Vol. XXVI No.

11

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

November 2011

2011 rice, corn harvests to reach modest levels

Despite damages caused by several typhoons during the third quarter of the year, the countrys 2011 palay and corn production would reach modest levels and bigger than last years output. Palay production is expected to reach 16.68 million metric tons (MMT), 5.7 percent (%) more than last years 15.77 MMT, while corn will top 6.99 MMT, 9.6% more the 6.38-MMT harvest in 2010. The DAs Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) said the estimates were based on total harvest during the first nine months of the year, plus the expected 4th quarter harvest based on standing crop. Based on farmers planting intentions, the BAS said output increases are expected for palay and corn for the first
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Agri grows by 4.28%, Jan-Sept 2011

Bannered by the crops subsector, the countrys agriculture industry grew by 4.28 percent (%) in the first nine months of 2011, grossing P1.01 trillion at current prices. The growth was fueled by the double-digit output increase in both palay and corn, which grew by 16% each, at 10.75 million metric tons (MMT) and 5.49 MMT, respectively, according to the DAs Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS). The record harvests pulled up the crops subsector overall performance by 9%. The crops subsector comprises one-half of total agricultural output. Other crops that performed
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President Aquino said government will allot at least two per cent of the DAs annual budget to implement a national organic agriculture program, during the 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference (NOAC) in Tarlac. Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, one of the main authors of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10068), said it means the DA will spend at least P1.2 billion starting next year.

Senate okays 2012 natl budget

The Senate of the Philippines approved on November 22 the proposed P1.816-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2012, of which P61.73 billion is alloted for the Department of Agriculture, 60 per cent more than this years budget of P38.58B. The Senates approval of the 2012 GAA came a week after Senator Franklin Drilon, chair of the Senate committee on finance, presented and defended the DA 2012 budget, during the November 17 plenary session, presided by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala hailed the Senates unanimous support, saying it is a major step in achieving Aquino governments rice self-sufficiency target by end of 2013. The Senate and the House of Representatives will convene a bicameral committee to craft and Senator Drilon said they will submit the final version of the 2012 GAA to President Aquino for his signature into law on or before December 17. During the DA budget plenary discussion, Senator Edgardo Angara, who once served as DA
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P-Noy allots P1.2-B for organic program

President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to allot at least two percent (%) of the DAs annual budget to hasten the implementation of governments national organic agriculture program. He issued the directive on November 8, during the 8th Na(Pls turn to p12)

Under the scorching sun, Secretary Procy Alcala (inset, left) instructs DA-National Irrigation Administration officials, led by administrator Antonio Nangel (3rd from left) and engineer Efren Mananghaya (right), to repair Bulo Dam (foreground) in San Miguel, Bulacan, damaged by floodwaters due to typhoon Pedring last September. With them are Bulacan 3rd District Representative JonJon Mendoza (2nd from right), and San Miguel Mayor Roderick Tiongson (2nd from left). (Pls see story on p3)

Editorial Kasapatan sa pagkain: Tungkulin ng lahat

Ang kasapatan sa pagkain ay abot-tanaw na. Ngunit ang hangaring ito ay hindi makakamit kung ang pamahalaan lamang ang kikilos, ang gagawa. Kailangan ng tulong ng lahat - ng bawat isa sa atin upang makamit ang pangmatagalan at likaskayang kasapatan sa pagkain. Kamakailan lamang, binabatikos ang Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka sa suntok sa buwan nitong layuning rice self-sufficiency by 2013. Nangangarap daw ng gising ang DA. Anila, matagal na itong ginagamit na propagandang pampulitika, at wala rin namang kinahinatnan. Matapos ang 500 araw na panunungkulan ng administrasyong Aquino, napatunayan ng DA katuwang ang mga pinunong lokal, samahan ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at pribadong sektorna kayang abutin ang mga inilatag na programa tungo sa kasapatan sa pagkain. Mismong kinilala ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino ang di matatawarang kasipagan at pagpupursige ni Kalihim Procy Alcala sa pagpapatupad sa mga programa at pagharap sa mga pagsusubok, kagaya ng nakaraang mga bagyo. Aniya: Sa pagharap sa mga hamon na ito, hindi yapak ni Juan Tamad ang ating sinunod. Sa halip na humilata at maghintay sa pagbagsak ng bunga, minabuti nating pag-aralan ang problema, at saka nagpunla ng mga plano at inisyatiba upang mapitas at mapakinabangan agad ito. Naniniwala tayo na ang pagtugon sa isyu ng seguridad sa pagkain at matatag na pag-unlad sa kanayunan ay dapat nakasandig sa short-term, medium-term, at long-term solutions. Sinang-ayunan din ito ng ating mga Senador at Kongresista sa kanilang pag-approve ng DA 2012 budget na nagkakahalagang P61.73 bilyon. Napakalaking tulong ng karagdagang pondo upang maipatupad ang mga nasimulang pagbabago. Sa kabila ng mangilanngilang batikos, patuloy ang pag-unlad ng kanayunan. Kaya naman mataas ang kumpiyansa ng pamahalaan na nagbubunga na rin pauntiunti ang mga binhi ng pagbabago na itinanim ni Kalihim Procy at buong pamilya ng DA kasama ang mga pinunong lokal, mga samahan ng magsasaka at mangingisda, at pribadong sektor. Sabi ni Sec Procy kung hindi tayo hinagupit ng ilang bagyo, itong taon sana natin mararanasan ang pinakamataas na ani ng bigas at mais sa ating kasaysayan. Ngunit ang pagsubok ng nakaraang bagyo ay lalo lamang nagpatibay ng loob ni Sec Procy, sampu ng mga pinuno at kawani ng buong DA family, upang makamit ang kasapatan sa bigas at mga pangunahing pagkain sa 2013. Malayu-layo na rin ang ating narating sa nakalipas na 500 araw, ngunit maramirami pa rin ang kailangang gawin. Kaya naman, sama-sama tayong makibahagi upang makamit ang minimithing maunlad na kanayunan, malaking kita ng mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at sapat, masustansya, at abot-kayang pagkain sa ating hapag.

Secretary Procy Alcala (2nd from right) appreciates a member of the Banga Womens Association as she weaves pia fiber into cloth, during his recent visit in Aklan. The province is emerging as a major producer of world-class, export quality pia fiber for clothing apparels, particularly barong Tagalog and Filipiniana dresses, and other novelty items. The DA through its Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) continuously conduct livelihood training on pia fiber products, particulalrly among rural womens groups like Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs), not only in Aklan, but also in other provinces like Negros Oriental, Antique, Guimaras, Capiz, Palawan and La Union. (DA6 Info Div.)

