shering a change in administration after U the May 2016 national election, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA‐RFO 1) embraces new leadership as well following the retirement of then Regional Executive Director Valentino C. Perdido who left public office on March 16, 2017.

Appointed by DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol in April of this year, Director Narciso Abella Edillo assumed post as the new Regional Executive Director of the DA‐RFO 1 on April 6, 2017.

A native of Solana, Dir. Edillo was born on January 30, 1960. He is married to Luz Gutierrez – Edillo and were blessed with four children. He is a graduate of BS Agriculture Major in Agronomy at the State University and also finished his Master of Arts in Education.

A proud Lutheran, he has passionately served in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Department of World Service for ten (10) years. His international experience with the LWF include as Country Director, Program Officer, Program Coordinator and as Project Coordinator. He also served as Rice expert of the LWF/ World Service Humanitarian International Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland with assignments in El Salvador, Central America and countries in Africa like Mozambique, Angola and Swaziland. “ I am not very particular with how you With a strong desire to likewise serve his people manage your time in doing your job, just in Solana, Cagayan after fulfilling his ministry in the international service for the Lutheran World Federation, give me a good output and we’ll get along he ran for public office during the Legislative and Local well.” ‐ DA‐RFO 1 new Regional Executive (next page) Director Narciso A. Edillo DA-RFO I Chief lobbies support of Cong. Ortega on agri-development projects A‐RFO I Regional D Executive Director Narciso Edillo paid a visit to ’s 2nd District Congressman Pablo Ortega on May 25, 2017 to pre‐ sent the DA’s programs/projects/ interventions intended for his constituents in the 2nd District of La Union. Accompanied by the DA‐RFO I’s Field Operations Division, Dr. Annie Bares, RPCO I’s I‐SUPPORT Narciso A. Edillo as he is sworn into office by DA Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol. Component Head of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), election in year 2001 and won as DA Project based in Solana, Cagayan Ms. Sharon Viloria and the Agricul‐ Municipal Councilor. with outreach project at Mariano tural Programs Coordinating Officer Marcos State University (MMSU) in of La Union, Ms. Josephine Cabanban, After his political stint for three years Batac, . After which, he Director Edillo lobbied for Congress‐ in Solana, Cagayan he was again also worked with the UNICEF as man Ortega’s support especially in sought to serve in the Lutheran Church Project Manager of emergency and pushing for the funding approval of as Program Manager for Relief rehabilitation project in Regions 6,7 various agri‐development programs International in Afghanistan and as and 8 and was a consultant for some and projects in the province. Field Coordinator Head of Office for local NGOs and the Governor’s office Childfund International also in Among the major projects in Cagayan. Afghanistan. proposed for funding support in CY Slowly treading the path that is 2018 under PRDP is the 15‐km. farm Having the heart for public service, the destined for him to follow as advocate to market road to benefit the call to once again serve his for agricultural development, he was residents of Brgys. Puguil and constituents was very hard to resist, appointed as Municipal Agriculturist Maliclico in Santol and Sudipen, La thus, he again ran for the local by the Local Government Unit of Union amounting to Php200M. The election in 2007 in which like in the Solana, Cagayan on December 1, 2016 project, according to Ms. Viloria was past, has won the trust and confidence up to the time when he was then already validated by the PRDP’s I‐ of the Solanas, hence he faithfully chosen to take greater responsibility BUILD Component and the Provincial served as Municipal Councilor from as the new Regional Executive Government of La Union is currently 2007 to 2013. Director of DA‐RFO I. working on the needed documents in After his public service which taught compliance to PRDP’s requirement From a region that has stood the test him so many things especially in of constant change in leadership but developing strategies to provide the proved to be resilient and remains to most basic need of the people which is confidence knowing he is backed by be a top performing region in the field food, and being an agriculture the Great Almighty who always led of agriculture, RED Edillo is challenged graduate himself, he decided to put to him to his victories, and this time a to continue the good works of his good use his trainings and worked double assurance of triumph with the predecessors. Unperturbed, he takes with the International Rice Research presence of dedicated, strong and on his new journey with great Institute (IRRI) as a Researcher for a committed workforce of DA‐RFO 1.###

1 for said project.

Director Edillo also informed the Congressman about the seven units of farm tractor with complete accesso‐ ries that are ready for distribution to farmer‐beneficiaries to hasten their farming operations and consequently enhance food production in the province.

With regard to the DA’s plans to address the issues and concerns besetting the tobacco industry, especially in convincing farmers to shift to other alternative crops other than DA-RFO I‘s Regional Director Narciso A. Edillo, Operations Chief Dr. Annie Bares, APCO for tobacco that could equally provide La Union Josephine Cabanban and PRDP Assistant Focal Person Sharon Viloria take a pose good source of income and livelihood, after a fruitful meet with La Union’s seasoned political leaders headed by Cong. Pablo RED Edillo informed that the DA is set Ortega (center). to conduct a research project to identify potential alternate crops. The good Congressman welcomed the 2017, a meeting was scheduled with idea for Director Edillo to meet all the all the Congressional District For proper evaluation on the lined‐up nd Congressman of the 12 Districts for Representatives in the region to brief projects/interventions for the 2 them to be updated on the agri‐related them with the DA’s programs and district of La Union this CY 2018, RED programs and projects intended for projects set for implementation this Edillo handed‐over a copy of the lists of their constituents. Thus, on May 29, coming CY 2018.## these projects to the Congressman.

eeping true to its K commitment of bringing positive change in the agriculture sector of this premier region, Department of Agriculture‐Regional Field Office I Regional Executive Director Narciso Edillo, in tandem with the newly designated Farmer‐ Director, Mr. Vincent Adorna, joined the Provincial Agriculturist (PA) of Ilocos Norte in the conduct of the 39th Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment Center, Batac City Ilocos Norte on May 3, 2017.

