Vol. XXV No.

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

September 2010

chief defends DA chief defends proposed 2011 budget

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has defended the proposed 2011 budget of the Department of Agriculture of P38.5 billion, both at the House of Representatives on September 21, and at the Senate of the Philippines, on September 29, 2010. Backed up by top DA officials, Secretary Alcala appeared before members of the House Committee on Appropriations, presided by vice chair Rep. Nur Jaafar of Tawi-Tawi, and at the Senate committee on Finance chaired by Senator Franklin Drilon. The legislators were one in endorsing and approving the DAs proposed 2011 budget, despite lower than the current 2010 budget of P50.85 billion, including the budget of attached corporations and automatic appropriations. Further, most Senators and Congressmen batted to retain the subsidy of the National Food Authority (NFA) so it could continue buying palay and corn from farmers, and thus stabilize prices and supply. The NFAs proposed 2011 budget was moved to the Department of Budget and Management for the governments Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. (Pls read related story
on page 4.)

Seed subsidy shifted to other interventions

In lieu of rice seed subsidy, the DA will shift its support to eight other interventions with more long-term and impact on farmers productivity and incomes. DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the shift is in support to the DAs Agri Pinoy program geared at attaining rice self-sufficiency by 2013. To start with, the remaining seed subsidy for 2010 worth P1.3 billion will be spent on eight other interventions. The bulk will be spent on irrigation, particularly in the repair and rehabilitation of communal irrigation systems (CIS) through the DAs National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in partnership with local government units (LGUs) through counterparting scheme or public-private partnership. The DAs Bureau of Soils
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Sec. Alcala said in lieu of the NFA subsidy, the DA will use P2.5 billion for NFAs grains procurement. The amount will be taken from the proposed P5-billion budget for public and private partnership (PPP) projects allotted for the agriculture and fishery sector. In addition, he said the DBM will release the balance of P6 billion allotted this year for the NFA grains procurement outlay, in time for the current season. In his budget presentation, Sec. Alcala said on top of the DAs agenda is food security. We will strive to eliminate
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Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (3rd from right) shows to Akio Isomata (middle), economic affairs minister of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines, the initial batch of canned bangus produced by a mini fish processing plant at the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) regional center, in Bula, Camarines Sur. With them are DA and BFAR Bicol regional directors Jose Dayao (right) and Dennis del Socorro (left), and Bula town Mayor Benjamin Decena (2nd from left).

Mindanao agri projects reach P4.5B

Investments in various agricultural infrastructure in Mindanao have more than doubled to P4.48 billion, against a P2.08billion target set early this year. In a report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, Director Lealyn Ramos of the Department of Agriculture-Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP) said such favorable development reflects the confidence of local governments on the Aquino administration to counterpart with the national government in implementing agricultural development and poverty alleviationprojects. In a recent visit of President Benigno S Aquino III in Davao City, he said his administration will combat poverty by channelling and encouraging more investments in the agriculture and fishery sector to directly benefit millions of poor Filipinos. Of the P4.48-billion worth of projects, P189-million worth has been completed, P632.2 M is ongoing, P3.7-billion worth of projects are still in the preparatory stage, said Ramos, who concurrently serves as DA-Region 10 director. DA-MRDP is a long-term poverty alleviation program that cov(Pls turn to p11)

P76-M fishery, farm projects launched in Bicol

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala led the inauguration of a P60-million worth of fishery facilities and launched P16-million worth of various agricultural, infrastructure and livelihood projects in Bicol. He also consulted with some 1,000 farmers, fishers, local officials, provincial and municipal agriculturists and extension workers, DA officials and staff, and 2,500 students of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA). Upon arrival in Pili, Camarines, he dialogued with DA regional officials and staff, and then inaugurated and toured the four facilities at the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional center, in Barangay Fabrica, Bula, Camarines Sur. The facilities were funded under the RP-Japan Increase Food Production program, implemented by the DAs National Agriculture and Fishery Council
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Editorial

Gastos at Budget
Simula na naman ng pinakamahabang selebrasyon ng Pasko sa mundo, dito sa Pilipinas--na mahigit apat na buwan, simula sa Setyembre hanggang Enero. Simula na rin ng malamig na hangin sa umagat gabi, Christmas countdown ng mga radyo at TV station, at ang pagtugtog ng mga awiting pamasko sa radyo at telebisyon. Maririnig ang mga ito simula sa pagsakay mo ng FX sa umaga hanggang bago ka matulog, mapa-AM o FM. Para naman sa atin, siguro may target na kayong bilhin na appliance o cellphone sa December. Labas na rin ang ads sa dyaryo ng mga hulugang gamit. Basta may credit card, pwede nang maiuwi ang gamit at deferred pa ang bayad. Ingat lang at baka magoverspend at sa halip na mapadali ang pagbili mahirapan sa pagbabayad. Pero kung kailangan naman at talagang magagamit, kahit pa nga manghiram muna sa kaibigan pwede rin (basta bayaran din agad at wag kalimutan). Ito na rin ang nakikita nating prinsipyo ng gobyerno sa budget para sa 2011 na pinag-uusapan ngayon sa Kongreso. Itinaas lang ng 6.8 porsiyento (%) ang dating budget na 1.54 trillion pesos ngayong 2010, o sa kabuuan 1.65 trillion pesos para sa 2011. Ang dagdag na halagang ito ay halos kainin na ng inflation rate, na pumalo sa 4% nitong August 2010. Maliit lang daw ang hininging dagdag ni Pangulong Aquino dahil natukoy na nila ang priority projects. Magtatanggal na lang ng mga programang di nakaabot sa target at mas pagtutuunan na lang ang mga programang kailangan ng mas nakakarami ang mahihirap, ang naghihikahos at kapus-palad. Kaya tinawag ng Pangulo na reform budget ito. Pero ang kakaiba sa budget na ito, may safeguards tulad na lang sa pagpapagawa ng farm-tomarket roads (FMR). Ngayon, kailangang nakasunod sa road network plan na bubuuin ng DA ang hinihinging FMR, bago pa man ito gawin ng DPWH. Dagdag pa dito ay ang mas maliit na budget para sa DA, na P38.85 bilyon lamang. Nakakapagtaka dahil sa malalaking hangarin ni Pangulong Aquino at Sec. Alcala sa sektor--tulad na lang ng pag-angat ng produksyon ng palay, pagpapalawak ng irrigation at paglalagay ng postharvest facilities at equipment--paano kaya matutupad ang mga ito? Sa mga unang pagdinig, mukhang nagtaka rin ang mga Senador at mga dating kasamahan ni Sec. Alcala sa Kongreso? Kaya naman, naging bukas ang mga mambabatas sa pagdagdag sa budget ng DA, na nagpapakita ng kanilang suporta sa hangad nating makamit ang rice self sufficiency sa 2013. At kahit pa umani ng batikos dahil sa sinabing over-importation ng bigas, suportado din ng mambabatas ang pagbibigay ng P2.5 billion sa NFA, na gagamitin sa pagbili ng bigas at mais. Ang tiwala kay Sec. Alcala ang isa sa pinakamahalagang armas ng DA sa ngayon. Kung susumahin kasi, talagang kulang ang pondo ng national government. Nariyan ang pagbibigay pondo sa edukasyon, health, social welfare, ating kapulisan at militar, bukod pa sa agrikultura. Dito pumapasok ang
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Sec. Alcala (right, top photo) defends the proposed DA 2011 budget of P38.58-billion before the appropriations committee at the House of Representatives, Sept. 21, 2010. With him are undersecretary Segfredo Serrano and other top DA officials. The budget deliberation was presided by appropriations committee vice-chair Rep. Nur. G. Jaafar of Tawi-tawi (left, bottom photo), on behalf of committee chair Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya (Cavite). With him are (from left) House of Representatives minority leader Rep. Edcel C. Lagman of Albay) and Rep. Maria Milagros Magsaysay.

