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NAFC showcases 4 US PL480 livestock projects at AgriLink 2012

DA Sec. Proceso Alcala and FRLD Chairperson Dulce Gozon lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony to formally open the 2012 AgriLink, FoodLink, and AquaLink trade fair held at the World Trade Center on October 4.

The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), in collaboration with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and National Dairy Authority (NDA), showcased four major livestock projects of the of the Department of Agriculture (DA) funded under the United States Public Law 480 (US PL480) Title I Program during the 2012 AgriLink, FoodLink and AquaLink held by the Foundation for Resource Linkage and Development Inc. (FRLD) from October 4 to 6, 2012 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

The projects were the Goat Production Project for the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program and Accelerating the Genetic Resource Improvement Program for Beef Cattle and Small Ruminants (AGRIPBeS) implemented by NAFC and BAI and the Multi-year Dairy Animal Procurement and Breeding Program to Upscale Heifer Production for the Local Dairy Industry and Milk Feed Plus Project which are being implemented by NAFC and NDA.

NAFC Executive Director Ariel Cayanan joined DA Secretary Proceso Alcala, FRLD Chairperson Dulce Gozon, DA Assistant Secretary for Livestock Davinio Catbagan, US Department of Agriculture Counselor Philip Schull, French Ambassador Gilles Garachon, AgriLink/FoodLink/AquaLink 2012 Chairperson Ricardo Alba, Bureau of Fisheries And Aquatic Resources Region-3 Director Remedios Ongtangco, and International Federation of Organic Advocate Movements President Andre Leu in formally opening the exhibits last October 4.

This year, the country’s premiere international trade exhibit in agriculture, food and aquaculture highlighted the theme “Improving Animal Productivity Beyond Medication” and gave focus on livestock and poultry sectors including its products and services.

Sec. Alcala, Mr. Schull, Asst. Sec. Catbagan and Exec. Dir. Cayanan also led the awarding of certificates of appreciation to six dairy multiplier farms for their participation in NDA’s Dairy Multiplier Farm Program under the Multi-year Dairy Animal Procurement and Breeding Program to Upscale Heifer Production for the Local Dairy Industry.

A certificate of animal ownership was also awarded to Pedro Gabilo, Jr. of Angono, Rizal who had received one buck and five does Saanen goats under the AGRIPBeS. Certificates of recognition and appreciation were given to four AGRIPBeS beneficiaries as well.

Aside from the exhibit, NAFC, BAI and NDA also spearheaded seminars on “Corn Silage, Cassava and Malunggay as an Alternative Feed and Feed Supplement for Dairy Cattle” and “Native Chicken Production”. Resource speakers were Prof. Myrna Galang, Prof. Noe Velasco, Ms. Jeddah Lyn Sanchez and Dr. Rene Santiago.

After taking quick drinks of bottled goat’s milk, USDA Counselor Philip Schull and NAFC Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan pose with NAFC, BAI and NDA employees for a group shot at the booth.

In his message, Exec. Dir. Cayanan expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to NAFC to join the said expo.

“Joining the exhibit and trade fair has given us a chance to bring NAFC closer to the public, particularly the farmers, fishermen, livestock growers and the like. This year, we are once again privileged to take part in the 2012 AgriLink, Aqua-Link and FoodLink,” he said.

Aside from the US PL480 projects, NAFC also highlighted the 25th anniversary celebration of the agency’s consultative bodies, the Agricultural and Fishery Councils and National Sectoral Committees, during the exhibit.

http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/2012/agrilink.html

Sec. Alcala meets with RAFC leaders

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala addressed the issues and concerns of the chairpersons and coordinators of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils (RAFCs) when he spoke to them during the joint meeting of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) and the RAFCs last September 4 at the NAFC Apacible Conference Room. Sec. Alcala also took the opportunity to greet NAFC and its consultative bodies on their 25th anniversary celebration. He expressed his hope that NAFC, the Agricultural and Fishery Councils and National Sectoral Committees cultivate and sustain the milestones they’ve reached and the development they’ve spawned for the famers and fisherfolk in the past 25 years. Sec. Alcala also hoped that the DA’s partnership with the NAFC and its consultative bodies be further developed and strengthened in the succeeding years.

