Vol. XXIV No.

XI

A Monthly Publication of the Department of Agriculture

October-November 2009

US trade mission eyes initial $351-M agri investments

Marking the successful visit of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to the Philippines, members of a US agribusiness trade and investment mission have expressed interest in investing an initial $351 million in various agriculture projects in the country. In a report to Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat and Marriz Agbon, president of the DA-Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. (DA-PADCC), said the amount represents the commitments made by 24 American companies that took part in the US agribusiness mission, October 26 to 29, 2009, featuring two business matching fora in Manila and Davao City. Secretary Yap said the (Pls turn to p19)

Typhoon damage tops P29.6B

Losses to the agriculture and fisheries sector due to tropical cycones Ondoy, Pepeng and Santi have reached P29.6 billion, as of November 6, 2009. Field reports consolidated by the Department of Agriculture Management Information Div i s i o n showed that typhoon Pepeng has wrought the biggest damage at P22.4 B; followed by O n d o y, P7B; and Santi, at P225 million. Tropical storm Ondoy caused unprecedented floods in Metro (Pls turn to p2)

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack (middle) is flanked by US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap during a ceremonial rice harvest at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in Los Banos, Laguna. With them is IRRI Director-General Robert Zeigler.

RP seeks global support for ASEAN rice reserve

The Philippines is seeking the support of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) to establish an East Asia Rice Reserve to ensure food security in the region that produces 80% of the grain amid the worsening impact of climate change on global farm production. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said during the recent World Summit on Food Security in Rome that the establishment of a rice reserve has now become an imperative in the face of climate change that has altered crop planting patterns and imperiled food production worldwide. He said FAO could send experts to help East Asia in its effort to set up the proposed emergency rice reserve, which (Pls turn to p18)

Enough chicken, pork this Xmas

The Department of Agriculture assures consumers, particularly in Luzon, that there will be enough chicken and pork this Christmas season. To augment the supply of chicken, the Bureau of Customs has recently approved the import of eight million kilos of poul(Pls turn to p18)

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (left, background) and Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap look on as UN World Food Program (WFP) Director Josette Sheeran (center) and movie star and WFP ambassador against hunger KC Concepcion hand over relief goods to an elderly woman, who were among the affected families of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in Pampanga. Also shown are Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and WFP Philippines Dir. Stephen Anderson.

Editorial
Rising to the challenge
Still six months away from the May 2010 national polls, the election fever is already gathering steam, while those adversely affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng are struggling to pick up the pieces. Rising to the challenge, the Department of Agriculture family led by Secretary Arthur Yap conducted its own relief operations in selected areas in Metro Manila. The past few weeks had kept the DA family busy attending to important events, starting with the 2009 National Gawad Saka Awards, the World Food Day celebrations, and visit of USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, who led a US agribusiness trade and investment mission. President Arroyo and Secretary Yap thanked US President Barack Obama and Secretary Vilsack for donating $8.5-million worth of rice and dried milk to typhoon victims. During the October 16 World Food Day celebration, with the theme, Achieving food security in times of crisis, the DAs and UNFAOs continuing hunger mitigation efforts were brought to the fore. It was a fitting occasion to sustain the call for a concerted multi-sectoral action to effectively addressing hunger and dire lack of food particularly for the worlds 1.02 billion poor and hungry people. The celebration took a deeper meaning, as our countrymen, particularly in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon were still groping to rebuilding their homes and livelihood, and grieving for the unfortunate loss of their loved ones. Against the damage and gloom wrought by the typhoons, the positive side of the Filipino and the human race in general has again surfaced and shone. Many volunteered to help their stricken fellowmen, others shared food and belongings, and still others donated relief goods and money. On the brighter side, through the Gawad Saka Awards we continue to recognize the triumphs and successes of our outstanding farmers and fisherfolk, entrepreneurs, and farmers and fishers groups and organizations. We are thus reminded by Sir Walter Scott, who said: Adversity is like the period of the rain ... cold, comfortless, unfriendly to people and to animals; yet from that season have their birth the flower, the fruit, the date, the rose and the promegranate. Hence, lets rise up, pick up the pieces, and move on.

DA-PCIC pays P41.3M crop insurance claims

The Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (DA-PCIC) has to date paid an initial P41.3 million in crop insurance claims to thousands of farmers affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. The amount benefited 3,602 farmers in Luzon, said PCIC president Jovy Bernabe in his report to Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Bernabe said the crop insurance claims covered the production loans that the beneficiaryfarmers borrowed from rural and commercial banks. Under the PCIC insurance scheme, farmers who borrow crop production loans from accredited rural and commercial banks are automatically insured. The insurance premium represents 5.9 percent of the total loan, abnd the PCIC pays a subsidy equivalent to 7 percent of the loan. For her part, Butil party-list Representative Leonila Chavez who requested President Arroyo to help typhoon affected farmers said the farmer-payees can now prepare for the planting season anew without worrying about an outstanding loan. This is the good thing about the crop insurance system. She said hundreds of Butil-affiliated farmers were among those who benefited, as they insured their palay and corn crops with the DA-PCIC. Chavez has been batting for the increased capitalization of the PCIC so it could also insure poultry and livestock raisers with bank loans.

Typhoon damage...

(from p1) 2), P4B; and Southern Luzon (Reg. 4-A), P1.6B. On a sectoral basis. palay (unmilled rice) suffered the biggest loss, at 1.25 million tons worth P21.4B. This is equivalent to 19% of the 6.48 million tons that the DAs Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) has projected to be harvested in the fourth quarter. Central Luzon lost the biggest palay volume at 480,424 tons, corresponding to 30% of the regions projected harvest, while Ilocos lost 432,236 tons (34% of the 4th quarter regional projected production). For corn, total loss amounted to 73,000 tons, worth P1 billion. This is equivalent to 5% of the 1.4-million ton projected harvest in the 4th quarter. The Cordillera region lost the biggest, at 37,376 tons, followed by Cagayan Valley (31,405 tons). For commercial crops, total loss has amounted to more than 160,000 tons worth P2.23B. On fisheries, production loss has totaled to P1.17B, while on livestock and poultry, P79.6 million.

Manila and most parts of Luzon, from September 25 to 27, typhoon Pepeng battered mostly Northern Luzon on October 1, while tropical storm Santi has affected Southern Luzon and Bicol regions October 28. Production losses from damaged crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry have amounted to P25.9B, while destroyed agricultural and fishery infrastructure, facilities and equipment totaled P3.7B. This includes irrigation facilities, equipment for animal production and fish capture, and postharvest facilities. On a regional basis, the three cyclones have battered Central Luzon (Region 3) most, with damages amounting to P10.3B, followed closely by Ilocos (Reg. 1), P9.9B; Cagayan Valley (Reg.

is published monthly by the Department of Agriculture Information Service, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Tel. nos. 9288741 loc 2148, 2150, 2155, 2156 or 2184; 9204080 or tel/fax 9280588. This issue is now available in PDF file. For copies, please send requests. via email da_afis@yahoo.com.

Editor-In-Chief : Noel O. Reyes Associate Editors: Karenina Salazar, Joan Grace Pera, Cheryl C. Suarez

Writers: Adora D. Rodriguez, Arlhene S. Carro, Mc. Bien Saint Garcia Contributors: Info Officers of DA-RFUs, Bureaus, Attached Agencies & Corps., Foreign Assisted Projects

Photograhers: Jose Lucas, Alan Jay Jacalan & Alarico Nuestro Lay-out Artists: Almie Erlano, Alan Jay Jacalan & Bethzaida Bustamante Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff Printing: Oscar Barlaan & Romulo Joseco

NFA eyes initial 1.45-M ton rice imports in 2010

The shortfall in the Philippines paddy rice (palay) production is forcing government to buy a minimum of 1.45 million metric tons (MT) in the international market to beef up government stocks in 2010. The National Food Authority (NFA) said it plans to hold a third tender for 600,000 MT on December 8, 2009. It first held a tender for 250,000 MT on November 4. The second tender is set on December 1 for 600,000 MT. Possible sources of rice imports are Thailand, Vietnam, China, Pakistan, Australia, the United States and India. NFA officials said the total volume does not yet take into account the palay lost or damaged due to typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, amounting to 1.25 million MT, equivalent to 812,500 MT of milled rice. The 1.45-million ton import volume was recommended by the DA Inter-agency Committee on Rice and Corn. NFA Deputy Administrator Ludovico Jarina said it is the critical volume we need. Its a very comfortable level to start with in 2010. Earlier, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has downgraded its paddy rice production forecast to 17 million MT from 17.48 million MT due to the damages caused by typhoons. NFA officials said the imports for the first half of 2010 do not yet take into account the buffer stocks required by the agency. The NFA is mandated to maintain a buffer stock equivalent to 15 days at any given time and 30 days during the lean months of July, August and September. Rice stocks of the country as of October 30 stood at 2.383 million MT, which is sufficient for 67 days of national consumption, data from the NFA show. For his part, NFA Assistant Administrator Jose Cordero said the DA will once again undertake a quick-turn-around (QTA) program to recover some of the palay losses. Based on the previous tender for 250,000 MT, the weighted average price was at $530 per MT. We hope that this price will hold until the end of the year, he added. Buying at this time could keep prices in check, since major exporters like Thailand are holding huge stocks of rice. We want to get low rice pricesIts a good time to buy while prices are still soft, Jarina said, adding that the average offer at the Nov. 4 tender for 250,000 MT of 25% broken white rice was $530 per MT, cost and freight. Prices will climb (later) because India is entering the market, Jarina explained. Traders expect India, normally a major exporter, to buy as much as 3 million MT for its (Pls turn to p6)

Agriculture Undersecretary Bernie G. Fondevilla (right) and Brunei Ambassador to the Philippines Her Excellency Malai Hajah Halimah binti Malai Haji Yussof (center) cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the Experience Rice @ the SM Mall of Asia exhibit, which forms part of the 2009 National Rice Awareness Month celebration, spearheaded DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Also shown are former Philippine Ambassador to Brunei Virginia H. Benavidez, PhilRice Director Ronilo Beronio (partly hidden), and Pasay City market administrator Eduardo Mendoza.

