Flood-affected farmers to get free seeds, crop insurance

The Department of Agriculture will provide free rice seeds and crop insurance to farmers in Luzon whose crops were damaged by floodwaters and heavy rains due to Typhoon Gener and Tropical Storm Helen. Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said flood-affected farmers will receive free seeds of inbred rice so they could replant immediately, and a free P10,000 crop insurance coverage per hectare. We will encourage them to immediately replant a third crop so they will be able to harvest by December, the DA chief said. The agriculture sector incurred a total damage of P2.96 billion, from both production and infrastructure sectors, caused by the weather disturbances for the month of August. The amount has yet to be validated by the DA regional offices in coordiantion with provincial and municipal local officials in affected areas. Based on data gathered by the DA Management Information Division, Typhoon Gener has affected 24 provinces in six regions (1, 2, 3, 4A, 4B and Cordillera), damaging P2.4-billion worth of rice, corn, high value crops, livestock and fishery products. Hardest hit was the rice sector, affecting 109,219 hectares (has), of which 47,441 has were totally damaged. About 1,675 has planted to corn, and 2,986 has planted to high value crops were also affected. For the fishery sector, some P564 million were damaged, in the form of lost fish stocks (milkfish, tilapia, siganids, catfish, prawns, and crabs), fishponds and fish cages. Some P5.4-million worth of poultry and livestock animals were also affected. Tropical Storm Helen, however, did not cause much damage, with only P90-million worth of rice, corn, vegetables, and fishery products affected in four provinces in Northern Luzon (Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan) and Cagayan.

P100M set aside for crop insurance

The Department of Agriculture has initially set aside P100 million in crop insurance payments for farmers whose insured crops were damaged by floodwaters because of Typhoon Gener and the southwest monsoon rains. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) will fast-track the processing and payment of crop insurance claims to enable affected farmers to replant again. PCIC President Jovy Bernabe said his agency has received initial crop insurance claims amounting to P98.73 million, from July 29 to August 8, 2012, The crop insurance claims belong to 8,613 farmers, of whom roughly 97 percent, or 8,322 farmers planted rice, while the rest or 291 raised corn. The insured farmers planted a total area of 14,711 hectares (14,260 hectares of rice and 451 hectares of corn) that were submerged in floodwaters. Bernabe has instructed the PCIC central office and field staff to fast-track the processing and payment of crop insurance claims on or before the maximum 20-day period.

Vol. XXVII No. 8

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

August 2012

DA urges Cebuano farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged Cebuano farmers to adopt a sustainable farming system, during a series of stakeholders forum healt at four towns in Cebu, August 14 to 15. By fully implementing a sustainable farming scheme, farmers would be more competitive and thus earn bigger income, he said during a two-day visit to the towns of Carmen, Consolacion, Dalaguete and Argao, attended by thousands of farmers and local government officials. The DA chief also encouraged Cebuano farmers to form themnselves into groups or cooperatives to enable themselves to produce more at very minimal or efficient costs and take advantage of the economies of scale. Dapat po ay malakihan ang tanim, dahil napakalaki ng merkado, he said. Whenever you come together and organize yourselves into a group, you are able to share the production cost, share the hard work, and share the fruits of your labor, he added. With the Agri chiefs long been campaign for cooperative movement he stressed that there is always strength in numbers.

To sustain the momentum of frontloading investments in agrifishery infrastructure and attain sufficiency in rice and other staples, the Department of Agriculture is proposing a P74.1-billion budget next year. Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the proposed funding will bankroll the Aquino governments Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), particularly to attain 100 percent rice sufficiency by end of 2013. Under the FSSP, the government plans to produce in 2013 20 million metric tons (MMT) of palay and 8.75 MMT of corn. The DA chief presented and defended the agencys proposed 2013 budget, August 22, 2012, during the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations hearing chaired by Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya (1st District, Cavite) and co-chaired by Rep. Nur Jaafar (Tawi-tawi). Secretary Alcala said the bulk of the 2013 budget, which is 21%

DA proposes P74-B budget in 2013

more than this years allocation of P64.1 B, will be spent on major final outputs (MFO) that include irrigation (P28.75B) postharvest and other infrastructure (P12.38B), production support (P6.87B) and extension support (P3.04B). Other MFOs and their respective proposed budgets are: regulatory (P2.52B), plans and policies (P2.26B), credit facilitation (P2.01B), research and development (P1.45B), and market development (P1.28B). The DA chief also presented the proposed 2013 budget for
(Pls turn to p2)

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (2nd from left) defends the proposed 2013 P74.1-billion budget of the Department of Agriculture during a House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations hearing, August 22, 2012. Joining him are top DA officials (from left) led by Undersecretaries Antonio A. Fleta, Segfredo R. Serrano and Emerson U. Palad.

Agri sector grows by 1% in H1

The Philippine agriculture sector grew by 0.93 percent (%) in the first half of 2012, with a gross value of P691.4 billion at current prices. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the modest growth was bannered by the poultry, crops and livestock subsectors, which grew by 5.5%, 1.5% and 0.5%, respectively. The fisheries subsector, however, registered a decline of 3.3% versus the same six-month period last year. The crops subsector, which accounted for 52% of total agricultural production, was led by palay and corn, as production increased by 4.15 % and 4.8%, respectively. Harvest of palay during the first six months of the year totaled 7.89 million metric tons (MT), which is 4.2% higher than last years 7.58 million MT. Corn production amounted to 3.47 million MT, 4.8% more than last years output of 3.31 million MT. Secretary Alcala said good weather and appropriate interventions by the DA through the provision of quality seeds and more irrigated areas have enabled farmers to produce a record 2nd quarter palay harvest, totaling 3.9 million MT. This was 10% higher than last years 3.54 million MT during the same April to June period. Likewise, 2nd quarter produc(Pls turn to p2)

Secretary Procy Alcala (right) holds newly-harvested organic ampalaya, grown by 130 farmers in Sitio Lumbang, Barangay Pulpogan, in Consolacion, Cebu. During the field day, he urged Consolacion Mayor Teresa Delgado (left) to consider expanding areas for production of vegetbles, corn and staple crops.
During the two-day Cebu visit, he dialogued with thousands of farmers, fishers, local government officials -- bringing the Aquino governments programs closer to them, and readily resolving their major concerns and providing their needs. W hatever agreements we reach, the DA will follow through and provide your needs, Secretary Alcala assured them. The DA chief also encouraged local farmers to meet with the agency heads of the DA in Region VII to craft a roadmap for various commodities to ensure that targets and interventions are put into place. Let us help one another, he said. Alcala has been breaking barriers for the past two years, ever since he was designated DA chief, by going around the country, visiting all the 80 provinces

