NTA @ 27:
Volume V, No. 5
September – October 2014
NTA, MMSU forge partnership
NTA AgriPinoy turns 1, starts poultry dressing
THE NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing Plant and Trading Center in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur celebrated its First Anniversary last October 30. According to NTA AgriPinoy Operations Manager Minerva P. Mizal, the plant will start poultry dressing after the anniversary celebration. She said that the birds will come from the first harvest of the poultry farms of tobacco farmer-cooperators in Burgos, Ilocos Sur. The food processing facility was launched last year as a component of NTA’s Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project (IFOIGAP), an intervention program that seeks to provide tobacco farmers with additional sources of income outside their regular trade. The hog-fattening com-
ponent of the project started middle of last year. From the harvest of the project’s first cycle last year, tobacco farmers earned as high as P43,000 income from hog fattening. Now being processed at the Narvacan facility are popular pork products such as tocino, tapa, barbecue, bagnet, longganisa, and ham. The facility has been conferred with “AA” rating by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) last April. For the initial cycle of its poultry raising component, NTA extended production assistance last October 4 to the farmers (first cluster) in Burgos, Ilocos Sur to raise 2,500 chicks or 500 birds per farmer. The birds are harvested after 28 to 33 days. The agency, through its multi-million food process-
Achieving Intersectoral Unity Towards Purposive Industry Transformation and Growth
ing plant, will buy the birds from farmer-cooperators at prevailing market price. AgriPinoy will start selling whole dressed chicken, including innards, feet and head, and processed chicken starting November. Mizal assured a sufficient supply of chicken coming from the processing plant this coming holiday season. Early this month, NTA launched NTA Pinoy Foods as label for its pork and poultry products. This coincided with the opening of its Meatshop at NTA Central Office in Scout Reyes Street cor. Panay Avenue in Quezon City. NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said that the agency has been training Pls turn to page 7
THE National Tobacco Administration and Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) signed an agreement to undertake jointly the transfer of knowledge and utilization of technologies for the sustainable development of the tobacco farming communities. The commitment was made following the signing of a memorandum of agreement between NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza and MMSU President Miriam E. Pascua. The agreement took effect last October 9. Both parties agreed that the partnership between the regulatory agency and the premier university in Ilocos Norte is a big leap in the overall development of the tobacco-growing communities as this will help improve the socio-economic, health, and environmental wellbeing of the tobacco farmersand their families. The provision of capabilPls turn to page 7
Claveria, Misamis Or. officials meet with NTA on Virginia production OFFICIALS of the Sangguniang Bayan of Claveria, Misamis Oriental headed by Vice Mayor Meraluna S. Abrogar met with NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza for a consultation on Virginia tobacco production last September 22 at the NTA Central Office in Quezon City. Claveria town is the site of
PMFTC’s first Virginia tobacco experimental farm in Northern Mindanao, now on its commercialization phase involving 381 farmers. Unlike Claveria town, the seven tobacco growing municipalities in Misamis Oriental are planted only to Native/Batek type with a total of 257,543 kilograms production in 2013.
Technoguide Comics. Atty. Vicente D. Lasam, Deputy Administrator for Operations, and Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, manager of Industrial Research Department (2nd and 1st from right), along with branch and operations managers from the NTA’s provincial offices, attended the ceremonial launching of the two-part Technoguide Comics at the NTA Central Office last September 5. From left: Estrella G. de Peralta (Candon), Minerva P. Mizal (NTA AgriPinoy), Engr. Cesario G. Sambrana (Pangasinan), Esmeralda G. Valera (Abra), Hermogenes A. Galvez (Tobacco Dust), Luzveminda R. Truong (FTSD), and Heman C. Torres (Isabela), Atty. Lasam, and Dr. Bonoan. See story on page 3.
September - October 2014
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EDITORIAL
Good agricultural practices for world-class tobacco THE attainment of the envisioned “sustained viable Philippine Tobacco Industry,” amidst aggressive global campaign against tobacco and smoking, necessitates the assurance of supply of tobacco of highly competitive quality in the world market. For the continuing enhancement of Philippine tobacco’s global competitiveness, it is imperative that tobacco farmers must be increasingly conscious of and religiously abide by Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Consistent production of better quality leaf will serve as perpetual guarantee of a global market and will mean increased income for the tobacco farmer. GAP advocates strict compliance in the application of the prescribed production technology all the way from seedling production to harvesting and curing with the use of the recommended agricultural inputs like fertilizers, pesticides and/or desuckerides. GAP primarily advocates the use of a variety of tobacco preferred by the buyers and recommended by the National Seed Industry Council – Tobacco Technical Working Group (NSICTTWG), after having undergone a National Tobacco Variety Trial, to ensure local adaptability and profitability for the farmers. The NSIC-TTWG is an inter-agency committee comprised of tobacco production specialists from both the tobacco buyer firms and the NTA. Moreover, GAP ensures that only recommended pesticides are applied on the tobacco plants according to proper methods and time/s of application and handled properly to safeguard the health of the tobacco farmers with the use of protective clothing and seeing to it that the pesticide does not get into contact with the applicator’s skin nor inhaled. Proper storage of insecticides is also imperative for the farmers to follow, likewise the proper disposal of the emptied insecticide containers. Harvesting of tobacco leaves should be done at the right leaf maturity and cured in barns constructed according to prescribed technical design, i.e. appropriate structure and materials and loaded suitably according to its capacity. GAP ensures that the tobacco leaf is not contaminated with any non-tobacco related materials (NTRM) like organic materials to include other tobacco parts (suckers, stems and stalks), grass/ weeds, wood/bamboo chips, paper, insects, bird feather, food/ fruit residues, sand/pebbles, stringing/packaging materials from abaca, maguey, jute or cotton; and synthetic materials like plastic twine, cloth, polypropylene and polystyrene plastics, rubber and cigarette butts. The primary goal is the 100% elimination of NTRM throughout the supply chain to address the issue of health hazard to the smoker caused by the aforesaid materials if burned along with the cigarette/cigar. These GAP guidelines have been emphasized again to the tobacco farmers during the briefing on the Tobacco Contract Growing System before the start of CY 2014-2015. Hopefully the coming trading season will prove that the tobacco farmers have learned their lessons well, considering the very strict implementation of GAP last cropping season by the buyers especially the absence of NTRM when the tobacco leaves are delivered.
