Albay Provincial Agriculture Magazine

One-Stop-Shop Complex for Agriculture in the Philippines Produktong Albay Tunay na Mabuhay! Page 37

ABFVille:The AFB Ville on Impactof COVID-19 Agricultural Response Page 54 Programstothe LivesofAlbayanos Page 44

ALBAY PROVINCIAL

AGRICULTURE The Official Magazine of the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO) Issue No. 1 Volume No. 1 | January - December 2021

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F R O M T H E G OV E R N O R

OUR VISION IS A FOOD SECURE AND RESILIENT ALBAY WITH PROSPEROUS FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK.

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griculture is my top priority program in the province of Albay. As your Governor, it is my moral obligation and mandate to all Albayanos to nourish and sustain their needs and rights to enjoy sufficient, safe, available and affordable foods and services at all times.

Under my leadership, we have identified nine (9) goals that have to be achieved and number one of that goal is to increase Agricultural Productivity. Our vision is a food secure and resilient Albay with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.

To achieve these goals, we have launched several agricultural programs and projects that will help us realize and will surely benefit all our farmers and fisherfolk.

One most important project was the establishment of Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village (AFBVille)- a one-stop-shop agricultural complex located at Cabangan, Camalig, Albay which is considered as the first of its kind in the country that presents a unique chance to combine aspects of agriculture and tourism, to provide meaningful opportunities to our farmers and fisherfolk and to learn new trends, innovative technologies, skills development and livelihood.

Further, it serves as a farm school that conducts hands-on training for TESDA scholars and a venue of the Work Immersion Program of DepEd, on-the-job training for college students and other farming enthusiasts as well.

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ALBAY PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL OFFICE

AL FRANCIS C. BICHARA Governor

Various structures and facilities were built at the village to address the needs of all farmers, fisherfolk, students, tourists and other individuals.

We work towards its right direction as a major intervention to attain food security and poverty alleviation despite tremendous challenges that pummeled the agriculture and fisheries sector.

The steadfast support and collective effort of our partner national agencies, such as DA, ATI, PhilRice, PhilMech, BFAR, TESDA, DOST, PhilFida and DOT in the attainment of its good program and project coordinators, focal person for the LGU counterparts, agri- stakeholders, key players, field implementors - Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) and most especially our heroes in the countryside—the farmers themselves made this project into realization.

I can say that agriculture in Albay is advanced through the synergistic movement and the concerted efforts of Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO) staff because of the new ideas and technologies that are introduced to the farmers, the fisherfolk as well as their families that are working related to agriculture.

Rest assured of my continued support on agriculture and modernization programs.

All these achievements, I sincerely dedicate to the people of Albay.

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FROM THE V I C E G OV E R N O R

FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE COUNTRY, PROVIDING A COMPOUND SYSTEM OF AGRICULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES AND OPPORTUNE PLATFORM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND TOURISM FOR THE PROVINCE AND ITS PATRONS. Vice Governor

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griculture is the noblest of all alchemy; for it turns earth, and even manure, into gold, conferring upon its cultivator the additional reward of health.”

-Paul

Chatfield

It is in the greatest among the interests of a person in authority, an elected official and even the masses to consider Agriculture as a prime faction of a nation’s development and growth and being the “backbone” of its economic system.

With the ongoing threat of the pandemic, a growth in agriculture is relevant and timely. It is with this, that the Province of Albay under the firm supervision and direction of Governor Al Francis C. Bichara, making Agriculture as his top priority program for the Province, substantiates his visions and humble action for this sector.

Numerous agricultural programs have already been launched and reinforced to support the noblest of farmers and fisherfolk of the Province. The most successful and profound amongst these programs includes the institution of the Albay Farmer’s Bounty Village (AFBVille)

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ATTY. EDCEL “GREX” LAGMAN

at Cabangan, Camalig, Albay. First of its kind in the country, providing a compound system of agricultural opportunities and opportune platform for environmental sustainability and tourism for the Province and its patrons. A place where farmers, fisherfolk, students, tourists and other individuals share in the compound network as that of a colony providing substantial contributions to boost and develop the various division of the village.

Programs such as this could not have come into fruition without the myriad support of countless agencies and individuals.

With my utmost support as the Vice Governor of Albay alongside my office and peers, we thank these noble personalities, agencies and also the Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO) and its constituents, for their brilliant minds and technological capabilities for their continued support for programs such as this.

May we all continue to grow together and encourage the development of our beloved Province of Albay and of our nation may it be through the simplest of actions. Every action counts!

ALBAY PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL OFFICE

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F R O M T H E P R OV I N C I A L A G R I C U LT U R I S T

WITH THE SUPPORT FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF ALBAY, REST ASSURED THAT WE SHALL CONTINUE TO BUILD AN ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR AGRICULTURE TO GROW AND BE GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE IN A DIVERSIFIED AND MORE VIGOROUS ECONOMY.

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n behalf of the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO), it is always a great privilege to become part of the provincial government in creating new directions for the steady growth of agriculture and fisheries sector in Albay province.

The establishment of the Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village (AFBVille) as a one-stop farmers’ complex marks another step towards the realization of our goal which is to greatly improve the efficiency in agriculture and fisheries sector in the province.

In these modern days, the changing face of agriculture and fisheries seriously calls for the establishment and enhancement of combined aspects of tourism and agriculture industries as it is one of the key factors where the future of the agrifishery sector lies. Agriculture plays an important part in life and in the economy. That is why with the establishment of AFBVille and the facilities built therein, the three most important components of processing, marketing and distribution of agriproducts contribute to the overall economic development opportunities not only in Albay but

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ALBAY PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL OFFICE

CHERYLL O. REBETA Provincial Agriculturist

also in neighbouring provinces and the whole country as well.

With the support from the Provincial Government of Albay, rest assured that we shall continue to build an enabling environment for agriculture to grow and be globally competitive in a diversified and more vigorous economy. As our moral obligation, we shall contribute to nourish and sustain every Albayano’s needs and rights to enjoy sufficient, safe, accessible and affordable foods and services at all times. We shall be guided by the principles of social justice and equitable development, imbued with the values of loyalty, integrity, resourcefulness and continuous learning. We shall continually improve our Quality Management System to be better, more responsive and relevant in making a difference and to ensure that available and affordable food for every Albayano shall be realized.

Let us be one in the realization of this goal. May our collective aspiration for the steady growth of the agriculture and fisheries sector in Albay province continue to inspire us to take part in the development and decisionmaking processes at the local and national levels.

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FROM THE REGIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE ALBAY FARMERS’ BOUNTY VILLAGE (AFBVILLE), A ONE-STOP-SHOP FARMERS’ COMPLEX SERVING AS AGRICULTURAL CENTER IN ALBAY WITH ITS PROCESSING FACILITIES AND FARM SCHOOL, IS A PRIDE OF THE BICOL REGION.

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RODEL P. TORNILLA Regional Executive Director

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eing at the forefront in the delivery of agricultural services in the countryside, the Local Government Units (LGUs) are considered as DA’s indispensable partners in the attainment of our vision of a foodsecure and resilient Philippines with empowered and prosperous farmers and fishers.

