Vol. XXVI No.

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

July 2011

P-Noy lauds DA gains at SONA

Hindi tayo aangkat ng hindi kailangan... Ayaw na nating umasa sa pag-angkat. Ang isasaing ni Juan dela Cruz, dito ipupunla, dito aanihin, dito bibilhin. Thus said President Benigno S. Aquino III in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), July 25, 2011, at the joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives. bulsa ng mga gustong magsariling-diskarte ng kita sa agrikultura, Ikalawa: ayaw na nating umasa sa pag-angkat; ang isasaing ni Juan dela Cruz, dito ipupunla, dito aanihin, dito bibilhin. The President said the agriculture sector is not exempt from abusive practices in the past, but this has been corrected and real progress is gaining ground in the first year of his administration. He said: Bago tayo maupo noong 2010, nag-angkat ang The Food and Agriculture Or The Government of the Phil- bansa ng 2.3 million metric tons ganization of the United Nations ippines, which used to be the ng bigas. 1.3 million metric tons (FAO) cited the efforts of the worlds largest rice importer, is (Pls turn to p10) Aquino administration to boost seeking to achieve rice self-sufpalay (unmilled rice) production ficiency by 2013 cut imports and achieve rice self-sufficiency from more than two million tonnes by 2013 in its 8-page leaflet to last year to less than one million promote this years celebration this year, following the launch of of World Food Day, with the an intensified production The Department of Agriculture theme, Food Prices: From Cri- programme and achieve selfis joining hands with Ilocos region sis to Stability, the FAO said: (Pls turn to p10) farmers and local officials to revive the countrys garlic industry that has slumped in recent years due to the influx of cheap imports. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA will spearhead a consultative meeting in August involving farmers, local chief executives and other stakeholders to flesh out strategies to revive the industry. The garlic industry roadmap will form part of the proposed medium-term Ilocos Norte agriculture and fishery master development plan, which the DA will also help craft in partnership with concerned provincial and municipal officials, farmers, fishers, and the private sector. Sec. Alcala issued the call during a farmers forum, July 20, at Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (inset, left) enjoins mem- Mariano Marcos State University bers of Irrigators Associations (inset, right) and local officials in (MMSU), in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur to support President Aquinos efforts to attain rice self- attended by 2,000 farmers, fishsufficiency by 2013, during a visit of the P2.5-billion Banaoang ers, rural entrepreneurs, students Pump Irrigation System, in Bgy. San Mariano, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. and local officials, led by Ilocos When fully operational, the system can irrigate more than 5,230 Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos, hectares, benefiting 4,220 farm families. The project was jointly Ilocos Norte Representative funded by the Philippine government and a loan from the China Rodolfo Farias, and Batac City National Constructional and Agricultural Machinery Import and Mayor Jeffrey Nalupta. Export Corporation. During the visit, Sec. Alcala was accompaAlso present were MMSU nied by NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel, Ilocos Sur Vice Gov- president Dr. Miriam Pascua, DA ernor Deogracias Victor Savelllano and Rep. Ryan Singson. national rice program coordinator He cited the efforts and gains of the Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, to reduce rice imports by intensifying production of palay (paddy rice) and other staples, and subsequently achieve selfsufficiency by 2013. President Aquino said: Ang gusto nating mangyari: una, hindi tayo aangkat ng hindi kailangan, para lang punan ang

FAO cites Phl rice sufficiency efforts

President Aquino delivers his 2nd SONA, July 25, 2011.

DA to revive Ilocandias garlic industry; allots P25-M projects in Ilocos Norte

Dante Delima, DA-National Tobacco Administrator Edgardo Zaragoza, and DA-Bureau of Plant Industry director Clarito Barron. During the three-hour forum and town hall meeting at the
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Farm machine roadshow on

The Department of Agriculture will conduct a series of Agricultural Farm Machinery and Equipment Roadshow involving manufacturers, suppliers, importers and dealers of agricultural machinery and equipment, who will showcase their respective products to farmers groups and local government units. The roadshow starts August 23-24, 2011, at the DAs Philippine Center for Postharvest Devt. and Mechanization (PhilMech), in Muoz, Nueva Ecija. The second leg is set on September 20-21, in Iloilo, for the Visayas cluster; and on September 20-21, in General Santos City, for the Mindanao leg.
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Editorial
Maging agresibo, makibahagi!
Inilahad ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa kanyang State of the Nation Address (SONA) ang pagarangkada ng pambansang sakahan at pangisdaan mula ng siyay nanungkulan noong Hulyo 2010. Lumaki aniya ng 4.2 porsiyento (%) ang sektor ng agrikultura sa unang semestre ng taon, kumpara noong 2010. Nakapagpatayo ng mahigit 2,500 kilometro ng mga kalsada sa kanayunan (farm-tomarket roads); mga bagong irigasyon na nagpatubig sa 11,611 ektarya ng palayan; at naisaayos ang mga sirang irigasyon, na nagpatubig naman sa 212,000 ektaryang sakahan. Lumiit din ng hamak ang inangkat na bigas ngayong taon. Sabi ni Pangulong Aquino: Ngayon, ang dating 1.3 million metric tons na kakulangan natin sa bigas, halos nangalahati na; 660,000 metric tons na lang po ang kailangan nating angkatin. Ngunit sa kabila ng mga nagawang ito, mayroon pa ring mga nagsasabi: Kulang ang lahat ng ito. Malinaw na ang pagbabago na ating nakakamtam ay katiting lamang at pansamantala, lalo na kung hindi ito susundan ng ibayong pagsisikap at pagkilos. Totoo nga na para sa isang bansang ilang taon nang uhaw sa mabuting balita at pag-angat ng kalidad ng pamumuhay, anumang tagumpay, lalo pa ngat naabot lamang sa loob ng isang taon, ay hindi sapat. Kaya naman, minamadali ni Sec. Procy Alcala ang pagsasa-ayos ng mga irigasyon, upang ang mga ito ay pakinabangan kaagad ng mga magsasaka. Gayundin ang pagsasagawa ng trading posts at processing centers, mariculture parks, at post-harvest facilities. Kasama na rito ang pagtuturo at pagpapalaganap ng makabuluhan at makabagong kaalaman at teknolohiya sa mga maliliit na magsasaka at mangingisda. Ngunit kung magpapatuloy ang antas ng ating pagpupursigi sa mga susunod pang ilang taon, hindi malayo na mararating natin ang ating inaasam na pag-unlad at pag-angat sa kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa kanayunan. At makatutulong ng malaki ang karagdagang pondo ng Kagawaran ng Agrikultura sa susunod na taon, na iminumungkahing P52.9 bilyon. Itoy mahigit 53% kumpara sa kasalukuyang pondo na P35.2 bilyon. Umpisa sa buwan ng Agosto, babalangkasin at susuriin ng Kongreso at Senado ang buong proposed 2012 budget ng Pamahalaang Aquino, na nagkakahalaga ng P1.8 trillion. Habang pinag-uusapan ang pondo sa susunod na taon, hangad namin na maging agresibo ang mga magsasaka, mangingisda at iba pang katuwang sa sakahan, pangisdaan at agribusiness na kausapin, sulatan at kumbisehin ang ating mga Kongresista at Senador na suportahan ang proposed 2012 budget ng DA, at pati na rin ng ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan. Itoy upang maisakatuparan ang mga balakin at proyekyo ng pamahalaan, at maramdaman ng ating mga mamamayan ang mga pagbabago at pangarap na ating matagal nang ninanais. Sabi nga ni Pangulong Aquino: Lumikha po kayo ng gobyernong tunay na nagtatrabaho para sa inyo. Ibig sabihin nito, kaisa tayong lahat sa anumang hakbanging nais tahakin ng ating pamahalaan. Matapos ang isang taon ng administrasyong Aquino, nararapat lang na tayoy magbalik-tanaw hindi lamang upang iwagayway ang mga nagawa na, kundi upang itakda pa ang mga susunod na hakbang ng pamahalaan patungo sa kaunlaran ng ating bayan. Maaaring kulang pa para sa iba, ngunit kalakip ng SONA ni Pangulong Aquino ang hangarin niya para sa mas matatag na polisiya at mga mapapakinabangan na proyekto para sa kapakanan ng sambayanan. Kaya naman, dapat lamang na lahat tayoy maging agresibo at makibahagi!

