The Cagayan Valley Agricultural Newsletter

January June 2008

THE RED CORNER

OTHER PERSPECTIVE ON RICE SUPPLY & PRICE CRISIS
Dr. Gumersindo D. Lasam, CESO 1 Regional Executive Director

Editorial Board
Editor-in-Chief EDITO R. BAARES 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

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

Each one has his own idea on why

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, CVIARCIES 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

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.)

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 everybodys notice in THE RED CORNER.

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Vol. I, No. 1

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.

PICTURE OF ERB

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

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 fourmonth 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

Inside this issue:

EDITORIAL OTHER PERSPECTIVE ON RICE SUPPLY AND PRICE CRISIS DA WELCOMES CSC PMS-OPES DA CELEBRATES NATIONAL FLAG DAY 3rd GOAT & SHEEP EXPO HELD SAN PABLO PLAYS RODEO RBB ATTACKES DINAPIGUE SIDEM SWIP, NEAR COMPLETION 1st CAGAYAN VALLEY STRAMLINE SYSTEM NOW IN OPERATION CAGAYAN VALLEY 2007-2008 GAWAD SAKA AWARDEES OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES 12 BFTs, 3 BAGSAKAN CENTERS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN REGION 02 THIS YEAR PGMA VISITS DUPAX DEL NORTE, NUEVA VIZCAYA 1st RIOs QUARTERLY MEETING CONDUCTED NBN CHANNEL 4 VISITS SUCCESSFUL CPAR PROJECTS IN REGION 02 A NEW CHECKPOINT RISES FARMCASTERS UPDATED ON DA PROGRAMS, TRENDS IN BROADCASTING PNP INVITES DA TECHNOLOGISTS SPATIAL MAXIMIZATION, A SHOWCASE BISHOP RAMON VILLENA KEYNOTES 4TH REGIONAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION 3 2 4 4 4 5 6 6 7 8-12 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 18

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Vol. I, No. 1

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION
memorandum issued by ASEC Araullo is a point system that sets uniform standard a c r o s s organizational units for the f o l l o w i n g purposes: (1) compare a n d contrast outputs of one office with another;

ADMINISTRATIVE SECTION

DA WELCOMES CSC
PMSOPES PMS
he Department of AgricultureRegional Field Unit 02 (DA-RFU 02) held a two-day training workshop at the DARegion 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

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

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

"Its 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."

DA CELEBRATES NATIONAL FLAG DAY

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 MacapagalArroyo 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.

Stephen Fry

"If you have a good selling idea, your secretary can write your ad for you."

The

Tuliao explained before the DA rank-andfile employees the sacredness and importance of the Philippine Flag. Interwoven with the countrys 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-

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

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Vol. I, No. 1

LIVESTOCK

LIVESTOCK

LIVESTOCK

LIVESTOCK

LIVESTOCK

LIVESTOCK

LIVESTOCK

3rd GOAT & SHEEP EXPO HELD

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)

SAN PABLO PLAYS RODEO

an Pablo, Isabela celebrated its 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 towns 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

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

- RED Lasam

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

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 its 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)
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RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RICE

RBB ATTACKS DINAPIGUE

ayor Renato Candido of Dinapigue, Isabela rang an alarm in December, 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 destructive 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 LGUs mobilized the farmers in Dinapigue. Insecticides and sprayers were issued and trap-

which is highly attracted 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 Visayas to Samar to the Bicol Region to Aurora 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)

ping the pest with the use of light was done, too. Across the region, a feverish information and farmer education campaign on how to control RBB was made. Strict monitoring and surveillance of the pest was done. Checkpoints were given specific orders for the possible entry of the pest

SIDEM SWIP, NEAR COMPLETION COMPLETION

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

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.

The

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 SWIPs servicing 4,504 hectares have been constructed in Region 02 since 1995 to 2007. (RPT)

How many types of rice are there?

Scientists believe there are 140,000 varieties 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 consumes 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 countries 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-

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HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

HVCC

FIRST CAGAYAN VALLEY TRAMLINE SYSTEM NOW IN OPERATION

he 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)

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

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.

