Volume 12 Issue No. 4 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research APRIL 2011

BINHI AWARDEE (2007)Agricultural Newsletter of the Year

hronicleCVisit our official website at http://www.bar.gov.ph

ISSN 1655-3942

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NEWS

FLORENDO AWARDEE (2003)Outstanding Information Tool for Print

BARBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

BAR hronicleCBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

ISO 9001:2000

BAR leads the crafting of rainfed agriculture.................

BAR funds 2 R&D projects in Bicol.................................

BAR, MASIPAG embark on organic adlai........................

BAR holds seminar on vermiculture...............................

Adaptability trials for adlai in 4 regions..........................

Bicol tests adaptability of adlai........................................

Eleazar keynotes BUCAF Commencement.....................

BAR receives institutional awards from PAC.................

Tapping the benefits from public-private........................

PHILARM conducts 21st nat’l convention.....................

BAR, SEARCA train researchers on marketing............

BINHI AWARDEE (2009)

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IN THIS ISSUE...

Given the importance ofrainfed agriculture in thecountry, which contributes 40

percent of the total food production,the Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR), as the national coordinatorfor R&D in agriculture, was tasked tolead in the formulation of a unifiedand integrated Philippine RainfedAgriculture Research andDevelopment and Extension Program(PhiRARDEP). For this purpose, aconsultation-workshop withresearchers, experts, and projectimplementers from the national andregional DA agencies and otherstakeholders was held on 28-29 April2011 in Clark, Pampanga.

According to historicaltrends, Philippine agriculture ispredominantly rainfed. Rainfedagriculture refers to the cultivation ofcrops without irrigation and utilizes

BAR leads crafting of rainfedagriculture RDE programBAR leads crafting of rainfedagriculture RDE program

mainly water that comes fromprecipitation stored in the unsaturatedsoil. The term also refers to thedrylands which are mostly located inNorthern Luzon, Central Visayas andSouthern Mindanao. Important as it is,rainfed agriculture is also one of themost vulnerable sectors. Farming inrainfed areas is risky due mainly to therecurrence of droughts, pest infestation,generally poor and degraded soils, lackof physical infrastructure, and weaksocial services.

“We have hectares ofunexplored rainfed areas that areinhabited by millions of Filipinos whoare living under extreme poverty,”explained BAR Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar. “And yet it is one of the mostneglected sectors in terms ofagricultural RDE investments. Wetherefore see the need to develop andutilize the potentials of rainfed

agriculture in achieving food securityand improving livelihoods and, mostimportantly, in addressing the issues ofequity and poverty reduction that arecharacteristic of an agricultural countrylike ours,” he added.

The unified RDE agenda andprogram for rainfed agricultureprogram, which was the major outputof the workshop, stipulates specific

(L-R): ICRISAT Principal Scientist, Dr. Suhas Wani; ICRISAT Principal Scientist, Dr. K.B. Saxena; ICRISAT Director for Communications, Dr. Rex L. Navarro; BAR Director,Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar; RTD for Research and Regulations, DA-RFU 3, Atty. Jennilyn Dawayan; UPLB VP for Research and Extension, Dr. Enrico P. Supangco; MMSUVP for Planning, Development and External Linkages, Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen; and BSWM Head of Laboratory Services Division, Dr. Gina P. Nilo. photo: RDELCRUZ

BAR, SEARCA train researcherson marketing and entrepreneurship

After the success of the trainingcourse, “Profitability of NewProduction and Processing

Technologies,” that was conducted inMay 2010, the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) once again partneredwith the Southeast Asian RegionalCenter for Graduate Study and Researchin Agriculture (SEARCA), this time toconduct the training-seminar, “MarketStudy and Formulation of MarketingStrategies for Commercializable Agri-based Technologies” on 28-30 March2011 at SEARCA in College, Laguna.

Participating in the trainingcourse were 28 individuals from variousnational and regional offices of theDepartment of Agriculture includingBAR, Regional Field Units (RFUs),Regional Integrated AgriculturalResearch Centers (RIARCs), Bureau ofFisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR), and Quezon AgriculturalExperiment Station (QAES); and stateuniversities and colleges (SUCs)including the Pampanga AgriculturalCollege (PAC), and Southern LuzonState University (SLSU); andBAPAMIN a private enterpriseinvolved in sweet sorghum productionand product development funded byBAR.

The training course seeks toenhance the marketing andentrepreneurial skills of the participants,as they will eventually be engaged in thedissemination of marketing techniquesobtained from the training exercises. Asresearch workers, they bring a fresh

—

dimension to bringing technology andother production knowledge directly tofarmers and fisherfolk. This support tothose who are involved in agricultureand fisheries production shall enable thesector to maximize production andeventually market produce in acompetitive environment. It is foreseenthat the training will result to a morevibrant agribusiness environment.

