January - March 2017 Vol. 26 No. 1

Secretary Piñol (in blue polo) shows 3rd district representative Fernando Gonzales (in checkered polo) and City Mayor Patricia Alsua (in long sleeved polo) some of the equipment to be turned over. Right photo shows the secretary addressing the farmers during the forum. Sec. Manny F. Piñol meets with Bicol farmers and turns over agri assistance by Emily B. Bordado

Agriculture secretary In Ligao City, some 500 Agri Chief turns over fiber glass Emmanuel F. Piñol visited farmers actively participated in Bicol on March 24 for two the dialogue with the secretary. boats to fisherfolk special events – a dialogue Sec. Pinol also turned over CASIGURAN, SORSOGON Aquatic Resources’ (BFAR)- with farmer leaders and local agricultural production inputs – “Stop illegal fishing.” This Bicol Director Dennis V. officials via a forum hosted and facilities worth P20 million is the appeal of Department Del Socorro, 2nd district of by the City Government of to various farmers, rural of Agriculture Secretary Sorsogon Rep. Deogracias Ligao in province, and in women’s organization and Emmanuel F. Piñol during the Ramos, and DA-Bicol RED Casiguran, Sorsogon for turn- local government units. These ceremonial turnover of fiber Elena B. delos Santos, the DA over of fiver glass fishing boats include 100 bags hybrid seeds, glass boats to fisherfolk in Chief personally handed 200 and fishing paraphernalia to 200 bags urea fertilizers, 300 Casiguran, this province on units of 37-footer motorized fisherfolk. (Please turn to page 5) March 24, 2017. fiber glass boats worth P90,000 Together with Senator each, complete with 400 sets Francis “Chiz” Escudero, of fishing gears, engine and 5,000 hectares Rice Model Bureau of Fisheries and (Please turn to page 6) Farms to rise in Bicol SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, tapped by the DA to monitor – Leaders the hybrid rice adoption of Rice of SWISA and Irrigators Model Farm program by the Associations from all over farmer beneficiaries. A total the convened at 4,800 hectares had already the DA conference room for been planted to hybrid varieties a consultation on DA’s new under the roll out techno demo program – Rice Model Farms. conducted by DA Bicol. To Rodel Tornilla, OIC Chief of date (dry season planting) there the Operations Division who are 10,317 hectares planted to met with the farmers said that hybrid rice in the region. New DA admin grounds these farmer leaders will be and driveway. (Please turn to page 11) Secretary Piñol confers with Sorsogon 2nd district Rep. Deogracias Ramos while Senator Chiz Escudero looks on. EDITORIAL Free irrigation to surge agri production and ease farmers woes

or decades Filipino farmers in the budget there is a need for the the functions of maintaining have been clamoring and government fully institutionalize irrigation projects and collecting Fstruggling for free irrigation its commitment so as not to irrigation services and other but it had been an elusive dream. depend on yearly additional fees and supports improvements But this year, this dream will now subsidies. A policy guideline is in the sector through various be a reality with the commitment needed to define or delineate the measures and policies. of the Duterte administration roles and responsibility of the to provide this vital government NIA and the irrigators association Alongside with policy reforms support to our small farmers who in the operation and maintenance there is a need to harness water feed our nation. When farmers of the irrigation facilities which resources for hydroelectric are unburdened of the irrigation were previously funded out of the power, and to explore other fees their production cost will collection from Irrigation Service technologies and cost efficient be reduced and their production Fees. ways and means of operating will subsequently be improved. irrigation systems such as the use For example, it must be made of solar power which is now being Agriculture Secretary clear to the farmers that “free rolled out by the Department of Emmanuel Piñol who had irrigation” means that they will Agriculture in several regions of aggressively pushed for the no longer pay to NIA the irrigation the country including the Bicol provision of free irrigation since service fees (ISF). However, they region. he assumed his post as DA chief can agree among themselves to said that starting the first planting collect certain amount for the Irrigation is a vital component season (2nd quarter) this 2017 maintenance of their irrigation to increase productivity and farmers will now avail of free system. is crucial in the production irrigation. An additional P2.3 of major staples like rice and billion for irrigation fee subsidy The Senate and Congress corn. It also plays an important was included in the recently are now working to amend role in crop diversification and approved national budget. This NIA’s charter to totally remove multi-cropping systems which extra budget is on top of the irrigation service fees collection. can significantly contribute to over P30 billion allocation for the Senator Loren Legarda, chair of our country’ food security and construction of irrigation systems the committee on Finance is now sustained agricultural growth and restoration or rehabilitation pushing for the immediate passage and development. It is only of existing ones. of the proposed Free Irrigation just, fitting and proper that our Reform and Restructuring Act farmers enjoy the benefits of free But even with this intervention which seeks to remove from NIA irrigation.

Published quarterly by the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section 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] Editor-in-Chief: Emilia B. Bordado Advisers:

Writers: Lovella P. Guarin Dr. Elena B. Delos Santos Re-entered as a Second Class Mail Matter at Jayson M. Gonzales Regional Executive Director the Pili Post Office, Pili, Camarines Surunder Blesilda A. Nuñez Permit No. 2017-18 on March 17, 2017. Annielyn L. Baleza Dr. Edgar R. Madrid Michelle Angela G. Alfigura Regional Technical Director

for Research and Regulations Lay-out Artist: Lovella P. Guarin Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez Photographer/Liason Officer: Lita V. Estrella, Mr. Rodel P. Tornilla Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr. Emil Pasumbal, OIC Regional Technical Director Illustrators: Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos Salvacion Gonowon for Operations and Extension Ramon C. Adversario Records Unit

2 UMAsenso January - March 2017 Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP)

PRDP sub-projects for marine conservation proposals approved by the RPAB were the P3.9 million-worth Community- in Bicol approved by reg’l advisory board Based Coastal Ecosystem Protection A total of P19.5 million-worth listed in the National Biodiversity Strategy and Biodiversity Conservation in San of marine protected area sub-project and Action Plan (NBSAP) and is cited by Fernando, , the P4.3 million-worth proposals were approved by the Regional the International Union for Conservation Community-Based Coastal Ecosystem Project Advisory Board of the Department of Nature (IUCN), Conservation Protection and Biodiversity Conservation of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural International (CI), and the Department in , Sorsogon, the P3.3 million- Development Project (PRDP) in Bicol on of Environment and Natural Resources worth Magallanes Fish Sanctuary January 18, 2017 in Legazpi City. (DENR) as a key marine biodiversity area. and Marine Reserve Rehabilitation in These sub-projects, to be funded by a It covers marine protected areas (MPAs) Magallanes, Sorsogon, the P3.2 million- P287 million-worth grant from the PRDP- in the municipalities of Magallanes, worth Rehabilitation of Butag Bay Global Environment Facility (GEF), one Matnog, Pilar, and Bulan in Sorsogon Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve in of the World Bank Group’s trust-funded and the Municipality of San Fernando in Bulan, Sorsogon and the P4.8 million- programs, are projected to contribute to Masbate. The Donsol-Ticao- Pass worth Bantigue Marine Reserve and Fish biodiversity conservation and strengthen possesses globally threatened species Sanctuary Protection and Reservation in the coastal and marine resource base in including whale shark Rhincodontypus, Pilar, Sorsogon. the region. The Donsol-Ticao-Burias Pass hammerhead sharks, and extensive coral PRDP-Bicol Natural Resource shared by the provinces of Sorsogon and reef, mangrove, and sea grass ecosystem. Management Specialist Lorenzo L. Alvina Masbate is one of the target GEF sites Among the MPA sub-project underscored that the GEF sub-projects’ main purpose is to limit overfishing Porok 5, Sitio Balading, and conserve marine protected areas by Pawa, Legazpi City providing support interventions to boost MPA management effectiveness from level Dr. Elena B. delos Santos Letters 0 to level 2 (strengthened) or 3 (sustained) Department of Agriculture, RFO 5 in the next three to five years. San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur February 3, 2017 According to Municipal Agriculturist Florizel M. Lim of San Fernando, Dear Dr. delos Santos: Masbate, the implementation of the MPA sub-project will improve the fish catch in Greetings. their coastal waters from an average of 2.2 Thank you for responding to my letter-inquiry on ADLAI and for sending kilograms to 5 kilograms per day within me an initial of 1-kilo Adlai seeds. Thank you also to Mr. Jason Gonzales for three years. The PRDP-GEF sub-project allowing himself to be our conduit of information about ADLAI to the D.A. will also promote community awareness Region/Adlai Office. I am really amazed on HOW FAST YOU PEOPLE ACT on about the significance of their cooperation matters like this. in protecting the marine sanctuary. As of today, I have about 20 who signified interest on ADLAI and looking PRDP-GEF has allocated P5M for each forward/eager to attend training-of-some-sort about this matter, which we targeted program area to support its coastal suggest on Feb. 25, 2017 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at my place here at my and marine resources conservation efforts address. I have a social hall where we can hold the training. I will host the by capacitating them in implementing modest snack. This 20 farmers may possibly reach 50 persons, as I am also MPA and microenterprise sub-projects. inviting 30 more from outlaying barangays of Bonga, Matanag, Buyuan, Dita, The RPAB is an inter-agency San Joaquin, and Tamaoyan. multi-disciplinary team, chaired by the We foresee a better future of the ADLAI technology as there is a wide Regional Executive Director of the DA area than could be planted with ADLAI and a promising use for food, feeds, and composed of the Department of Trade medicine, and beverage. If we have sufficient ADLAI farmers with volume and Industry, Department of Agrarian harvest, we foresee to acquire farm machineries like thresher & ADLAI mill, Reform, Department of Public Works and and other farm tools, from the Department of Agriculture in the form of Highways, Department of Environment grant, loan, or purchase. We might even form an “ADLAI COOP” if things and Natural Resources, Department develops, as I wish it would be. of Interior and Local Government and I hope that you could also discuss the D.A.s possible support program Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council. (short term/long-term) aside from the ADLAI technology. I hope that the Per PRDP National Project Advisory training will be motivating and convincing. As the saying goes, “TO SEE IS TO Board (NPAB) Resolution No. 3, series of BELIEVE”. 2016, BFAR was added as a member of the We hope for your training confirmation on Saturday February 25, 2017 RPAB in regions with GEF sites, including at 1:00 PM-5:00 PM at my place here (at this address). Bicol. The advisory board is mandated Looking forward for your help. to review and approve plans, feasibility Thank you. studies, detailed engineering designs and Very truly yours, program of works proposed for PRDP (Signed) RENATO C. VILLANUEVA funding. (Annielyn L. Baleza)

