December 1 to 16, 2011
RAFC Planning Workshop
December 13 to 14, 2011
AFMIS Year - End Report
December 12 to 14, 2011
WTO Ministerial Conference
December 12 to 16, 2011
Geneva, Switzerland
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Calendar Events for December 2011
December 1 to 16, 2011
RAFC Planning Workshop
December 13 to 14, 2011
AFMIS Year - End Report
December 12 to 14, 2011
WTO Ministerial Conference
December 12 to 16, 2011
Geneva, Switzerland
Thursday, November 10, 2011
AF2025 convenes for long-term Agri sector plan
‘Team Agriculture’. Major players in the country's agriculture and fishery sectors show their commitment and dedication in uplifting the lives of the backbone of the country as they come together in their unprecedented and biggest gathering, the Agriculture and Fisheries 2025 (AF2025). In the photo from left to right are Mr. Roberto Amores, Chairperson of TF on Fruits and Vegetables; Dr. Rolando Dy, Chairperson of TF on Commercial Crops; Dr. Ernesto Odoñez, Private Sector Over-all Representative; Dr. Cielito Habito, Convenor; Senator Francis Pangilinan, Chairperson of the Congressional Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM); Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala; Congressman Mark Mendoza, Co-chairperson of the COCAFM; Mr. Romeo Royandoyan, Chaiperson of TF on Rice and Other Staples; Mr. Arsenio Tanchuling, Chairperson of TF on Fisheries and Aquaculture; and Atty. Elias Jose Inciong, Chairperson of TF on Poultry, Livestock and Corn.
Major players in the agriculture and fishery sectors addressed issues on agriculture, food security and competitiveness of the agri-fisheries sector when they convened for Agriculture and Fisheries 2025 (AF2025) Mid-Year Conference: Assessment and Ways Forward last October 7 at Philippine Social Science Council (PSSC) Auditorium, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
Led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala, Congressional Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM) Chairperson Senator Francis Pangilinan and COCAFM Co-chairperson Congressman Mark Mendoza, together with private sector overall representative Ernesto Ordoñez, and champions from the agriculture, fisheries and agribusiness sectors met to follow up the progress of agencies and subsectors since their initial gathering last February.
During the mid-year conference, updates from each subsector were presented. Roadmaps were also fleshed out in an assessment workshop with AF2025 principals Secretary Alcala, Senator Pangilinan and Congressman Mendoza.
Secretary Alcala stated that the target year for achieving rice self sufficiency is 2013, and the department extensively promotes other staples such as cassava, white corn, sweet potato and adlay to achieve this.
The agriculture secretary also said that to increase the income of farmers, DA interventions like irrigation, training for farmers, improvement of seed varieties and provision of farm machineries are being implemented.
“The P150M budget for Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation can accommodate 150T farmer beneficiaries. This can increase to 300T if the LGU can provide equity,” he added addressing farmers’ access to affordable credit and insurance.
He furthered that there are on-going assessment studies being conducted on the establishment of municipal fish ports with post harvest facilities, and the approval of the project proposal on upgrading and rehabilitation of the Navotas Fishing Port Complex shall be followed up with the National Economic Development Authority.
“The rehabilitation and upgrading of the Navotas Fishing Port Complex is already included in the 2012 DA budget under the foreign-assisted projects,” Senator Pangilinan added.
“The rehabilitation and upgrading of the Navotas Fishing Port Complex is already included in the 2012 DA budget under the foreign-assisted projects,” Senator Pangilinan added.
Meanwhile, to address export potentials of the poultry and livestock sector, the department will pursue the establishment of Triple A slaughterhouses.
Congressman Mendoza also confirmed that the Genetic Bill has been approved by the House Committee on Agriculture and will be followed up by his office.
The AF2025 was able to determine strategies and priority activities and form task forces to address the needs of the five agriculture subsectors of rice, poultry, livestock and yellow corn, fisheries, fruits and vegetables, and commercial crops.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Ormoc City hosts 2nd RAFC Consultative Meeting
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RAFC chairpersons, coordinators, DA-RFU VIII personnel, NAFC staff and guests pose for a
group photo during the 2nd RAFC Consultative Meeting held from October 19 to 21 in Ormoc City. |
The second national Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) consultative meeting cum summit, held last October 19 to 21 at Sabin Resort Hotel in Ormoc City, Leyte, brought together the 16 RAFC chairpersons and coordinators from all over the country, along with resource persons, guests, Department of Agriculture (DA)-Regional Field Unit (RFU) VIII personnel and NAFC staff.
