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Home , Buluan, Isulan, Lamitan, Marawi, Panglima Sugala

BI-MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF armm industry cluster capacity enhancement project (aiccep) Malaysia eyeing ARMM ARMM industry clusters for big “very grateful” to JICA investments CITY -- sector and guiding us to projects and activities to - Industry cluster teams of become stronger as an in- promote the growth of the MALAYSIA is looking the ARMM Industry Clus- dustry” says abaca cluster palm oil industry, accord- keenly at as one ter Capacity Enhancement chair Pundato Alug. ing to the cluster chairman of its investment destina- Project all came out in full Alug said all the team Suharto Ibay. “Since we’re tions here in the Asia-Pa- force to express their grati- members are wishing that still in the early stages of cific region in the coming tude to Japan International this project could be ex- production, we’re all hop- years. Cooperation Agency for tended and even expanded ing JICA could extend the Nyaee Ayup, Malay- its unwavering support to to include other industries project,” Ibay said. sian Trade Commissioner of industrial growth in the re- such as coconut and cacao, Coconut cluster chair- the Malaysia External Trade gion during a recent cluster because land in del man Tanggote Panganda Development Corp, one of meeting in Davao. Sur “is very fertile for many said coconut farmers need the delegates of this year’s “We’re very thankful industrial crops”. to know more about earn- Brunei Darussalam-Indo- to JICA for this industry The palm oil cluster ing additional income from nesia-Malaysia- cluster project, for bringing team was “very grateful” to the coconut by-products East Asean Growth Area us along on this journey JICA for supporting the oil since most of the farmers (BIMP-Eaga) Strategic Plan- to promote the growth of palm growers and farmers in belong to the abaca industry, how to in Maguindanao by guid- the “poorest of the poor” deal with the government ing and funding all their turn to page 6 turn to page 6 JICA project coordinator Shu Nishimaru (left) listens intently to reports from the six AICCEP industry cluster teams together with ARMM DTI Asst. Regional Secretary Abubacar Datumanong (center) and ARMM DTI Regional Secretary Sakiran Hajan (right) during a recent Davao meeting. philippine Hajan cites impact of AICCEP on ARMM economy, farmers -- and consultants of Japan Cluster Bulletin - Regional Secretary Saki- International Cooperation ran Hajan of the ARMM Agency during a meeting VOL. IV NO. 5 Jan-feb-march 2016 PHILIPPINES Department of Trade and in Davao recently. Industry cited the strong Hajan attributed the impact of the ARMM In- success of the AICCEP dustry Cluster Capacity En- these past months to “all hancement Project or AIC- the hardworking DTI pro- JICA extends AICCEP CEP on the lives of farmers vincial directors” in the in the Autonomous Region ARMM who coordinated for Muslim Mindanao. all the projects and activities for one more year “I’m so impressed by of pilot industry clusters in how the AICCEP is improv- their provinces covering ---- A one year extension for the Mr. Mishima Kenji of JICA’s ing the lives of farmers and , Tawi-Tawi, , Govt eyeing ARMM Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Private Sector Development Group and Industrial improving the economy in Maguindanao and Lanao 1-million Project (AICCEP) has been approved recently by Development and Public the ARMM region. I’m so del Sur. “I’ve seen how hard the Tokyo headquarters of Japan International Policy Department. thankful to all those who they worked to make this hectares Cooperation Agency. Kenji said he contributed to the success project succeed all these palm oil A JICA high official who handles and supports was concerned by the of this project,” Hajan told months and I’m so thank- reviewed the project early the six pilot industries -- “sustainability” of the a gathering of industry ful for what they’ve done to nationwide this year said he had been - seaweed, coffee, rubber, project so that the industry cluster teams, provincial “amazed and impressed” palm oil, coconut and abaca. clusters could reduce their turn to page 6 dependence on JICA over directors of ARMM- DTI PALM OIL plantations by the early outcome of The three-year program time and rely on local and all over the country are ex- the AICCEP program is one of the components national resources that are pected to reach one million after observing how the under the Comprehensive trade mission sees government, private sector, Capacity Development available among national hectares in the years ahead government offices and once government plans for academe, coops, had been Project (CCDP) for the working closely together ARMM region. local governments. vast US export potentials this commodity are set into on various projects and “We’re so impressed by “I’m convinced there’s motion. STA ROSA, LAGUNA neurs, industry stakehold- activities to boost the how the various industry a real need to continue this ---- A recent trade delega- ers and officers of the De- Francisco “Kiko” Pang- growth and development clusters were able to gather industry cluster approach to get maximum impact tion here who arrived re- partment of Trade and In- ilinan, head of the govern- of the six pilot industries in together representatives on the economy of your cently after weeklong trade dustry (DTI) had one goal ment’s food security pro- the Autonomous Region in from government, private gram said one of the keys Muslim Mindanao. sector, coops, academe region,” Kenji told members and study mission to Cali- in mind: to test the USA as and officers of cluster teams fornia, USA, revealed that a potential market for Cala- to reducing poverty in the AICCEP is the joint to actively work together Philippines is the mass em- project of JICA and the to develop their local of the six AICCEP industry vast export opportunities barzon products. (Calabar- clusters gathered at a hotel are waiting for small and zon stands for , La- ployment and livelihood ARMM-Department of industries,” says the Trade and Industry that deputy assistant director turn to page 6 medium-scale enterpris- guna, , and programs that come out of es (SME) in the US West economic zone) a growing, robust palm oil Coast. DTI Calabarzon Re- industry . The mission delega- gional Director Marilou The government is tion composed of entrepre- Quinco-Toledo disclosed expected to add some P50 that the “Pistahan sa Yerba million budget for palm oil Buena Gardens” at How- industry development this ard Street in downtown year, which is fifty-times San Francisco was the best more than the previous site for test selling sev- year’s budget at only P1 eral Calabarzon products million. This budget, ac- since the trade fair coin- cording to Pangilinan, will cided with the 21st Annual be utilized as assistance armm industry to farmers, for fertilizers, cluster capacity Pistahan Festival, an event enhancement project organized by the Filipino seedlings, research and de- a project of American Arts Exposition velopment. that drew over 60,000 peo- “This will be benefi- ple daily. cial to our country because Food items (coffee, presently, the Philippines is banana chips), health and importing a total of 350,000 to 400,000 metric tons (MT) japan international wellness preparations (tur- cooperation agency meric, lemon grass tea) as of palm oil amounting to ARMM well as fashion accessories, P35 billion annually. If we footwear, and rice bran- can produce our own big supply of palm oil, we based beauty products MAGUINDANAO PALM OIL NURSERY. This one-hectare oil palm nursery (above) at Brgy. don’t have to import any- DEPARTMENT OF were brought to the fair Sarmiento, Parang, Maguindanao was launched last March by the palm oil cluster team TRADE & INDUSTRY more and spending such P H ILIPPIN E S supported by JICA executives and officials of ARMM Department of Trade and Industry. The turn to page 6 turn to page 7 nursery will provide quality oil palm seedlings to Maguindanao farmers.  PHILIPPINE CLUSTER BULLETIN jan-feb-march 2016 PROJECTS Coco cluster sees need to put up coconut mill

