DA-PRDP InFOCUS Caraga July-September 2021

www.daprdp.net

CARAGA VOL. 7 ISSUE. 3 July-Sept 2021

The official quarterly newsletter of the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project Regional Field Office Caraga

A road blessing commenced prior to the official turn-over. It was attended by the Department of Agriculture Caraga, Barangay, Municipal, and Provincial officials of Bayugan City and Agusan del Sur.

PRDP Roads Unlock Farm Opportunities in Agusan Del Sur Farmers and consumers can now meet halfway to sell and buy fresh produce after the turn-over of the 13.3 km Concrete Bucac-MarcelinaMahapag-San Vicente Farmto-Market Road on August 5.

The P210 Million project funded by DA-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) targets to support the rubber industry and farm products in Bayugan City and its neighboring municipalities.

The FMR reduces the travel

time of transporting cup lumps to the Crumb Rubber Processing Facility from 20 to 10 minutes. It also lessens post-harvest losses and transportation costs thereby increasing farmers’ income.

Considered as the 2nd longest FMR funded

by PRDP with a 10% counterpart from the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte this Package 2 project covers barangays Marcelina and continuation on page 3...

Stories inside this issue PRDP Roads Unlock Farm Opportunities in Agusan Del Sur, p.1 New breed of coffee mentors aim to increase robusta production in Caraga, p.2 PRDP captures data in Dinagat Subprojects, p.2 No more games only goals for real-life enterprising, p.4 Seaweeds industry rises in Dinagat, p.5 PRDP inaugurates coffee facility construction, p.5 Sustaining Excellent Abaca Fiber, p.6 Capacitating Dinagat Banana Farmers, p.7 PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

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TRAINING

New breed of coffee mentors to increase robusta production in Caraga As Mindanao holds the title of having the largest coffee production in the Philippines, the Department of AgriculturePhilippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) in partnership with the HighValue Crops Development Program (HVCDP) immersed 20 Caraga coffee farmers into a 3-day training conducted by the Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise Project (PhilCAFE) on August 4-6.

Trained as coffee mentors, these farmers are expected to extend knowledge on Coffee Production, Farm Management, Integrated Pest and Disease Management, and Rejuvenation of Robusta to fellow farmers in Tungao, Butuan City, Cabadbaran City, and Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte; Bayugan City and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Farmers were equipped with the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) of Robusta to increase the variety’s national production average from .5-MT/ha to 1-MT/ha, making the Philippines coffeesufficient. In Caraga Region, around 4,740ha were planted with Coffee.

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PhilCAFE Regional Coordinator Ludovico Ramirez Jr. highlighted that the training promotes site-specific practices and only endorse Robusta production as the ideal coffee variety in Caraga. He covered most of the topics including Coffee Establishment, Care, and Maintenance; Factors Influencing Coffee Yield and Quality, Site Preparation, and Field Planting.

“As the next trainers, you should be a model of the GAP. Farmers would not instantly believe in these new practices, so you should show them by actually doing it and making them see the benefits and improvement of applying GAP,” Ludovico said.

continuation on page 3...

PRDP CAPTURES DATA IN DINAGAT SUBPROJECTS To continuously monitor its Proponent Groups (PG), the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) rolled out the Enterprise Operations Monitoring (EOM) forms in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

The EOM tool captures data from each member and non-member who have transactions with PRDP’s PG. Likewise, it gathers enterprise information such as, planning and implementation, practices, processes, and procedures that were used in the project implementation, continuation on page 10...

I-REAP personnels giving EOM orientation to the officials of its Proponent Group in Dinagat Islands.

New breed of continuation ...

Aside from production, Ludovico also encouraged farmers to see coffee as a potential business enterprise, teaching them how to harvest excellent Robusta coffee beans for a higher market value.

Liquidating farm expenses and operations even from the smallest details was also stressed out.

An actual field activity in Simbalan, Agusan del Norte let farmers experience an actual demonstration of the proper coffee planting, rejuvenation, care, and maintenance of coffee. They also collected pests and diseases in the area and applied a bio-control agent called white muscardine fungus for coffee pests.