Agri grows ...

(from p1) well during the nine-month period included sugarcane (up by 77.8%), tobacco (11.3%), rubber (5.5%), cassava (5.2%), pineapple (3.5%), and abaca (2.7%). The total value of various crops produced amounted to P575.2 billion (B) at current prices, 26% more than last years value. Livestock production, accounting for 16% of total agricultural output, grew by 1.4%. Cattle and hog production increased by 1% and 1.6%, respectively. The subsectors gross value is estimated at P152.8B. Poultry production grew by 4%. Chicken and chicken eggs recorded gains of 4.3% and 3.5%, respectively. The subsector

shared 14% in the total agricultural production. Its gross value was P116.3B. The fisheries subsector, contributing 20% to total agricultural output, decreased by 3.8%. Aquaculture grew by 3.5%, while commercial and municipal fisheries decreased by 16% and 2.7%, respectively. The subsector grossed P165.8B. On the average, farmgate prices increased by 9.3%. Prices of various crops moved up by an average of 15.7%, while fishery products were priced 5% higher than last year. Meanwhile, prices of livestock and poultry products decreased by an average of 1.5% and 1.3%, respectively. (DA-BAS)

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 Artists: Bethzaida Bustamante & Almi Q. Erlano Printing & Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff

South Korea to co-finance P13-B Iloilo irrigation project

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala signed on November 21 a memorandum of undestanding with Korea Export-Import Bank president Kim Yong-Hwan to jointly pursue the construction of a P13-billion Jalaur River Multipurpose Proj ect, Stage II (JRMP2), in Iloilo. It is one of the five agreements forged between the two countries, highlighting the three-day state visit of South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak. President Benigno S. Aquino III and President Lee witnessed the signing of the agreements in Malacanang on November 21. Secretary Alcala said the JRMP2 targets to irrigate a total of 31,840 hectares (ha), covering six towns in Iloilo. Of the total service area, 9,500 ha are new areas and 22,340 ha are rehabilitated areas served by five existing irrigation systems, said DA-NIA administrator Antonio Nangel. The project will be completed in five years. Thereafter, Nangel said farmers will be able to increase their average yield of palay (paddy rice) from 3.6 metric tons (MT) to 5 MT/ha during the wet season, and from 3.4 to 5.5 MT/ha during the dry season. Sugarcane farmers are also expected to increase their average harvest, from 45 MT to 60 MT/ha. Other farmers will also be able to plant other crops like corn, munggo (mung bean), watermelon, eggplant and ampalaya (bitter gourd). Iloilo Governor. Arthur D. Defensor, Sr. welcomed South Koreas commitment to co-finance the JRMP2. He said the Iloilo Provincial Development Council Executive Committee re-endorsed the project after an evaluation team
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Secretary Alcala hands over a token gift to Suh Kyu-Yong, South Korean minister of food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries, after discussing mutual initiatives that include the implementation of an agri-fishery multi-industry cluster (MIC) project in selected pilot provinces, enhanced and faster trade of agricultural and fishery products, and expansion of overseas development assistance, among other technical cooperation. Minister Suh is a member of the official delegation of South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak, who was in the country for a three-day (Nov 21-23, 2011) state visit.

Mindanao to get 40% of DAs 2012 budget

Mindanao will get at least 40 percent of the proposed P61.73billion 2012 budget of the Department of Agriculture, as it is more climate change-resilient than Luzon and Visayas. W ith less typhoons, Mindanao is more food-secured and deserves more public investments, said Agriculture Secretary during a November 16 visit in Mindanao. Hence, Mindanao may get roughly P26.7 B next year, which will be spent mostly on new irrigation systems and rehabilitate existing ones to support Aquino governments rice and corn sufficiency program. The DAs National Irrigation Administration said Mindanao has 959,020 hectares (ha) or 31 percent of the countrys 3.126 million ha irrigable land. Luzon has the largest irrigable area, with 1.8 million ha or 61%. W e need to expand the irrigated area in Mindanao as it is seldom visited by typhoons compared with Luzon, Secretary Alcala said during media breifing in Davao. By expanding irrigated areas and investing in modern drying facilities, the DA aims to gradually reverse the palay production
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DA eyes agromets, weather-based insurance scheme

The Department of Agriculture plans to put up agro-meteorological (agromet) or automatic weather stations (AWS) to provide farmers and fishermen up-to-date, site-specific weather information which they can use to plan their farm and fishery production. The collected weather data will also serve as basis to implement a weather-based crop insurance scheme. The plan was bared by Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano, noting that government should invest in AWS to give farmers and fishermen a better fighting chance against severe weather conditions brought about by climate change. He said every agricultural town should have its own AWS, especially that rainfall and typhoon patterns had been altered due to climate change. Serrano made the proposal during the opening of Climate Change Consciousness Week, November 21, 2011, at the DENR in Quezon City. He said the DA is pilot-testing the AW S in Panay and Cagayan Valley. Serrano said one unit of AWS costs around P30,000.
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DA-NIA to repair Bulo Dam in Bulacan

The Department of Agriculture through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will help repair Bulo Dam, at Malibay River, San Miguel, Bulacan, that was damaged by floodwaters due to typhoon Pedring last September. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala visited the site November 9, with Bulacan 3rd District Representative Jonjon Mendoza, San Miguel Mayor Roderick Tiongson, NIA administrator Antonio Nangel, and DA region 3 director Andrew Villacorta. Going to the site, the group trekked a makeshift footbridge and travelled through a rough 2.4kilometer barangay road. Secretary Alcala said the DANIA will initially conduct a topographic and hydrologic survey that will take four months, and thereafter come up with the appropriate design and estimated project cost. The DA-NIA will partner with the Provincial Government of
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Secretary Alcala (2nd from left) hands over to Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon checks totaling P51 million, representing the DAs initial counterpart to construct a P256-M irrigation project in Cateel, Davao Oriental, under the World Bank-funded DAMindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). When completed within five years, the project will irrigate 1,600 hectares, benefiting thousands of farmers and their families in 11 barangays. Of the total project cost, MRDP will extend a P128-M loan, the DA will provide a counterpart of P102-M, while the provincial government will share P26-M as its equity. Also shown are DA Undersecretary for finance Antonio Fleta (left) and Mark Woodward (right), WB team leader of the sustainable development department. November 2011

