PDF file - Department of Agriculture

ISSN-0119-22
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RFU-5
SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAM. SUR
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://bicol.da.gov.ph
DA - FAO hold national summit
on DRR and Climate Change
MAKATI
CITY.
The
Department of Agriculture
and the Food and Agriculture
Organization
recently
conducted the National Summit
on DRR and Climate Change
as a culminating activity at the
Fuller Hall of the Asian Institute
of Management in Makati City
entitled “Towards Improved
Disaster Risk Reduction and
Enhanced Climate Change
Adaptation in Agriculture
of the two projects namely:
TCP/PHI/3203 : Strengthening
Capacities for Climate Risk
management and Disaster
Preparedness
in
Selected
Provinces of the Philippines
(Bicol Region) and MDG-F
1656 Outcome 3.1: Enhanced
Climate Change Adaptation
Capacity of Communities in
(Please turn to page 14)
2002 PAJ Binhi Awardee
October - December 2011
Vol. 20 No. 4
MALACAÑAN PALACE, MANILA. President Benigno S. Aquino III awards
the trophy to Anthony Suguitao of Aroroy Masbate as this year’s National
Gawad Saka Outstanding Young farmer in a simple ceremony held at Rizal
Hall, in Malacañan Palace on December 13, 2011. (See full story on page 11)
P12.3 M released to farm
households in Bicol
Livelihood assistance for
micro agri fishery projects
amounting to P12.3 million
has benefitted a total of 1,236
farm households in Bicol
under the program Agrikultura:
Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy or
AKBay. The program is funded
by the Japanese government
under the Grant Assistance
for the Food Security Project
for Underprivileged Farmers.
This is implemented by the
Department of Agriculture
through the National Agriculture
and Fishery Council and support
of the Local Government
Units and the Agriculture
and
Fishery
Councils.
Under AKBay program
the qualified recipient is
extended P10,000.00 interest
free start up fund which shall
be paid back according to the
agreed repayment schedule so
it can be rolled over to other
beneficiaries in the locality. By
(Please turn to page 15)
QUEZON CITY - Myrna Conmigo-Acayen an integrated organic rice farmer
of Digdigon, Goa, Camarines Sur bagged the top award for this year’s
Search for Outstanding Rural Women. She bested the five other national
finalists from other regions of the country. She received a cash award of
P50,000 , one unit hand tractor and a citation from Secretary Proceso
J. Alcala. Also in photo from left, Mrs. Remedios I. Rikken, Chairperson,
Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), Ellen Delmiguez RIC Coordinator
of DA RFU 5; Aloha Gigi Bañaria, Chair, Regional Evaluation Committee, DA
Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, DA Regional Executive Director
Jose V. Dayao, Arlene Dayo, AT of Goa and Adel Magsino organic farming
advocator. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the role of rural women in
sustainable food production.”
EDITORIAL
Yes, we can mitigate and manage climate change
Climate change is a
worldwide phenomenon
and the Philippines has
not been spared by its
effects. The Bicol region
in particular
is highly
vulnerable
to climate
related events
like
typhoon, floods, volcanic
eruptions , and landslides
due to its geographic
locations. These weather
events directly
affect
our region’s productivity,
economy,
food
production and security.
But we can mitigate
and manage
climate
change
and lessen
its adverse effects
in
agriculture not only by way
of developing the proper
mindset and learning to
be
adaptable, resilient
and being prepared. Most
important,
agriculture
stakeholders must also
be equipped with the
necessary
knowledge
and information and
good practices
on
disaster
risk reduction
(DRR)
and
Climate
change
adaptation.
Collaboration and an open
communication among
institutions,
individuals
and communities are vital
in equipping stakeholders
of adaptability practices.
An
integrated, multisectoral
approaches
is
proven
effective
in mitigating
risks.
It is on this premise
that the
Philippine
Government
and the
Food and
Agriculture
Organization
of the
United Nations embarked
on a technical cooperation
project to Strengthen
Capacities for Climate
Risk Management and
Disaster Preparedness in
selected provinces one of
which is Bicol region. The
objective was to enhance
the capacity of the DAregional field office and
the agricultural extension
workers at the municipal
level to provide better
technical assistance to
the poor and marginal
farmers and
fisherfolk
in
disaster-prone
areas and reduce their
vulnerability to disasters.
The projects also
aims to
strengthen
the capacities of local;
communities to plan,
mitigate and prevent
disasters,
and cope
Advisers:
Dr. Jose V. Dayao
Regional Executive Director
Dr. Edgar R. Madrid, RTD
for Research and Regulations
Dr. Elena B. Delos Santos
OIC-RTD for Operations and
Extensions
2
with
post-disasters
impacts and provide an
opportunity for regional
and
local
authorities
to improve their early
Warning
Systems
and
damage
/needs
assessment
capacity.
The project which
started in 2009 was
successfully implemented
and
completed
by
December
of 2011.
Valuable lessons
were
learned
from
the
project
which are: 1)
mutual cooperation and
partnership
among
local key
agencies /
institutions with defined
roles is necessary
in
mainstreaming
DRR/
CCA; 2) the LGUs are
key partners
in the
mainstreaming
and
institutionalization
process
3)
better
understanding of weather
forecast
and
timely
delivery of advisories
to farmers and LGUs is
crucial for improved local
disaster
preparedness
and could reduce losses;
4) medium-term weather
and seasonal climate
forecasts
are
crucial
decision support tools
Editor-in-Chief: Emilia B. Bordado
Senior Staff Writer/
Researcher: Ma. Bella R. Ilan
Writers: Lovella P. Guarin, Virginia F.
Idaño, Jayson M. Gonzales,
Jennis I. Nidea
Lay-out Artist: Lovella P. Guarin
Photographer/Liason Officer:
Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr.
Illustrators: Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos
Ramon C. Adversario
UMAsenso
for the DA and farmers
and fisherfolk to make
strategic
choices
for
season specific cropping;
5) the technologies must
be simple and should
follow
the required
process and must be
based on vulnerability
assessment 6) appropriate
technologies and policy
directions
are equally
important
responses
and enhanced awareness
of farming and fishing
communities
on their
current
vulnerabilities
and future risks are key
to effectively
initiate
adaptation and disaster
risk reduction measures;
7) Communities are key
in proactive disaster risk
reduction and emergency
response hence, they
must be strengthened.
Wider
replication
of successfully tested
options, adoption and
institutionalization
of
the tools and capacities
developed
must
now be the next step.
Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez, Lita V.
Estrella, Records Unit
Published quarterly by the Regional
Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division
of the Department of Agriculture, Regional
Field Unit No. 5, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines
Sur, Tel No.(054) 361-1858 Fax: 361-1264
E-mail Address: darafi[email protected]
Entered as a Second Class Mail Matter at the
Pili Post Office, Pili, Camarines Sur on July
30, 1999
October- December 2011
Letters
From: Bel Bartolome <[email protected]>
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 6, 2011 5:10 PM
Subject: Grant/Assistance for Bicol land
G’d afternoon, Ms. Emily!
Thank you for accommodating my call earlier. To
reiterate, my partner and I are interested in developing
land in San Fernando, Camsur. There are farmers there
already trying cacao, papaya and other vegetables however,
we’d like to organize the land into farms for crops or
medicinal or pharmaceutical plants such as malunggay,
stevia and yerba buena. We have access to about 8
hectares of rolling land for now. Our main advocacy is to
create jobs and develop a sustainable livelihood for them
at the same time, build our company as a supplier of
organic and quality crops. We are based in Manila but we
can fly to Camsur when we need to and we have partners
living on the land who can help us with coordination.