The Stakeholders’ meeting is a DA‐RFO I’s Regional Executive Director Narciso Edillo joins the major stakeholders of Ilocos regular monthly meeting in the Norte to discuss pressing issues and concerns besetting the agri‐fishery sector in the Ilocos province initiated and presided Region. (to page 3)

2 or the nth time, DA‐RFO I once again brought home the bacon as it was adjudged as the Out‐ standing Regional Project Monitoring and Evalua‐ tionF System (RPMES) Agency Monitor Awardee by the RDC during the Awarding Ceremonies held at the Vigan Convention Center on May 9, 2017. Raising Ceremonies held at the DA‐Roofdeck, San Fernando RPMES is a scheme in monitoring and evaluating projects City, La Union. at the national, regional, provincial/city and municipal levels with the extensive and active participation of A competition crafted by the RDC I, the system encourage various government agencies, local government units and the active involvement and participation of the government non‐government organizations at all levels. It primarily agencies and LGUs that are implementing development pro‐ aims to facilitate project implementation, problem solving, grams and projects to be monitored and evaluated. monitoring and evaluation to the regional, provincial and The contest has three categories. Category A involves the municipal levels. Its establishment generates information monitoring and evaluation of 1‐10 programs/projects while on the overall status of project implementation and to eas‐ category B recognizes the monitoring of 11‐30 programs and ily detect problems that impede implementation so that projects. The Category C where DA is adjudged as the remedial actions can be readily undertaken at the level winner recognizes the 31 and above programs and projects being monitored. nearest the project sites, and at the earliest time possible.

Farmer‐RED Vincent Adorna who attended the awarding With the consistent and timely submission of reports by the ceremonies turned over the Plaque of Recognition Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division to the RDC received by the office to DA‐RFO I Regional Executive through the National Economic Development Authority Director (RED) Narciso Edillo during the Monday Flag (NEDA), DA‐RFO I is already a three‐time Hall of Fame Awardee of said competition.####

DA‐RFO 1 Officials join 39th…. (from previous page) BFAR, NIA, PCIC, including the MMSU, CDA, PSA; NGOs like PAFC, SWISA/IA, among others. by PA Ms. Norma Lagmay, which aims to update the status In his message during the meeting, RED Edillo of implementation of the DA’s programs and projects in introduced Mr. Vincent Adorna, the newly designated the and to address pressing issues and Farmer‐Director who will act as Director for the month of concerns in the sector. In attendance were the Municipal / May, in accordance with the Memorandum Order signed by City Agriculturists with their respective report officers; Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol. He enjoined the group to give attached agencies of the DA such as PhilRice, ATI, BPI, their full support to Mr. Adorna and likewise (to page 6)

3 DA distributes Php19.4M worth of farm machineries to farmers’ group

he Department of Agriculture‐RFO I importance of taking good care of these by all the members shall be allowed to under the Rice Banner Program farm machineries. “Regalo po ito ng ating fully utilize the machines,” Mr. Adorna Tturned over around Php19.4million worth gobyerno, kaya’t huwag nating said. of farm machineries and equipment to sayangin,” Dr. Rabara said. Meanwhile, Mr. Nestor Batalla, various farmers group and associations of Ms. Analiza Ramos, Regional Rice Focal Provincial Rice Program Coordinator of Pangasinan in a ceremonial distribution Person seconded this advice of Dr. Pangasinan on behalf of Pangasinan at the Pangasinan Research and Experi‐ Rabara and reiterated the DA’s concern Governor Amado Espino III expressed in ment Center (PREC), Tebag, Sta. Barbara, on those other farmers association who his message his gratitude to the Pangasinan on June 15, 2016. are complaining on the unfair identifica‐ Department of Agriculture officials for Forty‐three farmers’ groups, associations tion of recipients of these farm the continuous provision of and cooperatives were among the interventions. Ms. Ramos explained that interventions to the farmers of recipients of this farm mechanization it is not only the DA who have identified Pangasinan. Based on DA’s record, project that aims to increase the rice the recipients since this is a concerted Pangasinan has the largest allocation production in Ilocos Region through an effort of the DA together with the Rice of farm machineries this year in among intensified use of modern farming Action Team of the Province. all the 18 Regions in the country.# facilities which will redound to an As the concurrent Regional Seed increase in farmers’ yield as well as Coordinator of DA, Ms. Ramos also income. reminded the farmer‐beneficiaries to get Funded under the 2017 Regular Budget in touch with the Municipal Agricultures of the Rice Banner Program, this year’s Office for them to be included in the giving out of farm machineries is different pre‐masterlist who could avail of the from the previous distribution since all seeds ready for distribution this wet farm machineries distributed under the cropping season. administration of Secretary Emmanuel In the same event, Regional Agriculture Piñol were given as grant to the & Fishery Council Chairman, Mr. Vincent beneficiaries. Adorna explained in details some of the Seven units of combined harvester and salient features of the Memorandum of 36 units hand tractors were distributed to Agreement between and among the DA the 43 farmers group/associations and and the Farmers Associations officials. cooperatives. According to Mr. Adorna, DA has the right to recover the project once these In a simple Program during the machineries are found not being fully distribution activity, Dr. Gilbert Rabara, utilized by the association members or Chief of the DA‐PREC underscored the not properly used. “Fair access and use

4 Helping farmers market their produce, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office I through the Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) accompanied the Ilokano farmers in selling their produce at the Agri-Aqua Network International Harvest Festival cum Bazaar held at the Memorial Circle in City. The Ilocos Region’s booth was a favorite stop by the bazaar goers where they bought most of the Iloco champion commodities such as garlic, onions, watermelon, mango, and other high value commercial crops. The Harvest Festival cum Bazaar kicks-off today, May 19, 2017 and will conclude on May 21, 2017. Organized by the DA-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service, the harvest festival is part of the DA’s celebration of the Farmers’ & Fisherfolks’ Month this May.

