DA Express - June 2022

Volume 9 - Issue 6 | JUNE 2022

FUEL SUBSIDY FOR

CORN FARMERS & FISHERS ROLLS OUT

STORY BY LOVELY JOY SALUDEZ

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the Caraga Region rolled out the distribution of fuel subsidies for corn farmers and fisherfolk in the region through a launching

ceremony conducted in the DA Regional Office on June 21.

each received a P3000 fuel discount card.

A total of 351 corn farmers and fisherfolk beneficiaries from Butuan City, Buenavista, Carmen, and Nasipit in Agusan del Norte

The fuel subsidy program is implemented to help the farmers and fishers who own and operate

DA13 Eyes Lower Animal Feed Expenses Using Local Ingredients

8th Techno Forum Promotes Viable Farming Innovations

FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

FULL STORY ON PAGE 4

CONTINUE ON PAGE 8

DA-Caraga Brings Aroma of Income for Coffee Farmers FULL STORY ON PAGE 6 DA Express | Vol. 9 - Issue 6 | JUNE 2022 | Page 1

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Onate, Jr. with RAFC Chairperson Christopher H. Lindo feeds cultured bangus at the DA-BFAR Masao Station using the feeds formulated through the OneDA Sustainable Feed Development Program.

REGIONAL UPDATE

DA13 EYES LOWER ANIMAL FEED EXPENSES USING LOCAL INGREDIENTS STORY BY LOVELY JOY SALUDEZ / AURELIUS P. ARAIS

While the Ukraine-Russia conflict and the pandemic are still present, the market price of animal feeds continues to accelerate. As a remedy, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga is pushing for a science-based sustainable feed formulation using locally available materials in the region.

This strategic initiative coined as Team Bahug was introduced by Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr., Regional Executive Director of DA-Caraga.

“This initiative is not to compete with the commercial feeds. Instead, it is a countermeasure to cut down the cost of feeds yet ensure the highest possible quality of animals by meeting the nutrient requirements,” Director Oñate, Jr. said.

Gemma Asufre, Chief of Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) said that the feeds being formulated are at par with the feeds in the market in terms of Page 2 | DA Express | Vol. 9 - Issue 6 | JUNE 2022

nutrient specifications but at a lower cost. The program uses Science and Technology (S&T) to formulate feeds for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture species.

known as tamban, and other locally-sourced raw material that contains high Crude Protein (CP).

Seventy to eighty percent (70-80%) of production cost goes to feeds. This is often beyond the financial capacity of most farmers, particularly those who practice domestic farming. If this will not be addressed, they will lose profit”, she added.

She also urged animal raisers to participate in the program by submitting a sample of their usual feed formulation to the DA-ILD so they can analyze it through its feed laboratory for free, and in that way, the list of material combinations will be expanded.

Currently, 50 raw materials are being studied and analyzed for feed formulation through the DA-Caraga’s ILD such as ramie plant or locally known as rami-rami, soybean, corn, sardines, or locally

Aside from Team Bahug, DA-Caraga is also pushing for Team Himsog, which focuses on coming up with a fertilizer formulation made of locallysourced raw materials.

“We already came up with a ready-to-disseminate feed “Analysis of ingredients is very formulation and the list of raw important before we can formulate materials that a farmer may choose feeds to meet the required whatever is available in their area nutrients in raising animals. After at a particular time,” Asufre added. the proximate analysis of the raw materials, the farmers will be able Asufre announced that they to choose among the identified will launch the readily available raw materials or ingredients for feed formulation in Barobo, Surigao feed mixing,” she said. del Sur within the month of June.

Empowering women through a livelihood project from the DA-Caraga as part of commitment to help curb hunger.

LIVELIHOOD PROJECT TO HELP EASE PROBLEM ON HUNGER STORY BY AURELIUS P. ARAIS

In support to the universal effort to end hunger, the Department of Agriculture-Caraga assisted women’s organizations in Surigao del Sur to have a start-up livelihood, a chicken production project.

and Ban-as of Lianga Surigao del Sur,” Ortiz narrated.