Agri sector posts 1.5% growth

Philippine agriculture expanded by 1.5 percent in the first nine months of 2009, grossing P849.3 billion at current prices, despite the spate of strong typhoons that crippled farm production primarily in Luzon. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, citing latest report of the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), said the palay and corn subsectors have managed to post positive growth rates, partly because of the stepped-up implementation of the governments intervention measures to further boost yields. The interventions, particularly under the FIELDS program, include those that ensured adequate water supply through the (Pls turn to p18) October-November 2009

DA-PhilRice marks 24th year, leads Rice Awareness Month

The Department of AgriculturePhilippine Rice Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) successfully marked its 24th anniversary on November 3-6, with the theme, The Future is bright, the future is rice, at the PhilRice headquarters in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. It kicked off the nationwide celebration of November as the National Rice Awareness Month, led by Agriculture Undersecretary Bernie G. Fondevilla, in ceremonies at the SM Mall of Asia, in Pasay City. PhilRice executive director Ronilo Beronio said the four-day event is held in Metro Manila to introduce rice farming, and diverse opportunities in the rice industry, and other social and agro-industrial ventures.to urban people, especially children and students. The affair features several attractions and activities: a cultural tour and exhibits on rice and rice science, games, stage plays, rice folklore- and legend-telling, short films on Tipid-Rice tips, rice biotechnology, lectures on PhilRices Palayamanan and Palay-Check systems, and updates on rice science and technology. Exhibits will also be set up by rice industry stakeholders from the public and private sectors. including DA regional offices with their respective rice-products. A concert, Sing-along and Shout your love for rice, will also be held at the SM-MOA. Investors will also have the chance to explore the many areas worth investing on in the rice industry at the rice agribusiness forum. Successful farmers will share their testimonies. A ceremonial rice harvest will be held November 27 at the Rice Garden, Rizal Park, Manila. Publications which include a coffee table book and childrens story book on rice will also be launched.

Donors pledge Donors pledge $3.9-M aid

Donor-countries and international organizations have committed an initial $3.9-million worth of assistance for farmers in the National Capital Region and in Region 4A (CALABARZON) affected by typhoon Ondoy. The pledges were made during the United Nations-sponsored Philippine Flash Appeal held October, at the Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City . Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, however, made an additional appeal to include other typhoon-affected regions (Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon), for the provision of seeds, other farm inputs, and repair of damaged farm infrastructure such as irrigation facilities. We thank the donor-countries and organizations for expanding the aid program to include the agriculture sector, Yap said after the initial pledging session. The repair of irrigation facilities, he added, has to be fasttracked as the country is expected to be hit by El Nio in early 2010. This was predicted by international weather agencies and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Hence, a dry spell will severely hurt next years harvests, Yap said. So, unless we repair damaged irrigation systems, reservoirs and other water-impounding facilities, we will not be able to boost yields and compensate for the crop losses spawned by Ondoy and Pepeng. And we can only do this if we will be able to get international support to augment the resources that the national government could allocate for a massive irrigation repair and rehabilitation program, the DA chief said.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap and Philippine Stock Exchange President and CEO Francisco T. Lim shakes hand after forging an agreement creating an Agricultural Commodity Exchange (ACE) at the PSE for major agricultural products such as rice, corn, sugar and coconut.

Coffee, cacao program to benefit 4,000 Boholano farmers

Some 4,000 farmers, tilling 200 hectares, are expected to benefit from a coffee and cacao development program launched by the Department of Agriculture at Barangay Nueva Vida, Carmen, Bohol. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap led the launch with farmerbeneficiaries and municipal mayors of Carmen and other towns (Jagna, Pilar, Sierra Bullones, Mabini, Bilar and Batuan) Also present were officials of the Philippine Coffee Board, Cocoa Philippine Foundation Inc., and Nestle Philippines. The program entails the provision of quality coffee and cacao planting materials to farmers; establishment of nurseries and bud wood gardens; technology transfer to improve production and postharvest practices; setting up of processing plants; and intercropping of vegetables and bananas in between coffee and cacao plants. For the first year, Yap said, a total of 400,000 pieces of coffee and cacao (at 200,000 each) good for 200 hectares will be distributed to farmerbeneficiaries, at 100 seedlings each. A nursery facility and bud wood garden will be established at the Carmen Research and Development Center. It will produce improved varieties of coffee and cacao for distribution to interested farmers. Also, a post harvest processing facility will be set up in Mabini. Overall, Secretary Yap said the DA will allot a total of P350 million over a three-year period to modernize the national coffee industry towards self-sufficiency. Our goal is to increase local coffee production by 40,000 metric tons in seven to eight years, to fill the shortage in the countrys supply of the popular beverage, he said. The DA aims to achieve selfsufficiency in coffee, at earliest by 2016.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap assists a farmer from Sierra Bullones, Bohol, at the launch of a coffee and cacao development program in the province.
To help raise the incomes of coffee farmers, the DA is also encouraging them to practice intermediate agriculture, which involves planting coffee with cash crops such as vegetables or fruit trees.
(RAFID 7)

DA bullish on fisheries despite typhoons

The Department of Agriculture remains confident that the fisheries sector will sustain its positive growth this year and maintain its status as the worlds 8th largest fish-exporting country despite the spate of typhoons that recently battered Luzon. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said government banks on the fisheries sector as a major contributor to the economy, as it is expected to grow by at least 7 per cent, according to forecast of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR). Aside from significantly contributing to the nutritional needs of our people, the fisheries sector has also earned much needed foreign exchange through exports and, in the process, help keep the economy afloat, Secretary Yap noted. Overall, the DA is bullish on the rebound of Philippine agriculture next year, Yap pointed out in a recent forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC). He said the private sector will help realize this rosy forecast, as it remains a primary growth driver of Philippine agriculture. Recently, there were several groups of investors who consider the Philippines as a preferred biofuels production hub in Asia and a haven for fisheries investments. Among them are: Far East Agriculture Corp., which is a consortium of at least 10 agribusiness companies from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Brunei Investment Authority led by the Minister of Primary Industries of Brunei; CP Thailand, or Charoen Phokphand, Thailands pre-eminent food conglomerate; and Beidahuang, Chinas biggest seeds manufacturer, which farms close to a million hectares of wheat in Northern China. Yap noted that a recovering global economy and a strong 91-million population as a doOctober-November 2009 mestic consumption base, are just too compelling, as realities, to ignore for investors. Yap said during the MOPC forum that the Philippines is now emerging as the preferred

biofuels production hub in Asia what with a mandated 600-million liter E10 requirement of ethanol by 2015, and a commensurate volume for bio-diesel. Yap said another green pasture awaiting private sector capital infusion is the mariculture parks industry because we have the second longest coastline in the world with hundreds of pro-

tected coves. These mariculture parks, of which 46 so far have been established by the DA-BFAR, are self-contained fishery production zones with hatcheries, technical support, feeds production, storage, refrigeration and icemaking facilities, and marketing assistance for locators.

RP lifts ban on imports of US, Belgian beef

The Philippines through the Department of Agriculture has recently lifted the ban on imports of beef and other meat products from the United States and Belgium, following official declaration of the World Animal Health Organization or the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) that both countries as having a controlled Bovine Spongiform Encepalophaty (BSE) risk. Controlled risk means there has been no case of BSE or, if there has been a case, every case of BSE has been demonstrated to have been imported and has been completely destroyed. The Philippines banned in July 2001 the import of cattle meat and meat products from all countries to prevent the entry of the BSE, more commonly known as the mad cow disease. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said in a memorandum that imports of beef and other meat products, including meat and bone meal, from the US and Belgium are now allowed, after passing the quality standards imposed by the Philippines through the DA concerned agencies (Bureau of Animal Industry and National Meat Inspection Service) and the respective agencies of both countries, particularly the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and Belgiums Federal Agecny for Safety of Food Chain. (with reports from BusinessWorld)

After delivering his keynote address at the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Farmers & Fishers Night, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap (2nd from left) is given a plaque of appreciation by MOPC President Babe Romualdez. Looking on MOPC board chair Tony Lopez (right) and MOPC treasurer Nelia Gonzales.