DA chief ...

(from p1)

overdependence on rice imports in three years. He said many critics say this should not and cannot be done. We say it should be done! Among the key interventions the DA will undertake to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2013 are: Expand areas planted to high-yielding varieties, coupled with the use of location specific technologies and seeds. Farmers will be encouraged to shift from using ordinary home-saved palay seeds to quality certified seeds; Explore niche market for upland rice varieties; Implement Quick-TurnAround or QTA and rationing programs; Generate new irrigation areas, and rehabilitate and restore existing, old irrigation systems; Provide more postharvest fa

cilities; and Construct and rehabilitate more farm-to-market roads (FMRs). The DA chief said through good governance and political will, we will rationalize government support and investments on major priorities. These include irrigation, FMRs, fish ports, postharvest facilities, trading centers, research and development,extension services, regulatory and quarantine services, and high-quality genetic materials. He stressed that said investments will be delivered through transparent and improved governnance that will harness active participation of all stakeholders--farmers, fishers, local executives and legislators, and non-governmental, peoples and civil society organizations. In his concluding statement,
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is published monthly by the Department of Agriculture Information Service, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Tel. nos. 9288741 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: Karenina Salazar & Cheryl C. Suarez Writers: Adora D. Rodriguez, Jo Anne Grace B. Pera, Arlhene S. Carro, Bethzaida Bustamante, Mc. Bien Saint Garcia, Jay Ilagan, Catherine Nanta Contributors: DA-RFU Info Officers, Public Info Officers and Staff of DA Bureaus, Attached Agencies & Corporations, Foreign-Assisted Projects Photographers: Jose Lucas, Alan Jay Jacalan, & Kathrino Resurreccion Lay-out Artist: Bethzaida Bustamante Printing & Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff

Aggie chief favors proposals to get extension workers back to DA

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala supports moves to renationalize or move devolved agricultural officers and extension workers back to the Department of Agriculture. Without the corps of agricultural extension workers and technicians, the Department of Agriculture is like a general without soldiers in the field, said Sec. Alcala. Such was his reply to queries during his recent three-day visit to Cagayan Valley as to why the services of the DA are not felt by small farmers, fishermen and other target clienteles. We need to have them back so we could effectively implement the many agricultural and fishery projects that we plan to pursue under the administration of President Benigno S. Aquiino III, said Alcala before some 4,000 farmers, fishers, local officials and other agri-fishery stakeholders who attended the respective farmers congresses in Cagayan (Aug 30), Isabela (Aug 31) and Nueva Vizcaya (Sept 1). As called for under RA 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), agricultural officers and extension workers nationwide were devolved and placed under the direct administrative supervision of their respective local government units where they were assigned in 1991. Alcala said that the DA will vigorously support moves by some congressmen who filed a resolution to repeal RA 7160 and to re-assign the agricultural workers back to the DA and be placed once again under its direct supervision. In fact, he said that some provincial governors fully support the proposal during the recent meeting of the League of Provinces of the Philippines in Manila. Among them were Albay Governor Joey Salceda and Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio. Meanwhile, he said the DA could forge respective agreements with provincial and municipal governments willing to lend back their agricultural officers and extension workers to the DA, and thus speed up the implementation of more agrifishery projects in their localities. The DA will re-train them to further upgrade their skills and knowledge,including small farmers and fisherfolk, through the DAs Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). He said the ATI will be strengthened so it could perform said enormous task.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (top photo, left) commits to help about 400 vegetable farmers led by Teodoro Bumacas (bottom photo, right), from Bgy. Kinabuan, Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, who plant lettuce, baguio beans, bell pepper, and cauliflower, among other semi-temperate crops, to some 1,000 hectares. He made the commitment during a farmers congress in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, initiated by Governor Luisa Cuaresma (top photo, right) in partnership with the Department of Agriculture Cagayan Valley Region, led by Dir. Andrew Villacorta (top photo, 2nd from right).

Sugar should be sold at P52/kg

The National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry, has decided the suggested reference price (SRP) of refined sugar should remain at P52 per kilo. Prior to the decision of the NPCC, the DAs Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) recommended that the SRP be pegged at P56 per kilo, as public market retailers and grocery owners have complained that they could no longer sell refined sugar at the SRP of P52 per kilo, mainly because the wholesale price has gone up and it is no longer profitable for them to sell sugar at the current SRP level. The SRA-recommended SRP of P56 per kilo was based on the latest bidded millsite price and prevailing wholesale prices, from June to August. SRA said the spike in sugar prices was influenced by the increasing prices in the global market, coupled with tight domestic supply due to lean harvest as farms were adversely affected by El Nio. The SRA, in coordination with the National Food Authority, has allowed imports of 250,000 tons, of which 217,814 tons has arrived as of Sept. 8. This volume, SRA added, is enough for October as based on a five-year average, local monthly consumption of raw sugar is only at 162,000 tons, and refined sugar at 87,000 tons. SRA Administrator Ma. Regina B. Martin said prior to the NPCC decision, traders, wholesalers and retailers have agreed that a P2 per kilo margin is reasonable. Hence, Martin said retailers selling beyond the SRP of P52 per kilo should justify their selling price by showing sufficient proof that they bought their sugar stock at a higher price, so they will not be apprehended for violation of the Price Act.(DASRA)

No meat-price hikes this holiday season

A bit of good news for consumers this holiday season: prices of processed meat will remain for the rest of the year. The main reason is that for the past few months, the costs of pork, packaging materials, and distribution and marketing expenses have remained stable. Said situation is expected to continue in the coming months, according to an official of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI). Whats more, the official said, hog raisers have not yet advised the PAMPI if they would increase their prices. Traditionally, by early September, hog raisers would already be advising us of the increases in the prices of pork, but they havent. And thats good news, the official said. Pork usually makes up 40 to 70 percent (%) of processed-meat raw materials. For ham and bacon, it is 100% pork, the official said. Earlier, hog raisers complained that pork imports have been increasing, which could result in a glut in the domestic market. Zosimo de Leon, chairman of the National Federation of Hog Farmer, Inc. (NFHFI), said pork imports have increased to more than 120 million kilograms from January to August 24 this year, the highest since 2005. As a result, imported hog parts are now sold at P47 per kilo or less in the wet markets. For 2010, NFHFI officials estimated that hog production might grow by 5% to 1.97 million tons from 1.877 million tons in 2009. (Business Mirror)

September 2010

P460-M projects, grants released to support cluster

DA, DAR, DENR launch model convergence agro-enterprise in Antique

The Departments of Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Provincial Government of Antique launched on September 16, the Central Antique Local Convergence Agro-enterprise Cluster. It is the first convergence initiative of the three agencies, with a committed funding of P160 million for various agro-environment-agrarian projects. In addition, the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) said it will support the DA-DENR-DAR convergence cluster through a P300-million forest and climate protection project. This was recently reported to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala by Marriz B. Agbon, president of the DAs Phil. Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. (PADCC), and concurrent head of DA-DARDENR national convergence initiative secretariat. The Antique agro-enterprise cluster covers five municipalities (Barbaza, Laua-an, Bugasong, Valderrama and Patnongon), and will directly benefit 33,835 farm families, tilling a total of 32,288 hectares. Agbon said the convergence initiative has identified a total of P 1.1 billion in public and private sector investments over the next three years in Antique to develop the food supply chain on priority crops, namely: rice, abaca, banana, peanut and muscovado. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines agrobased cluster as the concentration of producers, agribusinesses and institutions that are engaged in the same agricultural or agro-industrial subsector, and interconnect and build value networks when addressing common challenges and pursuing common opportunities. The idea of agro-enterprise cluster features the completeness of ecosystem zones and landscapes, combination of high productivity zones in between areas and agropolitan centers, combination of crops across major crops, and com-