2kr Program

The Government of Japan through its Ambassador, His Excellency Toshinao Urabe approved the Upgrading of Pesticide Residue Laboratories project of the Bureau of Plant Industry. The good news was contained in the letter dated March 7, 2012 authorizing the use of the proceeds generated  from the Japanese Grant Assistance for the Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers, also known as the 2KR Program, being managed by the National Agricultural and Fishery Council.

The two-year project amounts to P92.0M WHERE P85.5M will be charged under the 2KR Program while the remaining will be the proponent’s equity. It involves the procurement and installation of sophisticated analytical equipments in the National Pesticide Analytical Laboratories and the Davao Pesticide Analytical Laboratories. These are the laboratories accredited to conduct analyses of prime commodities like mango and okra to Japan. Consequently, the project aims to improve the analytical capability of the NPAL and DPAL. These equipments include one (1) unit of Liquid Chromatograph with tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS-MS), one (1)  unit of Gas Chromatograph with tandem Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS-MS), five (5) units of Gas Chromatograph with Mass Chromatograph (GC-MS) and one (1) Liquid Chromatograph with Ultraviolet with visual range.

The laboratories were able to cope up with the demands of analytics of analysis until the implementation of the positive list system in Japan. With the increasing number of samples and increasing number of detections of different pesticides in the importing country, the need for screening those commodities for pesticide residues becomes necessary to prevent detections and return of the said commodities to the country of origin. Thus, the project aims to enhance the global competitiveness of the country’s export commodities. This is expected to be achieved through the development and validation of analytical methods that can minimize the detention/detection of food safety concerns of exported commodities.

NAFC LOGO DESIGN CONTEST

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NAFCEA unveils Botika ng Manggagawa in its 21st anniversary

Employees of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) can now easily avail low-priced but safe and good quality medicines as an in-house pharmacy, called the Botika ng Manggagawa, was recently unveiled by the NAFC Employees’ Association (NAFCEA).

The launch of the drugstore was held last May 4, during the three-day celebration of the association’s 21^st anniversary, in the presence of NAFC employees and officials and Ms. Esperanza S. Ocampo, National President of the Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) whose partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) has made the project possible.

The said project is a result of the September 2010 Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) entered into between the DOH and PGEA to establish 100 Botika ng Manggagawa in different government agencies in the National Capital Region. Under the project, every government agency/beneficiary is provided with generic and essential medicines worth P50,000.00.

(L-R) NAFC Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan, NAFCEA President 

Solidad Bernardo, PGEA President Esperanza Ocampo, 

and NAFC Deputy Exec. Dir. Noel Juliano during the 

ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Botika ng Manggagawa sa NAFC.

Medicines available for sale at NAFC’s Botika ng Manggagawa vary from antibiotics, to vitamins and maintenance for hypertension and diabetes. The facility itself is located at the NAFC Human Resources and Management Section office at the second floor of Apacible Hall, Department of Agriculture (DA) Compound, Elliptical Road in Diliman, Quezon City.

During the launching ceremony, a MOA for the establishment of the Botika ng Manggagawa was signed between the PGEA, NAFCEA officers and NAFC officials.

NAFC officials and employees pose with PGEA 

President Esperanza Ocampo (in blue) for a group

 photo with the newly unveiled in-house pharmacy 

of the agency in the background.

In an interview, Ms. Ocampo stressed the privilege of government workers to acquire health care services that are easily accessible and affordable.

“Our dream is to empower government employees to an extent that they become critical in the development of our country. It can only happen if government employees are united and if every government employees’ organization can address the needs of the workers. The PGEA mission and vision is to really serve and empower the employees to become effective workers. The pharmacy is just one of the programs that will help us attain this,” Ms. Ocampo said.