On hand to welcome theparticipants was SEARCA Director GilC. Saguiguit who mentioned that theprofessional partnership of SEARCAwith BAR has gone a long way in termsof training stakeholders in agricultureincluding research institutions, SUCs,scientific communities as well as theline and bureau agencies of DA, onanalyzing market dynamics and ininterpreting marketing trends. He alsolauded the BAR management, under thehelm of Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar,for honing the skills and capability of itsstaff and those of its R&D partnerinstitutions.

Representing the BARDirector, Ms. Evelyn Juanillo of theTechnology Management Division(TCD) delivered a message highlightingon how the activity has captured andinstitutionalize the effective formula of

, concept of market study, and, technologies and products for a

particular market paradigm. “Thesestrategies are essential and crucial inbecoming locally and internationallycompetitive,” she said.

“Having a strategic market

firstsecond

study and venturing into productdevelopment will send a strong signalto food manufacturers, industryplayers, business enthusiasts andNGOs, as well as local governments,that we are indeed ready to face thechallenges of marketing of ouragricultural produce and this is whythis training is important. In terms ofcompetitiveness, the governmentparticularly, the DA and BAR, remainscommitted in creating and maintainingthe right conditions for Philippineagribusiness to compete and flourishincluding the conduct of appropriateagricultural research,” she added.

Prof. Loida E. Mojica,associate professor at the Departmentof Agribusiness Management, Collegeof Economics and Management-University of the Philippines LosBaños (CEM-UPB), served as thetechnical coordinator and lecturer ofthe training. She was assisted by Prof.Nanette C. Abelilla-Aquino whopresented the results of the study,“Analysis of Marketing Environment,”while Dr. Agnes T. Banzon shared herexpertise on understanding the “CoreConcepts of Marketing as Applied toCommercializable Technologies andProducts.” On the other hand, Mr.Antonio Quintin Valdez, Jr. and Ms.Joan C. Uy imparted their knowledgeon “Innovative Marketing Strategies.”The resource speakers were mostlyfrom the Department of AgribusinessManagement (DAM), of CEM-UPLB### (Patrick R.A. Lesaca)

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NEWS NEWS

2 BAR hronicleC April 2011 Issue 11BAR hronicleC

BAR hronicleCBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

ISO 9001:2000

Managing Editor/Layout:Consulting Editor:Writers/Contributors:

Reproduction/Printing:ACD Head:Adviser:

Rita T. dela CruzVictoriano B. Guiam

Ricardo G. Bernardo and Anthony A. ConstantinoJulia A. LapitanNicomedes P. Eleazar, PhD, CESO IV

Raymond Patrick L. Cabrera, Rita T. dela Cruz,Maria Anna M. Gumapac, Patrick RA Lesaca,Miko Jazmine J. Mojica, and Mara Shyn M. Valdeabella

ISSN 1655-3942Copyright Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture 2011.For subscription and inquiries please contact us: Tel. Nos: +63 (2) 928-8505, 928-8624, 920-0234local numbers 3011, 3012, 3027, 3030 Fax No. +63 (2) 927-5691Email:Articles are also available online, visit our official website:

acd@bar.gov.ph.http://www.bar.gov.ph/barchronicle/

BAR CHRONICLE is published monthly by the

Applied Communication Division of the Department

of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research,

RDMIC Building, Visayas Avenue, cor. Elliptical

Road, Diliman, Quezon City 1104 Philippines.

This publication provides regular updates on DA-

BAR’s activities as the country’s national coordinator

for agriculture and fisheries R&D. It also highlights

features and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-

member institutions.

PRODUCTION TEAM

BAR convenes...from page 1

policy frameworks and institutionalstrategies that will be used as the basesfor prioritizing and funding specificprojects.

Through the PhilRARDEP, thestatus of rainfed farming systems andpractices in the country will be assessedand the findings shall be used in thegeneration of production technologies.The program on rainfed agriculturecovers four major components: 1) rainfedfarming systems innovation; 2)participatory watershed management; 3)strategic social science and policyresearch; and 4) capacity building,communication and social mobilization.

PhiRARDEP will beimplemented by the DA's Regional FieldUnits (RFUs) and Regional IntegratedAgricultural Research Centers (RIARCs),and selected state universities andcolleges (SUCs). Experts from the India-based research institution, ICRISAT, willbe tapped to provide technical assistanceand expertise in the field of drylandagriculture.

The funding for the four-yearprogram shall come mainly from theDA-High Value CommercialDevelopment Program (HVCDP) withsupplemental budget from BAR. “Weare also eyeing other local andinternational sources like the Food andAgriculture Organization as sources ofassistance,” said Dr. Eleazar.

