Vol. XXVI No.

12

A monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture

December 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 three-day (November 25-27) visit in 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 DAs 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 Upper Butigue Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Paracelis, Mt. Province; 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 IS and construct irrigation canals and road opening in other towns and province. To restore the Ifugao rice terraces, Secretary Alcala 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. He said the DA will also put up one village-type rice processing center in all Cordillera provinces, worth P20M each, for a total of P120M. During his visit, he also provided each province two four-wheel tractors, worth P48M, under a counterparting arrangement. DA national rice program coordinator Dante Delima said the rice processing center in Ifugao will also feature a rice museum showcasing the agricultural practices, farm implements, culture, and tradition of the mountain tribe respon(Pls turn to p4)

The DA is allotting an initial P30M to repair eroded and typhoondamaged portions of the Banaue Rice Terraces and restore its grandeur as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (3rd from left) made the commitment during his visit in Ifugao, where he also led a ceremonial stocking of tilapia and Japanese loach, locally known as yu-yu, in one of rice-fish paddies. The DA is promoting rice-fish culture to revive the organic way of producing native or heirloom rice varieties. Also shown are Ifugao Governor Eugene Balitang (middle) and DA Cordillera regional director Marilyn Sta. Catalina.

Phl to import 500,000 MT in 2012

The country will import an initial 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice in 2012. Of the total volume, Sec. Proceso J. Alcala said government will allow the private sector and farmers groups to import 250,000 MT each. Alcala added that the government has enough funds to buy more palay this current dry season and main harvest season next year. He added that the NFA will concentrate on local palay procurement, as it has yet adequate rice and palay stocks in its warehouses. The DA expects a good harvest this dry season due to the Quick-Turn-Around (QTA) and ratooning initiatives. These were undertaken by the DA in partnership with farmers groups and local government units to offset palay losses totaling 700,000 MT due to typhoons Pedring and Quiel last September. This year, the country exported a total of 860,000 MT, which is one-third of the 2.4 million MT imported in 2010. Of this years total volume, 600,000 MT was imported by the private sector, 200,000 MT by the NFA, and 60,000 MT by farmers groups. Alcala said the DA will ensure that the country has enough buffer stock next year, particularly having a 90-day buffer stock by June 30, 2012, going into the traditional lean months of July to September.

Lady farmer, barangay chief lead 2011 Gawad Saka national winners
A lady farmer from Davao del Norte and a farmer turned barangay official from Leyte lead this years Gawad Saka outstanding achievers in agriculture and fisheries. For her feat in transforming their familys five-hectare farmlot into a productive rice-based enterprise, producing an average of seven tons of palay per hectare, along with other products like banana, coconut and tilapia, Anna C. Cagulada, 47, of Dujali, Davao del Norte, is chosen as the 2011 Gawad Saka outstanding integrated rice farmer. Sixty-three year-old barangay chairman Alfredo Q. Roble of Valencia, Ormoc City, has managed to harvest up to 12 tons of palay per hectare from his two ha. farm, enabling him to clinch the outstanding hybrid rice farmer award. For their respective accomplishments, Cagulada and Roble were awarded by President
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DA earmarks P500-M for small irrigation

The Department of Agriculture is setting aside P500 million next year to construct small scale irrigation projects (SSIPs) all over the country to contribute to food staple sufficiency efforts of the government. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala made the commitment during the two-day 1st National Summit for Small Scale Irrigation Projects (SSIPs) attended
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Masaganang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon!

M E S SAGE
Laging pinaka-masiglang bahagi ng taon ang Disyembre. Dahil sa Pasko, maingay at makulay ang paligid. Lahat ay abala sa paghahanda sa okasyon kasama ang pamilya, kaibigan at iba pang mahal sa buhay. Ang Pasko ay pagdiriwang sa Kapangakan ni Hesu Kristo. Kaya naman, sa gitna ng ating pagsasaya, huwag sanang malimutan ang tunay na diwa nito: Pagmamahalan, Pagkakapatawaran at Pasasalamat. At dahil hudyat rin ang Pasko sa parating na pagpapalit ng taon, maging pagkakataon rin sana ito ng pagninilay sa ating mga nagawa ngayong 2011. Ipinaabot ko ang aking taus-pusong pagbati sa lahat mga kaibigan at kasama sa Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka, mga katuwang mula sa lokal na pamahalaan, pribadong sektor, NGOs at POs, at iba pang ahensya ng gobyerno, at higit sa lahat, mga magsasaka at mangingisda. Naway maging mas makabuluhan ang 2012 para sa ating lahat. Dalangin ko ating magandang kalusugan upang mas marami pa tayong pagtutulungang gawin. Sa ngalan ng aking pamilya, binabati ko kayo ng Isang Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon! pagtutulungang gawin. Proceso J. Alcala Kalihim Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka

The DA will allot P500 million next year to establish nationwide hundreds of small irrigation projects that are more cost-efficient, faster to construct, and easier to maintain and manage. This was announced by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (inset, left) during the 1st National Summit for Small Scale Irrigation Project, November 24, 2011, at the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), attended by farmer-leaders of small water irrigation system associations (SWISAs) and local officials. Also shown (from left) are DA rice program national coordinator Director Dante Delima, Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio, and Director Silvino Tejada of the DABSWM which oversees the construction of small irrigation projects.

DA earmarks P500-M ...

by small irrigators at the DABSWM convention hall in Quezon City. He said the DA will pursue construction of SSIPs to complement large-scale national irrigation projects spearheaded by the National Irrigation Administration. Mahalaga ang maliliit na irrigation systems dahil hindi na kailangang gumastos ng bilyong pisong halaga para makinabang ang mga sakahang may 25 to 100 hectares ang laki. Mabilis din itong mapapagana sa loob lamang ng 3 to 6 months, Alcala said. He said SSIPs also serve as rainwater harvesting facilities during dry months and erosion control mechanisms during the rainy season. Bureau of Soils and W ater Management (BSWM) Director Silvino Tejada said SSIPs prolong the effective crop-growing period in areas with dry seasons and permit double cropping. Since 2001, the DA-BSW M has constructed a total of 114 small water impounding projects (SW IPs) and Small Diversion Dams (SDDs). A SWIP is a water-harvesting and storage structure consisting of an earth dam about 5 to 15 meters high, a spillway, outlet works, and canal, serving 50

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hectares per project and costing about P150,000 per hectare. On the other hand, an SDD is a concrete or rock-filled structure built across rivers or channels to control the flow of water from its source. It is composed of a concrete dam, with an outlet that controls the release of impounded water, and canal facilities. The BSWM has also distributed a total of 426 pump and engine sets for shallow tube wells (STWs), pump irrigation system from open sources (PISOS) and small farm reservoirs (SFRs), benefitting 5,500 farmers, tilling over 8,100 hectares of rain-fed farmlands, Tejada said. STWs are wells equipped with diesel-engine pumps that suck water from shallow aquifers, while PISOS involve lifting water from rivers, streams or marshes. SFRs on the other hand, are earth dams that collect rainfall and run-off water for use in single farms. The Summit was held to reactivate interest in pursuing small irrigation systems and identify key issues and concerns that would serve as inputs to determine proper government interventions, and organize a national federation of small water irrigation system associations.

is published monthly by the Department of Agriculture Information Service, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City. Tel. nos. 9288762 loc 2148, 2150, 2155, 2156 or 2184; 9204080 or tel/fax 9280588. This issue is available in PDF file. For copies, please send requests via email: da_afis@yahoo.com.

