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DA provides Zambales Aetas, farmers P60-M agri projects

With a new irrigation system, the Aeta community in Barangay Villar in Botolan, Zambales now has more reason to return to their ancestral land after being displaced for years when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991. The irrigation system featuring a novel ram pump, series of pipes and hose, and water reservoir is part of several agricultural projects, equipment and inputs totaling P60 million (M) that the DA through Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has awarded to the Aetas or indigenous peoples (IPs), farmers, ruralfolk and local government units in Zambales, during his visit on March 23 and 24, 2012. The ram pump will irrigate some 200 hectares, benefiting more than 890 Aeta families, who plant mostly root crops such as taro (Luko variety) and sweet potato, and vegetables like squash, tomatoes and eggplants, and banana. Secretary Alcala will also provide the Aeta community with two carabaos complete with farm implements. The DA chief said the bulk of the P60-M allotment will be used to construct and repair eight communal or pump irrigation projects (CIPs/PIPs), which include the: Naglabusan PIP in San Marcelino; East Danita CIP in San Antonio; Lipay-Cabatuan and Marangla PIPs in Iba; Libertador PIP in Candelaria; Grullo and Paete-Balincaguing CIPs, in San Narciso; and Salaza-San Lorenzo CIP, serving Masinloc and Palauig. Secretary Alcala also attended three separate forums with farmers, fisherfolk and local government officials, in Botolan and San Felipe. He said the DA will also establish a community seed bank where farmers can source their seed requirements if their crops would be damaged by typhoons. In addition, the DA through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will put up a crab hatchery. He instructed BFAR Region 3 Director Remedios Ongtangco to finish the hatchery before the end of April. (Catherine Nanta, DA-AFIS)

Vol. XXVII No. 3

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

March 2012

DA-NIA to repair P4-B irrigation systems


Secretary Alcala shares an amusing anecdote with participants at a Farmers Congress, March 30, 2012, in Antipolo City, where he supported the plan of Mayor Danilo Leyble to put up a trading center to help farmers in Rizal Province and adjoining areas sell their products directly to institutional and wholesale buyers, and thus earn more profit. Secretary Alcala said the plan is strategic and viable as Antipolo is near Metro Manila.
The Department of Agriculture through the National Irrigation Administration (DA-NIA) will repair 11 national irrigation systems in 10 provinces, totaling P4 billion (B), under a five-year National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Program (NISRIP). Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the NISRIP forms part of the major thrust of the Aquino administration to bankroll and fast-track the restoration and construction of national irrigation systems to further increase the production of rice and other staples. The NISRIP and other major irrigation projects will sustain our gains once we achieve rice sufficiency by end of 2013, Secretary Alcala said. The 11 proj ects, mostly national river irrigation systems (RIS), will serve a total of 35,670 hectares (has), benefiting 22,563 farm-families that belong to 154 Irrigators Associations (IAs). For his part, NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel said of the total project cost, P3.418B (or 85%) will be funded by a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), while the balance of P589 million (or 15%) will be shouldered by the national government through the DA-NIA. The 11 NISRIP projects are in: Ilocos Norte (in Madongan and Solsona), Pangasinan (San Fabian RIS), Pampanga (PoracGuamin RIS), Quezon (Dumacaa RIS), Palawan (Malatgao RIS), Iloilo (Sta. Barbara RIS), Bukidnon (Muleta RIS), Davao deSur (Mal RIS), Sultan Kudarat

DA allots P49-M agri projects in Capiz


The Department of Agriculture has allotted P49 million (M) for agriculture projects, farm equipment and inputs to further increase the productivity and incomes of farmers and ruralfolk in Capiz. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala handed the projects, equipment and inputs to respective recipients at a farmers forum, April 14, 2012, at the Capiz gym, Villareal Stadium, in Roxas City. The event was attended by about 6,000 farmers, leaders of farmers groups and irrigators associations, and provincial and municipal officials led by Capiz Gov ernor Victor A. Tanco. The bulk of the fund amounting to P30M is composed of various farm machinery and equipment, seeds and other farm inputs, that were provided under a counterparting scheme to more than 70 farmers groups, cooperatives, irrigators associations (IAs) and local government units. They are all aimed at further increasing rice production and farmers income in Capiz, Secretary Alcala said. The package is composed of 42 hand tractors with trailers (P5.46M), 14 rice threshers (P1.33M), two 4-wheel tractors (P1.8M), three rice combine harvesters (P6M), two rice transplanters (P600,000), a rice mill (P4M), five flatbed dryers (P3.35M), and three solar dryers (P570,000). During the forum, several farm equipment and inputs were also raffled off to lucky individual farmers, groups and IAs. The prizes, totaling P7.2M, included four flatbed dryers, four hand tractors with trailers, 30 collapsible dryer cases, two threshers, four palay sheds, 10 carabaos with implements, and 300 bags of certified seeds. In addition, Secretary Alcala instructed DA Region 6 (Western Visayas) director Larry Nacionales to allot 6,000 bags of certified palay seeds for Capiz farmers whose farms were adversely affected by heavy rains and flood last March 2012. Last year, Capiz produced 349,094 metric tons (MT) of palay from 111,296 hectares, according to the DAs Bureau of
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Catanduanes gets P52-M agri, fishery inputs, projects


Catanduanes farmers, fisherfolk and local government officials are happier these days as they received P52-million worth of agriculture and fishery projects, farm equipment and inputs from no less than Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, during his April 9-10, 2012 visit. Of the total amount, P12M is composed of farm and fishery projects, equipment and inputs. The bulk of the fund, amounting to P40M, is allotted for irrigation, farm-to-market road (FMR), tramline, multi-species fish hatchery and aquasilviculture projects. Of the amount, P30M will be used to complete a communal irrigation system in Baniaga, Bato, that will serve 91 hectares and benefit 185 farm-families. Secretary Alcala instructed National Irrigation Administrator Antonio Nangel to fast-track the project, where an initial P15M will be spent this year, and the balance next year. The DA will also spend P3M to extend an existing tramline system in Barangay Sipi, Bato, and replace its carrier with a bigger one to transport not only farm products but also persons. (Emily
Bordado, DA Regn 5 Info Div.)

SPJA: Lets focus, deliver results


Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged top DA officials to focus and deliver results given a bigger budget this year to bankroll major initiatives aimed at sustaining farm and fishery productivity and incomes, and attain self-sufficiency in rice and other staples by end of 2013. He made the call at the 2012 2nd quarterly DA Management Committee (ManCom)
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Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (2nd from right) appreciates vegetables for sale at a regional agricultural trade fair, April 13, 2012, in Roxas City, part of a week-long CAPIZtahan festival.

DA, livestock leaders to meet, thresh out industry concerns


City, where he represented President Benigno S. Aquino III as keynote speaker. President Aquino personally asked me to represent him to meet with the hog industry stakeholders, listen to their grievances, and come up with the best solution that is beneficial to all, said Secretary Alcala. Contrary to reports, he said President Aquino did not snub the event, as he had a previous official engagement ahead of the hog raisers convention. In his keynote speech, President Aquino directed the DA and its livestock agencies to address the major needs and concerns
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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 (AFM IS) is a web-based system that integrates various information resources of the Market Development Cluster (M DC) 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).