Sec. Procy Alcala (inset, left) urges Ilocos Norte farmers and local officials, led by Gov. Imee R. Marcos (inset, 2nd from right) to partner with the DA to revive the countrys garlic industry, during a farmers forum at MMSU, in Batac, Ilocos Norte. Also shown (inset, from left) are DA-National Tobacco Administrator Edgardo Zaragoza, Batac City Mayor Jeffrey Nalupta, Ilocos Norte Representative Rodolfo Farias, and MMSU President Dr. Miriam Pascua.

DA to revive ...

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farmers was worth the investment as it generated more than P2 billion in gross income, benefiting hundreds of farmers last dry season. Similarly, he said the DA will allot funds and technical assistance to prop up the declining production of garlic, considered as white gold by farmers. Total garlic production during the last three years has decreased from 11,300 metric tons (MT) in 2008, to 10,500 MT in 2009 and 9,600 MT last year, according to the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS). The decline was due to less area planted to the crop, dwindling from 3,800 hectares (has) in 2008, 3,600 has in 2009 and 3,000 has last year. As part of the P25-M commitment for Ilocos Norte, the DA is allotting P10M for two small
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MMSU theater and auditorium, Sec. Alcala approved an initial P25 million as DAs counterpart to undertake agricultural and fishery projects in Ilocos Norte. He said reviving Ilocandias garlic industry could be done through strong and sustained cooperation among major industry players, as shown by the recent success of onion farmers particularly in Nueva Ecija, where the DA provided quality onion seed pieces, technical assistance and postharvest facilities worth P15 million to help prop up local production particularly in Bongabon and several onion-producing towns in Nueva Ecija. Sec. Alcala said such assistance was coupled with the nonissuance of permits allowing imports of onion that would unduly compete with local produce. Sec. Alcala said the P15-M assistance to Nueva Ecija onion

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: Karenina Salazar, Cheryl C. Suarez & Adam Borja 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

ACEF to resume lending operations

The Department of Agriculture will resume providing credit assistance to qualified organized groups of farmers, fisherfolk, and agri entrepreneurs through the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF). Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA has completed the draft of the new implementing guidelines for ACEF, with the concurrence of Senator Francis Pangilinan and Congressman Mark LLandro Mendoza, respective chairman of the committee of agriculture and food at the Senate and House of Representatives. Under the new ACEF guidelines, the approval of loans is no longer under the exclusive authority of the DA secretary but will include the chairman of the agriculture committees at both houses of Congress. This reflects transparency and good governance, Alcala said. Created in 1996 under Republic Act No. 8178, ACEF is funded by the duties collected from the importation of agri products, except rice, under the minimum access volume mechanism. It is a funding mechanism which supports projects--of farmers and fisherfolk, agribusiness entrepreneurs, organizations and cooperatives--to make them globally competitive. Its scope includes lending to farmers and agricultural organizations for such projects as irrigation facilities, farm-tomarket roads, post-harvest equipment and facilities, research and development, marketing infrastructure, provision of market information, retraining, extension services, and other agri-fishery food supply chain enterprises. Early this year, the DA suspended ACEF, pending a review of its policies after allegations of its misuse surfaced. The implementation of ACEF is until 2015.

Sec. Procy Alcala (inset, left) and Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino (inset, 3rd from left) inspect milled rice at the P242.8-million rice processing center (RPC), at Barangay Tebag, Sta, Barbara, Pangasinan. The facility can dry up to 50 tons of palay and mill up to 2.5 tons of rice per day. When fully operational, it is expected to benefit 200,000 farm families in Sta. Barbara and 10 adjoining towns and cities in Pangasinan. The Sta. Barbara RPC is jointly funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) through a grant of P162.2M, and the Philippine government, with the DA and Provincial government of Pangasinan, counterparting P68.6 M and P12M, respectively. Also shown are DAIlocos regional director Renato Maguigad (right) and assistant director Edgardo Gonzales.

Alcala eyes higher Pangasinan rice yield, quality

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala expects more palay production and higher quality of rice in Pangasinan with the full operation of a new rice processing center (RPC) in the town of Sta. Barbara. The facility, worth P242.8 million, is funded by a grant from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), with counterparts from the Department of Agriculture and Provincial Government of Pangasinan. Sec. Alcala expressed his optimism during a test-run of the facility, as part of his three-day visit in Pangasinan and other priovinces in Ilocos region, July 19 to 21, 2011. He was accompanied by Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr., who also witnessed the dry-run of the facility, which is located at the provincial governments 10-hectare nursery in Barangay Tebag, Sta. Barbara. Alcala said the RPC is a welcome development in the provinces agricultural thrust and a big boost to the countrys goal to be self-sufficient in rice and other staples by 2013. The RPC has five drying chambers, each with a capacity of processing 200 bags every 12 hours. It can mill up to 2.5 metric tons of rice per day. Pangasinan provincial rice director and RPC manager Nestor Batalla said the facility can process palay harvest from 2,000 hectares per cropping season. At an average yield of 96 cavans of palay per hectare, the processing plant is expected to process 192,000 cavans of palay into 124,800 50-kilo bags of rice per season. Pangasinan is Ilocos regions rice granary, where over 245,500 hectares were planted last year, producing 940,000 metric tons, which represents 60 percent of the Ilocos regions total palay
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DA-NFA to buy 200,000 MT yellow, white corn