COTABATO CITY ---- The coconut cluster Coconut farmers in Magu- team is mulling over plans Coco cluster indanao, after undergoing a to have a number of decor- to set up series of training programs ticating machines in Ma- in farm management, pro- guindanao to help coconut solar dryer, duction and quality control, farmer turn all their big are thinking of the possibil- piles of coconut husks into warehouse ity of putting up their own two profitable by-products village-type coconut mill which can earn them more COTABATO CITY --- plant and get some units of money than copra itself--- - Despite the huge tracts decorticating machines in coco fiber and coco peat, ac- of farmland planted to co- the province. SEAWEEDS TURNOVER. Seaweed seedlings (cultivars) were turned over recently by the cording to Panganda. conuts, farmers in the prov- seaweed cluster team to a seaweed farmers federation group in Buan, Sulu in a wide-ranging “This is what we have Coco fibers can be pro- ince of Maguindanao are effort to improve the quality of seaweeds produced in the southernmost province. in mind when thinking of cessed by hand into twines still producing low-qual- ways to sustain the growth which are used to weave ity copra and getting lower and development of the co- into anti-erosion nets called buying prices for them from Abaca cluster conut industry in this prov- “geonets” which has a huge traders. Seaweed cluster wants ince in the coming years demand among engineer- “It’s time for coconut even after the end of the ing projects worldwide to farmers in Maguindanao to now moving to expand project areas clustering project of JICA prevent erosion in high- earn more income from their TAWI-TAWI --- Ex- 200 kilos of the seedlings and the DTI ,” coconut ways, rivers, bridges, etc. copra output and that is to five industry pansion of the seaweed were received by the care- cluster chairman Tanggote industry projects to other takers in the three coastal Panganda said. turn to page 7 improve the quality of their projects seaweed-producing areas towns which have the copra production,” coconut of the Autonomous Region largest concentration of cluster chairman Tanggote CITY --- This in Muslim Mindanao such seaweed farmers. “We’ve Palm oil seedlings to Panganda told consultants city is expected to see the as Sulu and Basilan islands, provided them with float- of Japan International Co- steady growth and devel- was stressed by members ers and twines for free as be available to farmers operation Agency during a opment of the abaca indus- of the seaweed cluster team these farmers propagate the try in the years ahead as the during a recent meeting in seedlings in their seaweed COTABATO CITY --- harto Ibay said the two- recent Davao meeting. abaca industry cluster team Davao with consultants of farm,” Dr Romero said. Oil palm seedlings will soon hectare oil palm nursery Most farmers in Min- set into motion all five of its Japan International Coop- To continue and sustain be made available to farm- now being developed in ba- danao including Maguin- cluster projects these past eration Agency. this seaweed industry clus- ers in the Autonomous Re- rangay Sarmiento, Parang, danao province, are still months. “Our seaweed indus- ter project, it was necessary gion in Muslim Mindanao, Maguindanao, will ensure using the old traditional starting with the members that supply of oil palm “We’re moving ahead try projects should not only to expand the AICCEP to method of drying copra- with our five cluster proj- end here in Tawi-Tawi but other Tawi-Tawi towns all of the palm oil cluster in the seedlings will always be -- using crude oven and ects which are helping our also extended to Sulu and over the island and repli- Maguindanao province. available to farmers in the abaca farmers and their Basilan so more seaweed Cluster chairman Su- province at a lower cost. burning farm wastes like turn to page 7 families here in Lanao boost farmers in the ARMM will “We have finalized coconut husk and shell and their income and brighten benefit from our activities our arrangements with the allow the heat and smoke to their future,” abaca cluster and projects,” co-chairman Univanich Company to dry the white coconut meat, chairman Pundato Alug Dr. Filemon Romero told buy high quality oil palm turning it into dried copra. said. JICA consultants. seedlings which will be This old method, according In his recent report to High yielding seaweed imported by the firm from consultants of Japan Inter- seedlings that were cultivat- to experts from the Philip- a nearby country,” Ibay re- pine Coconut Authority, is national Cooperation Agen- ed and developed by cluster ported to consultants of Ja- cy, Alug said three of their not good for copra which member Dr. Jumelita Rome- pan International Coopera- cluster projects had been ro in the laboratory of Min- tion Agency during a recent produces a cancer-causing completed already while danao State University have meeting in Davao. substance and commands the other two significant in- already been distributed to Partial funds for setting much lower buying prices dustry cluster projects are different farmer-caretak- from copra export traders still “ongoing” with tan- ers of seaweed nurseries in up this oil palm nursery gible results to be seen and , and Pan- project had already been as well as coconut oil mills felt several months from glima Sugala coastal towns released to the cluster team which turn the copra into now this year . these past few months. All led by Ibay who recently coconut oil for export. One of these two big these farmers were trained inspected the land area and “We want our coconut the preparation work on the projects is the setting up of on how to operate the sea- JICA senior adviser Tetsuo Inooka (left) and ARMM-DTI Asst. farmers in Maguindanao three pilot abaca nurser- nursery site. based nurseries by the sea- Trade Secretary Abubacar Datumanong (second from left) to earn more from copra, ies in the farming towns of weed cluster team. Ibay said the cluster are shown discussing the “sustainability plans” of the six that’s why we need to get , and Batches in 100 kilos to AICCEP industry clusters during a recent Davao meeting. team had to move the work- here in Lanao del ing schedule of this nursery a modern drying facility Sur under the supervision project from December- for drying copra properly,” of abaca cluster members January to January-Febru- Panganda said. Ibrahim Casobedan, Bamer Rubber cluster to expand ary 2016 to allow more time This modern post-har- Disimban and Cosain Mala- for land preparation and the vest facility, according to wan, according to Alug. procurement of materials Panganda, is a solar dryer The other abaca cluster projects in Basilan island and supplies. project still ongoing is the facility where the fresh co- setting up of a one-fourth CITY -- impact on the rubber indus- In her capacity as the hectare techno-demonstra- - New teams of rubber in- try here---we need to expand rubber cluster chair person, turn to page 7 turn to page 7 tion farm or a “model abaca dustry clusters are expected and extend our project by Furigay also released re- farm” in the three strategic to be formed and organized replicating our success with cently a rubber farming and in other towns of Basilan is- all the other towns in Basi- production booklet titled areas as a showcase of a land in the following months lan,” Narsico said. “Rubber Nursery Manage- well-run, model farm that to expand the reach of the Rubber has been one of ment, Production Technol- grows the best high-qual- ARMM Industry Cluster Ca- the major sources of income ogy and Integrated Farming ity abaca plants in Lanao pacity Enhancement Project, for Lamitan City, as well as System Manual” which was del Sur for local farmers to according to co-chairman the entire province of Basi- distributed to rubber farmer- copy and replicate in their Doming Narsico. lan, according to the rubber trainees who took a series of farmlands. “It’s easier now to ex- industry chair person training workshops on rub- “Farmers here want pand after we’ve succeeded Rose Furigay. “Rubber, in ber farming, tapping and to see a model abaca farm with our own rubber indus- fact, has paved the way for processing. where they can visit and try cluster team here in Lam- Basilan to become a first- The recent Basilan-wide learn the proper methods itan,” Narsico told consul- class city in the 1950’s--- a vi- survey conducted by the rub- and procedures of planting, tants of Japan International sion that this city of Lamitan ber cluster showed that most growing and harvesting the Cooperaton Agency during a is once again, aspiring for,” farmers interviewed and sur- abaca plant,” says Dr Amer recent meeting in Davao. Furigay said. veyed expressed their keen Comadug, who handled Narsico said thirty-nine The Lamitan city mayor interest and desire to par- the project. barangays or villages had expressed her “deepest grati- ticipate in the future projects Three abaca industry benefited from the various tude” to JICA, the ARMM and activities of the rubber projects that were already projects and activities of the Department of Trade and industry cluster and sought completed, according to Lamitan-based pilot rub- Industry, the Department of help in forming and organiz- Alug, include the local ber industry cluster which Agriculture and Fisheries ing their groups into coop- TIRE MANUFACTURING. Demand for high quality rubber included a series of training and other rubber industry eratives to benefit from the benchmarking visit to Zam- is rising among tire manufacturing in Asia which buy their in tapping techniques, farm stakeholders who contrib- cluster’s projects and train- boanga province, handled by quality processed rubber from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam management and rubber pro- uted to the success of the ing opportunities. (Philpress and the Philippines which has the smallest share among cessing. “There’s so much to rubber industry cluster in the News) turn to page 7 rubber producers. do yet to make a significant region.  