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CAGAYAN VALLEY 2007-2008 REGIONAL GAWAD SAKA AWARDEES

Mr. Ramon and Aurora DasilaoBalmores Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding Farm Family Awardee CY 2007-2008
Ramon and Aurora started their life together in August 24, 1959 when they exchanged I DOs. A head of cattle, gift from Auroras parents, 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 income. They worked as helpers to family friends farms, helpers in others fishing boats, hardly spending a centavo during those tough times. But through regular savings of Php20, they were able to buy a parcel of farmland in 1963. In 1965, Ramon 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, Ramon is a lay Minister of the Roman Catholic Church while Nanay Aurora is the Dominican Laity President. They are well-known in the community for their success as a family with integrity and industry. 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 discipline him. He ran away and stayed with his barkada. But in time, Jhonson unexpectedly realized he was on the wrong path, he finished his secondary education. And instead of going to college immediately, he opted to manage a portion of their farm. He began to love farming. He believes that farming is a lucrative business, his hope for a brighter future. So he became a conventional young farmer. His sister, an employee at the City Hall, guided him to the City Agriculturist Office where he got reading materials for technology updates and met agriculturists and Farm Youth Coordinators for advice. His production improved greatly. 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. gation Project launched in October, 1980 and the concreting of the national road from Tuguegarao to Santiago City contributed to the rapid economic development 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 Padaca 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 members, established fruit and vegetable nurseries in every purok, and food processing. Its capital of Ten thousand Pesos in 2005 has grown to Php363,000 early this year, proving that these traditional housewives could be active partners of the government in bringing about development in the countryside.

Mr. Johnson Lantano Espiritu Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding Young Farmer Awardee CY 2007-2008
Jhonson was born in September

Barucboc Rural Improvement Club, Quezon Isabela Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding RIC Awardee CY 2007 2008
Barucboc is the largest barangay of Quezon, Isabela. In 1970, the then Bureau of Agricultural Extension organized the Barucboc RIC with 15 initial members. The NIA-CHICO Irri-

Engr. Loreto G. Lazaro Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding High Value Commercial 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
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CAGAYAN VALLEY 2007-2008 REGIONAL GAWAD SAKA AWARDEES

impression that he began with a very big capital. The truth is, it was developed through the years, where he asked friends and government agencies like the Philippine Coconut 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, bananas, rambutan, jackfruits, papayas; a tilapia fishpond, piggery, and poultry. He initiated the organization of the Good Samaritan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, 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. His farm got bigger and now at 43, he owns a 4.8 hectare at Sitio Xateng, Raele. At present, he is raising 28 heads of cattle, 9 carabaos, as well as other livestocks, all product of his interest, industriousness, thirst and diligence. He maximizes the use of resources in his area, he put sheep and goats in his farm. Then he expanded to poultry, specifically geese, chicken and duck production. He also allocated area for fish production 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 junior 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 Development Cooperative (IGRADECO) and Isabela Mango Growers Development Cooperative (IMADEC).

Malalam 4-H Club, Malalam, Ilagan, Isabela - Regional Gawad-Saka Most Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisher folk Organization Awardee CY 2007-2008
The Malalam 4-H Club spearheaded Ecological Socio-waste Management Programs, established vegetable communal nurseries, undertook roadside planting, clean and green programs in the barangay. Young as they are, they are fast to learn incomegenerating projects using indigenous materials, hogfattening 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.

Mr. Enrique Estoy Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding 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 concentrated his efforts to develop a farm, planting garlic, root crops, rice and corn. In raising his family, he was persistent in giving them a better life. Resourceful 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.

Engr. Simeon I. Centeno Most Outstanding Small Animal Raiser Adopting Integrated 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, Santiago City in 1998. His first farming experiences were with mango, citrus and gomelina production. Fruits and lumber for posts were then his primary interests.

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-

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CAGAYAN VALLEY 2007-2008 REGIONAL GAWAD SAKA AWARDEES

ant. Dr. Joel, the campus administrator of the Isabela State University, Jones Campus, is a formidable force to reckon with, in the field of agricultural research. He is an epitome of agricultural science, well-loved by the constituents for the ISU JONAS CHICKEN. ISU JONAS CHICKEN or Jonas is the product of painstaking and persevering research of Dr. Reyes which is now a by-word of chicken raisers in the different barangays of Jones and adjoining municipalities. foods and soybean-based products. With an overwhelming acceptance of these, he is frequently invited to exhibit in provincial, regional, national, and international trade fairs. He gives lectures on alternative medicine and is presently working on the development of veggie noodles in the northern region. With his pioneering and determined 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.

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 professional and business sector. It was confirmed by the Cooperative 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 Cooperative 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 Philippines offered a Coop Production Loan Assistance amounting to P360,740. In the same year, the DTI also offered its Tulong Sa Tao Selfemployment Loan Assistance program. An amount of P100,000 was granted to the micro-enterprise project 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 receives awards both regional and national level because of exemplary performance and dedication in the services rendered.