Starting this cropping season, the Department of Agriculture through the National Food Authority will buy 100,000 metric tons (MT) each of yellow and white corn to encourage more farmers to plant the crop, and further prop up the countrys corn industry. In particular, said corn procurement program is aimed at stabilizing farmgate prices of yellow corn, which is mainly used as feed, and encourage the increased production and consumption of white corn as a staple, according to agriculture assistant secretary for field operations Edilberto De Luna, and concurrent national corn program coordinator. The NFA buys yellow corn at a maximum price of P13 per kilo and P13.50 per kilo for white corn. De Luna requested the NFA to revise its procurement plan for white corn to focus on major producing provinces to benefit more farmers who have been traditionally planting the crop, and encourage others to engage in white corn production. He issued the directive as part of his message during the AgriPinoy corn program 1st semester 2011 performance review and strategic planning workshop for 2012, held July 18-21, 2011, in Boracay, Malay, Aklan. The workshop was attended by about DA regional directors and corn coordinators, other DA family officials who are members of the national corn program technical working group (TWG), and officers of corn industry groups,
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July 2011

Focus, deliver results!

Thus is the instruction of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala to DA officials during a national management committee meeting, July 6, 2011, at the BSWM convention hall. Kahit isang taon na ang nakalipas, kailangan pa rin natin ang unang panawagan ng AgriPinoy na: Bridging gaps, Touching hearts. Pero dahil isang taon na po tayo, kailangan na nating idagdag ang bagong panawagan: Focusing minds to deliver results, Sec. Alcala said. Every quarter, I will convene a regular ManCom meeting to check up on our work and adjust our plans. And every month, I will meet with the undersecretaries and assistant secretaries to ensure closer teamwork and shared responsibility in supervising the various DA units, programs, and agencies, he added. The July 6 national ManCom was attended by about 90 undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, regional executive directors, bureau directors, heads of attached agencies and corporations, DA-OSEC service directors, Agri-Pinoy national commodity program coordinators, heads of foreign-assisted and special projects. He said promoting Agri-Pinoy needs to move beyond a task force, and should be taken up by the whole DA leadership. Nananawagan ako sa mga undersecretaries at assistant secretaries na maging katuwang ko sa pagsulong at pagpapalaganap ng Agri-Pinoy, said Sec. Alcala. Likewise, he enjoined all DA regional directors and heads of agencies: na ilapat ang mga prinsipyo ng Agri-Pinoy sa inyong mga programa at gawain sa inyong rehiyon. Ito rin ang panawagan ko sa lahat ng mga yunit at ahensiya ng DA. Further, he urged them to fully support and implement the governments Food Staples Self Sufficiency Program, including current program on fisheries, livestock, fruits, vegetables and high value crops. Above all these, he reminded DA officials when crafting programs and projects to always consider the factors of climate change and global competition. Huwag nating kaligtaan ang ating pag-unawa at pag-angkop sa climate change, pati na sa mga pagbabago sa global market. He said the bottomline of all DAs efforts should increase the productivity and incomes of small farmers, fishers and ruralfolk. Sa pagharap natin sa mga pagbabago, huwag nating tingnan lamang ang problema. Tingnan rin natin ang

Sec. Procy Alcala (3rd from left, top) issues initial tasks and guidelines to DA top officials (foreground) at the national management committee (ManCom) meeting, July 6, 2011, at the BSWM conventional hall in Quezon City. Flanking him (from left) are DA undersecretaries: Bernadette Romulo-Puyat (special concerns), Joel Rudinas (regional operations), Segfredo Serrano (policy and planning), Antonio Fleta (administrative and finance) and Claron Alcantara (chief of staff).
pagkakataon para kumita, Sec vice possible to clienteles, parAlcala said. ticularly small farmers and fisherfolk, saying: Initiatives, Tasks, Guidelines Tulad ng malimit ko nang In his opening message, Sec. sabihin: Pag gusto, may Alcala highlighted three major paraan. Pag ayaw, may dahilan. He also urged officials to initiatives in his first year: Promoted Agri-Pinoy as the cleanse the tarnished image of strategic framework for all DA pro- the agency. Bantayan natin at linisin ang grams and services; Delivered quick results in key ating hanay. It is difficult to stop corrupsectors; and tion when people continue to Exercised hands-on manageprotect the wrongdoers or conment of key programs. Secondly, he discussed three tinue to benefit from corruption. I believe that we all prefer to major tasks that need to be done: Fix organizational matters; live up to a good name. Review and refine national We want to be part of a Department of Agriculture that is commodity road maps; and Account and deliver perfor- not on the top list of corrupt agencies. mance targets. I am disturbed by reports, He also issued three adminiscoming from the inside and outtrative and operational guidelines, side, that some syndicates connamely: Make all DA stations and tinue to operate. We will not tolerate corrupproperties productive and selftion in our department that is sustaining; a clear policy. Establish partnerships with None of us is perfect, but let organized groups; and it be part of our mission to help Use government resources to clean up the DA, Sec. Alcala achieve targets, and deliver the said. funds on time. In closing, he declared: He urged all DA officials to ex- Sama-sama nating patunayan ert efforts to achieve targets and ang ating pahayag: Sa Agriprovide the best, and fastest ser- Pinoy, asensoy tuloy-tuloy!

Rice sufficiency in 2013 is attainable

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala expressed optimism that the Philippines will be self-sufficient in rice by end of 2013. He shared it with televiewers nationwide, during the telecast of the third forum on the Philippine Development Plan at NBN4s Pilipinas Natin. He said the only factor that may impede the country to hit the target is when we cast doubt on our capabilities. Alcala and other guests urged the people to support the reforms and policies being instituted by the Aquino government. He said despite the pessimism of some sectors, government is bent on pursuing its vision, and achieve the development targets that it has set. He said government is already laying the ground work such as infrastructure, farmers training, improved quality of seedling, and post-harvest facilities. With all these, at tayoy hindi pa naniwala sa sarili natin, eh wag na po tayong mangarap (if we dont believe in ourselves, lets not dream for a better life anymore), he said. He noted the improved rice harvest during the second quarter. The official report will be released by August. He said that next year, the country will not be importing more than 500,000 metric tons of rice. This early, we are already

