DA aims for veggie sufficiency

After rice, our next focus is to achieve self-sufficiency in vegetables. Thus, declared Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during the 10th National Vegetable Congress in Butuan City, attended by 1,000 farmers, local government officials and vegetable industry stakeholders and exhibitors. He said the DA through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) aims to increase the countrys current sufficiency level in vegetables, from 65 percent (%) to 100% and beyond, within the medium-term or 2016. He said the countrys vegetable per capita consumption is estimated at 40 kilograms (kg), which is equivalent to an annual requirement of 3.8 million metric tons of vegetables of roughly 95 million Filipinos. Such consumption level is just one-fourth of the recommended dietary requirement of 146 kg per year, according to the World Health Organization. Further, the DA chief urged the vegetable congress participants to forge marketing agreements with institutional buyers and consumers, and thereafter plan their respective production and harvest schedules for each commodity. This should be done to obtain reasonable profit and more importantly avoid oversupply and sudden drop in prices. In this regard, he cited initial efforts of the DA to meet with major vegetable traders from Divisoria wholesale market in Metro Manila to determine their vegetable supply and demand requirements, which will be relayed to farmers cooperatives and groups for them to schedule their production, harvest and delivery operations. The consultation will be conducted regularly and forms part of the intensified program of the DA through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) and HVCDP to match and directly link farmers groups with wholesale market traders and institutional buyers, with the aim of providing producers and sellers comfortable profit, as well as consumers with regular supply of reasonably-priced, safe and quality vegetables. Further, he said the DA is identifying other alternative or expansion areas that are less vulnerable to flooding and drought that could produce vegetables yearround or during off-season in traditional farming areas like Benguet, Nueva Ecij a and Bulacan. This year, the DA through the HVCDP has allotted P643 million, or about one-half of the programs total P1.3-billion budget, to undertake several initiatives to sustain and hasten the development of the countrys vegetable industry. A similar budget is proposed next year. During the vegetable congress spearheaded by the Philippine Vegetable Industry Development Board (PVIDB) and Caraga High Value Vegetable Cluster, Inc. Secretary Alcala responded favorably to 10 resolutions presented by PVIDB chair Marcelino Remotigue. Among these are: implementation or enforcement of phytosanitary quarantine procedures on imported vegetables; crafing of a vegetable credit program, in consultation with the PVIDB, patterned after the pilot Sikat-Saka for rice implemented in four provinces by the DA in partnership with the Land Bank of the Philippines; and implementation of a comprehensive vegetable production and marketing training program in partnership with the PVIDB, University of the Philippines at Los Banos, and DA Regional Field Units, Agricultural Training Institute, HVCDP and AMAS. In line with the resolution to establish technology demonstration farms that will produce organic vegetables in strategic areas nationwide, the DA chief instead urged the PVIDB and interested farmers groups to engage in commercial scale pro-

Vol. XXVII No. 7

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

July 2012

P-Noy cites DA chief, good agri performance

President Benigno S. Aquino III, in his 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA), has cited the achievements of the agriculture sector and the Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. Kung paglago po ang usapan, nasa tuktok ng listahan ang agrikultura. Kayod-kalabaw po si Secretary Alcala upang makapaghatid ng mabubuting balita (When it comes to growth and development, agriculture is at the top of our priorities. Secretary Alcala has been working non-stop to deliver us good news), President Aquino said. He also noted the DA chief has visited all the provinces of the country, 80 in all, to deliver various projects and initiatives of the agriculture department for the benefit of small farmers, fishers and ruralfolk. All of these hardwork and perseverance have resulted to a decrease in rice imports, from a total of 2.47 million metric tons (MT) in 2010 to only 500,000 million MT this year, which translates to a P24.7-billion decrease in debt incurred by the National Food Authority, the President added. The current rice inventory includes a buffer stock, which can be used during calamities. Also, the ongoing participation of private entities in rice trade has gained for the government a total of P4.2B in additional revenues. The President also remains positive that the rice self-sufficiency target will be achieved before the end of 2013.
(Pls turn to p2)

Secretary Alcala (2nd from right) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the 10th National Vegetable Congress in Butuan City, July 24, 2012, attended by 1,000 farmers, local government officials and vegetable industry stakeholders and exhibitors. Joining him (from left) are Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, DA-CARAGA Dir. Edna Mabeza, Phl Vegetable Industry Devt Board chair Marcelino Remotigue, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., and RAFC Assn of the Phl President Edgardo Codilla.
duction. Thereafter, he said the DA will provide appropriate technical and marketing support. Secretary Alcala also asked the PVIDB to discuss with the DA-AMAS on the groups proposal to establish vegetable trading centers in the country. He said one major vegetable trading center will soon rise in Benguet. Other farm trading centers will be established by the DA in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The DA will also consider the proposal to conduct a regular production and marketing survey of major and high value crops at the regional level, in partnership with the PVIDB, DA-RFUs and the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. Finally, the DA will continuously support the yearly conduct of the national vegetable congress, allotting at least P500,000 for the purpose, and the conduct of PVIDB quarterly meetings.

President Benigo S. Aquino III receives from Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala a copy of the governments Food Staples Sufficiency Program policy document, at the Makina-Saka 2012, World Trade Center, in Pasay City, attended by 2,000 farmers, local government officials, and farm machinery manufacturers and distributors.

Aquino govt proposes P2-T 2013 budget, DA gets P74.1-B allotment

A day after his 3 rd SONA, President Aquino submitted to Congress a proposed P2.006trillion budget for 2013, which he dubbed as an empowerment budget, to further drive up stronger economic growth in the next fiscal year. The expenditure program is consistent with our macroeconomic and fiscal aspiration for the next fiscal year and in the medium-term. Above that, this budget is a crucial step in our continuing pursuit of good governance governance that will give our impoverished countrymen the opportunity to lift themselves out of their situations; governance that will ensure that this country moves forward together, President Aquino said in his Budget Message. This is why we have crafted a budget of empowerment, the President added. Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said the 2013 budget intends to sustain the fiscal momentum set in 2011 and 2012 to ensure long-term and sustainable growth in the country. Of the total P2-T proposed budget, the Department of Agriculture is allotted P74.1 billion (B), 20.6% more than this years budget of P61.4B. It ranks 5th among the top 10 government agencies with large allocations. The bulk of the DA budget will go to irrigation, with P27.3B, as the National Irrigation Adminis(Pls turn to p11)