Editor-In-Chief : Noel O. Reyes Associate Editors: Karenina Salazar, Cheryl C. Suarez & Adam Borja Writers: Adora D. Rodriguez, Jo Anne Grace B. Pera, Arlhene S. Carro, Bethzaida Bustamante, Mc. Bien Saint Garcia, Jay Ilagan, Catherine Nanta Contributors: DA-RFU Info Officers, Public Info Officers and Staff of DA Bureaus, Attached Agencies & Corporations, Foreign-Assisted Projects Photographers: Jose Lucas, Alan Jay Jacalan, & Kathrino Resurreccion Lay-out Artist: Bethzaida Bustamante Printing & Circulation: Teresita Abejar & PCES Staff

DA confident on growth of PHLs coffee industry

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala is confident that the countrys coffee industry will grow, dismissing observations it is headed downhill. Speaking at the 2nd Philippine Investors Forum at the Marco Polo in Davao City, Alcala cited the impressive performance of the industry particularly in Mindanao. SOCKSARGEN and the Davao Region are the Philippines top coffee producing regions based on the Department of Agriculture (DA) record. Edith de Leon, head of Corporate Affairs and senior vice president of Nestle Philippines, the biggest buyer of green coffee in the country, said four of the top five coffee producers in the Philippines are in Sultan Kudarat and Davao region, while the others are in Cavite. Alcala said with the volume of produce and the high demand for coffee, government together with the coffee investors and major markets including Nestle Philippines are aggressively implementing the necessary interventions to improve the countrys current volume of coffee produce. The decline of the coffee industry in Mindanao was caused by the shift from cofee to banana in Mindanao and SOCKSARGEN. Alcala said the result of production although lower than the annual demand in Mindanao is not an indicator that the coffee industry nosedived. The DA has projected a 5-percent growth rate in the countrys 2012 and beyond coffee production, with the interventions being made by the government and private sectors. The ambitious projection is based on the growth rate obtained from January to September 2011 of -7 percent compared to same period of 2010 of -2 percent. DA is making available 1.3 million coffee planting materials for 3,000 hectares of land by 2012.

DA aims for more banana chip exports, crafts saba roadmap. The Philippines is emerging as

a major producer of world-class banana chips, as exports have increased geometrically reaching $48 million in 2009. Philippine banana chips are exported to the USA, Japan, UK, Germany, Australia, South Korea, China, Vietnam, Russia, and former eastern bloc countries. To sustain the production of cardaba banana and further increase exports of banana chips, Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (above, middle) urged farmer-leaders as well as banana chips processors and exporters to band together and help the DA craft a medium-term industry roadmap in partnership with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), and Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS). Joining him during a recent banana industry stakeholders meeting at the DA central office in Quezon City are AMAS director Leandro Gazmin and BAFPS director Angelina A. Bondad.

Govt & private sector cooperate to control banana disease

The government and the private sector have joined hands to control a plant disease that has been threatening to devastate the local banana industry. Representatives of government research and development (R&D) institutions, an international agency, and the banana industry recently discussed short- and long-term strategies to fight the Panama disease or Fusarium wilt, which has been adversely affecting banana plantations in Mindanao Represented in the dialogue were the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA), Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOSTPCAARRD), Bioversity International (BI), Pontmain Resources Inc., and Techno-Market Consolidators Inc. Among the immediate steps recommended to neutralize Fusarium wilt are early detection, monitoring and eradication. Farmers will be trained to recognize the diseases symptoms early so that infected plants can be immediately eradicated to prevent spread of the disease. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that causes affected plants to get stunted, wilt, and produce dry hanging leaves. It was first reported in Panama in the 1890s, destroying more than 40,000 hectares of banana plants in Central and South America over a period of 50 years. The disease has since found its way to other countries. There are four known races of Foc: Races 1, 2, 3 and 4. In the Philippines, occurrence of the disease is caused by Races 1 and 2, and recently by Tropical Race 4 (TR4). Foc infection in Cavendish banana has been reported in the country as early as the 1970s. Surveys done in various parts of the country in 2011 showed the presence of TR4 in Mindanao, prompting PBGEA executive director Stephen Antig to issue a press statement last October on Fusarium wilts threat to the banana industry. Government and private entities have been adopting R&D measures to save the industry from further depradation of Fusarium wilt.

DA eyeing uraro as wheat substitute

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala is studying the possibility of using arrowroot or uraro as substitute for wheat flour to save the country from wheat imports that amount to $200 million annually. He said the DA is looking into the expanded cultivation of uraro and creatively utilize a unique community participation technique to increase the yield of tubers. DAs Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) in Catanauan, Quezon is set to produce eight metric tons of uraro, twice the average yield of 4 metric tons per hectare. The uraro area in Quezon has reached to 220 hectares.
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December 2011

DA eyeing uraro as wheat ...

Its markets include Bulacan, Tayabas in Quezon, Laguna, and Marinduque. Rosemarie Bautista-Olfato, assistant manager for technical programs of the DAs Southern Tagalog Integrated Agricultural Research Center (STIARC), said that uraro can be produced anywhere in the Philippines for as long as there is enough moisture. W ith our program to raise farmers sense of ownership in the project, were able to help them realize that agriculture can be a lucrative business, she added. Technology interventions in the program include land preparation as farmers begin plowing and harrowing their soil, unlike in previous planting where no land preparation was practiced; the use of new planting stock each season, unlike the use of the same old stock prior to the program; and cutting of top leaves and excess roots before planting. STIARC, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has committed to give an extractor an equipment that recovers the starch

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Sec. Procy Alcala (2nd from right) inspects cabbages at a farm in Atok, Benguet, a major source of other upland vegetables such as potatoes, lettuce, carrots, radish, garden peas and cutflowers. With him from left are Atok municipal mayor Peter Alos, Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan, and NIA administrator Antonio Nangel.

DA allots 500M ...

(from p1) sible 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 provide P2M for the upgrading of a municipal agri-trading center in Lamut, Ifugao. At Atok, in Benguet, Alcala led the inauguration of a P3M municipal packing house and two agricultural tramlines at barangays Bocao and Bonglo to support the towns production of cabbage, potato, lettuce, carrot, radish, garden peas, and cutflowers.

He also visited an Arabica cof fee production center jointly operated by the Benguet State University and a private firm (Rocky Mountain Caf) at barangay Longlong, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Lady farmer ...

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Benigno S. Aquino III and Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala in simple ceremonies, on December 13, 2011, at Heroes Hall, Malacaang, along with the 21 other 2011 Gawad Saka awardees. Cagulada, Robles and 12 other national individual winners received a Presidential trophy and citation, plus a cash award of P100,000 each. Nine winning groups in their respective categories, were also awarded a Presidential trophy and citation, and cash prize or proj ect grant, ranging from P100,000 to P1 million. (The other 2011 Gawad Saka national awardees and respective success stories are on pp 7-12.)

from the tuber to Catanauan farmers, said Olfato. The center will also provide for a hammer mill so that farmers will generate more flour, she added, while the Provincial Agriculturist Office of Quezon will also grant a cabinet type-drying facility. A major government intervention for increased arrowroot production is the use of organic fertilizer. At present, Catanauans uraro produces only starch. However, with processing interventions, it will subsequently produce flour. The starch is now branded in the market as Catanauans All Natural Arrowroot Starch, explains Olfato. While the end-product from uraro at present is mainly cookies, Olfato said that with a product development program, STIARC can expand products to baby food and starch-based food for adolescents with digestion problems. Our product is favored by our customers because of its color, purity, and consistency, said Olfato.

Farmers Contact Center Ang Inyong Kaagapay sa Usaping Agrikultura

Call: 1800-10-982AGRI (or 1800-10-9822474)-for provincial toll-free calls 02-982-AGRI (or 982-2474)-for Metro Manila 0920-946AGRI (0920-9462474) for mobile calls Text: 391DA (or 391-32) for Smart and Talk N Text subscribers 0920-946AGRI (0920-9462474) for Globe, TM and Sun Cellular subscribers Email: info@e-extension.gov.ph For the Nutrient Manager for Rice (NMRiceMobile): Call 2378 for Globe Subscribers For Market Information: www.afmis.da.gov.ph Official Website: www.da.gov.ph, www.e-extension.gov.ph

Sec. Procy Alcala was adopted as a son of the Mt. Province, with the name Am-Fhunun, which means earth-keeper, and namesake of a previous chieftain who led his people in building the rice terraces. Photo shows Alcala wearing a Pinagpagan blanket, symbolizing royalty and authority; a Sangi bagpack, which contains basic provisions like native rice, bugnay wine and oranges; a Suklong head dress; while holding a spear and a shield. Standing proudly as his godfathers are Mt. Province Governor Leonardo Mayaen (left) and Representative Maximo Dalog Sr.

