Vol. XXVII No.

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

February 2012

Agri grows by 2.3%

The Philippine agriculture industry grew by 2.34 percent (%) in 2011, bannered by the crops, livestock and poultry subsectors. Total gross production was valued at P1.4 trillion at current prices, 11.5% more than in 2010. The combined positive performance of the three subsectors served as a cushion, as the fishery subsector registered negative growth due to dwindling fish population caused by overfish- 2011 Top Rice Achievers, Mga Bosing ng Palayan. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala ing, illegal fishing practices, and (left) poses with the respective governors of the 10 provinces declared as the countrys top rice producers successive typhoons during the in 2011 at the first-ever Rice Achievers Award or Parangal sa mga Bosing ng Palayan. With him are second semester of 2011. (from left) governors Imee R. Marcos (Ilocos Norte), Josephine R. Sato (Mindoro Occidental), Alfonso V. The crops subsector, contrib- Umali (Mindoro Oriental), Arthur Defensor (Iloilo), Alfredo G. Maranon (Negros Occidental), Gerardo J. uting one-half (49.6%) to total Espina Jr. (Biliran), Rodolfo P. Del Rosario (Davao del Norte), Douglas RA Cagas (Davao del Sur), Adolph agricultural output, registered a Edward G. Plaza (Agusan del Sur), and Johnny Pimentel (Surigao Del Sur). 4.8% increase, led by palay (paddy rice) and corn. Palay harvest totaled 16.68 million metric tons (MMT), 5.8% Agriculture Secretary Proceso outstanding agricultural exten- governments flagship Food more than in 2010 (15.77 MMT), J. Alcala led the nation in honor- sion workers (AEWs) of 2011 at Staples Sufficiency Program while corn production amounted ing the countrys top rice-produc- the first-ever Agri-Pinoy Rice (FSSP). to 6.97 MMT, 9.3% more than ing provinces, cities, towns, irri- Achievers Awards or Parangal sa The top 10 provinces are in 2010 (6.38 MMT). gators associations (IAs), and mga Bosing ng Palayan, Febru- Ilocos Norte, Mindoro Oriental, (Pls turn to p2) ary 10, at the Philippine Interna- Mindoro Occidental, Iloilo, tional Convention Center (PICC), (Pls turn to p6) in Pasay City. The winners are composed of 10 provinces, 50 cities and municipalities, 8 IAs and 157 AEWs (pls see complete list on page 6). The restoration of typhoonThey received more than P100million worth of prizes in the form damaged portions of the of agricultural projects and cash world-famous Banaue rice terraces, particularly in incentives. The top 10 provinces each re- Batad, Ifugao, will start soon ceived P4-M worth of agricultural with the recent completion of projects, while the top 50 cities a P36-million (M) rehabilitaand municipalities and 8 IAs each tion and upgrading plan. A multi-agency team led by received P1-M worth of agricultural projects. The 157 AEW s the Department of Agriculture each received P20,000 as cash recently completed a oneDA-MRDP2 needs P6B more. The Philippine Government incentive. year operational, work and fithrough the Department of Agriculture is requesting an additional Secretary Alcala said the con- nancial plan amounting to P6-billion fund infusion from the World Bank (WB) to finance more test, launched last year, aims to P36.25-M, of which P23.89infrastructure and agri-fishery development projects, on top of the recognize and encourage the full M will be shouldered by the regular P4-billion budget, under the Mindanao Rural Development support and participation of local DA, pending approval of AgriProgram phase 2 (MRDP2). Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (3rd from government units (LGUs), IAs, culture Secretary Proceso J. left) announced the request during a media conference, January 30 and AEW s in the Aquino Alcala. Assistant Secretary and in Davao City, after the MRDP2 7th review mission meeting. Joining governments goal to attain rice him (from left) are: WB officials Felizardo K. Virtucio, Jr. and Caro- sufficiency by 2013, and surplus National Rice Program Coorlina Figueroa-Geron, DA Undersecretary Joel S. Rudinas, and Davao in succeeding years. The rice dinator Dante S. Delima comdel Norte Governor Rodolfo S. Del Rosario. (Pls read related story on achievers awards is also part of mended the speedy action of (Pls turn to p11) p3, Photo by DA RAFID 11) campaign to promote the Aquino

DA honors 2011 top rice achievers

Restoration of rice terraces starts

Editorial
Idinaos noong ika-10 ng Pebrero ang kaunaunahang Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards sa pangunguna ni Kalihim Procy, Assistant Secretary at National Rice Coordinator Dante De Lima at ng buong pwersa ng rice program. Ang patimpalak na inilunsad noon lamang nakaraang taon ay naglalayong bigyang pasasalamat at parangal ang mga Bosing ng Palayan na nagsisilbing matatag na sandigan ng pamahalaan sa marangal nitong mithiin na kamtin ang kasapatan sa pangunahing butil ng bansa. Ani Alcala, di matatawaran ang pagsisikap ng mga magsasaka, irrigators association, agricultural extension workers (AEWs) at lokal na pamahalaan na matagal nang ka-partner ng DA sa mga proyekto nito na nakatuon sa pagpapaunlad ng kabukiran.

Saludo kami sa inyo, mga Bosing!

Sa katunayan, halos isang milyong metriko tonelada ang itinaas sa produksyon ng palay noong 2011 bunga ng matimyas na pagpupunyagi ng mga kabalikat sa sakahan. Ito ay sa kabila pa ng hagupit na idinulot ng bagyong Sendong. Bumaba din ng 75% ang mga imported na bigas na pumasok sa bansa bunga ng pinaigting na kampanya ng DA at NFA na bilhin ang mga palay na mula sa mga magsasakang Pinoy. Di ba nga mismong si Pangulong Aquino ang nagsabing, ang isasaing ni Juan dela Cruz, dito ipupunla, dito aanihin, di bibilhin. Kaya bukod sa pasasalamat at pagkilala sa sipag at kagalingan ng mga rice achievers, layunin ng Kagawaran na makahikayat pa ng mas malaking pagkilos bilang tugon sa Rice Self-Sufficiency target sa taong 2013. Ibubuhos sa sari-saring proyektong pangagrikultural ang malaking bahagi ng 2012 budget. Bibigyang prayoridad ang pagsasaayos at pagdaragdag ng mga farmto-market roads, irigasyon at iba pang mahahalagang imprastraktura. Ipagpapatuloy din ang mekanisasyon ng pambansang agrikultura at maglalaan ng mga abotkayang lending scheme para matulungan ang maliliit na magsasaka sa mga gastusin sa bukirin. Sa huli, tiyak na kakamtin natin ang target na kasapatan bago pa man mag-2013 dahil sa samasamang pagkilos ng mga sektor na direktang nakikinabang sa pagsasaka at ayuda mula sa pamahalaan. Kayat ngayon pa lang, bumabati na kami at sumasaludo sa inyong mga bosing ng palayan. Ikinararangal kayo ng lahat ng Pilipino.

is published monthly by the Department of Agriculture Information Service, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Tel. nos. 9288762 loc 2148, 2150, 2155, 2156 or 2184; 9204080 or tel/fax 9280588. This issue is available in PDF file. For copies, please send requests via email: da_afis@yahoo.com.
Editor-In-Chief : Noel O. Reyes Associate Editors: Karenina Salazar, Cheryl C. Suarez Writers: Adora D. Rodriguez, Jo Anne Grace B. Pera, Arlhene S. Carro, Bethzaida Bustamante, Mc. Bien Saint Garcia, Jay Ilagan, Catherine Nanta Contributors: DA-RFU Info Officers, Public Info Officers and Staff of DA Bureaus, Attached Agencies & Corporations, ForeignAssisted Projects Photographers: Jose Lucas, Alan Jay Jacalan & Kathrino Resurreccion Lay-out Artists: Bethzaida Bustamante Printing & Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff

Agri grows by ...

