Bounty Valley, Vol. 1 No. 1

older in model, several years ago. And you can see them in Nueva Ecija. You can see them in Bulacan.

But as the barrio rice mills transformed into baby cono, and cono, the number of traders that became rice millers and gone high tech is no longer only found in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. You can find them plenty in Isabela. There is one in Cagayan.

Today, these kinds of big rice millers are the buyers in place of the old municipal traders of Cagayan Valley who used to bring the commodities to Nueva Ecija and Bulacan for milling. The municipal traders unload their palay to the big rice millers in Isabela who have these modern equipments. The palay and corn do not reach Central Luzon millers anymore.

Here is a situation where Central Luzon millers have to compete. For if their mills are not functioning in full

capacity, they can not earn, and some can not also pay their loans to the banks. And so these Central Luzon millers organized their own procurement arm, offer higher competitive prices to the provincial and municipal traders and even down to the barangay levels just to keep their mills working.

In a way, it is advantageous to the farmers.

(Talk delivered on Monday, April 14, 2008, before the DA RFU No. 02 employees, at the height of the rice price crisis.)

Each one has his own idea on why

the price of rice keeps rising, plus what the newspapers say. This is my personal analysis.

Before 1998, before every harvest season, the price of rice and corn go down. After the farmers have sold all

their produce, the prices go up. It was the law of supply and demand.

But after 1998 (I do not know if others have observed it also), during every peak of harvest, the price maintained or even went up. Even those fresh from the thresher commanded good price, more so if the product is dried.

In Japan, rice producers sell their produce only to the cooperatives.

But they only produce 80% of the requirement. It is their philosophy that if they produce 20% less, the situation will stabilize in their favor for they can always raise the price of their product.

Last March 30, 2008, the D.A Secretary, on a very short notice, wanted to visit the rice mills in Cauayan, Isabela.

The NFA brought us to the most modern rice mill nearest Cauayan Airport, which was the Golden Season Rice Mill. When we entered the compound which was as big as a stadium, the spokesman of the Isabela Rice Millers Mr. Ernesto Subia said that the equipments of the rice mill is worth P80M, excluding land, building and vehicles.

Now, there are only a very few equipments of that sort, or a little bit

OTHER PERSPECTIVE

ON RICE SUPPLY & PRICE CRISIS

Dr. Gumersindo D. Lasam, CESO 1 Regional Executive Director

THE RED CORNER

Vol. I, No. 1 January to June 2008 BOUNTY VALLEY Newsletter

Editorial Board

Editor-in-Chief

EDITO R. BAÑARES

Managing Editor

VALENTIN S. CANAPI

Contributors for this Issue

BERNADETTE T. GALOSO

LOVELYN A. GASPAR

GENE V. BAQUIRAN

Graphics/Layout

RODRIGO P. SONICO

LOWELLA R. ALIBANIA

EDGAR P. PAZ

Photographers / Writers

EDUARDO P. BULAQUI

RODRIGO P. SONICO

RENATO P. TARUN

PRISCA B. BAQUIRAN

ANITA L. BULAQUI

Editorial Advisers:

GUMERSINDO D. LASAM, CESO I

ANDREW B. VILLAOCRTA, CESO IV

LUCRECIO R. ALVIAR, JR., CESE

DIVISION CHIEF

DR. VALENTINO C. PERDIDO

Crops Division

DR. GERONIMA G. LUDAN

Livestock Division

MR. ZOTICO PEREZ

Administrative Division

MR. JAIME PAGALILAUAN

Finance Division

Research Outreach Stations Managers

MR. ORLANDO J. LORENZANA

Manager, CVIARC—IES

San Felipe, Ilagan, Isabela

DR. LORENZO CARANGUIAN, DPM

CVLMROS– APC

Iguig, Cagayan

MS. CELERINA MIRANDA

CVHILROS

Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya

MR. CHARLES CABACCAN

CVUPROS

Quirino, Province

MR. CELSO BATALLONES

CVIAROS-Batanes

Basco, Batanes

The Cagayan Valley Agricultural Newsletter

January – June 2008

THE STORIES BEHIND: On June 3, 2008, President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo

certified as urgent House Bill 4077, seeking to extend the CARP for 5 more years with

a corresponding budget of P100B. EMPOWER THE FARMER LEADER provides a

fresh approach to an age-old problem.

* * * * *

While rice farmers and consumers are deadlocked on a new round of rice price

increase, a silent development has slipped almost everybody’s notice in THE RED

CORNER.

EMPOWER THE FARMER LEADER

evisiting history, we noted that a barangay represented a tribe usually headed or led by a tribal

chieftain or an indigenous leader, whose principal means of living therein was farming. With the onset of modernization, while this structure had apparently been subdued, still, the indigenous persona prevail in almost all farming communities nationwide.

The farmer leader is often the landed and the moneyed. He commands a number of followers to work in his farm. Today, through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), while most of these constituents (tenants, or agricultural laborers) were able to own a parcel of the land they formerly tilled, their long years of dependence in the support of their farmer leader has not been completely severed. To wean them from this relationship has become a very tedious and expensive process---accordingly, CARP did its best, so with agri-based programs.

Over the years, despite these government programs, individual farm productivity has not improved. Persistent reliance on the farm leader has greatly grown as he can buy the required inputs dictated by the new technologies, use and manipulate these to his advantage and be able to absorb a calculated risk at any point in time. The profit motive drives him to analyze every minute details of the technology in order to visualize the cost per unit of output and come-up with an acceptable return on his investment based on annual market and price trends. With or without formal education, the farmer leader, by instinct, can take the farming failures of others as an opportunity in every sense.

The socio-cultural bonding between the farmer leader and his followers was reinforced through the years because of the technology and market-oriented production strategies implemented by the national policy decisions.

Unaware of the dire consequences to small farmers, though with farms located in prime lands, with irrigation and other support services, the net profit issue which should also be a national concern was neglected, instead priority was focused on what the small farmers can deliver in terms of collective production volumes to supply the national food and feed demand gap.

The farmer leader had seen on hindsight what the policy makers have not ---, the weaknesses of the CARP and likewise, the serious adverse effects of some agri-based programs relative to the productivity of the farms, not to mention the degradation of the environment due to an overdose/overuse of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers creating the “killing fields” that eradicated the indigenous flora and fauna in the farms and endangered the lives of the inhabitants.

The farmer leader further realized that his usual followers are aging and claimed that most of the sons and daughters in the farming communities preferred to become domestic helpers because a Php2,000.00 monthly wage will generate an additional household annual income of Php24,000.00 net risk free. Though this wage maybe a coping mechanism in the absence of off-farm jobs and income while waiting for a four-month gestation time before a crop harvest, a deeper understanding of the real income of the farm family would show that it is not enough to sustain household basic needs within the cropping period. Land ownership then did not improve real income over time. As a consequence and despite legal prohibitions of transferring ownership, CARP lands are shifted back to its former owners. Legal documents may not prove these claims; however, for almost two decades now, rights to the use of CARP lands are pervasively being sold and mortgaged.

The issue then on the real owners of agricultural lands is now subsumed under a demanding question: “Who are the real, actual decision makers, the movers that can make the agricultural lands improve production output per unit area?”

Will the political leaders of the national government and/or local government units continue to plan and decide among themselves the appropriation of agri-based funds for food security in the convincingly overused name of “the poor farmers?” Or

Shall we take the hard process of striking an appropriate balance of decision-making to include the real stakeholders, the farmer leaders who are the prime movers of the agricultural industry in improving agricultural

productivity in specific areas in order to focus critical agri-based funds and not to thinly disperse it for political expediency? -oOo-

Editorial PICTURE OF ERB

R

Inside this issue:

EDITORIAL 3

OTHER PERSPECTIVE ON RICE SUPPLY AND

PRICE CRISIS

2

DA WELCOMES CSC PMS-OPES 4

DA CELEBRATES NATIONAL FLAG DAY 4

3rd GOAT & SHEEP EXPO HELD 4

SAN PABLO PLAYS RODEO 5

RBB ATTACKES DINAPIGUE 6

SIDEM SWIP, NEAR COMPLETION 6

1st CAGAYAN VALLEY STRAMLINE SYSTEM

NOW IN OPERATION

7

CAGAYAN VALLEY 2007-2008 GAWAD SAKA

AWARDEES

8-12

OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES 13

12 BFTs, 3 BAGSAKAN CENTERS TO BE ESTAB-

LISHED IN REGION 02 THIS YEAR

14

PGMA VISITS DUPAX DEL NORTE, NUEVA

VIZCAYA

14

1st RIO’s QUARTERLY MEETING CONDUCTED 15

NBN CHANNEL 4 VISITS SUCCESSFUL CPAR

PROJECTS IN REGION 02

15

A NEW CHECKPOINT RISES 16

FARMCASTERS UPDATED ON DA PROGRAMS,

TRENDS IN BROADCASTING

17

PNP INVITES DA TECHNOLOGISTS 17

SPATIAL MAXIMIZATION, A SHOWCASE 18

BISHOP RAMON VILLENA KEYNOTES 4TH

REGIONAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION

18


m e m o r a n d u m issued by ASEC

Araullo is a point system that sets uniform standard a c r o s s organ izat iona l units for the f o l l o w i n g purposes:

(1) compare a n d c o n t r a s t outputs of one office with another;

(2) to set to measure the outputs of each office;

(3) to compare comparable, attainable, just and fair expectations; and

(4) to set standards of measurable outputs.

