Vol. XXVIII No.

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

April 2013

NEDA okays P27.5-B DA-PRDP

The National Economic and Development Authority through its Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee and Technical Board (NEDAICC) approved on April 8, 2013, the P27.5-billion Department of Agricultures Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP). Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala thanked the NEDA led by Socio-economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan for approving the six-year PRDP that will complement DAs efforts to create a modern, value-chain or market-oriented, and climateresilient agriculture and fishery sector, directly benefiting small farmers, fishers and ruralfolk, for a broader inclusive growth. The PRDP will engage LGUs, farmers and fishers groups, and the private sector as partners to implement infrastructure and livelihood projects to support production and marketing of priority commodities, the DA chief added. The PRDP entails a total cost of P27.535 billion (B), of which P20.55B will be loaned from the World Bank, while the national government through the DA and recipient local government units will share about P3.58B and P3.12B, respectively. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) will provide a grant of P287 million. Covering all of the countrys 80 provinces in 16 regions, the PRDP will draw innovations from the DAs Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), also funded by the World Bank. With PRDP, we want to create a chain of economic opportunities to bring farmers produce to higher levels of the valuechain and allow them to participate in the gains of value creation beyond the farm gate, said agriculture undersecretary Joel S. Rudinas, who serves as the
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DA Chief meets Father of hybrid rice. Agriculture Secretary

DA allots P500M for hybrid rice

The Department of Agriculture is allotting P500 million this year and in 2014 to encourage more farmers to plant hybrid rice varieties, and contribute in attaining national rice sufficiency. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA will spend P200 million (M) this year and another P300M next year to increase hybrid rice utilization and hectarage up to 10 percent (%) in 2014 from 3.5% last year. He said the DA under its national rice program will promote both private and public hybrids, particularly those developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) through the establishment of more technologydemonstration farms in top riceproducing provinces by the DA Regional Field Units, in partnership with private rice seed pro(Pls turn to p5)

Proceso J. Alcala (2nd from left) meets Professor Yuan Longping (middle), Chinas Father of hybrid rice, April 1, 2013, at the DA office in Quezon City. Longpin keynoted the 1st National Hybrid Rice Congress, April 3-5, 2013, at the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute, in Muoz, Nueva Ecija. Also shown (from left) are Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing, Henry Lim Bon Liong of SL Agritech Corp., and former PhilRice director Dr. Santiago Obien.

P-Noy cites DA, DPWH as top performers

President Benigno S. Aquino III has cited the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as among the top performing agencies in his administration. He recognized the DA, led by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, for its successful production and domestic marketing of rice that enabled the country to be self-sufficient and a potential exporter of this particular commodity. Likewise, he cited the DPWH headed by Secretary Rogelio Singson for its ability to lower the bid prices on most of its projects. He made the citation when asked by Filipino mediapersons covering the 22nd ASEAN Summit in Brunei, April 25, 2013, if he has plans to reshuffle the members of his Cabinet, and if he would do an evaluation of the accomplishments of the various departments and agencies in the Executive Branch now that hes approaching the three-year term of his presidency. He said he would instead welcome any improvement in the processes that would make the Cabinet members or Department Secretaries more efficient. You start with a premise that you are all imperfect beings and you can always improve, the President said. The bottom line is were really open to improving all of the processes that we need to have greater efficiency. Sorry, economist ako by training, so maximum utility of each input is the mantra, the President noted. (Presidential News Desk)

Rehab of terraces, prodn of heirloom rice get P34 M

The Department of Agriculture has earmarked P24 million (M) to lead the restoration of typhoon-damaged portions of the Banawe rice terraces, and another P10M to further increase the production of traditional or heirloom rice varieties for both domestic and export markets. The restoration of damaged terrace walls and irrigation canals, particularly in Barangay Batad, Banawe, Ifugao, which started in March 2012 will be completed by June 30, 2013, said DA assistant secretary and national rice program coordinator Dante Delima. Thus, this coming main season, Ifugao farmers would be
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Secretary Alcala (right) discusses with businessman Manny V. Pangilinan possible ventures where the MVP group of companies could invest, during a courtesy call at the DA office in Quezon City. Rice, banana, sugar, rubber, coffee and palm oil are among the commodities that Pangilinans group is interested in.

Editorial
Sapat na bigas, kayang-kaya!
Darating din ang bukas, di na tayo aangkat Pagkat bunga ng pagsasakay tiyak at sapat-sapat Kayat ikaw at ako makiisat makisalo Upang ang layong itoy maabot at magkatotoo Bawat Palay, Bigas, Kanin ay bigyang halaga natin Bawat butil ay biyaya at gintong pagpapala Tulong-tulong nating abutin Ang matagal na nating mithiin Ngayon na ang tamang panahon Payabungin ang pagkakataon Upang Sapat na Bigas makaya ng Pinas
(Halaw sa NYR theme song: Sapat na bigas, Kaya ng Pinas)

President Aquino (left, at rostrum) commits to continuously pour investments to develop and modernize the agriculture and fishery sector in Quezon, during a visit on April 29, 2013. Also shown (seated, from left) are DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, Rep. Wilfredo Mark Enverga (1st D, Quezon), Sec. Alcala, Rep. Irvin Alcala (2nd D, Quezon), Senator Franklin Drilon, and Samuel Nantes.

Punong-puno ng positive vibes ang theme song ng National Year of Rice o NYR. Hango sa malikhaing isipan ni Noel Cabangon, busog sa adhikaing tunay na makaPilipino ang bawat letra ng kantang Sapat na Bigas, Kaya ng Pinas. Tugma sa mithiin ng sambayanan upang kamtin ang kasapatan sa pagkain. Bawat himig ay tila humihikayat sa lahat na pagbigkisin ang mga pagsisikap tungo sa pambansang misyon na ang tanging hangad ay tapusin ang kagutuman sa buong bansa at sabay na maitaas ang antas ng kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka. Kaya naman patuloy ang pagsisikap ng buong pamilya ng DA, kasama ang mga lokal na pamahalaan, pribadong sektor at samahan ng mga magsasaka upang makamit minimithing kasapatan sa bigas at iba pang pangunahing pagkain. Isang mahalagang indikasyon nito ay ang pagbaba ng inaangkat nating bigas, mula sa 2.4 million metric tons (MT) noong 2010 na halos katiting na lamang, 187,000 MT ngayong taon. Kasunod nito, inaasahang muling mamamayagpag sa export market ang bigas ni Juan dela Cruz. Nagsisimula na tayong magluwas ng lokal at katutubong butil sa ibayong dagat. (Sa katunayan, narating na marahil ng unang batch ng Philippine aromatic/black rice ang Dubai sa sandaling mabasa nyo ito.) Ibig sabihin lamang, naging epektibo ang mga pangunahing programa na ipinatupad ng DA sa ilalim ng mahigpit na pagmamatyag ni Sec. Procy. Kabilang na dito ang ilang malalaking proyekto na inihulma

katulad ng Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), National Rice Achievers Awards (NRA), at National Year of Rice o NYR. Bagamat magkakaiba ang ispesipikong layunin ng FSSP, NRA, at NYR, naka-ankla ang mga ito sa isang adhikainang siguruhing puno ang kaban ng bigas sa bawat tahanan sa bansa, at malaki ang kita ng mga magsasaka. Sakto sa target ang bawat programa, bull's eye ika nga. At hindi pagpapapogi at pagpapakitang gilas lamang ang ipinapatupad na mga proyekto, na katuwang ang mga magsasaka, pinunong lokal, at pribading sektor. Kaakibat ang iba't-ibang salik tulad ng paglalaan ng mga agricultural infrastructure at equipment, at pagbibigay ng ayuda sa mga maliliit na magsasaka at mangingisda. Malaking ambag sa tagumpay ng mga programa, kabilang na ang mabilis na pagunlad ng pambansang sektor ng palay at bigas, ang pakikiisa ng bawat isa. Halimbawa, nakakatuwa na patuloy nang nababawasan ang porsyento ng nasasayang na palay, bigas at kanin -- dahil natuto na tayong maging masinop. Bihira na ang nagtitira ng kanin sa kanilang mga pinggan, at marami na rin ang tumatangkilik ng katulad ng bigas o rice alternative tulad ng saba, puting mais at kamoteng kahoy o balinghoy. Bagamat hindi naging madali para sa nakararami na baguhin ang mga nakagisnang gawain, marami na rin ang nakikibahagi sa pambansang kilusan. Ngayon, buong pagmamalaki nating masasambit na tunay nga: Sapat na bigas, kayangkaya ng Pinas!