RAFC chairperson Edgardo C. Codilla of Region VIII and current national president of the RAFC Association of the Philippines, in collaboration with the DA Regional Office, played host to the three-day national RAFC consultative meeting which coincided with Ormoc City’s 64th Charter Day Celebration.
Welcoming the guests and participants were Ormoc City Mayor Eric C. Codilla and DA-RFU VIII Executive Director Antonio G. Gerundio. Both government officials acknowledged the vital role of the AFC network in the implementation of the national and local agri-fishery programs all geared towards food security, increase rural income, sustainable development and monitoring of DA programs and projects.
The highlights of the meeting include, among others, the presentation, discussion and ratification of the Revised Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) Manual; review of DA and AFC accomplishment reports; and, discussion on the most pressing issues and concerns relative to the legislative priority agenda and DA’s various programs and projects such as The Agri-Pinoy Farm mechanization, Post Harvest Development Program, NAFC Special Vehicle Loan Program and the Organic Agriculture Program.
RAFC Chairperson Codilla said that the consultation was aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and responsibility in the implementation of the various agriculture and fishery programs in the country.
He added that as private-led volunteer organizations, the AFCs will assist in the monitoring and advocacy of the agricultural programs and activities.
“To empower and further enhance their (AFCs) effectiveness and responsiveness, they need to regularly solicit feedbacks, suggestions and recommendation from their ranks in order to participate and effectively and efficiently manage DA programs and projects,” he emphasized.
He further stated that under his leadership, he will see to it that the AFCs take a solid and clear direction and become true partners of agriculture development that will continue and expand programs and projects to better serve the needs of the farmers, fisher and the livestock raiser.
The consultative meeting ended with a short visit to the New Ormoc City Hall located at Y. Aunubling Street, Government Center of Ormoc.
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RAFC Chairperson Edgardo C.Codilla leads the three-day consultative meeting.
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Monday, November 7, 2011
NAF Council Meeting centers on AFMP 2011-2016 framework
Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, the NAF Council chairperson, presides the council meeting on October 10 that aimed to garner the input and support of the council members for the AFMP 2011-2016.
Being the consultative and feedback mechanism for development dialogue, the National Agricultural and Fisheries Council (NAF Council) held a meeting last October 10, 2011 at the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Convention Hall for the presentation of the framework for the crafting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AFMP) 2011-2016.The meeting also aimed at getting the council members’ inputs and commitment to support this undertaking.
More than 100 representatives from different private and government agencies, including some invited guests, attended the meeting which was presided by the council chairperson, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala. Ms. Nieva Natural, OIC Director of DA Planning Service, led the presentation of the AFMP framework and guidelines.
The AFMP will serve as the master plan to spur growth and modernization of the sector. Its formulation is in accordance with Section 13 of the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) of 1997.
The purpose of the updated AFMP 2011-2016 is to operationalize Chapter 4 of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 and translate into more specific terms the principles and practices in Agri-Pinoy 2011 which is the Aquino Administration’s overall strategic framework guiding the various services and programs of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Alongside DA Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup, Secretary Alcala gathered inputs and comments from the rest of the council members as well as the invited guests who were present at the meeting.
The body also gave their commitment and support in the crafting of the AFMP. Sec. Alcala then requested the Department Secretaries and the Leagues to issue a memorandum to their respective regional or provincial offices to join the regional and provincial planning teams that the DA-Regional Field Units will organize.
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Over 100 representatives from private and government agencies gather at the NAF Council Meeting at the FPA Convention Hall that served as avenue to present the AFMP 2011-2016 framework.
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See also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/afmp.html
NAFC sponsors educational tour of 2011 WFD poster-making contest winners
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| 2011 World Food Day poster-making contest winners learn significant facts about the history of the Philippines as they tour around the National Museum. |
In sponsorship of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the winners of the 2011 World Food Day Poster-Making Contest were able to visit and enjoy the scenic sights of some of the tourist spots and historic sites within Metro Manila during their educational tour from October 15 to 17.
Among the places they visited were Museo Pambata, National Museum, Rizal Park, Manila Ocean Park, Manila Zoo, Fort Santiago and the ABS-CBN Studios during the three-day excursion. They also had the chance to sit as live audience of ABS-CBN’s noontime show “Happy Yippee Yehey”.