Robusta coffee only for Caraga Among the four coffee varieties in the Philippines, PhilCAFE emphasized that Robusta coffee is the best choice to plant in Caraga. It is ideal in elevations 200 to 900m above sea level since it’s less vulnerable to pests and weather conditions. Unlike Arabica coffee, Robusta can grow in direct sunlight.

Robusta is also the highest coffee produced in the Philippines which accounts for 72.7% of the total production based on the 2021 Philippines Statistics Authority. Mindanao makes 80% of Robusta along SOCCSKSARGEN as the top producer with a 36% share.

Robusta is mainly used in instant coffee and brewing.

Traversing the Bucac-Marcelina-Mahapag-San Vicente Farm-to-Market Road during the turn-over ceremony.

PRDP Roads Unlock Farm continuation

Katipunan in Bayugan City; and Mahapag and Anislagan in San Luis, Agusan del Sur. A farmer and Barangay Kagawad of Katipunan, Bayugan City, Rogelio O. Estodillo Jr. expressed his joy with the turn-over of the FMR. “I am greatly thankful now that buyers can come directly to our barangay since our road is already passable. Unlike before, our crops are now guaranteed fresh”, said Estodillo.

Aside from transporting goods, access to services and facilities is just one ride away from the residents in the recipient barangays.

Going to the hospitals and acquiring essential needs became convenient.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo leads the turnover of the project to the Province as received by Governor Santiago B. Cane. Director Monteagudo also reminded the farmers that government interventions are always present. Officials just have to work together and give their counterparts to make dreams happen.

Likewise, Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. praised the DA for the outpouring of support and interventions that are given to their farmers and the community.

The turn-over was attended by the barangay, municipal, and provincial officials of Bayugan City and Agusan del Sur.

PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

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TRAINING

No more games only goals for real-life enterprising CAWFAI participant receives his cash loan during the EntreFarm Game simulation.

It is not game over yet for the Proponent Groups of the DAPhilippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) after the end of their EntreFarm Game training, as farmers went home bringing lessons and skills to become a Farmpreneur.

The Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association Inc. (CAWFAI) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, and CARCANMADCARLAN Agri-Based Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CAMPCO) in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur immersed in a separate 3-day simulated EntreFarm game in August to harness their business skills and upgrade their coordination abilities.

The game motivated farmers to venture in farm business.

“Through this EntreFarm Game, we are empowering farmers to become confident in their profession by boosting their morale. They are encouraged to produce products that they can personally market and gain profit from. Farmers should realize that farming can be a high-earning business opportunity,” said Jocelyn M. Ordonia, Social Solutions Consultant and game master.

Divided into four modules, farmers engaged in the Basic Farming Cycle which involved farm planning, procurement, harvesting, and selling of produce. Farmers appreciated the importance of planning and budgeting their money and time by keeping accurate financial records to track the profitability of their business.

Module 2 geared the players Cooperativism and Negotiation through the multi-crop farm business. CAWFAI and CAMPCO experienced the value of unity to attain success, especially for starting a business since fund source might be limited.

Likewise, the art of negotiation is necessary to cut costs on farm products.

Additionally, farmers were opened to the advantages and possibilities of exploring product processing and livestock to gain additional profit and help their families and community.

Ordonia emphasized that by operating a business, doors of jobs open to the locals as manpower is needed. This helps reduce social problems such as poverty and improve the community’s quality of life.

Ordionio explains the factors that cause business results to vary per group.

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continuation on page 9...

Seaweeds industry rises in Dinagat enterprise of New Mabuhay Seaweed Farmer and Fisherfolks Association (NMSFFA) by providing production inputs, capital for buying of fresh seaweeds from the member farmers, and processing it to raw dried seaweeds.

Additionally, it will include a 7,500kg capacity of Seaweeds Solar Drier, a 3x6m storage warehouse with a capacity of 5mt, and a motorized flatboat for hauling wet and dried seaweeds from the association members.

PRDP I-Build project engineer Ronald Galano monitors the progess of the Seaweeds Solar Drier in Dinagat.

Seaweed farmers may soon expand their production as the Seaweeds Solar Dryer and Storage Facility funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) as construction started in Brgy.