I would like to commend the Provincial LGU of the province of Albay under the leadership of Governor Al Francis C. Bichara, for giving prime importance to agricultural development.

The Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village (AFBVille), a onestop-shop farmers’ complex serving as agricultural center in Albay with its processing facilities and farm school, is a pride of the Bicol region.

Through the years, Albay, through the AFBVille with Provincial Agriculturist Cheryl Rebeta at the helm, has led the way and showcased innovations to ensure food security. One notable initiative of Albay is now the upscaled Albay Family-based Food Production Program launched by the PLGU Albay in partnership with the DA Bicol five years ago. The project sustained the production of healthy food through the establishment of vegetable gardens in every home.

This kind of project is what the country needs if we Issue No. 1 Volume No. 1 | January - December 2021

want to achieve food security especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AFBVillage will also be the first food safety hub in the region with the establishment of the P14 Million Albay Trading Center where actual testing of pesticide residues on vegetables will be done before selling them to the consumers.

As the pilot province in the implementation of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Systems (PAFES), Albay is being looked up to by other provinces as a role model in the implementation of Agri-fishery extension services.

I am grateful to the province of Albay for accepting the challenge to serve as an extension hub that will orchestrate agricultural endeavors to maximize the comparative advantage of our farmers and fishers. For our part, DA will provide the necessary technical and financial assistance to strengthen this partnership.

Let us forge ahead and work together towards vibrant agriculture and fisheries extension services to achieve our long-term vision of Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Bountiful Harvest and High Income).

Dios Mabalos!

ALBAY PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL OFFICE

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THE PLACE WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

(BRIEF HISTORY OF ALBAY FARMERS’ BOUNTY VILLAGE)

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H I S T O R Y

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n the year 2016, Governor Al Francis C. Bichara initiated series of meetings, agreements and negotiations with the Department of Agriculture (DA) pertaining to the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the 15-hectare area donation of DA. Said MOA was returned to DA-Central Office for some revisions and review. It was on the same year when the management and operation of the village transferred to the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO) and it was renamed in 2017 as Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village (AFBVille).

Formerly, this eco-village was established to serve as a new tourist destination in the province of Albay. The place will feature the traditional livelihood jobs of the Albayanos like abaca stripping, pilinut making, honey bee culture, tuba making and dairying. It also featured crafts and products derived from, the abaca, coconut, pili, karagumoy like bags, placemats, pinukpuk and the like. The famous products of each town and city of the province were displayed.

However, upon entrance of Gov. Bichara, the concept was changed into a more productive tourism destination. It became a learning and recreation site as well as entrepreneurship—all packaged into one.

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H I S T O R Y

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Governor Al Francis C. Bichara entered into an agreement with Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol of the Department of Agriculture (DA) wherein 15 hectares from the adjacent Albay Breeding Station which is administered by the DA will be donated one-stop- to the Provincial Government thus making it into complex the 15-hectare AFBVille farm area today.

FBVille is a shop farmers’ conceptualized by Gov. Bichara

The AFBVille was envisioned to provide the with the objective of ensuring following services, facilities and technology to the food sufficiency and enhancing agriculture and fisheries sector of the province: tourism industry in the province. It was 1 Innovative agriculture technologies inaugurated on May 22, 2018 during the 1st Bicol Agri Expo. The 15-hectare 2 Hydroponics technology village showcases the operation of Cacao Processing Facility, Modern Soils 3 Best farming practices Laboratory, Albay Packaging Center aside from innovative agricultural technologies, 4 Conduct farmers training best farming practices, farmers’ trainings as well as learning site for students under 5 Farmers’ market and trading center where garden immersion program taking agricultural fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh meat and dairy production. Likewise, the Trading Center products and organically or naturally grown produce will be available for sale to the public. initially operates every Friday and Saturday which is a perfect venue for farmers to sell 6 Farm School which will provide scholarships to their garden fresh fruits and vegetables, farmers, fisherfolk, their families and relatives, farm-fresh meat and dairy products extension workers, trainers and facilitators to help and organically-grown produce at very uplift their lives by increasing their earnings. affordable prices. NFA rice was also sold with price set by the said agency.

7 Agri-tourism destination for the province

The village also caters to students and local tourists having their field tours. Children’s park and the picnic groove are enjoyed by walk-in family tourists and the residents of Bgy. Cabangan, Camalig, Albay. Additional recreational amenities will be installed to the playground. The visit to stingless bee farm, strawberry house and nursery were also the highlights of benchmarking. The dormitory and cafeteria will cater not only to the staff but also to the tourists and visitors of AFBVille.

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Once fully completed, the AFB Ville will also house the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO), which was formerly Provincial Agricultural Services, Albay Veterinary Office (AVO), formerly known as the Provincial Veterinary Services, Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO), and a number of other facilities as envisioned in the site development plan of the village.

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THE AMAZING ONE-STOPSHOP FARMERS’ COMPLEX (FACILITIES & STRUCTURES)

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FA C I L I T I E S & S T R U C T U R E S

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he creation of the AFBVille as an authentic, all-inclusive, diversified, and market-oriented agricultural facility that showcases new technologies, share R & D research outputs, and engages multisectoral partners to reinforce the sustainable initiatives of Albay agricultural development, was accredited by the Department of Tourism as an AgriTourism Destination for Albay province.

The establishment of facilities in the 15-hectare AFB Ville showcases innovative agricultural technologies, best farming practices, conduct farmers’ trainings and a learning site for students under immersion program taking agricultural production. It also includes farmers’ market where garden fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh meat and dairy products and organically- grown produce and made available for sale to the public.

With the various structures and facilities built at the Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village the aim of addressing the needs of all tourists, farmers, students and other individuals in this one-stop shop farmers’ complex is attained. The AFBVille with all these facilities herein created, with the breathtaking view of the Mayon Volcano at the background is now a very popular tourist hub that promotes various agricultural opportunities for everyone.

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F A C I L I T I E S

ENTRANCE GATE

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The main form of the gate is a “salakot”, a farmer’s typical protective gear in his/her head against heat and rain. Moreover, the “carabao” represents for strength, perseverance and resiliency of the farmers. While, the “sili”, a famous product in Albay that stands for the term “oragon” which means extremely outstanding in all aspects as far as Albayano farmer’s contribution in agricultural development is concerned.

FARMERS’ AUDITORIUM An air-conditioned edifice which serves as a learning venue for trainings, seminars, fora, conventions, meetings and other special events.

This facility is also a venue for presentations of new and advance technologies on farming, film showing of good agricultural practices and other media production that will help the farmers enhance their knowledge and skills.

The farmers’ auditorium can accommodate 200 to 250 persons.

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S T R U C T U R E S

CAFETERIA/CANTEEN

The cafeteria offers variety of food both for local and foreign tourists. It specially serves Bicol native foods and delicacies which are affordable and are prepared locally by a group of women in Albay. It is open during weekdays only.

TRADING CENTER The Trading Center serves as a middle ground for agrientrepreneurs, producers, processors and suppliers by displaying and selling different agricultural products at a competitive price to increase farmer’s income. Fresh fruits and vegetables, farm-fresh meat and dairy products and other organically-grown produce are available and for sale to the public on Wednesdays to Fridays.

