With the effects of climate change threatening the agriculture sector, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is proposing a program that seeks to upgrade and increase the number of its Agro-Meteorological (Agromet) Stations in highly vulnerable agricultural areas.
The project, BSWM Executive Director Dr. Silvino Tejada said, will provide farming communities a tool for climate change adaptation and the development of a local early warning system for weather disturbances. The project will cost P175 million and will have a duration of three years. It will involve the following: Regional Field Units (RFUs) of the Department of Agriculture (DA); National Agricultural and Fishery Council; concerned local government units (LGUs); Agricultural State Colleges and Universities (ASCUs); Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA); Advanced Science and Technology Institute; and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“While PAGASA already has weather stations in many parts of the country, there is a need to establish Agromet Stations in highly vulnerable agricultural areas which are not saturated by the domestic weather agency,” Tejada said.
In his report to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, the BSWM is proposing to upgrade 10 of its 16 Agromet Stations to Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and to establish an additional 84 AWS nationwide using the latest weather tracking technology. The program is now approved and was funded under US PL-480 grant. This will result in the country having more 100 AWS in highly vulnerable agricultural areas, like those located in the uplands.
The new AWS will be located in the offices of the 16 RFUs of the Department of Agriculture, the campuses of selected ASCUs, and LGUs that have highly vulnerable agricultural areas, among others.
Each of the new AWS and upgraded agromets will have one climatic data observer/encoder and one alternate who both will be trained in the operation of the weather instruments and the upkeep of the stations.
The weather data generated will be sent to the central server in the BSWM on real time basis through GSM, and can be accessed by the stations, DA-RFU’S and PAGASA through coded password.
The objectives of the program are:
1.) Develop a national base of agro-meteorological data that will cater to the needs on the design, development and management of water resources projects for the agricultural sector as a tool for mitigation and adaptation for climate change;
2.) Develop an enabling environment in the rural areas by engaging the services of DA-RFUs, ASCUs and LGUs to operate and maintain the 100 AWS/Agromets by 2012;
3.) Develop a strategy on the awareness and preparedness on disaster risk reduction management at the local community influenced by the station through trainings; and
4.) Develop the agro-ecological cell/zone in the influenced area of the weather stations by updating the soil map in the areas as database for crop planting and management in preparation for the adaptation to climate change.
“This project is expected to help make communities in highly vulnerable agriculture area to adapt to climate change based on hard data. Naturally, the BSWM, DA-RFUs, ASCUs and LGUs will take the lead in helping these vulnerable farming communities take the necessary steps in adapting to climate change based on the data gathered or processed from the weather stations,” Tejada said.
In the second or third year of the program, two Climate Field Schools will be established for each weather station, where members of irrigators associations and cooperatives will be trained on weather and climatic elements in relation to plant growth and disaster risk reduction management.
“What this program also intends to do is make the small farmers more aware of the effects of climate change on agriculture, and for him or her to be proactive in dealing with the effects of climate change,” Tejada added. Veron Hernandez, PSciJourn Mega Manila
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Showing posts with label DA NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DA NEWS. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
PCA to use embryo culture to conserve, raise production of a coconut variety useful as anti-diabetic xylose or wood sugar
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is tapping the use of embryo culture to conserve and eventually raise production of a coconut variety which has a great potential to be a source of xylose, an anti-diabetic wood sugar that has high market value.
The use of embryo culture in increasing chances of propagating the Tutupaen tall coconut is being initiated by PCA’s Zamboanga Research Center (ZRC).
“Coconut is difficult to conserve because of its large and recalcitrant seeds. Dissemination of seednuts also carries the risk of transmitting pathogens and pests. But embryo culture is now enabling us to overcome these difficulties,” said PCA Administrator Euclides G. Forbes.
The Tutupaen tall variety, known to be native to Ilocos, is seen to have a great commercial potential since its thick shell is a source of xylose, a type of sugar isolated from wood. It is associated with the production of xylitol, a sugar alcohol sweetener used as an anti-diabetic, naturally-occurring sugar substitute.
“The coconut shell is one of the best sources of xylose (wood sugar). A 2B company owned by Korean and Japanese investors are now mass producing xylose in Davao using coconut shell. We expect the Tutupaen tall variety's distinct thick shell could provide higher volume of xylose than the normal coconut varieties,” said PCA-ZRC Officer-in-Charge Ramon L. Rivera.
The conservation of Tutupaen tall coconut is part of PCA’s aim to add value to the local coconut, much as how it is also using embryo culture to produce more makapuno seedlings.
“The focus now is on high value and emerging products. Makapuno meat has now been recognized as the best source for galactomannan, protein and VCO. EC technology is the only protocol that best suits the mass production of Makapuno,” said Rivera.
Embryo culture technique is also being used to promote germplasm exchange between the Philippines and other coconut-producing countries.
“EC technology addresses more the conservation and exchange of coconut germplasm. We are now embarking on collecting Neu Afa variety from Solomon Islands and other Pacific Islands for coconut husks,” he said.
PCA-ZRC’s research and development work called “Application of Coconut Embryo Culture Technique in the Field Collecting, Movement and Culture of Tutupaen Tall Variety for Ex Situ Conservation” has just made it as a finalist at the Bureau of Agricultural Research’s (BAR) National Research Symposium.
In its partnership with BAR, it also has a project called “Establishment of Core Collection of Tall Coconut Varieties using Microsatellite Marker Technology.” BAR funded this for P3 million.
PCA-ZRC is further proposing for an extended partnership with BAR on the identification of other coconut varieties that are suitable for various commercial uses. These commercial varieties must include those for highly in-demand coconut products such as virgin coconut oil and coconut sugar that have higher value added.
“Developing superior coconut varieties for value adding will contribute significantly to raising income of coconut farmers which are among our poorest farmers,” said BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
Coconut is one of Philippines’ biggest agricultural export earners bringing around $1 billion in foreign exchange earnings yearly.
Rivera said the ZRC’s research and development (R&D) work on embryo culture, funded by Bioversity International, has already led to government’s international exchange program with three countries. These are Ivory Coast in West Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka.
This collaboration on germplasm sharing has enabled Philippines to obtain a drought-resistant coconut variety from Africa. This variety can last months of severe drought or lack of water or rainfall.
This drought-resistance trait will be of critical importance to the country’s coconut supply specially in light of the threats of climate change. But it will take time before this variety may become available commercially.
“The normal coconut cycle is four-five years. Selection may require another five years (using DNA markers). So, we need at least 10 years (to make this commercially available),” he said.
Over the long term, PCA aims to double Philippines’ coconut production from the two million metric ton (MT) level to four million MT level. Its R&D institutions like the ZRC are working on an accreditation process where coconut plantations may be recognized as sources of good coconut planting materials that may produce high-yielding coconut varieties.
“Planting materials will come from PCA-managed seed gardens and seed production sites. The greater portion of the seednuts-seedlings will come from accredited or registered coconut plantations in coconut growing regions,” he said.
Yield at present is just at 600 to 700 kilos per hectare. But PCA has recommended hybrids or cultivars developed in ZRC that can yield four to six MT per hectare. Melody Aguiba/Mr. Ramon L. Rivera, Bureau of Agricultural Research of the Philippines
The use of embryo culture in increasing chances of propagating the Tutupaen tall coconut is being initiated by PCA’s Zamboanga Research Center (ZRC).
“Coconut is difficult to conserve because of its large and recalcitrant seeds. Dissemination of seednuts also carries the risk of transmitting pathogens and pests. But embryo culture is now enabling us to overcome these difficulties,” said PCA Administrator Euclides G. Forbes.
The Tutupaen tall variety, known to be native to Ilocos, is seen to have a great commercial potential since its thick shell is a source of xylose, a type of sugar isolated from wood. It is associated with the production of xylitol, a sugar alcohol sweetener used as an anti-diabetic, naturally-occurring sugar substitute.
“The coconut shell is one of the best sources of xylose (wood sugar). A 2B company owned by Korean and Japanese investors are now mass producing xylose in Davao using coconut shell. We expect the Tutupaen tall variety's distinct thick shell could provide higher volume of xylose than the normal coconut varieties,” said PCA-ZRC Officer-in-Charge Ramon L. Rivera.
The conservation of Tutupaen tall coconut is part of PCA’s aim to add value to the local coconut, much as how it is also using embryo culture to produce more makapuno seedlings.
“The focus now is on high value and emerging products. Makapuno meat has now been recognized as the best source for galactomannan, protein and VCO. EC technology is the only protocol that best suits the mass production of Makapuno,” said Rivera.
Embryo culture technique is also being used to promote germplasm exchange between the Philippines and other coconut-producing countries.
“EC technology addresses more the conservation and exchange of coconut germplasm. We are now embarking on collecting Neu Afa variety from Solomon Islands and other Pacific Islands for coconut husks,” he said.
PCA-ZRC’s research and development work called “Application of Coconut Embryo Culture Technique in the Field Collecting, Movement and Culture of Tutupaen Tall Variety for Ex Situ Conservation” has just made it as a finalist at the Bureau of Agricultural Research’s (BAR) National Research Symposium.
In its partnership with BAR, it also has a project called “Establishment of Core Collection of Tall Coconut Varieties using Microsatellite Marker Technology.” BAR funded this for P3 million.
PCA-ZRC is further proposing for an extended partnership with BAR on the identification of other coconut varieties that are suitable for various commercial uses. These commercial varieties must include those for highly in-demand coconut products such as virgin coconut oil and coconut sugar that have higher value added.
“Developing superior coconut varieties for value adding will contribute significantly to raising income of coconut farmers which are among our poorest farmers,” said BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
Coconut is one of Philippines’ biggest agricultural export earners bringing around $1 billion in foreign exchange earnings yearly.
Rivera said the ZRC’s research and development (R&D) work on embryo culture, funded by Bioversity International, has already led to government’s international exchange program with three countries. These are Ivory Coast in West Africa, Papua New Guinea, and Sri Lanka.
This collaboration on germplasm sharing has enabled Philippines to obtain a drought-resistant coconut variety from Africa. This variety can last months of severe drought or lack of water or rainfall.
This drought-resistance trait will be of critical importance to the country’s coconut supply specially in light of the threats of climate change. But it will take time before this variety may become available commercially.
“The normal coconut cycle is four-five years. Selection may require another five years (using DNA markers). So, we need at least 10 years (to make this commercially available),” he said.
Over the long term, PCA aims to double Philippines’ coconut production from the two million metric ton (MT) level to four million MT level. Its R&D institutions like the ZRC are working on an accreditation process where coconut plantations may be recognized as sources of good coconut planting materials that may produce high-yielding coconut varieties.
“Planting materials will come from PCA-managed seed gardens and seed production sites. The greater portion of the seednuts-seedlings will come from accredited or registered coconut plantations in coconut growing regions,” he said.
Yield at present is just at 600 to 700 kilos per hectare. But PCA has recommended hybrids or cultivars developed in ZRC that can yield four to six MT per hectare. Melody Aguiba/Mr. Ramon L. Rivera, Bureau of Agricultural Research of the Philippines
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
PhilMech takes major role in rice production
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) will take a major role in modernizing and increasing rice production up to 2016 as it embarks on a large-scale postharvest and mechanization program for the production of the staple.
“Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has a vision of making the country self-sufficient in rice production by 2013, and PhilMech is totally behind this effort to achieve that, especially now that climate change and rising world food prices are expected to make an impact on world food supply in the future,” said PhilMech Executive Director Ricardo L. Cachuela.
Under the program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for increasing rice production, mechanization and postharvest will be given second priority after irrigation, that is expected to increase rice production from 5% to 10%.
Farmer associations, organizations and cooperatives will be given the chance to own agricultural machineries with the support of a financing scheme where the government will shoulder 70% of the cost of the farm equipment.
Cachuela said that once the culture of mechanization takes root in rice farming, many farmers would be prompted to expand their planting to other idle lands, which will further increase rice production.
“Rice farming today is not largely mechanized in land preparation, seeding and harvesting, which are the most tedious and time-consuming labor undertakings in farming. Once those activities in rice farming are mechanized, farmers could expand their activities to idle lands,” Cachuela said.
The DA through PhilMech will partner with farmer associations, organizations and cooperatives in the deployment of thousands of pieces of primary farm equipment like hand tractors, 4-wheel tractors (medium) and threshers. The secondary farm machineries that will be deployed include seed cleaners, rice reaper, drum seeder, mini combine harvester and combine harvester.
The number of hand tractors to be deployed from 2011 to 2016 will reach almost 34,000; shallow tube wells 31,000 units from 2012 to 2016; transplanters 9,000 units from 2012 to 2016; threshers 9,000 units from 2011 to 2016; and reapers 3,050 units from 2012 to 2016.
Based on PhilMech research, the mechanization level of farms in the Philippines averaged 0.52 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha). The Philippines still ranks very low among Asian countries when it comes to overall agricultural mechanization. Japan still topped Asian countries in farm mechanization with 7.0 hp/ha; South Korea 4.11 hp/ha; China 3.88 hp/ha; Pakistan 1.02 hp/ha; India 1.0 hp/ha; Thailand 0.79 hp/ha; and Iran 0.70 hp/ha.
