NAF Council conducts meeting, CSO consultation on DA FY 2012 budget

In line with the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) 109 of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the NAF Council and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) consultation on the Department of Agriculture's (DA) 2012 Budget was held on April 12, 2011 at the BSWM Conference Hall, BSWM Building.

DA officials, led by Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, gathered inputs from the NAF Council private and government sectoral members and CSOs with budget partnership agreement with the DA regarding budget allocations and agriculture programs and projects that should be pursued for 2012.

Segfredo R. Serrano, Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, Research & Development, started off by presenting the DA’s Thrusts and Priorities under the Aquino administration. In accentuating food security, Usec. Serrano said that under the leadership of Secretary Alcala, emphasis will be on approaches that would have to be anchored on something more solid than production and technology.

Aside from plans for rice self-sufficiency, thrusts for the sectors of livestock, poultry, corn and fisheries were also laid out. These include improving genetic material; animal health program; establishment of meat trading centers; promoting poultry products; promotion of white corn cassava and other staple food crops such as sweet potato and saba to ease the demand for rice; maintenance, operation, and expansion of existing mariculture parks and optimizing its productivity by promoting polyculture.

Meanwhile, as the DA food security program dictates that irrigation is a major public investment, Usec. Serrano said the priority for irrigation shall be on rehabilitation, repair and restoration or maintenance of existing systems. Small water impounding systems and smaller types of systems that are easier to construct and put into operation will also be done.

More durable market access infrastructure like farm-to-market roads, fish ports, post-harvest facilities and equipment shall also form part of DA’s public investments.

In dealing with climate change, Usec. Serrano said that the DA is trying to develop its capacities on risk assessment and disaster management through the use of remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technologies to be able to establish a climate risk information system.

He added that the DA wants to be able to put even greater investments in equipment and infrastructure like irrigation works that will harvest rainwater, farm mechanization warehouses, storage facilities, and other equipment.

Meanwhile, Antonio A. Fleta, Undersecretary for Administration and Finance of the Department of Agriculture, proceeded to present the DA’s budget share for the year 2012.

During the presentation,  Usec. Fleta disclosed that the average percentage share of the DA in the national budget for the last ten years is 2.7 percent. Despite this, however, Usec. Fleta said that the DA contributed 16.8 % in terms of to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2010.

For 2012, Usec. Fleta noted that the percentage of the DA’s share in the national budget increased to a little less than five percent which amounts to P83.44 billion.

“Under the six-year development program of the DA, the budget will be front-loaded in the next two years so that it can already achieve the targets especially in irrigation,” he explained.

Usec. Fleta then presented the allocated budget in 2011 in comparison with the proposed budget for 2012 in the components of support services like production support, market development, credit facilitation, irrigation, postharvest and infrastructure, extension support, research and development, and information support.

Usec. Fleta also discussed the budget for the DA’s banner programs on rice, corn, high value crops, livestock and fisheries. For rice, the DA proposed a total of P49.5 billion for 2012 compared to the P19.6 billion share in 2011.  Under the rice program, P10 billion will be for national rice, P30 billion for irrigation and P9.5 billion for farm-to-market roads. 

For the corn program, a sum of P1 billion is proposed while there will be P2 billion for high value crops. For livestock program, there will be P2.4 billion allotment while P3.05 billion is proposed for fisheries for next year.

Other allocations were also pointed out by Usec.  Fleta which include other programs (P8.9 billion), regular fund under the Office of the Secretary (P4.3 billion), and attached agencies (P4.8 billion).

During the open forum, DA officials took note of the important points, suggestions, concerns and comments raised by different parties.

Another meeting  was set to further discuss the details on the budget  as suggested by Mr. Ernesto Ordoñez, chairperson of Alyansa Agrikultura, who also thanked Sec. Alcala for conducting the NAF Council Meeting/CSO Consultation once again after more than two years and further proposed for the formation of a sectoral committee on budget that will help the department in lobbying for higher budget allocations.

Representatives of the different organizations present in the meeting also inquired about the various aspects in the budget allocations for sectors like high value crops and irrigation system; the status of other projects concerning their areas; monitoring activities; and, others which Sec. Alcala and fellow DA officials answered to the best of their knowledge.