PhilRice highlights green, smart rice farming

Hundreds of researchers, scientists, members of the academe, students, and farmers will get to know what green and smart rice farming is all about, as they gather at the 25th National Rice R&D Conference, led by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Sept.4 to 6, 2012, in Muoz, Nueva Ecija. With the theme, Green and smart rice farming for food sufficiency, the three-day conference will feature the latest and cuttingedge innovations in the rice industry via technical paper and poster presentations by PhilRice to deliver the good news and services of the Aquinbo government closer to the rural communities.
(Oda Rodriguez, DA Information Service)

scholars and the countrys leading rice scientists. Thereafter, the DA National Rice Program will hold its 2012 Regional Rice R&D Review and Planning conference, Sept. 5 to 8, at the Philipppine Carabao Center, also in Muoz. The participants will be led by DA assistant secretary and national rice program coordinator Dante Delima, along with DA regional directors, regional rice program coordinators, regional center managers, top officials of state universities and colleges, and farmer-leaders. Officials and experts from PhilRice and IRRI are also invited led by Dir. Eufemio Rasco, and IRRI deputy director general Bruce Tolentino. (PhilRice & DA)

DA-PCA to invest P1.75B to export more emerging coco products

The Aquino government will invest P1.75 billion next year to further increase exports of nontraditional coconut products like coconut water and virgin coconut oil (VCO). President Aquino is confident that the coconut industry has the potentials to make it big in the world market, and instructed that assistance be given to coconut farmers especially now that there is big hype on coconut water, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said during the 26th National Coconut W eek celebration, August 30, 2012, spearheaded by the DAs Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA).
(Pls turn to p11)

Secretary Alcala guides Senator Loren B. Legarda as they tour a coconut nursery of the Kasaganaan sa Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan (KAANIB) an integrated livelihood, intercropping and livestock raising program at the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) compound in Quezon City, during the 26th National Coconut Week Celebration. The DA-PCA currently implements KAANIB in 300 sites nationwide.

Editorial
Pamana nina Escudero at Robredo
Namanglaw ang buwan ng Agosto dahil sa pagpanaw ng dalawa sa pinaka-magigiting na lider sa larangan ng serbisyo publiko sa makabagong panahon. Tila ba dalawang dahon na naman ang nalagas sa lupon ng mga kaagapay at katuwang ng Kagawaran upang palakasin ang kakayanan ng mga Pilipinong magsasaka. Si Tatay Salvador H. Escudero, bagaman matagal nang tapos maninilbihan bilang Ministro at Kalihim ng DA, ay naging masugid na tagapagsulong ng sektor ng pagsasaka at pangingisda tungo sa mas maunlad na agrikultura. Ala-ala ng kanyang mga naka-trabaho ang kanyang positive attitude sa pagharap sa anumang tungkulin. Bagaman seryoso sa trabaho, tuwinang may nakahandang ngiti si Esco sa sinumang makasalubong. Kaya naman di maitatanggi na paborito sya ng halos lahat ng mga empleyado. Mapalad tayo at dumalaw ang dating Kalihim noong Hunyo para sa pagdiriwang ng 114th DA anniversary. Hirap man sa paglakad at pagkilos, di kinakitaan si Esco ng pananamlay dahil sa iniindang sakit. Sa halip, nakisaya at nakiisa siya sa ating lahat. Bukod dito, nag-iwan din siya ng mensahe at hamon upang higit nating pagbutihin n ang paglilingkod sa mga pangunahing tagapakinabang ng agrikultura. Halos wala pang isang linggo matapos ang pagpapanaw ni Escudero, isang plane crash naman ang kumitil sa buhay ni Sec. Jesse Robredo ng DILG. Marami ang nalungkot at nanghinayang dahil anila di matatawaran ang pambihirang pamumuno ng Kalihim. Sa katunayan,legacy niyang maituturing ang tapat at demokratikong pamumuno sa Kagawaran ng Interyor at Pamahalaang Lokal na nagpamahal sa kanya sa mga kawani nito. Gabay niya ang prinsipyong Hindi sapat na tayo ay mahusay lamang. Ang dapat ay matino at mahusay upang karapat-dapat tayong pagkatiwalaan ng pera ng bayan. Nananatiling maganda ang relasyon ng DA at DILG, dahil magkatuwang nilang ibinabalik ang tiwala ng taumbayan sa national government. Sabi nga ni Sec. Procy, malimit niyang kausapin si Sec. Jesse upang plantsahin ang mga gusot sa mga pamahalaang lokal na pilit inaabot ng Agriculture chief upang hatiran ng tulong at interbensyon. Sa usapin ng pag-aangat ng antas ng buhay ng mga mamamayan sa malalayong komunidad ng bansa, nagkakaisa ang dalawang ahensya. Maraming aral ang hatid sa atin ng nagdaang buwan ngunit pinakamahalaga na siguro ay ang iniwang magagandang halimbawa na iniwan ni Sec . Escudero at Sec. Robredo. Tunay ngang walang nakaaalam ng ating kapalaran, ngunit tayo pa rin ang masusunod kung paano natin papagyamin ang ating buhay. Iyan marahil ang pinakamahalagang leksyon na iniwan sa atin nina Sec. Escudero at Sec. Robredo. Gamitin natin ang ating buhay, mahaba man o maiksi, upang makatulong at makapaglingkod sa ating kapwa upang kung saan man tayo dalin ng ating kapalaran, maaalala tayo sa ating sipag at walang pag-iimbot na serbisyo sa sambayanan.

DA-PCA ...

(from p1)
lengthen the shelf life of coconut water for domestic and export markets. Further, the PCA chief said exports of VCO also doubled to 4,422 metric tons (MT), worth $18.2M, from 2,072 MT (worth $8.4M), from January to June 2012 versus the same period last year. Secretary Alcala said the coconut industry should take advantage of available matured technologies to enable coconut farmers and entrepreneurs create new and innovative byproducts from the tree of life. To sustain the productivity and further increase the incomes of small coconut farmers and their families, Secretary Alcala said the DA through the PCA is vigorously implementing a nationwide coconut planting and replanting program, where as of July 31, 2012, some 14.6 million seed nuts were planted, accounting for 71% of this years total target. The PCA also aims to fertilize up to 25 million coconut trees in 2013, and will vigorously implement a coconut livelihood and intercropping program, called Kasaganaan sa Niyugan ay Kaunlaran ng Bayan (KAANIB), in 300 sites throughout the country. Forbes said coconut products and by-products remain as the countrys leading agricultural exports, totaling $1.96 billion (B) last year, 20 per cent more than in 2010, worth $1.63B. He said some 39 coconut products and by-products are exported to at least 100 countries. Last year, the top export was coconut oil worth $1.4B, followed by desiccated coconut ($287

Agri sector ...

(from p2)

DA Chief joins Magsaysay Awardee, lady farmers in Argao, Cebu. Secretary Alcala hands over cuttings of sweet po-

tato to women-farmers, who are participants of a Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP), during an Agri-Pinoy stakeholders forum in Colawin, Argao, Cebu. The FSTP is the brainchild of their illustrious townmate Dr. Romulo Davide (right), professor emeritus at the University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB), and one of the 2012 Ramon Magsaysay Awardees. He launched the FSTP in 1994, using the prize money for clinching the Outstanding Agricultural Scientist award of the Department of Agricultures annual Gawad Saka contest. The DA has adopted the FTSP as a national program in 2008, and currently implements it in 20 provinces in partnership with the UPLB, local government units, farmers groups and NGOs.