Our main problem is that we need funding to be able
to work the land with equipment, pay the farmers and
provide the seedlings or saplings among other activities.
We had inquired with the DA regarding ACEF but they
have indicated that only loans are available and it takes a
longer period of time to avail. The collateral and interest
factor is also a problem for us as we have nothing to
start with. I was also informed that the ACEF is waiting
for budgets to be final prior to working on proposals.
I called so that I could find out if DA Bicol Region knows
of other avenues through which we can send proposals
for grants. I wanted to know also if any area of the Bicol
Region is eligible for a grant. Would you be able to help us?
I hope to hear from you soon, Ma’am. If there are further
questions, I can reply to them ASAP. Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Bel Bartolome
Action Taken:
referred to Rosita Imperial, HVCDP
coordinator
“Nasimulan na natin ang pagtatanim
ng binhi ng pagbabago...
tungo sa mas
magandang bukas
ng mga magsasaka
at mangingisda.”
October - December 2011
DA stakeholders briefed on DA programs
Over 200 stakeholders from
the 5th district of Camarines Sur
covering the municipalities of
Baao, Bula, Balatan, Buhi, Bato,
Nabua and Iriga City attended
the conference/orientation on
DA programs and projects
recently held at Macagang
Business Center in Nabua,
Camarines Sur. This activity was
sponsored by the Department of
Agriculture in coordination with
Congressman Salvio Fortuno.
The activity aims to update the
stakeholders on the different
programs and projects of the
DA under President Aquino’s
administration for CY 2011
and 2012 and the different
interventions of the DA and the
procedures for availing them. The
activity also provided a venue
for the stakeholders to give their
suggestions, recommendations
on
how
to
effectively
implement
these
projects.
Congressman
Salvio
Fortuno in his message said that
the budget for 2012 has been
approved and this calls for an
immediate implementation of
the projects. He said that with
the conduct of this conference
the programs and projects will
be effectively and efficiently
implemented in the various
municipalities of the district. He
added that this exercise is very
important for the stakeholders
to know how they are going to
avail of the projects and what
they will benefit from them.
Fortuno said that aside from
supporting the development and
modernization of agriculture in
the 5th district he has also lined
up other projects for health,
education, social welfare. He
also challenged the stakeholders
UMAsenso
to be vigilant and pro-active
in terms of monitoring all the
projects being implemented
in their municipalities. He
emphasized that his office
is closely coordinating and
linking with other government
agencies for them to include the
municipalities in the 5th district
in their road maps and projects.
Fortuno said that he is not only
working to make the district food
self sufficient but he is also bent
on improving the basic services.
Agriculture
Regional
Executive Director Jose V.
Dayao for his part thanked
Congressman
Fortuno
for
pushing and defending the
budget of the Department. He
said that with the increase in the
budget of the agency, the DA will
be on track towards achieving
self-sufficiency in rice and
major staples by end of 2013. He
added that the 2012 budget gives
priority to irrigation, postharvest
and
other
infrastructure,
production support, research
and extension. Other projects
that will be given attention in
the district are animal disease
control, breeder improvements,
gulayan sa paaralan, and
pili
development
project.
Other
representatives
who presented their agencies’
projects include: Engr. Homer
E. Diokno Acting Manager NIA
Region 5; Eduardo Allorde PCA
OIC Regional Manager; Nonie
Enolba
Chief Monitoring
Evaluation Section of BFAR;
and Ms. Nelcy Alcantara Asst.
Provincial Manager NFA. From
the Department of Agriculture,
Tirso Perlas Asst. Regional Rice
(Please turn to page 4)
3
3rd Bicol AFC Summit held
Pili, Camarines Sur – Some
180 officers and members of
the Agricultural and Fisheries
Councils (AFC) of Bicol region
convened at RIARS Training
Center DA compound San
Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur
for the 3rd Bicol AFC Summit
to recognize the vital role of
the AFC organizations in the
implementation of the national
and local agri-fishery programs
all geared towards food security,
increase rural income and
sustainable development. This
year’s summit is anchored on the
theme “Tulong-tulong at Samasamang Pagsulong para sa Pagunlad ng Sakahan at Pangisdaan.”
Pedro Dumaraos Chief,
Local Support and Coordination
Division of NAFC said that
since the AFC is a private-led
volunteer organization, the
AFC assist in the monitoring
and advocacy of agricultural
programs and activities. This
summit is one activity to
empower and further enhance
the AFCs effectiveness and
responsiveness. This is one venue
to give feedbacks suggestions
and recommendations on the
programs and projects at hand.
He emphasized that the AFC will
continue to serve as consultative/
feedback mechanism on the
policies, plans and programs of
the Department of Agriculture;
monitor agriculture and fishery
programs; assist DA in advocacy
work; assist DA in mobilizing
and evaluating the contributions
of
government
agencies
to agriculture and fishery
modernization; and support
the continued development of
the network of agriculture and
DA Regional Exec. Director Jose V. Dayao (cutting the ribbon) led the
opening of the mini-fair showcasing the various products of the AFC
members during 3rd AFC Bicol Summit. He is being assisted by Dr. Elena
B. delos Santos (center) , RTD for Operations and Extension; Dr. Edgar R.
Madrid, RTD for Research and Regulations, Jesus Simon, RAFC Chair of
Region 3 and Pedro Dumaraos (extreme right), Chief, Local Support and
Coordination Division of NAFC.
4
fishery councils. He added that
knowing the AFCs are active
in their assigned task they
are promoting transparency,
accountability and responsibility
in the implementation of the
various agriculture and fishery
programs not only in the region
but in the country as well.
Meanwhile,
Agriculture
Regional Executive Director
Jose V. Dayao said that DA
recognizes the important role
of the AFC as true partners
in agricultural development.
“Through the years they were
active and dedicated in their roles
in monitoring and promoting
DA’s programs and projects.
They are also part in assessing
the effectiveness of the programs
and helped the agency identify
problems and constraints as well
as opportunities and recommend
appropriate measures to address
them” Dayao added.
He
congratulated the men and
women of the AFC and urged
them to continue the strong
partnership with the DA. He
challenged the AFCs to uphold
the theme for this year’s summit
which according to him is
very relevant and appropriate
for the agriculture sector to
gain focus and right direction.
Highlights of the summit
include the discussion and
presentation of topics on:
Role of AFCs in Promoting
Food Security Through Rice
Nutrition Farming Program
by Jesus Simon RAFC Chair,
Region III; Organic Agriculture:
The Negros Experience by
UMAsenso
Pamela Henares, BOT Negros
Island Sustainable Agricultural
and
Rural
Development
Foundation; Regulations on
Organic Agriculture by Joeve
Calleja of BAFPS; Weather
Hazards and Climate Outlook
for Bicol by Lilian Guillermo
Weather Specialist and Chief
Meteorological Officer of
PAGASA;
Contingency
Planning for Disaster and
Emergencies:
Building
Resilient Communities by,
Florito
Dapena
Training
Officer, Office of Civil Defense,
RDRRMC Bicol. Likewise,
the AFCs also set up a minifair or exhibit showcasing the
various products of its members.