The provision of chicks is in collaboration with the Action Against Hunger, a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger envisioning a world without hunger.

Armando Ortiz, Senior Science Research Specialist of DA-Tagbina Research and Experiment Station, disclosed that 400 heads of chicks were distributed to seven women’s The turnover was attended associations in Surigao del Sur

by Municipal Agriculturist Marin E. on June 6.

Camacho of Lanuza, Action Against Hunger Representative Roger B. “The recipients were Dejon, Rolito Antonio F. Trinidad women’s associations of Ipil, head of the Municipal Disaster Agsam, Bunga, Gamuton 1 and Risk Reduction Management and 2, Catupgas of Office (MDRRMO), and Armando A. Barangay Nurcia; all of Ortiz of DA-Caraga Tagbina the town ofLanuza, Research Station.

“The 400 heads of chicks are on top of the previous supports

from the DA-Caraga through the Livestock Program of the DA,” he added.

Aside from the provision of chicks, the DA-Caraga also extended technical support such as the feeding guide and the model design of the free-range chicken housing with a net enclosure.

Jekem Sanchez, regional Livestock Program coordinator noted that DA-Caraga is gladly working with other stakeholders to better serve the Caraganons.

“It is our way of empowering our partners through the giving of a livelihood opportunity as embodied in the OneDA Reform Agenda in transforming Philippine Agriculture,” Sanchez said.

DA Express | Vol. 9 - Issue 6 | JUNE 2022 | Page 3

REGIONAL UPDATE

8th

TECHNO FORUM PROMOTES VIABLE FARMING INNOVATIONS STORY BY RHEA C. ABAO

(Left photo) Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. (2nd from right) together with RTD for Research, Regulation, and ILD Nicandro M. Navia (right), and RAFC Chairperson Christopher H. Lindo (2nd drom left), lead the ribbon-cutting during the launching of the 8th Regional Technology Foru University - Caraga Food Innovation Center, which won 1st place in the Booth Designing Contest, showcases available and technologically competiti added products. (Lower left photo) Roasted Black Soybeans made from Tudela Black variety is among the 16 value-added food products during the

For farmers and fishers who want to improve their income, increasing the value of a commodity and applying sustainable farming technologies are effective strategies.

and ILD Nicandro M. Navia, Jr., Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources- Caraga Director Nilo Katada, Research Division Chief Abel F. Wagas, and RAFC Chairperson Christopher Lindo.

With that, the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Caraga Research Division continuously promotes easily adaptable products, by-products, and Agri-fishery technologies for adoption.

In his message, Director Oñate encouraged every farmer to apply the technologies introduced, for them to innovate, and come up with ideas that will maximize their profit and grow their business. He also lauded the Research Division for its effort in developing new technology to enhance the farming practices of the farmers in the Caraga Region and consequently increase productivity.

These innovations are now ready for adoption and commercialization by farmers and other stakeholders searching for a profitable venture, these were showcased during the 8th Regional Technology Forum (RTF) held on June 28-29 at the DA Regional Office, Butuan City.

The event was officially launched by Regional Executive Director Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. together with Regional Technical Director for Research, Regulation, Page 4 | DA Express | Vol. 9 - Issue 6 | JUNE 2022

The launching of 16 valueadded products ready for commercialization was one of the event’s highlights. These were made from Tudela black soybean, sweet potato, mushroom, coconut, and pili nuts.

Research Division Chief Abel F. Wagas said that interested farmers

and entrepreneurs may coordinate with the Department if they are willing to invest in value-adding.

“The products have already undergone nutritional and microbial analysis by the Department of Science and Technology – Region X and XIII. Through the analysis, the products were certified as safe for consumption and ready for commercialization,” said Chief Wagas.

One of the partner institutions during the event, Caraga State University (CSU) – Caraga Food Innovation Center (FCI), also offers services like equipment/facility rental.