New Mabuhay, Dinagat, Dinagat Islands.

Bound to be completed this December, the project will support the seaweed

Aside from seaweed production, the subproject will also support the community-based enterprise. This includes the proper handling and moving of seaweed commodities and enhance the post-harvest processing to increase the income of the farmers and the NMSFFA. continuation on page 9...

PRDP

INAUGURATES COFFEE FACILITY CONSTRUCTION increase the enterprise’s income by 35% and a 5% growth in farmer’s income.

PRDP officials hand-in-hand bury a time capsule during the groundbreaking of the P13M Green Coffee Bean Facility.

With the completion of the required documents, the Casiklan Wheels Farmers Association (CAWFAI) has finally commenced the groundbreaking and preconstruction of their Green Coffee Bean Facility in Brgy. Casiklan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

To be completed this year, the facility will house the coffee processing equipment that will support the Robusta coffee in Casiklan. It aims to process and market quality green coffee beans at 300mt annually. It is projected to

“This processing center will surely produce world-class quality coffee and increase farmers’ income and improve the livelihood in this community,” Zamzamin Ampatuan Jr., Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Plans said.

Usec. Ampatuan also urged the members of CAWFAI to focus on

continuation on page 10...

PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

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The Department of Agriculture continues to uphold the production of high-quality abaca fiber in the Philippines by conducting a training under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in partnership with the Philippine Fiber Industry Authority (PhilFIDA) on Aug 25-27.

The San Isidro Farmers’ Cooperative (SIFAMCO) of Lianga, Surigao del Sur underwent a 3-day training on Abaca Sorting, Grading, and Baling.

“Knowing to classify and sort abaca is very important for farmers, so they will not doubt that they are being tricked during the selling and buying their produce,” said Wendelyn Mabuloc, Fiber Development Officer II of PhilFIDA and Provincial Fiber Officer of Agusan del Sur. Mabuloc said that the training will help farmers to determine the different abaca fiber grades so they will be

interested to produce the highest quality since it has the highest equivalent price too.

The SIFAMCO participants had a hands-on experience in the San Isidro Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (SIUFMULCO) in Santiago, Agusan del Sur. Luchie Mae Montero, Abaca Trading Head of SIUFMULCO taught the step-by-step process from proper classifying, sorting, and grading, up to baling of abaca fiber. The classification is in accordance with the national and international standards.

“The SIUFMLCO has been implementing the Philippine National Standard of PhilFIDA. We are strict in sorting and grading our abaca since we want to maintain a good relationship with our customers, we don’t want to disappoint them. Our seller, such as SIFAMCO should be aware of this so

our classifications match and we will not encounter problems as their abaca arrives in our warehouse,” emphasized Montero.

Farmers also identified the different classifications of fibers according to texture and color.

According to Ludovico Buaqueña, SIFAMCO Chairperson, while waiting for the completion of their warehouse funded by PRDP, such training is essential for their people.

“I think this training is one of the most sensitive parts of abaca business that’s why it is necessary to avoid mistakes and loss in profit,” Buaqueña said.

SIFAMCO, SIUFMULCO signs marketing agreement As part of the assistance of PRDP, a Marketing Agreement between continuation on page 8...

TRAINING

Sustaining Excellent Abaca Fiber 6

PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

TRAINING

Capacitating Dinagat Banana Farmers With banana demand increasing in Dinagat Islands, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) ensures to support the General Aguinaldo Farmers Association (GAFA).

A training on Banana Production and Pests and Diseases Management empowered the farmers in Libjo, Province of Dinagat Islands.

“We would like to emphasize that PRDP is not only providing infra and enterprise assistance, but we also contribute to the capacity building of the farmers. We want to enhance their practices so they can produce high-quality bananas with increased production,” Lynn A. Pareñas, PRDP Enterprise Component Head said.

The training included lectures on the basics of banana production from its varieties, planting preparation, selection of planting materials, and cultural management practices. An in-depth discussion about insect pests and diseases of bananas, their diagnostic characteristics, and nature of damage was also tackled.