PHILIPPINE CLUSTER BULLETIN jan-feb-march 2016 SPOTLIGHTS Bicol eyes more outputs on won award in geonets, coir, cacao, pineapple MIMAROPA LEGAZPI CITY—Each Entrepreneurship/Sales- which is manufactured of the six Bicol provinces manship and Pricing Semi- from coconut husk, has an tourism fair has identified their own nar conducted here by the existing total market value “signature crops” that agency’s regional Agribusi- of P5 billion and a market homegrown farmers can ness and Marketing Assis- potential of P12 billion per CITY — Palawan won a na- tap and develop in their tance Division (AMAD) for year—“an earning oppor- tional cultural award in the agricultural ventures this farmers, food ter- tunity that the province’s recently held “MIMARO- year, according to the De- minal operators, food pro- agricultural sector should PA Naturally: Agri-Trade partment of Agriculture cessors, officers and mem- take advantage of, because and Tourism Fair” at the (DA). bers of Rural Improvement its raw materials come only Mega Trade Hall, SM Me- DA regional execu- Clubs and agricultural ex- from coconut husks which gamall organized by the tive director Abelardo tension workers. are thrown away or burnt Department of Trade and Bragas of province He said Albay is Bicol’s as farm wastes”, according Industry (DTI) Region 4B to suggested coconut and ca- leading coconut producer to Bragas. promote the MIMAROPA cao; pineapple for Cama- as 95,794 hectares of its There are now several region. rines Norte; papaya, tomato 158,262-hectare agricultural factories, farmers’ groups (MIMAROPA stands and high-value fruits and land are planted to this crop and their families in the for Mindoro, , vegetables for Camarines that “should not be good province now involved in and Palawan SEAWEEDS MEETING. AICCEP seaweeds cluster team had a Sur; abaca and mushroom only for copra but also for this venture, according to provinces). lively discussion with top officials of CP Keleo Carrageenan for ; cassava other processed or manu- Bragas. “ It has been turn- plant in Quezon, Palawan during a recent benchmarking visit. for ; and pili for factured commodities such ing out very profitable for Maribel Buñi, head of The team from Tawi-Tawi noted the high standards of quality . as industrial coir, virgin oil coconut farmers and their Palawan’s Provincial Tour- for raw dried seaweeds required by the foreign-run plant. Bragas made the sug- and natural vinegar”. families. All that is needed ism Office (PTO) expressed gestion during the recent Coconut coir or geonet, to nurture this industry are her gratitude for the oppor- more hands that are deter- tunity, disclosing that they Industry players pushing mined to earn more”, he were delightfully surprised said. for winning an award for passage of Halal Bill Virgin coconut oil, in the “Island Pavilion which is processed from Category” after it presented HALAL INDUSTRY trillion US dollar. pure coconut milk and Palawan’s culture through players are pushing for the The bill, which was au- natural coconut vinegar its exotic and colorful na- passage of Senate Bill No. thored by Senator Cynthia or “sukang niyog” that is tive dances at the trade and Villar, was filed together with 2831, or the Philippine Ha- made from coconut water or tourism fair. lal Export Development and senators Antonio Trillanes, from sap or tuba through a Miriam Defensor-Santiago, The Palawan tourism Promotion Act of 2015, which fermentation process--- are was seen to fuel the growth and Ramon Revilla Jr. in ear- officer said their cultural both products that could be ly June last year. presentation won for Pala- of the industry in the Philip- REGULAR CLUSTER meetings to track the performances of Described is “an act in- produced at home by the wan an award in the Island pines. the six AICCEP industry clusters kept projects and activities Department of Science stituting the Philippine Ha- farmer’s family members Pavilion Category among moving forward in the ARMM these past months. Photo shows ---wife and children--- and and Technology (DOST) lal Export Development and ARMM DTI Maguindanao provincial director Khalikuzaman all other exhibitors.. Davao director Anthony C. Promotion Program, creating supplied to fast-growing. ( Baraguir (right), MSU Professor Amer Comadug (second DA / Bicol News) turn to page 7 Sales told reporters that they for the purpose the Philip- from left) and other cluster members. are seeking for the passage pine halal export develop- and signing of the bill to es- ment and promotion board” tablish a comprehensive pro- the bill is expected to increase trade gram for the development investments and job opportu- High demand for ginger and promotion of halal ex- nities in the Philippines, par- fair has new port products. ticularly in Mindanao. “We hope to put in place Villar pointed out that seen in world markets the Senate Bill No. 2831 for it will give the Philippines a “coffee wine” PHILIPPINE food ex- is that people are becoming anise. the development of the coun- “very good position to excel TABUK , – A porters are considering more adventurous in their Ginger is also finding try’s halal industry,” Sales in the Halal trade industry new Kalinga “coffee wine” adding ginger products to eating habits as a result of its way into alcoholic bever- said, pointing out that as of with the economic integra- took center stage during the their export lists as reports cooking shows featuring ages, included in craft beers February 1, the bill’s legis- tion of the Southeast Asean 2016 Ullalim agro-industrial show how global markets exotic cuisines. and cocktails. It is likewise lative status was passed by Nations .” trade fair in early February are rediscovering ginger Other contributing fac- being added to teas, includ- both Congress and the Sen- Sales on the other hand, this year. and finding new ways to tors to the growing demand ing herbal teas and green ate. said harmonization and in- Virgie Lapuz, producer use and eat the common for the crop is the current teas. He stressed that there tegration in the Philippines’ of the newest Kalinga coffee “luy-a”. trend toward clean eating Another growing ap- has to be an “enabling policy” halal products and services wine, said the wine came in The rhizome or root of using simple ingredients, plication is in snack foods. to be enacted to support the must be aligned with the two tastes, a strong mix for this Asian tropical plant is and the growing aware- The plant is being used to Halal industry that will ulti- global standards. ( SUN men and a sweet mix for la- currently experiencing a re- ness of the many health and make ginger candy and gin- mately tap the global market STAR DAVAO) dies. vival in the ingredient and medicinal properties of the ger-laced fruit and nut bars, estimated to be around $3.2 This Kalinga coffee pro- ducer said the wine is a fer- flavor world, according to a plant. to garnish gourmet craft ice mented extract from Arabica newly published article in a More than this, though, creams and sorbets, and to Bananas, coconut still top coffee, one of the three major Canada food magazine. is the increasing recognition create fusion mixtures, like coffee varieties produced in The report noted that of ginger’s unique flavor, Korean tacos or Mexican ice Davao exports in 2015 the northern Luzon province. new and innovative uses especially the spicy bite it cream. The other two are Excelsa for this aromatic root gives to a food or beverage. In the Philippines, the ’s ex- of the “Preliminary Annual and Robusta. crop “have been show- It is now being added to top regional producers of ports reached $1.27 billion Performance for 2015” at a Benita Mangadap, a ing up in a variety of food beverages such as craft so- ginger are Central Luzon, US dollars during the first local Davao hotel. provincial officer of the - De products with increasing das, which are carbonated Calabarzon (Cavite, La- eight months of last year Other top exported partment of Trade and In- frequency the past couple drinks touted as healthier guna, Batangas, Rizal, Que- dustry here in Kalinga said of years.” alternatives to traditional zon) area, Northern Min- showing banana as the top commodities of the re- a free-tasting session of the exported commodity in the gion during the first eight Among the reasons soft drinks, as they use ex- danao, and Ilocos Region. new product set at 2 p.m. to cited for the rising popular- tracts from natural ingre- southern Philippines. months of 2015 were fresh -3 p.m. daily drew a large (SUN STAR DAVAO) ity of ginger overseas, par- dients like ginger, nutmeg, Data from the Depart- pineapple, desiccated co- crowd of coffee drinkers dur- ticularly in North America, cinnamon, clove, and star ment of Trade and Industry conut, banana chips, gold ing the trade fair. (DTI) 11 revealed Davao ex- and silver, activated carbon, Coffee wine is the lat- ported a total of US$ 666.79 nickel and nickel laterite est by-product from coffee, the province’s “One Town million fresh Cavendish and ore, wet and dry cup One Product” being pro- banana from January to lump and natural rubber, moted by DTI under its prod- August 2015 comprising 53 and coconut water. (Trade uct development