|
MAY 2011
ZamPen's
youth race well at 4-H National convention
May 31, 2011
Site Specific
Nutrient Management for Maize in Sergio Osmena May 30,
2011
ZamPen's youth
race well at 4-H National convention May 31, 2011
Mohammad Zen Nuño Johan is Zampen's pride who won 2nd
Place in the Extemporaneous Speech competition. The 19-year old
Johan is an AB Economics student at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
He expounded the role of a 4-H'er in facing the challenges of
food security and self sufficiency
Region IX's 4-H Club members bagged at least four top awards
in the recently concluded 4-H National Covention at the Eden
Nature Park & Resort, Toril, Davao City.
Michele T. Cirunay's Boneless Chevon was 2nd Best Chevon recipe
in a Cooking Competition. Cirunay, incoming 4th year at the Zamboanga
del Sur National High School has already earned from her recipe
for a year now.
Xyra Claire Cabases from Mahayag was 5th place for the Handicraft
contest using rice- based materials. Joining Cabases is Girlie
Mae Agngarayngay was 4th runner-up in the Miss 4H Dream Girl
contest. The contest includes beauty and money where Zampen's
bet was able to raise P31, 126.00 in a glass dance. Agngarayngay
is a 4-H'er from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The 4-H of the Philippines is a youth development program supported
by the Department of Agriculture. 4-H stands for Head, Heart,
Hands and Health in motion towards food security and self-sufficiency.
It was the 59th 4-H National Convention where DA Secretary Proceso
J. Alcala was invited to speak before the over 600 youth leaders
and members throughout the country.
In his message delivered by Assistant
Secretary Edilberto M. de Luna, the Secretary emphasized that
DA does not only believe that the youth are the hopes of the
nation, but they are our collaborators and partners in creating
a progressive, innovative and the strength for agricultural development.
We recognize the vital role of the young people in creating a
better nation.
"We believe that by constantly empowering your choices and
improving your capabilities, we can altogether create change
where it is needed. By teaching you with community development
programs and livelihood activities, we also empower you with
the hope to build a better life."
Citing the theme: 4-H'ers Working Together Towards Food Security
and Self-Sufficiency, Alcala states that it fits to the department's
prime concern to realize the Medium Term Socio-Economic plan
of the government dubbed as Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.
Alcala shared the success story of 4-H Club Federated President
of Siguijor Elnard Ympal who was due to receive his Presidential
Trophy and Citation as Outstanding Young Farmer 2009-2010.
"There is indeed money in farming" as he puts his stake
in agriculture with passion, he was able to realize his dreams
of having a better life instead of finding opportunities in the
cities, agricultural production could not only create jobs in
the countryside. It can also trim down the possibility for global
trade and it keeps the youth from flocking in the cities because
there is already livelihood right in the localities.
To date, 4-H Clubs in the Philippines has 3, 609 chapters with
101, 569 members.
It is sad to note however that one of ZamPen's Volunteer Leader
Jason Arcillas died in a vehicular accident. Lorna Bautista and
Maria Fe Domingo from the City Agriculturist Office had serious
injuries. Others including some delegates from Regions 2 and
6 had different degrees of injuries. The accident happened on
their way to their temporary residence when their vehicle's break
failed to function. Head of Delegation and DA chief of the Institutional
Development Section Vivian Paule decided to withdrew from participating
in the two contests, Quiz Bee and Poster Making, and other activities
because ZamPen delegates especially those from Zamboanga City
needs medical care and assistance. The accident happened at the
middle of the weeklong event. (Mark Brian U. Laride and Remai
Alejado, DA9) TOP
| MAY NEWS
Site Specific Nutrient
Management for Maize in Sergio Osmena May 30, 2011
Among the 14 research papers recently presented during the Research
and Development in-house review of the Department of agriculture,
the first prize winning paper went to Mr. Felizardo Salomes ,
et al. The study was “Site Specific Nutrient Management
for Maize in Sergio Osmeña.”
The second and third prizes were Practices of the DA-MLPC Chiquinina
Cattle in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte by Vicente G. Balingit,
et.al. and CPAR on Integrated Rubber-based Farming System by
Ernie C. Camacho, et.al, respectively.
Mr. Salomes cited that his paper
on “Site Specific Nutrient Management for Maize in Sergio
Osmeña” is an integrated approach to the use of available
nutrient sources such as the soil’s indigenous nutrient
supply. It advocates the use of biofertilizers and organic amendments
where only deficit nutrient needs are satisfied with inorganic
fertilizers in a specific site or location.
The paper on “Practices of the DA-MLPC Chiquinina Cattle
in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte by Vicente G. Balingit”
showed that adopting acclimatization techniques, breeding strategies,
feeds and feeding practices, and management practices of the
DA-MLPC will improve the reproduction performance of the chiquinina
cattle in terms of quality and quantity.
The third winning paper “Community-based Participatory Action
Research (CPAR) on Integrated Rubber-based Farming System by
Ernie C. Camacho, et.al aims to augment farm productivity and
profitability in the community through complementation of participatory
action and research. As stated in their research that “with
the introduced system, farmers’ net income reached Php88,143.16
with a Return on Capital (ROC) of 299.98% compared to the farmers’
practice which had only a net income of Php16,800.00 and an ROC
of 110.53%. The introduced system also had an excellent Marginal
Benefit Cost Ratio (MBCR) of 2.99.”
Said winning papers will have
the chance to compete in the regional and national levels. The
Regional Symposium will be conducted by Western Mindanao Agriculture,
Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium
(WESMARRDEC) and the National symposium by the Bureau of Agricultural
Research (BAR). Research sectors involved are crops, livestock
and poultry its research disciplines on Socio-economics, farming
systems, among others.
The panel of evaluators were
Mr. Rodolfo Galang from the Burea of Reserarch, Dr. Emilie C.
Enriquez, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and WESMARRDEC
Consortium Director, Mr. Elmer Enicola and Ms. Maria Adelia C.
Belen both from the Philippine Council for Agriculture Resources,
Research and Development. (PCARRD).
Judging of the papers were based on Creativity, Originality and
Quality of Work 30%,Significance of Findings- 40%, Manuscript/Write-up-
15% and Presentation- 15% a total of 100%. Cash awards were given
to the winners. The Review was held at the DA's Western Mindanao
agriculture Research Center (WESMIARC) (ytavellaneda/DA9)
TOP | MAY NEWS
JUNE
2011
Isabela
City opens 4th Barangay Food Terminal June 8, 2011
School
Gardens also Open this June June 2, 2011
Isabela City
opens 4th Barangay Food Terminal June
8, 2011
Another Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) project was recently launched
in the region and this time it is in Carbon, Malamawi Island,
Isabela City. This is a project of the Department of Agriculture
thru its agribusiness division in coordination with the Office
of the City Agriculturist of Isabela.
The BFT in Brgy. Carbon will be catering areas in Diki, Tampalan,
Sta. Barbara and Lukbutan serving 3,000 households. This will
be operated by the Malamawi Women’s Association under chairwoman
Ms. Jamal L. Usman.
It is expected that the BFT functions as a barangay-based food
depot and distribution system offering affordable, safe and quality
food products like meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, among
others. Just like what Mr. Ferdinand Gamorot, Chief of Agribusiness
Marketing and Assistance Division (AMAD) said that the BFT’s
concern is to help market agri-fishery goods and bring BFT in
your area.
During the launching, on behalf of Regional Executive Director
Carlos B. Mendoza, Regional Technical Director Aida P. Cariño
inspired the women by saying “ the involvement of women
is doing good. Let’s help each other sustain the project.”
Dr. Cariño also challenged the women to increase what
they have and if there’s a need for expansion then DA is
willing to help.
Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council Coordinator Buduriya
Parawan advised the women to also bring-in their agri-fishery
by-products as they were also trained on this. In response, Ms.
Usman gave the assurance of giving their best in sustaining the
BFT with the support of the City Agriculturist in the person
of Ms. Gina Alberto in providing technical assistance in terms
of market linkages to prospective suppliers.
BFT Malamawi received equipment from DA such as two chest freezers,
two chillers as cold storage, 25 pieces plastic crates and five
weighing scales, three styropore boxes and two heavy duty calculators
to supplement its operation. DA will also provide financial assistance
to supplement its operation upon completion of necessary documents.
(Yvette Avellaneda/DA9). TOP | JUNE NEWS
School Gardens also
Open this June June 2,
2011
Not only will the Universal Kindergarten be implemented by the
Department of Education (DepEd) this June but also the Gulayan
Sa Paralan by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Not only will the Universal Kindergarten be implemented by the
Department of Education (DepEd) this June but also the Gulayan
Sa Paralan by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The Gulayan sa Paaralan program has a total target of 42,076
public primary and secondary schools from all 17 regions in establishing
a vegetable garden in the next five years.
Starting this school year June 2011, the DA in partnership with
other government agencies like DepEd, DILG, DOH, NNC, DSWD, LGUs
and the Private sector will promote and increase consumption
of vegetables among children.
DA - High Value Crops Development
Program (HVCDP) Regional Coordinator Mr. Marcial B. Fantone said
that in Region IX, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay
are the priority provinces of the Gulayan sa Paaralan since they
remain to be in the country’s top 10 poorest provinces with
high rate of malnourished children. “We have a target of
498 public schools for the establishment of vegetable gardens.
We will first launch in Zamboanga del Norte this June and also
provide trainings for the teachers on proper vegetable growing
and management. We hope that the participating schools would
sustain our project to show the young/ children that eating vegetables
is important to stay healthy. This would also contribute to the
DA’s goal of food security and self-sufficiency in the coming
years.” Fantone added.
The DA will provide assorted vegetable seeds and other plant
materials for distribution to schools in coordination with the
DepEd. A competition for the Best School garden will later take
place; also as one strategy to maintain the school gardens.
All participating schools must have at least a 200sqm vacant
space, others may use a container gardening technology to establish
the garden. The harvests, sales or income will go to the school
to be used for its supplementary feeding program and maintenance
for the next cropping.
The Programang Agrikulturang Pilipino – Gulayan sa Paaralan
aims to promote self help food production activities and values
(appreciation of agriculture as a life support system) among
children. It also intends to promote vegetable production through
natural/organic farming; maintain school gardens as source of
vegetables to supply feeding programs; and to showcase a small-scale
food production model in schools for the households and communities
to replicate purposely to promote family food security. # (CC,DA9)
TOP |
JUNE NEWS
JULY
2011
31.6M worth
of Agri projects underway for ZC
July 21, 2011
RAFC
spearheads farmers' forum in Malamawi
July 20, 2011
San Pablo
operates food terminal July 12, 2011
DA completes
P102M infra project in Aurora July 11, 2011
Barangay
Bolong shows off Jardin July 4, 2011
La Paz
receives VETCAP from DA, OCVET and AFP
July 1, 2011
31.6M worth
of Agri projects underway for ZC July
21, 2011
The Department of Agriculture in partnership with the city government
of Zamboanga are now evaluating Rural Infrastructure projects
for the two congressional districts estimated at thirty-one million
six hundred thousand pesos (P31,600,000.00) from 2011 to 2016
under the ZIADP special project. Construction is expected to
start anytime within this quarter. Raul Ramon “Poch”
Bucoy, Agriculture Program Coordinator (APCO)
The Department of Agriculture in partnership with the city government
of Zamboanga are now evaluating Rural Infrastructure projects
for the two congressional districts estimated at thirty-one million
six hundred thousand pesos (P31,600,000.00) from 2011 to 2016
under the ZIADP special project. Construction is expected to
start anytime within this quarter. Raul Ramon “Poch”
Bucoy, Agriculture Program Coordinator (APCO) for Zamboanga City
and newly appointed Zamboanga Integrated Agricultural Development
(ZIADP) Coordinator for Region 9 said some of the targeted projects
are about to start its construction the earliest possible time
as the evaluation have been approved and with corresponding amount.
For the First District under Congresswoman Ma. Isabelle Climaco
- Salazar, the projects are farm-to-market roads, rehabilitation
of Irrigation System and rehabilitation of the different seaweed
stilt dryers all located in the different barangays in the west
coast of the city. For the Second District under Congressman
Erbie A. Fabian, projects are concreting of roads in barangays
Mercedes, Sangali and Cabaluay.
Bucoy said the evaluation team is composed of engineers and officials
from the Local Government Unit, national agencies and representatives
from non government organization (NGO). He said the involvement
of the NGOs is one of the mandated requirements by the present
administration to be included in the evaluation, recommendation
and approval of any government projects all over the country.
Bucoy disclosed that more agricultural-related projects are in
the pipeline for implementation in Zamboanga City. The infrastructure
projects have significant benefits to the rural economy as it
links production areas to markets and stimulate economic activities
in the communities. It will enhance the agricultural and fishery
productivity and increase the income of the farmers and fisherfolk.
All projects are always properly coordinated with the LGU. (WPeñaflor/DA9)
TOP |
JULY NEWS
RAFC spearheads farmers'
forum in Malamawi July
20, 2011
At least 120 farmers and fisherfolk from barangays Sta. Barbara,
Carbon, Marang-Marang, Panigayan, Balatanay, Tampalan, Lampinigan,
Diki and Lukboton participated in the recently conducted forum
at the White Beach of Malamawi Island, Isabela City, Basilan
Province.
Led by the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council IX (RAFC),
the forum was formally opened with the raising of banners of
participating barangays by respective chairman. One of the highlights
of the forum is the Agri-Fair showcasing each barangays’
produce. Some products showcased include crabs, fish, squid,
seaweeds and other seafoods, muslim delicacies and decorative
wood handicrafts.
During the Opening Program, Department of Agriculture Regional
Technical Director Constancio G. Alama appreciated the beauty
of Malamawi. He said “you have rich resources in fisheries.
If you put some value adding in your products you can get better
return of investment.”
Several topics were presented such as Implementing Rules and
Guidelines of FARMC; Cultural Management on Selected Vegetables;
Organic Farming; Rubber Production; PCA’s Program and Brontispa;
and BFAR’s Program.
Aside from lectures, there were three organizations created and
formally inducted by DA Regional Executive Director Carlos B.
Mendoza during the Closing program. The organizations were Pambansang
Manalon, Mag-uuma, Mababaul, Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (P4MP) -
Isabela, Isabela Coconut Development Council and White Sand 4H
Club.
Two projects were also turned over; one under the Support to
Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program (SELAP) for the Malamawi
Women’s Association and another under the Zamboanga Peninsula
Integrated Agricultural Development Program (ZIADP) for the Farm-
to-Market Road (FMR).
The Malamawi Women’s Association received a livelihood assistance
for Food processing and handicraft project amounting to P100,000.00.
The FMR is a one kilometer rehab of Lukboton- Lukkabang road
amounting to P 1.4M.
RED Mendoza lauded that Malamawi can be the Boracay of Region
IX. He further said “I challenge you for an agri-tourism
program. Tourism will not be achieved without agriculture since
food is the basic need for both tourist and residents.”
“Let’s do our best in partnership with the government.
The project is for you, make the most of it.” Mendoza added.
(YTAvellaneda/DA9)
TOP |
JULY NEWS
San Pablo operates
food terminal July 12,
2011
“Showcase and sell your products in the food terminal,
” says Agriculture and Marketing Services (AMAS) Director
Leandro H. Gazmin during the recent project launching in Barangay
Kapamanok, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur. Director Gazmin recognized
the potential resources of Kapamanok which if harnessed could
serve as a food buffer not only to the municipality but also
to its adjacent municipalities.
With a project cost of one million pesos, the Municipal Food
Terminal (MFT) which is known before as the Bagsakan Center,
Director Gazmin turned over the project to San Pablo Mayor Belman
Mantos who assured “we will strengthen this food depot and
let this grow with our products.”
Governor Antomio H. Cerilles in his message read by Board Member
Eriberto A. Sumalinog said “this Municipal Food Terminal
will help our farmers and fisherfolk sell their produce without
manipulation from the middlemen. It will also encourage them
to observe healthy lifestyle by patronizing our farm products
using organic fertilizers.”
The MFT is a project of the Department of Agriculture in partnership
with the local government of San Pablo. Mr. Ferdinand Gamorot,
Chief of DA-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division said the
project was done in an 80-20 counterparting scheme and commended
barangay Kapamanok and the LGU of San Pablo for their full support.
To date, only two MFT’s have been opened (Diplahan, ZSP
and San Pablo, ZDS) and four are still underway for operation.
On the other hand, the Barangay Food Terminal (BFT), also a food
terminal project of DA in partnership with the LGU in providing
market for farmer’s produce. It is a barangay-based food
depot and distribution system that offers safe, quality and affordable
agri-fishery products to consumers at a barangay level. Since
2008; it was known as Barangay Bagsakan. Thus far, there are
already 54 BFT’s established in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.
(Mark Laride/DA9) TOP
| JULY NEWS
DA completes P102M
infra project in Aurora July
11, 2011
The 28.914 kilometer s farm-to-market road (FMR) project in the
Municipality of Aurora, province of Zamboanga del Sur is now
ready to serve 2,741 households. Nine potable water systems (PWS)
benefit 1,892 farmers.
Amounting to P103 million pesos, five segments road projects
and nine potable water systems (PWS) were completed and recently
turned over to the municipality of Aurora. The road segments
are in Brgy. Kahayagan - Mandaue - Balintawak; Brgy. Sapalobok
- kauswagan - Kahayagan; Brgy. Lintugup - Tagolalo - Mahayahay
- Gubaan - Inatagan - Campo 1; La Victoria - San Juan; and Barangay
Cabilinan. The PWS are constructed in Barangays Monpila, Bag-ong
Mandaue, Tagolalo, Waterfall, Lubid, Bag-ong Maslob, Inroad,
Napo and Kahayagan East.
Mayor Enrique "Jun" Cabahug said " I owe this
project to the people of Aurora and the Sangguniang Bayan for
endorsing the Appropriation Ordinance required by the project.
Thank you for supporting this project . We braved the trials
in the name of development. This is our legacy."
Mayor Cabahug also thanked the Department of Agriculture especially
then Director Oscar O. Parawan for his motivation to finish the
project and conformed by now Regional Executive Director Dr.
Carlos B. Mendoza.