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F A C I L I T I E S

SOIL LABORATORY Soil Laboratory is modernized laboratory that caters the need of farmers in terms of soil analysis and services in order to recommend the right amount and kind of fertilizer to be used. It is one of the facilities inside the AFBVille which offers services such as qualitative and quantitative testing of the soil samples and fertilizer recommendation. The lab qualitatively tests samples coming from farmers and landowners using the Soil Test Kit (STK) method and recommends fertilizers based on the soil test results.

Quantitative tests are conducted to soil samples submitted by clients from the academe doing research. These tests include pH moisture, ammonium nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium. Aside from soil analysis, it also performs tissue culture on mushroom of different species.

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ALBAY PACKAGING CENTER (APC) Albay Packaging Center (APC) provides training and technical assistance to Medium, Small and Micro Entrepreneurs (MSMEs) that would help increase productivity and upgrade the quality of products through the utilization of processing and packaging equipment and machines at a lower cost as stipulated in the Provincial Ordinance No. 00102014. The existing 28 units packaging equipment and machines housed at the center were granted and complimented by the Department of Trade and Industry – Shared Service Facility Program (DTI-SSF).

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FARM SCHOOL The AFBVille Farm School and Assessment Center is being managed by the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO). The Farm School buildings were constructed in 2018 and can be venues for lectures and oral assessments. Each room can accommodate 25 students. The laboratory building is also available during trainings and assessments.

Moreover, the Farm School holds lectures and hands-on trainings on the different competencies in Organic Agriculture NC II and Rice Machinery Operations NC II accredited by TESDA.

CACAO PROCESSING AND FERMENTATION FACILITY It is a support facility to the Sustainable Cacao Development Program where cacao pods are being processed into wine, vinegar, nibbles, sweetened and unsweetened tablea. A total of 103 units of various equipment and machines are available for use donated by Department of Agriculture (DA), PhilMech and APCIA. This facility aims to mobilize cacao stakeholders to a concerted cacao industry development effort; to participate in the local and global cacao value chain; and to commit development of a sustainable cacao industry to address poverty alleviation and environmental protection while advancing economic growth in the province.

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F A C I L I T I E S

MULTI-PURPOSE PROCESSING FACILITY

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This facility was made to process various agricultural produce into consumer-finished products, increase the variety of agri-based processed products on the local markets and to improve the quality of local agribased processed products.

SOAP AND ESSENTIAL OILS FACILITY It is a processing facility for soap and essential oils arrayed with recent equipment and machines procured for its purpose. The Oil and Soap Facility of the AFBVille features natural products such as bar soaps, hand and body scrubs, foot scrubs and ointment balms.

The facility utilizes organic plants and herbs grown in AFBVille and all essential oils are extracted using steam distillation. At the moment, OSF extracts turmeric, dill, lemon grass and citronella essential oils.

Soaps and ointments are produced from natural and non-toxic materials.

OSF conducts pro-bono quarterly trainings on essential oil extraction, scrub preparation and soap and balm making.

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DORMITORY It is a residence hall providing fully furnished rooms where the farmer participants and guests of trainings and seminars are accommodated to provide a comfortable venue and safe accommodation. The two-storey building has a total of 12 rooms, with six rooms on each floor, and each room has three double-decker beds. Separate comfort rooms for male and female are located in each floor.

Moreover, the first and second floors have a VIP rooms, each with two beds and comfort rooms.

PILI PROCESSING FACILITY Primarily, this facility was established for pili processing and it is supplied with new equipment and machines that serve as show window for pili stakeholders.

This facility will provide pili farmers a venue to process their produce and develop the valueadding qualities. Target products to be processed will be pili confectioneries of several variants, pili oil and other value added products from pili. The facility is an ideal processing area for small pili processors and serves as shared service facility.

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F A C I L I T I E S

NEGOSYO AUDITORIUM

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An air-conditioned edifice that serves as a learning venue for trainings on agricultural marketing techniques used in every corner of “agribusiness,” including small farms, fisherfolks, corporate farms, and distributors; crops and livestock; feed and seed sellers; and more. This facility is also a venue for presentations of new business ideas and strategies that will help the agri-entrepreneurs to enhance their knowledge and skills. The negosyo auditorium has more or less 500 seating capacity.

ABACA GERMPLASM NURSERY

It is a 3,000 square meter abaca nursery that serves as a model demonstration zone and source of quality abaca planting materials for farmers. This is also being developed as a learning site for immersion students, exposure area to visiting students, entrepreneurs and tourists. At present, the nursery is undergoing rehabilitation and inventory due to the parade of typhoons that severely devastated the province of Albay.

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S T R U C T U R E S

PROVINCIAL NURSERY

It is composed of the Bee Farm, Sunflower Garden, Vermicast Facility, Orchard Farm, Herbal Garden, Green Houses and Organic Container Garden. The Bee Farm and Sunflower Garden are the most visited areas in the village where guests are delighted of their most treasured moments by capturing awesome pictures of the sceneries.

VERMICOMPOSTING FACILITY

This facility produces vermicompost and cast for use in the different plantation crops as AFBVille is practicing organic agriculture.

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F A C I L I T I E S

ORCHARD GARDEN

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The AFBVille has an orchard for fruit bearing trees, such as pomelo, mango and santol. There are also pili and bamboo trees around the periphery. Through this garden, the area will be protected from flooding in case of heavy rains.

HERBAL AND MEDICINAL GARDEN

In this facility, many herb species are planted and propagated especially the herbs which can be found locally. These are being used as food and alternative medicine for natural healing.

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GREENHOUSES FOR HIGH VALUE CROPS

In this facility, high value crops are being planted and propagated such as arugula, lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes and many others.

GREENHOUSES FOR STRAWBERRY

Growing and propagating strawberry in AFBVille is very rewarding and at the same time it is very promising. It is rewarding in the sense that there are so many benefits that the farmers can get from growing strawberries, one of which is it has higher yields.

Moreover, its is also promising because there are many products that can be made out of the harvested fruits. It can made into Jam, candy, juice, wine and many other products.

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F A C I L I T I E S

CROP PRODUCTION AREA

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This facility was constructed and maintained to provide vegetables and fruits organically grown and it implements “pay as you pick” for clients and guests of the AFBVille.

BEE FARM

One of the best features of the AFBVille is the Bee Farm. In this facility, honey production of the stingless bees is being done both for nutritional and medicinal values. Moreover, the bee farm is maintained for agricultural purposes as stingless bees are known as crop pollinators.

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ALBAY DAIRY BOX AND ICE CREAM HOUSE

Albay Dairy Box and Ice Cream House is a facility under the management of Albay Agriculture Cooperative (AAC). It offers farm fresh cow’s milk CHOCO FUN and FRESH MILK 1liter in bottle and pouch, and other dairy products from local farmers. The stall opens from 9:00am to 4:00pm, MondayFriday at AFBVille, Cafeteria. Ice cream house is soon to operate that will showcase ice cream making process.

COLD STORAGE

It serves as a modern food preservation facility to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other dangerous microorganisms on perishable foods and also to help non-edible products hold their texture, consistency, effectiveness and value.