program. percent of the region’s total statistics from various gov- This year, 110 product exported commodity. ernment agencies are usu- exhibitors participated in the Banana was followed ally released three to four agro-industrial fair with 19 by coconut oil which in- months late due to data guest-exhibitors from , and other towns clude refined, organic, processing.) here in northern Luzon. crude, virgin and cochin as The DTI 11 data showed Organizers of the tradi- the second top most export- that the top export destina- tional fair led by the Trade ed commodity of Davao Re- tion of the region’s export and Industry provincial of- gion racking up US$ 209.83 commodities were Japan, fice encouraged participant- million or 17 percent of re- Australia, China, Thailand exhibitors to bring their gion’s share in the total ex- and The Netherlands. product innovations to the CLUSTER TEAM members are shown reviewing their respective monitoring reports (above) annual event that highlights during a recent Davao meeting with JICA consultants reviewing the progress of their projects port, DTI 11 regional direc- The top five exporters the province’s Foundation and activities to boost industry growth in Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Lanang del Sur and tor Maria Belenda Q. Ambi in the region were DOLE Day celebration. (SUN Maguindanao provinces. said in a recent presentation turn to page 6 STAR BAGIUO)  PHILIPPINE CLUSTER BULLETIN jan-feb-march 2016 ACTIVITIES Palm oil cluster submits “sustainability” plans COTABATO CITY --- what we’ve started in this and Exchange Commission Several plans and ideas to industry cluster,” says (SEC), an important move continue the projects and cluster chairman Suharto necessary to “acquire legal activities of the palm oil in- Ibay.”Developing the oil identity” for the industry dustry even after the end of palm industry to benefit the cluster. “We can’t deal with the ARMM Industry Clus- small farmers in the region government agencies and ter Capacity Enhancement takes time.” seek support for our indus- Project (AICCEP) in May At the top of the cluster try projects and activities this year, were discussed team’s list is to register their without a legal identity,” with consultants of Japan industry group as a coop- Ibay said. International Cooperation erative or as an association The cluster chairman AWARD OF RECOGNITION to all the industry cluster teams, top ARMM-DTI officials, JICA officials Agency during a recent with either the Coopera- said the industry team and stakeholders coming from the ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, highlighted a recent Davao meeting in Davao. tive Development Author- must be able to tap the ser- meeting where all the clusters expressed their gratitude for the successful AICCEP. Photo shows “We have to continue ity (CDA) or the Securities turn to page 7 ARMM-DTI Asst. Secretary Abubacar Datumanong (left) JICA executive Mishima Kenji (second from left), ARMM DTI Regional Secretary Sakiran Hajan (third from left) and cluster members. Farmers Lanao cluster sees more Field school undergo output of abaca crafts trains farmers training MARAWI CITY --- which gathered not only More production of native the beginners but also other to increase on farm handicrafts is expected here participants who had some in province in skills in weaving abaca fi- coconut management the months ahead as more bers into different products people are learning to make and selling them in the local output COTABATO CITY -- different kinds of products markets. - Nine farmers from two using abaca fibers. “Some of our cluster COTABATO CITY --- districts each in the prov- In a recent report to con- members have already been Focusing only on produc- inces of Maguindanao and sultants of Japan Interna- making handicrafts from ab- ing copra year after year underwent tional Cooperation Agency, aca, that’s why the training all their lives, coconut fam- NURSERY LUNCHING. Marking the formal launching of a recently two-day intensive abaca cluster chairman Pun- also gave them ideas how to ers here now want to learn one-hectare oil palm nursery in Maguindanao, cluster team training sessions in Oil dato Alug said their recent do it commercially to market what to do to increase their officers stood proudly infront of the nursery site together Palm Farm Management in “Skills Training on Abaca them in domestic and global harvest output, improve the with top ARMM-DTI officials and JICA executives. September 16-17 and 22-23 Handicrafts” here in Marawi markets,” says Mautante quality of their copra and last year. stirred up so much inter- Marohombsar, a trade and produce other coco prod- The training modules est that more participants industry specialist at the ucts that can be made from Radio program promotes used for these management showed up and registered provincial office of Depart- the coconut. training sessions were the for training, beyond the ment of Trade and Industry. This was what the re- palm oil farming in ARMM lessons learned by the palm oil cluster team from their original target they planned The training with ex- cent Farmer’s Field School COTABATO CITY --- possibility of extending the for the training workshop. perts from the Fiber Indus- benchmarking visit to Agu- of the Philippine Coconut Venturing into the business radio program way beyond “We targeted for 45 par- try Development Author- Authority want to intro- mil Palm Oil Mill, a big, ticipants, but 50 registered ity also taught the partici- of palm oil farming and sup- its original schedule during well-established palm oil duce to coconut farmers--- plying oil mills with the oil a recent meeting in Davao for the training workshop pants the weaving of abaca new methods, new system plantation in Palawan last palm harvest got a lot of ra- with consultants of Japan year, according to cluster on abaca handicrafts, we handicrafts by hand, using and new technology of pro- no machines, according to dio publicity and exposure International Cooperation chairman Suharto Ibay. were surprised at the big at- ducing copra and a diversi- tendance,” Alug said. Alug, and turned out such the past three months here Agency. “We’ve learned so fy into other coco products Four handicraft-mak- products like twines, ropes, in the province of Maguin- Demand for more har- many things during that made from the coconut. ing experts from were scrunch bags and hand bags. danao with the launching vests of oil palm fresh fruit visit to Agumil--- how to hired to conduct the week- (Philpress News) “All they know is how set up a good nursery, how to make copra from the co- of radio broadcast program bunches-- the raw material long training workshop “Puno ng Kabuhayan at used for processing palm to plant and harvest and conut and they’re not earn- especially how to run and Kapayapaan” over DXMS oil has been growing steadi- ing enough from copra, manage a palm oil farm,” Coco farmers learn new that’s why we have to show Radyo Bida. ly from the nearby palm oil Ibay said. them what they can do with “It’s really an advoca- mills of Palm Oil Farm management ex- methods from their coconut farms and be cy program to boost more Mill in Buluan, Maguin- perts from palm oil firms like other successful coco- awareness in palm oil farm- danao, Kenram Industries and the government sec- COTABATO CITY --- duce a whole range of new nut farmers,” cluster chair- ing and promoting the in- Palm Oil Mill in , tor were tapped to conduct Sixteen farmers were able products from coconut, man Tanggote Panganda dustry to attract more farm- Sultan Kudarat and Aberdi the training sessions which to join the “educational most especially coco prod- said. ers to go into oil palm farm- Palm Oil Mill in the town covered topics like plan- benchmarking“ visit to the ucts that are made from the Although this is the ing here in the province,” of Impasugong, ning. organizing, quality Zamboanga Research Cen- coconut white meat, coco- same dilemma faced by industry cluster chairman province. control, supervision, sys- ter of the Philippine Co- nut shell, coconut water other provinces in Mind- tems, methods and proce- conut Authority (PCA) in and coconut husks. Suharto Ibay said. This demand for more anao, the coconut cluster last June One machine that Aired one hour weekly turn to page 6 turn to page 7 team here was determined 4-5 last yea.r caught the attention of over DXMS of Notre Dame to change all that and The Zamboanga visit the participants was the Broadcasting Company in opened new opportunities gave the farmers from Ma- Decorticating Machine this city, the regular weekly for ARMM coconut farm- guindanao the chance to which processes dried co- program is produced and ers to turn coconut husks see the various new mod- conut husks and turns them anchored by radio broad- into coco twines, geonets, ern technology which help into coco fiber and coco caster Mohammad Mus- handicrafts, or coconut coconut farmers boost their peat--- two simultaneous tapha, who works closely water into fresh buko, and harvest output, improve the products with very profit- with the palm oil industry coconut meat into virgin quality of