P-Noy allots P82M agri projects in Quezon

The Aquino administrationthrough the Department of Agriculture will continue to expand and modernize the agriculture sector in Quezon, allotting P82 million for 18 irrigation projects and million pesos worth of farm-to-market roads (FMRs), and other infrastructure projects. President Benigno S. Aquino III assured Quezon local leaders, farmers and ruralfolk that his administration will continue to pour investments to boost the agriculture, commercial and tourism sectors in the province, during a meeting at the Southern Luzon State University, in Lucban, Quezon, April 29, 2013. Kasama rin sa handog natin sa magsasaka ang halos walumput-dalawang milyong piso para makumpleto ang labing-walong irrigation projects, said President Aquino, who was accompanied by DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, and Senator Franklin Drilon. Isama na rin po natin ang labing-anim na farm-to-market road projects sa Calauag, Gumaca, Quezon, at Tagkawayan para sa mabilis na pagdaloy ng mga produkto, the President added. He said a slew of infrastructure projects, including the 8-kilometer Lucena Diversion TalaoTalao Port Road, will boost the provinces tourism and commercial industries. Nariyan ang Lucena Diversion Talao-Talao Port Road, kung saan ang pagbiyahe ng mga kalakal at produkto mula sa pantalan ng Talao-Talao ay makakarating sa lungsod nang mas mabilis. Nariyan din ang pagpapagawa sa susunod na taon ng limamput walong kilometrong South Luzon Expressway extension mula Batangas hanggang Lucena, he stressed. Isama na rin ang Quezon Eco-tourism Road na babaybay sa Sariaya hanggang Lucena, pati na ang pagpapaunlad natin ng mga daungan sa Lucena, San Andres, Mauban, Cotta, at Gumaca, he added. In a succeeding event in Lucena City, at the Quezon National High School, he said the country is starting to reap the fruits of the reforms that his administration instituted. Halos magtatatlong taon pa nga lang po tayo sa panunungkulan, pero talaga naman pong ang laki na ng pinagkaiba natin sa sitwasyong ating dinatnan, the President said. Sa problema sa bigas. Dati, talagang nasanay na po tayo sa pag-aangkat ng bigas na nagbaon sa atin sa utang. Dati pinaniwala tayo na ang kailangan nating angkatin na bigas para mapunan ang ating mga pangangailangan ay 1.3million metric tons kada taon, he noted. Sa ating panunungkulan: halos 855,000 metric tons na lamang po ang kinailangan nating angkatin noong 2011. Kasama na po iyong buffer. Noong 2012, limandaang libong metriko tonelada na lang ang ating kinailangang angkatin. Ayon nga sa ating butihing Kalihim Procy Alcala, harinawa, ay hindi na natin kailanganin pang mag-import ng bigas. Kung papalarin pa, baka maging net exporter na rin tayo ng matataas na variety ng bigas kung makikisama ang panahon, the President said. (Presidential
News Desk)

DA-NFA tops palay target

The DAs National Food Authority (NFA) has surpassed its palay procurement target for the first quarter of 2013 (January to March), buying a total of 2,244,142 bags (50 kg each) or 112,207 metric tons (MT), 38 percent (%) more than its target of 1,695,900 bags or 84,795 MT. NFA Administrator Orlan A. Calayag credited the high procurement volume to the innovative methods employed by the agency, like simplifying farmers requirements and accreditation, in compliance to Secretary Proceso Alcalas instructions to enable more farmers to sell as many palay as possible and thus enjoy higher prices than those offered by traders. This is a clear indicator that farmers have given their renewed trust in the government and the NFA, Calayag said. The NFA buys palay at a maximum of P17.70 per kilo from farmers cooperatives, and irigators assosciations, and P17.40 per kilo from individual farmers. From January to March, the has bought palay at an average at 56,281 bags daily. In previous years, the NFAs actual procurement have not even reached 50 percent of its monthly or annual targets, Calayag said. As of end of March 2013, the NFAs total palay inventory stands at 11,685,838 bags or 584,292 MT in rice equivalent. It includes local rice at 3,301,408 bags and imported rice at 2,717,006 bags. Calayag said the NFAs buffer stock is at a very safe level, allowing the agency to respond to calamities and emergencies such as the recent devastation from typhoon Pablo and the exodus of Filipino workers and migrants from Sabah to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi (BASULTA). With enough funds, Calayag is optimistic the NFA will continue to exceed its palay procurement targets for the rest of the year. The agency operates a total of 435 buying stations and mobile procurement teams nationwide.
(NFA Public Affairs Dept.)

DA-PhilMech to put up 28 RPCs

The Department of Agriculture will establish 28 rice processing centers (RPCs) in major production areas to enable farmers reduce postharvest losses and produce quality rice, thus further increasing their incomes. Funded under the DAs rice mechanization program, the establishment of the RPCs will be spearheaded by the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) in partnership with the DA regional offices, farmers groups and local government units. Three types of RPCs will be constructed, the size of which will be determined by DA regional offices and PhilMech, said PhilMech executive director Rex L. Bingabing. A small-scale rice center or RPC-1 will cost P6M each; a medium-sized or RPC-2, P15M; and a larger one or RPC-3, will cost P31M. Of the total 28 facilities, eight RPC-3, seven RPC-2, and 13 RPC-1 will be constructed, said Dir. Bingabing. The eight RPC- 3 will rise up in regions 3 (Central Luzon), 6 (Western Visayas), 1 (Ilocos) and 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN). The seven RPC-2 will be constructed in regions 5 (Bicol), 13 (Caraga), 4A (Calabarzon) and 10 (Northern Mindanao). Finally, the 13 RPC-1 will be built in regions 8 (Eastern
DA Asst. Sec. and national rice program coordinator Dante Delima (inset, left) inspected, on April 29, 2013, the restored portions of the world-famous Banawe rice terraces, at Barangay Batad. He was joined (from left) by Teresa Saniano, of the DA-STAG, Batad Barangay chairman Romeo Heppog, and project engineer Jackson Bulaao. (Photo by Kathrino
Resurreccion, DA-AFIS)

Visayas), 4A (Calabarzon), 4B (Mimaropa), 13 (Caraga), and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. In 2012, the DA established three RPC-2, said Bingabing. Bingabing said the DA will shoulder 85% of the cost of an RPC and the recipient or beneficiary-farmers group a farmers cooperative or irrigators association will share as equity 15% of the project cost. The DA regional offices will implement the proj ect, with PhilMech providing the technical assistance through the provision of post-harvest technology and training of the farmers groups that will operate, manage and maintain the rice centers. (DAPhilMech)

Rehab of terraces ...

