba-tuba (jatropha) Varietal Improvement Group in their fields as an alternate on Rootcrops from host to the pests and diseases State University, University of plant corn which is normally in fertilizer residues from their attacking cassava plants. the Philippines-Los Baños and December. He shared also that corn farms. Aside from food, cassava other plant breeding institutions after harvesting their cassava, L G U - P o l a n g u i have industrial, chemical and and stations of the Department he would lay the stalks in the Agricultural Technician for pharmaceutical uses. (Jayson of Agriculture. field and leave it for several Corn Cesar Sandro Jr. related M. Gonzales)

include topics on learning the basics of RCM-related Rice Crop Manager to answer computer operation using gadgets, understanding the farmers’ queries in an instant RCM interview Questions Guide, facilitating awareness SAN AGUSTIN, Pili, and rainfed areas. Presently, Research and Regulations Dr. and use of the RCM and the Camarines Sur---Over 35 there are no available RCM Edgar R. Madrid said that RCM wide-scale RCM dissemination rice technicians and Farmers recommendations for upland will foster a close relationship through SMS and farmers Information Technology areas. and interaction between the meeting, and the formulation of Services (FITS) managers He also added that RCM AEWs and farmers. The Regional Roll-out plan. from all over the Bicol Region was based on the Nutrient participated in the Training of Manager for Rice program of Trainers for Rice Crop Manager the Department of Agriculture (RCM) on October 11-14 at (DA), Philippine Rice Eurotel Hotel, Naga City. Research Institute (PhilRice), According to Isagani International Rice Research C. Valenzuela Jr. of the Institute (IRRI) and West Agricultural Training Institute- Visayas State University. Regional Training Center - 5, For 2016, RCM program RCM contains a set of science- is being implemented by based principles and formula the Agricultural Training for calculating field-specific Institute (ATI) and the Field nutrient and crop management Operations Division of DA using gadgets like laptops, Bicol in coordination with the satisfaction of the farmers with By the end of 2016, smartphones and tablets. agricultural extension workers the recommendations from RCM farmers in 200 rice However, the RCM of LGUs. RCM will be manifested in the fields are expected to benefit recommendations are only DA Bicol Regional quality of their crops. from the RCM. (Jayson M. useful for lowland, irrigated Technical Director for The four-day training Gonzales)

October - December 2016 UMAsenso 17 Bicol’s “Run4Rice” year 4 goes to Sorsogon

The Province of Sorsogon sa ating kampanya. Isa itong conducted this year’s Run 4 malaking indicator na talagang Rice 2016 held on November naging successful kami sa 26 in Rompeolas, Sorsogon aming Be RICEponsible City. Around 700 personnel advocacy,” Dr. Ma. Teresa said. of the Office of the Provincial V. Destura, provincial The Be RICEponsible Agriculturist (OPAg), agriculturist of Sorsogon, said. campaign advocates four things Department of Agriculture For the male category, (4Ks in Filipino): 1. Reduction Regional Field Office V (DA Aris Africa of the Philippine or elimination of rice wastage RFO V), other government Army, was the first finisher (konti-konting kanin muna, agencies, institutional partners while Julianne Marie Ebio para walang tira) 2. Thanking from various sectors including of Sorsogon National High and showing appreciation for the church community, state School won the first prize in our rice farmers (kilalanin universities and colleges, the women’s category. Both at pasalamatan ang mga local organizations and private of them received P1000 cash magsasaka) 3. Eating brown entities participated in the five- prize and two kilos of brown rice (kumain ng brown rice) kilometer race for a cause. rice. Jerome Trapani of the and 4. Mixing rice with other The province is the Sorsogon State College and staples (kakaibang kanin region’s sole entry for the Richelle Latosa of the Sorsogon naman). These will encourage DA-Philippine Rice Research College of Criminology Inc. responsible rice consumption Institute (DA-PhilRice) Be bagged the second prize. Each by avoiding rice wastage, Riceponsible Search for of them received a cash prize boosting farmers’ morale and Best Advocacy Campaign worth P500, two kilos of