Lab test confirms 1st ASF outbreak in Cam. Sur - DA Bicol gives P3M ...
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Vol. 29 No. 1
January - March 2020
Lab test confirms 1st ASF outbreak in Cam. Sur
by Emily B. Bordado
SAN AGUSTIN PILI,
CAMARINES SUR - After laboratory in Quezon City.
almost 7 months of aggressive In consonance with
and sustained efforts by the the “1-7-10” radius control
Regional Quick Response protocol, immediately after
Team (RQRT) FOR Animal the declaration of the ASF
Disease and Emergencies to infected premises, DA regional
prevent the incursion of this of Executive Director Tornilla has
this dreaded disease into Bicol declared a 1-km radius from
region, the first positive case the site of infection or ground
from barangay Sto. Domingo zero to be the quarantine area.
in Bombon, Camarines Sur Culling out or depopulation of
was finally confirmed by all swine within the identified
Agriculture Secretary William radius commenced. Director
Dar based on the result of
the sample tested at the BAI
Tornilla assured that affected
(Please turn to page 8)
Amidst ECQ farmers sell crops via
DA-Bicol thru the Land Bank Kadiwa Centers and on Wheels
by Lovella P. Guarin
starts distributing cash To help farmers sell of sweet potato, 23 kilos of gabi
assistance to qualified small their produce and at the same
time promote food security
roots, 121 kilos of squash, 20
kilos of ampalaya, 10 kilos of
rice farmers in the midst of the Enhanced
Community Quatrantine
cucumber, 10 kilos of winged
beans, 4 kilos of okra, 6.5 kilos
(ECQ), the DA in Sorsogon of tomatoes and 5 kilos of corn .
SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, CAMARINES
rolled on the Kadiwa on Gilda cannot believe her
SUR – To help farmers and tide them
Wheels. fortune when she received
over this difficult time the Department
Now on its second day of the cash payment of P22,145,
of Agriculture will be giving cash
roaming the towns of Sorsogon, (Please turn to page 9)
assistance of P5,000 each to small
the KADIWA on Wheels here
farmers cultivating rice areas of not more
is an old white H100 van of the
than one (1) hectare.
Regional Dairy Production and
Agriculture secretary William D. Dar
Technology Center (RDPTC).
explains that “our farmers will receive it
At 9:00 AM, the first stop of
as a direct cash transfer that they can use
the KADIWA on Wheels was
to buy either farm inputs, food for their
the farm of Gilda Martires
families or anything they need.”
Hamos of barangay Escuala,
Dubbed as the Financial Subsidy
Casiguran, Sorsogon.
for Rice Farmers (FSRF) , the cash
Newly harvested
assistance is part of DA’s initiative to
vegetables and rootcrops were
assist small farmers in 24 provinces not
already packed and ready for
covered under the Rice Farmers Financial
pick up. These consisted of 500
Assistance (RFFA) Program.
kilos of cassava tubers, 58 kilos
(Please turn to page 8)
EDITORIAL
What COVID-19 pandemic has taught us
The COVID 19 pandemic has made non-government agencies and institutions
us realize that despite the technological who ensured the unhampered delivery of
advancements, the comfortable and basic services to the public and countless
sophisticated lifestyle and the seemingly others who offered help to the vulnerable
impenetrable walls we have built along and needy.
with many devices and gadgets we have COVID 19 has adversely impacted Microscope image
acquired to shield ourselves from the economy, disrupted agriculture of coronavirus
life’s dangers, we as human beings and and supply chain halted operations of Source: Wikipedia
the modern society we are living in are industries and businesses which resulted
not invincible but still very vulnerable to work stoppage, and restricted and delivery of services also proceeded
to virus and diseases and other invisible movement of people. For a while, we hit unhampered even with the enforcement
enemies. a pause on most of our business-as-usual of the ECQ and GCQ.
This pandemic has led us to some activities. As community quarantine and The COVID 19 crisis taught us
painful insights that despite the claim of lockdowns were imposed these triggered that keeping the supply chains functioning
most advanced and developed countries panic buying and hoarding - as people well and facilitating farmers access to
that they are ready for any disaster or were alarmed by a potential food shortage. markets were crucial to food security.
calamity and that they are foolproof for But the Department of Agriculture Exempting farm operations and supply
any eventuality, they are not really ready, under the leadership of Secretary chain in the lockdown restriction was
prepared or capable for an unseen enemy William D. Dar swiftly responded and a correct move. We also realized that
with global magnitude and impact as the mounted aggressive and elevated efforts technology proved to be the light of hope
COVID 19. Indeed diseases do not know and measures to keep agriculture running, for most of us. It kept us, connected,
borders. We have seen how rich and poor ensure that food is available, accessible educated and informed. Social media with
countries alike have to helplessly grapple and affordable to every Filipino. It all its flaws became a saving grace. Even
with the COVID crisis. We are confronted immediately put into motion the Ahon without our physical presence in our
with the sad reality of the vulnerability Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat Contra Covid” also workplace we continued to work using
of human life and existence. known as Plant, Plant, Plant Program. our computers and gadgets. From face to
But while this pandemic exposes our Under this program market outlets face meetings we shifted virtual meetings
vulnerability it also brought forth the best for agricultural goods called KADIWA and TV streaming which proved to be less
in most of us – our resilience, indomitable ni Ani at Kita were established - some expensive and not time consuming. A new
spirit, creativity, innovativeness and positioned in strategic places others as busines trend has emerged as demand has
dynamism. The crisis also drew latent mobile or on wheels. risen for home deliveries of food and
benevolence in each one such as simple Food passes for delivery trucks groceries and e-commerce.
acts of kindness, generosity and even and vehicles were issued to ensure This pandemic has a life changing
heroism and other essential virtues most unhampered movement of agricultural impact which forced us to a new reality
often relegated to the sidelines. The goods and IATF IDs were likewise issued which we are slowly adapting to as we
pandemic made us appreciate the true to farmers, agricultural workers and transition through a “new normal.” It has
value of many people whose role in society employees. of agricultural, animal and given us a lot of lessons and insights to
tend to be undervalued – the medical fishery establishments. Delivery of some contemplate on. It makes us realize that
personnel and health workers who were agricultural products from the region to human health system and food system
at the frontline in ministering to the sick; specific drop off points in different parts are interconnected and fragile and that
the military personnel who were manning of the country was also facilitated. solutions must be developed together.
the checkpoints, the security personnel, Continuous price monitoring was also Our experience with this pandemic has
the delivery crew, the farmers who never undertaken to ensure implementation of enabled us new ways of seeing and
stopped producing food, the skeleton price freeze and consumer protection. opened windows of new opportunities.
workforce in every government and Implementation of programs/projects
Published quarterly by the Regional
Agriculture and Fisheries Information
Section (RAFIS) of the Department of
Agriculture, Regional Field Office No. 5,
San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur,
Editor-in-Chief: Emilia B. Bordado
E-mail Address: darafid5@yahoo.com
Advisers:
Writers: Lovella P. Guarin
Rodel P. Tornilla, MABE Jayson M. Gonzales
Regional Executive Director Blesilda A. Nuñez Re-entered as a Second Class Mail Matter at
Annielyn L. Baleza the Pili Post Office, Pili, Camarines Sur under
Luz R. Marcelino Michelle Angela G. Alfigura Permit No. 2019-17 on March 25, 2019.