(from p 1)
able to plant more heirloom rice varieties in Banawe rice terraces, Delima said. The DA spearheaded the restoration proj ect, sharing P24.3M of the total project cost of P26.5M. It was initiated by Secretary Alcala, when he visited on November 25, 2011, inspecting several portions of the Batad rice terraces damaged by typhoons Pedring and Quiel. Other agencies that pitched in are the Provincial Government of Ifugao (P1.05M), Department of Social Welfare and Development (P1M), Municipal government of Banawe (P50,000), and Barangay Batad (P20,000). To complement the Banawe rice terraces restoration project. Delima said the DA is alloting P10M to increase the production of heirloom rice varieties like tinawon, unoy, and dalican. The amount will fund several projects and initiatives proposed by Cordillera heirloom rice farmers during a seminarworkshop, April 29 to May 1, 2013, at the Banaue Hotel. Delima has instructed DACordillera regional director Marilyn Sta. Catalina to help farmers identify, assess and consolidate project initiatives and include these in the DACordillera regional work and financial plan for implementation beginning this year. The planned projects include: establishment of a regional heirloom rice processing center (RPC) in Lamut, Ifugao, and satellite village RPCs in different sites equipped with micro mills,
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NFA awards 187,000-MT rice supply to Vietnam

The National Food Authority has awarded the supply of 187,000 metric tons (MT) of imported rice to Vietnam. The volume will form part of the countrys buffer and contingency stock for the lean months of July to September, said NFA Administrator Orlan Calayag It is also part of the minimum access volume for rice, as committed by the Philippines under the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement. The entire volume comprising of 10% long-grain white rice, with 25% brokens will be supplied by Vietnams Southern Food Corp., at US$ 459.75 per MT, which was even lower than the price paid by the NFA for its rice imports in 2012 at US$470.70/MT, Calayag said.
(NFA)

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: Cheryl C. Suarez & Adora D. Rodriguez Writers: Adora D. Rodriguez, Arlhene S. Carro, Bethzaida N. Bustamante, Catherine N. Nanta, Marshall Louie Asis, Danica Melegrito Contributors: DA-RFU Info Officers, Public Info Officers of DA Bureaus, Attached Agencies & Corporations, MRDP & other ForeignAssisted Projects Photographers: Jose Lucas, Alan Jay Jacalan & Kathrino Resurreccion Lay-out Artist: Bethzaida Bustamante Printing & Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff

April 2013

BAFPS certifies banana, veggie growers

The DAs Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) recently certified several banana and vegetable growers and exporters that passed the Philippines Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP). DA Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Emerson U. Palad and Assistant Secretary for fisheries and former BAFPS OIC-Director Salvador S. Salacup handed the PhilGAP certificates to officials of the agricultural firms in simple ceremonies at the DA-OSEC office, in Quezon City, on April 19, 2013. The firms include: Anflo Banana Corporation and Tagum Agricultural Development Company that produces and exports cavendish banana, represented by its chief operating officer Vicente Floirendo and vice president Dr. Benny Corcolon; and exporters of shallots, among them are Bia Uy of Agrotrends Import Export Corp., Dr. Emily Tan of Sparkle Corp., Josie Manalo of JMs Marketing Corp., Leah Cruz of Vegetable Importers Exporters and Vendors Assn. of the Phils. (VIEVA) and Lita Yeoh of Litz Marketingand Eilomar Intl. Trading Corp. If we can meet the standards of other countries that would mean we can really compete globally. The PhilGAP certificate is the first step to achieve export competitivenes, said U/Sec Palad.

DA-PhilMech to make more tramlines

The DA through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) will be build an additional 32 tramlines, at P3 million (M) each, totaling P96 M. PhilMech executive director Rex L. Bingabing said with a tramline, upland farmers can easily and cheaply transport their products to nearby markets. A tramline is similar to a cable car system, where a carriage is loaded with vegetables or farm inputs to and from the farms to markets. A tramline usually stretches from 800 meters to one kilometer. Since 2009, the DAPhilMech has built a total of 97 tramlines, worth P194 M. A tramline system is powered by a diesel engine at one end. The tramline system has significantly lowered transport costs of farm products, from 50% to as much as 80%, said Bingabing. Usually, farmers haul and deliver their harvest on a carabao or horse, others carry or hire workers to carry their harvest manually. This takes four to eight hours. Using a tramline, it will only take them 10 minutes to 15 minutes, Bingabing said. Also, post-harvest losses could be reduced by up to 25%. W ith a tramline in place, farmers are encouraged to expand their production areas to produce and earn more. He said tramlines have in part improved the lives and incresed the incomes of farmers and their families. Recently, PhilMech has improved the design of its tramline so it could also transport people safely, in addition to crops, farm inputs and other commodities. (DAPhilMech / Malaya Business Insight)

DA Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Emerson U. Palad (right) Asst. Secretary and former Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) OIC-Director Salvador S. Salacup (left) pose with newly PhilGAP-certified vegetable and shallots producers, during a simple awarding ceremony at the DA central office in Diliman, Quezon City, April 19, 2013. With them (from left) are: Lamberto Punsalan of the DA-National Onion Action Team, Dr. Emily Tan of Sparkle Corp., Josie Manalo of JMs Marketing Corp., and Leah Cruz of Vegetable Importers Exporters and Vendors Assn. of the Philippines.
For his part, A/Sec Salacup challenged the shallot exporters to further enhance and maintain their farms because the responsibility is on them as big brothers of small farmers. He said the BAFPS will continue to assist them and other agri-fishery farm producers and processors so they could comply with the requirements and standards imposed by importing countries. Secretary Alcala has appointed Director Leo Caeda, formerly of DA Region 7, as the new head of the DA-BAFPS. The DA through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) assists vegetable farmers and exporters pass the PhilGAP certification process. Last December 2012, it funded a PhilGAP training for shallot farmers and exporters in Ilocos Norte and Nueva Ecija, said HVCDP national coordinator Jennifer Remoquillo. The PhilGAP is a set of standards on farm structure, farming practices and management, environment and maintenance. The certification is valid for one year. TheBAFPS is currently processing the application for PhilGAP certification of dozens of vegetable and fruit growers. (Pamela Ablen, DA-HVCDP)

SRA ups sugar prodn estimate

Due to higher production and favorable weather, the country will produce more sugar this current crop year than initially estimated. The DAs Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said sugar production would amount to 2.434 million metric tons (MMT), three per cent more than its initial estimate of 2.356 MMT. SRA Administrator Regina Bautista-Martin said the higher estimate was based on reports by the agencys monitoring teams. We are at the tail-end of the milling period. Records show that our production and demand of sugar, both raw and refined, have been consistently up from last years, she said.

DA, hog raisers to sustain growth of swine industry

Secretary Alcala (3rd from left) joins swine industry leaders as they partake of a lechon' during the 22nd Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits, April 18, 2013, in Carmona, Cavite. He said the DA will continuously provide needed interventions and implement policies that will make the countrys hog industry globally competitive, thus ensuring its continued growth. Last year, the hog industry grew by 1.7%, valued at P174.5 billion at current prices. It is the countrys second leading sub-sector behind palay. Joining him (from left) are: ProPork president Edwin Chen, Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casio, NFHFI chair Daniel Javellana, AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones, George Espiritu, president of Cavite livestock, poultry and feedmillers assn.; and ProPork vice-pres. Chester Warren Tan.

As of April 14, 2013, raw sugar production is 2.295 MMT, 13.8% more than April 2012 production of 2.016 MMT. Refined sugar production is also up at 859,131 MT, 10.8% more than last years 775,523 MT. She said demand for raw and refined sugar has increased as well to 1.412 MMT and 615,496 MT, respectively, as of April 14, 2013. With healthy production figures, the SRA Board decided not to adopt any advance swapping
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Private sector to help govt attain rice sufficiency

Seven private seed companies have committed to help the country become sufficent in rice, during the 1st National Hybrid Rice Congress, in Nueva Ecija. They are SL Agritech Corp., Bioseed Research Phils., Bayer CropScience, DuPont Pioneer Phils., Syngenta, Seedworks Phils., Inc., and DevGen Seeds and Technologies Pvt. Ltd. They committed to provide farmers with quality hybrid rice seeds, and at the same time join DA in its advocacy to encourage the general public minimize rice wastage and eat the right amount and consume other major staples. They will also provide farmers with reliable and cutting-edge technologies to help them increase their yield, like developing varieties resistant to bacterial leaf blight (BLB) disease. BLB causes wilting of rice seedlings, yellowing and drying of leaves, causing yield to decrease by up to 30 percent. They will also committed to include the value of saving rice and healthy rice consumption during farmers trainings. Dr. Eduardo Jimmy Quilang, PhilRice deputy director, said the DA welcomes a strong partnership with the private sector to give farmers cheaper and wider choice of hybrid rice seeds, inputs and technologies. (PNA)

DA allots P500M ...