January - March 2017 UMAsenso 3 Info campaign Hybrid rice techno demo and dog care activities in Tigaon, Cam. Sur marked Rabies recorded highest yield Awareness Month of 9.5 tons/ha. Alexander Mabana TIGAON, CAMARINES Tigaon to join the techno demo San Agustin, Pili, Camarines SUR - Municipal Agriculturist in the second cropping. For techno demo and the highest Sur---The Department of Lea Beltran proudly declared each cropping, the counterpart yielding variety which is most Agriculture (DA) Bicol the 9.5 tons highest yield of the farmer-cooperator are suitable in Tigaon will be used celebrated March as Rabies recorded during the Rice labor and his participation in as farmers choice seed. Awareness Month with a Productivity Enhancement the data gathering, and a cash Alex Atian of the series of activities in the (RIPE) harvest festival in the deposit of P15,000 from his Department of Agriculture Bicol Region to create 24 hectare cluster Hybrid Rice income to his chosen bank for Rice Program said this is only awareness to the public Techno Demo in Caraycayon, the two cropping seasons, so one among the 4,800 hectares regarding the dangers of Tigaon, Camarines Sur. that the farmer co-operator will hybrid rice techno demo of the rabies and its control. Farmer co-operator have P30,000 savings for the DA in the entire region which Last year, there were 19 Alexander Mabana said he hybrid rice seed for his third are conducting simultaneous human and 21 animal rabies used Pioneer 77 hybrid rice cropping season. Four seed harvest festivals. (Lovella cases reported by the DOH variety in this techno demo, and companies participated in the Guarin) and DA respectively which the secret for his high yield is Tigaon, Cam. show that rabies is still keeping the soil moist all of the Sur Municipal endemic in the Bicol Region. time. He was very happy when Agriculturist Lea According to the harvested 9.5 tons (215 cavans) Beltran shows the from his one hectare hybrid rice 24 hectare hybrid Regional Rabies Coordinator rice techno demo and Chief of the Regional farm, a far cry from the 35-50 at the foot of Mt. Animal Disease Diagnostic cavans he usually harvest with Isarog in Bgy. Laboratory Dr. Rona inbred rice varieties in the same Caraycayon, Tigaon. area. Bernales, rabies eradication (Below) Alex Atian, is a multi-sectoral Municipal Agriculturist technical staff collaboration and each sector Lea Beltran said 24 farmer- of DA Bicol Rice should work hand-in-hand to cooperators have qualified for Program discussing achieve the goal of Rabies- the techno demo project and the future plans for were given 15 kilos hybrid the techno demo Free in 2020. project. For this year, the DA rice seed each and 10 bags along with the STANDZ- fertilizer for a hectare area. Rabies Project, DA-Bureau The synchronous planting was of Animal Industry (DA- done on December 23, 2016, BAI), World Organization two days before Nina of Animal Health (OIE), devastated Camarines Sur Australian Aid, DOH, province. Department of Interior This is just the first cropping and Local Government season for the project. Beltran (DILG), and the Department encouraged other rice farmers of Education (DepEd) from the 23 barangays of conducted a number of activities to celebrate the “Rabies Iwasan, Alaga’y Pabakunahan”. DA, DOH, PNP, DepEd and DILG through the Rabies Month with the theme In Bula, Camarines Sur, the Training on Executive Order No. 15 series of 2017 signed by the Strengthening of the Rabies Eradication Municipal Mayor Amelita Ibasco. The MRPCC Program was attended by more than 30 committed to strictly implement the ordinance officials. Topics discussed include and to enforce impounding activities by the year how to report a biting incident; to make a 2018. systematic form of accurate and on-time Bula Municipal Agricultural Office, DA reporting; the practical inter-sectoral linking; and the CBSUA also conducted a free spay- and the composition of the Barangay Rabies castration of pet dogs; anti-rabies vaccination and Prevention and Control Committee (BRPCC). information campaign in Palsong Elementary and The Team also assisted in the organization High Schools. of the Municipal Rabies Prevention and Meanwhile during the Responsible Pet Control Committee (MRPCC) with members Ownership and Rabies Awareness Seminar from the LGU and representatives of the conducted in Balatan, Camarines Sur, Mayor

4 UMAsenso January - March 2017 Sec. Manny F. Piñol meets with.. (from page 1) bags open pollinated white Organic Planters Processors sa Maynila at maninirahan sa Gonzales, Mayor Patricia corn seeds worth P420,000 to Association; 100 sets of ilalim ng mga tulay. (Barangays G. Alsua, DA Bicol regional be turned over to LGUs with garden tools and 100 packs served as spring of water that executive director Dr. Elena corn areas. As a token for the assorted vegetable seeds worth gives life to the country. If B. de los Santos, farmer host city, secretary Piñol also P170,000 to the Women’s there are no livelihoods in the leaders including Regional pledged P5 million to Mayor groups from the 3rd district of barangays, the rural folks will Agriculture and Fishery Patricia Alsua for the livelihood Albay; and 100 heads of ducks go to and will live under Council chairperson, Alfredo projects of the farmers in Ligao and 10 heads sheep worth bridges.) Rillo and heads of DA City. P135,000 for the Nabonton 4-H Sec. Piñol added that he attached agencies. Mayors and Handed over were: one Club of Ligao City. has three answers to improve municipal agriculturist from (1) unit rice processing center In his message, Secretary agriculture and fisheries: 1) other municipalities of Albay (RPC I) worth P6 Million Piñol said that agriculture new farming technologies were also present as well the to the Maporong Farmers and fisheries are the hope such as the solar powered provincial agriculturist of Association, Inc.; cacao of this country. “Ang mga irrigation; use of hybrid rice Albay Cheryl Rebeta. processing equipment worth barangay ay mga spring na which can triple the average From Ligao City Sec. P350,000 which include a pinanggagalingan ng tubig na yield per hectare from the Piñol proceeded to Casiguran, roaster, grinder, cracker bumubuhay sa bansa. Kung national average of 4 metric Sorsogon. This is with cleaner and a power walang kabuhayan ang mga tons per hectare to P16 metric the second official sortie sprayer to the Kawa-kawa tao sa barangay pupunta sila tons per hectare; color coded of secretary Piñol to Bicol agricultural guide (CCAG) since he assumed his post as which will remove “guesswork the highest DA official. This in Philippine farming.” By provincial sortie or “Biyaheng using the CCAG map, LGUs Bukid” of Sec. Piñol is will be able to identify which capped with a face-to-face crops are suitable to a particular dialogue with farmers and area; 2) financing or easy credit agri and fishery stakeholders without collateral; and 3) together with local officials marketing. dubbed as “Tapatan: Gobyerno During the dialogue, the at Mamamayan” to bring Secretary committed to provide the government closer to the P5 million worth solar powered people and deliver the goods irrigation to two farmers and services to them which is organizations. He also directed among the commitments of Agricultural Credit Policy President Duterte. He was also Council (ACPC) Executive with the president during the Director Jocelyn Alma R. latter’s visit to Badiola to release initially P20 and Camarines Sur provinces million loanable amount for the immediately after typhoon farmers affected by typhoon Nina last December but did Nina in Albay. not have the chance to interact Secretary Piñol (center) turns over the certificate of award for Also present during the with farmers and local officials. various interventions to LGU Libon. Also in photo are (L-R) DA Bicol RTD Edgar R. Madrid; Albay 3rd district Rep. Fernando dialogue were Governor Al Gonzales; farmer recipients; DA Bicol RED Elena B. delos Francis Bichara, 3rd district Santos; and Albay Provincial Agriculturist Cheryl \Rebeta. representative Fernando