For his part, Department of Agricul-Regional Technical Director
Constancio G. Alama who represented RED Mendoza described the
LGU of Aurora as consistent, persistent and insistent. "Finally
we have completed this project together. " He reminded the
beneficiaries to maintain said projects.
Project Manager Roy Abaya congratulated the local government
of Aurora for their active participation and hoped that their
support will continue in all agricultural projects. "I know
your problems in this journey but you have hurdled the obstacles
and end up as victorious as you are today."
Barangay Captain Petronilo Gumapon of Barangay Inroad was teary
eyed while delivering his message in behalf of all barangay officials
and beneficiaries. "At first, we doubted the project but
now that it is handed to us, we could hardly believe it is true."
The Infrastructure for Rural Productivity Enhancement Sector
(InfRES) is a special project of the Department of Agriculture.
Projects are implemented on a counterparting scheme. For FMR,
Aurora LGU counterparted 37.7%, DA 12.3% and 50% from the Asian
Development Bank (ADB). For the PWS, LGU Aurora shared 47.7%,
DA shared 2.3% and ADB shared 50%.
The DA-InfRES project in Aurora is the biggest in the region
and second nationwide. (Mark Brian Laride/DA9) TOP | JULY NEWS
Barangay
Bolong shows off Jardin July
4, 2011
In promoting vegetables to be part of healthy diet and an alternative
livelihood to gain income, the Jardin na Barangay Bolong is determined
to send a message to other barangays in Zamboanga City that it
is possible to maintain a vegetable garden without high maintenance.
The vegetable garden in Sitio Mala, barangay Bolong in Zamboanga
City was adjudged as one of the finalist to the interbarangay
Jardin na Barangay contest. Its farm manager Ruben Coros, also
a Kagawad, said that they started the vegetable garden in February
by planting pechay and all the income from the harvest was used
as capital for planting the next crop and expanding the area.
Coros as well plans to use part of the income to loan small farmers
in the community for their starting capital to vegetable production.
Jardin na Barangay is a program coordinated by the Office of
the City Agriculturist and Councilor Reynerio Candido, Committee
Chairman on Agriculture; with the support of the Department of
Agriculture in providing vegetable seeds.
According to Mr Antonio Magsino Jr from the City Agriculturist
office, there are eight official entries to the interbarangay
contest on 'Jardin' from which only four barangays were selected
as finalists - barangays Culianan, Mercedes, Bolong and Sinubong.
Mr. Magsino mentioned the awarding will be held sometime this
July with a grand prize of P300,000.00 worth of infrastructure
facility project to be given to the winning barangay.
Bolong barangay captain Antonio Evangelista fully supports the
project. He said the project in Sitio Mala welcomes visitors
to the area where the barangay can showcase vegetable production
using organic fertilizer. (CC-DA) TOP | JULY NEWS
La Paz receives VETCAP
from DA, OCVET and AFP July
1, 2011
In a recent activity celebrating the 113th-year Anniversary of
the Department of Agriculture (DA), the office in coordination
with the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVET) and the Veterinary
Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted
a one-day Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP) in Camp Susana,
Barangay La Paz in Zamboanga City.
Veterinary health services such as Deworming and Vaccination
for swine (Hog Cholera), cattle, carabao, goat, sheep (Hemosep),
dog (Rabies), horse and poultry (New Castle Disease) were administered
by veterinarians to animals for free.
La Paz Kagawad Edgardo Serna, also chairman on the committee
on agriculture, expressed his gratitude to the organizers of
the VetCAP, and the veterinarians of DA, OCVET and the AFP. He
mentioned that when the people in the community first learned
that veterinary services will be brought up to Camp Susana, they
were all very eager since this kind of opportunity comes once
in a while only. Serna hopes that there will be another service-activity
to be conducted in the future at La Paz.
Leading the veterinarians were Dr. Carlos Mendoza, DA Regional
Executive Director, Dr. Arnedo Agbayani, Chief, Animal Health
Div.(OCVET), Dr. Don Beckett from the AFP with Command Veterinary
Officer Major Beda Sluggo Elegado.
Also present were Staff of the DA Livestock Division Rowena Pajes,
Cedrick Paule, Bing Modina and Baby Telmo, OCVET Staff Dr. Portia
Pelayo, Dr. Luz Grace Gimenea and the staff of the AFP Veterinary
Corps. (CC/DA) TOP
| JUNE NEWS
AUGUST
2011
DA
intensifies mass production of cassava August 21, 2011
The
search is on for DA-BFAR Scholars August 17, 2011
The
search is on for outstanding Liberal Projects August 17, 2011
DA
prepares corn seeds for this season August 17, 2011
DA
joins Nutrition celebration August 11, 2011
Ipil
receives 27.38 kilograms Veggie Seeds for AgriPinoy GSP August 11, 2011
Miss
4H Zamboanga City 2011 winner August 9, 2011
Food
Handicraft Livelihood set for Isabela City August 8 2011
Aflatoxin
is Alarming
August 4
2011
DABAFPS
conducts Food Safety and Quality Seminar August 2 2011
Gulayan
sa Paaralan begins in ZaNorte August 1 2011
DA intensifies mass production of cassava August 21, 2011
Farmers are encouraged to
venture in cassava because there are multi -national companies
willing to buy it in bulk at reasonable price provided it conforms
to their requirements.
Cassava production will augment
farmers’ income and address the pressure on rice and corn.
It will also cater the needs of the cassava- eating communities.
Muslim and nomads in Mindanao prefer to eat cassava as an alternative
for rice and corn.
Nahul said an initial three hectares
as project sites in Barangay Tictapul, Tumitus and Tagasilay,
Zamboanga City were established as the propagation areas and
nurseries for planting materials of high quality cassava for
distribution and planting to the different target areas in the
region. Land preparation for food consumption variety is also
being undertaken in some areas of Dumingag Municipality, Zamboanga
Del Sur; Siraway, Siayan, Sindangan andManukan all in Zamboanga
Del Norte. For Industrial variety, a two-hectare area was established
in Dinas Municipality, Zamboanga Del Sur; Tungawan, ZamboangaSibugay.
Some eight hectares will be identified as nursery sites for cutting
propagation.TOP
| AUGUST NEWS
The search is on for DA-BFAR scholars August 17, 2011
The FCSP is on its 6th batch
in providing scholarship to students. To date a total of 30 graduates
benefitted this program.
This time, BFAR has increased the number of slots allocated per
region from three slots to ten. However, the Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has twenty slots.
Application forms and pertinent information about this scholarship
program are available at the BFAR website www.bfar.gov.ph or
at the national secretariat. For clarifications and further inquiries
in the Zamboanga Peninsula, contact Dr. Pilar F. Fontelar, Chief
Executive Officer, Fisheries Scholarship Program with telephone
no. (062) 991-1140 or to the nearest BFAR Provincial Office.
Submission for the application will be on August 25, 2011 at
the BFAR Provincial offices since examination date is scheduled
on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 9:00am to 12:00nn at the
BFAR-Conference Room, Zamboanga City.(MLaride/DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
The search is on for outstanding Liberal
Project August 17, 2011
The Local Government Units
(LGUs), communities, organizations and schools are invited to
join and submit their application forms and nominations via online
to www.fnf.org.ph/theliberalproject/ or by filling up the form
and mailing to MCPO Box 3196, Makati City 1271. Anyone can nominate,
and projects do not necessarily have to be initiated by the Liberal
Party or its members and network to qualify.
The Liberal Project aims to recognize outstanding initiatives
that apply the liberal values of good governance, human rights,
free trade, and freedom with responsibility. It seeks to acknowledge
legislation, policies, and programs that made an impact in the
national or local scene, and that translated liberal principles
into practical ideas that engage the public.
The Philippines, under a Liberal Government, has had several
liberal reforms. It is also the intention of the Liberal Project
to raise the public awareness on these accomplishments, and encourage
support for the liberal agenda. It also hopes to inspire replication
of liberal ideas to allow more people to appreciate liberal solutions.
It is an affirmation that good governance, human rights, and
free trade reinforce the value of freedom.
The winner will receive a Plaque of recognition and cash incentive
to be awarded by Liberal Party leaders on October 27, 2011. The
representative of the project will be given a chance to participate
in a seminar in Germany to learn more about liberal practices.
Deadline of nomination is not later than midnight of August 31,
2011. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) FUR
DIE FREIHEIT was established in Manila in 1986. (Mark Laride/DA9)
TOP |
AUGUST NEWS
DA prepares corn seeds for this season August 17, 2011
Felizardo Salomes,regional
corn coordinator of DA RFU 9 said the distribution of certified
corn seeds being procured from the University of Southern Mindanao,
Kabakan, Cotabato composed of two varieties USM-VAR- 10 and Institute
of Plant Breeding IPB VAR 6 with high protein, high lysine and
tryptophan variety ideal for human consumption. He said the distribution
and planting will start as soon as the seeds will arrive. Under
the DA's Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seed exchange
program, each targeted farmer beneficiary will be given nine
kilos of seeds which they will pay in form of seeds to the agency
at 18kilos after harvest. This will be distributed to the farmer
beneficiaries in queue for the next planting season. The same
seed varieties will serve for three generations to sustain seed
availability every cropping season.
Regional seeds coordinator Dionisio Adante said they already
have the official list of farmer beneficiaries and the areas
where it will be distributed and planted in coordination with
the different local government units regionwide.
For Zamboanga del Norte, Districts I and II will receive 800
bags of white corn each. This includes a special project for
the Siayan Municipality and another 800 bags in support to National
Agribusiness Corp (NABCOR)postharvest facility soon to be inaugurated
in the Municipality of Liloy. For ZamboangaSibugay, districts
I and II will have 600 bags while Zamboanga del Sur and Isabela
City will have 500 and 100 bags, respectively. Each bag contains
9 kilos certified corn seeds.
Salomes said the distribution and planting of certified corn
seeds is in support to the food sufficiency program of the government,
to ease the pressure in rice production, minimize rice importation
and to teach the people to eat corn in lieu of rice specially
for Visayas and Mindanao. The corn production program of the
DA is increasing every year to cope up with the demand both for
human consumption and industrial use.(WPeñaflor/DA9)
TOP |
AUGUST NEWS
DA joins Nutrition celebration August 11, 2011
DA9 Nutrition focal person
Evelyn del Mar said that theme “Isulong ang Breastfeeding:
Tama, Sapat at Ekslusibo” is timely because there are still
some mothers who do not opt for breastfeeding their children.
She said, “we have to help push this very important issue
on breastfeeding babies up to two years old. Aside from saving
finances on buying commercial milk, breastmilk contains antibodies
that will help resist infections on babies; a combination of
balanced protein, carbohydrates and vitamins which will help
the babies grow healthier with stronger immune system."
As part of DA’s goal of sustaining food, the High Value
Crops Development Program (HVCDP) distributed vegetable seeds
to all mothers, the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and other
participants of the program. Ms Ana Aying, DA-Gulayan sa Paaralan
focal person also said that the DA is always supportive to endeavors
of the National Nutrition Council, when once the NNC was part
of the DA, and later transferred to the DOH.
The Nutrition month celebration was spearheaded by the NNC with
its head Ma. Del Pilar Tarroza in coordination with the LGUs
and Provincial Nutrition Committee in Zamboanga Sibugay; coinciding
with the 47th founding anniversary of the Municipality.
Meanwhile, the DA also distributed vegetable seeds to the mothers
and Rural Improvement Club (RIC) members of San Miguel, province
of Zamboanga del Sur. During a one-day lecture on Basic vegetable
gardening, the speakers presented the different topics about
nutrition. Evelyn A. del Mar Regional RIC coordinator discussed
the topic on the nutritive value of vegetables and the big importance
of eating vegetables to lactating mothers, Ms. Ana Aying, HVCDP
Staff also presented a lecture on the importance of vegetables
and basic vegetable gardening. Yolanda Enriquez the Provincial
RIC coordinator discussed the updates of the Provincial RIC programs
and activities. (Cadiz & Laride/DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
Ipil receives 27.38 kilograms of Veggie Seeds for
AgriPinoy GSP
August
11, 2011
Tomitom Elementary School
in Ipil has been selected as pilot area for the launching of
the Agrikulturang Pilipino Gulayan sa Paaralan project (Agri-Pinoy
GSP). Schools Division Superintendent Amelia P. Toralba, Division
Supervisor Elizabeth Camohoy, and Tomitom Teacher-In-Charge Daisy
Mae Sabijon received the vegetable seeds from Edgardo Tabal,
Operations Chief who represented DA Regional Executive Director
Carlos B. Mendoza in the presence of the ZSP-LGU and MLGU.
During the launching program held at Tomitom, Edgardo Tabal,
DA Operation Chief conveyed his message stating, "this project
is important it unites some agencies together to achieve one
goal. The GSP will help provide nutritious food for the children
and student for them to be active in school at hindi sakitin
ang mga bata. Malaking tulong din ito for the school para sa
kanilang feeding program kung saan hindi na sila mamomoproblema
sa pagkukunan ng mga gulay para sa kanilang mga estudyante."
In another message, ZSP Provincial Agriculturist Renato Manginsay,
who represented Gov. Rommel Jalosjos, said, "Farmers play
a vital role that provides food to attorneys, engineers, teachers,
doctors or in short to all of us. Farmers feed us nutritional
food for us to be healthy and gain energy in our daily works."
Manigsay was grateful for the food production projects to be
implemented in schools. He hopes that all the schools will implement
the project.
Immediately after the launching
program, a vegetable planting ceremony was held inside the Tomitom
Elementary School in Ipil. Together with the DepEd Regional Director
Dr. Walter Albos, Medical Officer Dr. Miriam Indin, National
Nutrition Council Head Ma. Del Pilar Tarroza, Ipil Municipal
Agriculturist Edgar Apao, Tomitom Elementary School TIC Daisy
Mae Sabijon, and DA Gulayan focal person Ana Aying planted eggplant
as the initial vegetable to be grown in the school garden.
DA HVCDP Regional Coordinator
Marcial Fantone said that the two provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay
and Zamboanga del Norte are the first to receive the Agri-Pinoy
GSP assistance in Region IX with a total distribution of 84.51
kilograms of vegetable seeds.
Other guests are personnel from the DA and different cooperating
agencies, teachers, students and representatives from the East
West seed company.# (CC, MBL, DA9) TOP | AUGUST NEWS
Miss 4H Zamboanga City 2011 winner August 9, 2011
Her special awards include
Best in Production Number, Best in Farm Wear and Miss CJ Feeds
Muscle Max. The runners-up Miss Head (1st runner-up), Miss Heart
(2nd-runner-up), Miss Hands (3rd runner-up) and Miss Health(4th-runner
up) also received a crown, trophy and a cash of three thousand
pesos. Ms Capin has the chance to compete in the regional search
for Miss 4H. TOP
| AUGUST NEWS
Food
Handicraft Livelihood set for Isabela City August 8 2011
The Department of Agriculture
IX in coordination with the Office of the City Agriculturist
of Isabela City, Basilan will conduct a Handicraft and Food Livelihood
Seminar within this quarter of 2011, at Malamawi Island, Isabela
City. The seminar is in response to the request of the LGU to
train the Malamawi Women’s Association to help augment their
respective family income, uplift their living conditions.
Antonio Lojera, Agricultural Program Coordinator (APCO) for Isabela
City said the seminar will introduce livelihood project such
as handicraft making and food processing utilizing materials
available locally, process native food and pastries for sale
within the island and neighboring barangays in Isabela. The handicraft
production will include mat weaving, basket making, plate making
made of coconut midribs and nito.
Lojera also mentioned that a rich land owner in the island offered
free use of a hectare land to be planted with pandan leaves and
nito for the handicraft materials to hasten their productions.
During the Farmers and Fishermen Forum held recently in the island
the DA thru its Support to Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program
(SELAP) turned over one hundred thousand pesos (P100) worth of
kitchen utensils, equipment, machinery and start-up capital to
the Malamawi Women’s Association purposely to start the
project the early possible time. Lojera said the low income of
the family and the big number of unemployed persons in the island,
and the increased number of beggars mostly coming from the island,
prompted the government to come up with the project to ease their
day to day poor conditions. Lojera said he is inviting regional
and local experts in handicrafts making and food possessors to
conduct the hands on seminar.
The Malamawi Women’s Association (MWA) was organized by
Mrs. Buduriya Parawan, Regional Coordinator of the Regional Agricultural
and Fishery Council 9 (RAFC) of the Department of Agriculture
Regional Field Unit 9. (WPeñaflor, /DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
Aflatoxin
is Alarming
August 4
2011
Aflatoxin is a naturally
occurring toxin produced by fungi/molds. It is a toxic metabolite
produced by the fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus
that is hazardous to human and animal health. Agricultural commodities
susceptible to aflatoxin are corn, peanut, cassava and copra.
AFLATOXICOSIS is a condition that results from ingestion of high
levels of aflatoxin contaminated foods. Symptoms for such intake
include hemorrhage, edema of the brain, abdominal pain, vomiting,
pulmonary edema, convulsions and fever. In severe cases, absorption
of aflatoxin is fatal.
Just this year, the Regional Feed Analysis Laboratory of the
Department of Agriculture headed by Ms. Gemma Genaldo conducted
random sampling in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte
to test presence of aflatoxin in corn.
Result showed that some harvested corn in the areas was found
with aflatoxin content having an alarming level of more than
100 ppb parts per billion (ppb). The maximum tolerance for food
grade is only 20ppb. Some areas had lower content and even within
tolerable level, however, majority are with high content. Ms
Genaldo, DA's chemist said that it is important to consider proper
handling as well as availability of postharvest facilities to
reduce aflatoxin content in corn.
Presence of Aflatoxin can be detected thru a laboratory test
with a minimal fee that is available at DA's Feed Laboratory
in Tumaga, Zamboanga City headed by the DA's Chemist Gemma Genaldo
with contact number (062) 991-6350.
With the establishment of the Aflatoxin Laboratory, the region
will have a safe, healthy, productive and profitable corn and
livestock industry. (ytavellaneda/DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
DABAFPS
conducts Food Safety and Quality Seminar August 2 2011
The Department of Agriculture
- Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Products Standards (DA-BAFPS)
conducted a one day seminar on Food Safety and Quality Standards
recently in one of the hotels in Zamboanga City.
The seminar aimed to identify safety and quality standards of
fresh meat, poultry products, fresh fruits and vegetables, to
learn the general principle and practices of food safety, purchase,
receive, store food and prepare & serve food safety.