(L-R) NAFC Deputy Exec. Dir. Noel Juliano, NAFCEA 
President Solidad Bernardo, PGEA President Esperanza
Ocampo, and NAFC Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan sign the
memorandum of agreement for the Botika ng Manggagawa
established for employees of the DA and NAFC.

Ms. Ocampo said that their organization is also currently pushing for low-cost housing for civil servants who earn meagre income for their families.

Botika ng Mangagawa is a variant of the DOH’s projects under the Cheaper Medicines Program of the Philippines. Other projects include Botika ng Barangay (BnB), Botika Ng Bayan (BNB), and Botika para sa Taumbayan (BPT).

In his speech, NAFC Executive Director Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan expressed gratitude for the project which addresses the health concerns of the Filipino population.

NAFCEA Vice President Susan Puentebella echoed Dir. Cayanan’s message saying, “We are very privileged to be given this grant. Now, employees not only from NAFC, but also from DA, can acquire quality but affordable generic medicines.”

The facility will be open to all DA and NAFC employees soon after the DOH conducts inspection of the medicines in the said outlet.

Ifugao PAFC meeting

Ifugao PAFC meeting of the minds. Officers of the Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council (PAFC) of Ifugao convened a special meeting last April 25 at the Bahawit Nursery in Lagawe, Ifugao. Mr. Raymundo Bahatan, Provincial Agriculturist of Ifugao, presided over the meeting in place of PAFC Chairman Mr. Jimmy Lingayo who had another appointment to attend to. NAFC Coordinator to the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Ms. Laurence Macaraeg was also present. The group discussed, among others, the thrusts and direction of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs) for 2012-2017; the upcoming AFC election and 25th anniversary celebration; concerns about the destructive presence of garden eels in the fields and rice terraces; and, issues about the AKBay and LEAD programs and the Bagsakan Food Terminals.

see also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/2012/ifugao.html

AFMP consultation series caps off in Mindanao

The multi-sectoral consultation in Davao City marks the conclusion of the area-wide public consultations on the draft regional AFMPs.

The final leg of the Area-wide Public Consultations on the Draft Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Plans (AFMPs) capped off in Mindanao A and B areas from March 19-23, 2012 in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Davao, respectively.

Stakeholders from Regions IX, X and CARAGA share their insights on the crafting of the AFMP for 2011 to 2017 during the consultation in Cagayan de Oro.

Stakeholders from Regions IX, X and CARAGA share their insights on the crafting of the AFMP for 2011 to 2017 during the consultation in Cagayan de Oro.

The Mindanao A public consultation was held at Harbor Lights Hotel and Restaurant in Gusa, Cagayan de Oro City from March 19-21. The multi-sectoral consultation was attended by around 120 representatives from different government agencies, academic institutions and non-government organizations from Regions IX, X and CARAGA. Region X served as the host region.

Hon. Oscar Moreno, Provincial Governor of Misamis Oriental, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of modernizing agriculture in Mindanao. He hoped that Mindanao will live up to its title as the “Land of Promise”.

On the other hand, DA Regional Field Unit (RFU) XI hosted the Mindanao B AFMP consultation from March 21to 23 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. It was attended by around 130 participants from Regions XI, XII and ARMM.

On the other hand, DA Regional Field Unit (RFU) XI hosted the Mindanao B AFMP consultation from March 21to 23 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Lanang, Davao City. It was attended by around 130 participants from Regions XI, XII and ARMM.

Gen. Santos City Mayor Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio and NAFC’s Executive Director Engr. Ariel Cayanan grace the consultation event in Davao City.

Gen. Santos City Mayor Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio and NAFC’s Executive Director Engr. Ariel Cayanan grace the consultation event in Davao City.

Hon. Darlene Magnolia Antonino-Custodio, Mayor of General Santos City and Regional Development Council chairperson, graced the event and participated in the workshop session for Region XII.  She actively shared inputs on the draft plan of the DA RFU XII that will further modernize agriculture in Southern Mindanao.