Agri chief woos rural bankers to support farmers, fishers

Underlining the major role of rural banks on the agriculture and fishery sector, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala called on the countrys banking sector to help facilitate the flow of credit to help farmers and fishers increase their productivity and incomes, and improve their quality of life. Keynoting the 54th anniversary of the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP) at the Manila Hotel, November 10, Secretary Alcala assured over 500 rural bank executives that government has put in place enough safeguards to guarantee loans extended to small farmers and fishers, including innovative programs provided by the Agricultural Guarantee Fund Pool (AGFP), and those devised by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation. He urged rural banks to expand their reach to serve small households and micro enterprises by providing microfinance technical assistance and training. W e commend the RBAPs initiative to explore the potentials of mobile banking as a strategy to reach remote and inaccessible areas, Secretary Alcala said. Already, rural banks through the use of modern technology like mobile phones have succeeded in extending banking services to more Filipinos beyond the physical reach of most banks, he said. He lauded the countrys rural banks for their compliance to the Agri-Agra Law (PD 717), saying habang bigo ang ibang bangko sa pag-abot sa minimum rural lending requirements ng lumang Agri-Agra Law, ang mga rural banks naman ay tagumpay na nakasunod dito, minsay lumalabis pa nga. He said rural banks have recorded the highest compliance with nearly 33% of total loans going to agriculture and agrarian reform clients, way beyond the 25% required under the law. On the other hand, the whole banking industry has only managed a 20% compliance, he added. Dahil dyan, nais ko kayong pasalamatan at papurihan sa dimatatawaran ninyong kontribusyon sa hangarin ng food security at sustainable rural development, he added. But despite said positive development, he noted that as of 2010, rural bankers have financed only about 30% of the P359-billion credit requirement of farmers. He also noted that rural bankers are being confronted by a number of challenges that could threaten farmers access to credit. Kaya ako po ay mag-iiwan ng isang panawagan at hamon sa RBAP: Nasa inyo po ang sagot. Tulad ng sinabi ko, itinatayo na natin ang pundasyon para magkaroon ng stable at sustainable na kita ang magsasaka at mangingisda. Samahan nyo po ang DA sa pag-angat ng kabuhayan ng ating magsasaka at mangingisda para sila ay maging maunlad na rural entrepreneurs, at makamit na natin ang kasapatan sa pagkain, Secretary Alcala concluded.

Speed up DA-LGU counterparting projects. Secretary Alcala urges DA officials to strongly coordinate with local officials to hasten implementation of counterparting agri-fishery infrastructure and livelihood projects, during a Nov. 16 forum in Davao City. He told them to consider as a model the DA-Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) funded by the World Bank, where P5.9-billion of infrastructure, livelihood and environment projects are implemented, benefiting tens of thousands of farmers, fishers and ruralfolk in 225 enrolled municipalities and 26 provinces. Top photo also shows (from left) DA region 10 and concurrent MRDP director Lealyn Ramos, DA Davao region director Oscar Parawan, asst. secretary and concurrent Bureau of Agricultural Statistics director Romeo Recide, and undersecretary for finance and administration Antonio Fleta.

DA, DTI, UNIDO partner in P-TRACE

The Department of Agriculture has teamed up with the United Nations Industrial Devt. Orgn. (UNIDO) and Department of Trade Industry to establish a traceability system for the Philippines that would help secure its share in the export markets for its agro-industrial products. Recently, inadequate traceability mechanisms have caused the recall of some of the countrys exports. Hence, asystem should be in place to sustain the countrys access to the world market. The j oint proj ect is called Philippine Traceability for Revitalized Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement or PTRACE. It will initially cover five of the countrys top exports like desiccated coconut, chilled tuna, dried mango, fresh and processed pineapple, and banana chips and crackers. It also aims to help achieve improved food security and rural income levels. P-TRACE is a wide-ranging project that will make a significant contribution to the Philippine Governments bid to alleviate poverty and to provide employment and livelihood opportunities for the countrys poor by means of increased value-adding activities and compliance to standards required by the export markets, said Dr. Suresh Chandra Raj, UNIDO representative in the Philippines. P-TRACE is a necessary development that will build on the collective efforts of the Government particularly the DA-DAR-DENR national convergence initiative and its partners, including UNIDO, he added. He noted that the success of P-TRACE will set up propoor policies and practices for agriculture and will significantly boost the earning capacity of small farmers across the country through their participation in enhanced agro-industrial value chains. The importance of an effective traceability system for the countrys agro-industrial commodities cannot be overemphasized. The major world markets, including the United States of America (USA) and the Euro(Pls turn to p10)

Secretary Alcala receives a token of appreciation from the Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines (RBAP), led by its president Ian Pama (3rd from left), after keynoting their 54th anniversary. Flanking them are RBAP Mabalacat president George Dycaico and RBAP corporate secretary, lawyer Edward Leandro Z. Garcia, Jr.

Theres enough food for Christmas. Secretary Alcala (middle) assures the general public that there is enough supply of rice, chicken, pork, vegetables and other basic food commodities for the coming holiday season, during the recent CNEX media forum, hosted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), in Quezon City. He also reiterated that the Aquino government remains on track to attaining rice sufficiency by end of 2013, as the DA will frontload investments in irrigation, farm mechanization, postharvest, seed production, and expansion of rice areas. Also shown are other CNEX forum guests (from left) Director Eufemio Rasco, Jr. of the DA-PhilRice and Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon, and host PIA director-general Jose Fabia.

South Korea ...

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recommended some revisions that brought down the project cost to P13.3 billion from the original P15 billion. Instead of constructing six dams based on the original proposal, the evaluation team approved the construction of only three dams (Jalaur high dam, Jalaur afterbay dam and Alibunan catch dam). NIA Region manager Gerardo Corsiga said they are currently conducting the social and environmental assessments that include dialogues with indigenous communities, farmers, and local officials. The project involves the construction of an irrigation system, traversing six municipalities starting at the headwaters of the Jalaur River in Lambunao town

in north-central Iloilo until Tigbauan in the south. It will also have a hydropower plant. Further, it will also provide potable water to the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) through a tapping station in Cabatuan, with an additional 86,400 cubic meters of water per day. MIWD can only supply 30,000 cubic meters of water a day while the water requirement of its concession area totals 98,666 cubic meters a day. The Jalaur River has a maximum water reserve of 340 million cubic meters, which can supply NIAs existing irrigation systems in Iloilo. The project will also have flood mitigation benefits and is expected to promote eco-tourism in selected areas where the dams and the reservoirs are located.
(BusinessWorld)