Since the program will alsobolster the country's defenses againstweather-related risks arising from

climate change, which shallexacerbate the already dire conditionsof the rainfed areas, Dr. Eleazaremphasized the need to fast track theimplementation of the program andstrengthen existing rainfed farmingsystems and farming practices.“Hopefully, after we have solicitedenough workable proposals, we canalready start implementation in thethird quarter of 2011,” he said. ###(Rita T. dela Cruz)

Mindanao A Group consisting ofrepresentatives from Regions 9,10, and 11 during the breakoutsession. Leading the group is Dr.Alfredo M. Cayabyab (2nd fromleft), SMIARC manager.

photo: RDELCRUZ

Dr. Eleazar Dr. Navarro Dr. Wani Dr. Saxena

photos: RDELCRUZ

In celebration of its 21 years ofexistence, the Philippine Associationof Research Managers (PHILARM)

held its annual national convention at theCavite State University (CvSU) on 13-15April 2011. With the theme,“Strengthening Public-PrivatePartnership in Research ManagementAmidst Climate Change,” the conventionemphasized the need and importance ofbuilding good network and linkagesbetween and among public and privatesectors in research management.

Co-hosted by the SouthernTagalog Agriculture and ResourcesResearch and Development Consortium(STARRDEC) and CvSU headed byChairperson Divinia C. Chavez, theconvention was attended by researchmanagers from public and privateorganizations, including research anddevelopment (R&D) agencies, academe,and rural development institutions.

Gracing the opening ceremonywas Department of Agriculture (DA)Undersecretary for Field Operations JoelS. Rudinas who served as theconvention's keynote speaker. In hisspeech he emphasized how buildinglinkages between and among public andprivate sectors can jointly identify theworkable and effective mitigation andadaptation strategies that will addressclimate change—that is, by generatingshared expertise, human resource andinfrastructure in the conduct of research.

PHILARM conducts 21 nat'l conventionst

He also pointed out that for PPP to besuccessful and operative, aside from theproactive response on both ends, mustbe based on the principles of sharedgoals and complementary resources,transparency, and shared risks andbenefits.

Another guest of honor wasDA-Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar who describedestablishing a strong andworkable Public-PrivatePartnership (PPP) as the“lifeblood” of BAR infulfilling its task ofcoordinating the nationalagriculture and fisheriesR&D of the country. Hestressed the importance ofstrong PPP as an essentialapproach in implementingR&D. He added that throughthe PPP strategy, even adeveloping country, such asthe Philippines, can post ahuge leap in dealing withclimate change.

“Through the PPPstrategy, we are able toexploit the potential forresearch synergies,complementarities, scale ofeconomies and knowledge-sharing on both ends, hence

partnerships can benefit R&D in greaterquantities, with greater chances ofsuccess, and most probably at lowercosts than when one is to act alone on aparticular endeavor,” he said.

Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, executivedirector of the Philippine Council forAgriculture, Forestry and NaturalResources Research and Development(PCARRD) also graced the event withhis equally motivating message on thematter.

Also featured in the three-dayconvention were the presentations of fiveinvited R&D management papers,presentation and awarding of 12competing R&D management papers,and the induction of new PHILARMmembers. ### (Mara Shyn M.Valdeabella)

“Through the PPP strategy,we are able to exploit thepotential for researchsynergies, complementarities,scale of economies andknowledge-sharing on bothends...” ~ Dr. Eleazar

Dr. Reynaldo Castro (left), president of PHILARM and Dr. WilliamMedrano (right), commissioner of CHED, hand over the plaqueof appreciation to Dr. Eleazar. photo: MVALDEABELLA

Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar delivers his message to the officersand members of PHILARM during their national convention.

photo: MVALDEABELLA

April 2011 Issue

NEWSNEWS FEATURE

10 3BAR hronicleC BAR hronicleC

photos: FGRETTCHIN

The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) is funding twonew projects aimed at responding

to the impact of climate change in riceproduction in Albay, as well as theconservation and upgrading ofindigenous breeds of carabao for draftand for dairy production.

BAR Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar and Bicol University PresidentFay Lea Lauraya led the signing of theMemorandum of Agreement betweenBAR and Bicol University – College ofAgriculture and Forestry (BUCAF)during the former's official visit as guestof honor and speaker at BUCAF'scommencement exercises on 4 April2011. Witnessing the signing wereBUCAF Dean Marissa Estrella andDepartment of Agriculture – RegionalField Unit V Director Jose Dayao.

In the face of changing rainfallpatterns, rice production in the BicolRegion is becoming more vulnerable tothe impact of climate change.

Thus, BAR supported an R&Dand extension project on establishing anintegrated management system in therice production areas in Albay. Theproject is divided into three sub-projects, which will be led by BUCAFin collaboration with the localgovernment units (LGUs) and DA.

