Vol. XXVIII No.

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

July 2013

Phl agri grows by 1.4%, Jan-June 2013

Bolstered by the fisheries, poultry, livestock and palay subsectors, the countrys agriculture industry grew by 1.44 percent (%) during the first six months of the year. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the fisheries subsector, which grew by 4.44% has started to rebound as a result of sustainable production and conservation initiatives during the last three years, including the strict implementation of a three-month closed fishing season in the Zamboanga and Visayan Seas. The fishery subsector contributed 18.1% to total agricultural production during the first half of the year. The poultry and livestock sectors also posted positive gains, at 4.39% and 2.12%, respectively. The two subsectors contributed 30% to total agricultural production, grossing P86.4 billion and P111.8 billion, respectively, at current prices. Palay (paddy or unmilled rice) production also increased by 1.34% to eight million metric tons (MMT), worth P129 billion at current prices, versus last years harvest of 7.89 MMT during the same six-month period. The total gross value of various agricultural products during the first semester of 2013 amounted to P697.2 billion, at current prices. We are confident that we could attain 100 percent sufficiency in rice by end of the year, as we continue providing farmers needed irrigation, quality seeds, and technical, postharvest and marketing assistance, Secretary Alcala said. Our quest for rice sufficiency is also propped up by the results of a 2012 survey of food demand, showing that per capita or average rice consumption per person annually has gone down to 114.26 kilograms (kg), from119 kg, he noted. The countrys total rice con(Pls turn to p2)

DA exceeds 100-MT rice export target

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala boasted that the Department of Agriculture in partnership with farmers groups and the private sector has exceeded its self-imposed target of 100 metric tons (MT) of rice exports this year. The agri chief favorably reacted on a report of DA Undersecretary and national rice program coordinator Dante S. Delima, who led a sendoff of 45 MT of aromatic rice to Singapore, July 22, 2013, at the Manila North Harbor. Delima said the rice export would in part satisfy the demand of 146,000 overseas Filipino workers in Singapore, and other rice-consuming Singaporeans and foreign tourists. The shipment consisted of 25 MT from farmer-members of Firmus Service Cooperative (FSC), in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and 20 MT
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DA debunks agri experts claim, study shows Pinoys eating less rice
Contrary to claims by certain international agriculture experts, Filipinos are eating lesser quantities of rice in the past five years, and population growth rate from 1990 to 2010 is declining. Agriculture Undersecretary for Field Operations and concurrent National Rice Program Coordinator Dante S. Delima said these facts debunk recent claims that the countrys population and rice consumption patterns pose threats to the governments rice self-sufficiency program. Citing the findings of the 2012 Survey of Food Demand for Agricultural Commodities in the Philippines (SFD) conducted by the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), Delima urged agriculture experts to update their data as these may be used for dan(Pls turn to p2)

Govt to implement more livelihood, job-generating enterprises. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (right) forges a pact

with other heads of national agencies to engage in a stronger cooperation and complementation towards improving and speeding up the implementation of community-based projects to alleviate poverty, create more jobs, ensure food security, and provide a healthy, safe and sustainable environment. They signed a convergence memorandum of understanding, July 24, 2013, in Manila, during a science, technology and innovation event. Also shown (from left) are department secretaries Gregory L. Domingo (Trade and Industry), Corazon J. Soliman (Social Welfare and Development), Mario G. Montejo (Science and Technology), Rosalinda Baldoz (Labor and Employment), Dir. Lilibeth David (Health), Asst. Sec. Rolando Acosta (Interior and Local Government), Usec. Demetrio Ignacio (Environment) and Virgilio R. delos Reyes (Agrarian Reform).

Editorial

DA debunks ...

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Matatag na agrikultura, matatag na sambayanan

Mahigit na 1.4 porsyento ang naitalang pag-angat ng Philippine Agriculture sector sa nagdaang unang anim na buwan ng kasalukuyang taon bunsod ng pinagsamasamang kontribusyon ng sarisaring salik ng agrikultura. Batay sa datos ng Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) nakapag-ambag ng apat na porsyento ang Philippine fishery sector kasunod ng mga inilunsad na pagkilos at pagtugon ng Department of Agriculture, sa pangunguna ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) hinggil sa mga suliranin na kinaharap ng sektor sa mga nagdaang taon. Positibo ang naging resulta ng pagkakasa ng mga preventive measures ng BFAR bilang tugon sa pagkaubos ng mga yamang-tubig at pagbagsak ng industriyang sandalan ng milyon-milyong Pilipino na naninirahan sa mga coastal areas ng bansa. Naging matagumpay at nagresulta sa mas mataas na huli at kita para sa mga mangingisda ang ang fishing ban program na ipinatupad ng DA sa mga piling karagatan sa bansa. Kasunod nito, patuloy pa rin ang paglalatag ng ahensya ng iba pang proyekto tulad ng mangrove reforestation at pagtatatag ng multi-species hatcheries upang kamtin ang mas malaking produksyon. Bukod sa pangisdaan, nagtala din ng positive growth ang pagmamanukan sa 4.39% at paghahayupan sa 2.12%. Dahil dito umabot sa 30% ang kabuuang kontribusyon ng animal sector sa National Agrigrowth. Pero nananatili pa ring bida ang pangunahing staple ng Pilipinasang bigas. Tila nga namamayagpag ang palay ni Juan dahil mas mataas ng 1.34% ang itinaas ng produksyon nito mula sa 7.89 million metric tons na ani noong nakaraang taon, sa parehong panahon. Ngayong taon, naitala sa walong milyong metriko tonelda ang naani ng mga rice farmers. Kaya naman, di na nakapagtataka na umakyat na sa P697.2 bilyon ang naging kabuuang kita ng industriya. Di na rin dapat ipagtaka ang malapit nang abutin ang rice target, sa kabila ng pangungutya ng ibang mga grupo na suntok sa buwan ang binitiwang pangako ni Sec. Procy at P-Noy sa sambayanan. Bagamat patuloy ang pambabalewala ng ilang sektor sa ating mga pagsusumikap na kamtin ang target ng kasapatan sa bigas at iba pang pangunahing pagkain, nanatiling focused ang DA na maabot ang binitiwang pangako. Marapat na magkaisa tayong lahat at pagsamasamahin ang ating mga kakayanan upang tagumpay ay kamtin sa mas madaling panahon? Ang tagumpay ng DA sa pagkakamit ng sufficiency target ay tagumpay ng bawat Pilipino na umaasa sa bigas di lamang bilang pagkain kundi pangmatagalang kabuhayan na ipamamana pa sa mga susunod pang henerasyon. Mahalagang magkaisa ang lahat, dahil sa usapang bigas, ang tagumpay ng isa ay tagumpay ng sambayanan.

Phl agri grows ...

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sumption last year, with an estimated population of 98 million, have amounted to roughly 11.2 MMT of rice or 17.23 MMT of palay. Based on a 114-kg rice per capita, our total harvest last year of 18.03 MMT of palay was more than sufficient to meet our domestic requirements, said Undersecretary and National Rice Program Coordinator Dante

Delima. But we are sustaining efforts to meet our 2013 target production of 20 MMT of palay. The food demand survey was conducted by the DAs Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) last year, covering 13,558 households nationwide during the months of February, May, August and November. Aside from rice, the survey also gathered data on the following: per capita consumption of

corn and other major food commodities, purchasing patterns of households, shift in food preferences, substitution of with other food commodities, quantity of rice and corn leftovers and wastage, and relationship of demographic and socio-economic factors with food consumption patterns.