Regional Technical Director
Lay-out Artist: Lovella P. Guarin Circulation: Blesilda A. Nuñez
for Operations
Graphic Artist: Zandra G. Abogado Lita V. Estrella
Photographers: Maritess Dilla
Edgar R. Madrid, DPM
Eduardo D. Collantes, Jr. Emil Pasumbal
Regional Technical Director
Hermito Antonio T. Privaldos Salvacion Gonowon
for Research and Regulations
Ramon C. Adversario Records Unit
2 UMAsenso January - March 2020
Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP)
PRDP-led trainings help Albay coco geonets enterprise
manage COVID-19 crisis
LIBON, ALBAY – The Albay Coco nagkaroon ng problema kasi kumbaga okay lang just go. Basta ang importante
Geonets Manufacturing Enterprise, naging prepared si TTLPC. With the help sa mga ganitong sitwasyon meron tayong
an enterprise development (I-REAP) ng PRDP sa mga disasters na ganitong maibibigay sa mga tao,” he added.
subproject funded by the Philippine crisis, nakapag-ipon naman kami kahit A Business Continuity Plan includes
Rural Development Project (PRDP), was papaano,” said Pedrocillo in a phone data on operations (activities, processes
still in the rehabilitation process from interview. and procedures), list of employees (details
the devastation caused by typhoon Tisoy Pedrocillo shared how the PRDP’s and contact information), list of customers,
in December 2019 when the national training on business continuity planning suppliers and vendors, finances, and list of
government ordered the implementation helped them manage the COVID-19 crisis assets, equipment, and machineries should
of the Luzonwide enhanced community amid the lockdown. a disaster occurs. The PRDP provides
quarantine (ECQ). Yet, the Tunay Tapat “Malaking tulong nung nagkaroon training on business continuity planning to
Lahing Pilipino Cooperative (TTLPC), tayo ng training and proper management its I-REAP subprojects to achieve its goal
the proponent group in charge of the pagdating sa mga funds at sa paggastos of establishing a climate-smart agriculture
enterprise’s operations, did not crumble. kung paano kami gagalaw sa operation, and fishery sector. It entails gathering
According to Operations Manager Jerome kung paano yung tamang cash flow, yung and analyzing hazards and vulnerabilities
Pedrocillo, they were prepared for this safety measures sa fund. At the same associated with production challenges,
scenario. time, sa mga tao na rin–na kailangan climatic trends and cropping calendars as
“Actually, nung nagkaroon tayo magtabi tayo kahit paunti-unti though well as review of feasible interventions to
ng typhoon, hindi kami masyadong medyo nahihirapan tayo sa operations, address risks and hazards.
To comply with ECQ protocols,
TTLPC temporarily stopped its operation.
Nevertheless, the enterprise sustained
Letters their business using their husk stock since
Republic of the Philippines December 2019. The Management has
House of Representatives also assigned authorized members to man
Quezon City, Metro Manila the production site, monitor the status
of its farmer-members, and provide the
REP. ARNULFO BRYAN “ARNIE” B. FUENTEBELLA necessary relief assistance. According to
4th District, Camarines Sur Pedrocillo, the TTLPC has allocated 5 to
10 percent of its net income as emergency
15 January 2020 fund to support its members while on
quarantine.
“Of course, pinakaimportante talaga
RODEL P. TORNILLA sa atin yung safety, lalo na ‘yung safety ng
Regional Director mga tauhan natin kasi kung wala sila, wala
Department of Agriculture ring mangyayari sa operations natin,” he
San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur said.
He also mentioned that once the
Dear Director Tornilla: ECQ is lifted, the enterprise will resume
its full operation and pursue its business
Greetings! expansion in Oas, Albay in partnership
On behalf of the people of Partido, I gladly convey our overwhelming with Philippine Coconut Authority
gratitude for the support you have so generously given to the Partido (PCA), which will benefit rural families,
Progress Caravan. particularly coconut farmers in eight
We are optmistic that by adopting a strong approach to understanding barangays.
and supporting reform initiatives that is based on an analysis of the local The P5.79 million-worth Albay Coco
context, we shall be able to bridge the gaps, and effectively address rural Geonets Manufacturing Enterprise is
development challenges.
Your involvement in our convergence agenda shall translate to the PRDP’s pioneer I-REAP subproject
expanding opportunities for our district’s growth. in the region. Currently, it employs 26
Dios Mabalos po. regular workers to sustain its production
and operation. As of February 2020, the
enterprise has generated P56,324 gross
Very truly yours, sales.
A report from the Federal Emergency
(Signed) ARNULF BRYAN B. FUENTEBELLA Management Agency, cited in an article
(Please turn to page 4)
January - March 2020 UMAsenso 3
Outstanding implementing schools of
Gulayan sa Paaralan Program awarded
DARAGA , ALBAY - The was attended by DepEd and
Basud National High School DA officials and school heads.
in Camarines Norte bagged Dr. Jessie L. Amin, Schools
the grand prize of P30,000 Division Superintendent and
cash prize and P50,000 worth Officer-in-charge of the Office
agricultural inputs for being of the assistant Regional
adjudged as the top winner Director represented Regional
in Implementing the Gulayan Director Gilbert Sadsad during
sa Paaralan Program (GPP) the awarding ceremonies. He
jointly implemented by the said that the GPP is one of the
Department of Education neglected programs of their
(DepED) and Department agency because of its meager
of Agriculture. All this was budget. But he acknowledged
accompanied by marketing the support now being given Winners of
and media with professional by the DA and other partners the Gulayan
marketingmyway.com support. which made possible the sa Paaralan
Adjudged as second best sustained implementation of 2019 Search.
implementer was the Alejandro the program. He laments that 1st - Basud
de los Reyes School from “we are produc-ing mere Nat’l HS. 2nd
Masbate which was given a consumers as children do - Alejandro
cash prize of P20,000 and not appreciate planting and delos Reyers
agricultural inputs worth producing food.” He thus, Sch, Masbate.