(from p1)
to total agriculture output, decreased by 4.1%, as commercial and municipal fish production dipped by 16.3% and 2.9%, respectively. Aquaculture production, however, grew by 2.4%. The fishery subsector grossed P225.1 billion at current prices, 1.85% more than in 2010. Commercial and municipal fish catch declined due to overfishing, illegal fishing activities, and rough seas and strong winds during the 2nd semester caused by several typhoons. Thus, the DA through BFAR will implement conservation policies and measures, like imposing no fishing during breeding season at selected seas to allow fish stocks to regenerate. In fact, the DA-BFAR has implemented a three-month no fishing season for sardines in the Sulu and Visayan seas, starting December 1, 2011. The policy is implemented in consultation and coordination with commercial and municipal fishermen and industry stakeholders.

Sugarcane production also grew significantly to 28.38 MMT, 58.3% more than in 2010 (17.93 MMT). Tobacco, pineapple and rubber also posted positive gains. Total gross value of production of the crops subsector reached P804 billion at current prices, 19.4% more than in 2010. The livestock subsector, which contributed 16% to total agricultural output, registered a 1.99% growth. It was led by the hog industry which produced 1.94 MMT, 2.2% more than in 2010 (1.89 MMT). Cattle and dairy production also increased by 1.8% and 3.7%, respectively. The livestock subsector grossed P212.9 billion at current prices, 1% higher than in 2010. Chicken production increased by 4.5%, while chicken egg production moved up by 4.2%. Total value of poultry products amounted to P158.8 billion at current prices, 4.8% than in 2010. The fisheries subsector, which accounted for one-fifth or 20.7%

Overall, farmers, fishers and ruralfolk were better off in 2011, as farmgate prices of various farm and fishery products increased by about 9%. Farmers of major crops enjoyed higher average prices, at 14% more than in 2010. For instance, prices of palay and corn went up by 4.7% and 14.9%, respectively; coconut, up and vegetables, led by cabbage by 52%; pineapple, 27%; coffee, (up by 157%), onion (86%), and 21%; rubber, 17%; abaca, 11%; eggplant (72%).

Secretary Alcala (center) reports the 2.3% growth of Philippine agriculture in 2011, during a media briefing at the Department of Agriculture central office. Flanking him are DA undersecretary for policy and planning Segfredo Serrano (left) and assistant secretary for agribusiness and fisheries Salvador Salacup.

WB: DA-MRDP boosts income of poor in Mindanao

The World Bank (W B) has seen 15.5 percent (%) rise in the income of poor families, particularly those who benefited from the Mindanao Rural Development Program phase 2 (MRDP2), a WB-funded program implemented by the Department of Agriculture. WB lead rural development specialist Carolina FigueroaGeron said DA-MRDP2 has contributed to increasing the income of beneficiaries, mostly small farmers and fisherfolk, during a press briefing January 30, 2012, in Davao. Geron said from a baseline of P71,822 income in 2007, the average income of MRDP2 household-beneficiaries has increased by 15.5% to P82,926. The accomplishment is more than twice the 7% target increase. Despite the 18-month hiatus on the earlier part of implementation, the program is almost on-track, and has exceeded a number of its targets as of midterm, Geron said. For her part, MRDP2 program director Lealyn Ramos said the strong partnership of the local government units and the Programs holistic approach to development has contributed to increasing the beneficiaries incomes, along with other positive results in respective communities covered by the Program. We also owe this feat to the strong support of the local chief executives who are at the forefront of project implementation, said Ramos, who is also concurrent DA Region 10 director. The MRDP2 has a total fund of $123.57 million to undertake four major components. These include: 1. Rural Infrastructure (RI) - like irrigation, farm-to-market roads (FMRs), bridges, potable water supply (PW S), pre- and postharvest facilities; 2. Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) for resource-based livelihood projects; 3. Natural Resources Management (NRM) - environment conservation initiatives; and 4. Investment for Governance Reform to capacitate LGUs in the delivery of basic services.

DA-NIA to complete P498-M irrigation in Misamis Oriental.

Secretary Alcala (left) inspects the Balingasag River irrigation project along with National Irrigation Administrator Antonio Nangel during a three-day regional visit in Northern Mindanao, Feb 1-3, 2012. Once completed, the P498-million irrigation system will serve 2,500 hectares, benefiting 2,123 farm-families in the towns of Balingasag and Lagonglong, in Misamis Oriental, ensuring yearround palay production. Last year, Misamis Oriental produced close to 26,500 metric tons of palay from 6,400 hectares, of which 5,950 hectares are irrigated. The project will greatly contribute to increasing the provinces palay harvest in succeeding years, and attain selfsufficiency within the next two years, Alcala said.
The Program has a total of 499 RI subprojects (under various stages of implementation), amounting to P4.80 billion. Of which, 375 are FMRs, amounting to P3.53 billion; 29 bridges P293.76 million; 30 communal irrigation systems P668.1 million; and 48 PWS P298.12 million. The remaining 27 subprojects consist of other infrastructures has a total amount of P30.86 million. Of the total infrastructure projects, 101 subprojects were completed, amounting to P489.73 million. These include 74 FMRs, with a total length of 236.34 km, amounting to P379.95 million; 7 single-lane bridges with a total length of 102.60 lm P23.48 million; 1 communal irrigation, servicing 100 hectares P10.578 million; 14 PWS P65.94 million; and 5 other infrastructure subproj ects consist mostly of postharvest facilities P9.77 million. Of the livelihood subprojects under CFAD, 1,150 subprojects were completed, 486 are on-going, and 899 are for implementation. The MRDP has expanded the CFAD coverage by increasing the municipal LGUs funding allocation from P2.5 million to P5million. Further, it has engaged the provincial LGUs as direct implementers of CFAD projects with a maximum fund of P10 million. The increased funding allocation is expected to boost beneficiaries capacity to develop their livelihood into agribusiness enterprises. Farm and Non-farm income W ith the infrastructure and livelihood projects now operational, the beneficiaries are earning from both farm and non-farm incomes. The baseline farm income of P40,093 has also increased by almost 27 percent to P50,869 by mid-term, while income from non-farm activities slightly rose by 1% to P32,082 from P31,729. As roads have become more accessible, farmers are able to bring in more inputs, cultivate more farm lands to expand production which in turn increase their yield and boost income, Ramos said. She added that farmers also earned from value-adding as well as save in hauling cost. In addition more sari-sari stores are opening up, more jeepneys and motorcycles are plying the route of these previously inaccessible bara-ngays, she added.(Sherwin B. Manual,
DA-MRDP)

Sen. Pangilinan, Sec Alcala launch Sagip Saka. Senator

Francis Pangilinan (right) and Secretary Alcala (third from left) hand over a golden shovel to Felix Baguilat, representing the first batch of beneficiaries of Sagip Saka, an advocacy aimed at transforming agricultural communities to reach their full potential, improving farmers and fishers quality of life, and bridging gaps through public-private partnerships. Launched January 27 at Club Filipino in San Juan, Sagip Saka has an initial seed fund of P129 million to implement various projects of the initial batch of 24 farmers groups and communities. Of the amount, Senator Pangilinan has allotted P100 from his Priority Assistance Development Fund, while the Department of Agriculture is sharing P20 million to rehabilitate the Ifugao Rice Terraces. The provincial government of Cavite is allocating P5 million for coffee projects, while several LGUs in Bicol region are pitching in a total of P4 million for their respective Sagip Saka projects. Joining them in the photo is Oriental Mindoro Gov. Aurelio Umali. February 2012

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala stressed that the Philippines can do its part in helping control climate change and potentially earn P47 billion in the process at the recent APEC Summit on Climate Change. By planting coconut in 3.2 million hectares of land, the country could help absorb 17.54 tons of carbon dioxide per year, and at the same generate roughly P47 billion in revenues per year, Secretary Alcala said. The Philippines has 3.2 million hectares devoted to coconut farming. Based on studies, a hectare of coconut farm could potentially absorb 17.54 tons of carbon dioxide per year which is equivalent to P14.7 million per 1,000 hectares through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) valuation, he said. Alcala said there are other climate change programs that build the adaptive capacity of farming and fishing communities and increase the resilience of natural ecosystems to climate change. Such programs also optimize adaptation with mitigation opportunities towards sustainable development, he added. For instance, Alcala said, the government is using the concept of the farmers field school, and putting up the climate field schools, to integrate weather data gathering and forecasting, in addition to being an effective agricultural extension medium. Likewise, Alcala said, the government is starting to roll-out the weather-based insurance system which has been tested to be an effective risk transfer mechanism. The government is also aggressively promoting organic agriculture that addresses both adaption and mitigation. W e support the adoption of livestock breeds and fish strains, as well as organic inputs, that improve productivity and make organic produce more affordable, Alcala said. We advocate the use of biological inputs to reduce or substitute agri-chemical use. W e pursue biotechnology projects to improve farm productivity and food security, while causing the least environmental harm, he added.