K2‐12 teachers learn…(from page 6) In support to the implementation of the School Children Field School Program, DA under the HVCDP provided vegetable seeds and garden tools needed by the 5‐pilot Ms. Aileen Millare, Chief of the Regional Soils Laboratory laboratory schools. discussed the Soil and Soil Sampling Procedure while Ms. Marivic Begonia, Chief of the Regional Crop Protection Center A collaborative project of the ATI‐RTC I,. DepEd discussed about the Biocon agents. Pangasinan II Division and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, the activity also serves as an avenue to Likewise, Mr. Jake Bantioey a staff of the High Value Crops encourage young minds to appreciate agriculture as a Development Program demonstrated the proper seed sowing career and entrepreneurial endeavor.### using seedling trays and mulch installation.

5 K-12 teachers learn crop production techniques from DA ex-

n preparation for the upcoming I opening of classes this year and in consonance with the Department of Education’s K‐12 program, teachers from Pangasinan learned from the experts of the Department of Agriculture some agricultural crop production and protection techniques through the Training of Trainers on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Nutrition on Sustainable Vegetable Production ground of the teachers to establish vegetable production shared their conducted by the Agricultural Training their Participatory Action Research technical skills and knowledge on Institute. where technical experts, the teachers growing vegetables through their Held on May 22‐June 2, 2017, the training and the pupils/students will learn and discussions on the topics such as aims to empower the teachers to become adopt management techniques, varietal selection, crop establishment, an effective teacher‐facilitators in the methods and strategies on vegetable cultural management practices, conduct of Phase 2 School Children Field production. fertilizer and nutrient management, School in the 5 pilot laboratory schools of and post harvest management, among Ms. Debbie Davalos and Mr. Aries Pangasinan. It also serves as the training others. Magat, two of DA‐RFO I’s experts on (turn to page 5)

DA‐RFO 1 Officials join 39th… and confidence in the service. machineries. (from page 3) Meanwhile, Farmer‐Director Engr. Cornelio Balbesino, Municipal Mr. Vincent Adorna, emphasized in Agriculturist of Dingras, Ilocos Norte vowed to sustain his support in all his message the need to pass a asked for the timely giving of their agri‐related endeavors of the Local resolution in support to the policy on incentives and sought support on Government Units. No‐Rice importation during harvest the conduct of teambuilding activi‐ Understanding the benefits of season. He also suggested for the ties for the LEMCAP or League of conducting a regular stakeholders’ conduct of a general assembly to Municipal/City Agriculturists of the meeting, RED Edillo informed his plans inform the result of monitoring of DA . especially on the coffee production implemented projects. He In response, Dr. Annie Bares, Chief project that DA is eyeing to implement underscored the importance of of the Operations Division of DA, this year. distributing post harvest facilities informed that the incentive of the before the planting season and urged According to RED Edillo, DA agricultural extension workers have the MAOs or his/her representative will be procuring around 415,000 already been downloaded at the DA to be present during the distribution coffee seedlings for distribution to Research Station Office in Batac, of equipment to encourage willing recipients in suitable locations. Ilocos Norte but still waiting for the partnership and harmony among the complete submission of Since part of the agenda of the recipients and the LGUs. He also requirements from the recipients. meeting is on farm machineries and emphasized the need for a technical She reminded the Municipal/City inventory, he encouraged everyone to briefing on the operation and Agriculturists to maintain a P500 report suspicious, anomalous maintenance of the equipment or balance in their accounts to avoid organizations as beneficiaries of these facilities as well as the discussion on problem on reconciliation later.### projects to create transparency, trust the operating guidelines of the