NTA slashes fees, interest charges on tobacco farmers

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) slashed by half the processing fees and interest payments of tobacco farmers availing of production assistance under the Tobacco Contract Growing System. During its 10th special meeting, the NTA Board of Directors approved the cut in the one-time processing fee from 2 percent to 1 percent, and the monthly interest rate of 1 percent to 0.5 percent beginning cropping season 2011-2012. The reduction is in line with President Benigno Aquinos commitment to transformational leadership, particularly in treating farmers and rural enterprises as vital to achieving food security and more equitable economic growth, worthy of reinvestment for sustained productivity, the NTA said in a statement. The NTA board approved the reduction based on the charter of the defunct Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration, which authorized the provision of financial assistance to tobacco farmers under Republic Act 2265. The said power was inherited by NTA by virtue of Executive Order (EO) 116 and reiterated under EO 245, the present charter of the NTA. The primary purpose of the financial assistance is to facilitate, accelerate the transfer to, and adoption by farmers of prescribed production technologies, under its market-driven quality tobacco production, addressing both quality requirements for domestic manufacturing and exports, the NTA said. More than lessening the burden for the cost on the financial assistance extended, the adoption of prescribed technologies under the close supervision of the Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer will benefit the farmers in terms of increased yield and better leaf quality, the agency said.

Sugar industry launches Operation Hammerdown

The sugar industry is embarking on Operation Hammerdown as it intensifies its anti-smuggling effort. The operation will 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 (SASO) said that the anti-smuggling crackdown would focus attention for the crop year 20112012. 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 Manila International Container Port (MICP). According to Gen. Goltia, the operation is a natural next step to further discourage, if not to eliminate the illegal activity that is affecting the livelihood of small farmers engaged in sugarcane farming. Small farms represent about 80 percent of all the sugarcane farms in the country. Operation Hammerdown will establish connections with their foreign counterparts (especially 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 content. In Bacolod City, the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP) is requesting the SRA to reduce the present allocation for B (domestic) sugar, citing a big drop in the prices of domestic sugar in the market. (The Philippine Star)

DA Chief opens new quarantine office at Manila North Harbor. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (left) and Bureau of Customs Port of Manila District Collector Ricardo Belmonte (2nd from left) lead the inauguration of the new Department of Agriculture two-storey quarantine office at the Manila International Container Terminal, Manila North Harbor, on December 5. Secretary Alcala said the facility, which will house quarantine offices for plants, animals and fisheries, forms part of the continuing efforts of government to protect and keep the Philippines free from foreign pests and diseases, and facilitate the processing and entry of pest and disease-free, legally-imported agricultural, animal, meat and fishery products. Assisting them is director Clarito Barron of the DA-Bureau of Plant Industry.

New office signals deeper DA-BoC partnership

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala expressed high hopes that the countrys borders will remain protected from animal and plant diseases from foreign countries, thanks to a deepening inter-agency cooperation with the Bureau of Customs (BoC). Speaking at the inauguration of a new quarantine office at the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) at the North Harbor of the Port of Manila, Alcala told Customs and Agriculture officials of the complete trust President Benigno S. Aquino III has bestowed upon both agencies to keep the country safe from plant and animal pests and diseases. Maliit man ang ating gusali, malaki naman ang magiging sukli nito sa pagpapanatiling walang makakapasok na peste sa ating bansa, Alcala told the crowd. Buong buo po ang tiwala ng ating mahal na Pangulong maaasahan nya na walang kapabayaang mangyayari sa ating mga border, Alcala added, as he announced that a meeting is set between the DA and Customs Commissioner Ruffino Ruffy Biazon next week to thresh out issues concerning both agencies. BoC District Collector Ricardo Belmonte, while thankful for the role of the new quarantine building in addressing border problems right away, also underlined their agencys mandate to raise revenues for the government. During an open forum, Belmonte reiterated a request to allow the BoC to auction off agricultural products they intercept if these are found to be fit for human consumption, or for them to donate the same to other government agencies like the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Alcala said these suggestions shall be discussed in detail with Commissioner Biazon in their upcoming meeting. Dr. Clarito Barron, director of the DAs Bureau of Plant Industry, stressed the importance of the new quarantine facility right at the heart of the MICT saying it will facilitate the process being observed for imported plant and meat products.

A coco ...

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could be used to reduce CO2 emissions via C capture or sequestration in the crop-soil system through: 1) substitution of fossil fuel using biodiesel or biomass from coconut oil, 2) sequestration of C in coconut plantation, mono-crop or with intercrops, 3) enhancing C sequestration through coconut plantation management, and 4) conserving C sink in coconut farms. Dr. Magat recommends that more formal and scientific collaborative studies by coconut producing countries and agencies concerned be conducted. (Rita
dela Cruz, DA-BAR)

December 2011

DA info writers win agri journ awards

Two members of the DA information group are among the winners of the 5th Bright Leaf agriculture journalism awards, sponsored by the Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. (PMFTC), Inc., on December 2, at Sofitel Hotel in Manila. Adora D. Rodriguez of the DA Information Service (AFIS) won the Best Agriculture Feature Story (regional) for her article, Discovering tea in Zamboanga published in The Philippine Star, March 27, 2011. Rita T. Dela Cruz, of the DABureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), clinched the Best Agriculture News Story (national) for her article, A coco plantation makes a good carbon sink study, published in The Philippine Star, April 3, 2011. For their feat, Rodriguez and dela Cruz received a certificate and cash prize (P20,000) each from PMFTC President Chris Nelson and Senator Francis Pangilinan, who was events guest of honor and keynote speaker. Rodriguez also won during the 4th Bright Leaf journalism contest for her article, Greening Mt. Banahaw, highlighting the triumph of farmers and local officials (led by then Quezon 2nd District Rep. Proceso J. Alcala) in transforming the Sentrong Pamilihan ng Produktong Agrikultural ng Quezon into a successful agri trading center. The other 5 th Bright Leaf awardees are: Marilou Guieb - Best agriculture feature story (national), for her article, The Masters Garden. Mach Alberto Fabe - Agriculture Story of the Year, for his article, Xavier University graduate practices urban farming to answer issues on food security, sanitation, environmental protection Richard Balonglong - Agriculture Photo of the Year, The sweet of thy brow Mauricio Victa- Tobacco Photo Of the Year, My leaf, My life Andy Zapata - Oriental Leaf Award, 3-time Tobacco photo of the year winner.

Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. (PMFTC) honors outstanding agri writers, photogs and other media partners through the annual Bright Leaf Agriculture Journalism Awards. The photo shows this years winners with their trophies and certificates awarded on Dec. 2, 2011 at the Sofitel Hotel in Manila.

