AgriCordillera

About the cover

DA-CAR KEY OFFICIALS

CAMERON P. ODSEY

OIC- Regional Executive Director

ENGR. DANILO P. DAGUIO, Ph.D., CESO IV

Regional Technical Director for Operations

ATTY. JENNILYN M. DAWAYAN, CESO IV

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations

VIRGINIA A. TAPAT, Ph.D.

Chief, Field Operations Division

Designate Focal Person, Regional Organic Agriculture Program

LUIS P. LANG-OY, Ph.D.

Chief, Research Division

CLYDE O. WAYTAN

Chief, Administration and Finance Division

RUBEN A. DULAGAN

Chief, Regulatory Division

SUSAN D. BALANZA, Ph.D.

Chief, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division

ENGR. FILEMON A. SALVADOR

Chief, Regional Agriculture Engineering Division

JOAN D. BACBAC

Chief, Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division

Regional HVCD Program Focal Person

AIDA Y. PAGTAN

Chief, Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section

MARLYN M. TEJERO Regional Rice Program Coordinator

GERARDO P. BANAWA

Regional Corn Program Coordinator

LEISLEY C. DELIGEN, DVM

Regional Livestock Program Coordinator

ARLENE M. SAGAYO, DVM

Chief, Integrated Laboratory Division

ROBERT L. DOMOGUEN

Chief, Baguio Animal Breeding and Research Center

RAPONCEL M. SAGUILOT, DVM

OIC- DA-ROS Rizal Manager

NICASIO S. BAUCAS

DA-ROS Luna Manager

Here in the heart of the abundant mountains of the Cordillera, we offer a “KAGAGASING AY APIT” meaning A BOUNTIFUL HARVEST for each and every one to enjoy the bounties of agriculture embodied in the revitalized 18-point agenda of the Department of Agriculture with the leadership of Secretary, William D. Dar.

A bountiful spread is embodied in the Cordilleran culture seen in the traditional cañao, staged to thank Kabunyan or our mountain god for success in the community and celebrations of life events, the event is highlighted with offerings and community dancing denoting collective gratitude of communities for good fortune.

With the goal of the department, we in the Cordilleras offer the world, a “KAGAGASING AY APIT,” MASAGANANG ANI AT MATAAS NA KITA SA ATING LAHAT!

Concept : Malen Catajan/Alfredo C Cañero III

Photo by: Eros Goze

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief: Aida Y. Pagtan Writers/Photographers: Janice B. Agrifino Alfredo C. Cañero III Herman B. Danis Mac James T. Dacillo Federic S. Lacaba Design and Layout: Dalos S. Emok Circulation: Jhazelyn Mang-osan Contributor: Jenny M. Dayao

The Agri-Cordillera is an official publication of the Department of AgricultureRegional Field Office Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-RFO CAR) published quarterly with office address at BPI Compound, Guisad, 2600 Baguio City; P.O. Box 384 with telephone number (074) 422-5795 and email address at rafid.dacar@ gmail.com. Published views do not necessarily reflect the position of the DA-RFO CAR. Please address all correspondence to the Editor-in-Chief.

Contents

DA-CAR combats veggie price drop; reinforces KADIWA

Banaue farmers deliver 10 MT of tomatoes to Metro Manila buyers

Hi-land Farmers MPC linked to Lapu-lapu market; delivers 40 MT of highland veggies

DA launches KADIWA Community Pantry; Rekindles Filipino Value of Sharing

DA-CAR conducts revitalized KADIWA in Session Road

DA-RFO CAR celebrates 1st HVC Week; preps agri-based contests and activities

Agri-fishery stakeholders convene in a Reg’l Food Summit; identify policy recommendations towards agrifishery dev’t

Ambiong, La Trinidad is beneficiary for the DA-CAR’s “Adopt a Town” Project

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DA-CAR awards 1M to DepEd to strengthen Gulayan sa Paaralan Program

LGUs trained on agri-fishery machinery and equipment registration

Local hybrid rice production policy enacted in Kalinga Local hybrid rice production policy enacted in Kalinga

Farmers trained on OA technologies; upgrade Organic farming practices

65 PhilGAP applicants passed national inspection for certification

Agri Chief Dar inspects Bayanihan Projects under DA-CAR, turns over PAFES Manual of Operations to Benguet Stakeholders

DA-CAR orients Mt. Province on DA-ACPC loan Programs

Agri Chief William D. Dar’s visit highlight

RED’s Corner

Autonomy towards Agricultural Sustainability

We are now at a critical junction where we need the agricultural sector to continue to sustain our efforts to ensure food availability and security. This will need the partnership of the stakeholders— farmers, LGUs, and other involved offices at various levels, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) involved in teaching agriculture and other related courses, Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs), Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) and other people’s organizations. We are lucky that the government has been significantly investing in this feat.

The Cordillera region has around 140 hectares of agricultural areas, and there are around 290,000 farmers. The farming sector contributes a significant income to the regional economy.