Apo Administrador, Siak ni Agustina Calingcaling, maysa a farmer leader. Masaludsodko man, sir, no apay a ‘diay presio ti tabako ita ket bimmaba idinto nga idi last year ket nangato met. Daytoy koma ti kayatko a maikkan ti attention ta kasano koma a maka-recover-kami iti panagbiagmi no bumabbaba ti presio ti tabako. Iti laksid daytoy, sir, napintas met ti pamalakad-yo a taga-NTA ta maramramananmi met dagiti adda nga ipapaayyo a tulong para kadakami a farmer. Agyamankami unay, Apo Administrador. Agustina M. Calingcaling San Antonio, Burgos, Isabela Apo Agustina, Maragsakankami ti panangidanonyo kadakami ti pannakaapresiaryo iti pannakairanudyo iti maisaysayangkat a nadumaduma a programami para kadagiti agmulmula iti tabako. Agserbi daytoy nga inspirasionmi, kaduak dagiti Director ken opisiales ti NTA, a mangitultuloy iti panangtamingmi kadagiti programa a makaited iti pakalag-ananyo nga agpatanor iti tabako. Segun iti pannakisarsaritami kadagiti aggatgatang iti tabako dita lugaryo maipanggep iti obserbasionyo a bimmaba ti presio, naammuanmi a maigapu daytoy iti panagbaba ti kalidad ti tabako iti napalabas a panagtatabako isu nga iti panagkitayo, bimmaba ti presio daytoy. Mabalin a resulta daytoy ti sobra a kapudot ti klima. Daytoy ti gapuna nga ikamkampaniatayo ita ti nasapsapa a panagmula tapno saan a madanonan ti panaggagatud dagiti bulan a sobra ti kabara ni Apo Init a rason ti ipupuskol ti bulong ti tabako. Sapay koma ta agtultuloy ti pannakikammayetyo kadakami tapno agtultuloy nga agdur-as ti industriatayo. Toy agyaman, EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA Administrator Apo Administrador, Umuna iti amin, yawatko man ti nabara a kablaawko a nagasat nga oras ken aldawyo. Agyamanak iti adu a prebilihio a naawat ken sagsagrapenmi ita. Umuna ditoy ti panangalayo ti anakko a ni Harlene B. Tadeo a kas maysa kadagiti napagasatan nga scholar ti NTA. Dakkel unay a tulong daytoy para kadakami, ta saan a makaadal ni Harlene no dakami laeng ti mangigastos iti panagbasana. Pls turn to next page
is published bi-monthly by the Department of Agriculture, National Tobacco Administration,
Scout Reyes cor. Panay Ave., Quezon City. Tel. Nos. 3743987. Fax: 3732095. Website: www.nta.da.gov.ph.
Editor-in-Chief: Perlita L. Baula, Ph.D. Technical Editors: Rex Antonio P. Teoxon Managing Editor: Neyo E. Valdez Roberto R. Bonoan, Ph.D. Writers: Ilocos Norte: Divina D. Pagdilao, Elaine Arcangel Tinio; Ilocos Sur Vigan: Noralyn I. Idica, Faustino O. Taal; Ilocos Sur Candon: Orlando O. Galdones; Abra: Ped Ruben B. Barbero; La Union: Emma Beth F. Balagot, Candido I. Liangao; Pangasinan: Elizabeth Q. Biala; Ronaldo P. Molina; Cagayan: Bernadeth C. Tamayao, Gilbert A. Taguiam; Isabela: Joefrey T. Bautista, Manuel M. Beltran; FTSD-Batac: Felisa R. Aurellano, Amparo L. Tumbaga; Central Office: Raquel F. Señga, Perla C. Manzon Consultants: Branch Managers
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September - October 2014
Editorial Adviser: Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza
NTA joins National Statistics Month celebration
Orientation Seminar on ISO 9001:2008 QMS SOME 50 top officials of the National Tobacco Administration, headed by Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, met with Arnel D. Abanto (in photo, with microphone), Vice President of the Center for Quality and Competitiveness of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) for the Orientation Program on ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS) at the NTA Central Office last September 24. With Administrator Zaragoza were the directors of the Governing Board, department and branch managers, division chiefs, and focal persons from the central office and branch offices. The orientation is pursuant to the requirement of the Governance Commission for Government-owned and -Controlled Corporations (GCG) for all GOCCs to be ISO certified by CY 2016.
THE National Tobacco Administration participated in the national celebration of the 25th National Statistics Month (NSM) hosted by the newly established Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Dr. Perlita L. Baula, Executive Assistant to NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, joined 169 other participants from different government agencies and private organizations in the opening ceremony held at the Bayview Park Hotel last October 1. The opening ceremony featured the ceremonial turnover of the products and services of the four merged agencies of the PSA, the launching of the PSA website, and the awarding cer-
emonies of the 24th NSM Awards and 6th NSM Media Awards. As part of the celebration, the PSA conducted the annual Philippine Statistical System (PSS) tree-planting activity, last October 28, held at the Upper Marikina River Basin, in San Mateo, Rizal. A total of 222 participants from 20 government agencies, including the NTA, planted 1,000 saplings to the planting site. Participants from the NTA were Perla C. Manzon, Perla V. Labayan, Imelda B. Urubio, Leah Gina B. Ramboyong, Vivien F. Ferareza, Ramon L. Fernandez, Alejandro S. Cristobal, Joseph Albao, and Jayson I. Gannaban. (Perla C. Manzon)
Workshop on Cascading of Performance Measures, Targets for CYs 2015-2019 HEADS of different departments of the National Tobacco Administration and its eight provincial branch offices attended the two-day Workshop on Cascading of Performance Measures and Targets for Crop Years 20152019 at the NTA Central Office in Quezon City, September 4 and 5. The Corporate Planning Department headed the team of facilitators during the workshop activities.