He said the proposed budget of DA-PCA in 2013 is 47 percent more than this years budget of P1.2 billion. We will devise and implement strategies to take advantage of the growing export demand on coco water, VCO and coconut sap sugar, the DA chief added. For his part, PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes said exports of coconut water during the first six months of the year have increased to 10.2 million liters (worth $11.2 million), doubling from 5.7 million liters (worth $ 5.6M) during the same six-month period in 2011. He said the DA-PCA is working with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) to develop respective processing and postharvest technologies that would further

Likewise, total corn production for the entire 2012 may reach 7.46 million MT, which is also a record harvest, and 7% more than last years output of 6.97 million MT. In all, the projected increases in palay and corn production may be attributed to the expansion in harvest areas due to expansion of irrigated areas, and improvement in yields due to the use of quality seeds. During the first six months of the year, production of other maj or crops also increased. These include coconut (up by 5.5%), pineapple (4.4%), coffee (4.4%), tobacco (3.8%), abaca

(3.1%), cabbage (3%) and rubber (6.7%). Total crop production was valued at P392.3 billion, at current prices. The poultry subsector, which shared 13.9% in total agricultural output, expanded by 5.5% and grossed P81.3 billion at current prices. The livestock subsector, which contributed 15.2% to total agricultural production, grew slightly by one-half percent (0.5%), and grossed P100.3 billion at current prices. The fisheries subsector, which accounted for 18.8% of total agricultural output, contracted by 3.3%. It grossed P117.4 billion at current prices.

PhilMech ...

(from p8)

DA proposes P74-B budget ...

commodity banner programs, regional field units (RFUs), bureaus, attached agencies, and subsidy for attached corporations. For commodity programs, the DA proposes a total of P15B, broken down as: P7.45B for rice, P3.66B - fisheries, P1.52B corn, P1.36B - high value crops, and P1.03B for livestock. For the 15 DA-RFUs, including ARMM, the proposed budget totals P43.32B, while for the DAs eight bureaus, P8.19B; nine attached agencies, P3.45B; and subsidy for seven attached corporations, P9.92B. Alcala said alongside an increased budget in 2013, the DA seeks the approval of the

(from p1)

agencys rationalization plan to augment its personnel which has dwindled through the years mostly due to retirement. To date, the DA has a total authorized positions of 26,952, of which 22% or 6,019 positions remain unfilled or vacant. The DA also seeks the support of both Houses of Congress to enact priority legislations to sustain the modernization and global competitiveness of the countrys agriculture and fishery sector. These include the National Land Use Act, food safety act, sugarcane industry development act, and strengthening and refining the functions of the National Food Authority. (DA Info Service)

bile pre-treatment equipment that will prevent the deterioration of fresh coconut water. Due to lack of technology and equipment, only 10 percent of coconut water is recovered from farms for processing, packaging and export, the PCA said. (PNA)

DA allots P19M...(from p3)

Bambang (20); Sta. Fe (10); Alfonso Castaneda (15); Ambaguio (20); Aritao (20); Bagabag (20); Bayombong (10); Diadi (20); Kasibu (20); Quezon (10); Solano (10); and Villaverde (20 SFRs). The DA chief also gave mini rice threshers for barangays San Fabian and Tubungan. During the forum, he assured Nueva Vizcaya farmers and local officials that the Aquino government through the DA will provide them with needed support to transform the town into a maj or producer of upland vegetables. He also allotted five scholarship slots, under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, for high school graduates who will pursue agriculture-related courses. He also raffled off several farm implements and inputs to farmerparticipants. During the visit, Secretary Alcala also inaugurated several projects that include two agricultural tramlines, a vegetable packing house, a MPDP, greenhouse and a techno-demo farm. (Bethzaida
Bustamante, DA Info. Service)

Secretary Alcala (middle) assures Mayor John Balasya (right) of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya of the DAs continuing support to transform the town into a major producer of semi-temperate or chopsuey vegetables. The DA assistance consists of farm equipment and inputs, including the establishment of trading centers and agricultural tramlines (inset) like the one at Barangay Tubongan, worth P1.9 million, that transports vegetables from upland production areas to the nearest road and onto public markets. The Tubongan tramline benefits more than 150 Kayapa farmers, who till 60 hectares planted to chopsuey vegetables. Also shown is Director Rex Bingabing (left) of the DAs Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).
million), and coco chemicals ($35M). Other coconut export products are VCO, coco water, chips, jam, vinegar, frozen coco meat, liquid coco milk, coconut milk powder, makapuno, coco liquor, coco coir and coconut handicraft, among other byproducts. (DA Info. Service &
PCA)

Agri sector grows ...

(from p1)
farmers planting intentions, palay production would top 6.36 million MT, which is 7% more than last years output of 5.94 million MT. In all, palay production for 2012 may reach 17.8 million MT, which would be another record harvest, and 6.7% more than last years output of 16.68 million MT. As for corn, production for the second semester may reach 3.99 million MT, based on 3rd quarter standing crop and 4 th quarter farmers planting intentions.
(Pls turn to p11)

is published monthly by the Department of Agriculture Information Service, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Tel. nos. 9288762 loc 2148, 2150, 2155, 2156 or 2184; 9204080 or tel/fax 9280588. This issue is available in PDF file. For copies, please send requests via email: da_afis @yahoo.com.
Editor-In-Chief : Noel O. Reyes Associate Editors: Cheryl C. Suarez & Adora D. Rodriguez Writers: Adora D. Rodriguez, Joan Grace B. Pera, Arlhene S. Carro, Bethzaida N. Bustamante, Catherine N. Nanta, Marshall Louie Asis Contributors: DA-RFU Info Officers, Public Info Officers of DA Bureaus, Attached Agencies & Corporations, MRDP & other ForeignAssisted Projects Photographers: Jose Lucas, Alan Jay Jacalan & Kathrino Resurreccion Lay-out Artist: Bethzaida Bustamante and Almi Adeli Q. Erlano Printing & Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff

tion of corn increased by 4% to 1.45 million MT, from last years level of 1.4 million MT. Meanwhile, despite the recent flooding due to typhoons Ferdie and Gener, and monsoon rains, the forecasts are bright for both palay and corn for the second semester. Based on survey of standing crops last July, the DAs Bureau of Agricultural Statistics said the 3rd quarter palay production may reach 3.56 million MT, which is 12% more than last years output of 3.17 million MT. For the 4th quarter, based on

Thousands of ...

(from p10) ten of thousands of listeners in the provinces of South Cotabato, The three-month SOA pro- North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, gram is spearheaded by the DASarangani, and the cities of 12 Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division Kidapawan, General Santos, (RAFID), in coordination with the Cotabato, Tacurong and provincial information offices, Koronadal. The program is aired 11 a.m. and provincial and municipal agriculture offices in to 12 noon, every Saturday, via Ugnayan sa DA on radio staSoccsksargen. Director Datukan said the tion DXMS in Cotabato City. It is SOA on IPM is aired over in also aired by its sister station several radio stations, reaching DXND in Kidapawan City.