DA exceeds ...

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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, Marshall Louie Asis, Danica Melegrito 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 Printing & Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff

from Magtutumana ng Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MSR-MPC), in Nueva Ecija. The rice was processed and exported by the Vegetable Importers Exporters Vendors Association (VIEVA), carrying the brand Golden Vieva aromatic white rice. With this shipment, and at the rate we are going, it is not farfetched that our exports of premium and organic, colored Philippine rice will breach the 200MT mark by the end of the year, said Delima. As of July 22, the country has
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gerous policy directions. Recent reports attributed to studies made by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) cite population and consumption as hindrances to the viability of the governments Food Staples Sufficiency Program. However, the latest BAS survey pegs the annual per capita consumption of rice at 114.26 kilograms. For corn, it was 10.27 kilograms. From a reported high of about 128 kilograms per person in 2008, BAS data show a downward trend in rice consumption at 119.25 kilograms in 2009, 114.81 kg in 2010, 115.30 kg in 2011, and the latest at 114.26 in 2012. The study also showed that the annual per capita consumption of rice was highest among households belonging to Class AB at 123.60 kg, and least among Class E households at 109.90 kg. It also showed that households in the poorest group were the biggest consumers of rice substitutes. Among the substitutes to rice in this sector, corn was the most popular (21.13 kg), followed by banana (12.30 kg), camote (5.28 kg), cassava (4.80 kg), and gabi (1.83 kg). Nationwide, 95.74 percent of households reported rice as their staple food, while only 4.13 percent cited corn, and 0.13 percent for other food like bread, cassava, and gabi. The present BAS survey negates a recent SEARCA study that showed Filipinos have progressively consumed more rice in the last two decades. According to SEARCA study, while rice consumption has declined in most other Asian countries, per capita consumption in the Philippines rose to 13 percent, from 106 kg in 2000 to 119 kg in 2009. In terms of population, Delima noted that official figures from the National Statistics Office indicate a decline in population growth rate, from 2.34 percent for the period 1990 to 2000, to only 1.90 percent for 2000 to 2010. BAS, the statistical arm of the Department of Agriculture, conducted the SFD in four survey rounds in 2012. (Adam Borja, DANational Rice Program)

DA to upgrade livestock oksyon markets

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will upgrade and modernize livestock trading in major animal production areas to provide farmers, raisers and traders more income, and create more jobs. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA is pursuing the initiative in partnership with the Japanese government and host municipalities and cities, during the inauguration of the upgraded livestock oksyon market (LOM) in Lemery, Batangas, on July 13, 2013. The upgrading of the Lemery LOM is under the Rehabilitation and Modernization of Livestock Oksyon Market in the Philippines jointly funded by the DA through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) sharing P3 million (M), the host municipal government counterparting P3.5-M, and the Japanese government which provided P33.9-M under the 2KR grant intended for the rehabilitation of 5 LOMs in key areas of the country. The program was facilitated by the National Agricultural and Fishery Council and implemented by BAI. BAIs share in the total fund was used for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the oksyon market, plus additional support amounting to P1 million in terms of equipment such as digital livestock weighing scale with printer and monitor, desktop computer, laptop computer, fax machine, LCD overhead projector, and office supplies. There is also a separate funding support for the conduct of training, groundbreaking activities, and socio-economic profiling of the project site. Also present during inauguration were Japanese Embassy First Secretary of Agriculture Ryutaro Aoki, Lemery Mayor Charisma Alilio, DA Assistant Secretary Davinio Catbagan, Dr. Rubina Cresencio of the BAI, Manuel Jarmin of the Livestock Development Council and DA Region 4A director Vilma Dimaculangan. Secretary Alcala commended the Japanese government, as well as Lemery local government officials, for upgrading the facilities and adopting an automated transaction system at the Lemery LOM, which is considered the biggest in the country where thousands of cattle, carabaos, hogs, goats, chicken are sold every Saturday. When fully operational, Secretary Alcala said livestock raisers are expected to earn 25 percent more with the transparent and automated livestock trading system. More jobs will also be generated. He said the Lemery LOM will also serve as a model of other livestock auction markets in the country. He enjoined other livestock raisers and local government officials to visit Lemery to personally see the new and modern facilities like animal sheds, weighing scale house, and loading and unloading ramps, and observe the automated transaction and trading system. Aoki said the auction market will serve as the public face of the livestock industry in Lemery, and will be the center for a healthy and fair livestock trading. He added that the project serves as a testimony of the strong RP-Japan friendship and the Japanese governments recognition of the plight of livestock farmers. Secretary Alcala urged Mayor Alilio to further improve the trading system and provide efficient services, and to fully maximize its capacity. The Agri chief specifically suggested the development of a master development plan to improve drainage and waste disposal. He also instructed DA Region

DA opens moder n P40-M Lemer y livestock auction market.

Secretary Alcala (5th from left) leads the inauguration of a modern P40-million livestock auction market in Lemery, Batangas, on July 13, 2013. Once fully operational, livestock raisers are expected to increase their income by 25 percent with the transparent and automated livestock trading system (inset). It was jointly funded by the Japanese government through a 2KR grant, the Department of Agricultures Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), and municipal government of Lemery. Secretary Alcala said the DA will continue to upgrade and modernize livestock auction and trading facilities in major animal production areas to provide farmers, raisers and traders more income, and create more jobs. Also shown (from left) are DA-Livestock Development Council Director Manuel Jarmin, BAI Director Rubina Cresencio, DA Region 4A Director Vilma Dimaculangan, Japanese Embassy First Secretary of Agriculture Ryutaro Aoki, Lemery Mayor Charisma Alilio, DA Assistant Secretary Davinio Catbagan, DA-National Agriculture and Fishery Council Director Ariel Cayanan, and Rolando Promentilla, manager of DA-NAFC 2KR project.
4A director Dimaculangan to validate and assess the viability of constructing a farm-to-market road that will connect the Lemery LOM to the main highway to encourage more livestock raisers and traders from other parts of Batangas, and Luzon provinces to sell and trade their livestock and poultry animals there. (Adora
Rodriguez-AFIS/Elmer EsplanaBAI)

Phl exports 45MT premium rice to Singapore

For the second time this year, the Philippines is exporting 45 metric tons (MT) of premium or aromatic white rice, particularly to Singapore. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the aromatic, longgrain white rice was sourced from farmer-members of Fitmus Cooperative, in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, and Magtutumana ng Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Cooperative, in Nueva Ecija. It was shipped on July 22, 2013, to Singapore, where there are more than 146,600 overseas Filipino workers. The DA chief thanked the South Cotabato and Nueva Ecija farmers for their perseverance and hardwork, along with the strong support of the Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association Philippines, Inc. (VIEVA), which processed and
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Agriculture Undersecretary Dante Delima (5th from left) leads the latest export of 45 metric tons (MT) of aromatic rice to Singapore, July 22, 2013, at the Manila North Harbor. Also shown are farmermembers of FSC and MSR-MPC, VIEVA President Leah Cruz (3rd from right), and DA officials led by Bureau of Plant Industry Dir. Clarito Barron (4th from right), National Food Authority (NFA) marketing operations director Joseph dela Cruz NFA-NCR director Piolito Santos, and Santa Rosa municipal agriculturist Nicanora Bautista.