Phl adopts measures to mitigate climate change

DA urges farmers to advance rice crop calendar

The Department of Agriculture is encouraging rice farmers, particularly those served by major irrigation systems in Luzon, to advance their cropping calendar by a month or two to avoid typhoons that visit during the months of October to November. We are usually hit by strong typhoons in October, so we have to set the (cropping) season earlier, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said. The DA, through its National Rice Program directorate and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), will spearhead the initiative in partnership with the respective irrigators associations (IAs). Secretary Alcala said the early planting scheme will be initially implemented in Central Luzon, particularly those served by the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System (UPRIIS) and the Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS). About 190,000 hectares of irrigated farms will be covered under the early planting scheme, of which 110,000 hectares are covered by UPRIIS and the remaining 80,000 hectares are served by MARIIS. To date, UPRIIS has a total of 386 IAs under its jurisdiction, with some 82,000 farmermembers. On the other hand, MARIIS has 363 IAs with some 65,000 farmer-members. It is from irrigation where we can attain the biggest difference for our yield. Farmers
(Pls turn to p11)

Secretary Alcala (2nd from right) exchanges pleasantries with Australian embassy second secretary Will Robinson (left), one of the 40 delegates from 13 countries who attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Symposium on Climate Change, at EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City, February 6 to 8, 2012. Secretary Alcala said the Philippines through the DA integrates climate change adaptation measures in all its programs and projects. These include Climate Field Schools that integrates season-long crop production modules with weather data gathering and forecasting, adoption of weather-based insurance system, promotion of organic agriculture that includes climate change adaptation and mitigation, use of biological inputs to reduce use of farm chemicals, pursuit of environment-friendly biotechnology projects, and rehabilitation of mangrove areas and replanting of coconut as potential sources of carbon sink and mitigating measure to prevent damages brought by storm surges. Also shown are DA Undersecretary for policy and planning Segfredo R. Serrano (2nd from left) and DA-APEC and climate change initiatives focal person Director Alicia G. Ilaga.
The DA head explained that the rehabilitation of mangroves and replanting of coconuts are potential sources of carbon sink and are effective adaptation measures to prevent the damages brought by storm surges. At the end of the day, we expect to map out climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, provide appropriate financing mechanisms, and implement what needs to be done to sustain the productivity of our land, water and marine resources to feed our regions ever-increasing population, Alcala said. He noted that the Symposium on Climate Change is one of the commitments made by the Philippines towards the achievement of food security under the action plan. (Philippine Star)

Far m Working USecs. DA

Undersecretaries Joel Rudinas and Segfredo Serrano lead the participants of the Strengthening the Philippines Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change (SPICACC) in planting tinawon rice in Banaue, Ifugao. The Cordilerra takes on strategic significance as climate change is expected to effect changes in agriculture in the next 50 years. According to USec. Rudinas, sea water is projected to rise by one meter so new options like upland rice planting is being explored. (Robert
Domoguen, DA-CAR)

P97 M for sugarcane block farming project

The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the private sector will allocate more than P97.690 million (M) to fund the block farming project which aims to integrate Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBO) and improve productivity from sugarcane farms. Of the amount, 11.2-M comes from DA, which will be allocated for farm to mill roads and irrigation, 4.298-M from SRA, for the management and technical assistance, 58.192-M from DAR, and the remaining 24-M from the private sector. The program was launched in Tuy, Batangas on January 20, 2012, which was graced by DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, SRA Administrator Regina Martin-Bautista, and DAR Secretary Virgilio Delos Reyes. Secretary Alcala said the project is a component of the DA-SRA sugar industry roadmap to encourage small farmers to form themselves into groups or cooperatives and adopt economies of scale to make their farm operations land preparation, planting, fertilization and harvesting more cost-efficient and thus more profitable per unit area. He added that the DA-SRA in partnership with sugarcane farmers, sugar milling districts and other sugar industry stakeholders will sustain the production of sugar for both food and biofuel feedstock. Under the block farming system, small farms of less than 10 hectares will be consolidated and integrated through various schemes such as contract, joint venture, partnership, and sharing. The block farms should have a total area ranging from 30 to 50 hectares. The project will initially cover 927 hectares in Tuy involving 919 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), belonging to four cooperatives. The block farm project will also be implemented in other sugarcane farms in Lian, Nasugbu and Balayan, all in Batangas. Other proposed provinces for block farming implementation are Tarlac, Albay, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Leyte, Bukidnon and Davao del Sur. The project launch includes a forging of a memorandum of agreement among Secretary Alcala, Secretary de los Reyes, and Administrator Bautista, chairpersons of the four ARBs, Tuy Mayor Jose Cerrado, and Batangas Governor Vilma SantosRecto.

DA uses innovative methods for higher rice yield

The National Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is employing a mixture of both innovative methods and timetested programs to increase rice production and boost the profitability of farmers in the countryside. In a report to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, assistant secretary and National Rice Program coordinator Dante Delima said the innovations, which shall be carried over this year, have significantly contributed to a 49.6 percent growth in total agricultural output from the crops subsector last year. Alcala recently announced that palay (paddy rice) production

The DA through the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) joined hands to implement a two-year pilot sugarcane block farming project that will consolidate small farms owned by agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) into blocks of 30 to 50 hectares to attain economies of scale. Photo shows Secretary Alcala (left), DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes (2nd from left) and SRA Administrator Regina Bautista Martin signing the projects memorandum of agreement, as Batangas 1st District Representative Tomas V. Apacible (standing, at left ) and other DA and DAR officials look on.
yielded a total of 16.68 million metric tons, 5.8 percent more than the 15.77-M MT produced in 2010. Delima said innovations introduced during the year were the establishment of community seed banks, regional seed buffer stocks, the Rice Achievers Awards, and forging of partnerships with various stakeholders. He said that the innovations, alongside traditional programs like ratooning, distribution of farm implements and machines, construction of irrigation systems and post-harvest facilities, and provision of marketing, research and extension support, are aimed at boosting the governments Food Staple Sufficiency Program (FSSP), as well as increase the profitability of farmers. The community seed banking program aims to increase farmers access to quality seeds through sustainable community-based seed banks organized, developed and managed by farmers, irrigators association (IA) members, and non-government organizations. Under the program, two kilograms of starter seeds are provided to beneficiaries which they propagate to become mother seeds for the next cropping season. Some 89,247 bags of two kilogram starter seeds were distributed to farmers belonging to 103 IAs nationwide, while a total of 227 seed storage facilities and warehouses were funded for rehabilitation and repair, Delima said. The Seed Buffer Stocking Program, on the other hand, aims to ensure the availability of high quality palay seeds in the regional offices that can be accessed by farmers in times of
(Pls turn to p11)

DA partners with Filipino farm manufacturers. DA Assistant

Secretary and National Rice Program Coordinator Dante S. Delima inspects the hand tractors or power tillers manufactured in Cauayan City, Isabela by Equity Machineries Inc. (EMI), one of the DAs accredited partners in the implementation of the Aquino governments farm mechanization program. DA is tapping Filipino manufacturers to produce various farm equipment and machinery which will be provided to farmersgroups, irrigators associations and LGUs under an 85-15counterparting scheme. Joining him are EMI president and CEO Mark Anthony Perez, and DA Region 2 officials.