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and other top DA officials will meet with hog and poultry industry leaders in May to discuss and address major issues, primarily the influx of illegally im(Pls turn to p2) ported meat and meat products. He made the commitment at the 21 s t Annual convention of the National Federation of Hog Raisers, Inc. (NFHFI) and Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines, Inc. (ProPork), held April 19, 2012 in Mandaue

Secretary Alcala (insert, top right) urges top DA officials (foreground) to focus and deliver results, at the 2012 2 nd quarterly DA Management Committee (ManCom) meeting, in Roxas City, Capiz. Top photo also shows (from left) DA undersecretaries Segfredo Serrano, Emerson Palad, Antonio Fleta and Joel Rudines. The meeting was also attended by Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, assistant secretaries, and respective directors or head of DA regional field units, bureaus, DA-OSEC services, and attached agencies and corporations.

Editorial
Panibagong sigla, buwelo at pagkilos
Nitong buwan, nagpulong ang matataas na pinuno ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka sa Roxas City, Capiz, sa pangunguna ni Sec. Procy Alcala, upang pag-usapan ang mga programa at proyekto na dapat gawin sa taong kasalukuyan. Ibinalita rin niya ang mga programa at proyekto nailatag at naisakatuparan na. (Ilan dito ay mababasa sa unang pahina.) Minarapat naming banggitin ang ilan sa kanyang mga tagubilin upang bigyan diin ang direksyon na dapat nating tahakin sa mga susunod na buwan. Isa na rito ang mithiing makamit ang kasapatan sa bigas at pangunahing pagkain sa katapusan ng 2013. Ani Sec Procy: Kailangan natin ng puspusang pagkilos, dahil binigyan ang Kagawaran ng higit na malaking budget para sa 2012, at nagtakda rin tayo ng mas malalaking target. Sa pagdalaw niya sa mga lalawigan (26 nitong 1st quarter ng 2012), nakita niya na mas mataas na ang antas ng kahandaan ng mga magsasaka, mangingisda at pinunong lokal na makipagtulungan sa DA. Kaya naman, utos niya: Sa panig natin, kailangang paghusayin pa nang lubos ang ating program implementation. Sa paghahanda naman sa 2013 budget deliberations sa Kongreso: Ayusin natin ang balangkas ng ating mga programa, para may batayan tayong malinaw at matibay para sa pagtugon natin sa mga kahilingang ihaharap sa atin. Lagi nating linawin sa kanila (mga Kongresista at Senador), ang ating kayang tugunan ayon sa ating naitakdang programa. Tiyakin natin ang numero o bilang ng mga resulta ng ating gawain. Maging masinop tayo sa pagtatala ng outputs batay sa budget na ating tinanggap. Diyan tayo masisingil. Dapat na handa tayong sumagot at mag-ulat ng kompletong datos. Lagi nating isaalang-alang ang kahalagahan at benepisyo ng ating mga programa at proyekto sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at iba pang stakeholders. Tiyakin natin na ang pagpapahalaga sa ating mga nagawa ay batay sa kanilang pananaw at hindi lamang sa ating sariling pagtingin. Bago nagtapos ang Mancom, muli siyang nagtagubilin: Tuloy pa rin ang ating unang panawagan na Bridge the gap. Touch the heart. Bigyan natin ng karagdagang diin ang ikalawang panawagan: Focus our minds to deliver results. Nakita natin ang ibat ibang hamon na dapat harapin na kailangan ng decisive action. May catch-up plan na dapat gawin para sa natitirang budget ng 2011, at front-loading din para sa 2012 budget. Kaya talagang hindi pwedeng sunod-sunod, kundi dapat ay sabay-sabay ang ating pagpaplano at implementasyon ng mga programa. Dahil dito, kailangan natin ang focus. Tukuyin natin kung ano ang ating priority, at ano ang bibigyan ng diin. Lalong kailangan natin ang focus na habulin ang kailangan nating habulin, para mai-deliver natin ang ating mga targets sa 2012. Umaasa ako na ang ating mga diskusyon at desisyon sa ating ikalawang Mancom meeting ay magbigay ng bagong sigla at buwelo sa ating puspusang pagkilos. At sa ikatlong Mancom meeting natin sa Hulyo, sana ay mangyari ang ating ipinangakong mangyari na madeliver ang mga target ng ating catch-up plan sa 2011 budget, at mga target ng ating frontloading plan sa 2012 budget.

DA-NIA to repair...(from p1)

(Lambayong RIS) and Agusan del Sur (Simulao RIS). Once operational, the 11 RIS would enable farmers in said 10 provinces to plant and harvest twice a year, Nangel said. Even with a conservative average yield of four tons of palay per hectare, farmers would be able to produce an annual harvest of 285,360 tons, Nangel said. The NISRIP has three components: rehabilitation of irrigation facilities; institutional strengthening of IAs and irrigation management transfer; and provision of (Adora Rodriguez, DA-AFIS & Pilipina agricultural support. Bermudez, DA-NIA)

The NISRIP was among the four big-ticket irrigation projects approved by the National Economic Development (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Benigno S. Aquino, during its March 22, 2012 meeting. The three other major irrigation projects are: Jalaur River Multipurpose Irrigation Project phase 2, in Iloilo, worth P11.2 B; Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project phase 2, in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac, worth P7B; and the Umayam River Irrigation Proj ect, in Agusan del Sur, worth P1.5B.

DA, livestock leaders to meet ...


of the hog raisers and pork producers by implementing policies and providing needed support to further develop and strengthen the countrys swine industry, and make it globally competitive. The President said the industry stakeholders should partner with government and corn farmers to reduce the production cost of hogs. It is imperative that you partner and ink agreements with corn farmers as a strategy to lessen the cost of animal feeds, as yellow corn remains its main ingredient, he said. For his part, Secretary Alcala said the government is here to help you but you must give us the data to work with. In a speech read by Secretary Alcala, President Aquino highlighted major policies and initiatives to further prop up the livestock industry, namely: Issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 5, which pertains to rules and regulations on hygienic handling of newlyslaughtered meat in meat markets, and AO No. 6, which contains the rules and regulations on hygienic handling of chilled, frozen and thawed meat in meat markets. These were issued to further strengthen the countrys food control system and ensure that meat sold in markets are hygienic and of high quality. Philippine meat and animal products should conform to international standards. Related to this, he instructed the DA to set aside funds to upgrade its national animal diagnostic at meat laboratories, particularly those in major livestock production areas. The DA through the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) will put up several facilities: this year, two triple-A (AAA) service abattoir or slaughterhouse in Luzon; next year, a triple A service slaughterhouse in Mindanao and a triple A service poultry dressing plant in Luzon; and in 2014, a triple A service slaughterhouse in Visayas. With these slaughterhouses in place, government targets to replace 20 percent of annual meat imports with locally-produced meat and meat products. Government will continue to strengthen partnership with meat importers and processors. There are ongoing negotiations to export chilled and fro

(from p1)

zen pork to the Middle East, Malaysia, and Japan, and frozen chicken to South Korea. The DA through the Bureau of Animal Industry and NMIS will spearhead a system-wide and product-specific export accreditation process to ensure that Philippine meat products for exports are of high quality. The system will also protect domestic meat products from undue competition due to smuggling, undervaluation and misdeclaration of illegally-imported commodities.