The said all-expense paid educational tour is part of the prize of the winning students, along with P15,000 cash and a plaque each.After enjoying the sight of the different marine creatures living in Manila Ocean Park, the five poster-making contest winners and their guardians smilingly pose for a souvenir group photo.
See also : http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/wfdt.html
NAFC showcases programs for young farmers at IFAD’s KLM5
Together with their friends, young farmer entrepreneurs Ben David Luis (far left), Calma Arcala (middle) and Raffy Espiritu (far right) flash their smiles as they pose for a group photo at NAFC’s booth before IFAD’s 5th Knowledge and Learning Market formally opens.
The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) grabbed the chance to showcase two of its programs—the Young Farmers Program (YFP) and Young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Japan (YFFTPJ)—during the 5th Knowledge and Learning Market (KLM5)of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) last October 19 and 20.
The two-day event, with the theme “Gender and Youth: Innovative Waves in Rural Development,” was held at the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) grounds.
NAFC was among the government agencies that joined the event, along with NGOs, academic institutions, and IFAD-funded projects. Each booth showcased different products and information materials that were open to participants.
Giving life to NAFC’s booth were three of the beneficiaries of the YFP: Mr. Raffy Espiritu from La Union, Ms Calma Arcala of Nueva Vizcaya and Mr. Ben David Luis of Benguet who all came from their respective hometowns with their products such as peanut butter and mushrooms.
YFP Batch 3 member Raffy Espiritu proudly describes the process he adopts in making peanut butter as representatives from
DA, DAR, DTI, UN Women, and IFAD visit NAFC’s booth during the 5th Knowledge and Learning Market.
DA, DAR, DTI, UN Women, and IFAD visit NAFC’s booth during the 5th Knowledge and Learning Market.
See also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/ifad.html
NAFC conducts on-site validation of 2012 YFFTPJ nominees
NAFC employees pose with locals of Ballesteros town in Cagayan for a group photo during their on-site validation of 2012 YFFTPJ nominee Rodrigo Alupani.
Fourteen officials and staff of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) conducted on-site validation/evaluation of the 19 nominees of the 2012 batch of the Young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Japan (YFFTPJ) from October 10 to 14, 2011.
These 19 individuals are exam passers in their respective regions and were carefully selected by the YFFTPJ National Selection Committee.
Said NAFC personnel visited the residences of the nominees in different areas in Regions II, IV, VI, VIII, IX, X, CAR and CARAGA.
The nominees were evaluated based on their farming experience, farm operation, trainings and regional examination results.
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| Together with local officials of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, NAFC’s Stakeholders Extension Section OIC Solidad Bernardo pays a visit to YFFTPJ nominee Elias Calansi’s flower farm. |
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| 2012 YFFTPJ nominee Virgilio Ryan Sambo of Baggao, Cagayan proudly shows to the visiting NAFC evaluators some of the pigs he painstakingly raises. |
YFFTPJ is a program that NAFC, in collaboration with the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) and the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, has been implementing since 1991 which aims to provide modern Japanese farming techniques to deserving young Filipino farmers who are out-of-school youth with age 20-26 years old.
It specifically seeks to provide technical knowledge and skills in agricultural and cooperative management; offer opportunities for an exchange of agricultural information of mutual interest among participants; and, provide opportunity for Filipino farmers to imbibe Japanese work values and attitudes.
After a 60-day Home Stay Training Module and a 75-day Pre-departure Orientation Course, selected young farmers will fly to Japan to undergo 11-month on-farm training under Japanese host farmers of the JAEC.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
NAF Council conducts meeting, CSO consultation on DA FY 2012 budget
In line with the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) 109 of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the NAF Council and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) consultation on the Department of Agriculture's (DA) 2012 Budget was held on April 12, 2011 at the BSWM Conference Hall, BSWM Building.
DA officials, led by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, gathered inputs from the NAF Council private and government sectoral members and CSOs with budget partnership agreement with the DA regarding budget allocations and agriculture programs and projects that should be pursued for 2012.
Segfredo R. Serrano, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, Research & Development, started off by presenting the DA’s Thrusts and Priorities under the Aquino administration. In accentuating food security, Usec. Serrano said that under the leadership of Secretary Alcala, emphasis will be on approaches that would have to be anchored on something more solid than production and technology.
