Cocoscope 4th issue

Oct-Dec 2013, Vol. 4, Issue 4

PHILIPPINE COCONUT AUTHORITY FIELD SERVICES BRANCH COCONUT EXTENSION TRAINING CENTER

Coconut processing enterprise: Factors Presidential Lingkod Bayan Awardee

Engr. Reynato P. Dubongco VCO: For Skin and Beauty National Palm Oil Industry: Roadmap Plant Cassava under Coconut Tips on Mulching

A story of a farmer and his extension worker

BEYOND A HELPING HAND

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR

As 2013 folds to a close, COCOSCOPE salutes the Extension Workers of the Philippine Coconut Authority.

PCA’s men and women front-liners are known as the Coconut Development Officers or CDOs. To these effective change-agents, the CDOs are efficient and has the passion to serve the coconut farmers not bounded by time between 8 to 5 or whether it’s a Saturday or Sunday. PCA programs and projects are implemented by the extension worker. Activities at the research centers are adopted at the farmers level through the extension worker. As long as farmers trust and believe in the extension worker, success is not far behind. A good partnership between extension worker and farmer is developed.

Real extension stories are characterized by trust and respect. In this issue, we feature two awardees, PCDM Reynato Dubongco of Northern Samar who won the Lingkod Bayan Award and Dr. Melchor Gerald A. Serquiña, 2013 Gawad Saka Awardee. Heroes in their respective fields. Through the years, PCA has already produced a number of Gawad Saka awardees. Behind these farmers’ success are committed Extension Workers, the CDOs.

The COCOSCOPE will continue to feature farmers’ success stories in partnership with the CDOs.

A toast to PCA’S Extension Workers!

Season’s Greetings & may the New Year 2014 bring more success to PCA!

COCOSCOPE is published quarterly by the Coconut Extension Training Center (CETC) of the Philippine Coconut Authority, Field Services Branch as a vehicle of information for coconut and oil palm farmers and farmworkers, extension workers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers of the industry.

The CETC welcomes articles, manuscripts, artworks and photographs which shall be considered for publication.

Please send your contributions to CETC email ad: pcacetc@yahoo.com.ph. Loss or damage, however, of the materials is not the responsibility of COCOSCOPE.

INSIDE 7

A Farmer’s Success Story in partnership with the Extension Worker’s passion for hard work.

Their journey garnered the 2013 Gawad Saka Award for Dr. Melchor Gerald A. Serquiña.

ABOUT THE COVER

Coverstory

Beyond a Helping Hand

3

Plant Cassava under Coconut

6

PCA’s Lingkod Bayani: Engr. Reynato P. Dubongco

10

Tips on Mulching

11

Coconut Processing Enterprise: Factors

12

Go Herbal for your Livestock

14

VCO: The Ultimate Beauty Product

15

Philippine Palm Oil Industry Roadmap

behind the scenes Editorial Adviser ROEL M. ROSALES Editor in Chief EDGAR T. BAHALA Writers/Associate Editors ARACELI A. LOYOLA, ALGERICO M. BOLOS, MARIANITA N. EROY, RHOIELIZA E. RECLA, JONAS AMOR G. SOBREPEÑA Managing Editor CARMENCITA L. DE LEON Layout/Writer/ Production CATHERINE ROSE B. BENGAN

pca management Administrator

EUCLIDES G. FORBES

Deputy Administrator Field Services Branch

ROEL M. ROSALES

OIC Deputy Administrator Trade & Market Development Branch

LUCITA M. FALCATAN

Deputy Administrator Research Development & Extension Branch

CARLOS B. CARPIO

Deputy Administrator Corporate Services Branch

JAVIER S. TAYAG

Updates

PCA Taps Schools For Replanting Project

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is set to buy 4.0 million coconut seedlings from state universities and colleges (SUC’s) for 2014 as part of its massive planting and replanting project. Already, thirteen (13) SUC’s and two (2) LGU’s agreed to participate in this program.

Under the MOA, SUC’s will provide coconut site, tools and the labor in the establishment and maintenance of the nurseries. Each coconut seedling will cost Php26-27. Part of the profit of the school will be use to put up scholarships for poor but deserving students.

The Cagayan State University (CSU) has agreed to plant 900,000 seedlings under the program. To date, they have already planted 300,000 seedlings. The university has already chosen twenty (20) students to be the beneficiaries of the PCA-CSU Scholarship Assistance Program.

“These scholars are just the beginning, but imagine if we can have 20 scholars each from the more than ten state schools who signed up with us as source of our seedlings.

There will be more than two hundred (200) poor students who can benefit from our replanting funds,“ PCA Administrator Euclides G. Forbes said.

PCA is still looking for other state schools as sources of planting materials. It only requires that thirty (30%) percent of the profits go to the scholarships of poor but qualified students.