SPJA: Lets focus ... (from p1)


meeting, April 13-14, 2012, in Roxas City, Capiz. Secretary Alcala said: We are here to discuss strategies on how to effectively carry out our respective programs and projects to achieve our food sufficiency targets, and see if we have already gathered momentum to pursue what we are set out to do the rest of the year. Lets ensure that these directly benefit small farmers, fisherfolk and other agri-fishery stakeholders, he noted. For his part, DA Undersecretary for finance and administration Antonio Fleta said the DA has an approved 2012 budget of P53.25 billion (B), excluding attached corporations, or a total P61.4B, if included. Last year, the DA received a total budget of P38.58B, including attached agencies and corporations. He said about P41B or 77% of the P53B budget has been received and frontloaded to various DA regional offices, bureaus and agencies, as of March 31, 2012. The bulk of the 2012 budget is allotted for irrigation (P24.45B); followed by commodity banner programs (P11.9B); regular and other support programs (P11.5B), and farm-to-market roads (P5B). The ManCom meeting was attended by more than 80 top DA officials, composed of undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and respective directors or head of DA regional field units, bureaus, attached agencies and corporations and DA central office services. During the meeting, Secretary Alcala enumerated major initiatives and developments, which include the following: Approval by the NEDA Board of four major irrigation projects, totaling P23.8B. W hen completed, these projects will irrigate a total of 138,560 hectares of new and and rebilitated areas, benefiting more than 94,460 farm-families. The Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) will be extended for another two years. Early planting has commenced in Central Luzon and Cagayan, covering 150,000 hectares, that would enable farmers to harvest by September or October, and avoid damage due to typhoons. Sikat-Saka, the credit component of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program, has commenced in four pilot provinces (Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Iloilo, and North Cotabato). The Fish for Peace program, spearheaded by the DABureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, was recently launched in Mindanao to provide sustainable fishery projects to thousands of fisherfolk families in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The DA-BFAR has successfully negotiated to resume tuna fishing in certain areas of the Pacific. Likewise, there are similar discussions with Papua New Guinea on tuna fishing and other possible agricultural and fishery trade and cooperation. There are ongoing discussions with Cambodia to pursue bilateral trade and cooperation in agriculture and fisheries. For the first time, Philippine sugar was recently listed at the New York Stock Exchange. Production of bioethanol, including bagasse and other biomass, is being encouraged to augment the fuel and energy needs in Mindanao.

DA, BOC, industry to curb smuggling


The DA, Bureau of Customs (BOC), National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI), and Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (PPFP) have joined forces to curb smuggling of meat products. They signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on April 20, 2012, at the 21 st annual convention of the NFHFI and PPFP, in Mandaue City. Under the MOA, the pork and chicken industry stakeholders will appoint a livestock expert would be part of the front line to inspect and check the reference price and true value of incoming frozen meat and offals at any given time and instances. The move is aimed to eliminate misdeclared or undervalued

Secretary Alcala (right) receives from Malaysian Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities Tan Sri Bernard Dompok a token gift that contains palm oil products, during the latters courtesy call April 17, at the DA central office in Quezon City. They discussed ways to further enhance and expand agricultural trade and cooperation between the two countries. Minister Dompok led a Malaysian delegation that attended a Malaysia-Philippines Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar 2012, in Makati, April 16, 2012.
imported meat, which has caused the government to lose some P3.7 billion in revenues annually, according to Abono partly-list chairman Rosendo So. They also agreed that an automatic trigger price be implemented when the need arises or when there is a wide margin between the price of imported meat versus locallyproduced ones. The MOA also authorizes the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) quarantine officers to inspect the meat imports before the BOC examiners. (Lilybeth
Ison, PNA)

DA-BFAR ...

(from p5)
Aquino government through the DA-BFAR and matched by beneficiary LGUs, the ARMM could further increase its fishery and aquaculture production. In 2011, the region produced 909,320 metric tons (MT) of fishery and aquaculture products, valued at P14.58 billion (B) at current prices, according to the DAs Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS). The volume represents 18.3 percent (%) of the countrys total production, at 4.98 million MT. The ARMM remains as the countrys top seaweed producer. Last year, it harvested 686,450 MT valued at P4.3B, which represents 37% of the countrys total seaweed output, at 1.84 million MT worth P11.39B, according to the BAS. Early this year, Perez said the DA-BFAR conducted a regional consultation in Zamboanga City on a proposed Fish for Peace program in Mindanao, attended by dozens of LGU officials who all agreed on the programs concept. (DA-BFAR)

DA allots ...

(from p4)

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 Editor: Cheryl C. Suarez Writers: Adora D. Rodriguez, Jo Anne Grace B. Pera, Arlhene S. Carro , Bethzaida N. Bustamante, Catherine N. Nanta Contributors: DA-RFU Info Officers, Public Info Officers and staff of DA Bureaus, Attached Agencies & Corporations, Foreign-Assisted Projects Photographers: Jose Lucas, Alan Jay Jacalan , Kathrino Resurreccion Lay-out Artist: Bethzaida Bustamante & Almi Adeli Quinto Printing & Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff

crop products. The Batanes SRRDC will be patterned after the Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center (PhilRootcrops), at the Visayas State University, in Visca, Baybay, Leyte, said DA-HVCDP national coordinator Director Jennifer Remoquillo. PhilRootcrops is the countrys premier research, development and training institution for root and tuber crops. A team of DA-RFO2 officials and Dir. Remoquillo visited PhilRootcrops on March 9, 2012, to observe its operations and facilities. The RFO 2 officials included regional technical director Orlano Lorenzana, RIARC manager Robert Olinares, and ROS manager Celso Batallones. Dir. Remoquilo said Dr. Julieta Roa of PhilRootcrops will help DARFO2 with the SRRDCs design, laboratory set up, and other facilities. (DA-HVCDP)

in Liguasan, where 92 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other flora and fauna are endemic. Another P8.8M was allotted to establish five multi-species hatcheries (P6M), mangrove rehabilitation (P1.4M), and setting up of 20 aquasilviculture techno-demo farms (P1.36M). Perez said the DA-BFAR and ARMM LGUs have jointly planted 225,000 mangrove propagules, worth P1.4M. The agency also partnered with five state universities and colleges (SUCs) to establish multi-species hatcheries. They include Basilan State College, and at four Mindanao State University (MSU) campuses in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Marawi City. Finally, about P2.8M was allotted for two units of ice-makers, 12 sets of seaweed farm inputs, 200 kilos of seaweed seedlings, and other fishing paraphernalia (P2.175M), and 2.4M pieces of fingerlings. Perez said with these public investments provided by the

April 2012

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ing a 80-20 counterparting ratio, wherein the DA and the LGUs will each share 10% of the total project cost, and the remaining 80% from the program funds. Secretary Alcala said the CPRDP will also focus on the expansion and establishment of alternative and expansion areas for staple foods in Southern Luzon, Bicol and Visayas regions. These will augment crop and fishery production areas in Luzon and Mindanao, in anticipation of uncertainties due to climate change. W hile in Siquijor, Secretary Alcala and a team of DA officials from national and regional offices dialogued with farmers and fisherfolk, livestock raisers and local officials, who aired pressing concerns, which the DA chief swiftly addressed. In particular, Siquijor Governor Orlando A. Fua, Jr. said they need a regular sea transport service to ferry their livestock products to Cebu and other destinations, and a slaughterhouse so they can sell meat products locally and to other markets. Secretary Alcala said these are actually the projects including farm-to-market roads, ports and irrigation facilities and other infrastructure facilities that could be funded under the CPRDP. Once the program is finalized, he said I urge you to register and let the WB know that you are interested to be part of the CPRDP. The visit is part of DAs efforts of bringing speedy assistance to small farmers and fisherfolk as directed by President Benigno S. Aquinos to all cabinet secretaries. Ako po ay narito dahil ipinagutos ng ating Pangulo na iparamdam sa inyong lahat na may gobyernong handang tumulong sa inyo, Alcala said.