It is also heard every Monday and Fridays, 6 to 7 p.m, over radio station DXCP in General Santos City; and 1 to 1:30 p.m., every Tuesday, on Agri Watch program of DA-12 at station Bombo Radyo in Koronadal City. The SOA on IPM is hosted by agriculture experts, who will give lectures on IPM technologies and practices for rice, corn, highvalue crops, and livestock. (PNA)

August 2012

11

DA readies brand name, patents for rice exports

The Department of Agriculture is asking the public to help it design the official brand name and logo for the different traditional varieties of Philippine rice, which the government plans to export starting next year. Secretary Alcala said the rice patents should belong to communities where the rice originated. For his part, DA assistant secretary Dante Delima said the DA will choose two varieties of home-grown or native rice produced by each province for inclusion in the assortment of products that would bear the Philippine brand. He said the Philippine fancy or indigenous rice will compete with rice from traditional exporters, like Thailand, Vietnam and India, which have brands or patents for long-grain and aromatic rice. Delima said the DA needs to patent its local rice varieties, as a protection, and enable it to compete in the world rice market. Compared to other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines has the richest cereal inventory with up to 6,000 native or indigenous rice varieties, said Delima, who is also the DAs national rice program coordinator. He said heirloom rice, or those produced in the Cordillera and Ifugao rice terraces, is at the top of the list of the Philippines premium rice, and will sell well in the export market. He said the DA has decided to make the sources of native rice as owners, so royalties would be funneled back to farmers who produce them. He said government is studying how to assign bar codes to Philippine rice that reflects its origin. But the best feature are the rice DNA records, he said. Both the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) are mapping out the genetic codes of the countrys rice varieties, so we can prove the lineage of our rice once we start exporting, Delima said. (Phl Daily Inquirer, Northern
Luzon)

Ex-DA chief SHE III, 69

Former Agriculture Secretary and incumbent Sorsogon Representative Salvador H. Escudero III, has joined our Creator, August 13, 2012, after a two-year battle with cancer. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, and DA officials and employees nationwide have extended their deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and loved ones of the former DA chief. We are saddened by his untimely demise, and we share the grief of his family, friends, relatives and constituents, and we wish that they will find solace and strength in his memories, Secretary Alcala said. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with them as they gradually overcome this moment of grief, he added. Until the end, Sec Escudero was a staunch supporter of the agriculture sector and has valiantly committed efforts for the advancement of the farmers, fisherfolk and their families. The late Secretary Sonny Escudero or SHE (his initials), as he was fondly called by DA officials and employees, has served the DA as Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry, from 1975-1984, and as Minister of Agriculture and Food (MAF) from 1984 to 1986. During his first term, he implemented then the Intensive Rice Production Program (IRPP), and an expanded animal dispersal program, particularly the Bakahang Barangay (cattle raising at the village level) and Pagbababuyan (swine raising). In 1996, he was appointed by former President Fidel Ramos and served for the second time as DA Secretary. During that time, he launched the Gintong Ani food production and security program. He also organized subsistence farmers into functional

Sec. Alcala with the late DA Sec. and Sorsogon Rep. Sonny Escudero

BAI, BAR join hands to develop new leather tanning technique

Experts at the DAs Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) are looking cheaper leather tanning degreasing agents which may revive the countrys leather industry. The initiative, funded by the DAs Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), involves improving the tanning of pig skin as a leather materia using natural substances like paraffin wax and bile. The joint BAI-BAR project is called Improvement of Processing Technology for Meat Skins from Selected Strains of Native Pigs. The tanning technique will replace a currently used degreasing agent nonylphenol ethoxylate, said to be harmful to the environment, with paraffin and bile, which are cheaper. Dr. Eduardo D. Torne, BAIs Animal Product Development Center Tannery and By Products officer in charge, said the Philippines currently imports nonylphenol ethoxylates from Taiwan, China and other countries at P220 per kilo. Paraffin wax, which comes from animal fat, only costs P50 to P90 per kilo, while bile is simply a waste material. These are natural substances so we can go organic with these degreasing agents, Torne said. A degreasing agent removes the fat from the animals dermis part of the skin. The cost of a degreasing agent takes up 20 percent to 25 percent of the total tanning process cost, from animal skin into leather. Torne said there are about five or six large tanneries in Valenzuela City, out of some 70 tanners nationwide. The rest are small, cottage-type enterprises. The BAR said the Philippines exported various leather goods in 2003 worth $142 million, with the US as the major market. along with Japan, United Kingdom and Canada. S hipm ents of gloves accounted for 48 percent of export revenues, f ollow ed by travel goods, bags and belt. The exportsof Philippines leather goods have waned through the years, as buyers preferred cheaper competiting products from China and Thailand.
(Business Mirror)

groups and cooperatives, aimed at transforming them into viable producers and entrepreneurs. Prior to his stint at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, he served as Dean of the UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine, from 1970 to 1984. Congressman Escudero had been part of the legislature from 1984 to 1986. He was reelected to the House of Representatives from 1987 to 1998 and again won as a congressman during the 2010 elections. He authored several major legislations that included amendments to the Local Government Code, and automatic promotion of government officials and employees upon retirement from government service. He served as a member of various committees such as on agrarian reform, agriculture and food, aquaculture and fisheries resources, civil service and professional regulation, higher and technical education, population and family relations. He was survived by wife Evelina Guevarra Escudero, and sons Senator Francis Chiz Escudero and Philip -and daughter, Bernadette.

The Department of Agriculture will resume the implementation of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (DA-ACEF), approving an initial P281 million to bankroll 16 projects. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the decision was arrived at during a special en banc meeting of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM), cochaired by Senator Francis Pangilinan and Rep. Mark Llandro Mendoza, August 16, 2012, at Club Filipino, in San Juan City. The meeting was also attended by Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon. Secretary Alcala said the COCAFM also agreed on the new allotment of ACEF, wherein 60 percent (5) will go to grants, 30% to loans, and 10% to scholarships. He said the DA-ACEF national program office will also start processing requests for grants and scholarships. Further, he said the DA will forge a memorandum of agreement with the departments of budget and management (DBM) and finance (DOF) to delineate the roles of each agency in the collection and disbursement of available ACEF funds, which to date amounts to P1.9 billion. The MOA will also ensure the collected tariff from imported agri-fishery products under the minimum access volume (MAV)

DA to resume ACEF, allots P281M for 16 projects

Secretary Alcala (right) stresses a point during a meeting of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM)co-chaired by Senator Francis Pangilinan (left) and Rep. Mark Llandro Mendozaon August 16, 2012, at Club Filipino, San Juan, where they discussed the resumption of the implementation of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF). The meeting was also attended by Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon.
scheme will go straight to ACEF and not remitted back to the general fund of the national government, as what has previously happened since 2007. The ACEF, created under Republic Act 8178 or Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996, is a pool funds collected from duties of imported agricultural products under the MAV scheme. Under RA 8178, ACEF should be used for irrigation, farm-tomarket roads, post-harvest facilities, credit, R&D, training and extension services, and marketing to empower Filipino farmers and fishers to be globally competitive. ACEF was set to expire in 2005, but was extended by Congress until 2015. Secretary Alcala recommended a moratorium on the implementation of ACEF in July 2010 when the Commission on Audit found irregularities in the utilization of the fund. Since then, the DA, COCAFM, and DBM have revised the guidelines regarding the processing and approval of proposed projects, and devised transparent mechanisms to efficiently implement the program. Senator Pangilinan said Id like to have a regular monitoring once every two months, so we can properly ensure that we are going on the right direction. He said the COCAFM will meet every month to oversee and approve the fund releases, and ensure that the program is running smoothly. (Catherine Nanta,
DA Info Service)