Pampanga, Bataan farmers adopt nutrition, organic farming

The Department of Agriculture through the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (DA-NAFC) is promoting nutrition farming that showcase biotechnologydeveloped organic fertilizers in rice farms in Floridablanca, Pampanga and Dinalupihan, Bataan. Agriculture Undersecretary Joel Rudinas recently led the launch of the program in Pampanga. During a forum, he urged farmers to isolate and reproduce more microorganisms to be used in converting organic matter available in the environment into soil nutrients. He also told them to stop practices that pollute the soil and add to the acidity of the soil, because the nutrients in acidic soil are rendered useless to crops like rice, corn and vegetables. Rudinas stressed that it is time to arrest the overuse and misuse of chemical fertilizers that, through time, reduces the natural fertility of the soil, explaining that without nourishing it, the result would be an annual one percent reduction of such fertility. He urged them to make judicious use of the right amount and quality of fertilizers, and applying these at the right time. He also told farmers to practice balanced fertilization techniques. The launch cum harvest festival was organized through the DA-NAFC, led by OICDirector Noel Juliano, and supported by the DA Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), led by director Asterio Saliot. Participating farmers in Dinalupihan and Floridablanca are using organic fertilizers developed by 10 local companies. They committed to develop nutrition techno-demo farms in a 100-hectare irrigated area within a cluster of 1,000 hectares of rice farms in Pampanga and Bataan. (The
Philippine Star)

DA-NIA ...

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Secretary Alcala stresses a point during a discussion with Palau natural resources, environment and tourism Minister Harry Fritz (middle) on a pioneering bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Palau, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. Secretary Alcala said Filipino commercial fishermen and processors are keen on establishing joint ventures in Palau. Also shown is Palau Ambassador to the Philippines Excellency Ramon Rechebei. November 2011

Bulacan, and departments of public works and highways (DPWH) and environment and natural resources (DENR) to construct the dam, which may take two to three years to complete, said NIA administrator Nangel. The Bulo Dam serves 20 barangays in Bulacan, benefiting thousands of rice farmers and their families. After inspecting Bulo Dam, Secretary Alcala presided over a

farmers forum at the residence of Rep Mendoza, attended by 500 farmers and local officials, led by San Miguel Mayor Tiongson. After resolving their concerns and requests for assistance, Secretrary Alcala raffled off to lucky participants several units of farm equipment that included hand tractors with trailers, carabaos with farm implements, and water pump engine sets for shallow tubewells.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (inset, left) joins Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Executive Director Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr. (right) and employees in reciting the Save Rice, Save Lives pledge during the celebration of the PhilRices 26th Anniversary in Muoz,Nueva Ecija on November 8, 2011. The pledge aims to encourage the rice sector and the consumers to promote and practice the sowing of just amount of seeds, cook enough rice for the family, recycle leftover rice into other dishes. These, among other interventions, are intended to help the country achieve rice self-sufficiency in 2013. Sec. Alcala encouraged PhilRice to intensify the promotion of its technologies and the use of certified and hybrid rice seeds as he assured his full support to the agencys thrusts and mandate.

Urban kids harvest rice at Luneta

Close to 500 students from elementary and secondary schools in Metro Manila tried and witnessed how to harvest palay, right in the heart of Manila, at Luneta Park, on November 18, part of the DAPhilRice series of activities to observe National Rice Awareness Month this November. The ceremonial rice harvesting is a good opportunity for the kids to learn more about our staple food as many of them have seen a real rice plant, said teacher Vicente Raguindin, of A.C. Herrera Elementary School. The rice garden at Luneta was established by the DA and PhilRice in 2003, in partnership with the Bureau of Plant Industry, National Parks Development Committee of the Department of Tourism, and Asia Rice Foundation. It aims to showcase the art and science of rice farming for the appreciation of Metro Manila residents. Currently the rice garden is planted to several varieties like Sinampaguita, a traditional rice variety; NSIC 160, an inbred; and Mestizo 20, a hybrid. We hope to replicate this garden in major cities in the country through our collaboration with local government units, Eufemio T. Rasco Jr, PhilRice executive director said. While at Luneta, the schoolchildren recited the Panatang Makapalay, a pledge to conserve rice and prevent wastage or left-overs. An 11-year-old pupil, Anagene Pelayo of the Lakandula Elementary School, said from hereon she will eat all the rice on her plate every meal time. She will also try eating other staples like white corn in lieu of rice. PhilRice rice chemist Joy Bartolome A. Duldulao said a diversified diet is a healthy option, noting that kamote, saba, potato, gabi, and white corn have more complex carbohydrates and high fiber content than rice. Director Rasco took the opportunity to encourage the young students to consider taking up agriculture courses in college. We are worried because many of you may not want to farm. That is why we encourage you to consider agriculture, as there is money and good future in farming, the PhilRice chief noted. We hope some of you will be our future food producers, he told the young crowd at Luneta. To encourage students to enrol in agriculture courses, he said PhilRice promotes several career opportunities in the countrys rice industry, and conducts a series of forum across the country to encourage Filipino youth to engage in agriculture. (DA-PhilRice)

National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM)

**November is National Rice Awareness Month proclaimed by PGMA in 2004 (Proclamation 524) to promote awareness on the value of rice **Theme: Eat your rice right encouraging Filipinos to eat rice in the right amount and with zero leftovers.

SAVE RICE SAVE LIVES pledge

I commit myself to helping conserve rice. I will discourage and avoid drying palay on busy roads and highways as this will reduce the quality of the grains I will promote and practice the sowing of just the right amount of seeds I will safely store and clean grains to drive away pests I will not cook more rice than what my family and I can eat I will not undercook or burn rice I will recycle leftover rice into other dishes

Brown, colored rice are more nutritious

Unpolished (or brown) and colored (or pigmented) rice are more nutritious than white rice. They have more macro- and micro-nutrients as well as antioxidants, said Dr. Marissa V. Romero, program leader of the DA-PhilRice natural products and value-adding systems. She said polishing or removing the rice bran takes away a lot of the nutrients, which are found mostly in the bran. Polishing rice removes 15 percent (%) of protein, 90% of calcium, 85% of fat, 80% of thiamine, 75% phosphorus, 70% of riboflavin, 68% of niacin, and 60% of other minerals said Dr. Romero, who was awarded in 2010 as one the countrys Outstanding Women in the Nations Service for Science and Technology. Thus, she recommends that we should consider eating unpolished and colored rice, as they are rich in nutrients. In fact, she said based on clinical studies unpolished and colored rice can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. There are also claims that improved brain metabolism is associated with eating sprouted or germinated brown rice. Meanwhile, pigmented rice such as Ballatinao, Dinorado, Calatrava, and La Castellana are also said to be rich in phytonutrients, or the chemicals in plants beneficial to the body. Benefits of phytonutrients include doses of antioxidants, immune system boost, and cellular repair. We consume 35 percent of rice in our daily food intake. As such, we should be aware of the quality of rice that we eat as this awareness will lead us to a healthier lifestyle and better health, said Romero, who also leads PhilRice researches on antioxidant-rich pigmented rice and rice bran oil.