Carlos B. Mendoza, Regional Executive Director DA RFU 9, in his
message read by Ferdinand Gamorot, AMAD chief, urged the participants
to disseminate the relevant information on what food safety and
quality is all about, its general principles and practices of
food safety and quality standards for fresh meat and poultry
products, fresh fruits and vegetables in their respective area
of responsibilities. He also said that the learnings that will
be generated will have a long lasting beneficial effect on farmers,
fisher folks and their families and the consumers as a whole.
The seminar is being conducted in the different regions of the
country in response to the need to protect consumers against
health risks through education on product safety and quality
standards.
Discussed during the seminar were, home food safety, safe fresh
meat and poultry products, safe fresh fruits and vegetables,
food safety quality from market to table, personal hygiene, microbiological
hazards, chemical and physical hazards in food.
The seminar was participated by national, regional and local
government units, state colleges and universities officials all
over the region. It was conducted in coordination with the Department
of Agriculture - Zamboanga City. (WPeñaflor/DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
Gulayan
sa Paaralan begins in ZaNorte
August 1
2011
The Municipality of Roxas
in Zamboanga del Norte has been chosen as one of the pilot areas
for the launching of the Agrikulturang Pilipino Gulayan sa Paaralan
(AgriPinoy-GSP) program of the Department of Agriculture in partnership
with the Department of Education (DepED), DOH-National Nutrition
Council (NNC) and Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD)
Over 150 high school students in Langatian National Highschool
(LNHS) in Roxas participated in the launching ceremony of the
vegetable gardening in a 200sqm space in the school.
Ms Eliza Bagtasos, T.L.E. teacher and LNHS Gulayan point person
expressed her enthusiasm with the project. She said, “(We)
our school, is so happy with this kind of project even when we
already promote gardening before, this is different because this
is bigger and we are supported by other government agencies like
DA and NNC. With the DepEd and NNC School’s feeding program,
we can also use some of the future harvests in this vegetable
garden.”
It was reported by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) in the
National Poverty Map some four years ago, Zamboanga del Norte
was among the ten poorest provinces in the Philippines basing
from the indicators of incidence of malnutrition, income level,
sanitation facilities, the lack of housing and access to clean
water.
Ms Bagtasos added, “We hope to encourage the students to
bring home what they learn from school. They should also plant
vegetables in their homes and parents should also teach their
children to eat vegetables. The produce of the Gulayan sa Paaralan
will be given to the students; it will be their choice either
to sell the vegetables for income or just take them home for
consumption.”
In the turnover program held recently at the Bamboo Garden in
Dipolog City, an initial of 57.13 kilograms of vegetable seeds
were turned over to the Schools District Superintendents together
with the officials of DepED, NNC, DA and the ZDN Provincial local
government unit. According to Ms Ana S. Aying, DA Gulayan Focal
Person, there will be another batch of seeds to be distributed
in the coming months. “The East-West Seeds company is also
with us in making this program possible. The assorted seeds distributed
for gulayan sa paaralan includes Ampalaya, Eggplant, Tomato,
Sweet pepper, Pole sitao, Pechay, Upland kangkong, Radish, and
Okra,” Aying said.
Among those present in the Launching Program of the Agri-Pinoy
GSP are Mr. Jay Adraincem (representing Governor Rolando Yebes),
ZDN Provincial Agriculturist Ms Maybel Bustaliño, DepEd
Reg’l Medical Officer Dr. Miriam Indin, ZDN OIC-Schools
Division Superintendent Dr. Elsa Cruz, DepEd GSP focal person
Dr. Cheryl Ocupe, Langatian HS Principal Arnulfo Subebe, DepEd
Dipolog Dr. Sonia Uy, DA HVCDP Reg’l Coordinator Marcial
Fantone, DA-RSO Dipolog OIC Reynaldo Campomanes, and other support
staff from ZDN –DepEd, NNC, and DA. # (CC,DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
SEPTEMBER
2011
Alicia
gets liquid freeze facility September
30, 2011
DA
promotes Ceylon Tea September
13, 2011
DA-OCA
introduce submerged drought tolerant on rice September 5, 2011
Alicia gets liquid freeze facility September 30, 2011
The Department of Agriculture-National
Agribusiness Corporation (DA-NABCOR) recently turned over one
unit Liquid Quick Freeze (LQF) machine to the Municipality of
Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay. The ceremony was held at Barangay
Kawayan, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay attended by Mrs Jayd-da N.
Mayoralgo, NABCOR vice president and Dr. Carlos B. Mendoza, DA
9 Regional Executive Director.
Samuel Simbajon, NABCOR area manager said the LQF is a freezer
and ice maker with a size of 2mx1.9x3m. It produces a minimum
of 3tons ice block a day and an average of 1.5 tons quick-freeze
multi-commodities of agri and fisheries products. It is one of
the revenue generating projects of the LGUs and recipient organizations
focused on fisherfolk and farmers cooling services and freezing
of agri and fishery products. It can even supply the needed ice
of the municipality. The project is under the national cold chain
program of the national government, aimed at increasing farmers/fisherfolk’s
income; meet the demand of the market for a year-round supply
of commodities; and extend the freshness and shelf life of agri
and fishery perishable products.
Simbajon said, the LQF is a donation of the DA-NABCOR, a government
owned and controlled corporation, to any legally registered cooperatives
or foundations or community organization or local government
units. Recipients must have the capability to provide for the
required counterpart such as space, electricity, water and operating
capital to operate the facility. The target recipients can avail
of the project, but must conform with the qualifications, terms
and conditions stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA),
to be signed by both parties to maintain and sustain the project
in the locality where it will be established.
Under the MOA, the donor agency will donate the LQF complete
with accessories. They will also equip the recipient with the
necessary training, and technical knowhow to operate and maintain
the facility. The recipient as their counterpart, will provide
for the utilities such as, one unit transformer, single phase
at 37.7 KVA, main service electrical feeder line, circuit breaker
with 150amperes, packaging materials and vacuum sealer. They
will also provide the covered facility or existing warehouse,
which is a minimum of 40 square meters, floor area with cleared
height of 6 meters, and potable water supply line.
Same agreement also stipulates the roles of the recipient and
NABCOR to make the project successful, and for the upliftment
of the economic condition of the farmers and fisherfolk in the
countryside.
Simbajon said there are six operational LQF regionwide. One unit
each in the Municipalities of Katipunan and Sindangan in Zamboanga
del Norte; Vincenso Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur; and Alicia Municipality,
Zamboanga Sibugay; two units in Barangay San Pedro, Dapitan City,
to augment the existing 300 metric tons cold storage facility
inaugurated by Sec. Proceso J. Alcala in April this year. (WPeñaflor,DA9)
TOP |
SEPTEMER NEWS
DA
promotes ceylon tea September 13, 2011
The Department of Agriculture, La Paz, Experiment Station, Barangay
La Paz, Zamboanga City is undertaking the propagation of La Paz
Tea (Ceylon Tea variety) for planting materials in preparation
for the establishment of a tea production center in the area.
Mr. Orlando Telmo, Station Superintendent of La Paz Experiment
Station, said the DA has allocated funds for the project to plant
La Paz Tea in the Barangay .The wild and abandoned matured Ceylon
Tea varieties in the bushes of the barangay, caught the attention
of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during his first visit to Zamboanga
City. He encouraged the farmers to plant the tea as it demands
a high importance to the tea drinkers and can give significant
source of income to landowner and laborers in Barangay La Paz.
The humidity, cool temperatures, and the high altitude of the
area can provide a climate that favor the production of the high
quality tea. Secretary Alcala is promoting the planting of Ceylon
Tea all over the country.
Telmo said the Ceylon Tea variety in La Paz was planted way back
1980s by Bureau of Plant Industry in some selected area of DA
La Paz Experiment Station but its efficiency remained static
without research component to backstop its development in Western
Mindanao . There is a need to refine the technology for more
efficient operation. The Secretary is eyeing the planting of
Ceylon tea on large scale. There are several fully matured Ceylon
tea trees existing that served as the mother tree and the source
of the planting materials. Telmo said the DA and the Alternative
Center for Organizational Reform and Development Inc. (ACORD)
an NGO, agreed to produce and expand the Ceylon Tea production
in Zamboanga City due to its high demand at an alternative price
in both the domestic and export market. It is highly profitable
when cultivated with the use of modern technologies. It can be
processed into finish product and essential to human health.
Under the agreement the DA will conduct research and development,
undertake the training, establish techno demo farm, central nursery
for mass production of planting materials.
The Department of Agriculture, La Paz, Experiment Station, Barangay
La Paz, Zamboanga City is undertaking the propagation of La Paz
Tea (Ceylon Tea variety) for planting materials in preparation
for the establishment of a tea production center in the area.
Mr. Orlando Telmo, Station Superintendent of La Paz Experiment
Station, said the DA has allocated funds for the project to plant
La Paz Tea in the Barangay .The wild and abandoned matured Ceylon
Tea varieties in the bushes of the barangay, caught the attention
of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during his first visit to Zamboanga
City. He encouraged the farmers to plant the tea as it demands
a high importance to the tea drinkers and can give significant
source of income to landowner and laborers in Barangay La Paz.
The humidity, cool temperatures, and the high altitude of the
area can provide a climate that favor the production of the high
quality tea. Secretary Alcala is promoting the planting of Ceylon
Tea all over the country.
Telmo said the Ceylon Tea variety in La Paz was planted way back
1980s by Bureau of Plant Industry in some selected area of DA
La Paz Experiment Station but its efficiency remained static
without research component to backstop its development in Western
Mindanao . There is a need to refine the technology for more
efficient operation. The Secretary is eyeing the planting of
Ceylon tea on large scale. There are several fully matured Ceylon
tea trees existing that served as the mother tree and the source
of the planting materials. Telmo said the DA and the Alternative
Center for Organizational Reform and Development Inc. (ACORD)
an NGO, agreed to produce and expand the Ceylon Tea production
in Zamboanga City due to its high demand at an alternative price
in both the domestic and export market. It is highly profitable
when cultivated with the use of modern technologies. It can be
processed into finish product and essential to human health.
Under the agreement the DA will conduct research and development,
undertake the training, establish techno demo farm, central nursery
for mass production of planting materials. TOP | SEPTEMER
NEWS
DA-OCA
introduce submerged drought tolerant on rice September 5, 2011
Drought tolerant certified
rice varieties( inbred), will soon be available in Zamboanga
City and region 9, this was the result of a study developed entitled
Adaptability Yield Trials on Drought Tolerant, pesticides- free,
research This study was conducted by the researchers from the
Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA), Zamboanga City recently
at Sitio Gapuh, Barangay Talabaan, Zamboanga City. Three of the
12 registered drought resistance varieties such as NCIC Rc -222,
Rc 192(rainfed) and Rc 11(Upland),planted during the trials,
bear good grains, and was recommended for field trial managed
by the farmers in the different rainfed areas in Zamboanga City.
If proven viable it will be highly recommended for adaptation
for seed and rice productions later, following the technology
used in the study.
The three varieties were thoroughly evaluated by the researchers
and were also chosen on the spot by the farmers present during
the field day, from among the fully grown 12 varieties in the
rainfed areas planted where the study was conducted. The different
rice varieties were provided by the International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI) and Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice), purposely
to look for the best varieties suitable to be planted in rainfed
areas in region 9.
Hon.Reynaldo Candido, member of the city council and chairman
of the committee on agriculture in Zamboanga City, in his message
said, “it is high time that we should make the vast rainfed
areas productive by planting suitable rice varieties with less
cost of production.”
He stand firm not to allow riceland areas converted into industrial
center because it deprives the farmers in planting more crops.
It will also decrease the areas for more food production that
will result to food shortage even for local consumption. “With
intact agricultural lands opportunities are open for more studies
such as this than can be facilitate the farmers in increasing
their productivity.”
Raul Ramon Bucoy,agriculture program coordinator (APCO) for Zamboanga
City said “ it will make the idle and wide rainfed areas
in region 9 productive and can help in the efforts of the government
to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the years to come.”
He urged the land owners and rice farmers present, to take advantage
by adapting the technology in their respective rainfed areas
for replication under their care for seed and rice productions
later if found suitable in their area.
The study headed by Muhaimin Albani, research division head of
the Office of the City Agriculturist was represented Alfredo
Arceo, during the recent Field Day program held in Sitio Gapuh,
Barangay Talabaan, Zamboanga City attended byseveral rice farmers
from the different rice areas in the city, land owners,farmers’
association officials, Barangay officials, LGUs, DA regional
officials and some rice technicians from the province of Sulu.
Arceo said aside from the drought tolerant study, they are also
conducting two other studies on rice production, the Saline variety
which is ongoing in Recodo Barangay and Submergence rice variety
in Barangay Guiwan all in Zamboanga City. He said studies were
encouraged by the IRRI/PhilRice to all the researchers in the
country to address climate change and global warming. At least
there will be rice varieties that can be planted and grown in
saline and submerged environment, to sustain rice production.
Mr Reynerio Bejerano, president of the farmers’ association
of Zamboanga City offered to shoulder all the expenses and assist
the OCA to conduct the farmers- managed trials by planting the
two drought resistant varieties for the welfare of all rice farmers
in the city. The Office of the City Agriculturist of Zamboanga
City headed by Mr Diosdado N. Palacat, is considering expanding
the studies to the different rainfed areas all over the city
and region 9, adapting the technology to make the farmers more
productive and increase their income. (WPenaflor/DA9) TOP | SEPTEMER
NEWS
OCTOBER
2011
Military
retirees get livelihood seminar October 20, 2011
Strengthening
BFTs in ZamPen October
4, 2011
DA 9
distribute cassava grater and presser to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi October 4, 2011
WMSU
bags 1st place in 2011 poster making contest October 4, 2011
Military
retirees get livelihood seminar October 20, 2011
The Department of Agriculture
(DA-IX) through the Livestock Program and High Value Crops Development
Program (HVCDP) recently conducted a two-day seminar for 89 military
retirees and soon-to-retire personnel of the 1st Infantry TABAK
Division, Philippine Army in Kuta Major Cesar L. Sang-an Camp,
Pulacan, Labangan Zamboanga del Sur.
The seminar tackled topics on livestock management specifically
on cattle, swine, goat and poultry raising and management. The
HVCDP program focused discussion on vegetables production, mango
propagation, rubber production and organic fertilizer farming.
During the opening program, Lt.C. Casimero Royme Tamparong, GSC
said that many of those who applied for retirement stated the
reasons for venturing into agri-business after the service in
the military. “Time will come that your pension cannot anymore
cater the increasing demands of your expenses. It is worthy na
mag-invest kayo sa business, so you will not solely rely on your
pension. You will have additional income, dagdag pagkain sa mesa
at may exercise tuwing umaga,” he said.
On the second-day of training, the 89 participants were given
a hands-on demonstration on mango grafting, rubber budding and
poultry vaccination.
One of the participants, MSg Nestor Jumawan, 55 said that the
kind of seminar the DA is giving is very much helpful for those
who are interested in going into agribusiness. He said that he
is particularly interested in livestock production and might
start with the business once his retirement benefits are released.
Among the presentors and demonstrators during the seminar were
DA Veterinarian Dr. Darwin Lloyd Sulay, Myra Gemeniano, Anita
Gallebo, Lorena Cabatingan and Elmer Acoymo. (DA9) TOP | OCTOBER
NEWS
Strengthening BFTs in ZamPen October 4, 2011
All Barangay Food Terminal
(BFT) operators from Zamboanga City, Isabela City (Basilan) and
Zamboanga Sibugay participated in the first BFT Operator’s
Summit held on October 10-11, 2011 at Tumaga Porcentro, Zamboanga
City. This year’s theme is “Strengthening Efforts Toward
Project Enhancement and Sustainability”.
Department of Agriculture IX – Agribusiness and Marketing
Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief Ferdinand Gamorot said that
this is the first summit conducted in the region. The second
summit will gather BFT operators from the provinces of Zamboanga
del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. He also mentioned there are
19 BFTs regionwide targeted to be opened for the year 2011.
There are a total of 55 established Barangay Food Terminals (BFTs)
regionwide since its first launching in 2008. Of the total established
BFTs, 10 have temporarily stopped operation due to unprecedented
issues on management transfers and finances, while all 45 are
operating smoothly with an estimate of 1000 pesos income daily.
BFT Coordinator for Region IX Ms Trinidad S. Dela Cruz who represented
AMAS Director Engr. Leandro H. Gazmin, in her message said that
the BFT Operator’s Summit is the second phase of the BFT
implementation to strengthen existing BFTs. “This is our
vision. Palaguin at Patatagin, Mapaunlad ang mga BFTs” Ms
Dela Cruz encourages the BFT managers to make project proposals
and submit to DA-AMAD for evaluation. Once the project proposals
have been approved, a grant assistance of P50,000.00 will be
given to the BFT. The financial support can help cover operation
costs, transport costs, equipment/facilities and additional capital.
The BFT Summit discussed the Techniques of Business Negotiation
and Market Linkage Establishment presented by the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Engr. Rolando
Acuña; Credit Programs for Food Terminal Operators presented
by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Development Assistance
Head Lino Sustiguer and LBP – Zamboanga Lending Center Roel
Tarroza.
Also included is the discussion on the guidelines on the requirements
of the DA regional and national Search for Gawad Saka Outstanding
BFT for LGU and Non-LGU Operators; which has a cash prize of
P350,000.00 for the national winner. (DA9) TOP | OCTOBER
NEWS
DA
9 distribute cassava grater and presser to Basilan, Sulu and
Tawi-Tawi
October 4,
2011
Some 46 units cassava grater
and presser will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture
Regional Field 9, Zamboanga Peninsula, to the provinces of Basilan,
Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, before the year ends, as part of the commitment
of DA Secretary Processo J. Alcala when he first visited Sulu
early this year.
Cassava or pangi in the Muslim dialect is being eaten by most
of the resident of the three provinces. It is abundant and available
as most of the farmers are engaged in planting and selling cassava
as their main livelihood. The distribution of cassava grater
and presser can boost cassava production and help the cassava
farmers in increasing their income.