Around 70,000 vegetables farmers are tilling about 25,000 hectares, hence, making Cordillera the main producing region for highland vegetables. It supplies the 80% of the highland vegetables in Metro Manila, and in other lowland provinces. About one million kilograms on the average are sold in a day from

Cordillera.

Heirloom rice and coffee have cultural values and are the unique crops in the region. The Department of AgricultureRegional Field Office Cordillera (DARFO-CAR) continues to promote the production of heirloom rice and Arabica coffee given its higher nutritional value and strong market potential.

Heirloom rice is traditional rice planted on the rice terraces and it has been passed down from generation to generation. At present, heirloom rice is the source of the supply of the interior villages in the Cordillera. There are 28,000 farmers involved and around 11,600 hectares are utilized in the production of the heirloom rice.

Coffee is part of the daily living of Cordillerans. It is also seen as an additional livelihood next to vegetable production because it is perennial. There are more than 27,900 coffee farmers with around 5,000 hectares of production area. Some concerns on coffee production are farmers’ capacity and willingness to adopt new technology, aging coffee farmers, and

the acquisition of high-yielding varieties.

The DA-RFO-CAR support heirloom rice and coffee production and sustainability by (1) ensuring that the supply is plenty and the yield is maximized for the barangays; (2) maximizing its market potential, both at the national and international scale given its higher nutrition benefits and strong market potential; (3) to be a source of income for producing provinces.

Rice, corn, high value crops, livestock, fisheries and organic agriculture are significant commodities that the region is involved to feed not only limited to Cordillera constituents but all Filipinos. Therefore, Cordillera region significantly contribute to the nation’s economy. Over the past year and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the farmers continue to produce food while DARFO-CAR continues to provide support services to farmers.

The Cordillera region is the land of indigenous peoples (IPs). Helping one another in times of difficulties and problems during the pandemic is innate to IPs. Let us continue synergize to produce sufficient and affordable food for the present and the future generation.//

Cameron P. Odsey, Regional Executive Director

DA-CAR combats veggie price drop; reinforces KADIWA

Department of Agriculture

Cordillera (DA-CAR) is in combat against the unstable prices of highland vegetables and other agricultural products by reinforcing DA’s flagship marketing scheme KADIWA ni Ani at Kita.

As of April 2, a total of 297 metric tons (mt) of assorted highland vegetables have been sold through KADIWA modalities including KADIWA on wheels, express, drop-off, and retailing which was participated by 249 Farmers and Fisherfolk Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) across the region.

The KADIWA scheme provides a direct market linkage and platform for highland farmers to sell their harvests. The agriculture department provides logistic and administrative support to farmers and fishers through FCAs in making food available, accessible, and affordable to the public especially during the lean season aggravated by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Jover Pugong, Bashoy Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative general manager, the instability of highland vegetable prices is “not a reason to put veggies into waste”. He emphasized the reality of farming that presents challenges on production and marketing that are conquered by a strong institutional partnership.

“Participating in KADIWA

activities allowed my fellow farmers to increase our sales and establish a good relationship with the institutional buyers. Regardless of how the law of supply and demand plays on vegetable prices, I am sure we can overcome it with DA’s continuous help,” ended Pugong.

Meanwhile, the Php118 million Bayanihan 1 and 2 fund through the enhanced KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Financial Grant Assistance Program will finance 31 FCAs, four Local Government Units (LGUs), and the Benguet State University (BSU) to act as an assembler, consolidator or distributor of food commodities.

The enhanced KADIWA provides funding for market development services such

as market facility, seed fund, and delivery vehicle aimed at enhancing the capacities of farmers/fisherfolk organizations in the food value chain.

From March 29 to April 2, the 31 FCAS enhanced KADIWA beneficiaries sold 498,726 kilograms of assorted highland vegetables across the country amounting to Php 13,166,472.

More KADIWA activities in Cordillera are to be conducted to help farmers combat the unstable prices of vegetables.

The DA-CAR will conduct a KADIWA retailing on April 11, 18, and 25 along Session Road in partnership with the city local government of Baguio.//

Banaue farmers deliver 10 MT of tomatoes to Metro Manila buyers

Organized farmers from barangays Amganad, Anaba, Balad, Balawis, Bocos, Poitan, Tam-an, and Viewpoint, all in Banaue, Ifugao, delivered 10.1 metric tons of tomatoes to Metro Manila on April 6 and 8.

Banaue Mayor Wesley Dulawan met with the representatives of the farmer organizations and linked them to the Rural Rising Philippines and the Magsasaka Outlet. The Rural Rising Ph bought around 8.6 metric tons while the Magsasaka Outlet bought around 1.5 metric tons of tomatoes. Aside from tomatoes, the farmer groups

also delivered 800 kilos of Chinese cabbage and 528 kilos of cabbage.

Through its KADIWA schemes, the Department of AgricultureCordillera Administrative Region (DA CAR) provided the vehicles which brought the produce to Manila. Joan D. Bacbac, Chief of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) assures that through the strong partnership with the local government units (LGUs) of the region, the KADIWA platform will continue to provide a direct market for highland farmers to sell their harvests nationwide.