P300-M biodiversity conservation program launched in Mindanao

The Department of Agriculture through the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) launched on November 9 in Pagadian City a US$6.3-million (over PhP300 million) conservation project grant from the World Banks Global Environment Facility (GEF). The grant specifically support the MRDPs Natural Resources Management component that will implement protection and conservation projects in 11 sites across Mindanao that are home or refuge to significant species such as dugong, manta ray, giant clams, sea grasses and mangroves. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said environmental risks like climate change are weighing down heavily on natural ecosystems in Mindanao, on which many local communities depend for their livelihood and food. This is a great tragedy because the Philippines has been identified to have a biodiversity that is among the worlds richest. We need all the help we can get for our people in the south to fully benefit from and sustain such rich biodiversity. For her part, MRDP director and concurrent DA-Region 10 chief Lealyn A. Ramos said the national government and the GEF have recognized the urgency to conserve and protect remaining marine and forest resources of Mindanao. We are proud that our biodiversity here is among the worlds richest, but we also know that it is highly threatened due to human actions and climate change, Ramos said. She added: almost one-third of the Philippines poor is in Mindanao, who mostly depend (Pls turn to p18)

turns ov Japan tur ns over ertiliz tilizer gr fer tilizer grant

The Japanese government recently turned over to the Philippines 26,135 metric tons (MT) of ammonium sulphate fertilizer, as part of the Y480million grant under the 31st Japanese Assistance for Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers or the Japan 2KR Program. The turnover ceremonies held November 4, 2009, at the Port of Iloilo, were graced by the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Makoto Katsura, and DA assistant secretary Salvador Salacup, who represented DA Secretary Arthur Yap and DA undersecretary Bernie Fondevilla, who is ther concurrent executive director of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC). The Philippines will monetize the fertilizer grant, and the proceeds worth roughly P162 million will be used by the DA and the National Economic and Development Authority to fund social development and agricultural and fishery projects. The fertilizers are intended to benefit farmers planting certified seeds and good seeds in areas covered by the DAs Ginintuang Masaganang Ani (GMA) Rice Program in Regions 2, 3, 6, 10 and 11. The fertilizers were supplied by Mitsubishi Corporation, which won the tender in Japan, on July 10, 2009, conducted by the Japan International Cooperation System, the procurement management agent for the program. Also present during the affair were: officials from the Japanese Embassy, led by First Secretary of Agriculture Takehiko Sakata and Third Secretary Shigehiro Matsuda, and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Senior Representative Kenzo Iwakami and Representative Ryutaro Kobayashi; DA-NAFC Deputy Executive Director Maria Luz A. Enriquez; Iloilo Provincial Governor Niel Tupas and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treas; and DA-Region 6 officials headed by Regional Exec. Dir. Larry P. Nacionales and Ricardo P. Provido, Jr., chairperson, of Region 6 Agricultural & Fishery Council. Other dignitaries present were Mr. Nobuya Ichiki, general manager of Mitsubishi Corp. in the Philippines, and Manila Department ManagerCommodity Chemicals, Ms. Kyoko Takagi. The fertilizer shipment arrived in Iloilo on October 2, 2009. It is the second of four shipments to be delivered by Mitsubishi Corporation.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap (3rd from left) and Undersecretary Bernie G. Fondevilla (2nd from left) cut the ceremonial ribbon to open Agrilink 2009, October 8, at the World Trade Center, in Manila. Assisting them are French Ambassador to the Philippines Thierry Borja de Mozota (right) and DA-Bureau of Animal Industry Director Davinio Catbagan (left).
The first shipment was delivered in Davao on September 9. The third and fourth shipments will be delivered in Subic this month and December 2009. (DA-NAFC)

postharv facilities acilities, ... and posthar vest facilities, too!

The Japanese government also provided Iloilo farmers with P2.1 million-worth of postharvest to promote organic palay farming in Western Visayas. DA Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Bernie Fondevilla said the facilities, located in Barangay Salngan, Passi City, Iloilo, is expected to benefit 108 marginal farmers and their families. On behalf of the Philippine government, we are expressing our sincerest thanks to the Japanese government for providing these equipment and facilities that will help farmers in six Passi villages shift back to organic agriculture, which, in the future, will lead to higher palay production in their respective communities, Fondevilla said. Funded under Japans Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, the facilities were formally turned over by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Makato Katsura in ceremonies held in Iloilo. Iloilo farmers also received 6,000 metric tons of ammonium sulfate fertilizers that form part of the 480-million yen 2KR fertilizer grant. Farmers tilling two hectares and below in 14 provinces in five regions are the target-beneficiaries of the program. They should be using certified seeds and good seeds in areas covered by the GMA Rice Program in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao and the Davao Region. For Western Visayas, the program covers Iloilo and Negros Occidental. Fondevilla said the third shipment is due to arrive this month. the fertilizers will be given to farmers in the typhoon-hit provinces of Northern Luzon, namely: Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Cagayan and La Union. A fourth shipment is expected to arrive next month for distribution among farmers in the typhoon-hit areas of Tarlac, Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija. Fondevilla said a monitoring system will be established by both the Philippine government and the Japanese Embassy in Manila to check the distribution of the fertilizers and ensure that they reach target farmer-beneficiaries. trader in Manila. Despite the announcement of bigger imports, NFA officials said prices have not shot up to record levels as traders are aware that the Philippines will be importing a minimum of 1.45 million tons. The NFA has approved a budget of P15.264 billion for the import of 600,000 MT, which is expected to arrive February to May 2010. ( with excerpts from
BusinessWorld, Business Mirror and Reuters)

NFA eyes ... (from p3)

2010 rice stock, after drought ravaged its rice fields this year. Bids for the next tender could start from $500 per ton, but prices are unlikely to breach $1,000 per ton as in 2008, because of ample supplies, a Vietnamese trader at a foreign firm in Ho Chi Minh City said. Prices would not peak to $1,000 per ton because Thailand has large stocks, said a rice

Korea-funded rice processing center to rise up in Bohol

A modern integrated rice processing complex worth P197 million will rise up in Bohol, one of the four facilities funded by the government of South Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The three others are in Matanao, Davao del Sur, Pototan in Iloilo, and in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and top Korean, KOICA and Filipino officials graced the groundbreaking ceremonies on October 24, 2009, in Pilar, Bohol. Secretary Yap said the rice complex is a symbol of the strong bilateral relations between the two countries as brothers-in-arm in the continuing fight against global poverty. Among the Korean dignitaries present were: Chairman Man-Soo Kang, of the Council on National Competitiveness and Senior Economic Adviser to the President of South Korea; Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Choi Joong-Kyung; and KOICA Philippines deputy representative Bomin Kim. The Philippine contingent was led by Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo, DA-Region 7 director Ricardo Oblena, DA-Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension director Ricardo Cachuela, and DA-National Agribusiness Corporation vice president Jayda Mayoralgo. The rice complex is expected to enhance Bohols rice selfsufficiency production efforts, and improve its rice postharvest, distribution and marketing systems. Of the total project cost, KOICA has extended a grant worth P162 million, while the DA has shared as counterpart P27 million, while the host province and municipality put in P8 million. The KOICA grant will defray the construction of buildings, provision of equipment and machinery, dispatch of Korean technical experts to provide advice on project construction, implementation and management. The setting up of four KOICAfunded rice complexes is the result of the successful bilateral cooperation forged between

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap (3rd from left) leads South Korean and Filipino officials at the groundbreaking ceremonies of an integrated rice processing complex in Pilar, Bohol, funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). Joining him (from left) are Pilar Mayor Wilson Pajo, Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado, senior economic adviser to the President of South Korea chairman ManSoo Kang, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Choi Joong-Kyung, and KOICA Philippine deputy resident representative Bomin Kim.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and South Korea Minister Yu Myung-hwan, during President Arroyos State Visit to South Korea in May this year. Bohol is considered as the rice bowl of Central Visayas. It has attained a 113-per cent selfsufficiency in rice early this year. Last year, it produced 218,701 tons, or 65 percent of Central Visayas total palay harvest. The rice complex will be put up in a one-hectare lot owned by the municipality of Pilar. When completed, it will feature state-of-the-art postharvest facilities to produce high-quality milled rice. The groundbreaking ceremony on October 24 also commemorates the 60 th anniversary of Korea-Philippines diplomatic relations. (Pls turn to p 17)