(DA stakeholders
from page 3)
Coordinator; Engr. Arnie C.
Ilan Chief Reg’l. Engineering
Division;
Engr.
Danilo
Aman and Rodel Tornilla.
On the same occasion PCA
distributed incentive checks for
the coconut farmers who were
involved in the Participatory
Coconut Planting Project in the
5th district. The DA likewise
distributed starter registered
seeds to irrigators association
(IAs) members in the district
totaling 215 kilograms. Each
IA member received 2 kg
starter seeds. After harvest
they will return 1 to ½ bags
of seed to the association.
(Mabelle
Roa-Ilan)
October- December 2011
AKBay turned over P2.09M to
farm households in Sorsogon...
Sorsogon City- The province
of Sorsogon was a recipient
of the AKBay or Agrikultura:
Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy
project, a livelihood assistance
amounting to P2.09 million.
This is implemented by the
National Agricultural and
Fishery Council, in partnership
with
the
Department
of Agriculture
and
the
Local
Government
Units
funded under the Japan Grant
Assistance for the Food Security
Project for Underprivileged
Farmers (2KR) in support of the
DA’s Agri-Pinoy framework.
It aims to reduce poverty in
identified
poor
provinces
through provision of livelihood
and employment opportunities
and augmenting the source of
income of the farm households.
The distribution of
livelihood checks of P10,000
each to the 209 poorest of
the poor farm households
in the four municipalities of
Sorsogon namely Barcelona,
Casiguran, Bulusan and Juban
was done in a simple turnover
ceremony held at the Social
Distribution
of Livelihood
Checks.
Hall of Sorsogon College of
Criminology last October 28,
2011. Congressman Salvador
H. Escudero III together with
Regional Executive Director
Jose V. Dayao, NAFC Executive
Assistant Cyril L. Soliaban,
Juban Mayor Jimmy J. Fragata,
Casiguran Mun. Kagawad
Elma Mago, and Sorsogon
Management Office
Head and former
Governor Sally Lee
were present to turn
over the checks
to the recipients.
The approved projects
include: goat production, swine
raising, vegetable production,
salted dried fish, and native
chicken raising. According
to Soliaban, AKBay fund
assistance is intended as start up
capital, interest -and collateral
-free and shall be returned
based on the agreed repayment
schedule. The recovered funds
will be managed by the local
Agriculture and Fishery Council
together with the Department of
Agriculture and shall be released
to the next-in-line beneficiaries.
Director Dayao addresses the AKBay recipients. Also in
photo are (from right) NAFC Executive Assistant Cyril L.
Soliaban, former governor Sally Lee, and Rep. Salvador
H. Escudero III.
...and P2.09M to farm
households in Masbate
Meanwhile
the
municipality of San Jacinto in
Masbate was a recipient of the
AKBay livelihood assistance
in the total amount of P2.09
million. The distribution of
livelihood checks of P10,000
each to the 209 poorest of the
poor farm households in the 10
barangays of the municipality
was done in a simple turnover
ceremony held at the Municipal
Covered Court last October
4, 2011. On hand to turn over
the checks to the household
recipients
were
Masbate
Governor Rizalina S. Lanete,
San Jacinto Mayor Leny A.
Arcenas, San Fernando Mayor
Ma. Vida Bravo, DA-JICA
expert Dr. Hiroshi Kodama,
RTD Dr. Elena B. delos
October - December 2011
Santos, NAFC representative
Conchita del Rosario, RAFC
Vice Chair Alfredo Rillo, and
PAFC Chairman Nora Aribon.
The funded projects include
goat production, swine fattening,
vegetable production, salted
dried fish, and native chicken
raising. Del Rosario of NAFC
explained that the AKBay fund
assistance is intended as start
up fund and shall be returned
based on the agreed repayment
schedule.
The
recovered
funds will be managed by the
local Agriculture and Fishery
Council together with the
Department of Agriculture.
She announced that the next
in line municipalities are San
Fernando, Batuan and Monreal.
The
project
AKBay
(Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng
Bayang Pinoy) is implemented
by the National Agricultural
and
Fishery
Council,
in partnership with the
Department of Agriculture and
the Local Government Units
funded under the Japan Grant
Assistance for the Food Security
Project for Underprivileged
Farmers (2KR) in support
of the DA’s Agri-Pinoy
framework. (Gie F. Idaño)
UMAsenso
Distribution of Livelihood
Checks. Governor Rizalina
Lanete (4th from left) hands
over the P10,000 check to one
of the beneficiaries. Looking on
are (from right) DA RTD Elena B.
delos Santos; Mayor Maria Vida
Bravo of San Fernando; Mayor
Leny Arcenas of San Jacinto;
Hiroshi Kodama , DA JICA expert
(5th from right); RAFC Vice
Chair Alfredo Rillo (4th from
right) and NAFC representative
Conchita del Rosario (extreme
right).
DA Bicol holds Bicol Rural Women Summit
and Gawad Saka Awarding ceremonies
The
Department
of
Agriculture
conducted
regional rural women summit
to recognize the critical role
and contribution of rural
women in agriculture and
rural development and also in
improving food security and
eradicating rural poverty. The
production.” As regional winner
Conmigo received a plaque of
recognition, cash award of Ps
15,000, one unit shallow tube
well and two piglets. The two
other winners in the region
are: Norma Balbin of Fidel
Surtida, Sto. Domingo Albay
(second place) and Resurrecion
USEC Bernadette Romulo Puyat (inset) speaks before the awardees and
participants of the Rural Women Summit.
highlight of the summit is the
awarding of outstanding rural
women in the region. For this
year, Bicol bagged the top award
for the National Search for
Outstanding Rural Woman in
the person of Myrna ConmigoAcayen an integrated organic
rice farmer of Digdigon, Goa,
Camarines Sur. She bested the
five other national finalists from
other regions of the country. The
search aims to give recognition
to rural women who have shown
excellence in their fields of
endeavors and made exemplary
accomplishments in developing
the agriculture and fishery
sectors and made significant
impact in the lives of the people
in the rural areas. This year’s
celebration is anchored on the
theme “Celebrating the role of
rural women in sustainable food
Caliwara of Poblacion, Sta
Elena Camarines Norte (third
place). They both received
a plaque of recognition and
a cash award of Ps 10,000
and Ps 5,000 respectively.
Meanwhile, the region’s
six nominees for Gawad Saka
became national finalists and
one emerged national winner.
Gawad Saka is an annual search
of the Department of Agriculture
for
outstanding
farmers,
fisherfolk and institutions whose
contribution have significantly
promoted
agricultural
development and sustainable
agriculture in the region.
This year’s regional winners
are the following : Anthony
P. Saguitao of Cabangcalan
Aroroy, Masbate, regional and
national Outstanding Young
Farmer; Esperanza A. Gross,
Paraiso, Milagros, Masbate
Outstanding Large Animal
Raiser; Bernadette B. de los
Santos, Sta. Teresita, Baao,
Camarines Sur Outstanding
High Value Crops Farmer;
MAFC Sipocot , Camarines Sur,
Regional Outstanding MAFC;
MFARMC
of
Mercedes,
Camarines Norte, Regional
Outstanding MFARMC and
Barangay
Food
Terminal
Gawad
Kalinga
Cabusao
MPC, Regional Outstanding
Barangay Food Terminal.
Winners received plaque of
recognition and cash awards.