Aside from being used as food and feed ingredients, cassava is
also used in the manufacture of industrial products. It is used
as a raw material in the production of ethanol. Moreover, cassava
can be processed into different food products with higher economic
value.
Edgardo Tabal, DA operations chief said cassava is included as
the country’s major crops under the corn program. “It
is also identified under the Department’s Food Staple and
Stability Program (FSSP) as an alternative to rice, to minimize
rice importation,” Tabal said who represented Regional Executive
Director Carlos B. Mendoza during the recently concluded Technology
Training and Program Orientation on Cassava For Food Project
held in Zamboanga City.
Resource speakers were Dr. Candido Damo, national cassava project
leader and Dr. Algerico Mariscal, professor, Philrootcrops, Visayas
State University, Baybay, Leyte. Topics discussed were the national
cassava roadmap; regional interventions for cassava; and updates
on the distribution of cassava planting materials; recommended
cassava varieties for food; rapid propagation of cassava its
nursery management; cassava cropping system; cultural management;
postharvest practices; and cassava food preparations.
DR. Damo in his lecture said the DA has set a separate funding
support to promote cassava and other root crops as major products.
A combined team of root crops experts from DA, academe, state
colleges and universities is preparing root crops program to
be included in the Philippine Industry Development Roadmap that
will serve as the guideline in the massive productions of root
crops nationwide. He admitted that the country at present lagged
behind other countries in Asia especially Thailand in the production
of root crops. However, with the importance given to this commodity
now, the country can be competitive in the years to come as far
as production is concerned. On the other hand, Dr.Algerico Meniscal
said that based on the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Office
(BAS), the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the
biggest consumption of cassava in the country, followed by Region
9, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Sorsogon, and the National Capital
Region,(NCR)as the lowest consumer. He said with the focus now
on cassava production, the consumption of cassava in the country
can be increased especially at the NCR by increasing awareness
on its consumption, preparation, and other important uses.
The Philippine Industry Development Roadmap includes the issues
and concern in the production of root crops in the country such
as low of production; inadequate credit; low adoption of recommended
cassava production technology; limited planting materials of
quality and high yielding varieties; high cost of transportation;
low cassava per capita consumption; low quality of primary products;
and lack of location specific cassava production technology.
The training culminated the region’s commitment to spearhead
massive root crops productions by conducting series of trainings,
propagation of cassava seedlings and expansion of areas to be
planted with cassava and other root crops that can maximize its
production all over the Zamboanga Peninsula. (WPeñaflor/DA9)
TOP |
OCTOBER NEWS
WMSU
bags 1st place in 2011 poster making contest October 4, 2011
Amina Shyane B. Halil, Grade
VI pupil of the Western Mindanao State University – Integrated
Laboratory School bested 25 young artists from 13 different elementary
levels from both public and private schools during the Poster
Making Contest on September 29, 2011 held at the Cecille’s
Convention Hall conference, Zamboanga City. Second and third
places went to Raffyboy Lanoza of Catalina Vda. De Jalon Memorial
School, and Anne-Nora Sakirin of San Jose Gusu Elementary School,
respectively.
Highlighting the World food Day Celebration is the On-the-Spot
poster Making Contest spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in cooperation with
the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd),
and the National Agricultural and Fishery Council ( NAFC ).
This year’s theme “Food Prices: from Crisis to Stability,”
is the concept of the poster and this was well interpreted by
the kids in their work of art. Young as they are, they can still
be a part of life’s advocacy to food security.
There were 13 schools who participated the contest these were:
Tetuan Central School, Immaculate Conception Elementary School,
Sta. Maria Central School, Zamboanga East Central School, Zion
Evangelical School, Catalina Vda. De Jalon, Pilar College, San
Roque Elementary School, San Jose Gusu Elementary School, Baliwasan
Central School, Ferndale International School, Ebenezer School
and WMSU- Integrated Laboratory School.
The official judges were Heriberto Payopelin, Jr. from DA, Isidro
Floreta and Rorie Tan Aradanas, all Professional Artists.
Ms Amina Shyane B. Halil, the winner will represent the region
to compete for the national level on October 12, 2011 in Manila.
She will be doing an entirely new poster, on the spot, with a
totally different design from her winning regional entry.
Judging will be in the afternoon of October 12 and awarding on
October 13, 2011. The national winner will receive a cash prize
of Fifteen Thousand pesos and none winning entries will receive
a cash prize of one Thousand Pesos. The winner together with
his/her escort will also be provided with an all-expense-educational
tour including food and hotel accommodation sponsored by the
National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC). (ytavellaneda,
DA-9) TOP
| OCTOBER NEWS
DECEMBER
2011
Prime Movers'
Forum held in ZdN & ZSP December
27, 2011
Brgy.
Buenavista & Boalan IAs receives CIS worth 5MPhP December 22, 2011
Cooperatives
get PhP1M Bio-N Mixing Plants December
21, 2011
NBACA
conduct Year-End meeting in Zamboanga City December
15, 2011
Prime Movers' Forum held in ZdN & ZSP
Two Information Officers'
fora were recently conducted by the Department of Agriculture-Regional
Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (DA-RAFID) in
the provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula, first in Zamboanga del
Norte and second in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Dubbed as the " Prime Movers' Forum: Advocating and mobilizing
information officers towards food sufficiency. "the activity
aims to Update participants with the Agri-Pinoy Programs on Rice,
Corn, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Livestock
and Special Projects; Discuss the roles of information officers;
To speed-up the dissemination of DA's programs, a networking
of provincial and municipal information officers is needed to
ensure that agricultural plans, programs and projects of the
national government harmonize with their efforts in agricultural
information.
Capability building follows after establishing a network with
the LGUs. Topics discussed were: Updates on Advocacy and IEC
Process and Strategies; The Role of Information Officers, Issues
& Concerns and Networking; Social Mobilization and Communication
Convergence; Production and Design of Advocacy and IEC Materials
and Planning and Designing of Advocacy and IEC Campaigns.
These were shared by Noel T. Provido, a multi awarded writer
and chief of the Information, Advocacy, Communications and Education
(InfoACE) Unit under the Program Support Office (PSO) of the
DA's Mindanao Rural Development Program,(DA-MRDP), Sherwin B.
Manual, Information and Advocacy Specialist, also from DA-MRDP
and Maria Melba B. Wee, Chief of DA-RAFID.
RED Eduardo B. Holoyohoy said that "We assure our support
to the LGUs and encouraged for harmonious teamwork between the
region and the LGUs. "
Dr. Aida P. Carino, Regional Technical Director for Planning,Policy
and Research is hopeful that the pool of Information Officers
regionwide would motivate the farmers and fisherfolk to be proud
of their career as the nation's provider of food. She said, "We
should look at agriculture as an enterprise and that there is
money in agriculture, thus the farmers/fisherfolk can stand tall
and proundly say, I am a farmer." She added "first,
we have to develop and sustain agriculture before we shift to
industrialization. Our strength is in agriculture. The farmers/fisherfolk
can be profitable businessmen and you are the best group to disseminate
this message."
The Prime Movers Forum for Zambonga del Sur participants is scheduled
on the last week of January next year at the Hotel Guillermo,
Pagadian City. (ytavellaneda/DA9) TOP | DECEMBER NEWS
Brgy.
Buenavista & Boalan IAs receives CIS worth 5MPhP
The National Irrigation
Administration (NIA) turned over two Communal Irrigation System
(CIS) to the Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) of Buenavista
- Curuan and Boalan barangays in Zamboanga City on December 16
and 20, 2011, respectively.
In the turnover ceremony, Mr. Raul Ramon Bucoy, APCO for Zamboanga
City represented RED Eduardo B. Holoyohoy. He reiterated his
appeal to the irrigators to maintain, sustain the projects and
pay the amortization on time. “More small scale irrigation
projects will be constructed in this area to contribute to food
staple sufficiency efforts of the government.” Bucoy also
mentioned that the national government has increased the budget
of the Department of Agriculture (DA) by next year; substantive
amount is allocated for irrigation projects all over the country
aimed to curtail or minimize the rice importation next year and
make the country rice exporter by year 2014. Bucoy acknowledged
the 100 % irrigation amortization of the IA’s of Buenvista
as confirmed by the NIA officials. He assured that with the good
performance, he hopes to recommend to the Department of Agriculture
and Zamboanga City government in continuing to support and to
establish more agricultural projects to increase the income of
the rice farmers.
In Buenavista, Curuan, the Pump Irrigation system completed project
is the 40 thousand litres Reservoir (potable water) with water
pipes distribution to the different household around 66 beneficiaries
with service area of 50 hectares. The project cost is Php 2.5Million.
While in Boalan, the project include the concreting of 200 meters
irrigation canal, 75 meters rip rapping of river wall and the
rehabilitation of cross bridge with service area of 60 hectares
and 60 beneficiaries. The projects total cost is PhP 2.5Million,
payable within the prescribe period agreed. Both projects was
turned over by Engr. Benedicto Isagani Pulis, Jr., Irrigation
Management office head, ZAMBASULTA, to the president of the Buenavista
and Boalan irrigators association in two separate turnover ceremonies.
Ms Leni Enriquez, senior institutional officer of the NIA, region
9, said under the law, NIA will still retain supervision of the
different communal irrigation systems. The IAs will manage, maintain
and sustain the operation while under amortization depending
on the number of years agreed. The ownership of the projects
can only be transferred to the irrigators after they will be
able to pay, or the LGU, the 30% amortization of the total amount
of the cost of the construction of the projects to the national
government thru NIA. For 2011, NIA were able to complete and
turnover three CIS projects in Zamboanga City. They are located
in Barangay Lapaz, Buenavista and Boalan. Among those present
during the turnover ceremonies were Hon. Lilia M. Nuño,
IA Federation Preseident Hdja. Aida Nuño Loong, officials
and employees of DA, NIA, DA, OCA, Barangay, and rice farmers.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is a government
owned and controlled corporation primarily responsible for irrigation
development and management in the Philippines. It supervises
the operation, maintenance and repair, or otherwise administer
temporarily all communal and pump irrigation systems constructed,
improved or repaired wholly, partially with government funds.
NIA also charge and collect from the beneficiaries of water from
all irrigation system constructed by or under its administration
such fees or administration charges. (WPeñaflor, CCadiz,
DA9) TOP
| DECEMBER NEWS
Cooperatives
get PhP1M Bio-N Mixing Plants
Two cooperatives in Region
9 recently received 500 thousand pesos each from the National
Food Authority – Corn Development Fund. In coordination
with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water
Management (DA-BSWM) Bio-tech and the University of the Philippines
in Los Banos (UPLB), the fund was granted for the establishment
of a Bio-N Mixing Plant.
Recipients were the the Siarri Valley Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SVARBEMCO) in Sindangan, Zamboanga
del Norte and Lapuyan People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative
(LAPMUCO) in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The project aims to enhance efficiency of corn production, provide
stable, reliable and affordable supply of Bio-N and at the same
time gives profitable business enterprise to coops as briefed
by Mr. Eduardo A. Jarcia of National Food Authority – Technical
Research and Services Department and one of the members of the
Bio-N Technical Working Group.
During the turnover, Mr. Reynaldo Campomanes, Agricultural Provincial
Coordinator (APCo) for Zamboanga del Norte who represented RED
Eduardo B. Holoyohoy said in his message that “the use of
Bio-N will help farmers minimize its cost of production especially
nowadays with the high cost of chemical fertilizer available
in the market.”
BIOTECH was established in 1980s to help address this problem.
One of the mandates of BIOTECH is to search for alternative fertilizer
technologies in line with the government’s thrust on energy
conservation. Since then the search for alternative fertilizers
started.
BIO-N was initially developed at Biotech in 1985. In 2003 the
DA initially provided budget for the development and extension
of BIO-N for value crops.
For now, there are five Bio-N mixing plants in the region to
include the two newly launched projects. The P500,000 grant includes
Hammer Mill, Mixer, Oven Dryer, Pressure Cooker and Laboratory
supplies. (YTAvellaneda/DA9) TOP | DECEMBER NEWS
NBACA
conduct Year-End meeting in Zamboanga City
The Department of Agriculture-National
Bids and Awards Committee Association (DA-NBACA) conducted a
three-day meeting at Garden Orchid Hotel recently.
Dr. Aida P. Carino, Regional Technical Director (RTD) of DA RFU
9, lauded the officers and members of the association for holding
their year-end meeting in Zamboanga City during the opening program.
She commended the group for the important and memorable affair
in the City. Carino was confident that the association will be
able to come up with resolutions to resolve issues and concerns
to complete the DA Customized Procurement Manual (CPM) that will
be incorporated to the Official Bids and Awards national guidelines;
for one direction, mission and vision to lessen the problem in
equipment procurement for the agency.
She also conveyed to the participants her sharing of experiences
and delightful moments as member and the Vice President for Luzon
of the association, when she was then the RTD of DA RFU 4A. Cariño
also encouraged the participants from other regions to take advantage
of their stay in the Asia’s Latin City by visiting the tourist
attraction such as the popular Paseo del Mar, Pasonanca Park,
Fort Pilar and other places in the City, particularly the widely
popular Canelar Barter Trade centre.
The three-day meeting focused on the agreement of the resolutions
approved during the past meetings held in the different regions,
presentation and critiquing of the updated CPM, year-end updates
on the DA-NBACA accomplishment and action planning of the association
for the coming year.
The series of meeting conducted by the association is as an offshoot
to the training on procurement process conducted by the World
Bank last June 1-3, 2009 in Bacolod City, a Special Order No.429
dated August 14, 2009 was issued for the creation of a National
Bid and Awards Committee (BAC) association for the department
which was later refer to as the Department of Agriculture- National
Bids and Awards Committee Association (DA-NBACA).The association
is composed of the DA BAC chair, BAC secretariat chairs and BAC
TWG head for RFUs, bureaus, attached agencies and government-
owned and controlled corporations.
The association shall be responsible for enhancing/improving
the capability of the BAC members thru continuous training and
capacity building as well as in facilitation of resolutions of
issues/concerns on procurement.
The association aims to promote the government principles on
government procurement among the members of this association
which are transparency and competitiveness in the procurement
process, accountability, streamlined process and public monitoring.
The NBACA also strengthens various BAC’s functions and processes
in developing a network to assist any member of the association
who is subject of a suit or legal action in the performance of
his/her official function as BAC member; and to assist any BAC
chapter conducting post-qualification of a certain bidder coming
from other regions.
The association has the following major accomplishment; to conduct
series of orientations/fora re: Revised Implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) for RA 9184 of the Government Procurement Policy
Board (GPPB), establish linkage/coordination with GPPB, conduct
of quarterly meeting alternately sponsored by the regions, sharing
of experiences resulted in resolution of procurement-related
problems, creation of Website for DA-NBACA, ratified the constitution
and by-laws of the association and registration (in process).
The participants were treated to sightseeing on the tourist attractions
of the city before their departure to their respective regions
all over the country. (WNP/CC, DA9) TOP | DECEMBER NEWS
|
|
MAY 2011
ZamPen's
youth race well at 4-H National convention
May 31, 2011
Site Specific
Nutrient Management for Maize in Sergio Osmena May 30,
2011
ZamPen's youth
race well at 4-H National convention May 31, 2011
Mohammad Zen Nuño Johan is Zampen's pride who won 2nd
Place in the Extemporaneous Speech competition. The 19-year old
Johan is an AB Economics student at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
He expounded the role of a 4-H'er in facing the challenges of
food security and self sufficiency
Region IX's 4-H Club members bagged at least four top awards
in the recently concluded 4-H National Covention at the Eden
Nature Park & Resort, Toril, Davao City.
Michele T. Cirunay's Boneless Chevon was 2nd Best Chevon recipe
in a Cooking Competition. Cirunay, incoming 4th year at the Zamboanga
del Sur National High School has already earned from her recipe
for a year now.
Xyra Claire Cabases from Mahayag was 5th place for the Handicraft
contest using rice- based materials. Joining Cabases is Girlie
Mae Agngarayngay was 4th runner-up in the Miss 4H Dream Girl
contest. The contest includes beauty and money where Zampen's
bet was able to raise P31, 126.00 in a glass dance. Agngarayngay
is a 4-H'er from Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The 4-H of the Philippines is a youth development program supported
by the Department of Agriculture. 4-H stands for Head, Heart,
Hands and Health in motion towards food security and self-sufficiency.
It was the 59th 4-H National Convention where DA Secretary Proceso
J. Alcala was invited to speak before the over 600 youth leaders
and members throughout the country.
In his message delivered by Assistant
Secretary Edilberto M. de Luna, the Secretary emphasized that
DA does not only believe that the youth are the hopes of the
nation, but they are our collaborators and partners in creating
a progressive, innovative and the strength for agricultural development.
We recognize the vital role of the young people in creating a
better nation.
"We believe that by constantly empowering your choices and
improving your capabilities, we can altogether create change
where it is needed. By teaching you with community development
programs and livelihood activities, we also empower you with
the hope to build a better life."
Citing the theme: 4-H'ers Working Together Towards Food Security
and Self-Sufficiency, Alcala states that it fits to the department's
prime concern to realize the Medium Term Socio-Economic plan
of the government dubbed as Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016.
Alcala shared the success story of 4-H Club Federated President
of Siguijor Elnard Ympal who was due to receive his Presidential
Trophy and Citation as Outstanding Young Farmer 2009-2010.
"There is indeed money in farming" as he puts his stake
in agriculture with passion, he was able to realize his dreams
of having a better life instead of finding opportunities in the
cities, agricultural production could not only create jobs in
the countryside. It can also trim down the possibility for global
trade and it keeps the youth from flocking in the cities because
there is already livelihood right in the localities.
To date, 4-H Clubs in the Philippines has 3, 609 chapters with
101, 569 members.
It is sad to note however that one of ZamPen's Volunteer Leader
Jason Arcillas died in a vehicular accident. Lorna Bautista and
Maria Fe Domingo from the City Agriculturist Office had serious
injuries. Others including some delegates from Regions 2 and
6 had different degrees of injuries. The accident happened on
their way to their temporary residence when their vehicle's break
failed to function. Head of Delegation and DA chief of the Institutional
Development Section Vivian Paule decided to withdrew from participating
in the two contests, Quiz Bee and Poster Making, and other activities
because ZamPen delegates especially those from Zamboanga City
needs medical care and assistance. The accident happened at the
middle of the weeklong event. (Mark Brian U. Laride and Remai
Alejado, DA9) TOP
| MAY NEWS
Site Specific Nutrient
Management for Maize in Sergio Osmena May 30, 2011
Among the 14 research papers recently presented during the Research
and Development in-house review of the Department of agriculture,
the first prize winning paper went to Mr. Felizardo Salomes ,
et al. The study was “Site Specific Nutrient Management
for Maize in Sergio Osmeña.”