During the regional workshops, Regional Executive Directors presented their respective regional draft AFMPs to stakeholders for comments and suggestions.

Recommendations focused on the following DA interventions: Infrastructure Support, Research, Development and Extension, Regulation, Policy and Planning, and Transitory Functions. Each RFU documented the generated comments and suggestions which will be used to refine their respective plans.

The series of AFMP public consultations sought to generate comments, reactions and recommendations on the draft regional AFMPs for 2011-2017. Inputs gathered from various stakeholders will be considered in revising the draft regional plans before the same will be finalized and consolidated into the national AFMP. 

The draft national AFMP is scheduled to be presented to the NAF Council for comments, suggestions and recommendations in April 2012. 

The area-wide public consultations in Cavite, Pampanga, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Davao were conducted through the partnership of the DA-Planning Service and the National Agricultural and Fishery Council in line with the Department’s aim of enabling informed and effective stakeholder participation.

Engr. Cayanan lays out thrusts as NAFC’s new leader

Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala extends a congratulatory handshake to Engr. Ariel Cayanan who gladly accepted NAFC’s flag from then OIC Executive Director Noel Juliano during the formal handover of the agency’s leadership last March 8 at the BSWM Convention Hall. Looking on is DA Assistant Secretary and Supervising Officer of the Secretary to NAFC Salvador Salacup.

In a symbolic ceremony held on March 8 at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall, newly appointed Acting Executive Director of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan gratefully accepted the duties and responsibilities that came along with his appointment as the leader of the agency.

High officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) family, NAFC’s partners from the private and government sectors and Engr. Cayanan’s family and friends bore witness as DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, together with DA Assistant Secretary and Supervising Officer of the Secretary to NAFC Salvador S. Salacup and NAFC Acting Deputy Executive Director Noel A. Juliano, ceremoniously passed on to Engr. Cayanan the flag of the NAFC during the handover ceremony of the agency leadership.

Engr. Cayanan’s appointment as NAFC’s Acting Executive Director was signed by His Excellency President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 20 through the auspices of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture. On February 29, Engr. Cayanan took his oath of office to the Agriculture Secretary.

In his message during the handover ceremony, Sec. Alcala expressed high hopes for NAFC under the new stewardship.
“Under the leadership of Engr. Cayanan, I expect NAFC to be an active mediator of the DA with the farmers, fishermen and local officials through the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils (RAFCs), Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Councils (PAFCs) and Municipal Regional Agricultural and Fishery Councils (MAFCs),”
Sec. Alcala said. Sec. Alcala also emphasized the integral part that NAFC plays in the overall mandate of the Department, particularly in the effective implementation of its programs and services under the Agri-Pinoy framework.
“NAFC is our institutional linkage to the different groups that the Department works with in fulfilling its duties. It is the channel where information, technology and assistance to DA partners, especially the local government units, RAFC, PAFC and MAFC, flow,” Sec. Alcala stated.

Sec. Alcala also underscored NAFC’s task of ensuring speedier delivery of services to the stakeholders through the US-PL480 and 2KR funds.

He further stressed his thrust to bring in NAFC on the government’s campaign for good governance especially as it serves as the face of the DA to its regional partners.

“Malaki na ang naisulong natin sa tuwid na daan. Mahalaga ang papel ng DA-NAFC na ituwid ang lahat ng mga pamamaraan mula budget, project implementation, at monitoring. Ang ating pananagutan sa matuwid na pamamalakad ay dapat maipamalas sa loob at labas ng kagawaran,” he added.

In his acceptance speech, 39-year-old Engr. Cayanan expressed his gratefulness for the opportunity that’s been given to him to serve and be part of the DA family.

He also laid out his thrusts in carrying out his role as NAFC’s new head, giving focus on strengthening partnerships with the consultation bodies, the Agriculture and Fishery Councils (AFCs) and the National Sectoral Committees, and the private sector.