“The Philippines has a lot of catching up to do in agricultural mechanization and postharvest. The program for rice mechanization will help boost the mechanization level of farms in the Philippines. Of course, PhilMech also has a postharvest and mechanization plan for other crops like corn and high value commercial crops, but that is still being finalized,” Cachuela said. PRO-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization
“Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has a vision of making the country self-sufficient in rice production by 2013, and PhilMech is totally behind this effort to achieve that, especially now that climate change and rising world food prices are expected to make an impact on world food supply in the future,” said PhilMech Executive Director Ricardo L. Cachuela.
Under the program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for increasing rice production, mechanization and postharvest will be given second priority after irrigation, that is expected to increase rice production from 5% to 10%.
Farmer associations, organizations and cooperatives will be given the chance to own agricultural machineries with the support of a financing scheme where the government will shoulder 70% of the cost of the farm equipment.
Cachuela said that once the culture of mechanization takes root in rice farming, many farmers would be prompted to expand their planting to other idle lands, which will further increase rice production.
“Rice farming today is not largely mechanized in land preparation, seeding and harvesting, which are the most tedious and time-consuming labor undertakings in farming. Once those activities in rice farming are mechanized, farmers could expand their activities to idle lands,” Cachuela said.
The DA through PhilMech will partner with farmer associations, organizations and cooperatives in the deployment of thousands of pieces of primary farm equipment like hand tractors, 4-wheel tractors (medium) and threshers. The secondary farm machineries that will be deployed include seed cleaners, rice reaper, drum seeder, mini combine harvester and combine harvester.
The number of hand tractors to be deployed from 2011 to 2016 will reach almost 34,000; shallow tube wells 31,000 units from 2012 to 2016; transplanters 9,000 units from 2012 to 2016; threshers 9,000 units from 2011 to 2016; and reapers 3,050 units from 2012 to 2016.
Based on PhilMech research, the mechanization level of farms in the Philippines averaged 0.52 horsepower per hectare (hp/ha). The Philippines still ranks very low among Asian countries when it comes to overall agricultural mechanization. Japan still topped Asian countries in farm mechanization with 7.0 hp/ha; South Korea 4.11 hp/ha; China 3.88 hp/ha; Pakistan 1.02 hp/ha; India 1.0 hp/ha; Thailand 0.79 hp/ha; and Iran 0.70 hp/ha.
“The Philippines has a lot of catching up to do in agricultural mechanization and postharvest. The program for rice mechanization will help boost the mechanization level of farms in the Philippines. Of course, PhilMech also has a postharvest and mechanization plan for other crops like corn and high value commercial crops, but that is still being finalized,” Cachuela said. PRO-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization
Thursday, December 29, 2011
PPP can enable increased production of seedlings of anti-hypertensive ubi
A Public Private Partnership Project (PPP) is enabling increased production of “ubi” seedlings that should help meet the high demand for this anti-hypertensive, anthocyanin-rich crop used in delicacies such as cakes, yogurt, and ice cream.
A PPP initiative of the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte and the Bali Farms Crops Research Center (BFCRC) can make available increased seedlings of ubi, also called purple yam, year-round through tissue culture.
This will supply farmers with more adequate seedlings for ubi which according to VSU’s Philrootcrops can bring a net income to farmers of P185,000 per hectare per cropping on the first year. Income reached to P258,000 on the second year under recommended farming conditions.
Food entrepreneurs may also have better access to ubi as present supply cannot meet increasing demand for ubi as jam, puree, flavoring for ice cream and yogurt, and filling for hopia, cakes, pastries, and breads.
Flour and starch may also be produced from it-- products that can have industrial value-- while ubi’s strong purple color may make it important as food coloring or dye.
The VSU has agreed with BFCRC in Cagayan de Oro City, a commercial crops producer, on tissue culture use for ubi plantlets production.
“Production (of seedlings) is too seasonal— once a year from January to May. Tuber supply cannot meet market demand, (causing an) underdeveloped industry despite competitive edge,” according to VSU’s Dr. Villaluz Z. Acedo and Catherine C. Arradaza.
Tissue culture, the growing of tissues or cells separate from the organism in laboratories in order to produce plantlets, can remove pest and disease in the seedlings. It may produce planting materials in large volume and at a very rapid rate.
The tissue culture project of VSU won a bronze prize in the Bureau of Agricultural Research’s (BAR) National Research Symposium this year.
“We have a thrust to promote healthful products like ubi that will both raise income of farmers and provide consumers with products that have natural medicinal value,” according to BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
With its blue-purple pigment, ubi is also known to be rich in anthocyanin which is considered a flavonoid. It has potential beneficial health effects against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial infections.
A linkage between the private sector and public institutions on tissue culture is “vital to promote and sustain higher productivity and competitiveness of ubi as one of the country’s five banner export crops in propelling economic growth,” said VSU. It is further proposing with BAR a P4 million project to support development of the ubi industry.
“Scaling up studies are needed to establish the viability of the new seed system,” the root crops specialist said.
In its recommended tissue culture practice, monthly planting of ubi seedlings should be done to ensure year-round cropping.
VSU is proposing a seed system where private growers may produce their own seedlings on top of what VSU or other public institutions may produce.
“This saves ubi tubers for food and industry,” said VSU. “Tissue cultured purple yam can be planted year-round, although at certain months yield is low. Nutrient boosting showed great promise in increasing tuber yield.”
VSU earlier conducted from 2005 to 2010 at its Philrootcrops (Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center) tissue culture laboratory a study on the production of plantlets through tissue culture.
Nutrient boosting practice on the plantlets include spraying of calcium-based fertilizer at 2.5 grams per liter water and basal application of Triple 14 fertilizer.
The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development affirmed in a study the presence of PRP-1 (Philippine Rootcrops Protein 1), a novel anti-hypertensive protein isolated from ubi.
PRP-1 is found to have angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) which prevents conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a compound that causes blood pressure increase in the body.
This may make the locally-produced ubi a good source of alternative drug for the treatment of hypertension.
“The significant role of yam in human health could not be overemphasized. It can be used safely as a potential anti-hypertensive drug. And because it is a natural protein, it could be a valuable molecule in today’s health-conscious society,” said Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin of VSU’s Philrootcrops.
Entrepreneurial companies like La Union-based Sunlight Foods have found big economic value in indigenously-grown crops like ubi. It now supplies ubi puree to Red Ribbon and Gardenia, Chowking, Fitrite, Jollibee and Selecta.
“It exports bottled ubi preserves to Japan, Europe, United States, Canada and Middle East through consolidators,” reported AGribusinessweek.
The World Health Organization (WHO) itself has pushed for increased intake of natural food with anti-hypertensive content since commercial anti-hypertensive drugs are expensive.
“Hypertension or high blood pressure lead to organ damage and several illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysm or renal failure. That is why the WHO recommends and encourages the use of plants as an alternative treatment for the disease,” said PCHRD.
WHO indicated that hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature deaths reaching to eight million people globally. It estimates there are one billion people suffering from hypertension worldwide of which two-thirds are from developing countries like the Philippines. BAR-DA
A PPP initiative of the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte and the Bali Farms Crops Research Center (BFCRC) can make available increased seedlings of ubi, also called purple yam, year-round through tissue culture.
This will supply farmers with more adequate seedlings for ubi which according to VSU’s Philrootcrops can bring a net income to farmers of P185,000 per hectare per cropping on the first year. Income reached to P258,000 on the second year under recommended farming conditions.
Food entrepreneurs may also have better access to ubi as present supply cannot meet increasing demand for ubi as jam, puree, flavoring for ice cream and yogurt, and filling for hopia, cakes, pastries, and breads.
Flour and starch may also be produced from it-- products that can have industrial value-- while ubi’s strong purple color may make it important as food coloring or dye.
The VSU has agreed with BFCRC in Cagayan de Oro City, a commercial crops producer, on tissue culture use for ubi plantlets production.
“Production (of seedlings) is too seasonal— once a year from January to May. Tuber supply cannot meet market demand, (causing an) underdeveloped industry despite competitive edge,” according to VSU’s Dr. Villaluz Z. Acedo and Catherine C. Arradaza.
Tissue culture, the growing of tissues or cells separate from the organism in laboratories in order to produce plantlets, can remove pest and disease in the seedlings. It may produce planting materials in large volume and at a very rapid rate.
The tissue culture project of VSU won a bronze prize in the Bureau of Agricultural Research’s (BAR) National Research Symposium this year.
“We have a thrust to promote healthful products like ubi that will both raise income of farmers and provide consumers with products that have natural medicinal value,” according to BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
With its blue-purple pigment, ubi is also known to be rich in anthocyanin which is considered a flavonoid. It has potential beneficial health effects against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes, and bacterial infections.
A linkage between the private sector and public institutions on tissue culture is “vital to promote and sustain higher productivity and competitiveness of ubi as one of the country’s five banner export crops in propelling economic growth,” said VSU. It is further proposing with BAR a P4 million project to support development of the ubi industry.
“Scaling up studies are needed to establish the viability of the new seed system,” the root crops specialist said.
In its recommended tissue culture practice, monthly planting of ubi seedlings should be done to ensure year-round cropping.
VSU is proposing a seed system where private growers may produce their own seedlings on top of what VSU or other public institutions may produce.
“This saves ubi tubers for food and industry,” said VSU. “Tissue cultured purple yam can be planted year-round, although at certain months yield is low. Nutrient boosting showed great promise in increasing tuber yield.”
VSU earlier conducted from 2005 to 2010 at its Philrootcrops (Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center) tissue culture laboratory a study on the production of plantlets through tissue culture.
Nutrient boosting practice on the plantlets include spraying of calcium-based fertilizer at 2.5 grams per liter water and basal application of Triple 14 fertilizer.
The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development affirmed in a study the presence of PRP-1 (Philippine Rootcrops Protein 1), a novel anti-hypertensive protein isolated from ubi.
PRP-1 is found to have angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) which prevents conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a compound that causes blood pressure increase in the body.
This may make the locally-produced ubi a good source of alternative drug for the treatment of hypertension.
“The significant role of yam in human health could not be overemphasized. It can be used safely as a potential anti-hypertensive drug. And because it is a natural protein, it could be a valuable molecule in today’s health-conscious society,” said Dr. Edgardo E. Tulin of VSU’s Philrootcrops.
Entrepreneurial companies like La Union-based Sunlight Foods have found big economic value in indigenously-grown crops like ubi. It now supplies ubi puree to Red Ribbon and Gardenia, Chowking, Fitrite, Jollibee and Selecta.
“It exports bottled ubi preserves to Japan, Europe, United States, Canada and Middle East through consolidators,” reported AGribusinessweek.
The World Health Organization (WHO) itself has pushed for increased intake of natural food with anti-hypertensive content since commercial anti-hypertensive drugs are expensive.
“Hypertension or high blood pressure lead to organ damage and several illnesses such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, aneurysm or renal failure. That is why the WHO recommends and encourages the use of plants as an alternative treatment for the disease,” said PCHRD.
WHO indicated that hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature deaths reaching to eight million people globally. It estimates there are one billion people suffering from hypertension worldwide of which two-thirds are from developing countries like the Philippines. BAR-DA
Friday, December 16, 2011
Onion farmers ask DA to put off import permit issuance to spare Ilocos farmers red shallot harvest
Onion farmers have asked the Department of Agriculture (DA) to put off any issuance of import permit for onion as imports will be detrimental particularly to the December harvest of Ilocos farmers that is now reaching the market by around 10,000 bags.
The Sibuyas ng Pilipinas Ating Alagaan (SIPAG) has just submitted a data with DA showing a stable inventory of 500,000 bags (of 25 kilos each) of onion nationally. This is enough to supply the 350,000 bags of the country’s monthly consumption.
Ilocos farmers have a separate production of an estimated 10,000 bags for red shallots in December consisting of 4,000 bags from the north and 6,000 from the south.
“(DA) Secretary (Proceso) Alcala has been very supportive of our farmers. We understand that he has to hear others who want an import permit now. But we will be making Ilocos farmers sacrifice for us if imports are allowed now,” said SIPAG President Francisco Collado in a press briefing.
While government may be concerned about sufficiency of supply during the holiday season, SIPAG said price of onion has been relatively stable at P45 to P50 per kilo at farmgate for small onions and P55 to P60 per kilo for medium to big onions.
“Even if price becomes a little higher, our money just goes around the economy, from a farmer’s hand to another. But if we will just allow imports deliberately, it will be Chinese farmers that will benefit from it. That will not benefit our economy at all,” he said.
And even after Ilocos farmers will have been done with harvest by end-December, Collado said onion farmers in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija will start harvesting by January.
“WE don’t have a shortage because the older inventory are already running out, but harvest is already approaching,” he said.
SIPAG really takes the position that government should not at all allow anymore importation of onion in order to help this industry survive.
“How can we make the industry self-sufficient if we will allow importation everytime? Because of the imports, farmers are hesitant to plant. You’re giving him reason to stop planting because if imports arrive, local onion prices will be down,” he said.