February 2012

Saludo kami sa inyo, mga Bosing ng Palayan

Isang taos-pusong pagbati sa buong Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka sa pamumuno ni Kalihim Proceso J. Alcala. Nagpupugay po tayo sa tagumpay ng inyong paligsahan na may layuning iangat ang pambansang ani ng palay at mga pangunahing pagkain. Malugod ko ring binabati ang mga nahirang na Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers ng 2011. Nagsisilbi kayong huwaran at inspirasyon sa lalo pa nating pagsisikap na makamit ang kasapatan sa bigas at iba pang pangunahing pagkain sa 2013. Malaki ang kontribusyon ng ating mga programang pangagrikultura sa pagsusulong ng kaunlaran sa ating bansa. Kaya naman puspusan ang pagtataguyod natin ng mga kapakipakinabang na programa tulad ng Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) upang mapaunlad pa ang ating produksyon at maparami ang mga pangunahing butil at lamang-ugat. Sa pangunguna rin ng inyong Kagawaran, isinasaayos na natin ang mga imprastrakturang agrikultural, at nililinang ang kaalaman at kasanayan ng ating mga magsasaka sa mga makabagong teknolohiya at pamamaraan. Tinatamasa na natin ang liwanag ng pag-asa at pagbabago sa ating bayan. Sa pagkakapit-bisig ng pamahalaan at ng mamamayan, tiwala akong tuloy-tuloy na ang ating tagumpay sa bawat hakbang natin tungo sa malusog, masigla at produktibong pambansang sakahan at pangisdaan. Tahakin natin ang tuwid na landas tungo sa isang maunlad na Pilipinas. Benigno S. Aquino III Pangulo, Republika ng Pilipinas Ang makamit ang kasapatan sa bigas ay napakalaking hamon at responsibilidad para sa Pamahalaang Aquino na nakaatang sa Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka. Kaya naman, kailangan namin ng tulong at suporta ng lahat, lalung-lalo na ng mga katuwang natin sa sektor ng sakahan, industriya ng palay at bigas, mga pamahalaang lalawigan, lungsod at bayan, kasama na ang mga samahan ng magsasaka, partikular ang mga irrigators association (IA), at mga teknisyan o agricultural extension workers (AEWs). Bilang pagkilala sa kanilang patuloy na pagsisikap at ambag upang maiangat ang pambansang produksyon ng palay at bigas, kamiy nagtaguyod ng kauna-unahang Agri Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards o Parangal para sa mga Bosing ng Palayan. Alam namin na hindi lamang sila ang dapat bigyan ng pagpupugay, kaya naman ang parangal na ito ay taun-taon naming itataguyod upang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang iba pang mga lalawigan, lungsod at bayan, mga IA at AEW sa buong bansa. Magsilbi sanang inspirasyon sa kanila at iba pang katuwang sa sektor ng sakahan upang sama-sama nating makamit ang minimithing kasapatan sa bigas at iba pang pangunahing pagkain sa taong 2013. Naway patuloy tayong patnubayan at pagkalooban ng Poong Maykapal ng kaaya-ayang klima at panahon, matipunong pangangatawan, at malinis at tapat na hangarin upang makamit ang ating mga adhikain at pangarap ng masaganang ani, malaking kita, maunlad na kanayunan at magandang kinabukasan para sa ating mga pamilya at mahal sa buhay. Muli, maligayang bati sa mga nagwaging Bosing ng Palayan ng taong 2011. Mabuhay! Proceso J. Alcala Kalihim, Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka
Top 50 Cities/Municipalities CAR: Tabuk City, Kali nga; Region 1: San Jacinto, Pangasinan; Region 2: Isabela Alicia, Delfin Albano, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Cauayan City and Santiago City; Nueva Vizcaya Bagabag, Solano, Bayombong, Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur and Aritao; Region 3: Nueva Ecija Talavera, San Isidro, Sto. Domingo, Gen. Tinio, Guimba, Sta. Rosa and Ll anera; San Rafael, Bulacan; Balanga, Bataan; Region 4A: Tiaong, Quezon; Region 4B: Occidental Mi ndoro - San Jose, Rizal and Sablayan; Region 6: Aklan - Banga and Numancia; Sibalom, Ant ique; Dumalag, Capiz; Iloilo Dingle and Passi City; Moises Padill a, Negros Occidental; Region 7: Bohol - Pilar, Ubay and San Miguel; Toledo City, Cebu; Negros Oriental Ayungon and Sta. Catalina; Region 8: Ormoc City, Kananga, Leyte; and Hinunangan, Southern Leyte; Region 10: Don Carlos, Bukidnon; and Plaridel , Misamis Occi dental; Region 11: Braulio E. Dujali, Davao del Nort e; Davao Sur Matanao and Hagonoy; Region 13: Trento, Agusan Sur; and Butuan City, Agusan Norte Top Irrigators Associations: Badagoy IA, Inc., Magsaysay, Davao Del Sur; BasakPangutosan Carp IA, Inc., Nabunturan, Compostela Valley; Boan Bida IA, Inc., Wasian, Rosario, Agusan Del Sur; Dujali Isidro Talisay Casay IA, Inc. (Ditci a 1), Bugtong Talisay, Dujali, Davao Del Norte; MTG PLIVRISCAF IA, Inc., Pandalla, Science City of Muoz, Nueva Ecija; Barangayan Siete IA, Inc., Rizal, Science City of Muoz, Nueva Ecija; Salb ar IA, Inc., Brgy. Ayungon, La Carlota, Negros Occidental; and Napal-Conel Road IA, Inc., Brgy. Lagao, GenSan City Top Agricultural Extension Workers CAR: Tabuk City, Kalinga - Jul ibert L. Aquino, Clari ta T. Aricheta, Felici tas W. Balmores, Crispina M. Buco, Ri ta D. Codiam, Elsie D. Edduba, Domi nga W. Lacson, Marivina B. Martinez, Felomina B. Nalog, Nobleto N. Sagun, Marcelina V. Saquing, Fatima P. Solimen, Erwin B. Tangdol, and Victor G. Yague; REGION 1: San Ja cinto, Panga sinan - Es tefania T. Ventigan; REGION 2: (Isabela) St o. Domingo, Alicia - Sammy M. Zamora; Delfin Albano - Amadeo R. Baquiran, Florencio M. Dumlao, Jr., and Al fredo C. Mamuri; Cab atua n - Samuel A. Fal laria, Federi co S. Sison, Jr., Marciano A. Ramil, Jr., Pabli to L. Guloy, Regie C. Mariano, and Ariel N. Macugay; San Mateo - Adelia B. Pascua and Jeminio B. Ri llon; Cauayan City - Mary Jane S. Yadao; Santiag o City - Edi lberto P. Abes; (Nu eva Vizcaya) Baga bag - Artemio Tuquero; Solano - Victoria C. Damian; Bayombo ng - Engr. Leonardo Corsi no; Dupax d el Sur - Precy Pudiquet; Arit ao - Marialit a G. Gaboy; REGION 3: (Nueva Ecija) Guimba - Eudiosia P. Abesamis, Vilma M. Bautista; Gen. Tinio - Patri cia G. Abesamis and Jaci nto C. Brisueo; Talavera - Virginia A. Leandro and Flora V. Cl ariza; Sto. Do mingo - Myrna F. Angeles , Arsenia M. Aquino, Emelita R. Flores, Celi a E. Laureta, and Franci sca Q. Salamanca; Sa n Isidro - Rodolfo F. Buenaventura and Danilo M. Ruiz; Sta. Rosa - Resti tuto F. Batin; Llan era - El izabeth L. Pacada; Science City of Muoz - Luzviminda PigaRuiz; (Bataan) Hermosa - Mercelita T. Banal, Cat alina O. Benitez, Es tela Y. Capati, Priscil a S. Layno, Susana M. Macalino, Eduardo M. Manuel and Enrico H. Puno; Balanga City - Regina B. Javier and Ronnie G. Lopez; (Bulacan) San Ra fael Evelyn B. Cruz, Flordeliza E. Matunan, and Emelita V. Reyes; (Pampanga) Cit y of San Fer nando - Donalene P. Megino; REGION 4A: Tiaong, Quezon - Zenai da V. Amargo; REGION 4B: (Occidental M indoro) San Jose - Domingo A. Florent ino, Ricardo J. Gelena, Rosalila A. Austral, Editha L. Lim, Fernando G. Leonci to, Iny Lourdes S. Peroy, Romel B. Calingasan, and Al rizza C. Zubiri; Riza l - Lauderick A. Jimena, Glecy V. Plaquino, Bernardo P. Sta. Rinala, Jr. and Phebe Q. Barrientos; Sabla yan - Celia B. Baranda, Elma T. Tamo, and Evelia S. Licos; (Oriental Min doro) Naujan - Noel S. Ni lo; REGION 6: Banga, Aklan - Neniveh Ron; Siba lom, Ant ique - Anthony Abong, Efren Embanecido, and Junel Pi neda; (Iloilo) Bana te - Jose A. Arroyo, Elidelia B. Bagonoc, Sanl y B. Galvez, Gloria Q. Lagradante, and Gregoria T. Torrechante; San Miguel - Ma. Divina C. Buenaflor; San Dio nisio - May A. Carnaj e and Virgi nia L. Layson; Passi City - Anabel C. Castillanes , Ma. Japeth D. Fernandez, Rowena C. Palmares, Eva S. Patino, Liela A. Ros bero and Araceli P. Alba; Cabat uan - Presentacion N. Continente, Tita A. Ducasi and Hepzibah C. Santoceldes; Oton - Caridad S. Fl orencondia and Magdal ena D. Sonora; Miag ao Ma. Frea N. Mons ale; Dingle - Jose L. Loreno and Ronaldo L. Quicoy; (Cap iz) Dumalag- Berni e Protacio and Teresita Badilla; Mambu sao - Lorna Lipardo; (Negros Occidental) Kabankalan City - Melba T. Baares; San Carlos City - Marianita D. Lat oza; Moises, Padilla - Ramonita I. Ronquillo; REGION 7: (Bohol) Pil ar Romeo T. Tariao; Uba y - Hercules B. Reyes; Dago hoy - Maribeth C. Halasan; Alicia - Panfilo R. Olagui r; San Mi guel - Fortunata T. Palma; (Ceb u) Arg ao Laurencia R. Baricuatro; Toledo City - Libertine M. Bucao; (Negros Oriental) Guihulngan - Joel U. Cadiz; Ayungon - Bebewien F. Romano; Sta. Ca talina Norma M. Namacpacan; REGION 8: (Leyte) Tabon-Tabon - Dr. Arturo T. Juanico; Ormoc City - Samuel P. Daroy, Dante B. Albarico, Judy Veneranda B. Mendiola, Judith F. Paredes, Sofronio G. Laguna Jr., and Consolacion Y. Mendez; Kana nga Carlito J. Torreon, Virgilio B. Burato, Ros alina B. Cabiling and Rowena P. Lacandazo; St. Bernard - Erma K. Capilitan; Liba gon - Marlina M. Bagohin; Macro hon Marietta C. Alago; Naval, Biliran - Shi rley J. Jadulco; Culaba, Biliran - Christ ine C. Devio; (Southern Leyte) Hinuna ngan - Marlou H. Pan and Roberta R. Manun-og; REGION 10: Don Ca rlos, Buki dnon - Lenie Baylo; Plarid el, Misamis Occ. - Jos efina J. Jacol, Elizabeth A. Talam, Virginia C. Namocatcat, Wendel C. Demit, and Melisa B. Si nconiegue; REGION 11: (Davao Del Sur) Hago noy - Marcos T. Bacosa, Virginia G. Culango, and Rodrigo L. Hermosura; Mata nao - Evelyn C. Nisas, Generoso Y. Alagdon, Sr., Visi tacion L. Panal, Beatri z O. Escobarte, and Juli eta A. Albarracin; (Davao Del Norte) Braul io E. Duj ali - Lorna A. Escobar; REGION 13: Brgy.Sto.Nio, Bu tuan City, Agusan del Norte - Gertrudes S. Fortun; Pobla cion, Trento, Agus an del Sur - Alfred A. Gi mang