brown promoting brown rice and Provincial Local Government rice. Third finishers Arjay other staples as substitute for Unit category for a chance Añonuevo of the Provincial rice to achieve the national to win a cash prize worth P1 Health Office and Stephanie goal of rice self-sufficiency and million. The Run 4 Rice, now Collado of the Philippine promote better health. on its fourth year, is being Army took home P300 cash This year’s Run with government and non- conducted as a culminating prize, and two kilos of brown 4 Rice highlighted the government organizations. activity for the observance of rice. All winners also received #BROWN4good Challenge Their Be RICEponsible the National Rice Awareness certificates of recognition. The that promotes four goodness campaign has reached 17,480 Month. The Department of OPAg also acknowledged the of eating brown rice. With pupils, 355 teachers, 1700 Agriculture regional office SCCI for having the biggest higher protein, fiber, vitamins, barangay health workers and has been spearheading this delegation of 100 participants. minerals and antioxidants approximately 1,158 general activity for the past 3 years Sixteen packs of two kilos than white rice, brown rice audiences in 11 barangays, now but this year, in support brown rice, two units of pocket is good for the body. It has three school canteens, and to the PLGU’s bid for the wi-fis, two cellular phone 10 percent higher milling nine restaurants. Brown rice Best Advocacy Campaign, the units, and P3,000-worth of gift recovery making it good for feeding benefited 84 severely DA gave way to the PLGU of certificates were raffled off. the country’s goal of achieving malnourished children. Sorsogon while also providing “Bilang future law self-sufficiency. Patronizing Meanwhile, in November logistical and financial support enforcers, we ourselves, we will brown rice is good for the 2015, the Sangguniang to this activity. be one of the advocates of the farmers as it would raise their Panlalawigan has approved the “ N a p a k a l a k i n g Be RICEponsible campaign. Sa income. By posting a photo of Rice Conservation Ordinance, significance nito lalung-lalo family namin, we can conserve, brown rice meals on Facebook, which requires all food na sa ating pangangampanya we shall endeavor the Panatang Twitter or Instagram, the establishments in Sorsogon on Be RicePonsible sapagkat Makapalay sa bahay namin #BROWN4good Challenge is to include half-rice servings sa numero ng mga nag- and later on, sa community,” also good for the less fortunate in their menu. Leaflets, flyers participate, makikita mo na Jean Parcel Bitoca, 4th year because for every hashtag, the and stickers about the Be nandoon yung suporta nila Crimonology student at SCCI, DA will donate one cup of RICEponsible campaign, brown rice to charities. The Panatang Makapalay and 4Ks #BROWN4good Challenge were printed and distributed in is extended until December 5, various events. 2016. According to Food and Since the launch of the Nutrition Research Institute’s Search for Best Advocacy (FNRI) study in 2008, “Every Campaign on October 1, 2015, Filipino wastes an average the Office of the Provincial of two tablespoons (9 grams) Agriculture in Sorsogon has of unmilled rice daily.” This intensified its Be RICEponsible translates to 12.2 percent of advocacy campaigns through the Philippines’ P7.27 billion- several radio and TV guestings, worth total rice import and promotion to 30 public schools is enough to feed about 2.5 and two private schools in million Filipinos yearly. Sorsogon City, and partnerships (Annielyn L. Baleza) 1818 UMAsensoUMAsenso OctoberOctober -- DecemberDecember 20162015 Oceana-Phils conducts “Story of Sardines” to conserve sardine fish

LEGAZPI CITY - the Bureau of Agricultural OCEANA-Philippines, a non- Statistics in 2014, the government organization, Philippine Sardine Industry conducted recently the “Story posted 349,366 metric tons of Sardines”---a documentary worth P10.62 billion pesos. premiere, and Kapihan sa Isla However, the supply media forum at La Piazza has declined. According to Hotel, this city. OCEANA-Philippines Senior Sardines fish species are Marine Scientist Jimely Flores, the most undervalued fish in overfishing and overcapacity no enough supply of “lawlaw” Norte and in other parts of the the world. Whether fresh or caused the decline. (bicol term for sardines). country to allow sardine