After the workshop, RTD Alviar said that series of workshops will follow to finalize the output reference table of the department which is a clear manifestation of the management’s commitment to said innovation.

Finally, a gizmo to break the bad habit in the bureaucracy. (BTG hestia)

The Department of Agriculture-

Regional Field Unit 02 (DA-RFU 02) held a two-day training workshop at the DA-Region 02 Multi-Purpose Cooperative on May 13-14, 2008 participated in by the heads and technical staff of the agency led by Regional Technical Director for Research and Development Lucrecio R. Alviar, Jr. Resource Speaker to the training was an expert from CSC Region 02 Ms. Jovy Miguel.

This is in line with the Memorandum Order dated March 28, 2008 issued by Assistant Secretary and Agency Champion of the Performance Management System – Office Performance Evaluation System (PMS-OPES), Dennis B. Araullo to All Service Director and Regional Executive Directors for the implementation of the PMS-OPES for the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The memorandum warmly supports the directive from the CSC (MC No. 1, series of 2008) to install the PMS-OPES by March 31, 2008.

The OPES as defined in the

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION

Tuliao explained before the DA rank-and-file employees the sacredness and importance of the Philippine Flag.

Interwoven with the country’s history,

the Philippine Flag has been the rallying

point for so many battles and world wars

where lives have been sacrificed, that

today Filipinos enjoy freedom and

democracy. Tuliao explained among other

things, the proper ways to hold, fold,

raise and lower the Philippine Colors. Not

only commending the Monday Flag

Ceremonies, she also reminded the

employees that Flag retreats must be held

every Friday afternoon before the close of

office hours.

The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (R.A. No. 8491) can be downloaded at http://www.chanrobles.com rpublicactno8491.htm. -oOo-

The Department of Agriculture

Regional Field Unit 02 (DA-RFU 02) joined the entire nation in the celebration of the national Flag Day on May 28, 2008. A few days before the occasion, a letter notice from the Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 02, Regional Executive Director Clarence L. Baguilat, invited the DA-RFU 02 for the Simultaneous Flag

Raising Ceremonies at 8:00 in the morning of May 28, 2008.

Relative to this, it maybe recalled that Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal—Arroyo had designated DENR Secretary Lito L. Atienza, Jr. as National Coordinator for the celebration of the National Flag Day.

During the celebration, DA-RFU 02 Administrative Officer V Josephine R.

DA CELEBRATES NATIONAL FLAG DAYDA CELEBRATES NATIONAL FLAG DAYDA CELEBRATES NATIONAL FLAG DAY

Top 10 Administrative Professional Quotes

"My Boss frequently gets lost in thought. That's because it's unfamiliar territory." —Anonymous (But we are betting this is from a secretary!) "I am my own secretary; I dictate, I compose, I copy all myself." —Venerable Bede "It’s always been and always will be the same in the world: The horse does the work and the coachman is tipped." —Anonymous "I'm afraid I was very much the traditionalist. I went down on one knee and dictated a proposal which my secretary faxed over straight away." —Stephen Fry "If you have a good selling idea, your secretary can write your ad for you." —Morris Hite "The first thing the secretary types is the boss." —Donald Trump "And so while the great ones depart to their dinner, the secretary stays, growing thinner and thinner, racking his brain to record and report what he thinks that they think that they ought to have thought." —Arthur Bryant "Responsibility without power, the fate of the secretary through the ages." —Ariel Dorfman "The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office." —Robert Frost


DADADA WELCOMES CSC WELCOMES CSC WELCOMES CSC

PMSPMSPMS–––OPESOPESOPES

Vol. I, No. 1

The Cagayan Valley 3rd Goat and Sheep Expo was held recently. It coincided with the Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) 4th Charter Anniversary celebrations on March 12-14, 2008.

DA Regional Technical Director for Operations and LGU Support Dr. Andrew B. Villacorta acted as over-all coordinator for the expo. He arranged the expo with the NVSU through its President Dr. Marilou S. Gilo-Abon, the LGU of Nueva Vizcaya Office of Gov. Luisa Lloren

Cuaresma

and the Office of Mayor John Severino G. Bagasao of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

The Livestock Development

Council and the Philippine Council for Agricultural Resources Research and Development contributed substantially to the Expo.

During the occasion, Guest Speaker DA Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, Research and Regulation Dr. Segfredo R. Serrano urged that “people should invest in agriculture; in that way, if their farming is successful then it is easier to say that

they are progressing, rather than to depend on the GNP as reported by the newspapers which is very difficult to prove.”

Sixty-one animal-raisers and institutions participated in the Expo with 307 animals for display and auction. These animals are either pure-bred, crossbred or upgraded goats of the

Kalahari, Anglo-nubian and Boer types; and sheep of the Katahdin and St. Croix types.

Dr. Geronima G. Ludan, Chief of the Livestock Division and her staff managed the different activities of the expo which included the contest for 42 animal categories (i.e., Best Purebreed Boer Buck, Best Crossbreed Ewe), Cookfest and Technology Demonstration on goat and sheep.

In an earlier expo held in Echague, Isabela, Regional Executive Director Gumersindo D. Lasam said that the Cagayan Valley Region must be No. 1 in goat and sheep production in the years to come. (EPB & ALB)

crops. Finally, the mayor said he plans to make San Pablo the marketing or “Bagsakan” center of the livestock industry in Region 02. This, he said, will promote the “One Town, One Product” truly one-stop shop for animal products like tapa (dried meat), fresh meat and milk products.

San Pablo with it’s famous historical landmark, the Roman Catholic Church, is also a tourist spot. It is the oldest church in Isabela province. In

fact, San Pablo was founded 210 years before the creation of Isabela province itself. (RPT)

LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK

of breeds, distribution of bulls, acquisition and allocation of animal health protection medicines.

He mentioned the many DA support programs not only on livestock but also on corn and other

San Pablo, Isabela celebrated it’s

patronal town fiesta last January 15, 2008. Dubbed “BAKA FESTIVAL”, thousands of students wearing costumes featuring the word Baka, meaning cattle, paraded around the town. Town folks and farmers following also paraded their mostly upgraded animals around the town.

This town of around 64,000 hectares, can vie for the most number of total cattle and carabaos in the entire Cagayan Valley Region.

The merrymaking climaxed in the exciting rodeo games. People wildly cheered as the different games of steer

wrestling, calf roping and bull riding was done inside a fenced arena. The arena located at the rear side of the town’s National High School was built by the municipal government.

San Pablo Mayor Antonio Miro said he will improve collaboration with the DA and other agencies for programs like livestock artificial insemination, upgrading

January to June 2008 BOUNTY VALLEY Newsletter

3rd GOAT & SHEEP

EXPO HELD

SAN PABLO PLAYS RODEO

“… the Cagayan Valley must be No. 1 in goat and sheep production in the years to come.”

- RED Lasam

Mayor Renato Candido of

Dinapigue, Isabela rang an alarm in De-cember, 2007. He reported the presence of Rice Black Bug (RBB) in his coastal town and to have damaged 25 hectares of rice field. The Regional Pest Control Center (RCPC) based in Ilagan, Isabela verified and found RBB positive in the said town.

RBB is considered the most destruc-tive pest since it attacks and damages rice plants at any stage, from seedling to

milking.

The DA Region 02 Executive Director urgently issued S.O. No. 05, on January 21, 2008, creating a task force and measures to control the pest.

The DA, jointly with the LGU’s mobi-lized the farmers in Dinapigue. Insecti-cides and sprayers were issued and trap-

ping the pest with the use of light was done, too.

Across the region, a feverish infor-mation and farmer education campaign on how to control RBB was made. Strict monitoring and surveillance of the pest was done. Checkpoints were given specif-ic orders for the possible entry of the pest

which is highly attract-ed to strong lights of vehicles.