Ernesto Bagasbas expressed his support to the Rabies Siramag, Duran, Laganac, Tapayas. This activity is conducted Eradication Program and suggested that a barangay assembly every Friday of March. be held for proper cascading of information to the constituents. The Naga City Veterinary Office headed by Dr. Junios Elad It was participated in by more than 40 barangay officials and spearheaded the Naga City Pet Day and Rabies Technical Updates. representatives from the government agencies. Marilou Parce This activity is held every second Sunday of March according of Nabua Animal Bite Treatment Center (ABTC) said the bite to the Proclamation No. 2016-001 signed by Mayor John G. victims should be diligent in complying with their scheduled Bongat. Events include a Dog Walk; stickers with this message post-exposure prophylaxis. The ABTC staff are available even “This home is Rabies protected” were posted in doors and gates during holidays and weekends to attend to bite patients. of houses to show that the dogs in the house was vaccinated On same municipality, the team together with the Central in barangays Concepcion Pequena, Tinago and Dayangdang; Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA)-College castration, deworming and vaccination; a training on dog catching of Veterinary Medicine assisted in the Bayanihan Laban sa for barangay tanods; and an information-drive on Republic Act Rabies ng Camarines Sur and Mass Dog Rabies Vaccination. It Numbers 9482 and 8485.(Jayson M. Gonzales & Dr. Mardi was conducted in barangays Camangahan, Pararao, Luluasan, M. Caniban).

January - March 2017 UMAsenso 5 DA Bicol bares 2018 programs and budget through a consultation with civil societies SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, irrigators associations, rural- CAMARINES SUR – As based organizations, the mandated by the Department academe, private sector, Cam. of Budget and Management Sur Chamber of Commerce, and Bicol Federation of Dairy (DBM), before a proposed DA 5 Regional Executive Director Elena B. delos Santos. budget of a national Cooperatives. government agency is Dr. Edgar R. Madrid, DA Director imparted the output 3) Sustainable environment approved by the congress, it RFO 5 Regional Technical of the CSO forum conducted through active CSO needs to be endorsed by the Director for Research and by the Bicol Coalition for participation. “Thus, this CSO civil society organizations Regulations in his welcome Development which presented consultation is very important following a bottom up remarks, said that the three poverty reduction agenda: not only to get the endorsement approach in budgeting and consultation is a means to 1) Enhance accessibility of of the CSOs present but to program implementation. present the guidelines to the farmers/fishers to government improve accessibility of DA Thus, on March 1, 2017, CSOs and also to get feedback entities and interventions; 2) programs,” director de los the DA convened the Civil from the stakeholders. Strengthen CSO organizational Santos underscored. Society Organizations (CSOs) Dr. Elena B. delos Santos, sustainability and promote Director de los Santos from all over the region and DA RFO 5 Regional Executive CSO local governance; and (Please turn to page 11) updated them on DA 5 2018 Plans and Budget Proposal. The consultation was held at the DA new administration building. Present during the consultation were officers of the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council, representatives from DA attached agencies such as PCIC, ATI, BFAR, PCA, PhilFIDA, provincial veterinarians, provincial agriculturists,

Agri chief turns over fiber glass boats.. (from page 1) fishing nets to 36 families, the committed to provide a cold po ako dahil sa pamamagitan kailangan pa rin ng konting first batch of 400 beneficiaries storage facility and ice plant nito, makakapangisda na kami pag-aalaga. Pangarap namin, of the DA’s efforts to address to Sorsogon in support to the sa malayu-layo at makakahuli kada mangingisda, fiber poverty in the Philippines by livelihood assistance given na kami ng marami-rami-- glass boat ang gamit para developing the countryside. to the coastal communities. nabigyan kami ng kabuhayan. hindi lamang pangmatagalan, Each of the 200 fiber Moreover, Secretary Piñol Noon, nakakadalawa o tatlong panghabambuhay na serbisyo glass boats was awarded shared his plan to procure a kilo na huli lang kami dahil na ito para sa inyo,” he said. to two families during the cargo plane to implement the sagwanan lang na bangka ang Casiguran has a total ceremonial turnover activity Food Skyway, a program to gamit namin, kahoy lang at population of 37,428 composed and the Secretary promised to bring fresh fish and agricultural luma na.” of 6,790 households. According return after one or two years products to prospective markets In his message, Escudero to Casiguran Mayor Edwin to evaluate the program’s nationwide. asked the beneficiaries to take Hamor, 4,270 households or impact to the quality of lives Salvador Bellen, 71, of good care of the fiber glass 89.31% of the municipality’s of the beneficiaries. He added Brgy. Somal-ot, Casiguran, boats to prolong usability. population are dependent that the government will also Sorsogon, who has been “Sinubukan kong on agriculture while 1,953 generate employment for the fishing since 1962 and one of pukpukin ng maso ito, hindi households are fishermen. fisherfolk by training them the beneficiaries expressed his kaya, gustuhin nyo mang (Annielyn L. Baleza) on boat building. He also gratitude to the DA, “Masaya sirain hindi kayang sirain pero

6 UMAsenso January - March 2017 NEWS IN PHOTO Ground breaking ceremony of the P.5 billion Bulan fish port complex Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero and DA Undersecretary for Fisheries Eduardo Gongona led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Bulan Fish Port Complex in Bulan, Sorsogon on March 23, 2017. Usec. Gongona said that the more than half billion peso facility will benefit more than 6,000 fisherfolks and workers from the different parts of Sorsogon, Masbate, and even . While in the province of Sorsogon, more than 800,000 residents and consumers will directly benefit from the fish port. Usec Gongona also reported that in 2016, the province of Sorsogon contributed more than 27,000 metric tons of fish and other marine products equivalent to P1.8 billion income. Also present during the groundbreaking were Governor Robert Lee Rodrigueza of Sorsogon; Bulan Mayor Romeo Gondola; DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Elena B. de los Santos; DA RTD for Research Edgar Madrid; BFAR Bicol director Dennis del Socorro; PFDA General Manager Atty. Glen Pangapalan; Port Manager Carlos Hagosojos.

January - March 2017 UMAsenso 7 Aloha Gigi I. Bañaria, Chief of the DA 5 Planning Division and GAD focal WOMEN’S MONTHperson in her welcome remarks, said DA engages rural women’s that President Duterte mandated the full participation in government implementation of RA 9170 or the Magna Carta for Women by all agencies, oversight PILI, CAMARINES SUR – March 8 bodies and local government units down programs is celebrated annually as international to barangay level during his first SONA women’s day since 1909 to commemorate The pursuit of development under the the movement for women’s rights. new administration is anchored on the From awareness raising to concrete commitment of “Malasakit at Pagbabago” action, the Department of Agriculture or true compassion and real change. in Bicol together with other concerned Bañaria added that on March 24, A battery government agencies took giant steps in of speakers 15 DA women employees and 10 rural championing women empowerment. representing women took part in DILG’s One Billion To celebrate women’s day, close various Women Rising Dance Revolution held in government to a hundred women leaders, Rural Legazpi City, on March 29, DA employees agencies Ma. Cecilia T. Andalis Improvement Club officers and cooperative also participated in the DSWD sponsored discussed their of the Department women leaders joined the celebration programs and of Labor and Expressive Art Therapy for Women and of Bicol Women’s Day staged by the services. Employment (DOLE) Single Mothers and Yoga Wellness held at , Legazpi City. Bañaria also discussed DA’s program for women and the Gender Responsive Economic Action for the Transformation of Women (GREAT Women) Project 2. This is a Canadian government funded project with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) as the lead implementing agency, which aims to assist women’s Marian T. Monsalve Estrella Victoria Atty. Arra S. Shirley V. Vibares organizations through trainings or capacity of the Department of Macaraig of Philippine Rotugal of Social of TESDA. Social Welfare and Charity Sweepstakes Security System. building and link them to markets so they Development. Office. can develop better products, learn good practices and establish formal market linkages and agreements. Other resource speakers invited to discuss their programs and services for women were: Ma. Cecilia T. Andalis of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Camarines Sur; Marian T. Monsalve of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Atty. Arra S. Rotugal of the Social Security System (SSS) Naga Branch; Shirley Vibares of TESDA Camarines Sur; and Estrelya Victoria Macaraig of PCSO Camarines Sur discussed the medical Department of Agriculture Gender and assistance being given by the Philippine In the Philippines, the Women’s Development (GAD) focal system for Charity Sweepstakes Office; month celebration is backed by its clienteles. The celebration was held Tetchie Lizazo, Rural Based Presidential Proclamation No. 224 series of 1988 declaring March 8 as at Villa Del Rey inside the Camarines Organization (RBO) focal person of the women’s rights and international Sur Provincial Capitol Complex in Pili, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) peace day, and the first week of Camarines Sur. Regional Training Center (ATI RTC ) 5 March each year as women’s week. This year’s theme “We make presented the ATI’s program for women. Presidential Proclamation No. 227 change work for women” aims to inform She related that ATI is offering 10 years series of 1988 also mandated the and engage women as stakeholders of Social Security System (SSS) remittance observance of month of March as government programs and services to subsidy for 13 award winning women “Women’s Role in History Month.” promote citizen centric governance and leader, youth or members of RBOs who Republic Act 6499 series of 1990 make change a conscious effort to know, are 55 years old and younger. (Lovella P. declared March 8 of every year as understand and provide what all citizens Guarin) National Women’s Day. need. 8 UMAsenso January - March 2017 DA Bicol Gender and Development (GAD) awards GAD Champion implementers