Govt, industry players team up to open new banana export marts

The Department of Agriculture, along with the departments of foreign affairs (DFA), and trade and industry (DTI), and the private sector recently teamed up and formed a trade mission early this month to explore new export markets for fresh Philippine bananas. The group conducted several business matching meetings with prospective buyers and importers in the Middle East and Europe, spanning one week in early July.
The trade mission was composed of officers of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA) and Mindanao Banana Farmers and Exporters Association (MBFEA) which met

with potential buyers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Iraq; and

in Rome, Italy, and Brussels, Belgium. As a result of the trade mission, DA-AMAS Director Leandro Gazmin said Kuwait and Iraq have made initial orders. For his part, DTI-BETP Director Senen Peralta said that in Dubai the mission has rekindled business relationships with potential Middle East buyers. In Rome, matching sessions with potential buyers also resulted in a trial shipment of Philippine bananas to Italy, Peralta said. Business matching meetings were also conducted with officials of Euro Gijbels NV and Univeg NV (in Belgium), and De Groot Intl. BV and Fyffes BV (in the

Netherlands), who signified interest to buy Philippine bananas, and plan to visit the countrys banana plantations in September this year. Another prospective new buyer of Philippine banana is Kurdistan an oil- and gas-rich autonomous region in Iraq said DA Agricultural Attache Gil Herico and DTI Commercial Attache Jojie Dinsay. The members of the trade mission held a post-event meeting, July 16, in Davao City, and discussed strategies to firm up and sustain the export expansion campaign. It was attended by DTI Assistant Secretary Romulo Manlapic, PBGEA executive di(Pls turn to p11)

DA proposes $627-M Phl rural devt program

The Department of Agriculture is finalizing a mediumterm nationwide rural development program, called the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), which it will submit for funding to the World Bank within the year. Secretary Alcala said the PRDP will initially cover six regions (4A, 4B, 5, 6, 7 and 8) in Luzon and Visayas, and all provinces covered under the
(Pls turn to p4)

Secretary Alcala (middle, top photo) announces that the Department of Agriculture will propose to the World Bank (WB) a $627M Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP), during a July 31 press briefing, at the DA-BSWM, in Quezon City, as part of the 8th WB review mission, attended by DA and WB officials, Mindanao local officials, and project beneficiaries (below). Also shown (from left) are MRDP Director Lealyn Ramos, WB officials Felizardo Virtucio and Carolina Figueroa-Geron, and AusAID Philippines governance adviser Sam Chittick.

Editorial
Maraming salamat po!
Nitong buwan ng Hulyo, sa dalawang pagkakataon, pinuri ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino ang Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka at si Kalihim Procy Alcala. Una, noong ika-5 ng Hulyo, sa kanyang pagdalo sa 2012 Makina-Saka at paglunsad ng Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), sa World Trade Center, Pasay City, sabi niya: Kung may isa pong sektor na talagang sumasalamin kung gaano kaepektibo ang ating krusada sa tuwid na daan, ito ay ating sektor ng agrikultura, sa pangunguna ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka. Talaga naman pong sa pamumuno ng ating Kalihim Proceso Alcala, ngayon ang DA ay bukal ng mabubuting balita. Taos puso po tayong nagpapasalamat sa mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at lahat ng kawani ng Department of Agriculture sa kanilang hindi matatawarang dedikasyon upang pagyamanin ang pambansang agrikultura. Pangalawa, noong ika-23 ng Hulyo sa kanyang State of the Nation o SONA, aniya: Kung paglago po ang usapan, nasa tuktok ng listahan ang agrikultura. Kayod-kalabaw po si Secretary Alcala upang makapaghatid ng mabubuting balita. Binisita po niya ang lahat ng probinsya, hindi para mangampanya sa sarili pero, para ikampanya ang programa ng Department of Agriculture. Hindi po bat noon, pinaniwala tayo na 1.3 million metric tons ang kakulangan sa bigas, at para tugunan ito, di bababa sa two million metric tons ang kanilang inangkat noong 2010 nang unang taon pa lang, napababa na natin sa 860,000 metric tons. Ngayong taon, 500,000 na lang, kasama pa ang buffer sakaling abutin tayo ng bagyo. Huwag lang po tayong pagsungitan ng panahon, harinawa, sa susunod na taon ay puwede na tayong mag-export ng bigas. Sa mga pagkakataong pinuri ni P-Noy si Sec, marami ang nagsasabi na mabangong-mabango at malapit ang kalihim sa Pangulo. Payo pa nga sa kanya ni Cong. Salvador H. Escudero III, na dati na ring nagsilbing kalihim ng DA, gamitin ang kanyang lakas at lambing kay Pangulong Aquino upang higit na maisulong ang pambansang sektor ng sakahan at pangisdaan. At yon nga mismo ang ginagawa ni Sec Procy. Sa katunayan, buong-buo ang suporta ni P-Noy sa ating proposed 2013 budget na nagkakahalagang P74.1 bilyon mas mataas ng 20 porsiyento sa ating kasalukuyang budget na P61.4B. Naway ang naturang budget ay buong-buo ring suportahan ng ating mga Senador at Kongresista upang ating tuluyang maabot ang kasapatan sa bigas at pangunahing pagkain sa susunod na mga taon. Mahal na Pangulong Noynoy, maraming-maraming salamat po!

SPJA urges DA officials to sustain efforts to attain rice, food sufficiency

To usher in his third year in office, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged top DA officials to continue exerting efforts to attain rice sufficiency by end of 2013, and other goals under the Aquino administrations Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP). With the rice sufficiency goal already in sight, Alcala asked DA officials to work harder and deliver more results, during the 3rd quarterly DA national management committee (ManCom) meeting, July 11 to 13, 2012, in Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte. May isa at kalahating taon na lamang tayo para kamtin ang ating minimithing kasapatan sa pagkain. Abot-tanaw na natin ang ating nais marating. Kaya higit nating kailangan ang puspusan at sama-samang pagkilos, said Secretary Alcala. During the ManCom meeting, he also took stock of other DA
(Pls turn to p11)

DA proposes ...

