PhilRice Agusan holds Palayabangan: The 10-5
Challenge
By Lacheln O. Rafallo
BUTUAN CITY, April 30 (PIA) – The Philippine Rice
Research Institute Agusan Experiment Station (PhilRice Agusan) held the Annual
Palayabangan: The 10-5 Challenge Field Day and Farmer’s Forum on Thursday,
April 29 at Brgy. Basilisa, RT Romualdez, Agusan del Norte.
The 10-5 Challenge aims to raise the rice
production standard to 10 tons per hectare yield at P5.00 input cost for every
kilogram of Palay produced. The current average yield in the country is about 4
tons/ha while input cost is about P11.00/kg of Palay.
“As conceptualized by the Association of South
East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Integration to promote free trade between country
members, the initiative also aims to provide opportunities for all players in
the rice sector to show what they can do to improve the yield and production
cost,” said Dr. Corsennie A. Mabayag, Senior Science Research Specialist of
PhilRice Agusan.
“Palayabangan: The 10-5 Challenge supports the
goal of the Food Staple Sufficiency Program of the country and the advocacies
of the National Year of Rice to help increase the farmer’s productivity, make
them globally competitive, and boost their morale,” Dr. Mabayag added.
The 4th Palayabangan Challenge reached its largest
number of participants this year, as it is joined by nine agriculture-based
establishments, namely: Bayer CropScience Inc., Agusan Greenfields Resources
and Agrotech Corp., FMC Agricultural Solutions, NextGen Global Alliance Corp.,
Jeels Masagana Farm Supply, Texicon Agriventures Corp., Global Green Organic
Fert. Inc., Syngenta Philippines, and SL Agritech Corporation. All participants
were given opportunity to demonstrate products and technologies to the farmers.
“On 2014, participants of Palayabangan: The 10-5
Challenge reached the average yield of 6.9 tons/ha and an input cost of PhP
15.00-19.00. We are expecting improvement this year, with the mechanization of
their farming methods,” Dr. Mabayag said. (PIA-Caraga)
Philippine Cold Chain Project brings Caraga’s Best
to International Food Show
By Babes D. Tuso
BUTUAN CITY, April 30 (PIA) - The Philippine Cold
Chain Project (PCCP) will be bringing Caraga’s Best to the International Food
Exhibit (IFEX) on May 21-24, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia
Complex, Pasay City.
IFEX, otherwise known as Asia’s Ethnic Food and
Ingredients Show, is a unique showcase of Asia’s ethnic and specialty foods,
tropical fruits, vegetables, fresh sea foods, Halal-certified products, as well
as natural, organic, and exotic food products. It responds to the growing
preference for specialty foods in the international market, featuring
culture-rich food products that are currently making waves in major
supermarkets, gourmet food stores, and natural food retailers.
The event is considered as a strategic and
significant route for trade ventures considering that Philippines is just a few
hours away by air from all Southeast Asian megacities.
Among the Caraga’s Best products that will be
showcased at the IFEX are processed foods from Create Food, Incorporated, JIDA
Aqua Resources and Chen Marine Products, all endorsed food processors by the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Caraga region and certified by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA).
Create Food, Incorporated is an organization of
food processing companies in the region. JIDA Aqua Resources is a producer of
deboned bangus and bottled bangus products. Chen Marine is processing frozen
squid, shrimps, and cuttleflish.
Funded by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) and implemented by Winrock International (WI), PCCP works to
develop new and strengthen existing buyer-seller relationships. This is to
encourage food processing businesses, trade association leadership and key
farmer producers to participate in national and international events and trade
shows to enable them to link with higher value markets.
IFEX is a biennial event sponsored by the Center
for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) of the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI).
In support to Caraga’s Best products, PCCP
sponsored the exhibit booth where these products will be displayed.
PCCP Marketing and Enterprise Development
Specialist Leo F. Mendoza said that this endeavor is a support to food
processors and PCCP-assisted producers in linking with higher value markets,
promote Caraga products that conform to national and international food safety
requirements, and enable Caraga food processors and producers to be updated on
the market and product trends locally and internationally.
IFEX links global trade with the ONE ASEAN 2015,
which makes IFEX a promising platform to optimize buyers’ one-stop sourcing
activity of expansive and diversified product offerings of the rich ASEAN
region.
Expected at this event are thousands of visitors
from the Asia-Pacific, Oceania, Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, East
Asia, and the Middle East. Also coming
to IFEX are over 600 food exporters from 35 countries and regions, more than
13,000 global buyers, at least USD600 million booked sales, and 16,230 square
meters of exhibits. (PCCP/PIA-Caraga)
2015 CBMS census kicks-off this month in AgSur
By Annah Sharon G. Rosales
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Apr. 30 (PIA) - The
provincial government of Agusan del Sur recently launched the 2015
community-based monitoring system – disaster risk reduction and climate change
adaptation (CBMS-DRRCCA) census to assess the real situation of a community and
frame up a realistic planning for the province.
The activity kicked-off on April 6 during the flag
raising rites at the Naliyagan Cultural Center in Patin-ay, this town with its
theme, “CBMS Census 2015, Apil Na! AgusanonIkawangNumero Uno!”