BFAR eyes mariculture park, aqua tourism in Panguil Bay

The Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR) plans to establish a mariculture park with aqua tourism facilities in Panguil Bay. The project is expected to augment the income of fisherfolk families along the bay, stretching through several towns in three provinces: Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental. The proposal calls for the division of the bay area into plots for fish cage operation. Various types of grouper, seabass and sergeant fish are among the high-value fishes proposed for propagation in the Panguil Bay mariculture park. Aside from the local market, the mariculture park also targets the export market. A demonstration of the project was held recently at the Lanao del Norte Provincial Capitol amphitheater, showing the audience the viability of such mariculture and aqua tourism complex. (Business World)

Members of the US Agribusiness Trade and Investment Mission, led by USDA Deputy Administrator Patricia Sheikh (3rd from left), appreciate bangus (milkfish) harvested from the Panabo City Mariculture Park, in Davao. Photo also shows (from left) DA-Region 11 Dir. Carlos Mendoza, DA-Philippine Agricultural Development and Commercial Corp. Pres. Marriz Agbon, DABFAR Region 11 Dir. George Campeon and USDA Agricultural Counselor Emiko Purdy.
October-November 2009

DA okays quality seal for agri-fishery products

The Department of Agriculture recently approved the Revised Guidelines for the Issuance of National Quality Seal (NQS) for Agricultural and Fishery Products, or DA Administrative Order No. 22, Series of 2009. Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap said the new policy likewise institutionalizes the adoption of the official logo or seal of quality, aptly termed Philippine Pride. The seal attests to the safety and high quality of fresh, primary or secondary processed Philippine food, including processed agricultural and fishery products, that are regulated by the concerned regulatory agencies of the Department of Agriculture. The seal will be attached or stuck on such farm and fishery products as coconut, sugar, fruits, vegetables, cereals, grains, nuts, livestock, poultry and animal by-products, cutflowers, fish, and non-food products such as organic fertilizer and coco coir. The seal means that such products are pride of the Philippines. It also ensures that Pinoy farm, fishery and processed food products for both the local and international markets have met and passed the standards of product safety and quality set by the DAs Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (DA-BAFPS), Secretary Yap said. The stamp of quality seal was pioneered by the Q mark system of Thailand, Malaysias Best of Malaysia, and the Irish Food Board in Ireland. It is envisioned to acknowledge quality excellence of producers, traders and entrepreneurs in the country, foster market access of quality and safe goods produced in the Philippines, encourage the standardization of products and production systems, promote awareness of consumers on food safety & quality, and enable consumers exercise the option of buying quality agricultural and fisheries products from traceable and certified sources. The NQS will be registered with the Philippine Patent Office as a key indicator of quality. From a consumer point of view, the seal on any Philippine product indicates compliance to national and global health and to house the mobile machine. As part of its initiative to improve the abaca industry, the provincial government is implementing the Catanduanes Unlad AbakaMasa (CUA) program. It entails the production highquality planting materials, locally called as abuab, to replace low-grade varieties, known as amokid. The program also offers assistance to eradicate major diseases such as abaca bunchytop, abaca mosaic and bractmosaic, which have so far infected 15% of the provinces 23,676 hectares cultivated by 15,454 farmers. Meanwhile, to maintain an adequate supply of abaca-planting materials, the Catanduanes Provincial Board recently imposed a five-year ban on the selling and transporting of suckers, corms and eyebuds outside the province. The CUA program also targets

National Quality Seal

safety standards. Simply, Philippine products are world-class and are therefore safe for human consumption. Producers, manufacturers, industry associations and similar groups can use the NQS on their products, provided these pass through or comply with standards set by the DA through the BAFPS and concenred DA regulatory agencies. Thereafter, the seal may be attached on the commodity itself, or on its label or package, or displayed at the premises of a commercial establishment. It can likewise be used together with other certification schemes.
(DA-BAFPS)

Spain grants RP P30M for abaca eqpt

The Spanish government through the Agencia Espaola de Cooperacion Internacional para Desarollo (AECID) recently gifted the Philippines with a P30-million grant, which the Department of Agricultures Fiber Development Authority (DAFIDA) will use to acquire mechanized abaca stripping machines. Part of the grant is earmarked for Catanduanes, considered as the abaca capital of the Philippines, and Caraga, a abaca producing region in Mindanao. Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua said nine abaca-producing municipalities will initially receive one abaca stripping machine each. The spindle-type equipment can produce 100 kilos to 200 kilos of S2 fiber every day, while manual stripping yields only about 10 kilos each day. He said the AECID grant would be coursed through abaca farmers cooperatives which should provide a 150square-meter lot and a building

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap (3rd from right) poses with the models of the Philippine Fashion Week held October 21, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia. The event, organized by the DAs Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), was part of the International Year of the Fiber celebration. Also shown is FIDA Administrator Cecilia Soriano (center). 8

the rehabilitation of about 1,185 hectares or 5 percent of the total abaca land area in the province being tilled by 772 farmers. Aside from abaca rehabilitation and disease eradication, the other components of the program are the establishment of a 1-hectare abaca nursery, technical training on spidle stripping, hands-on training on abaca decortication, and monitoring and evaluation. Government statistics show that Catanduanes produced 15,160 metric tons of abaca fiber in 2005, representing 20 percent of the countrys total production and 76 percent of Bicols harvest. FIDA said the production, however, dwindled to only 8,646 metric tons in January to May 2009 because of the series of typhoons that hit the province and the effects of plant diseases. (Business Mirror)

NFA uses biomass dryers to cut palay-drying expenses

The National Food Authority (NFA) is currently operating mechanical dryers using biomass furnace as part of its program to help farmers cut postharvest losses and trim drying expenses. In a report to Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, NFA Administrator Jessup Navarro said his agency is currently operating 21 units of biomass dryers. They are part of the 90 units of dryers complete with biomass furnace that the NFA has acquired this year as part of governments FIELDS program. Launched by President Arroyo in April 2008, FIELDS stands for Fertilizers, Irrigation and other rural infrastructure like farm-to-market roads (FMRs), Extension and training, Loans, Dryers and other postharvest facilities, and Seeds and other genetic materials. Navarro said the biomass dryers would generate substantial savings, as the use of mechanical dryers remains low primarily due to the high cost of fuel. Through the extensive use of mechanical dryers among farmers, we expect to reduce the estimated 14% postharvest losses in palay, he added. Around 2.28 million metric tons of palay were wasted from last years total harvests of 16.32 million MT, he said. At a 65% milling recovery, this volume is equivalent to 1.48 million MT or close to 30 million bags of rice. This could contribute a lot in attaining the countrys goal towards rice selfsufficiency and in reducing the incidence of hunger and poverty, Navarro noted. An NFA study conducted on the performance of batchrecirculating mechanical dryer retrofitted to a prototype biomass furnace proved to be adaptable and cost viable in the agencys dryer installation. The use of biomass-fed furnace will significantly reduce the cost of drying by around 36%, he said. Lower cost could eventually attract more farmers to avail of NFAs grains drying services and give them the opportunity to produce quality grains that could demand a better price in the market, he added.

High schoolers Adrian Caseas (right) and Rommel Albano of the Dalandanan National High School proudly show their trophy for winning the 3rd O! May Gulay Cooking Contest, sponsored by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Job Creation. (Photo by Rita
dela Cruz, DA-BAR)

Six studes win veggie cooking contest

Six high school students figured prominently in the 3rd O! May Gulay Cooking Contest, held 11 October 2009, at the World Trade Center, Manila. Receiving the grand prize was the pair of Adrian Caseas and Rommel Albano of the Dalandanan National High School, with their recipe Veggie Dynamite. The second prize went to Angelito Iroripa Jr. and Rhea Jane Alano, of Dr. Josefa Jara Martinez High School, for their recipe, Eggplant Lasagna. The pair of Shiela Mae Palacio and Shiela Marie Cesario, from the same school, won the third prize for their Pechay Relleno in Coconut Sauce. The six winners received their respective prizes and trophies from Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap, the events guest of honor and speaker. The cooking contest is aimed at encouraging urban houseThrough the FFP, Land Bank offers conduits three types of facilities: portfolio rediscounting, which provides organizations a credit line from which they can lend to individual borrowers whose promissory notes (PNs) are endorsed to Land Bank for holds, especially the youth, to cook affordable and nutritious food using vegetables and other local farm and fishery products. The O! May Gulay cooking contest is sponsored jointly by the DAs Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Job Creation (OPAJC). It is specifically designed to develop vegetable recipes that are easy to prepare, affordable, and delicious. The contestants are students from public high schools in the National Capital Region (NCR). The finals featured six schools. Aside from the top three winners, the three others were: Bonifacio Javier National High School, Muntinlupa Business High School, and Pitogo High School. BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar and Asst. Director Teodoro S. Solsoloy were also present during the finals. (Rita
T. dela Cruz, DA-BAR)

200 seaweed, tilapia growers avail of P3.5 M loans

More than 220 fishers have availed of P3.5-million worth of credit to undertake their respective seaweed and tilapia production projects. The benefiaciaries include 162 seaweed farmers in Sibunag, Giuimaras, who were granted a P2.5-million loan to expand their operations. A 30-member seaweed farmers group from Balatasan, Oriental Mindoro got a P500,000-loan for their processing venture. The third group, composed of 30 tilapia growers from Laurel, Batangas, also avialed of a P500,000 loan. All of them are beneficiaries of the Fisheries Financing October-November 2009 Program (FFP), a joint undertaking of the Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DABFAR), and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP). The FFP was created by the DA-ACPC in 2007 under the Agro Industry Modernization Credit and Financing Program (AMCFP). The ACPC has initially placed P33 million with the LBP as a deposit hold-out fund to cover the banks exposure to new, unaccredited conduit organizations, which extend loans to small fisherfolk. and other small

100% rediscounting; a shortterm working capital loan; and a term loan to enable fishers groups to expand their operations. Loanable amount ranges from P50,000 to P100,000 per borrower. (DA-ACPC)

We are helping rebuild their livelihood...

