Over 100k hectares in Mindanao planted with high-quality rice seeds
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 12 -- The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice
Research Institute (DA-PhilRice) in Agusan del Norte contributed in ensuring
food security in its area of coverage by providing seeds planted in more than
100,000 hectares (ha).
Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)-Seed Program,
Jasmin Reyes, PhilRice Agusan RCEF branch focal person said more than 250,000 bags
of certified inbred seeds were distributed and planted in the Northern,
Northeastern, and Southern Mindanao.
Reyes said that over 76,000 farmers in about 120 municipalities received
at least 40 kilograms (kg) of certified seeds. Farmers were listed in the
Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture.
Gregorio Orig, a 52-year-old farmer in Carmen, Surigao del Sur shared
his harvest had increased with the certified inbred rice seeds he received from
the program.
“I used to produce only 60-80 bags (60kg/bag)/ha, but through these
certified seeds, I harvested 100 bags per hectare!” Orig said.
Meanwhile, Robert Oracion, a municipal agriculturist of New Corella,
Davao del Norte commended the program as farmers in their area now prefer
high-quality seed.
The RCEF-Seed Program, which is a component of the Republic Act 11203 or
Rice Tariffication law signed by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, allots P10 billion fund
every year for the rice farmers. Sponsored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, the program
is a six-year government initiative to help the farmers compete in the
international rice market. The local government units and lawmakers assist in
its implementation.
PhilRice leads the RCEF-Seed Program and is the government’s lead agency
on rice research and development mandated to help ensure a rice-secure
Philippines. With eight stations across the country, its programs and projects
are in line with the DA’s “Masaganang Ani, Mataas Na Kita” battlecry.
For more information about the Institute’s program, queries can be sent
thru PhilRice Text Center (0917 111 7423) or
email prri.mail@philrice.gov.ph. (DA-PhilRice/PIA-Caraga)
Serbisyo
Caravan continues in AgNor amidst COVID-19 pandemic
By Capt. Miguel O. Borromeo, Jr.
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 12 -- The troops of the 29th Infantry (Matatag
Fighters) Battalion (29th IB), Philippine Army in collaboration with the Local
Government Unit (LGU) of Jabonga headed by Mayor Napoleon M. Montero, together
with the Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), and various
partner agencies held a one-day ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ in Brgy. Bangonay, Jabonga,
Agusan del Norte on September 18, 2020.
The one-day ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ is a convergence of stakeholders
supporting DILG's Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Immersion. This is
in line with Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 70 which
institutionalizes the Whole-of-the-Nation approach to End Local Communist Armed
Conflict (ELCAC) by delivering basic services to Conflict-Affected Areas
(ConAAs) and Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). A total of
899 beneficiaries received basic services and goods from the different line
government agencies.
These included prenatal consultation, medical check-up, tooth extraction
and free tuli (circumcision) done by the Municipal Health Office and 29IB; free
haircut rendered by the Jabonga Municipal Police Station and 29IB; various
seeds of fruit trees distributed by the Municipal Agriculture Office; food
packs and hygiene kits provided by the Municipal Social Welfare Development
Office (MSWDO) who also provided psycho-social support counselling; and legal
assistance from the Public Attorney’s Office.
In his statement, Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of
29IB, said that this time of the year is crucial to the Filipinos since
Christmas is approaching. "During this time, we are accustomed to helping
our fellow countrymen, but because of this pandemic, some of us became hesitant
and complacent in doing what we used to. This pandemic outbreak is a challenge
for us to extend our hospitality to those who are in need through the
‘bayanihan’ spirit," he said.
"As fellow frontliners, we are committed to giving our best in
serving and performing our duties. We urge each one of you to also help and
reach out to those who are in need because one single act of kindness can
change a life," Lt. Col. Criste added. (CMO Officer, 29IB, 4ID, PA/PIA
Agusan del Norte)
PSA conducts October
2020 consumer expectations survey
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 12 -- The October 2020 Consumer Expectation Survey
(CES) has already commenced since October 1 up to 13, 2020. The CES is a
nationwide quarterly household-based survey on the consumers’ assessment of
their family income, financial situation, and the economic condition of the
country.
It aims to provide a quick and regular assessment of the financial
condition of consumers as well as the economic condition of the country at
present and in the near future from the consumers’ own viewpoints; generate
forecasts in the direction of the country’s economic activity based on
consumers’ outlook in the current quarter, next quarter and the next 12 months;
provide quick and regular assessment of consumers’ confidence in terms of their
income and expenditures as well as their outlook on key economic indicators
closely monitored by the BSP such as inflation, exchange rate and interest
rates; provide quick and regular assessment of the saving condition of
consumers and outstanding debt situation of the household head, their
spouse/partner, their children and other family members at present.