Dr. Valentino C. Perdido, chief of the DA Region 02 Crops

Division said that while the RBB damage was minimized this cropping season, is no reason to put down guard. The pest which came all the way from Mindanao years ago to Palawan, to Central Visa-yas to Samar to the Bicol Region to Au-rora province

to Dinapigue, Isabela, is so prolific it could multiply geometrically in a lifespan of 7 months, lays eggs 4-5 times, with a total of nearly 200 eggs. It can survive up to the next cropping season. (ALB)

RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE RICE


LGU of Gattaran 10% and Provincial LGU

of Cagayan 25%. The LGU of Gattaran

actually implemented the project.

People in the Sidem area will be encouraged to plant trees in the watershed area and also to seed the dam with tilapia fingerlings for their additional livelihood.

RAEG Chief Engr. Aguinaldo said that a cumulative total of 71 SWIP’s servicing 4,504 hectares have been constructed in Region 02 since 1995 to 2007. (RPT)

The Small Water Impounding

Project (SWIP) in Sidem, a northeastern barangay in Gattaran, Cagayan will be operational in July 2008 just in time for the next cropping season. This was announced by the Office of Mayor Ramon Nolasco of Gattaran.

As a dam, it

traps water from a

creek which will be

used to irrigate

119 hectares of

farmland in the

community. DA

Regional

Agricultural

Engineering Group

(RAEG) Chief Engr.

Felipe Aguinaldo

said that a team

composed by SWIP

Coordinator Engr.

Isaias Francisco,

Engr. Ronald Yague, Engr. Vermon

Dabalos and Engr. Monico Castro, made

the feasibility study, technical plan and

design of the dam. The Bureau of Soils

and Water Management (BSWM) Manila

provided the funds, counterparted by the

SIDEM SWIP, NEAR COMSIDEM SWIP, NEAR COMSIDEM SWIP, NEAR COMPLETIONPLETIONPLETION FACTS ABOUT RICE

When and where did farmers first start

growing rice? The first rice may have been grown in East and South Asia as long as 15,000 years ago, when people began to settle in river deltas and domesticated wild rice.

How many types of rice are there?

Scientists believe there are 140,000 varie-ties of cultivated rice, but no one knows the exact number.

How much rice do people eat?

That depends on the country. In Myanmar, people eat an average of half a kilogram of rice every day. The average European con-sumes much less, only about 3 kg per YEAR.

Which countries consume the most

rice? Three of the world's four most populous nations use rice as their staple food - China, India and Indonesia. Together, these coun-tries have 2,500 million people.

What is the difference between white

and brown rice? Brown rice is unpolished whole grain rice that is produced by removing only the outer husk. It becomes white rice when the bran layer is stripped off in the milling process.

Is brown rice better for you than white

rice? Compared with white rice, brown rice is more nutritious because it contains bran, which is a source of fibre, oils, B vitamins, and important minerals. -oOo-

RBB ATTACKS RBB ATTACKS RBB ATTACKS DINAPIGUEDINAPIGUEDINAPIGUE

The first Agricultural Tramline System

in Region 02 was formally opened last March 14, 2008 in time for the Kalanguya (an Igorot sub-tribe) Festival and parade. A tramline is an overhead cable transferring vegetables from mountain villages using cable cars to Sta. Fe highway. Regional Technical Director Lucrecio R. Alviar, Jr. led the cutting of the ribbon with Sta. Fe Mayor Florante S. Gerdan, Local Government Unit officials and staff from the Department of

Agriculture, Regional Field Unit No. 02, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The said tramline is located at barangay Balete, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya with a project cost of P3.2M. Three barangays are benefited from the said project namely: Balete, Aritao; Balete and Sinapaoan, Sta. Fe, covering 320 hectares planted to different kinds of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, potato, sitao, cabbage, baguio beans, chayote, broccoli. With the use of this tramline, farmers reduce hauling cost from P6.00 per kilo to P2.00 per kilo, ease the drudgery of manual hauling, carrying their vegetables on their shoulders down the mountain slopes and uphill to the highways of Sta. Fe. It also reduced post harvest losses of vegetables harvested. The average number of trips

to transport harvested vegetables is 12 times in a day with 36,000 kilograms per day. Inputs for vegetable production like

fertilizers and seeds can also be transported back with the use of tramline to save time and labor. This project was conceived by the HVCC Regional Coordinator, Mr. Robert Olinares. (PBB)

HVCC HVCC HVCC HVCC HVCC HVCC HVCC HVCC HVCC HVCC HVCC


“The Department of Agriculture can not

isolate itself and merely think in terms of

commodities and yields. The DA must

lend itself to the accomplishment of goals

and programs that will create more jobs

and investments in the countryside,

increased food production and the rise of

farmer and fisherfolk incomes

nationwide.” - Sec. Arthur C. Yap

FIRST CAGAYAN VALLEY TRAMLINE SYSTEM NOW

IN OPERATION

Pressurized Irrigation System

(PIS): the sprinkler irrigation

(above). The design was

initiated by Engr. Blesita Tega

of the Regional Agricultural

Engineering Group (DA-RFU

02) in a project in Nueva

Vizcaya.

Mr. Ramon and Aurora Dasi-lao–Balmores - Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstand-ing Farm Family Awardee CY 2007-2008

Ramon and Aurora started their

life together in August 24, 1959 when they ex-

changed “I

DO’s”. A head of

cattle, gift from Auro-

ra’s par-ents, was

their only

possession and so they asked a family friend to

allow them to till and tether their prized cattle in his parcel of land. On

that “borrowed parcel” they started

to plant crops as source of little in-come. They worked as helpers to

family friends’ farms, helpers in oth-ers’ fishing boats, hardly spending a

centavo during those tough times. But through regular savings of

Php20, they were able to buy a par-

cel of farmland in 1963. In 1965, Ra-mon started working as an Airport

Security Guard, and even planted corn along the airport runway. As

they progressed, their family grew

bigger with 8 children. Today, they have more landholdings, own fishing

boats and a progressive sari-sari store. And at past 70 years old, Ra-

mon is a lay Minister of the Roman

Catholic Church while Nanay Aurora is the Dominican Laity President.

They are well-known in the commu-nity for their success as a family with

integrity and industry.

Mr. Johnson Lantano Espiritu – Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding Young Farmer Awardee CY 2007-2008

Jhonson was born in September

10, 1986 in Barangay Cabulay, Purok 6,Santiago City to Mr. Ramon and

Marietta Espiritu. He is the 7th and

only boy among nine children. In high school, he was drawn to his

barkada (gang) which interfered with his studies. His desperate father, bolo

in hand, ran after Jhonson to disci-pline him. He ran away and stayed

with his barkada. But in time, Jhon-

son unexpectedly realized he was on the wrong path, he finished his sec-

ondary education. And instead of going to college immediately, he opt-

ed to manage a portion of their farm.

He began to love farming. He be-lieves that “farming is a lucrative

business, his hope for a brighter fu-ture.” So he became a conventional

young farmer. His sister, an employ-ee at the City

Hall, guided

him to the City Agricul-

turist Office where he got

reading mate-

rials for tech-nology up-

dates and met agriculturists

and Farm Youth Coordinators for ad-

vice. His production improved great-ly. Because of his exemplary traits,

he was awarded Outstanding Youth in the barangay and in May 2007, he

was awarded Most Outstanding Young Farmer by Hon. Amelita S.

Navarro, Mayor of Santiago City.

Barucboc Rural Improvement Club, Quezon Isabela – Re-gional Gawad Saka Most Out-standing RIC Awardee CY 2007 – 2008

Barucboc is the largest barangay

of Quezon, Isabela. In 1970, the then

Bureau of Agricultural Extension or-ganized the Barucboc RIC with 15

initial members. The NIA-CHICO Irri-

gation Project launched in October, 1980 and the concreting of the na-

tional road from Tuguegarao to San-

tiago City contributed to the rapid econom-

ic devel-opment

of the place. In

the year

2005, a new RIC

was born with 87 members. Everything

changed with a new set of officers

who were committed, civic-minded, resourceful and with clear vision. The

club passed a resolution soliciting financial assistance to the Provincial

Governor Hon. Maria Cielo Grace Pa-daca for the landscaping of the idle,

grassy and pasture area at the center

of the barangay which was granted. The dream of the RIC officers and

members was realized turning the idle, grassy area into a beautiful spot

which is now called “barangay plaza”.