Everyday, each Filipino wastes ** 2 spoons of cooked rice (or 9 grams of rice grains) daily. or 3.3 kg annually ** Estimated rice wastage projection for 2011 = 308,883.40 tons/year ** Value of import savings if rice is not wasted = P5.3 billion

**If saved, this much rice can feed 2.7 million hungry Filipinos per year.

Outside, I will consider ordering rice in half servings or bring home what I cannot consume I will also eat equally nutritious foods as substitute for rice I will always find ways to save every grain of rice to help my country achieve rice self-sufficiency I will keep this pledge in my heart and soul at all times, for with the rice I save, I save lives.

November 2011

Agri chief cites rice scientists as heroes

Hailing the countrys rice scientists as heroes, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala gave initial marching orders to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) to prepare for the day when the country will be exporting rice once again. Speaking at the 26th anniversary celebration of PhilRice at the Science City of Muoz in Nueva Ecija, Secretary Alcala said the Institute is effectively carrying out its role as governments lead agency in rice science and development. Umulan man o umaraw, andiyan kayo na makibahagi sa adhikain ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III, lalo na sa food security at sustainable rural development. Kayat para sa akin, kayo ay tapat at mahusay na naglilingkod at hindi simpleng government employees lamang. Kayoy maitututuring na din na mga bayani, Secretary Alcala said. During the program, the agriculture chief also gave awards, honoring outstanding PhilRice officials and employees, led by newly-appointed executive director Dr. Eufemio Rasco. Secretary Alcala vowed continued government support until the country achieves rice self-sufficiency by the end of 2013, and starts exporting rice thereafter. When we start exporting rice, PhilRice will conduct researches on how to make our rice acceptable and adaptable in the international market, he said. He noted that PhilRice researches and initiatives will remain vital in sustaining increased rice productivity and in ensuring enough rice for every Filipino by 2013 and beyond. These technologies include Palay Check, Palayamanan, leaf color chart (LCC) and Minus-one Element Technique (MOET). Palay Check is an integrated crop management system for rice, while Palayamanan is a diversified integrated rice-based farming system. On the other hand, LCC and MOET are cost-saving and lowcost tools that aid farmers in determining the right amount and kind of fertilizers, and the right time to apply these. He said achieving rice selfsufficiency may not be that easy, as an avearge of 20 typhoons annually hit our country, and that we have to be more prepared with the possible occurrence of stronger typhoons. He added taht we are not as lucky as Thailand and Vietnam as these have the Mekong River as regular source of irrigation. With these challenges, he encouraged PhilRice to further intensify the promotion of technologies and the use of certified and hybrid rice seeds.

Japanese Ambassador visits Sentrong Pamilihan. Japan

Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe, second from left, enjoys a tour of the Sentrong Pamilihan and Agricultural Trading Center at Quezon province on Monday (Nov. 19) as he conveys his government's interest to adopt market systems at the Sentro for their own trading centers in Japan. With him inspecting locally produced pumpkins are, from left, Sentrong Pamilihan Administrator Carlo Sena, Quezon Rep Irvin Alcala, Japanese First Secretary and agriculture attache to the Philippines Takehiko Sakata, DA Region 4A Technical Director Vilma Dimaculangan, and agriculture provincial coordinator, Ms. Cora Gallego.

PH genome center launched at UPLB

The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) agriculture program was recently launched at the University of the Philippines at Los Banos, Laguna. PGC executive director Dr. Carmen Padilla said the core studies of the Center are on plant genetics, and its breeding laboratories and facilities are located at the UPLB Institute of Plant Breeding. Padilla said PGC actually had a soft launch on October 20 via a symposium and a general discussion on the operations of PGC. She said PGC is envisioned to be a world class center of excellence in gene discovery and genomics research that effectively translates knowledge into applications beneficial to society. Thus, the Center will work on basic research that has strong applications on Philippine commodities, including traditional crops and biotechnology products, she added, in addition to pharmaceuticals, forensics and other issues of social and economic impact. PGCs five programs cover agriculture, health, biodiversity for drug discovery and bioenergy, forensics and ethnicity, and social, legal, and ethical issues, Padilla revealed. All of these programs will be launched on November 21, said Dr. Rita Laude, Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension of UPLB and Director for the Agriculture Program of PGC. Laude said that crop genomics, particularly in abaca, saba, and pili will be a priority of PGCs Agriculture Program. The three crops, she said, are endemic to the Philippines. In her message, Dr. Padilla admitted that PGC will require a lot of hard work and capital, but she asserted that a lot more can be gained. If you know how to use resources wisely, the returns are actually huge, she said on the outputs of researches on genomics. The Department of Science and Technology has initially provided funding to support PGC health research efforts. Moreover, the Department of Agriculture-Biotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO) provides research funds for ongoing crop genomics studies.
(Pls turn to p11)

Study suggests two species of Ludong

A preliminary report of the DA-BFAR National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) shows there at least two species of Ludong. NFRDI scientist Dr. Mudjekeewis Santos said the Ludong found in Cagayan region 02 are Cestraeus oxyrhynchus and Cestraeus goldiei, based on DNA analysis of several samples submitted by the BFAR and based available publications. He said there is an absence of the species Cestraeus plicatilis, which has been re-

garded as the species of Ludong found previosuly in the region. This may be due to the limited number of samples submitted for analysis, Santos said. The scientific identity of the Ludong (aka Lobed River Mullet) present in Northern Luzon has been a subject to frequent changes. In 1938, G.E. Blanco, writing in the Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 66, identified or referred to ludong as Liza
(Pls turn to p11)