A coco plantation makes a good carbon sink study

Productive and sustainable coconut farming ecosystems are potential carbon sinks that can minimize the effects of climate change, according to Dr. Severino S. Magat of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). In paper presented during a seminar titled Coconut: Its Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change sponsored by the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), Dr. Magat said coconut lands could be developed for income generating carbon sequestration projects and carbon credit market. He pointed out that the Philippines has 3.2 million hectares planted to 325 million coconut trees. A recent study on the carbon storage capacities (CSC) of agricultural ecosystems in the country found that coconut had a high carbon storage capacity which was measured at 24.1 tons carbon per hectare per year. Coconut was also found to have the most stable C storage, being a perennial crop with almost nil burning ofcrop residues in place at the farm compared to other agricultural crops such as rice and sugarcane. Positive values of actual ecosystem C balance, according to Dr. Magat, indicates that carbon is sequestered from the atmosphere and stored in the plantation. And given more refinements on the variability in findings, Dr. Magat said these positive values on carbon sequestration in coconut-based agro-ecosystems could provide accurate and objective information and data for a carbon/market. The CO2 intake of plants is considered as carbon sequestered which for the trees are stored in various parts of their body. Carbon stored in plants other than the stem wood or trunk are generally decomposable biomass which eventually becomes a part of the soil organic matter (SOM) of which the more stable component is the 50-percent soil organic carbon (SOC). Coconut, similar to most tree crops, stores and sequesters carbon both by the biomass and the soil of the ecosystem, indicating that the biomass and the soil are the main carbon sinks of atmospheric CO2. These sinks could be regulated and managed to a great extent by following proper cropping practices, Dr. Magat explained. CO2 is reported to be the most significant and reference green house gas among the GHGs produced by human activities primarily due to the combustion of fossil fuels. This causes the earths temperature to increase, hence an erratic change in climates. Dr. Magat noted three key strategies to lower CO2 gas emissions: 1) reduce global energy use, 2) develop low or carbonless fuel, and 3) sequester CO2 from point source or atmosphere through natural or engineering techniques. He recommends productive and sustainable coconut farming ecosystems falls under the third strategy. He noted that coconut plantations or farm ecosystems
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My heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the National Gawad Saka Awards. I commend all of you for your passion and dedication in your respective endeavours, and for demonstrating to our countrymen the true potential of the Filipino. You now belong to a distinguished list of achievers who have shown that, with passion, commitment, and industry, we can become a force of change, in our respective communities and in our country as a whole. May your example inspire your colleagues to continue honing their craft and contribute to our collective task of nation-building. Indeed, your sector remains a vital partner of our government in sustaining economic growth and creating a bright future for all Filipinos. In this era of daylight, with our peoples renewed sense of hope and optimism in our future, we have the opportunity to turn our country into a model of stability and prosperity in the region. We look upon all sectors to remain faithful to the ideals of excellence and integrity, which are crucial to our nations development. Together, let us remain on the straight and righteous path toward a progressive Philippines.

Warmest greetings and congratulations to the countrys outstanding farmers and fisherfolk, processors, scientists and farmers and fishers organizations and other participants to the 2011 Gawad Saka. The Department of Agriculture family is once again privileged to spearhead this annual search to pay tribute to the hardwork, perseverance and resilience of Filipino farmers, fishers and other ruralfolks. Naging susi ang pakikiisang ipinakita ninyong lahat sa mga tagumpay na nakamit natin nitong mga nakaraang buwan, partikular ang natamong paglago na 4.28% sa pambansang produksyon sa sakahan at pangisdaan mula Enero hanggang Setyembre 2011. Magsilbi sana kayong huwaran at inspirasyon para sa iba pang magsasaka, mangingisda at kababayan sa kanayunan. Tiwala akong patuloy tayong magkakaisa, anuman ang pagsubok at suliranin ang harapin natin sa mga darating na araw. Nais ko ring bigyang-pugay ang mga kawani ng Kagawaran ng Pagsasaka at iba pang mga katuwang mula sa mga lokal na pamahalaan, iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan at pribadong sektor na naglaan ng panahon upang matagumpay na maidaos ang Gawad Saka. Kapit-bisig tayo sa layunin na magkaroon ng sapat, abotkaya at ligtas na pagkain para sa lahat. Mabuhay ang magsasaka at mangingisdang Pilipino! Proceso J. Alcala Secretary, Department of Agriculture

Benigno S. Aquino III President, Republic of the Philippines

2011 Gawad Saka National Awardees

Integrated Rice Farmer Hybrid Rice Farmer Corn Farmer Coconut Farmer Sugarcane Farmer

HVCC Farmer

Organic Farmer

Anna C. Cagulada Dujali, Davao del Norte Fisherfolk (Fish Culture)

Alfredo Q. Roble Ormoc City, Leyte Fisherfolk (Fish Capture)

Diosdado M. Bermudez Rugao, Ilagan, Isabela Large Animal Raiser

Wilfredo C. Martinez San Luis, Aurora Agri-Entrepeneur

Roberto A. Cauilan Solana, Cagayan Small Animal Raiser

Francisco B. Ching Mankayan, Benguet Young Farmer

Benjamin R. Lao Bansalan,Davao del Sur Agricultural Scientist

Danilo C. Trongco Lagangilang, Abra Outstanding Family

Eddie V. Amorada Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Desiderio I. Lou Bacong, Negros Oriental

Ian C. Neo Bgy. Apokon, Tagum City Rural Improvement Club

Genice B. Dalisdis Tuba, Benguet

Anthony P. Suguitao Aroroy, Masbate

Dr. Carlos S. dela Cruz Abuyog, Leyte

Young Farmer/ Fisherfolk Organization

Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization

Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC)

Mr. & Mrs. Ceferino Dureza & Family Brookes Point, Palawan Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC)

Cabacungan 4H Club Allen, Northern Samar Outstanding Brgy. Food Terminal

(LGU Operated)

Balidbid RIC Salcedo, Ilocos Sur

Calumpit MPC Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro Outstanding Brgy. Food Terminal

(Non-LGU Operated)

Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya MAFC

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC)

Nueva Vizcaya PAFC

Bgy. Rebokon Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur

Sayapot MPC Tadian, Mt. Province

Bani FARMC Bani, Pangasinan

Dujali, Davao del Norte proves that the farming sector is not a mans world after all. Although, it was the unfortunate accident of her husband who was serving as a police officer that prompted her to take over the management of their farmland. She took the role of a loving wife, a doting mother to two daughters, and an innovative farmer. In the end, her struggle bore fruits of victory and success. Right from the start, Inday Anna, as Anna C. Cagulada she is fondly called, followed the baDujali, Davao del Norte sic principle of Integrated Organic Farming Systemmaximizing the land Forty-seven year old, Anna area to reap the largest quantity of Cagulada, a lady rice farmer from safe and healthy products as pos-

Integrated Rice Farmer

sible. On the vacant portions of the fivehectare land, she planted banana and coconut, raised livestock and various freshwater fish species. At present, she maintains the rules of the Integrated Pest Management system to shoo off pests and diseases. She regularly attends Farmers Field School and other seminars such as the DA-PhilRices Palay Check System to update her knowledge and skills. She now makes her own organic farm concoction such as the Fermented Fruit Juice (FFJ), Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ), Oriental Herbal Nutrients (OHN), Kuhol Amino Acid and other similar formulations which seek to improve her farm productivity. She also maintains a duction-enhancing technologies, Noy Fredo, as he is fondly called, was able to obtain a record yield of 14.45 metric tons or 289 cavans/ hectare. This was attributed to his religious application of the recommended Hybrid Rice Technology which included the production of ratoon crop after the main rice crop. For the last four croppings, Noy Fredo was able to get an extra yield of not less than 30 cavans from his hybrid rice ratoons a strategy that gives him additional harvest and income with the least production cost. Over the years, he developed special skills in hybrid rice farming. His daily visit to his farms made him more observant to unusualsigns occurring in the ricefields. At one point, his farm showed tell-

vermiculture project which supplies organic fertilizer for her rice and other crops. Thanks to her outstanding innovations, Inday Anna harvested more than seven tons per hectare, one of the highest average yields in the Davao Region by far. Through her savings, she was able to buy a few additional hectares of land which she planted to rubber and was able to purchase farm equipment and build a residential house in Dujali Poblacion with complementing farmhouse. For all the great things she acquired, she remains deeply grateful to the Department of Agriculture and the Local Government Unit for the assistance she received. tale signs of iron toxicity. Heeding the advice of local rice experts, Noy Fredo drained his ricefield after plowing to enable the soil to be exposed to sunlight. He also practiced the intermittent irrigation during early crop growth to increase Phosphorous content. Later on he applied Zinc sulfate, a colorless crystalline compound, to mitigate the adverse effect of the soils iron toxicity. Today, the area is sustainably producing well. His harvest for the last six years enabled him to acquire new farm machineries such as hand tractor, thresher and even draft animals, two motorcycles, a multi-cab and the opportunity to build a semi-concrete house for his family. and proper plant spacing. These planting implements enabled him to produce better quality and higher yield. Out of his earnings, he was able to acquire a five-hectare agricultural land, other farm implements and transport truck which he used to ship his farm produce. Likewise, he was able to construct a decent house and purchase a motor vehicle for his family. Kap Judy remains humble and approachable amidst all the blessings he gained as he continuously strives to improve his farming endeavors for his success and of his fellow neighbor farmers.