P30,000. The Ragay National underscored the importance 3rd - Ragay
High school placed third and of teaching gardening to the Nat’l HS.
was awarded a cash prize students and inculcating the
of P10,000 and agricultural value and dignity of labor. announced that the DA
inputs worth P20,000. For her part, Luz targets a total of 3,885
The cash awards were Marcelino, newly appointed schools in 3 years
provided by the DepEd while Regional Technical Director time (2018 to 2021) to
the agricultural inputs were for Opera-tions and Extension participate in the GPP.
pro-vided by the DA. The of the DA who also represented The GPP aims
awarding ceremonies was held Regional Executive Director’ to promote vegetable
at Casa Lorenzo of this town Rodel P. Tornilla shared production in public
on January 30 this year and that the Gulayan sa Paaralan elementary and secondary
program is aligned schools. It was started by
with the thrusts and the DA and DepEd in 2007
Paradigms of the but its implementation
DA to engage the was in-tensified and
youth in agriculture strengthened in 2016.
and devel-op them to According to Dr. Mary
become young agri Grace DP Rodriguez, chief
malnour-ished for malnourished and
– entrepreneurs. She of the Operations Division
indigent school children. It can also
suggested that the of the DA Bicol regional
provide income for the school and
GPP should focus on office and focal person of
the children. Moreover, Rodriguez
planting indigenous the GPP this program also
said “this is one way of develop-
vegetables. She aims to support the feeding
ing children’s appreciation for
activity of the DepEd for
farming and in the future, there will
PRDP led trainings...
be younger genera-tions serving as
(from page 3) farmeers and agricultural workers”.
Schools which participated in
by Sean Peek published in business.com claims that 40 to 60 percent of small businesses the GPP were provided by the DA
close permanently after a disaster. Hence, Pedrocillo urged fellow cooperatives and business with assorted vegeta-ble seeds, set
organizations to take the COVID-19 crisis as a challenge and opportunity to apply the trainings of garden tools, eedling trays, drums
provided by the Project. and other inputs worth P10,000
“So kailangan always remember, trust yourself, trust God and apply the [learnings from] each. The teachers involved in the
trainings kasi talaga dito na natin magagamit yung mga pinag-aralan natin na trainings. Hindi program also underwent training
lang dapat sa isip lang kumbaga dapat i-apply po natin lahat ng mga natututunan natin sa mga on vegetable production and urban
ganitong sitwasyon,” he added. (Annielyn L. Baleza) gardening. (Emily B. Bordado)
4 UMAsenso January - March 2020
DA holds press con on
African Swine Fever
DA Bicol holds a Press in place to contain, control and
Conference on African Swine manage this animal disease.
Fever (ASF) in Naga City Depopulation of all
on Feb. 21, 2020 following breeds of swine (including
the declaration of the first those apparently healthy) (L-R) Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion; Cam. Sur Governor
case of ASF in Bicol. within the 1-kilometer radius Migz Villafuerte; DA Bicol Reg’l Exec. Director Rodel Tornilla;
Rodel P. Tornilla, DA from the site of infection in NMIS Director Alex Templonuevo; and BAI Veterinary
Bicol Regional Exec Director Sto. Domingo, Bombon has Quarantine Officer Emmanuel
was joined by Governor Migz already commenced on Feb. 20. will add P3,000 Villafuerte.
Villafuerte of Camarines Sur, Director Tornilla also indemnification
Mayor Nelson Legacion of announced that owners of for every head of
Naga City, NMIS regional swine from 1 km radius which swine depopulated.
director Alex Templonuevo will be depopulated will Close to 60
and BAI Veterinary Quarantine receive P5,000 for every head members of local
Officer Emmanuel Villafuerte. of swine. But only a maximum media and private
Governor Villafuerte assures of 20 heads per farmer will be sector participated
the public that ASF is not granted. Suckling piglets are not in the press
a human health concern. included in the indemnification. briefing which
Tornilla on the other hand said Governor Villafuerte was facilitated by
that elevated response and announced during the press con Emily Bordado,
biosafety measures are already that the Provincial Government chief of RAFIS.
Tsokolate at Pandesal supports DA’s anti-ASF drive
LEGAZPI CITY—“We are one Disease and Emergencies the region. It is fatal, highly
with you (DA) in your drive to confirmed positive for African contagious for pigs and with
stop the spread of ASF.” Swine Fever (ASF) the organ no known cure or vaccine. It
This was the message samples from hogs in Barangay can be transmitted through
of the LtC Charlieben B. Sto. Domingo in Bombon based contaminated feeds, and even
Delamide of the 9th Civil on the official statement of the through non-living objects such
Military Operations Battalion DA-Bicol Regional Executive as shoes, clothes and knives due
of the Philippine Army during Director Rodel P. Tornilla on to the virus’ high resistance.
the 3rd Session of the Tsokolate February 20, 2020. The different member-
at Pandesal (TAP) during the He added that the team agencies vowed support through
presentation of the Agricultural together with the provincial information-dissemination.
Programs Coordinating government of Camarines Sur The military also committed to
Officer (APCO) for Albay and and LGU-Bombon already assist the DA in their anti-ASF
Sorsogon Florentino Ubalde instituted biosecurity measures drive and checkpoints.
Jr. on African Swine Fever to prevent further spread of TAP is an inter-agency Florentino Ubalde, Jr. DA
and on the recent case in the the disease. The team already initiative of 9th CMO composed Agricultural Programs
municipality of Bombon, implemented the “1-7-10 km” of government agencies, local Coordinating Officer (APCO)
Camarines Sur. radius control protocol. government units, the military for Albay and Sorsogon
Ubalde said that the DA Although ASF is not a and non-government agencies presents the ASF situation
Regional Quick Response human threat, but it will greatly in the Bicol Region. (Jayson during the 3rd session of
Team (RQRT) for Animal affect the swine industry in M. Gonzales) Tsokolate at Pandesal.
The representatives of the different agencies participating in the Tsokolate at Pandesal (TAP) vowed support to DA’s anti-ASF drive.
January - March 2020 UMAsenso 5
DA Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita - saving grace
for farmers in Cam. Norte
CAMARINES NORTE – Aboard his of Mercedes sold her smoked fish worth
carabao pulling a cart heavily loaded P16,310.00
with newly harvested pineapples, Romeo Engr. Frias brings these products to the
Reyes slowly approached the hanging DA Regional Office Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita
bridge connecting barangays Maisog and Center at San Agustin, Pili everyday.
Mamporog in San Lorenzo Ruiz, this
province. He breathed a sigh of relief as
he saw a white dusty truck with a tarpaulin
hanging on its front that reads “DA Kadiwa
ni Ani at Kita on Wheels”.
The Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita on Wheels,
which is being operated by Engr. Bella
B. Frias, Superintendet of the Camarines
Norte Lowland Rainfed Research Outreach
Station (CNLRRS), has scheduled to buy
Reyes’ produce today.
He was very thankful when he
received the P17,500 cash from Engr.
Frias, immediately after all the pineapple
were transferred to the truck. Before she reaches the regional complains.
Reyes used to sell his produce to office in Camarines Sur, she needs to pass “Sinumpaan ko po itong trabaho, at
pineapple traders from Manila. But due to several checkpoints. In Basud, Cam. Norte masaya po akong nakakatulong tayo sa
the Enhanced Community Quaramntine – the boundary of the two provinces – a mga magsasaka dito sa Camarines Norte,”
(ECQ), the trader who was supposed to buy checkpoint in barangay Tuaca is issuing Engr. Frias happily quipped.
his produce cannot travel to San Lorenzo a Car Pass, with the name of the driver, Buying the produce of the farmers is
Ruiz. He also learned that demand for point of origin and destination. And upon one of the IATF-approved measures on
pineapple in Manila has declined. Thus, he return, the car pass holder shall surrender agriculture which is being implemented
sought the help of Municipal Agriculturist the same at the Tuaca Chekpoint. But she by the DA RFO 5 in all provinces of
Ed Canamero to look for prospective buyer understands that this is necessary as a Bicol to connect the food producers to the
of his produce. consumers thereby lessening the cost of the
Like Reyes, some farmers from products. This measure has back-to-back
Camarines Norte have also been aided by benefits as the farmer producers instantly
the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita on Wheels, as the gain profit while the buyers or consumer
latter serves as farmers’ refuge and saving can enjoy the fresh and nutritious fruits at
grace at this trying time of COVID-19 lower prices.
pandemic. The Agribusiness and Marketing
Rolando Malunas was able to sell 40 Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA Bicol
kilos of melon fruits to the Kadiwa. implements this Kadiwa project.
Eden Hernandez earned P55,357.00 and Adelina A. Losa, Chief of the AMAD,
Yolanda Bayani, earned P65,514.00, from chief of the AMAD, said that there are 12
selling watermelon. All three farmers were Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita operating in Bicol -
from Vinzons. Meanwhile, Zoraida Paday five Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Centers and seven
Kadiwa on Wheels. The Kadiwa Centers
preventive measure against the spread are located at: DA RFO 5; DA Regional
of the disease. Perhaps, this very strict Dairy Production and Technology Center
ECQ checkpoint implementation is (RDPTC) in Sorsogon; Albay Research and
one of the reasons why Camarines Development Center –Albay Experiment
Norte remains to be COVID-19 free as Station; and Kadiwa at CNLRRS in Daet.
of this writing. The seven Kadiwa on Wheels are being
Engr. Frias operates the Kadiwa operated by: DA 5; CNLRRS; Cam. Sur
ni Ani at Kita on Wheels even on Multi-purpose Cooperative; LGU Daet;
weekends. Sometimes, the farmers’ Agri-preneurs Farmers and Producers
production area is very far and the Association in Libmanan; CHUDS in
terrain is difficult to traverse. The daily Catanduanes; and Masbate Center for
travel time to the regional office in Livestock Development. BFAR also
Pili has also become longer due to the participated in the Kadiwa at DA RFO 5.
Engr. Bella Frias, Superintendent numerous checkpoints and oftentimes As of April 12, 2020, all the Kadiwa ni
of the Cam. Norte Lowland Rainfed it is late in the evening when she Ani at Kita in Bicol garnered a total sales of
Research Station (CNLRRS). returns home. But Engr. Frias never P4.6 Million. (Lovella P. Guarin)
6 UMAsenso January - March 2020
Albay mayors buy locally-produced
veggies to sustain constituents in ECQ
CAMALIG, ALBAY--- to buy the produce of local
Local Government Units in farmers. He had instructed the
Albay heeded to the appeal superintendents of the DA’s
of Agriculture Secretary research outreach stations in
William D. Dar to include the provinces to serve as drop
locally-produce vegetables off points for the agricultural
in their distribution of food produce of farm-ers. He also
packs to their com-munity invited coopeartives and
under Enhanced Community associations to operate their
Quarantine (ECQ). rolling stores or KADIWA on
“On top of distributing canned wheels which has been started
goods and processed products, in Camarines Sur province and
we urge our LGUs to prioritize will be launched regionwie.
buy-ing fresh produce from Albay Provincial
our farmers. It’s a win-win Agriculturist Cheryll Rebeta
situation for both consumers meanwhile encouraged
and producers,” Dar said. households under ECQ to pro- the province assorted vegetable distribution and for free---
He added that aside from seeds to be distributed to “Magtanom para may anihoon
providing a sure market to households who will engage in ngan di magutom.”
farmers, these vegetables backyard gardening. In an interview by DZGB
are nutritionally beneficial According to the FB post News Online, Rebeta assured
in strengthening the human of Mariano Reario Jr, Oas the Albayanos that there is still
immune system against the Municipal Mayor Domingo sufficient supply of agricultural
pandemic COVID-19. R. Escoto Jr. dis-closed that products in the province like
In the Facebook posts they are ready to distribute the sweet potato, kangkong,
of Tabaco City Mayor Cielo vegetable seeds to families in tomatoes and other crops.
Krisel Lagman Luistro and 53 barangays. (Jayson M. Gonzales with
Councilor Gio Ong Bongao, Pio Duran Mayor Alan photos grabbed from FB accounts
the local government purchased Arandia, in the fb post of of Cielo Krisel Lagman-Luistro,
27 kgs of ampalaya, 96 kgs of duce their own food by planting Rosalina Sariola, urged his Gio Ong Bongao and Rosalina
beans, 950 kgs of squash, and vegetables in their house. The constituents to plant vegetables Sariola)
45 kgs of sayote from vegetable DA-Bicol has downloaded to as the seeds are ready for
farmers of Barangays Magapo
and Oras. These vegetables
will be included in the relief
goods to be distributed to their
constituents.
Libon Municipal Mayor
Wilfredo Maronilla posted
in his FB account that the
vegetables and other relief
items will be distributed to their
tricycle operators and drivers.
Meanwhile, the
Department of Agriculture-
Bicol (DA-Bicol) through its
High Value Crops Develop-
ment Program (HVCDP)
started distributing assorted
vegetable seeds since March
17, 2020 to the different LGUs
in the region to ensure food
availability in their localities in
the coming months.
DA-Bicol Regional
Executive Director Rodel P.