(from p1)

For his part WB team leader Felizardo Virtucio said the MRDP2 has successfully partnered with the LGUs in Mindanao in establishing needed rural infrastructure and other community livelihood projects, which has encouraged the DA under Secretary Alcala to propose a similar program to cover other poor farming and fishing communities in Luzon and Visayas. We will apply in PRDP everything that was good about the MRDP, and will fill in the inadequacies of the MRDP, said Secretary Alcala. Among other accomplishments, the MRDP was able to increase the average incomes of project beneficiaries to 16.7 percent (%), which is about 10 percentage points more than the targeted increase of only 7%, the DA chief added. An upscale version of the MRDP, the proposed PRDP aims to increase the agricultural and fishery productivity and incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk

DA, DOST collaboration. Secretary Alcala (inset) assures participants and guests at the recent

2012 National Science and Technology Week that the DA and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are working closely together so that the discoveries and inventions of Filipino scientists are effectively used to increase the productivity and incomes of farmers and fisherfolk, and other rural and agribusiness entrepreneurs, and contribute to attain food sufficiency and security. Held on July 10, at SMX Mall of Asia, Pasay City, the event was keynoted by Senator Loren Legarda (left, front row), who lauded Secretary Alcala and DOST Secretary Mario Montejo (beside her) for their renewed collaborative and convergence efforts to enhance the countrys agriculture, fisheries, and science sectors. Also shown is Agham Party List Rep. Angelo Palmones.
through the establishment of needed infrastructure that include farm-to-market roads (FMRs), bridges, communal irrigation systems (CIS), and potable water systems, among other rural infrastructure. Secretary Alcala said when the PRDP program documents are finalized these will be submitted to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Aquino, for approval. Thereafter, the Philippine government will submit it to the WB for a program loan. Secretary Alcala said they wish to start implementing the project by August next year. The program will run for six years. During the WB mission meeting and press briefing, Secretary Alcala also thanked the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) for providing a $3-M grant to the MRDP2 to enhance the capabilities of Mindanao LGUs to package and implement agri-fishery, infrastructure and livelihood projects. To date, the MRDP seeks a two-year extension, as its implementation was delayed. Its extension is yet to be approved and endorsed by the NEDA Board to the WB. programa. Siguraduhin nating ang ating mga pinangako ay ating ipinatupad. Sa gayon, lalong hihigit pa ang sama-sama nating kayang abutin, the DA chief said. Secretary Alcala also issued the following orders: Obligate all remaining funds under the 2012 budget on or be-

DA, traders ...

(from p3)

Govt ...

(from p 12)

SPJA urges ... (from p2)

accomplishments during the first two years under the Aquino administration. He thanked President Aquino for his full support, particularly in endorsing a bigger budget this year and in 2013 to achieve governments rice and food sufficiency targets and other goals under the FSSP. This year, the DA has an approved budget of P61.4 billion, including attached agencies and corporations. Next year, it proposes a P72-B budget. A feat in itself, the DA chief has visited all of the countrys 80 provinces in a span of 24 months since July 2010, endearing himself with tens of thousands of small farmers, fisherfolk, other ruralfolk, indigenous peoples, and local officials, from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi. During the ManCom meeting, he also urged DA officials to remain trustful and upright in delivering needed assistance and services to farmers, fishers and other stakeholders, so they could fully benefit from and actively participate in DA initiatives and programs, and together more goals could be achieved. Ang naipundar nating pagtitiwala nila sa Kagawaran ay gawin nating puhunan para lalong pasiglahin ang kanilang paglahok sa ating mga

Secretary Alcala and DA top officials during the National Management Committee meeting, at Siargao Islands, Surigao del Norte, July 11 to 13, 2012.

P-Noy cites DA chief ...

Huwag lang po tayong pagsungitan ng panahon, harinawa, sa susunod na taon ay pwede na tayong mag-export ng bigas, he said. The President said, as per Secretary Alcala, the key to the success of governments national rice program is a feasible irrigation program and the assiduous implementation of the certified seeds program. Aside from the notable accomplishment in the rice sector, President Aquino emphasized that the local coconut industry has been contributing consistently to the governments coffers. For instance, he said coconut water, once considered as a waste product, is now a promising enterprise for the Filipino co-

(from p1)
conut farmers. Exports of coco water have increased to a staggering 16.7 million liters worth $15M in 2011, from a measly 483,800 liters in 2009. President Aquino also mentioned coco coir, another coconut by-product, which is processed into geo-textiles and exported to other countries as an erosion-control material. DA through the Philippine Coconut Authority will allot funds to buy coco coir processing machines. The said government has allocated P1.75 billion to invest in, and develop, the countrys coconut sector. In addition, the DAPCA has earmarked more than P500 million for its massive coconut planting and replanting program, and an additional P336 million for fertilization program.

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, Arlhene S. Carro, Bethzaida N. Bustamante, Catherine N. Nanta 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

farmers groups so they could properly synchronize their production, harvest and delivery schedules. For instance, the traders said there is currently an oversupply of tomatoes, which is unusual, as July and August are traditionally lean months, being rainy months. Off-season tomatoes mainly come from Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao. However, this year, farmers in Laguna, Batangas and Nueva Ecija planted tomatoes and are now supplying Divisoria. Aside from tomatoes, Divisoria traders said there is also an excess supply of garlic, and a tight supply of onions. Delima said there is a need to strengthen the coordination and communication between farmers and traders, to synchronize production and harvest schedules and maintain a stable supply and reasonable prices. He said the DA will help link farmers groups directly with traders, and they should decide what type and volume of vegetables to plant year-round, and schedule their harvest and delivery to the markets. (Catherine Nanta) fore September 2012, and thereafter prepare planned projects and activities to be funded in 2013; Exert efforts to fully implement the respective regional and agency catch-up plans; and Determine specific targets and commitments for each region, agency and national com-

rector Stephen Antig, MBFEA officers, and DA Region VII Director Constancio Maghanoy, Jr. During the meeting, the PBGEA and MBFEA sought the assistance of the DA to help them control the raging Sigatoka disease in several small banana plantations. Sigatoka, also known as black leaf streak, is a fungal disease that causes drying of leaves and premature ripening of fruits, thus reducing fruit harvest by 50 % or more. Regional Director Maghanoy said the DA will provide needed assistance to contain the disease. The two industry groups also proposed to include banana in governments school feeding program, as it provides nutrition to schoolchildren. The PGEA and MBFEA, along with the DA and DTI officials also agreed to meet with officials of major shipping lines to discuss the possibility of lowering shipping and freight costs to make Philippine bananas competitive in export markets. (Socorro R.
Supio, DA-Region VII Info Div)

modity programs. These will be presented and discussed in succeeding meetings that will be convened in the next three months, in preparation for the respective presentation and defense of the proposed DA budget at the House of Representatives and Senate of the Philippines.