The PCA plans to dispensed with public bidding.

The transaction shall be covered by official receipts and shall be examined by their respective COA auditors.

Source: Coconut Media Service

Calamity Victims Continue to Receive PCA Help

Administrator Euclides G. Forbes has ordered the release of Php8.2 M for the payment of incentives to some 4,506 coconut farmers from Cebu and Bohol. The incentive fund is under PCA’s cash for work program known as Participatory Coconut Planting Project (PCPP).

In this program, participants who have successfully raised, transplanted and stabilized seedlings on the ground are entitled to a monetary incentive of forty pesos (P40.00).

current clearing operations in Typhoon Yolanda-affected coconut provinces.

The PCA released the funds due to the calamity and even if the farmers have not yet finished the two phases of the project. According to the Administrator the amount released will cover payment of farmers’ incentives under Option 1−Phase 1 at P18.00 for every seedling produced at 2 feet tall in the nursery.

Initial report from PCA accounted 4.7 million damaged trees in varying degrees from slight to severe.

This estimated a total loss of P1,512,681,446.00 in the provinces of Quezon in Region IV−A, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental in Region VI, Cebu in Region VII and Eastern Samar and Leyte in Region VIII.

Meanwhile, Administrator Forbes ordered the immediate purchase of 100 chainsaws to be used for the

1

The chainsaws will be used to cut felled palms barring free passage of relief operations. Those suitable will be processed into timber to construct houses for families made homeless by the typhoon. Each operator will be paid P300.00 a day as part of PCA’s cash for work program.

Source: Coconut Media Service

Updates

World Food Programme Gives Rice Incentive

Last October, the World Food Programme (WFP) Participants from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao received sacks of rice from gave sacks of rice to PCA-Salt Fertilization Project (SFP) World Food Programme (WFP) participants from Maguindanao. The incentive was part of WFP’s Food for Work Program which was limited only to qualified participants of current PCA programs in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

To date, 189 sacks of rice at 50 kilograms per sack were given to the same number of household-participants in eight municipalities of Maguindanao. Twenty three (23) sacks of rice were distributed to the SFP participants from Parang, Maguindanao and 57 sacks were distributed to participants from Barira and Matanog, Maguindanao.

Other SFP participants include: North Upi The participants of the SB High Oil Palm Project participants with 19 sacks, Talitay with 25 sacks, Guindulungan with 33 sacks, Datu Odin Sinsuat with 18 of the Bangsamoro Integrated Community Agriculture Development Project also received rice incentive from WFP. sacks and Sultan Mastura with 14 sacks.

Source: Region XIV

Davao Trade Expo 2013 Focuses on Five Golden Crops

Cacao, coffee, corn, cassava and coconut are the “five golden crops” at this year’s Davao Trade Expo (DATE) 2013 held at SMX Davao Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier last October 17 to 19, 2013.

With the theme, “Empowering the Farmer: Engage, Enable, Excite,” Date 2013 encourages local farmers to plant the five “c” crops with other crops in the region.

Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (DCCI) trustee Luciano Frederick Puyod III, said they want to look beyond the traditional crops — like banana and pineapple — that are prevalent in the market, thus the push on the five golden crops. “This will help raise the income of farmers,” said John Carlo B. Tria, Date 2013 events and program head.

Experts and specialists were invited as lecturers. The activities were intended to promote and empower farmers to go into entrepreneurship.

Around 200 exhibitors, 7,000 trade visitors and 1,000 conference delegates gathered for the event.

Source: http://davaotradeexpo.com

Delegates during the open forum at the coconut plenary session.

ERRATUM

In the article “Cocoweek Celebration 2013” from July-Sept 2013 issue of Cocoscope magazine, the name of Mr. Samuel B. Alcala was mistakenly written as Manuel B. Alcala. We apologize for the oversight in the previous issue. Mr. Alcala won the Best Product Innovation during this year’s Cocoweek Celebration.

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Coco-based Farming System

Grow

Cassava r Coconut Quick Facts Botanical Name: Manihot esculenta Common Name: Cassava Plant Height: 15 cm to 30 cm long Root Height: 60 cm Stem Color: pale to dirty white to brown Flesh color: chalk-white or yellowish Harvesting: 6-7 mos after planting

unde

Locally known as balanghoy or kamoteng kahoy in the Philippines, cassava is the fourth most important crop in developing countries. It grows easily even under poor conditions and is a major crop component in mixed cropping system in the uplands.

Roots of cassava plants are few, shallow and contain 15-40% starch. These are clustered around the base of the plant and extend about about 60 cm on all sides penetrating the soil to a depth of 50-100 cm.

The crop is drought-tolerant, cultivated mainly for its tuber.

It’s grows in any soil type and can yield good even in poor soil condition.