The consequences of climate change are upon us -- exemplified by the destruction wrought by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Farms and fishing grounds were flooded. Farmers, fishers and ruralfolk were displaced, including our very own families, relatives, co-workers and friends in Metro Manila, and nearby provinces in Southern and Central Luzon. Some lost their loved ones. The DA family -- under the leadership of Secretary Arthur C. Yap, along with the DA executives and management committee members -- is one with the rest of the nation as we commiserate with the affected families, in Taytay, Cainta and Pasig City, in Metro Manila. We are helping them rebuild their livelihood and regain their dignity.

10

The Department of Agriculture

cares.

DA-BAR honors best agri researchers

Six teams of researchers won this years AFMA Best R&D Paper and Poster Awards, sponsored by Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) as part of 21st National Research Symposium (NRS), held October 9, 2009, at the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management, Quezon City. The winners were chosen from dozens of entries competing in six categories. They received plaques and cash prizes, ranging from P5,000 to P50,000. They are: Basic research - Maria Rovilla J. Luhan and Hananiah Sollesta of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center-Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD) for their study, Growing the Reproductive Cells (carpospores) of the Seaweed, Kappaphycus striatum, in the Laboratory Until Outplanting in the Field and Maturation to Tetrasporophyte. Technology/information generation - Manolito C. Bulaong and Ruben E. Manalabe, Bureau of Postharvest and Extension (BPRE) and Oliver C. Agustin of Vera Equinox Technologies for their study, Development of a Computer Vision System for Milled Rice Quality Analysis. Technology adaptation/verification - Norlyn B. Legaspi and Beatriz S. Malab, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), for their study, Increasing Productivity of Yam through Improved Cultural Management Practices. Socio-economics - Yolanda T. Garcia and Nerissa D. Salayo, Univ. of the Phils. Los Baos (UPLB), for their study, The Role of Infrastructure Developments on Market Price Formation of Major Aquaculture Species in the Philippines. Development category - Liza G. Battad, Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), for her stury, Intensifying Village-Level Carabaobased Dairy Cooperative-Enterprise Development in Non-Tra

This years best researchers pose with DA Asst. Sec Preceles H. Manzo (4th from right) and BAR Director Nicomedes Eleazar (4th from left) and IRRI deputy director-general Dr. William G. Padolina (center). They are (from left): Manolito Bulaong of BPRE, Ma. Rovilla Luhan of SEAFDEC-AQD, Yolanda Garcia of UPLB, Liza Battad of PCC, Noralyn Legaspi of MMSU, and Flora Jarilla of BPI-LBNCRDC
ditional Dairy Communities. Best R&D Poster - Flora A. Jarilla, Eugenia M. Buctuanon and Ma. Ana M. Alonzo of the Bureau of Plant Industry-Los Baos National Crops Research and Development Center (BPI-LBNCRDC), for their study, Development of Improved Varieties of Mungbean (NSIC Mg14 and NSIC Mg15). They received their respective plaques and cash prizes from the affairs guest of honor and speaker Dr. William G. Padolina, deputy director general of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). He was assisted by DA assistant secretary for policy and planning Preceles H. Manzo, on behalf of Secretary Arthur C. Yap. This years competitions focused on the theme, Sakahan, Kaalaman, Kaunlaran: Improving the Lives of our Farmers and Fisherfolk through Research and Development. BAR conducts the yearly event to recognize the accomplishments of agriculture and fisheries researchers for their notable achievements. (Rita T.
dela Cruz, DA-BAR)

SRA to infuse 500 tons of sugar to maintain prices

The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) will infuse at least 500 metric tons (MT) or 10,000 50-kilogram bags of refined sugar in the local market to address the spike in retail prices. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the SRA will supply the National Food Authority (NFA) around 1,000 50-kg bags daily, which will then repack and sell it at P41 per kilo at Tindahan Natin outlets. Price of sugar currently ranges from P42 to P45 per kilo in Metro Manila wet markets, based on monitoring report of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. The SRA estimated the shortfall in supply until 1st week of December at 20,000 50-kg bags. Private industrial users have been buying [huge] amounts of refined sugar because they see that sugar prices are going up [particularly] in the world market, Secretary Yap said. Sugar prices in the international market have already reached $25.43 cents on Sept. 30, the highest since January 1981. Yap said the government will focus its intervention in the most vulnerable communities all over the country. SRA Administrator Rafael Coscolluela said that heavy buying on the part of industrial users has pushed up mill-gate prices of sugar to P1,400 per 50kilogram bag. Private industrial users include food processors. Private users [bought heavily] in anticipation of increased consumer demand for their products during the holiday season, said Coscolluela in a telephone interview. He said the government has started its intervention this week, and that it will step up the infusion of sugar in the local market next week. Coscolluela said the shortage in refined sugar will be temporary, and that the situation will ease 1st week of December. Millers in Luzon and Mindanao will start milling last week of November, so we expect the supply situation to ease in the coming days, said Coscolluela.(Business Mirror)

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From the Regions

Selected news and developments on agriculture, fisheries, agribusiness and related sectors, as reported by the DA-Regional Field Units, and those published in national and provincial publications.

Filipino-Hawaiians invest in macadamia in Ilocos Norte

About 400 saplings of Hawaiian macadamia trees found a new habitat on a sprawling idle land in sitio Paratong, Saud, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, site of the first macadamia demonstration farm in the country. Attended by Filipino-Hawaiian investors, together with Mayor Mufi Hannemann of Honolulu, Hawaii, and party on November 9, the first macadamia tree plantation in the country will serve as a demonstration farm for the production of macadamia nuts, a high-valued commercial crop in the United States and some parts of Europe. Valued at P2,000 per seedling, the Filipino-Hawaiian investors, led by Mito Ablan, brought some seeds three years ago and started propagating macadamia in a nursery farm in Tarlac. About 200,000 macadamia seedlings are ready for planting. Study shows that macadamia can be grown in the Ilocos region, which has a tropical climate like Hawaii. Like mango trees that abundantly thrive in the Ilocos region, Ablan said macadamia could be harvested from six to eight years depending on the variety. Ablan, who is also the president of the Ilocos Norte Association of Hawaii, has encouraged fellow Filipinos in Hawaii who have idle land in Ilocos to develop their vacant lots and invest in macadamia farming. In Hawaii, he said about 19,000 acres is planted to macadamia, and it is bringing almost $700 million in income. Macadamia nuts grown in Brazil, Australia and Hawaii consist of only 2 percent of the world consumption, Ablan added. According to Badoc Mayor Thomas Torralba, they have identified more than 3 hectares October-November 2009 of private lots which they initially developed as a demonstration farm. Ablan said the first Philippine macadamia demo farm in his town has been established in cooperation with Mac Nut (Phils.) Inc. and the government of Ilocos Norte under the administration of Gov. Michael Keon. To sustain the project, Torralba said the local government of Badoc would be coordinating with technical experts from the Mariano Marcos State University and the Department of Agriculture for the proper care and maintenance of the project.(Business Mirror)

DA Region 5 Director Jose Dayao (left) shows visitors at a malunggay nursery in Bicol.