As part of its relief operations, meanwhile, the Province of Ifugao through the leadership of Governor Jerry U. Dalipog bought from the Banaue farmers and then distributed five metric tons of tomatoes to communities particularly in the municipalities of Lagawe, Lamut, and Kiangan.

Further, support for tomato farmers is the forthcoming completion in June 2021 of the Tomato Processing Center in Tinoc, Ifugao under the Bayanihan 2 program of the Department.//

Photos by OMAG, Banaue, Ifugao

Hi-land Farmers MPC linked to Lapu-lapu market; delivers 40 MT of Cordilleran highland veggies

A total of 40 metric tons (MT) of assorted vegetables from the Cordillera highlands made its way to other market outlets, this time, in the Lapu-lapu market after the Hi-land Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative was linked to the Lapu-lapu Women’s Cooperative in Cebu city who is currently managing the said market.

Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD)

Chief Joan D. Bacbac said that there were already four deliveries made since February 26, 2021 in the newly-established Bagsakan Center in Lapu-lapu City which was put up through the initiative of its City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan. Accordingly, the Center is purposely for the marketing of different agricultural products specifically highland vegetables.

The Bagsakan Center is located in the Ferry Boat Terminal in Muelle Osmeña near the Nuestra Señora Virgen de Regla Parish. Starting April 2021, the Hi-Land Farmers MPC will be delivering assorted

vegetables twice a week to be marketed in the Center every Mondays and Thursdays.

The vegetables are transported through hired large trucks that could accommodate at least five (5) MT each. Vegetables being delivered include carrots, tomatoes, red cabbage, cabbage, legumes, and other crops with longer shelf life.

The vegetables have undergone trial to ensure that these are still fresh and of quality when they reach the market considering that the land travel takes about 2.5 days, AMAD Chief Ms. Bacbac said. One of the tested products lately which withstood the long travel and arrived still in good condition was the San Andreas Strawberry variety gathered from the farm of Mr. Samy Lang-ay in Baguio City. A total of 20 kilograms of half-ripe strawberries were delivered last week and arrived in the Lapu-lapu market on Monday, April 5. Hence, more strawberries are expected to be included in the next deliveries.

Meanwhile, Ms. Agot Balanoy, Manager of the Hi-Land Farmers MPC, said that the market is newly opened so they have to establish more customers. “The sales margin is very minimal to fulfill our goal that end consumers will enjoy our vegetables at a competitive but affordable price without compromising the production efforts of our farmer-members,” she said.

The vegetables are being consolidated from the Coop’s more than 4,000 members. They also get products from other DAassisted groups for demand that are not available to them such as the Robusta coffee and strawberry. Moreover, they are also introducing other products like soft broom and processed products such as strawberry and ube jams in the market to also help their memberprocessors whose products are usually being sold to tourists.

Ms. Balanoy recalled that they have delivered vegetables in Cebu and Davao before through

Photo by Lapu-lapu Women’s Cooperative

air, however, this did not pursue because the airfare spiked from 8 pesos to 40 pesos per kilo during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This did not discouraged the group in looking for other markets with the assistance of the DA-CAR and found a good opportunity with the Lapu-lapu linkage.

“We wanted to open other markets outside Metro Manila because many vegetable buyers cannot or opt not to go to Manila already because of the travel restrictions,” Balanoy added.

She then encouraged her members to continue their loyalty and faith to the group that even when prices of vegetables go down at times but the marketing of their products is continuous.

On Crop diversification and programming

Meanwhile, regarding the

situations of unsold and/or wasted vegetables, Ms. Bacbac continues to recommend crop programming in the farms. While she noted it was already promoted long before, it is high time for the farmers to really appreciate and try it in their farms. The farmers are encouraged to plant diversified crops at different times to be able to harvest diverse produce at different times as well.

In doing so, Ms. Bacbac noted that it needs lots of patience on the part of the farmers, especially on its care and management.

She further encouraged individual farmers to join farmer’s organizations for more assistance such as market linkaging from the agency.

The good agricultural practices (GAP) certified farms are accordingly practicing the production of diversified crops

in order to meet the demand of their buyers and to avoid the possibility of overproduction.

“Saanlaengngaoutsidemarket tikitkitaen,mayatmetlangnga ag-innovatekenkitaennuanya dagitimabalinngaproduktonga maimarketditoymismoilitayo (Do not look only into outside markets, it would be good to innovate and look for products that can be marketed even within the community),” shared Ms. Beverly Palayen, owner of one of the GAP certified farms in Bauko, Mt. Province.

The Palayen family are currently selling pickles and jams out of their agri-products particularly the green pepper varieties. Recently, Ms. Palayen also developed a strawberry dressing which she introduced during the recently concluded KADIWA Trade Fair in DA-CAR.//

Photos by Noelyn Quimque

DA launches Kadiwa Community Pantry; rekindles Filipino value of sharing

Share what you have and get what you need!