Moreover, farmers were immersed in an actual field activity where they inspected and analyzed the condition of their area and planted bananas.

Farmers themselves carried out leaf pruning or de-leafing, the stripping of infected and removal of unfunctional leaves to reduce the source of leaf diseases like Sigatoka and Freckle. Likewise, conducted the proper transplanting of planting materials.

According to Abraham Ligan, the training speaker and Agricultural Technician of DA-Regional Crop Protection Center Trento, aside from learning the good practices of banana planting, the training also encourages farmers to utilize materials from their surroundings like organic fertilizers to be sustainable.

“I didn’t know that keeping the area cleaned is a big factor in producing quality bananas. I learned that this might cause pests and diseases on plants. Now, I will always visit my area to maintain its cleanliness. Thanks continuation on page 8...

Farmers in Libjo listens and follows the demonstration during the field activity of the Banana training.

PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

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Sustaining Excellent Abaca continuation...

expansion and needed infra support and equipment to improve product quality and increase productivity, as well as marketing support for an efficient delivery system to the buyers.

Both support given aims to develop the abaca industry in Caraga.

Ph Abaca tops worldwide

SIFAMCO participants separate abaca fibers according to grades

SIUFMULCO – the buyer of abaca fiber, and SIFAMCO – the seller of consolidated abaca fiber was crafted. This ensures a stable marke for SIFAMCO. Since SIFAMCO is the seller, they are bound to meet the quality standards of SIUFMULCO, thus, training is needed to enhance their knowledge on abaca fiber classification, sorting, and grading.

SIFAMCO and SIUFMULO are two of the Proponent Groups of PRDP. To uplift their abaca fiber consolidation SIFAMCO is provided with a storage building, stripping machine, and motorcycles worth P4M. Meanwhile, SIUFMULCO was provided P12M worth of assistance for area

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Philippines is the top producing country of abaca in the world. As of June 2020, it produced 18.06 thousand mt of abaca in 132,361.91ha. Bicol Region remains the top producer with 29.6%, followed by 19.7% in Eastern Visayas and 14.7% in Caraga.

Philippine abaca fiber has eight to nine classification grades compared to Ecuador, the top 2 producer which has only five. The country’s abaca can be used in various applications and possesses all the features needed for specialty paper. It is being exported and used in other countries such as Japan, United States, and the United Kingdom, for their food wrapper, car

Capacitating Danagat Banana continuation...

to this training, I’ve learned lessons that I will apply in my bananas and I could also share to my co-farmers,” Anita F. Goriding, GAFA member and banana farmer said.

The capacity-building training is in line with the Input Provision for Cardava Production and Cardava Marketing Project of PRPD. This ensures that farmers in Libjo could produce high-quality fresh Cardava banana by following the standards required by the local and international buyers.

Former Municipal Agriculturist of Libjo, Mario Culis thanked PRDP for the continued support they provide to GAFA. “PRDP is a full-package assistance. They pay for the planting labor,

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supports you by providing fertilizer and training, and they also arrange the market so our products will be surely bought. With their help, small farmers here in Libjo were encouraged to engage in banana production. Idle areas were planted resulting in the expansion of our banana production. Residents’ income increased,” Culis proudly said.

No more games continuation...

CAMPCO officials concentrates in the EntreFarm game lectures and simulation

“This training is very timely since our association had been laying plans to venture into business.

The game made us feel like real businessmen, and it’s liberating to be knowledgeable in enterprising.

We are positive to reach our goal for our cooperative and community.”

Teodoro C. Pasquito, CAWFAI ViceChairperson said.

Farmers understood that such events are bound to happen, so investing in farm insurance is important to regain the loss that may incur during natural disasters.

Moreover, included in the simulation were unpredictable life events such as calamities, expenses, and changes in family circumstances to assess the farmers’ coping mechanisms.

Although the two farm groups venture in different commodities: CAWFAI boasts Green Coffee Beans Production and Marketing; CAMPCO takes pride in Bangus Production and Marketing, yet, at the end of the 3-day game, they brought home lessons of proper planning, time and money management by recording, unity, and risk taking to become certified Farmpreneurs.