Undersecretary for Special
Concerns and Chairperson, DAGAD Focal system Bernadette
Romulo-Puyat who was the
guest of honor underscored the
multiple roles of women in their
families and in the community.
She said that more and more
women are working mothers
but despite their multiple
tasks they could still manage
to perform both roles. She
congratulated the rural women
specially the RIC members and
coordinators for influencing
and continuously sharing their
talents, skills, and knowledge
to rural women. “They are
important resource who can
contribute in alleviating poverty
as they are potent forces that
help rural women engage in
livelihood projects” Puyat said.
Further, she said the theme
is very appropriate because
slowly the country is closing
the gender gap as more women
are engaged in meaningful and
high-value economic activities.
She also congratulated the
Gawad Saka winners because
according to her they are the
prime movers of our economy
for without them agriculture
will not prosper and food
security and sufficiency will
not be attained. Finally, she said
that it pays to be economically
empowered and it is a must for
women to know their rights.
Regional
Executive
Director Jose V. Dayao on the
otherhand said that regional
awarding is an important
occasion since recognition is
given to the farmers, fisherfolks
and entrepreneurs who really
toiled to keep agriculture afloat.
He lauded the efforts of the LGU
for supporting the search. Since
they are in the frontline they
were the ones who endorsed
and nominated these achievers.
Dayao challenged the achievers
to sustain their projects since
they were looked up as role
models in their communities and
their farms serve as showcase
of the different technologies.
He urged them to share the
technologies to others and be
part of the advocacies of the
government in disseminating
good agricultural practices
and climate change technology
options. (Mabelle Roa-Ilan)
The awardees posed with USEC Bernadette Romulo Puyat (standing,
center) and top officials of DA RFU 5.
UMAsenso
October- December 2011
Suguitao poses with President
Benigno S. Aquino III during the
National Gawad Saka awarding held
in Malacañan Palace on December 13,
2011.
AGRI ACHIEVER
T
oday’s
younger
generation opt to seek
job in the urban areas.
Most of them shun away
from farming because they
believe they will not get rich in
farming. This cliché is not true
to Anthony Suguitao, 24 years
old, President of Cabangcalan
4H Club in Aroroy, Masbate.
At an early age he was exposed
to the different activities in the
farm. He was able to expand
and cultivate his farm from a
half hectare to three hectares.
He planted vegetables, and later
raised goats, swine and native
chicken. He loves farming and
even enrolled in agriculture.
But because of poverty, he was
not able to complete college
education and went back to their
place and decided to improve
their farm. Out of his earnings
he was able to buy two units
motorcycle, one unit 3-hp water
pump and working animals.
Anthony is grateful because
the Municipal Agriculture
Office through its Agricultural
Technologist Mark Anthony
Salacup, provided him with
technical
assistance
and
ANTHONY SUGUITAO
Aroroy, Masbate
National Gawad Saka
Outstanding Young Farmer
encouraged him to adopt new
technologies in his farm to gain
more profit. Equipped with the
knowledge and skills on organic
farming Anthony is proud that
his farm could serve as show
window for this technology
not only in the municipality
but in the province as well.
Anthony believes that he needs
to learn more and learning
is a continuous process. He
regularly visits the agriculture
office to obtain information
on trainings and technologies
so he could be attuned with
the times especially with the
challenge of climate change.
As president of the 4H
club, he encouraged the youth
to venture into farming. He
provided them with seeds
taken from his farm and taught
them appropriate technologies.
Likewise, Anthony is also
active in various civic and
community organizations and
activities. He spearheaded
the tree planting activities,
basketball
tournaments,
community services and income
generating projects for the 4H
members. The Cabangcalan
4H club is a recipient of the
DA and Agricultural Training
Institute Livelihood Program
where they received Ps seventy
thousand pesos (Ps 70,000)
for Hog Fattening Project.
Recognizing
Anthony’s
efforts and innovativeness
he was a recipient of various
awards namely: One of the Top
Producer of Vegetables in the
Municipality of Aroroy given
by the Barangay Council of
Cabangcalan; Best vegetable
Producer presented by the LGU
of Aroroy and Outstanding
Young
Farmer
awarded
by the PAFC of Masbate.
For Anthony, success is
just around the corner and
the secret to obtain success
is
industry,
perseverance
and willingness to learn.
(Mabelle
Roa-Ilan)
World Food Day
poster making contest held
SAN
AGUSTIN,
PILI,
CAMARINES
SUR
-Amanda Beatrice Esmeria,
12 year-old grade 6 pupil of
Gubat North Central School
is the winner in the regional
on-the-spot poster making
contest in connection with
World Food Day celebration.
The regional competition
was held on October 5 at the DA
regional office Library. A total
of 25 elementary pupils from
20 schools in the provinces of
Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon
and Masbate joined the contest.
Adjudged 2nd place winner is
Julian
Karl -Reola
of Magarao
October
December
2011
Central School, and 3rd place
is Jodan Parel of San Agustin
Elementary School in Iriga
City. Amanda Beatrice Esmeria
received a cash prize of P3,000
and a certificate of recognition,
while the 2nd and 3rd placer
received P1,000.00 each and
certificates of recognition.
Esmeria competed in
the national poster making
contest on October 11, 2011
at the DA national office
in Diliman, Quezon City.
The poster making contest
was conducted by the DA in
tandem with the DepEd and the
In pohoto are (L-R) Emily B. Bordado, Chief, RAFID 5, Julian Karl Reola
(2nd placer), Amanda Beatrice Esmeria (1st placer), DA Regional
NationalAgriculture and Fishery
Technical Director for Operations and Extension Dr. Elena B. delos
Councils with the support of
Santos, Jodan Parel (3rd placer), and Ms. Bernadette delos Santos,
UMAsenso
the Food and Agriculture Org.
one of the judges.
2011 ING
MYRNA CONMIGO-ACAYEN
Integrated Organic Rice Farmer
OUTSTAND
RURAL WOMAN
W
omen given the chance to prove
their worth are more aggressive
and determined to improve their
lot and promote development not only for
their families but also in their communities.
Myrna Conmigo - Acayen of Digdigion,
Goa, Camarines Sur is a shining example of
a woman who has taken farming by heart.
She is a widow with six children, but she
was able to overcome poverty because of
sheer industry. She is a tenant for over 30
years in the 10 hectare farm yet she was
able to transform the once grassy farm into
a productive and model farm.
Her farm is planted with over 200
coconut trees, assorted fruit trees, forest
trees, vegetables, palay, abaca ,rootcrops,
pineapple and a portion was utilized for
fishpond. While most of the farm was
planted with coconut she decided to practice
integrated diversified farming to maximize
use of the land make it more productive.
She started vegetable production in a 2,000
square meters lot with the help of her
children and one farm labor. She planted
a variety of vegetables: tomatoes, pepper,
eggplants, squash, okra, gabi or natong,
cassava and sweet potatoes. Her venture
into organic vegetable production started
when she began to realize the hazards
of vegetables sprayed with too much
pesticide. She initially intended to produce
vegetables for family consumption but
she began getting orders from teachers,
employees of the LGU.