Recommendations from CODE-NGO, as represented by Raul Banzuela of Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA), were also discussed at the forum. Mr. Banzuela enumerated the six recommendations, as follows:  that they be provided with a breakdown of the commodity program budgets by region and by type of production support; the need to gain the support of farmers for the DA’s plan of gradually shifting production support for farmers away from input subsidies towards investments in public goods; that DA clarifies how its programs are geared towards the needs of agrarian reform beneficiaries, small famers and fisher folks; and, ensure that the fisheries program benefits small and municipal fisher folks.

Given the suggestions and comments that have been propounded in the meeting, DA officials gratefully drew the  concurrence of the members of the council to submit the proposed 2012 budget to the DBM—subject to further amendments and as a result of any further consultations with stakeholders.

        

Some 201 members of government and private sectors are in attendanceduring the NAF Council Meeting and CSO Consultation for the DA FY 2012 Budget.

NAFC holds Performance Assessment and Planning Workshop for Foreign-Assisted Projects

The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) conducted Performance Assessment and Planning Workshops for Foreign-Assisted Projects- the PL480 and 2KR Programs - recently this year which was attended by project managers and finance officers of the programs.

The assessment and workshop for PL480-assisted projects was held in Bataan for three days while that of 2KR-assisted projects was conducted in Clarkfield, Pampanga.

The workshops conducted aimed to evaluate the performance of each project; formulate plans and targets for the undertakings; and, resolve issues and problems confronting the implementation of the said on-going foreign-assisted projects.

The PL480 Program is comprised of 12 on-going projects. These include:

• Accelerating the Genetic Resource Improvement Program for Beef Cattle and Small Ruminants (BAI);
• Goat Production Project for the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program(BAI);
• Expanded Human Resource Development Program (ATI);
• Livelihood Enhancement Program for Agricultural Development (NAFC);
• Strengthening Capacities in Agricultural and Fishery Trade Negotiations and Agreements (NAFC);
• Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries Biotechnology Program (DA-BIOTECH);
• Enhancing the Implementation of IPM to Increase Farmers’ Competitiveness, Minimize Environmental Risks and Ensure Food Security and Safety (PhilRice);
• Improving Enforcement Capability in Fishery and Coastal Resource Management (BFAR);
• Multi-Year Dairy Animal Procurement and Breeding Program to Upscale Heifer Production for Local Dairy Industry (NDA);
• Milk Feed Plus Program (NDA);
• Support to Emergency and Livelihood Assistance Program (DA-SPCMAD); and
• Establishment of Agro-meteorological Stations in Highly Vulnerable Meteorological Areas: A Tool for Climate Change Adaptation and in the Development of an Early Warning System (BSWM).

Meanwhile, there are nine on-going projects under the 2KR Program which are:

• AKBay-Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy Program (NAFC);
• Rehabilitation of Small Scale Irrigation Projects for Upland Productivity and Resource Sustainability (BSWM);
• Enhancing the Rural Employment through Promotion of Village-Based Dairy Enterprises (PCC);
• Regional Freshwater Fisheries Center’s for Continuing Capability Building for Integrated Development of the Bicol Freshwater Fisheries (BFAR-V);
• Technology Management for Competitive Agriculture and Fisheries Sectors (BAR);
• Fisheries Grassroots Outreach Project (BFAR-NIFTDC);
• Barangay Food Terminal Project (PhilMech);
• Enhancing Farmers’ Capacity to Access, Analyze and Utilize Statistical Information (BAS);and
• Rehabilitation and Modernization of Livestock “Oksyon” Markets in the Philippines (BAI)

Some of the agreements and recommendations yielded at the workshops is for the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to write a letter to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to reiterate the CO and set a meeting with concerned persons; for the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to always remind their scholars about the deadline of submissions, to decide whether or not to provide scholarships, to come up with the proper information dissemination regarding the scholarship and review the mother MOA, to be able to advertise their program while NAFC helps them in looking for scholars and to formulate guidelines regarding the scholars who have not returned from abroad.

The workshops were also a great way to impart the true meaning of self-respect and self-discipline so that everyone could get along well especially in addressing important issues in their undertakings.

Participants of the PL480 and 2KR assessment workshops pose for a group photo after the event.