July 2013

DA crafts roadmap to boost PHL coffee industry

The Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with various stakeholders, has crafted a national roadmap to boost the global competitiveness of the Philippines coffee industry. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the national roadmap will not only sustain the increasing demand for coffee in the country today, but would also lead the Philippines to being a net exporter of coffee. As of 2011, the Philippines is a net importer of coffee while neighboring nations, which include Indonesia and Vietnam, are net exporters. We have the capability to produce yet we are importing a lot. Import substitution and exportation is the way to go, Alcala said. To attain this, the DA said the master plan has provided the needed direction towards attaining a cost-competitive sector that is reliable and environment-friendly, aligned with global quality standards, and capable of providing sustainable benefits to farmers, processors, traders and exporters. The roadmap also high
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DA Undersecretary Siegfredo Serrano (left photo) orients the employees of the DA and its line agencies on the Asean Economic Community (AEC). The AEC adopted during the 13th Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, in November 2007, in Singapore envisions a single market and production base, a highly competitive economic region, and a region of equitable economic development, fully integrated into the global economy. It aims to transform ASEAN into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labor, and freer flow of capital.

DA taps SUCs to produce quality rice seeds

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is tapping State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) nationwide to serve as production sites of quality rice seeds. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said partnership with the SUCs, particularly those with idle lands suitable for rice production, will complement efforts of research stations of the DA regional offices and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) in the production of registered seeds of inbred varieties for distribution and sale to farmers. The SUCs have idle areas suitable for rice cultivation, including enough manpower and technical know-how, which could contribute to our rice sufficiency efforts. We want to tap their potential, Secretary Alcala said . He said the DA through PhilRice will provide the SUCs parental or breeder seeds for propagation, which would in turn produce registered seeds. The DA will provide SUCs an initial funding of P50,000 per hectare to cover the cost of parental seeds, and training of technical staff in rice seed production, said Assistant Secretary Dante Delima, who also serves as the DA national rice program coordinator. The DA-SUC rice seed production program will entail SUCs to allot at least two hectares and up to a maximum of 10 hectares, depending on the available land that would be developed, Delima added. The SUCs will also be tasked to train farmers in their respective areas to plant registered seeds that would in turn yield certified seeds. The SUCs could also tap accredited farmers cooperatives and Irrigators Associations that are already engaged in the production of certified inbred rice seeds, Delima said. They could distribute or sell the registered seeds to farmers under a profitsharing scheme, he added. In all, the DA aims to encourage more farmers to plant high quality seeds (HQS) that include good inbred seeds, certified inbreds, and hybrids. Certified inbred rice varieties produce an average of at least five metric tons per hectare (MT/ha), versus the national average yield of 3.8 MT/ha, while hybrids produce an average of about 6.5 MT/ha. Delima said the current utilization of HQS totals 51 percent (%), which the DA wants to increase to at least 68 percent (%) in the next three years, broken down as: hybrids (6%), certified or inbreds (36%), and good seeds (26%). Only five regions have high average HQS utilization, ranging from 66% to 94%. These are regions III (with 94%), I (73%), ARMM (73%), 2 (70%), and XI (66%). Other regions can further increase their respective harvests, by one to two MT/ha, by planting HQS, coupled with balanced nutrient-fertilizer application, sufficient water supply, and effective pest management. (Adam O.
Borja, DA National Rice program)

DA banks on B5 to boost PHL coco industry

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for the use of more coconut oil in biofuel mixtures to enable the Filipino coconut farmers to earn bigger incomes and reduce dependence on imported fuel. On July 30, 2013, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) launched a 25-day on-road testing of the B5 biofuel blend to determine its fuel economy and power efficiency. The new oil product contains 3 percent more coco methyl esther from its original 2% (B2) blend. PCA Administrator Euclides G. Forbes said that increasing the
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Secretary Alcala administers the oathtaking of Claro Maranan, former National Irrigation Administration (NIA) senior deputy administrator, as the agencys new chief. He was also designated member of NIAs board of directors. Prior to his stint at the NIA, Maranan served as acting manager and assistant general manager of the Philippine Ports Authority. He finished a civil engineering degree from the Luzonian University Foundation in Lucena City. He also holds a masters degree in public administration from the Lyceum of the Philippines.

The Department of Agriculture through its Public-Private Partnership Unit (DA-PPP) is currently working on three major projects aimed at supporting the different stakeholders in various sectors of the countrys agriculture and fisheries sectors. DA Project Development Service Director and head of the DA-PPP Coordinating staff Zenaida M. Villegas said that the projects for consideration under the PPP scheme include the construction of a multi-purpose reservoir dam, improvement of existing postharvest processing and trading centers, and the establishment of a cold chain system. JRMP II The multibillion Jalaur River Muti-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II) to be implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will soon take-off to provide year-round irrigation to agricultural areas in the province of Iloilo. The project fund amounting to P11.212 billion will be sourced from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) via the Export-Import Bank of Korea (Korea Eximbank). The KEXIM-EDCF through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the DA has signified its intention to finance the conduct of a study to determine the feasibility of implementing JRMP II. The Korean agency considered providing such technical assistance once the detailed engineering design (DED) for the irrigation component is completed. A draft Terms of Reference (TOR) for the conduct of said feasibility study (FS) has been prepared by the DA and subsequently endorsed by NEDA to the KEXIM-EDCF, Villegas announced. NIA Region VI Division Manager and concurrent Acting Proj ect Manager of JRMP II Engr. Jesus L. Dato-on as of this writing said that construction of access roads to the site is ongoing. NIA targets to finish the JRMP II before the term of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III ends in 2016. The project will serve a total of 21,227 farmer beneficiaries, 14,893 for the new area and 6,334 for the rehabilitated area. said Engr. Dato-on. Aside from irrigation, the two other components of the JRMP II are the hydro-power generation and domestic water.

DA working on three PPP projects

Grains Central Another project underway is the Grains Central Project which seeks to rehabilitate, expand, and enhance existing corn trading and processing centers nationwide. The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) is the project proponent while the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) will serve as the projects implementing agency. Villegas said that the DA has engaged the assistance of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and International Financial Corporation (IFC) as transaction advisors. There are eleven (11) Corn Postharvest Processing and Trading Centers (PHPTC) proposed to be included in the said project. Cold Chain Project The PhilMech has presented a proposal for a project which aims to reduce postharvest losses, maintain the quality of perishable goods, and promote direct marketing/online auctions. The cold chain system project of the agency has identified five routes: Cagayan-Manila, Visayas-Inter-Island Connections, Manila-Cebu, Cebu-Manila, and Benguet-Manila which will be the pilot route. The DA-PPP Unit has also conducted ocular inspections on the potential sites for the Fruits and Vegetable Cold Chain Center in La Trinidad, Benguet and in Guiguinto, Bulacan for the AAA abattoir project. Consultative meetings were also undertaken with the Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) of Benguet and Bulacan in order to confirm the availability of sites being eyed for the project. (Marlo Asis, DA-AFIS)

DA crafts PRDP pilot subproject for Oriental Mindoros calamansi. The Department of

Agriculture is pursuing the pilot subproject of the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP) which seeks to develop the calamansi industry in the province of Oriental Mindoro. Mr. Shandy Hubilla ( Program Coordinator of the PRDP Luzon B Project Support Office) said that the PRDP, a special foreign assisted project of DA, has been approved by President Benigno S. Aquino III last June 26, 2013. The DA has identified Oriental Mindoro as the site and calamansi as the commodity for the pilot subproject while the provincial local government unit (PLGU) under Gov. Alfonso V. Umali Jr. also wishes to revive the calamansi industry in the province. The photo shows the pilot PRDP sub-project working team from the DA-PRDP, Mr. Shandy Hubilla of PRDP Luzon-B (standing 9th from the left), Agribusiness Marketing and Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), Oriental Mindoro's Office of the Provincial Agriculturist led by Mr. Petronillo Dimailig (standing 2nd from the left), Business Development Consultant- Mr. Patrick Belisario (standing 4th from the right), Mr. Gilbert Braganza of World Bank (standing 4th from the left), PRDP Focal Person for Region IV-B - Mr. Alex V. Ronquillo (standing 6th from the left), and leaders of Oriental Mindoro Federation of Farmers Association (OMFFA).