SIPAG is concerned that containers with imported onion are already in port areas but just need import permits so that they may be taken out of the ports.
This unfortunate fate of the local onion industry is worsened by the poor shipping policy for the commodity between islands. This is in stark contract to the lax regulations on smuggled onions that flood the market through Mindanao ports.
“In Iloilo, they’re asking us to produce a quarantine permit to move our onions. But imported onion has been flooding us from Davao,” he said.
Farmers have already been happy about a good margin for their produce which is stabilizing at P35 per kilo since DA has been more strict in allowing issuance of import permits. But SIPAG has to be vigilant in asking government to sustain efforts to restrict imports since only a few people benefit from this importation through trading of import permits.
“The first one who gets an import permit can easily earn P500,000 just by trading on his import permit. When imports already start flooding the market and as price of onion goes down, an import permit may still be traded at P100,000 then P50,000,” said another SIPAG official.
One import permit involves 56 metric tons of onion. At a retail price of P100 per kilo, this involves a sale of P5.6 million.
Ilocos farmers have been pleading for government support since they have already lost their garlic industry to garlic imports from China and Taiwan. But the government should regulate the industry so as to protect the remaining onion industry even in Ilocos which produces shallot onions that have some special uses for salads and fresh dishes.
The onion industry is concerned that imported onion has been dismally proliferating in Mindanao so that some stocks have even been seen even in front of DA’s office in Davao. Melody Aguiba, PSciJourn Mega Manila
The Sibuyas ng Pilipinas Ating Alagaan (SIPAG) has just submitted a data with DA showing a stable inventory of 500,000 bags (of 25 kilos each) of onion nationally. This is enough to supply the 350,000 bags of the country’s monthly consumption.
Ilocos farmers have a separate production of an estimated 10,000 bags for red shallots in December consisting of 4,000 bags from the north and 6,000 from the south.
“(DA) Secretary (Proceso) Alcala has been very supportive of our farmers. We understand that he has to hear others who want an import permit now. But we will be making Ilocos farmers sacrifice for us if imports are allowed now,” said SIPAG President Francisco Collado in a press briefing.
While government may be concerned about sufficiency of supply during the holiday season, SIPAG said price of onion has been relatively stable at P45 to P50 per kilo at farmgate for small onions and P55 to P60 per kilo for medium to big onions.
“Even if price becomes a little higher, our money just goes around the economy, from a farmer’s hand to another. But if we will just allow imports deliberately, it will be Chinese farmers that will benefit from it. That will not benefit our economy at all,” he said.
And even after Ilocos farmers will have been done with harvest by end-December, Collado said onion farmers in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija will start harvesting by January.
“WE don’t have a shortage because the older inventory are already running out, but harvest is already approaching,” he said.
SIPAG really takes the position that government should not at all allow anymore importation of onion in order to help this industry survive.
“How can we make the industry self-sufficient if we will allow importation everytime? Because of the imports, farmers are hesitant to plant. You’re giving him reason to stop planting because if imports arrive, local onion prices will be down,” he said.
SIPAG is concerned that containers with imported onion are already in port areas but just need import permits so that they may be taken out of the ports.
This unfortunate fate of the local onion industry is worsened by the poor shipping policy for the commodity between islands. This is in stark contract to the lax regulations on smuggled onions that flood the market through Mindanao ports.
“In Iloilo, they’re asking us to produce a quarantine permit to move our onions. But imported onion has been flooding us from Davao,” he said.
Farmers have already been happy about a good margin for their produce which is stabilizing at P35 per kilo since DA has been more strict in allowing issuance of import permits. But SIPAG has to be vigilant in asking government to sustain efforts to restrict imports since only a few people benefit from this importation through trading of import permits.
“The first one who gets an import permit can easily earn P500,000 just by trading on his import permit. When imports already start flooding the market and as price of onion goes down, an import permit may still be traded at P100,000 then P50,000,” said another SIPAG official.
One import permit involves 56 metric tons of onion. At a retail price of P100 per kilo, this involves a sale of P5.6 million.
Ilocos farmers have been pleading for government support since they have already lost their garlic industry to garlic imports from China and Taiwan. But the government should regulate the industry so as to protect the remaining onion industry even in Ilocos which produces shallot onions that have some special uses for salads and fresh dishes.
The onion industry is concerned that imported onion has been dismally proliferating in Mindanao so that some stocks have even been seen even in front of DA’s office in Davao. Melody Aguiba, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Thursday, December 15, 2011
“Bench-type” distillery for ethanol production in Ilocos may lead to Philippines’ sweet sorghum ethanol mass production
A “bench-type” distillery that will process sweet sorghum into ethanol in Ilocos Norte is seen to pave the way to Philippines’ mass production of biofuel among smallhold farms which will create jobs in rural areas.
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region I has financed through its KR2 program the establishment of the village-type distillery that will use sweet sorghum as feedstock. NEDA has released P1 million for this pilot program.
Now in its commission, the distiller has a capacity of 50 liters per day, merely a pilot scale. However, the government has a vision of massively replicating it in a bigger scale.
“When they saw that it’s possible to put up this village-type distillery, NEDA saw the potential for sweet sorghum to create jobs in rural areas and create an industry since its low cost can enable its replication elsewhere,” said Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen, National Sweet Sorghum Program (NSSP) leader.
The bench-type distillery will initially produce hydrous ethanol which can already generate sales for two commercial products—disinfectant and moisturizer.
However, the long term goal is to produce fuel-grade anhydrous ethanol . NSSP is presently trying to find ways to make dehydration, or the process of removing water from the hydrous ethanol, cheaper compared to the present cost to produce fuel-grade ethanol.
By February 2012, the Bapamin Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC), together with its cooperator Bungon Seed Producers’ MPC will start milling the sweet sorghum for processing into ethanol.
Excess juice will be processed into syrup for longer storage which will be used for ethanol production during rainy days when milling of stalks is not convenient.
Ilocos farmers have already been planting sweet sorghum in Batac, Ilocos Norte over the last five years with the assistance of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) headed by its director, Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
Bapamin, headed by farmer Doris Bumanglag-Arcangel, has been selling food-grade syrup and vinegar in 66 outlets all over the country. They are currently planting on 65 hectares, but the target area is 100 hectares.
“They should already be harvesting by now, but their planting has been delayed by the unseasonal rains. By February (2012), we expect them to start milling as soon as the stalks are ready for harvest,” said Layaoen, also MMSU vice president for planning and extension.
Over the last five years, BAR has been funding field testing of sweet sorghum varieties in Ilocos and other sites in the vision to make Philippines less dependent on expensive, imported ethanol oil and generate rural jobs.
“Sweet sorghum is a good alternative to other ethanol feedstocks. It can stand alone as a life-giving crop to farmers in farflung areas because it is used to make many food products like juice and syrup. But we will maximize its economic value if we’re able to successfully produce ethanol from it,“ said Eleazar.
With more bench distillery in an area, farmers’ cooperatives may be able to produce 1,000 to 5,000 liters of hydrous ethanol per day.
An NSSP master plan being drafted indicates that from the collection of hydrous ethanol from the village level, this product should be transported to a Central Dehydrating Plant (CDP) which should be near a fuel depot.
At the CDP level, bigger processing firms are expected to participate in this potential industry that is hoped to be supported by many government agencies. More investments may be required at the CDP-fuel depot level.
BAR has obtained outstanding varieties of sweet sorghum through its partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). ICRISAT Director General William D. Dar is set to inaugurate the bench-type distillery in a turnover ceremony by Dec. 28, 2011.
The distillery has also been developed with the assistance from Department of Science and Technology through its Balik Scientist Dr. Sergio Capareda of the Texas University. Capareda designed the distilling column and guided its fabrication, while MMSU Material Science expert, Samuel S. Franco designed the furnace.
The NSSP already sees hope of Philippines’ commercial production of sweet sorghum ethanol as several large companies have positioned themselves for its processing. Among these are Seaoil’s Fuel Inc. and PNOC-Alternative Fuels Corp. (PNOC-AFC).
The Green Future Innovation Inc. (GFII) is also presently completing an ethanol plant in San Mariano, Isabela which will have a capacity of 250,000 liters per day. While its feedstock will primarily be sugarcane, it intends to use sweet sorghum as a complementary crop which may be used as feedstock in between sugarcane milling seasons.
Field trials have shown that farmers can achieve an average yield of 55 metric tons (MT) per hectare of sweet sorghum stalk and 4,500 kilos of grains per harvest.
There can be as much as three harvests from one planting in a year - - that is one seed crop (or from the one planted) and two ratoon crops.
At a cane price of P700 per MT and at P10 to P12 per kilo of seeds, farmers can earn a net income of P83,000 to P95,000 per cropping. If cane price goes up to P900 per MT, farmers can earn a net income of P103,000 to P115,000 per cropping.
Along with job-generating benefits, sweet sorghum ethanol production may generate for the country carbon emission reduction benefits.
It is estimated that bioethanol has the potential to generate jobs totaling to 179,386 by 2015 and 289,611 by 2020. It may also generate foreign exchange savings placed at $789.3 million in 2015 and $1.274 billion in 2020 based on an NSSP study. Melody Aguiba, PSciJourn Mega Manila
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region I has financed through its KR2 program the establishment of the village-type distillery that will use sweet sorghum as feedstock. NEDA has released P1 million for this pilot program.
Now in its commission, the distiller has a capacity of 50 liters per day, merely a pilot scale. However, the government has a vision of massively replicating it in a bigger scale.
“When they saw that it’s possible to put up this village-type distillery, NEDA saw the potential for sweet sorghum to create jobs in rural areas and create an industry since its low cost can enable its replication elsewhere,” said Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen, National Sweet Sorghum Program (NSSP) leader.
The bench-type distillery will initially produce hydrous ethanol which can already generate sales for two commercial products—disinfectant and moisturizer.
However, the long term goal is to produce fuel-grade anhydrous ethanol . NSSP is presently trying to find ways to make dehydration, or the process of removing water from the hydrous ethanol, cheaper compared to the present cost to produce fuel-grade ethanol.
By February 2012, the Bapamin Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC), together with its cooperator Bungon Seed Producers’ MPC will start milling the sweet sorghum for processing into ethanol.
Excess juice will be processed into syrup for longer storage which will be used for ethanol production during rainy days when milling of stalks is not convenient.
Ilocos farmers have already been planting sweet sorghum in Batac, Ilocos Norte over the last five years with the assistance of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) headed by its director, Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
Bapamin, headed by farmer Doris Bumanglag-Arcangel, has been selling food-grade syrup and vinegar in 66 outlets all over the country. They are currently planting on 65 hectares, but the target area is 100 hectares.
“They should already be harvesting by now, but their planting has been delayed by the unseasonal rains. By February (2012), we expect them to start milling as soon as the stalks are ready for harvest,” said Layaoen, also MMSU vice president for planning and extension.
Over the last five years, BAR has been funding field testing of sweet sorghum varieties in Ilocos and other sites in the vision to make Philippines less dependent on expensive, imported ethanol oil and generate rural jobs.
“Sweet sorghum is a good alternative to other ethanol feedstocks. It can stand alone as a life-giving crop to farmers in farflung areas because it is used to make many food products like juice and syrup. But we will maximize its economic value if we’re able to successfully produce ethanol from it,“ said Eleazar.
With more bench distillery in an area, farmers’ cooperatives may be able to produce 1,000 to 5,000 liters of hydrous ethanol per day.
An NSSP master plan being drafted indicates that from the collection of hydrous ethanol from the village level, this product should be transported to a Central Dehydrating Plant (CDP) which should be near a fuel depot.
At the CDP level, bigger processing firms are expected to participate in this potential industry that is hoped to be supported by many government agencies. More investments may be required at the CDP-fuel depot level.
BAR has obtained outstanding varieties of sweet sorghum through its partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). ICRISAT Director General William D. Dar is set to inaugurate the bench-type distillery in a turnover ceremony by Dec. 28, 2011.
The distillery has also been developed with the assistance from Department of Science and Technology through its Balik Scientist Dr. Sergio Capareda of the Texas University. Capareda designed the distilling column and guided its fabrication, while MMSU Material Science expert, Samuel S. Franco designed the furnace.
The NSSP already sees hope of Philippines’ commercial production of sweet sorghum ethanol as several large companies have positioned themselves for its processing. Among these are Seaoil’s Fuel Inc. and PNOC-Alternative Fuels Corp. (PNOC-AFC).
The Green Future Innovation Inc. (GFII) is also presently completing an ethanol plant in San Mariano, Isabela which will have a capacity of 250,000 liters per day. While its feedstock will primarily be sugarcane, it intends to use sweet sorghum as a complementary crop which may be used as feedstock in between sugarcane milling seasons.
Field trials have shown that farmers can achieve an average yield of 55 metric tons (MT) per hectare of sweet sorghum stalk and 4,500 kilos of grains per harvest.
There can be as much as three harvests from one planting in a year - - that is one seed crop (or from the one planted) and two ratoon crops.
At a cane price of P700 per MT and at P10 to P12 per kilo of seeds, farmers can earn a net income of P83,000 to P95,000 per cropping. If cane price goes up to P900 per MT, farmers can earn a net income of P103,000 to P115,000 per cropping.