CADLAN, PILI, CAMARINES and women empowerment. The RAFIS SUR – In celebration of the Women’s has also been the GAD focal system’s Month, the DA Bicol also recognized consistent partner in producing national the efforts of the banner programs, awardees in Outstanding Rural Women divisions and sections in integrating and Gawad Saka Searches. Emilia B. gender perspective in program Bordado, chief of RAFIS received the implementation. The awarding was award. held during the Women’s Month The Food Laboratory of the Research Celebration for DA employees held at Division was cited for empowering more Field Operations Division - the Villa Del Rey in Provincial Capitol women through innovation and product Complex this town. development, coming up with original 2016 Best Division Aloha Gigi I. Bañaria, DA-5 GAD recipes using mushroom, indigenous focal person said the High Value Crops fruits and vegetables and imparting Development Program was chosen as these technologies to more rural Best Banner Program in recognition of women through conducts of cooking its successful conduct of GAD focused demonstrations and seminars inspiring value adding trainings, provision the women beneficiaries to start their own of quality vegetable seeds, planting business enterprises and earn additional materials of economically important income for their families. Arlene De Asis crops, starter kits, postharvest received the award for the Food Lab. facilities and processing facilities for Meanwhile, the Corn Program pili, pineapple and vegetable resulting was cited for the successful conduct of to additional livelihood, job generation numerous Climate Farmers Field School and increased income for the women for corn production where most of the beneficiaries. Rosita Imperial, participants were women farmers and High Value Crops Dev’t Program - HVCDP banner program coordinator GAD focused value adding training received the P20,000 cash award and reinforced by provision of starter kits. 2016 Best Banner Program certificate of commendation. More than 80 women employees The Best Division award went of DA and Provincial Rural Improvement to the Field Operations Division Club presidents attended the celebration. which allocated more than 15% of its Dr. Patrocinio Felizmenio, provincial total budget for GAD and provided Science and Technology Coordinator of technical support, irrigation network DOST discussed Basic Food Safety. She facilities, and agricultural equipment emphasized the importance of washing and facilities, support services, hands as food safety is in our hands. “The marketing assistance, livelihood factors that favor the growth of bacteria Corn Program - trainings and seminars, starter kits are acidity, temperature, presence of and livestock to about 21,402 rural oxygen and moisture. Four hours is Citation women. Dr. Josefina Bañadera, enough to spoil foods with mayonnaise assistant division chief received the and tomato sauce which can cause illness, P15,000 cash award, and certificate while high moisture content makes food of commendation in behalf of the susceptible to bacterial growth,” she division. added. Three special citations were Emilia B. Bordado, Chief Information likewise awarded to the Regional Officer and Resident Ombudsman Agriculture and Fisheries Information discussed on the Role of Women as Section, the Food Laboratory and Catalyst of Change Towards Moral Mushroom Project of the Research Recovery and Value Restoration. She Division and the Corn Program. They said that for a true change to take place RAFISRAFIS - - received P5,000 cash awards and in our nation, there must first be a change CitationCitation certificates. within ourselves. She challenged the The Regional Agriculture women to achieve change with a heart or and Fisheries Information Section true compassion. As the word CHANGE was recognized for its efforts in means C-ompassionate H-armonized highlighting the role of women in A-ction N-etworks for G-ender E-quity. agriculture through the publication As a tribute to women employees, and airing of women-led success TESDA brought its Health and Wellness stories in quad media and production Program and give free massage, hair cut, of women friendly IEC materials manicure and pedicure to the participants. whichJanuary contributed - March to 2017 awareness raising (Lovella P. Guarin)UMAsenso Food Laboratory - 9 Citation supply the needed volume to feed the livestock industry. He encouraged the farmers to include cassava in their produce since it is a good animal feed alternative. Assistant Regional Corn Jerry Mercado, Program Coordinator Dean L. President of Maymatan Medrano presented the Status Lorenzo Alvina, DA Corn Multi-purpose Coop. Program Coordinator of the Cassava Marketing Operation and Trading in the Bicol Region. The second, third and fourth districts of Corn, cassava summit tackles industry Camarines Sur are potential cassava areas for development prospects, market and issues because of the presence of feed NABUA, CAMARINES SUR- proposed the merging of Feeds; Mercedes Corn Cluster millers, input supply and bulk “Sell dried cassava than fresh cassava and corn board. Organization to BMEG Feeds; buyers, and as poultry center. cassava, and sell it to us!” Mercado cited that Nonoy de la Cruz to Seeds One of the major issues in This was the appeal of government support or Producers in Bukidnon; and cassava and corn production is Maymatan Multipurpose interventions on pre- and post- Mayor Severo to Quezon the emerging pests and diseases Cooperative (MMC) President harvest facilities and equipment Poultry and Livestock that affect the production Jerry M. Mercado to the more will boost cassava industry. Corporation. of farmers. Senior Science than 90 farmers, corn and He cited the Legazpi City The BCB also facilitated Research Specialist Giovanni F. cassava agricultural extension government which helped in the the establishment of post- Valenciano advised the farmers workers, Corn Board members, land preparation and marketing harvest facilities for Tigaon to practice fallow period, crop and feed milling companies of the cassava by engaging the Grain Center ; Pili, Village Type rotation, synchronous planting, who participated in the Corn scavengers to plant cassava. Grain Center; Village and intercropping leguminous and Cassava Stakeholders For 2016, Bicol Region type Grain Center; and Ligao plants. Summit here. produced 108,629 MT cassava. Village Type Grain Center. For his part Engr. Eduardo Mercado encouraged the Bicol Corn Board (BCB) Elvira added that the Villamor, President of the farmers to sell dried cassava President Romualdo J. Elvira, livestock industry is one of the AIMS Agriventure, presented which is currently priced at Jr. said that the estimated big contributors in the economic the new farm equipment and P9.50/kg compared to fresh, annual corn production of Bicol development of the Philippines facilities for cassava like granulated or ripe which is Region for 2016 increased although the government the Belt Conveyor Dryer; bought at P3.00/kg. by 7.70% or an increment support is not enough to sustain Dryer; Kubota M9540; and Cassava is considered of 18,770 metric tons. One the industry. In the Bicol cassava uprooter. For corn, as an attractive crop for contributing factor is Bt Corn. Region, the industry is being the equipment presented were agribusiness and industry. San He stressed the advantages faced with issues on costly corn planter, harvester; picker; Miguel Corporation-South of genetically-modified crops inputs, proximity to infected self-propelled corn combine Area Coordinator Ben especially corn, eggplant and Avian Influenza infected harvester; and corn dryer. S. Brasales encouraged the golden rice. Information and country, limited access to credit, As assistance to the cassava farmers to organize education about GM Crops smuggling, unpredictable farmers and assemblers themselves into an assembler should be prioritized. weather patterns, high cost of especially for their credit and group with a minimum of 20 Elvira also said that the breeder and commercial stocks crop insurance, the Banco hectares of cassava plantation. BCB facilitated the opening and declining pasture areas. Santiago de Libon is offering As an accredited assembler, the up of new production areas Science Research Assistant Agri-Loan to the farmers. members are guaranteed with in Mercedes and Labo, Marianito A. Tesorero said that Credit Management Division market, floor price, technical and in the Bicol region has a large Chief Cristina Salvamente said assistance in production, Masbate. It provided market number of livestock animals. that the bank has a P100 million postharvest and logistics. linkages such as: Labo Corn However, corn production loan investment for farmers Accredited assemblers Grower Association to Arrow in the Bicol region cannot (Next page pls.) in Bicol aside from MMC are retired Judge Montenegro- Tinangis Assembler in Pili, Camarines Sur and KSP- VAC Assembler in Cawayan, Masbate. At present, SMC has a sustainable sourcing program of dried cassava in for feeds. DA-5 Regional Corn Coordinator Lorenzo L. Alvina 10 UMAsenso January - March 2017 DA Bicol bares 2018 programs... (from page 6) announced that in CY 2017 the DA Bicol will focus more on livelihood projects using Value Chain Analysis approach. She proudly announced that the DA Bicol has achieved an over all performance of 101% in the provision of interventions in 2016 despite OIC-RTD Rodel P. Tornilla the calamities. And because of the agency’s financial absorptive capacity, the DA Bicol RTD Edgar R. Madrid was given P1.742 billion budget which is 17% higher than its 2016 budget. The rice program, on the other hand, as per instruction of Sec. Piñol, will focus more on postharvest machineries and facilities than production machineries, director de los Santos added. For irrigation, the priority will be Small Farm Reservoir and solar powered DA 5 Planning Chief Aloha irrigation the first of which was launched Corn farrmer Raul Pili processor Gigi I. Bañaria. by President Duterte in M’lang North Carerras Lydia Lomibao Cotabato. Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol instructed each region to put up 10 cooperatives such as Rice Processing units solar powered irrigation. “This is one Center Beneficiaries of DA. way to prepare for the lifting of Quantitative Aloha Gigi Bañaria, Chief of the Restrictions on rice this July as solar powered Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation irrigation will lower cost of rice production Division presented the proposed budget particularly in irrigation and will help the for 2018 which amounted to P2.01 billion Filipino farmers compete with the farmers under Tier 1 and P7 billion under Tier 2. She of other countries. According to National explained that a very big budget is proposed BCARRD Consotrium Director and Irrigation Administration computation, it under Tier 2 for 2018 because it included the retirement incentive of some DA representative from the academe Dr. costs about P250,000 to P300,000 to irrigate Marissa Estrella. a hectare of rice field, but the solar powered employees who will opt to retire and avail irrigation will only cost P25,000 to P30,000 of the package under Senate Bill 1162 or the Corn Program Regional Coordinator for per hectare and it can be serviceable within Act Rightsizing the National Government the Corn Program; Rosita M. Imperial, one month,” de los Santos related. to Improve Public Service Delivery. Regional Coordinator of High Value Crops De los Santos also reported that the The DA RFO 5 banner program Development Program (HVCDP) for the SURE Loan has already been approved by coordinators presented their respective HVCDP; Dr. Josefina Bañadera, Livestock Secretary Piñol. Under the program, farmers FY 2018 proposed plans and budget. program coordinator for the Livestock and affected by typhoon Nina as certified by their Rodel Tornilla, OIC Chief of the Field Poultry Program; and Adelina A. Losa, barangay captains, can avail of maximum of Operations Division and Rice Program Organic Agriculture focal person presented P25,000 interest-free loan through conduit Focal Person presented the Rice Program the 2018 plans and budget for Organic 2018 plans and budget. Lorenzo Alvina, Agriculture. (Lovella P. Guarin) Corn, cassava ... (from page 1) (from page 10) 5,000 hectares Rice model farm ... “kasi magaling magbayad ang Rice Model Farms will With proper management result of the Rice Ccrop mga magsasaka.” showcase the yield advantage of hybrid rice, farmers can Manager recommendation will According to Philippine of using hybrid rice seeds as attain 6 – 10 metric tons per be given to the farmer. Statistics Authority Focal compared to inbred certified or hectare compared to inbred Farmer recipients are Person for Cereals Naser good seeds and farmer’s home varieties which only yield required to attend briefings Tuazon, 42,000 families in saved. One component of the 3.5 mt/hectare. Hybrid rice on hybrid rice production to Bicol are dependent on corn project is the provision of high varieties recommended by qualify. and cassava for livelihood. quality hybrid rice seeds, and DA Rice Program are PHB 77 In order to ensure the OIC-RTD for Operations technical assistance on the (Pioneer), TH82 (Seedworks), sustainability of the project, and Extension Rodel P. Tornilla recommended management Bigante (Bayer), Mestizo after the harvest for the stressed the importance of the practices. One bag of hybrid 18 and 20 (Public Hybrid), season, farmer recipients will summit saying that the “inputs seeds (15 kilograms) best S6003 (Syngenta), SL 18 (SL be required to deposit the of the participants are valuable adopted and preferred by the Agritech). corresponding amount of the for future plans for cassava and farmer shall be given to the A maximum of 8 bags inputs received to their chosen corn development.” (Jayson qualified farmer recipients. fertilizer depending on the bank. (Lovella P. Guarin) Gonzales) January - March 2017 UMAsenso 11 other inputs. According to the agricultural technicians assisting him he is a very Farming active participant to Farmers Field School and has completed the season long training on is not only Palay Check. PalayCheck is a dynamic rice crop management system introduced by the PhilRice which : presents for the the best key technology and management practices as Key Checks; compares physically farmer practices with the best practices; and facilitates learning through farmers´ fit discussion group to sustain By Emily B. Bordado improvement in productivity, profitability, and environment safety. Physical impairment easily melted as he greeted his house. Luckily it was not While most farmers are still could have debilitating me cheerfully and began a very hot day and the sky tied to their traditional farming effects not only physically conversing with me. was overcast for he was out practices and are not receptive but also emotionally and He was introduced to me as there tending to the pepper to modern technologies, psychologically. And some a very active farmer cooperator (sili) plants which were just Samuel is already using hybrid persons with physical disability from one of the barangays recovering after Typhoon Nina rice seeds which is planted may feel handicapped and in the municipality. I could passed through the province. adjacent to the sili plants. He use this as an excuse for not hardly believe that with his According to Samuel, now practices what he has fulfilling a normal role at home condition he could be tending he was just leasing the half learned from the farmer field or in the community. But not a farm. Vicente Balunso, the hectare farm from its owner. school and other trainings he Samuel Baluso, 54- year old municipal agriculturist told A big portion of the farm he has attended. farmer afflicted with paralytic me: “Dapat mabisita mo siya planted with hybrid rice and He also reaches out to polio from Barangay Sto. Niño sa uma niya. Mahiguson saka another portion he plants to other farmers. He is an active in Sto. Domingo, Albay. He garu daing kapagalan iyan various vegetables. Before, he member of the irrigators proves that farming is not only ” (You should see how he has planted ampalaya, pechay association in their area. He is for the physically fit but also works in his farm.’ He is very and sitao. But this time he quite well known in the town’s for those who have physical industrious, hard working and planted sili plants as they public market for he is regularly disability but are determined to tireless. fetch higher price. selling his vegetables and other rise above their condition. Curious and amazed I He was looking forward produce there every market The first time I saw him requested for a schedule for to a big harvest and income day. Despite his physical as he entered the Municipal a visit to his farm which he from his sili but typhoon Nina disability he is regarded with Agriculture office, I was readily accepted. strucked, so a lot of his plants respect and admiration by his moved with pity as he was We arrived at about 2 pm were destroyed. Good thing town mates. using his two palms and knees at his farm more or less 2 kms the rice plants were just in Samuel rely on his farm as if they were his feet. His away from the town proper their early vegetative stage so for the family subsistence. legs were thin, twisted, floppy and located along the slopes they were able to recover . And They used to be five in and swinging as he moved of Mt. . The farm was Samuel did not waste time. the family – his wife and 3 forward. The first thing that about 500 meters away from He immediately prepared children. But a few years ago came to my mind is that he his wife left him and brought a new seed bed was there to beg for alms and along their eldest son But their where he plants instinctively I reached for my two other teenaged children new sili seeds wallet to get some money. But now aged 21 and 18 chose to to replace the somebody restrained me from stay with him. They are now destroyed ones. handing it over to him. helping him in the farm. Also He did not wait “Hindi po siya nakikilimos. a constant companion is his for help to come. Farmer po siya at nandito siya pet dog “Dodoy” – who also He immediately para kunin ang fertilizer nya accompanies him not only in went to the para sa kanyang palayan.” house but also in the farm. Municipal I felt embarrassed that His only diversion in Agricultural I had the wrong impression of life after a weeklong toil and Office to request who he is and why he came for seeds and (Turn to page 14) over. But my embarrassment 12 UMAsenso January - March 2017 have the chance to practice the and Fishery Council where profession as she got married she had the chance to attend early and became a full time more agriculture related - housewife while her husband trainings and events. After provided for the family by knowing the benefits of engaging in livestock trading organic agriculture she also (buy and sell of animals). She espoused the principles of taught briefly at a Catholic natural farming and organic school in but later agriculture and practiced them has to give up her work as she in her farm. She learned that became preoccupied with the crop, animals and aquaculture rearing of their six children. can be integrated. She then But she kept herself busy transformed her garden into an tending to their garden. She integrated natural farm. started with ornamentals and Currently she has 6 ducks, some vegetables and fruits 10 hens and 1 rooster, 1 sow, 5 for family consumption. It native fattener pigs. She also started as a hobby but soon constructed a small pond at she developed a passion for the center of her garden where ing’s Integrated mint, rosemary, blue ternate, gardening. Whenever she some fishes are stocked. The Natural Garden located sweet basil, Thai basil, travels she brings home with pond is covered with floating Yat barangay Travesia citronella, gotu cola, lavender, her seeds, seedlings or planting trays where duck weeds are in the town of Guinobatan oregano, ashitaba (Angelica materials. confined. These weeds serve as in Albay is barely a hectare. keiski), serpentina, peppermint, Through readings and feed for the livestock and fishes It is a small lot of only about spearmint, java 898 square meters but has a mint, lemon balm, Ying’s Integrated Natural Garden myriad of plant collections stevia, aloe vera, which are edible, nutritious, sorosoro, kadlum (patchouli) – a miniature garden of Eden culinary,ornamental, celery, parsley, pandan, ginger, By Emily B. Bordado therapeutic, medicinal and with turmeric and many others. Her high economic value. Owned fruit trees include dragon fruit, and managed by Mrs. Lazara atis, cacao, kalamansi, guava, Opeña – Nibungco fondly seedless pomelo, American called “Ying” by friends and lemon, avocado, rambutan, acquaintances, this garden grapes, bananas, strawberries, is now well known in their lanzones, papaya and Noni municipality and gaining (aputot). popularity in the neighboring The vegetables she grows towns and even in the province. are cucumbers (2 varieties), “One need not have a big area squash, singkamas, eggplant, to be productive,” says maam cabbage, lettuce, garlic chives, Ying. “Gardening in a small green onions, malunggay, space can be challenging but sesame, saluyot, peppers, attendance to seminars and can also be fun” , she adds. It and bay leaf. The lettuce, trainings she acquired more as they are rich in protein. just needs some imagination, green onions, sesame and information and knowledge The duck weeds are confined resourcefulness and a lot of dragon fruits she planted on about gardening which in floating trays so that the passion.” And that is what the concrete rooftop of her she tried and adopted in her tilapia /fishes in the pond Maam Ying has plenty of. bungalow. She has 15 beds on garden. She also linked up will not consume them all at Her garden which is her rooftop planted with four with other plant enthusiasts once. The floating duckweed within the compound of her varieties of lettuce namely: and agriculture stakeholders. trays serve as regulator of the residential lot teems with carlo rossa, tyrol romaine, curly She became a member of temperature hot days. They different culinary herbs and green and red frillice. Each bed their Municipal Agricultural medicinal plants such as Italian has about 100 heads of lettuce. (Turn to page 14) oregano, tarragon, Vietnamese Cabbage and brocolliare just coriander, saw tooth coriander, newly transplanted in plots at the rooftop. Moreover legumes and forage for animals are planted in her garden which are: madre de agua, indigofera, flemingia and malunggay. She also has a rice farm located in a different site. A chemical engineer by profession, Ying did not 13 Farming is not only... (from page 14) labor in the farm and peddling buddies. But he knows his or unpleasant. He faces life his products in the market is limit. He just need some seriously but cheerfully. taking home a bottle of gin and alcohol booster to raise up his “Habang may buhay sige sharing this with his drinking spirits and recharge. He has lang nang sige,” quips Samuel. to remain sober as he has to If Samuel can raise a rise again early the next day family, tend a farm, produce and work in the farm. crops from the land, provide It is really inspiring that food for the community and Samuel despite his physical contribute to the community in infirmity, his lack of formal his own small way we should education and economic be ashamed if we who have deprivation, he harbors no complete physical faculties, bitterness and rancor. He offers obtained a formal education and not sharing enough of no excuses. He accepts things and enjoying all the comforts ourselves to others and the as they come: whether pleasant in life but not giving our best community.