Aside from its uses in food, cassava is a raw material for various products such as feeds, starch, alcohol and bio-ethanol.

Things to keep in mind when growing cassava in your coconut farm: A. Cassava needs a more or less evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. A good temperature range from 25-30o C and soil pH range of 5.5-6.5 are also required for good growth.

B. The crop thrives in areas within 800-850 meter above sea level.

C. It grows best when planted at the start of the rainy season.

D. Cassava planting is recommended under coconuts 1-6 years and 26-60 years old.

3

Coco-based Farming System

E. There are two systems of planting cassava in coconut (spacing in 8-10 meters), either by: 1.) Square System: 0.75-1.0 m between rows and 0.50-0.75 m between hills

coconut

(8-10 m spacing)

cassava

(0.75-1.0 m x 0.500.75m, spacing)

FIGURE 1

2.) Triangular System: 0.75-1.0 m between rows and 0.50-0.75 m between hills

coconut (8-10 m spacing)

cassava (0.75-1.0 m x 0.500.75m, spacing)

FIGURE 2

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Coco-based Farming System

F.

G.

H.

I. J.

K.

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Plant only high yielding varieties.

For starch, use VC-1, VC-2, VC-3 Datu. For food or feeds purposes, either Lakan or Golden Yellow variety is strongly recommended.

Plow the field 2-3 times, depending on the degree of soil compactness and porosity. Harrow when there is enough moisture. Make ridges with 15-20 cm high and 75-100 cm distance between furrows.

When cutting for planting materials, select only fresh stem when the latex or sap comes out within six (6) seconds after cutting.

Also, use mature stem if the pith or cork is not more than half the diameter of the cortex (outer layer) Also, select healthy, pest-free stem with diameter that is not less than 1.5 cm and at least eight (8) months old. Use a saw or bolo to separate cuttings 2030 cm long. Keep stalks for not more than five days in upright position under a shade.

Apply fertilizer 2-6 weeks after planting at 5-10 cm depth and 15-20 cm away from the plant. Use compost or organic fertilizer as a soil conditioner and supplementary fertilizer (natural). In the absense of laboratory soil analysis, use eight (8) bags (50 kg capacity) of complete (14-14-14) fertilizer per hectare.

Source: M.I. Secretaria, MSc and S. S. Magat, PhD. Coconut Intercropping Guide No., Coconut-Root Crops Cropping Model 5. www.wikipedia.com; http:davaotradeexpo.com

L.

M.

Within 2 months after planting, weed the plant. If possible, do off-barring and spot weeding 3-4 weeks after planting to effectively control weeds, then weed the plant 4-5 weeks after planting. Hill-up ridges 7-8 weeks after planting followed by spot weeding.

Cassava starts to deteriorate as early as 1-3 days after harvest. Harvest cassava at full maturity or 6-7 months after planting.

NOTE: Do not harvest cassava right after a heavy rain or when the soil is too wet. At this time, the roots have high water content which make them difficult to store. Meanwhile, clayey soil makes the root harder to clean. Therefore, it is practical to harvest during dry weather.

Feature

PCA’s Lingkod Bayani

ENGR. REYNATO P. DUBONGCO

by Carmencita de Leon

Engr. Reynato P. Dubongco, Provincial Coconut Development Manager (PCDM) of PCA-Catarman, Northern Samar may appear a man of few words.

But, in 2013 Engr. Dubongco is one of the 13 recipients of the Honor Award Program out of 97 qualified nominations received from the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

The Civil Service Commission recently gave the award to PCDM Dubongco, together with all the Lingkod Bayan Awardees in Malacañang Palace during the 2013 Search for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees Awards Rites which highlights the national celebration of the 113th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary.

As one of the most coveted awards given by the Civil Service Commission’s Honor Awards Program (HAP), the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is given to an individual or group of individuals for their exceptional performance and contributions in the area of public service. It aims to motivates and encourages government employees to strive the quality of public service as a whole.

Through his efforts, Engr. Dubongco provided alternative learning education and livelihood opportunities for coconut farming communities. He helped in the innovations of coconut production and processing activities as well as marketing and government support for the coconut industry.

2) Community-Based Integrated Coconut Production and Processing; and 3) Coco Coir Production Plant in Lope de Vega.

Engr. Dubongco initiated the formation of the Northern Samar Coconut Industry Development Council.

He endorsed the Coconut Ethanol Production Plant of Engr. Jaime P. Gilbuela to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) which the agencies then granted a budget to make the project operational.

Recently, he initiated and collaborated with Nestle Philippines through Green Life for the coffee intercropping program to link the production and marketing aspect of the coffee intercropping program of PCA.

He also assisted KECO Bio, a Korean company, in the establishment of biomass electric power plant using coconut fronds, husk and debris as fuel.