DA Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (2nd from left) and DA-PADCC president Marriz Agbon (left) are shown with (from left) DAR Undersecretary Jerry Pacturan, DAR Secretary Gil delos Reyes, Antique Governor Exequiel Javier, DENR Undersecretary Demetrio Ignacio, GTZ EnR Program Manager Dr.Walter Salzer, Antique Congressman Paolo Javier and Barbaza Mayor Faith Francisco during the launch of the Central Antique Local Convergence Agro-enterprise Cluster.
bination of sites across poverty groups. Also, clustering should include potentials for high impact in increasing farm productivity and income of the rural poor. The presence of development-oriented local government leaders as well as the NGOs, POs, academe and research community should likewise be considered. With these as the consideration in this latest thrust of the DA-DAR-DENR National Convergence Initiative, the replication of agro-enterprise clusters in all provinces, whenever applicable, is the latest effort that the Convergence is pursuing to promote sustainable rural development. The DENR is funding a number of projects in Antique amounting to P 41.26 million. These consist of upland development and rehabilitation projects, benefiting 220 residents of Brgy. Bugasong. In addition, DENR is also supporting the development of a 70-hectare abaca and a 50hectare rattan plantation in the towns of Barbaza and Patnongon, respectively. The DENR has also approved a forest land use plan for the municipality of Laua-an. Under its Handog Titulo program, the DENR has issued land titles to 27 individuals from Barbaza, and another 51 from Patnongon. It also distributed 1,000 seedlings of fruit and forest trees to the municipality of Barbaza. For its part, the DAR launched the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP) III for the municipalities of Laua-an and Valderrama. This involves the combination of infrastructure, institutional, agricultural and enterprise development projects, amounting to P99.21 million. Finally, the DA provided the following projects and farm equipment: Tramline for the benefit of 1,000 farmers in Brgy. Igburi, Patnongon town; Mechanical rice transplanter for the province of Antique; Several farm equipment (drum seeder, power sprayer and shredder), and bags of upland rice and vegetable seeds for five municipalities; Abaca nursery, through the DA-Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) for Barbaza; Flatbed dryers and farm-tomarket roads for the municipality of Valderrama; The launch of the Antique convergence cluster was attended by DA undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, DAR Usec. Jerry Pacturan, DENR Usec. Demetrio Ignacio, Mr. Agbon, and mayors of the five municipalities of Barbaza, Bugasong, Laua-an, Patnongon and Valderrama, and respective regional directors of the DA, DAR and DENR. (DA-PADCC)

Drastic rice subsidy cut nixed

Removing the procurement subsidy of the National Food Authority (NFA) could undermine governments efforts to eliminating rice imports in three years. This was according to NFA Administrator Angelito Banayo who said scrapping the rice subsidy might force farmers to plant other cash crops. For as long as the Philippines is insufficient in rice, it is not advisable to remove the subsidy, said Banayo. He said one the NFAs mandates is to stabilize the supply and price of rice and corn. For 2010, the NFA targets to buy up to 612,000 metric tons (MT) of palay (unmilled rice) to help stabilize farm-gate prices and allow farmers to get better prices than those offerred by commercial traders, Banayo explained. Besides discouraging farmers from planting palay, the NFA said the removal of its subsidy would also be disadvantageous to lowincome and minimum wage earners. If we dont have the subsidy, we will be forced to stop selling rice, said Banayo. Wage earners will be forced to ask for higher salaries as rice, which is the Filipinos staple food, will become more expensive, he added. The NFA chief said he has nothing against allowing the Department of Social Welfare and Development to distribute rice to the poorest of the poor, but, he said, calls to remove the subsidy of the NFA are unwarranted. NFAs corporate budget for 2010 is pegged at P8 billion, of which P6 billion is yet to be released this year. For 2011, the agency proposed a budget of P15 billion, but the DBM has alloted zero budget. Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the DA will allot P2.5 billion for the NFAs grains procurement program from its public-private partnership budget for big ticket agri-fishery investment projects.
(Business Mirror / DA)

AMAS, BAR join hands to market R&D technologies

Director Leandro Gazmin of the Department of AgricultureAgribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), together with Chief Teresita Matias of the AMAS Agribusiness Feasibility Studies Division, visited the Bureau of Agricultural Researchs (BAR) R&D Technology Commercialization (TechCom) Center to work on how to enhance and strengthen market potentials of R&D-generated technologies developed by BAR particularly, innovative products that are not yet in the mainstream market but have the potential to grow as an industry. The TechCom Center complements the function of the DA Agribusiness Exports Showroom, said Dir. Eleazar while touring inside the showroom. Being the national coordinating and funding agency for agriculture and fisheries research and development (R&D) with particular emphasis on technology development, we, at BAR, thought of establishing this facility to assist our partner-institutions in commercializing R&D-generated technologies, Dir. Eleazar explained. Launched in 2009, the R&D TechCom Center serves as a venue to showcase and disseminate R&D-generated technologies and breakthroughs supported by DA through BARs two flagship programs: the Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) and the National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP). This facility also serves as a viable base for networking of business clients and interested individuals with the technology generators and product suppliers. Dir. Eleazar presented BARs R&D Plans and Programs for the medium-term. In response, Dir. Gazmin showed interest and enthusiasm in BARs endeavors on technology commercialization

BAR Dir. Nicomedes Eleazar (left) shows to AMAS Dir. Leandro Gazmin a bottle of sweet sorghum syrup which is now being commercialized by the BAPAMIN Farmers Cooperative in Batac, Ilocos Norte through a BAR-funded project.(DA-BAR)
and enjoined Dir. Eleazar to work closely with AMAS particularly on sharing information on existing and new technologies as well as databases of suppliers and producers. He also advised BAR to expand the linking of technology developers with various marketing arms and potential investors.(Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino,
DA-BAR)

DA chief pushes for use of certified seeds, lines-up agri services

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged about three thousand farmers to use certified seeds during his recent field visits in three seaprate farmers congresses in Cagayan Valley. About 70 percent of farmers in the country use ordinary or good seeds. Lets improve this practice by using certified seeds, Alcala told farmers in Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Quirino, and Cagayan. PhilRice studies show that the use of certified seeds of a recommended variety contributes to 5-10 percent increase in yield as this type of seeds produces healthy seedlings that grow fast and uniformly. Certified seeds are pure, clean, full and uniform in size, and have germination rate of 85 percent. Having passed quality standards set by the National Seed Quality Control Services, certified seeds have good market demand. Alcala urged seed growers in the region to form clusters to give them a chance to receive a vacuum packer, which will enable them to preserve seeds, prolong seed storage capacity, and ensure good germination. Meanwhile, to adjust with changes in time, Alcala stressed the need for the retraining or retooling agricultural extension workers and training of farmers on the latest ricefarming technologies. He said the trainings will mold farmers into Magsasakang Siyentistas who make informed decisions with less supervision from agricultural experts. Alcala, a principal author of Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, said farmers trainings will include organic farming, which yield high quality products for export. Trainings on organic farming will teach farmers to produce their own fertilizer, effectively manage rice pests and diseases with less application of chemicals, and manage crop in a sustainable way, he said. The DA chief also lined-up the departments services to be extended to the farmers, including rehabilitation and repair of irrigation facilities, access on agricultural fund through Land Bank of the Philippines, and improved market for agricultural products. We are improving these services for your benefit because you are our partners in attaining the countrys goal of food security and rice self-sufficiency in 2013, Alcala said.