Tornilla echoed the appeal
of Sec.Dar for the LGUs
January - March 2020 UMAsenso 7
DA Bicol confirms first ASF... (from page 1) DA Bicol thru Land Bank... (from page 1)
animal owners will be given by DA Regional Executive The DA Regional Office as the Rice Liberalization Law.
an indemnification of P5,000 Director Rodel P. Tornilla and in compliance with the criteria It was originally intended to
per head. But only a maximum include the Bureau of Animal and based on the master list of help farmers affected by the
of 20 heads per farmer will be Industry in the region headed farmers enrolled in the Registry decline in the price of palay
granted. Suckling piglets are not by Dr. Emmanuel Villafuerte, System for Basic Sectors in with the influx of imported
included in the indemnification. Regional Veterinary Quarantine Agriculture (RSBSA) shall rice last year. The first batch of
The infected area was Officer of BAI; the National identify, endorse and submit farmers in major rice producing
immediately locked down, Meat Inspection Service qualified list of rice farmers regions have already received
wherein there transport and sale (NMIS) headed Regional under the FSRF program to the cash assistance. Bicol region is
of hogs, pork and processed Director Alex Templonuevo; DA Field Operations Service at in the second batch .
pork and by products from the Dr. Edgar R. Madrid, Regional DA Central Office which in turn Farmers from the four
municipality was prohibited. Technical Director for Research will submit the list to the Land provinces covered by the Rice
Within seven- kilometer and Regulations; the Chief of Bank of the Philippines (LBP). Competitiveness Enhancement
radius from infected site, DA’s Livestock Program, Dr. The LBP shall then issue Cash Program namely Camarines
hogs were under surveillance Maris Guillermo; the chief of Cards loaded with cash grants Sur, Albay, Masbate and
with restricted movements, the Integrated Laboratories the LBP shall also handle the Sorsogon are included in this
and blood testing was done. Division; chief of Regulatory distribution of these cash cards. cash assistance.
For the 10-kilometer radius Division Rosita Imperial and During the distribution DA Aside from the FSRF, The
from ground zero, mandatory Dr. Josefina Banadera; RADDL Regional Office representatives DA continues to implement
monitoring and reporting of Chief Dr. Rona Bernales; and shall be present to conduct the major programs to help
swine disease occurrences shall other technical and support
be implemented. staff of the DA.
The death of 2 pigs in With the approval and full
the barangay was reported implementation of the National
to the DA regional Office on Zoning and Movement Plan
February 10 and immediately for the Prevention and Control
the RQRT monitoring and of ASF last Feb 2020, the
surveillance team went to the RQRT vigorously conducted
site and took blood samples monitoring and surveillance of
and sent it to the Animal pork meat and meat products
Disease Diagnostic Reference being brought illegally into the
Laboratory in Quezon City. The region through public utility
farm was closely monitored vehicles like buses and other
and even prior to the release conveyances. The team in
of the laboratory tests when tandem with the PNP and the
subsequent deaths of hogs provincial and city veterinarians
in the area were noted Dir. was able to confiscate a total of Know-Your –Customer (KYC) farmers such as the Rice
Tornilla alerted the LGU and 8,307 kilograms of meat and procedures and certify identity Competitiveness Enhancement
requested Mayor Angeles meat products amounting to of the beneficiaries using Program the Expanded
to instruct the PNP to assist approximately P1.7 million any government issued IDs Survival and Recovery
the RQRT in setting up and without proper permit and acceptable to LBP before the program for marginalized
manning a checkpoint to veterinary certificates mostly issuance of the cash card. small farmers and fisherfolk
prevent the movement of pigs coming from ASF infected According to Adelina A. and for agri- fishery based
from Bombon to neighboring zones. These inspected goods Losa, DA-Bicol focal person micro and small enterprises
areas. The adjacent town of were automatically disposed for this project initially , 1,000 Assistance Program. It is also
Calabanga was likewise alerted of in the designated disposal farmers from the Camarines Sur setting in motion the ALPAS
and advised to set a checkpoint pit even as the RQRT team province will receive this cash Program aptly dubbed Ahon
to restrict the entry of live pigs continually receive threats and assistance which will be given Lahat Pagkain Sapat Laban sa
from Bombon. harassments and have to endure either this week or after the COVID 19 or Plant, Plant, Plant
Since the first reported bullying and insults from the Holy Week. Distribution will Program which is intended to
outbreak of ASF July last owners of the goods. These be done by municipality and sustain food production and
year, the Bicol Regional illegally transported meat and the prescribed social distancing make food available, accessible
Quick Response Team has products from recalcitrant will be strictly observed. and affordable during and
been activated and has been traders are the biggest deterrent DA-Bicol regional after the implementation of
aggressively implementing keeping Bicol ASF Free. (Emily executive director Rodel P. the Enhanced Community
the directives issued by DA B. Bordado) Tornilla explained that the Quarantine. (Emily B.
Secretary William Dar. The amount of P3Billion has been Bordado)
Regional Quick Response earmarked for the FSRF by the
Team on ASF is composed DA pursuant to the enactment
of composite group headed of RA 11203 otherwise known
8 UMAsenso January - March 2020
DA Bicol staff improvise disinfection Misting device and foot bath at
misting device as biosafety measure DA 5 gate.
vs. COVID-19 On the average, up to 200
SAN AGUSTIN, PILI, clients still visit the regional
CAMARINES SUR - As the office everyday for different
agency responsible for food purposes such as availment of
production, the Department of famers’ or farm workers’ ID,
Agriculture in Bicol did not food passes, vegetable seeds
close its office to the public since and other services. Suppliers,
the declaration of Enhanced mostly coming from outside the
Community Quarantine. region, are also submitting their
It is business as usual bid documents personally, as the Santos devised a Disinfection switch the power sprayer on and
for the skeleton staff of the government bidding continues Misting Equipment which they presto - fine mists or aerosols
DA in Bicol and the working to facilitate procurement of installed at the entrance gate of are sprayed into the vehicle.
days were even extended up goods and services. the regional office. This modern and practical
to Saturdays and Sundays Seeing the hazard to which They assembled several method of disinfection is not
(halfday). Based on the the DA Bicol personnel are PPR pipes to form a rectangular costly and leaves the air and
mandated 25% of the workforce exposed to everyday, DA Bicol arch along the insides of objects virus-free as possible.
who can serve as skeleton staff, Regional Executive Director the entrance gate. Nine fine The total cost of the device
160 personnel of DA RFO 5 are Rodel P. Tornilla ensured that mist nozzle sprayers were was only P8,000.00. Delos
manning the regional office on strict biosecurity measures are strategically positioned along Santos disclosed that they
weekly rotation to ensure the in place at the office. the pipes which were connected are using a powerful brand of
unhampered service delivery Recently, the creative staff to a power sprayer. disinfectant solution for this
to our farmers and the general of the General Services Section Everytime a car enters the biosecurity measure. (Lovella
public. headed by Michael Angelo delos entrance gate, the operator will P. Guarin)
Albay & Sorsogon farmers Amidst ECQ farmers sell crops
to benefit from SURE AID via Kadiwa... (from page 1)
LEGAZPI CITY—More than the Landbank of the Philippines
60 rice farmers from Legazpi from RDPTC Superintendent The products collected
(LBP) allocated 45M pesos for
City applied for the Expanded Dolores Ricafranca, as from the farmers are being sold
for the 3,000 small rice farmers
Survival and Recovery payment for her products. at the KADIWA ni ANI at KITA
from Sorsogon and Albay.