The second and third prizes were Practices of the DA-MLPC Chiquinina
Cattle in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte by Vicente G. Balingit,
et.al. and CPAR on Integrated Rubber-based Farming System by
Ernie C. Camacho, et.al, respectively.
Mr. Salomes cited that his paper
on “Site Specific Nutrient Management for Maize in Sergio
Osmeña” is an integrated approach to the use of available
nutrient sources such as the soil’s indigenous nutrient
supply. It advocates the use of biofertilizers and organic amendments
where only deficit nutrient needs are satisfied with inorganic
fertilizers in a specific site or location.
The paper on “Practices of the DA-MLPC Chiquinina Cattle
in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte by Vicente G. Balingit”
showed that adopting acclimatization techniques, breeding strategies,
feeds and feeding practices, and management practices of the
DA-MLPC will improve the reproduction performance of the chiquinina
cattle in terms of quality and quantity.
The third winning paper “Community-based Participatory Action
Research (CPAR) on Integrated Rubber-based Farming System by
Ernie C. Camacho, et.al aims to augment farm productivity and
profitability in the community through complementation of participatory
action and research. As stated in their research that “with
the introduced system, farmers’ net income reached Php88,143.16
with a Return on Capital (ROC) of 299.98% compared to the farmers’
practice which had only a net income of Php16,800.00 and an ROC
of 110.53%. The introduced system also had an excellent Marginal
Benefit Cost Ratio (MBCR) of 2.99.”
Said winning papers will have
the chance to compete in the regional and national levels. The
Regional Symposium will be conducted by Western Mindanao Agriculture,
Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development Consortium
(WESMARRDEC) and the National symposium by the Bureau of Agricultural
Research (BAR). Research sectors involved are crops, livestock
and poultry its research disciplines on Socio-economics, farming
systems, among others.
The panel of evaluators were
Mr. Rodolfo Galang from the Burea of Reserarch, Dr. Emilie C.
Enriquez, Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) and WESMARRDEC
Consortium Director, Mr. Elmer Enicola and Ms. Maria Adelia C.
Belen both from the Philippine Council for Agriculture Resources,
Research and Development. (PCARRD).
Judging of the papers were based on Creativity, Originality and
Quality of Work 30%,Significance of Findings- 40%, Manuscript/Write-up-
15% and Presentation- 15% a total of 100%. Cash awards were given
to the winners. The Review was held at the DA's Western Mindanao
agriculture Research Center (WESMIARC) (ytavellaneda/DA9)
TOP | MAY NEWS
JUNE
2011
Isabela
City opens 4th Barangay Food Terminal June 8, 2011
School
Gardens also Open this June June 2, 2011
Isabela City
opens 4th Barangay Food Terminal June
8, 2011
Another Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) project was recently launched
in the region and this time it is in Carbon, Malamawi Island,
Isabela City. This is a project of the Department of Agriculture
thru its agribusiness division in coordination with the Office
of the City Agriculturist of Isabela.
The BFT in Brgy. Carbon will be catering areas in Diki, Tampalan,
Sta. Barbara and Lukbutan serving 3,000 households. This will
be operated by the Malamawi Women’s Association under chairwoman
Ms. Jamal L. Usman.
It is expected that the BFT functions as a barangay-based food
depot and distribution system offering affordable, safe and quality
food products like meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruits, among
others. Just like what Mr. Ferdinand Gamorot, Chief of Agribusiness
Marketing and Assistance Division (AMAD) said that the BFT’s
concern is to help market agri-fishery goods and bring BFT in
your area.
During the launching, on behalf of Regional Executive Director
Carlos B. Mendoza, Regional Technical Director Aida P. Cariño
inspired the women by saying “ the involvement of women
is doing good. Let’s help each other sustain the project.”
Dr. Cariño also challenged the women to increase what
they have and if there’s a need for expansion then DA is
willing to help.
Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council Coordinator Buduriya
Parawan advised the women to also bring-in their agri-fishery
by-products as they were also trained on this. In response, Ms.
Usman gave the assurance of giving their best in sustaining the
BFT with the support of the City Agriculturist in the person
of Ms. Gina Alberto in providing technical assistance in terms
of market linkages to prospective suppliers.
BFT Malamawi received equipment from DA such as two chest freezers,
two chillers as cold storage, 25 pieces plastic crates and five
weighing scales, three styropore boxes and two heavy duty calculators
to supplement its operation. DA will also provide financial assistance
to supplement its operation upon completion of necessary documents.
(Yvette Avellaneda/DA9). TOP | JUNE NEWS
School Gardens also
Open this June June 2,
2011
Not only will the Universal Kindergarten be implemented by the
Department of Education (DepEd) this June but also the Gulayan
Sa Paralan by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Not only will the Universal Kindergarten be implemented by the
Department of Education (DepEd) this June but also the Gulayan
Sa Paralan by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The Gulayan sa Paaralan program has a total target of 42,076
public primary and secondary schools from all 17 regions in establishing
a vegetable garden in the next five years.
Starting this school year June 2011, the DA in partnership with
other government agencies like DepEd, DILG, DOH, NNC, DSWD, LGUs
and the Private sector will promote and increase consumption
of vegetables among children.
DA - High Value Crops Development
Program (HVCDP) Regional Coordinator Mr. Marcial B. Fantone said
that in Region IX, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay
are the priority provinces of the Gulayan sa Paaralan since they
remain to be in the country’s top 10 poorest provinces with
high rate of malnourished children. “We have a target of
498 public schools for the establishment of vegetable gardens.
We will first launch in Zamboanga del Norte this June and also
provide trainings for the teachers on proper vegetable growing
and management. We hope that the participating schools would
sustain our project to show the young/ children that eating vegetables
is important to stay healthy. This would also contribute to the
DA’s goal of food security and self-sufficiency in the coming
years.” Fantone added.
The DA will provide assorted vegetable seeds and other plant
materials for distribution to schools in coordination with the
DepEd. A competition for the Best School garden will later take
place; also as one strategy to maintain the school gardens.
All participating schools must have at least a 200sqm vacant
space, others may use a container gardening technology to establish
the garden. The harvests, sales or income will go to the school
to be used for its supplementary feeding program and maintenance
for the next cropping.
The Programang Agrikulturang Pilipino – Gulayan sa Paaralan
aims to promote self help food production activities and values
(appreciation of agriculture as a life support system) among
children. It also intends to promote vegetable production through
natural/organic farming; maintain school gardens as source of
vegetables to supply feeding programs; and to showcase a small-scale
food production model in schools for the households and communities
to replicate purposely to promote family food security. # (CC,DA9)
TOP |
JUNE NEWS
JULY
2011
31.6M worth
of Agri projects underway for ZC
July 21, 2011
RAFC
spearheads farmers' forum in Malamawi
July 20, 2011
San Pablo
operates food terminal July 12, 2011
DA completes
P102M infra project in Aurora July 11, 2011
Barangay
Bolong shows off Jardin July 4, 2011
La Paz
receives VETCAP from DA, OCVET and AFP
July 1, 2011
31.6M worth
of Agri projects underway for ZC July
21, 2011
The Department of Agriculture in partnership with the city government
of Zamboanga are now evaluating Rural Infrastructure projects
for the two congressional districts estimated at thirty-one million
six hundred thousand pesos (P31,600,000.00) from 2011 to 2016
under the ZIADP special project. Construction is expected to
start anytime within this quarter. Raul Ramon “Poch”
Bucoy, Agriculture Program Coordinator (APCO)
The Department of Agriculture in partnership with the city government
of Zamboanga are now evaluating Rural Infrastructure projects
for the two congressional districts estimated at thirty-one million
six hundred thousand pesos (P31,600,000.00) from 2011 to 2016
under the ZIADP special project. Construction is expected to
start anytime within this quarter. Raul Ramon “Poch”
Bucoy, Agriculture Program Coordinator (APCO) for Zamboanga City
and newly appointed Zamboanga Integrated Agricultural Development
(ZIADP) Coordinator for Region 9 said some of the targeted projects
are about to start its construction the earliest possible time
as the evaluation have been approved and with corresponding amount.
For the First District under Congresswoman Ma. Isabelle Climaco
- Salazar, the projects are farm-to-market roads, rehabilitation
of Irrigation System and rehabilitation of the different seaweed
stilt dryers all located in the different barangays in the west
coast of the city. For the Second District under Congressman
Erbie A. Fabian, projects are concreting of roads in barangays
Mercedes, Sangali and Cabaluay.
Bucoy said the evaluation team is composed of engineers and officials
from the Local Government Unit, national agencies and representatives
from non government organization (NGO). He said the involvement
of the NGOs is one of the mandated requirements by the present
administration to be included in the evaluation, recommendation
and approval of any government projects all over the country.
Bucoy disclosed that more agricultural-related projects are in
the pipeline for implementation in Zamboanga City. The infrastructure
projects have significant benefits to the rural economy as it
links production areas to markets and stimulate economic activities
in the communities. It will enhance the agricultural and fishery
productivity and increase the income of the farmers and fisherfolk.
All projects are always properly coordinated with the LGU. (WPeñaflor/DA9)
TOP |
JULY NEWS
RAFC spearheads farmers'
forum in Malamawi July
20, 2011
At least 120 farmers and fisherfolk from barangays Sta. Barbara,
Carbon, Marang-Marang, Panigayan, Balatanay, Tampalan, Lampinigan,
Diki and Lukboton participated in the recently conducted forum
at the White Beach of Malamawi Island, Isabela City, Basilan
Province.
Led by the Regional Agriculture and Fishery Council IX (RAFC),
the forum was formally opened with the raising of banners of
participating barangays by respective chairman. One of the highlights
of the forum is the Agri-Fair showcasing each barangays’
produce. Some products showcased include crabs, fish, squid,
seaweeds and other seafoods, muslim delicacies and decorative
wood handicrafts.
During the Opening Program, Department of Agriculture Regional
Technical Director Constancio G. Alama appreciated the beauty
of Malamawi. He said “you have rich resources in fisheries.
If you put some value adding in your products you can get better
return of investment.”
Several topics were presented such as Implementing Rules and
Guidelines of FARMC; Cultural Management on Selected Vegetables;
Organic Farming; Rubber Production; PCA’s Program and Brontispa;
and BFAR’s Program.
Aside from lectures, there were three organizations created and
formally inducted by DA Regional Executive Director Carlos B.
Mendoza during the Closing program. The organizations were Pambansang
Manalon, Mag-uuma, Mababaul, Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (P4MP) -
Isabela, Isabela Coconut Development Council and White Sand 4H
Club.
Two projects were also turned over; one under the Support to
Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program (SELAP) for the Malamawi
Women’s Association and another under the Zamboanga Peninsula
Integrated Agricultural Development Program (ZIADP) for the Farm-
to-Market Road (FMR).
The Malamawi Women’s Association received a livelihood assistance
for Food processing and handicraft project amounting to P100,000.00.
The FMR is a one kilometer rehab of Lukboton- Lukkabang road
amounting to P 1.4M.
RED Mendoza lauded that Malamawi can be the Boracay of Region
IX. He further said “I challenge you for an agri-tourism
program. Tourism will not be achieved without agriculture since
food is the basic need for both tourist and residents.”
“Let’s do our best in partnership with the government.
The project is for you, make the most of it.” Mendoza added.
(YTAvellaneda/DA9)
TOP |
JULY NEWS
San Pablo operates
food terminal July 12,
2011
“Showcase and sell your products in the food terminal,
” says Agriculture and Marketing Services (AMAS) Director
Leandro H. Gazmin during the recent project launching in Barangay
Kapamanok, San Pablo, Zamboanga del Sur. Director Gazmin recognized
the potential resources of Kapamanok which if harnessed could
serve as a food buffer not only to the municipality but also
to its adjacent municipalities.
With a project cost of one million pesos, the Municipal Food
Terminal (MFT) which is known before as the Bagsakan Center,
Director Gazmin turned over the project to San Pablo Mayor Belman
Mantos who assured “we will strengthen this food depot and
let this grow with our products.”
Governor Antomio H. Cerilles in his message read by Board Member
Eriberto A. Sumalinog said “this Municipal Food Terminal
will help our farmers and fisherfolk sell their produce without
manipulation from the middlemen. It will also encourage them
to observe healthy lifestyle by patronizing our farm products
using organic fertilizers.”
The MFT is a project of the Department of Agriculture in partnership
with the local government of San Pablo. Mr. Ferdinand Gamorot,
Chief of DA-Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division said the
project was done in an 80-20 counterparting scheme and commended
barangay Kapamanok and the LGU of San Pablo for their full support.
To date, only two MFT’s have been opened (Diplahan, ZSP
and San Pablo, ZDS) and four are still underway for operation.
On the other hand, the Barangay Food Terminal (BFT), also a food
terminal project of DA in partnership with the LGU in providing
market for farmer’s produce. It is a barangay-based food
depot and distribution system that offers safe, quality and affordable
agri-fishery products to consumers at a barangay level. Since
2008; it was known as Barangay Bagsakan. Thus far, there are
already 54 BFT’s established in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.
(Mark Laride/DA9) TOP
| JULY NEWS
DA completes P102M
infra project in Aurora July
11, 2011
The 28.914 kilometer s farm-to-market road (FMR) project in the
Municipality of Aurora, province of Zamboanga del Sur is now
ready to serve 2,741 households. Nine potable water systems (PWS)
benefit 1,892 farmers.
Amounting to P103 million pesos, five segments road projects
and nine potable water systems (PWS) were completed and recently
turned over to the municipality of Aurora. The road segments
are in Brgy. Kahayagan - Mandaue - Balintawak; Brgy. Sapalobok
- kauswagan - Kahayagan; Brgy. Lintugup - Tagolalo - Mahayahay
- Gubaan - Inatagan - Campo 1; La Victoria - San Juan; and Barangay
Cabilinan. The PWS are constructed in Barangays Monpila, Bag-ong
Mandaue, Tagolalo, Waterfall, Lubid, Bag-ong Maslob, Inroad,
Napo and Kahayagan East.
Mayor Enrique "Jun" Cabahug said " I owe this
project to the people of Aurora and the Sangguniang Bayan for
endorsing the Appropriation Ordinance required by the project.
Thank you for supporting this project . We braved the trials
in the name of development. This is our legacy."
Mayor Cabahug also thanked the Department of Agriculture especially
then Director Oscar O. Parawan for his motivation to finish the
project and conformed by now Regional Executive Director Dr.
Carlos B. Mendoza.
For his part, Department of Agricul-Regional Technical Director
Constancio G. Alama who represented RED Mendoza described the
LGU of Aurora as consistent, persistent and insistent. "Finally
we have completed this project together. " He reminded the
beneficiaries to maintain said projects.
Project Manager Roy Abaya congratulated the local government
of Aurora for their active participation and hoped that their
support will continue in all agricultural projects. "I know
your problems in this journey but you have hurdled the obstacles
and end up as victorious as you are today."
Barangay Captain Petronilo Gumapon of Barangay Inroad was teary
eyed while delivering his message in behalf of all barangay officials
and beneficiaries. "At first, we doubted the project but
now that it is handed to us, we could hardly believe it is true."
The Infrastructure for Rural Productivity Enhancement Sector
(InfRES) is a special project of the Department of Agriculture.
Projects are implemented on a counterparting scheme. For FMR,
Aurora LGU counterparted 37.7%, DA 12.3% and 50% from the Asian
Development Bank (ADB). For the PWS, LGU Aurora shared 47.7%,
DA shared 2.3% and ADB shared 50%.
The DA-InfRES project in Aurora is the biggest in the region
and second nationwide. (Mark Brian Laride/DA9) TOP | JULY NEWS
Barangay
Bolong shows off Jardin July
4, 2011
In promoting vegetables to be part of healthy diet and an alternative
livelihood to gain income, the Jardin na Barangay Bolong is determined
to send a message to other barangays in Zamboanga City that it
is possible to maintain a vegetable garden without high maintenance.
The vegetable garden in Sitio Mala, barangay Bolong in Zamboanga
City was adjudged as one of the finalist to the interbarangay
Jardin na Barangay contest. Its farm manager Ruben Coros, also
a Kagawad, said that they started the vegetable garden in February
by planting pechay and all the income from the harvest was used
as capital for planting the next crop and expanding the area.
Coros as well plans to use part of the income to loan small farmers
in the community for their starting capital to vegetable production.
Jardin na Barangay is a program coordinated by the Office of
the City Agriculturist and Councilor Reynerio Candido, Committee
Chairman on Agriculture; with the support of the Department of
Agriculture in providing vegetable seeds.
According to Mr Antonio Magsino Jr from the City Agriculturist
office, there are eight official entries to the interbarangay
contest on 'Jardin' from which only four barangays were selected
as finalists - barangays Culianan, Mercedes, Bolong and Sinubong.
Mr. Magsino mentioned the awarding will be held sometime this
July with a grand prize of P300,000.00 worth of infrastructure
facility project to be given to the winning barangay.
Bolong barangay captain Antonio Evangelista fully supports the
project. He said the project in Sitio Mala welcomes visitors
to the area where the barangay can showcase vegetable production
using organic fertilizer. (CC-DA) TOP | JULY NEWS
La Paz receives VETCAP
from DA, OCVET and AFP July
1, 2011
In a recent activity celebrating the 113th-year Anniversary of
the Department of Agriculture (DA), the office in coordination
with the Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVET) and the Veterinary
Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted
a one-day Veterinary Civic Action Program (VETCAP) in Camp Susana,
Barangay La Paz in Zamboanga City.
Veterinary health services such as Deworming and Vaccination
for swine (Hog Cholera), cattle, carabao, goat, sheep (Hemosep),
dog (Rabies), horse and poultry (New Castle Disease) were administered
by veterinarians to animals for free.