July 2012

11

DA5 hosts natl BAC meeting cum training on geo-tagging

The Department of Agriculture National Bids and Awards Committee Association (DA-NBACA) recently held its 2nd quarter meeting cum training on GeoTagging of DA sub-projects at Villa Caceres Hotel in Naga City, with more than 30 participants from all over the country. DA-NBACA National President Joyce S. Wendam said, aside from sharing new developments in the agencys BAC policies, the participants were briefed on how geo-tagging works, and more importantly how it is used to prevent 'ghost' projects, or avoid overlapping or duplicating projects. They also learned from Engr. Samuel Belamide, consultant of MRDP2, that geo-tagging can make monitoring and evaluation of projects easier and more efficient. For his part, Regional Executive Director Jose V. Dayao said the training on geo-tagging will enhance the capability of DA staff in evaluating proposals, monitoring projects and in obtaining fast and accurate data. (DA-RAFID5)

SPJA seeks farmers support to attain rice, food sufficiency

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has called on the continued support of farmers groups, local government officials and the private sector to attain the major goals under the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP). He made the call at the launch of the FSSP policy document, July 5, 2012, during the MakinaSaka 2012 or 2nd Agri Machinery Roadshow, attended by about 2,000 members of Irrigators Associations (IAs), Small Water Impounding System Associations (SWISAs), Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs), and local government officials, at the World Trade Center, in Pasay City. In particular, Secretary Alcala urged the IAs and SWISAs to join efforts with the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to ensure that funds for irrigation projects are efficiently spent to help attain the rice sufficiency targets under the FSSP. The FSSP is the Aquino governments banner program aimed at attaining sufficiency in rice and major staples, increasing the productivity and incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk, empowering farming and fishing communities, and making the countrys agricultural and fishery sector globally competitive. Secretary Alcala presented a copy of the FSSP document to President Aquino on July 5, which served as one of the highlights of Makina-Saka 2012. In his keynote speech, the President commended the DA and Secretary Alcala for successfully reducing rice imports from a high of 2.4 million metric tons in 2010 to only 500,000 MT this year, and sustaining production efforts to attain sufficiency by end of 2013. Secretary Alcala said barring adverse weather disturbances in the succeeding months of 2012, the country may attain its production target of 18.46 million MT, which would be a record harvest. Subsequently, the country would import less next year, at 100,000 MT or lower. He said the DA is also preparing to start exporting rice, particularly upland, fancy and aromatic varieties, next year to other countries. During the four-day MakinaSaka 2012 the farmer-leaders of IAs, SW ISAs and AFCs presented respective major issues and concerns to Secretary Alcala, Assistant Secretary and national rice program coordinator Dante Delima, and DA-NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel. One consensus is that the DA and NIA will fully support the creation of a national federation of IAs that will represent tens of thousands of farmer-members. With a national IA federation, Assistant Secretary Delima said the DA and NIA will be able to facilitate the provision of needed logistics and equipment needs, including institutional and capacity-building assistance, to thousands of IAs nationwide.

Aquino govt ...

(from p1)
of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will receive P4.65B, followed by National Food Authority with P4.25B, Philippine Coconut Authority (P1.75B), and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (P1.18B), and Agricultural Credit Policy Council (P1B). With heftier budgetary support, the DA is better-positioned to bridge the domestic supply with the growing demand for food, especially for rice, corn, fish, and coconut. The departments increased budget will also go towards fixing irrigation systems, providing access to credit and safety nets, and investing in farm-to-market roads and post-harvest technologies, Abad said. Were planting the seeds of food self-sufficiency so that we wont have to rely on imports by the end of 2013. The budget in-

tration (NIA) targets to build new systems that will irrigate new areas totalling 61,215 hectares (has), and repair existing systems that will restore 42,219 has and rehabilitate 112,699 has. About P15B is earmarked for national commodity programs, broken down as: P7.45B, for rice; P1.52B, corn; high value crops, P1.35B; livestock, P1B; and fisheries, P3.65B. The DAs organic agriculture program will get P927 million (M), while the establishment of trading centers is allotted P885M. The DA in partnership with local government units will construct P7-B worth of 750 kilometers of farm-to-market roads that will link production communities with trading posts for faster trade and speedier investment returns to farmers and fisherfolk. On a per bureau/agency basis, aside from the NIA, the Bureau

DA, DENR chiefs lead nationwide tree planting. As lead convenors of the National Greening Program (NGP), Secretary Alcala (left) and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje plant a yakal tree seedling, July 14, 2012, at the University of the Philippines, Diliman campus. The activity, dubbed as Alay ng Kapatiran sa Inang Kalikasan, serves as one of the highlights of the 66th anniversary celebration of the Beta Sigma Fraternity, of which both are alumni members. On that day, other Beta Sigmans in other parts of the country planted 170,000 trees nationwide.
creases for DAtogether with the Administrations focus on our grain and crop programs should help the agency meet the targets set for it next year, as well as enable the Administration to combat hunger and poverty in the long-term, Abad said. The other top agencies with their respective budget are: Department of Education (P292.7B), DPWH (P152.9B), DND (P121.6B), DILG (P121.1B), DOH (P56.8 B), DSW D (P56.2B), DOTC (P37.1B), DOF (P33.2B), and DENR (P23.7B). The proposed 2013 budget is 10.5% or P190 billion more than the current years budget, and represents 16.8% of the countrys projected gross domestic product (GDP). The proposed budget targets a higher economic growth of 6 to 7%.(DBM, DA) trol and product image. This has resulted in the acquisition of more presentable packaging materials in the form of new bottles, plastic jugs and labels. This was followed by total overhaul of the companys facilities with the installation of stainless steel tanks, earthen jars, plastic barrels and crates, and filtration agents. The company also received marketing assistance through participation in regional trade fairs. Meanwhile, the DAs Sugar Regulatory Administration has packaged a fast, easy-to-follow and cost effective technology on making vinegar. This technology produces naturally fermented sugarcane vinegar from sugarcane juice in just two weeks. (PNA)

Secretary Alcala (left) leads the groundbreaking of a P200-million DA Fisheries Building Complex, July 6, as part of the 65th anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), at the Bureau of Plant Industry compound, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. The complex will feature three fourstorey buildings one each for the DA-BFAR, Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA), and National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) and a two-storey fishery laboratory building. Also shown (from left) are NFRDI director Melchor Tayamen, PFDA general manager Eduardo Chu, and BFAR director Asis Perez.
The national IA federation is set to convene and elect their national officers in October. During the main Makina-Saka ceremony on July 5, Secretary Alcala and Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo forged a memorandum of understanding to expand technical cooperation between the DA and DOST on research and development particularly on farm, fishery production, postharvest and mechanization initiatives. The areas of cooperation include agricultural engineering, post-harvest pest and disease management, mycotoxin prevention and food safety, food processing, agricultural economics, agribusiness management, and biotechnology. The event also marked the launch of the Matuwid na D.A.A.N. or DA Accountability Network, a website within the existing DA website (www.da.gov.ph), aimed to promote transparency as it features relevant information on the DAs various ongoing and completed agri-fishery infrastructure and projects all over the country. Also on July 5, a fashion show was held to promote various clothing apparel made of Philippine silk, pia fiber, and abaca, which was spearheaded by the DAs Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA).