In 2006, the membership grew into 187 and in 2007, increased to 319

active women. The club has gone into lending soft loans to its mem-

bers, established fruit and vegetable

nurseries in every purok, and food processing. Its capital of Ten thou-

sand Pesos in 2005 has grown to Php363,000 early this year, proving

that these “traditional housewives” could be active partners of the gov-

ernment in bringing about develop-

ment in the countryside.

Engr. Loreto G. Lazaro – Re-gional Gawad Saka Most Out-standing High Value Commer-cial Crop Farmer Awardee

Now almost 70 years old but still

strong, Mang Lorie of Barangay 2,

San Mateo, Isabela, is an advocate of diversified farming. At first seeing his

2-hectare farm, you get the wrong

CAGAYAN VALLEY 2007-2008 REGIONAL GAWAD SAKA AWARDEES


He maximizes the use of re-sources in his area, he put sheep and

goats in his farm. Then he expanded

to poultry, specifically geese, chicken and

duck produc-

tion. He also

allocat-

ed area for fish

produc-tion and planted coconuts, banana

and malunggay in the surroundings.

He realized the need to ensure sustainable source of feeds for his livestocks, so he planted forages like humidicola, rensonii and gliricidia.

Engr. Centeno started to widen

his horizon when he realized the need to operate his farm not only as

a hobby but as a source of income as well.

His sheep production enterprise

with an initial stock inventory of 1

ram and 6 ewes, grew to current population of 17 ewes, 1 mature

ram, 10 junior ram, 7 growers and 11 lambs.

The current goat production is

composed of 1 matured buck, 3 jun-ior bucks, 15 does and 5 weanlings.

His sales afforded his ROI of

115% in 2006, which increased to 170% in 2007.

Engr. Centeno is an active member of

the Isabela Sheep & Goat Raisers

D e v e l o p m e n t C o o p e r a t i v e

(IGRADECO) and Isabela Mango

Growers Development Cooperative

(IMADEC).

Dr. Joel L. Reyes - Regional

Gawad Saka Most Outstandng

Agricultural Scientist CY 2007

-2008

A man worthy of emulation as

reearcher and scientist. A public serv-


impression that he began

with a very

big capital. The truth is, it

was devel-oped through

the years, where he asked friends and govern-

ment agencies like the Philippine Co-

conut Authority for free seedlings. Whatever little money he had that

came along, a few hundred pesos, if that was it, he invested in developing

his farm. His farm is planted with

coconut trees, mango trees, bana-nas, rambutan, jackfruits, papayas; a

tilapia fishpond, piggery, and poultry. He initiated the organization of the

Good Samaritan Multi-Purpose Coop-erative, a church-based coop in 1990.

His 4 children are all abroad – Marvin

and Melvin in Canada, Uichara in England and Michael in Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Enrique Estoy – Re-gional Gawad Saka Most Out-standing Large Animal Raiser awardee CY 2007-2008

“Mang Eking” as he is fondly called, of Raele, Itbayat, Batanes, only finished 2nd Year High School due to financial constraints. Because of this dismal situation, he concen-trated his efforts to develop a farm, planting garlic, root crops, rice and corn. In raising his fami-ly, he was per-sistent in giving them a better life. Resource-ful enough, he got cows through Umungan, a native term for a practice where a person raises a female cattle owned by another and in turn, they will share the offsprings.


His farm got bigger and now at 43, he owns a 4.8 hectare at Sitio Xateng, Raele. At present, he is rais-ing 28 heads of cattle, 9 carabaos, as well as other livestocks, all product of his interest, industriousness, thirst and diligence.

Malalam 4-H Club, Malalam, Ilagan, Isabela - Regional Gawad-Saka Most Outstand-ing Young Farmer/Fisher folk Organization Awardee CY 2007-2008

The Malalam 4-H Club spear-headed Ecological Socio-waste Man-agement Programs, established vege-table communal nurseries, undertook roadside planting, clean and green programs in the barangay. Young as they are, they are fast to learn in-

come-generating projects using in-digenous materials, hog-fattening and other

skills that they can use in their future work. These young boys and girls also participate in sports festivals, join inter-barangay tournaments and encourage other youths to promote camaraderie.

Engr. Simeon I. Centeno – Most Outstanding Small Ani-mal Raiser Adopting Integrat-ed Farming Systems Awardee CY 2007-2008

Engr. Simeon I. Centeno is a Civil

Engineer by profession. He started

farming as a hobby when he got a farm in Barangay Nagassican, Santia-

go City in 1998.

His first farming experiences were with mango, citrus and gome-

lina production. Fruits and lumber for posts were then his primary interests.

ant. Dr. Joel, the campus administra-

tor of the Isabela State University,

Jones Campus, is a formidable force

to reckon

with, in

the field of

agricultur-

al re-

search. He

is an epit-

ome of

agricultur-

al science, well-loved by the constitu-

ents for the “ISU JONAS CHICKEN”.

“ISU JONAS CHICKEN” or Jonas is

the product of painstaking and perse-

vering research of Dr. Reyes which is

now a by-word of chicken raisers in

the different barangays of Jones and

adjoining municipalities.

Mr. Ri- cardo B.

Navis, Jr. – Regional Gawad

Saka Most Outstanding High

Value Cash Crop Processor CY

2007-2008

Born intellectually gifted but his

suffering from severe ailment is what

brought him to the road of success.

His battle

against a severe

ailment, which af-

flicted him

several years ago,

was what led him to the road of success. Find-

ing enlightenment from his favorite

“Diet and Foods” by Ellen B. White, he passionately pursued a way to

alleviate his suffering through a con-tinuous search for alternative medi-

cine. His inspiring story stimulated the development of food processing

in the region with the use of our in-

digenous agricultural products.

Mr. Navis pioneered in the pro-duction of veggie noodles, organic

foods and soybean-based products. With an overwhelming acceptance of

these, he is frequently invited to ex-

hibit in provincial, regional, national, and international trade fairs. He

gives lectures on alternative medicine and is presently working on the de-

velopment of veggie noodles in the northern region.

With his pioneering and deter-

mined spirit, Mr. Ric Navis has not

only contributed to the development

of the food industry, but has also

victoriously paved the way to a

healthy living.

Mr. David C. Agpoon – Re-gional Gawad Saka Most Out-standing Coconut Farmer cy 2007-2008

Mr. David C. Agpoon, a teacher as well as a farmer. A 5th child of Mr.

Isidro Agpoon and Josefina Contillo of Labben, Allacapan, Cagayan.

He thought of increasing income

through buy-ing and selling

coconut prod-ucts. Out of

their savings,

they bought parcels of land

and planted coconuts. He

planted bana-

na, citrus, ga-bi, constructed

piggery, put up fish cage, and plant-ed vegetables for home consumption.

He also initiated the processing of

buko into buko pie, coco macaroons, and banana cake.

Diffun Saranay and Development

Cooperative (DISADECO) - Re-gional Gawad Saka Most Out-standing Small Farmer and

Fisher folk Organization CY 2007-2008

Diffun Credit and Development

Cooperative was organized in 1988. Members of the cooperative are 70%

representing the farming populace

while 70% is composed of the pro-fessional and business sector.

It was confirmed by the Coopera-tive Development Authority on March

26, 1991.

The World Vision International (WVI) deposited P40,000 as trust

fund purposely to provide working capital for farmers engaged in crop

production. Tabuk Multi-Purpose Co-operative Union also granted the

amount of P20,000 assistance to the

newly organized cooperative. Year 1990 was considered a very

remarkable year for the DISADECO because the Land Bank of the Philip-

pines offered a Coop Production Loan

Assistance amounting to P360,740. In the same year, the DTI also of-

fered its Tulong Sa Tao Self-employment Loan Assistance pro-

gram. An amount of P100,000 was granted to the micro-enterprise pro-

ject of its members.

Due to its remarkable repayment performance, the DTI has again

granted a total amount of P5,000,000 loan assistance to the cooperative.

Today, the total assets is 62,068,

756.55, a 19% increase in a period of one year since it turned self-reliant

and an undivided net surplus of 4,372, 274.92.

The cooperative consistently re-

ceives awards both regional and na-tional level because of exemplary

performance and dedication in the services rendered.

Mr. Roger S. Salvador – Re-gional Gawad Saka Most Out-standing Corn Farmer Award-ee CY 2007-2008

A God-fearing, hardworking man



and receptive-ness to updat-

ed modern

farming tech-nologies is

Roger Salvador who also pos-

sesses the vi-sion to inspire

his fellow farm-

ers by unself-ishly showcasing updated technolo-

gies with the sincere purpose to at-tain high productivity and profitability

on corn farming.

He is an outstanding farmer in

the municipality. His average yield per hectare ranges from 7.5-9.5 MT.

combining the application of lime and use of high-yielding and per resistant

variety of corn.