Assistance Program for Rice “Maraming salamat located at the RDPTC in Cabid-
This loan program will
Farmers (SURE Aid) loan po sa DA dahil madali an, Sorsogon City. Selling
help rice farmers regain their
program on January 23, 2020 kong naibenta ang aking starts at 7:00 AM. Ricafranca
capacity to continue their
at the City Agriculture Office mga produkto, at hindi na said that the prices of the
rice production, as they were
here during the Orientation on rin po ako nagproblema at products sold at the KADIWA
affected by the initial impact of
SURE Aid Program. nagastusan sa pagtransport ng are lower than the running price
low palay prices resulting to the
According to ACPC- aking mga produkto.” Tunay in commercial supermarkets as
reduction or loss of their farm
5 Project Assistant Michael pong hulog kayo ng langit KADIWA directly buys from
income.
Jordan O. Roquid, each farmer sa aming mga magsasaka the farmer producers.
Under the SURE Aid, rice
will be receiving a one-time ngayong panahon ng krisis sa KADIWA ni ANI at Kita
farmers who are farming an area
Php15,000.00 loan without COVID-19,” said the smiling stalls serve as drop off points
of not more than one hectare
interest and payable for eight Gilda Martirez. or depository of the agricultural
and registered to the Registry
years. products from the farmers
System for Basic Sectors in
He added that the SURE on a consignment basis. But
Agriculture (RSBSA) in their
Aid Loan Program is very in Sorsogon, the farmers get
respective municipalities can
affordable for the small rice paid immediately after the DA
avail of this loan. loan program amounting
farmers as they need to set Sorsogon team pick up the agri
Letecia A. Medallon, 68, to Php56,565,000.00.
aside P1,875.00 per year from commodities.
said that the loan will help her “Dakulaon an tabang
their income to pay their loan. KADIWA which stands for
recover from her rice and other kaining programa sa samong
Moreover, the National Food “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa
crop production (vegetables, mga parauma,” Medallon
Authority (NFA) will buy their para sa Masaganang Ani at
coconut, cassava and banana) related about this easy-
produce so they have no more Mataas na Kita” is a marketing
that were completely destroyed credit access, free fertilizer,
problem in selling their palay. strategy of the DA which
by typhoon Tisoy last year. seminars, and palay seeds
Roquid disclosed that the directly connects the food
A total of 3771 farmers which she received from DA
Department of Agriculture– producers to the consumers
from Camarines Sur, Albay, through the Legazpi City
Agricultural Credit Policy thereby lessening the cost of
Camarines Norte and Agriculture Office. (Jayson
Council (DA-ACPC) through the products.
Sorsogon availed of the M. Gonzales)
January - March 2020 UMAsenso 9
Spirit of solidarity alive among rural women
in Castilla, Sorsogon amid COVID-19 threat
CASTILLA, SORSOGON — Since February 11,
While many families locked 2015, members of the Rural
their homes and municipalities Improvement Club (RIC) of
and cities closed their borders Barangay San Roque in Castilla,
in an instinctive effort to Sorsogon, in coordination with
protect themselves against the Office of the Provincial
COVID-19, in the spirit of Agriculturist, have been
solidarity, members of the
engaged in various livelihood
Rural Improvement Club
(RIC) of Brgy. San Roque in projects like agriculture and
this municipality opened their product processing, swine
communal garden to feed their fattening, backyard gardening
community. and sari-sari store. Through Hindi man tayo makatulong about effective involvement and
“Umpisa pa lang po ng their hardwork, unity and pagdating sa pinansyal at participation of rural women in
quarantine, inopen na namin sa teamwork, the RIC of Brgy. least sa suporta at pagiging home and community projects
lahat ang communal garden and San Roque’s investments inspirasyon ng bawat isa. Tayo through participatory and
nagdecide na kami na huwag na soar from a starting capital po ay magtanim sa ating mga collective efforts. Department
muna ibenta para makatulong of P340.00 generated from bakuran dahil mas masarap of Agriculture Secretary
na din hindi lang sa mga their membership fees to P1.2 pong kainin ang mga gulay na William D. Dar recently called
miyembro kundi pati na rin sa
million within four years. Along tayo mismo ang nagtanim,” on big businesses, seed and
iba… Basta magpapaalam lang
pag mamimitas,” Joselyn M. with the increase in their assets Relente added. fertilizer companies, state
Relente, RIC President said in universities and colleges
an online interview. (SUCs), and professional
Currently, around 12 organizations in agriculture
families benefit from free to adopt a city or town and
vegetables like string beans, invest in vegetable gardening,
eggplant, tomatoes, kangkong, commercial crop production,
and okra as well as chili and small ruminant raising and
onions planted in the RIC’s native chicken production to
0.5-hectare communal garden,
ensure food security amid the
which was intended as one of
its livelihood projects. As a way extension of the enhanced
of honoring the frontliners in community quarantine (ECQ).
their locality, the RIC also give This is a strategy under the
them free agricultural products. is the over 50 percent growth Initially supported by P31-billion Plant, Plant, Plant
Relente also led the in their membership. Thus, the local government unit Program designed to massively
intensification of home the group was adjudged as the (LGU) and the Department promote urban and community
gardening in their community 2019 Regional Outstanding of Agriculture, the RIC is a agriculture to guarantee
by improving her backyard Gawad Saka Awardee. rural or barangay-based non- available and accessible food
garden and personally “Sa mga katulad naming government organization in the nationwide. (Annielyn L.
distributing the vegetable seeds kababaihan, tayo po ay hindi Baleza)
Philippines that aims to bring
provided by the Department of lamang para sa loob ng bahay.
Agriculture Bicol’s High Value
Crops Development Program
(HVCDP) through the Office
of the Provincial Agriculturist
March is Women’s Month
and Municipal Agriculture
Office. According to Relente,
over 48 households in her
community are now actively
engaged in backyard gardening
by following her example.
“Nakita at naramdaman
nila yung kahalagahan nang
may gulayan sa paligid ng
bahay para kahit papaano, may
mga masustansyang pagkain
para sa pamilya,” she added.