“For our partners in the AFCs, we will continue working on ensuring the sustainability of your operations. We will also work to strengthen and enhance the membership and image of the AFCs. In return, we hope for your unrelenting cooperation and support in addressing the needs of our clientele especially the farmers and fishermen in the countryside,” he said.

He also appealed for their cooperation and support to ensure that NAFC’s mandated tasks are carried out both effectively and efficiently.

“For our private sector partners, we will carry on our duty of providing you technical and administrative assistance in our meetings and other undertakings. We may not be able to provide you everything but rest assured that we will always be there with you up to the best we can,” he added.

Meanwhile, ASec. Salacup, who served as the agency’s Officer-in-Charge Executive Director for about two weeks before Engr. Cayanan’s appointment, shared his advice to the latter after learning of his designation.
“I told Engr. Cayanan that we just have to look at the Agri-Pinoy Framework that Sec. Alcala and PNoy crafted and we surely won’t lose our way,” he said.

He added that under his and Engr. Cayanan’s partnership, the needs and grievances of the private sectors will be heard and acted upon.

“To our private sector bosses, our champions, rest assured that we will always abide by the dictates of what NAFC is all about—that being as the sounding board of the private sector,” he said.

see also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/2012/newleader.html

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Region 6 revisits concepts of AFC operations through training

Participants of the three-day training on AFC operations pose for a group photo together with NAFC Acting Deputy Executive Director Engr. Noel A. Juliano (first row, third from left) who was present during the meeting among DA, NAFC and RAFC VI officers.

As part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Agricultural and Fishery Councils (AFCs), slated in June this year, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) of Western Visayas, through the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit (DA-RFU) VI, conducted a re-orientation and training course on AFC operations for its officers and employees on February 22 to 24 at Iloilo Midtown Hotel, Yulo St., Iloilo City.

Region VI AFC officers and employees during the hands-on sessions of the training.

Around 30 participants from the RAFC, Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council, Highly Urbanized Cities Agricultural and Fishery Council and Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council attended the three-day training, joined in by five regional coordinators from the Local Support and Coordination Division of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC).

The training served as a refresher on the principles and concepts of the AFC operations and the anatomy of its mechanism.

It also provided hands-on sessions on the preparation of resolutions, policy briefs and work and financial plans.

Gender and Development concepts were also discussed on the final day as part of the mainstreaming strategy to promote rural women’s participation in the AFCs.

The gathering wrapped up with a meeting among DA, NAFC and RAFC VI officers where the latter underscored their decision to oppose the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ plan to allow the sale of fish imports in local public wet markets through a position paper which was later submitted to the National Sectoral Committee on Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

see also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/2012/region6.html

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Engr. Cayanan takes oath as new NAFC Acting Executive Director

‘Dream come true.’ Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan, the newly appointed NAFC Acting Executive Director, said it was a dream come true for him because he has always aspired to be a public servant.

Engr. Ariel T. Cayanan took his oath as NAFC’s new Acting Executive Director last February 29, 2012 at the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture.

As the new head of the agency, Engr. Cayanan said that NAFC should align its programs and activities with what Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala envisions for Philippine agriculture.

He also said he wants to know the current state of NAFC along with the Agriculture and Fishery Councils and National Sectoral Committees and identify its concerns and corresponding recommendations for endorsement to the Secretary.

The new Acting Executive Director also said he expects the usual support of the stakeholders in pursuing his vision for NAFC.

see also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/oath.html

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Pre-departure orientation for 2012 YFFTPJ candidates commences

Thirteen young farmers from the different regions in the country, excluding Regions VIII, IV-A and ARMM, started the Pre-Departure Orientation Course (PDOC) under the Young Filipino Farmers Training Program in Japan (YFFTPJ) on January 23, 2012, as facilitated by the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) through the auspices of the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) and the Japan Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 


This 75-day orientation course, which will end on April 10, succeeded the 45-day Home Stay Module with YFFTPJ graduates that focused on farm activities, visits to other farms and agricultural institutions, conversational Nihongo and physical fitness.