Ying’s Integrated Natural Garden... (from page 13) knowledge, experiences and She also air dries herbs like good practices as resource oregano, basil, rosemary, also prevent the duck weeds to person/lecturer in trainings lavender and blue ternate and spread and cover all the water and seminars on topics about pack them as tea brew. surface since they grow and organic agriculture. With all her children now spread very fast in a matter of But there were times when having their own family Ying days, Ying explained. The pond is now living all by herself in she also thought of abandoning their house with only a house also serves as a source of water her love and passion for help to keep her company and for the plants especially during gardening. When typhoon Nina some laborers during the day. hot and dry days. damaged almost all her plants At 68 she is still very energetic Around the garden she she thought of giving up. When and physically active and has installed 20 colonies of her husband - her greatest mentally alert and smart. She stingless bees. Her main love, constant companion and continues to nurture not only purpose for them is to serve as inspiration passed away she her children and her plants but pollinators for her plants. The also felt devastated . But thanks to the comfort and solace given also the lives of other people. original 10 bee colonies are vermiculture package/set from She is active in the church housed in wooden boxes and to her by her children, friends and translates her spiritual the 10 new ones are housed the Department of Agriculture and colleagues especially from beliefs and conviction into in coconut shells. The honey consisting of a shredder AFCs she regained her bearing action by generously sharing produced is harvested twice a machine, 15 kilos African night and confidence and started to God’s gifts and blessings with year. crawler or vermi worm and move on. others. She shares her time, vermin tea brewer. This serves While she had two regular Flowering plants and workers and two on call laborers talents and resources to other ornamental also abound in her as a common service facility. on the farm she still help in women and other people and to And with this facility she now the plant bed preparation and the community. She organized produces her own bio fertilizer media preparation. She also the Rural Improvement Club and teaches others how to make makes organic concoction in their barangay and share her their own. knowledge, experiences and and bio fertilizers such as the good practices with them. She also attended the fermented fruit juices (FFJs), More than the financial TESDA Organic Agriculture fermented plant juices (FPJs) rewards, Ying says she finds Production short course after using the farm or kitchen fulfillment in what she is doing. which she obtained a National wastes. She also gets technical Gardening has a therapeutic Certificate (NCII) for Organic assistance from the provincial effect on her especially in Agriculture upon completion and municipal agriculture times when she feels depressed of the course and passing the office, the regional staff and and when she was really in Competency Assessment personnel from the DA and the deep mourning after the death Certification. Agricultural Training Institute. of her husband. Where before garden which add color and Since then her garden has She is also fully supported vibrance to her garden. These gardening was her passion become a destination for by the MAFC and the PAFC - today she considers it as include torrenia, portulaca, visitors, culinary students, especially by Fred Oben, the impatiens, red ginger torch, her mission and obligation to participants of organic Albay PAFC chair who has produce healthy, nutritious, gumamela, bougainvilla, oxalis agriculture trainings and been aggressively promoting pesticide-free and chemical- triangularis, orchids, and seminars, groups which are her garden and products. free food and to encourage marigold, She adopted the advocates and engaged in She earns income from others to do the same for vertical gardening approach. natural farming, buyers of the sale of her vegetables, the benefit of the family and She now sits at the Albay plants, vegetables and herbs seedlings, seeds, piglets, and community. and persons who are simply garden soil with vermicast. Provincial Agriculture and interested in natural gardening Knowing the benefits of value “Come visit my garden” Fisheries Council (PAFC) as come to visit and interact with adding she processes excess she invites. “Let us talk about Organic Agriculture sector her. They are toured around farm produce like papaya into it and be inspired to follow and representative. Through by ma’am Ying herself. She atsara, burong kamias, mango do more of it in your area be it PAFC she was able to obtain also generously shares her and other fruits into puree. big or small.” Sugarcane farmers harvesting Maricel Base, President matured canes which are 7-10 of POCAMPROFA months old. They practice selective harvesting where the Muscovado farmers in Polangui younger canes are retained in vie for organic certification by Lovella P. Guarin the field.