Aside from plans for rice self-sufficiency, thrusts for the sectors of livestock, poultry, corn and fisheries were also laid out. These include improving genetic material; animal health program; establishment of meat trading centers; promoting poultry products; promotion of white corn cassava and other staple food crops such as sweet potato and saba to ease the demand for rice; maintenance, operation, and expansion of existing mariculture parks and optimizing its productivity by promoting polyculture.
Meanwhile, as the DA food security program dictates that irrigation is a major public investment, Usec. Serrano said the priority for irrigation shall be on rehabilitation, repair and restoration or maintenance of existing systems. Small water impounding systems and smaller types of systems that are easier to construct and put into operation will also be done.
More durable market access infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, fish ports, post-harvest facilities and equipment shall also form part of DA’s public investments.
In dealing with climate change, Usec. Serrano said that the DA is trying to develop its capacities on risk assessment and disaster management through the use of remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies to be able to establish a climate risk information system.
He added that the DA wants to be able to put even greater investments in equipment and infrastructure like irrigation works that will harvest rainwater, farm mechanization warehouses, storage facilities, and other equipment.
Meanwhile, Antonio A. Fleta, Undersecretary for Administration and Finance of the Department of Agriculture, proceeded to present the DA’s budget share for the year 2012.
Segfredo R. Serrano, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, Research & Development, started off by presenting the DA’s Thrusts and Priorities under the Aquino administration. In accentuating food security, Usec. Serrano said that under the leadership of Secretary Alcala, emphasis will be on approaches that would have to be anchored on something more solid than production and technology.
Aside from plans for rice self-sufficiency, thrusts for the sectors of livestock, poultry, corn and fisheries were also laid out. These include improving genetic material; animal health program; establishment of meat trading centers; promoting poultry products; promotion of white corn cassava and other staple food crops such as sweet potato and saba to ease the demand for rice; maintenance, operation, and expansion of existing mariculture parks and optimizing its productivity by promoting polyculture.
Meanwhile, as the DA food security program dictates that irrigation is a major public investment, Usec. Serrano said the priority for irrigation shall be on rehabilitation, repair and restoration or maintenance of existing systems. Small water impounding systems and smaller types of systems that are easier to construct and put into operation will also be done.
More durable market access infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, fish ports, post-harvest facilities and equipment shall also form part of DA’s public investments.
In dealing with climate change, Usec. Serrano said that the DA is trying to develop its capacities on risk assessment and disaster management through the use of remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies to be able to establish a climate risk information system.
He added that the DA wants to be able to put even greater investments in equipment and infrastructure like irrigation works that will harvest rainwater, farm mechanization warehouses, storage facilities, and other equipment.
Meanwhile, Antonio A. Fleta, Undersecretary for Administration and Finance of the Department of Agriculture, proceeded to present the DA’s budget share for the year 2012.
During the presentation, Usec. Fleta disclosed that the average percentage share of the DA in the national budget for the last ten years is 2.7 percent. Despite this, however, Usec. Fleta said that the DA contributed 16.8 % in terms of to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2010.
For 2012, Usec. Fleta noted that the percentage of the DA’s share in the national budget increased to a little less than five percent which amounts to P83.44 billion.
“Under the six-year development program of the DA, the budget will be front-loaded in the next two years so that it can already achieve the targets especially in irrigation,” he explained.
Usec. Fleta then presented the allocated budget in 2011 in comparison with the proposed budget for 2012 in the components of support services like production support, market development, credit facilitation, irrigation, postharvest and infrastructure, extension support, research and development, and information support.
Usec. Fleta also discussed the budget for the DA’s banner programs on rice, corn, high value crops, livestock and fisheries. For rice, the DA proposed a total of P49.5 billion for 2012 compared to the P19.6 billion share in 2011. Under the rice program, P10 billion will be for national rice, P30 billion for irrigation and P9.5 billion for farm-to-market roads.
For the corn program, a sum of P1 billion is proposed while there will be P2 billion for high value crops. For livestock program, there will be P2.4 billion allotment while P3.05 billion is proposed for fisheries for next year.
Other allocations were also pointed out by Usec. Fleta which include other programs (P8.9 billion), regular fund under the Office of the Secretary (P4.3 billion), and attached agencies (P4.8 billion).
During the open forum, DA officials took note of the important points, suggestions, concerns and comments raised by different parties.