DA8 pilots ridge-to-reef project in Leyte, Samar towns

The Department of Agriculture in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) will pilot a ridge-to-reef project under the Local Agro-Enterprise Convergence (LAEC) initiative in Javier, Leyte and Northern Samar. DA region 8 director Antonio Gerundio said the municipal and provincial technical working groups (TW Gs) for the two LAEC sites recently participated in the DA-DAR-DENR Convergence Initiative (CI) Agribusiness Investment Proposal (AIP) Writeshop and Critiquing, at the Leyte Park Hotel, Tacloban City. Director Gerundio said we have to come up with well-synchronized agribusiness investment proposals so that it would be easy for us to invite investors to the region especially to our Local Agro-Enterprise Convergence areas. He added that many foreign investors are interested to venture into agribusiness in the country because they believe that it is the most stable area for investment. However, in the case of Region 8, some investors do not gamble to invest, perhaps because they dont see a clear development roadmap which could be their investment reference. Coming up with standardized AIPs would, I think, do a lot to attract investors, he said. Region 8s Convergence Initiative focal person RTD Wilson A. Cerbito said the writeshop is in preparation for the National Convergence Agribusiness Forum (NCAF) on November 28, 2011. We have to capacitate the TWGs of our two pilot LAEC areas so they can formulate the AIPs that would fit into the CI AIP format, which is being recommended by the NCI Secretariat to qualify in the forthcoming NCAF. Said activity will be graced by national and international investors, he said. For his part, Department of Agrarian Reform region 8 director Eliasem Castillo said NCAF is an opportunity to evaluate the processes that the Regional TWG have adopted in the implementation of various LAEC projects in the region. This is an opportune time for us to determine our strengths and weaknesses in order to further improve our implementation strategies,he said. After a series of lectures relative to investment/business plan preparation, the participants were able to draft four AIPs on abaca fiber and coco coir for Northern Samar, and organic banana and ginger for Javier, Leyte. The participants were composed of provincial and municipal agricultural officers, agricultural technologists, planning development officers, fiber development officers, agrarian reform officers, farmer-leaders, and some members of the CI RTWG. Said AIPs were critiqued by a panel of experts from the DA and DAR central offices. They were Luz Brenda Balibrea, Fernando Flores, Teresita Matias, Marino Samar, Claire Fedival, and Glennie Tolentino from DA. Those from DAR were Jose Benedicto Chopongco, Dir. Ma. Elena Cabaez, and Ma. Soledad Peralta. RTD Cerbito said the DA8 will also conduct a localized writeshop to refine the AIPs based on the suggestions from the critics. (DA 8 Info Div.)

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (2nd from right) hands over a mock-up key to Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso V. Umali (left), Naujan municipal Mayor Maria Angeles C. Casubuan (middle) and Naujan municipal agriculturist Ely Vargas (2nd from left), symbolizing a package of farm machines (foreground), greenhouses, abattoir equipment, fishing paraphernalia, livestock and poultry animals, livelihood projects worth P27 million awarded to various farmers cooperatives and associations, and local government units during the 61st foundation day of Oriental Mindoro, in Calapan City, November 15, 2011. Assisting him is DA Region 4-B (Mimaropa) director Atty. Cipriano G. Santiago (right). (DA RAFID 4-B)
functions which include: infrastructure support; research, development and extension; regulation; policy, planning and legislative liaison; and risk reduction including climate change adaptation. To generate immediate and priority needs in every municipality, the workshop utilized simplified area-based value chain analysis focusing on value creation, innovation, product development and marketing. The analysis aid in deriving costs efficiencies as well as help the LGUs come up with appropriate interventions. Camarines Norte provincial agriculturist Francia Paj ares said that the good attendance of the stakeholders show their commitment towards the completion of the AFMP. She said that the output of the group will be an implementable plan and will help improve the lives of the farmers and fisherfolks in Camarines Norte. DA RTD for Research and Regulations Edgar R. Madrid urged the LGUs to mainstream their priority projects in the formulation of the AFMP for the LGUs and the national government to achieve a unified direction. (DA 5 Info Div.)

DA5, Bicol LGUs craft 2012-27 AFMP

The Department of Agriculture in Bicol recently convened various Local Government Units to formulate the regions Agriculture & Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP) for 2012-2017, at Daet Kalinangan Center. DA Region 5 Director Jose Dayao said it is the first in the series of workshops for the 6 provinces of the region. A total of 60 participants composed of representatives from DA attached agencies, provincial and municipal agriculturists, and provincial and municipal planning and development coordinators attended the two-day workshop, Nov 4-5. DA 5 planning chief Ernesto Parato said the AFMP will translate into operational terms Chapter 4 of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, and the principles and practices in AgriPinoy 2011. The plan will also optimize use of limited resources, provide strategic, medium-term and consistent context for the DA annual budget, and strengthen the DA culture of performance. He said the Region 5 AFMP is guided by the following principles: 1) modernization of the sector through gendered value-chain approach, or from farm-to-table; 2) DA-LGU engagement governed by consistent transparent and accountable policies and procedures; 3) rational and harmonized cost-sharing as primary mode of funding programs, projects and activities; 4) application of lessons from previous AFMP; 5) effective participation of various stakeholders thru the NAFC; 6) Mainstreaming of climate change concerns; and 7) inter-agency convergence to reduce sec torwide transaction costs for delivering public goods. Parato said under the AFMA, the clients of the DA are the LGUs and the clients of the LGUs are the farmers. The LGUs are responsible for devolved support services under their respective areas of jurisdiction. To perform their rowing functions, LGUs are provided by the DA with the funding, capacitybuilding, and other enabling support. The DAs complementary steering role is to perform core

November 2011

DA eyes agromets ...

(from p3) He said a P1 billion allocation for AWS would go a long way in helping farmers. The AWS would also help in the conduct of a weather-based actuarial study on agricultural crops, which will serve as a benchmark for a weather-based crop insurance scheme currently being piloted by the DAs Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). PCIC president Jovy Bernabe said they are currently pilot-testing a weather-based crop insurance scheme in CARAGA region. Results will be known after the 2011-12 dry season. Evaluation of the project will then be undertaken to see if we can implement the program full-blast. However, coverage will be limited in areas where there are PAGASA weather stations. It would be indeed beneficial to farmers and the DA-PCIC if government will put up more weather stations particularly in major crop producing towns and provinces, where subsequently a weather-based or weather index crop insurance system may be applied or implemented, Bernabe said. Serrano said based on sitespecific weather data, certain crop insurance parameters may be set. These could be used as basis to compute for indemnity claims of insured farmers, even without an adjusters field inspection report of typhoon-damaged crops. He said the traditional procedure is expensive because it takes time for an adjuster to visit farms and evaluate extent of the damage, and file a consolidated report to the PCIC. (w/ reports from Philippine Daily Inquirer & The Philippine Star)
vest area contracted 856,000 ha, 4.9% less than in 2010. Based on standing corn crop, October-December 2011 production is forecast to drop to 1.5 MMT, 8.7% less than last year, as harvest area may contract by 6.5%, from 632,000 hectares to 591,000 hectares. Based on farmers planting intentions, the January-March 2012 corn production and harvest area are expected to be higher than the 1st quarter in 2011 levels by 3.8% and 5.6%, respectively.