(from p 1)
to consider the suitability of their farm, availability of irrigation, amount of farm inputs and capital, and their level of technology. To hasten the promotion of hybrids, he urged the private seed companies to make their seeds available at the right time when farmers need them. He also challenged them and the DA-PhilRice to help farmers attain a 10-5 goal, that is, an average yield of 10 tons of palay per hectare and an average production cost of P5 per kilo. This way, he said, Filipino rice farmers could ably compete with their counterparts in Southeast Asia, like Thailand and Vietnam. PhilRice director Eufemio Rasco, Jr. said the goal is attainable, as PhiRice-developed mestizo hybrids, as well as private sector hybrids, could produce up to12 tons per hectare, under favorable conditions and proper farm management. This year, the DA aims to expand the area planted to hybrids by 72% to 284,400 hectares, versus last years 164,787 hectares, said Assistant Secretary Dante Delima, during his presentation on the first day of the hybrid rice congress. Last years hybrid rice hectarage covered 3.5% of the countrys total harvested area of 4,689,960 hectares, while the majority were planted to inbreds and home-saved seeds. Next year, hybrid rice area will be expanded to 388,000 hectares, said Delima, who also serves as the DA national rice program coordinator. He urged private seed producers to actively participate in the Sikat-Saka credit program, and

ducers, farmers groups and irrigators associations (IAs), and local government units (LGUs). In addition, farmers wanting to plant hybrids can avail of production loans of up to P50,000 per hectare and P41,000 per hectare, if they wish to plant inbreds, under the expanded P400-million Sikat-Saka credit program implemented by the DA and Land Bank of the Philippines, said Secretary Alcala, during the 1st National Hybrid Rice Congress, April 4, 2013, at PhilRice, Muoz City, Nueva Ecija. He said the promotion of hybrid rice is an integral part of the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), the Aquino governments banner food security program that aims to attain sufficiency in rice and major staples like white corn, root crops and plantains. We are on track to achieving sufficiency in rice by end of 2013, the DA chief said before 1,000 participants, composed of farmers, private seed producers, local government officials, foreign rice experts and other rice industry stakeholders. Under the FSSP, the DA aims to produce a record harvest of 20 million tons (MT), making the country 100% sufficient, which is 11% more than last years output of 18 million MT. We can take pride in the success of FSSP, but we know we need to exert more effort and sustained support from farmers groups, LGUs and the private sector, Secretary Alcala said. He said the choice of what rice varieties to plant, either hybrids or inbreds, still depends on farmers themselves, as they will have

Secretary Alcala (above photo, left) urges farmers (foreground) to help the Aquino government attain rice sufficiency by adopting modern, sustainable technologies, inputs and seeds, during the 1st National Hybrid Rice Congress, at PhilRice, in Muoz, Nueva Ecija, April 4, 2013. Top photo also shows (from left): DA-Region 3 Dir. Andrew Villacorta, Asst. Sec. and national rice program coordinator Dante Delima, Bureau of Plant Industry Dir. Clarito Barron, Agrarian Reform Undersecretaries Rosalina Bistoyong and Anthony Parugao, PhilRice Dir. Eufemio Rasco, and DA-BAR engineer Rodolfo Fernandez.
encourage qualified farmers, particularly IA members in top 20 rice producing provinces, to plant hybrids. Sikat-Saka was piloted last year in four major rice provinces of Nueva Ecija, Isabela, Iloilo and North Cotabato. It will be expanded this year to include 16 other top rice producers, which include: Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Camarines Sur, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Bukidnon, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Zamboanga del Sur. During the three-day congress, farmers and other participants were privileged to hear the breakthroughs of Professor Yuan Longping, considered as Chinas father of hybrid rice. He shared how he developed the first hybrid rice varieties in the mid-1970s, which made China sufficient and a major rice producer. The 1st national hybrid rice congress was sponsored jointly by the DA national rice program, PhilRice, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT), and seven private seed companies (Bayer, Bioseed, DevGen, DuPont Pioneer, SeedWorks, SL Agritech, and Syngenta). (Cath Nanta,
DA Information Service)

Rehab of ...

(from p 3)

pedal threshers, and appropriate mechanical and solar dryers; and construction of tramlines. DA-CAR director Sta. Catalina said the additional funding will mean a lot in further enhancing the production of heirloom rice. She cited the efforts of a Rice Inc., an NGO, led by Ms. Vicky Garcia, which coordinates with farmers export of heirloom rice to the US. Last year, it exported 24,000 kg or 24 metric tons (MT), and aims to export another 30MT this year. In all, Delima said the DA aims to help maintain the sturdiness of the rice terraces and empower Ifugao farmers so they could sustain the production of heirloom rice for both domestic and export markets. He said as of April 30, 2013, 98% of the damaged terrace walls was restored, 21 communal irrigation systems were repaired, and five solar dryers were established in different sites, including a community seed bank, and conduct of 16-week farmers field school attended by 43 Ifugao heirloom rice producers. To date, 10 heirloom rice varieties were collected and purified, while 600 kilograms of seeds were stored as part of the community seed buffer stocking, Delima said. (By Adam Borja, DA
Natl. Rice Program; and Marlo Asis, DA Information Service)

April 2013

A tale of two fishers

keeps about two kilos for his consumption and sells the rest at P80 to P100/kilo, which nets him almost P300 daily after all sundries and expenses are deducted. He also shared that even theirsuki comprador (fish broker), Trusila Cabardo, is really happy with the closed season because she is also able to buy more from the fishermen of Salug. Ige and his wife Hilda, who is also a fishermans daughter from nearby Roxas town, are upbeat about the future. With their sustained income from fishing they could continue sending their children to school. His eldest, Hermie, is studying Computer Hardware Servicing at TESDA; the second is married; the third, Maricon, is a BFAR-IX first year scholar taking up B.S. Biology at the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology; and the younger two are both in high school. In appreciation, Ige is very active with his civic duties as a press information officer of the Poblacion East Fishermens Association, and member of the Bantay-Dagat team. Unlike Ige who uses two disappearing for almost five years at a time. Now, after the closed season is over, toloy can be caught abundantly the whole year. Dick, however, shared a bittersweet issue: With so muchtoloy, the market easily becomes saturated and a kilo of it sells for as low as P2.50, which is not even enough to recover their costs. Dick tried to dry their catch but its high fat content resulted in spoilage, thus losing both money and effort. He also tried other ways of processing the fish like turning it into binuroandbagoong,but it did not sell. As a former barangay official and current adviser of the San Antonio Fishermens Association, he leads in finding ways to solve the marketing woes for sardines due to oversupply. Dick and fellow fishers are

Ige, as Miguel P. Luberanes is fondly called by his peers in Barangay Poblacion East of Salug town, Zamboanga del Norte, has been a fisherman all his life. At a young age of 14, he was already fishing, while others his age were in school. Ige operates two types of fishing gears that coincide with the demands of the weather. He employs his pamo (gill net) during the months of December, January and February and the palangre (multiple hook and line) the rest of the year. He catches mostly alumahan (Rastrilleger), tulingan(frigatetuna)and tarakito (jacks) with his pamo. Ige observed that with the implementation of the closed season (their generic term for the Joint DA-DILG Admin. Order No. 1), the alumahan and tulingan have strated coming nearer to the shore to feed on the abundant toloy (sardines). Thus, he does not have to go farther out to the sea to catch fish. In the process, Ige uses up only two liters of gasoline instead of the usual four. This translates to a daily savings of P120.00, which is more than enough to cover the daily rice needs of his family. The time he saves in not going very far out to sea to fish is instead spent mending his net and maintaining his boat. Although he cant explain it scientifically, Ige is sure that the demersal timbungan(goat fish),lagao (Nemipterids), andpugapo(groupers) that he continues to catch with hispalangreare sustained by the pelagic toloy that the government, through the DAs Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, is protecting by way of the closed season. He catches an average of eight kilos of fish daily and

now exploring the possibility of rearing high-priced squid in net enclosures fed with toloy. Dick also narrated that his neighbors -- who used to employ pasol(hookandline) and could barely catch anything before the closed season -- are now able to catch enough to feed their families. Like the fishers of Salug, Dick and his neighbors were also able to cut their fuel costs in half. A nagging problem for Dick and fellow fishers, especially with the resurgent fishing activities, is the continued encroachment of commercial fishers in municipal waters. Thus, they urge their LGUs and concerned agencies to help them drive away commercial fishers from their shores. They also want government to help them find ways to market their fish to ensure sustained incomes for their families. (Romy E. De Guzman,
DA-BFAR9)