10 UMAsenso January - March 2020beneficiaries will be trained
on organic range chicken and/
or livestock management
technology before receiving
the chicks to teach them on
proper caring of the animals
and making it sustainable
and profitable. The City Vet
Office will adopt a criteria and
implement policies to ensure a
fair and proper way of dispersal.
Vermiculture will be
maintained by the project
Legazpi City launches Diversified Farming and will be positioned in the
Project on Free-range Chicken
slaughterhouse of the city for
propagation.
Trainings and skills
development on Disaster
LEGAZPI CITY—“If Meat Inspection Service- groceries and will be based on Preparedness and Response,
Nabua, Bato and Baao are the Bicol Regional Director Dr. organic feeding system. Mitigation Measures, Disaster
commercial egg capitals of the Alex Templonuevo; Albay Resiliency, Farm Management,
Bicol Region, this program will OIC-Provincial Veterinarian Hatchery Component Poultry/Livestock Raising and
make Legazpi City the capital Dr. Pancho Mella; Legazpi The incubator has a Diversified farming system
of Free-range chicken and egg City Councilor for Food and capacity to hatch 3,000-5,000 will be conducted to farmers;
in the whole country. Babahain Agriculture Diego Obido; eggs and is estimated to produce and personnel of the Multiplier
natin ang bansa ng free-range and Legazpi City OIC-City 5,000 chicks every 51 days (21 farm, Hatchery and Poultry
chicken.” Agriculturist Shiela Dressing Plant.
This was the message Nas.
of OIC-City Veterinarian Dr. T h e s e Poultry Dressing Plant
Emmanuel V. Estipona to more components will Component
than 1,200 farmers from 70 establish a fully- Estipona said that the
barangays in Legazpi City who diversified farming Poultry Dressing Plant is the
attended the Project Launching to make the farmers, heart of the program and is
and Training on Free-Range stakeholders as well hoped to make the program
Chicken on January 22, 2020 as veterinary and a profitable and sustainable
at the Legazpi City Convention agricultural services livelihood in view of the
Center here. The project is personnel, resilient. growing demand for organic
part of the Disaster Resiliency The project is hoped range chicken.
Through Diversified Farming to improve and The plant will be funded
Program of the Legazpi City sustain livelihood and by the DA RFO 5 through the
Veterinary Office. improve the livestock approval of Regional Executive
Legazpi City Mayor Noel industry in Legazpi Agriculture Undersecretary for Director Rodel P. Tornilla in
E. Rosal considered this project City. Consumer Affairs Ernesto Gonzales. 2021.
“the start of an alternative
days incubation and 30 days Legazpi City Disaster
source of income” because the Multiplier Breeder Farm/
brooding period). This project Risk Reduction Management
Department of Agriculture has Research and Development
is likewise cost efficient and Officer Miladee N. Azur also
approved the initial budget of Component
environmental-friendly since committed to allocate funds
Php12M pesos to fund the four This major component
it will utilize renewable solar annually for this program.
components of the program— will develop the poultry
energy which can withstand In four or five years,
Multiplier Breeder Farm/ industry through research
prolong brownouts without this program will eventually
Research and Development; and development and genetic
affecting its hatchability. become a revenue-generating
Hatchery with 3000-5000 improvement of breeds that are
The hatchery was designed by project of the city with an
egg capacity; Dispersal and disease resistant, will promote
the Department of Science and expected monthly income of
Training Component; and high production rate and good
Technology (DOST). more than a million pesos with
Poultry Dressing Plant. taste of chicken eggs.
1000 breeder stocks.
A g r i c u l t u r e Estipona disclosed that
Dispersal and Training Rosal disclosed that a new
Undersecretary for Consumer the first demo-farm will be
Component building for organic products
Affairs Ernesto S. Gonzales was in barangay Banquerohan
The targeted 5000 eggs will be established in the
the guest speaker of the program in a two-hectare lot and that
from the Multiplier Farm and future only if the Legazpeño
and was joined by Adelina Mayor Rosal is targeting 25-30
Hatchery will be given out farmer is “desidido at pursigido
Losa, chief of the Agribusiness hectares in barangay Mariawa
free to the 300-500 farmers. (interested and determined)”
and Marketing Assistance for this component.
Each farmer will receive 20 in this project. (Jayson M.
Division of the Department Feeds will be derived from
chicks monthly. These farmer- Gonzales)
of Agriculture-5; National leftovers from restaurants and
January - March 2020 UMAsenso 11Have a taste of Yulaik’s
beverages - for sure,
you’ll like them her products a local touch but
By Emily B. Bordado
L
orna Daud is nearing classy and elegant appeal.
seventy but she doesn’t But after the death of her taught Lorna how to improve Aside from the DOST she
look it. She is a petite husband she had to keep herself her mango wine. She then also linked up with government
but smart, stylish and energetic preoccupied to fend off the began attending trainings and agencies like the Department of
woman. Most of all she has loneliness and sense of loss. seminars on wine making and Agriculture (DA), Department
lot of ideas on how to improve To while away her time she processing of beverages. She of Trade and Industry (DTI)
and diversify her products frequently visits her farm in was able to obtain a loan from which provided her technical
- the home made wines and Tinambac. She was delighted the Department of Science and assistance, trainings and helped
beverages she herself concocted to see the mango trees already Technology (DOST) which in promoting her products
using locally available fruits bearing fruits. She became she used to buy a machine for via agri-trade fairs and other
and other food products. even more delighted as she sells wine processing. In addition to special events. It was through
A graduate of Bachelor them and derives income from her mango wine she produced
of Science in Business them. But there were times the Department of Agriculture,
Lipote (locally known as
Administration major in when there was an oversupply baligang), and bignay as wines. one of the partner agencies that
Marketing from one of the of mangoes in the market and What started as a hobby soon she was able to join and enroll
big universities in Naga, its price would dip. Some of became her passion. in the GREAT Women Project
Lorna used to be a vegetable the excess harvest of mangoes With her background in funded by the Canadian
dealer. She supplied Baguio are sometimes just left to rot marketing she focused not government and supervised
vegetables to big restaurants in or given away to friends and only in improving her product by the Philippine Commission
the city. Her Muslim husband neighbors. That was when she on Women. GREAT Women
but in improving its packaging.