Sec. Alcala shares with the officers and members of Kapihan sa Klub, Inc. during their November 10 forum in San Juan City, the various initiatives being pursued by the Aquino government to achieve selfsufficiency in rice and other major staples by end of 2013. Kapihan sa Klub is composed of incumbent and retired officials, justices, lawyers, businessmen, and distinguished individuals. It is led by former chief presidential legal counsel and Sandiganbayan Justice Raoul Victorino (3rd from right). Also shown (from left) are Bro. Tosh Lansang, former human rights commission chairperson Aurora Recina, former exec. secretary Eduardo Ermita, former justice Manuel Pamaran, and lawyer Ramon Maronilla.

SPJA designates new DA officials

Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (SPJA) recently designated and re-assigned 12 DA officials for the central office, regional field units, and attached agencies and corporations, as part of the agencys contnuing efforts to better serve farmers and fisherfolk, and other clienteles. The officials and their respective posts or assignments are: Valentino Perdido, OIC-Director, DA-RFU I; Dir. Eduardo Haloyohoy, OICDirector, DA-RFU IX; Honesto Baniqued, President, National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR); Rudy G. Santos, Legislative Liaison Officer; Joaquin C. Abejar, Jr, Director III, DA-RFU II, Special Assistant for Regional Engagements Raul C. Tupas, Director III, DA-RFU XI; Dir. Carlos Mendoza, Special Managing Officer, ASEAN Goat and Sheep Center in Zamboanga del Norte; Dir. Ricardo Oblena, Special Managing Officer of the Ubay Stock Farm in Ubay, Bohol; Dir. Pedro Jerry D. Baliang, Special Managing Officer of the Baguio Stock Farm in Bagiuo City; Dir. Reinero Belarmino, Jr., Special Managing Officer of the Nueva Ecija Stock Farm in Gen. Tinio; RTD Jose P. Balatucan, Supervisor of the Aranan Seed Station in Region XII; and Mr. Renato Maguigad, Center Superintendent, Agricultural Training Institute, Region II.

2011 rice, corn...(from

p1)

DA, UNIDO, DTI Partner in P-TRACE ...

pean Union (EU), have taken a keen interest on food safety and security as a critical concern forthe overall welfare of their citizens, Raj said. In 2002, the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union adopted a policy creating the General Food Law which requires traceability at all stages of the food chain. In the USA, the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act, or Bioterrorism Act (BTA), was signed into law in June 2002 to improve capacity to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks. The law requires all exporters to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and give prior notice to product arrival in the United States.

(from p4)

The US recently enacted a Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) of 2011 that mandates all foreign suppliers to improve the safety of imported food products. Raj said the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) further lay down the basic terms for compliance to the imposed rules without causing them to become obstacles to global trade. The FAO/W HO Codex Alimentarius Commission, an international standard-setting body recognized under the SPS agreement, has developed a set of principles for traceability and product tracing as a tool within a food inspection and certification under the Codex guideline GL 60-2006, Raj said.

quarter of 2012. The BAS said 3rd quarter (JulySept) palay production increased by 19.7% to 3.17 MMT, versus last years 2.65 MMT, as more area was planted, at 871,000 hectares (ha), up by 23.4% from 706,000 ha in 2010. The 4th quarter palay production, based on standing crop, is forecast at 5.93 million, 8.8% less than last years 6.5 MMT, due to the adverse effects of typhoons Pedring and Quiel. Based on farmers planting intentions, the January-March 2012 palay production and harvest area are expected to surpass this years level by 1.4% and 2.8%, respectively. For corn, 2nd semester production may decrease to 3.96 MMT, 7.1% less than last years 3.68 MMT. The 3rd quarter production was 2.18 million MT, 6% below the 2010 level of 2.32 million MT. Har-

10

Mindanao to ...

(from p3)

mix from the current 60:40 ratio, pertaining to harvest during wet season versus the dry season, to 40:60 ratio. He said ideally the country should produce more during the dry season than during the wet season. This would only be possible if there are more irrigated areas in typhoon-free provinces, like in Mindanao. During his Davao visit, Sec. Alcala handed a check to Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon to start the construction of a P256-million Cateel Irrigation Project, funded under the DA-Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). Of the total project cost, the World Bank through MRDP will extend a loan of P128M, the DA will share P102.4M, while the

provincial government will counterpart P25.6M. Cateel is considered as the rice granary of Davao Oriental. The project will irrigate a total of 1,600 hectares, ensuring at least two croppings a year. It is high time to give due attention to the agricultural potentials of Mindanao. And we are truly grateful that Secretary Alcala is very supportive of projects implemented in Mindanao, said MRDP Director Ramos. Gov. Malanyaon said she is grateful that despite setbacks during the preparatory stage of the project, the MRDP personnel and her provincial staff have pursued the project as part of her desire to construct vital rural infrastructure for the benefit of Davao Oriental farmers and their families.
(DA-MRDP)

Hong Kong firm to invest in cassava industry. Secretary Procy J. Alcala (center) recently hosted officials of a Hong Kong firm, Asia Cassava Resources (ACR) Holdings Ltd., wanting to establish a cassava flour (tapioca) processing facility, as part of their expansion from their current base of operations in Thailand. Secretary Alcala welcomed the investment as it would provide farmers and their families sustainable livelihood and income, and assured market for their cassava harvest. The ACR officials are chairman Chu Ming Chuan (2nd from right) and his son William Chu (left). They were accompanied by ACR Philippine representative Michaela Magtoto (2nd from left), who presented their corporate profile to Secretary Alcala. Also shown is DA assistant secretary Edilberto de Luna, concurrent DA national corn program coordinator, who also oversees the implementation of a cassava industry development program.

Study suggests...