Malunggay in the city launched in Naga, Iriga

To promote the planting of malunggay in the backyard and to produce this commodity for consumption and as business enterprise, the Department of Agriculture together with the National Agribusiness Corporation recently launched the seedling production component of the novel, Malunggay in the City Project. Initially, the project covers the cities of Naga and Iriga, where interested families shall be provided with malunggay seedlings to be planted in their backyard. Later, the project will be expanded to other barangays and to public and private schools. DA Region 5 Executive Director Dr. Jose V. Dayao said the project is part of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation program of the DA. He emphasized that planting malunggay is one strategy to address malnutrition in the region. He also disclosed that DA has ventured intro processing of malunggay into tea, polvoron, cookies, pastillas and powder. He encouraged the participants to the launching to produce more malunggay not only for their consumption but for sale to achieve the goal of making Camarines Sur as the leading producer of malunggay not only in the region but in the country as well. According to DA region 5 OICRTD for Research Dr. Edgar Madrid, the project is being funded by NABCOR and is targeting to produce 30,000 malunggay seedlings. Some 1,500 seedlings are ready for distribution for free. Meanwhile, Mr. Ralph Camelo Mariano the technical specialist and in-charge of malunggay in the city project of NABCOR said that their agency is active in their advocacy to plant malunggay in the backyards. He said that malunggay leaves are rich in vitamin A higher than carrots; its vitamin C is higher than calamansi, calcium higher than milk and protein higher than meat. The malunggay seeds are also a good source of high value oil. Meanwhile, a Malunggay Congress was held November 24, 2009, at De La Salle University, where aspects of malunggay business, production and processing were discussed. (Mabelle R.Ilan - DARAFID 5)

LGUs get IT eqpt from DA-MRDP

Five municipalities in Mindanao (Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Saudi, and Datu Piang, in Magunidanao; and PoonaBayabao and Kapatagan, in Lanao del Sur) recently received a set each of information technology (IT) equipment, composed of a computer, printer and prepaid broadband, from DAMindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP). Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (DAF-ARMM) Regional Secretary Keise Tan Usman handed over the IT equipment to respective local officials on October 12 at the DAF-ARMM, Cotabato City. Before the turnover ceremony, the DA-MRDP has conducted among the recipient-LGUs training on the proper usage, maintenance, and generation of accomplishment report for each DA-MRDP program. A second batch of IT training and equipment distribution will be held in the ARMM island provinces. (RAFID-ARMM)

13

International News Round-up

A digest of selected news, developments and breakthrough agriculture, fisheries, agribusiness and related fields culled from websites and publications of international institutions and organizations.

Climate change will worsen plight of the poor , ...

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations declared that global food insecurity has worsened and continues to seriously threaten humanity. With food prices remaining stubbornly high in developing countries, the number of people suffering from hunger has grown relentlessly in recent years. In fact, FAO estimates that the number of hungry people could increase by 100 million in 2009, passing the one billion mark. FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf, calling the attention of the world towards the crisis at hand, said: The silent hunger crisisaffecting one sixth of all of humanityposes a serious risk for world peace and security. The threat of hunger looms even larger in the drylands of the developing world, covering 750 million hectares in 55 developing countries. This region is home to more than two billion people where 1.5 billion depend on agriculture for a living with 670 million comprising the poorest of the poor. The International Crops Re search Institute for the SemiArid Tropics (ICRISAT) warns that a plethora of crises threatens global agriculture and their confluence, if unabated, will lead to a perfect storm. ICRISAT Director General William Dar says that farmers in the dry tropics are most vulnerable since they do not only produce food under these very harsh conditions but also make a living out of farming. The project Harnessing Opportunities for Productivity Enhancement (HOPE) of Sorghum and Millets in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia which was recently launched aims to increase food security for smallholder farmers in dryland areas of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia . (ICRISAT)

... especially in Africa, 3rd world countries

The poorest regions with the highest levels of chronic hunger are likely to be among the worst affected by climate change, the FAO added. Many developing countries, particularly in Africa, could become increasingly dependent on food imports. While globally the impact of climate change on food production may be small, at least until 2050, the distribution of production will have severe consequences on food security: developing countries may experience a decline of between 9 and 21 percent in overall potential agricultural productivity as a result of global warming, the paper estimated. Climate change is among main challenges to agriculture in feeding the worlds population, projected to reach 9.1 billion people by 2050. At the same time, several agriculture-based mitigation options for climate change could generate significant benefits for both food security and climate change adaptation. Increasing soil carbon sequestration through forestry and agro-forestry initiatives and tillage practices, improving efficiency of nutrient management and restoring degraded lands are examples of actions that have large mitigation potential and high cobenefits. (FAO)

FAO: 70% more food needed in the future

Food production will have to increase by 70% over the next 40 years to feed the worlds growing population, the United Nations food agency predicts. The Food and Agricultural Organisation says if more land is not used for food production now, 370 million people could be facing famine by 2050. The world population is expected to increase from the current 6.7 billion to 9.1 billion by midcentury. The FAO said net investments of $83bn (52.5bn) a year - an increase of 50% - had to be made in agriculture in developing countries if there was to be enough food by 2050. Factors that are affecting food production are climate change, involving floods and droughts and the biofuel market. The latter is set to increase by nearly 90% over the next 10 years to reach 192 billion litres by 2018.
(www.allaboutfeed.net)

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Japan commits $25 million to intl rice research

Japan has committed US$20 million toward international rice breeding efforts and an additional $5 million for extension training of African rice specialists. The funding will be provided to IRRI, the Africa Rice Center, and their national partners. Japans decision to substantially increase support for international rice research is coming at a crucial time for global food security, especially in the face of major threats such as climate change. The long-term partnership between IRRI and Japan is based on their common interest of pursuing the potential of rice to meet rising global food needs. Low-input rice, direct-seeding technology, rice tungro control, and rices adaptability to water stress are collaborative projects IRRI and Japan have worked on together. Japan has also funded IRRI to research submergencetolerant rice and postharvest technologies. This latest Japanese contribution of $20 million over five years is aimed at the development of rice seeds resistant to heat and drought.
(IRRI)

India to produce white prawns

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has announced that white prawn cultivation is to begin in February next year. The Union government will allow cultivation of white prawn (Penaeus vannamei) in India from the ensuing stocking season in February next year. P. vannamei, widely cultivated in the US, is seen as an alternative to tiger prawn (P. monodon), which is often afflicted by the white spot (virus) attacks. The demand for introduction of vannamei has been a longpending demand of shrimp growers and traders as they feel there is a good export market for the species. Shrimp culture in the country, predominantly black tiger prawn project (P. monodon), has declined from 106,165 tonnes in 2007-08 to 75,996 tonnes in 2008-09 a fall of 28.4 per cent. The total export of shrimp and scampi (lobsters) from India during 2007-08 was valued at 28.36 billion rupees (INR), compared to INR 37.77 billion the year before and INR 36.05 billion in 2005-06. (www.thefishsite.com)

US has 6 new hardy corn lines

Six new inbred maize lines with resistance to aflatoxin contamination have now been registered in the United States by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS). The new lines are resistant to aflatoxins, which are toxins produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus after it infects agricultural commodities such as corn. Contamination of corn with aflatoxins causes financial losses for growers and is a potential health hazard to animals and humans. The collaborators first screened and then combined the top aflatoxin-resistant lines October-November 2009 found in the United States with those found in Central and West Africa. The six lines have demonstrated good resistance against aflatoxin accumulation in the researchers laboratory and field tests. Seeds of the lines are being maintained at the ARS National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation in Fort Collins, Colorado. After being certified diseasefree for public release, the germplasm can be used in public or private breeding programs to develop aflatoxinresistant corn lines.
(www.allaboutfeed.net)

15

Focus on the necessities, and on what is needed

Thus is the advise of Agriculture Undersecretary Bernie G. Fondevilla when shared his thoughts with the public information officers (PIOs) of the Department of Agriculture family during their 2nd consultative meeting and 2010 planning workshop, held at the Regalia Tower Suites, in Cubao, Quezon Cirty, November 4-6, 2009. He added that as long as the PIOs believe in the nobility of their work, they should remain as the army of information for the DA since communication plays a vital role in agricultural policy formulation, implementation and advocacy. I hope that we will not be summer heroes and sunshine soldiers. We should not only march when the sun is out, or sacrifice only in the summertime. Rather, we should be like hailstones. We will go where the battle is the thickest, said Fondevilla. Further, he assured the DA family PIOs that he would revisit the entire budget of the department, as information should be included as a singular component in the DA budget. He added that the DA faces a huge challenge as it has to spearhead rehabilitation of damaged farmlands and fishing grounds, including rural infrastructure such as irrigation systems, especially in the aftermath of the recent typhoons since food security is the major concern of the department.

DA Undersecretary Bernie G. Fondevilla

If we do not come out a stronger nation out of these calamities, there must be something wrong with us, he pointed out. For his part, DA assistant secretary Salvador Salacup said that despite negative publicity, the department remains steadfast and continues to implement major initiatives, particularly

DA Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup

President Arroyos FIELDS program. The unfounded, negative reports against the DA are an insult to all of us. Thats why I ask you to help us in the proper dissemination of information, he said. He challenged the PIOs to vigorously highlight the DAs various projects, particularly the regional trade shows and bagsakan centers, and write more success stories to spread the good news that the department is doing all it can to perform its mandate of providing adequate and affordable food, and increasing the incomes of farmers and fisherfolk. The three-day consultative meeting also featured updates on the major DA programs, such as FIELDS, and Ginintuang Masagana Ani (GMA) banner programs on rice, corn, livestock and fisheries; North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ) and DA Events Management; foreign-assisted projects notably the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) and Infrastructure for Rural Productivity Enhancement Sector (INFRES) project; DA Information and Communication Technology initiatives; and the DA budget process. Spearheaded by the DA Information Service, the meeting was participated in by about 70 PIOs of the DA bureaus, attached agencies and corporations, foreign-assisted projects, and GMA programs, DA-OSEC Services, and Regional Field Units.