Along with job-generating benefits, sweet sorghum ethanol production may generate for the country carbon emission reduction benefits.
It is estimated that bioethanol has the potential to generate jobs totaling to 179,386 by 2015 and 289,611 by 2020. It may also generate foreign exchange savings placed at $789.3 million in 2015 and $1.274 billion in 2020 based on an NSSP study. Melody Aguiba, PSciJourn Mega Manila
BSWM supports bill on soil and water management
With climate change posing a great threat to the agriculture sector, two lawmakers in the House of Representatives believe it is essential for the government to put into place a program that will help conserve the country’s precious water and soil resources.
Housebill No. 4468, which was filed by Representatives Sharon S. Garin of AAMBIS- OWA Partylist from Iloilo and Juan Edgardo M. Angara of Aurora, aims to help conserve water and soil resources in the country, by establishing within five years from the effectivity of the law 1,000 Soil and Water Conservation Guided Farms and 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems, among others.
The Bureau and Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is backing the passage of HB 4468.
“This bill is very timely because climate change threatens the country’s soil and water resources, and there is a need for programs to implement sustainable farming practices nationwide, and HB 4468 is a good direction towards that,” said BSWM Executive Director Dr. Silvino Tejada.
In its position paper submitted to the House Committee on Agriculture and Food headed by Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza, the BSWM said that “the proposed bill would provide a more definite and clearer financing mechanism that would ensure adequate, predictable and continuous funding support to the implementation of Sustainable Land Management strategies to address land degradation and drought.”
Under the proposed measure, the BSWM “shall prepare National Soil and Water Conservation Program subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.”
Tejada said that the 1,000 Soil and Water Conservation Guided Farms and 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems being proposed by the bill jives with the current programs of the BSWM.
The agency has been building small water impounding projects and small diversion dams, among others, that impound rainfall to irrigate farms.
“The passage of HB 4468 will facilitate the building of such facilities, which I believe will also make farming communities more aware of their role to help conserve precious soil and water resources,” Tejada added.
Under the proposed measure, the completed small-scale rainwater harvesting systems will be turned over to the concerned local government unit (LGU) upon completion. The LGU will then select a farmer and/or irrigator’s association to operate, manage and maintain the structures. Also present in the deliberation are Hon. Victorino Dennis M. Socrates, Vice Chairman, 2ndDistrict, Palawan, Hon. Angelo Palmones, AGHAM Partylist, Hon. Randy Ting, 3rd Cagayan Province, Hon. Cresente C. Paez Coop- NATTCO Partylist , Hon. Henry Pryde Teves, 3rd Negros Oriental.
HB 4468 also mandates the BWSM to provide technical support and assistance to LGUs in the preparation of Watershed Management Plan (WMP) in critical watershed areas that would host the small-scale rainwater harvesting systems.
Tejada said that the BWSM is prepared to undertake its role stipulated in HB 4468, since it is also the National Focal Agency in the Philippines for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Besides building small irrigation systems, among the other major programs of BSWM is the provision of technical assistance for the rehabilitation of watershed systems under the Mindanao Rural Development Program- Natural Resources Management (MRDP-NRM). Veron Hernandez, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Housebill No. 4468, which was filed by Representatives Sharon S. Garin of AAMBIS- OWA Partylist from Iloilo and Juan Edgardo M. Angara of Aurora, aims to help conserve water and soil resources in the country, by establishing within five years from the effectivity of the law 1,000 Soil and Water Conservation Guided Farms and 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems, among others.
The Bureau and Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is backing the passage of HB 4468.
“This bill is very timely because climate change threatens the country’s soil and water resources, and there is a need for programs to implement sustainable farming practices nationwide, and HB 4468 is a good direction towards that,” said BSWM Executive Director Dr. Silvino Tejada.
In its position paper submitted to the House Committee on Agriculture and Food headed by Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza, the BSWM said that “the proposed bill would provide a more definite and clearer financing mechanism that would ensure adequate, predictable and continuous funding support to the implementation of Sustainable Land Management strategies to address land degradation and drought.”
Under the proposed measure, the BSWM “shall prepare National Soil and Water Conservation Program subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.”
Tejada said that the 1,000 Soil and Water Conservation Guided Farms and 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems being proposed by the bill jives with the current programs of the BSWM.
The agency has been building small water impounding projects and small diversion dams, among others, that impound rainfall to irrigate farms.
“The passage of HB 4468 will facilitate the building of such facilities, which I believe will also make farming communities more aware of their role to help conserve precious soil and water resources,” Tejada added.
Under the proposed measure, the completed small-scale rainwater harvesting systems will be turned over to the concerned local government unit (LGU) upon completion. The LGU will then select a farmer and/or irrigator’s association to operate, manage and maintain the structures. Also present in the deliberation are Hon. Victorino Dennis M. Socrates, Vice Chairman, 2ndDistrict, Palawan, Hon. Angelo Palmones, AGHAM Partylist, Hon. Randy Ting, 3rd Cagayan Province, Hon. Cresente C. Paez Coop- NATTCO Partylist , Hon. Henry Pryde Teves, 3rd Negros Oriental.
HB 4468 also mandates the BWSM to provide technical support and assistance to LGUs in the preparation of Watershed Management Plan (WMP) in critical watershed areas that would host the small-scale rainwater harvesting systems.
Tejada said that the BWSM is prepared to undertake its role stipulated in HB 4468, since it is also the National Focal Agency in the Philippines for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Besides building small irrigation systems, among the other major programs of BSWM is the provision of technical assistance for the rehabilitation of watershed systems under the Mindanao Rural Development Program- Natural Resources Management (MRDP-NRM). Veron Hernandez, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Friday, December 9, 2011
3 Pinoys top Southeast Asian Contest, 4 other Pinoys get grant certificate
Three Filipinos bagged the top three prizes besting 149 other entries from Southeast Asian countries in 2011 SEARCA Photo Contest.
The winners were announced on November 21 during the 45th anniversary celebration of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) based in Los Banos, Laguna.
Danilo O. Victoriano, Jr., a multi-awarded photographer, won the prize. The second prize went to Samuel De Leon, a freelance graphic artist and photographer, and third prize to Nenita V. Desamero, chief science research specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute.
Victoriano’s first prize-winning entry, shows a grower inspecting a lettuce plant grown in a greenhouse while a worker waits holds out a tray of other lettuce plants. It won for him US$500. He said his photo depicts a productive urban garden which was transformed from a vacant lot by homeowners of Twinville Subdivision in Marikina.
The second prize-winning image showing “methodical farming employed by strawberry farmers of the La Trinidad highlands in Benguet won Samuel De Leon a cash prize of US$300. Desamero’s photo of researchers working in a rice field won for her US$200 as third prize. She said the image is of participatory rice variety development.
A special award was given to Armin Hari of the Indonesian Society for Social Transformation (INSIST) for her photo depicting an old farmer checking the irrigation channel in his paddy field in the highlands of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Armin Hari cinched the People’s Choice Award as a result of online voting via Facebook. It bested 14 other finalists for the special award, including the top three prize-winning images. The Indonesian photographer received US$100.
Two Filipinos and nine other Southeast Asians received their scholarship certificates for the school year 2011-2012 from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Los Banos-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
The certificates were awarded during the DAAD-SEARCA scholarship ceremonial handover hel at SEARCA on November 22, 2011 which coincided with the week-long celebration of SEARCA’s 45th anniversary.
The Filipino DAAD-SEARCA scholars are Queenie Ann L. Curayag (PhD in food science and technology) and Rey B. Lara (MA in urban and regional planning) who are enrolled at the University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB) and UP Diliman, respectively.
The other awardees include national of Indonesia (2), Myanmar (2), Thailand (1), Timor-Leste (4), and Vietnamese (2). Ten of them pursuing graduate programs at UPLB, while one is studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia in Selangor, Malaysia.
Ms. Natalie Lange, DAAD lecturer at UP Diliman, represented the Cultural Attache of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Jurgen Thomas Schrod. Also present were Philippine-based German academic staff Mr. Hening Bjoern Lange and Ms. Birte Petersen.
At present, the DAAD-SEARCA scholarship program has awarded a total of 332 graduate scholarships, and a number of these graduate alumni are now occupying leadership positions in various government and international institutions.
Meanwhile, two outstanding Filipino graduate alumni of SEARCA based here, were awarded the SEARCA Re-entry Program (REP) grant, which provides seed funds for their research projects.
Dr. Rusty G. Abanto, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean of the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) in Daet, Camarines Norte, received a grant for his project entitled “Modeling Ecological Solid-Waste Management” at the CNSC Labo Campus.
Also partially funded by CNSC and the Local Government of Labo, Abanto’s project aims to improve the solid-waste management system implemented in the school premises and shall model the ecological solid waste management as provided for in the RA 9003, otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
On the other hand, Ms. Aisa O. Manlosa, Instructor at the College of Arts and Sciences, Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City, is leading the study entitled “Flood Damage Assessment” at Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
Manlosa’ research aims to characterize flood events in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte in terms of frequency, timing, depth and inundation time; identity and map the flood hazard zones in the municipality.
Both grantees are expected to finish their projects by the middle of 2012.
The REP gives opportunities to SEARCA alumni who have just completed their graduate programs to enable them to implement projects or start a p[rogram that would immediately make use of knowledge and skills gained during their graduate studies to benefit their institution and home country.
Launched in 2009, the REP provides financial support of up to a maximum of US$5,000 to selected project proposals from SEARCA scholars who are in their last semester of study or had been graduated for a year.
Dr. Saguiguit thanked the German government for its generous support and contributions to human development in this part of the world.
Philippine government-hosted SEARCA, headed by Dir. Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., is the center for agriculture of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), of which the Philippines is a charter member. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
The winners were announced on November 21 during the 45th anniversary celebration of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) based in Los Banos, Laguna.
Danilo O. Victoriano, Jr., a multi-awarded photographer, won the prize. The second prize went to Samuel De Leon, a freelance graphic artist and photographer, and third prize to Nenita V. Desamero, chief science research specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute.
Victoriano’s first prize-winning entry, shows a grower inspecting a lettuce plant grown in a greenhouse while a worker waits holds out a tray of other lettuce plants. It won for him US$500. He said his photo depicts a productive urban garden which was transformed from a vacant lot by homeowners of Twinville Subdivision in Marikina.
The second prize-winning image showing “methodical farming employed by strawberry farmers of the La Trinidad highlands in Benguet won Samuel De Leon a cash prize of US$300. Desamero’s photo of researchers working in a rice field won for her US$200 as third prize. She said the image is of participatory rice variety development.
A special award was given to Armin Hari of the Indonesian Society for Social Transformation (INSIST) for her photo depicting an old farmer checking the irrigation channel in his paddy field in the highlands of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Armin Hari cinched the People’s Choice Award as a result of online voting via Facebook. It bested 14 other finalists for the special award, including the top three prize-winning images. The Indonesian photographer received US$100.
Two Filipinos and nine other Southeast Asians received their scholarship certificates for the school year 2011-2012 from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Los Banos-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
The certificates were awarded during the DAAD-SEARCA scholarship ceremonial handover hel at SEARCA on November 22, 2011 which coincided with the week-long celebration of SEARCA’s 45th anniversary.
The Filipino DAAD-SEARCA scholars are Queenie Ann L. Curayag (PhD in food science and technology) and Rey B. Lara (MA in urban and regional planning) who are enrolled at the University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB) and UP Diliman, respectively.
The other awardees include national of Indonesia (2), Myanmar (2), Thailand (1), Timor-Leste (4), and Vietnamese (2). Ten of them pursuing graduate programs at UPLB, while one is studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia in Selangor, Malaysia.
Ms. Natalie Lange, DAAD lecturer at UP Diliman, represented the Cultural Attache of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Jurgen Thomas Schrod. Also present were Philippine-based German academic staff Mr. Hening Bjoern Lange and Ms. Birte Petersen.
At present, the DAAD-SEARCA scholarship program has awarded a total of 332 graduate scholarships, and a number of these graduate alumni are now occupying leadership positions in various government and international institutions.
Meanwhile, two outstanding Filipino graduate alumni of SEARCA based here, were awarded the SEARCA Re-entry Program (REP) grant, which provides seed funds for their research projects.
Dr. Rusty G. Abanto, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean of the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) in Daet, Camarines Norte, received a grant for his project entitled “Modeling Ecological Solid-Waste Management” at the CNSC Labo Campus.
Also partially funded by CNSC and the Local Government of Labo, Abanto’s project aims to improve the solid-waste management system implemented in the school premises and shall model the ecological solid waste management as provided for in the RA 9003, otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
On the other hand, Ms. Aisa O. Manlosa, Instructor at the College of Arts and Sciences, Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City, is leading the study entitled “Flood Damage Assessment” at Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
Manlosa’ research aims to characterize flood events in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte in terms of frequency, timing, depth and inundation time; identity and map the flood hazard zones in the municipality.
Both grantees are expected to finish their projects by the middle of 2012.