The Department of Agriculture Cordillera is one with the nation in rekindling the Filipino values of sharing and Bayanihan through the “KADIWA community pantry.” This was launched on April 28 at the BPI compound, Guisad, Baguio City.

A total of 3 tons of assorted highland vegetables were donated by the farmers who are recipients of the enhance Kadiwa. The vegetables were shared to 545 individuals who are in need during this pandemic.

The Buguias-Japan Agricultural Trainees Association (BJATA) provided 233 kilograms (kgs) of cabbage, potato, and tomatoes. The Manpat-a Farmers’

Association also donated 400kgs of assorted vegetables including Chinese cabbage, bell pepper, chayote, and spinach while Hi-Land Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) gave 1,690 kgs of raddish, zucchini, bell pepper, french beans, and Carrots.

Banaue Farmers also participated in the community pantry by sharing 50 kgs of tomatoes. The Cadcadaan MPC also offered 175 kgs of highland vegetables together with the Seeds and Fruits MPC contributing 120 kgs. Palayen Farms and DA-CAR’s research

Division also shelled out. According to Agot Balanoy, League of Associations at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Areas Public Relations Officer, “the coronavirus pandemic has aggravated the Philippines socio-economic situation. With this simple act of kindness, we are contributing to ensure that food is sufficient. Since the vegetable industry is unhampered, we are sharing our blessings to our fellow Filipinos who are struggling.”

It can be recalled that the outbreak of COVID-19 resulted to subsequent lockdowns and

“Thank you for reminding me that Filipino’s are always there to help their fellow Filipinos.”

community quarantines which led to unprecedented and simultaneous blows to the country’s economy.

Roy Dilan, the COVID-19 displaced construction worker in Imelda Village, expressed that

COVID challenged his family financially.

“This situation made me work harder and be braver. Thank you for making me feel that I am not alone in this fight. Thank you for reminding me that Filipino’s are always there to help their fellow

Filipinos,” he decried.

The KADIWA community pantry is an innovation of DA-CAR to rekindle a sense of community, modern bayanihan, and social responsibility in a bid towards food security. //

DA-CAR conducts revitalized KADIWA in Session Road

Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) together with the City Government of Baguio – Committee on Market, Trade, Commerce, and Agriculture conducted a revitalized KADIWA trade fair along Session Road on April 25.

Spearheaded by DA-CAR’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) in partnership with the City Veterinary Agriculture Office (CVAO), the KADIWA featured Agricultural technology seminars on rabbit raising by DA’s Livestock Program, strawberry and coffee production by the High-Value Crops Development Program and, mushroom production by the Research Division.

It was participated by about 76 farmer associations and entrepreneurs, marketing their Agri-fishery products, food, plants, and non-food items.

An Investment Clinic was likewise opened to cater to interested farmer entrepreneurs.

On April 25, participating farmers’ associations grossed Php 203, 644 in sales. The market platform has also

amassed a total of Php 415, 302 in sales with just three consecutive Sundays.

According to Joan Bacbac, AMAD chief, this KADIWA was holistically initiated not just to provide a platform for marketing but also to allow the consumers specifically city households to be informed and educated through AgriTech seminars, provision of Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials, and having access to vegetable seeds.

Furthermore, she emphasized that “this is a rare opportunity that we have a one-stop-shop where we provide services to members of the community within their reach.”

Meanwhile, Lizel Agalatiw, Dominican Mirador resident, applauded the inter-institutional efforts in conducting a “socially relevant and essential” activity.

She emphasized that “this platform allows everyone to easily access essentials. This has become a one-stop shop for our needs,” she expressed.

The KADIWA ni Ani at Kita scheme creates market opportunities and provides alternative market outlets for local farmers and food processors during this pandemic.

The activity was conducted every Sunday of April as part of the National Filipino Food Month Celebration.//

DA-RFO CAR celebrates 1st HVC Week; preps agribased contests and activities

It’s High Value Crops Week!

The Department of AgricultureRegional Field Office Cordillera (DA-RFO CAR) officially opens its first regional High Value Crops (HVC) weeklong celebration this morning with a brief opening program and untying of Ribbon for the “Green Grocery” at the BPI Compound, Flagpole area.

The “Green Grocery” provides a venue for the assisted farmers’ organizations to sell their agricultural produce for one week in their designated booths near the Flagpole area. These products are either organically produced or from the good agricultural practices (GAP) Certified farms. Among which include leafy vegetables like pechay and lettuce, roots and tuber crops, legumes, carrots, and bell peppers. Processed agribased products like strawberry vinaigrette, chili garlic oil, plum tomato jelly, and strawberry jam are also available.

“High value crops is a major industry in the Cordilleras. On the average, the amount of vegetables that go outside the region in a year is 1,000 metric tons. That is exclusive of those vegetables that

are marketed within the region,” said OIC-Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey.

He added that the Department’s investment over the years has also significantly increased in terms of planting materials, equipment, facilities, and researches, among others. He assured that the Department is doing its roles and responsibilities to make the high value crops more sustainable and profitable while also ensuring that the environment and the watersheds are also being taken cared of.