Another meeting was set to further discuss the details on the budget as suggested by Mr. Ernesto Ordoñez, chairperson of Alyansa Agrikultura, who also thanked Sec. Alcala for conducting the NAF Council Meeting/CSO Consultation once again after more than two years and further proposed for the formation of a sectoral committee on budget that will help the department in lobbying for higher budget allocations.
Representatives of the different organizations present in the meeting also inquired about the various aspects in the budget allocations for sectors like high value crops and irrigation system; the status of other projects concerning their areas; monitoring activities; and, others which Sec. Alcala and fellow DA officials answered to the best of their knowledge.
Recommendations from CODE-NGO, as represented by Raul Banzuela of Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA), were also discussed at the forum. Mr. Banzuela enumerated the six recommendations, as follows: that they be provided with a breakdown of the commodity program budgets by region and by type of production support; the need to gain the support of farmers for the DA’s plan of gradually shifting production support for farmers away from input subsidies towards investments in public goods; that DA clarifies how its programs are geared towards the needs of agrarian reform beneficiaries, small famers and fisher folks; and, ensure that the fisheries program benefits small and municipal fisher folks.
Given the suggestions and comments that have been propounded in the meeting, DA officials gratefully drew the concurrence of the members of the council to submit the proposed 2012 budget to the DBM—subject to further amendments and as a result of any further consultations with stakeholders.
NAFC holds Performance Assessment and Planning Workshop for Foreign-Assisted Projects
The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) conducted Performance Assessment and Planning Workshops for Foreign-Assisted Projects- the PL480 and 2KR Programs - recently this year which was attended by project managers and finance officers of the programs.
The assessment and workshop for PL480-assisted projects was held in Bataan for three days while that of 2KR-assisted projects was conducted in Clarkfield, Pampanga.
The workshops conducted aimed to evaluate the performance of each project; formulate plans and targets for the undertakings; and, resolve issues and problems confronting the implementation of the said on-going foreign-assisted projects.
The PL480 Program is comprised of 12 on-going projects. These include:
- Accelerating the Genetic Resource Improvement Program for Beef Cattle and Small Ruminants (BAI);
- Goat Production Project for the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program(BAI);
- Expanded Human Resource Development Program (ATI);
- Livelihood Enhancement Program for Agricultural Development (NAFC);
- Strengthening Capacities in Agricultural and Fishery Trade Negotiations and Agreements (NAFC);
- Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program (DA-BIOTECH);
- Enhancing the Implementation of IPM to Increase Farmers’ Competitiveness, Minimize Environmental Risks and Ensure Food Security and Safety (PhilRice);
- Improving Enforcement Capability in Fishery and Coastal Resource Management (BFAR);
- Multi-Year Dairy Animal Procurement and Breeding Program to Upscale Heifer Production for Local Dairy Industry (NDA);
- Milk Feed Plus Program (NDA);
- Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Program (DA-SPCMAD); and
- Establishment of Agro-meteorological Stations in Highly Vulnerable Meteorological Areas: A Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and in the Development of an Early Warning System (BSWM).
Meanwhile, there are nine on-going projects under the 2KR Program which are:
- AKBay-Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy Program (NAFC);
- Rehabilitation of Small Scale Irrigation Projects for Upland Productivity and Resource Sustainability (BSWM);
- Enhancing the Rural Employment through Promotion of Village-Based Dairy Enterprises (PCC);
- Regional Freshwater Fisheries Center’s for Continuing Capability Building for Integrated Development of the Bicol Freshwater Fisheries (BFAR-V);
- Technology Management for Competitive Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors (BAR);
- Fisheries Grassroots Outreach Project (BFAR-NIFTDC);
- Barangay Food Terminal Project (PhilMech);
- Enhancing Farmers’ Capacity to Access, Analyze and Utilize Statistical Information (BAS);and
- Rehabilitation and Modernization of Livestock “Oksyon” Markets in the Philippines (BAI)
Some of the agreements and recommendations yielded at the workshops is for the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to write a letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to reiterate the CO and set a meeting with concerned persons; for the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to always remind their scholars about the deadline of submissions, to decide whether or not to provide scholarships, to come up with the proper information dissemination regarding the scholarship and review the mother MOA, to be able to advertise their program while NAFC helps them in looking for scholars and to formulate guidelines regarding the scholars who have not returned from abroad.
The workshops were also a great way to impart the true meaning of self-respect and self-discipline so that everyone could get along well especially in addressing important issues in their undertakings.
Participants of the PL480 and 2KR assessment workshops pose for a group photo after the event.