Sixty-three year old Alfredo Q. Roble of Brgy. Valencia, Ormoc City started farming at the age of 12 when he used to help his father till the land. He developed his keen interest on hybrid rice in 2005 after attending the Season-long Training on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and a technical briefing on Hybrid Rice technology conducted by LGU Ormoc, in coordination with DAPhilippine Rice Research Institute and the DA-Regional Field Unit 8. At that time, the Hybrid Rice Technology was extensively promoted in a bid to cut down rice importation, create jobs in the countryside and improve farmers income through higher yields. Before he started using hybrid At the heart of Isabela province, in its capital town Ilagan, rests an inspiring story of Mr. Diosdado M. Bermudez, adjudged as 2011 Gawad Saka Outstanding Corn Farmer. Kap Judy as he is fondly called, does not only strive hard to create farming opportunities for himself, but also for his neighbors. He began his farming endeavor with his wife Susana in 1984 by planting native white corn in a half-hectare land while raising swine in his backyard. Through hard work, they were able to acquire additional area and planted hybrid yellow corn. To enrich his knowledge in farming,

Hybrid Rice Farmer

Alfredo Q. Roble Ormoc City, Leyte

technology, he could only attain an average yield of 3.5 metric tons or 70 cavans per hectare. But with the use of hybrid rice seeds and other recommended prohe attended seminars and trainings, read informational materials and listened to radio programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA). More so, he coordinated all his farming operations with DA, a strategy that gave him a chance to become a farmercooperator of DAs farm mechanization program on hybrid corn. Eventually, he was chosen as techno-demo cooperator by various private companies for many cropping seasons. Kap Judy gradually shifted to mechanized farming and developed improvised planting guide and marker which ensured high plant population

Corn Farmer

Diosdado M. Bermudez Rugao, Ilagan, Isabela

coconut husks and a mixture of dried leaves, goat manure and other disposable garbage placed at the base of the trees. The mulch controls the weeds and becomes an organic fertilizer once decomposed. Today, Wilfredo maintains 400 fruitbearing and 125 newly-established coco trees, as well as a nursery for seedlings which the PCA procures regularly. He has also successfully established a fruit orchard planted with pummelo, cacao, guyabano, rambutan, sweet variety citrus, Ponkan orange, pineapple, Red Lady papaya and yellow corn intercropped under the coconut trees to optimize land use. With his success, Wilfredo proves that the grass back home is greener after all.

Agricultures Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), is cheap and effective in restoring the productivity of old coconut trees. It also makes the coconut meat thicker. This has been the yearly procedure for this 69-year old balikbayan, who was able to increase his farm income tenfold, from an annual income of P10,000 per hectare to P110, 000 making him this years Outstanding Coconut Farmer. Wilfredo and his family migrated to Wilfredo C. Martinez the United States three decades ago Bgy. Diteki, San Luis, Aurora in search for greener pasture. However, right after retirement in Wilfredo Martinez of Bgy. Diteki, San Luis Aurora has doubled his an- 2000, Martinez and his wife Alma nual production from 1.6 tons to 3.4 opted to stay in the country permatons of copra per hectare by suc- nently and establish an integrated farm cessfully restoring the productivity of in their 4.76 hectare-family estate, the old coconut trees through salt appli- A & W Farms and Nursery. Among the agricultural practices he cation technology. The technology, highly recom- adopts on his farm include mulching mended by the Department of the coconut trees and fruit trees with

Coconut Farmer

Sugarcane Farmer

Roberto A. Cauilan Bgy. Furagui, Solana, Cagayan

Even at a young age, Roberto Cauilan was already trained by his father to work in the farm, which later on became his armor in his future venture. On his first stint in farming, Mang Bert decided to plant palay applying the technologies he learned from attending trainings and seminars con(Pls turn to p9)

Sugarcane Farmer ... (from p8)

ducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA). Due to his determination and expertise, he became an accredited seed grower and one of the pioneers of hybrid rice production in Region 2. However, in spite the remarkable profits he gained from palay production, Mang Bert expanded his farming endeavor by planting sugarcane in a leased five-hectare land. Everything went smoothly for Bert

with the technical support extended by the Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Unit 2 (DA-RFU 2), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and the Cagayan Local Sugarcane Planters Association. He used mechanized farming especially on land preparation, high yielding varieties and, organic fertilizer from animal manure and mud press to improve his farms soil quality. He also designed a mechanical cultivator attached to the four-wheeled trac-

tor to cultivate the inter-rows of his farm, control the growth of weeds, chop cane trashes and he integrates them in the soil for organic fertilizer upon decomposition. He practices zero-burning of canes during harvest which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. All these practices enabled him to attain good harvest and added 14 hectares more to his area. He was also able to purchase two 4wheel tractors with complete implements, three trucks to haul his harvested canes, W ith his continued perseverance, adoption of modern farming systems, and strict compliance with Good Agricultural Practices, the farm expanded to 1.7 hectares. Today, the bigger farm area responds to the growing demand for his vegetable and fruit produce. Presently, Ching produces strawberries, potatoes, romaine lettuce, bell peppers, tomatoes, and other vegetables. These are sold directly in high-end markets and hotels through his marketing partners which include DOLE-Asia, Pureharvest Food Processing, and Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). For all his success, Ching is grateful to the Highland Agricultural Develop-

three service cars and decent houses for his family. To maximize his area, Mang Bert also engaged in palay trading, piggery project, sheep production, and backyard poultry and was able to provide jobs to his neighbors. More so, he was blessed with good leadership qualities and served as leader in different organizations and he is now the Vice Mayor of Solana, Cagayan. ment Project (HADP) of the Department of Agriculture for its assistance, specifically the rehabilitation of the farm-to-market roads in Cada. The project has facilitated better transport conditions coming from and going to the farm. Also, the improvement of the Halsema Highway has allowed him to bring fresh goods to La Trinidad regularly. To date, his farm, named after his sons John and Kenny is open to farmers, young students conducting research, and even to young children. This is his way of giving back and sharing his blessings and knowledge to others. He then used his cash prize for constructing a mini-processing plant for coco sugar and coco syrup two of his export winner products. He sells these to the US and in the local market in Manila and Visayas. With the increasing demand for coco sugar, Ben hires 35 regular employees and 100 coconut tappers. Ben said giving the local residents a regular source of income has brought him great satisfaction. But the most important contribution he made is inculcating in the minds of his workers the importance of taking care of the environment that gives us daily sustenance. the Zero Waste Management Act through strong advocacy and actual practice. FSFC has stood the test of seasons, and the success it is now enjoying will surely last for a long time.