The PDOC will include basic courses on rice, vegetable, swine and cattle production; farm business planning; farm mechanization; computer literacy; formal Nihongo language course, basic Japanese culture and tradition; values formation; and, leadership training.


This year’s YFFTPJ candidates are: June O. Bayeng of Itogon, Benguet; Mario S. Butin of Solsona, Ilocos Norte; Elias S. Calansi of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya; Edgell C. Del Fierro of Palauig, Zambales; Bryan B. Rosete of Magsaysay, Mindoro Occidental; Norman H. Samudio of Daet, Camarines Norte; Janvier H. Morales of La Carlota City, Negros Occidental; Dexter O. Lomocso of San Juan, Siquijor; Janyday M. Relampagos of Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur; Dennis A. Duna of Ipasug-ong, Bukidnon; Espederon G. Apog of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; Jomer C. Buenavista of Alamada, Cotabato; and Serapin M. Dacula, Jr. of Basag, Butuan City.


These trainees have been carefully selected by NAFC in partnership with local government units, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Units and Agricultural and Fishery Councils.


Trainees who pass the PDOC qualify for the 11-month training proper in Japan where they will have on-farm training with Japanese host farmers of the JAEC, further study of the Nihongo language, and attendance in institutional development trainings, community activities, farm and cultural visits and sports festival activities.

see also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/predeparture.html

Aggie Sec keeps focus on food staple sufficiency

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala reiterated the importance of diversifying Filipino’s meal by having less rice and more of other food staples such as adlai (Job’s tears), corn, sweet potato and cassava during the First National Grains Postproduction Summit on November 22-23, 2011 at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management Convention Hall.


Sec. Alcala also said the cooperation of the private sector in the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP) is important for the project to become successful.


Themed “Appropriate Grins Postproduction Technologies: Key to Food Staples Sufficiency” and organized by the Philippine Grains Postproduction Consortium (PGPC) under the National Agricultural and Fishery Council, the summit aimed to facilitate better communication of results and encourage more participation of technology end-users and conduct necessary research on rice postproduction.


PGPC was formerly called Philippine Rice Postproduction Consortium which was officially formed in June 1999 and was institutionalized under the DA in 2004 through the Executive Order (EO) 309. In September, 2011, EO 309 was amended through EO 59, and thereby PRPC was changed to PGPC, as endeavor to include other grains in the coverage of the consortium.


Other primary institutions associated with the consortium include the National Food Authority, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Philippine Rice Research Institute, University of the Philippines-Los Baños, International Rice Research Institute and Corn Development Fund (CORNDEV).
Topics discussed during the summit were FSSP of the DA, Status of the DA Corn Program, CORNDEV’s Programs and Projects, DA’s Agricultural Mechanization Roadmap, Status of BSWM’s Irrigation Program, and Impact of Climate Change on Food Self-sufficiency.


Traders, millers, consumers, manufacturers, consumers, grains retailers and other stakeholders in the grains industry attended the said summit. (Report and photos courtesy of the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service)

NAFC participates in ASEAN meetings held in Indonesia

The delegates who represented the country during the ASEAN meetings pose for a group photo, from left to right: Ms. Ellie Causon of NFA, Mr. Lupino Lazaro and Ms. Leah Samson of DA-IRD; USec. Joel Rudinas of DA; Dir. Neria Andin of FMB-DENR; Ms. Kaixie Sawadjaan of DFA; Ms. Diana delos Santos and Ms. Susan Puentebella of NAFC; and, ASec. Romeo Recide of DA.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries jointly affirmed their commitment in the field of agriculture, food, forestry, and fisheries at a higher and more advanced level in different meetings held in Jakarta, Indonesia from October 3 to 8, 2011. 

Representatives from the Philippines in this international gathering were the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Food Authority (NFA) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials.