The REP gives opportunities to SEARCA alumni who have just completed their graduate programs to enable them to implement projects or start a p[rogram that would immediately make use of knowledge and skills gained during their graduate studies to benefit their institution and home country.
Launched in 2009, the REP provides financial support of up to a maximum of US$5,000 to selected project proposals from SEARCA scholars who are in their last semester of study or had been graduated for a year.
Dr. Saguiguit thanked the German government for its generous support and contributions to human development in this part of the world.
Philippine government-hosted SEARCA, headed by Dir. Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., is the center for agriculture of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), of which the Philippines is a charter member. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
DA allots P500 M for Cordillera agri projects
The Department of Agriculture is allotting more than P500 million (M) to undertake various agricultural, irrigation and infrastructure projects in the six provinces of the Cordillera region, to further prop up its distinction as a major source of vegetables and other high value crops.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala committed the amount during his recent three-day (November 25-27) visit of the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Baguio City, where he monitored various projects, and dialogued with farmers and local officials.
The bulk of the fund, amounting to P268M mainly from the DA’s National Irrigation Administration (NIA), is allotted for the repair and rehabilitation of several irrigation systems in Ifugao, Mt. Province and Benguet that were damaged by recent typhoons, including some portions of the Ifugao rice terraces.
Of the total irrigation fund, NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel said P100M is earmarked for the Butigue irrigation system (IS) in Atok, Benguet, P40M for the Hapid IS in Lamut, Ifugao, P10 M to repair eroded and damaged portions, and reinforce the irrigation systems of the rice terraces at Batad town, and the rest of the amount will be used to repair communal irrigation systems and construct irrigation canals and road opening in other towns and province.
To restore the Ifugao rice terraces, he also committed an additional P20M from the DA-Cordillera region and national rice program to repair and upgrade other rice terraces in Banaue, Mayoyao, Hapao and Kiangan.
Secretary Alcala also committed to put up one village-type rice processing center in all six Cordillera provinces, worth P20M each, for a total of P120M. He also provided each province two four-wheel tractors, worth P48M, under a counterparting arrangement.
For his part, DA national rice program coordinator Dante Delima said the rice processing center in Ifugao will also feature a rice museum featuring the agricultural practices, farm implements, culture, and tradition of the mountain tribe responsible for carving the world famous Ifugao rice terraces. In particular, it will showcase upland rice varieties like tinawon, unoy, and ulikan.
DA Cordillera regional director Marilyn Sta. Catalina said the DA will also provide other production support totaling P47.8M, comprising of: six production centers of compost and bio-control agents, one for each province; 40 hand tractors with trailers; 120 head of carabaos with implements; establishment of fishponds and rice-fish culture paddies, six coffee seedling nurseries, and six greenhouses.
Director Delima said the DA will also provide P2M for the upgrading of a municipal agri trading center in Lamut, Ifugao.
In appreciation of the hundreds of farmers and local officials who attended and actively participated at the respective forums and town hall meetings during this three-day visit, Secretary Alcala raffled off as prizes, worth P2.6M, several farm equipment (hand tractors with trailer, hermetic cocoon grain storage, collapsible dryers, knapsack sprayers, and plotters), draft carabaos with implements, several dozens of farm animals (native pigs and chicken, rabbits, and upgraded goats); and registered and native rice seeds.
At Atok, in Benguet, he led the inauguration of a P3M municipal packing house and two agricultural tramlines at barangays Bocao and Bonglo to support the town’s production of cabbage, potato, lettuce, carrot, radish, garden peas, and cutflowers.
He also visited an Arabica coffee production center jointly operated by the Benguet State University and a private firm (Rocky Mountain Café) at barangay Longlong, La Trinidad, Benguet. DA Information Service
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala committed the amount during his recent three-day (November 25-27) visit of the provinces of Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Baguio City, where he monitored various projects, and dialogued with farmers and local officials.
The bulk of the fund, amounting to P268M mainly from the DA’s National Irrigation Administration (NIA), is allotted for the repair and rehabilitation of several irrigation systems in Ifugao, Mt. Province and Benguet that were damaged by recent typhoons, including some portions of the Ifugao rice terraces.
Of the total irrigation fund, NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel said P100M is earmarked for the Butigue irrigation system (IS) in Atok, Benguet, P40M for the Hapid IS in Lamut, Ifugao, P10 M to repair eroded and damaged portions, and reinforce the irrigation systems of the rice terraces at Batad town, and the rest of the amount will be used to repair communal irrigation systems and construct irrigation canals and road opening in other towns and province.
To restore the Ifugao rice terraces, he also committed an additional P20M from the DA-Cordillera region and national rice program to repair and upgrade other rice terraces in Banaue, Mayoyao, Hapao and Kiangan.
Secretary Alcala also committed to put up one village-type rice processing center in all six Cordillera provinces, worth P20M each, for a total of P120M. He also provided each province two four-wheel tractors, worth P48M, under a counterparting arrangement.
For his part, DA national rice program coordinator Dante Delima said the rice processing center in Ifugao will also feature a rice museum featuring the agricultural practices, farm implements, culture, and tradition of the mountain tribe responsible for carving the world famous Ifugao rice terraces. In particular, it will showcase upland rice varieties like tinawon, unoy, and ulikan.
DA Cordillera regional director Marilyn Sta. Catalina said the DA will also provide other production support totaling P47.8M, comprising of: six production centers of compost and bio-control agents, one for each province; 40 hand tractors with trailers; 120 head of carabaos with implements; establishment of fishponds and rice-fish culture paddies, six coffee seedling nurseries, and six greenhouses.
Director Delima said the DA will also provide P2M for the upgrading of a municipal agri trading center in Lamut, Ifugao.
In appreciation of the hundreds of farmers and local officials who attended and actively participated at the respective forums and town hall meetings during this three-day visit, Secretary Alcala raffled off as prizes, worth P2.6M, several farm equipment (hand tractors with trailer, hermetic cocoon grain storage, collapsible dryers, knapsack sprayers, and plotters), draft carabaos with implements, several dozens of farm animals (native pigs and chicken, rabbits, and upgraded goats); and registered and native rice seeds.
At Atok, in Benguet, he led the inauguration of a P3M municipal packing house and two agricultural tramlines at barangays Bocao and Bonglo to support the town’s production of cabbage, potato, lettuce, carrot, radish, garden peas, and cutflowers.
He also visited an Arabica coffee production center jointly operated by the Benguet State University and a private firm (Rocky Mountain Café) at barangay Longlong, La Trinidad, Benguet. DA Information Service
P-Noy’s Vow vs Corruption Bolsters Anti Sugar Smuggling
President Aquino’s pledge against corruption bolsters the recently unveiled Operation Hammerdown of the sugar industry. In his speech at the 75th anniversary of the NBI, P-Noy reiterated his stand to “aggressively hunt down corrupt officials” and made them accountable to the people.
This policy statement supports the objectives of Operation Hammerdown which is the sugar industry’s plan for crop year 2011 / 12 in addressing the smuggling problem.
As noted by Gen. Joel R. Goltiao (ret.), head of the Sugar Anti Smuggling Organization (SASO) in the launching of the anti smuggling program, the Operation even goes further by providing all the legal documentations in pinning down all the entities involved in sugar smuggling.
This time around, the plan targets the upstream components of the illegal activity while also tackling the downstream wholesaling and retailing of smuggled sugar in the domestic market.
Recently, SASO personnel uncovered attempts by individuals to facilitate the release of 54,900 bags smuggled sugar stocks confiscated last June 2011 in Meycauayan, Bulacan. The stocks are currently in a warehouse in Bulacan guarded by BoC personnel.
A similar attempt was reported to take effect the release from the Port of Manila 16 containers of smuggled sugar (about 8,000 bags) already declared as “abandoned” by the BoC officials of the port. All available information has already been forwarded to the government agencies concerned for their appropriate action. (DA-SRA)
Sugar Industry Launches Operation Hammerdown against Smuggling
The sugar industry recently launched Operation Hammerdown as its response to push its anti smuggling efforts to a higher level.
The Operation aims to pursue the prosecution of sugar smugglers by gathering documentary evidence for use by the legal officers of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in conjunction with the Bureau of Customs (BoC). Gen. Joel R. Goltiao (ret.) head of the Sugar Anti Smuggling Organization explains that this will be the focus of attention of SASO for the crop year 2011 / 12.
In the previous crop year, the SASO was preoccupied with intelligence and information gathering which were forwarded to the SRA and the BoC. These resulted in raids, apprehensions and seizures of smuggled sugar especially in the Ports of Manila and at the MICP.
Gen. Goltia says that this is a natural next step in order further discourage if not eliminate the illegal activity that has affected the livelihood of small farmers engaged in sugarcane farming. Small farms represent about 80% of all the sugarcane farms in the country.
Operation Hammerdown will be establishing connections with their foreign counterparts (especially in Thailand) as a proactive measure to identify illegal shipments even before the stocks arrive in the Philippines.
At the other end of the domestic marketing channel, wholesalers and retailers will also be closely watched in coordination with the LGUs and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Samples will be procured and analyzed at the SRA laboratories for possible imported sugar content. DA-SRA
This policy statement supports the objectives of Operation Hammerdown which is the sugar industry’s plan for crop year 2011 / 12 in addressing the smuggling problem.
As noted by Gen. Joel R. Goltiao (ret.), head of the Sugar Anti Smuggling Organization (SASO) in the launching of the anti smuggling program, the Operation even goes further by providing all the legal documentations in pinning down all the entities involved in sugar smuggling.
This time around, the plan targets the upstream components of the illegal activity while also tackling the downstream wholesaling and retailing of smuggled sugar in the domestic market.
Recently, SASO personnel uncovered attempts by individuals to facilitate the release of 54,900 bags smuggled sugar stocks confiscated last June 2011 in Meycauayan, Bulacan. The stocks are currently in a warehouse in Bulacan guarded by BoC personnel.
A similar attempt was reported to take effect the release from the Port of Manila 16 containers of smuggled sugar (about 8,000 bags) already declared as “abandoned” by the BoC officials of the port. All available information has already been forwarded to the government agencies concerned for their appropriate action. (DA-SRA)
Sugar Industry Launches Operation Hammerdown against Smuggling
The sugar industry recently launched Operation Hammerdown as its response to push its anti smuggling efforts to a higher level.
The Operation aims to pursue the prosecution of sugar smugglers by gathering documentary evidence for use by the legal officers of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in conjunction with the Bureau of Customs (BoC). Gen. Joel R. Goltiao (ret.) head of the Sugar Anti Smuggling Organization explains that this will be the focus of attention of SASO for the crop year 2011 / 12.
In the previous crop year, the SASO was preoccupied with intelligence and information gathering which were forwarded to the SRA and the BoC. These resulted in raids, apprehensions and seizures of smuggled sugar especially in the Ports of Manila and at the MICP.
Gen. Goltia says that this is a natural next step in order further discourage if not eliminate the illegal activity that has affected the livelihood of small farmers engaged in sugarcane farming. Small farms represent about 80% of all the sugarcane farms in the country.
Operation Hammerdown will be establishing connections with their foreign counterparts (especially in Thailand) as a proactive measure to identify illegal shipments even before the stocks arrive in the Philippines.
At the other end of the domestic marketing channel, wholesalers and retailers will also be closely watched in coordination with the LGUs and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Samples will be procured and analyzed at the SRA laboratories for possible imported sugar content. DA-SRA
DA-PhilMech eyes 156 more tramlines
The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) is eyeing the construction of more tramlines from 2012 to 2016 in addition to those that will be completed this year. A total of 107 tramlines are set to be completed before the end of this year, with 53 completed as of the middle of 2011.
For 2012 to 2016, DA-PhilMech is eyeing 156 more tramlines in various parts of the country, with each costing around P2 million for a span of one to two kilometers. Of the 156 tramlines to be built from 2012 to 2016, 89 will be established in Luzon.
While the DA-PhilMech has proposed around P312 million for the new tramlines, the cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) and farmer organizations is also needed for the maintenance and operation of the system. A concerned LGU can also help finance the construction of a tramline in its area. A tramline system usually spans one to two kilometers.
“The success of the tramline project, especially in the very mountainous areas, has been very encouraging. Transport costs for agricultural produce are reduced by half, post harvest losses are decreased and transport time is faster,” said DA-PhilMech Executive Director Ricardo L. Cachuela.
Based on DA-PhilMech field studies, the losses of transporting agricultural products transported by porters, horse or mules along mountainous areas reach as much 25%. With tramlines, postharvest losses are reduced to as low as 5% to 10%.
In transport costs, porters who usually use horses and mules to transport agricultural products through mountainous areas charge at least P10 per kilo. On the other hand, transporting with the use of tramlines costs P5 per kilo.
“Reduced transport cost and postharvest losses can easily translate into additional income for farmers,” Cachuela said.
He added that besides agricultural produce, the new tramlines can also be designed to carry a number of people, usually four. Tramlines are also be used to transport farm inputs like fertilizers and chemicals.