PCA wants solid medical evidence on VCOs beneficial effects

Philippine Coconut Authority Administrator Oscar G. Garin declared that it is now high time for the Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) producers and Coconut Oil (CNO) manufactures to back up with solid medical evidence the touted beneficial effects of CNO or VCO to the human health and cholesterol level. Nine years after the market launch of the VCO, what we have secured so far is a rapidly growing market which gives credence to the health enhancing capabilities of the product as spread by personal testimonies and anecdotal stories of people from around the world Administrator Garin noted expressing his concern however that such success must not afford complacency. Without a solid clinical and medical study on our hand, we may not hold a secure and sustainable future for the VCO and other coconut-based food products Garin categorically stated recalling how the coconut industry were once maligned by its adversaries which fraudulently and systematically misinformed the consuming public, particularly in the United States, that coconut oil is bad for the human health. We went down, the industry suffered badly such that it was once considered a sunset industry the administrator continued. And it is by the researches done by people around the world who kept their faith on coconut that enabled the industry to rise up again he stressed declaring that the coconut industry owed a lot from researchers, Dr. Mary Enig, Dr. Conrado Dayrit, Dr. Bruce Fife and many others. Their researches are indicative of the beneficial effects of coconut oil as neutral to heart and vascular diseases, curative of HIV/AIDS, antimicrobial, similar to mothers milk, and as the healthiest oil on earth help, among others, turn the tide for
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September 2010

BAR, BAI look into commercial profit of raising native pigs

Characteristically small, usually black in color, spotted, and are resistant to parasites and diseases, native pigs can adapt to local conditions and can tolerate heat and cold environments better than the imported breeds. They can thrive well on locally-available feeds, including kitchen and farm refuse, and can cope with low quality feeds and maintenance. The usual farm practice, especially in the far flung villages, is the bahala na systemallowing pigs to scavenge for their own survival. Philippine native pigs are traditionally known as best for lechon or roasted pig. This Pinoy delicacy, prepared the roasted way, commands good price and is highly preferred by food connoisseurs during special occasions. Our lechon is tastier, with crispier skin and leaner meat, compared to the imported ones. To conserve and maximize the potential of expanding the lechon market, the Bureau of Animal Industry-National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center (BAINSPRDC) based in Tiaong, Quezon conducted a study on the Conservation, Evaluation and Commercialization of the Philippine Native Pigs. This was funded and supported by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) under its banner program, the National Technology Commercialization Program (NTCP). The two-year project is led by Dr. Rene C. Santiago, DVM, also the agricultural center chief of BAINSPRDC. Project implementation called for collaborations with the local government units (LGUs) of Quezon and selected farmer-cooperators in Laguna and Quezon. The objective of the project is to establish a production system involving raising native pigs under farmers management and propagate such on a commercial scale and improve the antiquated system of swine raising resulting in better production. The socio-economic importance of production and commercialization is a crucial aspect of the project. Production of native pigs can be a viable alternative for swine producers who cannot cope with the high price of commercial swine feeds and for those who do not have enough capital for housing and feeding. This animal can be raised without the use of chemical inputs and, as a breed, has high economic potential for those engaged in organic swine production. In addition, native pigs are very rich sources of genetic materials for local breed development and improvement programs, hence it is a necessity to conserve and preserve this breed. BAI-NSPRDC started the project where production of breeder native pigs was carried out which were subsequently distributed to selected farmer-cooperators in some municipalities in the second and fourth districts of Quezon province and in the fourth district of Laguna. The BAI-NSPRDC selected 20 heads of breeder sows with two boars from their stock farm in Tiaong, Quezon for use in the production of breeders to be distributed to the cooperators of the project. The breeders produced piglets that were raised, selected and distributed. Nine beneficiaries were identified based on their capability, willingness and cooperation. The farmer-cooperators and technicians attended training and seminars on the production and management of native pigs. After the training, each farmer-cooperator was provided with a set of 5 female and 1 male native pigs as breeder stocks. Each farmer was also provided with a one-time subsidy for housing in the amount of PhP10,000 and feeds worth one thousand pesos PhP1,000. A prototype pig pen was also constructed inside the compound of BAI-NSPRDC for demonstration purposes to farmers. This type of pig pen used locally-available materials such as bamboo, nipa,

PACDI photo

coco-lumber and coconut husk and coir dust as bedding. One module of pig pen requires a floor area of roughly 4 x 4 square meters. To validate and ascertain the progress and development of the project, a BAR- Technology Commercialization Unit (BAR-TCU) Evaluation and Monitoring Team composed of Ellen Garces, Eve Juanillo, and Patrick Lesaca conducted project reconnaissance in May 2010. The project visit included interviews with Dr. Rene Santiago, team leader, and Ms Fe Bien, agriculturist of the project. The team also visited the farmer-cooperators in their respective areas and saw the progress of the project. Dr. Santiago narrated to the monitoring team that the identification of collaborating municipalities is dependent on the need of the locality for the project, environmental considerations and willingness of the local government units. These criteria are of paramount importance to the success of the project. The farmer cooperators, on the other hand, were chosen based on their capability and knowledge in swine raising in general. The monitoring team noted the good relationship between the project proponents and farmer-cooperators. Native swine cages were well maintained. Feeds and alternate sources of livestock were available. More importantly, the conservation of native pigs can be said to already be achieved. It is expected that the project will boost the needed stocks of native pigs which would be made available for multiplication and livelihood production.
(DA-BAR)

IBP Var. 6:

Ideal corn variety for food

Good news to our corn eaters! Have you ever heard of the newly introduced OpenPollinated corn variety (OPV) that is high in protein, lysine and tryptophan? Now, it is one of the most popular corn varieties in the production of grits for human food The IBP Variety 6 was developed by the Institute of Plant Breeding (IBP) University of the Philippines, Los Baos, Laguna (UPLB). It has a national yield potential of 5.4t/ha and can even yield higher when employed with recommended cultural management practices due to its tested local adaptability and agronomic performance. This was proven by Mr. Artemio D. Esolana, a corn seed grower of Ilihan, Jose Dalman, Zamboanga del Norte who harvested big corn ears which are comparable to the ears of a hybrid. Active and accredited corn seed growers in the provinces were provided with registered seeds of the said variety for the production of certified seeds that the farmers can use in the next cropping season. According to Mr. Felizardo M. Salomes, Regional Corn Coordinator of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 9 (DA-RFU9) the variety needs to be multiplied and distributed extensively due to its good eating quality and nutritional values which is very ideal for diabetic due to its lower glycemic index. Anyone who needs a corn variety of this type may contact Mr. Salomes through his cellphone number 09392925986 or at DA-RFU9s landline number (062) 2154068 or send your inquiries to da9pagadian@yahoo.com.
(ytavellaneda/DA9)

DA firms up ...