Director of Caraga FIC Genesis Jared A. Cutamora said that aspiring local entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are welcome to enhance their products, improve quality and sustainability, and make use of underutilized crops through

REGIONAL UPDATE

As part of the DA-Caraga’s Team Bahug efforts to lower feed production’s operational expenses RED Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. initiate a meeting with the AGAK Marketing Cooperative to discuss the efficiency of biomass technology in producing local and cost-effective feeds that could benefit animal and aquaculture farmers.

EXPLORING BIOMASS TECHNOLOGY AS ALTERNATIVE FUEL STORY BY RHEA C. ABAO

a, Jr. (left) BFAR-Caraga Director Nilo Katada um. (Upper right photo) The Caraga State ive food processing facilities and their valueevent.

development and innovation.

More innovations were also exhibited through the Agri-fishery booth participated by the DACaraga’s Integrated Laboratory Division, Philippine Rice Research Institute – Agusan, Philippine Coconut Authority, Philippine Fiber Development Authority, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

On-site activities were also conducted in the Del Monte Lowland Rainfed Research Station, Tagbina Research Station, and Trento Research Station.

The RTF is an annual event that encourages the involvement of farmers, fishers, researchers, Local Government Units, State Universities and Colleges, and DA-attached agencies and bureaus in current and future research and extension undertakings. This is to foster stronger collaborations and accelerates region-wide adaption of these technologies.

The Department of Agriculture – Caraga Team Bahug headed by Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. met up with the AGAK Marketing Cooperative Chairperson Engr.

Reyman Zamora to discuss the efficiency of the biomass power generator on June 30.

generator using wood pellet fuel from falcata sawdust. Engr.

Zamora said that the energy conversion efficiency of the technology ranges from approximately 30% to 100%. He explained that thru the biomass gasifier the wood pellet would be converted into electricity.

According to Director Oñate, in addition to formulating costeffective and sustainable feeds, the team is eyeing the use of a biomass power generator, which will use biological materials such as farm waste as fuel to produce the affordable feeds.

According to studies, the idea of turning waste into energy also promotes sustainability. It aims to produce heat/electricity to at least run a generator or other farm machines powered by biomass technology.

“As fuel prices rise, efficient technologies should be employed to convert biomass energy into fuel, a more affordable and environmentally safe substitute.

Farmers can utilize this as a more advantageous choice because it is safe and economically feasible,” said Director Oñate.

The AGAK Marketing Cooperative, a Davao-based organization developed a community biomass power

Pilot testing will be conducted in Trento Research Experiment Station using the said technology for the three-in-one feed pelletizer machine.

Furthermore, the partnership is part of the medium-term plan of the OneDA Sustainable Feed Development Program to build linkage with organizations that can contribute to improving the technology and equipment used in the production and manufacturing of feeds.

DA Express | Vol. 9 - Issue 6 | JUNE 2022 | Page 5

REGIONAL UPDATE

DA-Caraga RED Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. with RTD Rebecca R. Atega, Tagbina Municipal Mayor Generoso L. Naraiso and Provincial Agriculturist Marcos M. Quico lead the opening ceremony during the turn-over of the coffee processing facility.

DA-CARAGA BRINGS AROMA OF INCOME FOR COFFEE FARMERS STORY BY AURELIUS P. ARAIS

Smooth aroma and high income.

Operations expressed optimism that the facility will enhance their livelihood through coffee This is what the Department of processing motivated by their Agriculture (DA) Caraga envisions passion for the product. for the coffee farmers in Surigao del Sur by bringing the coffee “These coffee farmers aim to industry to a higher level. develop the most aromas from their harvested Arabica coffee As a step forward, a two through proper roasting million pesos worth of Coffee techniques,” she said.

Processing Facility was turned over

by DA-Caraga to a farmer’s Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr., association in Tagbina, Surigao del DA-Caraga Regional Director urged Sur on June 9, 2022. the association to look beyond and extend help to other farmers Funded through the High-Value through consolidation.