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F A C I L I T I E S

PASALUBONG CENTER It is a souvenir shop showcasing various products that are unique from different municipalities/cities in Albay. When Filipinos visit other places, they usually bring back pasalubong or native souvenirs for family and friends. Before leaving the places, the tourist may want to have a souvenir to remember the amazing time he/she had, something that captures the essence of the trip. The Albayanos always have something unique to show to the world from its culture to its people. It is definitely a province worth remembering not just for its sights.

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DAIRY FARM

Another best feature of the AFB Ville is this facility. It is where dairy cattle stocks are maintained as the source of raw milk for processing at the Albay Dairy Plant. It has a pasture area planted with forage grasses that serve as food for the dairy cattle and other small ruminants raised at the Livestock Multiplier Farm.

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MILKING PARLOR

It is one of the special facilities at AFBVille to which dairy cows are brought for milking. The equipment used in this facility are modern and are properly kept and maintained by the workers.

ALBAY DAIRY PLANT

A newly rehabilitated milk processing facility equipped with air-conditioned production area, modern equipment, machines and laboratory instruments such as pasteurizer, homogenizer, stainless milk cans, freezers, chillers, coding machine, pedal plastic sealing machine, water filtration system, milk analyzer with printer, refractometer, titration burettes, pH meter, etc. It aims to provide affordable, safe and quality milk products for Albayanos.

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LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY MULTIPLIER FARM

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The area showcases native/ organic and improved poultry and livestock species. The area was developed as an organic livestock production area and source of various upgraded breeds of chicken, goat, sheep and native pig.

CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND

This area is favourite colourful amenity that gives entertainment to many children visiting the village. It can aid children’s development to master physical and social skills.

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SOLAR-POWERED IRRIGATION PUMP

It is an irrigation pump powered by the heat of the sun. This facility was conceived as a way cost saving and also to utilize farm equipment which are environmentally friendly.

ALBAY PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL OFFICE (APAO), ALBAY VETERINARY OFFICE (AVO), AND PROVINCIAL COOPERATIVE AND EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT OFFICE (PCEDO) BUILDINGS

The Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO) is headed by Ms. Cheryll O. Rebeta, Provincial Agriculturist complemented with 56 plantilla personnel and 160 Job Orders assigned to different programs/projects and agri-centers to efficiently and effectively carry out its various goals and objectives.

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THE BEST IS HE (Top 7 Programs of APAO)

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PROGRAMS

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he Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO) is the department of the Provincial Government of Albay responsible for the promotion of agricultural and fisheries development and growth. While continuously and religiously implementing the banner programs of the Department of Agriculture (Rice, Corn, Livestock, HVCDP, etc.), the APAO is adhering to its mandate to perform and implement the aggressive top seven programs of the Provincial Government of Albay, all envisioned by the very supportive Honorable Governor Al Francis C. Bichara.

These seven top banner programs of APAO have been conceptualized by Gov. Al Francis C. Bichara which are being implemented and now leading to its institutionalization. These priority agricultural programs and projects of the visionary Governor will be continuously implemented for the steady growth of the agriculture and fisheries sector in the province of Albay

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ALBAY FAMILY BASED FOOD PRODUCTION PROGRAM (AFBFPP)

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ALBAY FOR BEAUTIFICATION CLEAN AND GREEN PROGRAM (AFBCGP)

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FARM SCHOOL

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ALBAY DAIRY PLANT

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SUSTAINABLE CACAO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SCDP)

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PILI COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION PROJECT (PCPP)

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MUSHROOM/KURAKDING PROPAGATION ALBAY PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL OFFICE

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P R O G

ALBAY FAMILY BASED FOOD PRODUCTION PROGRAM (AFBFPP)

The Albay Family Based Food Production Program (AFBFPP) was conceptualized by Honorable Governor Al Francis Bichara upon his assumption to office as Governor of Albay in July 2016. The program was officially launched at Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City in March 2017. It is a campaign for self-sufficiency in food for farm families that can be a pillar for economic strategy for the province of Albay. It aims to provide sustainable increase in food production among the populace, addressing malnutrition and food security as well as healthy and clean environment through Organic Agriculture.

APAO employs community facilitators that function as links to LGUs for the successful implementation of the project. Likewise, Governor Bichara allocated fund for the yearly awarding event, providing rewards to barangays/ municipalities’ exemplary performance in two contest categories: Outstanding BVG and Cleanest and Greenest Municipality/City.

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R A M S

ALBAY FOR BEAUTIFICATION CLEAN AND GREEN PROGRAM (AFBCGP)

This program was launched on October 7, 2020 with a partnership among various national agencies. This aims to enhance and sustain cleanliness, beautification and sanitation and gear towards sustainable food production through gardening edible and non-edible flowering plants. This will also serve as an information and education campaign to everyone specially the younger generations to value the environment thru environmental protection and preservation. The Province of Albay aims to be adjudged as the most beautiful, cleanest and greenest province in the country.

This program was conceptualized by Honorable Governor Al Francis Bichara in partnership with several concerned national agencies, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources with the support of the municipal/city local government units of Albay. Orientations and disseminations were conducted in the last quarter of the year followed up by meetings and coordination to different LGUs and national agencies concerned.

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P R O G

FARM SCHOOL

The Farm School was established as the training hub for farmers and students. It provides lectures and hands-on training on the different competencies such as Organic Agricultural Production (OAP) and Rice Machinery Operations (RMO). Students who graduated from these courses can apply for TESDA assessment for National Certification II. The Farm School generates revenue from the TESDA and Walk-in students.

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R A M S

ALBAY DAIRY PLANT

In 1988, through the Privatization Policy of the Government, the operation of the Albay Dairy Plant was turned over by the Bureau of Animal Industry and National Dairy Authority to the Albay Dairy Farmers MultiPurpose Cooperative with the supervision of the Department of Agriculture.

In 1994, a Memorandum of Agreement was made and entered by and between the Provincial Government of Albay and the Albay Dairy Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative for the use of the Albay Dairy Plant and its corresponding facilities and equipment. The operation continued under the supervision of the Albay Veterinary Office and ended in June 2017. With the new mandate of the Provincial Government of Albay, the Albay Veterinary Office is directed towards rehabilitating, upgrading and supervising operations at the Albay Dairy Plant.

The Albay Dairy Plant project focuses on processing farm fresh milk coming from cattle, carabao and goat farmers/raisers, creating a market for them to sell their milk at a reasonable price thereby leading to an alternative livelihood for them. The project can also be an aid in combating the growing malnutrition problem by supplementing dairy products rich in vital nutrients and minerals, and teaming up with the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) in launching feeding programs wherein the beneficiaries are mostly children who are underweight/malnourished.

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P R O G

SUSTAINABLE CACAO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SCDP)

The SCDP was launched in 2016 by Honorable Governor Al Francis Bichara in partnership with the DA-RFO 5 which aims to produce more cacao beans that will supply the needs of local and international markets and to help farmers achieve their aspirations for an increased income. The program provides and facilitates assistance to farmers through the distribution of grafted cacao seedlings and provision of trainings.