For her different farm enterprises
(rice, vegetables, pineapple, cassava,
citrus, cacao, coconut – charcoal, coco
husk, coco coir, sawdust, copra, taroleaves, abaca, home-made foliar fertilizer,
kakawate posts and tilapia) she was able
to obtain Ps 205,035.00 in 2010. She also
ventured into selling dried gabi leaves
or “natong” in plastics at Ps 10.00 per
pack. According to her, marketing is not
a problem because orders were placed
through texting. She was also a recipient
of the coconut rehabilitation project of
PCA wherein she was able to replant about
100 coconut seedlings now about to bear
fruits. She was also a recipient of the Fiber
Industry Development Authority (FIDA) in
its abaca rehabilitation project wherein she
was able to rehabilitate hundreds of abaca
plants
8 in the farm.
She also ventured in upland rice
production. She is the cooperator of
MASIPAG or Magsasaka at Siyentipiko
para sa Pagpaunlad ng Agrikultura for
its adaptability trial of 50 traditional
varieties of palay. The varieties with good
yield, resistant to pest and diseases were
distributed to MASIPAG members. As an
added income Myrna also raised one head
of swine breeder, 30 native chickens, 4
head of cattle, 30 head of goat and 2 head
of carabao. As supplement to the feeds of
swine she gave fresh leaves of trichantera
a plant locally available rich in carotene
and plant protein. A plus factor of the
farm is the availability of free flowing
water from a small stream. She used the
water for irrigation and constructed four
fishponds stocked with tilapia, pangasius,
and catfish.
Myrna opted to go into organic farming
and diversified farming to maximize the
farm and at the same time contribute to
the preservation of the environment. She
produces her own organic fertilizer and
organic foliar sprays from plant extracts
namely: Lactic acid bacteria, calcium
phosphate , kuhol amino acid, fermented
fruit juice acid, fermented plant juice, and
OHN. She claimed that this is an added
income for the family as she is selling the
organic foliar sprays at Ps 150 to Ps 200 per
liter.
UMAsenso
by: Mabelle Roa-Ilan
She offers 10% discount to members
and they pay their dues after harvest. As
an advocate of organic farming Myrna
shifted planting vegetables using hybrid
seeds to OPV seeds. She does not apply
inorganic fertilizer and pesticides instead
she uses purely organic fertilizer and
sprays. She also uses carbonized rice hull
(CRH) in the farm. She also ventured
into vermicomposting. She is also into
recycling of farm wastes and home wastes.
She uses farm wastes as fertilizer and as
mulch. Home wastes were collected and
segregated. Bottles were collected and used
as container for the plant extracts and foliar
sprays produced by the MASIPAG farmers.
Myrna said that she was able to free herself
from debts after practicing organic farming.
She also believes that natural farming
systems can address some of the problems
of climate change because soil acidity will
be minimized, beneficial insects will be
preserved, methane gas production will
be reduced and many other health benefits
for humans. She also planted forest trees
like narra and mahogany as borders and
windbreaks. Her other sources of income
are : processing pili pulp oil, selling honey
and organic rice.
Myrna’s farm is one of the core
sites of the PALAYAMANAN project
of the Department of Agriculture. It
(Next page please)
October- December 2011
has 23 members, 8 are from Digdigon,
2 from San Isidro, 2 from San Pedro
,1 from Hiwacloy, 1 Napawon, 4 from
Halawig-gogon, 2 from matacla,
1 from Abucayan, 1 from Payatan
and 1 from Buyo. The group was
provided with upland palay seeds,
assorted OPV Vegetable seeds,
peanut seeds, 2 units carbonizer and
1 unit community- based composting
facility.
With her good rapport with cofarmers and with her sheer industry
and determination Myrna was able to
encourage other farmers in Digdigon
to venture into crop diversification,
practice sustainable land management and
adopt organic farming. Equipped with the
knowledge on these technologies she shared
her experiences to neighboring farmers
and also to other farmers in the region
and in the country. She was also invited
resource speakers and presenter in various
seminars and farmers assembly. In 2010
she became one of the speakers/presenter
in the MASIPAG General Assembly in
UP Los Baños discussing her experiences
in diversified integrated farming systems.
She was also invited as speaker on various
trainings and seminars on sustainable
agriculture and natural farming systems
technology.
To further enhance her skills and knowledge
Myrna
has -been
attending
seminars and
October
December
2011
trainings related to farming. Myrna has
been honed by GA-NGOLGU partnership like
the Plan International,
CARE Philippines, the
MASIPAG , DA and
the LGU of Goa. Some
of the trainings she
attended were: Trainers
training on participatory
approach sloping land
management;
Seasonlong training on farmersfield school for corn,
Season-Long
Training
FFS
on
vegetable,
Cocopeat Utilization as
Soil Conditioner; BioIntensive
Gardening;
Masipag Rice Technology
Training for Farmer
adoptors; Seed production
and Marketing of OPV
seeds and School-onthe-Air for hybrid rice
and many more. She
also joined cross visits
and tours to Cavite,
Los Baños, Bukidnon
and Nueva Ecija to see
new technologies worth
adopting to her farm.
Poverty and non-completion of a degree
course is not a deterrent to help others learn
the basics of reading and writing. Myrna
finished 2nd year HS but she was able to
turn the tables for education as volunteer,
teaching out of school youths how to read
and write. This was made possible through
the assistance of Ezer Foundation School
of Goa. While the OSY are learning how
to read and write the adults are into bible
reading. After the learning sessions feeding
of indigent children in Digdigon follows.
Myrna’s
leadership
potential
was
developed through the years and has been
recognized by her co-farmers and women
group. She is currently the treasurer of Goa
Vegetable Planters Association; Board of
Director of Goa Agri-Producers/Processors
Cooperative, representative in organic
agriculture of Municipal Agriculture
and Fishery Council of Goa, President
MASADigdi or Magsasakang Sustinableng
Agrikultura Para sa Digdigon, Treasurer
Coffee Growers of Camarines Sur , Board
of Director Digdigon Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative Inc. and Treasurer
Provincial MASIPAG Consultative Body.
In recognition of her industry,
innovativeness and resourcefulness in
farming she was a recipient of various
awards namely: Outstanding DIFS Farmer
and Outstanding MASIPAG Farmer and
Farmer Trainer.
Today, Myrna is contented and more
at peace with herself. She is focused and
committed in her advocacy for a cleaner and
greener environment. Hand in hand with
her advocacies she is also preparing for the
future of her children and grandchildren
which according to her deserve the best - a
secure future, a clean and safe environment
and a healthy lifestyle. Aside from this,
Myrna also touched the lives of the people
in her community by generating jobs and
by sharing the technologies. To the woman
of substance like Myrna she is truly
commendable and worth emulating and
deserves to be called as an “Outstanding
Rural Woman.”
Panata para sa Higit na Masaganang Ani
Bawat butil ng palay ay buhay
Butil na tutugon sa suliranin ng
kagutuman ng bayan.
kasiguruhan sa bigas o
Rice sufficiency sa taong 2013
At higit pang masaganang ani
sa mga kasunod na taon.
Bilang mamamayang Pilipino,
Pinatunayan natin na kayang- Naninindigan tayo na tutuparin
kaya ng Magsasakang Pinoy
ang panatang ito
Na higit pang pagyamanin ang
sa pamamagitan ng mas
palayan
matibay na pagkakaisa at
Sa kabila ng matitinding mga
Masiglang pagtutulungan ng
pagsubok ng nagdaang taon.
bawat isa
Ng mabibisang kaalaman
Bilang mamamayang Pilipino,
At teknolohiya
Kinakaharap natin ngayon ang
Sa likas-kayang pagsasaka
mas matinding hamon
Ito’y walang iba kundi ang
Bilang mamamayang Pilipino,
hawanin ang landas ng masang
Panata nami’y simulan
Magsasaka, pamahalaan, at
Na ang bayanihan
ibang sector
Tungo sa higit na masaganang
Upang
makamit ang
bukas.