The workshop was aimed at cascading national performance targets as committed to the GCG (Governance Commission for GOCCs), the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Agriculture to the departments, branch offices, divisions, offices/ units and individuals; generate valid and useful information; come up with informed actions and decisions, among other objectives.
Maikadua ti gundawayko a napan nag-training iti “Meat Processing” iti NTA AgriPinoy idiay Narvacan. Dakkel a tulong para kadakami ti nayadal kadakami. Ti laeng problemami isu ti puonan. Sapay koma ta agtultuloy latta ti panangtulongyo kadakami a mannalon. Ulitek ti agyaman, Apo Administrador, gapu iti ayat ken anusyo a tumultulong ken tumartarabay kadakami. More power, Sir! Conchita B. Tadeo San Marcial, San Isidro, Abra Apo CONCHITA, Maragsakankami ti panangidanonyo kadakami ti pannaPls turn to page 8
Technoguide comics relaunched ATTY. Vicente D. Lasam, Deputy Administrator for Operations, led the ceremonial launching of the colored edition of the two-part Technoguide Comics at the NTA Central Office last September 5. The launching was attended by the department managers and branch managers of the agency’s eight provincial offices. The two comics “Umno a Wagas ti Panagbunubon iti Tabako” and “Umno a Wagas ti Panagmula ken Panagpugon iti Birhinia a Tabako” were first launched in black and white edition in 2011. The project was initiated by the NTA Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD) in its effort to popularize the production technology for tobacco. The technology guide was first presented in narrative script in Ilocano translated by Eliseo B. Contillo, former news editor of Bannawag Magazine, from the original FTSD script in English. This was transformed into an illustrated version rendered by veteran comics artist Alfred Manuel. Copies of the comics will be distributed to the farmercooperators in the different branches to ensure that they produce high quality leaves and enough to meet the requirements of the tobacco industry.
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CIGARETTE manufacturers and other users of the tobacco leaf prefer varieties or hybrids developed by established tobacco seed companies in other countries. These varieties or hybrids are reportedly a product of intensive evaluation, in consonance with the requirements of the ultimate users of the tobacco leaf, and are developed to address specific crop production problems.
Members of the TTWG (from left): Christopher G. Bucsir of ULPI; Lupo Villanueva of PMFTC; Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, NTA Industrial Research Department manager and TTWG Chairman; Dr. Corazon R. Riazonda, NTA Cagayan Branch manager; Vivencio R. Mamaril, Designate Executive Assistant of NSIC; Luzveminda R. Truong, NTA-FTSD manager and TTWG vice-chairman; Reynaldo Bagaoisan of TMI; and Engr. Cesario G. Sambrana, NTA Pangasinan Branch manager. (Photo below) Dr. Bonoan and other members of the TTWG evaluate a tobacco variety at a farm in G. del Pilar, Ilocos Sur.
Registration and adaptability test for new variety, hybrid of tobacco
Testing of Tobacco/ Varieties/Hybrids for NSIC Registration
Required number of environments for NSIC registration of tobacco variety/hybrid
Tobacco buyers and traders in the country look for varieties to satisfy the cigarette manufacturers. And to meet the specific market demands, they introduce to the country new varieties or hybrids. Before these are promoted for wide-scale production, tobacco buyers and traders must follow certain guidelines. Meeting the requirement would give them proprietary rights over these introduced tobacco materials. To safeguard the prospective farmer-cooperators, these varieties or hybrids must be initially tested for adaptability in farmers’ fields and registered with the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC). The Tobacco Technical Working Group (TTWG) of the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) has come out with a Testing Manual for the registration of Tobacco Varieties/Hybrids in the country.
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The manual was presented during the writeshop and meeting of the technical working group for tobacco crops at Cherry Blossoms Hotel in Ermita, Manila last September 23 and 24. Entities, such as farmers, tobacco leaf buyers/traders (local and worldwide), cigarette manufacturers, and tobacco leaf processors, who are responsible for introducing new varieties or hybrids to satisfy the needs of their buyers, shall abide by these guidelines. According to Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, manager of the NTA Industrial Research Department and chairman of
September - October 2014
the TTWG, the performance of newly introduced varieties/hybrids of tobacco as grown for a specific purpose will be tested and evaluated, and the same will be registered with the NSIC through the TTWG. The manual contains the procedure for adaptability trials, NSIC registration, rating for resistance to pests, among others. The adaptability trials shall be implemented by the
agency or company introducing the tobacco varieties or hybrids in cooperation with their farmer-cooperators and in coordination with the TTWG. This is to ensure that the trials shall be according to the prescribed implementation strategies and sound statistical considerations and in order to generate the information needed in registering the variety or hybrid.