“I can already visualize that the business plan that we have crafted here will be useful after this training. Since bangus (milk fish) is our product, we will possibly focus on food processing. I can see that this is the beginning of our future. We aim that when you visit us again, you will see how progressive we are,” expressed Marivic L. Orig, CAMPCO Chairperson.

Seaweeds industry rises continuation...

In year one, this project envisions to produce and market 109,209kg of quality raw dried seaweeds for the enterprise. Additionally, it aims to generate an income of P2.9M for the enterprise and increase fisher household beneficiaries’ income by 25%, from Php73,863.64 to Php92,350.77.

The seaweeds solar drier is located along the coast of Brgy. New Mabuhay

PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

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PRDP captures continuation...

deployment, and execution of business plans, strategies, and all associated activities.

Furthermore, the tool will serve as an immediate reference for the implementing team on the progress and operationalization of the PRDP supported enterprises.

EOM data will be a feedbacking mechanism to the PRDP management team whether the desired outcomes and the overall development objectives of the projects are likely or unlikely achieved given the situations and lessons.

As the enterprise progresses the management may use the data collected as basis to introduce innovations to make the subprojects more sustainable.

On the other hand, Proponent Groups can use the device to monitor the enterprise’s day-to-day transactions. PGs can generate documents, such as income statements, sales reports, inventories of assets and products, buyers’ directory, members profiles, and many more. EOM can also be a reference in decision-making for the operations of the enterprise.

Included in the data capture form rollout were the New

Mabuhay Seaweed Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, General Aguinaldo Farmers Association, and A&M Multipurpose Cooperative.

Proponent groups will be responsible for data gathering on quantitative and qualitative information. The recording involves documenting the accomplished activities then uploading data to the system.

Data gathered will then be developed into a Web-Based Information System to ease the data navigation of the implementing team.

PRDP inaugurates continuation ...

Groundbreaking ceremony attended by DA, Barangay, Municipal, and Provincial officials.

value-adding on coffee to ensure the sustainability and growth of their organization.

The P19M project funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) will cover the construction of the warehouse, processing equipment, and strengthening of trading and marketing of the enterprise.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo challenged the members of CAWFAI to do their part in expanding their enterprise.

“The government is here to assist you, but you should also help yourselves to achieve your goals, from the production

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PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

to marketing of your products,” he said.

On the other hand, CAWFAI Chairperson Gregorio O. Buntag Jr. conveyed his excitement on the commencement of the facility construction.

“This groundbreaking is the start of turning our dreams into reality. We are very excited and we will do everything to make things run smoothly,” he said.

According to the 2019 Philippine Statistics, Caraga holds 4% of the total coffee production in the Philippines. PRDP recognizes coffee as a priority commodity in the Provincial Commodity Investment Plan which needs to be supported and expanded.

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Approved by RPAB (Regional Project Approval Board)

3 3 units

Farm-to-market road Watchtower

1

Facility

1

Water system

*as of September 2021

PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

1

20 Completed P964M

Philippine Rural Development Project

Agusan del Sur

Agusan del Norte

Surigao del Norte

Surigao del Sur

P2.6Billion

province od Dinagat Islands

*as of September, 2021

5 POngoing PP

6 PApproved by RPAB

P904M

P293M

PP

SDS

Bayugan City

SDN

Butuan City

Regional Project Advisory Board

)

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Wilfredo C. Abrea Zenny G. Awing Photographer/Videographer Advisers: Jodel A. Tabada Deputy Project Director Abel James I. Monteagudo Project Director PRDP INFOCUS CARAGA

CARAGA ARD Melba B. Wee RPCO 9

darfo13

Mary Grace b. Sta Elena RPCO 10 Elizabeth C. Torio Region 11 OIC Edgar Allan Pasaol Region 12

da13caragainfo @gmail.com

Contact us

Editorial board

Zenny G. Awing Writer/Layout Artist

RPCO InfoACE Focal Persons

Emmylou T. Presilda Editor-in-Chief

(085) 815-2009

(085) 341-2114

is the quarterly newsletter of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) - Regional Project Coordination Office- CARAGA.