Cacao is one of the priority commodities under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) being given with appropriate support interventions for commercial production, processing, marketing and distribution. It is considered as a very viable industry in Albay having a good climate with Mayon Volcano sustainably providing volcanic ash that helps in the fertilization of the soil. From 2016 to date, a total of 741 hectares of coco-based areas have intercropped with cacao out of the 1,000 hectares target.

For the year 2020, 28,190 of cacao seedlings were distributed to farmers and other beneficiaries, and 48.88 hectares of cacao area was established.

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R A M S

PILI COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION PROJECT (PCPP)

PCPP was launched in 2000 through the initiative of Gov. Al Francis C. Bichara backed-up by Provincial Ordinance No. 99-015 providing incentives by granting tax exemptions and other privileges to real property landowners planting pili in commercial scale. Its program strategic direction is to facilitate and harmonize development interventions in the production areas/zones. It is geared towards the enhancement of productivity, improvement of commodity competitiveness and employs value chain analysis approach as a tool for value adding and product development.

As of December 2020, there are 119,596 Pili trees maintained and monitored by the province through the APAO facilitators and extension workers. The area covered by this project is 1,192.30 hectares province wide.

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P R O G R A M S

MUSHROOM/KURAKDING PROPAGATION

The Mushroom program of the Albay Provincial Agriculture Office (APAO) aims to help our rice farmers and other interested Albayanos to produce Mushroom and Kurakding Propagation as a source of income and utilize the products as a healthy natural alternatives. Mushroom and Kurakding cultivation helps to address the issue of nutritional security and also provides solution for proper recycling of agro-wastes. The program includes the preparation of tissue culture and the production of planting spawns for oyster and split-gill mushroom cultivation.

The program features off and on-site trainings on Mushroom production and post-harvest processing. Training starter kits are provided for free. The program also provides assistance and support to the members of the Albay Mushroom Producers Association.

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PRODUKTONG

ALBAY ! y a h u b a M Tunay na

STINGLESS

HONEY BEE

Stingless bees or also called as stingless honey bees are now being cultured in the Bee Farm in AFBVille, Camalig Albay. The honey products that are being sold in the said village came from this bee farm. It is managed by the 4H Young Farmers. However, some farmers would also bring their honey product to AFBVille to be sold.

With this, Albay Federal Beekeepers Association (AFBA) was established to meet the demand of honey in the province.

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CACAO-MAZING Many of the cacao pods being processed in the AFBVille are being supplied by the members of Albay Pili and Cacao Industries Association (APCIA). As a matter of fact, the number one supplier in AFBVille is Dra. Dandy Gata of Guinobatan who is a member of the said group.

The products made from the cacao sweatings are cacao wine which is the best-seller for the tourists, and cacao vinegar, too. They also have the cacao nibbles and the tableya made of dry fermented beans.

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APCIA is just beginning on establishing this project; thus, it cannot afford yet to hire for workers.

The kind-hearted Governor of Albay, Al Francis Bichara, through the help of the Provincial Agriculturist, Ma’am Cherll Rebeta, assigned several personnel from Albay Provincial Agricultural office (APAO) to help in making the products and in managing the Cacao Processing and Fermentation Facilities at AFBVille.

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PILI-CIOUS The pili used in AFBVille in making different pili products came from the different municipalities and cities of Albay. The members are composed of the Albay Pili & Cacao Industry Association (APCIA) and Albay Pili Stakeholders Association (APSA), pili growers/farmers and landowners.

There are different products from pili which are available in AFBVille and these are the following: Pili Pulp Oil, Pili Kernel Oil, Elemi Oil, Activated Pili Nuts, Honey Glazed Pili Nuts, Salted Pili Nuts, Roasted Pili Nuts, Kernel Powder, and Chili Pili Nuts.

The people in-charge for the production of these products are the pili processors, the members of Albay Pili Stakeholders Association (APSA) and the pili staff. The APSA members help when there are scheduled trainings being held in AFBVille.

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ESSENTIAL OILS & SOAPS The essential oils are made of the herbs which are carefully taken care of and planted in AFBVille farm. These herbs are planted by the employees at Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO).

The products which are made of these herbs are soaps, essentials oils and ointment or balm. These products are organic and very beneficial to the health of the customers.

Moreover, the ones who do the process of making the soaps, essential oils and ointment or balm are the experts from the group of the soil laboratory and essential and the soap team.

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FRUITY Bignay fruit with a scientific name Antidesma bunius is a species of fruit tree in the family Phyllanthaceae. This fruit is native to Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.

The bignay fruit being processed in the AFBVille comes from local farmers in the municipalities of Guinobatan and Camalig, and City of Tabaco.

There are several products being produced and sold in the village such as Bignay wine, Bignay jam, and Bignay juice.

In AFBVille, Ms. Diverlyn Nabor is the sole Albayana who makes juice and jam out of the Bignay fruit. While Ms. Daphne Indira Mandane and Gina Palencia are in-charge of making Bignay wine.

BIGNAY

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FRESH MILK The cow’s milk used for the different dairy products which are being sold in the AFBVille is being supplied by the local farmers.

The milk is brought to the Albay Dairy Box and Ice Cream House which is being processed by the members of the Albay Agriculture Cooperative.

The processed dairy products are Fresh Milk and the Choco Fun.

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HEALTHY MUSHROOMS Albay Mushroom Producers Association (AMPA) members and officers are the ones supplying the AFVBVille with the mushroom that is being processed into different edible products. Moreover, the spawn used in the propagation of the mushroom came from the AFBVille, Soil Laboratory facility. There are two types of mushrooms that are being cultured in making different products and these are the kurakding, a local-type of mushroom and the oyster mushroom.

The products that are made of mushrooms are chips, crackers, chili-paste, peanutmushroom butter, mushroom powder, and mushroom pickles.

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AFBVILLE:

THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS TO THE LIVES OF ALBAYANOS

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During the 7th Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plan (AMFP) 2018-2023 Provincial Consultation, Governor Al Francis Bichara insisted that agriculture is one of the most lacking sectors of provincial development. Different challenges such as non-suitable bureaucratic and technocratic plans, small and few organizations of farmers and growers, aging farmers and passive-attitude toward farming, and lack of other facilities, technological equipment, and training slow down the enhancement of the said sector. The 15-hectare Albay Farmers Bounty Village (AFBVille) served as a one-stop-shop farmers complex to aid all the previous problems faced by agriculture.

Together with the different partnerships from the private LGUs and civil society organizations, AFBVille aims to focus on addressing the people’s needs as it gathers necessary services such as the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO), Veterinary Services and Public Employment Service Office, and Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Center (PCEDO) into one place much accessible to the majority of the population.

The village also provides a good avenue for employment of both farm and non-farm sectors which would improve the living conditions of indigent, women, and other vulnerable groups.

Lastly, it manages the production,

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processing, and distribution of agricultural products to both rural and urban areas.

The products and services AFBVille offers were designed to accommodate and educate everyone including tourists and students about the processes of Agri-communities and most importantly, the significance of this sector in boosting the economy and reaching “Zero Hunger”, one of the pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the Philippines.