copra, and pro- cluster team in covering turn to page 7 coconut oil, etc, etc “ Many of these farmers their meetings, seminars, still don’t know the whole projects and activities and value chain of the coconut. share the information with We need to help them by his radio audience all over benchmarking and meet- Maguindanao, targeting ing with successful coconut specially the farmers in farmers here in MIndanao,” farflung towns, sitios and Panganda said. barangays. This farmer’s field “It’s a popular program school or FFS, according to among farmers in the prov- Panganda, focused on “Di- ince. We’ve been getting versified Coconut-based many calls and inquiries Farming System” which from our listeners asking taught coconut famers how how they could start plant- to use their farm’s “by-prod- ing oil palms,” says Musta- ucts” ---like husks, shells, pha. PLANTING NEW SEEDLINGS under the sea by seaweed etc--- to turn them into a CLUSTER BULLETIN. Coffee cluster team members mill farmers in Tundon, , Tawi-Tawi took place Due to the popular- around a copy of a Cluster Bulletin issue read by Princess variety of different coco ity of the program among after new cultivars were turned over by the seaweed cluster products that can also earn Kumala Elardo, a trustee of the International Women’s Coffee team determined to set up several nurseries in the island farmers, the industry clus- Alliance and AICCEP cluster member in her office in Sulu, province. turn to page 7 ter team has discussed the Jolo after their cluster meeting.  PHILIPPINE CLUSTER BULLETIN jan-feb-march 2016 SIDELIGHTS Rubber Mindanao seen as Ph new cluster puts out rubber manufacturing hub MINDANAO is now six regions in Mindanao are potential investors with. booklet on being positioned as the rubber-producing regions, “We are promoting Zambo- country’s rubber product so we are offering this anga Sibugay as the biggest production manufacturing hub since chance first to local busi- rubber producer in Region the southern island is cur- ness men to go into rubber 9,” Jain said. LAMITAN CITY ---- A “Last year, we were 42-page information book- rently supplying 99% of the manufacturing,” says Jain, let for rubber farmers and country’s national rubber who is also the regional di- a net importer of rubber growers released recently production. rector of the Department of products, which means we by the ARMM rubber indus- National coordinator Trade and Industry in this are importing more rubber try cluster team is expected for rubber industry cluster region. products than we produce. TRAVEL BY SEA on a fast motor banca took several days to improve the output and Dr Sitti Amina M Jain says it According to For example, the country around Tawi-Tawi island’s choppy sea waters by the seaweed quality of raw rubber and is time for rubber producers Jain, Zamboanga Peninsu- imports 100% of surgical cluster team whose seaweed nursery project brought them processed rubber here in in Mindanao to venture into la is the country’s number and household gloves. We to far-off shores of nearby islets and islands, to make sure Lamitan. manufacturing. “We are one rubber-producing re- don’t produce them. If we seaweed farmers have their own nurseries. “We want this booklet to now positioning Mindanao gion translating into almost can only have it produced serve as a guide for our rub- as the manufacturing hub 40% of the total natural rub- it here, it would benefit us ber growers and tappers to more in terms of employ- Clusters cite challenges improve the quality of their for rubber products. All the ber production. Zamboan- rubber yield and increase ga Ecozone is seen by the ment and taxes that will, in organizing cooperatives their income” says rubber DTI as a good destination in turn, provide additional chairman Mayor Rose Uy- Four coco for rubber product manu- funds for infrastructure and facturing, owing to the in- social services,” she added. TAWI-TAWI ---- Indus- that handle communica- Furigay of Lamitan City. Rubber growers and centives that it can present (Engineering News) try clusters have a very hard tions and information tech- nurseries to tappers who underwent the nology. time organizing themselves series of training workshops boost supply formally into cooperatives Some of these chal- on tapping techniques and Abaca primer in Maranao in many areas of the Auton- lenges came from Tawi- rubber production were of seedlings omous Region in Muslim Tawi where seaweed farm- given copies each of this helping farmers in Lanao Mindanao mainly due to ers’ groups that are still COTABATO CITY --- booklet titled “Nursery MARAWI CITY --- Ab- Professor Amer Comadug, trying to register their new Management, Production - Low production of coco- slow internet connections aca farmers who wanted a Ph D professor of the Col- cooperative with the CDA. Technology and Integrated nut trees had always been as well as intermittent pow- to improve the quality and lege of Agriculture at the er failures. “ Our cluster team is still Farming System”. a perennial problem of co- conut farmers in the prov- output of their abaca fiber Mindanao State University This was disclosed not organized formally- “We have to make ince of Maguindanao and production here in Lanao and supported by Japan --while seaweed farmers sure everything they need by an official of Coopera- other provinces as well, in del Sur, expressed their International Cooperation tive Development Author- from Sitangkai are still hav- the Autonomous Region of gratitude to the abaca in- Agency and the Department ity during a meeting with ing a hard time trying to Muslim Mindanao. dustry cluster team after of Trade and Industry. ARMM industry clusters in register their new coopera- “Besides getting too getting copies of a Maranao “For a long time, farm- Davao recently. tive with the CDA for a long little output from their co- information brochure that ers here needed informa- “Normally, it doesn’t time,” says seaweed cluster conut trees, the quality of teaches them ten steps to tion on how to plant and take long to register a new co-chairman Dr. Filemon the coconuts is not so good, improve their abaca pro- harvest abaca properly cooperative after all require- Romero. we need to find a way to duction. written in their own Ma- ments are submitted as long The ARMM Depart- change all that,” coconut Titled “Sapolo A Okita ranao dialect that they can as we have a fast internet ment of Trade and Indus- cluster chairman Tanggote Kapamola Ago Kapakara- easily understand,” says Panganda told consultants connection,” the CDA of- try is now coordinating gon Sa Waka sa Lanao del Comadug, who is also an of Japan International Co- ficial told the cluster teams closely with the CDA office Sur” (Ten Steps to Plant active member of the abaca operation Agency during a and Harvest Abaca in La- industry cluster team. after complaints started to to thresh out this challenge recent meeting in Davao. surface from the teams try- of registering new coop- nao del Sur), the three-fold Comadug said some A rubber tapper gathers latex Panganda said almost information brochure was ing to register their cluster eratives among the cluster sixty-percent (60%) of all dripping from a section of a written and produced by turn to page 7 teams into cooperatives. teams under the ARMM In- rubber tree in Mindanao. coconut plantations in Ma- There are four levels in dustry Cluster Capacity En- guindanao are “low bear- a new cooperative registra- hancement Project, a joint to learn is covered in this ing in production” possibly tion, according to the CDA project of ARMM-DTI and booklet. From selecting because of the variety of co- official, but the electronic Japan International Coop- seedlings, setting up nurs- conut trees that has grown processing of the registra- eration Agency. eries, budding, preparing in most coconut plantation of the province for many tion could hit a snag when A good, strong cluster the land, planting the bud- ded seedling, fertilizing, years. “We decided it was the computer goes off-line organization, according to and all the way to tapping best to come up with a new senior JICA consultant Tet- or when the internet is too and rubber processing--- “ variety of good quality co- slow for the website to op- suo Inooka, is a established, rubber cluster co-chairman conut seedlings that can erate normally. well-organized organiza- Doming Narsico said. produce more coconuts,” The Philippines has one tion registered either with One of the toughest Panganda said. of the slowest internet con- the Securities Exchange challenges faced by the rub- With the full support of nections in the world, affect- Commission ( as an associa- ber industry in the southern the Philippine Coconut Au- ing not only the far-flung tion or corporation) or the Philippines is to boost the thority, four nurseries for areas of Mindanao but also Cooperative Development quality of its raw and pro- high-quality coconut seed- JICA SECRETARIAT. Taking care of coordination, accommodations, fund releases, cluster reports, etc., JICA the whole country, a bigger Authority ( as a coopera- cessed rubber to meet high lings are now being planned by the coconut cluster team secretariat staffers (left to right) Tomo-san, Mori-san and challenge faced by national tive). ( Philpress News) global standards to get ac- in the areas of , Sultan Jun-san all make it easy and comfortable for AICCEP cluster government agency offices turn to page 7 turn to page 7 members to attend the meetings in Davao. AICCEP PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICES

ARMM PROJECT MANAGEMENT OFFICE Lanao del Sur Satellite Project Management Office 7400 Jolo, Sulu Satellite Project Director : Mohammed Aquil A. Mamainte Cellphone: 0915 8059221 DTI Asst. Trade Secretary Abubacar M. Datumanong ARMM Department of Trade and Industry Email add : [email protected] ARMM Department of Trade and Industry 3F, RLM Bldg., Amai Pakpak Avenue ORG Complex, Cotabato City, Maguindanao Barrio Green, Marawi City Telephone : (064) 421 – 3442 Cellphone: 0917 707 8636 Tawi-tawi Satellite Project Management Office Fax Nos. : (064) 421 – 7729 Satellite Project Director : Nazrullah Masahud Email add : [email protected] ARMM Department of Trade and Industry Basilan Satellite Project Management Office , Tawi-T-awi Satellite Project Director : Nonito Manuel Cellphone: 0998 551 0932 Maguindanao Satellite Project Management Office ARMM Department of Trade and Industry Email address: [email protected] Satellite Project Director: Datu Khalikuzaman Baraguir Valderosa Street, City, Basilan ARMM Department of Trade and Industry Cellphone: 0875 2205738 Door 1-2 Alonto-Biruar Bldg. Email add : [email protected] SENIOR ADVISERS : Mabini St., Cotabato City ARMM DTI Secretary Sakiran Hajan Telephone: (064) 421 7775 Email add : [email protected] Sulu Satellite Project Management Office Satellite Project Director : Harrison Haron ARMM Department of Trade and Industry Sulu Provincial Office  PHILIPPINE CLUSTER BULLETIN jan-feb-march 2016 FEATURE

We’ve always An inspiring trip to a Bansalan coco farm wanted to A N S A L A N , cluster team was given izer that the farm used cluster team is also plan- as well as common salt ‘ DAVAO DEL the opportunity to lis- in fertilizing the coconut ning to apply the meth- to fertilize their coconut see how this SUR ---- Sev- ten to Ben Lao himself variety that produces the od of using vermicast trees. (Philpress News) eral by-prod- in a short lecture forum coco sap that makes coco coconut farmer Bucts from coconut trees at his Bansalan farm sugar, according to Pan- earning revenues more where he explained how ganda. in Bansalan than copra were shown he converted a useless Inspired by the Lao to the members of the grassland into the most benchmarking visit in became so ARMM coconut indus- productive coconut Bansalan, some mem- successful in try cluster by Ben Lao, farmland in the prov- bers of the ARMM in- president and chief ex- ince, using organic farm- dustry coconut cluster producing ecutive officer of Lao ing and producing coco team are now mulling Integrated Farms, Inc sugar from coco sap and plans of replicating what other coco during a benchmarking virgin coconut oil from they saw there for Ma- visit here in early De- the coconut tree. Lao guindanao province, products cember last year. told them that when one especially in producing “We’ve always want- coconut tree is used for virgin coconut oil and besides copra, ed to see how this coco- producing coco sugar, coconut sugar.

like coco sugar nut farmer in Bansalan “the profit is almost “We have lots of became so successful in three times compared fertile lands in Maguin-

and virgin producing other coco when the tree is used for danao to set up similar products besides copra, making copra.” farmlands to come up coconut oil ‘ like coco sugar and vir- The Lao coconut with projects to make gin coconut oil for export farm also produces its coco sugar or virgin co- for export to to global markets,” says own organic fertilizer conut oil,” Panganda coconut cluster chairman using big African earth- said. global Tanggote Panganda. worms for vermin-cul- To increase the pro- The Maguindanao- ture that churns out a duction of coco sap for Besides copra, coconut farmers can earn bigger income from markets. based coconut industry very rich organic fertil- making coco sugar, the coco sugar, coco coir, geonets, virgin coco oil., etc.

climate, it’s difficult for - in tion that provided a chain Malaysia eyeing... vestors to come in,” Ayup Laguna trade... of knowledge on the basics Hajan cites... said. of exporting to the US. ning Meeting (SPM) 2016 and booked sales orders improve the economy of the project of ARMM-DTI and stressed that investment When asked on the im- The delegation, made region,” Hajan said. JICA together with national minent problems and is- valued at USD 17,262. product presentations to talks in the business sector With the help of Philip- The AICCEP is a suc- government agencies, local between the two countries sues on Mindanao’s power five US wholesalers/ - dis situation and peace and pine Trade and Investments tributors which resulted in cess story by itself, accord- government units, the aca- must be strengthened, es- Center (PTIC), the delega- pecially about Mindanao conflict issues, Ayup was the following agreements: ing to Hajan, that can be deme, cooperatives and the quick to add that they look tion was able to conduct the use of the brands of US- investments. business matching with a “carried forward to the next private sector. JICA’s first “Our Malaysian gov- at Mindanao as a huge area based firms by Calabarzon where foreign investors can number of US-based com- manufacturers; compli- phase” as a model for all the pilot industry cluster proj- ernment and the private panies, gain insights on sector are looking at oppor- find several “investment ance to regulations on the industries and provinces in ect was the Davao Industry friendly areas” like Davao how to access the US mar- use of food coloring media, tunities for big investments ket and get information on the ARMM to replicate in Cluster Capacity Enhance- in Mindanao. We’ve already City, de Oro, Cara- and PINEX Trading-USA to the next two to three years ment Project or DICCEP in ga region and others.” the latest trends in handi- buy all the shipments made talked about ICT, internet craft, fashion and food. to keep the momentum of 2008, followed later in 2011 linkage, shipping links, sea “ Power is a crucial by the Calabarzon group thing to a good business A business matching as well as the MBC Ameri- growth going strong in the by the National Industry port projects, palm oil in- event held at the lobby of vestments, among others,” climate especially for man- can Business Consultants region in this part of the Cluster Capacity Enhance- ufacturing companies. For the Philippine Trade and which explored the use of she told business reporters. Investment Center and country. ment Project or NICCEP. She added that some of conflict concerns, not the exhibited teas. entire Mindanao, as we see, attended by wholesalers Toledo expressed con- The AICCEP is a joint (Philpress News ) the factors being looked by and distributors prompted an investor before ventur- have peace and order prob- fidence that there is a mar- lems. In fact Davao is one of the negotiation between ket for Filipino products ing into business in a spe- PINEX Trading-USA and cific area are “government the safest cities in the world. particularly those from Peace is also as important as Makiling Organics to sup- the small and medium en- philippine cluster bulletin policies that help stimulate ply 100 cases of turmeric investment, right business power in doing business,” terprises in Calabarzon. she said. tea per month, according to “Our products have eas- The Philippine Cluster Bulletin is the monthly publication of the partners, availability of fa- LA-based Philippine Trade ARMM Industry Cluster Capacity Enhancement Project (AICCEP) a cilities, cost of production, According to Malay- ily captured the interest of joint project of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and sia’s data, last year’s trade representative Laura Jara- the wholesalers which are and ease of doing busi- plasan. the Department of Trade and Industry of the Autonomous Region of ness”. reached a total of US$ 5 bil- comparable to those of oth- Muslim Mindanao. (DTI-ARMM). lion, that included exports There was also a mar- er US-exporting countries” “A country’s investment keting and packaging semi- climate is important. We to Philippines at US$ 3.3 bil- Toleda said . ( PNA ) lion and imports at US$1.7 nar attended by the delega- AURELIO A.PENA want to see how friendly Editor in Chief a country is, to investors. billion,” Ayup said. ( SUN STAR DAVAO) Without a good investment Bananas, coconut... chips, banana seedlings, YUMI BALSE banana puree, frozen saba MIWAKO OIKAWA Philippines Inc with 17 per- MARY MAYLENE AQUINO banana, banana turon with Associates JICA now considering... cent share amounting to ube, banana packaging, ba- conference room in Davao Judie Ann Militar of the US$212 million. nana slice and banana pow- MARY MINA F. REMIS recently. Human Security Group of Production and Circulation Manager DOLE Philippines Inc der; cacao beans; sliced and