He is also a farmer-leader exten-

tionist in the Barangay Arubub, Jones, Isabela. As a farmer-leader

extentionist, he continues to innovate himself to become a more dynamic

farmer leader by attending trainings

and seminars.

He was adjudged as “Magsasaka Siyentista” by the CVARRD on Peanut

and Second Placer in the National

Evaluation.

Mr. Ruben Castillo – Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstand-ing Rice Farmer Awardee CY 2007-2008

Ruben is the youngest of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Helio-

dor Castillo of Munoz, Roxas, Isabela. A Computer Science graduate but

because of his eagerness to have a

job, he served as

security guard at

the LBP-Roxas.

Year

2000, he started



farming with doubts and fears but he never gave up. As young farmer, he

wanted to learn more and improved

his skills. He attended seminars, read print materials on agriculture and net

-worked with co-farmers and agen-cies. He is a fast learner and innova-

tive.

He is a consistent hybrid rice grower and attained increase in pro-

duction from an average yield of 6.5 MT or 130 cavans per hectare to 12.0

MT or 224 cavans/hectare.

Because of his exceptional yield and continuing support to hybrid rice

commercialization program, he was

chosen as one of the hybrid rice techno demo cooperators in 2003

and a Farmer-Led Extensionist in 2004.

Through his initiative, resourceful-

ness and assertive personality, more farmers were influenced to go into

hybridization and coop diversification.

In recognition of the feat gained by Ruben’s, the Municipality of Rox-

as, Isabela acknowledged his instru-mentality when the LGU Roxas was

granted the Unlad-Ani Incentive

Award on April 17, 2004 with a cash of P150, 000.

Ruben Castillo was also awarded as the Regional winner for the Gawad

Saka Search 2001.

As farmer-led extentionist, he actively participates in technology

verifications, innovations and genera-

tion for farmers to emulate.

Roxas Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council – Region-al MAFC Awardee CY 2007-2008

The Roxas MAFC which was or-

ganized in 1998, has generated posi-

tive results through its advocacy ef-forts. Among these are the rehabilita-

tion of a Small Water Impounding Project worth P14M; a Model Rice

Cluster Post-Harvest facility, P5M; One (1) unit 4-wheel Drive Tractor,

P2M.

Also, with a very strong linkage

with a religious organization, the Community One Rural Development

(CORD) Inc., other NGOs, NGAs, LGUs, the Roxas MAFC brought the

local government a total of P350,000

cash award for rice model clusters category in 2004-2006.

Mr. Renato C. Alfaro – Re-gional Gawad Saka Most Out-standing Fisher folk (Fish Cul-ture) Awardee CY 2007-2008

Renato C. Alfaro of Cauayan City,

Isabela is a medical nurse but is now the champion of hito breeding and

fingerling production in Cagayan Val-ley.

F r o m t h e

e a r n -ings he

h a d

sa ved , h i s

family was able to buy 4.8 hectares of farmland in Brgy. Nungnungan 1,

Cauayan, Isabela.

Being a hito breeder and produc-ers for almost 15 years now, Kap

Boyong was able to design a hatch-

ery, which is effective and efficient in producing hito fry. He stopped using

the circular hatching tanks being used in hito and carp production sur-

vival because of low survival capacity especially when the drain system got

clogged with dirt and other debris

released during hatching.

To date, Mang Boyong’s fish farm

is the sole producer of hito fingerlings

in Region 02 with clients as far as

Kalinga and Apayao.

Apart from this, the couple also

maintains a stall at the wet market

section of Cauayan City’s public mar-

ket.

Since fish farming occupies a soft

spot in his heart, he ensures the pro-

tection and conservation of the envi-

ronment by taking the lead in curbing

fishing mal practices in his barangay.

Mr. Arsenio L. dela Peña – Re-

gional Gawad Saka Most Out-

standing Fisher folk (Fish

Capture) Awardee CY 2007-

2008

A poor boy

now a new

breed of leader,

is Mr. Arsenio L.

Dela Peña of

Taggat Norte,

Claveria, Caga-

yan.

Noted for his

dedication to fisheries protection and

development, BFAR Region 02 has

chosen him to be the cooperator of

lobster and sea urchin production in

the coastal area.

The Bureau of Fisheries and

Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regards

him as one of the fisherfolks who

unselfishly helps BFAR in its pro-

grams in his area.

With all his exemplary contribu-

tion to food security as well as in the

mandate of RA 8550 which is the

protection, conservation and man-

agement of the fisheries and aquatic

resources, this worth emulating nom-


inee deserves to be recognized as

achiever in the Search for Gawad

Saka Awards as Outstanding Fisher-

folk (Fish Capture category).

Mr. Jomar Asuncion – Region-al Gawad Saka Most Out-standing Sugarcane Farmer Awardee CY 2007-2008

Mr. Jomar Asuncion is the 5th

child of Mr. & Mrs. Raymundo

R o m e r o

Asuncion of

Ubong, Sola-

na, Cagayan.

While a nurse

by profession,

he prefers to

be a sugar-

cane farmer.

A t a

young age,

he was already trained to work in the

farm. His skills in farming was en-

hanced by his father in-law who is a

pioneer sugarcane planter.

In 2005, he started in sugarcane

farming with marginal unproductive

land and rented machineries. With

sheer determination and faith, he

was able to develop a total of 23.8

hectares.

He conditioned his farms with

truckloads of mud press, thus, mak-

ing him harvest his first produce

from his 12-hectare plantation.

He applied modern technologies

by using farm mechanization and

appropriate cultural management and

organic farming. His average yield is

77 tons cane/ha which is 27% higher

than the average of 36.21 in the dis-

trict and even higher than the nation-

al by 16.6 ton cane/ha.

His farms became a model of

technology when he was able to

make the soil into productive one.

Now almost all the idle lands in the

neighboring areas are planted to sug-

arcane and other crops.

Jomar is always guided by the

principle: “It is the character that builds a man.” -oOo-


ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

To our valued clients, we are pleased to inform you that the new Office of the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

(RADDL) is now in Carig Sur (back of GSIS office). For more info, please contact telephone number (078)

846-7260.

“The only things that

create wealth in the world

are things like fishing and

farming and mining and

taking resources and

creating something.”

- Sir Denis Rooke (1924 - )

January to June 2008 VALLEY BOUNTY Newsletter Vol. I, No. 1

BARANGAY FOOD TERMINAL (BFT)

What are the requirements in putting up

a BFT?

A depressed but populous barangay whose

residents buy ordinary farm products are qualified to put up a BFT

The place is evaluated by government agencies like DSWD, the local government

officials, and the Department of Agriculture

What are the first things to do when putting up a BFT?

The Barangay Captain prepares a letter with endorsement by the Mayor addressed to the

RED of the DA

If approved, the building and the place is

prepared with the farm products for sale set up and the launching of the BFT is scheduled.

What assistance is offered by the DA to

the BFT?

The DA offers technical assistance and

facilities (like chest-freezer, plastic crates, weighing scale, and others) for the day-to-day

operations of the BFT

What assistance is offered by the Mayor and the Barangay Captain to the BFT?

They organize a group which manages the operations of the BFT

They provide the starting capital.

What is the most important role of the Barangay Council and the DA to ensure a

smooth and successful operation of the BFT?

The Barangay Council ensures that there are farmers and fisher folk nearby that raise

vegetables, livestock, poultry and fish to be sold at the BFT regularly

The DA assist in the proper raising of crops, poultry, livestock and fishery

IRRIGATION SUPPORT

PRESSURIZED IRRIGATION SYSTEM (PIS)

What is Pressurized Irrigation System

(PIS)?

- This is a type of irrigation system that

operates on pressure for its optimum performance either by gravity or by the use

of pumps. Water is distributed to the farms by pipelines, sprinklers, drippers or emitters.

Who are the potential beneficiaries of the PIS?

- High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC) growers.

Why PIS in HVCC production areas?

- Terrain in the production area is either hilly,

sloping or rolling

- More efficient water utilization

- Reduce time and labor cost by mixing

fertilizer with water while irrigating

Who are eligible beneficiaries of PIS?

- Growers of HVCC

- Adequate source of irrigation water (either

from open source/STW or spring)

Production area: for individual farmer is

one hectare; for group is 20 hectares minimum coverage

What are the responsibilities of beneficiaries?

- Willing to pay the total project cost interest-free within a period of five years

- Willing to shoulder the labor cost

- Willing to adopt appropriate production technologies

How to avail of the project?

- Submit Letter of Intent with endorsement

from Mayor

- When approved, willing to sign a MOA with

DA

- What are the requirements for the approval

of project?