9
UMAsenso
FEATURE STORY
H
usband and wife - Santi
and Carmela Cervantes
of Pili, Camarines Sur
are one of the staunch advocates
of sustainable agriculture in
this province. They started
as regular attendees in events
and activities on sustainable
and
organic agriculture.
They soon become staunch
supporters and promoters
of sustainable agriculture.
Carmelita or “Mely”, a faculty-
researcher at the Central Bicol
State University of Agriculture
(formerly CSSAC) has been
giving lectures on sustainable
production systems. Santi, who
is active in civic organizations
and
involved
in
nongovernment organizations is
similarly espousing this cause.
Today, their advocacy
has reached a higher level.
They are into actual practice
of
sustainable agriculture
Santi regularly monitors their
free-ranged chicken for any pest
and diseases.
and has virtually transformed
their more than four hectares
rice farm in Binanuanan
Sur, Pili, Camarines Sur into
an integrated and diversified
farm which is now an organic
farm certified by the Organic
Certification Center of the
Philippines (OCCP), in view
of its affiliation with PDCI, a
certified organic farm. The farm is now a popular
destination of people who
want to learn and go organic.
The farm aptly named Carmel
which means garden of beauty
and fertility or fertile ground also
serves as a laboratory or learning
cum training farm showcasing
natural farming technologies.
Along with other sustainable
agriculture advocates they have
organized the Bicol Center for
Sustainable Solutions. This
center provides training and
consultancy services on various
practices
and technologies
on sustainable
agriculture.
Sustainable
agriculture
according
to Mely is an
integrated system of plant and
animal production practices
having a site-specific application
that will last over the long
term. Its primary objective is
to provide or secure human
with safe and nutritious food,
enhance quality of environment
and natural resource base upon
which the agricultural economy
relies; make efficient use of
non-renewable resources and
on-farm resources and integrate
them into natural biological
cycles and conditions; make
the farm operations productive
and economically viable and
enhance the quality of life of
farmers and the community
or society as
a whole.
Two hectares of the
couple’s farm is planted to
organic rice. They practice the
system of rice intensification
(SRI) which involves the
transplanting of early seedling
(8-12 days old), planting of
one or two seedlings per hill
in marked fields with wider
distance of 25cm x 25cm,
keeping soil moist and not
flooded most of the time in the
vegetative stage, with two to
four times mechanical rotary
weeding and using organic
inputs alone. Currently, they
are keeping 20 traditional rice
cultivars, a collection from
colleagues from PABINHI
and SRI Pilipinas networks.
They are also using modern
rice varieties
like RC 18
and NSIC 222 which they
found to perform well under
organic production systems.
Other than palay or milled
rice, they also produce organic
seed to supply the needs of
friends producing organic
rice. Average rice yield is
100 cavans per hectare. The
harvests are sold to Pecuaria
Development Cooperative, Inc.
(PDCI), relatives and friends
at a price higher than palay
grown under chemical farming.
Other sections of the farm are
used as ranging areas for animals
and planted to various feed
crops like flamenga, rensonil,
madre de agau (Trichantera) and
various forage grasses. Some
portions are planted to assorted
(Next page please)
vegetables, ornamental plants,
fruit trees, herbal plants for
food, seed, fertilizer, pesticides
and medicinal purposes. Along boundaries they
also planted insect repellant
plants like cosmos, madre de
cacao, citronella and lemon
grass, ipil-ipil, and neem tree.
According
to
Santi
optimum diversity may be
well due to adverse impact of
weather or climate change.
Diversified farming could
also cushion farmers against
trade and price fluctuations.
According to Mely,
a
sustainable agricultural system
is anchored on the prudent use
of renewable and/or recyclable
resources. Thus, they collect,
select and produce their own
also established their own
feed garden where forage for
livestock are planted. They
make use of animal manure and
other farm wastes as fertilizers
for crops. They derive about
6-8 kilos of manure from their
5 cows which they use as
fertilizer. They also produce natural
fermented foliar fertilizers
According to Mely, a sustainable agricultural system is anchored
on the prudent use of renewable and/or recyclable resources.
Thus, they collect, select and produce their own seeds. They
have at present a collection 20 traditional rice varieties which
they intend to mass produce.
obtained by integrating not
only crops and livestock but
even fish in the same farming
operation. Thus, several farm
animals are also found in the
farm which include 5 cows for
dairy , 4 goats, 30 heads native
chicken and ducks, 50 heads
free-ranged Plymouth chicken.
The free-ranged chicken which
are known to be fast growing
and whose meat is more tender
than the native breed are in
the process of being detoxified.
They are slowly being weaned
from commercial feed towards
full organic feeds. They have also constructed
a 15-square meter fish pond
stocked with tilapia fingerlings.
Santi explained that mixed
crop plus livestock and
fisheries integration has several
advantages.
This enhances
soil fertility and reduces
soil erosion and
provides
diversified food and income
sources.. Farmers have also
a fallback or a buffer in case
one crop does not perform
The compost bed where farm
wastes are decomposed and later
October
- December 2011
used as fertilizers
seeds. They have at present a
collection 20 traditional rice
varieties which they intend
to mass produce.
They are
self-sufficient with organic
fertilizers which they produce
through
vermi-composting
of animal and crops wastes.
They also generate income
from the sale of vermi worms.
They also produce and
use natural fermented foliar
fertilizers which are molassesbased.
They do not use
chemical pesticide since aside
from producing and using their
own natural pesticide, they
realize that crop under organic
production system are healthier
and more resilient to pests.
The couple also adheres
to the sustainable agriculture
principle
of
promoting
practices that deliberately
reduce external inputs such
as synthetic
agrochemicals
and fuels and replaces these
inputs from within the farm
and from natural resources.
For this reason, they have
which are molasses-based.
The two dairy cows are
now producing 6 liters of milk
per day. They have also started
producing liquid fertilizer using
the available vegetations in the
farm such as kangkong and
other organic matter. They have
started earning income from
the 30-bed ornamental plants
mostly gladiolas and asters
and various other flowering
plants like zinnia, buttercups,
marigold, and yellow bells.
Soon the various fruit
trees that abound in the farm
will start bearing fruit and
will give additional income
and year-round supply of
fruits for market and family
consumption. Among them are
mango, pommelo, guyabano,
guava, bread fruit, jackfruit,
banana, rambutan, pili and
bignay. A number of coconut
trees are also planted in the farm.
Within the farm compound
a training hall and a dormitory
made of light materials were
constructed where participants
Mely Cervantes answers questions
from the author while touring
some guests around the farm
UMAsenso
including the fishpond.
can stay during the duration
of the training. On
our
visit to the farm along with
members of the local media
a training participated by
farmers and technicians was
in progress. It was sponsored
by the Philippine Business
for Social Progress (PBSP) in
cooperation with the Agencia
Española Cooperacion de la
Internationale para el Desarollo
(AECID). The training module
includes: integrated farming
systems, organic farming,
production and management of
appropriate cropping systems
in hilly land farms and farm
planning
and
budgeting.