The HVC Week is the first of its kind as it was only recently included in the agri-related celebrations of the DA. The activity is in line with the DA-CAR’s celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Republic Act No. 7900 otherwise known as the “High Value Crops and Development Act of 1995” and the Presidential Proclamation No. 469, s. 2018 that declares April as the Filipino Food Month.

The DA-RFO CAR through its High Value Crops and Development Program has prepared creative contests and activities within the week which encourages the active

participation of the employeerepresentatives from the DA-RFO and its attached bureaus and agencies specifically the Bureau of Plant Industry, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the Agricultural Training Institute.

These contests and activities include the “Green Grocery” which runs from April 12-16, HVC creative cooking competition on April 13; agri-based “Eat all you can at 100 pesos” on April 14; HVC technological contest on April 15 which covers fruit and vegetable carving, flower arrangement, seed and pest identification, and agriquiz bee; and Launching of “Adopta-Town Project in Ambiong, La Trinidad and Turnover of Gulayan sa Paaralan to identified schoolbeneficiaries, both on April 16. The weeklong activity will conclude in the afternoon of April 16 at the DA-CAR Conference Hall.

Meanwhile, the employees were reminded to observe the health protocols even as they actively participate and enjoy the different contests and activities. COVIDrelated IEC materials were also posted in visible places within and outside the offices and venues as daily reiterations.//

Representatives from the public and private agricultural and fishery sector convened during the Regional Food Summit spearheaded by the Department of AgricultureCordillera (DA-CAR) on April 13-14, 2021 in Baguio City.

With the theme “Food for today and beyond: Transforming Philippine agriculture,” the summit served as venue for the participants to discuss immediate concerns affecting the agriculture and fishery sector. This enabled them to further brainstorm, review, validate, and prioritize the challenges in the agriculture and fishery sector along with the opportunities and policy recommendations towards agrifishery development in the region.

Discussions were done in a blended modality with four (4) breakout sessions focusing on heirloom rice, highland vegetables, livestock, and fishery particularly tilapia production. “We are now at a critical junction where we need the agricultural sector to continue to sustain our efforts in ensuring food availability

and security. This needs the participation of all stakeholders involved,” said DA-CAR OICRegional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey.

Dir. Odsey added that the region is not only a producing region but it also houses the watersheds that cater to the neighbouring agricultural provinces. We have two major responsibilities – to produce enough food for our own requirements and continue to maintain the watersheds as these are our assets in CAR for the generations to come, he added. Moreover, DA Secretary William D. Dar in his recorded message encouraged the participation of the local government units (LGUs) and private stakeholders in the development and implementation of local action plans as blue prints and in the success of the upcoming National Food Summit.

“I enjoin everyone to participate in the discussion and decide what we should do now, on the next five years, and beyond to transform

Agri-fishery stakeholders convene in a Reg’l Food Summit; identify policy recommendations towards agri-fishery dev’t

Ambiong,

La Trinidad is beneficiary for the DA-CAR’s “Adopt a Town” Project

Sitio Gulon in Ambiong, La Trinidad, Benguet is the identified beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) “Adopt a Town for Urban Agriculture” Project in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) this year. As such, the community will be receiving additional interventions from the DA-CAR and its attached bureaus and agencies particularly the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between and among all concerned stakeholders during the Project’s Launching and MOA Signing Ceremony on April 16, 2021 in sitio Gulon.

As per MOA, the BFAR-CAR will be conducting trainings on fish culture, provide aquafeeds, fingerlings, and technical assistance. ATI-CAR will focus on the provision of extension services in collaboration with other stakeholders to harmonize and integrate ICT-based extension delivery of agriculture and fisheries.

Meanwhile, the BPI-Baguio National Crop Research and Development Center is responsible for establishing urban agriculture demonstration gardens, provide agri-inputs as well as technical assistance while MLGU-La Trinidad is tasked to identify the project site

and conduct social preparations. On the part of the DA-RFO, they will also be providing interventions on mushroom, livestock, and poultry production aside from seeds, seedlings, and technical assistance, among others.

DA-CAR OIC-Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey said that interventions are based on the community’s identified needs during the social preparation activities.

“The interventions are over and above the existing programs of the DA-CAR,” Dir. Odsey said.

He added that while La Trinidad municipality is an agricultural area, there are still agri-products that they are not usually producing like lowland vegetables and fishes. Hence, it was recommended that the community will start from there

so as to produce the other needs of the locality.

Meanwhile, High Value Crops and Development Program Coordinator Joan D. Bacbac explained that the “Adopt a Town’ initiative of the region was patterned to that of PhilRice Project in Nueva Viscaya which is fully funded. In the case of CAR, the Regional Field Office (RFO) solicited contributions from its attached bureaus and agencies. They were able to consolidate an initial amount of Php573,000.00 for the implementation of the Project.

La Trinidad Mayor Romeo K. Salda also thanked LGU-Ambiong for their receptiveness towards the Project. He encouraged the community members to manage their projects efficiently and serve as model/learning community for

the “Adopt a Town” Project.