- Must pass the technical evaluation of the DA

–RFU 02

Technical Requirements:

- must have water permit from National Water Resource Board (NWRB)

- must own the land free from lien, encumbrances and disputes

- pipe lines from the source passing private

lands must have a written consent from the owners

How much does a PIS project cost?

- The cost depends on the actual requirement

of the farm but not to exceed the ceiling set by the DA-RFU 02 (P250, 000.00/ha)

INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT

FARM TO MARKET ROAD PROJECT (FTMR)

What is FTMR?

- A joint project of DA, DPWH and LGU wherein the DA identifies the sites and provide funding for the DPWH or the LGU to

implement.

Why the need to have FTMR?

- An FTMR is a road made up of earth, gravel

or concrete that connects agricultural production areas through established road networks to trading centers.

What is the importance of FTMRs?

- Facilitate movement of produce to trading centers.

- Reduce handling and transport cost and post-harvest losses

- Stimulate small and medium business activities in the community.

Where are FTMRs located?

- In key production areas (KPAs)

- In farm areas where existing road networks need rehabilitation, except national and

provincial roads.

How to avail of the program?

- LGUs, Farmers Organizations, NGOs shall

submit Letter of Intent to DA-RFU 02.

How to know if such requests were already approved?

- DA-RFU 02 will validate the proposed project or road section and the result of validation

will be forwarded to DA-Central Office for funding.

- List of funded FTMRs will be forwarded to DPWH/LGU

How much should a kilometer of FTMR cost?

- For road opening: P1.0 million per kilometer

- For road concreting: P10.0 million per kilometer

- For road re-gravelling: P500,000.00 per kilometer

IRRIGATION SUPPORT FACILITIES

SWIPs / DDs / STWs / PISs

Why is water needed at the right time and at the right amount for crop

production?

- To ensure optimum plant growth and

development.

- To maximize land use through crop

diversification and cropping intensity.

What are the different projects of DA to

ensure available water when most critically needed by farmers?

- Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIPs)

- Diversion Dams (DDs)

- Shallow Tube Wells (STWs)

- Pressurized Irrigation Systems (PISs)

What is SWIP?

- SWIP is a small-scale dam structure to collect and store water from creeks,

streams, and run-offs from rain.

Where can SWIPs be established?

- In rolling areas where catchment is big enough and gully is proportionately big to

store water during rainfall and has an adjacent area that can make use of the

water.

What are the uses of a SWIP?

- Make water available for immediate and future use for crop, livestock and fish

production.

- Conserve soil and water resources by

reducing flooding, soil erosion, etc.

- Use as a community recreational area

Who are eligible/qualified to apply for SWIP?

- The DA has a list of potential sites that are already validated and ready for funding

purposes. However, other sites are still accepted for validation and processing.

What should be done in order to be included in the list of potential sites?

- Submit a Letter of Intent to the DA-RFU 02.

-oOo-

OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES … how to avail ...

Roxas while a BFT is also to be

established at Barangay Centro,

Cabarroguis, Quirino.

Dubbed as “Talipapa sa Barangay”,

these food outlets shall serve a total

of 12,776 families from both the BFT

recipient-barangays as well as their

catchment areas.

To complement the Nueva Vizcaya

Agricultural Trading(NVAT), an

already operational bagsakan center

in the municipality of Bambang, three

more of similar facility are to be put

up, one in the municipality of

Nagullian and two in the cities of

Santiago and Cauayan, all in Isabela.

(RPS)

Cagayan Valley residents expect

at least 12 barangay food terminals

(BFTs) and three bagsakan centers to

be put up this year to benefit

particularly depressed but populous

barangays that raise and consume

ordinary farm products.

According to Ms. Vivien del los

Santos, chief of the Agri-Business

and Marketing Division of the DA-RFU

02, an initial three BFTs have been

set up in the province of Cagayan

particularly the farming barangays of

Linao East, San Gabriel, and

Namabbalan in Tuguegarao City early

this year. Cagayan residents expect

the launching of three more BFTs

within the barangays of Buntun,

Libag Norte, and Carig Norte all in

Tuguegarao City.

At least five BFT recipient-

barangays have been identified also

in the province of Isabela particularly

at the municipalities of Ilagan and

NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

12 BFTs, 3 Bagsakan Centers to be Established in Region 02 This Year12 BFTs, 3 Bagsakan Centers to be Established in Region 02 This Year12 BFTs, 3 Bagsakan Centers to be Established in Region 02 This Year

To prove a bountiful harvest in

Nueva Vizcaya, Pres. Gloria

Macapagal-Arroyo ceremoniously dispatched 18 truckloads of rice for

Metro Manila to be sold at NFA Tindahan Natin outlets.

The President, who just came

from a spiritual retreat in Baguio City during the Holy Week, visited the

small town of Dupax Del Norte on March 24, 2008.

Assisted by Nueva Vizcaya

Governor Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, and DA-RFU 02 Executive Director

Gumersindo D. Lasam, President

Arroyo turned over to Mayor Antonio Palugod the certificates for one

Diversion Dam worth P500,000.00; two Multi-Purpose Drying Pavements

(P200,000); a Packing House (P450, 000); and 4,000 packs of assorted

vegetable seeds (P150,000) during

the program.

Before a crowd of about 5,000

people, PGMA commented in her speech Honorable Congressman

Carlos Padilla and said that “precisely

for the reason that Dupax Del Norte is a small town that the Government

should attend more to the needs of this town”.

DSWD Sec. Esperanza Cabral and

LTFRB Chief Tomas Lantion, a son of this province, were among those who

accompanied the President in her

visit to this town. -oOo-

PGMA visits Dupax Del Norte, Nueva VizcayaPGMA visits Dupax Del Norte, Nueva VizcayaPGMA visits Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya

Vol. I, No. 1 January to June 2008 VALLEY BOUNTY Newsletter

One must learn from

the folly of the flying

eagle in the sky, trying

to teach and redirect the

way of the fish swim-

ming in the river.” Itawes Proverb

The first DA Regional

Information Officers (RIOs) Quarterly

Meeting this year was conducted

doubly with a Lakbay Aral

(Educational Tour) of Cagayan Valley

on March 10-14, 2008.

DA Secretary Arthur C. Yap

ordered the RIOs, the Ginintuang

Masaganang Ani High Value

Commercial Crop Directorate, and the

Agricultural and Fisheries Information

Service (AFIS) Staff to participate in

the activity.

RIO Robert Domoguen of CAR;

Gloria Parong of Region I; OIC RIO

Edito R. Banares of Region II; Felicito

Espiritu Jr.- R-III; Ernesto Sagun - R-

IV-A; Clariza San Felipe – R-IV-B; Ma.

Bella R. Ilan - R-V; Juvy Gaton - R-

VI; Cheryl de la Victoria – R-VII;

Virginia Macanda – R-VIII; Melba

Wee – R-IX; Elsie Abecia – R-X;

Eustiquio Vidal – R-XI; Nelly Ylanan –

R-XII; Rebecca Atega – Region of

CARAGA; Kadiguia Abdullah of

ARMM; Alice Contarciego from the

HVCC Directorate; Dr. Felimon F.

Barral, Ana P. Gaqui, Teresita B.

Abejar of AFIS, attended the meeting

and educational tour.

The group visited the Sta. Fe

Tramline and the Nueva Vizcaya

Agricultural Trading Center (NVAT),

Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya; the

Banaue Rice Terraces in adjacent

Banaue, Ifugao; the Floresma

Dacuycuy Farms in Cauayan City; the

BM Domingo Farms in Aurora,

Isabela; the CVIARC, Ilagan, Isabela;

a courtesy call to the Office of

Regional Executive Director

Gumersindo D. Lasam at the DA RFU

No. 02; a visit to “Our Lady of Piat

Shrine” in Piat, Cagayan; and the

FIRST RIOs QUARTERLY FIRST RIOs QUARTERLY FIRST RIOs QUARTERLY MEETING CONDUCTEDMEETING CONDUCTEDMEETING CONDUCTED

In Region 02, the CPAR Project started in 2002 with 10 sites

representing the recommendation

domain of either rice or corn-based farming areas. Results from three

(3) years implementation showed that the project did not only increase

farm productivity and income but provided many benefits to farmer-

cooperators. Among others are

sources. the presence of continuous

food supply to households, immediate

source of cash, capacitated farmers to develop coping mechanisms/

strategies and promoted

sustainability and better allocation of resources.