The project will focus onorganic farming and soil conservation,control management of rice black bug,and adaptation strategies for food self-sufficiency under various ecosystems.The project adheres to the province's

BAR funds 2 R&D projects in Bicol

(Left Photo)(Right Photo)BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (2nd from right) signs the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with BUCAF President Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya

(standing). Dir. Eleazar also personally hands over the check as part of BAR's funding support to two BUCAF's projects, namely: 1) IntegratedManagement Systems in the Rice Production Areas of Albay Under Changing Rainfall Pattern and 2) Establishment of Indigenous Breeding and Dairy ProductionFacilities in BUCAF. DA-RFU 5 Director Jose Dayao (extreme right) and another BUCAF official (extreme left) serve as one of the witnesses during the MOA signingand turnover ceremony.

vision to augment rice yields by fourpercent annually and increase farmer'sprofitability from 10 to 15 percentannually.

On the project for theestablishment of indigenous breedingand dairy production facilities inBUCAF, the project leaders aim to

develop a comprehensive plan forcarabao breeding, develop milkproduction and processing, and offerfree training programs for farmers.BUCAF expects to help increase theincome of farmers' household with theproject's implementation. ### (MikoJazmine J. Mojica)

BAR Director Eleazar (center) accepts a coffee table book on pili from BUCAF President Lauraya (right) andDr. Elena Delos Santos (left), Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension of DA-RFU 5.

photo: FGRETTCHIN

BAR is funding two new projects aimed at responding to theimpact of climate change in rice production in Albay as wellas the conservation and upgrading of indigenous breedsof carabao for draft and for dairy production.

by: MARIA ANNA M. GUMAPAC

Relationships between public andprivate institutions are oftenstrained and uncertain and, in

some instances, even disruptive.Regardless of the social and culturalsetting, the unstable interaction betweenthese two sectors is pretty much consistentconsidering that both are situated onuneven ground.

Have we fully understood thepotentials underlying a mutual andbeneficial partnership between public andprivate institutions? When one ponders thepossibilities in light of recent issues andchallenges, particularly ones plaguing ourcountry and our environment, he may askwhy nobody took serious notice of thebenefits of aforementioned tie-ups.

According to the AsianDevelopment Bank (ADB), the term“public–private partnership” describes “arange of possible relationships amongpublic and private entities in the context ofinfrastructure and other services.”Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs)allocates tasks, obligations, and risksamong the public and private partners.Non-government organizations (NGOs)and community-based organizations thatrepresent certain individuals or groups

with vested interest in or may be

directly affected by the project can beincluded in PPPs. An effective partnershipbetween the public and private institutionsrecognizes that each has certainadvantages that can be utilized in specifictasks in order to “balance” each other out.

Thus, it is timely that thePhilippine Association of ResearchManagers, Inc. (PHILARM) convened on12-15 April 2011 for the 21st PHILARMNational Convention at Cavite StateUniversity (Indang, Cavite), with thisyear's theme aptly titled, “StrengtheningPublic–Private Partnership in ResearchManagement amidst Climate Change.”

The 21 PHILARM NationalConvention was attended by 140representatives from the Department ofAgriculture (DA), state collegeuniversities (SCUs), local government

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Tapping the benefits fromPublic-Private Partnership

units (LGUs), andprivateorganizations. Ofthe two Bureau ofAgriculturalResearch (BAR)representatives, Mr.Rolando Labiosacted as Chair ofthe R&DManagement PaperCommittee whileMr. Ricarte Castrochaired the Awardsand RecognitionCommittee.

Dr. Divinia Chavez, CaviteState University President and Dr.Reynaldo Castro, PHILARM Presidentgave their welcome remarks. DA-BARDirector Nicomedes P. Eleazar and Dr.Patricio Faylon of the PhilippineCouncil for Agriculture, Forestry andNatural Resources Research andDevelopment (PCARRD) wereapplauded for their inspiring andchallenging messages to the participants.Hon. Joel Rudinas, the DAUndersecretary for Field Operations,was introduced by RTD Romy Palcon asthe keynote speaker. It should be notedthat all the speakers were one on thedirection and challenges facing researchmanagement, and stated the importantrole of research managers towardsustainable development where PPP isone of the vital elements.

Director Eleazar stated in hismessage, “weather-related disasters havebecome significantly more frequent andmore extreme in recent decades andthese require not only immediateconcerns but bold and proactiveactions.” He added that, “the urgency ofthe matter is more apparent fordeveloping countries such as thePhilippines given our less robustinfrastructure and our vulnerabilities tohealth and security measures. Hence,public–private partnership (PPP) inresearch management is an innovative

approach to agricultural research anddevelopment (R&D).”

Executive Director Dr. PatricioS. Faylon of PCARRD was enthusiasticin saying, “Good researchers do not onlyneed capable managers; they also need agood network or linkage with the publicand private sectors. The theme for thisconvention 'Strengthening Public–PrivatePartnership in Research Managementamidst Climate Change' is very timely.This convention is a perfect venue forbuilding these linkages between andamong researchers and R&D managerswho will help sustain productivity anddevelopment of the country throughscientific and technological innovation.”