6 DA-RFO I, BAFS train RGhT members on GAHP standards and certification

oining efforts to increase the J number of Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) certified farms in Ilocos Region and to increase the adoption of GAHP standards at the farm level, the Department of Agriculture‐RFO I through its Regulatory Division in tandem with the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) conducted a 3‐day training workshop for the identified members of the Regional Good Animal Husbandry The Good Animal Husbandry Practices majority of the animal farm owners are Practices Team (RGhT) in Ilocos Region. or GAHP is a program of the Department operating on a backyard level, Ms. of Agriculture that aims to strengthen Palima said that the more that these Conducted at the DA‐RFO I’s food safety regulations not only for the farms have to adhere to the standards Regional Organic Agriculture Center in benefit of the public consumers but for of rearing animals for food use. Sual, Pangasinan on May 23‐25, 2017, the gain and advantage of both the Bridging this gap, Ms. Palima under‐ the training activity aims to capacitate farmer‐producers and animals as scored the need to compose a RGhT the members of the RGhT on the stipulated in the Food Safety Act of 2013 that would serve as a recommendatory elements of the GAHP Program, and Administrative Order NO. 10 s. body that will provide technical update them on their roles and 2008. responsibilities as members and keep assistance, thus, enabling farmers to them posted on the requirements and In her discussion on the adjust and comply with applicable procedures of the Pre‐Assessment and elements of GAHP Program in the standards. country, Ms. Rhitzel Palima, Monitoring System towards the In Region I, the RGhT was led by Mr. representative of the BAFS stressed the issuance of GAHP Certification. Florentino Adame of the Regulatory need to strengthen the information Division, including some of his staff at Participated in by around 25 dissemination of the GAHP Program to the Regulatory Division; the Livestock individuals from the DA‐RFO I, Office of convince more operators and owners of Banner Program, the Agribusiness the Provincial Veterinarians and the animal farms to comply with the set Marketing Assistance Division and the office of the Municipal/City standards on animal husbandry Regional Agriculture & Fisheries Agriculturists in the major poultry and management and production leading to animal‐producing municipalities of Information Section. the increase in number of farms to be Pangasinan, the training provides the certified with GAHP. As a member of the RGhT, they are participants an in‐depth knowledge on expected to have a uniform under‐ According to Ms. Palima, with the Philippine National Standards on standing on the provisions of standards the approval of standards in 2008, it was GAHP and Certification Scheme, animal so that doable strategies will be made only in 2011 that a first farm had been welfare, biosecurity measures, waste to assure the farm animal owners and issued with GAHP certification and that management and the Department of operators to adhere on the animal mostly compliant farms are those Environment and Natural Resources husbandry standards and later on operating on a commercial scale. While Regulations on Livestock Production. acquire the GAHP certification (page 18)

7 Roadmap in Region I;  Economic Development Component of the 2017 Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System Monitoring Plan and 1 st Quarter armonizing the developmental Held on June 1, 2017 at the DA‐RFO I Accomplishment Report; programs and projects of the Conference Room, the meeting was  DOLE Department Order sectorH line agencies, private and the attended by various members from 174,s.2017 “Rules Implementing local government units towards the Regional Line Agencies, State Articles 106 to 109 of the Labor developing a comprehensive and Colleges and Universities, Private Code, as amended “especially on unified Regional Development Plan Sector Representatives and the the contracting and of Ilocos Region, the Department of Provincial Local Government Units subcontracting arrangements”; Agriculture‐Regional Field Office I and were able to thoroughly discuss  Updates of the Philippine Rural (DA‐RFO I) led by its Regional the following agenda: Development Project and the Executive Director, Narciso Edillo  Results Matrices of the Economic Regional Convergence Initiative hosted the 2017 2nd Quarter Regular Development Sector Component for Sustainable Rural Develop‐ Meeting of the Economic of the RDP 2017‐2022; ment in Region I; Development Sector Committee  Economic Development  Cacao Industry Development (EDSeCom) of the Regional Component of the Social Project in Region I; Development Council (RDC). Development Goals (SDG)  Rehabilitation of Aquaculture Irrigation Systems; and the  Updates of El Niño and La Niña.

EDSeCom, is a group of 35‐member entities from both the public and private sectors that is tasked to review and endorse to the RDC the programs/projects of its member‐entities for funding support from the national government. In Region I, the Committee is chaired by the Department of Agriculture (DA) represented by the Regional Executive Director Narciso Edillo upon the unanimous decision of the member‐entities.

EDSeCom was created after the Committees on Agribusiness, Trade, Industry and Tourism have merged last year to further strengthen the linkages and networking among the member‐entities. The Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED) of DA‐RFO I serves as the EDSecom Secretariat.###

8 athering around 500 participants, the A national event of the NCI-SRD that is Other honored guests during the summit Ilocos Region successfully hosted the conducted once every two years, the 2017 include DAR Secretary Rafael V. Mariano, G 2017 National Convergence Initiative NCI Summit aims to provide an overview of DA Undersecretaries (USEC) Ranibai D. for Sustainable Rural Development the NCI-SRD to the new administration and Dilangalen and Evelyn G. Laviña, DAR (NCI-SRD) Summit held at Vigan Convention present success stories of convergence USEC Rosalina Bistoyong, DENR USEC Center, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on June 20, sites at different stages of implementation. Atty. Jonas R. Leones, DILG USEC Austere 2017. Gracing the event as Guest of A. Panadero, DOT USEC Silvino Q. Tejada, The NCI-SRD is a multi-sectoral Honor and Speaker during the opening NCI-SRD National Focal person Dir. Angel C. and integrated planning approach adopted by program is no less than the Senate Enriquez, Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. st four rural agencies, the Department of Committee Chair on Agriculture, Senator Singson,1 District Congressman Deogracias Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment Cynthia A. Villar who happens to also now Victor B. Savellano, Vigan City Mayor Juan & Natural Resources (DENR), Department of hold chairmanship of the other three rural Carlo Medina and DA-RFO I Regional Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Department of development agencies, DAR, DENR and Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo, among Interior and Local Government (DILG) DILG. others. towards more efficient use of resources. Sen. Villar acknowledged the need