Phl to produce Basmati rice


The Philippines will try to produce Basmati rice an aromatic, long-grain variety grown in India and Pakistan in commercial quantities for possible export to Middle Eastern countries. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said there is bright prospect as we have talked to Qatar and Kuwait and they are willing to accept Basmati rice that we will plant. Thus, he recently approved a proposal of DA national rice program coordinator Assistant Secretary Dante S. Delima to conduct regional production trials of three Basmati rice varieties. The program is in keeping with agriculture and fisheries agreements forged March 25, 2012 between the Philippines and the governments of Kuwait and Qatar. The three varieties are Basmati 370 and Basmati 383, which were introduced in the country, and the third is bred locally, CLS-1. Delima said these have undergone adaptability trials at the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), in Nueva Ecija. The varieties have yields ranging from 3.5 to 5 tons per hectare, which are quite high under tropical conditions when compared to those grown in India and Pakistan, home of Basmati rice, Delima said. With its aroma and excellent eating quality, Basmati has a very good potential for domestic production. Farmers in Iloilo and Bicol have reported harvests of from 90 to 120 cavans per hectare, he added. In preparation for an expected increase in demand for Basmati, we have to determine the adaptability of three varieties, and then identify the best sites for commercial production, processing and marketing, Delima said. The Basmati regional evaluation system was formulated by former PhilRice chief and current DA rice program technical adviser Dr. Santiago R. Obien. Basmati rice is a preferred grain in such countries as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. It sells higher than ordinary rice in international markets, averaging $1,000 per metric ton, as of April 2012. Dr. Obien said Basmati has a generally lower yield compared to current inbred and hybrid indica rice varieties, but it could be increased depending on production technologies and varietal improvement. The Basmati field trial experiments will be funded using current research and development funds that are already released to the DA regional field units (RFUs), Obien said. The first component involve planting of the three varieties in one hectare each at the DA RFU experiment stations. The second component involves commercial production of Basmati 370 by Irrigators Associations and farmers cooperatives. The DA RFUs will be provided with at least 100 packs of 2-kilogram (kg) Basmati seeds to be distributed to selected farmer-participants. A 2-kg pack is more than enough for a 1,000 squaremeter plot, and could yield 10 cavans or 500 kilograms of seeds that may be distributed to other farmers, Obien said. We already issued the guidelines on seed utilization, planting methods, fertilizer application, and data gathering. And the evaluation plots shall serve as demonstration farms for farmers who are willing to be trained on the delicate techniques of Basmati rice production, Obien said. (Adam O. Borja,
DA National Rice Program)

Secretary Alcala (left) explains to livestock raisers in San Juan, Siquijor that the DA will provide needed services so they can produce healthy and productive cattle, and thus increase their incomes.
In Siquijor, he handed over several projects to beneficiaries that include a barangay food terminal in the town of San Juan, and livelihood projects under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), amounting to P4.78 million. On the other hand, Negros Oriental received a total of P3.5Mworth of irrigation projects, hand tractor, and draft animals with implements. In all, the two provinces received close to P35M-worth of agricultural and fishery projects, farm and fishery equipment and inputs that were awarded to several farmers groups, irrigators associations and LGUs. The farm machinery and equipment include hand tractors, village-type corn dryers, multi-purpose dryers, palay shed, and cassava graters. Secretary Alcala also raffled off farm and fishery implement during the forum that include motorized bancas, knapsack sprayers, rice and corn seeds, fish nets, and laminated sacks, among others. (Adora Rodriguez,
DA Info. Service)

A DA-BFAR-PCG task force team member (seated) lists endagered marine fish species caught by the apprehended vessel.

Coast Guard, DA-BFAR catch Vietnamese poachers in Sulu


A combined team of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the DAs Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) caught 12 Vietnamese fishermen onboard a Malaysian-flagged vessel, containing endangered marine fish species like pawikan or marine turtles, black corrals and mameng or Napoleon wrasse. The team was led PCG Lt. Ludovico Librilla, Jr., on-board BFAR MCS 3009 patrol vessel, who intercepted the vessel (SBF48), 23 nautical miles off Pangutaran, in Jolo, Sulu. They also sighted three other vessels, but they fled towards Malaysia. The intercepted vessel contained pawikan, mameng, five bundles of black corals, highvalue reef fishes, shellfishes and other invertebrates. The DA-BFAR is set to file administrative and criminal cases against the 12 Vietnamese poachers. The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (RA 8550) prohibits poaching or the catching and taking of fish and other aquatic products by foreign fishing vessels in the Philippine waters. The law slaps a fine of US$100,000 in addition to the confiscation of catch, fishing equipment and fishing vessel. The turtles, black corals and mameng are considered endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Moreover, fishing of rare, threatened or endangered species listed in the CITES is punishable by imprisonment of not less than 12 years or more than 25 years of imprisonment, a fine of P100,000 to P120,000, and forfeiture of catch CITES is an agreement among governments to ensure that international trade of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. The global population of marine turtles, mameng and other endangered species has extensively declined over the last decades due to overexploitation for commercials and food purposes
(DA-BFAR)

(from p12) ters, knapsack sprayers, and vegetable production projects. It also allotted P3M to implement several organic agriculture projects, which include the establishment of demo farms for organic rice and vegetable production, and production and processing of muscovado sugar. During the event, Alcala also turned over two units of tramline system worth P4.36 M for benefit of upland farmers in Daan Sur and Daan Norte, in Tapaz town, Capiz. The tramlines will be funded by the DAs Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech). The DA through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSW M) will also construct a small farm reservoir and provide pumps for shallow tube wells, worth P2.8M. Dozens of livelihood projects worth P620,000 were also handed over to recipients, among them are a 4-H Club through the Agricultural Training Institute and 42 farmer-beneficiaries of the Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy (Akbay) Program Secretary Alcala (right) discusses with China Deputy Minister of of the DAs National Agricultural Agriculture Niu Dun (2nd from left) areas of cooperation, during and Fishery Council (NAFC). the latters courtesy call at the DA. They discussed the second The DA through the Philippine phase of the Phil-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology or Coconut Authority (PCA) also PhilSCAT, in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. Also shown are Chinese Amraffled off to lucky forum particibassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Ma Keqing (left) and pants hundreds of coconut seedinterpreter Tian Yishan. lings worth P56,000.
Agricultural Statistics. Its production represents 15.5 percent of the Western Visayas regions total harvest of 2.245 million MT in 2011. Capiz ranked third behind Iloilo (959,239 MT) and Negros Occidental (471,599 MT). Further, the DA under its corn program provided a village-type corn dryer (worth P3.3M) to the Municipality of Maayon, and will conduct a training on corn husk craft-making project (P93,900). Under its high value crops program, the DA also allotted P4.36M for the establishment of a tissue culture laboratory, processing center for fruits and vegetables, a greenhouse and organic fertilizer facility, rain shel-

DA allots P49M ...

During the day-long forum, the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry, DA-Region 6 and Provincial Government of Capiz forged a memorandum of agreement to establish a livestock and poultry development center and a nucleus farm for native or indigenous livestock animals at the DAs Dumarao 120-hectare stock farm. Finally, Secretary Alcala, Governor Tanco and DAs Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) president Jovy Bernabe launched a crop insurance program, called Viable Insurance for Capiz (VIC), that will initially benefit 5,000 farmers. The Provincial Government of Capiz has transferred P3.22M to the DAPCIC as crop insurance premium payments of the 5,000 farmers, at P644 per hectare. W hile in Capiz, Secretary Alcala led the opening of the regional agricultural trade fair, April 13, 2012, which is part of the week-long annual CAPIZtahan festival. He also presided over the 2nd quarter national DA management committee meeting in Roxas City, participated in by about 80 top officials that include undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, respective directors of regional offices, bureaus, and DA-OSEC services, and heads of attached agencies and corporations.