Alcala gets SEARCA report on projects funded by DA

Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Director Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit Jr. briefed Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala on the 25 development projects that the agency has implemented with the funding support from the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), Agricultural Credit and Policy Center (ACPC), National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). The briefing was conducted at the one-day leadership workshop attended by Alcala and members of the Management Committee of the Department of Agriculture held at the SEARCA headquarters in Los Baos, Laguna last July 30. Saguiguit said, the attached DA agencies spent P176 million for these projects. Among the services rendered by SEARCA were research and development (R&D) covering agricultural crops, livestock, fisheries, biotechnology, food security and climate change adapta-

tion as well as graduate scholarship management. SEARCA also helped the DA in its knowledge management capacity building though in-country and overseas training programs. The research institution also worked on project development and management including policy studies and strategic planning, institutional strengthening, market studies and impact evaluation. Among the completed projects was The Nature, Sources and Causes of Productivity Growth in Philippine Agriculture (PGPA).
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July 2013

Leonardos toil: Acclimatizing strawberry plants to Bicol condition

by Emily Bordado
Leonardo Leo Libreja of Barangay Pinit in Ocampo, Camarines Sur is currently enjoying the spotlight after his strawberry farm attracted curious agri-enthusiasts and was featured as a cover story in a national daily. His exposure in the print media was immediately followed by interviews by the local T.V. networks making him a celebrity instantly in the Bicol region. And why not? Libreja has successfully grown the succulent red berried is a parcel of land where temperature ranges from 24- 35 C during summer time. As soon as words got around, visitors from neighboring towns and provinces as far as Pampanga, Iloilo and Negros, swarmed his strawberry fields, bringing crates and baskets, expecting to see a farm teeming with fruits. His most recent visitors were the president of the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR), Honesto Bong Baniqued, along with his vice president, Melody de Guzman and Jennifer Remoquillo, director of the High Value Crops Development Program of the Department of Agriculture. They personally came over for an exploratory discussion with Leo on possible collaboration with NABCOR and DA. Mr. Baniqued said they want to help Leo level up his strawberry undertaking into a business mode. But first they wanted to know what was unique or extraordinary practices he had done to make strawberry thrive under lowland and hot conditions. They also wanted to know what are the gaps, his needs, and his plans. Libreja explained that his strawberry plants and other non-tropical plants thriving in his garden were currently acclimatizingor adapting to a changed environment until it becomes used to it. The young farmer added that when he returned to the country after his nine month-stint in Hawaii as a youth exchange trainee he brought home with him some seedlings of green apples, grapes, tangerine, lychee and strawberry. Although unsuccessful during his first few tries, Libreja did not lose hope and patiently nurtured the plants focusing more on strawberries as they were easy to grow and propagate. He also crossbred varieties and developed the most resistant to the temperature and condition in his locality. Libreja decided to mass produce the end-result and started planting the cuttings or runners in plastic bags using rice hull, loam soil and chicken dung as media. He uses plastic chicken wire as canopy over the plants and as enclosures around the garden to protect them from chicken and other animals. Librejas trade secrethis own organic flower inducer. He observed that the mother plant of a strawberry is stemless and like an octopus with a number of runners around it. He would then put plastic bags filled with soil and rice hull around the parent plant and place the runners over these without severing them from their parent plants. In a weeks time the runners would have their roots and after

DA HVCDP director Jenny Remoquillo and President of the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) Honesto Bong Baniqued (both holding strawberry plants in plastic bag) at the farm of Leonardo Libreja (3 rd from right). Also in photo are NABCOR vice president Melody de Guzman, Mrs. Libreja, Ma. Cristina Zaballa, HVCDP staff and RAFID Chief Emily B. Bordado.
two weeks he could cut the runners from the parent plant as they are now stable to grown on their own. With the application of his own formulated organic flower inducer, the plants would be flowering and bearing fruits in 35t to 45 days. During peak month which is from March to May one strawberry plant could have an average of 25 fruits. Fruiting would take about one to one and a half months. About 2 weeks after fruiting suckers would begin to appear and these again he would separate from the mother plant and transfer to plastic bag s and in 35-45 days they are stable and ready for sale To date, he has over 7,000 of strawberry plants in plastic bags at different stages of growth but are already stable and ready for sale. He sells them at P300 per bag and this provides him a steady income. During agri-fairs, people often express amazement at how he was able to propagate non-tropical crops in his farm. Although, some were skeptical, Libreja is determined to pursue his passion. How it started Equipped with a formal education in agriculture from the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College and driven by his passion for farming, Libreja started his farm career by assisting his father manage the family farm located in the interior of barangay Moriones. He attended the required training to be accredited as seed grower. As water supply was not enough to his expanding farm operations he availed of a loan and technical assistance for the construction of a small farm reservoir. He then transformed their farm into diversified rice based farm planted with an assortment of vegetables and fruits and ornamental plants and integrated with fish culture. He also raised hogs and Chinese chicken. For his innovations and good farm practices he was adjudged by the DA as its Gawad Saka Regional Outstanding Young Farmer in 2002. This recognition paved the way to his being chosen by the Agricultural Training Institute, the training arm of the DA under its Philippine Agriculture Training Program as one of the farm youth delegates to train at the University of Hawaii and actually work in vegetable farms there and earn his wage while under the care and supervision of foster parents. Although he worked in a vegetable farm he made the most of his stay there, learning what there is to learn such as
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Sierra Madre is the longest and one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the country, and in one of its cornersin Brgy. Darangan, Binangonan, Rizallies a beautiful story of perseverance and success. The village is teeming with lowland vegetables such as eggplant, string beans (sitaw), squash, tomatoes, bitter gourd (ampalaya), jute (saluyot), and camote, to name a fewthanks to its fertile soil. You can also find here a variety of fruit-trees like mango, avocado, jackfruit (langka), santol, apple custard (atis), and duhat. Aside from the fruits of good soil, the villagers also enjoy blessings of the Laguna de Bay which include freshwater fish like milkfish (bangus), tilapia, catfish (kanduli), ayungin, and dalag. However, with all these abundant agricultural resources, farmers are not motivated to plant and produce because they are not sure whether their harvest would be sold by not. The members of the Mabuhay Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) in Mabuhay Homes 2000 in Brgy. Darangan thought otherwise when they heard about the Department of Agricultures (DA) Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) project in 2009. Before the Mabuhay BFT was established, the coop members had to devise different incomegenerating activities like establishing a small eatery. Mabuhay coop member Marie Bernardo narrated, noon simpleng lugawan lang kami sa ilalim ng puno. Kahit anong difficulties, nakakay namin kasi buo ang aming samahan. From a humble lugawan, they were able to put up a mini market which caters to the needs of the local residents and helps farmers find market for their produce. They received an initial amount of P170, 000 from

the DA through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) and they used it to construct the food terminal.