Sukang Iloko ...

(from p5)

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).

World Trade Center-Manila. Cormel has since launched another product - duhat concentrate, but its sukang Iloko is the top money-maker. Aside from local sales, it has been exporting its vinegar to Hawaii and Guam where thousands of Ilocanos hack out a living and has been shipping 3,600 liters of vinegar to Hawaii annually. The company has been helped by government agencies, particularly the Department of Science and Technology and the state-run Mariano Marcos State University in Batac, Ilocos Norte. The company initially faced the use of recycled rum and gin bottles which was not good in terms of its product reputation. W ith the help of DOST regional office in Ilocos Norte and MMSU, the firm was able to improve its operations, quality con

DA, traders to meet regularly to stabilize vegetable supply, prices

The Department of Agriculture will meet regularly with vegetable traders as part of the agencys continuing efforts to stabilize the supply and prices of vegetables and other food commodities for the benefit of both farmers and consumers. Assistant Secretary Dante Delima, who represented DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, said the regular consultation with traders would prevent both the tight and oversupply of vegetables, and subsequent spikes or sudden drop in prices, at the expense of consumers and producers. Delima and other DA officials met with the officers and members of the Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association of the Philippines (VIEVAP), led by Leah Cruz, on July 17, at the DA central office in Quezon City. The traders are based in Divisoria, Metro Manilas largest diversified wholesale market. During the meeting, the two groups discussed the current supply and prices of major vegetables traded in Divisoria, and initially agreed on strategies on how to stabilize the supply and production of major vegetables. W ith regular updates from traders on what vegetables are abundant or lacking, Delima said they would then relay the information to the respective DA regional offices and vegetable
(Pls turn to p11)

DA assistant secretary Dante Delima (left) inspects some vegetables during a meeting with Divisoria-based Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association of the Philippines (VIEVAP), July 17, at the DA central office in Quezon City. DA will meet regularly with the VIEVAP to help stabilize the supply and prices of vegetables and other food commodities. Also shown (from left) are VIEVAP president Leah Cruz, DA technical adviser Teresa Saniano, and Land Bank of the Philippines board director Victor Gerardo Bulatao. July 2012

10

DA-MRDP seeks to maintain WBs positive rating

The Department of Agricultures Mindanao Rural Development Program 2 (DAMRDP2) is confident that it could garner another positive rating from the World Bank (W B) in terms of meeting targets and accomplishments. We are confident that we can maintain our satisfactory rating, because we have achieved a little over our targets set for the review mission, said MRDP2 and concurrent DA-Region X director Lealyn A. Ramos. The WB is currently conducting its 8th review and implementation support mission, July 31 to August 10, 2012, at the DABureau of Soils and Water Management, in Quezon City. Ramos said that with the full support of Secretary Alcala, the MRDP2 has increased its performance in terms of disbursement to 42%, as of July 27, 2012, which is 17 percentage points more than five months ago. The implementation of MRDP2 projects picked up when Secretary Alcala favorably intervened, with the DA shouldering 40% of the LGUs counterpart for every rural infrastructure project from the previous 50%. Hence, the LGUs now share only 10% of the cost of every infrastructure project such as FMR or CIS as a counterpart or equity, said Director Ramos. We are aiming to achieve at least 60% disbursement this year, and it would not be difficult to reach that target provided we are able to sustain our implementation momentum, she added. MRDP deputy director Arnel de Mesa said they have successfully implemented various projects and initiatives under the programs three major components, namely: Rural Infrastructure (RI), Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD), and Natural Resources Management (NRM). To date, the MRDP2 has completed P887.4-M worth of rural infrastructure. These include 365.96 kilometers of FMRs, 128.6 linear meters of bridges; dozens of communal irrigation systems, servicing a total of 508 hectares, 24 potable waters systems, and 10 units of other infrastructure facilities. Under CFAD, MRDP2 has funded 2,046 projects, worth P539.55M, benefitting 133,227 individuals. The projects include production of crops, poultry and livestock, high value crops, organic farm products, marine fish and aquaculture, food processing and marketing, and small support infrastructure like provision of hanging bridges, footpaths, water pumps, pump boats, and fish landing, among others. Under the NRM, the program has completed 25 proj ects (P40.42M), with 40 on-going (P86.6M), and 25 proj ects (P40.9M) ready for implementation. NRM projects include agroforestry, river stabilization, mangrove rehabilitation, and fish sanctuary establishment. Ramos said that in its previous review mission in February this year, the WB gave the MRDP2 a satisfactory rating due to a higher disbursement rate and implementation of sub-projects. The DA-MRDP2 is implemented in 225 towns in all provinces in Mindanao. It has a total funding of US$123.9M, of which $83.75M is a loan from the WB, and the balance as counterpart funds from the Philippine government and partner or enrolled local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao. During the WB missions July 31 meeting, MRDP officials led by Secretary Alcala thanked the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) for providing a grant of $3M, which will fund the programs various governance reform initiatives. A briefing on the proposed US$627-M Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) was also conducted to present its major features, issues and concerns, and identify and agree on preparatory actions to be undertaken to ensure the smooth and seamless transition from MRDP2 to PRDP. The WB team is composed of task team leader Felizardo K. Virtucio; lead rural development specialist Ms. Carolina FigueroaGeron; institutional development specialist Beula Maria Carmen de La Pena; Rural Infra Engineer Mr. Crisanto Afable; social development specialist Luningning Bondoc; NRM specialist Gilbert Braganza; senior procurement specialist Noel Sta. Ines; and finance specialist Tomas Sta. Maria. (Sherwin B.
Manual, DA-MRDP & Catherine Nanta, DA-AFIS)

VICSMIN hosts veggie congress

The Vegetable Industry Council of Southern Mindanao (VICSMIN) will host the 8th Mindanao Vegetable Congress on August 13-14 at Grand Men Seng Hotel, in Davao City. The event is supported by the Department of Agriculture, along with the USAIDs Growth with Equity in Mindanao Program (GEM3), Davao City Agriculturists Office, and the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Expected to attend are hundreds of small farmers, vegetable producers, vegetable supply chain players, and government and other support organizations, not only from Mindanao, but also from other parts of the country. W ith the theme Improved Market Accessibility: Key to Poverty Alleviation, the congress aims to encourage farmers to improve their production of quality vegetables, schedule their planting and harvest schedules, and forge direct marketing agreements. It will also serve as a venue to share the best practices in vegetable production and marketing, and agri-entrepreneurship; determine market opportunities outside Mindanao; link directly with the markets and institutional buyers in viable markets; enhance existing partnerships among stakeholders of the vegetable industry in Mindanao; generate funds to support the institutional strengthening and market development activities of VICSMIN; and discuss major issues like food safety, and consolidate other support organizations, and fragmented farmers groups.