La Paz Kagawad Edgardo Serna, also chairman on the committee
on agriculture, expressed his gratitude to the organizers of
the VetCAP, and the veterinarians of DA, OCVET and the AFP. He
mentioned that when the people in the community first learned
that veterinary services will be brought up to Camp Susana, they
were all very eager since this kind of opportunity comes once
in a while only. Serna hopes that there will be another service-activity
to be conducted in the future at La Paz.
Leading the veterinarians were Dr. Carlos Mendoza, DA Regional
Executive Director, Dr. Arnedo Agbayani, Chief, Animal Health
Div.(OCVET), Dr. Don Beckett from the AFP with Command Veterinary
Officer Major Beda Sluggo Elegado.
Also present were Staff of the DA Livestock Division Rowena Pajes,
Cedrick Paule, Bing Modina and Baby Telmo, OCVET Staff Dr. Portia
Pelayo, Dr. Luz Grace Gimenea and the staff of the AFP Veterinary
Corps. (CC/DA) TOP
| JUNE NEWS
AUGUST
2011
DA
intensifies mass production of cassava August 21, 2011
The
search is on for DA-BFAR Scholars August 17, 2011
The
search is on for outstanding Liberal Projects August 17, 2011
DA
prepares corn seeds for this season August 17, 2011
DA
joins Nutrition celebration August 11, 2011
Ipil
receives 27.38 kilograms Veggie Seeds for AgriPinoy GSP August 11, 2011
Miss
4H Zamboanga City 2011 winner August 9, 2011
Food
Handicraft Livelihood set for Isabela City August 8 2011
Aflatoxin
is Alarming
August 4
2011
DABAFPS
conducts Food Safety and Quality Seminar August 2 2011
Gulayan
sa Paaralan begins in ZaNorte August 1 2011
DA intensifies mass production of cassava August 21, 2011
Farmers are encouraged to
venture in cassava because there are multi -national companies
willing to buy it in bulk at reasonable price provided it conforms
to their requirements.
Cassava production will augment
farmers’ income and address the pressure on rice and corn.
It will also cater the needs of the cassava- eating communities.
Muslim and nomads in Mindanao prefer to eat cassava as an alternative
for rice and corn.
Nahul said an initial three hectares
as project sites in Barangay Tictapul, Tumitus and Tagasilay,
Zamboanga City were established as the propagation areas and
nurseries for planting materials of high quality cassava for
distribution and planting to the different target areas in the
region. Land preparation for food consumption variety is also
being undertaken in some areas of Dumingag Municipality, Zamboanga
Del Sur; Siraway, Siayan, Sindangan andManukan all in Zamboanga
Del Norte. For Industrial variety, a two-hectare area was established
in Dinas Municipality, Zamboanga Del Sur; Tungawan, ZamboangaSibugay.
Some eight hectares will be identified as nursery sites for cutting
propagation.TOP
| AUGUST NEWS
The search is on for DA-BFAR scholars August 17, 2011
The FCSP is on its 6th batch
in providing scholarship to students. To date a total of 30 graduates
benefitted this program.
This time, BFAR has increased the number of slots allocated per
region from three slots to ten. However, the Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has twenty slots.
Application forms and pertinent information about this scholarship
program are available at the BFAR website www.bfar.gov.ph or
at the national secretariat. For clarifications and further inquiries
in the Zamboanga Peninsula, contact Dr. Pilar F. Fontelar, Chief
Executive Officer, Fisheries Scholarship Program with telephone
no. (062) 991-1140 or to the nearest BFAR Provincial Office.
Submission for the application will be on August 25, 2011 at
the BFAR Provincial offices since examination date is scheduled
on Saturday, September 17, 2011 from 9:00am to 12:00nn at the
BFAR-Conference Room, Zamboanga City.(MLaride/DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
The search is on for outstanding Liberal
Project August 17, 2011
The Local Government Units
(LGUs), communities, organizations and schools are invited to
join and submit their application forms and nominations via online
to www.fnf.org.ph/theliberalproject/ or by filling up the form
and mailing to MCPO Box 3196, Makati City 1271. Anyone can nominate,
and projects do not necessarily have to be initiated by the Liberal
Party or its members and network to qualify.
The Liberal Project aims to recognize outstanding initiatives
that apply the liberal values of good governance, human rights,
free trade, and freedom with responsibility. It seeks to acknowledge
legislation, policies, and programs that made an impact in the
national or local scene, and that translated liberal principles
into practical ideas that engage the public.
The Philippines, under a Liberal Government, has had several
liberal reforms. It is also the intention of the Liberal Project
to raise the public awareness on these accomplishments, and encourage
support for the liberal agenda. It also hopes to inspire replication
of liberal ideas to allow more people to appreciate liberal solutions.
It is an affirmation that good governance, human rights, and
free trade reinforce the value of freedom.
The winner will receive a Plaque of recognition and cash incentive
to be awarded by Liberal Party leaders on October 27, 2011. The
representative of the project will be given a chance to participate
in a seminar in Germany to learn more about liberal practices.
Deadline of nomination is not later than midnight of August 31,
2011. The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty (FNF) FUR
DIE FREIHEIT was established in Manila in 1986. (Mark Laride/DA9)
TOP |
AUGUST NEWS
DA prepares corn seeds for this season August 17, 2011
Felizardo Salomes,regional
corn coordinator of DA RFU 9 said the distribution of certified
corn seeds being procured from the University of Southern Mindanao,
Kabakan, Cotabato composed of two varieties USM-VAR- 10 and Institute
of Plant Breeding IPB VAR 6 with high protein, high lysine and
tryptophan variety ideal for human consumption. He said the distribution
and planting will start as soon as the seeds will arrive. Under
the DA's Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seed exchange
program, each targeted farmer beneficiary will be given nine
kilos of seeds which they will pay in form of seeds to the agency
at 18kilos after harvest. This will be distributed to the farmer
beneficiaries in queue for the next planting season. The same
seed varieties will serve for three generations to sustain seed
availability every cropping season.
Regional seeds coordinator Dionisio Adante said they already
have the official list of farmer beneficiaries and the areas
where it will be distributed and planted in coordination with
the different local government units regionwide.
For Zamboanga del Norte, Districts I and II will receive 800
bags of white corn each. This includes a special project for
the Siayan Municipality and another 800 bags in support to National
Agribusiness Corp (NABCOR)postharvest facility soon to be inaugurated
in the Municipality of Liloy. For ZamboangaSibugay, districts
I and II will have 600 bags while Zamboanga del Sur and Isabela
City will have 500 and 100 bags, respectively. Each bag contains
9 kilos certified corn seeds.
Salomes said the distribution and planting of certified corn
seeds is in support to the food sufficiency program of the government,
to ease the pressure in rice production, minimize rice importation
and to teach the people to eat corn in lieu of rice specially
for Visayas and Mindanao. The corn production program of the
DA is increasing every year to cope up with the demand both for
human consumption and industrial use.(WPeñaflor/DA9)
TOP |
AUGUST NEWS
DA joins Nutrition celebration August 11, 2011
DA9 Nutrition focal person
Evelyn del Mar said that theme “Isulong ang Breastfeeding:
Tama, Sapat at Ekslusibo” is timely because there are still
some mothers who do not opt for breastfeeding their children.
She said, “we have to help push this very important issue
on breastfeeding babies up to two years old. Aside from saving
finances on buying commercial milk, breastmilk contains antibodies
that will help resist infections on babies; a combination of
balanced protein, carbohydrates and vitamins which will help
the babies grow healthier with stronger immune system."
As part of DA’s goal of sustaining food, the High Value
Crops Development Program (HVCDP) distributed vegetable seeds
to all mothers, the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and other
participants of the program. Ms Ana Aying, DA-Gulayan sa Paaralan
focal person also said that the DA is always supportive to endeavors
of the National Nutrition Council, when once the NNC was part
of the DA, and later transferred to the DOH.
The Nutrition month celebration was spearheaded by the NNC with
its head Ma. Del Pilar Tarroza in coordination with the LGUs
and Provincial Nutrition Committee in Zamboanga Sibugay; coinciding
with the 47th founding anniversary of the Municipality.
Meanwhile, the DA also distributed vegetable seeds to the mothers
and Rural Improvement Club (RIC) members of San Miguel, province
of Zamboanga del Sur. During a one-day lecture on Basic vegetable
gardening, the speakers presented the different topics about
nutrition. Evelyn A. del Mar Regional RIC coordinator discussed
the topic on the nutritive value of vegetables and the big importance
of eating vegetables to lactating mothers, Ms. Ana Aying, HVCDP
Staff also presented a lecture on the importance of vegetables
and basic vegetable gardening. Yolanda Enriquez the Provincial
RIC coordinator discussed the updates of the Provincial RIC programs
and activities. (Cadiz & Laride/DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
Ipil receives 27.38 kilograms of Veggie Seeds for
AgriPinoy GSP
August
11, 2011
Tomitom Elementary School
in Ipil has been selected as pilot area for the launching of
the Agrikulturang Pilipino Gulayan sa Paaralan project (Agri-Pinoy
GSP). Schools Division Superintendent Amelia P. Toralba, Division
Supervisor Elizabeth Camohoy, and Tomitom Teacher-In-Charge Daisy
Mae Sabijon received the vegetable seeds from Edgardo Tabal,
Operations Chief who represented DA Regional Executive Director
Carlos B. Mendoza in the presence of the ZSP-LGU and MLGU.
During the launching program held at Tomitom, Edgardo Tabal,
DA Operation Chief conveyed his message stating, "this project
is important it unites some agencies together to achieve one
goal. The GSP will help provide nutritious food for the children
and student for them to be active in school at hindi sakitin
ang mga bata. Malaking tulong din ito for the school para sa
kanilang feeding program kung saan hindi na sila mamomoproblema
sa pagkukunan ng mga gulay para sa kanilang mga estudyante."
In another message, ZSP Provincial Agriculturist Renato Manginsay,
who represented Gov. Rommel Jalosjos, said, "Farmers play
a vital role that provides food to attorneys, engineers, teachers,
doctors or in short to all of us. Farmers feed us nutritional
food for us to be healthy and gain energy in our daily works."
Manigsay was grateful for the food production projects to be
implemented in schools. He hopes that all the schools will implement
the project.
Immediately after the launching
program, a vegetable planting ceremony was held inside the Tomitom
Elementary School in Ipil. Together with the DepEd Regional Director
Dr. Walter Albos, Medical Officer Dr. Miriam Indin, National
Nutrition Council Head Ma. Del Pilar Tarroza, Ipil Municipal
Agriculturist Edgar Apao, Tomitom Elementary School TIC Daisy
Mae Sabijon, and DA Gulayan focal person Ana Aying planted eggplant
as the initial vegetable to be grown in the school garden.
DA HVCDP Regional Coordinator
Marcial Fantone said that the two provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay
and Zamboanga del Norte are the first to receive the Agri-Pinoy
GSP assistance in Region IX with a total distribution of 84.51
kilograms of vegetable seeds.
Other guests are personnel from the DA and different cooperating
agencies, teachers, students and representatives from the East
West seed company.# (CC, MBL, DA9) TOP | AUGUST NEWS
Miss 4H Zamboanga City 2011 winner August 9, 2011
Her special awards include
Best in Production Number, Best in Farm Wear and Miss CJ Feeds
Muscle Max. The runners-up Miss Head (1st runner-up), Miss Heart
(2nd-runner-up), Miss Hands (3rd runner-up) and Miss Health(4th-runner
up) also received a crown, trophy and a cash of three thousand
pesos. Ms Capin has the chance to compete in the regional search
for Miss 4H. TOP
| AUGUST NEWS
Food
Handicraft Livelihood set for Isabela City August 8 2011
The Department of Agriculture
IX in coordination with the Office of the City Agriculturist
of Isabela City, Basilan will conduct a Handicraft and Food Livelihood
Seminar within this quarter of 2011, at Malamawi Island, Isabela
City. The seminar is in response to the request of the LGU to
train the Malamawi Women’s Association to help augment their
respective family income, uplift their living conditions.
Antonio Lojera, Agricultural Program Coordinator (APCO) for Isabela
City said the seminar will introduce livelihood project such
as handicraft making and food processing utilizing materials
available locally, process native food and pastries for sale
within the island and neighboring barangays in Isabela. The handicraft
production will include mat weaving, basket making, plate making
made of coconut midribs and nito.
Lojera also mentioned that a rich land owner in the island offered
free use of a hectare land to be planted with pandan leaves and
nito for the handicraft materials to hasten their productions.
During the Farmers and Fishermen Forum held recently in the island
the DA thru its Support to Emergency Livelihood Assistance Program
(SELAP) turned over one hundred thousand pesos (P100) worth of
kitchen utensils, equipment, machinery and start-up capital to
the Malamawi Women’s Association purposely to start the
project the early possible time. Lojera said the low income of
the family and the big number of unemployed persons in the island,
and the increased number of beggars mostly coming from the island,
prompted the government to come up with the project to ease their
day to day poor conditions. Lojera said he is inviting regional
and local experts in handicrafts making and food possessors to
conduct the hands on seminar.
The Malamawi Women’s Association (MWA) was organized by
Mrs. Buduriya Parawan, Regional Coordinator of the Regional Agricultural
and Fishery Council 9 (RAFC) of the Department of Agriculture
Regional Field Unit 9. (WPeñaflor, /DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
Aflatoxin
is Alarming
August 4
2011
Aflatoxin is a naturally
occurring toxin produced by fungi/molds. It is a toxic metabolite
produced by the fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus
that is hazardous to human and animal health. Agricultural commodities
susceptible to aflatoxin are corn, peanut, cassava and copra.
AFLATOXICOSIS is a condition that results from ingestion of high
levels of aflatoxin contaminated foods. Symptoms for such intake
include hemorrhage, edema of the brain, abdominal pain, vomiting,
pulmonary edema, convulsions and fever. In severe cases, absorption
of aflatoxin is fatal.
Just this year, the Regional Feed Analysis Laboratory of the
Department of Agriculture headed by Ms. Gemma Genaldo conducted
random sampling in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte
to test presence of aflatoxin in corn.
Result showed that some harvested corn in the areas was found
with aflatoxin content having an alarming level of more than
100 ppb parts per billion (ppb). The maximum tolerance for food
grade is only 20ppb. Some areas had lower content and even within
tolerable level, however, majority are with high content. Ms
Genaldo, DA's chemist said that it is important to consider proper
handling as well as availability of postharvest facilities to
reduce aflatoxin content in corn.
Presence of Aflatoxin can be detected thru a laboratory test
with a minimal fee that is available at DA's Feed Laboratory
in Tumaga, Zamboanga City headed by the DA's Chemist Gemma Genaldo
with contact number (062) 991-6350.
With the establishment of the Aflatoxin Laboratory, the region
will have a safe, healthy, productive and profitable corn and
livestock industry. (ytavellaneda/DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
DABAFPS
conducts Food Safety and Quality Seminar August 2 2011
The Department of Agriculture
- Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Products Standards (DA-BAFPS)
conducted a one day seminar on Food Safety and Quality Standards
recently in one of the hotels in Zamboanga City.
The seminar aimed to identify safety and quality standards of
fresh meat, poultry products, fresh fruits and vegetables, to
learn the general principle and practices of food safety, purchase,
receive, store food and prepare & serve food safety.
Carlos B. Mendoza, Regional Executive Director DA RFU 9, in his
message read by Ferdinand Gamorot, AMAD chief, urged the participants
to disseminate the relevant information on what food safety and
quality is all about, its general principles and practices of
food safety and quality standards for fresh meat and poultry
products, fresh fruits and vegetables in their respective area
of responsibilities. He also said that the learnings that will
be generated will have a long lasting beneficial effect on farmers,
fisher folks and their families and the consumers as a whole.
The seminar is being conducted in the different regions of the
country in response to the need to protect consumers against
health risks through education on product safety and quality
standards.
Discussed during the seminar were, home food safety, safe fresh
meat and poultry products, safe fresh fruits and vegetables,
food safety quality from market to table, personal hygiene, microbiological
hazards, chemical and physical hazards in food.
The seminar was participated by national, regional and local
government units, state colleges and universities officials all
over the region. It was conducted in coordination with the Department
of Agriculture - Zamboanga City. (WPeñaflor/DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
Gulayan
sa Paaralan begins in ZaNorte
August 1
2011
The Municipality of Roxas
in Zamboanga del Norte has been chosen as one of the pilot areas
for the launching of the Agrikulturang Pilipino Gulayan sa Paaralan
(AgriPinoy-GSP) program of the Department of Agriculture in partnership
with the Department of Education (DepED), DOH-National Nutrition
Council (NNC) and Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD)
Over 150 high school students in Langatian National Highschool
(LNHS) in Roxas participated in the launching ceremony of the
vegetable gardening in a 200sqm space in the school.
Ms Eliza Bagtasos, T.L.E. teacher and LNHS Gulayan point person
expressed her enthusiasm with the project. She said, “(We)
our school, is so happy with this kind of project even when we
already promote gardening before, this is different because this
is bigger and we are supported by other government agencies like
DA and NNC. With the DepEd and NNC School’s feeding program,
we can also use some of the future harvests in this vegetable
garden.”
It was reported by the Peace and Equity Foundation (PEF) in the
National Poverty Map some four years ago, Zamboanga del Norte
was among the ten poorest provinces in the Philippines basing
from the indicators of incidence of malnutrition, income level,
sanitation facilities, the lack of housing and access to clean
water.
Ms Bagtasos added, “We hope to encourage the students to
bring home what they learn from school. They should also plant
vegetables in their homes and parents should also teach their
children to eat vegetables. The produce of the Gulayan sa Paaralan
will be given to the students; it will be their choice either
to sell the vegetables for income or just take them home for
consumption.”
In the turnover program held recently at the Bamboo Garden in
Dipolog City, an initial of 57.13 kilograms of vegetable seeds
were turned over to the Schools District Superintendents together
with the officials of DepED, NNC, DA and the ZDN Provincial local
government unit. According to Ms Ana S. Aying, DA Gulayan Focal
Person, there will be another batch of seeds to be distributed
in the coming months. “The East-West Seeds company is also
with us in making this program possible. The assorted seeds distributed
for gulayan sa paaralan includes Ampalaya, Eggplant, Tomato,
Sweet pepper, Pole sitao, Pechay, Upland kangkong, Radish, and
Okra,” Aying said.