DA allots P35-M agri projects, eyes CPRDP to help Visayan farmers, fishers
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala -- in a recent two-day visit to Cebu, Dumaguete City and Valencia in Negros Oriental, and Siquijor -- provided farmers, fishers and local government units (LGUs) P35-million worth of agricultural and fishery projects to increase their productivity and income. He also presented a proposed medium-term development program that the Department of Agriculture is finalizing and will submit to the World Bank for consideration and possible funding. It is called the Central Philippines Rural Development Program (CPRDP), a poverty-alleviation initiative that will be implemented in six regions (4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7, and 8), in partnership with provincial and municipal government units. The CPRDP is patterned after the Mindanao Rural Development Plan (MRDP), which is now on its second phase. Just like MRDP, the program seeks to improve incomes of farmers and fisherfolk in rural communities, and achieve food security through infrastructure, financing, capacity-building, and other support services, Alcala said druing his April 19-20, 2012 visit in Central Visayas. Right now, we are asking the World Bank for a US$300-million loan, and we are hoping that it will be granted. I am positive that this partnership will push through because of the success of the MRDP, Alcala said. But unlike the MRDP, which adopts a 50-40-10 counterparting scheme from WB, DA and the LGUs, respectively, to bankroll infrastructure, livelihood and community projects, the CPRDP is propos(Pls turn to p10)

(DA-BFAR photo)

DA to assist ...

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10

April 2012

Coco sap sugar exports up 7-fold since 09


Exports of coconut sap sugar have been increasing since 2009, growing by seven-fold to 70,000 kilograms (kg) from 11,200 kg in 2009 and 36,310 kg in 2010. Administrator Euclides G. Forbes of the DAs Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) said the trend augurs well for the coconut industry, as it will provide more incomes to farmers and rural farm workers. He said the rising exports was driven by increasing demand by health-conscious individuals, particularly diabetics and those wanting to lose weight, as coco sap sugar has a low glycemic index (GI). As of 2011, there are about 346 million diabetics worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Coco sap sugar has a GI of 35 compared to regular cane sugar, according to studies by the DOSTs Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). Hence, coco sap sugar has a great potential as natural and cheaper alternative to more expensive sweeteners, Forbes said.

PCA sets P506-M coconut replanting


The Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will undertake a massive re-planting program, worth P506 million to produce more quality nuts and subsequently higher-priced processed products. PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes said the PCA targets to plant 13 million coconut seedlings on new lands totalling 138,125 hectares. For his part, Dennis D. Andres of the PCA coconut replanting program said they increased the target because of the high demand for coconut water and other products such as coco sap sugar. The PCA will propagate tall and hybrid coconut varieties. The hybrid variety can yield 80,000-120,000 nuts per hectare yearly, while the local variety gives 40,000 to 60,000 nuts. Hybrids begin producing nuts on the fourth year, while the local tall varieties begin yielding nuts after seven years. The tall varieties available are the Tagnanan Tall, which is famous in Laguna, Quezon, and Mindanao. Other tall varieties are the Baybay Tall in Leyte and Samar and San Ramon Tall in Zamboanga. The PCA will also undertake a salt fertilization program to increase nut production. Using recommended amounts of salt, nut production could increase by 25 percent on the first year and by 100 percent on the second year. (PCA, Mla Bulletin) as a venue to train farmers on modern and sustainable technologies on root crops and other high value crops. It will also include several laboratories for tissue culture, analytical and product development, and a processing and storage area. The center aims to develop and improve root crop varieties that will best adapt in Batanes, and what the market needs. It will also house a gene bank to conserve traditional root crop varieties. The facility also aims to develop various value-added root
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DA earmarks P390-M for Central Luzon


The Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Luzon has earmarked P390 million (M) for various irrigation and postharvest projects to attain in line with the food sufficiency programs of the national government. DA Central Luzon Director Andrew Villavorta said P360M will be used for the acquisition of farm machines and postharvest equipment, while the remaining P30M will be used for irrigation projects. Farm machines include those for land preparation, threshers, combine harvesters, mechanical dryers, flatbed driers and other postharvest facilities. The DA said at least P80M is allocated for flat bed dryers, and P71M for multi-purpose drying pavements or solar dryers. Director Villacorta said bidding procedures are now ongoing. Meanhwile, the DA through the Philippine Center for Postharvest and Mechanization (PhilMech) said it will intensify its farm mechanization program to contribute to attain rice sufficiency by end of 2013. The DA-PhilMech said it will procure and distributre to qualified farmers groups, irrigators associations and LGUs hundreds of units of farm equipment and machinery this year through 2015. PhilMech said Secretary Alcala has alloted some P1.8 billion for the acquisition of farm machineries in 2012, The DA is encouraging farmers to mechanize their operations-from land preparation, production, harvesting, processing to marketing--to increase productivity and incomes, and at the same time increase the level of mechanization in the country, which is one of the lowest in Asia. (DA Reg. 3)

GIZ, Leyte LGU, DA-BFAR to put up tilapia hatchery


To spur the production of tilapia fingerlings in Leyte, its provincial government through a private firm partnered with the German government through the Deutsche/Geseilschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the DAs Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will put up the Leyte Provincial Freshwater Fish Hatchery (LPFFH). The joint project will propel the province as a major tilapia producer in Eastern Visayas. It will be undertaken by the Kananga Integrated Production Center (KIPC). Ihe commercial-scale tilapia hatchery is an expansion and costs P4.9 million. Of the total amount, GIZ through its Enhancement of Food Security in/the Visayas (Efos) program alloted P3.78 million, while the DA-BFAR contributed P198,000, and the Leyte provincial government shelled out P914,533. The project was undertaken from April to December 2011. Existing ponds in KIPC, in Kananga were rehabilitated and additional ponds were constructed to accommodate more fingerlings. The construction of the LPFFH also included a cash for work component, wherein 137 farm-households worked in pond and dike development, drainage canals and other structures. LPFFH is being operated by the provincial government. It will produce more than 3 million tilapia fry or fingerlings annually. These will be distributed free to household pond operators at 500 pieces per operator. Farmers interested to avail of additional fingerlings can buy them at P0.15 to P0.35 each, depending on size. Dr. Andreas Lange, GIZEFOS senior adviser, said income generation will ensure the continued operations of the hatchery. To help farmers ensure the efficiency of tilapia production, Leyte provincial fishery workers will train on hatchery operation, pond construction and management at the DA-BFARs National Freshwater Fisheries Training Center in Nueva Ecija. (DA-BFAR
Region 8)

Secretary Alcala (middle)awarded Antipolo farmers P1.5-million worthof farm implements, rice and vegetable seeds and other inputs during a Farmers Congress, March 30, 2012. Joining them (from left) are DA coordinator Maria Cribe, DA-4A OIC-Regional Executive Director Vilma Dimaculangan and Antipolo agriculturist Violeta Suarez.
With the growing awareness for health foods and the increasing demand for coco sap sugar, we expect an increase to 100,000 kg in exports this year, the PCA chief said. He said the Philippines exports coco sap sugar to 11 countries, led by the USA, followed by Japan, Middle East, Korea, Hongkong, Norway, Canada, Switzerland, France, Australia and New Zealand.

SEAFDEC, BFAR to develop organic aqua products


The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (SEAFDECAQD) is partnering with the DABureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to develop organic aquaculture products with robust market demand. As part of the initiative, the SEAFDEC-AQD will reduce the use of fish meal in aquafeeds, develop feeds for soft-shelled crabs, and develop sources of phyto-proteins particularly increasing protein efficiency, digestibility, and availability. These are the factors to ensure a product is organically grown, BFAR said. Organic aquaculture involves less use or the absence of antibiotics that consequently eliminates harmful residues on the final fish product. It may also include more environment-friendly practices that exclude deforestation in or overexploitation of mangrove areas. SEAFDECs proposed program on organic aquaculture stemmed from the AseanSEAFDEC Strategic Partnership meeting late last year. It seeks to partner with the Network of Aquaculture Centers in Asia-Pacific to come up with feed formulations for use by small aquaculture farmers. It is also developing technologies on climate change adaptation technologies, particularly on pond designs, species selection as well as feed and health management.