THE Livelihood Training Courses for the Women and Children of Tobacco-growing Families, an undertaking under the Farmers Organizational Development Project of the National Tobacco Administration, have made a difference in the lives of tobacco farmers and their families. The project is consistent with the agency’s main thrust of improving the economic and living conditions and raise the quality of life of the tobacco farmers and those who depend on the industry for their livelihood. From June las year, the agency has conducted six of its eight livelihood courses: Meat Processing; Organic Fertilizer and Off-season Vegetable Production; Bread, Cake and Pastry Making; Herbal Tea Making; Noodle Making; Ice Cream Making; Hair and Nail Care; Therapeutic Massage; and Dragon Fruit Production. Dressmaking and Novelty Items Making are to be conducted this November. Several cooperatives and individuals have already started their small-scale business with their own financial, time and manpower resources. The Cuancabal Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Brgy. Cuancabal, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur is now engaged in meat processing and selling. According to coop director Revelita Castillo, members
NTA livelihood training program transforms lives started making embutido initially for their own members. Castillo was one of the 118 trainees during the Meat Processing training (in four batches) last June. Their product has gone as far as the whole barangay and is now starting to reach the nearby barangays. Ofelia Palado of San Juan, Ilocos Sur, another trainee for meat processing, has also ventured into the business, with skinless longaniza and siomai as her specialty. For some trainees, fruits and vegetables just do not end up as merely digestible stuff after the livelihood trainings. They learned that carrot, squash, root crops, and other farm produce now undergo further processing and made into noodles and “meatballs.” Eufrocino Ilagan of Cagayan, a trainee for Noodle Making, acquired a noodlemaking machine after his training in August. He now has a flourishing noodlemaking business specializing in carrot sticks. From the reference materials given him, he was able to modify the recipes. He has his own version of kalabasa balls, now very popular among school kids in their barangay. Victoria Berganio of Abra is also inspired with her pul-
Ofelia Palado (3rd from left) of San Juan, Ilocos Sur during the training on Meat Processing last June at NTA AgriPinoy in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
voron and puto business, a product of her attendance to the Bread, Cake and Pastry Making in September. She is now selling her stuff in a school near her place. There are a lot more who have learned livelihood skills with the training courses, two of them are Cecille Tolentino and Alma Sapno, both of Tarlac, who are now earning extra income from hair styling and nail care. They were part of the Hair and Nail Care training course in October. William Bactin of Ilocos Norte and Eduardo Talosig of Cagayan, both trainees of Organic Fertilizer and Offseason Vegetable Production course, have made their lowyielding farms more fertile and productive with the ap-
Clockwise: Revelita Castillo of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur; Batch 2 of Ice Cream Making training last October, with Francisca Sagsagat (far left) of NTA-FTSD; and some of the trainees during the Noodle Making training at NTA AgriPinoy.
plication of vermicast, their output from the training in July. Bactin uses farm wastes while Talosig collects vegetable wastes from the market as their raw materials for vermicast production. The application of these livelihood trainings in the lives of tobacco farmers and their spouses and children means that they actively participate in the improvement of economic and living conditions and raise the quality of life of their own families, gaining their sense of freedom and stability. The conduct of livelihood training courses is spearheaded by the Farm Technology and Services Department headed by Manager Luzveminda R. Truong, in collaboration with the NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing Plant and Trading Center headed by Operations Manager Minerva P. Mizal, and the different branch managers of the agency. Trainors for the training modules are technical experts from the Department of Agriculture, PhilRice, and educational/training institutions such as the Maria-no Marcos State University in Batac City, and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. (Felisa Ramos-Aurellano)
September - October 2014
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TOBACCO CONTRACT GROWING SYSTEM
LGU support boosts tobacco industry in Ilocos Norte THE support of the different local government units (LGUs) in Ilocos Norte to the National Tobacco Administration, through its provincial office in Batac City, is a real morale booster to the tobacco industry, according to Branch Manager Mario E. Corpuz. “LGUs support, which is attained by the proper coordination of activities between local officials and the agency, also inspires a more aggressive implementation of projects in a particular municipality,” he added. LGUs support the agency’s Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS) Project by providing venues and facilities for the orientation seminars for the farmers. The presence of some local officials during the seminar has been successful in inspiring and motivating the farmers to actively participate in the project. Partnership between the agency and the LGUS was also manifested during the synchronized tree planting activities in July. LGUs of tobacco growing municipalities in the province sent officials and employees of their respective offices and local agencies as planting volunteers. Chief executives of five LGUs were even present in their respective planting sites, namely Mayor Arlene Torralba (Badoc), Mayor Samuel Pagdilao Sr. (Pinili), Mayor Gladys Que (Currimao), Mayor Dolores Clemente (Paoay), and Mayor Erdio Valenzuela (Dingras).
ogy updates geared towards production of quality tobacco and marketing or trading issues. In these orientation seminars, Manager Corpuz led the branch office in giving some updates and relevant issues about the agency and the tobacco industry as a whole. The senior staff of NTA Ilocos Norte who also served as resource speakers were Candelario P. Corpuz, Chief Agriculturist; Alexis B. Jamias, Supervising Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer (TPRO), and Luzviminda U. Padayao, Senior TPRO. Buyer firm Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc. (ULPI) and agri-chemical firm Leads Agri Chemical Company were also present in some of the venues of the seminar. ULPI was represented by its Area Manager, Alexander Dumpit, and Production Manager (Ilocos Norte) Jeremiah Saguiped. The ULPI representatives, the largest buyer firm contractor of TCGS in the province, discussed trading
Series of seminars The series of TCGS orientation seminars for farmer-cooperators conducted in September was aimed at informing or reorienting the tobacco growers of the project’s implementing guidelines, as well as the technol-
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September - October 2014 Pls turn to page 7
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Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza meets tobacco farmers at a dialogue in Candon Branch office last October 6.
Administrator Zaragoza meets TCGS farmers in dialogue NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza met with tobacco growers of NTA Candon Branch and the presidents of municipal federations of tobacco farmers’ associations/cooperatives and other farmer-leaders during one of the orientation seminars for Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS) and consultation dialogues for Ilocos Sur farmers. The meeting was held at the NTA branch office in Candon City on October 6. NTA Candon Branch (covering the tobacco-growing areas in the second district of Ilocos Sur) has increased its
projection of farmer cooperators (FCs) for the TCGS this cropping season to 1,136 from last crop year’s 854 FCs. During the consultation dialogue facilitated by NTA Candon headed by Branch Manager Estrella G. de Peralta, the Administrator discussed the latest industry developments and programs/ projects of the agency. Administrator Zaragoza reiterated the commitment and unconditional support of the agency and the tobacco buyer firms to the needs of the industry. He also answered queries and other concerns of the farmers.
Badoc, Ilocos Norte Vice Mayor Tomas N. Torralba (standing) gives his inspirational message to the tobacco farmers during the TCGS Orientation Seminar for Tobacco Farmers in Badoc town last September 26.