9 for collaboration among agencies to impact visits the farm and from the operation of a students who will enroll at farm schools. “It is rural development change in the countryside. farm school where other farmers and very important that farmers will learn how to “The goal of the NCI-SRD is for the DA. DAR, agriculturally inclined individuals can learn be profitable in agriculture and they can DENR and DILG to reduce poverty and new technologies in farming, mechanization learn that from our farm schools.”, she ensure sustainable countryside development and agribusiness sense. explained. She assured that she will work on through farming and fishing which is aligned She said that the Farm Tourism the legislation of said funding so that TESDA with my own goal and advocacy.”, Villar said. Development Law is a concrete example will still be able to implement it even if she “I am confident that the collaboration of the of an effective collaboration of two will no longer be in the senate. four government departments will create a government agencies such as the She also mentioned a legislation positive impact in the lives of many Department of Agriculture and Department providing free irrigation to farmers and that in the countryside.”, she added. of Tourism. An important provision in the has already been passed to make it perma- Villar talked about the various RA 10816 according to Villar is for the DA nent starting this year 2017 and onwards. senate legislations she had worked on that and DOT to encourage the establishment With an allocated budget of Php8 billion, would help secure better income for farmers of one farm tourism site in every province of farmers are eased with the burden of added and fisherfolk. She mentioned the Farm the country. production cost thru irrigation fees collected Tourism Development Law or RA 10816 that Villar also mentioned how she is from them. benefits farmers and farming communities. working with TESDA for an allocation of Other legislations she is giving Farm Tourism is the development of farms Php500M per year to pay for the focus on which she mentioned are the into tourism sites where a farm school can scholarship of farmers and farmers’ provision of free agricultural insurance to also be established. Here, farmers can derive children. In particular, TESDA shall pay farmers; review on the legislation (to page 18) income thru farming, from the tourists that P12,000 per student for about 45,000

10 ocused on its goal to achieve needs of vegetable growers Harbest Company, the distributor of higher income and farm pro‐ especially in their land preparation said equipment demonstrated its ductivityF level of farmers in the re‐ activities to achieve better yield and proper operation and handling gion through modern farm ma‐ at the same time reduce their cost of especially on changing the blades. chines and equipment, the High production. Value Crops Development Program Ms. Nenita Valerio, President of the of the Department of Agriculture The multi‐function cultivator is a Curareng Farmers Association – one of ‐RFO I recently conducted its turn‐ small farm tractor that is easy to the recipients of the multi‐purpose over and distribution activity for six operate, economical and requires cultivator expressed her gratitude to (6) units multi‐purpose cultivator low maintenance. It is a the Department of Agriculture because with complete accessories to six multi‐function in the sense that it of the big help of the machinery to her Vegetable Growers Association could be used to plow, to harrow and 43 members who are planting lowland beneficiaries in the Province of level the beds during land vegetables in Brgy. Curareng, Alcala, Pangasinan. preparation. Pangasinan.

Amounting to P182,155.00 per unit, For the recipients to learn the proper Prior to the turn‐over of the equip‐ this multi‐purpose cultivator is the operation and maintenance of the ment, the recipient farmers association DA’s answer to the farm machinery project, Technical staff from the as represented by Ms. Valerio entered

1112 cropping season. Actual testing and exercises were done to familiarize them on the analytics portal interface and functionalities, necessary for data management and monitoring.

Likewise, field data gathered and submitted during the previous season were reviewed to identify lapses/ gaps that should be avoided.

Six (6) Resource Persons from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the International Rice The participants and facilitators of the Regional Retooling for Project Implementers and Data Collectors on PRISM pose for a souvenir photo after the weeklong activity held at Hotel Ariana, Research Institute (IRRI) facilitated the activity together with the Regional PRISM Focal Persons mpowering the Regional Project PRISM for monitoring rice growth and Ms. Editha Estacio and Ms. Marivic E Implementers and Data Collectors assessing damage to rice crops in the Begonia. on the management and utilization of Region, the training program was Philippine Rice Information System participated in by around 31 data To sustain their acquired knowledge (PRISM), the Department of Agriculture‐ collectors in Region I. on the retooling activity, pre‐season Regional Field Office I through its visits to the PRISM monitoring fields Research and Development Division Online and mobile system on data will start tentatively on June 8, June conducted a Regional Retooling on management were thoroughly dis‐ 19, and June 29 (2) in Bantay, Bangar, PRISM held at the Hotel Ariana, Bauang, cussed while updated protocols and San Manuel and Batac, respectively. La Union on May 22‐26, 2017. forms for monitoring and crop health Satellite images acquisition dates that assessment were elaborated to should coincide with the monitoring Aimed at equipping the participants on prepare the participants on their next visits are the following dates: June 5, the management and utilization of move for the upcoming CY 2017 wet 17, 29, July 11, 23, August 4, 16 and 28, 2017.#### into a Memorandum of Agreement with machine. As stipulated in the MOA, tor, DA also turned‐over a total of 30 the Department of Agriculture to remind the recipient must allow fair access pieces crates for every six farmer the group of their duties and responsibili‐ and use by all the farmer‐members association‐recipients amounting to ties as a recipient of the project. and should submit every end of Php12,000.00 per group. harvest season the utilization, The distribution of the multi‐purpose As a recipient of the project, Ms. Valerio operation, activity and income cultivator and the crates in and her members must be responsible generated report related to the Pangasinan is the first among series and accountable in the maintenance and project to the Department of of distribution to the provinces of La security of the equipment, utilize it in Agriculture through the Office of the Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte by accordance with the intended use and Municipal Agriculturist. the High Value Crops Development not in any way sell or mortgage the Aside from the multi‐purpose cultiva‐ Program. ####

12 La Union Governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega(left photo), Pangasinan Vice-Governor Jose Calimlim, Jr. (right photo) and some staff of the Provincial Agriculturists in both provinces receive the Plaque of Recognition and their checksworth Php4M as winners of the Annual Rice Achievers Awards of the DA.

onsistent to its name as the were awarded with P4.0M each in the the food staple sufficiency program of country’s premiere Region, the form of projects to support the DA, 20 AEWs from Pangasinan, and 10 Ilocos Region has continuously implementation of the rice programs in AEWs in La Union will be recognized in an Csoared high after topping once more their areas. Said amount were received awarding ceremonies to be held on June the number of provincial awardees by each of the provinces representatives 9, 2017 at the Oasis Country Resort, San during the recently concluded Annual through the Vice‐Governor of Fernando City, La Union.