VP Binay lauds PCC as top livestock agency


Vice President Jejomar Binay recently commended the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), led by executive director Dr. Libertado Cruz, as a leading R&D institution for livestock in the country, and a true ally of small farmers. He was guest at a program, Ugnayan at Talakayan, at the PCC, in Muoz City, attended by 700 farmer-members of dairy cooperatives in Nueva Ecija. He said the carabao remains a farmers partner in providing additional income to thousands of small farming families. Ang tingin ko sa kalabaw ay kaagapay ng ating mga magsasaka, katulad doon sa aking kinalakihan, he said. Hinog na ang panahong kailangang palakasin ang kabuhayang salig sa kalabaw sa mga kanayunan at bilang instrumentong tutulong sa pagsugpo ng kahirapan, VP Binay said. He emphasized the importance of close cooperation and linkage between farmers and government agencies such as PCC to sustain development programs to directly benefit small farmers. If this can be done, he said, dairy farmers can rise from subsistence to becoming progressive carabao raisers and, eventually, big income-earners in carabao-based entrepreneurship. Sa pamamagitan ng tamang programa ng gobyerno at pakikilahok ng ating mga magsasaka rito, magkakaroon ng magandang bunga ang ating lokal na industriya ng gatas, the Vice President said. He said government should continue to protect the welfare of small farmers, as they serve as the countrys economic backbone. VP Binay hails from Isabela, which is one of the major agricultural producers in the country. During the program, he, together with Dr. Cruz, awarded certificates of entrustment of a 25-dairy buffalo module to selected dairy cooperatives in the National Impact Zone (NIZ), in Nueva Ecija. VP Binays visit was part of a series of lectures organized by the PCC. The farmer-participants were also given a briefing on the massive deworming against liverfluke and Hemosep vaccination. VP Binays team that visited PCC included Rep. Mitos Magsaysay of Zambales, Joey de Venecia of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) and Atty. JV Bautista. He later went to Cabanatuan City, where he was commencement speaker at the Wesleyan University-Philippines. (PCC)

Secretary Alcala and Mayor Lydia E. Grabato of Mina, Iloilo discuss updates on the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose (JRMP) phase 2 which aims to irrigate more than 30,000 hectares in Iloilo. Once completed, JRMP2 will boost agricultural productivity of Mina town, which is into rice farming, hog fattening and poultry raising.
While organic aquaculture may have started in Europe, SEAFDEC-AQD, based in Tigbauan, Iloilo, is taking cue on the production of organic fish products in Asia to develop more organic aquaculture systems. According to the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (Ifoam) European Union Group, there has been increasing interest in organic aquaculture as demand has increased specifically in Europe. Assuming that 70 percent of organic aquaculture production is sold under an organic label, the total market value might have reached $230 million at the distributor level in 2009. The global market value will increase annually by 40 to 60 percent in the next three years, according to Ifoam-EU. However, the significant share of the market is still confined among a limited number of countries like France, Germany, Switzerland, and UK. Although the aquaculture sec tor is obviously still in its early stage, there is a potential growth even in Asia. The market for organic seafood is still in its infancy with all the associated problems of high costs, low sales volumes, little or no competition, and the need to invest in marketing and create consumers product awareness, said Ifoam. The market in Asia is evolving, though changes are harder to keep track of. China seems to be experiencing a strong organic fish production, but fish products labeled organic are not readily visible in stores, and market data are not available, Ifoam said. It added that organic aquaculture must have been initiated with the release in the market perhaps toward the start of the century (2000) of organic salmon in Germany, UK, and France. In ASEAN, the first organic shrimp aquaculture was set up in Vietnam, where small scale producers have started using lowintensity or close to organic systems. (Manila Bulletin)

DA allots P10-M for rootcrops research center in Batanes


The Department of Agriculture through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) has allotted P10 million for the establishment of a Satellite Rootcrops Research and Development Center (SRRDC) in Basco, Batanes. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the facility is part of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), as the SRRDC aims to further enhance the development of the rootcrop industry in Batanes, where the primary livelihood and source of income of farmers are raising taro, yam, arrowroot, cassava and sweet potato. He said the facility, under the supervision of the DA regional office (RFO2) in Cagayan, will serve

April 2012

NEDA-ICC okays MRDP2 extension


The National Economic and Development Authority Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) Technical Board recently approved the extension of Mindanao Rural Development Program Phase 2 (MRDP2) for another two years. The NEDA-ICC has already endorsed for approval to the NEDA Board, chaired by President Aquino. The DA-MRDP2 is a five-year poverty alleviation program funded by the World Bank. It was launched in 2007, and should end by December 2012. MRDP2 deputy program director Arnel De Mesa said the extension is in response to the overwhelming LGUs and community clamor for local projects. In rural infrastructure alone, demand has reached a total of P10.8 billion 9B), surpassing the programs allocation of P4.8B. The programs good performance for the past two years is one of the factors in getting the nod of the technical board, De Mesa said. The World Bank during its previous mission has satisfactorily rated the program, noting its sufficient improvement as of midterm. This shows that fully committed projects can be completed within two years, he said. The projects include rural infrastructure such as irrigation, farm-to-market roads, and potable water supply. It also provides livelihood assistance to small farmers, including natural resource management interventions to sustain food production in island region. De Mesa said the two-year extension also presents challenges that must be solved particularly in meeting the 60 percent disbursement target by yearend. Right now we are at 35 percent, so we have to address implementation bottlenecks to comply with agreed timelines and deliverables, he said. For her part, MRDP program director Lealyn Ramos said the two-year program extension will be a boost to the Aquino administrations goal of promoting inclusive economic growth as MRDP projects are focused on improving incomes of poor communities in Mindanao.

DA-BFAR allots P24.5-M fishery projects in ARMM


The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR) has provided P24.5 million (M) in fishery and livelihood projects, benefiting thousands of fisherfolk families and their respective island-municipalities in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Secretary Proceso Alcala said ARMM local government officials matched the initiative of the DA-BFAR by providing respective counterpart to benefit more of their constituents. The DA-BFAR investment of P24.53M was matched by almost the same amount by our ARMM LGUs, either in the form of material or labor counterpart, Secretary Alcala said. DA-BFAR director Asis G. Perez said the amount included the provision of motor engines to 67 patrol boats for the BantayDagat program to protect ARMM municipal waters from illegal fishermen and poachers. Of the total P24.5M, more than half or P12.9M was used to procure 16 units of non-motorized banca, 15 motor engines, 10 fish driers, 2,500 fish pots and 250 units of gill nets which were distributed to about a thousand fisher-families along the 288,000hectare Liguasan Marsh, bounded by three provinces (Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat). Perez said the DA-BFAR plans to develop a portion of Liguasan Marsh into a center for freshwater fish biodiversity. Tilapia is one of more than a dozen freshwater species found
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Abra Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin (right) led a ceremony in adopting Sec. Procy Alcala as a Son of Abra by virtue of a Provincial Board resolution for the DAs contribution and assistance in enhancing the development of the provinces agriculture and inland fishing industry. With them is Abra Rep. Maria Jocelyn Bernos.
The program, with co-financing support from the DA under the leadership of Secretary Alcala, has enabled Mindanao LGUs to engage in several infrastructure projects, Dir. Ramos said. At present, we are facing huge demand from our LGU partners, prompting Secretary Alcala to request not only for an extension but also for additional financing, she added. While we remain optimistic that positive developments are taking place, we also urge our stakeholders to sustain the momentum we have gained. We bank on our LGU partners and oversight agencies to help us fast track implementation so that we can eventually meet our targets and negotiate for the third phase of MRDP, she said.
(Noel T. Provido, DA-MRDP)

Secretary Alcala hands over a certificate to Ricardo Saclaon, chairman of the Bagatoy communal irrigation system (CIS) Irrigators Association, in La Paz, Abra, to repair their CIS worth P2.5 million by the DA-National Irrigation Administration. It is one of the several projects totalling P11M awarded by Secretary Alcala during his recent visit in Abra. With them (from left) are DA-Cordillera Director Marilyn Sta. Catalina, Abra Representative Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos, and Mayor Esther Bernos of Danglas, Abra.