The farm has been host
to about 20 training batches
involving 500 farmers, students,
staff from LGUs, and NGOs. Its
plus factor is serving of organic
food and bottomless supply
of organic beverages (lemon
grass tea or juice, sambong tea,
fruit juices, organic rice coffee)
At the entrance of the farm
is a tarpaulin and signage which
states “ where everything starts
with nature and
ends” a
testimony of the couples
commitment as advocates and
practitioners of sustainable
agriculture
to protect the
integrity of natural systems
so that natural resources
are continually regenerated
not only for this generation
but for future generation.
The
couple
believes
that
sustainable agriculture
presents an opportunity for
the present generation
to
rethink and reconsider the
importance of family farms
and
rural
communities
living in harmony with the
environment. With sustainable
agriculture, farming can be
ecologically
advantageous
and economically rewarding.
11
Winning Belen
1st
Planning
3rd
2nd
Agribusiness
Engineering
KAOGMAHAN DARA KAN
PASKO 2011
Grand Winner
DALEA raffle draw
Judges in Show Your Talent
Winners in the Show your Talent Competition
1st 12
Research Group
2nd 3rdOctober- December 2011
Administrative Group
NEWS IN PHOTO
Ombudsman Conchita-Carpio Morales (in white suite) met with the National Officers of the Association of Resident Ombudsman in
Government Agencies (AROGA) - Philippines. Among the issues presented by the officers was the retention of their title as Resident
Ombudsman which was changed to Resident Ombudsman Coordinators by virtue of A.O 22 issued by former Ombudsman Merceditas
Gutierrez and the retention of RO function in fact-finding or data gathering. Also in photo is UMAsenso editor and DA Resident Ombudsman
Emily B. Bordado (4th from left, right photo).
Dr. Wilma Hurtada, Professor, Institute of Human Nutrition & Food,
UP Los Baños shows the steps in cooking rice mixed with white corn
during the Trainors Training on the Promotion of Corn for Health
held at the RIARS Training Center.
Department of Agriculture RFU 5 Operations division chief and Corn
Program Regional Coordinator Eduardo Lomerio talks on updates on
AgriPinoy Corn Program during the seminar on Corn Mechanization
and Postharvest Technologies for Efficient and Quality Production.
The seminar was held at the RIARS Training Center.
DAEA BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Regional
Executive Director Jose V. Dayao (right)
administers the oath of office to 11
newly elected Board of Directors of the
Department of Agriculture Employees
Association (DAEA): (from left) Danilo SA.
Bordon; Hernan C. Elano; Florentino D.
Ubalde Jr.; Josefina U. Bañadera; Imelda
P. Acompañado; Yolanda A. Diokno;
Joseph H. Escober; Doris V. Yap; not
in photo are Giovanni C. Pasamba III;
Lorenzo L. Alvina; and Robella V. Naldo.
The election was held at the DA Library
on December 21 during the DAEA General
Assembly. They will serve a two-year
term (CY 2012-2014).
October - December 2011
UMAsenso
13
(DA FAO hold national...
Contiguous Fragile Ecosystems
in the Cordilleras (CAR). This
was attended by Agriculture
Secretary Proceso J. Alcala,
Japan FAO representative to the
Philippines Kazuyuki Tsurumi
and other DA & FAO officials.
Secretary Alcala in his
keynote speech underscored
the importance of the farmers
and the fisherfolk in this
project. He said that these are
the vulnerable groups and they
must be put at the center of
the policy making and project
implementation for them to
get the benefits and minimize
the impact of climate change.
He cited the two project
sites in Bicol and Cordilleras
and the lessons learned and
the practical approaches that
can be derived from them
on disaster response and
management and on climate
change adaptation. He said
these are important inputs in
planning and implementation
of agriculture projects. He
added that both areas have
come up with innovative and
indigenous technologies that
are location specific and worth
replicating. He bared that the
DA has other interventions like
collaboration with PAGASA by
establishing automatic weather
stations to record micro climate
data that would allow DA to
gather and analyze data that
would guide farmers. It is also
enhancing the remote sensing
or Geographic Information
Systems
capabilities;
PHILRICE is developing
resilient varieties to minimize
14
from page 1)
project and giving priority to
the most vulnerable group. He is
optimistic that with the project
climate change capacities will
be enhanced; institutional
capacities of the different
agencies will be strengthened
and up-scaled and ultimately be
incorporated in their respective
plans, and the goal of food
TCP/PHI/3203 in Bicol was
presented by Dr. Arnulfo
Mascariñas; Dr. Cely Binoya;
Dr. Plutomeo S. Nieves and
DA Bicol Regional Executive
Director Jose V. Dayao. Among
the lessons learned from
the project include: Mutual
cooperation and/or partnership
among local key agencies/
losses due to drought and floods.
For infrastructure irrigation
rain harvesting and small
water impounding projects
and small farm reservoir are
being promoted. Likewise,
provision or easy access to
post harvest facilities is also
being implemented
by DA including
dryers, storages and
warehouses. PCIC
for its part is doing
study on weather
based insurance.
Alcala
admitted
that DA alone
cannot
mitigate
climate change, it
must involve all
sectors and must
be a collaborative
e f f o r t .
He
also The Bicol delegation led by Regional Exec. Director Jose V. Dayao (standing, 8th from
thanked the local left) with the FAO and DA officials during the summit. Also in photo is CAR OIC-RED
executives present Marilyn V. Sta. Catalina who served as the project leader in Bicol prior to her transfer.
because they are
the first one to respond to security will be achieved. institutions
with
defined
disasters and they are the one Tsurumi also emphasized that roles/obligation is necessary
providing the DA with the data there should be an exchange in mainstreaming DRR/CCA;
on damages and recommends of the different lessons learned the LGU’s are key partners in
sustainable solutions. He urged in the project and continue the process of mainstreaming/
the participants to learn the to develop new concepts and institutionalization (ownership/
lessons from the two projects outline initiatives together responsibility to farmers) ;
and ensure to find ways to with the other line agencies. A better understanding of
Meanwhile, Dr. Stephan climate/ weather forecast &
replicate these in the regions. Tsurumi in his message said Baas and Claudia Hiepe of timely delivery of advisories
that Climate change continues FAO presented some of the to LGUs & farmers enhances
to affect the ecosystem and the salient experiences from FAO’s local disaster preparedness
natural resources. It also affects Climate Change and Disaster and reduces livelihood losses;
Reduction
Projects. the technologies must be
the current food production Risk
system making it resilient and According to Baas DRR is a simple and should follow the
ultimately threatening food natural entry point for Climate required process and based
security. He commended the Change which continues to be on vulnerability assessment;
efforts of the FAO and the a multiple threat to agriculture Priority technologies and policy
DA for taking the lead in this and livelihood. He cited that directions that should adapt to
there is no such present social and environmental
thing as “one fits contexts are equally important
all” practices, plan, responses to CC; Awareness of
context
specific; farming/fishing communities
and farmers tend to their current vulnerabilities
to take today only and future climate risks are
what benefit them. key to effectively initiate
measure.