RAFCs hold first meeting for 2011

Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons recently held their first meeting for 2011 at Hacienda Gracia in Lubao, Pampanga and at National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC). The highlight of the event was the turnover of leadership between outgoing National RAFC president and RAFC chairperson of Region lll Jesus Simon and RAFC chairperson of Region VIII Edgardo Codilla.

The discussion focused on the official registration of the RAFC Association of the Philippines in the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) to gain legal personality and be able to engage and transact official business with both government and private institutions, and to generate funds locally and internationally for the sustainability of the AFC operation.

A committee composed of the RAFC president and the three vice presidents for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao was created to draft the by-laws and work out for the registration of the association.

The second day of the two-day RAFC meeting was held at NAFC Apacible Conference Room.

NAFC OIC Director Engr. Noel A. Juliano, in his message, encouraged and supported the move of the RAFC association for its official registration in the SEC.

He also informed the RAFC chairpersons about NAFC’s plan to hire additional staff on a job order status to assist the AFC regional coordinators in assuring and facilitating the proper conduct of the AFC consultations and other activities and functions the AFC should undertake.

Dir. Juliano then proceeded to facilitate the ceremony for the turnover of leadership between Simon and Codilla who were both elected during the RAFC elections in 2011 and were deemed to equally share the two-year term of office as National RAFC president. Codilla will be serving the last half of the term.

Meanwhile, the RAFC chairpersons also witnessed the launching of the Rice Nutrition Farming Program (RNFP) in Barangay Bodega in Florida Blanca, Pampanga held in the morning of June 21.

        

NAFC OIC Director Juliano facilitates the turnover of leadership between outgoing National RAFC President Jesus Simon and RAFC chairperson of Region VIII Edgardo Codilla.

BAS, NAFC launch another 2KR-Assisted Project

Another 2KR-Assisted Project was officially launched in a ceremony spearheaded recently by the proponent agency, the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), at the Sunrise Holiday Mansion, Alfonso, Cavite.


The event marked the start of the implementation of the said project dubbed as “Enhancing Farmers’ Capacity to Access, Analyze and Utilize Statistical Information” which aims to improve farmers’ productivity, efficiency and income through the institutionalization of improved and sustainable capacities on operational and financial farm management and planning. 

The event was attended by around 150 people, including BAS personnel headed by Director Romeo S. Recide, together with their Regional and Provincial Agricultural Statistics Officers; representatives from the Government of Japan (GOJ) led by Mr. Takehiko Sakata (First Secretary, Agriculture, Embassy of Japan), Ms. Etsuko Taneda (JICA Representative) and Mr. Hiroshi Kodama (DA-JICA Expert); and, representatives from National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the lead agency handling the 2KR Program, led by its OIC-Director, Engr. Noel A. Juliano and NAFC-SPD Chief Ms. Elgie L. Namia.

Also a significant part of the program was a ceremonial turnover of the project’s approval letter sent by the GOJ to the Department of Agriculture, signed by the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Makoto Katsura.

It was then followed by the ceremonial signing of contract between BAS and NAFC, led by Dir. Recide and Dir. Juliano as heads of the proponent agencies, witnessed by Ms. Laura S. Lizarondo, BAS Assistant Director and Ms. Namia of NAFC.
Furthermore, the check amounting to P23.7 M was turned over by NAFC to BAS to officially jumpstart the implementation of the project.

NAFC turns over the check amounting to P23.7 M to BAS to officially jump start the implementation of the 2KR-Assisted project dubbed as “Enhancing Farmers’ Capacity to Access, Analyze and Utilize Statistical Information”.

COCAFM holds AF2025 Action Updates and Budget Consultation Meeting

In line with the National Budget Memorandum (NBM) 109 of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the NAF Council meeting and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) consultation on the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) 2012 Budget was held on April 12, 2011 at the BSWM Conference Hall, BSWM Building.
In coordination with the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), the meeting served as an avenue for AF2025 Task Forces to present their outputs containing recommendations for the Department of Agriculture (DA) 2012 budget allocations and proposals for strategic interventions in their respective sectors.

The said outputs were the result of a series of meetings by the chairpersons and members of the AF2025 Task Forces with DA bureaus and attached agencies in preparation for the AF2025 Action Updates and Budget Consultation Meeting with COCAFM chairperson Senator Francis Pangilinan, DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, Atty. Celso Valmores, to whom the outputs were presented.