Mr. David C. Agpoon Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding 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 buying and selling coconut products. Out of their savings, they bought parcels of land and planted coconuts. He planted banana, citrus, gabi, constructed piggery, put up fish cage, and planted vegetables for home consumption. He also initiated the processing of buko into buko pie, coco macaroons, and banana cake.

Mr. Ricardo 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 afflicted him several years ago, was what led him to the road of success. Finding enlightenment from his favorite Diet and Foods by Ellen B. White, he passionately pursued a way to alleviate his suffering through a continuous search for alternative medicine. His inspiring story stimulated the development of food processing in the region with the use of our indigenous agricultural products. Mr. Navis pioneered in the production of veggie noodles, organic
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Diffun Saranay and Development Cooperative (DISADECO) - Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding Small Farmer and Mr. Roger S. Salvador Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding Corn Farmer Awardee CY 2007-2008
A God-fearing, hardworking man
BOUNTY VALLEY Newsletter
Vol. I, No. 1

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CAGAYAN VALLEY 2007-2008 REGIONAL GAWAD SAKA AWARDEES

and receptiveness to updated modern farming technologies is Roger Salvador who also possesses the vision to inspire his fellow farmers by unselfishly showcasing updated technologies with the sincere purpose to attain 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 extentionist 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. 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 agencies. He is a fast learner and innovative. He is a consistent hybrid rice grower and attained increase in production 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, resourcefulness and assertive personality, more farmers were influenced to go into hybridization and coop diversification. In recognition of the feat gained by Rubens, the Municipality of Roxas, Isabela acknowledged his instrumentality 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 generation for farmers to emulate. 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. Cluster Post-Harvest facility, P5M; One (1) unit 4-wheel Drive Tractor, P2M.

Mr. Renato C. Alfaro Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding Fisher folk (Fish Culture) 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 Valley. F r o m t h e earnings he h a d saved, h i s family was able to buy 4.8 hectares of farmland in Brgy. Nungnungan 1, Cauayan, Isabela. Being a hito breeder and producers for almost 15 years now, Kap Boyong was able to design a hatchery, which is effective and efficient in producing hito fry. He stopped using the circular hatching tanks being used in hito and carp production surVol. I, No. 1

Mr. Ruben Castillo Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding Rice Farmer Awardee CY 2007-2008
Ruben is the youngest of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. Heliodor 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 LBPRoxas. Year 2000, he started
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Roxas Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council Regional MAFC Awardee CY 20072008
The Roxas MAFC which was organized in 1998, has generated positive results through its advocacy efforts. Among these are the rehabilitation of a Small Water Impounding Project worth P14M; a Model Rice

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CAGAYAN VALLEY 2007-2008 REGIONAL GAWAD SAKA AWARDEES

vival because of low survival capacity especially when the drain system got clogged with dirt and other debris released during hatching. To date, Mang Boyongs 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 Citys public market. Since fish farming occupies a soft spot in his heart, he ensures the protection and conservation of the environment by taking the lead in curbing fishing mal practices in his barangay. inee deserves to be recognized as achiever in the Search for Gawad Saka Awards as Outstanding Fisherfolk (Fish Capture category). neighboring areas are planted to sugarcane and other crops. Jomar is always guided by the principle: It is the character that builds a man. -oOo-

Mr. Jomar Asuncion Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding 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, Solana, Cagayan. While a nurse by profession, he prefers to be a sugarcane farmer. At a young age, he was already trained to work in the farm. His skills in farming was enhanced 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, making 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 district and even higher than the national 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

The only things that create wealth in the world are things like fishing and farming and mining and taking resources and creating something.

Mr. Arsenio L. dela Pea Regional Gawad Saka Most Outstanding Fisher folk (Fish Capture) Awardee CY 20072008
A poor boy now a new breed of leader, is Mr. Arsenio L. Dela Pea of Taggat Norte, Claveria, Cagayan. 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 programs in his area. With all his exemplary contribution to food security as well as in the mandate of RA 8550 which is the protection, conservation and management of the fisheries and aquatic resources, this worth emulating nomPage 12

- Sir Denis Rooke (1924 - )

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.

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OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES how to avail ...

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?