Benguet, pioneered on commercial greenhouse vegetable production as an alternative to open-field farming. But before 58-year old Ching ventured in growing agricultural produce under controlled conditions, he started open-field vegetable production on a three-hectare farm lot in Balili, Mankayan in 1995. Back then, this was the common practice of Benguet farmers. A year later, he realized that the strategy is highly dependent on Francisco B. Ching weather variables. He then ventured Cada, Balili, Mankayan, Benguet into greenhouse veggie production on a 500-square meter land to be able to Mr. Francis Ching, a farmer from harvest top-grade produce all-year the highlands of Cada, Mankayan, round. Fifty-three year old Benjamin Lao never thought he would end up as farmer-entrepreneur and an advocate of organic farming. He decided to venture into farming using natural and organic fertilizers and pesticides only to avoid untoward incident that happened to him during his high school days when he almost lost his life due to the accumulated ill effects of the chemical insecticides he sprayed on their rice field. Today, Ben is managing Lao Integrated Farm Incorporated in Eman, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, which does not only produce export quality farm products and byproducts but also provides employment and livelihood to more than a hundred local residents. He started planting legumes and raising goats on a five-hectare It was more than a decade ago, when Ian Neo, made a bold step and established the Four Seasons Fruit Corporation (FSFC) with a mere P200,000 start-up capital. FSFCs initial operation started in a small rented building where peeling and slicing of green cardaba bananas were done by only a few laborers under the shade of mango trees. It was difficult then, as the small company had no ready market for their banana chips. Ian felt like giving up until product sales started to pick up. In 2003, the company made its biggest step by penetrating the international market, exporting its products to Europe. Two years after, FSFC transferred to a bigger plant in Barangay Apokon. The company kept pace with the changing times by attending local, national and international food trade fairs.

HVCC Farmer

Organic Farmer

Benjamin R. Lao Bansalan, Davao del Sur

barren coconut farm he inherited from his parents. His goat raising venture succeeded and used the goats manure as organic fertilizer in the farm. He tried vermiculture technology in his farm upon learning about it from the

Department of Agriculture. When DA gave him a unit of shredder, he processed left-over legumes from the goats diet and mixed this to the feed for the worms. When he was producing more than enough vermicast, he started selling surplus fertilizer to neighboring farms at P170 per 50-kilo bag. Just recently, Ben inked a contract with the Department of Agrarian Reform for the supply of vermicast. Aside from organic fertilizer, Ben is also producing his own concoction of pesticides consisting of goat urine, kakawate leaves, banyawan and hot pepper, among others, which he calls EMAN or Epektibo, Mura, At Natural. In 2008, Ben bagged the Gawad Saka Outstanding Coconut Farmer national award and won P120,000 cash prize. As a way of sharing its blessings to the community, it supports the causes for women, helps Tagum Citys tourism industry, assists the Barangay Nutrition Program, gives financial assistance to poor but deserving students, plants trees along river banks and supports An advocate of fishery technologies for 13 years in the Cordillera Administrative Region, 51-year old Danilo Trongco was able to establish his DJ Farm in Nagtupacan, Lagangilang, Abra. From a 2.8-hectare farmland, Mang Dani allotted one hectare for fish production and integrated this with vegetable, fruit trees, and livestock productions. The remaining 1.8 hectares was devoted to hybrid rice production. Mang Danis fish production area has 27 fishponds with various freshwater fishes, 19 of which are for growing-out and eight for hatcheries. He employed best management practices and other innovations that

Agri-Entrepreneur

Fisherfolk (Fish Culture)

Ian C. Neo Bgy. Apokon, Tagum City

Thus, demand for its product is steadily growing in Europe, USA, Asia, and Africa. It has now around 150 welltrained employees who enj oy reasonable salaries and additionall benefits. Its plant, with two annex buildings is technologically equipped and capable of processing some 120,000 tons of green bananas everyday. At present, FSFCs net worth is pegged at P100 million.

Danilo C. Trongco Lagangilang, Abra

gave him excellent production in tilapia, pangasius, carp and other fish
(Pls turn to p10)

Fisherfolk (Fish Culture) ... (from p9)

species and also supplied adjacent communities in Abra. His continuous endeavor in fish eries production earned him more than P1 billion from his produce in 2009 and 2010. With his creative skills, knowledge, and attitude towards fish farming and with close collaboration with the Department of Agricultures Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

(BFAR), he was able to mitigate the effects of climate change in fish farming and increase the quantity and improve the quality of his yield. Mang Dani learned to utilize probiotics made of indigenous materials, as a bio-control to regulate the micro flora in the water, control pathogenic microorganisms and enhance the decomposition of organic materials. With such innovations, he was able

to enhance the nutritional level of tilapia and pangasius in his fish farm. Also, with the use of the probiotics, Mang Dani was able to save 30% from expenses on feeds. The high demand of tilapia from his farm prompted him to convert his ricefield into fishponds. However, vacant areas in the farm including the dikes were planted to assorted vegetables and fruit bearing trees for home consumption and served

during trainings. Aside from keeping his fish farm up-to-date with the latest technologies, Mang Dani also empowers other fish farmers and interested individuals by conducting seminars and trainings and by rendering technical assistance to them. Moreover, he is also tapped by the local government from time to time to share his farming practices and innovations to the fisherfolk in Lagangilang.

Fisherfolk (Fish Capture)

Mr. Eddie Amorada grew up near the sea. The body of water which was his playground when he was a child is now his source of bread and butter. Mang Eddie decided to work to provide good educat ion for his younger siblings and help his mother who worked as laundrywoman in their neighborhood, when his father met a tragic accident. On his own, he improved the fishing techniques taught by his father. Soon enough he became a productive fisherman in their locality. Knowing that the country has unpredictable weather conditions, Mang Eddie acquired a tricycle and put up a sari-sari store as other sources of income. And when the price of fish in the market is low, Mang Eddie processes h is p rodu ce int o f is h pas te or bagoong, providing additional profit tal with his wife Marites and their growing family. A farmer at heart, Derio worked on the field again. This time, luck was with him and with the support of his wife, he engaged in a livestock enterprise. He planted napier and other forage grasses for animal feed and constantly consulted with agri experts for technical guidance in fighting off diseases. He also sought assistance on feeding management and breeding. In 2008, Derio availed of four milking cattle under a dairy development project of the National Dairy Authority, and since then his enterprise grew. At present, he earns a net income Fortunately, the Provincial Veterinary Office awarded them a boar and income started coming in. With their earnings, they were able to buy hybrid breeders which include gilts and purebred boars. This enabled them to increase their stocks and ensure the regular production of piglets. Today, the 3.9 hectare farm is a nirvana filled with sows, boars, native chicken and a few heads of cattle for breeding. It is also planted with guyabano, mango, lanzones, santol, coconut, oranges, calamansi and baVegetables in the municipality given by the Barangay Council of Cabangcalan; Best Vegetable Producer presented by the LGU of Aroroy, and Outstanding Young Farmer awarded by the PAFC of At fifty-four, Dr. Carlos S. Dela Cruz, or Doc Caloy has dedicated more than half his life serving the public. Throughout his 30-year career in the Department of Agriculture-Region VIII, Doc Caloy worked long hours, studying the pathology of various fruit crops and searching for viable management technologies that will push for the development of the plant industry not only in Eastern Visayas but for the whole country. The agri-scientist took a special interest in jackfruitbeing the regions banner commodityway back in 1995. But it was only after eight
(Pls turn to p11)

Eddie V. Amorada Palawig, Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Forty-one year old Desiderio Derio Lou is the youngest in a family of four who decided to follow the footsteps of his father and ventured into farming. As small-holder farmers, Derio and his father raised livestock and poultry. They also sold copra as a major source of income. However, the profit from farming was not enough and he was forced to quit school. When he was old enough, he went abroad in search of greener pastures but realized that his luck was not in a foreign land. And so he came back and settled in Bacong, Negros Orien-

for the family. He attended various livelihood trainings on fisheries and other livelihood programs conducted by both local and national governments and shared what he learned to his fellow fishermen. W ith almost six decades of fishing experience, Mang Eddie is alw ays tapp ed as a lead er of fisherfolk associations in their community. of about P12,000 per week from the sale of milk to the Bacong Dairy Farmers Association (BADAFA) and about P30,000 for selling forage grass to other livestock raisers. From his ventures, Derio was able to expand his farm to five hectares. From his earnings, he bought two vehicles, a car and a second-hand pick-up which he now use to deliver milk and grasses. He also bought a milking machine to ensure the quality of the milk he sells to the cooperative. Derio believes that there is gold in dairy farming when you are patient, diligent and open to new technologies. nanas. In 2010, Genice and her family earned a net income of more than P1.2 million. Her farm, which carries the business name Oink-Oink, is considered a big contributor to the income of local swine raisers and serves as a showwindow of her day-to-day operations Generous in nature, she assists her customers with excellent technical service to help them in their own swine raising enterprise.