Usop, was employed at the thought of processing mango stands for Gender Responsive
Pili airport. Their family also She came up with her own
into wine as she is also a wine Economic Actions for the
owns a 7-hectare agricultural lover. Thus, the mango wine label and brand name - Yulaik
Food Products derived from Transformation of Women.
land in Tinambac, Camarines became the first processed
Sur which was planted with product from her farm. At first the names of her two children It engages government
mangoes and other fruit trees. her mango wine was intended Yusuf and Zhulaika. She and private sector partners
The salary of her husband plus for family consumption during used not just ordinary bottles to support women micro-
her income provided them a special events and as gifts to or container for her products entrepreneurs to improve
comfortable life and afforded friends. but special bottles adorned their products and refine their
quality education for their two A balikbayan friend from with abaca fibers or water business ideas.
children. Canada who is into a business lily braided stalks that gave
of producing urban wines (Next page pls)
12 UMAsenso January - March 2020Her wine collection now
include santol, rambutan,
lemon grass, malunggay,
turmeric, langka, banana,
and pineapple. She has also
produced vodka using mango,
bignay and lipote. Her juice
concentrate include pink
lemonade which is a mix of
camote tops and kalamansi
(calamondin); blue lemonade,
a mix of blue ternate and
kalamansi; green lemonade,
a mixture of malunggay and
kalamansi. She has also a
dalandan concentrate. Her
other products include mango
puree, mango sauce with basil
leaves. She has also three (3)
variants of balsamic vinegar pickles or sauces and making Rimas ice-cream after its Food were recognized by the City of
(the very dark concentrated them into dip or sauces like her Laboratory through Arlene Naga through the Mayor John
and intensely flavored vinegar mango salsa, the rimas plum I. de Asis developed a recipe Bongat Award “for excellence
namely : the plain balsamic berries and pickled santol. She for Rimas ice cream as one in product development and
vinegar, the balsamic lipote also preserves local raw honey of the product development production packaging design in
vinegar and balsamic blue in bottles. output for its Special project the production of native fruit
mango vinegar . The two other Moreover she has tried on Rimas. Lorna became a wines, achieving multi-level
variants are the Lipote doble, home made ice cream using partner of the DA. promotion and marketing to
a blend of lipote juice and vegetables like kalabasa, “This is one way of the city and promoting Naga
lipote vinegar and the Mango malunggay, camote, ampalaya incorporating nutrients into City using of brand Naga-made
Sorpreso, a blend of mango and rimas. Rimas is a family of the food that children love to products”. In 2014, her wine
juice and mango vinegar. bread fruits which has a creamy eat,” she explains. “As we all collections and beverages were
As most fruits are only flesh. It was the Department know children are ice-cream again recognized and awarded
seasonal Lorna has preserved of Agriculture which actually lovers so why not fortify or as Most Innovative Products
them by processing them into encouraged her to go into enhance it with vegetables or during the Bishop Francisco
jams or fermenting them into commercial production of fruits which are rich sources of Gainza Agri Fair.
nutrients. She recently inaugurated a
She has three regular new store for her products.This
workers and two on call store which is just adjacent to
workers usually during her house and very near the
summer time when there is an central bus terminal of Naga
abundance of fruits. city was funded by the Bureau
Her products have already of Agricultural Research.
been introduced and promoted Although she is nearing
not only locally but also seventy she has still so many
internationally through her ideas and plans and she still
participation in local, national loves to travel and go places
and international expositions to learn new ideas for her
like the Food and Beverage beverage enterprise. For her
Expo (FABEX) and other trade it is not really the big margin
fairs through the help of the of profit that matters but the
DA and DTI. The DOST also satisfaction and fulfillment she
provided her some equipment . derives.
All her products have an FDA Come and have a taste of
certification. Maam Lorna’s Yulaik wines
Her products have also and beverages and not only
been recognized and bestowed you’ll like them. You’ll love
awards. In 2012 her products them.
January - March 2020 UMAsenso 13Nabua upland
farmers achieve
3 cropping
with Solar Powered Irrigation
by Lovella P. Guarin
Barangay Malawag in Nabua, capacity of 220 cubic meters water.
Camarines Sur is an upland area and The pump, connected to a creek, can
farmers usually wait for the onset of rain discharge 35.42 liters per second, while
to plant rice. But with the continuous the supply pipe can discharge 20.62 liters
operation of the Aguik-ican Malawag Solar per second. Maximum tank volume could
Powered Irrigation System (SPIS), farmers be achieved in 1.73 hours when the supply
are now able to plant rice in three cropping pipe is closed and 4.13 hours when the
seasons. supply pipe is open.
“Dati, isang cropping lang ang According to Edgardo Ruin, president ng AEFA ay nakikinabang sa SPIS,” added
kaya namin. Ngayon ay nakaka- tatlong of the Aguik-Ican East Farmers Association, Ruin.
cropping na kami sa isang taon,” said their SPIS has been able to irrigate 35 The SPIS is also not expensive to
Casiano Cendon, Jr, member of the Aguik- hectares of upland rice areas which used maintain as it is not dependent on fuel or
Ican East Farmers Association (AEFA), the to be rainfed areas being cultivated by the electricity. It is also environment-friendly
recipient of the SPIS. association’s 42 rice farmer members. The as it uses renewable energy from the sun
“Hindi na rin nakakapagod ang SPIS has been in operation for a year. using solar panels instead of burning fossil
pagsasaka dahil pag nagbukas na kami ng “Noon, wala pa sa 20 ektarya ang fuels that emit greenhouse gases. With
SPIS, tuloy tuloy na ang daloy ng tubig natataniman namin dito sa Malawag dahil proper maintenance, the benefits of SPIS
at hindi na kailangan bantayan,” added umaasa lang kami sa ulan. Ngayon, 35 can last over a long period. Studies show
Cendon. ektarya na ang napapatubigan namin sa that SPIS can last for 30 years or more with
The said SPIS is one of the 14 SPIS tulong ng Solar Powered Irrigation System, minimum maintenance cost.
installed by the DA in the Bicol region. ” said Ruin. “Halos lahat ng 42 myembro
Increased Income
Climate Smart Technology In the past, the rice farmers in barangay
Established in 2018 in the western Malawag used Shallow Tube Wells to
part of Nabua, this PhP 6 million SPIS pump water from the nearby Aguik-Ican
is equipped with 60 solar or photovoltaic creek directly to the rice fields. More or
panels and inverter which converts energy less 180 liters of diesel is consumed in a
from sunlight to electricity to run the hectare of ricefield in one cropping if a
subsurface pump. The SPIS has the capacity farmer irrigates his field 15 times using 12
to pump an average volume of 1,000 cubic liters of diesel per day. At P42.00/liter, a
meters in 6-8 hours. It is also equipped farmer spends P7,560/hectare on fuel every
with pump motor, housed in a 2 meter x cropping.
2 meter pump house, and 100 meter pipe With the establishment of the SPIS,
for water distribution. It has 11.54 meter x the Malawag farmers do not have to
9.44 meter x 2.02 meter water tank with a
(Next page pls)
14 UMAsenso January - March 2020You can also read