The three CPAR sites visited by the “Mag-Agri Tayo” crew of NBN

Channel 4 are highlighted with the

following accomplishments:

In Cabisera 10, Ilagan, Isabela,

the introduced farming system which

Executive Producer,

Mr. Patrick Rey Daffon of the

“Mag-Agri Tayo” program of the National Broadcasting

Network (NBN), Channel 4 together with other crew

members and Ms. Julie Lapitan of the Department of

Agr i cu l ture -Bureau of

Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) visited and conducted

documentation on the successful CPAR Projects in

the region on February 26-

29, 2008. Three from among the successful CPAR

projects; Cabisera 10, I lagan, Isabela, Ip i l ,

Echague, Isabela and

Bintawan Sur, Villaverde, Nueva V iz caya were

identified to be included in the featured stories of the

program.

T h e C o m m u n i t y - B a s e d Participatory Action Research or

CPAR is one of the banner programs of DA-BAR. It is a downstream

research cum extension project led

by Agricultural Technologists from the Local Government Units aimed to

accelerate testing and transferring of appropriate package of technologies

with the ultimate goal of increasing

the total farm productivity and income of marginal farmers in the

context of sustainable production system following the farming system

approach.

NBN CHANNEL 4 VISITS NBN CHANNEL 4 VISITS NBN CHANNEL 4 VISITS

SUCCESSFUL CPAR PROJECTS IN REGION 02SUCCESSFUL CPAR PROJECTS IN REGION 02SUCCESSFUL CPAR PROJECTS IN REGION 02


NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS

NBN Channel 4 Visits ... 16

RIOs First Quarterly Meeting at

Masisit MPCI, Sanchez Mira,

Cagayan. The activity will enable the

RIOs to make advocacy of GMA

programs in their respective areas of

assignments. (ALB & PBB) -oOo-


Due to the rice black bug (RBB) threat

from Quezon province, the Department of

Agriculture - Regional Field Unit No. 02

(DA-RFU 02) initiated a new checkpoint

at Barangay Sangbay, Nagtipunan,

Quirino province early this year.

Dr. Zaldy Olivas,

Chief of the DA-RFU

02 Quarantine Service

said that composite

personnel from the

LGU of Nagtipunan

through the Office of

Mayor Rosario K.

Camma, LGU of

Maddela, Quirino

through the Office of

Mayor Florante T. Ruiz, and the Provincial

LGU of Quirino, man the new checkpoint.

The DA-RFU 02 pays a minimal rental

for the use of space and private building,

including electricity, for the maintenance

of the checkpoint.

Regional Executive Director Dr.

Gumersindo D. Lasam said that

checkpoints are the most effective way to

arrest the further spread of disease in a

stricken area.

Two years earlier, the DA checkpoint

in Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, was moved to

Carranglan, Nueva Ecija as an aggressive

control measure against foot-and-mouth

disease (FMD) prevalent in Central Luzon.

It has become an inter-regional

checkpoint, manned by DA personnel

from regions II, III, CAR and LGU-

the problem of corn borer and corn earworm infestations. To date, 90%

of the corn farmers in the area are

now adopting the application of biological agents as control measure

against borer and earworm. The integration of vegetable and poultry

proved potential sources of immediate food and additional

income.

In Ipil, Echague, Isabela, the CPAR site was located in the tail-end

part of the lowland irrigated rice areas of the community wherein

farmers are experiencing low

production due to insufficient water supply.

With CPAR, the rice + (mungbean, vegetable) – rice +

(mungbean, vegetable) cropping pattern proved very profitable in the

area. The vegetables are planted in

the portion of the farm that is difficult to be reached by irrigation water.

The following interventions are as follows:

Rice:

- variety and quality seeds

- organic fertilizer

- IPM

Mungbean:

- Variety

- seed inoculants

Vegetables:

- use of plastic seedling tray

- use of plastic mulch

- use of indigenous materials as trellis

- application of organic fertilizer

The farmer-cooperators were taught to produce their organic

fertilizer with rice straws as bio-

materials. Today, the farmers are obtaining an annual income of Php

94,790.00 compared to the annual net income of Php10,640.00 derived

from the tradit ional rice-rice

monoculture.

The documented successful CPAR sites in the region are expected to be featured every Saturday at 9:00-1-:00 AM in the “Mag-Agri Tayo” program of Channel 4 starting May 31, 2008. (LAG) -oOo-

A NEW CHECK-POINT RISES

NBN Channel 4 Visits ... 15


includes the modification of the monoculture corn-corn cropping

pattern with corn + vegetable – corn

+ vegetable plus the integration of cattle have given the farmers

renewed hope for better life.

Technology interventions are as

A new checkpoint rises 17

follows:

Corn:

- use as quality seeds of hybrid

variety

- application of biological agents

to control corn borer and corn earworm

- application of Bio-N

Integration of Vegetables

- use of OPV variety

- application of organic fertilizer

- use of plastic seedling tray

- POT for seed production

Integration of Cattle

- utilization of corn bio-mass

as feeds

Support services extended to

farmer-cooperators was centered in the training for vegetable production

sold as fresh and as seeds for planting materials. Today, Cabisera

10 is a consistent supplier of fresh

vegetables not only in the community but also in the whole of Ilagan

through the Ilagan Public Market as their “bagsakan” center. Almost 80%

of the total household in Cabisera 10

are partial adoptors of CPAR projects and the farmer-cooperators are now

seed producers supplying seeds of OPV vegetables to the Cagayan

Valley Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CVIARC) to fill-up

the gap on seed requirement for OPV

vegetables in the whole region. With these activities, CPAR

farmer-cooperators were able to realize an annual net income of

P20,573.90/ha. compared to farmers’

practice of P5,472.00/ha. derived from corn monoculture.

Similar project was established in Bintawan Sur, Villaverde, Nueva

Vizcaya. Highlight of the project is

on the improvement of the farming system from corn monoculture to

corn + vegetable + poultry to increase total farm productivity and

income. Focused intervention was the application of Trichogramma evanescens and earwig to address


programs production and broadcasting.

Three participants from each

region (I to V) attended the training. Edgar Paz, Prisca Baquiran and

Eduardo Bulaqui represented Region 02.

Station Manager Evelyn Agato of the Overseas Broadcast Philippine

Broadcasting Services and Chairman

Louie Tabing of the Philippine Federation of Rural Broadcasters

served as resource persons. They taught the participants the art

of newswriting, the method of proper

interviewing, production of radio plugs and most especially, the

sequencing of a 30-minute magazine format radio program.

“Radio”, the resource persons said,

TAGBILARAN CITY – The

Department of Agriculture –

Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (DA-AFIS) conducted a

“Farmcasters Training-Workshop on Radio Production and Broadcasting”

last May 5-9, 2008 at DAO Diamond Hotel, this City, Bohol.

The training-workshop updated the

farmcasters with the latest DA programs and policies for them to

deliver these information effectively to the public. Also, the training

enriched the broadcaster’s knowledge

and skills on the latest trends in radio

FARMCASTERS UPDATED ON FARMCASTERS UPDATED ON FARMCASTERS UPDATED ON DA PROGRAMS, TRENDS IN DA PROGRAMS, TRENDS IN DA PROGRAMS, TRENDS IN

BROADCASTINGBROADCASTINGBROADCASTING

extended the invitation, the first for

this year, in line with the regular

monthly FSO Conference continuing

education.

Agricultural Officers Tito A.

Cabauatan and James P. Rodrigo of

the DA-RFU 02 and Sally Tomaneng

of the Cagayan Provincial Agriculture

Office talked on the potentials of

Agriculture. Around 50 Police Officers

attended the conference.

The speakers presented through

PowerPoint the physical resources of

region 02 in terms of hectarage

planted to different crops. They also

mentioned about the North Luzon

Agribusiness Quadrangle, the roads

interconnecting Regions I, II, CAR,

and other infrastructures.

The speakers presented the

relation of production volumes of

different agricultural commodities in

region 02 to population densities.

They also showed projected demands

from other regions, as well as from

Southeast Asian countries.

Cabauatan and Rodrigo talked on

corn, rice, mango, tilapia and hog

production. Tomaneng who is a

subject matter specialist talked on

goat production.

The speakers clearly explained

that while region 02 is more than self

-sufficient in rice and corn (Isabela

province in fact, is number one in the

entire country in grains production),

the national demand for these

products is greater. So with mango.

tilapia, hog and goat are

inadequately produced even for

region 02 consumption alone.

“These are situations”, according

to the speakers, “where great

opportunities for investing in

agricultural production are present”.

They presented the different

possible return on investments for

the different commodities and also

mentioned the DA’s technical support

and interventions for the farming

industry.