Engr. Dubongco received a gold medallion, a cash prize of P200,000 plus other incentives and a citation from the President of the Philippines.

He was recognized for his significant contribution in the upliftment of the lives of the coconut farmers particularly on his initiatives in partnership with NGOs, provincial government and LGUs.

He forged a development assistance from PACAP, an Australian Development Assistance that funded the following projects: 1) Family Farm School (FFS) which curriculum he drafted and was submitted to TESDA for accreditation;

L-R: DA Javier Tayag (CSB), DA Roel Rosales (FSB) , PCA Administrator Euclides Forbes, DA Carlos Carpio (RDEB) Mr. & Mrs. Dubongco and Ms. Alma Reynoso, OIC-HRDD

6

Coverstory

by Catherine Rose B. Bengan

BEYOND A HELPING HAND PCA North Cotabato OIC-PCDM Jonathan H. Vicente (R) and Agriculturist Pedro Abasolo Jr. during a farm visit at Serquiña Farm.

This is the story about a Veterinarian turned-Farmer-Entrepreneur and his CDO

Meet Dr. Melchor Gerald A. Serquiña.

Known as Doc Chong, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, he owns a veterinary supply business.

Beyond his profession, he has a passion for farming which he inherited from his departed father who left him a five-hectare farm. He then practices integrated organic farming like his father, an agriculture enthusiast.

This year, he won the 2013 National Gawad Saka Award for the outstanding coconut farmer category, established his own buko juice/shake business and expanded his coconut farm to hopefully meet the global market.

Doc Chong met his Agriculturist, Pedro Abasolo Jr., of PCA North Cotabato, and developed a very close relationship with one another. Their strong brotherhood paved the way for the other’s success.

7

Becoming a Coconut Farmer

Doc Chong was then looking for the best coconut variety to plant with the existing crops in his farm. His brother then approached Pedro ‘Boy’ Abasolo Jr., about the planting material. After careful consideration, they chose aromatic dwarf, a sweet coconut variety.

Boy referred Doc Chong to the PCA-Davao Research Center (DRC), where he bought 400 aromatic seedlings. In 2008, PCA-North Cotabato enrolled Doc Chong’s farm in the first implementation of PCA’s Participatory Coconut Planting Project.

Pests Attack

In the early growth of his coco palms, the destructive Rhinoceros beetle attacked. But with the help of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAG)Cotabato, PCA-DRC and PCA-North Cotabato, Doc Chong installed pheromone traps, thus preventing the spread in the farm.

Coverstory Doc Chong now focuses on his buko juice business, he still sells other products minimally.

Doc Chong is currently expanding his coconut seedling nursery to address the growing demand of the global market.

The farm was also attacked by Brontispa Longissima, another serious pest of coconut. With Boy’s help, Doc Chong acquired 50 mummified parasitiods from PCA-DRC, which he immediately released in the farm and nearby farms. His meticulous step did not fail as the parasitiod worked like a charm.

Trial and Error

At the start, Doc Chong went into copra production. But when convinced about the potential of the other products of coconut, he decided to diversify with the assistance of PCA-North Cotabato. He tried coconut sugar production, coconut vinegar, bukayo, buko pie and coco syrup.

Doc Chong stopped his one year old coco sugar production when he saw that it was laborious. However, he continued to produce other products but in minimal amounts.

Starting Small and Dreaming Big

Immediately after Doc Chong won the Regional Gawad Saka Award, Boy encouraged and helped him to put up a buko juice business with only five men working in his farm.

The buko juice business allowed him to sell nuts, bottled coco water and buko shakes.

Doc Chong shared, “Once we started right, we ended up right. We wanted the business to be consistent

and acceptable to the people. development of my product.”

It’s part of research and

Although some people have already asked about the franchise of his business, he is still planning to increase his capacity of 20-40 liters a day. To date, he is expanding his coconut nursery to meet the global market within three to five years. He also plans to promote the healthy beverage to schools.

Becoming an Outstanding Coconut Farmer

Naturally shy, Doc Chong rarely interacts with other government workers let alone join in agricultural competitions. In fact, Doc Chong was urged to join last year but he thought he was not yet ready. A fellow farmer in Kidapawan won the award .

But this year, with no other competitors for the award, Doc Chong joined and easily won the regional category.

They then prepared for the national competition with the help of PCA Region XII regional office.

Doc Chong won the National Award imagining how he would achieve so much in just a year.

As for Boy, his perseverance and dedication to his job, just paid off.

For Doc Chong and Boy, their bonding, trust, belief and respect, enabled them to change their lives forever.

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Coverstory QUICK FACTS

Doc Chong’s Organic Farming

FARM

Doc Chong practices organic farming by recycling and reutilizing farm waste to his advantage.