Drinking spree paves way to lucrative dairy business

When guys get together, the common denominator would be kwentuhan, coupled with dirinking beer with pulutan. And for pulutan, what better treat than having papaitan and kadereta from goat meat or chevon. This is the story of Isidro V. Albano, general manager of Villanueva Construction, who is deep into dairying, in Maragusan, Compostela Valley. It was through the intervention of Wilhem Brickon, from PUM, Netherlands, who gave a lecture on goat production in January, 2011, paving the way for Albano to venture into the dairy goat business. Seeing the attractive market potential, he requested the assistance from DOST and tapped the agencys technician to assist in milk processing. Three years ago, he bought 15 goats (upgrades of AngloNubian) from Gov. Piol to raise them in his farm in Tagum. His main objective then was to raise them for meat, and cook it into kaldereta or goat stew and kilawin, staple partners for beer drinkers. What was then a plain hobby turned into a gold mine as his pure Anglo-

gears, Luisito V. Reginan, 52, or Dick as is known in his community, has been specializing in fishing with thepamogearandfishes exclusively around the fishing grounds of his native Manukan town, also in Zamboange del Norte, for the last 20 years. However, like Ige, he is greatly appreciative of the governments initiative of the closed season for sardines. He said that in all his years as a fisherman, he knew that thetoloywasseasonal in nature, sometimes

Nubian goats produced not only good quality meat, but also good quality milk. With the increased milk production, the need to process it led to referrals. This is where the DAs National Dairy Authority (NDA) came into the picture. Aside from learning good milking practices, he also learned of NDAs various dairy programs and became
(Pls turn to p7)

Villa Mercedes food terminal, Cordilleras first

With only P10,000 initial capital, the San Quintin, Abra Federation of Rural Improvement Club (SQAFRIC) started a talipapa on September 16, 2006. Four months later, the local government of San Quintin recognized the groups initiative and hard work and extended to them a P40,000grant, which they used to buy a refrigerator. In 2007, SQAFRIC members availed of a barangay food terminal (BFT) project of the Department of Agriculture upon learning of its benefits and social impact through an information caravan conducted by the Agribusiness and Marketing Division of the DACordillera Autonomous Region (CAR). With P54,000 financial assistance from DA-CAR, the humble talipapa expanded its operation, and named it as Villa Mercedes BFT, the very first BFT in the Cordilleras. Walang palengke sa San Quintin noon, BFT manager Fernando Padillon recalled. Although there were sarisari stores owned by private individuals, the commodities sold were not complete, he added. Thus, residents and farm producers were forced to go to Bangued, Abra or Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, to buy and sell foodstuff and farm produce. San Quintin residents once dreamed of having their own market where they can buy and sell agricultural commodities. This dream is now a reality, said Villa Mercedes BFT officer Lorenzo Pacura. At present, the Mercedes BFT serves 1,368 households in six San Quintin barangays. Aside from a source of basic consumer goods, it also serves as a direct market for about 125 small farmers, who supply the BFT with their various agrifishery products. May bagsakan na ng farm produce kasi binibili na ng BFT. Nawalan kami ng problema sa pagdadalhan ng paninda at naencourage kaming mga magsasaka na magtanim. Natuto ring mag-alaga kahit isang baboy ang mga household, kasi may BFT na mapagbebentahan. Naging selfsufficient ang mga tao. Hindi na lang hingi ng hingi, Pacura said. For vendor Brigida Rubio, the cold storage equipment provided by the BFT is a great help in maintaining the quality of their goods and in avoiding

By Lea Deriquito & Oda Rodriguez

spoilage, and as a consequence it has improved their income.

Drinking spree ...

(from p 6)
leguminous plants like indigofera and tricanthera. In November 2012, he received from the NDA another batch of 50 head of Holstein-Jersey heifers. His daily milk output thus further increased, totaling 630 liters. Daily, he gets 16 to 21 liters each from Holstein-Jerseys, and 11 to 17 liters each from Holstein-Sahiwals. He sells the milk at P75 per liter, P50 for 500 ml, and P25-P35 for 250 to 300 ml, respectively. His main outlets are the milk processing plants of FEDDAFC in Davao City, and CORELLA in Davao Norte. He will soon be adopt the Queens Milk brand, for his products. Queen is the name of his daughter, a registered nurse. (Ching M. Lumanta,
DA-NDA)

interested and applied for the Dairy Multiplier Farm (DMF) scheme.

In July 28, 2012, he became an NDA-DMF partner, and received 30 head of Holstein-Sahiwal pregnant heifers to take care of and manage. To provide the forage requirement for his new dairy herd, he had his 13 hectares planted with napier and

Noong walang freezer at ibang equipment nasisiraan kami ng paninda, lalo na kung ito ay isda, kaya nalulugi kami. Ngayon puedeng mag-stock ng paninda. Menos gastos na, tipid pa sa oras, she said. Furthermore, the BFT has helped them in improving their income through the savings derived from not having to spend for transportation and handling. Sa kabuuan umaabot sa P150 ang natitipid namin sa pamasahe at handling, farmertrader Leo Gasmen said. The BFT is open seven days a week, from 6 am until 8 pm. It has become a mini supermarket where the commodities are arranged according to type. Likewise, to better cater to the

needs of its loyal patrons, the BFT sells a variety of grocery items so that its residents need not go to other markets. May nabibilhan na kami in case of emergency, gaya ng pag may dumarating na biglaang bisita. Hindi ka na kailangan magpunta sa ibang bayan, regular customer Tony Cartao said. Finally, as part of its social responsibility the BFT also provides credit facility with very low interest for business and educational purposes to its members. Having the BFT in their locality ushered a lot of improvements. The existence of a food depot in Villa Mercedes have been instrumental in sending children to school since it extends financial assistance to the association members. The same loan can also be used for livelihood projects. Looking forward to the years to come, the Villa Mercedes BFT is now in search of a lot to serve as the centers permanent site and enable its management to serve more consumers and farmers alike.

April2013

AMAS Market Access Program

DA grants Polillo farmers, fishers P80-M agri-fishery support

The Department of Agriculture is allotting an initial P80 million (M) for various agricultural and fishery projects to further increase the productivity and incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk in five towns comprising the Polillo group of islands, in Quezon. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said such assistance is also aimed at making Polillo sufficient in rice, other staples, fish, vegetables and other crops. He led the distribution of various farm inputs, equipment, and projects to more than 1,000 farmers, fisherfolk and local government officials during a two-day visit, highlighted by an Agriculture and Fisheries Development Summit, at Polillo town hall, on April 15, 2013. He said the DA through its Region 4-A (Calabarzon), led by Dir. Vilma Dimaculangan, and other concerned DA agencies are assisting the LGUs of the five towns (Polillo, Jomalig, Patnanungan, Burdeos, and Panukulan) craft a medium-term agriculture and fisheries development plan or roadmap to make Polilians sufficient in rice and major staples. We need to expand the area planted to rice in each of the barangays in Polillo group of islands in line with the Aquino governments goal to achieve sufficiency in rice by end of 2013, said the DA chief. He asked Polillian farmers to coordinate with the DAs Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSW M), led by Dir. Vince Tejada, to locate springs to be tapped as sources of irrigation, and establishment of small water impounding proj ects (SWIPs). The interventions consisted of P54.7-M worth of crop and accident insurance coverage from the DAs Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), for farmers, fisherfolk and their families in the five towns of Polillo (P13.5-M worth of insurance), Jomalig (P15M), Patnanungan (P9.6M), Burdeos (P8.35M), and Panukulan (P8.25M). The DA through Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) also provided P14-M worth of assistance in the form of coconut seedlings and KAANIB livelihood projects. Further, he instructed PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes to set up a coconut processing facility in Polillo that will produce virgin coconut oil, coco sugar, water, and coir, among other coconut by-products. For its part, the DAs Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) provided P5million worth of fish nets, fishing gears and paraphernalia. Two barangay food terminals worth P2M will be established by the DAs Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, while P1.5-M worth of farm equipment (hand tractors, water engine

DA-NIA funds P9.4-M irrigation projects in Polillo, Quezon.