DA honors ... (from p1)

Negros Occidental, Southern Leyte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur. They were judged based on their incremental rice production volume and area harvested from 2008 to 2011, total funds allo-

cated for rice production, number of LGU personnel deployed to rice production and other related activities, and total farmerbeneficiaries, among other parameters. A similar set of criteria was used to determine the top 50 cities and municipalities.

Rare phenomenon

Twin calves born nine days apart

If twinning in buffaloes is a one-in-a-million chance, twin calves born several days apart from each other could be onein-a-trillion. This rare phenomenon happened at the Philippine Carabao Center at Central Luzon State University (PCCCLSU) farm where twin calves were born nine days apart. The first calf was born last year on July 25 at six in the morning, reported Dr. Antonio Salazar, Jr., PCC-CLSU farm manager. On the night of the same day, the calf was separated from its mother and was given milk replacer for supplement. The mother was joined with the other lactating dams in the barn. Lactating and pregnant cows usually have separate barns. On August 3, the night shift caretaker, Dominador Gaspar, saw that one of the lactating dams gave birth. When Dr. Salazar went to the farm, he was surprised to see that the buffalo that gave birth is the same animal that delivered nine days ago. The phenomenon, which was immediately reported to PCC-CLSUs center director Dr. Edwin Atabay and PCC executive director Dr. Libertado C. Cruz, drew the same reaction as that of Dr. Salazars. Pambihira! Ang galing! (Its rare! Thats great!), Dr. Cruz declared. Dr. Salazar, who had been earlier engaged in PCCs twinning project which employed the use of in-vitroproduced-vitrified embryos, said that this was the first time he saw this kind of occurrence among pregnant buffaloes. Dr. Atabay, an animal breeding and reproduction expert, added that the twinning might have been caused by the release of two distinct oocytes that were both fertilized at two different mating times. Dr. Atabay said that the dam was one of the 40 pregnant Brazilian murrah buffaloes that were brought to the farm from the quarantine site. This number was part of the 2,000 head imported from Brazil last

(Photo by DA-PCC)

year that were infused in small dairy farms in selected areas in Nueva Ecija.

The twin calves were named after their respective birth months, July and August.
(Joahna G. Goyagoy, PCC)

PCC central processing plant soon to produce quality cheeses

High value cheeses from buffalos milk will be produced starting early next year by the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) Central Processing and Collection Plant. This projected plan was bolstered by the completion of three PCC staff members in a training program on cheese processing/production. Their training was carried on at the Korea Institute of Small-scale Milk Processing (KISM), Sunchon National University, Republic of Korea, from January 11 to 24 this year. The three staff members, science research assistant Venus C. Quines of the PCC Central Processing and Collection Plant, Mina P. Abella, science research assistant of PCC at CLSU,and Thelma L. Canaria, science research assistant of PCC at UPLB, had hands-on training on processing of ripened and unripened cheeses from cows milk after imbibing knowledge on cheese production. The training aims to improve the participants technical capabilities on the processing of high quality cheeses from buffalos milk. Every step in making varieties of cheeses was fully discussed by their trainer. Among those taken up in the lectures were fundamentals of cheese-making and the details on the different treatments on the curd resulting to different cheese varieties. Dr. Inhyu Bae, KISM director, was the training professor. Although cows milk was used during the training, Quines said it was no problem adjusting the procedure in using buffalos milk. The essential thing, she said, was that they already learned to standardize and balance different treatments on the curd to produce different cheeses. Cheese produced from buffalos milk is of higher value than cheeses made out of cows milk. Ripened cheeses are more high-end cheeses, Quines said. They include gouda cheese, tilsiter cheese, appenzeller cheese, asiago cheese, berg cheese, edam cheese, and caciocavallo. These can be produced within 6 months to one year of processing, she added. Unripened cheeses, on the other hand, are mozzarella cheese and string cheese, she said. The training also provided them knowledge and skills in the production of yogurt and cultured butter. (Mark Lyndon F.
Antaran, PCC)

At left are the PCC staff who trained on cheese processing in Korea.