This is administered on a sample basis at the household level drawn
through a stratified multi-stage random sampling. Agusan del Norte and Surigao
del Norte are the provinces covered for this survey round. It is a joint
undertaking between the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The PSA’s responsibility is to undertake the data
collection using Computer-Aided Data Collection System (CADaCS) while the
generation of tables and analysis of the results for the BSP.
All information collected by the hired Statistical Researchers from the
sample households shall be kept strictly confidential and shall not be used for
purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation as provided under Article 55
of RA 10625. (PSA Caraga/PIA Caraga)
PH, US sign new
P10.5-B deal to boost economy
BUTUAN CITY, Oct 12 -- The United States, through the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Department of Finance
(DOF) signed a new five-year bilateral assistance agreement valued at more than
P10.5 billion ($213 million) to boost the country’s economic development and
growth.
This agreement enables USAID and the Philippines to deepen their
commitment to accelerate inclusive, broad-based economic growth through
policies that increase investment and trade throughout the Philippines.
New programs and activities will promote inclusive, market-driven
growth; improve the business environment; expand economic opportunities through
private sector-led innovation for medium and small businesses; and increase
information and communications technology access for the digital economy that
benefits both producers and consumers.
Activities also include strengthening local civil society organizations
to advance locally-led programming and policy-making in the Philippines and
facilitating coalitions and partnerships between government and other
stakeholders toward data-driven decision-making.
Also, USAID will continue to support Philippine government objectives by
improving public sector transparency and accountability; advancing the
rule of law and the justice system; and boosting local governments’
responsiveness to Filipinos’ needs.
“This new USAID and Department of Finance bilateral agreement will
expand our support to help the Philippines achieve long-term, private
sector-led economic growth and strengthen economic governance. These programs
will create jobs and help ensure a more inclusive, broad-based economic
development,” said USAID Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II.
This bilateral agreement with the DOF is one of the four new five-year
USAID-Government of Philippines Development Assistance Agreements launching in
2020, with an anticipated total value of P32.7 billion ($675 million) over five
years.
These new agreements include:
Department of Health: To improve underserved Filipinos’ health by
strengthening health systems while improving the quality of health services,
especially in treating tuberculosis, providing access to those who seek family
planning services, and community-based drug dependence treatment;
National Economic Development Authority: To protect ecosystems by
promoting sustainable use of natural resources, enhance energy security, and
build capacity to mitigate risks and respond to natural disasters; and
Department of Education: To improve early grade reading, expand science
and mathematics curricula, and increase out-of-school youths’ access to
education, professional and technical skills development that will lead to new
job opportunities, and strengthen education governance.
Over the past 20 years, the United States has provided nearly P228.8
billion ($4.5 billion) in total assistance to advance the country’s development
goals. (United States Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Caraga)
US, PH universities
forge partnerships anew
BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 12 -- The representatives from Philippines and
United States (U.S.) universities met for a virtual partnerships fair hosted by
EducationUSA and the Commission on Higher Education International Affairs Staff
(CHED-IAS).
At the event, university presidents and senior officials from 68
Philippine schools and 45 U.S. institutions heard from the U.S. Embassy and
CHED on the importance of creating and expanding partnerships that sustain
international educational exchange.
“There is no greater way to strengthen the ties between two countries
than through expanding educational linkages, and creating these enduring ties
between our countries is as important as ever,“ said U.S. Embassy Cultural
Affairs Officer Matt Keener as he welcomed the participants after Atty.
Lily Freida M. Milla, director of CHED-IAS, gave her opening remarks.
The U.S. universities also hosted individual breakout rooms to meet with
Philippine universities interested in exploring new partnership opportunities,
including student exchanges, visiting scholars, collaborative research
programs, and lecture series.
The virtual fair was the sixth event under the “Pathways to Opportunity:
EdUSA-CHED Speaker Series on Internationalization” meant to build the
international capacity of Philippine universities and expand linkages between
U.S. and Philippine institutions.
The speaker series is also one of the primary outputs of the
U.S.-Philippine Joint Statement on Higher Education Cooperation signed during
the 2019 U.S.-Philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue.
Along with promoting internationalization in higher education,
EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international
students in more than 170 countries and offers students resources and tools to
help navigate the five steps to U.S. study: researching schools, identifying
financial aid opportunities, completing applications, obtaining a student visa,
and preparing for departure.
There are more than 4,700 accredited higher education institutions in
the United States, and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their
options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers. EducationUSA
does not offer scholarships but can assist students in identifying scholarship
and financial assistance opportunities.
You can find more information about EducationUSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines and on Twitter at @EducationUSA_PH. (Unites States Embassy in the Philippines/PIA-Caraga)