He mulches with rice hull litter from his swine production mixed with vermi compost. This helps improve soil aeration and fertility which was then duplicated by DOLE Phils after observing his farm.

He fertilizes his coconuts with 2 kgs. of salt and 2 kgs. of ammonium sulfate per tree per year which according to him increases production and enhances maturity of seednuts intended for sowing and planting.

Productivity

Calamansi has the biggest yield of income. It provides year round fruits, less maintenance, least cost of labor during harvest which means bigger income.

In 2012, Doc Chong established a coconut seedling nursery which commanded higher price than copra. This year, he started a buko juice/shake business which he expanded to meet the demand of the local market.

Climate Change Adaptation And Mitigation The Serquiña Farm is very much in tune with the government campaign on climate change mitigation.

Aside from coconut, the farm also grows bamboos along the perimeter of the farm. This is known to conserve carbon deposits needed to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Also in swine raising, Doc Chong practices Korean technology which minimizes foul odor and provides a cooler place in the environment.

His indigenous microorganism (IMO) spray acts as anti pollutant in the environment and hastens

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Name: Mr. Melchor Gerald A. Serquiña Nickname: Chong CDO Assigned: Mr. Pedro S. Abasolo Jr. OIC PCDM: Jonathan H. Vicente Contact address: Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Lanao, Kidapawan City

Province/region: North Cotabato/Region XII Farm area: 5 hectares Number of Laborers: 5

decomposition of organic matter thus making nutrients available for crops.

Farm Facilities

Doc Chong’s farm facilities include a small and medium tractor, power sprayers, weighing scales, knapsack sprayers, garden hose (used in the drip irrigation of the farm during summer and drought) and incubator for his poultry.

Social Contribution

Field trips and walk-in visitors are a common sight in his farm. It also serves as a research station of students conducting thesis from USM Kabacan.

Doc Chong is an active member of Kidapawan Small Coconut Farmers Organization and a PCA accredited seednuts/seedling supplier.

He is a member of the Philippine Veterinary Association of the Philippines.

Organic Farming

Tips on

A good mulching practice is favorable to your coconut and other crops as it

conserves moisture, improves the fertility and health of the soil and most importantly reduces weed growth.

Here’s a simple list of do’s and dont’s to keep in mind:

Don’t heap it too

HIGH.

Maintain a mulch of four (4) inches high to control weeds. Deep heaps don’t allow air and water to easily reach the soil and affect the roots of their development.

Don’t touch plant PARTS. Keep mulch four (4) inches away from plant stems so you don’t create a moist hiding place for insects and bark-eating animals.

Don’t stretch mulch to the drip

LINE.

Deep mulch layers cause many problems for trees.

Maintain wide mulch rings to protect trees and shrubs and to keep grass, mowers, and weeds far away from trunks and stems.

Source: http://www.treesaregood.com/ Pray, Judy.

Garden Wisdom & Know-How. BlackDog and Leventhal Publishers, Inc., NY, 2010.

Maintain wide mulch rings.

spray O M I ic In d ig e n o u s M

r o O r g a n is m

Doc Chong concocted his own formula called Indigenous Micro Organism (IMO) spray, which helps hasten growth of beneficial bacteria and improves nutrient uptake of his crops. The spray is also an anti-pollutant and deodorant to minimize foul odor from his pigpens.

It is made up of Lactobacillus, molasses, skimmed milk and non-chlorinated water, which is then sprayed to his rice hull 3 x a day.

For more information about this concoction, visit Doc Chong’s farm at Lanao, Kidapawan City or contact Agriculturist Pedro S. Abasolo Jr. at the PCA Provincial office in the same area.

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Business

Establish your own buko water business!

For first timers here’s a step by step process: 1. Select young coconuts of 8-10 months maturity for water production. The perianth lobe should be intact.

5. Split the coconut into two using a sanitized bolo.

Shred the coconut meat into strips. Be careful not to scrape off the parings.

2. Wash the coconuts with water to remove dirt and foreign materials.

6. Add one spoonful of shredded coconut meat (optional) into the plastic bottles. Fill with coconut water.

3. Sanitize the nuts to eliminate bacteria.

4. Collect the coconut water by filtering or straining to remove impurities. In the absence of stainless steel funnel, clean cheesecloth can be used as substitute. Meantime, keep the coconut water in a holding tank at 4O C.