POLANGUI, ALBAY- Ever heard of muscovado year, the DA Bicol Organic improve circulation, increase sugar? In the upland barangay of Balaba, this Agriculture program helped blood cell production, and municipality, over 500 hectares of coconut areas the POCAMPROFA apply enhance digestion. Thus, are planted with sugarcane. Thus, two muscovado for the 3rd party organic health conscious consumers milling facilities are thriving here and helping the agriculture certification for who prefer organic sugar over organic muscovado industry gain ground in the local their muscovado products from cancer causing sweeteners look market. the OCCP to boost the market for muscovado in the market. The Arim’s Muscovado milling facility owned value of their muscovado Polangui Municipal by couple Arnel and Maricel Base is one of the milling and satisfy what the health Agriculturist Alfredo facilities being supported by the local government conscious consumers are Mariscotez attested that the of Polangui and other government agencies. Arnel craving for – an organic label. sugarcane in all areas of and Maricel started in the sugarcane business in This April, a team from the 2010. They loaned P139,000 from the CARD Inc. OCCP will visit their facilities for the establishment of the simple milling facility and the POCAMPROFA then. The CARD Inc. also provided Arnel some farmers to validate their training on muscovado processing in Ilocos Norte. application. She is optimistic Eventually, they acquired a sugarcane crusher or that the result will be on their juicer and pulverizer from the Department of Trade favor because their products are and Industry. first class muscovado sugar. Maricel is the president of the Polangui Organic The name muscovado was Calamay Muscovado Producers and Farmers derived from the Spanish word Association (POCAMPROFA). It has 29 members “mascabado” which means and was registered with the Securities and Exchange unrefined. Muscovado is also Commission (SEC) as a legit farmers’ organization in known as organic sugar. It is January 2016. natural cane sugar and can be Polangui Mun. Agriculturist Last year, the Organic Agriculture Program compared to honey in terms of Alfredo Mariscotez. of the Department of Agriculture provided P1.5 health benefits. million to the LGU of Polangui for the rehabilitation To produce muscovado, Polangui are naturally grown of the muscovado processing facilities. This sugarcane juice is extracted and free from chemicals. using a cane crasher and the Eduardo Ronda, sugarcane juice is heated for two hours farmer from neighboring until it forms into unrefined barangay of Cipres said they sugar. Due to lack of refining, it don’t apply any chemical retains much of the nutritional fertilizer in their cane. “Mapula contents of the sugarcane juice. ang kalamay pag may fertilizer, Unlike processing for white he enthused.” sugar, the molasses is not The members of the separated from the sugar stream POCAMPROFA believes that when the cane is crushed. having an organic certification Raw sugar contains organic tucked in their products will The peelings or cane barks left properties such as glucose, mean more buyers and better after the juice has been extracted which is easily absorbed by the price for their muscovado. from the cane are dried under the sun and are used as fuel in cooking body and provides it with more muscovado. energy. It is also believed to (Turn to page 16) January - March 2017 UMAsenso 15 Muscovado farmers.. (from page 14) Training on Muscovado Maricel has also invested in a clean one ton of muscovado sugar which they Production and Processing storage area where she stores the sacks processed in 4 weeks. filled of muscovado. While she works in the Other topics discussed during the milling facility, she wore a hairnet, apron On April 5 and 6, 2017, some 25 two day training were cultural practices and boots which were earlier provided by sugarcane farmers of Polangui attended for sugarcane production discussed by the DA regional office. a training on Muscovado Production and Engr. Salvador B. Ocampo and Engr. Maricel buys mature sugarcane from Processing sponsored by the Provincial Maria Teresa M. Caballero of the Sugar the farmers in Balaba and other nearby Agriculture Service of Albay in cooperation Regulatory Administration (SRA); barangays. Processing is on a weekly basis with the Polangui Municipal Agriculture Updates on the Packaging of the Processed and her products are brought to Batangas Office and the DA Regional Field Office Muscovado given by Roy Magdaraog. and Laguna. Their biggest order so far was No. 5 Maricel was one of the speakers during the training. She expertly demonstrated the Maricel expertly demonstrates the steps steps in processing muscovado starting in muscovado processing during the from selection of matured sugarcane and training for muscovado farmers. crushing the cane to extract the juice using a crushing machine. Then the juice will be filtered through a strainer and poured into a huge pot where it will be cooked for more than two hours. This is the most laborious part of the process since constant stirring is required and the cook will bear the horrendous heat radiating from the huge furnace specially built three feet below the ground which is being fueled by dried sugarcane peelings or barks. When the Packing the crystalized muscovado. sugarcane juice turned sticky, the mixture will be transferred to another pot to cool Crushing the cane to extract the juice. but the stirring will continue until the muscovado crystals are in powder form. Then it is air cooled and strained before packing it in the desired packaging. DA Bicol employees join nationwide earthquake, fire drills