Among those present in the Launching Program of the Agri-Pinoy
GSP are Mr. Jay Adraincem (representing Governor Rolando Yebes),
ZDN Provincial Agriculturist Ms Maybel Bustaliño, DepEd
Reg’l Medical Officer Dr. Miriam Indin, ZDN OIC-Schools
Division Superintendent Dr. Elsa Cruz, DepEd GSP focal person
Dr. Cheryl Ocupe, Langatian HS Principal Arnulfo Subebe, DepEd
Dipolog Dr. Sonia Uy, DA HVCDP Reg’l Coordinator Marcial
Fantone, DA-RSO Dipolog OIC Reynaldo Campomanes, and other support
staff from ZDN –DepEd, NNC, and DA. # (CC,DA9) TOP | AUGUST
NEWS
SEPTEMBER
2011
Alicia
gets liquid freeze facility September
30, 2011
DA
promotes Ceylon Tea September
13, 2011
DA-OCA
introduce submerged drought tolerant on rice September 5, 2011
Alicia gets liquid freeze facility September 30, 2011
The Department of Agriculture-National
Agribusiness Corporation (DA-NABCOR) recently turned over one
unit Liquid Quick Freeze (LQF) machine to the Municipality of
Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay. The ceremony was held at Barangay
Kawayan, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay attended by Mrs Jayd-da N.
Mayoralgo, NABCOR vice president and Dr. Carlos B. Mendoza, DA
9 Regional Executive Director.
Samuel Simbajon, NABCOR area manager said the LQF is a freezer
and ice maker with a size of 2mx1.9x3m. It produces a minimum
of 3tons ice block a day and an average of 1.5 tons quick-freeze
multi-commodities of agri and fisheries products. It is one of
the revenue generating projects of the LGUs and recipient organizations
focused on fisherfolk and farmers cooling services and freezing
of agri and fishery products. It can even supply the needed ice
of the municipality. The project is under the national cold chain
program of the national government, aimed at increasing farmers/fisherfolk’s
income; meet the demand of the market for a year-round supply
of commodities; and extend the freshness and shelf life of agri
and fishery perishable products.
Simbajon said, the LQF is a donation of the DA-NABCOR, a government
owned and controlled corporation, to any legally registered cooperatives
or foundations or community organization or local government
units. Recipients must have the capability to provide for the
required counterpart such as space, electricity, water and operating
capital to operate the facility. The target recipients can avail
of the project, but must conform with the qualifications, terms
and conditions stipulated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA),
to be signed by both parties to maintain and sustain the project
in the locality where it will be established.
Under the MOA, the donor agency will donate the LQF complete
with accessories. They will also equip the recipient with the
necessary training, and technical knowhow to operate and maintain
the facility. The recipient as their counterpart, will provide
for the utilities such as, one unit transformer, single phase
at 37.7 KVA, main service electrical feeder line, circuit breaker
with 150amperes, packaging materials and vacuum sealer. They
will also provide the covered facility or existing warehouse,
which is a minimum of 40 square meters, floor area with cleared
height of 6 meters, and potable water supply line.
Same agreement also stipulates the roles of the recipient and
NABCOR to make the project successful, and for the upliftment
of the economic condition of the farmers and fisherfolk in the
countryside.
Simbajon said there are six operational LQF regionwide. One unit
each in the Municipalities of Katipunan and Sindangan in Zamboanga
del Norte; Vincenso Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur; and Alicia Municipality,
Zamboanga Sibugay; two units in Barangay San Pedro, Dapitan City,
to augment the existing 300 metric tons cold storage facility
inaugurated by Sec. Proceso J. Alcala in April this year. (WPeñaflor,DA9)
TOP |
SEPTEMER NEWS
DA
promotes ceylon tea September 13, 2011
The Department of Agriculture, La Paz, Experiment Station, Barangay
La Paz, Zamboanga City is undertaking the propagation of La Paz
Tea (Ceylon Tea variety) for planting materials in preparation
for the establishment of a tea production center in the area.
Mr. Orlando Telmo, Station Superintendent of La Paz Experiment
Station, said the DA has allocated funds for the project to plant
La Paz Tea in the Barangay .The wild and abandoned matured Ceylon
Tea varieties in the bushes of the barangay, caught the attention
of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during his first visit to Zamboanga
City. He encouraged the farmers to plant the tea as it demands
a high importance to the tea drinkers and can give significant
source of income to landowner and laborers in Barangay La Paz.
The humidity, cool temperatures, and the high altitude of the
area can provide a climate that favor the production of the high
quality tea. Secretary Alcala is promoting the planting of Ceylon
Tea all over the country.
Telmo said the Ceylon Tea variety in La Paz was planted way back
1980s by Bureau of Plant Industry in some selected area of DA
La Paz Experiment Station but its efficiency remained static
without research component to backstop its development in Western
Mindanao . There is a need to refine the technology for more
efficient operation. The Secretary is eyeing the planting of
Ceylon tea on large scale. There are several fully matured Ceylon
tea trees existing that served as the mother tree and the source
of the planting materials. Telmo said the DA and the Alternative
Center for Organizational Reform and Development Inc. (ACORD)
an NGO, agreed to produce and expand the Ceylon Tea production
in Zamboanga City due to its high demand at an alternative price
in both the domestic and export market. It is highly profitable
when cultivated with the use of modern technologies. It can be
processed into finish product and essential to human health.
Under the agreement the DA will conduct research and development,
undertake the training, establish techno demo farm, central nursery
for mass production of planting materials.
The Department of Agriculture, La Paz, Experiment Station, Barangay
La Paz, Zamboanga City is undertaking the propagation of La Paz
Tea (Ceylon Tea variety) for planting materials in preparation
for the establishment of a tea production center in the area.
Mr. Orlando Telmo, Station Superintendent of La Paz Experiment
Station, said the DA has allocated funds for the project to plant
La Paz Tea in the Barangay .The wild and abandoned matured Ceylon
Tea varieties in the bushes of the barangay, caught the attention
of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during his first visit to Zamboanga
City. He encouraged the farmers to plant the tea as it demands
a high importance to the tea drinkers and can give significant
source of income to landowner and laborers in Barangay La Paz.
The humidity, cool temperatures, and the high altitude of the
area can provide a climate that favor the production of the high
quality tea. Secretary Alcala is promoting the planting of Ceylon
Tea all over the country.
Telmo said the Ceylon Tea variety in La Paz was planted way back
1980s by Bureau of Plant Industry in some selected area of DA
La Paz Experiment Station but its efficiency remained static
without research component to backstop its development in Western
Mindanao . There is a need to refine the technology for more
efficient operation. The Secretary is eyeing the planting of
Ceylon tea on large scale. There are several fully matured Ceylon
tea trees existing that served as the mother tree and the source
of the planting materials. Telmo said the DA and the Alternative
Center for Organizational Reform and Development Inc. (ACORD)
an NGO, agreed to produce and expand the Ceylon Tea production
in Zamboanga City due to its high demand at an alternative price
in both the domestic and export market. It is highly profitable
when cultivated with the use of modern technologies. It can be
processed into finish product and essential to human health.
Under the agreement the DA will conduct research and development,
undertake the training, establish techno demo farm, central nursery
for mass production of planting materials. TOP | SEPTEMER
NEWS
DA-OCA
introduce submerged drought tolerant on rice September 5, 2011
Drought tolerant certified
rice varieties( inbred), will soon be available in Zamboanga
City and region 9, this was the result of a study developed entitled
Adaptability Yield Trials on Drought Tolerant, pesticides- free,
research This study was conducted by the researchers from the
Office of the City Agriculturist (OCA), Zamboanga City recently
at Sitio Gapuh, Barangay Talabaan, Zamboanga City. Three of the
12 registered drought resistance varieties such as NCIC Rc -222,
Rc 192(rainfed) and Rc 11(Upland),planted during the trials,
bear good grains, and was recommended for field trial managed
by the farmers in the different rainfed areas in Zamboanga City.
If proven viable it will be highly recommended for adaptation
for seed and rice productions later, following the technology
used in the study.
The three varieties were thoroughly evaluated by the researchers
and were also chosen on the spot by the farmers present during
the field day, from among the fully grown 12 varieties in the
rainfed areas planted where the study was conducted. The different
rice varieties were provided by the International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI) and Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice), purposely
to look for the best varieties suitable to be planted in rainfed
areas in region 9.
Hon.Reynaldo Candido, member of the city council and chairman
of the committee on agriculture in Zamboanga City, in his message
said, “it is high time that we should make the vast rainfed
areas productive by planting suitable rice varieties with less
cost of production.”
He stand firm not to allow riceland areas converted into industrial
center because it deprives the farmers in planting more crops.
It will also decrease the areas for more food production that
will result to food shortage even for local consumption. “With
intact agricultural lands opportunities are open for more studies
such as this than can be facilitate the farmers in increasing
their productivity.”
Raul Ramon Bucoy,agriculture program coordinator (APCO) for Zamboanga
City said “ it will make the idle and wide rainfed areas
in region 9 productive and can help in the efforts of the government
to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the years to come.”
He urged the land owners and rice farmers present, to take advantage
by adapting the technology in their respective rainfed areas
for replication under their care for seed and rice productions
later if found suitable in their area.
The study headed by Muhaimin Albani, research division head of
the Office of the City Agriculturist was represented Alfredo
Arceo, during the recent Field Day program held in Sitio Gapuh,
Barangay Talabaan, Zamboanga City attended byseveral rice farmers
from the different rice areas in the city, land owners,farmers’
association officials, Barangay officials, LGUs, DA regional
officials and some rice technicians from the province of Sulu.
Arceo said aside from the drought tolerant study, they are also
conducting two other studies on rice production, the Saline variety
which is ongoing in Recodo Barangay and Submergence rice variety
in Barangay Guiwan all in Zamboanga City. He said studies were
encouraged by the IRRI/PhilRice to all the researchers in the
country to address climate change and global warming. At least
there will be rice varieties that can be planted and grown in
saline and submerged environment, to sustain rice production.
Mr Reynerio Bejerano, president of the farmers’ association
of Zamboanga City offered to shoulder all the expenses and assist
the OCA to conduct the farmers- managed trials by planting the
two drought resistant varieties for the welfare of all rice farmers
in the city. The Office of the City Agriculturist of Zamboanga
City headed by Mr Diosdado N. Palacat, is considering expanding
the studies to the different rainfed areas all over the city
and region 9, adapting the technology to make the farmers more
productive and increase their income. (WPenaflor/DA9) TOP | SEPTEMER
NEWS
OCTOBER
2011
Military
retirees get livelihood seminar October 20, 2011
Strengthening
BFTs in ZamPen October
4, 2011
DA 9
distribute cassava grater and presser to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi October 4, 2011
WMSU
bags 1st place in 2011 poster making contest October 4, 2011
Military
retirees get livelihood seminar October 20, 2011
The Department of Agriculture
(DA-IX) through the Livestock Program and High Value Crops Development
Program (HVCDP) recently conducted a two-day seminar for 89 military
retirees and soon-to-retire personnel of the 1st Infantry TABAK
Division, Philippine Army in Kuta Major Cesar L. Sang-an Camp,
Pulacan, Labangan Zamboanga del Sur.
The seminar tackled topics on livestock management specifically
on cattle, swine, goat and poultry raising and management. The
HVCDP program focused discussion on vegetables production, mango
propagation, rubber production and organic fertilizer farming.
During the opening program, Lt.C. Casimero Royme Tamparong, GSC
said that many of those who applied for retirement stated the
reasons for venturing into agri-business after the service in
the military. “Time will come that your pension cannot anymore
cater the increasing demands of your expenses. It is worthy na
mag-invest kayo sa business, so you will not solely rely on your
pension. You will have additional income, dagdag pagkain sa mesa
at may exercise tuwing umaga,” he said.
On the second-day of training, the 89 participants were given
a hands-on demonstration on mango grafting, rubber budding and
poultry vaccination.
One of the participants, MSg Nestor Jumawan, 55 said that the
kind of seminar the DA is giving is very much helpful for those
who are interested in going into agribusiness. He said that he
is particularly interested in livestock production and might
start with the business once his retirement benefits are released.
Among the presentors and demonstrators during the seminar were
DA Veterinarian Dr. Darwin Lloyd Sulay, Myra Gemeniano, Anita
Gallebo, Lorena Cabatingan and Elmer Acoymo. (DA9) TOP | OCTOBER
NEWS
Strengthening BFTs in ZamPen October 4, 2011
All Barangay Food Terminal
(BFT) operators from Zamboanga City, Isabela City (Basilan) and
Zamboanga Sibugay participated in the first BFT Operator’s
Summit held on October 10-11, 2011 at Tumaga Porcentro, Zamboanga
City. This year’s theme is “Strengthening Efforts Toward
Project Enhancement and Sustainability”.
Department of Agriculture IX – Agribusiness and Marketing
Assistance Division (AMAD) Chief Ferdinand Gamorot said that
this is the first summit conducted in the region. The second
summit will gather BFT operators from the provinces of Zamboanga
del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. He also mentioned there are
19 BFTs regionwide targeted to be opened for the year 2011.
There are a total of 55 established Barangay Food Terminals (BFTs)
regionwide since its first launching in 2008. Of the total established
BFTs, 10 have temporarily stopped operation due to unprecedented
issues on management transfers and finances, while all 45 are
operating smoothly with an estimate of 1000 pesos income daily.
BFT Coordinator for Region IX Ms Trinidad S. Dela Cruz who represented
AMAS Director Engr. Leandro H. Gazmin, in her message said that
the BFT Operator’s Summit is the second phase of the BFT
implementation to strengthen existing BFTs. “This is our
vision. Palaguin at Patatagin, Mapaunlad ang mga BFTs” Ms
Dela Cruz encourages the BFT managers to make project proposals
and submit to DA-AMAD for evaluation. Once the project proposals
have been approved, a grant assistance of P50,000.00 will be
given to the BFT. The financial support can help cover operation
costs, transport costs, equipment/facilities and additional capital.
The BFT Summit discussed the Techniques of Business Negotiation
and Market Linkage Establishment presented by the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Engr. Rolando
Acuña; Credit Programs for Food Terminal Operators presented
by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Development Assistance
Head Lino Sustiguer and LBP – Zamboanga Lending Center Roel
Tarroza.
Also included is the discussion on the guidelines on the requirements
of the DA regional and national Search for Gawad Saka Outstanding
BFT for LGU and Non-LGU Operators; which has a cash prize of
P350,000.00 for the national winner. (DA9) TOP | OCTOBER
NEWS
DA
9 distribute cassava grater and presser to Basilan, Sulu and
Tawi-Tawi
October 4,
2011
Some 46 units cassava grater
and presser will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture
Regional Field 9, Zamboanga Peninsula, to the provinces of Basilan,
Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, before the year ends, as part of the commitment
of DA Secretary Processo J. Alcala when he first visited Sulu
early this year.
Cassava or pangi in the Muslim dialect is being eaten by most
of the resident of the three provinces. It is abundant and available
as most of the farmers are engaged in planting and selling cassava
as their main livelihood. The distribution of cassava grater
and presser can boost cassava production and help the cassava
farmers in increasing their income.
Aside from being used as food and feed ingredients, cassava is
also used in the manufacture of industrial products. It is used
as a raw material in the production of ethanol. Moreover, cassava
can be processed into different food products with higher economic
value.
Edgardo Tabal, DA operations chief said cassava is included as
the country’s major crops under the corn program. “It
is also identified under the Department’s Food Staple and
Stability Program (FSSP) as an alternative to rice, to minimize
rice importation,” Tabal said who represented Regional Executive
Director Carlos B. Mendoza during the recently concluded Technology
Training and Program Orientation on Cassava For Food Project
held in Zamboanga City.
Resource speakers were Dr. Candido Damo, national cassava project
leader and Dr. Algerico Mariscal, professor, Philrootcrops, Visayas
State University, Baybay, Leyte. Topics discussed were the national
cassava roadmap; regional interventions for cassava; and updates
on the distribution of cassava planting materials; recommended
cassava varieties for food; rapid propagation of cassava its
nursery management; cassava cropping system; cultural management;
postharvest practices; and cassava food preparations.
DR. Damo in his lecture said the DA has set a separate funding
support to promote cassava and other root crops as major products.
A combined team of root crops experts from DA, academe, state
colleges and universities is preparing root crops program to
be included in the Philippine Industry Development Roadmap that
will serve as the guideline in the massive productions of root
crops nationwide. He admitted that the country at present lagged
behind other countries in Asia especially Thailand in the production
of root crops. However, with the importance given to this commodity
now, the country can be competitive in the years to come as far
as production is concerned. On the other hand, Dr.Algerico Meniscal
said that based on the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics Office
(BAS), the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has the
biggest consumption of cassava in the country, followed by Region
9, Bicol, Northern Mindanao, Sorsogon, and the National Capital
Region,(NCR)as the lowest consumer. He said with the focus now
on cassava production, the consumption of cassava in the country
can be increased especially at the NCR by increasing awareness
on its consumption, preparation, and other important uses.
The Philippine Industry Development Roadmap includes the issues
and concern in the production of root crops in the country such
as low of production; inadequate credit; low adoption of recommended
cassava production technology; limited planting materials of
quality and high yielding varieties; high cost of transportation;
low cassava per capita consumption; low quality of primary products;
and lack of location specific cassava production technology.
The training culminated the region’s commitment to spearhead
massive root crops productions by conducting series of trainings,
propagation of cassava seedlings and expansion of areas to be
planted with cassava and other root crops that can maximize its
production all over the Zamboanga Peninsula. (WPeñaflor/DA9)
TOP |
OCTOBER NEWS
WMSU
bags 1st place in 2011 poster making contest October 4, 2011
Amina Shyane B. Halil, Grade
VI pupil of the Western Mindanao State University – Integrated
Laboratory School bested 25 young artists from 13 different elementary
levels from both public and private schools during the Poster
Making Contest on September 29, 2011 held at the Cecille’s
Convention Hall conference, Zamboanga City. Second and third
places went to Raffyboy Lanoza of Catalina Vda. De Jalon Memorial
School, and Anne-Nora Sakirin of San Jose Gusu Elementary School,
respectively.