Farmers can produce 4MT/ha of upland rice

Given the right quality seeds and technology, farmers can double their harvest of upland rice to four tons per hectare. This was relayed by experts from the DAs Philippine Rice Research Institute, who served as resource persons during the recent regional stakeholders Upland Rice Development Program (URDP) in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, attended by 40 farmers and other participants. Ruben B. Miranda of PhilRice, and concurrent National URDP leader, said given quality seeds, proper technology and assistance, marginal upland rice farms can increase their average yield to 4 to 4.5 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha), from the current measly yield of 1.5 to 2.0 MT/ ha.
DA Chief opens P4.5-M Butuan City Irrigation Project.

Sec Bobot bids adieu

The Department of Agriculture (DA) family headed by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala expresses its deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of former Agricultural Development Plan (MTADP). The MTADP laid down the foundation for the ascension of the Philippine agriculture to meet the challenge of competing globally.

Secretary Alcala (3rd from left) leads the inauguration of a supplementary dam of a P4.5-million Tagulahi Communal Irrigation System, in Sitio Doque, Barangay Taguibo, Butuan City, July 24, 2012. The Tagulahi CIS, undertaken by the DAs National Irrigation Administration (NIA), will irrigate 100 hectares of rice farm, benefiting 130 farmer-members of the Taguibo Irrigators Association (IA). Joining him (from left) are NIA CARAGA Division Manager Madante Ganotisi, NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., DA-CARAGA Regional Executive Director Edna Mabeza, and Taguibo IA President Romy Lasco.
Miranda said some farmers in upland areas in Northern Mindanao or Region 10 have shown that with improved management technologies, they were able to increase the yield of traditional varieties from 4.16 to 6.5 MT/ha, and those of modern varieties from 3.13 to 6.7 MT/ha. Miranda said harvests are significant and would greatly complement the production in the countrys lowland and irrigated areas. He said the establishment of Community-based Seed Banks (CSB) in strategic upland areas will help solve the lack of seed problem, utilization of quality seeds, and accessibility of seeds. The DA through PhilRice and Agri-Pinoy National Rice Program is undertaking the URDP to promote sustainable farming systems and practices in upland farming communities, and help farmers increase their yields and income. Also, it aims to develop sustainable models of locally organized and a viable seed production system. He said the DA has organized regional Agripinoy URDP teams headed by the DA Regional Director and representatives from concerned DA agencies, and other institutions like IRRI, DENR, DAR, DSWD, Landbank, SUCs, NGOs, NCIP, PLGUs, MLGUs, CLGUs and Upland Farmers Organizations (UFOs).
(DA9 RAFID)

Modern ... (from p8)

General Santos-Davao highway, as a possible tourist atttaction. We discussed this matter with the Sarangani Governor Miguel Rene Dominguez, and we made initial plans to turn the place into a possible tourism destination, Mayor Constantino said. Dominguez said the provincial government will continue to support the project, especially on its planned expansion to other areas. He said they will help ensure that it will become a model community venture, not only for the province but for the entire Mindanao. In support of the project, the provincial government and other local stakeholders pledged to patronize the plants products and services. They also vowed to support the related initiatives aimed at making the dairy enterprise viable and sustainable, thereby providing income for the farmers and proper nutrition for the children in the area. Constantino, who heads the provinces League of Municipalities, said they are planning to enlist the areas six other municipalities to help promote the project by sourcing their nutrition programs milk requirements from the dairy facility. (PNA)

The late DA chief Roberto Bobot Sebastian (right) with former President Fidel V. Ramos.
culture Secretary Roberto Bobot S. Sebastian for his untimely demise. The Department is saddened for his loss and we wish that his family, relatives, and friends will find solace and strength in his memories. We do share their grief, and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with them as they gradually overcome this moment of grief, Secretary Alcala said. Secretary Sebastian died on July 23, at the age of 69. Surviving him are wife, Melba Erum Regis; and children, Rommel Patton, June Genevieve and Robert Charles. He was once a staunch figure in the Philippine banana industry, which opened him the opportunity to serve in the government. In 1992, President Fidel V. Ramos appointed Sebastian as DA chief, who introduced the Key Production Approach (KPA) that became the basis in the formulation of the Medium-Term AgriSebastian served the DA from 1992 to 1996. Thereafter, he served as the countrys Special Envoy for agriculture to the World Trade Organization. Before his stint in the DA, Sebastian served as the president and chief executive officer of Verdant Ventures as well as president and chief operating officer of Marsman Estate Plantation, Inc., Nova Vista Management and Development Corp. and Tagnanan Estate. He started out with the Philippine Packing Corp. (PPC), and moved to manage the Marsman banana plantations from 1976 to 1983 and later became its president. He also served as president of industry groups like the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), Confederation of Philippine Exporters Foundation, Inc. in Region 11, and Samahang Magsasaging ng Davao, Inc. His remains were interred in Davao.

DA proposes ...