He reported that it adaptation/DRR
Present
in
the
activity
is important to give
were
mayors,
governors
attention to known
sustainable land and and provincial agriculturists
from the 46 vulnerable to
water management hazards provinces of the
p r a c t i c e s . country. (Mabelle Roa-Ilan)
The
project
UMAsenso
October- December 2011
DA Bicol starts Agri Fishery
Modernization Plan 20122017 formulation
DAET,
CAMARINES
NORTE… The Department of
Agriculture in Bicol recently
convened the Local Government
Units of this province for the
formulation of the Agriculture
& Fisheries Modernization Plan
(AFMP) 2012-2017 for region
5. Held in Daet Kalinangan
Center in Bgy. Calasgasan on
November 3-4, this 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.
Ernesto Parato, Chief
of the Planning and Project
Development Division of
the DA, said that the need
to formulate the AFMP is
embodied in section 13 of the
AFMA of 1997 and Sec. 17 of
RA 7160. It aims to translate
into operational terms Chapter 4
of the Philippine Development
Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 and the
principles and practices in AgriPinoy 2011; help optimize use
of limited resources; provide
strategic, medium-term and
consistent context for the DA
annual budget; and to strengthen
DA “culture of performance.”
The AFMP is guided by
the following principles: 1)
modernization of the sector
through gendered value-chain
approach (from farm to table);
2)DA-LGU
engagement
governed
by
consistent
transparent and accountable
policies and procedures; 3)
rational and harmonized costsharing 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) Interagency convergence to reduce
sec tor-wide transaction costs
for delivering public goods.
Parato also added that 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,
capacity-building,
and other “enabling support.”
The DA’s complementary
“steering role” is to perform
core functions which are:
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 Pajares
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
Regional
Technical
Director 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. (Lovella Guarin)
(P12.3 M released... from page 1)
The Sorsogon Dairy Farm located at Cabid-an, Sorsogon City is a
recipient of a P2.8 million loan program from the National Dairy
Authority, aimed to increase milk output of the region and the
country as well. Twenty heads of pregnant dairy heifers a cross of
62.5% Holstein and 37.5% Sahiwal from New Zealand were delivered
recently in the farm. The station shall pay NDA with 20 heifers for 10
years. ROS Superintendent Dolores Ricafranca disclosed that with
the addition of new breeds of dairy cows, the farm will be able to
upgrade and increase its dairy herd population. She added that with
this project, more milk will be produced and processed to cater to
the increasing demand for milk in the province.
October - December 2011
province the total number of
beneficiaries are Catanduanes
-209, Camarines Norte – 208,
Masbate -208, Camarines
Sur – 206, Sorsogon – 199,
Albay 206. The beneficiaries
came from 28 municipalities
regionwide classified as 4th,
5th and 6th municipalities. The
projects funded under AKBay
include goat, duck, chicken
raising,
swine
fattening/
breeding, vegetable production,
tilapia production, fishing
paraphernalia, crablets/mudcrab
production, and salted dried fish.
Agriculture
Regional
Executive Director JoseV. Dayao
speaking in many occasions of
the AKbay awarding of checks
in the different municipalities
has underscored the efforts
of the government to reduce
poverty in the countryside
thru the AKBay Program. He
enjoined the cooperation of
UMAsenso
the recipients in ensuring the
wise utilization of the project
fund in order not to defeat the
good intention of the program.
Also, the local officials
have signified their support to
the successful implementation
of the program and asked the
beneficiaries to make good their
repayment so that others may
also benefit from the program.
AKBay is a poverty
reduction program intended
for the poorest households
in the farming and fishing
communities in 31 provinces
identified in the government’s
Accelerated Hunger Mitigation
Program. Only the 4th, 5th,
and 6th class municipalities
in the priority provinces are
covered by the program.
The selection for the
second batch of recipients
for AKBay will start this
year. (Virginia F. Idaño)
1
DA leads observance of Consumer Welfare Month
The Consumer Welfare
month is being observed
the whole month of October
to highlight the importance
of upholding and protecting
the rights and
privileges of
the
consumers. The lead
government agency for this
year’s observance was the
Department of Agriculture
supported by the Department
of Trade and Industry, the Naga
City government and the local
consumer groups. As a kick
off activity, a slogan writing
contest revolving on this year’s
theme: “Sapat, Ligtas at AbotKayang Pagkain para sa Lahat”
NAGA CITY. SM Activity Center.
was conducted participated by
the barangays of Naga City
on October 3. The next day
a motorcade was conducted
around Naga City participated
by officers and members of
the Consumer Action group,
city and barangay officials,
representatives
from
the
government agencies, and civil
society. The motorcade was
followed by a program at the SM
Activity Center in Naga City.
Crisanto Castro president
of the Naga City Consumer
Action group
underscored
that consumers have rights as
well as responsibilities. He
said that consumers must take
active part in ensuring that
their rights are not violated.
DA regional director Jose V.
Dayao also emphasized the
critical role of the agriculture
sector in ensuring food
sufficiency and food security. Naga City mayor John
Bongat for his part stressed that
as consumers we should spend
wisely and make good use of
our money ensuring that we are
not short changed and that the
goods we buy are of the right
quantity, quality and value.
The
other
activities
conducted by the DA for the
month-long observance were
the following: Poster-making
Contest for elementary pupils
depicting
the World Food
Day theme “Food Prices: From
Crisis to Stability” at the DA
Library and
Reorganization
of Price and Volume Watch
at the DA Conference Room
simultaneously
on October
5;
Trainers Training
on
Promotion of Corn
for
Health on October 6 at the
DA RIARS Training Center;
Organic Food Conference
and Farmers’ Festival
on
October 11 at the CBSUA;
Launching of Barangay Center/
Municipal Food Terminal on
October 18 at Mercedes,
Cam. Norte; and Consumer
Net meeting on October
28th at the DA conference
room. (Emily B. Bordado)
RAFID hosted 4th Qtr national RIO conference
CARAMOAN,
CAMARINES
SUR.
The Regional Agriculture and Fisheries
Information Division (RAFID) region 5
hosted the 4th quarter conference of the
Regional Information Officers (RIOs).
Nineteen RIOs from all over the country
and staff of the Agriculture and Fisheries
Information Service (AFIS) of the DA Central
Office, headed by Director Noel O. Reyes
attended the meeting which was held at La
Playa beach resort in the island of Caramoan,
Camarines Sur on December 7-9, 2011.
The AFIS convenes the
RIOs regularly on a quarterly
basis to give them updates on
the latest pronouncements and
orders of the Secretary and the
national program coordinators.
As
the
communication
arm of the DA, the RAFID
headed by the
RIOs are
tasked to implement effective
communication strategies in the
dissemination of the agency’s
programs and new technologies
to the farmers and fisherfolks.
Noel O. Reyes, AFIS
Director congratulated the
RIOs for a job well done in
past year and urged them to
come up with more success
stories of the farmers and
fisherfolks as they will serve
as inspirations for others to
choose farming as an enterprise.
The RIOs take turn in
hosting the quarterly meeting
so that their fellow RIOs
could also see and learn
communication practices and
development efforts in other
regions. (Lovella Guarin)
AFIS Director Noel O. Reyes (standing, right photo) shows the
new rice infomercial “Palay Bigas Kanin Huwag Sayangin.”
Department of Agriculture
Regional Field Unit No. 5
Reg’l Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division
San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur
e-mail: darafid5 @ yahoo.com
Entered as Second Class
Mail Matter at Pili, Post Office,
Pili, Cam. Sur on July 30, 1999
PRINTED MATTER