Sec. Alcala (inset, bottom left) replies to an inquiry of Palawan Governor Abraham Mitra (right) during the telecast of Pilipinas Natin aired nationwide over NBN 4, July 13, 2011.
looking at how we can go about exporting rice, and what kind of graina could possibly be bought by the foreign market, he said in Filipino. To adapt to climate change, he said the DA has introduced a rice variety that can withstand harsh conditions, such as being submerged in water for two weeks. He also said the DA has a program called pamalit-tanim that will immediately provide seeds to farmers whenever their crops are destroyed by natural disasters. Everytime magkaroon ng flashflood, may order na po ako sa DA Regional Directors na lahat ng apektadong magsasaka ay bibigyan ng binhing palay bilang pamalit-tanim. Wala po silang babayaran. (I already issued an order to Regional Directors that all rice plantations affected by flashfloods will be given new seeds for free), he said. Alcala reiterated that the DA, together with the Department of Agrarian Reform and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the publics support can realize the envisioned rice self-sufficient Philippines come 2013, and onward. (PIA)

DA allots P20M for rainfed program

The Department of Agriculture is allloting an initial P20 million to increase the productivity thousands of farmers tilling one million hectares of rainfed farms nationwide. The amount serves as seed fund to implement the Philippine Rainfed Agriculture Research and Development and Extension Program (PhiRARDEP), that will be coordinated by the DA-Bureau of Agriculturl Research (BAR). The program will be undertaken in partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), DA Regional Field Units, particularly the Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers (RIARCS), Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Centers (ATI-RTC), other concerned DA agencies, and selected State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar said the programs components include rainfed farming innovation, communitybased watershed management and soil conservation, policy formation, and capacity building. We will train technicians who will help marginal rainfed farm(Pls turn to p11)

P-Noy appoints new PhilRice chief

ment of Agriculture-Philippine Rice Research Institute (DAPhilRice), on July 4, 2011, vice Atty. Ronilo A. Beronio. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala swore Dr. Rasco into office, July 13, 2011, and instructed him to e n s u r e PhilRices strong and full support to attaining the A q u i n o Administrations goal of rice selfsufficiency by 2013. In response, Sec. Alcala (left) swears into office Dr. Eufemio Dr. Rasco said T. Rasco, PhilRice will conJuly 2011 Jr. as PhilRice executive director. President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr, a plant breeder and academician, as the new executive director of the Depart-

tinuously provide farmers high quality rice seeds, and develop appropriate upland rice farming technologies, among other related rice sector initiatives. Before his appointment, Dr. Rasco served as professor and dean of the College of Science and Mathematics at the University of the Philippines in Mindanao. He also previously served as director of the Institute of Plant Breeding, at UPLB; founding director and board member of East-West Seed Company; and coordinating scientist at the International Potato Center. Dr. Rasco finished BS agriculture (magna cum laude) at UPLB, and has a doctorate degree in plant breeding from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, USA. (DA-PhilRice)

July 2011

By Adora Dolores Rodriguez

From hunting to farming, modernizing the fishing industry

Some years back, when fishers come out to sea, their wives stay behind and eagerly await the days catch. Sadly, when Mother Nature prevents them to catch ample volume of fishes and other marine species, they come home to their wives and children, almost fishless. Thanks to todays modernized agriculture, fishing communities are spared from this pitiful plight. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) launched on August 10, 2001 the Philippines very first mariculture park or MP in the Island Garden City of Samal to address not only the irregularity of fish catch but the long-term issues of overfishing, destructive fishing methods, pollution and loss of marine habitat. Eventually, it started the shift from fish hunting to fish farming and has directed the industry towards a more inclusive and sustainable sector. The project, which aims to generate employment and alleviate poverty, has also enhanced the promotion of marine fish culture as an alternative source of livelihood for the marginalized fisherfolk. Rose Alicaba, a housewife cum entrepreneur is among the beneficiaries of the DABFAR Mariculture Park built in Panabo City, Davao del Norte five years ago. Considered as one of the most successful MPs nationwide, the Panabo fish park has provided Rose and the eighteen other members of the Cagangohan Womens Association (CWA) extra income to augment what their husbands earn from fishing. Kumikita po kami ng P20 bawat kilo ng isda na nadedebone at ito poy malaking tulong ito sa aming pamilya,Aling Rose claims. (We earn P20 for every kilo of fish deboned and that helps our families a lot.) She adds that aside from deboning, other livelihood have been created with the establishment of the Panabo MP as men and women alike occupy themselves with various income-generating activities. Yung iba po abala sa paggawa ng cages, pagbobote ng isda, paglilinis ng lambat at iba pa, Aling Rose narrates. (Some are engaged in cage frame making, fish bottling, and fish net cleaning among others.) To date more than 60 MPs have been established nationwide providing steady and adequate supply of fish products and alternative job opportunities to coastal dwellers. Each park covers an area of 100-400 hectares or more, and utilizes floating fish cages designed to withstand 2-3 meters waves and will last at least five years with minimal maintenance. The MPs will soon implement a new design devised by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala who during his recent visit to Panabo disclosed future modifications. Bangus and sea cucumbers will be raised at the same time adopting the bibingka principle, Alcala said. Thru this method both the upper and lower portions of the cages will be utilized for fish production. Bangus will be raised on the top of the cages while the sea cucumbers, which will serve as biofilters, will be at the bottom, he added. This scheme will enable the fishers to double their earnings, Alcala added. The design, aptly called Alcala fish cage modelseeks to maximize fish cages as multiple species will be produced in a single cage. Thru this, the fishers earn more and water pollution is minimized, Alcala boasts. Under its present thrust and in line with the Aquino administrations goal of providing livelihood to the marginalized Filipinos, DA through BFAR will maintain, operate and expand existing mariculture parks. Together, the agencies will optimize productivity by promoting polyculture or the production of different species of fish and shell fish, seaweeds and sea cucumbers in one cage. Today, whenever fishers come out to sea, they rarely come home empty handed. Rather, they return with abundant harvest, happiness and the assurance of a prosperous tomorrow.

DA officials and staff entertain Sec. Procy Alcala and guests via their respective presentations to celebrate his birthday. Above, he joins AMAS Dir. Gazmin and staff for a 70s dance number.

Admin. Service

ITCAF Budget Division Dance time!