(from p8)
materials with which to base or counter-check current findings. The science concerning mullet is very scarce. It is actually you who will come-up with studies and develop the science for this, Santos said. The study is very significant as it will enable us to set the scientific records straight, avoid confusion and there from, craft and implement appropriate management measures for the said species, added Dr. Jovita Ayson, DA-BFAR region 2 director. Santos study is a component of the Oplan Sagip Ludong project launched by Secretary Proceso Alcala in October 2010. (DA-BFAR R2) going studies in UPLB, Dr. Antonio Lalusin (UPLB) who presented about abaca varietal improvement studies, Dr. Roberta Garcia (UPLB) who shared the ongoing genomics research on pili, Dr. Francisco Elegado, who discussed research initiatives of UPLBs National Institute for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (UPLB-BIOTECH) on microbial biotechnology and Dr. Ramil Mauleon (IRRI) who discussed bioinformatics in rice genomics. (Biolife News Service)

DA, DBP, CCAP to hasten cold chain program. Sec. Procy

Alcala (middle) recently forged an agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Cold Chain Assn. of the Philippines (CCAP) to establish semi-processing and cold storage facilities in major crop and fishery production areas and food trading centers, and provide refrigerated vehicles to enable farmers groups and entrepreneurs transport their products to markets. As agreed, the DA will identify priority areas, the CCAP will extend technical expertise and agribusiness support, while the DBP will provide credit to finance the establishment and acquisition of cold chain system facilities and refrigerated vehicles. Flanking Sec. Alcala are CCAP president Anthony Dizon (left) and DBP executive vice president Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio, Jr.

seheli, from its earlier identity as Valamugil seheli. The latest in 1982, J.M. Thompson of the University of Queensland in Australia identified ludong as Cestraeus plicatilis. He based his findings on morphological characteristics using samples submitted by Philippine researchers. Santos said that his findings came from analysis using two different DNA markers. We will still have a third and final run using another marker, and likewise, we will cross-check with species from other areas, in order to ascertain the findings, Santos said. The fish genetics expert also noted the dearth of reference

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

PH genome... (from p8)

During the pre-launch mini symposium, scientists and researchers from UPLB and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) presented conducted and ongoing studies involving genomics in agriculture. The speakers included Dr. Evelyn Mae Mendoza (National Academy of Science and Technology academician and UPLB scientist) who talked about Philippine banana genomics and on-

November 2011

11

P-Noy allots ...

(from p1)

tional Organic Agriculture Conference, at the Aquino Center, Hacienda Luisita, in Tarlac City, where he was joined by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and Tarlac Governor Victor Yap. More than 1,000 farmers, organic farming advocates, entrepreneurs and resource persons attended the four-day event, jointly spearheaded by the DA and the Provincial Government of Tarlac. The President said he expects the DA to continuously exert efforts to implement the policies and programs to hasten the growth of organic farming in the country. In tandem with the DBM, he assured the DA would allot no less than 2% of its annual budget to implement the organic farming program, as called for under the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act 10068). Secretary Alcala is one of the main authors of RA 10068, during his second term (2007-2010) as Representative of the 2nd District of Quezon. Inaasahan ko ang tuloy-tuloy na pagdodoble-kayod ng Department of Agriculture sa pagbuo at pagpapatupad ng mga polisiya at programa na magpapabilis sa pag-unlad ng organic farming sa bansa, sa ilalim ng kanilang National Organic Agriculture Program, the President said. Katuwang naman ang Department of Budget and Management, sisiguruhin natin na mailalaan ng

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (left) listens as Senate Finance Committee Chairman Franklin Drilon (at rostrum, right) defends the proposed 2012 DA budget, totaling P61.73 billion, during plenary session, November 17. Senator Drilon said the budget will fund major interventions in irrigation, farm mechanization and postharvest facilities, production support, and research and development and extension - geared at further increasing production of rice, corn, other food staples and basic commodities, and improving the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk. Backstopping him are DA officials led by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and Undersecretaries Segfredo Serrano and Antonio Fleta.
DA ang hindi bababa sa dalawang porsiyento ng kanilang taunang budget sa pagpapatupad sa nabanggit na programa, alinsunod sa RA 10068, he added. Secretary Alcala said this means the DA will allot at least P1.2 billion starting next year to implement various initiatives and projects under the national organic agriculture program. The DA proposes a total budget of P61.73 billion for 2012. This year, the DAs organic agriculture has a budget of P900M. The President said that while government is expanding access of each Filipino family to sufficient food, government should vigorously promote new technologies to restore the richness and productivity of farmlands through organic agriculture. Habang pinapalawak natin ang access ng bawat pamilya sa sapat na pagkain, kailangan din nating pag-igtingin ang pagpapalaganap ng mga kaalaman at teknolohiya na magpapanumbalik sa kalusugan ng mga lupang sakahan, the President said. Dito pumapasok ang halaga ng organic agriculture, he added. For his part, Secretary Alcala said the countrys organic farming movement has achieved a milestone during the 8th national organic agriculture conference, as it was the first time a President graced the annual event. the agriculture sector in poverty alleviation and moving the nation forward. After decades of serious neglect, it is about time the sector gets its due, said Senator Pangilinan, who co-chairs the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM). We believe that it was through our consultations with Secretary Alcala, Budget Secretary Butch Abad, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and President Aquino himself that the exponential increase in the DAs budget was realized, he said. Senate Presdient Enrile also supported the proposed 2012 DA budget, along with Senators Vicente Sotto III, Gregorio Honasan, and Loren Legarda. Based on major components, the proposed 2012 DA budget allots 44 % for irrigation (P27.1B), 18% for postharvest and other infrastructure (P11.3B), 8% for production support (P4.86B), 8% for R&D, extension and training (P4.7B). The balance is alloted for market development, policy formulation, planning and advocacy, regulatory, information, credit facilitation, and budget for attached corporations.

Senate okays 2012 ...

(from p1)

Visit AFMIS Website @ http://afmis.da.gov.ph to get updated information on .....

agri-fisheries production data, demand & supply and price trends alternative markets for your agricultural products technologies that could improve your agricultural products and be competitive in the local and foreign markets directory of buyers/sellers of agri products better investment opportunities market outlets/trading centers for agri-fishery products market assistance and advisory services farmers and fishers success stories
Agriculture and Fisheries Market Information System (AFM IS) is a web-based system that integrates various information resources of the Market Development Cluster (M DC) agencies into a single data base and application system. It caters to the needs of farmers/fisherfolk, traders, and other users of market information. The MDC is composed of Information Technology Center for Agriculture and Fisheries (ITCAF); Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (AFIS), Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS); and National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC).

secretary, said the agency is extra-ordinarily fortunate to have a big budget next year. He asked the DA to vigorously pursue a targeted and focused research and development (R&D) program and allot a bigger budget to sustain productivity gains. With these efforts, he said the country would be able to produce more basic food commodities, including coconut, from dwindling land and natural resources, using breakthroughs developed by Filipino and foreign scientists. He asked the DA to consider forming innovation clusters in partnership with the private sector, academe particularly State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), and international agricultural R&D agencies to develop innovative food products. He mentioned about research on algae products and their commercialization, precision farming and smart agriculture aimed at sustaining the countrys food production in the face of climate change and diminishing land resources. For his part, Senator Francis Pangilinan, chair of the committee on agriculture and food, said the DAs bigger budget indicates that the Aquino administration fully recognizes the key role of