Above, Undersecretary Fondevilla (7th from left) with the DA regional information officers and DA-OSEC Information Service OIC-Director Noel O. Reyes (5th from right). Below, Asst. Sec. Salacup (7th from left) with some of the chief information officers of DA bureaus and attached agencies.

16

Five pupils win World Food Day poster making contest

Five grade six pupils bested more than 1,000 pupils nationwide, as they interpreted on a poster the 2009 World Food Day (WFD) theme, Achieving food security in times of crisis. For their feat, they were declared national winners of the onthe-spot poster making contest held October 13, at the Department of Agricultures Bureaus of Soils and Water Management convention hall. They are Jolibie Pil of Marabulig I Elementary School, Cauayan City, Isabela; David Cres Monsalud of West Visayas State University, Iloilo City; Reymond Berame, Canjulao Elem. School. Lapulapu City; Jasper Kent Villarias, Sto. Tomas Central Elem. School, Davao del Norte; and Roselle Factor, Norala Central Elem. School, Norala, South Cotabato. They received P12,000 in cash prize and a trophy from Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap and Mr. Kazuyuki Tsurumi, representative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the Philippines, in fitting ceremonies on October 16, at the DA-BSWM convention hall. During the program, Secretary Yap and Mr. Tsurumi also led a symbolic handover of relief and rehabilitation assistance to farmers, fishers, livestock raisers and DA family employees adversely affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. The program also featured messages from Secretary Yap, Mr. Tsurumi, Secretary Domingo Panganiban of the National AntiPoverty Commission, and DA OIC-Undersecretary Salvador Salacup, as chairman of the 2009 WFD national steering committee. The afternoon program was capped by a candle light ceremony at the BSWM grounds and reading of the WFD pledge led by Secretary Yap, and Mr. Tsurumi. About 200 participated in the ceremony, composed of DA family officials and employees, FAO officials and staff, invited guests, farmers and fishers. The 2009 WFD poster making contest was conducted in partnership with the Department of Education and DA-Regional Field Units. It commenced in September 2009, attracting more than 1,000 grade 6 pupils nationwide, starting from the school up to the district, division and regional levels. The regional winners, totaling 17, received a cash prize of P3,000 from the FAO, which also shouldered the cash prizes for the five national winners. The 12 non-winners were given P1,000 each. The 17 regional winners came over to DA to compete for the on-the-spot national contest. The five winners with their respective parents or mentors were treated to an all-expense educational tour of Metro Manila, courtesy of the DAs National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC). The five-man board of judges of the 2009 WFD poster making contest was chaired by Dean Celino Santiago, of the College of Fine Arts, Architecture and Design, University of the East. The other judges were: Christiana CJ de Silva, who was once the WFD poster making grand champion in 1996, and currently an art director of a commercial media communications firm; Dr. Cynthia Loza, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Desigen, University of Sto. Tomas; Dean Lorelei de Viana, dean of the Institute of Architecture and fine Arts, Far Eastern University; and Mr. Orville Tiamson, a painter, musician and transmedia artist.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap (3rd from left) and Food and Agriculture Organization Representative to the Philippines Kazuyuki Tsurumi pose with the five national winners of the 2009 World Food Day On-the-Spot PosterMaking Contest. They interpreted the theme: Achieving Food Security in Times of Crisis. They are (from left) Raymond Berame of Cebu, Jolibie Pil (Isabela), Roselle Factor (South Cotabato), Jasper Kent Villarias (Davao

Korean-funded rice center ...

The rice complex will directly benefit thousands of farmers served by the DA-NIA Bohol Integrated Irrigation System, covering the towns of Pilar, Dagohoy, San Miguel, Alicia, and Ubay. The rice complex is expected to reduce postharvest losses of about 2 million metric tons per year of milled rice, worth P22 million per year; reduce labor October-November 2009

(from p7)

cost and generate savings of about P9 million per year; provide additional income of P16,200 per year per farmer as patronage incentives; increase the market value of milled rice as a result of improved rice milling quality; and, create unskilled and skilled jobs for more than 300 individuals. (Grace Dagala, DA-RFU7)

As part of World Food Day program, Secretary Yap handed out relief assistance to farmers and fishers, including DA employees, who were adversely affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Above, he hands over a facsimile check worth P6 M to the officers of the Sta. Maria Dairy Farmers Cooperative for the renovation of their milk processing plant in Pulong Buhangin, Sta. Maria, Bulacan. Flanking the recipients are FAO Representative to the Philippines Kazuyuki Tsurumi (left) and former DA Secretary and currently National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban (right).

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Enough pork ...(from p1)

try and poultry products, as requested by the DA . Imports should arrive in the country between November 30, 2009 and January 31, 2010. BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales said they acted favorably on the request of Secretary Yap to address the tightness of supply of poultry meat in the domestic market in the coming holiday season. For pork, the DA has asked the private sector to bring in from Mindanao and import a total 15,000 to 20,000 metric tons to fill in a supply gap in Luzon. For local pork, DA undersecretary Salvador Salacup said it will be sourced from General Santos, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. This would be in the form of pork-in-a-box or precut, frozen and packed in boxes to cut transport cost. Initially, some pork-in-a-box equivalent to 3,000 head will come from Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga. To augment this, since September the DA has encouraged the private sector to import up to 15,000 MT of pork from the United States, Canada, Korea, and other FMD-free countries. We also expect the arrival of 9,500 MT of pork from Canada , USA and South Korea, Salacup said. Even before typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, industry leaders and government have projected a shortage of 30,000 to 40,000 metric tons of pork. As for poultry, industry leaders said production could grow by only 5 percent for the entire 2009, lower than the 15-percent growth projected at the start of the year. United Broiler Raisers Assn. president Gregorio San Diego Jr. attributes the slow growth to the chalenges faced by commercial and small poultry raisers, including the tight supply of day-old chicks. Meanwhile, Salacup said the DA is also mulling a price band for pork and chicken to prevent

a spike in retail prices during the holidays. He said the scheme was successfully implemented last year, when retail prices shot up to as high as P180 to P190 per kilo of choice cuts, and eventually stabilized at P145 to P170 per kilo. Meanwhile, Salacup said, we are continuously monitoring supply and prices in the market. The latest monitoring report by DA field teams show that the price of pork kasim is between P150 to P180 a kilo, and liempo at P160 to P190 a kilo, Salacup said. As for chicken, poultry producers said they will bring in 5,000 metric tons from the US and Canada to augment domestic supply. In October last year, Secretary Arthur Yap and other agriculture officials along with over 30 livestock stakeholders agreed on a reference price band for pork after reaching consensus on the reasonable profit margins for growers, wholesalers and retailers. The reference price was agreed upon after determining that it was beneficial for producers, traders, and consumers. Salacup said Yap had instructed agriculture officials to work first on sourcing pork from Mindanao and the Visayas, to ensure that the commodity will arrive in time for the Christmas season, and offset possible delays in imports from foreign markets. He said then that the deadline for traders and importers to bring in as much as 2.5 million kilos of the commodity by December 15 takes into account possible red tape. The deadline was also set so as not to dampen farmgate prices, he added. We want our farmers to profit at this time to sustain their productivity momentum for the first quarter of 2010, he had said. (with excerpted reports from Business Mirror)

RP seeks... (from p1)

will serve as a mechanism to help ensure rice supply and stabilize prices in the region during crisis situations. Despite early successes in galvanizing the global community to issue declarations on global food security with commitments of financial support, Yap lamented that funds have not only been insufficient, but the mechanism for the access of such funds is non-existent. Funds and projects are merely re-packaged, he added, and actual new money for agriculture infrastructure, extension, seeds, and financing are insignificant. He said the Japan-funded East Asia Emergency Rice Reserve is a much-needed vehicle to stabilize food supply and prices in the region. Yap called on his counterparts at the recent ASEAN ministerial meeting to convene a Senior Officials Meeting to handle the technical details of establishing the emergency rice reserve.

P300-M...