stocks processed, sardines provide Overcapacity means too many Former Bureau of to recover. food both for human and fishing boats catching fish, Fisheries and Aquatic In the Bicol Region, the animals. thus, resulting to overfishing. Resources (BFAR) Director closed-season measure was The Philippines is one of In an interview with Geraldine Atty. Asis Perez proposed that implemented to protect sardines the top producers of sardines in Guhit of Bulan, Sorsogon, the sardine conservation measures and mackerel. the world. From 2000-2010, the abundant sardines catch in the should be implemented. Thus, In 2013, after the country ranked third or fourth San Bernardino Strait gave in 2011, a four-year closed implementation of closed worldwide in terms of sardines them the needed income to send season for fishing during the season, the harvest of lawlaw production. their six children to school. spawning period of the fish was increased. Guhit was again able According to a report from However in 2008, there was implemented in Zamboanga del to send their children to college and was able to purchase three fishing boats. They also noticed Intersectoral linking to the proliferation of bigger carnivorous and high-value eradicate rabies in Bicol fish species like tuna, tulingan, galunggong and mackerel. “Camarines Sur topped the in 2020. As of November this year, Perez attributed the number of animal and human Camarines Sur Provincial there were 12 recorded positive success of the closed season rabies incidence in the Bicol Veterinarian Ceazar Emmanuel cases. because of the cooperation Region this 2016 despite the Bobiles said that there was a With those reports, and participation of scientists, mass dog vaccination and positive case of animal rabies Bernales underscore the stakeholders and fishermen. information drive conducted by in despite the mass need to meet all mayors of Fish Landing Centers in the the Department of Agriculture vaccination last October. Such RINCONADA areas to discuss country ballooned to 700 and the Bureau of Animal incident showed that there the alarming cases of human centers. Industry (BAI).” is really a need for a close and animal rabies. Aside from He said that before, This is according to the coordination between animal the meeting, there is also a need fishermen opposed the report of the Chief of the and human health offices. to have massive information implementation of the closed Regional Animal Disease In the Animal Rabies drive and eradication of stray season and even took part Diagnostic Laboratory Dr. Rona Updates in Camarines Sur of dogs. in rallies. But since they Bernales during the Rolling- Veterinarian Dr. Mardi Caniban Dr. Toni Rose Barroga of experienced the advantage of out of Practical Inter-Sectoral of Stop Transboundary Animal STANDZ-Rabies Project said the measure, they are now the Linking to Key Players of Diseases and Zoonoses that in the Philippines vaccines ones who would implement it. Rabies Prevention and Control (STANDZ) Rabies Project, 12 are given free. The Bicol Region In 2014, in a report by Program held in Avenue Plaza positive cases were reportedin has more vaccines because of De Guzman presented in the Hotel, Naga City on November 2014, 26 cases in 2015 and as of OIE-STANDZ assistance and documentary film, the Bicol 11, 2016. October 2016, Camarines Sur support. Thus, expectation Region ranked second in the This one-day event has already 15 cases in Pasacao, is high for the region in the national sardine production has been conducted already Bato, , , and eradication of rabies. next to Zamboanga. The in the provinces of Albay, Naga City. Barroga added that 60% supply of sardines come from Masbate, Camarines Norte and Provincial Health Officer of existing human infectious Masbate; Bulan, Castilla, Pilar, Camarines Sur. Dr. Wilfredo Baniqued said all diseases are zoonotic, meaning, San Vicente and Magallanes in Bernales said that the aim efforts on human rabies should they are of animal origin and Sorsogon Province; Calabanga of the World Organization be focused in the 5th district that 75% of Ebola, HIV and and Pasacao in Camarines Sur; for Animal Health (OIE), of Camarines Sur. He added Influenza came from animals. and Pioduran in Albay. Australian Aid (AusAid), DA- that the trend is caused by Barroga presented three critical BFAR-Fish Processing BAI, Department of Health, “Pingpong Syndrome” which points to