Awarding rites of the 2016 National Pangasinan, Hon. Jose Calimlim, Jr., and The provinces of Ilocos Sur and Rice Achievers held at the Philippine La Union Governor, Francisco Emmanuel Ilocos Norte, despite its failure to be part International Convention Center, Ma‐ “Pacoy” Ortega III. The officials also of the top‐seven performing provinces nila on May 24, 2017. received the plaque of recognition that have also produced 3 and 11 AEWs symbolizes the LGUs full participation in The provinces of Pangasinan respectively, who will be given cash and La Union, two of the best the DA’s goal of food sufficiency and food incentives in the amount of P20,000.00 security in the country. performing provinces when it comes to each. the implementation of rice programs Aside from the top two provinces Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) and projects in the region were among from Region I, the LGU of Solsona repre‐ from the municipalities of Calasiao, Sta. the top seven provinces awarded in the sented by its Mayor Alexander Calucag Barbara in Pangasinan and the awarding ceremonies out of the top 12 was recognized as among the top 17 municipality of Pasuquin in Ilocos Norte shortlisted provinces who were performing municipalities when it comes will also be among the awardees as evaluated by the National Evaluation to rice production. The municipality of Outstanding LFTs on June 9 who will also Team. The province of Ilocos Norte is Solsona, through Mayor Calucag received receive cash incentives in the amount of likewise included in the top 12 lists that a ceremonial check worth P1.0M in the P20,000.00 each. was validated and evaluated during the form of project to support the Field Evaluation made by the National implementation of rice program in The National Rice Achievers Search Committee last March but due Solsona. Award is an annual activity of the to the adverse effect of typhoon Lawin Department of Agriculture under the Rice To recognize also the painstaking in the production during the evaluation Program to recognize outstanding support and commitment of the performance of the Local Government period covered, the province which agricultural extension workers who are consistently makes it to the top failed Units, agricultural government workers directly involved in the implementation as well as farmer leaders’ contribution in this time. of programs and projects under the Rice the attainment of the DA’s food security As winners of said competition, the Program and have outstanding and self‐sufficiency program. ### Provinces of Pangasinan and La Union, performance in the implementation of

13

ecognizing the significant contri‐ provinces and four Local Farmer Leading this year's awardees is the butions and remarkable perform‐ Technicians (LFT) received their plaque R province of Pangasinan with 20 AEW‐ ances of the Provincial and Municipal of recognition from DA‐RFO I's Regional awardees followed by the province of La Local Government Units, Agricultural Executive Director Narciso Edillo Union with 10 AEW‐awardees. The Extension Workers and the Local together with Special Technical Advisory provinces of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur Farmer Technicians in the attainment Group (STAG) Director Grace J. Cenas have 11 and 3 AEW‐awardees, respectively. of rice self‐sufficiency and food who represented DA's Undersecretary Meanwhile, out of the four security program in the country, the for Field Operations, Honorable Ariel T. LFT‐awardees, three LFTs came from the Department of Agriculture in Ilocos Cayanan as the Guest of Honor and province of Pangasinan and one came Region successfully conducted today Speaker in the said awarding from the province of Ilocos Norte. the Regional Rice Achievers Awards at ceremonies. The successful conduct of the 2016 the Oasis Country Resort and Hotel in Aside from the Plaque of Regional Rice Achievers Award was San Fernando City, La Union. Recognition, each awardees also organized by the DA‐RFO I's Rice Banner Forty‐four (44) Agricultural received cash incentive amounting to Program.# Extension Workers from the four P20,000.00.

The Institutional Development Support (IDS) Section of the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office 1 successfully conducted the 2nd Ilocos P4MP and Coordinators Regional Congress with Training on Agribusiness on June 21-23, 2017 at Vigan City Ilocos Sur. Showing full support to every endeavor that aims to empower farmers not only in the Province of Ilocos Sur but in the entire Ilocos Region, Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson, together with Vice-Governor Jeremias Singson and other key officials of the Province joined the DA in expressing their warm welcome to the participants and vowed to remain committed in making agricultural development a priority agenda of the PLGU-Ilocos Sur.#

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Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III poses with the farmer organization‐members who received farm implements during an awarding held at Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.

bayanihan Farmers Irrigators Associa‐ to increase funds allocated for agriculture tion. by the provincial government.