(from p5)

on the bounty of the seas and forests for their food and livelihood. The program will be implemented by the respective local government units. in following 11 towns, namely: Olutanga, Mabuhay, and Talusan, in Zamboanga Sibugay; Rizal and Sibuitad (Zamboanga del Norte); Margosatubig and Vencinzo Sagun (Zamboanga del Sur); Marihatag and San Agustin (Surigao del Sur); Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao; and Lamitan, in Basilan. It will take five or more years before we can see the impact of this project because of the long gestation period of the projects like fish sanctuary, mangrove rehabilitation among others. But at least we have made appropriate actions to arrest the challenges of climate change before it could harshly hit us, Ramos said. In all, the initiatives will contribute to the over-all goals of MRDP to reduce poverty, increase incomes, promote social growth, and strengthen LGU capabilities, she added.
(Sherwin B. Manual, DA-MRDP)

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap (left) is now an honorary member of the University of the Philippines Los Banos College of Agriculture (UPLB-CA). The recognition was bestowed on him by the UPLB-CA alumni association, during UPLBs centennial celebration and 2009 Loyalty Day of the College of Agriculture. Secretary Yap was recognized for his unwavering support in strengthening the R&D and extension capabilities of the UPLB-CA. With him is alumni president Simeon Cuyson (right) and Dr. Patricio Faylon of the DOST-PCARRD.

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US trade mission eyes...

(from p1) Vilsack-led trade and investment mission has underlined the enduring and dynamic partnership between the US and the Philippines and offers a splendid opportunity for both countries to further bolster such ties. The trade mission to the Philippines is the first for the USDA in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is a key market for US agricultural and food exports, with sales of over $1.77 billion in 2008, while US agricultural and food imports from the Philippines reached $1.24 billion during the same period. The visit of the US agribusiness executives, Yap added, highlights the mounting investor confidence in Philippine agriculture and fisheries. It has made the DA all the more bullish on its forecast of a strong rebound for this sector in 2010, despite the onslaught of tropical cyclones Ondoy and Pepeng that caused over P29 billion in damage. Among the US agribusiness companies that have forged initial agreements with their Filipino counterparts are: Alan Group, a biofuel producer, which discussed with First Pampanga Biofuels Corporation, its intention to establish a 360-million liter-per-year crude jatropha oil processing facility, requiring an initial investment of $312.5 million. Novick Industries has expressed interest in food processing, grains trading and shipping. It plans to invest $15 million into a joint venture for a feedmill project. Verdant Ocean, an exporter of aquaculture feed and equipment and importer of fresh and seafood, is considering investing up to $3 million in aquaculture and seafood production. The mission also generated initial trade possibilities of $20 million, covering coffee, poultry and beef products, along with geographic information system (GIS) technology. About 210 Filipino businessmen participated in the business October-November 2009

US donates $8.5M worth of rice, milk

VIlsack and PGMA in Malacanang The United States Department of Agriculture under its Food for Progress Program is donating $8.5-million worth of rice and milk to typhoon victims in the Philippines USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack made the announcement during a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Malacanang, October 26, 2009. The United States understands the importance of international assistance in the aftermath of disasters like the typhoons that recently hit the Philippines, he noted. The food aid will help the people in the most need of assistance. He said the commodity donations -- roughly 7,000 metric tons of US rice and 680 metric tons of non-fat dry milk -- will benefit an estimated 438,000 people for 60 days. And as a long standing friend and partner of the Philippines, the United States stands ready to continue our cooperation and assistance in the future. Secretary Arthur Yap said President Arroyo, on behalf of the Filipino people, thanked the United States for the donation. We would like to express our sincerest thanks to the Obama administration for donating rice and milk to our typhoon victims, Yap said. The Philippines is the largest recipient of USDA food aid programs in Asia, with programs dating back to 1995. Title I, Section 416(b) and Food for Progress assistance totaled $217 million since fiscal year 2000. In FY 2009, USDA signed three Food for Progress agreements in the Philippines valued at $25 million. Food for Progress has consistently helped developing countries advance economic reform and expand private enterprise. It has, in its 24 years of existence, played an important role in helping developing countries support their agricultural sectors. (USDA)

Secretary Vilsack with President Gloria MacapagalArroyo in Malacaang. A lawyer by profession, Vilsack was the former governor of Iowa, considered as the food capital of the USA.
matching forum first held at the Makati Shangrila Hotel, Oct. 2627, and at the Marco Polo Hotel, in Davao, Oct. 28. In Davao, officials of local biodiesel producer Freyvonne Milling Services discussed with Alan Group representatives the potentials of investing in coconut methyl esther (CME) processing facility. The Alan Group showed great interest in investing in the CME plant of Freyvonne in Davao City. Projected investment for the development of a 30-million liter per year biodiesel refinery is at US $20 million, Puyat and Agbon said. Notre Data Cola Company, a start-up beverage company specializing in producing soda from date syrup mixed with various tropical fruit juices, also had exploratory talks with the US Fed Group, which expressed great interest in the formers project concept. The US Fed Group develops, and supports U.S. private-public partnerships, economic development and provides financing for the export of any type of goods and services, including commodities. Puyat and Agbon said that both companies are studying the possibility of establishing an $878,000 beverage plant in General Santos City to cover processes involving the concentration, pureeing and bottling of the beverages. Besides expressing interest in a feedmill plant project, Novick Industries also agreed with Amarich Marketing International, a local producer of coffee, for the supply of Monks Blend coffee to the US market. Novick president Victor Luyi Ogbebor disclosed to Amabel Frias, Amarich general manager, that he will return in December 2009 to visit the latters coffee plantation in Bukidnon. Novick is targeting to buy up to 400 boxes of coffee from Amarich worth about $31,600, Puyat and Agbon said. Meanwhile, Intervision Foods, an American exporter of frozen poultry, pork, beef and fish products (animal proteins), discussed with RFM Corp., one of the Philippines leading agri-food companies, the delivery by the latter of the first container shipment of poultry and beef products to the US by early next year, valued at $ 11,200. At the Mindanao matching session, remote-sensing technology provider Agri-Ima GIS Technology discussed with Unifruitti Group of Companies a possible $20-million project on the use of the formers technology to achieve precision farming for the efficient management of agricultural fertilization.

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PGMA, nation honor 2009 outstanding farmers, fishers

The nation, led by Her Excellency Gloria MacapagalArroyo and Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap, honored the outstanding men and women in the fields of agriculture, fishery, agriprocessing and enterprise, research and development, and organic initiatives -- via the 2009 National Gawad Saka, October 15, 2009, at the Philippine International Copnvention Center, in Pasay City. Twenty outstanding individuals and groups in various sectors of Philippine agriculture were recognized for their exceptional feats and achievements who have been and continue to be instrumental in the development of the countryside, as well as the national economy. Topping the roster of achievers for the year is outstanding rice farmer Bonifacio Madamba Corpuz, who moved from North to South, and maintained his passion for farming. Born in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, Mang Pacio later moved to Zamboanga del Sur, where he learned the complexities of agricultural management at a young age. Now at 58, Mang Pacio is considered as a model farmer for hybrid and inbred rice varieties. He is the epitome of a hardworking, determined, resourceful, and dedicated farm laborer, outstanding in his field long before this years recognition. In modesty, he has grossed P2M in 2008 from his five-hectare rice-based integrated farming system. Through the years, with his increasing income and savings, he was able to buy farm machineries like hand tractors, power tillers and threshers. He has also acquired cargo trucks for hauling, and a brand-new pick-up for family use. Mang Pacio also produces vegetables and cutflowers and raises hogs, cattle, chicken and ducks to augment his income. Of these projects, he was able to employ and provide livelihood to his neighbors, particularly through a livestock dispersal program, where he has distributed 27 gilts and 5 heifers under a 50-50 scheme. The other 2009 Gawad Saka national awardees are: Corn - Maximo R. Rabanal, Ilocos Sur; Coconut Marcos Dumandan, Davao City; Sugarcane - Rosendo Bancud, Cagayan; High Value Commercial Crops - William D. Banay, Isabela; Agri-Entrepreneur -Lito M.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo congratulates outstanding rice farmer Bonifacio Madamba Corpuz, as Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap looks on.
Arenas, Pangasinan; Fisherfolk (Fish Culture) Tomas J. Hautea, Iloilo; Large Animal Raiser Alexander A. Calucag, Ilocos Norte; Small Animal Raiser Avelino F. Peralta, Cebu; Young Farmer -Romeo H. Yapit, Ilocos Sur; Farm Family - Reynaldo P. Montanez and Family, Zamboanga del Sur; Agricultural Scientist - Dr. Marie Antoinette JuinioMenez, Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines; Young Farmers Organization - Binahaan 4-H Club, Pagbilao, Quezon; Rural Improvement Club (RIC) -North Poblacion RIC, Mendoza Maramag, Bukidnon Small Farmers Orgn. - Sto. Domingo Multi Purpose Coop., Baggao, Cagayan Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) Pagbilao, Quezon Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) Catanduanes Barangay Bagsakan / LGU-Operated - Barangay Poblacion B, Mlang, North Cotabato; Non-LGU Operated Balligi Rural Improvement Club, Centro Sta. Ana, Cagayan Organic Farmers Group Tupi Bongulan Growers Assn., South Cotabato.

The 2009 National Gawad Saka winners proudly display their trophies.