Guest performers 92AD OSEC

July 2011

DA, CAFGUs launch Gulayan sa Kampo

Some 7,000 Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliaries or CAAs are now engaged in another war war against hunger, malnutrition and poverty in partnership with the Department of Agriculture in Davao region. DA region 11 director Oscar Parawan said the CAAs are now armed or trained on basic vegetable production as they carry out the Gulayan sa 72nd Infantry Battalion, launched during the Battalions recent 23rd anniversary at its headquarters in Sitio Mahayahay, Bgy. Tuburan, Mawab, Davao del Norte. Dir. Parawan said the project will also be replicated in the battalions 228 camps and patrol bases in five Davao provinces and two provinces in Region 12. For his part Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Lyndon V. Paniza said: W ith the 7,000

DA Region 11 Director Oscar O. Parawan (2nd from left) hands over to 72IB Commander Lt. Col. Lyndon V. Paniza (4th from right) cans of vegetable seeds to launch the Gulayan sa Kampo, involving 7,000 CAFGUs in Davao region. Inset, he and Col. Paniza sign a memorandum of agreement to ensure the projects sustainability and success. Looking on is Col. Dictarino M. Sugon, of the 10th Infantry Div., Philippine Army. (DA-RAFID 11)
CAAs as initial beneficiaries who are encouraged to maintain vegetable gardens in their respective households, we are hoping that we could increase their meager incomes, help mitigate hunger and decrease malnutrition incidence in their respective areas. The project was formalized with the forging of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the DA Region 11 and the 72IB, signed by Dir. Parawan and Col. Paniza, to sustain and ensure its success. Under the project, DA will provide the CAAs vegetable production starter kits, consisting of assorted vegetable seeds, seedling trays and tunneling film. For their part, the local governments of Mawab, Davao del Norte, Tagum City and the Province of Davao del Norte will provide additional technical assistance and project monitoring services. Other officials who graced the Gulayan sa Kampo launch, MOA signing and 72IB anniversary celebration include: Col. Dictarino M. Sugon, asst. div. commander for administrative services, 10th Infantry Div., Philippine Army, who represented the guest of honor and speaker, Major General Jorge V. Segovia, AFP Commander of the 10thID; Tagum City Vice Mayor Allan L. Rellon; and Rev. Father Christopher Segura, parish priest of St. Peters Parish, Mawab, Davao del Norte. (Socorro R. Supino, DA
11 Info Div)

Controlled Irrigation succeeds in Mindanao

An irrigation technology jointly promoted by two DA agencies--National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)--is proving to be an efficient means of managing water supply and increasing rice yield in Central Mindanao. Called controlled irrigation (CI), the technique controls the amount and timing of water being distributed to the soil surface through the use of observation wells submerged 15 to 20 centimeters below the ground. Farmers are no longer afraid of delayed water supply reaching six days after adopting CI, said Engr. Edna Bantala, NIA superintendent for the Lubuagan River Irrigation System in North Cotabato. Demonstration farms using CI, also called alternate wetting and drying, have registered an average yield of 4.5 tons per hectare, while those not using the technology yielded less than onehalf, at an average of 2.1 tons per hectare. Bantala said combining CI with the use quality rice variet ies, plastic drum seeders, and nutrient managers have further increased farmers yield. Johnny Palomero, a farmer cooperator in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, attests that he harvested 5.5 tons per hectare using CI, while fellow farmers who have not used the technique only managed to harvest 4.5 tons per hectare. A group of 23 farmers in Mlang, Cotabato signified their interest in trying out CI in their farms. Mlang has about 7,000 hectares, being serviced by the MlangMalasila River Irrigation System (MMRIS). This is a good indication that farmers appreciate the technology we are sharing with them. This is also an answer to our prayers in addressing the water shortage in our service area, said MMRIS superintendent engr. May Respicio. The CI technology, along with other alternative costreducing techniques, is being evaluated by the Integrated Rice Research ConsortiumCountry Outreach Program of the International Rice Research Institute, in collaboration with PhilRice.
(PhilRice - NIA)

P31.6M projects set in Zamboanga

The Department of Agriculture and City Government of Zamboanga are counterpating to contruct infrastructure projects, worth P31.6 million, funded under the Zamboanga Integrated Agricultural Development Project (ZIADP), from 2011 to 2016. The projects covering two congressional districts include farmto-market roads (FMRs), repair of irrigation systems, and postharvest facilities, said Raul Ramon Bucoy, agriculture program coordinator (APCO) for Zamboanga City and newly-appointed ZIADP coordinator. He said the projects will commence 3rd quarter of 2011, as these have been approved with corresponding budget. For the 1st District under Congresswoman Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, the projects include FMRs, and rehabilitation of irrigation systems and seaweed stilt dryers, all located in barangays, west coast of the city. For the 2nd District under Congressman Erbie A. Fabian, the projects include concreting of FMRs in barangays Mercedes, Sangali and Cabaluay. Bucoy said the projects were evaluated by a team composed of engineers, city local officials, representatives from national agencies and NGOs. He said more agricultural-related projects are in the pipeline for implementation in Zamboanga City. He said the infrastructure projects will have significant benefits as these will link the farm and fishing grounds to the markets, and more importantly stimulate economic activities in respective communities. Altogether, the projects will enhance agricultural and fishery productivity and increase the incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk. (WPeaflor/DA9)

Supermarkets support DAs local onion campaign

Various supermarket and farmers associations vow support to the Department of Agricultures campaign to strengthen the local onion and agri-fishery industries in the country. Top officers of the Philippine Association of Supermarkets Inc. (PASI), Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc. (PAG-ASA), Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), Rustans Supermarket, and the Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magsisi-buyas ng Nueva Ecija (KASAMNE) said they are behind Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcalas thrusts to nationalize the onion and agri-fishery industries, during a meeting on July 18 at the DA central office in Quezon City. The meeting was facilitated by the DAs Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) under Director Leandro H. Gazmin, and attended by other DA attached agencies. During the meeting, Steven Cua of PAGASA suggested the DA should establish a central depot or distribution hub where small supermarkets can get their supply of local onions and other agrifishery products. Ms. Lolet Fernandez of PASI said they prefer selling organic agricultural products, although they presently sell both local and imported produce. She was requested to provide data or list down organic products she is presently selling to help her

Sec. Procy Alcala (center) points to smuggled onions confiscated by the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Customs (BOC) and onion farmers groups during a meeting with onion industry stakeholders, July 7, at the DA national office in Quezon City. Also in photo are (from left) DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Dir. Leandro Gazmin, DA Undersecretary for policy and planning Segfredo Serrano, BPI Director Clarito Barron, Nueva Ecija Rep. Josefina M. Joson, BOC intelligence dir. Filomeno Villavicencio, and BOC lawyer Eliseo Martinez.
touch-base with suppliers. Eugene Yap of HRAP has committed to provide the DA with the list of ingredients its members are commonly using in their menu, to give the department an idea of what their members need. He also suggested the DA produce informational materials like videos detailing farmers planting and harvesting practices for people to appreciate what goes into each agricultural product. For their part, members of KASAMNE committed to ensure sustainable supply of onions and agri-fishery products, saying Nueva Ecija farmers are presently training to produce yellow granex onions during the offseason. Secretary Alcala said the DA is capacitating farmers to produce off-season yellow onions beginning August, which is expected for harvest between October and November, to meet the expected increase in demand for the Christmas season. He said AMAS is presently designing a project for the establishment of a central depot to respond to buyers small volume requirements, and match buyers requirements with suppliers under a direct market linkage program. Sec. Alcala said the DA will also promote the production of local Pekin duck. Meanwhile, he commended BOC Commissioner Angelito Alvarez on their successful seizure of 4,000 bags of imported red onions worth P3.5 million, under its Customs Oplan SagipAgri (COSA) project. The COSA project is meant to ensure that imported products previously cleared by the BOC under anomalous circumstances are recovered and the guilty parties penalized. Alcala said he will support the implementation of the COSA project nationwide to protect Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, including the general public.