Above is the PCC showroom in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. (Photos by DA-PCC)

February 2012

DA allots P19M agri projects in Bicol, bans cutting of coco trees

Marking his third visit to the Bicol region, Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has alloted more than P19-million worth of agricultural and fishery inputs, equipment and livelihood projects, benefiting thousands of farmers, fisherfolk, and their reBayang Pinoy or AKBAY liveli- Sorsogon by former agriculture hood program. secretary and incumbent 1st DisHe also gifted the students and trict Representative Salvador H. teachers in 100 public schools Escudero III. in Albay through the Department He also took time to meet of Education regional office 100 with the officials and staff of the sets garden tools and assorted DA regional office and attached vegetable seeds, which they will agencies to thank them and use to develop school vegetable prod them to continue doing gardens under the DA-DepEd their job well. Gulayan sa Paaralan program. In all, his tight schedule inAlcala raffled off more than P2- cluded marathon meetings, diamillion worth of farm inputs, logues, stakeholders fora and equipment and draft carabao to media conferences in three venfarmers, school officials and stu- ues (Legaspi City; Bacacay, dents who attended and actively Albay; and Sorsogon City). participated at the farmers fora The short but close encounin Albay in Sorsogon. ter of Secretary Alcala with the The items included 10 hand Bicolanos left a positive imtractors worth P130,000 each (for pression on farmers and other a total of P1.3M), 10 sets of agriculture stakeholders that carabao with harrow and plow val- the Aquino administration ued at P40,000 each (P400,000 through the DA is willing to lisin all), and 4 threshers worth ten and ready to respond and act on the issues and concerns Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (left) allots P19 million worth of agri P80,000 each (P320,000). To cap his hectic one-day visit, raised by farmers, fishers, agand fishery inputs and livelihood projects for the benefit of farmers and fisherfolk in Albay and Sorsogon. With Alcala are DA RFU-V Sec. Alcala also met with the dis- riculture and fishery industry trict and party-list representatives stakeholders, and development Director Jose Dayao and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda. of both provinces, led by Gov. partners. (Emily Bordado, DAspective communities in Albay marginal fishermen via the Salceda in Albay, and in RAFID5) and Sorsogon. aquasilviculture program, where He also ordered DA-Philippine fish species like grouper, tilapia Coconut Authority (PCA) Admin- and mudcrabs are raised in istrator Euclides Forbes and mangrove areas. PCA Bicol regional director Likewise, the DA-BFAR is putEduardo Allorde to stop issuing ting up multi-species hatcheries permits to cut coconut trees in Bicol and other parts of the starting this year. country to provide additional inSec. Alcala held dialogues and come and employment opportuconsultations with over 1,000 nities to marginal fisherfolk. agriculture stakeholders, local He said the DA-BFAR is proofficials, student-leaders, mem- viding Albay an initial P600,000 bers of the academe, media per- to implement an aquasilviculture sons, DA Bicol officials and staff, project and a community-based including heads of DA attached crab hatchery. agencies in different locations in Problems and issues on irrithe provinces of Albay and gation were also immediately Sorsogon, on January 26, 2012. acted upon by NIA AdministraA significant outcome of the tor Antonio Nangel, who also consultations was his immediate joined Sec. Alcala during the action to impose a ban on cut- sortie. ting of coconut trees in Albay, as Other agricultural issues were recommended by Governor Joey also addressed promptly or reSalceda and local chief execu- ferred for follow-up to DA regional tives. Salceda said the uncon- executive director Jose V. Secretary Alcala (right, top photo) cheerfully answers a query during trolled cutting of coconut trees Dayao, BFAR director Dennis a techno-demo forum held at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife could trigger landslides and flood- del Socorro, NIA regional direc- in Quezon City, attended by more than 100 farmers and urban farming ing in low lying villages in the prov- tor William Ragodon and other enthusiasts (foreground). He said the DA with an increased budget ince. heads of DA attached agencies. of more than P61 billion this year will frontload investments in Another issue brought to his During the trip, Sec. Alcala dis- irrigation, farm inputs and equipment, community seed banks, attention are the massive illegal tributed to farmers and fishers postharvest, storage and trading facilities, farm-to-market roads, fishing activities and intrusion of cooperatives, irrigators associa- and fish ports to achieve the targets and goals set under the Food commercial fishers into Albay tions, and local officials various Staples Sufficiency Program. To ease the pressure on rice, the DA municipal waters, especially farm equipment worth P14M, 20 will massively promote the production and consumption of other along Burias Pass. units bottom-set gillnets worth staples like white corn grits, saba or cardaba banana, cassava, sweet Thus, he ordered Bureau of P1.2M, and livelihood projects potato, other rootcrops, and adlai. Top photo also shows DA region Fisheries and Aquatic Resources amounting to P1.2 under the 4A director Abelardo Bragas (middle) and Radyo ng Bayan farm (BFAR) Bicol regional director Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng broadcaster Francis Cansino (left). Dennis del Socorro to closely coordinate with local officials and go after and prosecute commercial fishers who violate the law. Sec. Alcala said the DA-BFAR is already addressing the lack of livelihood opportunities of

BFAR notes Alsons aquaculture breakthrough into China

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is batting for value adding to enable local milkfish and other fish species to find markets overseas. BFAR Director Asis G. Perez said aquaculture companies can produce fillets and special by-products for the Asian, European and American markets and noted that processed products enjoy better prices. Perez said the strides made by aquaculture has increased its share of the food-fish supply for the domestic market, which is now comprised of 94 million people. W hile we buy whole fish, other markets prefer processed products like fillets, he said. Perez also noted the entry of Alsons Aquaculture Corp. (AAC) in the China market, shipping out an initial nine tons of milkfish to Xiamen, an industrial and commercial hub that has grown tremendously in the last two decades. W ith the initial shipment, Gabriel H. Alcantara, AAC assistant vice president for the processed food division, said the company became the first Philippine company to test the potential of bangus in the lucrative China market. (Business
Mirror)

Coffee clonal gardens being put up to increase local coffee production

The government plans to put up clonal gardens in Baguio to produce high-yielding specialty Arabica coffee cuttings that should help displace some of the Philippines 40,000 metric tons (MT) of coffee imported yearly. The Bureau of Plant IndustryBaguio National Crop Research and Development Center (BPIBNCRDC) aims to establish two to three clonal gardens in Baguio. The proposed pilot sites are high elevation areas Sagada and Atok, and lower elevation areas Sablan or Kabayan. W hen successful, the proposed pilot clonal gardens may be replicated nationwide. BPI-NCRDC agriculturist Avelina M. Galacio said BPI is seeking funding support from the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Researchs (DA-BAR) for the clonal gardens to propagate Arabica cuttings which have proven successful in raising farmers yield and income. Cuttings as planting materials were found by the BPI to give a high yield of an average of 4.38 metric tons (MT) per hectare, about double the 2.25 MT per hectare yield from seeds.
(Pls turn to p10)

Mussel Production in Benoni, Camiguin. Secretary Alcala (cen-

ter) listens to provincial fishery officer Claudio Fabre (left) as he explains an innovation on mussel production being practiced at the Benoni Bangus Breeding and Experimental Center in Benoni, Camiguin. Photo shows Alcala, Fabre and Camiguin governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo (right) inspecting the mussels cultured and grown in a rubber tire as part of the fishery programs implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Region X. Aside from mussel, the Center produces roughly 100 million bangus eggs annually which has enabled Northern Mindanao to be self-sufficient in various aqua products.