2012 corn harvest to top 7.8 MMT

The DA forecasts to attain a total production of 7.8 million metric tons (MMT) of corn for the entire 2012, based on current standing crop and planting intentions of farmers. Agriculture assistant secretary Edilberto de Luna said the 7.8-MMT forecast is 12 percent more than last years record of 6.97 MMT. We are confident that we will hit our target this year, said De Luna, who serves as the DAs national corn program coordinator. He said the DA is now implementing additional intervention programs to entice farmers to increase areas planted to corn, as well as the use of open-pollinated corn variety in coconut areas to increase yield. We want to increase areas through development of idle and new lands suitable for corn production and promote intercropping of corn to coconut and cassava, which is also one of the main ingredients for animal feeds, he said. Interventions will include marketing and production support services, irrigation development, and construction of postharvest facilities to lower production losses, the official said. At present, production losses in the corn sector stands at 12 percent. If we can reduce our production losses, we can achieve self-sufficiency earlier than 2013, de Luna said. Under the Food Staples Sufficiency Program, the DA expects to achieve self-sufficiency in corn by the end of 2013, with corn production eyed from 6.971 million MT in 2011 to about 8.450 million MT. The agency will also increase corn production to about 10.818 million by 2017. (PNA)

DA allots P19M for agri-fishery projects in Nueva Vizcaya bleneer, cooking table); two units
The Department of Agriculture has alloted more than P19 million (M) to pursue several agriculture and fishery projects in Nueva Vizcaya, aimed at developing its potentials as a major producer of upland or chopsuey vegetables and other high value crops. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala handed over various farm equipments and inputs to farmers organizations and local officials who attended the AgriPinoy Stakeholders Forum in Brgy. Besong, Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya on August 7, 2012. The forum was attended by about 1,000 farmers and ruralfolk. The visit is Sec. Alcalas fourth in the province and 14th in Region II. For Kayapa alone, the DA allotted P4.2M agricultural projects, which include: a diversion dam, a small farm reservoir and rain shelter, at P1M each; about P621,000 for a coffee project (planting materials, coffee dehuller, roasting machine, of multipurpose drying pavement (P200,000); palay shed (P200,000); and 11 units pressurized irrigation system (P167,000). The DA through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources also gave Kayapa fisherfolk with 100,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings and elvers (P500,000), and a fishcage livelihood project (P200, 000). Secretary Alcala also committed P5M for farm-to-market road (FMR) project and a vegetable truck for the municipality. The DA through the national rice program and Bureau of Soils and W ater Management (BSWM) also provided P9.2M to 14 other municipalities for the construction of 240 units of small farm reservoirs (SFRs), worth P40,000 each. The recipients include the following towns, with their respective SFRs: Dupax del Norte (15 SFRs); Dupax del Sur (20);
(Pls turn to p11)

Thousands of farmers join SOA on IPM

About 1,000 farmers in Soccsksargen or Region 12 have enrolled or signed up to attend or aptly listen regularly to the DAs regionwide information and education program on integrated pest management (IPM) via School On-the-Air or SOA. DA Region 12 Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said the instructional campaign, which started airing August and will run until October, aims to increase the awareness of farmer-students on IPM and sustainable control and prevention of pests, and teach them the newest farming technologies using radio as a medium. The information and advocacy campaign is part of the DAs Food Self-Sufficiency Program (FSSP), which aims to achieve self-sufficiency in rice and other major staples by end of 2013 through 2016. (Pls turn to p11)

10

August 2012

Mindanao to serve as model of proposed PRDP

A World Bank (WB) expert said Mindanao would lead and serve as a model in the implementation of a proposed multibillion national initiative, called the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP). Carolina F. Geron, WB lead rural development specialist, said the experience of Mindanao LGUs in the ongoing second phase of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) has put them in a better position to lead in the implementation of PRDP. The Department of Agriculture is finalizing the program documents of PRDP, which will be submitted to the WB for funding worth $500 million. The proposed national program, which is an upscale version of MRDP, will cover 12 regions in the country, that include CALABARZON (Region 4A) MIMAROPA (4B), Bicol (5), Western Visayas (6), Central Visayas (7) and eastern Visayas (8), and all six regions in Mindanao. The PRDP seeks a total funding of $627 million, which includes the equity share of the national government and the LGUs. Since PRDP is demanddriven, Mindanao is expected to get most of the investments, since it has already prepared project feasibility studies and designs as excess demands from the MRDP proposals, Geron said during the recently concluded 8th WB review mission. She said the MRDP has been successful for over 12 years now in helping poor farming and fishing communities by capacitating farmers and fishers groups, NGOs, and LGUs in implementing various infrastructure, livelihood and environmental projects. MRDP Deputy director Arnel V. De Mesa said the program has a total excess of P6.8-billion worth of infrastructure projects waiting for funding. I understand the first P2.5-billion worth of infrastructure projects of the MRDP excess will be the first projects to be funded under PRDP, Geron said. She added that the PRDP will be the platform for a modern and climate-smart agriculture in the country. For his part, Secretary Alcala said the implementation of PRDP is expected to be smoother as the programs guidelines have incorporated lessons learned from MRDP. The DA is set to submit the PRDP for evaluation and approval by both the National Eco-

DA-BAS sets up new data system for livestock

The DA through the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) will employ a new agricultural data gathering system for livestock and poultry. It is now piloted in DA-Region 12, through its Regional Broiler and Swine Early Warning System (BSI-EWS). Nenita Yanson, BAS Livestock and Poultry Statistics Division chief, said the initiative is upon the instruction of Secretary Alcala. The BSI-EWS was launched on August 24 in Gen. Santos City, led by DA 12 regional livestock program coordinator Dr. John Pascual. He said the main goal of the project is to create common and accurate data for swine and poultry not only in Region 12, but also in other regions. He said the database should be user-friendly for the appreciation of the general public, researchers, stakeholders and policy makers. During the project launch and meeting, other DA officials also shared their inputs, among them were: DA-BAS regional officer Felixberto Pacate; DA-National Meat Inspection Service regional director Dario Canillas; and DA Region 12 provincial and city veterinarians; representatives from DA attached agencies; and officials from the National Economic Development Authority Region 12. During the open forum, provincial and city veterinary officers urged the DA regional office to provide incentives to the agricultural technicians tasked to gather data for swine and poultry.
(DA12, LMSalvo)

Secretary Alcala (2nd from left) assures Mindanao local chief executives the DA will continuously provide technical, marketing and infrastructure support to increase the productivity and incomes of farmers and fisherfolk, during the Mindanao cluster conference of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), August 29, 2012, in Cagayan de Oro City. He said the DA has asked the World Bank to extend for another two years the implementation of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), and proposes to implement a Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) that will initially cover six regions (4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7 and 8) in Luzon and Visayas, and all six regions in Mindanao. He is shown receiving a plaque of appreciation from LMP president Mayor Donato Marcos of Paombong, Bulacan, as other LMP mayors look on.
nomic and Development Authority (NEDA) Technical Board, and the NEDA Board, chaired by President Aquino. Thereafter, it will be submitted to the Wortd Bank for funding. The PRDP will be implemented for six years from 2013 to 2019.
(Sherwin B. Manual, DA-MRDP)