The output for rice and other staples was presented by Dr. Emil Javier; Atty. Jose Elias Inciong for poultry, livestock and corn; Dr. Rolando Dy for commercial crops; Roberto Amores for fruits and vegetables; Sarah Bales for fisheries; and former DA Secretary Senen Bacani for cross-cutting issues.

To date, the outputs of the sector are endorsed to the concerned DA Bureaus and attached agencies, through the DA, for appropriate action. A meeting, tentatively scheduled in August, will be conducted to discuss the updates regarding the recommendations of the task forces.

Also present during the meeting were Dr. Ernesto Ordoñez, heads and representatives of DA bureaus and attached agencies and chairpersons and members of the AF2025 Task Forces.

COCAFM chairperson, Senator Francis Pangilinan, delivers his response to the outputs of the AF2025 task forces during the Action Updates and Budget Consultation Meeting.

Rubber Industry Sub-Committee visits rubber plantations in Laguna, Quezon

The Rubber Industry Sub-Committee was informed recently about existing rubber plantations in Laguna and Quezon, which is considered as a welcome development since most rubber trees are situated in Mindanao where typhoons are rare.

With this development, the sub-committee agreed that the sites be validated to determine soil and climate suitability of the above-mentioned provinces.

Rubber is a high-value commercial product, identified as one of the priority crop of the Department of Agriculture. One of the sub-committee’s members and general manager of the First Laguna Rubber, a business enterprise which engages in rubber propagation, planting and marketing that started in January 2006, Engr. Rolando Rosales, shared this breakthrough to the group and invited the members to see the areas.

The sub-committee conducted the site validation last May in Laguna and Quezon, and was participated by representatives from the Traders Trust International, Latex Products, King’s Rubber, JDM Agroventures, CUP, Rubberfields, Inc., CocoaPhil, First Laguna Rubber, Bureaus of Plant Industry, Agricultural Research, and Agricultural Statistics, and National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC).

Two rubber plantations were visited in Laguna. The first site, located in Barangay Ilayang, Butnog, Magdalena, owned by Atty. Ceriaco Sumaya, is a five-hectare farm with 3, 000 rubber trees. The second site, which can be found in Barangay Layugan, Pagsanjan, is a 2.5-hectare rubber farm planted with 2, 500 mature rubber trees and owned by Mr. Alex Pactananan.

The rubber plantation visited in Quezon is a five-hectare land area with 5, 000 mature trees, owned by former councilor Ernida Reynoso.

The plantations are intercropped with patola, squash, corn, coconut and cacao.Engr. Rosales emphasized that top pruning and double stocking methods are practiced in the farm to be able to resist typhoons and strong winds.

Engr. Rolando Rosales, general manager of the First Laguna Rubber, extracts a sample of latex from a rubber tree during their site validation.

AKBay program benefits 76 farmers in Catanduanes

Launched in Virac, Catanduanes last June 15, the AKBay (Agrikultura, Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy) Program benefited 76 farmers, giving them financial assistance to purchase inputs for their approved micro-livelihood projects.

Highlighting the country’s current developmental directive and how it should be the guiding principle of the agriculture sector, Undersecretary for Field Operations Joel Rudinas, mentioned that inclusive growth should override development motivated by profit and economic growth alone.

In his message, he described growth and progress as “something built from the ground, as this would enable the smallest stakeholders – the farmers – to actually participate and benefit in the process.”

“The problem, however, is that support initiatives are hampered because of the large number of issues surrounding the sector. Formal lending institutions which are supposed to assist financing, instead turn impartial to small borrowers in order to avert bad credit exposures and low success rates,” he added.

Usec. Rudinas suggested that this whole system be overhauled if inclusive development is the objective. Both creditors and borrowers need only take the initiative of jumpstarting the mechanism to establish trust and foster good partnership.

The program title “AKBay” itself, he added, justifies the meaning of true development that is accommodating and impartial to the smallest, yet the most important stakeholder in the agricultural sector.

Undersecretary for Field Operations Joel Rudinas,NAFC OIC Director Engr. Noel Juliano and other officials distribute checks to LEAD ROF recipients.

NAFC turns 53

NAFC staff awarded with certificates for their hard work and committed service pose for a group photo with NAFC OIC-Director Engr. Noel C. Juliano.