Mabuhay BFT. They also established rolling stores to expand the business, which eventually helped residents

Through the establishment of the BFT, many farmers were encouraged to plant again. Before, many farmers would only plant a few veggies because it is difficult for them to sell their harvest. They can now directly sell their veggies and fruits to the Mabuhay MPC instead of going around Mabuhay Homes or sending the produce to the market in Binangonan. A farmer from the village, Gil Bayanes testified, Noon konti lang ang tanim kong gulay kasi walang market. Ngayon ibatibang gulay na ang aking tanim kasi may BFT na pagdadalhan. Mas madali na ring magtanim kasi may patubig at generator na, may tractor at kuliglig din na lahat ay galing sa DA. Little by little, through the MPC members unity and hard work, they were able to buy facilities to upgrade the

earn extra income. To prevent spoilage of the produce, they cook unsold veggies and sell in the carinderia which is part of the BFT as well. They also constructed a satellite store which employs seven personnel. Aside from selling basic goods, the satellite branch also offers services like remittance payment for utilities, extension of loan to its members, and training on livelihood such as candle-making and soap-making among others. Residents expressed their joy of having a nearby BFT, which saved them transportation cost and time. They used to spend P120-180 to go to the nearest market in Binangonan to buy ingredients for their households. Dati sa palengke kami namimili pero ngayon sa BFT na. Kumpleto rin naman. Tipid

na sa pamasahe, tipid pa sa oras. Maraming oras ang hindi nasasayang at ito ay nagagamit na sa pagbubukid. Angel Villanueva. Even out-of-school youths or tambays who used to dawdle around the village found work through the BFT. The MPC members hired these youths as staff in the BFT, and many of them have even become professionals now. Aside from the profit, the Abuhay Coop works hard to offer community and social services as way to thank their ka-barangays. Every now and then they conduct medical and dental mission, clean and green drive, and campaign against drug abuse. They also conduct values education seminars and various trainings. Because of their dedication, hard work, and ingenuity, the cooperative won the Gawad Saka Regional Search for the Most Outstanding BFT, NonLGU Category. To further expand their ventures, they used their prize to buy a piece of land and construct storage and processing plant and started malunggay production and processing project. The project was able to help a lot of farmers in the vicinity, as the cooperative tapped them as producers of malunggay, which are then turned into powder and sold in different forms. With the blessings of the soil from the Sierra Madre, matched with cleverness and perseverance of the people from the cooperative and the whole community, its no surprise to see the Mabuhay BFT expanding and reaching out to more consumers and farmers, even far out of the village.

July 2013

AMAS Market Access Program

Mabuhay BFT: Success story at the foot of Sierra Madre

P4.4B fund to boost Mindanao agricultural development

The governments crusade in alleviating poverty in Mindanao has geared up, as the Japanese government funded a P4.4-billion comprehensive package of support services project benefiting around 70,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in 216 barangays in Mindanao. The proj ect, dubbed as Mindanao Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MINSAAD), funded under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), also aims to improve the living condition of more than 400,000 residents located in 12 settlement areas in Central, Northern and Southern Mindanao. MINSAAD Director Nasser Musali said the project is designed to increase agricultural productivity, product value and income of agrarian reform beneficiaries and other small-scale farmers through provision of agricultural infrastructures and other capacity-building support. The comprehensive package of support services involves the construction of farm-to-market roads, bridges, irrigatios and potable water systems, among others, as well as providing technical assistance and linking the farmers with financing institutions. The settlement areas covered by MINSAAD, with a population of 404,175, include the Blaan Settlement Reservation Area, Bukidnon Settlement Area Project, Karagan Valley Settlement, Lanao del Norte Resettlement Area 1, Lanao del Norte Resettlement Area 2, Lanao del Norte Resettlement Area 3, North Cotabato Resettlement Area 1, North Cotabato Resettlement Area 2, South Cotabato Resettlement Area 1, Sultan Kudarat Resettlement Area 1, Sultan Kudarat Resettlement Area 1-2, and Sultan Kudarat Resettlement Area 2. Musali said the proj ect is funded by a P3.3-billion JICA loan complemented P1.1-billion counterpart fund from the Philippine government. The project is a colossal challenge and it requires interagency and multi-sectoral cooperation, he added. For project implementation, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) serves as the lead executing agency, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and other government agencies, as well as the local government units, are co-implementing agencies. DAR Undersecretary Jerry Pacturan said MINSAAD is complemented by a larger framework of support within the DAR, which is called the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS). Through ARCCESS, the DAR provides professional agri-extension services, business development and enterprise to ARB organizations, and accessible agricultural credit for all crops, grants common service facilities and ensures land tenure stability in distributed lands such as the settlement areas and the construction of rural infrastructure, Pacturan said. The interventions of MINSAAD and the DARs ARCCESS program would definitely play an important role in the current administrations focus on food security, rural household incomes, peace and stability, sustainable rural development, and improved basic social services, Pacturan added. Counselor Koichi Ibarra of the Japan Consular Office, for his part, said the JICA loan was part of his countrys efforts to contribute to the success of agrarian reform in the Philippines. I believe that the success of agriculture is the foundation of stability in this country, he said. Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) Secretary Lualhati Antonino said the proj ect supports the MINDA 2020 development project goals and the peace process in Mindanao. I am looking forward on MINSAAD as a partner in bringing Mindanao to economic progress, Antonino said. (PNA)

Agri dept. pushes alternative food staples . Agriculture

Benguet town pilots sugarcane, coconut, rambutan

A multi-sectoral group has already piloted an area for sugar production in Kapangan, Benguet where plantations of anthurium and mulberry trees replaced those of marijuana more than seven years ago. This was learned from Bruno Canuto, municipal administrator, who said that some 500 local farmers selected sugarcane, coconut and rambutan to diversify their already viable and well-established cutflower and silk production industries. Canuto has credited former Municipal Mayor Rogelio Leon for wiping out the former marijuana production here through viable livelihood to the community while paving the way for the development of the potentials of eco-tourism. Canuto added that the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agriculture (DA), and some private local organizations have designated a five-year program which the town would produce in commercial scale muscovado, a kind of molasses which is more sticky and brownish than the regular brown sugar. Within the five-year period, the farmers would also produce rambutan and coconut that can be sold to outlying markets like Cervantes, Ilocos Sur and Baguio City. Government technical workers have already acclimatized the initial planting materials for the agricultural pilot project. We have to succeed in this five-year program in order that the multi-sectoral group will also implement the same in the other 12 municipalities of Benguet, Canuto said. Out of flower and silk produced, majority of the farming families in Kapangan now have an average income sufficient to