(from p8)

Drive to save Philippines most expensive fish pushed

Various government agencies are set to initiate action to save Ludong (Cestreus plicatilis), a rapidly dwindling species of mullet, following orders issued by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala during his recent visit here. In a report to Sec.Alcala, Dr. Jovita Ayson, regional director of the DA's Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the DA-BFAR will implement Oplan Sagip Ludong, a threepronged approach anchored on research, conservation and protection, and intensified information and education campaign, as measures to stem the disappearance of the rare fish species. We shall conduct research on breeding in captivity and population genetics, as soon as we can have live samples of ludong in time with its spawning run this October, Dir. Ayason said. The agency has also submitted proposal for the amendment of Fisheries Administrative Order 31, a 1952 law banning the catching and selling of ludong. We have stipulated a penalty of P80,000 compared to 200 pesos in the old FAO, Ayson said. Ayson said that they will also make representation with the provincial governments to support OSL, mainly through the enactment of ordinance calling for their respective municipalities to support and enforce a closed season banning the catching of ludong in their areas. Ludong is a rare and indigenous fish that thrives in the headwaters of the Cagayan river, and Bantay Santa of the Abra river system in the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Abra. It is catadromous, which means it thrives in freshwater but migrates to marine or seawater to spawn. Its suspected habitats in Cagayan Valley are in the Upper Pinakaanan River in the towns of Jones, San Agustin and San Mariano in the province of Isabela, Addalem River in Aglipay, Quirino and Dasimpit rapids also in Jones. The fish migrates yearly towards the mouth of the Cagayan River in Aparri town to spawn. Known as the Philippines most expensive food fish, its price is increasing annually and has reached P4,000.00 to P5,000.00 per kilo last year.

Instead of paying Php1,200 for a 40-kg rice certified seeds, farmers will only shoulder half the price as their equity. Originally implemented during the Dry Cropping Season 2010 (September 16, 2009 March 15, 2010), the project distributed a total of 221,999 bags of rice certified seeds to the farmers. To comply with the projects commitment, the remaining 581,751 bags are targeted to be distributed in the Extension Phase. To do this, the DA will be coordinating closely to the key partner-implementers of RaSSFiP the National Food Authority (NFA), the DARegional Field Units (RFUs), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), and the local government units (LGUs). In preparation for the RaSSFiP Extension Phase, a series of cluster-wide technical briefings were conducted on August 13-18, 2010 to orient the stakeholders of the Revised Implementing Guidelines, monthly planting targets, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting system that will be undertaken. Participants in the said briefing were the Regional Executive Directors (REDs), Regional Rice Program Coordinators (RRPCs), NFA Regional Directors, NFA Provincial Managers, Regional Seed Coordinators with the DA-

DA, Camarines Sur to Conserve Sinarapan, the worlds smallest commercially harvested fish. Agriculture Sec. Proceso J. Alcala (insert, middle) assures Mayor Rey Lacoste of Buhi, Camarines Sur (right) that the DA through its Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will pursue joint efforts with the Province of Camarines Sur led by Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte (inset, left) and Municipality of Buhi to conserve and ensure the sustainable propagation of sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis), found mostly in Lakes Buhi and Bato, in Camarines Sur. The DA chief made the commitment during a consultation with about 100 provincial board members, municipal mayors, provincial and municipal agriculture officers, and heads of DA family agencies in Bicol, September 23, at Camarines Sur provincial capitol, Naga City, hosted by Gov. Villafuerte. Also shown is Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Pua (inset, right). To date, Sec. Alcala has visited seven regions to consult and share with LGU executives President Aquinos food security thrusts and programs, gathering their support and commitment via counterparting agreement to implement more agricultural and fishery infrastructure and livelihood projects.
Field Operations Service (FOS), RaFPEP Project Coordinating Office (PCO), and DA Undersecretary for Operations Joel Rudinas. Similarly, briefings for the LGUs are currently conducted by the DA-RFUs while the briefing for the Commission on Audit (COA) has been carried out on September 7, 2010. With all the preparation and effort that have been exerting for the RaSSFiP Extension Phase, Undersecretary Rudinas reminds the stakeholders that the project requires participation and close coordination among everyone. As one of the major interventions of the DA Rice Program, he reiterated that the project might be one of the ways to achieve the countrys goal of rice self-sufficiency. We have to put our best talents and expertise to ensure that this project will reach the ones who need it most our farmers, he added.

August 2010

USDA provides $15M agri funding for Mindanao

The United States recently approved the funding of three Food for Progress projects in Mindanao. The US Embassy officials and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently met with its non-government partner organizations in Davao City to discuss the projects. The projects, worth $15.8 million or P700 million and spread throughout Mindanao, will help small farmers increase their yields of rice, coconut, and cacao, expand inter-cropping to raise incomes, and reduce post-yield harvest losses. It will also boost milk production and distribution. USDA is very proud to work with our local Philippine partners to implement these projects that serve not only the needs of farmers, but also school children, other agricultural producers and the local agriculture market in general, said Philip Shull, US Embassy Agricultural Counselor. The first project, the Coco nut-Cocoa-Palay, will help local farmers develop integral farming models by combining rice, corn, vegetables, coconut, cacao, other tree crops, and livestock to increase food security and income. The second supports milk production and distribution and increases dairy-sector capacity. The USDA awarded a three-year $5.8 million grant to Land OLakes Inc. for the establishment of a breeding center that will increase milk production by crossing imported dairy cattle with local animals. This will support the establishment of two new dairy processing plants. While the program increases farmers productivity and co-op profitability, it will also help 2, 000 dairy farmers and provide dairy milk to 20, 500 school children in Zamboanga del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, and other areas.(Peoples Journal)

P11.5-M FMRs benefit farmers, ruralfolk in Zamboanga Sibugay

Imagine, travelling through these road segments used to be one hour and thirty minutes. But now it only takes 15 minutes. Rice production before was expensive due to transportation cost. Thank you very much. This project gives tremendous impact benefits in the lives of the people here especially the farmers. Diplahan Mayor, Atty. Wilter Y. Palma proudly said during the recent Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) ribbon cutting and turnover ceremony held on-site. The 6.64 kilometer Diplahan FMR is a counterparting project of the Department of Agriculture (DA) thru its Infrastructure for Rural Productivity Enhancement Sector (InfRES) project with the Municipality of Diplahan. The three completed road segments were Tinongtungan to Goling (2.60 km), Sonkuya to Lobing (2.04 km), and Sonkuya to Lindang (2km) amounting to 11,576,993.74 pesos. The Municipality of Diplahan counterparted 20% of the total budget requirement or 2,315,398.74 pesos, 7.70% from the barangay beneficiaries or 891,428.51 pesos, 22.30% from the DA or 2,581,669.60 pesos and 50% loan proceed from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or 5,788,496.87 pesos. DA Regional Executive Director Oscar O. Parawan said we are as good as our partners. The Municipality of Diplahan showed aggressiveness in project implementation. That is why the DA gave them due recognition by keeping pace with their political will to finish project such as the FMR. Parawan added that the Diplahan Municipality is one of the rice granaries of Zamboanga Sibugay Province thus FMR and other infrastructure to increase rice production are needed . Our partnership with LGUs in project implementation depends on their willingness to put up their counterpart not only in InfRES but the rest of our projects. Robert de Kruyft, team leader and project management specialist represented by Engr. Rizalino del Socorro said Diplahan is one of the 94 LGUs supported by DA-InfRES. Diplahan showed capability in the preparation of documents and willingness to counterpart and supervise project implementation. Even with DAs support, it is your responsibility to ensure that this project will be fully used by the beneficiaries, Rizalino read Kruyfts message before farmers, agriculture extension workers, and municipal and barangay officials. Barangay Chairman Fernando Fuig for his part promised ampingan ug mintinahon namo kining maong proyekto (we will take care and maintain this project). The three road segments which started construction in 2008 is serving 840 households. DA-InfRES aims to augment income and alleviate poverty in the countryside, develop infrastructure and capacitate LGUs in project implementation.(DA 9)