The Agri-village is equipped with a Farm School (400 cap), 2 Auditoriums (400-500 cap each), a Trade Center (400 cap.), a Soil Laboratory, 3 Processing Centers (Cacao, Pili & Camote), Packaging Center, VermiComposting Facility, Agricultural Stations, Crop Production Area, Nursery, Organic Vegetables Experimental Stations, TESDA Farm School & Assessment Center, the DA ATI “Learning Site” for Farmer Field Schools, and other smaller offices. In 2020, the 15-hectare land constructed a new Soap and Essential Oils Processing Facility, a Dairy Plant FDA Certified Food Manufacturer, and a Children’s Park and Mini Zoo to encourage visitors.

Overall, ABFVille continues to impact the lives of the people through different ways further elaborated on the succeeding pages.

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FARMER GROUPS/ ORGANIZATIONS AND TRAININGS

A total of 383 farmers/livestock groups & 33 recipient organizations of DA Intervention program worth Php 177M in farm inputs were accredited by the APAO and PVO financial & organizational support.

Along with this, PCEDO conducted workshops on entrepreneurial management to 11 Cooperatives.

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AFBVILLE: THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS TO THE LIVES OF ALBAYANOS

CROP PRODUCTION YIELDS AND FOOD SECURITY

The National Food Authority (NFA Region 5) removed Albay off in “The Poor Provinces List” as it no longer needs rice assistance with the Agri-village achieving Rice selfsufficiency. Corn and Cassava yields also improved feeding more mouths than the previous years. The Agri-village also ensured a continuous supply of homegrown vegetables from its 1,500 Organic communal & backyard gardens established by 63,658 HH under the Albay Family-Based Food Production Program. The Trading Center also serves as a public market 156 days in a year for the barangays situated near the area.

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NEW TECHNOLOGY AND ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF INCOME

New Diversification technology such as intercropping cacao, sweet potatoes, and coco geonet gave additional sources of income to locals. The village also reduced the transportation cost in delivering products to markets. The different branches of the 15-hectare farm also opened various employment opportunities to locals in the areas such as farming, production, processing, distribution, management, marketing, and more.

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AFBVILLE: THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS TO THE LIVES OF ALBAYANOS

FARM SCHOOL AND LEARNING FACILITIES Agricultural education was given to 25% of Albay’s total population corresponding to 300,000 people trained in sectors of crop and livestock management practices through the AFBVille Farm School & other facilities. A total of 1,200 TESDA scholars graduated in 48 batches. 16,234 farmers (42% women) were also provided with 69 field trainings from the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and more new technologies were offered by 17 partner government agencies.

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TOURISM

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ABFVille boosted the tourism of the province as people visit both for educational and leisure purposes.

The Stingless Bee Farm and Crop Production Areas were the sites for the Miss Earth International Beauty Pageant visit to Albay back in 2018. In addition, the farm has welcomed and educated 7,245 visitors from 45 educational tours from January to mid-March, 2021.

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AFBVILLE: THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS TO THE LIVES OF ALBAYANOS

NUTRITION The farm has conducted Milk feeding programs to PSWDO’s 849 recorded malnourished children for 50 days and DepEd Albay’s 3,645 pupils in accordance with RA 11037 or the School-based Feeding Program - Milk Feeding Component in 2020. These have contributed in attaining the Prevalence Rate (PR) of 91.6% Normal Weight while decreasing malnutrition to 3.4% in the province.

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POVERTY

AGRICULTURAL MINDSET

Because of the additional livelihood opportunities provided by the Agri-farm and the continuous supply of homegrown crops to families, 102,00 Albayanos were eased out of poverty in 2018 as the Family Poverty Incidence was reduced by 8.9%. This has placed Albay as the least poor among the different Bicolano provinces.

Since its opening, the ABFVille got the attention of over 60,000 young men, women, and children and opened their eyes to agriculture. The educational tours conducted in the village and High School Work Immersion activities equipped 1,100 Senior High School students from 18 National High Schools with new knowledge about the sector. Seminars and other programs also empowered agricultural efficiency among the participants from around the Philippines. This provides a good foundation of future programs catered towards the enhancement of agriculture in the country. More citizens also became members of the 4-HC to join the annual DA-ATI Japan & Taiwan Cultural Internship Programs.

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AFBVILLE: THE IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS TO THE LIVES OF ALBAYANOS

CULTURAL BOUNDARIES With the ABFVille’s inclusive education, training, and work opportunities, women farmers comprise 48% of the Farmers’ Field School (FFS) graduates giving them knowledge and skills on assessment, preparation, and adaptation to the risks in the agricultural sector. They, together with the other locals now, equally contribute to the food security of the province and other regions’ products are distributed too.

The Albay Farmers Bounty Village has managed to become a state-of-the-art one-stop-shop for farm produce while ensuring food security, breaking cultural boundaries, battling malnutrition and hunger, providing education and employment, and boosting tourism in the province of Albay. All the programs conducted and continuously improved annually according to the needs of the people have contributed greatly to sustainable and inclusive economic development and the eradication of poverty. This shall be a source of comfort to the vulnerable and also pride to the Albayanos who continue to make it bloom.

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A

AFBVILLE ON COVID-19 RESPONSE

A global health emergency was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 30, 2020, just a month after cases of pneumonia with an unknown cause spiked in Wuhan City, China.

Initially called “nCov”, the then “novel coronavirus” was renamed COVID-19 a few days later while it spread to more countries outside its area of origin. The Philippines was one of the most badly hit countries in the world with more than a thousand Filipinos infected each day. Among its current 2.13 million recorded cases since the start of the pandemic, more than 25, 000 are from the Bicol Region with 13% Albayanos.

community quarantine for the past months. With this, the Provincial Government of Albay partnered with the Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village or AFBVille in a series of programs to ease the people’s needs, especially the marginalized communities within the impending pandemic.

AFBVille, a project of current Governor Al Francis Bichara, is a 15-hectare farm complex in Barangay Cabagñan, Camalig, Albay equipped with several buildings dedicated to enhance the agricultural sector of the province. The wide landscape has employed locals from various parts of Albay to manage the harvest According to the and the distribution of the crops Department of Health Region V, and other materials produced in a total of 3, 608 Albayanos were the village. Aside from enhancing infected since the surge of the the agriculture and tourism in the cases in March 2020. Adding to the province, AFBVille also hosted fear of the virus were other external countless projects to address the factors caused by the prolonged locals’ needs during quarantine.

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ISOLATION FACILITIES AND VACCINATION SITES

AFBVille’s Dormitory served as an isolation facility for a total of 516 doctors and other healthcare workers from the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH). The dormitory was built along with the other buildings in the village to accommodate the future agricultural students in the area’s Farm Schools and Assessment Centers. With the lockdown still in place, it first became one of the isolation facilities in Albay to ensure the safety of both the frontliners and their respective families.

Aside from the dormitory, AFBVille also had an auditorium which has become one of

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the primary vaccination sites in the province especially in the nearby municipalities of Daraga (Malabog) and Camalig. Providing the citizens and health workers with a proper venue to administer the vaccines helped ease the vaccination system in Albay and reduced vaccine hesitancy among Albayanos due to the accessibility of the site. With the threat of the virus along with its variants, a quicker vaccine rollout is essential for regions and AFBVille, together with the other agencies, targeted exactly that by easily providing accessible vaccination sites closer to the people.