During the plenary session,there were in fact two invited paperspresented that focused on PPPs and itsrelationship with agricultural R&D:“Research in the Eyes of anEntrepreneur” and “Public–PrivatePartnerships for Enhancing the Demandfor AFNR Graduates in the Philippines.”Other highlights of the affair included thecompetition of 12 R&D managementpapers and 16 posters for best R&DManagement Paper awards of which Dr.Estela Itaas and Dr. Joy Mirasol ofBukidnon State University won withtheir paper, “Managing EnvironmentalGovernance Capacity.”

In their paper, Drs. Itaas andMirasol described a collaborative meansof managing environmental governance

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April 2011 Issue April 2011 Issue

NEWS NEWS

BAR hronicleC BAR hronicleC 9

The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) recentlyreceived recognition for its

R&D support to the advancement ofagricultural research in PampangaAgricultural College (PAC) during its

36 Recognition Rites in Magalang,Pampanga, on 11 April 2011.

PAC credited BAR for itssupport to its sweet tamarind andsweet sorghum R&D which bothgained recognition in the regional andnational levels of the Civil ServiceCommission's (CSC) PAG-ASAAward in the recent years.

th

BAR receives institutional award from PAC

BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar receives the InstitutionalAward from PAC President Honorio M. Soriano, Jr. for itsR&DE support to PAC on its award-winning projects on sweetsorghum and sweet tamarind. The two projects wererecognized by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) PAG-ASAAward both at the regional and national levels.

photos: MMOJICA

In his acceptance speech, BARDirector Nicomedes P. Eleazarcommended PAC for developing thepotentials of sweet tamarind and sweetsorghum as viable crops in the province.He lauded PAC's efforts to disseminatethe technology of sweet tamarindproduction and processing which hadtremendous impact because of thesupport of local government units onthis project. The potentials of this crophave attracted the interest of farmersand have led to the emergence ofopportunities in processing sweettamarind in the province.

Moreover, Director Eleazarapplauded PAC as it eagerly explored thepotential of sweet sorghum as food,feed, and fuel source, which is one of thepriorities of BAR under its biofuelfeedstock development program. BARalso support PAC's publication of thecompendium of recipes they developedusing sweet sorghum as the mainingredient. On behalf of PAC, PresidentHonorio M. Soriano, Jr. extended theirgratitude to BAR during the recognitionrites for its continuing support to theR&D programs of the agriculturalcollege. ### (Miko Jazmine J. Mojica)

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capacity-building partnership betweenBukidnon State University (BukSU)and Tanggol Kalikasan (TK). TK is anNGO of lawyers andenvironmentalists. BukSU and TKaffirmed their staunch commitment tothe environment in partnership withother LGUs and national agencies likethe Department of Environment andNatural Resources.

Other notable awards includethis year's Outstanding ResearchManager (ORMA), Ms. JuanitaSalvani, Center Manager of the DA-RFU10's Northern MindanaoIntegrated Agricultural ResearchCenter (NOMIARC) in Bukidnon. Inaddition, Dr. Rico Supangco, Vice

Following the intensifiedpromotion of the Department ofAgriculture (DA) of (

as one of the staplecrops, the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) embarked on a projecttitled, Adaptability Trial ofUnder No Synthetic Inputs” inpartnership

(MASIPAG, Inc.).MASIPAG, Inc. is a farmer-led networkof people's organizations, non-government organizations and scientistsworking toward the sustainable use andmanagement of biodiversity throughfarmers' control of genetic andbiological resources.

This joint-endeavor on organicproduction is one of 11

adaptability field trials that are beingpiloted in four regions of the countryincluding Regions 2, 4A, 5, and 10 byDA research stations, state universitiesand colleges (SUCs), and non-government organization (NGO).Among the three varieties that arebeing tested for adaptability field trialsare: and(glutinous).

The adaptability trial of organicproduction is being conducted at

the MASIPAG Biodiversity Center inMaluko, Manolo Fortich in Bukidon in a

adlai Coixlacryma-jobi L.)

“ Adlai

with the Magsasaka atSiyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ngAgrikultura

adlai

adlai

tapol, ginampay, gulian

adlai

BAR, MASIPAG embarkon organic productionadlai

270 sqm area (or 9 plots).In a report presented by Ms.

Raquel Oclarit-Salingay, research andextension coordinator of MASIPAG,Inc., during the “Consultation Meetingon Research and Development”held on 26 April at BAR, she said thatthey started planting in February2011 and noted 100 percent seedgermination.