DA firms up RaSSFIP extension phase: island-wide briefings conducted

In support to the Rice SelfSufficiency Plan (RSSP), a government initiative to regain self-sufficiency in rice production and to respond to the food price crisis that emerged in 2008, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to implement the Extension Phase of the Rapid Seed Supply Financing Project (RaSSFiP) for the Dry Cropping Season 2011, commencing on September 16, 2010 until termination on March 15, 2011. The said project targets increasing the paddy production of marginalized farmers in rainfed and lowland irrigated areas focusing on regions IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XII and XIII through the provision of 803,750 bags of good quality rice seeds. RaSSFiP is one of the subprojects under the Rapid Food Production Enhancement Programme (RaFPEP)a program jointly funded by the Government of the Philippines (GOP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the European Union (EU). With the goal of securing the supply of rice certified seeds a breed of rice seeds that is proven to increase production by at least 10 percent to farmer-beneficiaries with an average yield of less than 3.8 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha).
(Pls turn to p6)

GOING THE EXTRA MILE. Undersecretary Rudinas encourages everyone to do better in the Extension Phase because he is convinced that RaSSFiP is one way to attain the countrys self-sufficiency in rice. Also in the photo are (seated, L-R): NFA-10 Regional Director Javier Lozada, Former National Rice Program Coordinator Frisco Malabanan, DA-FOS OIC Director Rodolfo Guieb, BPI Asst. Director Henry Carpiso, and BPI Seed Production Division Chief Dante Fidel.

DA 9 opens aflatoxin lab

To ensure a safe, healthy, productive and profitable corn and livestock industry, the DA recently established an aflatoxin laboratory in Tumaga, Zamboanga City. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin produced by fungi or molds. It is a toxic metabolite produced by the fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus that is hazardous to human and animal health. Edna T. Begino of the Bureau of Animal Industry said the condition that results from ingestion of high levels of aflatoxin contaminated foods is called Aflatoxicosis. And there are two types: chronic and acute. Chronic aflatoxicosis means ingestion of low to moderate levels of aflatoxin with symptoms of impaired food conversion and slower growth rate, while acute aflatoxicosis has moderate to high levels of aflatoxin contamination. DA Regional Executive Director, Dr. Oscar O. Parawan said if we develop the corn industry, it would entice the livestock raisers to expand because feeds will be affordable and accessible. Having enough corn would enhance the development of poultry and livestock industries in the region. Parawan said this is the putting up of the aflatoxin laboratory forms part of the total program to develop both the corn and livestock industries in Zamboanga peninsula.

Seed subsidy ... (from p1)

and Water Management (BSWM) will also construct more small-scale irrigation projects, he added. The other interventions are: Postharvest. The DA through the Phil. Center for Postharvest Devt. and Mechanization and Phil. Rice Research Institute will strengthen efforts to help modernize the countrys rice milling industry. Appropriate drying facilities such as solar dryers or multi-purpose drying pavements will be provided to organized farmers groups and LGUs to reduce postharvest losses. Seed production assistance. The DAs Bureau of Plant Industry will provide seed storage facilities to ensure availability of quality seeds in partnership with accredited seed growers. The BPI will put up new seed laboratories to test and certify rice, corn and vegetable seeds, and planting materials. Organic fertilizer assistance. The DA-BSWM and DA regional field units will establish more composting facilities. Research and development. PhilRice in partnership with the International Rice Research Institute and other institutions will continue to develop new high-yield and sturdy varieties and improve existing ones, which should withstand drought and flooding, and resistant to emerging pests and diseases. Extension, education and training support. The DAs Agricultural Training Institute, RFUs and other DA agencies will continue to promote and disseminate existing and new technologies to farmers through the LGUs. Production loan. The DA through the Agricultural Credit and Policy Council will continue to partner with the Land Bank of the Philippines and other government financial institutions to provide accessible and affordable credit to more farmers Marketing assistance will be expanded to benefit more small rice and corn farmers.

So, farmers and consumers alike should be aware of aflatoxin, and should employ ways to dry farm products properly. These include not only corn, but also peanut, cassava, and copra, which are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination. For his part, Felizardo Salomes, Regional Corn Banner Coordinator said to prevent aflatoxin, farmers observe the following cultural practices: Harvest corn at full maturity; Dry corn ears before shelling, and attain a moisture content (MC) ranging from 18 to 21% before shelling to prevent mechanical damage; Dry the shelled corn uniformly to 14% MC or below within two days from shelling; Separate dried corn from fresh corn grains; Prevent insect infestation in storage and prevent microbial growth during storage. (DA9)

DA 10 distributes 276 water pumps to provl LGUs

Farmers in Northern Mindanao are happier these days as they recently received 276 water pumps and engine sets through their respective various LGUs. The initiative was funded under the DAs High Value Commercial Crops Program, according to DA-10 regional Director Lealyn Ramos. Each water pump and engine set costs P19,500. The LGU beneficiaries include the provinces of Bukidnon with 70 units; Camiguin - 25 units; Lanao del Norte - 25 units; Iligan City - 5 units; Misamis Occidental - 50 units; Misamis Oriental - 75 units; Cagayan de Oro City - 11 units; and DA research stations - 15 units. The water pumps and engines were distributed in cooperation with the DA Region 10 Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED). The RAED serves as the implementing body and inspection team working in tandem with the provincial and municipal LGUs that identifies eligible farmers group in each municipality. The RAED also validates and monitors assisted farmers groups. For their part, municipal LGUs are tasked to provide shelter for the safekeeping of the pumps and engines, and accessories.
(DA-10)

World Rabies Day (September 28) was celebrated in Bicol with the vaccination, deworming and castration of 80 dogs at the DA compound in San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur. The project was jointly undertaken by the DA and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) veterinary medicine students. (DA 5) September 2010

Australia develops salt-tolerant rice

A team of Australian scientists has developed a genetically modified rice with salt-tolerant qualities, thus offering hope of increased global production. And work is already underway to transfer the trait or technology to wheat, barley and other staple grains for the benefit of billions of people around the world. The new salt-tolerant GMO rice was developed by scientists from the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG) at the University of Adelaide, who worked in collaboration with colleagues based in Cairo, Copenhagen and Melbourne. They used a new technique to trap salt in the root of the rice plant -- reducing the amount building up in the shoots, and increasing its tolerance to salinity. Research associate Darren Plett said the breakthrough offered the chance to increase global rice production, especially in areas where salinity is prevalent. Rice is often grown on land that is prone to high levels of salinity, Dr Plett said. Lands that accumulate salt have lower crop yields, which can threaten food supply. This has made salinity tolerance an increasingly important factor in the efforts to secure global food production. Dr. Plett said the research team modified a gene to increase the number of salt-transporting proteins in specific cells in the roots of the rice plant. The modification resulted in salt being trapped in the root, where it is less harmful to the plant and prevented it travelling to the shoot where it does the most damage. Our results provide a new approach for genetic modification to increase the tolerance of crops to the toxic sodium ion, which is a major environmental stress, Dr Plett said. Successful genetic engineering efforts using this technology should assist in global food production. Result of the groups work have been published in the online peer-reviewed science journal PLoS ONE. Meanwhile, Bob Phelps, executive director of Gene Ethics, an anti-GM advocacy group, said there was little prospect of commercial success from the latest research. He said the drought tolerance trait was mediated by multiple genes and the only successful GM crops to date involved transformations of single genes. Multi-genic traits are just too complex for crude genetic manipulation techniques, he said. Monsanto and the rest of the GM industry have spent tens of billions of dollars over 30 years to create drought and salt tolerant plants, nitrogen fixation in grains and more nutritious foods. (IRRI)