To date, DA-PhilMech has designed four prototypes of tramlines. The tramline project of DA-PhilMech dates back to the days when the agency was still the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE). BPRE became PhilMech in November 2009 with the issuance of Executive Order No. 366. Compared to BPRE, PhilMech has a more pronounced mandate to promote mechanization in the Philippine agriculture sector. DA-PhilMech
For 2012 to 2016, DA-PhilMech is eyeing 156 more tramlines in various parts of the country, with each costing around P2 million for a span of one to two kilometers. Of the 156 tramlines to be built from 2012 to 2016, 89 will be established in Luzon.
While the DA-PhilMech has proposed around P312 million for the new tramlines, the cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) and farmer organizations is also needed for the maintenance and operation of the system. A concerned LGU can also help finance the construction of a tramline in its area. A tramline system usually spans one to two kilometers.
“The success of the tramline project, especially in the very mountainous areas, has been very encouraging. Transport costs for agricultural produce are reduced by half, post harvest losses are decreased and transport time is faster,” said DA-PhilMech Executive Director Ricardo L. Cachuela.
Based on DA-PhilMech field studies, the losses of transporting agricultural products transported by porters, horse or mules along mountainous areas reach as much 25%. With tramlines, postharvest losses are reduced to as low as 5% to 10%.
In transport costs, porters who usually use horses and mules to transport agricultural products through mountainous areas charge at least P10 per kilo. On the other hand, transporting with the use of tramlines costs P5 per kilo.
“Reduced transport cost and postharvest losses can easily translate into additional income for farmers,” Cachuela said.
He added that besides agricultural produce, the new tramlines can also be designed to carry a number of people, usually four. Tramlines are also be used to transport farm inputs like fertilizers and chemicals.
To date, DA-PhilMech has designed four prototypes of tramlines. The tramline project of DA-PhilMech dates back to the days when the agency was still the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE). BPRE became PhilMech in November 2009 with the issuance of Executive Order No. 366. Compared to BPRE, PhilMech has a more pronounced mandate to promote mechanization in the Philippine agriculture sector. DA-PhilMech
DA allots P30M to restore Ifugao Rice Terraces
The Department of Agriculture is spearheading a P30-million national government initiative to restore the grandeur of the world-famous Ifugao Rice Terraces and maintain its status as a UNESCO ‘World Heritage’ site and one of the ‘Globally-Important Agricultural Heritage Systems’ or GIAHS as declared by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, in a November 25 meeting with local and national government officials at the Banaue Hotel, said the DA is allotting an initial P30M, of which P10 M from the DA’s National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will be used to repair eroded and damaged portions, and reinforce the irrigation systems of the rice terraces at Batad town.
The remaining P20M from the DA’s national rice program will be spent to reinforce and upgrade similar rice terraces in four other locations. These include the picturesque Banaue rice terraces that can be seen at the Dianara Viewpoint, and three other rice terraces in Mayoyao, Hapao and Kiangan.
“Kailangan nating lutasin ang problema ng rice terraces. Ito po ang utos ni Pangulong Aquino, kaya po ako nagpunta rito,” said Secretary Alcala during a meeting attended by Ifugao officials led by Governor Eugene Balitang, Representative Teodoro Baguilat Jr., and several municipal mayors.
He told them the DA is also allotting an additional P25 million to implement several agricultural projects via counterparting arrangement with the 11 municipalities and the provincial government of Ifugao.
For his part, Director Dante Delima, DA national rice program coordinator, said the DA extends its full support to restore the Ifugao rice terraces mainly because it is one of the country’s most important contributions to the FAO’s GIAHS.
The FAO cites the Ifugao rice terraces as “the country's only remaining highland mountain ecosystem, featuring the ingenuity of the Ifugaos, and a remarkable agricultural farming system which has retained the viability as well as the efficacy of the 2,000 year-old organic paddy farming.”
Director Delima said the continued viability of the rice terraces displays a strong relationship between culture and nature. Communal forests that support the rice terraces are unique examples of sustainable agricultural practices. More than just tourist attractions, the rice terraces also serve as food security and environmental conservation measure for the people.
Alongside restoring the grandeur and legacy of the rice terraces, Delima said the DA will procure from Ifugao and other Cordillera farmers’ heirloom or upland rice varieties that the DA will maintain, purify and propagate into starter seeds. These will be used for succeeding planting seasons at the rice terraces and other upland areas in the country.
Delima said the starter seeds will be distributed free to farmers, on condition that they pay back the DA in kind, at one and a half sacks for every sack of seeds given them. The collected seed payments will in turn serve as buffer stock for distribution to other farmers.
Through this program, native heirloom rice varieties like tinawon, unoy and ulikan are revived and sustained, Delima said.
He said producing heirloom rice is profitable because they are more expensive than lowland rice. This is despite the low yield of less than three tons per hectare.
He said the DA also plans to establish an upland rice processing center in Ifugao that will also feature a museum on traditional rice farming. Aside from enhancing rice production, the facility will also serve as a cultural and tourist attraction.
Meanwhile, the DA through National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has allotted P40 million to expand the Hapid irrigation system at Barangay Hapid in Lamut, Ifugao.
NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel said the amount will be used to construct a diversion dam that would double the present service area of 1,400 hectares to 2,800 hectares, thus benefiting more farm-families.
Once the project is completed, the NIA will provide a ‘seed fund’ of P1 million for the Hapid irrigators’ association for the maintenance of the irrigation system.
“The province of Ifugao offers vast agricultural potential. It plays a key role in our thrust for rice self-sufficiency. This will only be possible through the establishment of good irrigation systems like the one in Hapid,” Nangel told local officials and farmers during a forum in Lamut.
He said the NIA has set aside in 2012 a total of P105.7 million to maintain and repair several irrigation projects in Ifugao. DA Information Service
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, in a November 25 meeting with local and national government officials at the Banaue Hotel, said the DA is allotting an initial P30M, of which P10 M from the DA’s National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will be used to repair eroded and damaged portions, and reinforce the irrigation systems of the rice terraces at Batad town.
The remaining P20M from the DA’s national rice program will be spent to reinforce and upgrade similar rice terraces in four other locations. These include the picturesque Banaue rice terraces that can be seen at the Dianara Viewpoint, and three other rice terraces in Mayoyao, Hapao and Kiangan.
“Kailangan nating lutasin ang problema ng rice terraces. Ito po ang utos ni Pangulong Aquino, kaya po ako nagpunta rito,” said Secretary Alcala during a meeting attended by Ifugao officials led by Governor Eugene Balitang, Representative Teodoro Baguilat Jr., and several municipal mayors.
He told them the DA is also allotting an additional P25 million to implement several agricultural projects via counterparting arrangement with the 11 municipalities and the provincial government of Ifugao.
For his part, Director Dante Delima, DA national rice program coordinator, said the DA extends its full support to restore the Ifugao rice terraces mainly because it is one of the country’s most important contributions to the FAO’s GIAHS.
The FAO cites the Ifugao rice terraces as “the country's only remaining highland mountain ecosystem, featuring the ingenuity of the Ifugaos, and a remarkable agricultural farming system which has retained the viability as well as the efficacy of the 2,000 year-old organic paddy farming.”
Director Delima said the continued viability of the rice terraces displays a strong relationship between culture and nature. Communal forests that support the rice terraces are unique examples of sustainable agricultural practices. More than just tourist attractions, the rice terraces also serve as food security and environmental conservation measure for the people.
Alongside restoring the grandeur and legacy of the rice terraces, Delima said the DA will procure from Ifugao and other Cordillera farmers’ heirloom or upland rice varieties that the DA will maintain, purify and propagate into starter seeds. These will be used for succeeding planting seasons at the rice terraces and other upland areas in the country.
Delima said the starter seeds will be distributed free to farmers, on condition that they pay back the DA in kind, at one and a half sacks for every sack of seeds given them. The collected seed payments will in turn serve as buffer stock for distribution to other farmers.
Through this program, native heirloom rice varieties like tinawon, unoy and ulikan are revived and sustained, Delima said.
He said producing heirloom rice is profitable because they are more expensive than lowland rice. This is despite the low yield of less than three tons per hectare.
He said the DA also plans to establish an upland rice processing center in Ifugao that will also feature a museum on traditional rice farming. Aside from enhancing rice production, the facility will also serve as a cultural and tourist attraction.
Meanwhile, the DA through National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has allotted P40 million to expand the Hapid irrigation system at Barangay Hapid in Lamut, Ifugao.
NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel said the amount will be used to construct a diversion dam that would double the present service area of 1,400 hectares to 2,800 hectares, thus benefiting more farm-families.
Once the project is completed, the NIA will provide a ‘seed fund’ of P1 million for the Hapid irrigators’ association for the maintenance of the irrigation system.
“The province of Ifugao offers vast agricultural potential. It plays a key role in our thrust for rice self-sufficiency. This will only be possible through the establishment of good irrigation systems like the one in Hapid,” Nangel told local officials and farmers during a forum in Lamut.
He said the NIA has set aside in 2012 a total of P105.7 million to maintain and repair several irrigation projects in Ifugao. DA Information Service
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Research to cut vitamin A deficiency wins award
The research of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) on Golden Rice, a type of rice that could help reduce vitamin A deficiency in the country, wins the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act Best R&D Paper (Gold Award) in the basic research category during the 23rd National Research Symposium organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Bureau of Agricultural Research.
The research, Marker-Aided Transfer of Beta-Carotene Biosynthetic Genes (Golden Rice I) into two Philippine Rice Varieties, showed that trait of Golden Rice could be transferred to PSB Rc82 and NSIC Rc128 in lesser time and with minimal resources through the use of DNA markers in combination with traditional breeding. Golden Rice accumulates beta carotene, a source of vitamin A, in the grains.
Dr. Antonio A. Alfonso, project leader and the paper’s main author, said DNA markers are small segments of DNA used in tagging or marking certain genes or regions of the chromosomes.
In their study, Alfonso said the use of DNA markers helped his team in verifying whether the varieties being improved had successfully acquired the beta carotene as result of traditional breeding.
Alfonso, also director of the PhilRice-based DA-Crop Biotechnology Center, said the technique helped them in assuring that the agronomic traits, pest resistance, and grain quality of the original varieties are retained.
Selected local varieties are being improved to contain beta carotene to help reduce the about 190 million children and 19 million pregnant women suffering from vitamin A deficiency in the world. In Southeast Asia, World Health Organization statistics further show some 90 million children suffering from the deficiency.
In a 2009 study of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a cup or 150 g of raw Golden Rice, when cooked and eaten, could supply half of the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin A needed every day by adults.
Currently, Alfonso’s team is developing and evaluating Golden Rice2, the type of Golden Rice with significantly higher amount of beta carotene than the Golden Rice1 used in the study. PhilRice and the International Rice Research Institute are collaborating on the ongoing work.
“Golden Rice2 has up to 36 micrograms of beta carotene per gram of grains so it has high potential in improving vitamin A status,” Alfonso said.
Furthermore, Alfonso stressed that Golden Rice is also being evaluated to ensure that the beta carotene-fortified rice will be safe for health and to the environment.
“Golden Rice will only be available to the market if studies would prove its effectiveness in improving the vitamin A status of the consumers,” he said.
DA-PhilRice is a government-owned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding, cost-reducing, and environment-friendly technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. PhilRice
The research, Marker-Aided Transfer of Beta-Carotene Biosynthetic Genes (Golden Rice I) into two Philippine Rice Varieties, showed that trait of Golden Rice could be transferred to PSB Rc82 and NSIC Rc128 in lesser time and with minimal resources through the use of DNA markers in combination with traditional breeding. Golden Rice accumulates beta carotene, a source of vitamin A, in the grains.
Dr. Antonio A. Alfonso, project leader and the paper’s main author, said DNA markers are small segments of DNA used in tagging or marking certain genes or regions of the chromosomes.
In their study, Alfonso said the use of DNA markers helped his team in verifying whether the varieties being improved had successfully acquired the beta carotene as result of traditional breeding.
Alfonso, also director of the PhilRice-based DA-Crop Biotechnology Center, said the technique helped them in assuring that the agronomic traits, pest resistance, and grain quality of the original varieties are retained.
Selected local varieties are being improved to contain beta carotene to help reduce the about 190 million children and 19 million pregnant women suffering from vitamin A deficiency in the world. In Southeast Asia, World Health Organization statistics further show some 90 million children suffering from the deficiency.
In a 2009 study of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a cup or 150 g of raw Golden Rice, when cooked and eaten, could supply half of the Recommended Daily Allowance of vitamin A needed every day by adults.
Currently, Alfonso’s team is developing and evaluating Golden Rice2, the type of Golden Rice with significantly higher amount of beta carotene than the Golden Rice1 used in the study. PhilRice and the International Rice Research Institute are collaborating on the ongoing work.
“Golden Rice2 has up to 36 micrograms of beta carotene per gram of grains so it has high potential in improving vitamin A status,” Alfonso said.
Furthermore, Alfonso stressed that Golden Rice is also being evaluated to ensure that the beta carotene-fortified rice will be safe for health and to the environment.
“Golden Rice will only be available to the market if studies would prove its effectiveness in improving the vitamin A status of the consumers,” he said.