In celebrating 53 wonderful years of fulfilling its role in the country’s agricultural sector, the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) honored the men and women who have devoted considerable service, loyalty and commitment to the agency during the anniversary celebration held at the Apacible Conference Room. 

The celebration kicked off with a mass presided by Rev. Fr. Steven Sabala of Parish of the Mary Immaculate Concepcion followed by a short program that gave recognition to 23 staff of the NAFC for their efforts in helping the agency achieve its goals in the past five decades or so.

The following staff received certificates handed by NAFC OIC-Director Engr. Noel A. Juliano in appreciation of their hard work: (30 years in service) Diosile Arida, Serafin Santos, Cecilia Lupisan, Jane Antonio, Ernesto Dacio, Benjamin Donor, Miriam Aguilar, Arnel  Delosata; (25 years in service) Ditas Matulac, Mary Ann De Leon; (20 years in service) Kissie  Tefora, Emmanuel Ferrer, Patricio  Mercado, Ponciano Reyes, Raquel  Dumaraos, Jose Redentor  Besenio; (10 years in service) Teresita  Carpena, Evelyn  Panganiban, Francisco Resurreccion, Merceditas  Dinglasan, Ceniza   Dacumos, Percival Figueroa, and Rowena Gallemit.

Aside from the current employees, five retired employees were also given honor for their contributions to the agency.The celebration was also filled with fun and laughter as the National Agricultural and Fishery Council Employees Association (NAFCEA) brought cheers and excitement during one part of the program through the games they facilitated.

As they marked their 53rd year, officials and staff of the NAFC are grateful for all the lessons learned and milestones reached in the past years, are happily looking forward to more years of service and are strengthening their commitment to help with the progress and development of the country.

PRPC Signs MOA with IRRI, resolution to change name

    The ExeCom of the Philippine Rice Postproduction Consortium (PRPC) convened at the National Agricultural and Fishery Council’s (NAFC) Apacible Conference Room this June as presided by Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala. The meeting was highlighted by the signing of Memorandum of Agreement on collaborative activities between PRPC and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI); and, the resolution changing the name of PRPC to Philippine Grains Postproduction Consortium (PGPC). 

       During the meeting, the PRPC accomplishments in the previous years were presented. Based on the presentations, Sec. Alcala proposed that the group conduct a workshop to identify possible interventions where PRPC can provide technical advice that will contribute to the successful implementation of the DA’s Rice Self-Sufficiency Program.

NAFC joins seminar/workshop on “The Philippine Bidding Documents and Updates on R.A. 9184”

Eight employees of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) attended the Seminar/Workshop on The Philippine Bidding Documents and Updates on R.A. 918 (otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act”) organized by the Association of Government Internal Auditors (AGIA) last April at Hotel Kimberly in Malate, Manila. 

The three-day event focused on the Philippine Bidding Documents for the Procurement of Consulting Services, of Goods/Services and of Infrastructure Projects. The 102 participants, who came from different universities, government agencies, and local government units nationwide, were also given exercises on accomplishing Bid Data Sheets and workshops on actual bidding processes.

Seated from left to right in the photo are: Carmelo Yambao, Shirley Pascua, Serafin Santos, Diana delo Santos, Carmencita Begonia, Agapita Agustin, Ceniza Dacumos, Normita Castillo, and, one of the lecturers, Engr. Angelito Z. Saliendra, State Auditor V from the Technical Services Office of the Commission on Audit.

DA Secretary Alcala meets with commercial fishing industry, DOTC

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala met with officials from Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), National Telecommunication Commission (NTC), and key representatives of the commercial fishing industry to thresh out solutions on pressing issues in the regulations of commercial fishing vessels last May at the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) Apacible Conference Room, DA Compound in Quezon City.

The forum is a result of the secretary’s dialogue with the industry last January 13 at the Navotas Fish Port Complex, which came up with position papers and action plans to facilitate resolution of priority concerns in the commercial fishing sector.

Asst. Secretary for Planning George Esguerra led the DOTC party, Director Jose Venancio Vero, Jr. for the Maritime Safety Office for the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Lt. JG Jerome Jeciel for the Phil. Coast Guard (PCG), Deputy Commissioner Carlo Jose Martinez for the NTC group.