Undersecretary for Operations Joel S. Rudinas (representing DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala) shared the Aquino administrations medium term efforts through the Department of Agriculture to attain food self sufficiency and security, to the officials and members of the Philippine Association of Nutritionists at the opening of their 66thAnnual Convention held in Dusit Thani Manila, Makati on July 2, 2013. He promoted DAs banner program- the Food Staples Sufficiency Program or FSSP which is mainly anchored in attaining sufficiency in rice by end of 2013 and increasing the production and consumption of other major staples like corn, cassava orkamotengkahoy,sweetpotato,banana,andadlai.Headdedthat the DA will vigorously promote an increase in the food staples production and eventually encourage Filipinos to put these alternative staples back in the dining table.
send their children to school, and the basic necessaries of life like decent homes, good nutrition and access to medical services. Meanwhile, Canuto also said that their eco-tourism program had started to take-off with the growing interest of local and foreign tourists to see the plantations of anthurium, and the mulberry trees which yellow green leaves are sold to those who rear silk worms. He said the success of the residents livelihood not only improved their quality of life but also made us proud for our town unlike before when we were in the news being raided by military and police due to the plantations of marijuana. (PNA)

PCIC, BFAR target 5,000 beneficiaries for fishery insurance in E.Visayas

About 5,000 fisherfolks in Eastern Visayas will benefit from the fisheries insurance program, a joint project of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR). PCIC Eastern Visayas regional manager Dominico Digamon said that the program
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DA-NTA pilots synchronized regreening project in Tobaccolandia

For the restoration of ecological integrity in tobacco growing regions, the Department of Agriculture-National Tobacco Administration (DA-NTA) led the Synchronized Tree Planting Activity in various areas in Region I and the Cordillera Administrative Region. The NTAs regreening project is in consonance with the governments National Greening Program which seeks to improve water quality in rivers and irrigation in farm lands, and lessen flooding potential. Five hundred and fifty one seedlings of Acacia, Neem, and Mahogany were planted during the initial tree planting activity led by NTA Administrator Edgardo Zaragoza on July 30, 2013 at the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) main campus in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. The unified tree planting is part of the agencys effort to contribute its resources towards ecological restoration.The tobacco industry is one of the biggest users of fuelwood in tobaccogrowing areas. To restore and manage the environment, the NTA initiated the effort to unify all partner agencies and stakeholders. We are all here because we believe in the cause of this undertaking, Zaragoza said. For her part, Department of Agrarian Reform Undersecretary for Special Programs and Agrarian Stakeholders and Relation Office Rosalina Bistoyong commended the NTA for initiating the activity. Through this, we do not only stop the continuing degradation of the environment especially the upland areas in the Ilocos Region, we also provide livelihood for the tobacco farmers. We plant for food security, we plant for climate change, and for livelihood, Bistoyong said. The syncronized regreening project is supplementary to the NTAs livelihood assistance for tobacco farmers Kahuyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan, a component of the agencys Renewable Fuelwood Energy Farm Development Project. The project aims to provide adequate source of fuelwood and other resources needed in tobacco curing by planting trees and bamboos in 1400 hectares. For this year, the NTA targets 4 million trees mostly giant Ipilipil, Neem, Gmelina, Mahogany and Kakawate to be planted in all the component projects and 100,000 bamboo seedlings for Cagayan, Isabela and Pangasinan. Employees from the various government agencies, the private sector, and the academe participated in the activity: DARegional Field Unit I; DAR; Department of Education; Department of Environment and Natural Resources led by Region I Executive Director Samuel Penafiel; the local government units; Francisco Lopez, Executive Dean of the ISPSC who represented the colleges President Dr. Rafael Querabin; ISPSC students; and the private sector led by W inston Uy. (Bethsay
Bustamante, DA-AFIS)

PCIC, BFAR ...

(from p 8)
covered against loss of crop due to unexpected events. The premium rate will depend on the result of the precoverage evaluation of the type, and other factors such as agro-climatic conditions and terrain, project management factors and production and loss records. Nationwide, BFAR has set aside P150 million for premium subsidy. Considered as beneficiary are licensed operators of fishponds, fish cages, fish pens and fisheries farms which culture produce selected fish species such as milkfish, shrimps, groupers, snappers, tilapia, mudcrab, and seaweeds. Beneficiaries must agree to place themselves under the technical supervision of an accredited Fishery Technologist to qualify for coverage under the program. The extent of loss will be determined based on the severity of damage with the use of existing applicable loss prediction models. The state-owned crop insurance firm is expected to settle claims in 60 days. (PNA)

has been existing for three years but it is only next year that it will be implemented, with the BFAR providing insurance premium to fisher folks. The BFAR and PCIC are still in the process of identifying beneficiaries. The two agencies signed a deal on May 30, this year. The PCIC provides insurance protection to fisher folks against losses in un-harvested crop or stock in fisheries farms due to natural calamities and fortuitous events. The BFAR will include coverage of non-fishery assets, such as service vehicle trucks, equipments and buildings, under the Non-Crop Agricultural Assets Insurance Program of PCIC. The insurance covers the cost of production inputs, the value of the fish farmers labor and those of the members of his own household, including the value of labor of hired workers per Fisheries Farm Plan and Budget, Digamon said. Under the agreement, the PCIC covers risk due to natural disasters and an extended

DA-VI updates local farmer technicians on pest surveillance

A total of 47 local farmer technicians (LFTs) were updated on pest surveillance by the Department of Agriculture (DA) VI to augment existing agricultural extension workers (AEWs) in monitoring pest and diseases affecting crops in the region. According to Manuel O. Olanday, OIC Regional Technical Director for Operations, yield loss due to pest infestation on rice production reaches as much as 35% of the total production. He stressed that pest if not given much attention can greatly affect increase production and ultimately food sufficiency of our country. Olanday said that the 156 LFTs region-wide performing additional functions of AEWs shall be the first to monitor and assess pest in their own farm being a model farmer in the barangay. We need to utilize their abilities and skills to increase rice production and make sound decision through the utilization of good agricultural practices. added Olanday. Meanwhile, Rene B. Famoso, entomologist said that the training had greatly enhanced knowledge, attitude, and skills in various sampling techniques, pest identification and management of identified pests. Eventually we can create a pool of local farmers surveillance team in rice cluster barangay all over the region for easy and fast monitoring and management of pest. Famoso said. Among the topics discussed were: Major insect pests of rice, their injuries and management; Major diseases of rice, their injuries and management; Rice pest monitoring form and how to conduct AESA; weeds of rice and their management; Golden Apple Snail (GAS) ecology and its management and Rat ecology and its management. Succeeding LFT training-updates will be conducted in the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras and Negros Occidental.(James Earl E. Ogatis,
RAFID VI)

National Tobacco Administration (NTA) chief Edgardo D. Zaragoza plants a tree during during the kick-off of the agencys Synchronized Tree Planting Project on July 30, 2013 at the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) main campus in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. Looking on are Department of Agrarian Reform Undersecretary for Special Programs and Agrarian Stakeholders and Relation Office Rosalina Bistoyong, ISPSC Executive Dean Francsico Lopez, and NTA Deputy Administrator Rex Antonio Teoxon. July 2013

Phl exports atsuete to Vietnam

The countrys farmers scored another breakthrough as they started exporting atsuete (annatto or bixa orellana), a food colorant and additive, to Vietnam, initially at 20 metric tons (MT Agriculture assistant secretary Dante Delima, who represented Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, led an inaugural send-off on July 8, 2013, at the Manila North Harbor Center, where a 20-foot container van was loaded with 400 50-kilogram sacks of atsuete seeds, with a gross value of about P1.3 million (or $30,000). The atsuete export was consolidated by Lingkod Saka, Inc., an NGO, and exported through the Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association of the Philippines (VIEVA), with assistance from the DAs High Value Commercial Crops Program (HVCDP). Delima said the atsuete was bought from farmers at P45 to P50 per kilo. Of the total volume, 10MT each was sourced from farmers inBarangay Datu Ladayon, in Arakan, North Cotabato and in Sitio Kibalang, in Barangay Marilog, Davao City. Actually, the country still imports raw and powder atsuete, at
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Alcala gets ...