Crops Development Program (HVCDP), the P2M project wherein “Nowadays, we need to have P800T is for the building cost and an economy of scale through P1.2M for the facilities including consolidation of products for the dryer was received by the San better market advantage, so more Nicolas Development Cooperative. farmers will be encouraged to plant more, in support of DA’s The said cooperative was Plant Plant Plant Program or composed mostly of women Agri4Ps,” he noted. based in San Nicolas and Doña Carmen, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur On the other hand, Marco wherein members gratefully Antonio Morido, High-Value Crops received their most awaited Development Program Regional request, a coffee roasting facility.

Coordinator emphasized to the farmers to follow the right Rebecca Reyes Atega, technology for coffee production to Regional Technical Director for maintain a high quality of produce.

Page 6 | DA Express | Vol. 9 - Issue 6 | JUNE 2022

“As we are urging our coffee farmers to follow the right technology, we at the DA-Caraga are also embarking on production enhancement through rehabilitation, rejuvenation, and fertilization of the coffee farms in the region,” Morido said.

He added that they are working with local government units to help boost the coffee industry in their respective locality.

Based on Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, the volume of production of coffee in the region in the year 2020 was recorded at 1,622.24 MT wherein the province of Surigao del Sur posted an 85% contribution to that year’s production.

Other officials who graced the occasion were Tagbina Municipal Mayor Generoso L. Naraiso, Provincial Agriculturist Marcos M. Quico, Municipal Agriculturist Warlito D. Untua , officials from Department of Trade Industry (DTI), Cooperative Development (CDA) Authority, and other partner stakeholders.

REGIONAL UPDATE FROM PAGE 1

Corn farmers and fishersfolk from Butuan City, Buenavista, Carmen and Nasipit in Agusan del Norte show the fuel subsidy card they received from the DA-Caraga on the launching of the fuel discount program.

agricultural and fishing machinery that are greatly affected by the ongoing global economic challenges including the surge in fuel prices.

“The fuel discount shall be primarily for all machinery used in corn production from land preparation to postharvest activities as well as motorized boats for fishing operations,” Melody Guimary, Field Operations Division Chief and Regional Corn Coordinator said.

DA-Caraga is targeting a total of 1,616 corn farmers while BFAR is targeting 2,186 fishermen to receive the subsidy.

“DA has a total of P500 million budget for the said subsidy nationwide. In the region, P5 million pesos is allocated to DA-Caraga and another P5 million pesos to BFAR-Caraga,” Guimary said.

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate, Jr. commended the farmers for their vigorous effort in farming and fishing despite the impact of the Page 8 | DA Express | Vol. 9 - Issue 6 | JUNE 2022

pandemic and war.

“We wholeheartedly thank you all that despite the effect of the pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine, you continue to heed to farming and fishing. So, we, in the Department of Agriculture strive and look for ways to back you up, through this Fuel Discount Program,” Director Oñate said.

Meanwhile, the farmers and fisherfolk lauded the Department of Agriculture for providing such help.

One of the beneficiaries, Emily Uso from Barangay Lumbocan, Butuan City who has been fishing for 20 years, received a fuel discount card for her motorized boat. She thanked the DA for helping them.

“Since the start of the oil price hike, my husband’s fishing activities has been affected, so I am really happy now and excited to go fishing,” she said.

Myrna Ramos, a farmer from Barangay Florida, Butuan City also

experienced a limitation in their land preparation due to the crude oil hike.

“The surge of oil price limits our farming activities. Now, with the help of this subsidy, we can go on our activity on the farm,” she shared.

The distribution of cash cards will continue to the other municipalities in the region.

Editorial Team Editor in Chief

Emmylou T. Presilda

Associate Editor

Vanessa P. Sanchez

Writers

Aurelius P. Arais Rhea C. Abao Kent Warren H. Fugoso Lovely Joy Saludez

Lay-out Artist

Arcur Jay A. Ahmad

Photographer

Wilfredo C. Abrea Morel A. Salva

Admin Staff

Grace Y. Makiling

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