Large Animal Raiser

Desiderio I. Lou Banlod, Bacong, Negros Oriental

As a young girl, Genice Dalisdis took care of native pigs never dreaming that she would become a swine raiser someday. Today, the 31-year old wife and mother of two is a bona fide animal raiser. Genice and husband John started their enterprise with less than forty heads of breeders and fatteners which were merely enough to supply the demand for pork. Hence, with borrowed money the couple decided to enhance their piggery project with five sow level fatteners.

Small Animal Raiser

Genice B. Dalisdis Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet

Todays younger generation opt to seek job in the urban areas. Most of them shun away from farming because they believe they do not have future in farming. This clich is not true for Anthony Suguitao, 24 years old, President of Cabangcalan 4H Club in Aroroy, Masbate. Exposed to different farm activities, at a young age, he was able to expand and cultivate his familys farm from half hectare to three hectares by planting vegetables and raising goats, swine and native chicken. His perseverance paid off as he was able to buy two units motorcycle, one unit 3-hp water pump and working animals out of his earnings. Equipped with knowledge and skills on organic farming, Anthony is proud that his farm serves as a show window to other farmers not only in their municipality but in from neighboring

Young Farmer

Masbate. For Anthony, success is just around the corner and the secret to obtain this is industry, perseverance and willingness to learn.

Agricultural Scientist

Anthony Suguitao Aroroy, Masbate

towns in the province as well. As president of the Cabangcalan 4H club, he encourages the youth to venture into farming. Thru him, the club received a Hog Fattening Livelihood Program amounting to seventy thousand pesos (P70,000). Anthonys efforts and innovativeness earned for him recognitions including: Top Producer of

Dr. Carlos S. dela Cruz Balinsayao, Abuyog, Leyte

Agricultural Scientist ... (from p10)

years, when he was appointed as station superintendent at the Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center in Abuyog, that he began his crusade towards the more fruitful production of the versatile fruit, changing the way jackfruit growers produce the crop at present. Doc Caloys research and development initiatives on the pest management of jackfruit have bridged inMr. and Mrs. Ceferino Dureza and their family of six from Palawan , consider farming as a fun family activity cum enterprise. Engaged in various agricultural projects, majority of their income metaphorically comes from the land. Husband and wife Rey and Virgie, respectively resigned from their jobs as a security guard and clerk, to try their luck in farming when they transferred from Aborlan to Brookes Point. Starting with an eight-hectare lot, the family persevered and worked hard together amidst challenges. With their best efforts, matched with the assistance from the Department of Agriculture and concerned units, the family-owned farm expanded to Cabacungan, Allen, Northern Samar is a thriving community of farmers and fisherfolk. In terms of rural development, it has now gone a long way. Thanks to the achievements of Cabacungan 4-H Club, this years Gawad Saka Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization. The club was organized in 1972 with only 16 members, mostly outof-school youth. Now, its members (31 in all) have continuously worked together for the betterment of their community. The 4-H club is involved in promoting community development in the locality. It also supports impor-

formation gaps on basic requirements of crop production. His studies seek to develop reliable, cost-effective, practical and sustainable pest management systems, and in turn increase yield and income. His advocacy expanded into reaching out to jackfruit growers and other farmers in the region particularly in the cluster areas of Abuyog, Mahaplag, Inopacan, Baybay, in Leyte; Ormoc City, also in Leyte and Calbayog City in Samar. Thanks to his extensive knowledge on

jackfruit and its pests, the farmers were able to improve their crops quality and increase their yield. Among the notable outputs of Doc Caloys project on the implementation of the Germplasm and Seed System in the region is the EVIARC Sweet variety which is considered the sweetest registered jackfruit under the National Seed Industry Council. It is currently cultivated and marketed in the province of Leyte . The Durezas also ventured into animal raising and now grow chickens, cows, swine and goats. For additional income, the family embarked into milling & palay trading while some parts of their land were planted to mahogany and paper trees for lumber. With the profits they earned, the children were sent to schools in Manila to earn their degrees. Geofrey is a Mechanical Engineer, while Jeffrey is an Industrial Engineer. Reggie is now a Medical Technologist, while Gerald is a Computer Science Specialist. Jennifer works as a Nurse, while Glenn, the youngest of the brood, is still in second year college taking up electronic communications engineering. For the love of farming Geofrey,

Doc Caloy has laurels resting on his hat. Among them are 19 completed researches, 16 published papers and more than 20 recognitions both here and abroad. This year, the scientist from Leyte will be recognized once more, as he receives one of the highest awards bestowed to the outstanding men and women in the field of agri developmentall thanks to his hard work, patience and advocacy. Jeffrey and Gerald resigned from their jobs and are now full-pledged farmers like their parents. Today the family shares their blessings to others particularly to a Palawan tribe who they encourage to grow bananas and cassavas for food. Aside from this, the family teaches the natives how to read and write as part of their social responsibility. They have also continuously provided livelihood to other minorities and other residents of the community. The Durezas, a family worthy of emulation, are living example that against all odds, working together towards a common goal will bring success and victory. of the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council. Last year, the young members established a 500-square meter fishpond with a total cost of P45,802.00 and assistance from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. With its good fiscal management, it has now a total monetary asset of more than P120,000. The 4-H Club of Barangay Cabacungan is a source of hope and inspiration for the people and the community. The members proved that commitment, dedication and teamwork are the best ingredients of countryside development.

Outstanding Family

Dureza Family Brookes Point, Palawan

51 hectares giving more room for the production of a variety of agricultural crops and animals. The lot was now planted to rice, corn, coconut, cacao, banana, cashew, and other cash crops. tant socio- civic activities like tree-planting, coastal clean-up, weeding, and waste segregation. The club implements agri-related activities such as vegetable gardening, rice and corn farming and swine fattening with assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA), particularly in terms of training and provision of initial inputs. In 2009, the 4-H Club was granted interest-free loan assistance from the DA and Agricultural Training Institute for its Swine Fattening Project amounting to P40,000 which they presently use as roll-over fund. The club was also chosen as recipient of the Carabao dispersal program

Young Farmer/ Fisherfolk Organization

Cabacungan 4H Club
Bgy. Cabacungan, Allen, Northern Samar

Rural Improvement Club

Balidbid RIC Salcedo, Ilocos Sur
The Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Balidbid was established in 1964 in an effort to organize and empower the women in the said barangay of Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. Since then, the Balidbid RIC focused on programs such as Clean and Green, livelihood, food and nutrition, home management, social and religious services, and bayanihan. Along with these, the group also conducted various activities and affairs to encourage active participation of its members. More importantly, the RIC implemented projects related to agriculture to provide livelihood to the members and their families. The group conducted swine breeding project wherein each member was given one female piglet which was also re-dispersed to other RIC members. Today, the RIC is engaged in various projects such as swine fattening and breeding, poultry, buy and sell, rice mill, vegetable gardening and eatery. The proj ects are either self-financed or from loans extended by the local government and the Department of Agriculture (DA) thru the Livelihood Enhancement for Agricultural Development Fund (LEAD) Program. With the dynamism and enthusiasm of its members, the Balidbid RIC has now 184 active rural women members and has been hailed as the Best Performing Non-Government Organization of Ilocos Sur. Awarded as 2011 Gawad Saka Outstanding Rural Improvement Club, the group continues to hope for the fulfillment of its visionto become effective home managers, functional economic partners, and builders of community.

Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization

Calumpit Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CAMPCO) is an organization which follows the mantra of serving above profit. The group started in May 1990 when 50 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries from Sitio Calumpit formed a cooperative through a meeting organized by the Department of Agriculture (DA). Their agenda was simple: help poor farmers. On the 7th year of its operation, the province was hit by a calamity. The co-op had to close their operations as member-borrowers had neither money nor means to pay for their obligations. In 2003, the Land Bank of the Philippines gave them amnesty, followed by the approval of a Credit Line which granted them a P375, 000.00-loan for the rehabilitation of the cooperative. As of December 31, 2010, the coop is composed of 349 members and an increased capital of P12,669,392.87. Its assets amount to P62,707,208.32 and total net worth is pegged at P 19,374,788.22. Services have also expanded and not only limited from lending programs. CAMPCO has ventured in vegetable

Calumpit MPC Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

and high value crops production which include cassava, sorghum and sweet potato. It has also embarked on deals with pre and post harvest facilities and equipments, consumers store, rice milling, welding, grains and farm inputs trading, hollow blocks making, furniture shop, catering and fuel refilling station. They also carry loan windows for hospitalization, Salary Loan, and Educational Loan to the qualified members. An organization which faced the adversities and challenges of life, CAMPCO remained strong and steadfast thru the years, because collectively they maintain the principle of service.

Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC)

The Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya started in the 1980s with only 16 barangay members and was joined by the 14 remaining barangays later on. To ensure strong and continued partnership among all the members, regular meetings and dialogues were conducted to settle issues and other matters concerning the council. Soon, it gained the trust of the Local Government Unit and the Liga ng mga Barangay and was given fund allocations for their activities. As an organized group, the Kayapa MAFC introduced livelihood programs such as mushroom production and processing of high value crops. It also distributes fruit bearing trees, coffee seedlings and vegetable seeds to qualified farmers. At present, the council maintains a revolving fund from repayments of dispersal projects, used for petty cash loans to members with a minimal interest.

Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC)

tems. It is also instrumental in the successful organization and operation of the KINGBIKS Vegetable Growers Association, a federation of five (5) vegetable growing barangays of the town of Dupax del Sur. Being a member of the Provincial Development Council, it regularly monitors the implementation of agricultural and fishery programs and projects funded by the Department of Agriculture, LGUs and other agencies and takes part in the passage and implementation of various municipal and provincial ordinances on agriculture, fisheries and environment. The councils commitment to service goes beyond the agriculture sector as it is active in many community activities. Aside from monitoring damages during calamities, the members also extend material and financial resources to typhoon-victims. Their capable members sometimes serve as resource speakers during trainings to complement the efforts of agricultural extensionists. With the leadership of the Nueva Vizcaya PAFC, the agri and fishery sectors of the province is off to greater heights.

Nueva Vizcaya PAFC Kayapa Nueva Vizcaya MAFC

The council is an active partner of the Municipal Nutrition Committee in the implementation of projects and has continuously supported the passage and implementation of municipal ordinances including the control and prevention of Avian Influenza Virus, prohibition of electro-fishing, explosive fishing and use of poisonous substances, implementation of the New Solid W aste Management and recycling activities of the municipality. Composed of 30 private and eight public sector-members, the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Nueva Vizcaya strongly supports the provinces vision for its people, to enjoy good quality life in an ecologically-balanced and sustainable environment. Having been awarded as National Outstanding PAFC (three times), the council vows not to rest on its laurel but work harder to maintain and even surpass its outstanding achievements. The Nueva Vizcaya PAFC sustained strong linkages with national and local agencies that resulted to the successful implementation of various projects such as construction and rehabilitation of irrigation canals, farmto-market roads, mechanical and flatbed dryers, tramlines, multi-purpose drying pavements, and irrigation sys-

Bgy. Food Terminal (LGU Operated)

Assistance Division opened up the BFT equipped with cold storage and store facilities for the Barangay Council to operate. W ith a start-up capital of only P27,000, BFT Rebokon exhibited an excellent performance that prompted for the DA-IX to give the management an additional capital of P50,000 on Jan. 26, 2010. In a span of nine months, the BFT posted a net income of P172,947.90. W ith the conduct of the 2010 Barangay Election, a transition period took over. However, the operation remained smooth and the management established an assured and sustainable income. Following the 3-year term of office of Rebokon Barangay Council, the BFT has more than two years to earn thousands while 10 percent of its net income goes to the coffers of the barangay. Having projected possible business opportunities, the management is optimistic to expand market linkages with other food terminals in the region and become a barangay consolidator for different agri-fishery products.

Bgy. Food terminal (Non-LGU Operated)

Strategically located between the boundaries of Tadian, Mt. Province and Mankayan, Benguet, the Sayapot Multi-Purpose Cooperative-Barangay Food Terminal (SMPC-BFT) started its operation on February 9, 2009 with a grant of P170,000 from the Department of Agriculture. Catering to about 200 households including those from nearby barangays, the SMPC-BFT helps the farmers in the locality in selling their produce through consignment scheme, wherein they are paid after their products were sold. Majority of the products being sold in the BFT are highland vegetables such as beans, pechay, watercress, cabbage, broccoli and sweet peas, among others. Lowland vegetables are also found in the food terminal along with rice, spices, fruits, fish, frozen meat, condiments and other processed foods such as milk, noodles, sugar and coffee.

Bgy. Rebokon Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur

The Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) of Rebokon sells all the basic commodities-from rice, meat, fish, vegetables, spices, root crops and even charcoal. BFT Rebokon is LGU-operated serving 690 households and seven catchment barangays. Rebokon is a coastal barangay in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur accessible through habal-habal, jeepney or van passing through rough roads. With an established BFT, residents need not to travel long for 14 kilometers just to go to the town proper or to buy rice and other basic needs. On May 7, 2009, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit 9 through the Agribusiness Marketing

Sayapot MPC Tadian, Mt. Province

Freshly-harvested crops are delivered by the farmers two to four times a week, to ensure safe and quality produce for the consumers. Excess supplies are brought to the La Trinidad trading post and markets in Baguio City and Pangasinan. The BFT operates daily with four regular staffmanager, bookkeeper, treasurer and sales clerk who are supervised by five board of directors. THe BFT management maintains a substantial linkage with suppliers and consumers to ensure continuous operation as well as improve the profit of the food terminal. Due to the continued patronage of the members, the SMPC-BFT was able to gain a combined net income of P290,000 for 2009 and 2010.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC)

Members of the Bani Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (FARMC) live by the principle that everyone has the ability to lead and inspire. W ith this, the council is able to impart exemplary contributions to preserve Banis coastal area. Among the remarkable achievements of Bani FARMC were: participation in crafting the Comprehensive Coastal Development Plan for CY 2001-2010 and the Coastal Resource Management Plan for CY 2005-2009 by providing necessary coastal and marine resources data and recommendations. They have also been part in the review of the existing Management Plan of Bangrin Marine Protected Area

Being a staunch partner of Banis local government in managing coastal resources, the FARMC was able to gain experiences and became capable of convening and organizing their own meetings, workshops, consultations, and seminars. Moreover, Bani FARMC became knowledgeable in formulating resolutions on issues concerning fisheries and aquatic resources. Among the councils notable projects and activities were the: establishment of mangrove nursery, mangrove reforestation and rehabilitation, establishBani FARMC ment of Aquasilviculture , coastal cleanBani, Pangasinan up and waste management, water quality monitoring, issuance of auxiliary (MPA) and prepared a more respon- invoice, dismantling of illegally consive plan in managing the Bangrin MPA structed nets, patrol and surveillance, which eventually became fisheries registration and licensing at Pangasinans ecotourism area. the barangay level, market denials in

public market and conduct of checkpoints. Through the years, the Bani FARMC has continued to strengthen its linkages with the local and national agencies as well as various foreign institutions while, its members remained inspired and dedicated to their commitment and mandate as partner of the government in agri-fishery development.