The “Adopt a Town” Project envisions to establish a resilient food system especially during the COVID-19 emergency situation to make food available and accessible, to promote urban gardening and innovative agricultural practices, to promote increased vegetable intake and awareness on its benefits and nutritive value in one’s diet, and to provide an alternative source of income for urban agriculture adapters through sustainable market outlets. It is in full support of the directive of the administration under Memorandum Circular No. 8 that all DA bureaus, attached agencies, and RFOs shall adopt a city or town for urban agriculture and likewise spearhead, promote, coordinate, and monitor its implementation.

Community members receive initial agri-inputs

The community particularly members of the Ambiong La Trinidad Organic Practitioners Association (ALTOPA) received post-fingerlings tilapia and assorted vegetable seeds as initial

agri-inputs from the DA-RFO and BFAR during the Project launching and MOA signing ceremony.

ALTOPA President Agustina Paguien expressed her thanks on behalf of the Association to the different agencies for their continued assistance in the community. The vegetable seeds, for example, she said that these are planted to serve as tokens during local activities aside from home consumption and marketing purposes. She noted that they are able to promote their local products by choosing to prioritize them for tokens or gifts rather than buying products not produced in their community.

A ceremonial fish stocking was also held wherein the stakeholderrepresentatives led by Dir. Odsey released 500 post-fingerlings tilapia in a 100 square-meter fishpond of one of the ALTOPA members. The tilapia is being produced by the BFAR in their Regional fish farm in La Trinidad, Benguet. One post-fingerling costs more or less three pesos each, according to BFAR Agriculturist I Riza A. Pulac. She added that a 10% mortality allowance is allotted and was

included already in the provided aqua inputs. These are expected to be harvested within 3-4 months.

Bacbac noted that the existing facilities such as harvesting facilities and greenhouses will be reinforced for the implementation of the Project.//

DA-CAR awards 1M to DepEd to strengthen Gulayan sa Paaralan Program

Department of Agriculture Cordillera (DA-CAR) through the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) turned over Php 1,038,860 worth of agricultural inputs to the Department of Education Cordillera (DepEd) to support the “Gulayan sa Paaralan Program.”

A memorandum of understanding was signed on April 16 between DepEd Assistant Regional Director Florante Vergara and DA-CAR RTD for Operations Danilo Daguio.

Sets of rubber hose, plastic drums, knapsack sprayers, assorted seeds, and sprinklers were provided to DepEd. Gulayan sa Paaralan targets to raise awareness on health and nutrition by planting vegetables in available spaces in schools. It also pursues to augment school’s supplemental feeding programs whilst promoting vegetable consumption.

According to Vergara, the inputs provided will be utilized to help decrease the rate of malnutrition among children in the region. He emphasized that this convergence between DA and DepEd will harmonize efforts on food sufficiency and curbing nutritional deficiency towards a brighter

future for children.

“We appreciate this gesture of generosity from DA that was given not to glamorize but to support and strengthen us in our fight against malnutrition. This ‘Gulayan sa Paaralan’ allows us to inculcate among learners the values of doing sustainable agriculture, good health, nutrition, and hard work,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Eleanor Camut, Agriculturist II, highlighted that the partnership with DepEd in sustaining school gardens across the region will encourage more youth to partake in the field of agriculture.

Gulayan sa Paaralan is among the strategies of the DA under its Plant Plant Plant Program culturing food sufficiency and security towards sustainable communities.//

LGUs trained on agri-fishery machinery and equipment registration

At least 50 key personnel from the Local Government Unit’s City/ Municipal Agriculture Offices in the Cordillera region were capacitated on the Registration of Ownership of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Equipment System (RAFMES) through discussions and hands-on application.

The Training was conducted in two batches, June 10 and 11, in a blended setting via face-to-face at the DA-CAR Conference Hall and virtual via Zoom Conference. RAFMES Project Implementers from the DA-Philippine Center for PostHarvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) served as the Resource Persons.

RAFMES is a web-based information system that will be used for the registration of ownership of agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment by the City/Municipal Agriculture Offices. It was developed by the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization and Engineering Resource Network or AFMechERN.

As discussed by the Resource Persons, the registration of agrifishery machinery and equipment are based on the Republic Act No. 10601 otherwise known as the “Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law”. Such registration will accordingly establish ownership of machinery and equipment and would create a national database for planning and monitoring purposes, in accordance with the Act and other existing laws.

Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) Chief Engr.

Filemon Salvador said that the DA-DILG Joint Memorandum

2018-02 titled “National Guidelines for the Registration of Ownership of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Equipment” was already circulated to the LGUs and local orientations are being undertaken. Hence, the RAFMES Training is conducted as the

next step in order to level up understanding and for capacity building among all involved stakeholders for the smooth implementation of RAFMES in the region.

Tublay Municipal Agriculturist Jeffrey Sotero lauded the functionality of the database which, aside from being easy to operate, gives high regard to the accuracy of inputted data as there will be data validators identified later.