DA-PhilRice is a government-owned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding, cost-reducing, and environment-friendly technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. PhilRice
Tougher hybrid rice up for release
Hybrid rice, the varieties bred by crossing two rice plants with superior qualities, are being improved to survive environment stresses during the wet season, a researcher based in the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) announced in a recent field day conducted at Brgy. Catuguing, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.
“In the next two to three years, a new generation of hybrid rice will revolutionize the landscape of rice fields with the use of new tools in breeding and adaptability tests conducted across the country,” Dr. Alex T. Rigor, PhilRice’s Hybrid Rice Breeding team lead, said.
Rigor said that the types of hybrid rice being developed have thicker and stronger culm, better root system, moderate resistance to prevailing pests and diseases, and more dense panicles. These traits, according to Rigor, increase the hybrids’ yield potential in the wet season when the varieties are known to be susceptible to pests and diseases.
The program lead of PhilRice’s Developing Technologies to Surpass the Dry Season Irrigated Lowland Rice Plateau also reported that Mestiso 19 and Mestiso 20, hybrid rice varieties released in 2009, had recently registered a yield of 12 t/ha in the farmers’ field in Bohol and 11. 5 t/ha in Davao del Sur, respectively.
Despite the good harvest attained in said provinces, adaptability trials in some areas revealed that inbred varieties could perform equally or better than the hybrid rice.
In Brgy. Catuguing, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, where lines are being evaluated for their suitability in the locality, NSIC Rc240 (Tubigan 22) with line designation of PR31132, one of this year’s newly released inbred variety, showed outstanding performance during the wet season adaptability trial.
“I think this inbred variety could equal the yield of hybrid rice with its 200 grains. Normal number of grains is usually about 125,” Danilo C. Agabayani, a farmer in Vintar said in Iluko.
Rigor said farmers’ preference over inbred varieties in some localities calls for the need in producing location-specific recommendation for inbred and hybrid varieties.
“Adaptability tests are conducted across the country to bring newly-released rice varieties faster and closer to the farmers and to hasten adoption. Farmers also learn more about their characteristics such as crop stand, yield potential, height, maturity, tillering ability, and resistance to pests and diseases in their locality. Through this approach, wider perspectives on how lines or varieties perform in different locations are gathered,” Rigor explained.
PhilRice researchers conduct the Collaborative study on adaptability of newly released and promising inbred and hybrid rice in 36 sites across the country. To date, there are 44 hybrid varieties released in the Philippines, including 14 hybrids released this year.
DA-PhilRice is a government-owned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding, cost-reducing, and environment-friendly technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. PhilRice
“In the next two to three years, a new generation of hybrid rice will revolutionize the landscape of rice fields with the use of new tools in breeding and adaptability tests conducted across the country,” Dr. Alex T. Rigor, PhilRice’s Hybrid Rice Breeding team lead, said.
Rigor said that the types of hybrid rice being developed have thicker and stronger culm, better root system, moderate resistance to prevailing pests and diseases, and more dense panicles. These traits, according to Rigor, increase the hybrids’ yield potential in the wet season when the varieties are known to be susceptible to pests and diseases.
The program lead of PhilRice’s Developing Technologies to Surpass the Dry Season Irrigated Lowland Rice Plateau also reported that Mestiso 19 and Mestiso 20, hybrid rice varieties released in 2009, had recently registered a yield of 12 t/ha in the farmers’ field in Bohol and 11. 5 t/ha in Davao del Sur, respectively.
Despite the good harvest attained in said provinces, adaptability trials in some areas revealed that inbred varieties could perform equally or better than the hybrid rice.
In Brgy. Catuguing, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, where lines are being evaluated for their suitability in the locality, NSIC Rc240 (Tubigan 22) with line designation of PR31132, one of this year’s newly released inbred variety, showed outstanding performance during the wet season adaptability trial.
“I think this inbred variety could equal the yield of hybrid rice with its 200 grains. Normal number of grains is usually about 125,” Danilo C. Agabayani, a farmer in Vintar said in Iluko.
Rigor said farmers’ preference over inbred varieties in some localities calls for the need in producing location-specific recommendation for inbred and hybrid varieties.
“Adaptability tests are conducted across the country to bring newly-released rice varieties faster and closer to the farmers and to hasten adoption. Farmers also learn more about their characteristics such as crop stand, yield potential, height, maturity, tillering ability, and resistance to pests and diseases in their locality. Through this approach, wider perspectives on how lines or varieties perform in different locations are gathered,” Rigor explained.
PhilRice researchers conduct the Collaborative study on adaptability of newly released and promising inbred and hybrid rice in 36 sites across the country. To date, there are 44 hybrid varieties released in the Philippines, including 14 hybrids released this year.
DA-PhilRice is a government-owned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding, cost-reducing, and environment-friendly technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. PhilRice
Saturday, November 26, 2011
PhilRice has new deputies
Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr, executive director of PhilRice, appointed three deputy executive directors (DEDs), all engineers, who will help lead the attainment of the Institute’s goals and objectives.
Dr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado was appointed acting DED for administration. Drs. Manuel Jose Regalado and Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang were appointed deputies for research and development, respectively.
Tado, a two-time service awardee of the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers and patented a seed cleaner model, pioneered the creation of PhilRice’s Rice Engineering and Mechanization Center in 2009. Under his watch as branch manager in PhilRice Agusan, an 8-ha riceland adjacent to the station was acquired. He was a recipient of a number of scholarship grants such as the German Government Scholarship. He was also a researcher authoring and co-authoring more than 30 papers featured in journals and conferences.
Meanwhile, Regalado, a conferred Scientist I in 2009 by the Philippine Scientific Career System, was a former program leader of the Knowledge Management and Promotion Program and division head of the Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division for five years.
His research and projects on renewable energy, farm machine development, and windmill-pump system were recognized in local and international scientific journals and award giving-bodies. Regalado was also awarded as Outstanding Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Alumnus for Technology in the Agriculture category.
On the other hand, Quilang, who led his team to winning the Best Research and Development Division Award during his term as division head of the Agronomy, Soils, Plant Physiology Division, is concurrently the director of PhilRice’s Climate Change Center.
Quilang was also cited and recognized for his research on rice-based farming systems, water management, weather and climate, and geographic information system and remote sensing.
As DEDs, the engineers are expected to oversee and direct the major and supporting divisions under their respective programs to help the country attain rice self-sufficiency in 2013.
DA-PhilRice is a government-owned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding, cost-reducing, and environment-friendly technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. PhilRice
Dr. Caesar Joventino M. Tado was appointed acting DED for administration. Drs. Manuel Jose Regalado and Eduardo Jimmy P. Quilang were appointed deputies for research and development, respectively.
Tado, a two-time service awardee of the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers and patented a seed cleaner model, pioneered the creation of PhilRice’s Rice Engineering and Mechanization Center in 2009. Under his watch as branch manager in PhilRice Agusan, an 8-ha riceland adjacent to the station was acquired. He was a recipient of a number of scholarship grants such as the German Government Scholarship. He was also a researcher authoring and co-authoring more than 30 papers featured in journals and conferences.
Meanwhile, Regalado, a conferred Scientist I in 2009 by the Philippine Scientific Career System, was a former program leader of the Knowledge Management and Promotion Program and division head of the Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division for five years.
His research and projects on renewable energy, farm machine development, and windmill-pump system were recognized in local and international scientific journals and award giving-bodies. Regalado was also awarded as Outstanding Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Alumnus for Technology in the Agriculture category.
On the other hand, Quilang, who led his team to winning the Best Research and Development Division Award during his term as division head of the Agronomy, Soils, Plant Physiology Division, is concurrently the director of PhilRice’s Climate Change Center.
Quilang was also cited and recognized for his research on rice-based farming systems, water management, weather and climate, and geographic information system and remote sensing.
As DEDs, the engineers are expected to oversee and direct the major and supporting divisions under their respective programs to help the country attain rice self-sufficiency in 2013.
DA-PhilRice is a government-owned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding, cost-reducing, and environment-friendly technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos. PhilRice
DA-PCIC pays Luzon farmers initial P24-M crop insurance
The Department of Agriculture through the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (DA-PCIC) has paid an initial P24 million (M) as crop insurance to more than 2,700 Luzon farmers whose palay and corn crops were damaged by typhoons ‘Pedring’ and ‘Quiel.’
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and PCIC president Jovy Bernabe distributed the crop indemnity checks to farmer-beneficiaries during consultations with typhoon-affected farmers and local officials in Isabela, Bulacan and Pampanga, as part of the DA chief’s recent three-day visit of eight provinces in Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.
With the indemnity payments, Secretary Alcala said the insured farmers will be able to recover their losses and replant again, and participate in the DA’s Quick-Turn Around (QTA) scheme for irrigated areas and ratooning for rainfed areas.
For his part, Bernabe said the beneficiaries are mostly members of organized farmers’ cooperatives and groups, including irrigator’s associations.
The initial batch of recipients are mostly from Cauayan, Isabela, where 1,470 farmers received a total of P14.7M-worth of indemnity payment.
In San Luis, Pampanga, 901 farmers got P5M, while 358 farmers from Malolos, Bulacan received P4.3M in crop insurance payments.
The P24-M initial payment is part of the total P334M that the DA-PCIC will indemnify to farmers in Luzon who insured their rice, corn and fish stocks during the current main season, said Bernabe.
He assured farmers that the PCIC will process and pay their crop insurance claims in a speedy and efficient manner. The agency is fast-tracking indemnity payments to enable farmers recover their losses and replant again, Bernabe said. Norman Cajucom, Senior VP, PCIC, DA
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and PCIC president Jovy Bernabe distributed the crop indemnity checks to farmer-beneficiaries during consultations with typhoon-affected farmers and local officials in Isabela, Bulacan and Pampanga, as part of the DA chief’s recent three-day visit of eight provinces in Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon.
With the indemnity payments, Secretary Alcala said the insured farmers will be able to recover their losses and replant again, and participate in the DA’s Quick-Turn Around (QTA) scheme for irrigated areas and ratooning for rainfed areas.
For his part, Bernabe said the beneficiaries are mostly members of organized farmers’ cooperatives and groups, including irrigator’s associations.
The initial batch of recipients are mostly from Cauayan, Isabela, where 1,470 farmers received a total of P14.7M-worth of indemnity payment.
In San Luis, Pampanga, 901 farmers got P5M, while 358 farmers from Malolos, Bulacan received P4.3M in crop insurance payments.
The P24-M initial payment is part of the total P334M that the DA-PCIC will indemnify to farmers in Luzon who insured their rice, corn and fish stocks during the current main season, said Bernabe.
He assured farmers that the PCIC will process and pay their crop insurance claims in a speedy and efficient manner. The agency is fast-tracking indemnity payments to enable farmers recover their losses and replant again, Bernabe said. Norman Cajucom, Senior VP, PCIC, DA
DA-PhilMech eyes 156 more tramlines
The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech) is eyeing the construction of more tramlines from 2012 to 2016 in addition to those that will be completed this year. A total of 107 tramlines are set to be completed before the end of this year, with 53 completed as of the middle of 2011.
For 2012 to 2016, DA-PhilMech is eyeing 156 more tramlines in various parts of the country, with each costing around P2 million for a span of one to two kilometers. Of the 156 tramlines to be built from 2012 to 2016, 89 will be established in Luzon.
While the DA-PhilMech has proposed around P312 million for the new tramlines, the cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) and farmer organizations is also needed for the maintenance and operation of the system. A concerned LGU can also help finance the construction of a tramline in its area. A tramline system usually spans one to two kilometers.
“The success of the tramline project, especially in the very mountainous areas, has been very encouraging. Transport costs for agricultural produce are reduced by half, post harvest losses are decreased and transport time is faster,” said DA-PhilMech Executive Director Ricardo L. Cachuela.
Based on DA-PhilMech field studies, the losses of transporting agricultural products transported by porters, horse or mules along mountainous areas reach as much 25%. With tramlines, postharvest losses are reduced to as low as 5% to 10%.
In transport costs, porters who usually use horses and mules to transport agricultural products through mountainous areas charge at least P10 per kilo. On the other hand, transporting with the use of tramlines costs P5 per kilo.
“Reduced transport cost and postharvest losses can easily translate into additional income for farmers,” Cachuela said.
He added that besides agricultural produce, the new tramlines can also be designed to carry a number of people, usually four. Tramlines are also be used to transport farm inputs like fertilizers and chemicals.
To date, DA-PhilMech has designed four prototypes of tramlines. The tramline project of DA-PhilMech dates back to the days when the agency was still the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE). BPRE became PhilMech in November 2009 with the issuance of Executive Order No. 366. Compared to BPRE, PhilMech has a more pronounced mandate to promote mechanization in the Philippine agriculture sector. Dr. Rodolfo Estigoy, Director, Applied Communication Division, PhilMech, DA
For 2012 to 2016, DA-PhilMech is eyeing 156 more tramlines in various parts of the country, with each costing around P2 million for a span of one to two kilometers. Of the 156 tramlines to be built from 2012 to 2016, 89 will be established in Luzon.