Farmed shrimp, Bangladesh

[Malcolm Beveridge] (worldfishcenter.org)

WorldFish is now into freshwater prawns

WorldFish Center, formerly known as International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management (ICLARM), is now promoting its breeding program to include freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), after gaining worldwide success in breeding genetically improved strains of farmed tilapia and carp. Freshwater prawn is one of the most important crustaceans in inland aquaculture, WorldFish said. It is economically important for the poor because it fits well in smallholders typical system of prawn polyculture with carp or tilapia in Bangladesh, China, India, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. It does not require expensive high-protein feed, thriving instead on locally-procured plants, yet it fetches a much higher price than freshwater fish. Demand is high in domestic and export markets alike. WorldFish aims to develop high-yielding strains of policy advice to stabilize food prices and availability. For his part, ICRISAT Director General William Dar said the new research strategy will enable farmers to multiply their farm productivity and substantially increase their incomes, while improving the resilience of their lands and livelihoods. To pursue this, we will employ a systems perspective in setting our priorities to ensure that all important issues along the dryland agriculture value chain are addressed, Dr Dar added. (ICRISAT) freshwater prawns that adapt well to environmental challenges and have high survival rate. This is the first attempt to genetically improve the prawn species. Implementation entails collecting and evaluating strains, establishing the foundation population, designing and implementing the selection program, developing strategies for effectively disseminating the improved strain, and building the capacity of local scientists. Selective breeding has begun in India, Malaysia and Vietnam, in collaboration with national partner-agencies with required facilities and skilled personnel. In said three countries, physical facilities have been consolidated, the technique of family identification using visible implant elastomer mastered, and family production begun following the single-pair mating design. The involvement of the three countries ensures that the project captures their wealth of experience. The project will significantly contribute to understanding of the species genetics and provide a model for genetically improvng other crustaceans. WorldFish Center began in 1977 as ICLARM, based in the Philippines. In 2000, it moved to Penang, Malaysia. It is an international, non-profit NGO based in 8 countries (Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Malawi, Malaysia, Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Zambia). It is one of 15 centers supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research or CGIAR.
(Worldfishcenter.org)

ICRISAT unveils 10-year research strategy

The International Crops Research Institute for the SemiArid Tropics (ICRISAT) has recently unveiled a 10-year market-oriented research strategy to help more dryland farmers worldwide. The new strategy will help dryland farmers through better access to markets and other support services. Likewise, it envisions more stability, security and productivity. Dr. Nigel Poole, Chair of the ICRISAT Governing Board said: There are many examples of how ICRISAT with its partners in the public and private sector, have vastly improved peoples lives and how its new strategy will enable them to have many more. Anchored on a vision of a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics, the new strategy has four thrusts: resilient dryland systems, market institutions and policies, dryland cereals, and grain legumes. With these thrusts, ICRISAT aims to generate cutting edge innovations to increase productivity and science-based

10

DA chief ...

(from p2)

PCA wants ...

(from p5)
centage of their income for use in their research and development, the same amount is allowable as deduction he stressed explaining that a portion thereof may be pooled together to help fund the very timely and vital research endeavor. This is a good opportunity to explore and should involve all coconut industry stakeholders he declared of the proposed PPP stressing that a definitive clinical study will not be favorable of the VCO only but to CNO, coconut milk, desiccated coconut and the whole coconut based food and nutraceutical product lines. There will be a tremendous increase in world demands for these products thereby providing a most promising area of opportunity for wealth generation for coconut farmers and

Mindanao agri ..

(from p1)

Sec. Alcala said: In sum, we will be going back to the basics, and that these basic elements of equitable growth need to be pursued with deliberateness, determination and good governance. You can be sure that I will personally lead and supervise all of these programs together with the officials of the Department. We will also be most open to suggestions and advice from the private sector and the business community on how we can increase investments and economic activity for rural development. Below are the other key interventions that the DA will undertake for other major commodities and sectors. For corn: Provision of one-pollinated varieties as support to increasing national production and consumption of white corn, which will ease off the supply pressure on rice. Promotion of cassava as a corn substitute for feed. Farm mechanization Provision of postharvest facilities For livestock: Improvement of genetic materials Disease prevention, control and eradication Establishment of meat centers (with slaughterhouse, cutting floor, cold storage, and processing and packaging facilities) For high-value commercial crops: Provision of quality seeds and planting materials Construction of production, postharvest facilities and trading centers Intensify extension services For fisheries: Maintenance and operation of existing mariculture parks Establishment of seaweed nurseries Provision of training and technical assistance Establishment of multi-species hatcheries Implement more coastal resources management projects Strengthen the fisheries and aquatic resource and management councils Ensure compliance with global food safety standards Pursue bilateral talks with neighboring coastal states for fishing access Actively participate in the Coral Triangle Initiative.

the coconut industry. However, these findings together with innumerable anecdotal stories still a need a definitive clinical study to once and for all establish that indeed VCO and CNO are beneficial to body cholesterol. Pool R&D Resources for Clinical Study Considering the magnitude, precision and authoritativeness that the clinical study will require, Garin bared that the PCA is considering the adoption of the PPP or Public Sector Private Sector Partnership strategy enunciated by President Benigno S. Aquino III as may be applicable to research and development cooperation. For one, we know for a fact that all business entities, including our coconut products manufacturers, are allowed by law to set aside a certain per-

P76-M fishery ... (from p12)

He was joined by Gov. Villafuerte, DA Bicol regional director Jose Dayao, and Dir. Ricardo Cachuela of the DAPhil. Center for Postharvest Devt. and Mechanization. The respective agricultural projects and their corresponding costs are: P1.6-million (M) worth of various livelihood projects to 24 FAs and FCs, RICs, and 4-H Clubs; Three trading centers and cold storage facilities (worth P5M); 25 Barangay Bagsakans (P1.25M); Three hand tractors with trailer (P490,000); Two palay threshers with blower (P178,000); Two tractors (P2.4M); 15 collapsible tarpaulin grains storage tents (P750,000); 25 tunnel-type greenhouses with drip irrigation facility (P2.5M); and Three packinghouses (P2.7M). Finally, Sec. Alcala held a consultation with 100 provincial board members, municipal mayors, provincial and municipal agriculture officers, and heads of DA family agencies, at Camarines Sur provincial capitol, in Naga City, hosted by Gov. Villafuerte. Also present was Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua.

Editorial...