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AGRICULTURE AND EMPLOYMENT

Another sector of COVID Response was making sure the people had a source of income especially the pandemic. The quarantine itself closed down shops, left many unemployed and made it harder for the local farmers to trade their goods for well-deserved money without the face-to-face barter in the public markets. With this, the opening of the AFB Ville offered jobs to many Albayanos in terms of farming, researching, packaging, distributing, and managing the whole village. As the village also opened a Bee Farm and Garden, additional jobs were given to the citizens in terms of tourism.

Aside from these, the Provincial Government of Albay or PGA purchased fruits and vegetables worth 2.3 million from the local farmers struggling to sell their harvest due to the restrictions imposed. This

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was done through the Albay Provincial Agricultural Office (APAO) located within AFBVille. This scheme did not only ensure that the farmers gain profit from their hard labor but also that the fellow Albayanos recognize their efforts as the products were included in the relief or “ayuda” given to the respective barangays. In this effort, PGA and APAO made good use of local businesses in aiding the citizens.

Aside from the abovementioned action, the agencies also managed to employ community facilitators for a safe and smooth-flowing purchase, packaging, and distribution of goods. The said facilitators worked closely with the local government units to guarantee that all COVID-19 protocols issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) were implemented and that all families received the relief.

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FOOD SECURITY AND SUFFICIENCY

The farm itself situated within AFBVille is already a product provider in the Albay public markets where the citizens purchase their food on a regular basis. In battling malnutrition, hunger, and health deficiencies within the families, PGA and AFBVille also founded the Albay Food Sufficiency Program and Albay Family-based Food Gardening amidst COVID-19. Partnering with the diocese through Bishop Joel Baylon and the 18 LGUs in the province, the project centralized on teaching families the basics of growing their own vegetable gardens at home.

A total of 50, 000 households were targeted according to the data from PGA to ensure food

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security amidst the lockdown and promote health wellness among Albayano families. These programs were anchored from the Albay Family-based Food Production Program (AFBFPP) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Region V under the “Plant, Plant, Plant Program” or “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Laban sa COVID-19 Program” implemented for the past 3 years.

With the virus cases still on the rise, these allowed Albayano families to keep their health in check and to recover socially and economically. It also provided agricultural knowledge to the locals which could become a common practice and serve the communities well in the future.

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PRICE MONITORING OF AGRI-FISHERY COMMODITIES

In connection with the strengthening of land agriculture, AFBVille and PGA also spearheaded a weekly monitoring of the prices of Agri-fishery commodities. This was done to avoid the escalation of prices as earning income within the pandemic

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became harder for the working class. The city/ municipal councils are in-charge of the weekly checks to maintain a reasonable exchange rate of goods and services between the retailers and consumers.

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CLEANLINESS AND BEAUTIFICATION

From an environmental perspective, the pandemic has forced economies to switch to delivery services when purchasing goods due to the closing down of the majority of establishments. Food and other items now come at doorsteps wrapped in tons of plastic waste. As everyone fears going out, even the streets’ cleanliness has failed to be maintained.

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Beautification Clean and Green Program also in partnership with AFBVille. It aimed to clean and sanitize areas along the streets of 720 barangays as well as line it with both edible and non-edible flowering plants for beautification. Another objective was to inform and educate the public about the impact of the pandemic on the environment and the importance of taking care of it amidst the crisis.

With this, the province began the Albay for

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FAMILY-BASED VOLUNTEERISM

The success of all the previously mentioned programs was not only because of the good management of the PGA, LGUs, AFBVille but also the efforts of the community. The said agencies promoted the Albay Family-based Volunteer Program which encouraged Albayano families to lend a hand in all the COVID-19 Response projects conducted. Partnering with fellow families in each barangay, the volunteers paved the way for sustainable development in areas such as employment, agriculture, food security, relief operations, cleanliness, and beautification amidst the pandemic.

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Also included in their advocacies is disaster preparedness as Albay remains one of the top affected areas of typhoons each year and a large part of the Mayon Volcano danger zone. The teams also encouraged the use of the GET PASS app, a contact tracing and travel pass application for establishments, within their respective barangays in accordance with the government’s protocols. Together, more families were empowered to volunteer and give their neighbors the hand in surviving one of the most crucial parts of our lives.

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CONTINUOUS OPERATIONS EQUATES CONTINUOUS BENEFITS

The Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village sure is an attraction worth seeing as it brought the province another tourist destination. However, its beauty does not only lie on the external factors but digs deeper to its relevant impact on Albay’s COVID-19 Response. With the help of the PGA and the support of the communities, AFBVille has provided employment, food sufficiency, and even the value of community and fairness between and among cities and municipalities.

It is indeed essential not only for tourism and agriculture but also for the other opportunities and assistance it has served even with the endless restrictions of the pandemic. These programs being sustainable in nature also allow the future generations to benefit on its continuous operations. The village is therefore a 15-hectare proof of the resilience of Albay in the middle of a worldwide crisis.

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AWA R D S & C O M M E N D AT I O N S A W A R D S

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C O M M E N D A T I O N S

The Commission on Audit (COA) of the Republic of the Philippines has recently lauded the Albay Farmers Bounty Village (AFBV) for establishing a one-stop-shop farmer’s complex. According to COA, this smart move of the AFBVille will surely uplift the farming industry in the Province of Albay.

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Recently, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) accredited Albay Farmers Bounty Village (AFBV) as Farm School and Assessment Center offering Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Rice Machinery Operation NC II and Farmers Field School (FFS).

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A W A R D S

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C O M M E N D A T I O N S

Albay’s beloved son – Gov. Al Francis C. Bichara was conferred with the 2019 TESDA National KABALIKAT Awardee.

The TESDA National KABALIKAT Award is the highest government award given to institutions and outstanding individuals who have invested and partnered with TESDA for human capital development.

Gov. Bichara is the only governor in the Philippines awarded by TESDA during its 26th Anniversary with a theme “Bringing HOPE in time of CRISIS”.

He got this award because of his investment to AFBVille Farm School amounting to Php 200M which was devoted to the procurement of land and equipment, trainings to the TVET programs of TESDA, and human capital investment.

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Albay Farmer Bounty Village (AFBVille) was accredited by the Dept. of Tourism (DOT) as an Agri-Tourism Destination in Albay. It was cited as the first Local Government Unit (LGU) in the Philippines to establish an Agri-tourism.

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C O M M E N D A T I O N S

The Provincial Government of Albay won the highly coveted National Most Outstanding Province in Organic Agriculture Award.

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Because of the contribution to the increase on rice grain yield, rice sufficiency and as a contribution to the national palay production, seven agricultural extension works in Albay were awarded as 2019 Rice Achievers Awardees.

Agricultural Workers from Albay – Provincial Agriculturist Cheryll Rebeta and the Provincial staffs Rosalinda Belodo, Engr. Ronald Saulon and Rochelle Adivino With three extension workers Aaron Israel Losabia of Pioduran, Felix Gino Murillo of Ligao City and OIC-City Agriculturist of Tabaco City Engr. Ma. Aileen Bombon

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A W A R D S

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ALBAY PROVINCE HAILED AS ONE OF THE 22 FINALISTS IN GALING POOK 2021

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In the recently concluded Galing Pook 2021, the Albay Farmers Bounty Village (AFBVille) Program has made it to the final round as it bagged an award as one of the 22 finalists. Recognized by the GP Foundation as one of the LGUs that has stepped up their game to show “adaptiveness, innovation, resiliency, and excellence in response to various challenges that came with the present health crisis.”