DA Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup, Dir. Leandro Gazmin of DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, DA’s World Trade Organization Desk Officer Ms. Maribel Marges, Ms. Susana Puentebella of NAFC, together with NFA Administrator Angelito Banayo, his assistant Atty. Gilbert Lauengco and NFA Deputy Administrator Ludovico Jarina, joined members of groups such as farmers’ associations, private agrifood companies, small business exporters, consultants, producers, academe, entrepreneurs, and representatives of the Ministries/Departments of Agriculture from the ASEAN Member States for the ASEAN Food Security Conference: Facilitating Food Trade & Investment, Advancing Food Security from October 3 to 5, 2011 at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia.

The conference, sponsored by the ASEAN-US Technical Assistance and Training Facility and the US Agency for International Development and US State Department, aimed at developing ways to make ASEAN food trade more efficient through better regulations and transparency, and possible improvements to food safety and standards.

The conference focused on the topics of food prices and strategies for price stabilization, food trade regulations and standards, trade facilitation, food safety and conformity assessment, agri-food trade intellectual property, and promoting food trade through quality ASEAN Good Agricultural Practice standards.

Speakers at the conference included leaders from ASEAN member states' food security planning organizations, leading international food security experts, representatives of agribusiness and food companies based in the ASEAN region, civil society organizations, the United Nations, and international and governmental organizations.

Among them was Dr. Ramon Clarete from the University of the Philippines who gave a presentation on Agrifood Sector Diagnostics, Measuring Food Security Progress.

The recommendations from the workshops and sessions in the conference were presented during the Private Sector Dialogue with the AMAF on October 6 to help shape up the ASEAN agenda towards food security in the region.

Meanwhile, DA Undersecretary Joel Rudinas,  DA Assistant Secretary Romeo Recide, Mr. Lupino Lazaro and Ms. Leah Samson of DA-International Relations Division, Ms. Diana delos Santos of NAFC, alongside DENR Forest Management Bureau Director Neria Andin, Ms. Ellie Causon of NFA and  Ms. Kaixie Sawadjaan of DFA, attended the Preparatory Senior Officials Meeting of the Thirty Third Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (PRESOM-33rd AMAF) on October 3-4; Senior Officials Meeting of the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Plus Three (SOM-11th AMAF Plus 3) on October 5; the Thirty Third Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (33rd AMAF) last October 6; the 11th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Plus Three on October 7; and, the 1st ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture on October 8.

DA USec. Rudinas signs the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve Agreement in behalf of the Philippine government.

The PRESOM-33rd AMAF tackled several issues including the need to expedite harmonization standards, SPS measure and accreditation mechanisms to facilitate trade intra and extra-ASEAN of agro-products; mitigation and adaptation to climate change by mobilizing resources to implement activities developed under the ASEAN initiatives such as the Agriculture and Forestry towards Food Security, ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve Agreement (APTERR) and ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS); and, the need for joint effort to mobilize cooperation and resources from the development and dialogue partners to enhance implementation of projects and activities.

At the SOM-11th AMAF Plus 3 forum, the ministers and delegation from the ASEAN member states and three partner countries namely Japan, China and Korea (ASEAN Plus 3) agreed to the Post-2012 AFSIS proposal which aims to establish “AFSIS Network Centers” as a self-sustaining mechanism and welcomed Japan’s new project proposal titled “Project for Strengthening Capacity Building in Agriculture in ASEAN Countries”.

Meanwhile, among the highlights of the 33rd AMAF and the 11th AMAF Plus 3 forums, both held under the Chairmanship of Indonesia’s Minister of Agriculture H.E. Dr. Suswono, was the signing of the APTERR where ASEAN countries together with China, Japan, and South Korea agreed to set aside rice reserve of 787,000 tons to emancipate food emergency any time.

During the first ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture, co-chaired by H.E Dr. Suswono and India’s Minister of Agriculture H.E Mr. Sharad Pawar, the Ministers reaffirmed their strong support in advancing cooperation under the Plan of Action to Implement the ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace, Progress and Shared Prosperity (2010-2015) as well as their welcome and support to the entry into force of the ASEAN India Trade in Goods Agreement and its early implementation, and looked forward to the completion of the negotiations on Trade-in-Services and Investments Agreement under the ASEAN India Free Trade Area Framework.