The farmer organizations proposed The awarding of the farm implements under the SLP of the PRDP to recuperate was conducted alongside with the award‐ from their losses when Typhoon Lando ing of Shallow Tube Well Irrigation hit Luzon in October 2015. The Regional Projects of the Provincial Government. Project Advisory Board approved their our Farm Mechanization Service SLP proposals on December 15, 2016 Aside from rehabilitation, the farm F Facilities, under the Small and the respectiveNo Objection Letter 2 implements are expected to increase the Livelihood Project (SLP) of the (NOL 2) was issued on April 4, 2017. income of farmers in Pangasinan through Philippine Rural Development Project providing affordable implements for land (PRDP) – Investments on Rural Pangasinan Governor Amado "Pogi" I. preparation. Enterprises for Agri‐fishery Espino III led the awarding ceremony at Productivity (I‐REAP), are awarded to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, With the tractor provided by the Project, farmer organizations of San Fabian, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan on May 4, the cost of land preparation per hectare Pangasinan. 2017. is decreased by P2,250. This can be trans‐ lated into 8 percent increase in farmer’s The farmer organizations which brought Gov. Espino emphasized the importance income for every hectare. home a brand new four‐wheel tractor, of sustaining and maintaining the ma‐ cage roller, rotary tiller, and trailer in‐ chinery among the farmer organizations The PRDP shall conduct a Rapid Appraisal clude: Anonang Baraoas Irrigators to maximize its benefit to the members of Emerging Benefits in November 2017 Association, Palapad Farmers Irrigators and committed to continue bringing to gauge the socio‐economic impact of Association, Makabagong Magsasaka help to the farmers. He also committed the tractors. ### Irrigators Association, and SamakaMag‐

15

The World Bank Team, led by Task Team Rehabilitation of the Balecbec‐Basca Farmers Multi‐Purpose Association in Leader Frauke Jungbluth, visited three Farm to Market Road and Balecbec Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. These subprojects Philippine Rural Development Project Bridge in Naguilian and Aringay, La are all in support to the mango (PRDP) subprojects in Ilocos Region Union; the P67‐million Rehabilitation of commodity of Ilocos Region. during the last leg of the 4th World Bank Nalasin‐Sungadan‐Langiden Farm to The WB team gave positive Implementation Support Mission held Market Road in Paoay, Ilocos Norte; evaluations of the above‐mentioned from May23‐25, 2017. and, the P13.1‐million Production and subprojects (e.g. the construction of a The three subprojects which Marketing of Fresh Carabao Mangoes permanent classroom type field office were visited include: the P115‐million Enterprise by the Cabugao Mango to be donated as classroom (next page)

16 after the Project), save from minor commodity being transported…Your At present, the Ilocos Region has a comments (i.e. guaranteeing the non‐ overall impact is actually bigger than P1.3 billion total portfolio of usage of inorganic chemicals in the your reporting.”Jungbluth said. infrastructure subprojects and production of mangoes and assuring The World Bank Team also sat P233‐million of enterprise subprojects. the climate‐resiliency of the infrastruc‐ in a focus group discussion with the These subprojects are expected to tures). Ilocos Sur Provincial Project benefit around 67,788 people in the During the Mission kick‐off, Management and Implementation region. Ms. Jungbluth encouraged PRDP im‐ Unit (PPMIU) who hosted the mission In Feburary 2015, the Ilocos Region plementers to highlight not only the and asked about ways to improve and first hosted the World Bank impacts listed in subproject proposals, expedite project approval and Pre‐Implementation Support Mission but also the impacts which arises as implementation under PRDP. The wherein the Team visited the then implementation progresses. “When PPMIU identified the voluminous proposed Rehabilitation of the you go out and see the completed requirements and changing subproject Balecbec‐Basca Farm to Market Road subprojects and you talk to forms as bottlenecks. The World Bank, and Balecbec Bridge in Naguilian and beneficiaries and you notice additional however, explained that quality Aringay, La Union and the Production things that they tell you that sound like cannot be compromised for the sim‐ and Marketing of Fresh Carabao a benefit of the PRDP subproject, [to] plification of the Project’s processes. Mangoes Enterprise in Bauang, La record those and next time try to The Team also encouraged the Union. include them in your analysis. … Like Local Government Units and farmers The WB will return in July for example, for the roads, we keep they visited to propose more 2017 for the PRDP Midterm Assess‐ recording on the reduction in hauling enterprise subprojects under the ment, of which the results will be cost…reduction in the price per sack of PRDP to support priority commodities. crucial to the approval of the Project’s transport, which is correct, but I’m The Project’s enterprise component additional $450 million funding. ### sure there is also something to be said has remaining funds available for about the production of the interested proponents.

Cabugao Mango Farmers and Multi‐Purpose Association President Faith Sabio presents the Production and Marketing of Fresh Carabao Mangoes Enterprise business plan before the World Bank Team during the conduct of the 4th World Bank Implementation Support Mission in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

17 LGU adopts PRDP tool..(from page 20) DA-RFO I, BAFPS train....(from page 7) heads and representatives of other While the RGhT members may work as and or permit including zoning national government agencies. Engr. Biag the screening committee prior to the for‐ clearance, Certificate of Registration, said that meeting attendees had been mal inspection and audit of the Regional Environmental Compliance Certificate curious how geotagging works. GAHP Inspectors and the National GAHP or Certificate of Non‐Coverage, Animal