(from p1)

current Mindanao Rural Development Program Phase 2 (MRDP2). Secretary Alcala said the PRDP will be funded through a $500-M loan from the World Bank (W B), which has also bankrolled the MRDP2, a $120M counterpart from the Philippine government and beneficiary local government units (LGUs), and a $7-M grant from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). He made the announcement during a July 31 press briefing, at the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management, in Quezon City, as part of the 8th WB review mission, from July 31 to August 10. He said the PRDP will be patterned after the five-year MRDP2, which was also funded by a $83.75-M W B loan, and about $40-M worth of counterpart from the Philippine government, particularly from the DA and beneficiary-LGUs. MRDP is implemented by the DA in partnership with the enrolled LGUs and project beneficiaries.
(Pls turn to p11)

DA Chief urges concerted effort vs. coco pest. Secretary Alcala

(inset, right) urges Batangas farmers and local government officials (inset, left) to join hands with the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to effectively control scale insects which have been infesting coconut trees in the province and adjoining areas, during a public consultation, on July 16, in Barangay Balele, Tanauan. He said the DA and the PCA will assist farmers to prune affected trees, treat them with recommended chemicals, and implement preventive measures to avert the spread of the pest. Further, the DA will provide affected farm families with livelihood projects, while the PCA will give them coconut seedlings to replace affected trees. Also shown at right is PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes. July 2012

DA allots P67-M assistance for Siargao farmers, fisherfolk

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is allotting an initial P67 million (M) to bankroll several agricultural and fishery infrastructure projects in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, to transform it into a sufficient producer of rice, white corn, other staple crops, vegetables and aquamarine products. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the Aquino administration through the DA will continue to provide needed support and assistance to empower farming and fishing communities in Siargao, and enable small farmers and fisherfolk increase their productivity, earn decent incomes, and subsequently uplift their standard of living. He said the DA will initially help Siargao produce 100 percent (%) of its rice requirements in two to three years time, during a July 12 forum at General Luna town, attended by more than 1,000 farmers, fisherfolk and local government officials. To date, the island produces more than onethird or 37% of its rice requirements. To achieve the rice sufficiency target, Secretary Alcala said the DA through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will fund this year the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation systems, amounting to P30-M. To complement it, the DA through the national rice program will also construct a P2-M community seed bank in Del Carmen town, provide P1.5-M worth of various farm machinery and equipment and farm inputs, particularly registered rice seeds for propagation into certified seeds, and put up an organic fertilizer or vermincomposting facility, worth P540,000. During the farmers and fisherfolks forum in General Luna, the DA chief also committed to validate prospective areas where small water impounding systems (SWIPs) or mini-dams could be constructed by the NIA or the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM). He said the DA will also undertake five farm-to-market roads (FMR) projects in three towns (San Isidro, Del Carmen and Dapa), worth P20-M, and establish a 50-hectare coconut seed nursery in Del Carmen, worth P9-M, through the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). For fisheries, the DA through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has provided fisherfolk groups with one motorized banca, 10 units of 16-HP boat engines, and 20 gill nets, totaling P1-M. The DA-BFAR will also identify other potential marine sanctuaries, explore expansion areas for seaweed production, and conduct training for fisherfolkleaders and barangay officials and deputize them as fish wardens who will apprehend illegal fishermen and poachers. Siargao has a 5,000-hectare mangrove area, considered as the largest in the country. Hence,

Ang gusto nating mangyari: Una, hindi na tayo aangkat ng hindi kailangan. Ikalawa, ayaw na nating umasa sa pag-angkat.

Ang isasaing ni Juan de la Cruz, dito ipupunla, dito aanihin, dito bibilhin.
A year after, the DA has made big strides that paved the way to reducing the countrys rice imports from a high of 2.4 million metric tons (MT) in 2010 to only one-fifth or 500,000 MT this year. Had it not been for the strong typhoons (Pedring and Quiel) that hit the countrys major rice producing provinces in Northern Luzon and Cagayan Valley during the 4th quarter last year, farmers could have harvested an additional one million MT of palay. Kung hindi tayo tinamaan ng malalakas na bagyo noong nakaraang taon, maliit lamang siguro ang ating inangkat ngayon taon (if we were not hit by strong typhoons last year, we could have imported less this year), Sec. Proceso J. Alcala said. Nevertheless, last years palay output totaled 16.68 million MT, which is still a record harvest. This year, the DA is targeting to produce 18.46 million MT, and about 20 million MT in 2013, which would make the country 100 percent self-sufficient, said Secretary Alcala. The targets are contained in the Aquino administrations medium-term (2011-2016) Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), which also promotes the increased production and consumption of other traditional staples like white corn (bigasmais), balinghoy (cassava), kamote(sweet potato) and saba (cardava banana). The FSSP also advocates for inc reased

-His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III State of the Nation Address, July 25, 2011

Secretary Alcala (top photo) assures farmers, fisherfolk (bottom) and local government officials in Siargao, Surigao del Norte, that the Aquino administration through the DA will continue to provide needed assistance to make the island sufficient in rice, white corn and other staples in two to three years time, during a farmers and fisherfolks forum, in the town of General Luna. Among those shown at the head table (from left) are General Luna Mayor Jaime Rusillon, DA-CARAGA regional director Edna Mabeza, Surigao del Norte 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas, Governor Sol Matugas, and DA-NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel.
it is a rich fishing ground and a major source of tuna, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, lobsters, and seaweeds, among other fish and marine species. The DA through the Mindanao Rural Development Program also provided P2-M worth of infrastructure and livelihood projects for the town of Socorro. A P1.5-M farmers trading center will also rise up in the town of Del Carmen. The DA chief also committed to establish a mini corn mill and warehouse each in three towns (Pilar, Del Carmen and Socorro) to enhance the production and consumption of white corn grits (or bigas-mais) as main staple. Popularly known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is composed of nine municipalities, namely: Burgos, Dapa, Del Carmen, General Luna, San Benito, Pilar, San Isidro, Santa Monica and Socorro. The province of Surigao del Norte has 20 municipalities and one city.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, views the exhibits during the Makina Saka 2012 Agri-Machinery Roadshow at the Exhibit Hall, World Trade Center, Pasay City on July 5, 2012. (Malacaang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
consumption of unpolished or brown rice, which is more nutritious than white polished rice. T he program also encourages the general public to reduce rice wastage, as studies show that each Filipino wastes an average of two tablespoons of cooked rice daily. This is equivalent to nine grams of milled rice, or 300,000 MT of rice annually for a population of 94 million. This wastage could feed an additional 2.6 million Filipinos in one year. To bankroll the FSSP and other agriculture and fishery programs, the DA is privileged to receive an increased budget this year of P61.4B. T h e amount is being spent and invested judiciously in hig h-im pact interventions that include the construction, restoration and rehaPhoto by Sherwin Manual/MRDP bilitation of irrigation systems; establishment of needed farm and fishery production, postharvest and marketing facilities; provision of quality farm inputs, machinery and equipment, planting materials and livestock and fishery species; and continuous conduct of research and extension activities to encourage farmers and fisherfolk adopt sustainable, modern production, postharvest, processing and marketing technologies. Another milestone that the DA has achieved during the first two years under the Aquino administration is that we have restored the trust of the Filipino people as we continuously reach out to small Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, including local government officials nationwide. In a span of 24 months, the DA chief has already visited all the countrys 80 provinces, a self-imposed mission which has endeared himself to tens of thousands of small, marginal farmers, fisherfolk and their families in far-flung areas.