Based on the AICCEP JICA Philippine Office said was followed by Sumifru dried mango; and coconut- ARMM CORRESPONDENTS timetable, the project will it was important for the Corporation, Davao bay based products like coconut exit by the end of May 2016 cluster project “to continue Harrison Haron Sulu Coconut Oil Mills Inc, New and the one-year extension what was already set into oil, desiccated coconut, co- Filemon Romero Tawi-tawi of the project will run from motion” and cited the Davao Oil Mill Inc, and conut water, coco peat, coco Domeng Narsico Basilan Agricultural Devel- Khalikuzaman Baraguir Maguindanao April 25, 2016 up to June necessity and significance coir and coco powder, coco Mautante Marohombsar Lanao del Sur 2017, according to senior of extending the AICCEP. opment Co., Inc. (Tadeco). shell charcoal, coco fiber, ------JICA consultant Tetsuo “We want you to Ambi also said the coconut milk, organic coco ADVISERS Inooka who started the know that we have your emerging export winners sugar, coconut shell brique, ABUBACAR DATUMANONG pilot cluster project called best interest in mind. under the DTI 11’s priority fresh and young coconut, DTI-ARMM Assistant Regional Secretary DICCEP in 2008-2010 JICA has filled in the gaps industry cluster were ba- Department of Trade and Industry and coco fatty acid. (EDGE ORG Complex, Cotabato City, Maguindanao followed later by the nation- what other organizations nana which include fresh DAVAO.NET) wide project called NICCEP aren’t doing. We saw the Cavendish banana, banana TETSUO INOOKA in 2012-2014. need of extending this JICA Senior Consultant This extension is project,” Militar told cluster ------Radio program... More plantations of oil JICA PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM expected to expand the members. palm are needed in Magu- TETSUO INOOKA, chief adviser for industrial development industry coverage of the Inooka has started oil palm harvests is also felt indanao to meet this grow- AICCEP that will add new accepting new plans and YUMI BALSE, project coordinator by the newly-opened Uni- ing demand for oil palm pilot industries--- aside proposals from the six MIWAKO OIKAWA, sub-chief for business planning vanich Palm Oil Mill in Car- fresh fruit bunches by the from the six pilot industries. AICCEP clusters last April men, North Cotabato and eight palm oil mills in Min- “Planning for the 2016 for follow-thru activities DISCLAIMER – 2017 project extension of and discussed plans and Consunji in Zamboanga del danao. “That’s why we’re Editorial responsibility for every issue of the Philippine Cluster Bulletin lies Norte and the older mills of wooing more farmers to solely on the Editor in Chief. Although every effort is made in validating and industry clusters in ARMM programs on continuing proofreading this issue under the time pressure of press deadline, we still will include the expansion and extending the project Agumil Palm Oil in Trento, venture into oil palm grow- anticipate some avoidable but unintentional errors, omissions and factual of the industry cluster for another year. (Philpress and the Fili- ing with our radio advocacy oversights. Being the sole responsibility of the chief editor, it is understood that NO member of the AICCEP project teams from either DTI or JICA is liable for coverage,” Inooka said. News) pinas PPI Palm Oil Mill in program,” Ibay said. (Phil- any errors, omissions and oversights in every issue of the Philippine Cluster Senior Program Officer Rosario, Agusan del Sur. press News) Bulletin.  PHILIPPINE CLUSTER BULLETIN jan-feb-march 2016 monitor

Palawan won... factories can be found in ARMM industry... Abaca cluster... Coco cluster... Davao Region that manu- Seaweed cluster... Buñi said the first-ever and needed more guidance Catambay Balangue, where Currently, geonets have a facture export-quality Coco cate what they have done agri-trade and tourism fair in learning new skills in 20 participants, mostly abaca huge demand in US, China, Peat as well as Geonets for to expand its reach to other in Region 4B was a huge making coco by-products, farmers, from Lanao del Sur as well as the world export markets, ac- seaweed-producing islands success for the province as especially from coconut visited two places last Janu- DPWH for its highway con- cording to the Department of Sulu and Basilan in the it was also participated by ary 18-22 this year to see how husks. “There’s really a struction projects all over of Trade and Industry. ARMM, according to Dr. several exhibitors and trad- abaca plantations are run by need to extend this project” the country. Panganda said the vil- Romero. ers from the private sector successful abaca farmers as Panganda said. Coco peat, on the other lage-type coconut mill can With full support from led by the Palawan Tourism well as how abaca fibers are Rubber industry clus- hand, is used by organic process copra into coconut the Bureau of Fisheries and Council (PTC). processed and made into dif- ter co-chairman Doming ferent products. farmers and vegetable gar- oil for the domestic market Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Among the products Narsico, on the other hand, Another completed deners in US, Australia, in Mindanao and provide the seaweed industry clus- that were showcased dur- said there is a clamor in project of the cluster was Japan, Korea, Canada, etc, the opportunity for coconut ter has been giving techni- ing the five-day event were the industry that the clus- the “Skills Training on Ab- etc, as a soil medium mixed farmers to get better buy- cal support, tools, materi- those made of cashew, ter project should cover all aca Handicrafts Weaving” with organic fertilizer to ing prices for their quality als, training and equipment pearls, handicrafts, includ- towns all over the island of handled by cluster member grow big organic veg- copra from traders and the to many seaweed farmers in ing derivatives of other Peparasan Macapodi, where Basilan, not just in Lamitan etables, herbs, ornamental coconut oil mill. (Philpress Tawi-Tawi during the past fruits that can be harvested farmers’ families, relatives City. “We’re all hoping that flowers and plants. Local News ) several months.(Philpress in the province. and barangay folks were JICA will seriously consid- News ) “We are thankful for taught by handicraft experts er continuing the AICCEP this opportunity, and we how to use abaca fiber and project. project till next year, so turn them into different ab- Palm oil... continue to promote not A total of 12 registered Four coco... we can replicate our suc- aca products like table mats, In his report to JICA con- only Palawan’s best destina- oil palm nurseries are op- Kudarat, Upi and Gen SKP cess with the rubber indus- ladies’ bags, slippers, home sultants, Ibay said the memo- tions but also the products erating in the country as of and expected to start nurs- try cluster to all the other decors, etc to earn additional randum of agreement (MOA) that are truly unique to the December 2012, according to ery operations by February towns in Basilan,” Narsico income from abaca fibers. between the cluster team and province,” Buñi said. the Philippine Palm Oil In- this year. said. For farmers who want Sarmiento Industries had The regional fair was to learn the proper way of dustry 2014 Road Map. Most Seen as a long-term The rubber cluster already been notarized and program of the coconut aimed at promoting agri- growing and harvesting ab- of these nurseries are owned chairman also revealed to ready for implementation cluster team, this coconut culture, trade and tourism aca, a primer or information by big palm oil plantation JICA consultants during anytime this year. nursery project is expected industries offered by all leaflet in the Maranao dia- companies located in Region the Davao meeting that the lect had been prepared and Ibay also reported that to sustain the growth and provinces in the MIMARO- 12 and Region. These quality of rubber has “actu- produced by Dr. Comadug, development of the ARMM PA Region. the nursery site of this oil ally improved” in Basilan that contains all the basic companies have imported oil coconut industry even af- The DTI planned and palm nursery project had due to their series of train- information and techniques palm seedlings from Papua ter the scheduled termina- organized the event in to- been transferred to an ad- ing and workshop activi- for planting, growing and New Guinea, Thailand and tion of the ARMM Industry gether with the Department jacent land area which has ties last year. “Quality of harvesting abaca. (Philpress Costa Rica and multiplied Clusyer Capacity Enhance- of Agriculture 4B, Depart- available water source, pow- our rubber has improved a News ) them for distribution to grow- ment Project of JICA and ment of Tourism 4B, and er lines for electricity and lot in Basilan. Growers and ers and farmers in Mindanao. the ARMM-Department the MIMAROPA provincial security--- which are consid- processors are now getting (Philpress News) of Trade and Industry this governments attracting the ered “pre-requisites” of this better prices for their- rub coming May 2016. participation of