DA Chief honors 2012 Gawad Saka Cordillera winners. Secretary Alcala (4th from left, back

row) poses with the Cordillera regional winners of the 2012 Gawad Saka or search for outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries, at the DA-CAR office in Baguio City, August 6, 2012. They received respective plaques and cash awards, and will vie for the national Gawad Saka on October 2012. They are (from left, front row): Teodoro G. Kub-ao Jr. of Tabuk, Kalinga (rice farmer); Lebeng RIC of Bashoy, Kabayan, Benguet (Rural Improvement Club); Barlig Development MPC (Barangay Food Terminal); Ricarte Domingo and family of Barangay Alem, Pudtol, Apayao (farm family); La Trinidad, Benguet (Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council); Green Thumb 4-H Club of Atok, Benguet (young farmers organization); Mt. Province (Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council); and Jefferson C. Laruan of Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet (organic farmer). Other officials shown (back row, starting 2nd from left) are DA-Cordillera regional director Marilyn Sta. Catalina, DA Assistant Secretary and national rice program coordinator Dante Delima, Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, Benguet Governor Nestor Fongwan, and Mt. Province Governor Leonard Mayaen.

Phl fish exporters comply with EU standards

With proper training and technical assistance, Filipino fish processors and exporters are now complying with the stringent standards prescribed by the European Union (EU). Thanks mainly to the Trade Related Technical Assistance Program 2 (TRTA2), which the Department of Agriculture has been implementing in partnership with the EU, said Maribel Marges of the DA policy service. She said as a result of the TRTA2, funded by the EU, Filipino fish exporters are now complying with fishery regulations in EU-member nations. The initiative was crucial in improving the Philippines compliance with the global sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards. She said in 2004 the country was nearly delisted from the accredited fish exporters to EU, with only 24 companies from a high of 95 qualified to export their products to European countries,

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Allan Umali (middle, front row) poses with the participants of the Seminar-Workshop on the Accreditation Process of Cold Storage Warehouses for Agricultural and Fisheries Products held in Tagaytay City, August 15 to 17, 2012. The activity familiarized the participants from DA family agencies on certification guidelines and procedures to comply with the mandatory accreditation of cold storage warehouses as per Administrative Order No. 21 Series of 2011.

as they were the better ones that complied with the SPS and EU food safety standards. This gave the DA the chills as EU inspectors cited unsanitary handling conditions, dirty fish containers and inappropriate handling of ice in unprotected work areas. These factors conspired to reduce the chances of Philipine fish exporters to win a big slice of the EU market of 500 million people, Marges said. She said the TRTA2 was also a valuable tool in training officials and personnel of the DAs Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on SPS management and control, and compliance with EU standards. The support also led to a serious examination of the SPS rules and regulations, and policies on global food safety. From 2008 to 2012, the number of EU-approved establishments listed with BFAR rose from 26 to 46, and the approved fishing and freezer vessels increased from 15 to 81. BFAR-approved non-EU establishments or indirect suppliers also expanded from 18 to 32. More importantly, BFAR-approved fishing vessels using ice zoomed from zero to 300, and the BFAR-approved pre-processing plants increased from zero to 13. (PNA)

DA -10 trains Bukidnon teachers on Gulayan

The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-RFU 10) recently trained 220 public school teachers in Malaybalay and Valencia, Bukidnon on the Gulayan sa Paaralan for school year 2012-2013. The initiative is part of the DAs national program in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) to produce food and at the same time teach school children to appreciate and eat nutritious vegetables, which they will grow themselves. The teacher-participants were taught on basic gardening and management, and proper way to to raise vegetables, including organic fertilizers. The training was conducted by Janen T. Paradero, DA-10 crops division chief. He said the participants are expected to serve as focal persons of their respective schools, who will in turn train train their fellow teachers and students. He asked them to encourage their students to love agriculture, saying they should realize that agriculture is profitable. Aside from the training, the DA-10 provided each of the participating schools with garden tools and assorted vegetable seeds like eggplant, okra, ampalaya, squash, pechay, saluyot, kulitis (amaranth), cowpea, baguio beans and rosell. Paradero urged the teachers to set aside at least 20% of the school garden for seed production, which will serve as source of seeds for succeeding planting season. They can also share excess the vegetable seeds with their respective communities. The DA will also teach them how to engage in vermicomposting or production of vermi-cast which is used as organic fertrilizer. Thus, they will also receive starter vermins or earthworms. (Vanessa Mae
Siano, DA-RAFID 10)

The DA High Value Crops Development Program directorate held a four-day (Aug 29 - Sept 1) workshop in Davao City to assess the production performance of priority commodities and review of program implementation, led by HVCDP Director Jennifer E. Remoquillo (inset) and DA-RFU XI RTD for Operations Dir. Norlito P. Agduyeng. It was attended by about 80 participants, composed of HVCDP regional coordinators, report officers, regional planning officers, and HVCDP focal persons from DA bureaus, attached agencies, and DA-OSEC services. August 2012

The Department of Agriculture in Bicol through its Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) is all-out to contain and prevent the spread of a new rice pest called Rice Grain Bug (RGB) RCPC chief Evangeline de la Trinidad said RGB, which is more damaging than other rice bugs, was first discovered in Dimasalang, Masbate, last year, and in Ragay, Camarines Sur, during summer this year. She said the RGB is very agile, and can easily evade chemical spraying. They stay on the upper portion of rice plants even in intense sunlight and can also thread on water or stay in stubbles, De la Trinidad said. The bugs are oval in shape, shiny and lay reddish brown eggs, along the midrib of palay leaves. The young and adult bugs feed on palay grains at the milking stage. High RGB populations are found near woodlands, extensive weedy areas, wild grasses near irrigation canals. De la Trinidad said affected palay grains are discolored, unfilled and become infested with molds. The bugs could reduce palay yield by 40 to 80 percent, according to Ragay municipal agricultural technologist Teresita Bravo. Bravo said a farmer in Ragay whose half-hectare farm was infested only harvested 14 sacks, versus his previous output of 70 sacks. Worse, the palay grains were only half-filled, as when milled, only 10 to 12 kilos of rice were recovered from each sack that usually yields 25 to 30 kilos.