“Indeed, this CBMS will help us assess the real
situation of a particular community in conformity with what is suited in that
particular area. So I’m very happy that the updated result of this will surely
help us in formulating and updating our provincial master plan,” said
Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Hazel O. Del Rosalio of the province’s first
district.
Sources said that the census, which ends on May 29
is spearheaded by the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the
Provincial Information Management Office (PIMO).
According to PIMO report, a total of 396 Asus
tablets installed with the CMBS application were distributed to every
enumerator per barangay by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS)
to be used during the conduct of the survey.
Fourteen server desktops were also given to the 13
municipalities and the lone City of Bayugan to be used by the municipal CBMS
focal person as the data bank of information gathered by the enumerators and
will serve as link to PGAS.
In an Equipment Loan Contract Agreement, which was
signed between PGAS who represent as lender and owner of the equipment and the
13 towns and a city as borrower cited that the latter would take care, and
control of the equipment.
The provincial government will provide three sets
of uniform to include a sling for the tablet, ID, backpack, umbrella and cap to
enumerators and supervisors.
According to 2015 CBMS census contract, the
municipality who could submit a complete documents on the results of the survey
within the duration of 40 working days will receive an incentive reward ranging
from Php 100,000 for first prize, Php 75,000 for second place and Php 50,000
for third place.
According to PPDO, the incentive reward will help
motivate the local government units to maintain the quality, reliability and
completeness of the data collected as input to CBMS. It would also encourage
the participants to conduct 100 percent coverage of household in their
respective assigned areas.
The CBMS was adopted by the PGAS as a regular
program since 2005 and to conduct survey every three years (2009 and 2012) to
update the socio-economic data of every barangay.
The data would also become reference of the
province in achieving the major objective of the province - to reduce poverty
incidence by 13 percent from 39 percent in 2012 to 26 percent in 2016.
The census result will also be used in preparing
and updating the master provincial plan including project implementation,
impact monitoring, and formulation of evidence-based policies. (DMS/Provincial
Public Information Office-Agusan Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
25 local producers undergo seminar on Trade Fair
Promotion
By Rodrigo R. Matabaran
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 30 (PIA) - A
total of 25 local producers here have learned the basic knowledge and
understanding on how to participate in trade fairs and other related activities
to promote and sell their products as they joined the Seminar on Trade
Promotion conducted on April 21, 2015 at Jake Lou Food Hauz, Narciso Street,
this city.
The seminar is in preparation for 2015 Balanghai
Festival Edition of Buy Caraga By Caraga trade fair event that will be held at
the Robinsons Mall, Butuan City on May 8-11, 2015, it was learned.
Buy Caraga By Caraga is an on-going market
promotion program initiated by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) aimed
to help producers in local communities gain access to continually expanding
market.
During the one-day activity, important inputs on
the preparation of products, improving quality and designs as well as effective
ways to negotiate with buyers were among the topics discussed.
Trade and Industry Specialist Eden Burnea and
Senior Trade and Industry Specialist Annette Anduyan from DTI regional office
were the resource persons of the said activity.
In his message, DTI Surigao del Norte provincial
director Celestino L. Nagapatan encourages local entrepreneurs to display,
promote and sell their products by joining this activity.
He said that having their product exposed during
this event can pave the way for them to tap the regional market of over two
million people.
For those interested to join the 2015 Balanghai
Festival Edition of Buy Caraga By Caraga trade fair, please contact the
Department of Trade and Industry at the 2nd Floor, Simtoco Building, Burgos
Street, this city or contact telephone number 826-2373 and look for Engr. Ma.
Theresa Z. Calang, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of the
Business Development Division. (SDR/DTI-Surigao delNorte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
6 remote villages in AgSur town avail potable
water supply
By Maria Soccoro M. Vea
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, Apr. 30 (PIA) -
Residents in six far-flung barangays in Trento can now access to the P5.6
million worth potable water supply project under President Benigno Simeon
Aquino’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) special project where the
Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS) became one of the recipients.
Barangays Langkilaan, New Visayas, Pangyan, San
Ignacio, Cuevas and Manat, all in Trento town were recipient of Rehabilitation
of Spring Development (Water Supply System Level II) project funded by PAMANA –
Department of Interior Local Government (DILG).
According to Armando Gomez, PAMANA point person of
PGAS, Langkilaan got a funding of P1.5 million; New Visayas P1.3M; Pangyan
P790,000; San Ignacio P680,000; Cuevas P630,000 and Manat P660,000.
Last month the PAMANA’s regional and provincial
technical working group conducted a project inspection in these recipient six
barangays and found out that all were 100 percent completed.
According to Trento Mayor Johnmark Billanes, for
the longest time residents have suffered the lack of potable water supply but
this time, all their agony was set aside.
“We are here to deliver services to our people.
What we want in return is for you to have sense of ownership and protect the
blessings that our national and local government have extended,” Governor
Adolph Edward Plaza said, adding he is always ready to extend help for the
Agusanons in order that every development programs will be equally shared by
the people.
Plaza noted that although the development come so
slow but it would surely reached to their communities in a given time.