The Albay Farmers Bounty Village (AFBVille) today is a pioneer program conceptualized by Albay Gov. Al Francis C. Bichara, “to rethink and visualize the future” in agricultural development.

The 15-hectare AFBVille features a TESDA Certified farm school, numerous processing facilities, a modern dairy farm center, a student learning center and a farm tourism site that is DOT-accredited and hailed as one of the best Agri-tourism sites in the country today.

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AFBVille was inaugurated on May 22, 2018 during the 1st Bicol Agri Expo. It has an impressive reach: 1,200 TESDA scholars, over 16,000 farmers and fisherfolks trained on climate change, and tens of thousands of people in different communities that have benefited from their food production and seed distribution projects.

Atty. Alex B. Cabrera editorial column “AS EASY AS ABC” in the business section of the “Philippine Star” titled “The Country’s Sources of Hope, “dated October 21, 2021, featured the AFBVille as a whole farming ecosystem in Albay.

An example can give farming in the country a much-needed shot in the arm, and show the young that farming is so much more than just planting under the sun. A farming village of this size and sophistication is an ambitious dream for any town or city. But in Albay, they made this dream come true.

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A W A R D S

&

C O M M E N D A T I O N S

RICE COMPETITIVENESS ENHANCEMENT FUND (RCEF)RICE FARMERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RFFA) Secretary of Agriculture William D. Dar with Governor Al Francis C. Bichara led the ceremonial distribution of the RCEF-RFFA in the province of Albay on November 11, 2021 at the Albay Astrodome, Old Albay, Legazpi City.

and the Land Bank of the Philippines are the conduit banks for this project.

Although the Rice Tariffication Law was met with a lot of resistance, it is actually a game changer and rice farmers are now benefitting from it according to Sec. Dar. He also explained that the funds for the RFFA were taken from the excess amount from the yearly P 10B RCEF fund allocated to help rice farmers through provision of seeds, fertilizers, capability enhancement or extension services and credit.

The first Ko Farmers from the three (3) districts of Albay received the cash assistance of Php 5,000 each who are tilling rice area of 2.0 hectares and below and are enrolled in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

They were issued with their respective Interventions Monitoring Card (IMC) which will He thanked and serve as identification commended the farmers card and cash card. for being the heroes of our times as they

In Albay, a total continue producing of 28,296 rice farmers food for the Filipinos are eligible to avail of amid the pandemic the cash assistance and he also urged them amounting to Php not to lose hope as 141,480 million. he averred “Ang ating bansa ay babangon,

The Development Ang ating agrikultura ay Bank of the Philippines babangon.”

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Issue No. 1 Volume No. 1 | January - December 2021

THE BEST LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN THE PHILIPPINES 2021 IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE DELIVERY TO BE BESTOWED BY ALSWDOPI NOV. 17, 2021

GOV AL FRANCIS BICHARA pursued a BEST PRACTICE that illustrated and exemplified a professional standard for Social Welfare and Development Program that saw a highly efficient and effective delivery of programs and services with the active partnership among government agencies, professionals’ group, non-government organizations, people’s organizations and the international community in Albay Province.

His effective and efficient service delivery of social service programs and services emphasized four (4) attributes: (1) The INNOVATIONS, Best Practices and exemplary local Initiatives initiated in Albay during the height of the “Great Pandemic” of 2020; (2) The ENACTED Local Legislations and the PGA Budget Appropriations that gave Social Service the biggest slice of the entire PGA budget for five (5) straight years from 2017 to 2021 and most importantly the highest appropriations to combat the threat of the Corona Virus 19 in 2020; (3) His PIONEERING compliance to RA 9433 for Albay’s Early Development Care Program that gave employment and produced the highest number of Day Care Workers (DCW) in the Bicol Region for five (5) straight years from 2017-2021; and finally (4) His continuous grant of subsistence allowance, hazard pay, overtime pay and other benefits to thousands of Job Orders and Casuals-which added to employment and improved “QUALITY OF LFE” in Albay even during the pandemic.

The GAWAD PARANGAL is an annual award conferred by ALSWDOPI to Outstanding Local Chief Executives (Provincial Governor, City/Municipal Mayor). The search conducted by the Committee of Gawad Parangal is broken to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao which served as a final evaluation to determine the best of three final nominees in the provincial category per Island.

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“ THIS NEW APPROACH (NEW THINKING FOR AGRICULTURE) FOCUSES ON IMPROVING FARMERS’

PRODUCTIVITY, COMPETITIVENESS,

“ AND

PROSPERITY

SEC. WILLIAM D. DAR

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SECRETARY

DURING THE 18TH NATIONAL VEGETABLE CONGRESS ON OCTOBER 8, 2019 HELD AT THE ALBAY ASTRODOME

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“ CONGRATULATIONS TO ALBAY!

“

AFBVILLE IS THE BEST AND MOST COMPLETE AGRI-COMPLEX IN THE PHILIPPINES ADMINISTERED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

SENATOR CYNTHIA A. VILLAR

CHAIRMAN, SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD

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“ THIS IS OUR PLACE, AND WE BELONG TO

ONE COMMUNITY. THEREFORE WE SHOULD ALL WORK TOGETHER TO LEAVE SOMETHING GOOD FOR OUR CHILDREN AND MAKE ALBAY A

“

GREAT PLACE TO LIVE IN.

AL FRANCIS C. BICHARA

GOVERNOR

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ABOUT THE COVER

O

ne of the priority projects of the Honorable Governor Al Francis C. Bichara is the establishment of the Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village (AFB Ville), a 15-hectare area donated by the Department of Agriculture to the Provincial Government of Albay, located at Cabangan, Camalig, Albay.

and On-the-Job trainings for college students and other farming enthusiasts as well.

The village was conceptualized by the Governor as a one-stop-shop Farmers’ Complex that presents a unique opportunity to combine aspects of tourism and agriculture industries and to provide educational, financial and social benefits to students, farmers, producers and tourists. Further, it showcases innovative agricultural technologies and best farm practices for farmers which serves as farm school that conducts hands-on trainings for TESDA scholars and a venue for the Work Immersion Program of DepEd for senior high school students

As many people become interested in travelling, it is now a very popular tourist hub that promotes various agricultural opportunities for everyone as evidenced by many visitors that visited in the village to enjoy the breathtaking view of Mayon Volcano, amazing Stingless Bee Farm, beautiful Sunflower Garden and other ravishing sceneries. In fact, the village became one of the tourist destinations of the famous Miss Earth 2019 candidates from the different countries around the world who were advocating for the love and protection of Mother Earth.

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AFBVille was inaugurated on May 22, 2018 with Senator Cynthia A. Villar as the Guest of Honor.

She repeatedly praised this first one-of-a-kind agritourism site in Albay which can be duplicated in other provinces, municipalities and cities in the country.

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DREAM. BELIEVE. ACT. ACHIEVE