While the DA-PhilMech has proposed around P312 million for the new tramlines, the cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) and farmer organizations is also needed for the maintenance and operation of the system. A concerned LGU can also help finance the construction of a tramline in its area. A tramline system usually spans one to two kilometers.
“The success of the tramline project, especially in the very mountainous areas, has been very encouraging. Transport costs for agricultural produce are reduced by half, post harvest losses are decreased and transport time is faster,” said DA-PhilMech Executive Director Ricardo L. Cachuela.
Based on DA-PhilMech field studies, the losses of transporting agricultural products transported by porters, horse or mules along mountainous areas reach as much 25%. With tramlines, postharvest losses are reduced to as low as 5% to 10%.
In transport costs, porters who usually use horses and mules to transport agricultural products through mountainous areas charge at least P10 per kilo. On the other hand, transporting with the use of tramlines costs P5 per kilo.
“Reduced transport cost and postharvest losses can easily translate into additional income for farmers,” Cachuela said.
He added that besides agricultural produce, the new tramlines can also be designed to carry a number of people, usually four. Tramlines are also be used to transport farm inputs like fertilizers and chemicals.
To date, DA-PhilMech has designed four prototypes of tramlines. The tramline project of DA-PhilMech dates back to the days when the agency was still the Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE). BPRE became PhilMech in November 2009 with the issuance of Executive Order No. 366. Compared to BPRE, PhilMech has a more pronounced mandate to promote mechanization in the Philippine agriculture sector. Dr. Rodolfo Estigoy, Director, Applied Communication Division, PhilMech, DA
DA-NIA to help repair Bulo Dam in Bulacan
The Department of Agriculture through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will help repair Bulo Dam (foreground), along Malibay River, in San Miguel, Bulacan, that was damaged by floodwaters due to typhoon ‘Pedring’ last September.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala visited the site November 9, leading a group of Bulacan local officials, led by 3rd District Representative Jonjon Mendoza, NIA officials led by administrator Antonio Nangel, and DA regional officials led by Director Andrew Villacorta. Under a scorching sun, the group trekked a makeshift footbridge and travelled through 2.4-kilometer of rough barangay road.
Secretary Alcala said the DA-NIA headed by Administrator Antonio Nangel of will initially conduct a topographic and hydrologic survey that will take four months, and thereafter come up with the appropriate design and estimated project cost.
It will collaborate with the Provincial Government of Bulacan, and departments of public works and highways (DPWH) and environment and natural resources (DENR) to construct the dam which may take two to three years to complete, according to NIA administrator Nangel.
The Bulo Dam serves 20 barangays in Bulacan, benefiting thousands of rice farmers and their families.
After inspecting Bulo Dam, Secretary Alcala presided over a farmers’ forum at the residence of Rep Mendoza, attended by about 500 farmers and local officials, led by San Miguel Mayor Roderick Tiongson.
After resolving their concerns and requests for assistance, Secretrary Alcala raffled off to lucky participants several units of farm equipment that included hand tractors with trailers, carabaos with farm implements, and water pump engine sets for shallow tubewells. DA
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala visited the site November 9, leading a group of Bulacan local officials, led by 3rd District Representative Jonjon Mendoza, NIA officials led by administrator Antonio Nangel, and DA regional officials led by Director Andrew Villacorta. Under a scorching sun, the group trekked a makeshift footbridge and travelled through 2.4-kilometer of rough barangay road.
Secretary Alcala said the DA-NIA headed by Administrator Antonio Nangel of will initially conduct a topographic and hydrologic survey that will take four months, and thereafter come up with the appropriate design and estimated project cost.
It will collaborate with the Provincial Government of Bulacan, and departments of public works and highways (DPWH) and environment and natural resources (DENR) to construct the dam which may take two to three years to complete, according to NIA administrator Nangel.
The Bulo Dam serves 20 barangays in Bulacan, benefiting thousands of rice farmers and their families.
After inspecting Bulo Dam, Secretary Alcala presided over a farmers’ forum at the residence of Rep Mendoza, attended by about 500 farmers and local officials, led by San Miguel Mayor Roderick Tiongson.
After resolving their concerns and requests for assistance, Secretrary Alcala raffled off to lucky participants several units of farm equipment that included hand tractors with trailers, carabaos with farm implements, and water pump engine sets for shallow tubewells. DA
Sec. Alcala leads harmonization of DA-LGU engagement
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is eyeing to further improve its partnership with the local government units.
Agriculture Sec. Proceso J. Alcala is set to lead the department’s harmonization of systems and procedures as it engages with its partner, the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the delivery of agriculture and fishery services.
The joint meeting of Regional Executive Directors and banner program coordinators from across the country aims to institutionalize a system that promotes a greater transparency in the implementation of DA’s programs and services.
The activity held recently at the Marco Polo in Davao City aimed to lay down strategies to improve delivery of services based on model programs.
The model program seen to achieve such objectives are the process flow and procedures of the department’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP).
MRDP, the poverty-alleviation initiative of the DA in Mindanao jointly funded by the World Bank, the national government and the local government units, aims to provide agribusiness opportunities and improve incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk and other vulnerable sectors of society.
The department has noted on the improvement of LGU and DA relation in terms of delivery of services and rural development objective in the past years of the programs implementation.
MRDP Program director Lealyn A. Ramos said she is happy that the department has noticed the great impact the Program has done in terms of creating improvements in rural development with strong partnership with the LGUs.
“Incorporating some of the program’s process flow and procedures would greatly enhance the current manner of DA-LGU engagement as partners of development while upholding stronger LGU participation, greater transparency and accountability,” said Ramos who is also the regional executive director of DA – regional field unit in Northern Mindanao (Region X).
In the span of four years since its launch in 2007, MRDP has introduced innovations efficient project and financial documentation, stronger information and advocacy drive, and in gaining broad-based support to rural development.
Part of the discussions during the meeting will be on the proposed Central Philippines Rural Development Program (CPRDP).
The multilateral financing institution World Bank (World Bank) has agreed to set aside $200 million to fund CPRDP that seeks to assist the government in implementing developmental projects in five regions in Southern Tagalog, Bicol and the Visayas.
Sec. Alcala said the CPRDP calls for implementing developmental projects in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas. Sherwin Manual , DA/MRDP
Agriculture Sec. Proceso J. Alcala is set to lead the department’s harmonization of systems and procedures as it engages with its partner, the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the delivery of agriculture and fishery services.
The joint meeting of Regional Executive Directors and banner program coordinators from across the country aims to institutionalize a system that promotes a greater transparency in the implementation of DA’s programs and services.
The activity held recently at the Marco Polo in Davao City aimed to lay down strategies to improve delivery of services based on model programs.
The model program seen to achieve such objectives are the process flow and procedures of the department’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP).
MRDP, the poverty-alleviation initiative of the DA in Mindanao jointly funded by the World Bank, the national government and the local government units, aims to provide agribusiness opportunities and improve incomes of small farmers and fisherfolk and other vulnerable sectors of society.
The department has noted on the improvement of LGU and DA relation in terms of delivery of services and rural development objective in the past years of the programs implementation.
MRDP Program director Lealyn A. Ramos said she is happy that the department has noticed the great impact the Program has done in terms of creating improvements in rural development with strong partnership with the LGUs.
“Incorporating some of the program’s process flow and procedures would greatly enhance the current manner of DA-LGU engagement as partners of development while upholding stronger LGU participation, greater transparency and accountability,” said Ramos who is also the regional executive director of DA – regional field unit in Northern Mindanao (Region X).
In the span of four years since its launch in 2007, MRDP has introduced innovations efficient project and financial documentation, stronger information and advocacy drive, and in gaining broad-based support to rural development.
Part of the discussions during the meeting will be on the proposed Central Philippines Rural Development Program (CPRDP).
The multilateral financing institution World Bank (World Bank) has agreed to set aside $200 million to fund CPRDP that seeks to assist the government in implementing developmental projects in five regions in Southern Tagalog, Bicol and the Visayas.
Sec. Alcala said the CPRDP calls for implementing developmental projects in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas. Sherwin Manual , DA/MRDP
DA chief cites MRDP as model in infra implementation
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala has cited the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) as model in implementation of agricultural infrastructure projects.
In his presentation of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposed budget for 2012 to House of Representatives appropriations committee, Alcala said MRDP can provide valuable insights in project implementation.
“Sa mga programa sa imprastruktura, maraming karanasan at aral tayong nahango sa pagpapatupad ng MRDP, na dati ay matumal ang implementasyon (In terms of infrastructure programs, we can draw a lot of lessons from MRDP implementation which from the start had experienced some delays but is now picking up).”
MRDP is a special project under the DA with funding assistance from World Bank, national government, and local government units. It aims to improve rural incomes and strengthen decentralization of delivery of basic agricultural services in covered towns across Mindanao.
“Kasama sa mga aral ay kung paano mapasigla ang partisipasyon ng mga LGUs (part of the lessons learned is how we can strengthen the participation of LGUs),” Alcala added.
He also commended MRDP for tapping the geotagging technology in making infrastructure projects more transparent and cost-efficient.
“Malaking tulong ang paggamit ng geotagging [sa project implementation] na gusto rin ng World Bank na gamitin rin sa ibang proyekto (Geotagging would be of big help [in project implementation] which the World Bank suggests to be done in other projects too,” he said.
“Nauunawaan natin kung may pagdududa pa rin tungkol sa maayos na paggamit ng pondong ipagkakatiwala sa DA. Sariwa pa sa alaala ang mga nakaraang katiwalian (We understand if the funds that will be entrusted to us will be clouded with doubts as the anomalies from the recent past is still fresh),” Alcala stressed.
He said use of geotagging is one way of making DA’s project implementation more transparent.
Geotagging is the process of adding geographical identification metadata to various media such as geotagged photos or video, websites, and SMS messages. In the case of MRDP, these data usually consist of coordinates of rural infrastructure projects such as access roads and water facilities.
“We are tapping this technology [geotagging] to help stakeholders find variety of location-specific information. For instance, we can avoid duplication of projects by checking through Google Earth the presence of other projects implemented in a particular area,” said MRDP program director Lealyn A. Ramos.
“This is one of the Program’s ways to support Secretary Alcala’s thrust of promoting transparency and good governance in our project implementation within DA,” she added.
Bulk of DA’s proposed budget of P61.73 billion for 2012 is allotted for investments in infrastructure projects such as irrigation at P27.1 billion and postharvest facilities and other related infrastructure at P11.28 billion. Other investments include production support at P4.86 billion and research and extension at P4.75 billion.
Alcala appealed to the lower house appropriation committee to support DA’s proposed budget for the agency to advance development of the country’s agriculture sector. Noel T. Provido, DA/MRDP
In his presentation of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposed budget for 2012 to House of Representatives appropriations committee, Alcala said MRDP can provide valuable insights in project implementation.
“Sa mga programa sa imprastruktura, maraming karanasan at aral tayong nahango sa pagpapatupad ng MRDP, na dati ay matumal ang implementasyon (In terms of infrastructure programs, we can draw a lot of lessons from MRDP implementation which from the start had experienced some delays but is now picking up).”
MRDP is a special project under the DA with funding assistance from World Bank, national government, and local government units. It aims to improve rural incomes and strengthen decentralization of delivery of basic agricultural services in covered towns across Mindanao.
“Kasama sa mga aral ay kung paano mapasigla ang partisipasyon ng mga LGUs (part of the lessons learned is how we can strengthen the participation of LGUs),” Alcala added.
He also commended MRDP for tapping the geotagging technology in making infrastructure projects more transparent and cost-efficient.
“Malaking tulong ang paggamit ng geotagging [sa project implementation] na gusto rin ng World Bank na gamitin rin sa ibang proyekto (Geotagging would be of big help [in project implementation] which the World Bank suggests to be done in other projects too,” he said.
“Nauunawaan natin kung may pagdududa pa rin tungkol sa maayos na paggamit ng pondong ipagkakatiwala sa DA. Sariwa pa sa alaala ang mga nakaraang katiwalian (We understand if the funds that will be entrusted to us will be clouded with doubts as the anomalies from the recent past is still fresh),” Alcala stressed.
He said use of geotagging is one way of making DA’s project implementation more transparent.
Geotagging is the process of adding geographical identification metadata to various media such as geotagged photos or video, websites, and SMS messages. In the case of MRDP, these data usually consist of coordinates of rural infrastructure projects such as access roads and water facilities.
“We are tapping this technology [geotagging] to help stakeholders find variety of location-specific information. For instance, we can avoid duplication of projects by checking through Google Earth the presence of other projects implemented in a particular area,” said MRDP program director Lealyn A. Ramos.
“This is one of the Program’s ways to support Secretary Alcala’s thrust of promoting transparency and good governance in our project implementation within DA,” she added.
Bulk of DA’s proposed budget of P61.73 billion for 2012 is allotted for investments in infrastructure projects such as irrigation at P27.1 billion and postharvest facilities and other related infrastructure at P11.28 billion. Other investments include production support at P4.86 billion and research and extension at P4.75 billion.
Alcala appealed to the lower house appropriation committee to support DA’s proposed budget for the agency to advance development of the country’s agriculture sector. Noel T. Provido, DA/MRDP
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