P6-M onion storage facilities to rise in 4 provinces

The Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DAPHilMech) will establish onion storage facilities in four provinces to reduce postharvest losses and enable farmers to earn more profit. The facilities, worth P1.5 million each, will be set up in Nueva Ecija, Mindoro, Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, as instructed by Agriculture Secretrary Proceso Alcala, according to DAPHilMech director Ricardo L. Cachuela. He said the facilities is funded by the DA through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP). The facility is a two-storey open hanger-type that can store up to 3,000 bags of onions. It is a cheaper, yet reliable alternative to cold storage facilities. Cachuela said PHilMech will train beneficiary-farmers groups or cooperatives on how to operate and manage the facilities in partnership with the host local government units. W ith the facility, farmers could reduce postharvest losses to a minimum of 5%. Cachuela said under proper storage conditions, with the right temperature, onions can be stored up eight months. PHilMech will also identify other provinces that could host similar facilities. (DAPHilMech)

DA to conduct PPP workshops

The Department of Agriculture will conduct two workshops on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program for its key officials and staff to orient and enable them to craft proposed projects. The first leg is set on August 31 to September 2, 2011, at the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), in Muoz, Nueva Ecija; and the second leg on September 13-16, 2011, in Cebu. The activity aims to familiarize DA family officials and staff--particularly planning and project development officers of regional field units, bureaus and attached agencies--on the concept and workings of PPP program. Among the workshop topics are: PPP overview, legal framework, approval and procurement process, role of PPP Center, BOTIRR update, PPP models, case studies on BOT variants, government-private counterparting, and DA PPP Initiatives, among others. Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the DA alone cannot achieve the Aquino governments goal of food security and sufficiency. Thats why we are ready and willing to partner with the private sector and other interested investors through the PPP, and take us to that goal. Under the PPP, the private sector is encouraged to invest in the construction, operation and maintenance of infrastructure and development projects normally undertaken by government. Subsequently, they will be afforded adequate incentives and tax perks.

July 2011

P-Noy lauds DA ... (from p1)

lamang ang kailangan nating angkatin, ngunit pinasobrahan pa nila ito ng isang milyong tonelada. Dahil nga sobra-sobra ang inangkat, kinailangan pa nating gumastos muli sa mga bodegang pagtatambakan lang naman ng barko-barkong bigas. Ilang taon bang walang saysay na pinasobrahan ang bigas na inaangkat? Dahil dito, umiral ang pag-iisip na habambuhay na tayong aangkat ng bigas. Ang akala ng marami, wala na talaga tayong magagawa, the President added. But in one years time, the President said government has proved its detractors and sceptics wrong. Ngayon, ang dating 1.3 million metric tons na kakulangan natin sa bigas, halos nangalahati na; 660,000 metric tons na lang po ang kailangan nating angkatin. Kahit dagdagan pa natin iyan ng panangga laban sa sakuna at gawing 860,000 metric tonsna ginagawa na nga po natinmas mababa pa rin ito sa tinatayang taunang kakulangan na 1.3 million metric tons, he said. The President cited the efforts of the DA in increasing rice productivity: At hindi po buwenas lang ang nangyaring pag-angat ng ating rice productivity. Bunga po ito ng matinong pamamalakad. He attributed the gains to the use of the most effective types of seedlings, and careful and efficient spending on irrigation. He said the DA through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has irrigated an additional new areas, totaling 11,611 hectares; and repaired non-functional irrigation systems that made 212,000 hectares productive again. SONA Agri Techl Report Below are some of the major achievements of the DA, as part of the SONA technical report: The agriculture, fishing, and forestry sector grew by 4.2% in the first quarter of 2011--from a negative growth of 1.08% in the first quarter of 2010. Palay production increased to 4.04 million metric tons (MT) in the 1st Quarter 2011, 15.6% higher than the 3.49 million MT in the same period in 2010. Average harvest per hectare is estimated to reach 3.8 MT of palay, for the 1st semester of 2011, 4.3% more than the 3.64 MT per hectare in 2010.

BOOSTING DOMESTIC PRODUCTION: THE CASE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Several countries, including China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Malawi, Nigeria and Senegal, are now boosting domestic food production as their strategic response to high food prices. For example, the Government of the Philippines, which used to be the worlds largest rice importer, is seeking to achieve rice self-sufficiency by 2013. The government is intending to cut imports from more than two million tonnes last year to less than one million this year following the launch of an intensified production programme that is expected to result in a 15 percent increase in the summer harvest and achieve self-sufficiency in two to three years time. Local palay rice production for the first half of the year is set to reach more than 7.6 million tonnes due to the expansion in harvested area and an increase in average yields from 3.6 tonnes per hectare last year to 3.8 tonnes per hectare in 2011. Successful implementation of irrigation system repairs, establishment of more post-harvest facilities, and construction of farm-tomarket roads particularly in Mindanao, southern Philippines, are part of an intensification programme planned to take the Philippines rice production to 17.46 million tonnes this year. The Philippines played a major role in the Green Revolution. In 1960 IR8, the hybrid rice variety that was to end recurrent famines in many parts of Asia, was developed at the International Rice Research Institute, established by the Philippines government and the Ford and Rockefeller Foundations in Los Baos. With the new, high-yielding variety, rice production quickly doubled in the country and it became a net exporter. But subsequent production increases failed to keep pace with demand from a fast-growing population. By 1990, the country was importing 600,000 tonnes, of which by 2008 had grown to 2.5 million tonnes. -- FAO 2011 World Food Day leaflet
were completed from July 2010 to May 2011. Of these, 1,814 kms were funded by DA, and 687 kms under locally-funded and foreignassisted projects. The DA through PhilMech has completed 65 agricultural tramlines from July 2010 to June 2011, and 42 more will be completed by December 2011. Tramlines cut transport cost of farm products by half and reduce hauling time from several hours to just a few minutes. The DA has also put up the following postharvest and marketing facilities: - 13 corn post harvest trading centers; - 187 food terminals from July 2010 to April 2011, benefiting 1,155 small farmers and fishers, and providing affordable basic food commodities to 457,859 households; - 1,342 organic fertilizer composting facilities; - 56 flatbed dryers; - 4 cold chain facilities; and - 10 village-type corn post-harvest facilities; 31 units are to be completed by end of 2011.