(from p5)
itability of stakeholders and key players. NTCP aims to transform the agriculture and fisheries sectors from being resource-based to being technology-based. Saguiguit also told Alcala about the success of the Capacity Development Program on Knowledge Management, which was targeted mainly to strengthen national capacities of agricultural and fisheries information stakeholders on knowledge management with emphasis on knowledge products development and knowledge sharing technologies. Ongoing DA-funded projects being implemented by SEARCA include a capacity development program for DA executives and professional staff; strengthening of proj ect development and management for Agri-Pinoy; assessment of smuggling of selected agricultural commodities; improving agricultural insurance to enhance resilience against climate change; and responding to climate change through R&D in agriculture. All of these are within the purview of SEARCAs mandate, which is to build capacities of institutions working in agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia.

Leonardos toil ...

(from p 6)
the different skills in propagating food crops and ornamental plants scientifically, the use of drip irrigation, hydroponic farming and several other modern techniques in raising plants. Upon his return to the country he tried these new learnings in his own farm. Leo is not only innovative, but also creative and gifted with great insight and foresight. But most important he has a high sense of social duty and obligation to his community. He generously shares his knowledge and skills with fellow farmers without asking anything in return. Inspired by all the good things that are now coming his way, Leo now plans to expand his strawberry nursery to cover the 1,000 square meter total area of the land he currently occupies on a lease agreement with the intention to purchase the adjoining area. He intends to branch-out to propagating ready-to-bear fruit grapes also in plastic bags and other plants like stevia, whose leaves are much sweeter than sugarcane and thus, considered a natural substitute for sugar. Libreja is currently enjoying support from the DA-Region V, including technical and financial assistance through its High Value Crops Program (HVCP). Recently, he was also provided nursery supplies such High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes; plastic drums (250 liters capacity) and polyethelene plastic bags. NABCOR is also ready and willing to provide him assistance. President Baniqued said, that the agency will send him to Benguet to establish a nursery equipped with modern facilities including a greenhouse. He will also be sent to La Trinidad Benguet to observe good practices in strawberry production there. The NABCOR will then invite experts in nursery establishment and protective culture to design the nursery and green house in his farm. DA will also assist him in the marketing aspect and will help in the fine tuning of the research aspect of the project.

The project, implemented with BAR and PhilRice, examined the different scenarios for productivity growth which was deemed essential to formulate an outlook on overall state of Philippine agriculture. Saguiguit informed Alcala that the results of the projects will soon be released through monographs covering the following topics: scenarios and options, total factor productivity, grains, R&D and extension, traditional export crops, infrastructure, highvalue export crops, natural capital, livestock and poultry, human capital, aquaculture, and social capital. SEARCA also completed the assessment of the Gulayan ng Masa Program of the DA. The project aimed to quantify the impact of the Gulayan ng Masa Program in terms of alleviating hunger and malnutrition in the country, as well as draw lessons that can serve as guides for policymakers and decisionmakers in formulating and implementing similar targeted programs. Another project was Strengthening the National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP) under BAR, which intended to accelerate the commercialization of technologies for increased productivity and prof-

Pledge to end hunger and malnutrition. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup (3rd

from left) joins representatives from various sectors in a pledge to end hunger during the 2013 Nutrition Month National Launch on July 3 at the Manila Hotel. During the event, Salacup pronounced Department of Agricultures support in mitigating hunger and malnutrition in the country by producing safe, nutritious, and affordable foods. He also assured the audience that the country is on track in achieving self sufficiency in rice and other staples by the end of the year. Joining him in the pledge are (L-R): Concepcion Benosa, President of NCR Barangay Nutrition Scholars Federation; Director Erlinda Capones, National Economic and Development Authority; and Undersecretary David Lozada Jr., Department of Health.

10

DA exceeds ...

(from p1)

already exported a total of 106.55 MT of premium and organic black rice varieties, including the recent 45-MT shipment to Singapore. The previous shipments included 35 MT to Dubai, 15 MT to Kuwait and Hong Kong, and 11.55 MT to Germany, Hong Kong, Macau, Canada, and the Netherlands. Delima said the DA looks forward to exporting another batch of 97 MT until year-end to Russia, Italy, the Middle East, and the United States before the year ends. Rice exports to the Middle East would further increase as soon the DA task force on rice exportation has completed and complied with the Halal certification for premium rice, including the establishment of a code for good agricultural standards for Philippine rice. (Adam Borja, DA National Rice Program)

International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Deputy Director General for Communications and Partnership Bruce V. Tolentino (center) and Maria Bernardita Flores, assistant secretary of health and executive director of the National Nutrition Council pose with members of the media who participated in the agencys Media Day on or Kanin Get It on July 16, 2013., at IRRI Headquarters. The event focused on promoting IRIs research on high-nutrient rice and grain quality. The IRRI Media Day is part of activities in celebration of the Philippine Nutrition Month that has the theme Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-sama nating Wakasan!

DA banks on ...

(from p4)

DA crafts ...

(from p4)

lighted the difference between typical and modern coffee growing, gaps in the value chain that needed to be addressed, good farming and management practices, and support services which include financing, logistics, and research and development. The DA chief likewise touted the high potential of coffee as an intercrop to increase the income of coconut farmers. Ang kape, kapag isinama sa niyog, aasenso ang mga magsasaka. (PNA)

Phl exports ... (from p3)

packed the rice, labelled as Golden Vieva, and consolidated the export shipment. Another 20 MT of heirloom rice from the Cordillera region will be exported to the United States in succeeding months. For the rest of the year, the country targets to export at least 100 MT of premium and organic colored rice varieties. We want to show the world that we are capable of producing quality, world-class premium and organic rice, Undersecretary and National Rice Program Coordinator Dante Delima said. Last May 2013, the Philippines has started exporting rice again after 40 years, initially to Dubai. The shipment, totalling 35 MT, was composed of 15 MT of black rice produced by farmer-members of Don Bosco Farmers Cooperative in Mlang, North

biodiesel content from 2% (B2) to 5% (B5) will directly benefit our coconut farmers because (CME), which is a component of coconut oil, would be sourced locally. He added that with the 3% increase in biodiesel blend, the country could save as much as P10 billion. It would also boost farmers income, help in climate change mitigation, and improve the Philippine economy. Admin. Forbes said that B5 means greater demand for coconut oil (CNO), hence the move would consequently generate P 19.6 billion income and save as much as P 15.5 billion in fuel displacement. Increasing the CME blend from 2% to 5% would employ about 1,099 CME plant workers, 13,183 coconut oil milling workers, and 23,070 farmworkers. The coconut farmers will also be the beneficiaries of P4,838,000 annual collection of the Social Amelioration and Welfare Program (SAWP).

Cotabato, and 20 MT of SL Agritech Jasponica aromatic rice produced by farmers from Talavera, Nueva Ecija. Leah Cruz of VIEVA, which also consolidated the Dubai rice export shipment, said they process and pack all rice products hygienically to preserve their rich aroma and eating quality.