Arlene Ann Sanchez, DILG provincial director, said
this special project should be given proper management by the Barangay Water
System Association (BAWASA).
She added that the BAWASA should be responsible
for maintaining, regulating and organizing the system. Sanchez emphasized that the water is filtered
and examined, thus, safe for drinking.
According to Marcelino Escio, one of the
beneficiaries, they have to walk for 100 meters before in order to fetch water
from the river as their source of drinking water. Escio added that he is very
thankful that the water supply became accessible in their area.
“My role is to represent the six barangays of
Trento in expressing their appreciation for the projects undertaken in our
municipality. With this, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to the national and
provincial governments and PAMANA program of the President,” said Mayor
Billanes.
The Water Supply System Level II was realized
through the PAMANA Program in partnership with provincial government of Agusan
del Sur, DILG and the local government unit of Trento. (Provincial Public
Information Office, Agusan del Sur/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
DOST chief visits Siargao Island
By John Glenn A. Platil
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 30 (PIA) –
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) secretary Mario Montejo together
with his undersecretaries and all regional directors arrived in Siargao Island
on Apr. 22, this year, for a three-day Management Committee (ManCom) meeting
held at Siargao Bleu Resort & Spa in General Luna, this province.
In his message Sec. Montejo declared his 100
percent support to the administration of governor Sol F. Matugas for all the
science and technology-related projects in the province.
Also, Montejo backed the Coconut Production, which
is the leading source of livelihood and profit of the islanders, especially the
members of the peasant community. He also cited packaging of Siargao’s
home-made items and best products.
Prior to the visit of Sec. Montejo and his team,
governor Matugas convened the Team Capitol with respect to security arrangement
in the island.
She also led the inspection at Cloud 9 for the
realization of a 40-meter easement linking, involving and concerning the waters
for the planned Cloud 9 Adventure Park and completion of the Sewerage Treatment
Plan.
Montejo thanked gov. Matugas, cong. Francisco
Matugas and Del Carmen mayor Alredo Coro, Jr. for the warm hospitality and
gracious welcome that he and his party received while in Siargao. (SDR/PIC-Surigao
del Norte/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
BFAR-13 to lead Farmers’ and Fisherfolks' month
celebration
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Apr. 30 (PIA) -
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Caraga region will lead
the month-long celebration of Farmers’ and Fisherfolks' on May 4, 2015.
The month-long celebration is anchored on the
theme, “Mangingisdang Direktor para sa Matatag na Balikatan,” and is
highlighted by the implementation of Fisherfolk Directorship Program pursuant
to Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88, series of 2005.
The fisherfolk directorship program will give due
recognition and tribute to farmers and fiskehrfolks as partners of the
government and to recognize their efforts as he country’s backbone in poverty
alleviation and food security program.
The activity will kick off at 8:00 a.m. on Monday,
May 4, 2015 with a grand motorcade around the city to be participated by the
BFAR employees and staff, partner LGUs, fisherfolk representatives,
agricultural technologists (ATs) involved in fisheries, representatives from
the national line agencies and other stakeholders.
Right after the motorcade, the opening ceremony
will follow and the official installation of this year’s Fisherfolk Regional
Director to be held at the Gateway Hotel, this city.
To enable the newly installed fisherfolk director
gets a warm welcome and shared his realistic plans and goals, and vision in the
tenure of his directorship, a press conference will be conducted right after
the installation ceremony with the invited media, both in print and broadcast.
(SDR/BFAR-13/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
DOLE:
SurSur jail guards victimized by NPA atrocities to get aid from ECC
By Greg Tataro Jr.
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, April 30 (PIA) – The
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Surigao del Sur assured all five
jail guards, victimized recently by atrocities of the New People’s Army (NPA),
of appropriate compensation from Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).
Raymond Fel Sajor, DOLE provincial field office
chief, said coordination between their office and the ECC has already been
underway immediately after the unfortunate incident when Senior Officers 2
(SO2) Feliciano Polan and Juan Salazar, both provincial-employed guards as well
as three others—Jail Officer 3 (JO3) Alfredo Galindo, JO1 Mardenver Balan, and
JO1 Roger Sarvida were waylaid by an estimated hundred armed men believed to be
NPA rebels on April 27 at around 7:45 a.m. in Barangay Amontay, Marihatag
town, 50.5 kilometers, this city.
It can be recalled that all five were escorting
two NPA-detainees—Jojean Alameda and Robert Rivas—on board the same BJMP
vehicle on their way to a court hearing at the Regional Trial Court (RTC)
Branch 28 in Lianga, some 39.5 kilometers farther down south from the ambush
site.
Reportedly, during the initial burst of gunfire,
as the vehicle sped up upon sensing danger, three BJMP guards were hit—Galindo,
Balan, and Sarvida including Rivas.
Luckily, both Polan and Salazar did not sustain
any injury but were taken captives; Alameda, who was not also hit, was rescued
by comrades in the process.
Sajor explained “any worker, regardless of
employer—whether in government or in private sector, is provided a meaningful
and appropriate compensation in the event of a work-related contingencies”
through the ECC. (NGBT/Radyo ng Bayan-Tandag/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