Above is the cover of the 8-page FAO leaflet to promote the celebration of World Food Day (WFD) on October 16, 2011. At right is the section (page 7 of leaflet) citing the countrys efforts to boost palay production and achieve rice sufficiency by 2013. The leaflet is distributed worldwide and dowloadable at FAO website: www.fao.org.

Farmers profit per hectare increased by 4% to P14,782 for the 1st semester 2011, from P14,159 last year. Palay output increased due to: expansion in harvested areas; availability of irrigation water and services; and aggressive implementation of the DAs Rapid Seed Supply Financing Project, which distributes high quality seeds to qualified palay farmers. Rice imports dropped by 80%, from 2.02 million MT (July 2009 to June 2010) to 386,243 MT (July 2010 to June 2011). For entire 2010, imports totaled 2.38 million MT versus this years 860,000 (200,000 MT by government, and 660,000 MT by the private sector). Rice imports next year are projected to decline further decline to 500,000 MT (100,000 MT by government and 400,000 MT by the private sector). NFA has bought P7.64-billion worth of palay from January to June 2011. It buys palay at a maximum of P17 per kilo. Other Projects A total of 2,501 kilometers of farm-to-market roads (FMRs)

FAO cites Phl ...

(from p1)

sufficiency in two to three years time. Successful implementation of irrigation system repairs, establishment of more post-harvest facilities, and construction of farm-to-market roads are part of an intensification programme planned to take the Philippines rice production to17.46 million tonnes this year Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala informed President Aquino of said favorable acknowledgement, and thanked FAO director-general Jose Graziano da Silva and FAO Representative in the Philippines, Kazuyuki Tsurumi. He said: On behalf of the Filipino people, particularly farmers and fisherfolk, and President Benigno S. Aquino III, we at the Department of Agriculture extend our sincerest gratitude to the Food and Agriculture Organization for recognizing our efforts to boost palay (unmilled rice) production and achieve self(Pls turn to p12)

10

Farm machine roadshow ... (from p1)

The roadshow is spearheaded jointly by the DA-PhilMech, DA rice, corn and high value crops program directorates, and respective host DA regional offices (3, 6 and 12). Members of the Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association, Inc. (AMMDA), and other farm machinery and equipment manufacturers and dealers, are invited to showcase their respective products to prospective clienteles that irrigators and farmers associations (IAs and FAs), local government units, and other interested groups. The roadshow aims to encourage farmers to mechanize their operations from land preparation, production, harvesting, processing to marketing to increase their productivity and incomes. The DA through its rice, corn and high value crops program provides support to qualified farmers groups and local government units so they can acquire needed farm machinery or equipment through counterparting scheme. For inquiries, please coordinate with PhilMech Asst. Dir. Arnel Apaga (09175660816) or Aldrin Padua (09165350401); or at DA rice program secretariat, 925-2152 or 920-0527 or 9288762 loc 2418 or 2415.

DA to revive ... (from p2)

scale irrigation projects that entails construction of a small water impounding project (SW IP), worth P5M, in Burgos; and repair of an irrigation system in Paoay, worth P5M. The DA will also establish five hanger-type storage facilities for garlic, onions, as well as tobacco, in Badoc, and four other towns in Ilocos Norte, totalling P6.5 million, at P1.3M each. A P4-M worth municipal food terminal will be constructed in the town of Bacarra. Other farm equipment and projects distributed and committed by the DA include the following: Fifteen pump and engine sets, totalling P1.17M; Cold storage facility for Laoag City, P825,000; Various farm equipment (reaper, hand tractor, thresher) and registered rice seeds to various Irrigators Associations, totalling P410,000; Livestock raising projects to four 4-H Clubs, P330,000; College stipend and book allowance for13 agriculture studentscholars at MMSU, at P19,500 each, totalling P253,500; and Scholarship grants (including book allowance and monthly stipend) to an additional batch of 20 MMSU students, at least P100,000 per student for a fouryear course.

Sec. Procy Alcala (3rd from left) inspects the scale model of the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) during a consultation with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), July 18, 2011, in Quezon City. The facility features modern processing plant and cold storage, commercial areas, warehouses and post harvest facilities. It is expected to benefit thousands of farmers in Benguet and nearby provinces. With Sec. Alcala (from left) are: APTC Director Ariel Maalac, DAP VP Arnel Abanto, DA Undersecretary Claron Alcantara, DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Dir. Leandro Gazmin, and DAP Pres. Antonio Kalaw Jr.

DA allots P20M ...

(from p5)
ply for agriculture along with increasing temperature or hotter climate. Eleazar said PhiRARDEP will also include organic and sustainable agriculture technologies like composting, biogas technology, and liquid fertilizer production. He said PhiRARDEP aims to replicate a watershed program of ICRISAT that is successfully implemented in a 464-hectare Adarsha Watershed, Kothapally in India. Despite absence of water or surface water sources like rivers, Kothapally has become a productive farming village. Through a watershed approach that harnesses rainwater in check dams, sunken pits, and mini percolating tanks, farmers in Adarsha Watershed are able to plant various crops like corn, sorghum, and pigeonpea. As Adarshas dams recharge the groundwater, the dams become sources of water that irrigate a total of 160 hectares. Eleazar said the DA-BAR is also funding Community Based W atershed Management (CBWM), a rainwater harvesting technique, in Tarlac, Bulacan, Ilocos Sur and Bohol. CBW M is a strategy to improve livelihood of upland farmers and prevent erosion. (DABAR)

Erratum/Editors Note: We apologize for miscaptioning the photo below that appeared in our April 2011 issue. The correct caption should read:

Sec. Alcala (inset, top left ) addresses more than 300 graduates of various agriculture-related courses at the 82nd commencement exercises of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), in Pili, Camarines Sur. He said the Aquino government through the DA will implement sustainable agriculture and fishery programs to increase the productivity and incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk. At top right, he is joined at the processional, by Camarines Sur 3rd district representative Luis R. Villafuerte (left) and CBSUA president Att y. Marito T. Bernales. (DA-RAFID 5) July 2011

ers in raising their income, said director Eleazar. For his part, ICRISAT directtor-general and former DA secretary William Dar said almost half of our food supply comes from rainfed areas. If these were developed, they could contribute more, by up to 60 to 70 percent. The Philippines is predominantly rainfed, where an estimated 20 million Filipino farmers reside, who are considered resource-poor, said Director Eleazar. Farmers depend on rainfall for their water supply, hence they could only plant rice once a year, limiting their farm productivity and income. What we will do is to introduce to them other drought-resistant crops or those that require less water, added Eleazar. These include root crops such as sweet potato and cassava, and legumes like peanut, pigeonpea, chickpea, and sweet sorghum. Sec. Alcala also supports the planting of white corn and adlai (Jobs tears), a rice-like crop known to be a staple of indigenous peoples in Mindanao. The importance of a rainfed agriculture program is expected to intensify due to the manifestation of climate change which poses a threat of reduction of water sup-

11

Supermarkets, restaurants support DA to sell, use local agri products

Major supermarkets, hotels and restaurants recently committed to support governments call to patronize, sell and use local agriculture and fishery products, and thus support Filipino farmers and their families. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the private sectors commitment will provide the much-needed boost to promote local farm products versus imported ones, and subsequently encourage Filipino farmers to produce more and earn sustainable incomes. The commitment was a result of a DA-initiated meeting held July 18, called and chaired by Sec. Alcala, to arrest the influx of imported farm products, particularly onions in public markets and supermarkets. The meeting was attended by officials and representatives of the Philippine Association of Supermarkets Inc. (PASI), Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc. (PAGASA), Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), Rustans Supermarket, and a farmers group, Katipunan ng mga Samahang Magsisibuyas ng Nueva Ecija (KASAMNE). They said they are behind Secretary Alcalas thrust to promote, sell and use Filipino farm and fishery products. Sec. Alcala said the DA-AMAS will establish a central depot or distribution hub where small supermarkets could buy their regular stocks of various agri-fishery products, including onions. He made the commitment in response to the suggestion of Steven Cua of PAGASA. For her part, Ms. Lolet Fernandez of PASI said they prefer selling organic agricultural products. She was requested her to provide a list of organic products which the DA will refer to interested suppliers, farmers groups and producers. Also, Eugene Yap of HRAP committed to provide the DA with the list of farm and fishery products and ingredients that hotels and restaurants require and consume, which farmers groups could supply on a regularly basis. For its part, KASAMNE committed to ensure a sustainable supply of onions. Its members will soon produce off-season yellow granex onions. These will be planted beginning August, and could be harvested by October through November to meet the demand during the Christmas season. Sec. Alcala said the DA will spearhead a program to revive the countrys garlic industry. He said the agency will also promote the production of local pekin duck to supply the requirements of Chinese restaurants. Sec. Alcala commended Customs Commissioner Angelito Alvarez on their successful seizure of 4,000 bags of imported red onions worth P3.5 million. The initiative was part of the

P11.5-M Swine Breeding Facility to Rise in Quezon. To serve as source of quality swine breeders and piglets, the DA will construct a P11.5-million 100-sow level breeding and farrowing facility at the DA-Region 4A research station inTiaong, Quezon. It is one of the initiatives under the Aquino governments Agri-Pinoy livestock program, coordinated and funded by the DA-Livestock Development Council (LDC). Above, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (4th from left) leads the cornerstone-laying ceremony at the swine breeding farm site. Joining him (from left) are: DA-Region 4A Director Abelardo Bragas, Quezon Governor David Suarez, Quezon 2nd District Representative Irvin Alcala, LDC Director Manuel Jarmin, and Bureau of Animal Industry Dir. Efren Nuestro.
Customs Oplan Sagip-Agri (COSA) project to confiscate previously cleared imported products and penalize erring importers. Sec. Alcala enjoined the BOC to vigorously implement COSA nationwide.

DA-NFA to buy ...

(from p3)

Alcala eyes higher ...

(from p3)
a substantial fund that could be augmented by the provincial government through its public-private partnership program to put up a modern rice-processing plant, Batalla said. (Business Mirror /
DA)

production of 1.559 million tons. Governor Espino said Pangasinan will be of great help to the national governments rice-sufficiency program, especially if the national leadership includes Pangasinans irrigation program among its priority infrastructure projects. For his part, Batalla said the provincial government is encouraging farmers cooperatives to pool their resources to be able to put up similar facilities in their respective areas. A cluster of at least three or four cooperatives can generate

FAO cites Phl ...

(from p10)

Farmers Contact Center Ang Inyong Kaagapay sa Usaping Agrikultura

Call: 1800-10-982AGRI (or 1800-10-9822474)-for provincial toll-free calls 02-982-AGRI (or 982-2474)-for Metro Manila 0920-946AGRI (0920-9462474) for mobile calls Text: 391DA (or 391-32) for Smart and Talk N Text subscribers 0920-946AGRI (0920-9462474) for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular subscribers Email: info@e-extension.gov.ph For the Nutrient Manager for Rice (NMRiceMobile): Call 2378 for Globe Subscribers For Market Information: www.afmis.da.gov.ph Official Website: www.da.gov.ph, www.e-extension.gov.ph

sufficiency by 2013. Sec. Alcala said such initiatives form part of our contributions to stabilize global food supply and prices this year and beyond. He also thanked the FAO for its valuable assistance through the years on implementing various joint projects and programs to improve the productivity and incomes of small Filipino farmers, fishers, ruralfolk and their respective families, and ultimately reduce hunger and malnutrition. Allow us therefore to continuously count on the FAO as one of our strong partners as we strive to make the Philippines sufficient in rice, staples, and other major farm and fishery products, Sec. Alcala said.

particularly PhilMaize and National Corn Board. During the workshop, Dr. Art Salazar of the UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding reported that his team will propose a white corn feeding program for possible DA funding. He said the IPB has previously piloted a successful white corn feeding program, involving dozens of public elementary school children in Los Baos, Laguna. He would like the DA to adopt and replicate said initiative in partnership with the Department of Education, as schoolchildren fed with 30 percent white corn grits and 70 percent rice became healthier and weighed heavier after a 100-day feeding program. For his part, Butch Umengan of the National Corn Board said they will also propose a related project for DA funding, where white corn flour will be mixed with wheat at 25:75 ratio to produce corn de sal. He said they intend to undertake this pioneering paroject in partnership with the IPB and Julies bakeshop. Salazar and Umengan said their respective proposed projects are in tandem with the DAs campaign to promote the increased production and consumption of white corn, which is a component of the governments food staple sufficiency program. Other than rice, the DA intends to convince the consuming public nationwide to serve and eat more traditional and nutritious staples like white corn grits, cardaba (saba), cassava (kamoteng kahoy), sweet potato (kamote), taro (gabi), and jobs tears (adlai).