The PNP Officers expressed their

thanks with a plaque of appreciation

for the insights gained regarding the

DA programs and agricultural

investments opportunities. –oOo-

CAMP MARCELO ADDURU, Tug.

City – The Philippine National Police

regional office here invited DA

technologists to talk on the potentials

of the farming industry on January

29, 2008.

Police Sr. Supt. Ephrem C. Arcilla

of the Finance Service Office

PNP INVITES D.A. TECHNOLOGISTSPNP INVITES D.A. TECHNOLOGISTSPNP INVITES D.A. TECHNOLOGISTS


“is the most effective means for the farmers to get fast and timely

information regarding DA programs,

policies and services, and the farmcasters are the frontliners in this

communication work.” DA Region 07 and the Philippine

Foundation of Rural Broadcasters co-hosted the training. (PBB) -oOo-

A new checkpoint rises... 16

Caranglan.

The other checkpoints in Region 02

are in Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan; the Port

of Aparri; Port Irene in Sta. Ana,

Cagayan; and the Tuguegarao City

Airport.

The proposed checkpoint in Kayapa,

Nueva Vizcaya is aimed to control the

entry of pests and diseases from the

southern part of the Cordillera Region.

-oOo-

This area of 300 sq. meters was planted with various vegetables of

the pinakbet menu such as eggplant,

okra, ampalaya, tomato, chili, and kangkong as well as flowers for

beautification.

The project aims to show that with

the use of new tech-

nology, hybrid vege-table seeds, drip irri-

gation, organic ferti-lizers, plastic mulch

and trellises can

m a k e f a r m i n g /gardening highly

profitable.

It also aims to show that with the availa-

bility of fresh and safe vegetable prod-

ucts and a sales out-let, like the Barangay

Food Terminal beside the DA-Multi-Purpose Cooperative Building, will

significantly reduce the cost of vege-

tables to tingi/tipid buyers thereby mitigate hunger and malnutrition in

poorer households within the vicinity.

It aims further to encourage fami-

lies and their members to go into

vegetable farming/gardening rather than spend their time on non-

productive activities (like gossip and rumor-mongering, playing cards, over

-extended daydreaming or wine-

drinking).

The project is implemented by the

High value Commercial Crops (HVCC)

section under Mr. Robert Olinares and the Regional Agricultural Engi-

neering Group (RAEG) Pressurized Irrigation (PSI) Unit under Engr. Ble-

sita Tega. –oOo-


The Department of Agriculture-

Regional Field Unit No. 02 (DA-RFU 02) has converted its flag pole area

into a vegetable demonstration site

to show what can be done to open spaces no matter how limited.

SPATIAL MAXIMIZATION, A SHOWCASESPATIAL MAXIMIZATION, A SHOWCASESPATIAL MAXIMIZATION, A SHOWCASE

Bishop Ramon Villena Keynotes 4th Regional Bishop Ramon Villena Keynotes 4th Regional Bishop Ramon Villena Keynotes 4th Regional Investment Promotion RoundsInvestment Promotion RoundsInvestment Promotion Rounds

The Department of Trade and

Industry – Region 02, joined the

Province of Nueva Vizcaya in their

celebration of the Panagyaman

Festival 2008 by bringing to the

province the 4th Regional Investment

Promotion Rounds on May 19-24,

2008.

The event proved to be very

successful as evidenced by the influx

of participants to the various

activities conducted. There were

about 150 stakeholders from the

entire Region who registered for the

Investment Stakeholders’ Forum

held on May 20, 2008 at the

Ammungan Hall, Provincial Capitol

Compound, the theme of which was:

“Cagayan Valley Region…

coming full circle…”, a theme that

capsulates the economic status of the

Region, meaning, it is now headed

towards a globally competitive

economy as it is being integrated into

the global market.

The occasion was graced by the

Cha i rma n o f t he Reg i o na l

Development Council 02, Most Rev.

Ramon B. Villena, D.D., Bishop of

Bayombong, and Mr. Stephen Scott,

the Minister and Head of Mission of

the Australian Embassy in the

Philippines. In his keynote speech,

Villena gave a full length graphic

presentat ion of Region O2’s

Economic Performance, Challenges

and Prospects. He said that Cagayan

Val ley Region i s “ favorably

performing economically as there

have been recorded tremendous

increases in the production of top

agricultural products like palay and

corn, and other high-value crops, in

fishery production, as well as an

January to June 2008 BOUNTY VALLEY Newsletter Vol. I, No. 1

increase in tourist arrivals, both

foreign and domestic in CY 2007 as

compared to CY 2006.” He also

pointed out that there was a

remarkab le increase in the

Employment performance, both in

agriculture and the service sector.

Despite the apparent favorable

economic standing of the Region,

Bishop Billena posed great challenges

such as: the need to improve the

living standards of the impoverished

people, the improvement of the

human resources through the

provision of basic education and

health care services, as well as

improved accessibility of human basic

needs, and lastly, the creation of an

environment of peace and security in

all places for, he said, “who will want

to come and invest in our place

where there is no peace and

security?”

“The future,” he said, “is very

promising with the enhancement of

agricul tural product iv ity, the

development of organic fish farming,

Bishop Ramon Villena ... 19


area of High Value Crops like banana,

coffee, mango and vegetables. He

pointed out that great potentials

cou ld be seen f rom these

commodities as there is high demand

for such commodities locally and

globally. Mr. Lorenzana, on the other

hand, talked about Corn Production

and Processing. The Region being

one of the highest producers of corn,

he sees great economic potentials

from this commodity. From this

discussion, the group identified an

i m m e d i a t e n e e d f o r t h e

strengthening of cooperatives and a

simplification of process requirements

by financing institutions to aid corn

p r o d u c e r s .

A n o t h e r

discussant was

Dr. Rellin who

discussed on

Livestock and

D a i r y

P r o c e s s i n g .

W h i l e t h e

g r o u p

i d e n t i f i e d

problems on

i n a d e q u a t e

dairy cows and

h i g h r i s k

mortality, he

envisions great

prospects from

this sector. It

was pointed out that artificial

i n sem ina t i o n ,

i m p r o v e d

v e t e r i n a r y

services and

support from

LGUs for related

projects would

help address

these problems.

C o r n a n d

Livestock have

been identified

as the priority

commodities for the Region’s Industry

Clustering and high value crops are

second priority.

Other speakers were invited to the

Forum. Mr. Reginald Laxum Attabay, the

Chief of Infrastructure and Metro

Planning Division of NLGQA shared about

North Luzon Development Initiatives and Cooperation with Asian Economies. Mr.

Geoffrey Cabalza, Deputy Administrator

of Cagayan Economic Zone Authority

(CEZA), who represented Sec. Jose mari

B. Ponce, CEZA Administrator and Chief

Executive Officer, talked about CEZA

Moving Beyond Borders. Mr. Edgardo Sabado, PBDO-Nueva Vizcaya presented

the Bountiful Blessings and Infinite Possibilities of Nueva Vizcaya. (zmq)

the continuing improvement of the

CSEZFP, roads improvement, as well

as the establishments and promotion

of more MSMEs.

Corollarily, Mr. Scott gave an

inspiring message and assured the

Region of their continuing support of

its economic activities.

One of the main activities during

the Investment Stakeholders’ Forum

was the Roundtable Discussions

which focused on Industry Clustering.

Prior to the discussions, Atty. Ma.

Esperanza C. Banares, Regional

Director, DTI – R02, underscored the

rationale behind Industry Clustering

in her topic on Harnessing Global Competitiveness of SMEs through Industry Clustering. It had been

observed that the leve l of

competit iveness of Phi l ippine

industries is steadily eroding over the

years. She said that Industry

Clustering is the answer to the

challenges that Philippine Industries

are facing today as this would help

achieve “economies of scale, if not of

scope”. Along this line, Atty. Banares

is initiating a partnership with the

Department of Agriculture and other

government agencies and private

stakeholders. This plan was earlier

laid in the Economic Development

Commit tee o f the Reg iona l

Development Council which she

chairs. She believes that through a

partnership among these agencies

and private stakeholders, Industry

Clustering will boost the level of

competitiveness of industries in

Region 02.

For the Roundtable discussions

three Resource persons Mr. Robert B.

Olinares, Mr. Orlando Lorenzana both

from the Department of Agriculture,

and Dr. Franklin Rellin of the

Philippine Carabao Center were

invited. Mr. Olinares discussed on the

Bishop Ramon Villena ... 18

January to June 2008 BOUNTY VALLEY Newsletter Vol. I, No. 1

Bounty Valley, Vol. 1 No. 1

Documents

Transcript of Bounty Valley, Vol. 1 No. 1