Switching to B5 targets to reduce the dependence on imported fuels and at the same time protect human health, the environment, and ecosystems in line with sustainable economic growth that would pave the way for increased income, added Admin. Forbes. B5 is being tested on seven public utility jeepneys (PUJs) belonging to transport groups selected by PCA and the Department of Energy (DOE). Test PUJs will be fuelled with the current B2 during the first 5 days, and with the B5 in the succeeding 20 days. The test jeepneys will be assessed at the North Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (NMVIC) of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for their road worthiness and compliance to emission standards. In 1983, the DA-PCA spearheaded scientific studies on the use of coco biodiesel as fuel, in coordination with the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC-ERDC), National Power Corporation (NPC), and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). In May 2001, the Department of Agriculture and the PCA launched a Biodiesel Development Project that tests the viability of coconut biodiesel as engine fuel. Test results showed approxi-

mately 50% reduction on smoke emissions. According to Admin. Forbes, the visible cloud of black smoke consisting of carbon and sulfur particulates is diminished by as much as 80% with the B5 blend. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas emitted by vehicles, largely contributes to global warming. The DA-PCA continues to implement its massive planting and replanting programs to ensure the increased productivity and sustainable supply of biofuel feedstock, said Forbes. (Marlo
Asis, DA-AFIS)

Phl exports atsuete...

(from p 10)
10,000 MT annually, but Cruz said they took the opportunity to export because the Vietnamese buyers offered a good price, and preferred Philippine atsuete which is of better quality than those from Africa, where they regularly import. Cruz said VIEVA and Sikat Saka are currently consolidating another order of 40 MT that will be exported again to Vietnam. She said importers from Hawaii and the US mainland are also interested to buy Philippine atsuete. The inaugural send-off was also attended by DA-HVCDP director Jennifer Remoquillo, DABureau of Plant Industry director Clarito Barron, farmer-leaders from North Cotabato and Davao, and officials from Sikat Saka and VIEVA. (Marlo Asis, DA
Information Service)

July 2013

11

DA-AMAS to participate in Agri trade, food fair in US

The Department of Agriculture through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS) in partnership with the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center will participate in the 3 rd Outbound Business Mission, also called Barkadahan 2013, aimed at promoting various Pinoy products among US Filipino and Asian, American nationals. Representatives from the DA, led by Assistant Secretary Allan Umali, and 19 companies, mostly members of the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. (PhilFoodex), will join Barkadan 2013 to promote their respective products. DA-AMAS Director Leandro Gazmin said the road show is composed of a three-leg agri festival, business matching and food fair, at San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego, from August 10 to 18, 2013. A wide range of globally-competitive Pinoy food products will be exhibited during the three events, Gazmin said. These include calamansi juice, chocolates, champorado, malunggay tea, noodles, pastries, snack food, coconut products (VCO, coco sugar, coco jam, coco vinegar and coco wine), frozen native delicacies, biscuits, cookies, polvoron, pastillas, coffee, herbal food supplements, dried/processed fish, and other marine products will be on sale at the Annual Pistahan Parade and Festival in Yebra Buena Gardens in San Francisco, California. At the business matching leg in Pacific Palms Hotel in Los Angeles, on August 14, 2013, dozens of US food importers and distributors are expected to attend, who will have the opportunity to link directly with the representatives of PhilFoodex companies and forge marketing agreements. The Barkadahan Food Fair in San Diegos Seafood City Supermarket, on August 17-18, features promotion, sales and sampling of various Pinoy aquaculture and marine products. Barkadahan, now on its third episode, is an initiative of a group of experienced and novice exporting food companies from the Philippines, to promote their respective products in the US, and take a foothold in the huge market, composed of FilAmericans, Asian-Americans, and other US nationals and foreign tourists. This is the first time that the DA-AMAS is partnering with Barkadahan by providing financial counterpart and support in organizing the agri trade and food fairs, and related marketing events.

Statement on PDAF & NGO issues by Agriculture Sec. Alcala

Since July 2010, the Department of Agriculture has successfully regained the trust and confidence of its clienteles and stakeholders. We have put in place needed policies to ensure that all agrifishery infrastructure and livelihood projects, and other initiatives are implemented as per specifications, and are undertaken in a transparent, graft-free manner. Initially, the DA did not implement agri-fishery proj ects funded under the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of legislators. However, it was only in August 2012, or after 25 months, that we have started receiving and processing PDAF agri-fishery projects. This acceptance, however, was predicated on the installation of sufficient safeguards to ensure the proper implementation of projects under the PDAF of legislators. Immediately, we formed a special committee and put in place a system to accredit NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) and Peoples Organizations (POs) that will implement PDAF projects. The system ensures that the NGOs and POs are legitimate, and have good track record. To ensure that PDAF projects are well-monitored, we have implemented stringent measures and safeguards like releasing funds in tranches, of up to four installments, based on progress implementation of projects. Reports are submitted by the DA Monitoring Team to check the actual implementation of the project and ensure correct liquidation of the fund. All of these were undertaken prior to any report or issue on PDAF was heard of. These systems were precisely installed in the spirit of transparency in government transactions. Unfortunately, when news of PDAF misuse broke out, we thereafter convened the DA Special Technical Committee on PDAF chaired by DA Undersecretary for Finance and Administration Antonio Fleta. The Secretary has asked DA Assistant Secretary for finance Ophelia Agawin to submit soonest her reply to allegations that she was involved in the selection of ghost NGOs that were proponents of PDAF projects. In the spirit of transparency, we have appointed DA Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna as interim chair of the NGO / PO accreditation committee, effective August 2, 2013. He replaces Asec Agawin, who will however continue to perform her other tasks, functions and responsibilities as assistant secretary for finance. Additionally, the Internal Audit Service (IAS) of the DA was tapped to conduct an investigation on the issues related to PDAF and the alleged fictitious NGOs. At this juncture, the IAS is conducting a more in-depth study into the fund releases and the liquidation reports submitted by the NGOs that implemented PDAF projects. The IAS is expected to submit their Initial Audit Report on the accreditation process and compliance by Thursday, 08 August 2013. Thereafter, IAS is poised to submit their findings on the liquidation reports of the NGOs on a weekly basis or as soon thereafter as an NGO is completed. Bilang pangwakas, patuloy po ang aming imbestigasyon. Sinuman ang mapapatunayan na may nagawang katiwalian o pagkakamali sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto ng DA hindi lamang sa pagpipili ng mga NGOs at POs sa ilalim ng PDAF ay aming papatawan ng karampatang penalty o kaparusahan sa ilalim ng mga kasalukuyang batas.

DA Chief promotes Science Departments technology on brown rice . Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala inspects

the High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) developed by Department of Science and Technology for stabilizing brown rice. The DOST innovation extends brown rices shelf-life, preserves the nutritional benefits, and enhances brown rices economic viability. Under DAs Food Staples Sufficiency Program, brown rice orpinawaisbeingpromotedasasubstitutetowell-milledorwhite rice because it is more nutritious in terms of niacin, thiamin, phosphorus, and calcium that help prevent diet-related diseases associated with nutritional deficiencies of these micronutrients. The DOSTFood and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) is currently doing research on the development of processing equipment to support brown rice production, and technology and process to help increase brown rice production. Standing next to the right of Sec. Alcala is DOST Sec. Mario Montejo. Secretary Proceso J. Alcala joined other members of the Aquino administration in signing a convergence Memorandum of Understanding during the DOST led Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) Forum held at the SMX Mall of Asia on July 24, 2013.