See NAFC participates in ASEAN meetings held in Indonesia photo gallery
See also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/ASEANIndonesia.html

Nueva Vizcaya MAFC, PAFC reap 2011 Gawad Saka national awards

Members of the MAFC of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya pose with President Aquino and Secretary Alcala (second from left) for a souvenir shot after receiving their award.

In simple ceremonies held at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace last December 13, 2011, Honorable President Benigno S. Aquino III and Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala honored this year’s national winners of the Gawad Saka search for out standing achievers in agriculture and fisheries.

The 2011 Gawad Saka national winners, composed of 14 individuals and nine groups, each re-ceived a Presidential citation, trophy and corresponding cash incentives for individual winners and project grants for group winners, totaling to PhP4.25 million.

The adjudged Outstanding Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) was the MAFC of Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya which started in the 1980’s with only 16 barangay members and was later on joined by the 14 remaining barangays in their locality.

It worked on strengthening and nourishing partnership among all the members by conducting regular meetings and dialogues to settle issues and other matters of the council’s concerns.

Because of this, the council soon gained the trust of the Local Government Unit and the Liga ng mga Barangay and was given fund allocations for their activities.

The Kayapa MAFC introduced livelihood programs such as mushroom production and processing of high value crops. It also distributes fruit-bearing trees, coffee seedlings and vegeta-ble seeds to qualified farmers.

The council currently maintains a revolving fund from repayments of dispersal projects which is used for petty cash loans to members with a minimal interest.

The council, currently headed by Mr. Pio Sinacay as the chairperson, is an active partner of the Municipal Nutrition Committee in the implementation of projects and has continuously supported the passage and implementation of municipal ordinances including the control and prevention of Avian Influenza Virus, prohibition of electro-fishing, explosive fishing and use of poisonous substances, implementation of the New Solid Waste Management and recycling activities of the municipality.

Mr. Arthur Baybayan leads the PAFC of Nueva Vizcaya in accepting their award from President Aquino and Secretary Alcala.  

On the other hand, the PAFC of Nueva Vizcaya was recognized as this year’s National Outstanding Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Council (PAFC). In spite of being awarded such recognition for the third time now, the Nueva Vizcaya PAFC vows not to remain complacent and instead work harder to maintain and even surpass its outstanding achievements.

Composed of 30 private and eight public sector-members, with Mr. Arthur Baybayan as its current chairperson, the PAFC of Nueva Vizcaya strongly supports the province’s vision for its people: to enjoy good quality life in an ecologically balanced and sustainable environment.

Because of the strong linkages it has maintained with national and local agencies, the PAFC of Nueva Vizcaya was able to successfully implement various projects such as construction and rehabilitation of irrigation canals, farm-to-market roads, mechanical and flatbed dryers, tramlines, multi-purpose drying pavements, and irrigation systems.

It is also instrumental in the successful organization and operation of the KINGBIKS Vegetable Growers’ Association, a federation of five vegetable growing barangays of the town of Dupax del Sur.

As a member of the Provincial Development Council, it regularly monitors the implementation of agricultural and fishery programs and projects funded by the Department of Agriculture, LGUs and other agencies and takes part in the passage and implementation of various municipal and provincial ordinances on agriculture, fisheries and environment.

The council’s commitment to service goes beyond the agriculture sector as it is active in many community activities. Aside from monitoring damages during calamities, the members also ex-tend material and financial resources to typhoon victims.

Their capable members sometimes serve as resource speakers during trainings to complement the efforts of agricultural extensionists.

With the leadership of the Nueva Vizcaya PAFC, the agri and fishery sectors of the province are off to greater heights. (Reports and Photos courtesy of Aggie Trends and Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service).

See also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/nuevaVizcaya.html