The DA through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) recently completed the repair of three communal irrigation systems (CIS) in Polillo group of islands, in Quezon, worth P9.4 million (M), with the NIA providing P8.3M, while the municipal government of Polillo sharing a counterpart of P1.1M. The three CIS are in Bislian, Anibong, and Burdeos. Photo shows Secretary Alcala (2nd from right) handing over a certificate of project completion to Bernardino Mutya, president of the Bislian Malaki CIS, April 15, 2013. Joining them are Polillo Mayor George P. Verzosa (right) and DA-NIA manager Romeo M. Lopez (left).
pumps, and coffee dryer), native pig and chicken, and a training module was allotted under the DAs organic agriculture program. The DA High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) provided P1.7-M worth of farm equipment and various fruit seedlings (rambutan, lanzones, citrus, coffee and cacao), rootcrops (ubi), and assorted vegetable seeds. The equipment included knapsack sprayers, cacao dehuller, pH meters, and repair of Bio-N fertilizer facility. The DA rice and corn programs gave P1.4-M worth of certified rice seeds (200 50-kilo bags worth P240,000), 150 bags of yellow and white corn seeds (P360,000), and dozens of farm equipment that included hand tractors, rice cutters, knapsack sprayers, collapsible dryers, and laminated tarps or trapal. Polillian rural women and youth, who are members of Rural Improvement Clubs (RICs) and 4-H Clubs, also received P170,000-worth of livelihood
(Pls turn to p11)

To encourage farmers to produce more quality corn, the Department of Agriculture through its national corn program has launched the 2013 National Search for Corn Quality Awards. The contest is open to all local government units (provinces, cities and municipalities) that have performed well in corn production, and implement realted initiatives or projects to help corn farmers increase their productivity and incomes. The contest was launched recently in Caraga through its regional corn coordinator Abel Wagas, who said the contest will also recognize efforts of l LGU corn coordinators, and agricultural extension workers (AEWs) involved in the imple-

DA-CARAGA launches corn contest

mentation of the DA Agri-Pinoy corn program. The 2013 Corn Quality Awards will choose top 5 provinces, top 25 cities or municipalities, top 5 provincial corn coordinators, top 25 municipal corn coordinators and top 100 agricultural extension workers. The prizes for the winners are: P3 million-worth of infrastructure or farm machineries plus plaque for provinces; P500,000-worth of infrastructure or farm machineries plus plaque for cities/municipalities; P20,000 cash prize plus plaque and certificate for provincial corn coordinators; P15,000 cash prize plus plaque and certificate for city/municipal corn coordinators; and P10,000 cash prize plus plaque and certificate for AEWs. Wagas said the winning corn coordinators will be chosen from the top provinces, cities or municipalities, while the AEWs must be involved in corn-related extension activities. For the provincial, city and municipal category, judging will be based on the following: - corn grain samples should comply with minimum Grade No. 3 ( for provinces) and Grade No. 4 (for cities and municipalities) as per PNS for shelled corn; - corn farms should meet the minimum requirements of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for corn, and Code of Practice for the prevention and reduction of aflatoxin in corn - corn farms should have yield records for the past three years

based on the official DA-BAS data; and - corn farms should have produced an annual average of 3.5 MT/ha for yellow corn, and annual average of 1.5MT/ha for white corn. The level of aflatoxin and other quality parameters shall be based on the data obtained during the contest duration. Interested LGUs should submit a letter of intent and other pertinent supporting documents to the Regional Search Committee (RSC) on or before June 15, 2013. Chosen top regional contenders will be endorsed by RSC to the National Technical Committee for evaluation and validation. Awarding of national winners is scheduled on October 2013, in Metro Manila. (DA-RAFID,
CARAGA)

DA to pilot Indias rainfed program

To make rainfed farms more productive, the DA through the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), National Rice Program, and High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), is partnering with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) to pilot Indias successful Bhoochetana program in the Philippines. Bhoochetana means reviving the soils. The DA-ICRISAT partnership, entitled, Soil Rejuvenation and Natural Resources Management Program: Piloting of the Bhoochetana Concept in the Philippines, aims to increase the productivity of rainfed farms in the country by at least 10 percent and up to 20%, and at the same time improve soil health condition. The program will be implemented in selected pilot areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and will be later expanded to cover more rainfed areas in the country, for a span of five years. The program aims to: 1) determine the micro- and macro-nutrient status of soils of agricultural lands in pilot areas in Luzon (Quezon), Visayas (Samar), and Mindanao (Zamboanga); 2) identify the best-bet options (soil, crop and water management), including improved cultivars to enhance the productivity of selected crops by 10% to 20%; and 3) build capacity of the stakeholders (farmers and consortium partners) in the sustainable management of natural resources and in enhancing productivity in rainfed areas. The Bhoochetana program will advocate and employ the principles consortium, convergence, capacity-building, and collective action, or the 4Cs. The Bhoochetana program was and currently implemented by the Government of Karnataka, in India, which has helped dryland farmers increase harvests of staple crops by up to 30% amidst different agroclimatic conditions, according to former DA Secretary William Dar and current ICRISAT director-general. Following the Bhoochetana model, the DA through BAR launched in April 2011 the Philippine Rainfed Agriculture Research, Development and Extension Program (PhiRARDEP). It aims to revitalize and strengthen existing rainfed farming systems and practices, and accelerate the development of rainfed agriculture in the country. The program has four major components: 1) rainfed farming systems innovation; 2) participatory watershed management, 3) strategic social science and policy research, and 4) capacity building, communication and social mobilization. From 2011 to 2012, the DABAR has funded 30 projects on rainfed agriculture, in partnership with other DA agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and DA Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers (RIARCs). (Leila
Denisse Padilla, DA-BAR)

Former DA Secretary Dr. William D. Dar (2ndfromright),andcurrently director-general of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India, met with DA officials to offer a project, called PNOY-DAR computer tablet, aimed at speeding the provision of various information and technologies to farmers and other clienteles. The meeting was hosted by DA-ITCAF Dir. Gary Fantastico (middle), on April 23, 2013. Dr. Dar was accompanied by Dr. G Dileepkumar Guntuku (right) of ICRISAT Global Extension Program. Also shown (from left) are DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Dir. Leandro Gazmin, and DA- Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service Director Noel O. Reyes.

NDA develops coconut-cows milk

The DAs National Dairy Authority (NDA) has successfully developed a blend of coconut milk and cows milk that can be used for its national milk-feeding program, and to thus help reduce the countrys huge milk imports. Judith A. Platero, chief of the dairy agencys central milk laboratory, said the NDA was directed by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala in October 2012 to develop dairy products blended with coconut milk to expand local milk supply. Two months later in December, the NDA signed an agreement with Jojo Resueno of Coco House for the supply of fresh coco skim milk and proceeded to work on different blends that could be offered to the domestic market. Platero said her agency tested four mixtures of fresh milk and coco blend to find out which one would be accepted by the market. The first mixture has a 50percent (%) coco blend; the second, 37%; the third, 28%; and the fourth, 17%. Though all four were moderately liked in the sensory test, the fourth was rated the highest (7.4), based on color and appearance, flavor and aroma, texture and general acceptability. The NDA, the Philippine Coconut Authority and Coco House have agreed to develop a dairy product that could be promoted commercially and used for the milk-feeding program, taking into consideration the three levels of fat content (3%, 5% and 7%) and with milk solids (non-fat) no lower than 9%. Platero said the NDA is also working on a filled-milk product that will source its fat from coco cream, and thus address the cholesterol issue of butterfat in milk, while contributing to the creamy flavor of the blend. Tests done on the 80:20 blend showed it to be more inferior and less acceptable than the blend containing 7% fat. The 7% fat blend will be pilot-tested in some areas to determine its acceptability and find out its nutritional impact on the beneficiaries of regular milk feeding. Platero said eventually the blend will also be sold in different flavors for variety and better acceptability in different market segments. (Business Mirror)