Salingay reported that it was15 days after planting that theoccurrence of insect pests wasobserved causing very minimal or

Adlai

adlai

slight damage only. “Stem borer wasobserved in , and

with less than 10 percentdamage. Grasshoppers were observedin with less than 2 percentdamage, while beetles andgrasshoppers were observed inand with less than 5 percentdamage. Leaf cutters were observed inall varieties with less than 20 percentdamage while leaf blight was observedin (<10 percent), and inand (<15 percent damage),”she reported.

gulian tapolginampay

gulian

tapolginampay

gulian tapolginampay

###(Rita T. dela Cruz)

The adaptability trial of organic adlai production is being conducted at the

MASIPAG Biodiversity Center in Maluko, Manolo Fortich in Bukidon

in a 270 sqm area (or 9 plots).photos: MASIPAG

Tapping...from page 10 Chancellor for RDE of UPLB, won theResearch Leadership Award. Eachawardee received a cash prize ofPhp10,000 and a trophy.

In addition, a specialpresentation on environmental advocacywas made by Ms. Regina Lopez,Managing Director of ABS-CBNFoundation, Inc., that trained thespotlight on this year's PHILARMconvention theme on potential PPPs andthe environment. She encouragedparticipants to join the signaturecampaign for “No to Mining inPalawan.” The PHILARM managementsignified their full support to Ms.Lopez's advocacy and signaturecampaign.

At present, PHILARM hasorganized 10 regional chapters with

Regions 4B and 10 as the latestadditions (made during the regionalassembly meeting). The managementhopes that members from regions 3, 7,8, 11, and 12 will be organized beforethe 22nd National Conventiontentatively scheduled on the third weekof April 2012 in Dipolog.

This year's PHILARMconvention can be judged a success asthe organization has, once again,fulfilled one of its primary objectiveswhich is to encourage and promoteinteraction among research managersin the country. If the affair is used asthe yardstick, then it can be said thatPHILARM is on its way to becomingthe leading professional organizationfor research management in the Asia-Pacific Region. ###

April 2011 Issue April 2011 Issue

NEWS FEATURE

8 BAR hronicleC BAR hronicleC

There are tremendousopportunities to earn and make itbig in agribusiness if one is

determined.” Thus was the message ofDr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, director,Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR), in his commencement speech at

the 41 Bicol University-College ofAgriculture and Forestry (BUCAF)Commencement Exercises held atGuinobatan, Albay on 04 April 2011.

In his speech, Dr. Eleazaraddressed the graduating class byencouraging them to consideropportunities in the agriculture andforestry industries. He asked thegraduates to recognize the importantcontribution that they could impart tothe country.

“I am passionate aboutensuring that we have goodopportunities for young people like youin the agriculture and forestryindustries. The critical role of theagriculture sector in our economicdevelopment cannot beoveremphasized. Agriculture providesfood and raw materials for both thenational and global markets, andprovides opportunities for employmentand business,” he said.

In 2010, the Department of

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Eleazar keynotes at BUCAFCommencement Exercises“

Labor and Employment (DOLE) saidagribusiness topped the list of keyemployment generators in its study ofthe labor market in various regions inthe next 5-10 years.

To further inspire thegraduates, Dr. Eleazar stirred them todo some reflection and self-examination which could help themdetermine the right track they willfollow to realize their dreams.

“Every moment counts. Whatmakes a difference is how you treateach moment as it unfolds. How youdecide to spend your minutes, hours,days will determine where yourtomorrow will bring you,” he said.

BUCAF, one of BAR's partnerstate universities in agriculturalresearch advancement, is the recentrecipient of an institutionaldevelopment grant from the bureau forthe establishment of indigenousbreeding and dairy production facilitiesand for R&D for rice production areasin Albay in response to climate changeimpacts. The memorandum ofagreement between BAR and BUCAFwas signed and witnessed by officialsof BUCAF and the Department ofAgriculture – Regional Field Office 5(DA-RFU 5) during the visit of Dr.

EleazarBUCAF, based in Guinobatan,

Albay, offers undergraduate programs incrop science, animal science,agricultural extension, forestry,agribusiness, and agriculturalengineering. It also offers graduateprograms in agronomy and animalscience. As part of its services inresearch and extension, BUCAF alsomaintains its own crop pest and diseaseclinic as well as an animal health clinic.

(see related story on page 3 ).

### (Miko Jazmine J. Mojica)

In his commencement speech,inspired the

graduates to appreciate the importantcontribution they could impart in thecountry as experts in agriculture andforestry.

BAR Dir.Nicomedes P. Eleazar

photos: FGRETTCHIN

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BAR holds seminaron vermiculture

The Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) sponsored a seminar andlecture on the subject of organic

agriculture that places emphasis onvermiculture management and itsapplications. The primary objective of theseminar is part of the effort to createawareness among farmers and agriculturalworkers on the use of organic materials asthe primary source of farm fertilizer.