JICA, PhilRice bring peace project in Mindanao


agricultural sector. With this, the JICA-funded project was launched to restore peace and progress in the affected areas by increasing agricultural productivity, said Teodora L. Briones, head of PhilRices Planning and Collaborative Programs Office. The 5-year project aims to increase the regions low average rice yield of 2.83 metric tons (MT) per hectare, by conducting trainings among farmer-leaders and agricultural workers, provision of farm machinery and equipment, and development of location-specific rice-based farming technologies. In 2007, an external evaluation committee said the first JICAPhilRice technical cooperation project in ARMM contributed to the regions increase in rice yield by 2.5 MT per hectare. Briones said the second proj ect will also promote PhilRice-developed rice and ricebased technologies such as PalayCheck, an integrated crop management approach; and Palayamanan, a diversified integrated rice-based farming system. For its part, the DAF-ARMM will co-lead, plan and conduct information campaigns, and ensure the programs sustainability in the covered provinces. Project implementers also include the ARMM Integrated Agricultural Research Center, University of Southern Mindanao, Mindanao State University, and concerned local government

DA promotes soybean farming


The Department of Agriculture has started promoting soybean production in South Cotabato as an alternative crop. The DA Central Mindanao Agricultural Research Center started planting soybeans in at least five hectares at the DAs Cotton Development Administration (CoDA) compound, as part of the launching program. Lorna P. Vilbar, research center officer in-charge, said the CoDA compound has still space to engage commercial production. For his part, CoDA station chief Renato Guevarra said the soybeans will be intercropped with cotton. During the launch, DA crop experts discussed with farmerleaders and local government offcials ways to plant, harvest and manage soybean. Vilbar said soybean can also serve as an alternate crop to rice and corn. She said they will train interested farmers and provide them with appropriate know-how and technologies. The DA, said the immediate objective is to plant soybean in 25 hectare land this year to produce 25 metric tons of seeds. Reynaldo T. Legaste, South Cotabato provincial agriculturist, said the soybean production program is expected to eventually form part of local farmers regular cropping system. Aileen V. Alvarez, officer-incharge of the regional soybean production project, said San Miguel Corp. has expressed interest in buying soybean harvests. We will coordinate with them once we have started commercial production, she said. (DARegion 12, LOP)

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Goodwill Ambassador Carl Lewis (standing, 5th from left ), a US Olympic gold medalist in track and field, recently visited FAO projects in Los Baos, Laguna. He is shown with fishermen-beneficiaries and barangay officials of Bayog, one of the areas adversely affected strong typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi) in 2009 in Southern Luzon. He was accompanied by FAO officials, led by Hiroyuki Konuma (left, 2nd row), assistant regional director for Asia and the Pacific; Kazuyuki Tsurumi (3rd from left), Representative to the Philippines, and Norberto Gomez de Leao (standing, right), deputy coordinator of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is once again partnering with the DA through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) to implement a second five-year project to further improve rice production in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). To be implemented until 2017, the technical cooperation project, called Rice-based farming technology project for ARMM, started Former DA Secretary William Dar (center), and current director this month, in collaboration with general of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi- the Department of Agriculture and Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), unveils a book. Feeding the Forgotten Fisheries- ARMM. Poor: Perspective of an Agriculturist, which he co-authored with The first JICA-PhilRice techniProfessor Arun Tiwari (2nd from left), at the DA-Bureau of Agricul- cal cooperation project in ARMM tural Research, in Quezon City. Also shown (from left) are Mrs. was implemented from 2005 until Anjana Tiwari, Mrs. Beatriz Dar, and BAR Dir. Nicomedes Eleazar. 2010. The recurring conflict issues in Former Agriculture Secretary years, up to the present. The W illiam Dar launched a 144- book is also filled with dream and ARMM has negatively affected its page book, entitled, Feeding vision of a world that is free from the Forgotten Poor: Perspective hunger and poverty. of an Agriculturist, at the DAThe book consists of four chap- litical, economic and environBureau of Agricultural Research ters, namely: Soil and Roots; mental issues to which contem(BAR), Quezon City, April 10, Stems, Leaves and Fruits; Skin porary agriculture is closely tied 2012, coinciding with his birth- of the Earth; and Innovate, Grow, tariffs and farm subsidies, water pollution, biofuels, the prosday. Prosper. It was co-authored by ProfesBAR Director Nicomedes pects and problems of genetically sor Arun Tiwari, CEO of the Indo- Eleazar said the book is timely modified organisms, the growing US Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., and and relevant as it discusses two backlash against mechanized professor at the University of of the most compelling chal- agriculture and increasing supHyderabad, in India. lenges of our time: food security port for sustainable practice. The book was first in New Dr. Dar is currently the Direc- and poverty. tor-General of the International The book also takes up large Delhi, India, in February 2012, at Crops Research Institute for the issues and draws attention to or- the 2nd Global Agri-Business InSemi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in phan crops and hidden hunger. cubation Conference, where India. Orphan crops are those that former India President A.P.J The book presents essays on adapt to harsh, dry conditions like Abdul Kalam, who also wrote the how the world would provide pigeon pea, chick pea, and pea- books foreword, graced the food for the poor in the coming nuts, to name a few; while hid- event. decades. den hunger refers to the forgotDr. Dar is the first Asian and In his book, Dar also re- ten poor. Filipino director general of counted events during his early The book also discusses the po- ICRISAT. (DA-BAR)

Book on food security launched

units. (DA-PhilRice)

April 2012

Safe water makes people of the lake more productive


Maranaos are known as the people of the lake, but clean and accessible water is a scarce commodity in some communities in Balindong, Lanao del Sur. Rohaida Salip, a 35-year old mother of two, said having unsafe water puts her family at risk. From the time I was born, Lake Lanao is our only source of drinking water for which we were never sure of its safety, she said. Known as the deepest freshwater lake and the second largest lake in the Philippines, Lake Lanao plays a vital role in the economic activities in the region and whole of Mindanao. Aside from a main source of livelihood, the lake is also a source of water for the hydroelectric power supplying the Maria Cristina Falls. Rohaida said every morning either she or her husband has to bring containers at a cleaner part of the shoreline to fetch water for drinking and cooking. But at times when driftwoods and garbage gather in the shoreline, they have to go out into the deeper part of the lake on board a banca. It thus becomes more difficult, consumes a lot of time fetching our daily ration The town is 16 kilometer to Marawi City, and 53 kilometers from the nearest seaport of Iligan City. The town received a total of P2.5 million under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) component. CFAD utilizes community demand-driven scheme where the beneficiaries themselves identify their priority project. Aside from the various agrilivelihoods, three peoples organizations have benefited from the project including Lalabuan Friendship Association in Brgy. Lumbayao where Rohaida is the chairwoman of the Poblacion Neighborhood Association and the Paigoay Vendors Association. These groups received P125,000 each to fund their respective potable water system. After a series of tests, it was found that the ground water at Bgy Poblacion and Paigoay is a safe source of potable water. So their money was spent to purchase water pump, reservoir, pipes of various sizes, and faucets. Now with the potable water system, Rohaida said they have more time tending her store and other livelihood. The accessible, adequate and clean water has helped us made our household activities a lot easier and simpler. Rohaida said, adding I can spend more time tending to my small grocery store, attend to the concern of our association and my husband can devote more time fishing. The water system has helped to be more productive. For the Lalabuan association, there are at least 12 tap stands that served not just the 25 members of the organization, but also the other residents, who required to pay a minimum monthly contribution for maintenance and other expenses. Rohaida said the project has also promoted friendship and better relationship among them and their neighboring barangay. Aside from us (direct beneficiaries), our neighbors from the other barangay have benefited from the project. They too dont have to fetch anymore from the lake, but from our potable water system, as our water is much safer, she said. (Sherwin
Manual, DA-MRDP)