COCONUT

PROCESSING

Identify the vision and mission for the enterprise. Look into or assessed the following factors: a. Market – demand of the product (who, where your market is and how and why your market buys) - marketing arrangement and probable prices - availability, cost and quality of purchased inputs - transportation and storage The profitability of the enterprise will depend on the size of the market, delivery cost and prices of competing products. The process and capacity will determine the price of the product. b. Coconut Supply - plant site area should guarantee the raw material supply requirement - the buying price and commitment of the farmers will determine if the plant will be able to obtain the nut supply it needs with the proper maturity c. Plant site/location - plant site must be carefully

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- - -

-

7. Prepare syrup and add to the coconut water.

8. Seal the bottles and pile inside an ice box filled with crushed ice.

Source: Masa, Dina B et. al. 2011. Establishing a Coconut-Based Processing Enterprise: A Practical Guide. Philippine Coconut Authority. Diliman Quezon City.

ENTERPRISE:

evaluated based on the raw material supply and shipping points particularly for medium to large scale plants to reduce product cost power, water, fuel should be available should have easy access in transporting raw material supply to the plant for small scale plants producing consumer products – locate the plant near commercial centers but not very distant from nut source road network and conditions and availability of transport facilities

d. Technology/Process - choice of technology will depend on the production capacity which in turn will be decided based on the market size - profitability of the project requires compatibility of the technology and process with the market and raw material supply e. Labor and Management Capability - Assess the availability and capability

FACTORS of labor and management in the area which will affect productivity, quality and viability

f. Project Financing - Should have enough funds to operate profitably and sustain the project - Main financing requirement – capital for acquisition of physical assets, pre-operating expenses and start-up and operating capital - Loans should be acquired at affordable interest rates - Far m e r s / f ar m e r- c o op e r at ive s should be cautious in loan availment g. Institution Building - Critical to the success of the project preparation for the entrepreneurial undertaking of the community/ organization or cooperative - Funds must be provided manpower development and strengthening of the project beneficiary Source: Establishing a Coconut-Based Processing Enterprise, PCA-Quezon City

Animal Raising

Go herbal for your livestock

Today, the rising cost of animal drugs is one of the biggest problems of farmers.

Why not try herbal plants! These plants are abundant and they can be used as alternative medicines for humans and animals.

If applied, they can considerably reduce the cost of animal health care and prevent unnecessary animal deaths due to lack of veterinary utilities especially in remote places.

Below are some commonly used medicinal plants which have been proven to be effective:

Lagundi

ARGAW Abgaw (Bisaya)

LAGUNDI

Five-leaves chaste tree (English)

A decoction of 8-15 leaves and 2-3 glasses of water given as drench (1/2 to 1 cup, 3 times a day for 3 days) is effective against fever, cough and colds. The extract of fresh leaves is internally used against ringworm and externally against ticks, lice, fleas and to clean wounds.

Decoction of 112 kg leaves and 2 liters of water is given as drench (3 liters a day, 2 times a day for 1 to 3 days) is effective to treat fever, flu and cough. The juice extracted from the leaves is used as dewormer (1 to 2 kg of leaves) and to treat Newcastle Disease in poultry.

BAYABAS Guava (English) A decoction of 12 leaves and 2 glasses of water is given as drench for diarrhea (1 to 2 glasses, 3 times a day for 1 to 2 days). A poultice of pounded leaves is applied to skin diseases; infested wounds and castration wounds and is also used to stop bleeding.

AMPALAYA

Bitter Gourd (English)

Argaw tree

The juice is extracted from 1/2 to 1 kg of the leaves is orally given to the animal as dewormer.

Given to one-day-old piglets, it prevents piglet anemia.

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Animal Raising

KAKAWATE Madre de Kakaw (Bisaya) Leaves are pounded, the extracted juice is externally applied on the affected area to cure skin diseases, wounds and to get rid of external parasites like lice, ticks and fleas.

BUNGA

Kakawate

Betelnut (English) A decoction of 12 leaves and 2 glasses of water is given as drench for diarrhea (1 to 2 glasses, 3 times a day for 1 to 2 days). A poultice of pounded leaves is applied to skin diseases; infested wounds and castration wounds and is also used to stop bleeding.

CAIMITO Star apple (English)

Decoction of 1/2 kg of caimito leaves and 3 glasses of water is given as drench (1 cup, 3 times a day for 1 to 3 days) for fever and diarrhea in animals.

LANTANA

Baho-baho (Bisaya), Kantutal (Tagalog) A decoction of 200 grams leaves and flowers and 1 liter of water, given three times a day, is used to reduce fever and to cure cough and colds. A poultice of pounded fresh leaves is applied for sprains, fractures and rheumatism.

SAMBONG

Lakadbulan (Bisaya), Ngai camphor (English) Decoction of 10 leaves and 1 liter of water is given as drench against fever, colds, cough, running nose and diarrhea (2 times a day 1/2 to 1 liter for 1 to 3 days)

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MALUNGGAY

Horseradish tree, drumstick tree (English) An orally given extract of 1/2 to 1 kg leaves prevents piglet anemia if given to one-dayold piglets. The extracted juice is also effective externally to cure wounds and internally as dewormer. Young leaves fed to lactating sow or cow stimulates milk flow.