Assistant Director Teodoro S.Solsoloy of BAR gave the opening remarksand welcomed the participants to theBureau's 4th Seminar in its 2011 SeminarSeries. Dr. Solsoloy pointed out that underSection 20 of Republic Act 10068,otherwise known as the OrganicAgriculture Act of 2010, BAR is mandatedto lead and coordinate the formulation andimplementation of a unified and integratedorganic agriculture RD & E plans andprograms. With this responsibility, BARhas taken on an active role in thepromotion of organic agriculture. Theseminar is a clear manifestation of BAR'ssupport to the organic agriculturemovement, said Dr. Solsoloy.

Engr. Morrimer Daag, anagricultural engineering graduate fromCentral Luzon State University (CLSU)and a professor at the Bataan PeninsulaState University (BPSU) was the resourcespeaker. He gave a presentation on BPSU'sVermiculture Production and Managementeffort. Engr. Daag said that the BAR-funded project, “Promotion of OrganicVegetable Production under Net HouseCondition,” started it all. The projectcreated an impact, not only economically,but also socially in the sense that the entireUniversity got behind the promotion ofchemical-free agricultural produce for a

healthier lifestyle, he added.The project generally aims to

promote high-value organic vegetableproduction under protective structures andspecifically aims to produce safe high-value organic vegetables for the targetmarket. Moreover, the project is designedto intensify the promotion of organicagriculture through training and seminarsfor farmers, students, entrepreneurs, andinterested individuals as well.

Compost is a key ingredient inorganic farming. Specifically,

Vermiculture according to Engr.Daag, in its simplest definition, is the“culture of earthworms,” whilevermicomposting is the “process bywhich worms are used to convert organicmaterials in

The process functions best when redworms, also known as "red wigglers," areused to process the waste materials.

Vermiculture (farming ofearthworms) started in the Philippines in1976 with the introduction of

andearthworms from Taiwan by the privatesector. With the “breeder market” anduse of “pyramidal scheme,” the industrylasted only until the mid-'80s for lack of asustainable market.

Here in the countryside,conventional agriculture opted to make

use of inorganic fertilizers and thispractice has permeated fragile soilswith high inputs of solublefertilizers and toxic chemicalsaggravating an already difficultsituation. Truth is, less than half ofall commercial fertilizers applied toour farmland are ever utilized bythe plants. The rest onlycontaminates the groundwater aswell as other water resources (e.g.,river tributaries).

The soil, after decades ofdamage from high input farming,

vermicomposting can be a fasteralternative for the treatment anddecomposition of organic wastes,producing good quality fertilizer withnutrients in slow-release form (naturalfertilizer will release its nutrients that overa period of time).

to rich compost called "wormcastings," "vermicast" or "vermicompost,"a nutrient and microbially-rich material.

Pheretimaasiatica Lumbricus rubellus

may lose their fertility and the ability tosupport crops. Soils that are exposed intimes of drought can be further degraded,becoming remarkably hard, porous, andsterile for growing crops. Clearly,interventions are needed to rehabilitate thesoil in these two instances.

Professor Daag also disclosed tothe participants that, prior to the BPSUproject on vermicomposting, they had, aspart of their pre-development approach,already conducted a baseline survey on thetype and volume, demand, nature ofproduction, sources of high-valuevegetables, and prices which according tohim are necessary in warranting successand ensure better production on a long-term basis. He added that BPSU iscurrently growing leaf-type vegetablessuch as lettuce, asparagus, bell pepper,celery, salad tomato, and green cucumber.

The project on vermicultureproduction and management, according tothe resource speaker, is gradually turninginto a subtle form of advocacy as itpromotes an alternative way of farmingwhich is through organic means. Theidentification of sites, stocking of vermin,the care and maintenance as well as theeconomic returns in venturing invermiculture and vermicomposting wereother highlights discussed by ProfessorDaag.

More than 70 people fromvarious government agencies and anumber of private individuals attended theBAR In-House Seminar and Lecture

(see also“Rebuilding health and fertility of soilthrough vermicomposting” by de Guzman,C. in BAR Digest, Jan-Mar 2009, Vol 11Issue No. 1)

###

(Patrick R.A.Lesaca)

Engr. Morrimer Daag of BPSU serves as theresource speaker for the seminar on vermiculture.

photo: RDELACRUZ

IEC materials on organic agriculture including productionof fermented plant juice, compost tea, and manure tea.

photo: RDELACRUZ

April 2011 Issue April 2011 Issue

NEWS NEWS

6 BAR hronicleCBAR hronicleC April 2011 Issue

Although considered a staple cropby the tribal communities inBukidnon Province in Region

10, a remains unknown to manyFilipinos. Realizing its potential as astaple food crop, the Department ofAgriculture (DA), through the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR), isintensifying research and developmentactivities on .

In the effort to promote andutilize as an alternative staple foodto rice and corn in the country, BAR isfunding 11 field adaptability trials inRegions 2, 4A, 5, and 10.