RAFCs hold first meeting for 2011
He also informed the RAFC chairpersons about NAFC’s plan to hire additional staff on a job order status to assist the AFC regional coordinators in assuring and facilitating the proper conduct of the AFC consultations and other activities and functions the AFC should undertake.
Dir. Juliano then proceeded to facilitate the ceremony for the turnover of leadership between Simon and Codilla who were both elected during the RAFC elections in 2011 and were deemed to equally share the two-year term of office as National RAFC president. Codilla will be serving the last half of the term.
BAS, NAFC launch another 2KR-Assisted Project
The event marked the start of the implementation of the said project dubbed as “Enhancing Farmers’ Capacity to Access, Analyze and Utilize Statistical Information” which aims to improve farmers’ productivity, efficiency and income through the institutionalization of improved and sustainable capacities on operational and financial farm management and planning.
The event was attended by around 150 people, including BAS personnel headed by Director Romeo S. Recide, together with their Regional and Provincial Agricultural Statistics Officers; representatives from the Government of Japan (GOJ) led by Mr. Takehiko Sakata (First Secretary, Agriculture, Embassy of Japan), Ms. Etsuko Taneda (JICA Representative) and Mr. Hiroshi Kodama (DA-JICA Expert); and, representatives from National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the lead agency handling the 2KR Program, led by its OIC-Director, Engr. Noel A. Juliano and NAFC-SPD Chief Ms. Elgie L. Namia.
Also a significant part of the program was a ceremonial turnover of the project’s approval letter sent by the GOJ to the Department of Agriculture, signed by the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Makoto Katsura.
It was then followed by the ceremonial signing of contract between BAS and NAFC, led by Dir. Recide and Dir. Juliano as heads of the proponent agencies, witnessed by Ms. Laura S. Lizarondo, BAS Assistant Director and Ms. Namia of NAFC.
Furthermore, the check amounting to P23.7 M was turned over by NAFC to BAS to officially jumpstart the implementation of the project.
NAFC turns over the check amounting to P23.7 M to BAS to officially jump start the implementation of the 2KR-Assisted project dubbed as “Enhancing Farmers’ Capacity to Access, Analyze and Utilize Statistical Information”.
COCAFM holds AF2025 Action Updates and Budget Consultation Meeting
In coordination with the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the meeting served as an avenue for AF2025 Task Forces to present their outputs containing recommendations for the Department of Agriculture (DA) 2012 budget allocations and proposals for strategic interventions in their respective sectors.
The said outputs were the result of a series of meetings by the chairpersons and members of the AF2025 Task Forces with DA bureaus and attached agencies in preparation for the AF2025 Action Updates and Budget Consultation Meeting with COCAFM chairperson Senator Francis Pangilinan, DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, Atty. Celso Valmores, to whom the outputs were presented.
The output for rice and other staples was presented by Dr. Emil Javier; Atty. Jose Elias Inciong for poultry, livestock and corn; Dr. Rolando Dy for commercial crops; Roberto Amores for fruits and vegetables; Sarah Bales for fisheries; and former DA Secretary Senen Bacani for cross-cutting issues.
To date, the outputs of the sector are endorsed to the concerned DA Bureaus and attached agencies, through the DA, for appropriate action. A meeting, tentatively scheduled in August, will be conducted to discuss the updates regarding the recommendations of the task forces.
Also present during the meeting were Dr. Ernesto Ordoñez, heads and representatives of DA bureaus and attached agencies and chairpersons and members of the AF2025 Task Forces.
COCAFM chairperson, Senator Francis Pangilinan, delivers his response to the outputs of the AF2025 task forces during the Action Updates and Budget Consultation Meeting.
Rubber Industry Sub-Committee visits rubber plantations in Laguna, Quezon
The Rubber Industry Sub-Committee was informed recently about existing rubber plantations in Laguna and Quezon, which is considered as a welcome development since most rubber trees are situated in Mindanao where typhoons are rare.
Rubber is a high-value commercial product, identified as one of the priority crop of the Department of Agriculture. One of the sub-committee’s members and general manager of the First Laguna Rubber, a business enterprise which engages in rubber propagation, planting and marketing that started in January 2006, Engr. Rolando Rosales, shared this breakthrough to the group and invited the members to see the areas.