Highlighting the World food Day Celebration is the On-the-Spot
poster Making Contest spearheaded by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in cooperation with
the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Education (DepEd),
and the National Agricultural and Fishery Council ( NAFC ).
This year’s theme “Food Prices: from Crisis to Stability,”
is the concept of the poster and this was well interpreted by
the kids in their work of art. Young as they are, they can still
be a part of life’s advocacy to food security.
There were 13 schools who participated the contest these were:
Tetuan Central School, Immaculate Conception Elementary School,
Sta. Maria Central School, Zamboanga East Central School, Zion
Evangelical School, Catalina Vda. De Jalon, Pilar College, San
Roque Elementary School, San Jose Gusu Elementary School, Baliwasan
Central School, Ferndale International School, Ebenezer School
and WMSU- Integrated Laboratory School.
The official judges were Heriberto Payopelin, Jr. from DA, Isidro
Floreta and Rorie Tan Aradanas, all Professional Artists.
Ms Amina Shyane B. Halil, the winner will represent the region
to compete for the national level on October 12, 2011 in Manila.
She will be doing an entirely new poster, on the spot, with a
totally different design from her winning regional entry.
Judging will be in the afternoon of October 12 and awarding on
October 13, 2011. The national winner will receive a cash prize
of Fifteen Thousand pesos and none winning entries will receive
a cash prize of one Thousand Pesos. The winner together with
his/her escort will also be provided with an all-expense-educational
tour including food and hotel accommodation sponsored by the
National Agriculture and Fishery Council (NAFC). (ytavellaneda,
DA-9) TOP
| OCTOBER NEWS
DECEMBER
2011
Prime Movers'
Forum held in ZdN & ZSP December
27, 2011
Brgy.
Buenavista & Boalan IAs receives CIS worth 5MPhP December 22, 2011
Cooperatives
get PhP1M Bio-N Mixing Plants December
21, 2011
NBACA
conduct Year-End meeting in Zamboanga City December
15, 2011
Prime Movers' Forum held in ZdN & ZSP
Two Information Officers'
fora were recently conducted by the Department of Agriculture-Regional
Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (DA-RAFID) in
the provinces of Zamboanga Peninsula, first in Zamboanga del
Norte and second in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Dubbed as the " Prime Movers' Forum: Advocating and mobilizing
information officers towards food sufficiency. "the activity
aims to Update participants with the Agri-Pinoy Programs on Rice,
Corn, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), Livestock
and Special Projects; Discuss the roles of information officers;
To speed-up the dissemination of DA's programs, a networking
of provincial and municipal information officers is needed to
ensure that agricultural plans, programs and projects of the
national government harmonize with their efforts in agricultural
information.
Capability building follows after establishing a network with
the LGUs. Topics discussed were: Updates on Advocacy and IEC
Process and Strategies; The Role of Information Officers, Issues
& Concerns and Networking; Social Mobilization and Communication
Convergence; Production and Design of Advocacy and IEC Materials
and Planning and Designing of Advocacy and IEC Campaigns.
These were shared by Noel T. Provido, a multi awarded writer
and chief of the Information, Advocacy, Communications and Education
(InfoACE) Unit under the Program Support Office (PSO) of the
DA's Mindanao Rural Development Program,(DA-MRDP), Sherwin B.
Manual, Information and Advocacy Specialist, also from DA-MRDP
and Maria Melba B. Wee, Chief of DA-RAFID.
RED Eduardo B. Holoyohoy said that "We assure our support
to the LGUs and encouraged for harmonious teamwork between the
region and the LGUs. "
Dr. Aida P. Carino, Regional Technical Director for Planning,Policy
and Research is hopeful that the pool of Information Officers
regionwide would motivate the farmers and fisherfolk to be proud
of their career as the nation's provider of food. She said, "We
should look at agriculture as an enterprise and that there is
money in agriculture, thus the farmers/fisherfolk can stand tall
and proundly say, I am a farmer." She added "first,
we have to develop and sustain agriculture before we shift to
industrialization. Our strength is in agriculture. The farmers/fisherfolk
can be profitable businessmen and you are the best group to disseminate
this message."
The Prime Movers Forum for Zambonga del Sur participants is scheduled
on the last week of January next year at the Hotel Guillermo,
Pagadian City. (ytavellaneda/DA9) TOP | DECEMBER NEWS
Brgy.
Buenavista & Boalan IAs receives CIS worth 5MPhP
The National Irrigation
Administration (NIA) turned over two Communal Irrigation System
(CIS) to the Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) of Buenavista
- Curuan and Boalan barangays in Zamboanga City on December 16
and 20, 2011, respectively.
In the turnover ceremony, Mr. Raul Ramon Bucoy, APCO for Zamboanga
City represented RED Eduardo B. Holoyohoy. He reiterated his
appeal to the irrigators to maintain, sustain the projects and
pay the amortization on time. “More small scale irrigation
projects will be constructed in this area to contribute to food
staple sufficiency efforts of the government.” Bucoy also
mentioned that the national government has increased the budget
of the Department of Agriculture (DA) by next year; substantive
amount is allocated for irrigation projects all over the country
aimed to curtail or minimize the rice importation next year and
make the country rice exporter by year 2014. Bucoy acknowledged
the 100 % irrigation amortization of the IA’s of Buenvista
as confirmed by the NIA officials. He assured that with the good
performance, he hopes to recommend to the Department of Agriculture
and Zamboanga City government in continuing to support and to
establish more agricultural projects to increase the income of
the rice farmers.
In Buenavista, Curuan, the Pump Irrigation system completed project
is the 40 thousand litres Reservoir (potable water) with water
pipes distribution to the different household around 66 beneficiaries
with service area of 50 hectares. The project cost is Php 2.5Million.
While in Boalan, the project include the concreting of 200 meters
irrigation canal, 75 meters rip rapping of river wall and the
rehabilitation of cross bridge with service area of 60 hectares
and 60 beneficiaries. The projects total cost is PhP 2.5Million,
payable within the prescribe period agreed. Both projects was
turned over by Engr. Benedicto Isagani Pulis, Jr., Irrigation
Management office head, ZAMBASULTA, to the president of the Buenavista
and Boalan irrigators association in two separate turnover ceremonies.
Ms Leni Enriquez, senior institutional officer of the NIA, region
9, said under the law, NIA will still retain supervision of the
different communal irrigation systems. The IAs will manage, maintain
and sustain the operation while under amortization depending
on the number of years agreed. The ownership of the projects
can only be transferred to the irrigators after they will be
able to pay, or the LGU, the 30% amortization of the total amount
of the cost of the construction of the projects to the national
government thru NIA. For 2011, NIA were able to complete and
turnover three CIS projects in Zamboanga City. They are located
in Barangay Lapaz, Buenavista and Boalan. Among those present
during the turnover ceremonies were Hon. Lilia M. Nuño,
IA Federation Preseident Hdja. Aida Nuño Loong, officials
and employees of DA, NIA, DA, OCA, Barangay, and rice farmers.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is a government
owned and controlled corporation primarily responsible for irrigation
development and management in the Philippines. It supervises
the operation, maintenance and repair, or otherwise administer
temporarily all communal and pump irrigation systems constructed,
improved or repaired wholly, partially with government funds.
NIA also charge and collect from the beneficiaries of water from
all irrigation system constructed by or under its administration
such fees or administration charges. (WPeñaflor, CCadiz,
DA9) TOP
| DECEMBER NEWS
Cooperatives
get PhP1M Bio-N Mixing Plants
Two cooperatives in Region
9 recently received 500 thousand pesos each from the National
Food Authority – Corn Development Fund. In coordination
with the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water
Management (DA-BSWM) Bio-tech and the University of the Philippines
in Los Banos (UPLB), the fund was granted for the establishment
of a Bio-N Mixing Plant.
Recipients were the the Siarri Valley Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SVARBEMCO) in Sindangan, Zamboanga
del Norte and Lapuyan People’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative
(LAPMUCO) in Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur.
The project aims to enhance efficiency of corn production, provide
stable, reliable and affordable supply of Bio-N and at the same
time gives profitable business enterprise to coops as briefed
by Mr. Eduardo A. Jarcia of National Food Authority – Technical
Research and Services Department and one of the members of the
Bio-N Technical Working Group.
During the turnover, Mr. Reynaldo Campomanes, Agricultural Provincial
Coordinator (APCo) for Zamboanga del Norte who represented RED
Eduardo B. Holoyohoy said in his message that “the use of
Bio-N will help farmers minimize its cost of production especially
nowadays with the high cost of chemical fertilizer available
in the market.”
BIOTECH was established in 1980s to help address this problem.
One of the mandates of BIOTECH is to search for alternative fertilizer
technologies in line with the government’s thrust on energy
conservation. Since then the search for alternative fertilizers
started.
BIO-N was initially developed at Biotech in 1985. In 2003 the
DA initially provided budget for the development and extension
of BIO-N for value crops.
For now, there are five Bio-N mixing plants in the region to
include the two newly launched projects. The P500,000 grant includes
Hammer Mill, Mixer, Oven Dryer, Pressure Cooker and Laboratory
supplies. (YTAvellaneda/DA9) TOP | DECEMBER NEWS
NBACA
conduct Year-End meeting in Zamboanga City
The Department of Agriculture-National
Bids and Awards Committee Association (DA-NBACA) conducted a
three-day meeting at Garden Orchid Hotel recently.
Dr. Aida P. Carino, Regional Technical Director (RTD) of DA RFU
9, lauded the officers and members of the association for holding
their year-end meeting in Zamboanga City during the opening program.
She commended the group for the important and memorable affair
in the City. Carino was confident that the association will be
able to come up with resolutions to resolve issues and concerns
to complete the DA Customized Procurement Manual (CPM) that will
be incorporated to the Official Bids and Awards national guidelines;
for one direction, mission and vision to lessen the problem in
equipment procurement for the agency.
She also conveyed to the participants her sharing of experiences
and delightful moments as member and the Vice President for Luzon
of the association, when she was then the RTD of DA RFU 4A. Cariño
also encouraged the participants from other regions to take advantage
of their stay in the Asia’s Latin City by visiting the tourist
attraction such as the popular Paseo del Mar, Pasonanca Park,
Fort Pilar and other places in the City, particularly the widely
popular Canelar Barter Trade centre.
The three-day meeting focused on the agreement of the resolutions
approved during the past meetings held in the different regions,
presentation and critiquing of the updated CPM, year-end updates
on the DA-NBACA accomplishment and action planning of the association
for the coming year.
The series of meeting conducted by the association is as an offshoot
to the training on procurement process conducted by the World
Bank last June 1-3, 2009 in Bacolod City, a Special Order No.429
dated August 14, 2009 was issued for the creation of a National
Bid and Awards Committee (BAC) association for the department
which was later refer to as the Department of Agriculture- National
Bids and Awards Committee Association (DA-NBACA).The association
is composed of the DA BAC chair, BAC secretariat chairs and BAC
TWG head for RFUs, bureaus, attached agencies and government-
owned and controlled corporations.
The association shall be responsible for enhancing/improving
the capability of the BAC members thru continuous training and
capacity building as well as in facilitation of resolutions of
issues/concerns on procurement.
The association aims to promote the government principles on
government procurement among the members of this association
which are transparency and competitiveness in the procurement
process, accountability, streamlined process and public monitoring.
The NBACA also strengthens various BAC’s functions and processes
in developing a network to assist any member of the association
who is subject of a suit or legal action in the performance of
his/her official function as BAC member; and to assist any BAC
chapter conducting post-qualification of a certain bidder coming
from other regions.
The association has the following major accomplishment; to conduct
series of orientations/fora re: Revised Implementing Rules and
Regulations (IRR) for RA 9184 of the Government Procurement Policy
Board (GPPB), establish linkage/coordination with GPPB, conduct
of quarterly meeting alternately sponsored by the regions, sharing
of experiences resulted in resolution of procurement-related
problems, creation of Website for DA-NBACA, ratified the constitution
and by-laws of the association and registration (in process).
The participants were treated to sightseeing on the tourist attractions
of the city before their departure to their respective regions
all over the country. (WNP/CC, DA9) TOP | DECEMBER NEWS
JANUARY
2012
8th PAFC
Summit supporting opportunities for Mindanao January 26, 2012
Zambo
Farmers complete FFS January 25, 2012
8th PAFC Summit suppoting opportunities for Mindanao
Zamboanga City holds
the 8th Mindanao-wide Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Council
(PAFC) with over 300 participants composed of provincial and
municipal AFC officials and members to include famer and fishery
leaders, youth and women (from regions 9,10,11,12,13 and ARMM).
The summit was held recently at the Regency Convention Center
in Pasonanca, ZC.
During the opening program, City Agriculturist Diosdado Palacat,
who represented Mayor Lobregat, in his speech said, “The
local government unit under our administration is effectively
addressing the problems affecting the agriculture and fisheries
sectors with the Office of the City Agriculturist taking the
lead in all efforts that promote production, protection and research
and development of agri-fishery commodities with strong private
participation. Last year, we implemented over P152.58 million
worth of agri-fisheries related infrastructure broken down as
follows: Irrigation – P21.51 million, Farm-to-market roads
– P129.89 million and seaweed dryers amounting to P 1.81
million. This year, I am sure, the figures have tripled.”
Referring to Mindanao as the food basket of the country, he said,
“Focus was also given to the implementation of RA 10068
or the Organic Act of 2010 to promote and develop organic agriculture
in the city. This is expected to increase productivity, reduce
environmental degradation and prevent depletion of natural resources,
protect the health of the farmers and help cut expenses on imported
farm inputs. We hope to have completed the construction, rehabilitation
and improvement of 14 irrigation structures amounting to P32.8
million, construction of 12 prototype seaweed dryers/stilt dryers
worth P11.1 million, strengthening of rural-based organizations,
the conduct of livelihood trainings and farm demonstrations before
the year ends.”
In his message, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive
Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy also pronounced and appeal to the
AFCs to help DA amplify the mission of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala
of food security thru the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP).
“Rice is not the only staple available in our country. Let
us learn to eat other staples like corn grits, cassava, gabi
or taro, sweet potato, banana and adlai or jobs tears.”
The summit discussed lectures on Guidelines for Halal Food, Roadmap
on Coconut Industry, Organic fertilizer, White Corn as staple
food, Cassava value chain, Fertilizer and pesticides registration
and licensing, DA-DILG Joint Administrative Order No.1 for closed
season sardine fishing, Legislative Agenda Under the 15th Congress
and DA Priority Legislation, Climate Change, PCA Zamboanga Research
Center, and the Proposed AFC Monitoring forms.
Edgardo C. Codilla, President, RAFC Chairmen Association also
presented the AFC Mandates and its Manual of Operations; and
discussed its amendments for submission and final approval by
the Secretary of Agriculture and the National AFC.
Participants of the summit also took the time to visit the Philippine
Coconut Authority – Zamboanga Research Center in San Ramon,
Zamboanga EcoZone and Free port, and the NJB Dairy Farm in Ayala.
The most pressing of all concerns of the AFC is the fund for
mobilization. Mr. Benjamin Donor, the national NAFC representative
and National Coordinator for region suggested that the whole
Mindanao will prepare resolutions for the release of mobilization
fund for the RAFC/PAFC Coordinators and this to be signed by
all counterparts. Mr. Donor said that in all his capacity he
will bring the concern to the higher authority.
The conduct of the summit is cooperated by the RAFC-IX Chairman
Rudy Iglesias, Regional Coordinator Ms Buduriya Parawan, the
City Agriculturist Office, CAFC Chair Vicente Gregorio and the
Department of Agriculture.#(YTA/CC) TOP | JANUARY NEWS
Zambo
Farmers complete FFS January 25, 2012
Some 30 farmers, housewives
and out-of-school youths of barangay Tagasilay, Vitali, Zamboanga
City completed and received their certificate of completion for
the season-long Farmers Field School (FFS) on Palay Check last
Jan 18, 2012. Sixteen weeks or four months classroom and on-field
classes started in October 2011 conducted by the Office of City
Agriculturist in partnership with the Department of Agriculture
Regional Field Unit 9. The FFS aims to transfer the latest and
comprehensive rice technology in an effort to help the government
in its self - sufficiency in rice production by 2013 and the
years to come and increase the income of the farmers.
Representing DA Regional Executive Director Eduardo B. Holoyohoy,
Raul Ramon Bucoy, agricultural program coordinator (APCO) for
Zamboanga City stressed the needs of the farmers, housewives
and out-of-school youths to know the latest technologies on rice
production due to the increase of population. The farmers also
need to be self- reliant in rice productions, profitable and
knowledgeable on how to plant the newly develop varieties of
rice that can grow in drought, submerged and saline areas.
The Palay Check System is a technology that ensures higher yield
once all the checks are properly followed. The Farmers Field
School (FFS) is a group based learning process that has been
used by a number of governments, NGOs and international agencies
to promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM).The first FFS was
designed and managed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization
in Indonesia in 1989. Since then more than two million farmers
across Asia participated in this season-long training.
Present during the occasion were the Barangay Chairman and their
members, OCA and DA staff and some residents of the barangay.
(WPeñaflor/DA9) TOP | JANUARY NEWS
FEBRUARY 2012
DA
supports Farmers strategic Planning Workshop in ZaNorte February 2, 2012
DA supports Farmers strategic Planning Workshop
in Za Norte
Two cassava strategic
Planning workshops will be conducted in Zamboanga del Norte on
February 7-8 at Dapatan, Manukan and Feb. 9-10 in Miatan, Katipunan.
The activity is spearheaded by six municipalities namely; Dipolog,
Dapitan, Polanco, Katipunan, Roxas and Manukan ( DDPKaRoMa) chaired
by the Provincial Governor, Atty. Rolando E. Yebes in partnership
with the Department of Agriculture under the leadership of RED
Eduardo B. Holoyohoy.
A counterpart of P30,000 and technical assistance were extended
by the Department and will be sending three technical staff to
join the workshops; Felizardo M. Salomes, Ahmad Nahul and Vicente
G. Balingit.
Fifty farmers for each workshop are expected to actively participate
in the strategic planning. Expected outputs are the crafting
of vision and mission statements for the next ten years, Strength,
Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analysis and action
planning.
Facilitators would come from the project management office of
DDPKaRoMa, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
and Jose Rizal Memorial State University (JRMSU). (ytavellaneda/DA9) |
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