Adaptability trials are beingconducted by five DA-Regional FieldUnits and research stations (CagayanValley Integrated Agricultural ResearchCenter, Southern Tagalog IntegratedAgricultural Research Center, BicolIntegrated Agricultural Research Center,Northern Mindanao IntegratedAgricultural Research Center, and

dlai

adlai

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7

To provide solutions in addressingthe issue of food security, one ofthe initiatives that the government

is currently undertaking is the promotionand utilization of indigenous andnaturally abundant crops such as ,which can be an alternative to theFilipino staples, rice and corn.

, which comes from thesame family of grass as wheat, corn, andrice, grows organically in many parts ofthe country. The plant is abundantlygrowing in the Philippines but it remainsunderutilized.

At present, the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR) issupporting adaptability trials in Regions2, 4A, 5, and 10 through the Departmentof Agriculture - Regional IntegratedAgricultural Research Centers (DA-RIARCs).

Simultaneous with theadaptability and technology trials, seedproduction will be conducted in selectedstations of the DA in the regions toensure the availability of seeds.

“We are promoting as oneof the important staple food crops as partof the DA's self sufficiency program. Butsince we are only in the initial phase ofits development, we are focusing ouractivities on its adaptability underdifferent agro-climatic conditionsnationwide,” said BAR Director

adlai

Adlai

adlai

adlai

Adaptability trials forin 4 regions in progress

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Quezon Agricultural ExperimentStation), five state universities andcolleges (Isabela State University,Southern Luzon State University,Camarines Norte State College, CentralBicol State University of Agriculture,and Central Mindanao University), andone non-government agency(Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura, Inc.).

“Still in its initial stage, theseadaptability trials hope to identifyvarieties of that are high-yieldingand are appropriate for seed production.Currently, we have already identifiedthree varieties of which are nowbeing tested for their adaptability,namely andwhich are glutinous-type,” reportedBAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazarduring a consultation-meeting onR&D held on 26 April at BAR with theproject implementers from variousregions.

Aside from the identification oflocal varieties for adaptability trials, Dr.Eleazar added that part of the project isthe development of productiontechnologies on . “We hope todevelop a package of technology (POT)on the cultural management practicesand seed production system that can beadopted nationwide by our farmers,” hesaid. “Eventually, after we havedetermined the performance of each ofthe varieties, we will submitrecommended varieties or promisingstrains for National Seed IndustryCouncil (NSIC) registration,” Dr.Eleazar further said.

Aside from the varieties andproduction technologies, anotherimportant component of the project isseed increase and multiplication whichaim to ensure the availability ofseeds for nationwide promotion andupscaling activities.

adlai

adlai

tapol, ginampay gulian

adlai

adlai

adlai

adlai

### (Rita T. delaCruz)

Region 4aRegion 2

Region 10Region 5

photos: RBERNARDO/AVELASCO/JLAPITAN/PLESACA

BAR Dir. Nicomedes P. Eleazar (inset)facilitates during the consultation-meetingon Adlai R&D at BAR. photos: RDELACRUZ

Bicol tests adaptability of adlai

Nicomedes P. Eleazar.In his recent visit to the Bicol

region, Director Eleazar saw forhimself the second phase of the on-going adaptability trials and seedproduction of at the experimentsite of Bicol Integrated AgriculturalResearch Center (BIARC).

BIARC planted threeindigenous glutinous varieties of ,which are and

According to Ms. AilynAdante, one of the BIARC projectleaders, the results of their first trialshowed that variety produces thehighest yield.

She said that only the hard-

adlai

adlaigulian, ginampay, tapol.

tapol

shelled variety of , which is used asbeads to make bracelets and rosaries,previously existed in the Bicol region.With the introduction of the glutinousvarieties, she said that they will alsodevelop food products from afterthe adaptability and on-farm trials in therural communities, particularly in Iriga,Albay.

Available literature says thatis processed into flour, coffee, tea,

wine, beer, and vinegar in other countriessuch as South Korea, Japan, China, andKorea. It is also valued for its medicinaluses with its anti-allergic, anti-cancer,and anti-diabetic properties.

adlai

adlai

adlai

### (MikoJazmine J. Mojica)

“We are promoting adlai as one of theimportant staple food crops as part ofthe DA's self sufficiency program. Butsince we are only in the initial phaseof its development, we are focusingour activities on its adaptability underdifferent agro-climatic conditionsnationwide.” ~ Dr. Eleazar

Top photo:Right, bottom photo:

BAR Dir. Nicomedes P. Eleazar (right) and RTD for DA-RFU 5 Elena B. delos Santos(left) visit one of the Adlai project sites implemented by BIARC. Joininghim in his visit are BIARC officials and researchers led by Ms. Dolores Ricafranca (2nd fromleft), superintendent, Research Outreach Station for Upland Plan Development Zone in Region 5.Right, top photo: Variety of Adlai grains being tested in Bicol for adaptability tirals.

photos: FGRETTCHIN

April 2011 Issue