totally eradicate Plant Chief Miguel Bañez Deparment of Interior and means, those animals infected rabies---Mass Dog Vaccination, said that the fishermen in the Local Government and Liga bite each other and that from Quarantine of Infected dogs, south and the Visayas prefer ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas February until April, rabies and prompt and complete Post- Bicol sardine specie “Lawlaw” is that by linking the efforts cases have increased. exposure Prophylaxis. (Sardinella lemuru) because of human and animal health Baniqued mentioned that “We should act as a team of its size and oil. For them, workers and government, in 2014, there were 13 positive to eradicate Rabies,” Dr. Junios lawlaw is the best sardines. Philippines will be Rabies-Free cases, same number in 2015. Elad of Naga City Veterinary (Jayson M. Gonzales) October - December 2016 UMAsenso 19 Oath taking ceremony of the newly elected Oath taking of new DAEA Bicol Officers officers of the Regional, Provincial and Independent Component City Agricultural DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Elena B. delos Santos sworn into office the 11 new officers and Board of Directors/ and Fishery Councils (RAFC, PAFCs/CAFCs) chairpersons of various committees of the DA Employees of Bicol. Association (DAEA) Bicol Chapter on October 10, 2016 after the The induction ceremony held October 13 at the Villa Caceres flag ceremony. Hotel, Naga City was graced by Dir. Sarah Gutierrez-Cayona, OIC The 11 board of directors who were elected during the of Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF). General Assembly of the DAEA on September 30, elected among DA Bicol Regional Executive Director and RAFC co- themselves the new set of officers who will lead the DAEA for a Chairperson for government sector Dr. Elena B. delos Santos, led two-year term. the new officials together with Mr. Alfredo R. Rillo, new RAFC Elected officers were: President - Lorenzo L. Alvina; Vice Chairperson of Bicol and Aloha Gigi I. Banaria, RAFC Bicol President- Hernan C. Elano; Secretary General - Lovella P. Executive Officer. Guarin; Treasurer - Nelia A. Bustarga; and Auditor - Mary Grace Meanwhile, the provincial AFC chairpersons were: Alfredo S. DLP Rodriguez. Chairpersons of Various Committees are: for Oben for Albay, Efren S. Mago for Camarines Norte, Edgar A. Collective Negotiation - Corazon A. Orbon; Membership - Canet for Camarines Sur, Luzviminda T. Oropesa for Catanduanes, Ma. Pureza San Buenaventura; Grievance - Jania M. Elatico; Nora C. Aribon for Masbate, and Virginia P. Oanzon for Sorsogon. Labor Education and Research - Imelda T. Pena; Welfare and ICCAFC Naga chairperson is Eusebio Oliva Jr. and Irene Bron Development - Michael Angelo B. delos Santos; Information and of DA Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division is the new Publication - Dr. Salvadora M. Gavino. RAFC Coordinator. Agrikultura: Agrikultura, Teknolohiya at Kultura tungo sa Kaunlaran Coffee Table Book launching representing Dir. Lee T. Herogo of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). Director Elena B. delos Santos said it was an honor and a pleasure to be part of the project. The project was funded by the DA Bicol under former Regional Executive Director Abelardo R. Bragas. Ms. Evelyn Jacob on the other hand expressed her gratitude for all the support to the indigenous people. The DA Bicol has the most number of projects implemented for the welfare of the indigenous peoples regionwide, she added.

Department of Agriculture NAGA CITY --The Philippine Rice Research Institute Los Banos Regional Field Unit No. 5 branch Station in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture Reg’l Agriculture and Fisheries Regional Field Office No. 5 recently launched the four volumes of Information Section the coffee table book entitled "Anthropological and Socioeconomic e-mail: darafid5 @ yahoo.com Characteristics of Selected Indigenous Farming Communities in RE-ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS Bicol Region." MAIL MATTER The launching which was held at the Eurotel in Naga City on at Pili, Post Office, October 12, 2016 was graced by DA Bicol Regional Executive Pili, Cam. Sur Director Elena B. delos Santos; PhilRice Los Banos chief SRS visit our website: under Permit No. 2014-13 Mario M. Movillion, the project team leader; and Evelyn Jacob bicol.da.gov.ph on Jan. 26, 2016