Phl now capable of fish DNA fingerprinting


The Philippines is now capable of DNA fingerprinting for fisheries, which is critical in food safety and to ensure that global markets could trace the origin of fishery products. The DA-BFAR through the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) is now utilizing DNA barcoding to reveal the genetic material of fish species. The countrys capability in ensuring fishery food safety and supply traceability is critical for the fishery sector. The Philippines is considered sixth in world fishery production, ninth in aquaculture, and third in aquatic plant production, primarily seaweeds. Without accurate identification of fish species through DNA barcoding, mislabeling of fishery species may occur. Consumers may be misled into paying more than the actual value of goods they are buying, according to NFRDIs Benedict A. Maralit and five co-authors in their entry at the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)National Research Symposium (NRS). DNA barcoding can differentiate between closely related species that are hard to tell apart, especially large fishes that are difficult to bring back from the field. It can identify products like fish fillets so you know if the grouper you ordered in a restaurant is really a grouper, said Dr. Mudjekeewis D. Santos, senior author of the NFRDI Genetic Fingerprinting Laboratory (GFL). Their study won a silver award at the 2011 BAR-NRS. Research in fisheries is among the priorities of BAR as the countrys archipelagic nature provides for a rich food resource useful not only for generating livelihood but enabling valueadding in products that can be exported. Ensuring these products are food-safe is a major consideration amid the stricter sanitary and phytosanitary standards of importing countries. Food safety has already become a necessity for our fishery industry to survive in the international market. It is also important in ensuring that what we import is safe to eat, said BAR director Nicomedes P. Eleazar. Certain export destinations have started requiring traceability, or identification of food origin, as a requirement to suppliers. For instance, the European Union law EC No. 2065/2001 requests appropriate species traceability and proper labeling. Global trade negotiations require a stringent line of certifications on accurate labeling and species traceability. National trade policies should comply to increase international competitiveness and ensure food security, sustainability and safety, the researchers said. Headed by Dr. Santos, Maralit is accompanied by Roselyn D. Aguila, Minerva Fatimae H. Ventolero and Sweedy Kay L. Perez of the NFRDI-GFL and Dr. Demian A. Willete of the Old Dominion University. DNA barcoding is also essential in encouraging the industry to comply with labeling provisions of the Consumer Act or Republic Act (RA) 7394 and the Fisheries Code of the Philippines, RA 8550. For fishery managers and researchers, DNA barcoding can legally verify fishes caught as by-catch and species under regulation. This is important in protecting endangered species and sustaining fish population. Six fishery products, some of which are priced expensively in restaurants have been identified properly by the NFRDI-GFL through DNA barcoding to distinguish these species and correct the mislabeling. Among the mislabeled fishery products are fresh tawilis sardines, blue fin tuna slices, tuna sashimi and fillets, whole and headless shrimp products, cream dory slices, and gindara steaks. It is important to identify the correct species as there is, for example, a gindara species that is not safe to eat. Tuna may also be identified commercially as the more expensive blue fin tuna when in fact its just a yellow fin tuna, said Maralit. The NFRDI study found out that the Sardinella tawilis species sold in identified supermarkets is not really S. tawilis but another species, S. fimbriata. Cream dory, for instance, is a fish from the Pangasius family, originating from Mekong Delta in Vietnam. While in the study cream dory was labeled correctly,

Rohaida Salip (left) and her constituents enjoy the new potable water system provided by the DA-Mindanao Rural Development Program in partnership with the local government of Balindong, which has addressed their long clamor for safe, accessible potable water.
of water not to mention the risk of tipping over during strong and rough tides, she said. She said their community has recorded a number of waterborne diseases. They have no options. Their plight was addressed when the local government unit of Balindong and the Department of Agricultures Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) partnered to put up a potable water system. MRDP is a long-term poverty alleviation initiative, catering 225 municipalities mostly the poorest of the poor towns in the six regions of Mindanao. A fourth-class town, Balindong is one of 38 municipalities comprising the Province of Lanao del Sur. It lies on the western part of the province.

ensuring it is the correct cream dory species will guarantee quality in the light of proliferation of imported fish fillets in the market. Hence, the NFRDI recommended a national program for the correct labeling of fishery products. A valuable effort should be placed to create a strong and standardized monitoring program and evoke consumer awareness on several aspects of accurate labeling information. (DA-BFAR, Philippine Star)

DA-NAFC, BAR fund 12 high-impact R&D projects


The DA through the National Agricultural and Fisheries Council (NAFC) and Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) will upscale 12 technology commercialization projects due to their high impact and greater benefits to beneficiaries. The 12 projects are on: Accelerated pigeon pea production and utilization; Commercializing and integrating hybrid squash seed production technology into the cropping system; Mangrove crab fattening; Enhancing the productivity of abaca farms in the Bicol region through integrated farming system: Abakayamanan program; Technology promotion of promising varieties of peanut under coco-based areas; Sweet srghum processing and marketing towards commercialization in Batac, Ilocos Norte; Beekeeping situationer in Sorsogon; Breeds to cross the challenges: Medium-scale commercial goat breeder and fattener production through upgrading technology; Commercialization and technology promotion of mango wine and dried mango; Poverty alleviation and enhancement of food security of rice farms in Central Luzon; Native swine for lechon de leche production: Improving feed availability through integration of SAKWA as forage feed in coconut-based production system; and Technology commercialization project: Processing of carabao milk into dairy products. The projects were selected due to their benefits and impacts in increasing incomes of marginal farmers, thus alleviating poverty, their contribution to overall growth of the agriculture sector and national food security. The BAR study team said the projects have the potentials for commercial scale and replication in other areas. When implemented efficiently, the subsequent commercial projects could contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector, create employment opportunities, increase farmers incomes and help alleviate poverty in the countryside. The 12 projects were identified and evaluated out of the 25 high-potential projects which were supported through a grant funds received from the Government of Japan (GOJ) for projects and initiatives under the KR2-Grant Assistance for Underprivileged Framers (GAUF), which is administered by the DA-NFAC. (Rita dela
Cruz, DA-BAR)

Secretary Alcala and New Zealand Ambassador to the Philippines Reuben Levermore share a light moment during the latters courtesy call at the DA, where they discussed ways to further expand trade between the two countries. The Philippines exports bananas and other tropical fruits to New Zealand, and imports mainly NZ milk, cream and dairy products. Secretary Alcala thanked Ambassador Levermore for his countrys continuing official development assistance to the Philippines in the field of agriculture.

April 2012

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