Secretary Alcala led the DA party with Asst. Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing and Fisheries Salvador Salacup, who acted as the meeting facilitator, and BFAR officials led by OIC-Director Gil Adora with Atty. Annaliza Vitug, Dr. Jonathan Dickson, and BFAR Region 12 Director Sani Macabalang.

The commercial fishing industry was led by Mr. Alonso Tan (Alliance of Phil. Fishing Federations, Inc.), Mr. Marfenio Tan and Mr. Jake Lu (SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries, Inc.), Mr. Roberto Baylosis (Southern Philippines Deep Sea Fishing Assn.), and representatives Mr. Dario Lauron, Mr. Roger Lim, and Mr. Diony Patricio (Assn. of Tuna Handliners.)

The agency officials and industry representative forged an agreement to undertake a plan of action concerning regulations in commercial fishing vessels. Also in attendance were Representative Pedro Acharon, Jr. (South Cotabato), Mayor Darlene Antonio-Custodio (Gen. Santos City), and Mayor Isidro Lumayag (Polomok). These government officials are considered among the leaders in promoting and sustaining fisheries development in Mindanao.

12 young farmers leave for Japan to attend ASEAN Young Farm Leaders Training Program

Twelve out of 13 candidates from the 2011 batch of Young Filipino Farmers Training Program (YFFTPJ) flew to Japan last May 10 to attend the 11-month ASEAN Young Farm Leaders Training Program. 

The trainees have completed the 85-day Pre-Departure Orientation Course (PDOC) from January – April 2011.

The PDOC enables the trainees to learn and speak Nihongo and also enhance their technical skills and expose them in modern technologies like swine, cattle and vegetable production.

This year’s group of trainees includes: Jonard Binoloc Manzano  (Tabuk City, Kalinga); Jonathan Sony Cabarrabang Domingo (Solsona, Ilocos Norte); Efraim Dangwas Tomilas (Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya); Alexander Cipres Paulo (San Antonio, Zambales); Remigio Terrena Villamayor, Jr. (Calamba City, Laguna); Limuel Ganibo Mendoza (Pinamalayan, Mindoro Oriental ); Jay Vega Caro (Mambungalon, Mercedes, Camarines Norte); Johnny Lopez Casiple (San Carlos City, Negros Occidental); Ryan Jasper Galvan Solinap (Canlaon City, Negros Oriental); Ryan Beronguez Sechico (Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay): Andres Bartolome Okinlay Paluga III (Poblacion Impasu-ong, Bukidnon); Junny Deimos Aliñabo ( Marilog District, Davao City); and Al Somicio Polinar ( San Francisico, Agusan del Sur.)

Before their trip, families of the trainees were assured that the latter are out of the danger posed by the radiation threat caused by the earthquake and tsunami devastation in Japan last March.

Like the batches before them, the group is expected to come back armed with new skills and technologies that will help them improve farming operations and raise their incomes.

Agriculture and Fisheries 2025 Task Force on Poultry, Livestock and Corn Sectors Meets with DA Secretary

Agriculture and Fisheries (AF) 2025 Task Force on Poultry, Livestock and Corn group recently met with Department of Agriculture (DA) officials headed Secretary Proceso Alcala, Assistant Secretaries Dave Catbangan and Edilberto de Luna, BAI Director Efren Nuestro, LDC Director Manuel Jarmin, NDA Administrative Grace Cenas, and representatives from NMIS and PCC.

The industry was represented by United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA), Philippine Association of Broiler Integrators (PABI), Propork and National Corn Board to discuss the major issues confronting the sector such as: the need to create data system as part of anti-smuggling efforts; Minimum Access Volume (MAV)  importations; high fees imposed by local government units (LGUs) on the livestock and poultry players; and need for the establishment of Triple A slaughterhouse and dressing plant.

Atty. Elias Inciong, chairperson of UBRA, advocated for the even distribution of the MAV allocations for the whole year if it will not be abolished.  Secretary Alcala responded that he will consult with the companies with MAV allocations so that the government will not resort to special importations.Secretary Alcala stressed that the DA will act immediately on the concerns.