some 80 Farmers undergo... ber. That’s why we want Panganda said the clus- trade and industry exhibi- dures, accounting, quality this AICCEP project to con- ter team had also discussed tors in the event. standards, etc. that can turn anteed price. tinue. There’s still more to Palm oil cluster... the many problems faced by This group was also farmer-participants into Also being considered be done,” Narsico said. coconut farmers in Maguin- part of the MIMAROPA professional farm manag- vices and the budgets of such as their “sustainability plan” Seaweed industry danao including the lack of Tourism Industry Cluster ers. government agencies like the , according to Ibay, is to con- projects like the nursery post-harvest facilities, lack under the NICCEP or Na- Oil palm farmers who Department of Trade and tinue and strengthen the clus- farms and developing of technical know-how in tional Industry Cluster Ca- underwent this manage- Industry, Department of Ag- ter team’s partnerships with new species of high qual- growing and harvesting pacity Enhancement Proj- ment training are expected riculture and the Philippine the provincial government, ity seaweeds need “more quality coconuts and the ect, a joint DTI-JICA project. to be well-prepared to run Coconut Authority to be able local government of Parang time” to develop over sev- threat of various farm pests (PNA/ Celeste Anna For- and manage their own to keep all their projects and and other stakeholders who eral months that will keep that affect both the qual- mosa) plantations in Maguindan- activities going continuously support the ARMM industry cluster members busy even ity and the output of the ao from planting, growing, over the coming years. cluster team as a vital part beyond the end of the AIC- coconut harvests. “We’re farm maintenance, right Ibay said the cluster team of their own development CEP project. “We’re pray- so thankful that the Philip- Abaca primer-... up to harvest, according to is also looking at the possibil- plans. pine Coconut Authority, ing for the AICCEP project 600 copies of the informa- Ibay. ity of partnering with farm- “We’re also encourag- THE Department of Trade to continue and expand the tion brochure were already The palm oil industry ers in the province who have ing other oil palm farmers to and Industry, and the De- project. We want the sea- distributed to abaca farm- has a target of 30,000 hect- land areas available for oil join our industry cluster team partment of Agriculture are weed farmers in the neigh- ers this year. Printing 5,000 ares planted with oil palm palm farming and come up as new members of the clus- also members of our cluster boring islands of Sulu and copies of the information per year or a total of 300,000 with a “partnership scheme” ter even after the end of this team which make it so effec- Basilan to benefit from our brochure, they were ready hectares by the year 2023, like a grower agreement sim- AICCEP project. Expanding tive and convenient to find seaweed cluster projects for distribution when the plus an additional 50,000 ilar to large corporate farms our cluster membership is solutions to our problems and activities,” says sea- abaca cluster team set into hectares targeted for the which plant commercial one way of strengthening this in the coconut industry,” weed cluster co-chairman motion the techno-demo areas in Mind- crops on farmer’s land and industry group,” Ibay said. ( Panganda said. (Philpress Dr. Filemon Romero, a abaca farms and the three anao, according to the Phil- buying the harvest at a guar- Philpress News ) News) consultant of World Wild- abaca nursery farms in the ippine Palm Oil Industry life Fund. province late last year. Roadmap 2014-2023. (Phil- Members of the cof- Abaca farmers who press News) Field school... This FFS training is ex- Coco cluster fee cluster in Sulu also ex- pected to improve the ways joined the benchmarking them more income than co- to set... pressed their gratitude to visit to the Abaca Research and methods of planting, pra alone. JICA for its full support Center of the Fiber Industry Coco farmers... growing, harvesting and conut meat is dried on a in guiding the industry Development Authority in Some 100 farmers par- drying copra and boost the concrete floor inside a big able usage worldwide and to make sure small coffee Zamboanga province last ticipated in the FFS in Octo- overall coconut output of spacious structure covered high market demand in the farmers benefit from the year benefited from their ber and November last year Maguindanao, according to world market, according to with special thick plastic cluster’s training activi- experiences in seeing how with 50 farmers joining the Panganda. “This will also Panganda. sheet which allows the hot ties and nurseries, making abaca farmers plant and field school at Mamapasano Many old traditional inspire the farmers to pro- sun to dry the copra and them better farmers and harvest abaca fiber in their town and another 50 farm- coconut farmers, accord- duce new coco products supplying them quality commercially successful ers joining the field school protect it from the rain, ing to Panganda, have this from farm wastes for extra seedlings to produce high abaca plantations. “This in Barira town of Maguin- pests and insects. With this mindset that all they can income. (Philpress News) quality and better tast- abaca information brochure danao province. facility fully supported by ing Sulu coffee. “There’s produce out of their coconut in Maranao will boost what JICA, ARMM-Department farms is copra and nothing so much more to do with they’ve seen and learned else. “They keep following of Trade and Industry and the coffee industry in Sulu over there in Zamboanga Rubber cluster puts... their old methods of dry- Industry. the Philippine Coconut Au- and we need more time to on the proper ways to plant ing copra with fire using cepted by foreign rubber Sources and references thority, the quality of copra work on them. We’re hop- and harvest abaca,” Co- burning husks, which pro- manufacturers in the coun- of the rubber information ing JICA will extend this madug said. from Maguindanao is ex- duce low quality copra that try and rubber importers booklet include the TESDA project,” says coffee cluster The newly-published pected to improve and com- commands low prices from in foreign countries, all of (Technical Educational chairman Abdusali Ahalul. abaca information brochure mand much higher buying copra traders and buyers” them willing to pay much Skills Development Au- (Philpress News) is backed by the solid cre- Panganda said. higher prices for the com- thority) module of Angelito prices from coconut traders. dentials of Dr. Comadug After the benchmark- modity. Aballe, input contribution Panganda said besides who is a well-respected ing visit to Zamboanga The Lamitan-based of Bennet Santander of the post-harvest drying fa- Govt eyeing... authority in abaca produc- PCA Research Center, co- rubber cluster team led Sibugay AgriVenture Enter- big amount,” the food czar tion here in Marawi, after cility, the industry cluster conut farmers from Magu- by Furigay and Narsico prise, Power Point presenta- said. earning a doctorate degree will also put up a ware- indanao broadened their is closely coordinating its tions of the rubber industry, The country is import- in Crop Science, major in house for dried copra after thinking by what they saw projects and activities under Romulo Cena of Industrial ing palm oil from neigh- Agronomy and minor in it undergoes solar drying --- many coco products that the ARMM Industry Clus- Crops Research of Kaba- boring Asean countries, Rural Development at the were made from coco husks ter Capacity Enhancement can, North Cotabato; Anita at the facility. Both the so- such as Malaysia, Indone- Central Luzon State Uni- and shell which they throw Project (AICCEP) with the and Rogelio Testado of Uni- lar drying facility and the sia, Singapore, Thailand, versity in . away as farm wastes in their other rubber growers, pro- versity of Southern Mind- warehouse will be set up in Vietnam, etc. Considered an agriculture coconut farms. cessors and cooperatives in anao (USM); Narbon Agri- At present, the Phil- expert in Marawi, the MSU Barangay Gadong in Barira “They have finally re- , North Nursery, Malaysin Rubber ippines has a total area of professor earned his Mas- town, Maguindanao. Some- alized that copra is not the Cotabato and elsewhere in Board, Indonesian Rubber only 75,000 hectares plant- ter’s Degree in Agriculture time in February this year, only source of income they Mindanao. AICCEP is the Research, Bridgestone Su- ed to palm oil, with around at the Araneta University in can get from their coconut joint project of Japan Inter- matra Indonesia Rubber according to Panganda. 69,000 in Mindanao, and Metro . ( Philpress trees,” Ibay said. (Philpress national Cooperation Agen- Plantation and the Lamitan (Philpress News) the rest in Palawan and Bo- News ) cy (JICA) and the ARMM hol. (SUN STAR DAVAO) News) City Rubber Industry Clus- Department of Trade and ter. (Philpress News) 8 PHILIPPINE CLUSTER BULLETIN jan-feb-march 2016 AICCEP PROJECT MAP