NIYOG

Coconut (English) Water of the young coconut (3 to 5 coconuts) together with 1 cup of sugar and some salt is given to animals with diarrhea. For constipation and as dewormer the juice/oil from meat of the mature coconut (200 to 350 mL 2 times a day for 2 days) is mixed with the feed of the animal.

SAGING Banana (English) Clean, chopped banana leaves (var. saba) are fed ad libitum to animals suffering from diarrhea.

To treat open wounds, e.g, to stop bleeding after castration, clean steamed banana leaves (all varieties) are applied next to the lesions.

Source: Entrepinoy ATBP/agripinoy.net

Emerging Product

People today are conscious of their spend on highly cheat their way into But worry no more, there, because a bottle just as easily.

becoming more and more physical appearance. Some expensive products just to old age as long as they can. especially all the ladies out of VCO can handle the job

Here are ten beauty uses of vco: CUTICLE CREAM Its anti-fungal properties makes it good for ragged cuticles and toes.

SHAVE GEL The oil allows the razor to slide easily and you’ll also have a smooth and well moisturized skin after.

MAKE-UP REMOVER Grab a cotton ball and just dab the oil over your make up. You’ll see how it can easily compete with your other expensive products.

WRINKLE FIGHTER Once the makeup is gone, smooth on a little more. Keeping the eyes super hydrated help diminish those dreaded lines.

FIXED CRACKED HEELS Rest your beat up heels in between pedicures by slathering on some oil post night time shower, then putting on a clean pair of socks over it before bed.

Wake up in the morning with silky soft feet.

DEODORANT Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, VCO can be a good natural deodorant. Although you may need to mix it with other ingredients like baking soda to make it as effective as your usual deo products.

HAIR CONDITIONER Give an end to those split ends and use VCO as your everyday conditioner. Experts agree that it’s good for dry, damaged and frizzy hair. They say that its fatty acids soften hair.

CELLULAR FIGHTER

Rumour has it that if you rub VCO into your stubborn pocketed flesh, it helps smooth out those wretched bumps. Well there’s no harm in trying.

BODY MOISTURIZER Replace your expensive lotion and use it to moisturize your whole body and give that dull skin an extra shine.

MASSAGE OIL It is highly recommended as a massage oil because it doesn’t absorb immediately.

14

Oil Palm

Summit on National Oil Palm Industry Roadmap Held

"Next year, the national government, will spend Php 50 Million for the Philippines’ Oil Palm Industry.

This is for the fertilization and acquisition of planting materials." This is a very timely news announced by DA Carlos B. Carpio of PCA-RDEB.

The PCA, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-CARAGA, and the Philippine Palm Oil Development Council, Inc., conducted the National Oil Palm Roadmap Summit. It was held at Dohera Hotel, Mandaue City last December 13, 2013.

logistics, etc.); 2) More analytic, e.g. Farm Income Analysis, Competitiveness, Value Chain Analysis; 3) Why Invest in Oil Palm?; 4) Agri-Infrastructure Convergence ("PPP"); 5) Replicable Business Models; 6) Land Access; 7) Innovative Financing Schemes (beyond commercial banking); and 8) Impact of Oil Palm in Inclusive Growth (Forex earnings or savings, Agri-growth Farm income/poverty reduction).

In the Open Forum, the following issues were raised:

Representatives from the different agencies, both government and private sectors, discussed the draft of the Philippine Palm Oil Industry Roadmap for 2014-2023, included PPDCI, DTI-CARAGA, KENRAM, USM-Kabacan, FPPI, UAP, Pacific Oil, Agusan Plantation, Inc., and LGUs.

■ Problems on land tenurial issues; ■ Research on oil palm must also be prioritized; ■ Private stakeholders urged the government to lessen or if not remove the 12% VAT on oil palm in preparation for the ASEAN 2015; ■ Strategic financing schemes must be developed.

Presentations during the summit are the following: 1) Global and the Philippine Palm Oil Industry; 2) Strategies for Development; and 3) Proposed Programs & Projects for the Development of the Industry.

The Summit ended with the unanimous adoption of the draft of the Oil Palm Industry Roadmap for 2014-2023 as an official document subject to final revision.

The main critique was Dr. Rolando T. Dy, Executive Director of the Center for Food & Agribusiness Of the University of Asia and the Pacific. He stressed that "there is no silver bullet to solve all the concerns and issues of the oil palm industry in which we must work together."

Dr. Dy’s critique on the draft were on: 1) International Benchmarking (Performance, Practices & Business Models, Policies: land, finance, R&D, Infra/ Dr. Adelflor G. Garcia, PhD, USM, one of the presentors of the Summit.