NTA-Financed IFOIGAP-TCGS for Crop Year 2014-2015
NTA Pinoy products at NMIS Food Expo
NTA Agripinoy 1st Anniversary
NTA showcased its NTA Pinoy food products at the Food Expo, spearheaded by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), in the celebration of the 2014 Meat Safety Consciousness Week, October 20-24. The Food Expo at the NMIS grounds in Visayas Ave., Quezon City had 19 NMIS-accredited meat processors selling their products at a cost lower than those from supermarkets. NTA Pinoy is a product of NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Food Processing Plant and Trading Center in Brgy. Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. .
Operations Manager Minerva P. Mizal
NTA AgriPinoy turns ..., from page 1
NTA, MMSU..., from page 1
ity and skills development training courses, entrepreneurial and livelihood projects, basic health education and services, and environmental protection and management projects shall be collaborated by the Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD) of NTA and the Research and Extension Directorate of MMSU. In the agreement, NTA shall identify the research or training needs of the tobacco farmers, their families and communities; take charge of these trainings; and provide logistics. MMSU shall provide technical advisory and consultancy services for the identified projects or activities of NTA. MMSU is one of the partners of NTA-FTSD in the ongoing livelihood training courses for the women and children of tobacco-growing families. (See story on page 5.) The 11-module training courses, which started this June and to end November this year, are being held at the NTA AgriPinoy Processing Plant and Trading Center in Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. (Felisa R. Aurellano)
Narvacan Parish Priest Msgr. Cosmeño Rosimo, officiating the thanksgiving mass
tobacco farmers in integrated farming systems which include hog and poultry raising. “To increase their earnings, they need to add value to their products, hence the need for the food processing center,” he added. “The mandate of the NTA really is to improve the quality of lives of tobacco farmers with additional livelihood project, so they will not be dependent on their crop alone,” said Zaragoza. He said the agency will sustain livelihood programs for the tobacco farmers with the help of the NTA AgriPinoy projects, not only to help them boost their earnings, but also to create job opportunities in the tobacco-growing areas. To expand the program of the processing plant, Zaragoza said that construction is ongoing for the rice mill and feed mill to cater the rice and corn produced by the tobacco farmers.
NTA Pangasinan holds info drive on El Niño, agency projects THE Pangasinan branch office held a series of meetings with tobacco farmers as part of the agency’s intensified information drive on El Niño, particularly on mitigating measures on the effect of the abnormal weather condition next tobacco cropping season. As early as July this year, the agency has been encouraging farmers in the Ilocos Region to plant earlier than the usual cropping season to avoid the effects of dry spell that will affect Luzon in the last quarter of the year. A total of 1,456 participants attended the series of farmers’
meetings from September 17 to October 21 in various areas in the province. The meetings were spearheaded by Branch Manager Cesario G. Sambrana, along with Chief Agriculturist Roger T. Madriaga and the branch office Extension Workers. Among the measures discussed during the meeting are: (1) early seedbedding and planting activities; and (2) identifying areas vulnerable to the effect of El Niño due to limited water supply for irrigation purposes. Farmers were encouraged to submit loan documents early
for the approval and release of production assistance in time for the early planting season. Also discussed during the meeting were the NTA programs/projects, such as the IFOIGAP Tobacco Contract Growing System, Tobacco Free Education Program, the ongoing livelihood training program of tobacco growing families under the Farmers Organizational Development Project, Irrigation Support Project, Tobacco Grower of the Year Contest, AgriPinoy food processing projects, and Renewable Energy Farm Project. (Beth Q. Biala)
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Coop workers..., from page 12
The joint continuous education for the cooperative leaders and workers is an advocacy of NTA under its Farmers Organizational Development Project in anticipation of the implementation of Republic Act 10351 where the coops are involved. (Felisa Ramos Aurellano, FTSD) Participants in the CDA standard training on Strategic Planning at NSCC Plaza, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur
Seminar on crop ..., from page 12
bacco farmers who were listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), which is an electronic compilation of basic information on farmers, farm laborers and fisherfolk. As of October, a total of 11,196 NTA-registered farmers are included in RSBIA. Of the number, 815 are from Pangasinan. She said that P40-million is allocated for the implementation of PCIC’s flagship
free crop insurance program for poor and marginalized farmers and fisher folk in Pangasinan. Of the amount, P4.5-million is intended for high value crops, which include tobacco. “This is availed on a firstcome-first-served basis,” she said. Also discussed during the seminar was the preparation of necessary documents for the availment of the insurance premiums. (Beth Q. Biala)
Letters to the Administrator ..., from page 3
kaapresiaryo iti pannakairanudyo iti maisaysayangkat a nadumaduma a programami para kadagiti agmulmula iti tabako ken dagiti pamiliada, kas kadagiti livelihood project nga isaysayangkatmi. Mangnamnamakami nga igaed met ni Harlene iti panagbasana tapno mamantinerna ‘diay scholarship a naipaay kenkuana ket maileppasna ti kursona a Bachelor in Elementary Education dita Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST). Sapay koma ta agtultuloy ti pannakikammayetyo kadakami tapno agtultuloy latta nga agdur-as ti industriatayo. Toy agyaman, EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA Administrator
NTA joins World Food Day NTA joined the World Food Day (WFD) celebration at the Department of Agriculture grounds in Quezon City last October 15 and 16. The Department of Agriculture, headed by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, spearheaded the celebration of WFD in the Philippines in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This year’s theme is “Family Farming: Feeding the world, caring for the earth.” After the opening program on October 15 attended by DA officials, employees and delegations from different bureaus, attached agencies, and corporations of the Department, Secretary Alcala and Jose Luis Fernandez, FAO Representatives to the Philippines, formally opened the Product and Photo exhibits at the DA office main lobby. The NTA delegation during the opening was headed by Department Managers Rex Antonio P. Teoxon of CorPlan, Dr. Cristina C. Lopez of Administrative, and Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan of Industrial Research. The culminating activity of the celebration was held on October 16 at the Liwasang Aurora at Quezon City Circle in Quezon City. The program was highlighted by a candle lighting ceremony where the NTA, along with other attached agencies and bureaus of the Department of Agriculture, joined DA officials, employees and other guests in renewing the government pledge to support the battle against hunger and poverty.