Engr. Biagfurther said that the incidence of Inspectors in the application for certifica‐ Welfare Registration, Feeds/Feed improper waste management in Currimao tion, they will also act as interpreter of Establishment Registration, Handler’s has significantly decreased through the the provisions of standards so that farm‐ License, and Transport Vehicle use of geotagging in monitoring waste ers would fully understand and be en‐ Registration. All these documents management. Since the pictures can couraged to comply with the standards. must be submitted to the Bureau of Animal Industry who are In‐Charge of pinpoint where improper waste Any farm animal owners/operators who the issuance of the GAHP Certificate management takes place, the are interested to apply for certification which is valid for 2 years except on Municipality’s environmental office easily are required to submit the duly accom‐ the initial issuance which is only valid takes action to coordinate with the plished application form together with community. The Municipal Councilwill task for 1 year. the accompanying documents such as the barangay which has an incidence of farm/organizational profile, brief histori‐ In as much as the application for improper waste management to clean cal development of the farm, production GAHP Certification is voluntary in their community. flow chart, farm operations manual and nature, Ms. Palima said that the Also according to Engr. Biag, the the vicinity map, municipal/city licenses application is free as of date. ### Municipality plans to create a map of all government projects in Currimao using Senator Cynthia Villar graces....(from page 10) the geotagging technology. With this, duplication of government subprojects in of the convergence initiatives implemented, the the Municipality can be avoided. NCI-SRD also launched the Search for Best Agricultural Mechanization (to page 19) PRDP’s tools, like geotagging, aim to a(AFMech) law that is supposed to be im- Convergence Site of 2018. To showcase the success stories of the convergence sites per permeate mainstream government plemented by the PhilMech; and the review region, a total of 17 tarpaulin exhibits by the projects for transparency and on the implementation of the Agri-Agra RCI-TWG were featured at the exhibit area accountability. In fact, the geotagging law.“I will continue to pursue legislations that will compliment the actions and of the program venue which also include application used by the Municipality of showing of an AVP of shared testimonies of Currimao in monitoring waste programs of the government departments and the local government units.”, she stakeholders and programs underscoring management in the barangays is that of the ridge to reef approach. the Department of Agriculture. assured. Meanwhile, other activity highlights Taking the opportunity that the Geotaggingis indeed an innovative tool in during the summit include the Signing of the summit was hosted by Region I, the project monitoring and promoting NCI-SRD Joint Resolutions such as: Desig- Province of Ilocos Sur likewise conducted transparency and in government projects. nation of Master in Public Management Ma- the Ceremonial Launching of its proposed At present, its usage, worth, and potential jor in Rural Development graduates as convergence area which is the IDAIT or the is slowly being recognized beyond members of the National and Regional Institutionalization of District-Wide Agro PRDP.### Technical Working Groups of the NCI-SRD; Industrialization, Innovation, and Tourism. Adoption of One convergence area per Championed by Congressman Deogracias Part of the 2017 NCI-SRD Summit is region. Also, the NCI-SRD National Steering Victor B. Savellano, the IDAIT Convergence also the conduct of the NCI-SRD 2017 Midyear Committee and the DOT Secretary signed site aims to realize an integrated area Assessment and Operational Planning from development model that shall position the June 21-23 at One Vittoria Hotel in Bantay, the NCI-SRD – DOT Memorandum of Agreement. Updates of the NCI-SRD and province of Ilocos Sur among top economic Ilocos Sur to assess the gains of the conver- the key successes of the local convergence performers in the Northern Luzon gence initiative from the previous years of im- strategy were also presented during the Quadrangle cluster. As an entry point, the plementation and likewise craft new plans and opening day of the summit. IDAIT convergence shall initially focus on strategies that could further assure a successful the development of the value chain of egg/ implementation and support to the NCI-SRD To recognize the successful poultry industry in Ilocos Sur. goals and objectives.###

18 LGU adopts PRDP Tool to monitor waste management of Barangays

he Philippine Rural Develop‐ ment Project (PRDP) has introduced geotagging Ttechnology as an innovation in promoting transparency and accountability in its funded subprojects. Monitoring Waste Management. The above image is an example of a geotagged photo Geotagged pictures, which are code monitoring waste management in the barangays of Currimao, IlocosNorte. encrypted, enables real‐time monitoring of enterprise and infrastructure using the geotagging technology under Program. This municipal‐led subprojects. They contain information the PRDP. In the same year, the environmental program complies with such as the exact location, time, and Municipality of Currimao started the Republic Act 9003 or the act providing place where the pictures were taken. preparation of Currimao’s infrastructure for an ecological waste management subproject, the Rehabilitation of program. He said that through the In the Municipality of Currimao, Tapao‐Tigue‐Sta. Cruz, Poblacion 2‐Lang‐ geotagged pictures, barangay officials geotagging is recently used, not only in ayan Farm to Market Road. cannot deny the incidence of improper monitoring the progress of PRDP waste management in the community. Upon usage of the application in the subprojects but also, in monitoring PRDP subproject, Engr. Biag saw its waste management in the barangays. The results of the waste management potential in monitoring other monitoring through geotagging are municipal‐led projects. In 2016, he In 2015, Engr. Erickson Biag who is the presented in the Municipality’s decided to use geotagging in Municipal Agriculturist and the acting Multi‐Council Meeting which is held monitoring waste management under Municipal Environmental and Natural once every quarter. The meeting is theMunicipal Basura Patrol Resources Officer attended a training on attended by school (to page 19)

Editor-in-Chief Writers Editor/Layout & Design GLORIA C. PARONG Vida V. Cacal Eva C. Agustin Vida V. Cacal Photographers Adviser In-Charge of Circulation

Severino G. Cartas NARCISO A. EDILLO, MA Ed Vilma D. Frigillana Danilo R. Flores Regional Executive Director, DA-RFU I Driver Oscar L. Padua

Damag-Agri is an official publication of the Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Unit I (DA-RFU I). It is published and circulated every quarter thru the Regional Agriculture & Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS). For your inquiries/suggestions, and/or write-up contributions kindly email us at [email protected] or call at tel. number (072) 242-1045.