L-R: Roberto Pizzaro (President of PPDCI), Carlos Carpio (Deputy Administrator, PCA-RDEB), and Dr. Rolando Dy (Executive Director of the Center for Food & Agri-business of the University of Asia and the Pacific)

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The PCA Officers and other participants discuss the roadmap.

Highlights

Oil Palm

The Palm Oil Industry Roadmap 2014-2023 presents a vision of a dynamic, innovative and self-sufficient industry that complements the nation’s coconut industry. And hopes to have enough vegetable oils for the country.

Also, this plan serves as a reference in sourcing funds to implement industry projects. It was developed through a series of consultation and validation workshops participated by the government and private sector, academe and research institutions.

This roadmap contains program, activities and projects which will address the pressing concerns of the industry.

Constraints and issues perceived in the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threat (SWOT) Analysis shaped the proposed strategies for the development of the Oil Palm Industry, namely: Productivity Enhancement, Market Development, Investment and Business Enabling.

The Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) originated in Tropical Africa. It is a perennial crop with a productive lifespan of up to 30 years. Superior from other oil crops, the oil palm yields up to five tons per hectare. It has various uses in the food, non-food and bio-fuel industries.

In 2012 the global production of palm oil is 58,073,000 MT which is 41.80% of the world production of vegetable oils, followed by soya bean at 26.06%, rapeseed oil at 24.21%, and sunflower oil at 9%. Production is dominated by Indonesia and Malaysia with over 90% total production by way of strategic development schemes.

imported oil palm seedlings from Papua New Guinea, Thailand and Costa Rica.

The Philippine’s total palm oil production is almost entirely consumed by the domestic market.

The country is a large importer of palm oil. Current domestic production is not enough for local consumption. Biggest importation was recorded in 2011 which reached 575,000 MT because consumption was up by 230%. By 2017, the country is estimated to import 1 million MT of palm oil with an import value of Php 35 Billion. This huge supply gap will be an opportunity for the industry to expand its plantation.

Industry experts have estimated a total of about 1 million hectares available for Oil Palm production in the country, 98% of these are located in Mindanao. Among the regions, Caraga Region has the biggest potential area which is about 40% of the total

The European Union and China are the largest consumers. prospective area for oil palm production.

The emerging markets, like China, India and Indonesia consume Below are the different Programs, Activities more than 80% of palm oil. and Projects crafted based on the strategies identified for the development of the industry:

The Philippines’ oil palm production area is gradually increasing at an average rate of 7.62% per annum, from 38,599 1. Establishment of Database of Oil Palm Industry hectares in 2008 to 53,014 hectares in 2012, according to Bureau 2. Oil Palm Suitability Assessment of Agricultural Statistics (BAS). Caraga Region still dominates 3. Implementation of “Plant Now Pay Later” scheme for the provision of planting materials and farm the production area with 35% of the total area planted, followed inputs to contract growers

by SOCSKSARGEN with 30%. FPPI, API, KIDI and ABERDI are 4.

Production of IEC materials the main players in the continuing expansion of oil palm in the 5.

Establishment of Oil Palm Nurseries Philippines. These companies also own a total of six Crude Palm 6.

Plantation Establishment/Expansion Project Oil milling plants and one refinery, with a total capacity of 211 7. Construction and/or Rehabilitation of farm to metric tons per hour, producing 1,383,316 MT of palm oil per Market roads year. If fully utilized, this production capacity is equivalent to a 8. Training on Oil Palm technology total of 76,850 hectares of oil palm plantation.

9. Provision of hauling facilities as shared serice facility

A total of 12 registered oil palm nurseries are operated 10. Conduct of Forum on Tenurial Policy Issues in the country by big plantation companies located in 11. Formulation of Special law/ordinances/memo circular for the development of the industry.

SOCSKSARGEN and Caraga region. These companies have

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CASSAVA

COCONUT C O O K I E S INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups of wheat flour 2 1/2 cups cassava flour 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup butter or margarine 2 pcs egss 5 tsps baking powder 2 cups “sapal” or dessicated coconut

PROCEDURE 1 Sift together the measured baking powder and cassava flour.

7 Form the soft dough into small balls

(approximately 5 grams) and place on the greased pan.

8 With the use of a kitchen fork, flatten the balls.

2 Add “sapal” to the baking powder and cassava flour mixture.

3 In another bowl, cream the margarine or butter.

4

Gradually add the sugar and egg to the creamed margarine.

5 Add the flour mixture to the creamed margarine and blend well to form a soft dough.

6 Grease the baking pan with oil or butter.

9

Bake in a pre-heated oven until golden brown.

10 Remove the baking pan from the oven.

11 While it is hot remove the cookies from the baking pan to avoid scorching.

12 When the cookies are cool, pack in a plastic bag and store until consumption.

SOURCE: http://region10.dost.gov.ph