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September - October 2014
SUCCESS STORIES BONIFACIO B. Lana, 61, is truly a model tobacco farmer. He was one of the outstanding farmers in the 2014 Search for Outstanding Tobacco Farmer by the Bureau of Plant Industry-National Seed Industry Council (BPINSIC). DA Secretary Proceso J. Alacala conferred the awards to the outstanding farmers during the 3rd National Seed Summit at the BSWM Auditorium in Quezon City last September 9. The award is the highest recognition given by BPI-NSIC to local farmers who used NSIC-approved and listed varieties of seeds (rice, corn, vegetables, field legumes, etc.) last year. This is the first time a category for tobacco commodity was included in the awards. Manong Boni, as he is fondly called, was qualified for the recognition as he is a registered tobacco grower in their place in Sicatna, Piat, Cagayan; and has been planting NSIC-registered variety of Burley tobacco (TN-90 and KY-160) to his farm. He was chosen among the nominees because his use of the NSIC-variety (TN-90) played a very important role in increasing his yield, leaf quality and income for crop year 2012-2013. The National Tobacco Administration (NTA) evaluated the nominees from the tobacco category, through the NSIC-Tobacco Technical Working Group chaired
Success out of NSIC-approved Burley variety
From left: Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, NTA Cagayan Branch Manager Dr. Corazon R. Riazonda, Bonifacio B. Lana, Editha A. Lana and, NTA Industrial Research Department Manager Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan. (inset) Lana at his farm in Piat, Cagayan.
by Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, manager of the NTA Industrial Research Department. For crop year 2012-2013, Mang Boni earned a net income of P104,272 from his 2,688 kilograms production of Burley on his 0.82-hectare farm. And in last year’s cropping season (2013-2014), he harvested 2,495 kilograms and earned P101,600. According to NTA Cagayan Branch Manager Corazon R. Riazonda, the variety, along with the recommended Package of Technology (POT) of his contracting buyer firm, played a very important role in increasing the yield, quality and income of the farmer. The variety had improved the quality of life of Mang
Boni and his family. Mang Boni has been growing tobacco since 2000; for thirteen years, he has been using the TN-90 Variety of Burley tobacco recommended by the BPI-NSIC. There are other varieties of Burley, but for Mang Boni, TN-90 is the best variety suited in their place because of its agronomic characteristics such as resistance to cercospora leaf spot (CLS) disease, late maturing, high yield and better quality. The high quality leaves he produced from the TN-90 variety fetched an average price of P87.09 per kilogram in the trading center, which was higher than the P51 floor price for the highest quality of Burley in 2013. Outstanding Rural Woman of Region 1 TOBACCO grower and ULPI farmer-leader Presnaida N. Lazaro of Catangraran, Solsona Ilocos Norte, is this year’s Outstanding Rural Woman of Region 1 of the Department of Agriculture. Lazaro and 12 other 2014 Outstanding Rural Women from the different regions in the country received their awards from Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, during the celebration of the World Rural Women’s Day and the World Food Day at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle in Diliman, Quezon City last October 16.
Because of his high profit from tobacco, he was able to acquire 2.5 hectares agricultural and residential lands, farm machineries and equipment, and working animals. The fruits of his labor in planting tobacco helped in the success of his two children (two boys) in finishing a college degree. The youngest is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSIT), and is now working with the Universal Leaf Philippines Incorporated (ULPI) as Farm Supervisor. Mang Boni is happily married to Ms. Editha Alupani-Lana, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture graduate. They are partners in tobacco farming venture. They work as a team because they help each other in their role as Farmer-Based Auxiliary (FBA) Grower/Seedling Grower and as a Farmer Leader of ULPI. NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said that Mang Boni will serve as a role model of other tobacco farmers, and his recognition as outstanding Burley grower would surely help in the promotion of quality tobacco in the country.
September - October 2014
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EANTA Consultative Conference THE Employees Association of the National Tobacco Administration (EANTA), headed by its President Raquel F. Señga, met with NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza during the consultative conference of EANTA national officers and chapter presidents at the NTA Central Office last October 17. Discussed during the conference were the plans for EANTA’s 25th Anniversary celebration on November 21, collective negotiating agreement and other requirements of the Department of Labor and Employment and Civil Service Commission. In PHOTO (1): (standing): Roberto F. Pedro, Ped Ruben B. Barbero, Jose A. Taclas Jr, Renato C. Aquino, Manuel M. Beltran, Alexis B. Jamias, Rogelio C. Santiago, Excelsior R. Mejia, Christopher R. Supang; (seated): Perla C. Manzon, Leonora N. Clarin, Raquel F. Señga, Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, Charito M. Salazar, Alma G. Toralba.