SMC, Bountry Fresh eye chicken exports to Korea

Diversifying conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Bounty Fresh Food Inc. are negotiating with Korean firm Sinwoo Food Inc. for a possible exportation of chicken to Korea, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) said yesterday. In a press conference, BAI director Efren Nuestro said that Korea has been importing 93 million kilos of chicken per year. Korea, however, has been sourcing their chicken from Thailand. Nuestro said that last November, his counterpart from Korea visited the country to check if the Philippines can supply Korea with chicken. According to Department of Agriculture assistant secretary for livestock Davino P. Catbagan, the government of Korea inquired on how the Philippines is handling pesticide and drug residues. In this regard, the DA has already submitted documents on how pesticides and drug residues are handled. Catbagan stressed that Philippine chicken meat is the best chicken in Asia and that the Philippines is Avian Influenza-free. In terms of logistics, the Philippines is closer to Korea than Brazil. Brazil is the primary meat exporter to Korea. SMFI told the Koreans that they have been exporting chicken to Japan since 2004. SMFI said they were able to meet the stringent requirements of the Japanese government which is a good indicator for Korea to pursue importation from the Philippines. Catbagan promised to help the Koreans in their bid to buy chicken from the Philippines. The exportation could possibly begin this May. (Philippine Star)

DA establishes DNA crop library

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is establishing a (DNA) Library of Crops, Fisheries, and Livestock (LCFL) which will help speed up crop improvement and enhance Philippines ability to benefit economically from genetic and proprietary rights. DA already started the DNA LCFL Library under its 2011 biotechnology program which for the first time received a P150 million budget under the 2011 General Appropriations Act (GAA). DA Undersecretary Segfredo R. Serrano said that DA already has a more stable budget for biotechnology program office (BPO) as government recognizes the function of new techniques in its poverty and hunger reduction and food security drives.
(Pls turn to p10)

Sec Alcala inspects the Cabula Tramline System. Secre-

tary Alcala inspects the Cabula tramline system, designed by the Philippine Center for Post Harvest Development and Mechanization, which enables the easy transport of agri-products from Baungon, Bukidnon to the markets of Cagayan de Oro City. The facility is part of the interventions of the Aquino government to the Sendong-affected areas in Region X. February 2012

DA, LBP ...

(from p12)

To qualify, IA members should at least own one to five hectares of irrigated land, which will be used as a table collateral for their loan. Other loan requirements include a farm plan and budget, purchase order from National Food Authority or National Agribusiness Corporation, and a promisory note for the amount borrowed. Applicants should have no existing palay production loan. Borrowers will be charged 15% interest per annum, inclusive of crop insurance, payable within six months. Declining interest will be applied to borrowers who establish good credit standing. For the first two cropping cycles, the interest rate will be pegged at 15% which will be reduced by 1% every succeeding cycle, starting from the 3rd cycle up to the 6th cropping cycle. The program also introduces the use of automated teller machines (ATMs) in releasing program loans to farmers. Secretary Alcala said the use

Secretary Alcala and LBP President Gilda Pico shake hands at the launch of the P400-M Sikat Saka credit program to benefit rice farmers in Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Iloilo and North Cotabato. Also shown (from left) are LBP board member Crispino Aguelo, DA Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, LBP EVP Wilfredo C. Maldia, and LBP Board member Gerardo Bulatao.
of ATM cards will in a way empower and uplift small farmers. For her part, LBP President Pico said they look forward to making the Sikat-Saka program as one of the strategies to reach some 55 municipalities that remain unserved by LBP. Other DA family agencies will also extend technical support under the Sikat-Saka, namely: extension and training, through the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI); processing and market linkage, National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) and the National Food Authority (NFA); and organizational support to potential IAs, through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), which provided the DAs initial P200 million fund, will evaluate the Sikat Saka Program. ACPC executive director Jovita M. Corpuz said they prepared credit programs guidelines. (DA Information Service / ACPC).

Secretary Alcala swears into office lawyer Emerson Palad (middle) as Undersecretary and Chief of Staff, and Edicio dela Torre as member of the Board of Trustees of the DAs Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). Also, Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup is designated as the OIC-Executive Director of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council, in addition to his tasks as Asec. for fisheries and agribusiness and DA spokesperson .

Coffee clonal ...

(from p9)

The yield from cuttings is many times more than the very low average yield of 300 kilos per hectare in the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), despite having coffee as its priority crop. This is based on BPIs fouryear study and green coffee beans price of P150 per kilo. A clonal garden costs an estimated P1 million (M) each or up to P3-M for the proposed sites, Galacio said. The seedlings from cuttings have substantially cut coffee gestation period from planting to har-

vesting to just 1.5 years instead of three to four years when using seeds. Around 410,000 farmers nationwide depend on coffee for livelihood, thus, they should be taught of using cuttings as materials. Our cutting materials are still limited. Farmers have not yet fully adopted the cuttings technology. Thus, in the region, they still use 50 percent from cuttings and 50 percent from seeds, she said BPI also noted that coffee plants from cuttings were less

(from p9) Were making sure were getting our due share from the more than 60 percent budget increase for the DA system, said Serrano. Dr. Candida B. Adalla, director of DAs biotechnology program office (BPO), in an interview, said they have already started the project last year. W e have already done barcoding for native chicken. It will be a continuing thing as we work on other crops, Adalla said. For about 10 years since 2000, the BPO obtained its budget from the US PL480 Food for Peace program for a total of P280 million. But the GAA funding through the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) will make commitments for BPO more permanent through a yearly allocation. Adalla said the DNA Library is an electronic or digital database of genetic materials that will be kept and maintained by the Bureau of Plant Industrys National Seed Industry Council. If Im a breeder I can easily improve on my crop because I will have access to a database of the genetic material that I need, she said.
susceptible to diseases with a lower of 2.3 incidence for coffee leaf rust rating compared to seeds 2.9 incidence. A lower 3.06 incidence was also noted for anthracnose in cuttings com-

DA establishes ...

The database will enhance the countrys intellectual property claims for plant and animal genetic development. Under the 2011 PL480 research and development program, BPO had 28 programs for crops and plants, six programs for livestock and poultry, and three for fisheries and aquatic species. The program under the 2011 GAA include varietal improvement for non genetically modified (GM) crops using biotechnology tools such as marker assisted selection or breeding which took up the highest number of projects at 22 percent of total while genetic conservation and gene banking got 14 percent. Other BPO projects are varietal improvement for GM technologies, improvement of bioprocessing using biotechnology tools, commercialization of biotechnology products, and support for policy, regulation, and quality assurance and safety. BPO is also allocating a significant budget for skills or capability building as government needs to strengthen presence of research experts although it already has a good number. (Manila Bulletin) pared to seeds 3.25. The BPI study was conducted in BPIs research station in BNCRDC and in Atok, Benguet in September 2004 to December 2010 using 80 samples.

10

DA urges ...

(from p4)
He said the DA-NIA plans to build a series of impounding dams downstream of major dams that will serve as check dams. These will store excess water during the rainy season, and irrigate farms during the dry season. Meanwhile, the DA will continue to implement several innovations in tandem with traditional initiatives to further increase the productivity and profitability of rice farmers, and attain rice sufficiency by end of 2013. The innovations will be undertaken alongside traditional initiatives like ratooning, provision of farm equipment machines to qualified farmers groups, irrigators associations and LGUs, construction and repair of irrigation systems, establishment of postharvest facilities, and provision of marketing, research and extension support. All of these will be pursued to attain the goals and targets set under the governments Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), Delima said.

can plant rice only once using rainwater, but we can make it two and a half times if irrigation is improved, Alcala said. Traditionally, the country gets 60 percent of its annual palay harvest from the main wet season cropping, while 40 percent comes from the dry season cropping. If we have enough water through more irrigation systems in place, it is possible to shift the trend, where we would harvest 60 percent of our total production during the dry season, he added. Despite strong typhoons during second semester of 2011, the country has managed to harvest 16.68 million metric tons (MMT) of palay, 5.8 percent more than the 15.77 MMT produced in 2010. This year, the DA targets to produce 18.46 MMT, and more than 20 MMT by 2013, and attain 100 percent sufficiency in rice, utilizing a P6.2 billion fund from the departments budget to finance various rice initiatives. Alcala said that aside from advancing the cropping calendar, the DA is also working closely with the Department of Public Works and Highways to utilize the full potential of flood control proj ects and maj or dams in the country.