Reduce time and labor cost by mixing fertilizer with water while irrigating

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

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 beneficiaries? responsibilities of

- Willing to pay the total project cost interestfree 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)

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 development. plant growth and crop

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

- To maximize land use through diversification and cropping intensity.

pipe lines from the source passing private lands must have a written consent from the owners

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-

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 activities in the community. business

Terrain in the production area is either hilly, sloping or rolling More efficient water utilization

Where are FTMRs located? - In key production areas (KPAs) - In farm areas where existing road networks need rehabilitation, except national and provincial roads.

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

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 recipientbarangays have been identified also in the province of Isabela particularly at the municipalities of Ilagan and

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)

PGMA visits Dupax Del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya

One must learn from the folly of the flying eagle in the sky, trying to teach and redirect the way of the fish swimming in the river.
Itawes Proverb

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
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(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. -oOoVALLEY BOUNTY Newsletter
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FIRST RIOs QUARTERLY MEETING CONDUCTED

NBN CHANNEL 4 VISITS

SUCCESSFUL CPAR PROJECTS IN REGION 02
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 Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DABAR) visited and conducted documentation on the successful CPAR Projects in the region on February 2629, 2008. Three from among the successful CPAR projects; Cabisera 10, Ila ga n, I sa bela , Ip i l, Echague, Isabela and Bintawan Sur, Villaverde, Nueva Vizcaya were identified to be included in the featured stories of the program. The Community-Based 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.

The

first

DA

Regional

Executive

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 - RIV-A; Clariza San Felipe R-IV-B; Ma. Bella R. Ilan - R-V; Juvy Gaton - RVI; 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
Page 15

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 farmercooperators. 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
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-

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A NEW CHECKPOINT RISES 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-

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 utilization of corn bio-mass as feeds

Integration of Cattle

A new checkpoint rises 17 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
Page 16

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

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 biomaterials. 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 traditional 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-

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FARMCASTERS UPDATED ON DA PROGRAMS, TRENDS IN BROADCASTING

AGBILARAN 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 broadcasters knowledge and skills on the latest trends in radio

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,

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 cohosted the training. (PBB) -oOoproduction. 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 DAs 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-

PNP INVITES D.A. TECHNOLOGISTS

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.

of

Police Sr. Supt. Ephrem C. Arcilla the Finance Service Office

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

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-

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SPATIAL MAXIMIZATION, A SHOWCASE

he Department of AgricultureRegional 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.

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 technology, hybrid vegetable seeds, drip irrigation, organic fertilizers, plastic mulch and trellises can make farming/ gardening highly profitable. It also aims to show that with the availability of fresh and safe vegetable products and a sales outlet, like the Barangay

Food Terminal beside the DA-MultiPurpose Cooperative Building, will significantly reduce the cost of vegetables to tingi/tipid buyers thereby mitigate hunger and malnutrition in poorer households within the vicinity. It aims further to encourage families and their members to go into vegetable farming/gardening rather than spend their time on nonproductive activities (like gossip and rumor-mongering, playing cards, over -extended daydreaming or winedrinking). The project is implemented by the High value Commercial Crops (HVCC) section under Mr. Robert Olinares and the Regional Agricultural Engineering Group (RAEG) Pressurized Irrigation (PSI) Unit under Engr. Blesita Tega. oOoincrease in tourist arrivals, both foreign and domestic in CY 2007 as compared to CY 2006. He also pointed out that there was a remarkable 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 a gri c ul tu ra l pr od u ct iv it y, t he development of organic fish farming,

Bishop Ramon Villena Keynotes 4th Regional Investment 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
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towards a globally competitive economy as it is being integrated into the global market. The occasion was graced by the Chairman of the Regional 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 pre se ntation of R egion O2 s Economic Performance, Challenges and Prospects. He said that Cagayan Valley Region is 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

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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 level of competitiveness of Philippine 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 Committee of the Regional 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

area of High Value Crops like banana, coffee, mango and vegetables. He pointed out that great potentials could be seen from 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 immediate need for the strengthening of cooperatives and a simplification of process requirements by financing institutions to aid corn producers. A n o t h e r discussant was Dr. Rellin who discussed on Livestock and D a i r y Processing. While the g r o u p identified problems on inadequate dairy cows and high risk mortality, he envisions great prospects from this sector. It was pointed
out that artificial insemination, i m p r o v e d veterinary services and support from LGUs for related projects would help address these problems. Corn and Livestock have been identified as the priority

commodities for the Regions 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)

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January to June 2008

BOUNTY VALLEY Newsletter

Vol. I, No. 1