TRAININGS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, CONVENTIONS ATTENDED BY NTA OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES July – September 2014
Elvira N. Sambrana Warlie V Oribello Amelia L. Lacaden, Orlando O. Galdones Josephine Aquino Myrna O. Lozano Nelly U. Castro
Rosalie P. Catura
Renato C. Aquino, Sr. Faustino O. Taal Ped Ruben B. Barbero Hermogenes A. Galvez Roger T. Madriaga Alfonso E. Sabado Rex Antonio P. Teoxon Dinah E. Pichay Fortuna C. Benosa Joselyn G. Miguel Gilbert I. Yadao Tomasito G. Taloza Jovita G. Briones Magdalena N. Mamuyac Saturnino Agatep Rommel Calautit Manuel M. Beltran Perpetuo C. Dalloran Efraim A. Dayap Benson B. Cariño Luzviminda U. Padayao
Nora A. Corre
Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants Training, Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives (NSCC), Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, July 2-3, 2014 Seminar on Philippine National Standards on Organic Agriculture: “Understanding Organic Standards & Organic Requirements,” OCCP Cubao, Quezon City, July 10-11, 2014 “Introductory Course to Information Systems Audit,” conducted by the Association of Government Internal Auditors, Hotel Kimberly, Malate, Manila, July 16-18, 21014 Supervisory Development Course Track II & III, CSC Regional Office Training Ctr., San Fernando City, La Union, July 21-25, 2014 Government Commission for GCG Technical Workshop on the Performance Evaluation System for FY 2015, Institute for Corporate Directors, DBP, Makati City, July 25, 2014 Effective Written Communication Skills Training, CSC Reg’l Office, San Fernando City, La Union, Aug. 5-6, 2014 CDA Standard Training Course on “Strategic Planning,” NSCC, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Aug. 19-20, 2014
Livelihood Trainings on Bread/Cake/Pastry Making, Aug. 19-20, 2014; Therapeutic Massage, Sept. 16-17, 2014; and Noodles Making, Sept. 25-26, 2014 NTA-APP, Brgy. Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Livelihoood Trainings on: Baking/Pastry Making, Aug. 21-22, 2014; and Noodles Making, Sept. 25-26, 2014, NTA -APP, Brgy. Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur CDA standard training course on Strategic Planning,NSCC, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Sept. 29-30, 2014
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Roberto R. Bonoan, Luzveminda R. Truong, Mybelen B. Dictaan, Dinah E. Pichay, Ma. Teresa B. Laudencia, Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, Cristina C. Lopez, Mario E. Corpuz, Estrella G. de Peralta, Hermogenes A. Galvez, Cesario G. Sambrana, Esmeralda G. Valera, Herman C. Torres, Corazon R. Riazonda, Minerva P. Mizal, Roman J. Raganit, Jr., Myrna D. Salut, Juan B. Begonia, Marcelo T. Pascual, Roger T. Madriaga, Ped Ruben B. Barbero, Joefrey T. Bautista, Alicia A. Malab, Faustino O. Taal, Fortuna C. Benosa, Elvira R. Paras, Lina A. Cera, Leonora N. Clarin, Charity P. Garcia, Marivic C. Espolong,
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September - October 2014
Gilbert A. Taguiam Edgardo D. Zaragoza Vicente D. Lasam Everin F. Molina Roberto R. Bonoan Luzveminda R. Truong Mybelen B. Dictaan Dinah E. Pichay Ma. Teresa B. Laudencia Rex Antonio P. Teoxon Cristina C. Lopez Mario E. Corpuz Estrella G. de Peralta Hermogenes A. Galvez Cesario G. Sambrana Esmeralda G. Valera Herman C. Torres Corazon R. Riazonda Minerva P. Mizal Randy I. Abella Roberto R. Bonoan
Livelihood Training on Noodles Making, Sept. 2-3, 2014, NTA-APP, Brgy. Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Cascading Workshop on the GCG Performance Evaluation System, Sept. 4-5, 2014, NTA Central Office
“Climate Outlook for September 2014,” PAGASA Central Office, Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Sept. 5, 2014 National Seed Industry Council Seed Summit 2014 to craft a Seed Industry Dev’’t Program for the Next 5 Years, BSWM, Diliman, Quezon City, Sept. 9-10, 2014
Estrella G. de Peralta
Executive-Legislative Agenda Plenary Workshop, City Government of Candon, Vigan City, Sept. 10-11, 2014
Priscilla S. Esguerra
3rd DA INTERACT Core Group Workshop, Sunrise Holiday Mansion, Alfonso, Cavite, Sept. 17-19, 2014 Meeting and workshop on standardizing NCT Guidelines for Tobacco, Cherry Blossom Hotel, Malate, Manila, Sept. 2324, 2014 CDA Standard Training on Strategic Planning, NSCC, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Sept. 29-30, 2014
Roberto R. Bonoan Luzveminda R. Truong Cesario G. Sambrana Corazon R. Riazonda Manuel M. Beltran Perpetuo C. Dalloranl Jovita G. Briones Magdalena N. Mamuyac Alicia A. Malab Roberto F. Pedro Edgardo D. Zaragoza Jose S. Diño Dante G. Claravall Rogelio A. Elveña Geoffrey DG. Gacula Pedro J. Mendiola, Jr. Vicente D. Lasam Everin F. Molina and 42 other officials/ employees*
Orientation Program on ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System (QMS) pursuant to GCG requirement to be ISO certified by 2016, Training Room, NTA Central Office, Quezon City, Sept. 24-26, 2014
Rohbert A. Ambros, Reynaldo R. Aquino, Milagros C. Tiu, Modesto S. Cleto, Alex L. Borje, Raquel F. Señga, Myrna O. Lozano, Priscilla S. Esguerra, Manuel C. Ramiscal, Rosalie P. Catura, Teresita D. dela Rosa, and Perla C. Manzon
PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS
NTA promotes 6, appoints 5 staff THE National Tobacco Administration promoted six of its staff and issued regular appointment to five others. Myrna O. Lozano was promoted from Chemist IV to Chief Science Research Specialist of the Industrial Research Department. Gregoria L. Domingo a longtime Secretary 1 of the Corporate Planning Department
was promoted to Computer Operator II of the Internal Audit Service. Leah Gina B. Ramboyong, Cashier II of the Finance Department, is now the new Records Officer II of the Administrative Department. Elma C. Daquioag was promoted from Tobacco Production Regulation Officer I of the Regulation Depart-
ment to Cashier II assigned at Budget and Cash Management Division (Finance Department). Also promoted were Jocelyn G. Miguel from Computer Operator II to Administrative Officer III for Pangasinan Branch Office, and Nicolas A. Mendoza from Computer Operator II to Cashier III for La Union Branch Office. Lozano, Daquiaog, Domingo, and Miguel had been
Dr. Cristina C. Lopez (left photo, 1st from right), Manager of the Administrative Department poses with the newly promoted employees, (from left) Leah Gina B. Ramboyong, Myrna O. Lozano, Gregoria L. Domingo, and (2nd photo) Elma C. Daquioag after taking their oath of office for their new positions.