Modern milk facility rises in Sarangani

The municipality of Malungon, in Sarangani province, is aiming to be the next dairy capital of Mindanao, with the opening of its first modern milk processing facility. Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino said they plan to transform the towns dairy production program into a flagship industry, as a major source of livelihood for ruralfolk, and source of revenue for the local government. The facility commenced commercial operations this month, a year after the project launch in June 2011,with the dispersal of 150 imported and four islandbred cows to 64 local farmers. The facility is a component of the Sarangani Province Dairy Zone Project, initiated by Land O Lakes Foundation Phils., Inc. (LOLPI), in partnership with the DAs National Dairy Authority (NDA), provincial government of Sarangani, municipal government of Malungon, and the United States Department of Agriculture. Constantino said the beneficiaries, mostly members of the Blaan tribe, were trained on basic dairy skills and management through a program conducted at a LOLPI field station. The Saranggani government then provided P2 million for the construction of the building as its counterpart. Project proponents also look at the facility, located along the
(Pls turn to p9)

Secretary Alcala leads the turnover of the P5.26-M worth of agrifishery projects, machinery and equipment, as well as other farm inputs to farmers and fisherfolks groups in Butuan City, on July 24, 2012. The P4-M agricultural machinery and equipment grant includes: a combine harvester, tractor, shredder and composting equipment, vermin tea brewers, and P1.2-M worth of small irrigation projects and equipment. Looking (from left) are: Taguibo IPM Irrigators Assxociation Inc. President Romy Lasco, Butuan City Mayor Ferdinand Amante, Jr., and DA-NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel.

July 2012

The 2012 SONA Technical Report (Agri Accomplishments)

The Office of the President prepared a 51-page technical report, which served as basis for the SONA of President Aquino. It features six sections, namely: 1. Good Governance: Building a Culture of Accountable, Transparent, and Participatory Governance 2. Economic Development: Good Governance is Good Economics 3. Human Development and Poverty Reduction for Inclusive Growth 4. Security, Justice and Peace: Building a Lasting Peace, a Just Society, and a Secure Nation 5. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation 6. Legislative-Executive Partnership Highlights of the agriculture sectors achievements were included in section 2, pages 18-19, entitled Pursuing Inclusive Growth Anchored on Job Creation, which is herein reprinted: 2.2 Pursuing Inclusive Growth Anchored on Job Creation To generate more jobs for the most number, the Administration is promoting agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure. Inclusive Agricultural Growth. The Administration has increased investments in agriculture to achieve food sufficiency, raise farmers income, and make food accessible to all Filipinos. In 2012, the budget for agriculture was increased by 51.3 percent to P53.3 billion, the largest incremental budget increase.13 Following are the strategies to achieve the goals in agriculture: Construction and rehabilitation of 2,142.47 km of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) as of 30 June 2012 out of the targeted 2,134.26 km, which were funded under the CY 2010 Program. The construction and rehabilitation of all the projects under the CY 2011 (661.79 km) and 699.29 km or about 70 percent out of the targeted 1,000 km of FMRs for CY 2012 are ongoing. Building and rehabilitation of irrigation systems: be irrigated are currently ongoing. In addition, the Department of Agriculture (DA) targets to construct seven (7) Agri-Pinoy Trading Centers (APTCs) that shall connect farmers and fisherfolk directly to the consumers to address unfavorable prices for small farmers and high prices of agricultural products. These are in La Trinidad, Benguet; Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Urdaneta City, Pangasinan; Sagay City, Negros Occidental; Sagbayan, Bohol; Kabacan, North Cotabato; and Sariaya, Quezon. Investments in agriculture and other agricultural services and farm inputs contributed to the following: - 5.78 percent increase in palay production from 15,772,319 metric tons (MT) in 2010 to 16,684,062 MT in 2011 and a 3.45 percent increase from 7,577,209 MT in the first semester of 2011 to 7,838,455 MT this 2012. - Sixty-five (65) percent decline in rice importation in 2011, which resulted in US$1.32 billion in foreign exchange savings as of May 2012. It also contributed to a P25.8 billion decrease in National Food Authoritys (NFA) debt from P176.8 billion in June 2010 to P151.1 billion in June 2012. Increased participation of the private sector in rice trade resulted in a P4.2 billion revenue to the government. - For 2012, government plans to further decrease rice importation by 42 percent to 500,000 MT (380,000 MT for the private sector and 120,000 for NFA).

Sec Procy turned fifty-something last July. To celebrate his birthday, the entire DA family kicked-off their shoes and partied!

Administrative Service

NIA was able to carry out additional rehabilitation works beyond the targeted areas without requiring additional budget. Restoration works for the remaining damaged irrigation facilities as well as the generation of the remaining balance for new areas to

Government efforts to facilitate and promote coco water and coco coir exports resulted in the following: - 823 percent increase in the volume of coco water exports from 1.81 million liters worth US$1.84 million in 2010 to 16.75 million liters worth US$15.11 million in 2011. - 39.15 percent increase in the quantity of coco coir exports from 4.43 million kilograms (net) worth US$974,586 in 2010 to 6.16 million kilograms (net) worth US$2.01 million in 2011. - For 2013, government aims to invest a total of P1.75 billion to further develop the coconut industry.

Information Service

Sukang Iloko now an export item to Guam and Hawaii

A recent returnee to the metropolis was upbeat with a souvenir item he was told he should bring home from the north of the country: Ilocos vinegar or better known as sukang Iloko. It is a popular condiment in many Ilocano kitchen. A mild brown-colored acid, sukang Iloko has a wide range of industrial, medical, and domestic uses. Vivencio, the Manila returnee, had been familiar with the other vinegar varieties commercially available, but the souvenir gift was something that gave him a sense of wonder and pride in things indigenous to his country. He gathered that a Laoag Citybased food firm, Cormel Foods, is producing high-quality sukang Iloko from sugarcane. It is owned by Anthony Abadilla, who has exhibited his products at the International Food Exhibition (IFEX), at the
(Pls turn to p10)

Planning Service

FOS with Usec. Rudinas

Office of the Asec. for Admin

Office of the Secretary

Agri-Beat reporters

Secretary Alcala (3rd from right) leads the capsule laying of the AgriPinoy Seed Bank at a six-hectare Provincial Integrated Demonstration Farm and Training Center, in Brgy. Canchoy, Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte. Joining him (from left) are Surigao del Norte Governor Sol Matugas, 1st District Rep. Francisco Matugas and DACARAGA regional director Edna Mabeza.

with other DA bosses

July 2012