SAN AGUSTIN, Pili, Camarines Sur--- According to Dr. Salvadora M. Gavino, “Every one of us has the capability to save the drill was aimed to prepare and gauge lives including our own when prepared and the efficiency of warning dissemination equipped with skills.” and level of preparedness of offices and This was the message of Atty. Rodolfo surrounding communities when actual Bismonte, the acting Pili Municipal earthquake and fire occur. Disaster Risk- Reduction Management This is the fourth time that the said Officer during the nationwide simultaneous drills were held. Earthquake and Fire Drills of the According to SFO1 Dario L. Panerio, Department of Agriculture in Bicol on the earthquake drill is part of the mind- March 31, 2017 at the DA grounds here. conditioning of the employees in case the the employees should be alert, have “Big One” or the 7.2 magnitude presence of mind and avoid panic. earthquake hit the country. Panerio also said that the alarm system Presently, the DA has an should be centralized. Once the alarm evacuation plan with identified system is set for a minute, the response-- Place of Running Points (PRPs) -“duck, cover and hold” should be quick posted in conspicuous places and in two-three minutes, should leave the of the office premises so that building. During evacuation, the employees employees are guided where to should immediately go to an open space assemble during earthquake. and away from danger zones like trees and Since there are no early glass windows. warning devices for earthquakes, (Next page pls.)

16 UMAsenso January - March 2017 Briefing for Bicol media SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, underscored her principled CAMARINES SUR – Some stand against corruption parallel 30 practitioners of both print to Duterte administrations and broadcast media from campaign to stem graft and Albay, Camarines Sur and corruption in the bureaucracy. Sorsogon attended the Media Meanwhile, DA Bicol Conference on the Agricultural regional information officer Performance for CY 2016 and Emily B. Bordado, who DA Thrusts, Directions and organized the activity presented Prospects for 2017. the DA’s accomplishments (Top photo) DA 5 RED Elena B. The activity was held at for 2016 and the new delos Santos the conference room of the programs under the Duterte’s thanked the new administration building on administration. Among the new members of February 10, 2017. programs of the department the media in Bicol for being DA Bicol Regional are: Alalay sa Magsasaka at active partners Executive Director Elena Mangingisada (ALAMM) of DA in info B. delos Santos personally which will create a new unit dissemination. thanked the media for being in the DA regional offices and active partners of the agency in attached agencies, bureaus DA 5 Regional Information Officer Emily B. Bordado discusses the DA’s programs under its information dissemination and corporation that will help the Duterte’s administration. and advocacies. She also farmers and fisherfolk in the preparation and drafting of with hybrids with a target project proposals for funding. production of 6 metric tons per The SURE Loan (Survival and hectare. The current national Recovery Assistance) which average rice production is 4 will give P10,000 assistance metric tons per hectare while to indigent families affected 3.75 metric tons in Bicol. by calamities and P25,000 In the morning, the officers loan for production inputs. The of the Philippine Agricultural Masaganang Ani 6000 targets Journalists (PAJ) Inc. Bicol 1 million hectare additional chapter convened for their irrigated rice areas to be planted first quarter meeting. (Lovella Guarin) DA Bicol employees join nationwide.. (from page 16)

DA 5 Rescue Team demonstration using a member John D. Labatorio fire extinguisher was also suggested that emergency conducted on the same day teams should be properly because there is a risk of fire trained, have the commitment during an earthquake caused to serve and the office should by broken gas pipes, electrical have the necessary equipment wirings, and kitchen stoves. needed during fire and Buildings were marked earthquake. with directions as to where to There is a difference in the exit during these disasters. conduct of earthquake drill and “If the fire is not fire drill. In an earthquake drill, manageable, call the Bureau of Fire Protection the sound of siren/bell indicates (BFP),” said Panerio. that a strong shaking is ongoing Assistant MDRRMO Edilberto Bongon and the level of ground shaking suggested that the office should conduct Disaster prevents people to stand and Awareness, First Aid Training and Basic Life move around. So, no one is Support Seminar to all employees. supposed to get out of the The earthquake and fire drill were conducted building while the shaking is jointly by the Pili MDRRMO, BFP, Philippine ongoing. National Police, and the Philippine Army 9th In a fire drill, the siren/ Infantry Division. The Pili MDRRMO ambulance bell means a fire is ongoing. and fire truck were actually used for demonstration All occupants of the building during the drill---the first in four years of the should evacuate the building conduct of drills! immediately. The DA 5 got a satisfactory rating. (Jayson A firefighting M. Gonzales January - March 2017 UMAsenso 17 DA-CBSUA conduct training on mushroom production CAMARINES 2017 at barangay Balogo this SUR: As a response to the municipality. growing demand for mushroom The project which is production, the Central Bicol headed by Judith Jimena, GAD State University of Agriculture, focal person, kicked off with through the Research the Mushroom Production Extension Production and Training for backyard planters Entrepreneural Development and budding small scale Affairs in collaboration with entrepreneurs. Adopting the focal person on mushroom, other attractions, Women the Department of Agriculture theme “Nanay ng Tahanan, served as the resource speaker entrepreneurs will be given Bicol, conducted a two day Marunong sa Kabuhayan”, the & trainer. According to Oliver, opportunities to sell their training module on mushroom project aims to improve food aside from the nutritious content produce and open avenues for culture and production sufficiency and to provide and medicinal properties of possible market linkages. She technology for women employment for women. mushroom, it can complement said that other trainings like members mostly parents of About 15 participants a family’s dietary need. He said Urban Gardening, Duck & students enrolled at the said mostly women, listened to that the technology is simple Native Chicken Raising are university on March 9 –10, the lectures which focused on and can be practiced within already set to be conducted this Basic Mushroom the household. He added that year. Culture Technology organic materials such as rice As additional support and tried their bran, rice hull and saw dust can to the project, the DA also hands on the actual be easily found in the field, provided materials for the demonstration Facilitators were Maricar preparation of fruiting bags particularly on Mendoza and Grace Galang such as clean cloth, cotton, the preparation of ,staff REPED, Central Bicol alcohol lamp, fishnet, face fruiting bags and State University. According masks and a steel drum to be planting spawn to Mendoza the project is a used for pasteurization & inoculation. student-parent tandem. Since sterilization. (Blesilda A. Pedro Oliver, DA Pasacao is a tourist destination Nuñez) technical staff and because of its long beach and