The sub-committee conducted the site validation last May in Laguna and Quezon, and was participated by representatives from the Traders Trust International, Latex Products, King’s Rubber, JDM Agroventures, CUP, Rubberfields, Inc., CocoaPhil, First Laguna Rubber, Bureaus of Plant Industry, Agricultural Research, and Agricultural Statistics, and National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC).
Two rubber plantations were visited in Laguna. The first site, located in Barangay Ilayang, Butnog, Magdalena, owned by Atty. Ceriaco Sumaya, is a five-hectare farm with 3, 000 rubber trees. The second site, which can be found in Barangay Layugan, Pagsanjan, is a 2.5-hectare rubber farm planted with 2, 500 mature rubber trees and owned by Mr. Alex Pactananan.
The rubber plantation visited in Quezon is a five-hectare land area with 5, 000 mature trees, owned by former councilor Ernida Reynoso.
The plantations are intercropped with patola, squash, corn, coconut and cacao.Engr. Rosales emphasized that top pruning and double stocking methods are practiced in the farm to be able to resist typhoons and strong winds.
AKBay program benefits 76 farmers in Catanduanes
Launched in Virac, Catanduanes last June 15, the AKBay (Agrikultura, Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy) Program benefited 76 farmers, giving them financial assistance to purchase inputs for their approved micro-livelihood projects.
Highlighting the country’s current developmental directive and how it should be the guiding principle of the agriculture sector, Undersecretary for Field Operations Joel Rudinas, mentioned that inclusive growth should override development motivated by profit and economic growth alone.
In his message, he described growth and progress as “something built from the ground, as this would enable the smallest stakeholders – the farmers – to actually participate and benefit in the process.”
“The problem, however, is that support initiatives are hampered because of the large number of issues surrounding the sector. Formal lending institutions which are supposed to assist financing, instead turn impartial to small borrowers in order to avert bad credit exposures and low success rates,” he added.
Usec. Rudinas suggested that this whole system be overhauled if inclusive development is the objective. Both creditors and borrowers need only take the initiative of jumpstarting the mechanism to establish trust and foster good partnership.
The program title “AKBay” itself, he added, justifies the meaning of true development that is accommodating and impartial to the smallest, yet the most important stakeholder in the agricultural sector.
NAFC turns 53
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| NAFC staff awarded with certificates for their hard work and committed service pose for a group photo with NAFC OIC-Director Engr. Noel C. Juliano. |
In celebrating 53 wonderful years of fulfilling its role in the country’s agricultural sector, the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) honored the men and women who have devoted considerable service, loyalty and commitment to the agency during the anniversary celebration held at the Apacible Conference Room.
The celebration kicked off with a mass presided by Rev. Fr. Steven Sabala of Parish of the Mary Immaculate Concepcion followed by a short program that gave recognition to 23 staff of the NAFC for their efforts in helping the agency achieve its goals in the past five decades or so.
The following staff received certificates handed by NAFC OIC-Director Engr. Noel A. Juliano in appreciation of their hard work: (30 years in service) Diosile Arida, Serafin Santos, Cecilia Lupisan, Jane Antonio, Ernesto Dacio, Benjamin Donor, Miriam Aguilar, Arnel Delosata; (25 years in service) Ditas Matulac, Mary Ann De Leon; (20 years in service) Kissie Tefora, Emmanuel Ferrer, Patricio Mercado, Ponciano Reyes, Raquel Dumaraos, Jose Redentor Besenio; (10 years in service) Teresita Carpena, Evelyn Panganiban, Francisco Resurreccion, Merceditas Dinglasan, Ceniza Dacumos, Percival Figueroa, and Rowena Gallemit.
Aside from the current employees, five retired employees were also given honor for their contributions to the agency.The celebration was also filled with fun and laughter as the National Agricultural and Fishery Council Employees Association (NAFCEA) brought cheers and excitement during one part of the program through the games they facilitated.
As they marked their 53rd year, officials and staff of the NAFC are grateful for all the lessons learned and milestones reached in the past years, are happily looking forward to more years of service and are strengthening their commitment to help with the progress and development of the country.
PRPC Signs MOA with IRRI, resolution to change name
The ExeCom of the Philippine Rice Postproduction Consortium (PRPC) convened at the National Agricultural and Fishery Council’s (NAFC) Apacible Conference Room this June as presided by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala. The meeting was highlighted by the signing of Memorandum of Agreement on collaborative activities between PRPC and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI); and, the resolution changing the name of PRPC to Philippine Grains Postproduction Consortium (PGPC).