DA-Bicol braces for rice grain bug

Moreover, the rice grains were cracked and tasted bitter due to molds. De la Trinidad said the reports were properly documented to serve as basis of researches and studies, and to find solutions to contain the new rice bug. She said the RCPC along with the DA-RFU 5 led by Director Jose Dayao and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) remain vigilant by employing mitigating measures. These included conduct of RGB awareness and management seminar-workshops, participated in by farm technicians

and farmers from the six provinces and seven cities of Bicol. They asked the participants to promptly report any sign of RGB build-up. Municipal Agricultural Offices have also been placed on alert and were instructed to closely monitor rice fields, and submit a specimen of pest they suspect as RGB. (PNA)

DA to support agri-fishery micro-enterprises

The Department of Agriculture will support the establishment of micro-enterprises to transform small farmers and fisherfolk into entrepreneurs. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala made the pitch during the 25 th anniversary celebration of the DAs Bureau of Agricultural Research, and 8th agriculture and fisheries national technology commercialization forum and product exhibition, August 9, 2012, at SM megatrade hall, Mandaluyong City. He instructed DA-BAR Director Nicomedes Eleazar to craft a program that will support the establishment and operation of micro-enterpises to empower farmers and fisherfolk to be marketoriented. He urged DA agencies to set aside appropriate budget to implement the microenterprise program, that was suggested by former agriculture secretary Dr. William D. Dar, who served as guest speaker at the BAR anniversary. Dr. Dar currently serves as director general of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in India. Secretary Alcala said the BAR and other DA family agencies should assist small farmers and fisherfolk to form initially into cooperatives so they can viably and profitably engage in crop and food production, processing or marketing. Micro-enterprises need a capital ranging from P3

Secretary Alcala (right) commend DA-BAR officials and staff, led by Dir. Nicomedes Eleazar, for successfully coordinating the conduct of needed researches and development of practical technologies for the benefit of farmers and fisherfolk, rural entrepreneurs, during the agencys 25th anniversary.
million up to P15 million. During the event, the DA chief also commended the efforts of the BAR in successfully coordinating and prioritizing the conduct of relevant researches by the DA regional field units, bureaus and attached agencies, and partner state universities and colleges (SUCs). He directed BAR Director Nicomedes Eleazar to keep him abreast of the latest R&D breakthroughs and those already successfully commercialized. He said small farmers and fisherfolk, and the poorest of the poor should benefit from the technologies developed by the DA family and SUCs. He also thanked Dr. Dar for providing continuous support particularly in sharing ICRISAT-developed crop varieties and technologies to the Philippines and Filipino farmers, particularly modern and high-yielding varieties of sweet sorghum, peanut and soybeans. The ICRISAT-developed varieties have successfully adapted in some parts of the country and are now grown commercially, under the coordination of the DABAR. For his part, Dir. Eleazar underscored the journey of DA-BAR as an agency and the role it played in generating high-impact technologies that are now being used by thousands of farmers and fisherfolk to improve their lives. Secretary Alcala also commended the efforts of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) for continuously developing climate change-resilient rice varieties like the submarine-type which can recover even after being submerged in water for 14 days. The variety is now being propagated in the country in partnership with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). He said the IRRI and PhilRice are also collaborating to develop and propagate drought- and salttolerant rice varieties. The DA chief also commended several scientists for their respective research breakthroughs, namely: Dr. Cristeta Cueto of Albay Research Center on macapuno; Dr. Aleli Paradison of the DA-Philippine Carabao Center for developing a rapid screening method of an FMD virus; Dr. Marissa Romero of PhilRice, on extraction and characterization of rice bran oil; and Dr. Erlinda Pangat of UP Visayas, on tuna research. The four-day event showcased some of the technologies funded under the DA-BARs National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP), which have paved the way to the establishment of livelihood and food micro-enterprises. The event also featured technical and popular seminars and techno-demos, including farm production and value-adding livelihood enterprises. Among the seminar topics were on sweet sorghum for bioethanol production, soybean production, bee-keeping, native chicken and pig production, biochemical genetic markers for onion variety identification, goat for meat production, and seaweed farming. Topics for the popular seminars included aqua-vermiponics, transporting live fish without water, and innovative products from chevon and mutton. The event brought together 9,000 visitors and exhibitors from various agri-fishery industry stakeholderd. (Rita T. dela Cruz,
DA-BAR; and Louie Asis, DA Info Service)

DA Assistant Secretary Dante Delima (standing atop, in white shirt) and DA Region 12 Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan (seated, in yellow shirt) experience how a rice combine harvester works at a farm in Barangay Rizal, Banga, South Cotabato. The machinery, worth P8.9 million, can harvest up to eight hectares a day, with only two to three persons operating it. It also features a large bin that can store up to 2,700 kilos. The rice combine harvester is among the machinery and equipment provided by the DA under its rice farm mechanization program via counterparting agreement with farmers groups, irrigators associations, and local government units. Also shown are Banga Mayor Henry Ladot, other South Cotabato local government officials, DA technical adviser Teresa Saniano, DA region 12 officials and staff, and farmers in Barangay Rizal. (DA Region 12 Info Div, EAPasaol & LMSalvo)

PhilMech, DOST partner to preserve coco waters quality

The DA through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) has signed an agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to develop a technique that would improve the preservation and collection of coconut water from remote areas. PhilMech director Rex Bingabing said the initiative is part of a joint effort with the DAs Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to boost the production and exports of quality, worldclass coconut water. The fact that coconut water rapidly deteriorates once exposed to air and warm temperatures, makes the sterilization process very expensive, especially for small farmers and small companies, Bingabing said. He said the current technology entails a sterilization process, which heats up the coco water and destroys some of its nutrients as well as its distinct flavor. To help preserve the natural taste and nutritional contents of coconut water, Bingabing said they are employing the technol ogy called Ohmic heating. It employs uniform heating by allowing electricity to pass through the coconut water, killing the pathogens and microbes. We hope to develop a mobiletype Ohmic heating equipment, which can be used by small farmers, particularly those in remote areas, he said. He said the Ohmic technology no patent issues, and thus can be adopted by any interested manufacturers for commercial production. He said PhilMech will submit a proposal to the PCA to fund the adoption, production and promotion of the Ohmic technology. Secretary Alcala previously instructed both agencies to develop an appropriate and effective technology to help farmers from remote areas properly preserve the freshness and quality of coconut water, on the way to processing plants. He specifically directed them to also develop a portable or mo(Pls turn to p11)

Visit AFMIS Website @ http://afmis.da.gov.ph to get updated information on .....

agri-fisheries production data, demand & supply and price trends alternative markets for your agricultural products technologies that could improve your agricultural products and be competitive in the local and foreign markets directory of buyers/sellers of agri products better investment opportunities market outlets/trading centers for agri-fishery products market assistance and advisory services farmers and fishers success stories
Agriculture and Fisheries Market Information System (AFMIS) is a web-based system that integrates various information resources of the Market Development Cluster (MDC) agencies into a single data base and application system. It caters to the needs of farmers/fisherfolk, traders, and other users of market information. The MDC is composed of Information Technology Center for Agriculture and Fisheries (ITCAF); Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (AFIS), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS); and National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC).

Secretary Alcala (middle) cuts a ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate a P2.4-M grains warehouse of the Amucao Seed Growers Agro-Industrial Cooperative (ASGAIC), in Tarlac City, which devotes 150 hectares for rice seed production. The group also receive other DA assistance, consisting of rice transplanter (inset), seed cleaner, modified flatbed dryer and multi-purpose drying pavement. Also shown (from left) are ASGAIC chairman Alfredo Castro, Tarlac 2nd District Representative Susan Yap-Sulit, DA region 3 director Andrew Villacorta, DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization director Rex Bingabing, and Tarlac provincial agriculturist Edwina Tabamo. August 2012

Dr. Richard Torno with his 4-wheel tractor and farm workers at his cassava farm.