Phl bans shrimp imports from Asian countries

The Philippines is banning the imports of all live shrimps and crustaceans from several Asian countries to prevent dreaded shrimp diseases from entering and spreading in the country. The DA through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) issued Fisheries Office Order (FOO) No. 146, April 22, 2013, that indefinitely suspends the processing and approval of permit applications to import live shrimps and other suscceptible crustaceans from Asian countries. BFAR Director Asis Perez said his agency issued FOO 146 to protect the Philippines shrimp industry from the risk of entry and introduction of dreaded diseases that include Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS)/ Acute Hepato(Pls turn to p11)

DA allots P62M for Capiz farmers. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (inset, right), together with DA-Region 6 Director Larry Nacionales and Mrs. Judy Araneta Roxas, sing the national anthem during the launch of National Year of Rice advocacy campaign, as part of the 6th Farmers Day and Capiztahan festival, April 12, 2013, in Roxas City. The Department of Agriculture is allocating an initial P62 million to further increase the productivity and incomes of farmers in Capiz. The funds from the DA rice (P56M), corn (P3.5M) and high value crops (P2.5M) programs will be used to procure dozens of farm machinery, equipment, inputs that will be distributed to qualified farmers groups. (Photo by DA Region 6 Info Div.) April 2013

Philippine food products and fibers took center stage in Paris, France at the Opening Ceremony of the Philippine Exhibition - Archipelago of Exchange at the Branly Museum, on April 8, 2013. The affair was attended by 90 of France's top media practitioners and museum lenders at a sit-down luncheon, and by 500 high profile guests at a cocktail reception. The event was a continuation of the Department of Agriculture's European Food Circuit Tour project that aims to promote Philippine agricultural products catering to the mainstream European market. The annual food event, dubbed as Hapag Yaman - Top Chefs Working with the Best of Philippine Products, covers major Eu-

The Philippines in Paris: Spotlight on food and fibers

prominent principal chefs, Margarita Fores of Cibo and Cibo di M Signature Caterer and Victoria Pacheco of Chateau 1771. Chef Margarita Fores impressed luncheon guests with superb execution of dishes - Salad Bignay au jus complemented with Philippine-made papaya atsara and nata de coco, and organic black and Dinorado white rice; Dessert of panna cotta duet topped with dulce de leche, and tsokolate, pili and honey with Chevre cheese and Philippine dried fruits accompanied by Cordillera organic coffee with Coco Natura sugar. For the cocktail reception, Chef Fores presented the tropical flavors and specialty offerings of the Philippines: pork crackling or "chicharon" curls with garlic mousse topped with salmon roe; barquillos cylinders with chive mousse topped with jambon de Paris crisp; crostini trio: creamed seafood ragu, chicken liver pate topped with calamansi marmalade, and beef tenderloin tagliata with Bignay au jus; Alaminos taba ng talangka and pork crackling sushi rolls. Chef Fores also served French cheeses - brillat savarin, mimolette chevre and caramelized brie de meaux complemented with fruits, jams and honey from the Philippines; and leche flan with macapuno for dessert. Chef Victoria Pachecos delectable offerings, on the other hand, during cocktail, elicited rave comments on her tuna gravlax, seafood brochette,

lamb caldereta, fresh smoked spring roll and ox tongue adobo vol-au-vent. The chefs made use of both organic and conventional products from various sponsors that include Bleeding Heart Rum Company (Don Papa brand), Bluefin Seafood Export Inc., Castellejos Farm Products, Cibo di M Signature Caterer, C.W. Tropicai GmbH, Castillejo's Agri-Farms, Inc, Chateau 1771 Group of Restaurants, Destileria Limtuaco & Company Inc., Gem Foods, Global Organic and Wellness Corp. (Glowcorp), Los Ricos Compania Corporation, Los Ricos Compania Cor-

Vice President Jejomar Binay (3rd from left) served as the guest of honor at the luncheon and cocktail reception (below) for the Philippine Exhibition - Archipelago of Exchange at the Branly Museum, in Paris, France. Joining him (from left) are: DA agricultural Attache in Brussels, Belgium Nolet Fulgencio; DA Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat; Israel de la Cruz of the DA- Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards; and Renato Tira-tira of the DA-Fiber Industry Development Authority.
(Photo by Juan Wyns)

ropean cities, in cooperation with the respective Philippine Embassy. In 2012, the event was held in Brussels and featured nine renowned Belgian chefs (five with Michelin stars and an awardwinning pastry chef among others). This year, the food promotional event, which comprised the Philippine E xh i b i t i o n ' s parallel activity in Paris, featured 10 Filipino Manilabased chefs headed by two

of muscovado-glazed duck ala mangue, Davao pomelos, Philippine mango, Ashen goat cheese log with field greens and rucola; Soup of Philippine sinigang of langoustine and grouper; Entree of beef tenderloin inihaw with

poration, Marigold Manufacturing Corporation (Mama Sita brand), Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries, Inc., Pixcel Transglobal Food Inc., The Churner Group, University of the Philippines Bee Program, VuQo Spirits LLC and W ENG SE SARL. Philippine natural fibers like abaca and pina in glass panels were on display while various prints and colors of tinalak were used as accents on the dining tables - all to complement the gastronomic experience, and invoking Filipino elegance to the venue. The display setting elicited praises for its unique and excellent craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal. The Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) sourced the material for and curated the event.(DA-Office of
the Agricultural Attache in Brussels, Photo by Juan Wyns)

10

11 aggie schools to supply PCA coco seedlings

Eleven state universities and colleges (SUCs) will partner with the DAs Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) by providing coconut seedlings for the agencys coconut replanting program. Among the SUCs are: Cagayan State University, which will supply 300,000 seedlings, Romblon State Univ. (150,000), Ifugao State Univ. (100,000), Southern Luzon State Univ. (200,000), Sindangan National Agricultural School (50,000), Bicol Univ. (60,000), and Jose Rizal Memorial State Univ. (50,000). PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes said the PCA will buy the seedlings from the SUCs at P26 to P27 each. Thus, a school that could produce 100,000 seedlings may earn up to P1.5 million every six months. Our only request to these schools is to use part of the proceeds for scholarships of poor but deserving students to avoid another Kristel Tejada tragedy, said PCA Administrator Euclides G. Forbes, referring to a UP student who took her own life allegedly because her family was not able to pay her tuition fees. By purchasing from state schools, most of which raise income independently to support their small budgets, we also make our purchase corruptionfree, as both of us have auditors and official receipts, Forbes added. The SUCs have also agreed to make their campuses as coconut nurseries that will produce quality seedlings for the PCA. For its part, the PCA will provide technical assistance on seednut selection, and establishment and maintenance of the coconut nurseries. The PCA may start buying coconut seedlings from the SUCs in May 2013. (Coconut Media Service)

DA grants ...

(from p 8)

Alcala urges ...

(from p 12)

projects from the DAs Agricultural Training Institute. During the forum, Secretary Alcala promptly addressed the concerns and issues raised by farmers and fisherfolk. He was assisted by head of DA agencies present that included Assistant Secretary and national corn program coordinator Edilberto de Luna, PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes, PCIC President Jovy Bernabe, BSWM Director Silvino Tejada, BFAR Director Asis Perez, and DA Region 4-A Director Vilma Dimaculangan. Secretary Alcala also raffled off to participants several head of farm animals (cattle, carabaos with implements piglets, sheep, and cattle), and hand tractors to each of the five municipalities in Polillo. (Marlo Asis, DA-AFIS)

Phl bans...