LGU support boosts tobacco.., from page 6
and concerns and answered queries regarding grading and marketing issues. They also gave emphasis during their discussion on strict adherence to technology, NTRM-free tobacco and full payment of borrowed production loan. The Leads Agri Chemical Company, for its part, offered their product as one alternative crop protection agent for the tobacco plant. Each seminar session ended with an open forum with the NTA branch officers, officers of private sectors and local officials present ready to answer the queries of farmers. 632 farmer-cooperators A total of 1,350 farmers attended the series of seminars. Of the number, 632 farmers representing a total area of 352.25 hectares, were recruited for the TCGS project under NTA financing. Registration of tobacco farmers and processing of
Identification Cards for tobacco farmers under the Farmers Information System of the NTA Registry/ID system (RIDS) was also done during the seminars. RIDS is a customized computer program that aims to update databases of NTA personnel and registered tobacco farmers. As of date, the branch office has already processed IDs of 725 farmers in the province. (Divina D. Pagdilao)
with the NTA since its creation out of the different tobacco agencies in 1987. The agency also issued original appointment (permanent position) to Neyo E. Valdez, Public Relations Officer III of the Administrator’s Office; Russel R. Rutab, Financial Analyst I for the Finance Department; Laarny T. Arrojo, Cash Clerk also of the Finance Department; and Leah C. Fiesta, Secretary I assigned at the Corporate Planning Department, all based in the NTA Central Office. Also issued regular appointment was Resty C. Cambe, Accountant II for Abra Branch Office. Newly promoted and appointed employees in the Central Office took their oath of office before Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, Manager of the Administrative Department, at the NTA Central Office in Quezon City.
NTA staff joins “surviving retirement” seminar INCOMING retirees and human resources personnel of the NTA attended a public learning session conducted by Human Resource Innovations and Solutions, Inc. (HURIS) at St. Giles Hotel in Makati last October 29. The aim of the program, dubbed “Surviving Retirement: Leave Job, Live Life,” is to impart the best practices in preparing and going through retirement such as future plans, retirement benefits, health and wellness, career path, professional legacies, personal relationships, financial resources, and other adverse consequences of retirement. In photo (from left): Modesto Cleto, Supply Officer IV; Francisca Sagsagat, Project Development Officer IV; Elvira Paras, HRMO V; guest speaker Dr. Christian Emmanuel Mancao; Rafael Hernandez, Internal Auditor II; Gloria Germones, Secretary I; lead facilitator Orlando Peña; Amanda Santos, HRM Assistant II; and Perla Manzon, HRMO IV.
September - October 2014
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Coop workers, leaders undergo CDA training SOME 44 cooperative officers and extension workers from eight NTA branch offices and the Farm Technology Services Department (FTSD) completed the CDA (Cooperative Development Authority) standard training curriculum for cooperative leaders on Strategic Planning at the Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives in Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, last September 29-30. Alex Raquepo, a CDAcertified trainer and chairman of the Sta Cruz Savings and Development Cooperative of Sta Cruz, Ilocos Sur was the resource person for the said curriculum. In the workshops, the participants were able to determine their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Their common SWOT were: strength: presence of committed and trusted leaders; weakness:
low loan collection rate; opportunities: available donations or grants; and threat: intervention of politicians. The participants also drafted their respective visions, missions and core values. They all agreed to have a strong and dependable cooperative in their respective areas, providing affordable credit and other services to their members. This curriculum on Strategic Planning was the third training conducted this year. The first training, Entrepreneurial and Business Management, was conducted in March; while Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants in July. The CDA courses are offered to the NTA-assisted cooperatives to enhance productivity among cooperative members by exposing them to continuous cooperative education. Pls turn to page 8
NTA Candon conducts coastal cleanup
(1) Alex Raquepo, as resource speaker, talks on Strategic Planning; (2) Participants from Sirmata MPCI, Badoc, Ilocos Norte huddle during the workshop; (3) Numeriano Macapulay, chairman of the Cagayan Tobacco Planters Cooperatives, shows his workshop output.
Seminar on free crop insurance held THE tobacco farmers can now depend on government support for free crop insurance premiums coverage. This was revealed by Regional Director Florentina O. Pugal of Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) Regional Office No. 1 during the seminar conducted by PCIC at the NTA Pangasinan Branch Office, Carmay East, Rosales, Pangasinan last October 29. PCIC is a government-
owned and -controlled corporation attached to the Department of Agriculture. Employees of the NTA branch offices in Pangasinan and La Union, headed by branch managers, Engr. Cesario G. Sambrana and Dr. Giovanni B. Palabay, respectively, attended the seminar. Director Pugal said the free crop insurance benefits may be availed of by the to-
THE NTA Candon branch office, headed by Branch Manager Estrella G. de Peralta, conducted a cleanup drive at the coastline area in Darapidap, Candon City. The branch office volunteers hit the beach last September 26 to pick up debris, garbage and other harmful wastes carried by waves to the shore during the onslaught of Typhoon Mario a few days before.
The typhoon, which brought strong rains and winds in the Ilocos region and nearby provinces, destroyed P82-million worth of agricultural crops, mostly rice, in Ilocos Sur. The branch extension workers also conducted a survey of the extent of the damages of the NTA rice projects for tobacco farmers and some curing barns in the province’s second district.
Pls turn to page 8
“Produktong AgriPinoy... Agri sa lasa, Agri sa bulsa”
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NTA Pinoy Pork and Poultry is a product of NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Food Processing Plant and Trading Center located at the National Highway, Brgy. Nanguneg East, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. Visit NTA AgriPinoy Plant in Nanguneg (open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily) or our NTA provincial Branch offices for your order. Or call NTA Central Office [02] 3742505; [02]921-8511.
September - October 2014