Secretary Alcala and Ambassador Guy Ledoux of the European Union to the Philippines shake hands at the launch of the DAs Sanitary and Phytosanitary Electronic Portal (DA SPS e-portal), one of the initiatives under the RP-EU Trade Related Technical Assistance 2 Project, at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City. Among other benefits, the system allows electronic accessibility of SPS issuances, thereby facilitating trade through improved information availability and transparency. In particular, it will greatly speed up the processing and approval of SPS or import applications of plants, ornamentals, fresh and processed farm, fishery and livestock products. The DA SPS e-portal facilitates the collection and systematic arrangement of SPS and other trade issuances, and serves as a tool to review policies. gional field units have already distributed 175,924 bags of certified seeds to calamity affected farmers, Delima said. The Rice Achievers Awards was also established to encourage the involvement of Local Government Units in rice production by recognizing high-performing provinces, municipalities, cities, IAs, and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and highlight their contributions to the FSSP. For 2011, the Awards covered the wet season cropping awarded to the Top 10 provinces, Top 50 municipalities, Top 8 Irrigators Associations and Top 157 AEWs. severely damaged, leading to total losses and damages in crops, livestock and agri-infrastructure at an estimated P872-M. On October 17, 2011, the provincial government of Ifugao submitted a project proposal entitled, Emergency Assistance for the Restoration of the Banaue Rice Terraces at Batad, Banaue with an estimated project cost of P20-M. Following up on the state of damages to agriculture in the province, Secretary Alcala personally visited Ifugao on November 25, 2011, where he approved in principle the proposed P20-M needed to restore the Batad Rice Terraces. On January 28, 2012, Assistant Secretary Delima also visited the town to meet with the provincial government headed by Gov. Eugene Balitang where he confirmed the approval of the proposal after validating the proposed rehabilitation project. (Adam Borja, DA
National Rice Program / Robert Domoguen, DA-CAR Info Div.)

DA uses ...

(from p5)

calamities and unforeseen events. For 2011, this program enabled the procurement of 200,000 bags of certified seeds, to be distributed in times of calamities by the regional offices. To date, the re-

Restoration of Ifugao ...

the multi-agency team composed of the DA central and Cordillera regional offices, DANational Irrigation Administration (NIA), DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provincial and municipal local government officials under Gov. Eugene Balitang, and the office of Ifugao Representative Teodoro Baguilat, Jr. Baguilat earlier committed an additional P10-M from his Congressional Development Fund for the rice terraces restoration project, adding to the initial P20-M committed by the DA and another P10-M from the office of Sen. Francis Kiko Pangilinan. The rice terraces restoration and upgrading plan also includes three major components, said Dr. Danilo Daguio, DA Cordillera regional technical director. These include production, extension support, and agri-infrastructure support components.

(from p1)

Under production support, the project entails the establishment of community seed banks, and soil and water conservation measures such as nurseries and reforestation efforts. Extension support activities include technology demonstration for farm mechanization, establishment of rice-based farming systems, conduct of farmer field schools, strengthening of ruralbased organizations, and other related extension activities and training activities. Agri-infrastructure support, meanwhile, includes restoration of damaged and abandoned rice terraces, construction of protection walls, rehabilitation and improvement of irrigation facilities and other irrigation projects supporting the rice terraces, construction of cobble stone solar dryers, and installation of a hydraulic ram pump. Immediate activities following the submission of the plans to Secretary Alcala involves the preparation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the prepa-

ration of work programs for agriinfrastructures, Daguio said. The operational plan targets the restoration of 8,700 cubic meters of eroded stone walls, rehabilitation of 2.5 kilometers of irrigation system to irrigate 106 hectares of rice paddies, reforestation of 25 hectares of watershed, increase forest cover in 12 hectares of communal forests called pinugo, establish one barangay nursery, improve 5 kilometers of farm-tomarket roads, and intensify information, education and campaign activities. A farm-to-market road component is also being eyed for funding by the DA through the office of Ifugao Congressman Baguilat, while restoration projects shall be undertaken under a convergence initiative between the local government and DSWDs cash-for-work program, Daguio also said. It may be recalled that 38 paddies of the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces at Batad town collapsed in September 2011 during the onslaught of typhoons Pedring and Quiel. Irrigation infrastructures and footpaths were also

February 2012

11

DA grants Northern Mindanao P78M agri-fishery projects

The Department of Agriculture recently provided more than P78million (M) worth of agri-fishery projects, farm equipment and inputs to farmers, fisherfolk and local government units in Northern Mindanao, particularly the provinces of Camiguin, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, and the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro (CDO). Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala personally distributed the respective projects, farm implements, inputs and animals to hundreds of beneficiaries, including farm and fishing families adversely affected by typhoon Sendong, in Iligan and CDO, during a three-day regional visit, February 1 to 3, 2012. The projects include farm-tomarket roads (FMRs), trading centers, other agricultural infrastructure projects, farm implements and inputs. The Province of Camiguin received a total of P41.7-M worth of FMR and agricultural projects; Iligan City got P23.6-M; Cagayan de Oro, P4.6-M; and Bukidnon, P7.9-M. The DA chief handed over the certificates of award and agri-fishery livelihood project funds to the beneficiaries during a series of Agri-Pinoy techno-forum in respective provinces and cities, where he also dialogued with farmers, fisherfolk and local officials. Secretary Alcala promptly responded to the varied issues and

Left Photo:Secretary Alcala and Barangay Captain Veronico Echavez (right) of Hinaplanon, Iligan City show an approved project proposal, where the DA will provide P1.1-million worth of farm animals, fishing boats, and an operating capital for a barangay food terminal, among other projects. Right Photo:Alcala hands over fishing nets and paraphernalia to a fisherfolk leader in Cagayan de Oro (CDO). Assisting him are Northern Mindanao DA director Lealyn Ramos (right) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) director Visa Tan-Dimerin (2nd from right) and CDO city officials. The projects are part of the P78-million worth of agri-fishery projects, farm equipment, inputs and livestock animals granted by the DA.
queries raised during the forum, committing to provide appropriate interventions to help improve the lives of farmers and fishers, particularly those in far-flung areas where help is most needed. Kaya po ako narito ay dahil po napag-utusan po ako ng ating mahal na Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na ilapit at iparamdam sa inyo ang mga programa ng pamahalaan, he said. The DA chief also visited typhoon Sendong-affected areas in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro, where he gave away packages of assistance to farmers and their families to enable them to rehabilitate their farms and revive their livelihood. In Iligan City, where damage due to typhoon Sendong reached close to P80-M, Alcala distributed farm animals and equipment to residents of Bayug, Hinaplanon and nearby communities. He also approved a P1.1M worth of livelihood project submitted by Barangay Captain Veronico Echavez, consisting of 70 head of hogs, two head of carabao with farm implements, a fishing boat, two rubber boats, and a revolving capital for a barangay food terminal, among other projects. Secretary Alcala also visited the municipality of Baungon in Bukidnon, where he inspected the Cabula tramline system established by DA through the Philippine Center for Post Harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech). The facility will transport farm products from Baungon to markets in Cagayan de Oro, as the Cabula bridge was damaged by typhoon Sendong. He said the DA opted to deliver interventions this time and not immediately after the onslaught of typhoon Sendong because he believes it was not the right time then. The people needed food and shelter then, but what we are offering now are sustainable livelihood projects that will benefit everybody in the long run, he said. (Adora Rodriguez, DA Information Service)

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

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

DA, LBP launch Sikat-Saka P400-M rice credit program

The Department of Agriculture and Land Bank of the Philippines launched on January 20, 2012 a P400-M loan program for rice farmers in four pilot provinces. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and LBP President and CEO Gilda E. Pico launched the program, which serves as one of the credit components of the Aquino administrations Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP). The DA and the LBP shared P200M each to come up with the initial P400-M credit program that will be initially implemented this 2012 dry season in Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Iloilo and North Cotabato. It will initially serve farmers who are members of Irrigators Associations (IAs) of good standing. They could borrow a maximum of P42,000 per hectare per cropping, if they will plant hybrid rice, and P37,000 per hectare for those who will produce inbred rice. The initial P400-M will serve approximately 2,000 farmers per province, for a total of 8,000 farmers.
(Pls turn to p10)