(from p2)

kakayahan ni Sec. Alcala na kumbinsihin ang mga lokal na opisyal na tulungan ang DA sa mga programang sila rin ang makikinabang. Hindi tulad dati na sa national government nakaatang ang pag-unlad ng pagsasaka. Sabay na pag-gastos, sabay na pakikinabang. Oras na nga na ayusin natin ang paggastos ng sarili nating pera, pati na rin ang pera ng gobyerno. Tutal, sa buwis din naman natin galing yun. Kung tayo nga may listahan kung saan napupunta ang ating perang pinaghirapan, lalo nang kailangan ito sa gobyerno, na kung saan bilyon-bilyon ang pinaguusapan. Nang sa ganun pag-gising natin sa bagong taon, may kinukumpuni na na bagong daan, wala nang naka-bilad na palay sa highway at may tubig na sa mga sakahan. Tiwala kami sa iyo Sec. Procy, pero di ba ang tiwala ay kailangang paghirapan at alagaan? Sabi nga sa ating paboritong mga tele-serye, mula kay Marimar hanggang sa Magkaribal: Abangan!

ers 225 of the 420 towns across Mindanao, jointly funded by the World Bank, national and local governments, and project proponents. The MRDP implements projects like farm-to-market roads, communal irrigation systems, potable water systems, bridges and other infrastructure critical to increasing farm yield, resource-based livelihoods, environmental conservation, and governance reform The infrastructure projects are undertaken via counterparting arrangement or cost-sharing scheme, where half of the cost is shouldered by the DA-MRDP and the remaining half by the LGU proponent. MRDP Dir. Ramos said when President Aquino assumed office in July 2010, LGUs began submitting more proposals for infrastructure projects. To date, of the six regions covered by MRDP, Northern Mindanao (Region 10) has the most proposed projects, at P1.357 billion, followed by Central Mindanao (Region 12), with P1 billion. The other four regions, with their corresponding amount of proposed projects are: Western Mindanao (Region 9), P722.7million; Caraga (Region 13), P612.7M; Davao Region (Region 11), P533.9M; and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, P248.7M. Along with the thrust of the current administration, we need to invest more on infrastructure to maximize the agriculture production potential of Mindanao. These projects could increase yields, improve incomes of farmers, cut transportation costs and open more economic opportunities to farmers, fisherfolk and the local government units, Ramos said. Further, she said under the MRDP Community Fund for Agricultural Development component, a total of 1,532 livelihood projects were proposed by 225 municipalities, where about 35% of beneficiaries are rural women and indigenous peoples. Among the completed MRDP projects are several farm-to-market roads (totaling 94 kilometers), five potable water systems, and 1 bridge, measuring 39 meters long. Set for completion are: 1 irrigation system in Davao del Sur, servicing 100 hectares; several FMRs, totalling 163.18 km, three potable water systems, and two postharvest facilities.
(Sherwin Manual, DA-MRDP)

September 2010

11

DA-BFAR, PCG catch illegal fishermen, vessels

In a bid to put a halt on illegal fishing operations in Manila Bay, operatives of the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), together with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) caught a total of 17 vessels and 153 fishermen, boat crew members, owners and operators in Cavite following two successive operations, first week of September. In a report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, BFAR director Malcolm I. Sarmiento, Jr. said the intensified drive against illegal fishing is undertaken to improve and restore the marine life of Manila Bay and to assist the LGUs in Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan in developing, using recognized methods, the fisheries and aquatic resources in Manila Bay. We had been undertaking a lot of interventions in the past, mostly in collaboration with the LGUs and the local fisherfolk organizations of these municipalities, even providing them with alternative livelihoods, but despite all these efforts, many illegal fishing activities continue to prevail, Sarmiento lamented. This time we have to use our iron fist if only to show these recalcitrant fishing operators that we mean business, he stressed. The two operations conducted September 2 and 7, 2010, yielded 14 commercial trawlers (4 in Cavite, 8 in Tanza and 2 in Noveleta), 2 ring netters and 1 push netter, all caught within Cavite municipal waters. The fishermen were charged of using illegal fine-meshed nets and active gears. Sarmiento said the apprehended 17 fishing boats are in the custody of the PCG at Sangley Pt. in Cavite City. The intensified Manila Bay seaborne operations is part of the strategies identified by the BFAR-led Task Force on Save Manila Bay composed of key officials of the National Marine Fisheries Development Center, Legal Division, and its regional offices in Regions 3 and 4A. The Task Force has also members from the Philippine Coast Guard, the LGUs and the Bantay Dagat. The successful operations were conducted using BFARs 30-meter MCS 3006 patrol vessel commandered by PCG Comdr. Allan Corpuz. Two units of the PCG rigidhull inflatable boats assisted in the operations along San Nicholas Shoal and Caacao Bay in Cavite City. Sarmiento is optimistic that the efforts and commitment of the operatives would not be put to waste once the full measure of the law will be implemented. Sec. 86 of RA 8550 stipulates that unauthorized fishing or engaging in authorized fishing activities carries a fine equivalent to the value of catch or Ten thousand pesos (P10,000) whichever is higher, 6 months imprisonment, confiscation of catch and fishing gears, and automatic revocation of the license of the boat captain and his officers. Moreover, the use of fine meshed nets carries a fine from P2,000 to P20,000, or imprisonment from six months to two years or both. Such fine and imprisonment are at the discretion of the court for the boat captain and the master fisherman. The boat owner/operator is also subjected to the same penalties, including an administrative fine and/or cancellation of permit or license or both. On the other hand, the use of active gears such as trawl are

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (top photo, middle) appreciates a miniature model of the P500-million modern corn processing and bulk storage facility in Reina Mercedes, Isabela, a project of Mindanao Grains Processing Co. Inc. of La Filipina Uycongco Corp. When completed, the facility can process up to 200,000 metric tons (MT) of corn-on-cobs into dried quality grains, and store these in huge bulk silos (foreground) with a total capacity of 60,000 MT. With Sec. Alcala are Sammy Mamauag (left) and Jess Bioco, of Mindanao Grains Processing.
penalized with imprisonment from two years to six years for the boat captain and master fisherman, and a fine from P2,000 to P20,000, upon the discretion of the court, and confiscation and forfeiture of fish catch. Meanwhile, boat owners/ parks in partnership with host LGUs. They will jointly identify the poorest of the poor fishermen who will be prioritized to rent and operate fish cages. He added that the DA-BFAR and LGUs will jointly enhance the production of capiz (Placuna Placenta), which is abundant in San Miguel Bay, as source of sustainable income for fishermen and their families. Also present during the inauguration ceremonies were: Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr.; Rep. Luis Villafuerte (3rd District, Camarines Sur); Mr. Akio Isomata, minister for economic affairs, Japan Embassy; Mr.Takehiko Sakata, Japan Embassy agriculture attach; Bula town Mayor Benjamin Decena; operators employing unlicensed fisherfolk or fishworkers are imposed a fine of P500 each for every month that the same has been employed and/or P1,000 for every month for each unlicensed crew member who has been employed. (DA-BFAR) and DA-BFAR Bicol region director Dennis del Socorro. Thereafter, the DA chief had a dialogue with 2,500 students of the (CBSUA) in Pili, Camarines Sur, where he announced that the DA will provide 20 scholarship grants to qualified students. Sec. Alcala then motored to Camarines Sur convention center, where he awarded P16-million worth of farm and fishery projects and equipment to dozens of farmers associations and cooperatives (FAs/FCs), rural improvement clubs (RICs), 4-H clubs, and LGUs. He also handed over certificate of completion to 200 farmers who finished a five-week school-on-the air course on postharvest technologies.
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(NAFC). The facilities include a laboratory, feed mill, fish processing plant, and a training cum dormitory. Sec. Alcala thanked the Japanese government on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Filipino people for its continuing support to helping the Philippines increase the productivity and income of Filipino farmers and fishermen. He urged DA-BFAR to optimize the use of the facilities to teach more Bicolano fishermen adopt modern and sustainable production and processing technologies so they could produce and earn more. Further, he said the DA-BFAR will establish more mariculture