In closing, Engr. Gaston Cael, RAED Assistant Chief, emphasized that one importance of having the database is that it could be a basis in crafting legal documents when providing such interventions. Hence, he encouraged the participants to cascade their learnings from the training to further internalize the functionality of the system as well as its implementing policies and guidelines.//

AGRI-FISHERY STAKEHOLDERS

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our agriculture. Let’s focus on the doable solutions now and the more ambitious solutions in the future… Let’s not just point out the problem. Let’s discuss and debate what can be done now and in the future for this is our collective task and responsibility,” Sec. Dar emphasized.

Prior to the discussions, DA-CAR Planning Monitoring and Evaluation Division Chief Susan D. Balanza presented the ONE DA Approach or the DA ‘new normal’ direction to level the agri-fishery sector. The presentation served as reference for the participants during their breakout sessions specifically in identifying the opportunities and policy recommendations.

Outputs from the regional summit will be consolidated and finalized by the PMED to serve as the region’s inputs during the National Food Summit slated on April 27-28, 2021.

The activity which was held face-toface and online was participated in by the DA’s attached bureaus and agencies, LGUs, state universities, agricultural and fishery councils, and farmers’ cooperatives and associations representatives from all over the region.//

Photo by Engr. Elmerlyn Amoas

Local hybrid rice production policy enacted in Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – the Department of Agriculture (DA) Cordillera Administrative Region conducted a consultative meeting with accredited hybrid seed producers of Kalinga, private seed companies, and representatives from the city and provincial LGUs, PhilRice, NSQCS for the Local Hybrid Rice Seed Productivity Policy.

The policy is a new administrative order from DA which directs local hybrid seed production that would provide a venue for local breeding of varieties suitable for the country’s agro-climatic conditions and produce hybrid seeds domestically.

Edwin Joseph Franco, regional hybrid seed focal, explained that about 90 to 95% of the

hybrid seed interventions from the department’s Rice Resiliency Project I and II and seed reserve were imported and the demand for hybrid rice seeds is increasing.

The main objective of the policy is to develop an environment promoting local production of hybrid seeds and gradually increase the share of locallyproduced seeds in the market until most of the hybrid rice seeds in the country are locally produced.

Franco elaborated that the region aims to have 300 ha of hybrid rice seed production in the city to cater to the needs of the other provinces in the region for the next two years.

In the consultation, the different stakeholders were assured

that there would be different interventions for the local seed production such as investment incentives, area development, crop and credit insurance, and seed testing facilities.

The policy created an avenue for collaboration and networking of the private sectors and government towards strengthening the hybrid seed industry.

Furthermore, the seed producers, private companies, and the department were able to meet on common ground as to the operationalization of the policy. The different roles and responsibilities were also initially discussed.//Jenny

M. Dayao

Farmers trained on OA technologies; upgrade organic farming practices

In the bid of the government to strengthen the development of organic agriculture in the region, the Department of AgricultureCordillera (DA-CAR) through the Regional Organic Agriculture Program (ROAP) continues to train interested organic famers amidst the pandemic.

Thirty seven (37) farmers from the different organic farmers association in Benguet, particularly in La Trinidad, Tuba, Itogon, and Sablan gained additional knowledge and new technologies from the Training on Natural Farming System and JADAM Technologies at the DA-CAR, Guisad, Baguio City on May 5-7, 2021.

This was elaborated by Resource Speakers Arnel Manuel, Frederic Sabaway, Alepha Sugot, all from the DA Regional Crops Protection Center (RCPC) who discussed about the beneficial Insects in the farm, common pests and diseases and management options, and the introduction of JADAM technologies, respectively.

While, Oliver Pe of DA-ROAP and Michelle Peralta of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic ResourceCordillera (BFAR-CAR) shared the Philippines Standard for Organic Agriculture and Aquaculture, respectively.

“We started to challenge ourselves

to be pioneers of organic agriculture in our community. Anchored with trainings being conducted by the government and the unending support of my fellow farmers, particularly the Itogon Organic Farmers’ Association, I will continue to promote Organic Agriculture as a sustainable lifetime investment,” said Cherry Mae Pacio from Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet.

Lastly, the participants learned about concoction preparation, JADAM technologies, and how to prepare and use trichoderma during the hands-on activity. //

65 PhilGAP applicants passed national inspection for certification

Sixty-five (65) Philippine Good Agricultural Practices (PhilGAP) applicants from Buguias and Mankayan, Benguet are expected to be GAP Certified after recording 96-100% compliance to the Philippine National Standard Code for GAP on Vegetables and Fruits by the PhilGAP Inspectors from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) – Manila on April 12-16, 2021.

Of the 65 farms, 19 are for renewal and 46 are new applicants. The validation team conducted the inspection in two groups to be able to cover the 65 farms within the week. They were assisted by the PhilGAP Secretariat, Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DACAR), and local government unit representatives.

DA-CAR GAP focal person Doweno Santiago, Jr. reported that the PhilGAP applicants who scored below 100% have to comply with the needed requirements and submit photo documentations of such to the inspectors/PhilGAP Secretariat for their certification to be processed.