(from p 9) pancreatic Necrosis Syndrome (AHPNS) and Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV). Perez said the Philippines remains free of said shrimp diseases, which are causing massive mortalities and heavy losses to the shrimp industry in several countries in Asia that include Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China and Indonesia. The DA-BFAR has also included Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei and Cambodia on the watch list. In issuing the fisheries order, Perez said the DA-BFAR also heeded the recommendation of Dr. Donald Lightner, a known and respected international shrimp disease expert. We are dealing with a disease unknown to us, all the more that measures must be undertaken, Perez said, during a shrimp industry meeting with the operators and importers this month. EMS is characterized by massive mortalities during the first 30 days. Infected samples show slow growth, corkscrew swimming and pale coloration. Studies on the nature of the disease have already been conducted in the countries affected. As of date, no known pathogen has been found causing April 2013

DA Chief inducts Horticulturists. Secretary Alcala (left) swears into office the 2013-14 officers and trustees of the Philippine Horticultural Society, in a simple ceremonyat the DA office in Quezon City. The are (from left): immediate past president and ex-officio board member May Caballero-Dumlao, President Adoracion S. Bernabe, Vice President Patricia Fernando Regalado, Secretary Noel Vincent Canicula, Treasurer Remedios Rodis Santeleces, Asst. Treasurer Edna Felipe, Asst. PRO Betty Rivera, PRO Butch Duque, and Auditor Orlan Velasco. EMS yet. A shrimp expert in Thailand, however, encourages shrimp farm operators to keep their farms clean to minimize the probability of acquiring the diseases. The Philippines remains EMS-free as of the moment and BFAR is exhausting all efforts to remain so, Dir. Perez said, adding that the country is positioning again to expand its shrimp production for both local and export markets. Following the suspension, the DA-BFAR has instructed its Fish Health Officers, Quarantine Officers and the Law Enforcement Quick Response Team (LEQRT) to strictly implement monitoring, control and surveillance protocols at the countrys ports of entry, airports and seaports--aimed at protecting the countrys aquatic resources and protect the interests of the industry. The bureau will continue to meet and consult with shrimp farmers and entrepreneurs to discuss effective, long-term solutions facing the industry. The government through the BFAR is no longer just focused on its regulatory functions. It is seriously putting all efforts to contribute to the growth of the industry, Dir. Perez said. (DABFAR Info/PR Group)

make it competitive with other countries. The second challenge is that the country needs new breed of farmers who will replace the old ones. He added that to attract young people to engage in farming, they must realize that there is money in farming. In particular, he said engaging in organic farming can give farmers a chance to make their products more competitive in the world market. The third challenge facing the agriculture sector is climate change. Ang Asia ang itinuturing na sentro ng pakikipaglaban sa pagbabago ng panahaon, bunsod ng ibat ibang uri ng kalamidad na nararanasan sa dakong ito ng mundo. Mga mapanirang baha, malalakas na bagyo, tagtuyot, pagtaas ng dagat at pagkalat ng mga bagong sakit sa mga halaman at hayop. said Alcala. In this regard, he said the DA has allotted funds for manpower complement and forged stronger alliance with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to predict the weather more precisely, and thus inform farmers accordingly wo they could prepare, protect or harvest their crops. Along with this, the DA is also providing seeds and constructing sturdy infrastructure that could withstand typhoons or drought. These include irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, market trading centers, and storage facilities. (Cath Nanta, DAAFIS)

NEDA ...

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SRA ups ...

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or sugar conversion program for the remaining months of the crop year, said Martin. Advance swapping or sugar conversion is adopted by the SRA when it needs to re-allocate sugar from a particular classification to augment supply of a particular sugar classification. For instance, in crop year 20112012, the SRA adopted the advance swapping of D world market sugar to A U.S. market sugar to augment supply of A due to the additional U.S. quota volume given to the Philippines.
(Rosemarie Gumera, DA-SRA)

interim PRDP national program director. Secretary Alcala will present the PRDP for approval during the NEDA Board meeting in May 2013, chaired by President Aquino. Thereafter it will be submitted to the World Bank for consideration and funding. It is expected to commence last quarter of 2013, said interim PRDP deputy program director Arnel de Mesa. The program features four components: investments to help LGUs craft and implement agrifishery modernization plans (IPLAN); construction of marketoriented infrastructure and facilities (I-BUILD); putting up of rural enterprises (I-REAP); and undertaking support projects (ISUPPORT). (Sherwin B. Manual,
DA-MRDP)

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BFAR mulls closed fishing season for galunggong

We are inspired by what happened in the sardine closure. Madaming isda, said DA-BFAR Director Asis G. Perez on the success of the Visayan Sea and Zamboanga sardines closed season, both implemented last year and was lifted March this year. Thus, he proposes to impose a closed fishing season also for round scad or galunggong to increase catch. Subsequently, fisherfolk would earn more income, and at the same time provide consumers with more galunggong at affordable prices, said Dir. Perez. The price of galunggong ranges from P60 to P120 per kilo. Bakit kailangan mag-implement ng closed season sa galunggong? Kasi ito yung pagkain ng masa, Dir Perez said. Ang pangarap natin ay maibaba ang presyo, so that we have galunggong on our table at a very affordable cost, he added. As a result of the closed season in Visayan Sea and Zamboanga, intended to allow sardines to propagate, there is also an increase in the catch of galunggong in those areas, he said. And that is our inspiration. Thats also why we want to look at some areas particularly areas where galunggong are caught, Dir. Perez noted. Thus, the Capture Fisheries Technology Division (CFTD) of BFAR will conduct a study on survey where is the best spot for managing galunggong. Other aspects BFAR will research on are the peak of its spawning period, where it aggregates during spawning, how long it takes for it to spawn, and how many eggs on the average each fish lays. Initially, the DA-BFAR is looking at Northern Palawan as the area of study, where closed season for galunggong would be implemented either in the last quarter of this year or first quarter of 2014. Currently, CFTD is doing a survey on the average size of galunggong sold in wet markets. Related studies will be conducted to gather useful information that will serve as scientific basis for the possible seasonal closure for galunggong . (DABFAR)

Phl sends initial export of corn silage to South Korea

The DA in partnership with corn industry groups recently exported an initial 24 metric tons of corn feed silage for cattle to Busan, South Korea. The shipment is part of the 15,000 MT of corn feed and grains worth P75 million that will be exported to South Korea up to December 2013. Secretary Alcala (middle) said exporting corn silage will increase farmers incomes by an average of 20%. He is shown leading the send-off, on April 30, 2013, at the Manila International Container Terminal. Joining him (from left) are: Michael Jang, president of Korea Marine Transport Co.; Tommy Lee Kum Yuk, of Miwang Co., Phils.; DA assistant secretary and national corn program coordinator Edilberto de Luna; and Butch Umengan, director of National Corn Competitiveness Board and president and CEO of Ploughshares, Inc.

DA Chief urges aggie students to start own business

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala urged over 100 new agriculture graduates of the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC) to go into business and entrepreneurship instead of competing with the rest of over 500,000 graduates this year. Ito ang talagang hamon, lalo na sa mga bagong graduates na kabataan na kumuha ng kurso sa agrikultura. Kailangang maipakita na may asenso sa agrikultura. Dito pumapasok ang processing at value-adding sa mga produktong pansakahan, Alcala explained, as he posed the challenge to the 720 members of the graduating class during the 75th commencement exercises of PAC, April 17, 2013, in Magalang, Pampanga. To attract more students to pursue careers in agri-fishery sector, Alcala said that the DA through its Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) will support 10 scholars in PAC who will enrol in agriculture-related courses. The scholarship will cover tuition fees and monthly stipend. Aside from this, the DA through its Bureau of Agricultural Research has provided P2 million as an institutional development grant for the upgrading of the Knowledge, Information and Technology Sharing Center and Feed Testing Center. Secretary Alcala said there are mainly three challenges the agriculture sector must face. The first is globalization, in which in two years time or by 2015, tariffs on imported agri products will be abolished within ASEAN. For the country to cope with it, he said we must strengthen the countrys agriculture sector to
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Agri Chief honored as Doctor of Technology. In recognition of his strong and able leader-

ship in steering the Department of Agriculture towards attaining sufficiency in rice and other major staples, Secretary Alcala (inset, middle) was conferred a Doctor of Technology honorary degree by the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC), during its 75th commencement exercises, April 17, 2013, in Pampanga. Addressing the 720 members of the 2013 graduating class (foreground), Secretary Alcala challenged them to engage in agri-fishery enterprises, and be part of new breed of farmer-entrepreneurs. To encourage more PAC students pursue agriculture courses, he said the DA will sponsor 10 scholars next school year, under the agencys Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF). Also shown (inset, from left) are PAC President Dr. Honorio M. Soriano, CHED Dir. Virginia Akiate, and DA-Central Luzon regional director Andrew Villacorta. (Photo by DA-Region 3 Info Div.)