Nutritional farming takes Pampanga vet to cassava success

A veterinarian by profession, Dr. Richard Torno, of Floridablanca, Pampanga, took a giant leap of faith when he decided to venture into the production of cassava, locally known as kamoteng kahoy or balinghoy, some years back. It was partly by accident, he said stressing that embarking on a rootcrop production project was never a part of his master plan. Although, his dad was a long-time cassava farmer, the young Torno did not actually thought of actual farm labor until a time came when nobody wanted to plant cassava. Nagkaroon ng problema noon sa marketing at walang nagtanim, kaya naisip ko magandang opportunity yun para makuha ko yung malaking merkado ng cassava pag gumanda na ang presyo, he narrates. (Nobody wanted to plant then because of marketing issues, and so I thought that it would be a good opportunity to penetrate the market as soon as price picks up.) Since his expertise was focused on animal science, Doc Richard spent long hours everyday researching and learning the basics of cassava planting, from production to its agro-economic components. After consulting the experts, he was convinced that producing cassava, both as industrial and food crop, is highly profitable. Utilizing his familys fourhectare farm, the vet started his new agri-project, following a scheme of his own. Instead of planting from September February, he planted in June. Ten months later, he harvested a total of 240 tons of cassava from the entire farm. Harvesting at a time when the supply was low, he cornered the off-season farm gate price of fresh cassava. Hence, he earned a substantial income which he used to expand his production area, which now totals to 100 hectares and buy a second-hand tractor. Unlike other profit-driven entrepreneurs, Doc Richard didnt want success just for himself and so he made it his personal advocate to not only champion in cassava production but help Kapampanganfarmers prosper from it as well. And he started by righting the wrongs. Based from what he observed from visiting cassava plantations in Thailand , he figured that most of the countrys farmlands were not producing well due to lost nutrients as a consequence of over-farming. We need to go back to nutritional farming, because we need to bring back the lost nutrients of the soil to repair the damage, he said. The technique requires the use of chromite, manganite, volcanic ash and other natural minerals to restore the soils condition. Thus, the young vet is thankful that Pampanga is covered with volcanic ashfertilized soil Pagkatapos ng maraming taon, malaking tulong din pala sa amin ang pagputok ng Pinatubogumanda ang texture ng lupa dito, he said. (After all these years, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo has helped us bring the good texture of the soil.) He plants at a distance of 1x1 meter with a plant density of 10,000 hills per hectare. He regularly applies phosphorous for root development and potassium for tuber formation as well as 5 bags of 14-14-14, a bag of urea and two bags of 0-060. Eventually, we will shift into organic farming, he said. When San Miguel Food Inc.

By Adora Rodriguez
opened in Mariveles, Bataan some years back, it presented a guaranteed market for the cassava farmers. With a purchase contract for 1,000 tons of dried cassava per year, Doc Richard entered into a lease agreement with farmershe provided financial assistance, and in return the farmers are required to produce a minimum yield of 60 tons/hectare. He shares the net income with them on a fifty-fifty basis. If a farmer can harvest at least 60 tons per hectare, they can easily earn a net income of at least P130,000 to P150,000, he said. Seventy percent of the investment is intended for industrial purposes particularly for livestock feeds while the remaining 30% is intended for food demands of the local market. Twenty one years after the one of the most destructive volcanic eruptions the country has ever seen, farmers are earning good income from top quality cassava harvested in their enriched soil. Thanks to a veterinarian who took a turn and shared what he knows and what he has to the rest of the community, and the once ash-covered soil of Pampanga.

Rice farmers in Barangay Sampaguita, Veruela, Agusan del Sur have turned to egg production to earn a regular income. Rice farmers here only know two words: short or failure, said Samuel Vian, member of the Sampaguita Irrigators Association (SIA) referring to their usual yield in rice farming. Vian who owns a hectare and a caretaker of another fivehectare rice farms said rice farming is not enough to meet the daily needs of his family. We usually just have breakeven and sometimes have very low yield due to pests and diseases incidence which could not even supply for our food consumption he said. The same situation holds true with other irrigators associations in the town. So they decided to look for alternative income to address low productivity in rice farming. Their plan to have alternative livelihood was realized when the municipal agriculture office endorsed their proposal to the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). MRDP is a special project under the DA and jointly funded by the World Bank, the national and local government units. The program provides livelihood assistance to small farmers, rural women, and indigenous tribe through its Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD). Although several suggestions cropped up on what livelihood should be implemented, the egglaying production prevailed considering that there is a high demand for fresh eggs in the local market. Local egg traders used to sourced out their stocks outside Veruela without assurance of its quality and safety. With this, the organization thought of supplying the local market not only to earn more but also to assure consumers of fresh and better quality of egg products, said agriculture technician Paterno Dayaday. With the help of the DA office in Region 13, the association availed themselves of P250, 000 funds from MRDP-CFAD to startup egg production project. The amount was used to purchase layer stocks, feeds, and biologics including construction of poultry cages. Since the success of eggproduction business depends on effective management of layer farm, the municipal agriculture office conducted a hands-on training to better equip the association in handling their livelihood.

Egg production provides the crack for better income

By Noel T. Provido

Samuel Vian shows off eggs produced by their associations layer farm, which produces at least 270 eggs a day. As a caretaker, he earns up to P4, 000 a month.
(Photo by Sherwin B. Manual)

We brought the SIA member to a poultry farm in the adjacent town of Sta. Josefa where they were exposed to poultry management from feeding, disease prevention and control, harvesting and storing including record keeping and marketing, he added. Vian learned that his role as the caretaker of the poultry farm is crucial in ensuring healthy and productive stocks. He also learned that right from the start, layer stocks must be of good quality. We feed our layers three times a day and provide them vitamins and necessary antibiotics through the assistance of the municipal and provincial agriculture technicians, he said. Layers must be kept healthy to be prolific and provide best quality eggs. Vian said he is restricting the number of persons entering the layer farm to avoid disease contamination. My son acts as my reliever in case I have fever or colds so we can keep our layers healthy, he said. Their efforts eventually paid off as their layer farm now yields at least 263 270 eggs per day. We are selling the large sized eggs at P140 per tray [or 30 pieces] and P130 for medium sized eggs, he said. As caretaker of the project Vian gets 10 percent of their associations income which gives him at least P3,000 P4,000 monthly income which is a big help for him to meet his familys needs. Before I can hardly pay the tuition fee of my children even if

Samuel collects the eggs, while Francisco Joseph jots down the the daily egg collection.
(Photo by Sherwin B. Manual)

the school year is about to end. Now, they are fully paid as early as enrollment time, he beams with pride. He said other members are also reaping benefits from the projects such as meeting their daily consumption while some has even improved their houses and bought appliances like television set as well as motorcycle. We are glad that through the assistance of MRDP, DA regional office, and the provincial and local governments we were given the chance to improve their income, he said. Francisco Joseph, one of the board of trustees of the towns council of irrigators association said they are planning to make use of the poultry waste through vermicomposting so that they can also produce organic fertilizer for their rice farms.

We are also exploring ways to formulate organic feeds to minimize operating expenses. Once the association can pay back the amount they have accessed from MRDP-CFAD we will extend the same financial assistance to other irrigators association in the town, he said. MRDP program director Lealyn Ramos said the initiative of SIA has proven that farmers can have good economic returns if they would try to diversify farm production. Farmers should not be dependent on one commodity to overcome low productivity. The case of rice farmers in Veruela had proven that they can also handle egg-production and scale-up their meager income, she said.

August 2012