Since the entire country is declared foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) free by the OIE, potentials for exports are being realized by the government and the livestock and poultry sector. Secretary Alcala said that the DA will provide fund under ACEF for the establishment of Triple A dressing plant and slaughterhouses and other facilities needed by the sector to enhance their competitiveness. He said that 70% of the ACEF grant will be utilized for the competitiveness of the poultry, livestock and corn sector while 30% will go to the loans for the other sectors.

On issues regarding the impositions of high fees or taxes by the LGUs, Secretary Alcala required the sector to submit first the present fees being imposed on them together with their proposals on the matter.  He said that he will arrange a meeting with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary, the League of Provinces and the League of Municipalities, together with private sector representatives, to tackle the issues.The meeting also touched on the sector’s request to create a data system that will make the data on importations (importations under MAV) transparent and for easy access by the sector.

As agreed, Secretary Alcala designated Secretary Davinio Catbagan as the point person for livestock, poultry and corn group who will work with them on all of their concerns.Secretary Alcala also announced that the implementation of the Food Lane program will be restored.  He added that the DA will put up a “Producers’ Market” that will directly sell the products of the poultry and livestock players to help them become competitive in terms of prices.

Agriculture and Fisheries 2025 Task Force on Poultry, Livestock and Corn group meets with Department of Agriculture officials headed Secretary Proceso Alcala to discuss the major issues confronting the sector

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M & E for AFCs held

Selected Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) Chairpersons, National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) staff, Regional Agricultural Engineers and a representative from PhilRice attended the pre-Training Workshop on Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) for Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) this April at the Oasis Hotel, Clark Perimeter Road, Angeles City, Pampanga.

       The activity was  facilitated by ACPC Director Norman Kraft,  together with lecturers  Director Mila Rimando of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 2 and Mr. Jose Macatangay, Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) Secretariat. The workshop covered the following topics: Overview of Project Monitoring and Evaluation; M & E indicators, categories of indicators by level; Data Collection and Instruments; Planning an M & E; M & E Plan matrix; M & E Training Plan; and experiences of PARC Secretariat in M & E projects.The two-day activity came up with some observations, concerns and recommendations that could help the participants develop their technical know-how based on the objectives of the M & E. Also part of the workshop output was the training design for AFC trainers on M&E which is necessary for the partner-AFCs, AFC coordinators and concerned NAFC staff as this will enhance their capability to assist in monitoring DA/NAFC programs and projects.

        Some concerns were also called to the attention of NAFC such as the AFCs’ involvement in the agency planning process and convening a meeting/workshop with AFC chairpersons/coordinators as soon as possible to discuss the 2011-2012 plans and targets and leveling on the Major Final Output (MFO) performance indicators. 

Some Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council chairpersons,National Agricultural and Fishery Council staff,
Regional Agricultural Engineers and a PhilRice representative pose for a group photo after attending the pre-Training Workshop on
Monitoring and Evaluation for Agricultural and Fishery Councils.

NAFC turns over checks to Gawad Saka awardees

The Outstanding Organization Achievers in Agriculture and Fisheries, adjudged in the 2010 Gawad Saka Search, claimed their grant prize at the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC). The turnover of the checks was led by Engr. Noel A. Juliano, NAFC Officer-in-Charge, together with Division Chiefs Ms. Elgie L. Namia, Mr. Elmer G. Estiandan, Engr. Alexander S. Daroya, Ms. Diosile G. Arida and Ms. Celeste V. Villena, and other NAFC officers. 

Four of the Outstanding Achievers each received a check worth P150,000—Catuguing Palayamanan 4H Working Youth Club (Outstanding Young Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization), Diffun Saranay & Development Cooperative (Outstanding Small Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization), Sinamar Norte Rural Improvement Club (Outstanding Rural Improvement Club), and Municipal Agricultural & Fishery Council of Dingras, Ilocos Norte (Outstanding MAFC). The Provincial Agricultural & Fishery Council of Quezon was awarded with a grant prize of P250,000 for being the Outstanding PAFC.The said grant prizes will serve as capital in their proposed agricultural and fishery undertakings to further enhance the organizations’ operation/s.The Gawad Saka Search is a yearly undertaking of the Department of Agriculture which aims to recognize outstanding achievements of farmers and fisherfolk who have worked hard and practiced the acquired knowledge and technologies in the field of agriculture and fisheries.