Verena Research Specialist animal feeds. Corn program conducts hands from Philmech, It is important A hands on training was to know the principles on the conducted later in the afternoon on training for Village Type operation of a village type at the VTD site. Participants Dryer Operators dryer. Those who will operate were taught on how to operate are the ones who are trained to the equipment particularly on Goa and Naga in Camarines ensure safety of the equipment trouble shooting and proper CAMARINES SUR. The Sur attended the said activity. and a sound policy should be maintenance. It is expected Department of Agriculture These municipalities have formulated for the benefit of that, with its maximum Bicol Corn Program in existing corn processing the community he said. He usage, the corn farmers of cooperation with the Local centers. added that based on analysis, this municipality will be Government Unit of Calabanga Speakers were Dr. the quality standard for food capacitated to produce good conducted a one day Hands- Manolito Bulaong, Vice consumption (aflatoxin present quality corn grains and become on training on the Operations President for Research, in corn grain) is 20% parts per more productive. (Blesilda and Maintenance of Village Agricom and Engr. Roderic billion (ppb) and 50% ppb for Nuñez) Type Dryer (VTD) for corn Verena Science Research on April 4, 2017 at barangay Specialist of Philmech. Manguiring this municipality. Bulaong pointed out that only The training aimed to DA Bicol conducted this familiarize the participants on kind of training to sustain the the operation and maintenance operation of VTDs in various of the VTD and to learn the areas in the region. There principles of its operation. is indeed a need for trained Some 32 operators technicians to operate the said representing municipalities drying equipment to lessen of Polangui, Daraga, Ligao, the cost of repairs and prevent Guinobatan in Albay and further damage, he said. Baao, Buhi, Calabanga, , According to Roderic 1818 UMAsensoUMAsenso OctoberJanuary - December - March 20172015 DA Bicol reaches out to typhoon Nina victims in Pili, Cam. Sur with “Gift of Love”

“Charity begins at home.” height of typhoon Nina which This was the principle that caused P5.1 billion production inspired Department of losses, damaged 86,619.80 Agriculture-Bicol Regional hectares of agricultural area in Executive Director Elena B. the region and affected 86,735 de los Santos to reach out to farmers and fisherfolk. families affected by typhoon While DA-Bicol continues Nina in Brgy. San Agustin, Pili, its rehabilitation efforts for the Camarines Sur, where the DA region’s agri-fishery sector, regional office is located. de los Santos guaranteed based. De los Santos personally “Dakulang tabang na po ini sa After the flag ceremony on the barangay officials and handed the relief packs samuya.” February 13, 2017, a day before constituents that as a frontline containing assorted groceries, “Sana po kahit papaano ay Valentine’s Day, the DA-Bicol government agency, the DA five kilograms of rice and maramdaman ninyo na nandito conducted a gift-giving activity has also to fulfill its social toiletries to each family. po kami na umaalalay sainyo dubbed as “Gift of Love” to 38 responsibilities, especially Expressing her gratitude, Nenita kahit po sa kaunting paraan,” de families who sought shelter in for those living within the Go, one of the beneficiaries of los Santos added. (Annielyn the office’s facilities during the community where the office is DA-Bicol’s “Gift of Love” said L. Baleza)

RAFC 5 ... (from page 20) more than enough inspiration for the Catandunganons to move on. The beneficiaries were all recipients of AKBAY Program coming from 11 barangays of the municipality of Bato. They have fully paid the AKBAY P10,000 financial assistance previously given totally damaged incurring to them. Catanduanes was temporary damage worth severely devastated by typhoon P601,000. Of these, 8,003 Nina on December 25 last metric tons with a total year which has left a total of value of P544,260,000 P315,406,002 damage in rice, can still be recovered high value crops and livestock. reducing the net loss to While 100% of total 23,195 P57.11 million. (Lovella hectares planted to abaca was P. Guarin)

January - March 2017 UMAsenso 19 DA Bicol spearheads rehab efforts open pollinated and hybrid corn calamity funds which were seeds. For delivery next week released by DBM only recently. are 435 bags open pollinated The provincial and municipal variety and hybrid seeds. LGUS are the ones distributing For Catanduanes DA, directly to the farmers . Groups has distributed 3,000 bags and individual farmers who certified palay seeds; 12,500 request directly from the packs of assorted vegetable DA regional office are also seeds; 17 bottles/boxes of provided as long as they are in various drugs and biologics the masterlist provided by the for the treatment of affected LGUS. animals. Dir. De los Santos More assistance to the has endorsed to Sec. Emmanuel affected farmers and fisherfolk SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, (20 kg.) hybrid palay seeds; Piñol the proposal of PhilFida are coming with the expected CAMARINES SUR – The 19,770 packets of assorted for the Rehabilitation of release of the P500 million Department of Agriculture vegetable seeds; 250 kilograms typhoon-damaged abaca areas commitment of Presidente regional office here immediately mungbean seeds, 1,500 bags in Catanduanes. Said proposal Duterte he himself announced conducted rehabilitation yellow and white corn hybrid is now being considered to be when he came over to efforts by providing palay, seeds; 1,085 cacao, lemon funded under the Philippine Catanduanes and Camarines corn, assorted vegetable seeds and pili seedlings and 13, 942 Rural Development Project Sur a few days after the ,seedling of various fruit trees doses of drugs and biologics (PRDP) as abaca is among the typhoon. and drugs and biologics for for animals. For delivery are identified priority of the PLGU DA Bicol has already animals amounting to over P72 10,000 bags of certified seeds. Catanduanes in its Priority submitted to Sec. Piñol its million to the three affected For Albay province, DA Commodity Investment Plan to Rehabilitation Plan for the rice, provinces. has turned over to the provincial be funded by the project. corn high value commercial This was reported by government 5,000 bags of According to Dir. De los crops, livestock and abaca DA-Bicol Regional Executive certified palay seeds; 5,000 Santos, the above mentioned subsectors including various Director Dr. Elena B. de los packs hybrid palay seeds; 1,000 production input assistance infrastructures and facilities Santos during the management bags yellow and white corn provided by DA Bicol is but totaling to over P1.4 billion. committee meeting. For seeds; 10,600 grafted cacao and the initial rehab assistance that Final damage report on the Camarines Sur province DA has pili seedlings; 12,500 packets the DA will provide, Funding said subsectors is placed at turned over to the provincial of assorted vegetable seeds; for these items were taken from P5.1 billion with about 86,735 government over 5,000 bags 2,500 assorted garden tools. the savings generated by the farmers affected. (Emily B. certified seeds; 4,226 packs For delivery are 435 bags of regional office from previous Bordado) RAFC 5 renders community service to typhoon stricken island province

BATO, CATANDUANES – The Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Bicol officers in the distribution of trooped to this island province the goodies. over the week for a community Luz Oropeza, PAFC service to some 25 selected Chairperson of Catanduanes Department of Agriculture families affected by Typhoon said that the three most affected Regional Field Unit No. 5 Nina. Each provincial AFC and municipalities during the Reg’l Agriculture and Fisheries some RAFC members brought onslaught of typhoon Nina Information Section vegetables, fruits, eggs, grocery were Bato, Baras and Virac San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur products, used clothing, school and coconut plantations in e-mail: darafid5 @ yahoo.com RE-ENTERED supplies, laminated sacks and these areas will take 6 years to AS SECOND CLASS MAIL MATTER solar powered transistor radio. recover. She said the simple gift at Pili, Post Office, Bato, Catanduanes giving rekindles the spirit of Pili, Cam. Sur Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez sharing and the presence of the visit our website: under Permit No. 2017-18 and Municipal Agriculturist RAFC officers and members is bicol.da.gov.ph on March 17, 2017 Lito Barba helped the RAFC (Please turn to page 19)