GAP certification is promoted among farmers to ensure food

safety and assure the quality of agricultural products while recognizing protection of the environment and the worker’s health, safety, and welfare.

“Number one reason for the promotion of GAP is for food safety which is the basis for its implementation,” Santiago said.

High Value Crops Development Program Coordinator Joan D. Bacbac added that the purpose for GAP Certification varies from the fulfilment of trade and government regulatory requirements, in particular with regard to food safety and quality, to more specific requirements of special or niche markets.

“Their objectives range from ensuring safety and quality of produce, capturing market advantages, improving natural resources use, worker’s health, and working conditions to creating new market opportunities for farmers,” Bacbac highlighted.

Aside from the inspection, the teams also monitored 32 GAP Certified farms in Itogon, Buguias, and Mankayan in

Benguet and Bauko in Mountain Province. As per monitoring report of DA-CAR, these farms maintained their conformance to the PhilGAP certification standards with exemption to few recommendations for improvement of farm compliances.

As of March 1, 2021, there are a total of 185 GAP Certified Farms, 8 of which have expired and subject for renewal. Benguet recorded the highest with 153 while Abra recorded the lowest with one GAP Certified farm. These farms are monitored after one year of certification by the National Certification Committee to ensure that these maintain and conform to the PhilGAP standards.

The evaluation of documents of the inspected applicants for PhilGAP certification is handled by the PhilGAP Certification Committee from BPI-Manila before being approved by the BPI Director. The certificate has a two-year validity and is renewable.//

Photo by Doweno Santiago Jr.

Agri Chief Dar inspects Bayanihan Projects under DA-CAR, turns over PAFES Manual of Operations to Benguet Stakeholders

Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar and Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Noel O. Reyes personally inspected the completed and ongoing Bayanihan II-funded projects implemented by the DA-CAR during his scheduled visit in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet today.

Among the inspected projects are the research for development multipurpose facilities for the 1) enhancement of technology transfer on vegetable seed and seedling production and 2) product and development and food technology located in the Baguio Animal Breeding Research Center (BABRC), Dontogan, Baguio City.

These projects, funded under Bayanihan II through the Bureau of Agricultural Research, are composed of two buildings amounting to Php21,744,323.21 in total. These projects started its groundworks

last April 28 and are expected to be completed before the end of June 2021.

During the BABRC inspection, OIC-Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey together with Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan also discussed with the Secretary the proposal of the City Government of Baguio to amend the existing Usufruct Agreement. In the proposal, the City use of a portion in BABRC is proposed for expansion from eight (8) hectares to 10 hectares. Sec. Dar emphasized that the final agreement should benefit both parties for the continued development and maximum utilization of the government resources.

After the BABRC inspection, Sec. Dar proceeded to the DACAR vicinity in the Bureau of Plant Industry, Guisad for the

‘KADIWA sa Guisad’ inspection and monitoring and formal opening of the new Regional Crop Pest Management Center (RCPMC) that was completed on May 16, 2021. The Center with a total amount of Php4,578,289.73 is the first major completed Bayanihan Project in the region.

The KADIWA Retailing serves as the agency’s KADIWA Outlet where identified partner farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) could sell their agri-produce daily. Managed by the Cordillera Agriculturist Multipurpose Cooperative, the Outlet has already generated a total sales volume of 36.46 tons valued at Php3.5 Million of assorted agricultural products, mostly highland vegetables, since its establishment on March 27, 2020.//

DA-CAR orients Mt. Province on DA-ACPC loan Programs

To raise farmers and fisherfolk awareness on various DA credit programs, the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera conducted an orientation in Bontoc, Mt. Province last April 8, 2021.

As of March 31, 2021, a total of 5 lending conduits were accredited by DA’s Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) in Mt. Province with Php69, 230,000.00 approved credit fund allocation, and 2,983 borrowers with a 95% repayment rate.

According to Dominga A. Cabatu, Mt. Province Provincial Agriculturist, the activity provided loan options for the farmers to avail.

“Loan program will help the farmers increase their productivity and

encourage them to continue to plant during this pandemic”, she added. Meanwhile, Christopher Becyagen, Manager of St Paul Cooperative of Bauko, Mt. Province said that their regular loan program is not enough to provide all the needs of the members.

He said most of the members of the cooperative were farmers. Recently they were one of the beneficiaries of Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) with a good repayment record. “We are hoping farmers will continue to plant and can readily access the loan programs”, he added.

During the orientation, Marcial Lloyd Bayangan, ACPC Staff discussed the Agri-Negosyo (ANYO) Program that provides accessible

and affordable credit to eligible borrowers. The ANYO helps finance capital requirements to improve their efficiency, productivity, and profitability in their farm and for non-farm income-generating activities.

The Kapital Access for Young Agripreneurs “KAYA” Loan Program was also presented. This is to provide capital requirements with zero (0%) interest to finance for start-up or existing farm/fishery business.

An open forum was then conducted to discuss issues and concerns that may affect the application of the loan programs offered.//