MOMU Signing for Safe Vegetable and Livestock Production Project

Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Field Operations and National Coordinator for Rice Program Dante Delima and Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan signed the Memorandum of Mutual Understanding (MOMu) for the Safe Plant and Livestock Production Technology Dissemination Project (SPLPT) on November 25 and 26, respectively. The project is an initiative of the Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (JAEC) under the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Technical Cooperation for Grassroots Projects, in collaboration with the DA, PCAF and the local government of Minamimaki-Mura Town, Nagano, Japan. The project will provide technical assistance through a one-day seminar for local government unit (LGU) personnel and farmers in the targeted area to create awareness and understanding on the usefulness and practical methods of SPLPT and for policy planners in the national government and LGUs to support the dissemination of the technology in the grassroots level. The project will also include a three-year on-farm technical internship training for an initial batch of five farmers on vegetable and livestock production in Minamimaki-Mura in Japan. In top photo (from left) are JAEC Training Coordinator Yoichiro Kawasaki, USec. Delima and Local Support and Coordination Division Assistant Chief Solidad Bernardo. Lower photo shows PCAF Exec. Dir. Cayanan signing the MOMu in the presence of JAEC Traning Coordinator Kawasaki.

DA PIOs 2nd Sem Meeting and Planning Workshop

Public Information Officers (PIOs) from various attached agencies and bureaus of the Department of Agriculture (DA) convened for the 2nd Semester Consultative Meeting and Planning Workshop last November 19 to 22 at Java Hotel, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. The event was spearheaded by the DA Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division (DA-AFID) to develop a more efficient network of PIOs as they play a significant role in delivering relevant and updated information on the DA’s latest initiatives and programs. Representing the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, the consolidated agency of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council and Livestock Development Council, were Shirley Pascua and Rachelle Ayllon. The event served as a venue to provide the information officers updates on the DA’s banner programs. Mr. Noel Reyes of DA-AFID and Caelestis Productions, Inc. President & CEO Sally Jo Bellosillo also gave lectures on Tri-Media for Internal and External Publics and Social Media, respectively.

World Food Day Mosaic-Making Contest Winners Educational Tour, Courtesy Call with Sec. Alcala and Awarding

(Top photo) The national winners of the 2013 World Food Day (WFD) Mosaic-Making Contest, together with their mentors, pose with officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization and National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) after receiving their plaques and cash prizes during the WFD Celeration program at the Quezon City Memorial Circle last October 16. Also part of the winners’ prize package is the three-day educational tour sponsored by NAFC, which was held last October 12-14. Among the places visited were the Blanco Family Museum, Tiamson Gallery, The House of Botong Francisco and Balaw Balaw Art Gallery in Angono, Rizal; the Shoe Museum in Marikina City; the Manila Ocean Park and the National Museum in Manila; Residence Inn in Tagaytay; and the Aguinaldo Shrine in Cavite.

(Bottom photo) The winning students, their mentors and the coordinators of the WFD Mosaic-Making Contest from DA and NAFC during their courtesy call with DA Secretary Proceso Alcala (in white) and NAFC Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan (standing, fourth from left) last October 16.

Orientation on Gender and Development (GAD) and Magna Carta of Women for NSC Officers and Members

To raise the awareness of the agency’s partners in the National Sectoral Committees (NSCs) about Gender and Development (GAD), the NAFC GAD Focal Point System (FPS) gathered NSC officers and members for an Orientation on Basic GAD Concepts and the Magna Carta of Women last October 4, 2013 at the Apacible Conference Room. The speakers for each topic were Ms. Mildred Mercene-Buazon, OIC of the Administrative Division of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Vice Chairperson of the BFAR GAD-FPS, and Ms. Daryl Leyesa, secretary general of the Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan, respectively. Through the said undertaking, the NAFC GAD-FPS hopes to increase the consciousness of NSC partners on gender issues affecting agriculture and fisheries and underscore equal participation of men and women in policy formulation and decision-making. The orientation conducted was part of the NAFC GAD-FPS’ activities in its efforts of mainstreaming GAD.

LDC-NAFC Gen. Assembly

In light of the issuance of Department Order No. 06, Series of 2013 of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on the Consolidation of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) and Livestock Development Council (LDC) into the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), NAFC and LDC employees convened for a general assembly last October 9, 2013 at the Apacible Conference Room. Incumbent directors, NAFC Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan and LDC Exec. Dir. Manuel Jarmin, spoke to the employees of both agencies and shared their thoughts on the approaching transition. Both directors called for the active participation and cooperation of all the staff from both agencies for the transition and consolidation efforts that are underway. Dir. Jarmin also proudly looked back on the three years he served as the head of LDC and expressed high confidence on the LDC staff that they will be able to overcome the ‘challenge’ at hand. He emphasized that both agencies, as PCAF, should be able to ‘hit the ground running’ by next year and for the staff to try their best to serve the Department of Agriculture, its partners and the public. Meanwhile, Dir. Cayanan, who will serve as the director of PCAF, appealed to the NAFC and LDC staff to be patient and begin trusting one another as “we find the equilibrium”. He also stressed that his door is always open to all the members of both agencies’ workforce. The general assembly also served as a venue for the employees to air their concerns and inquiries on matters related to the rationalization process.

Top photo: LDC Exec. Dir. Manuel Jarmin delivers a bittersweet message to LDC and NAFC staff during the general assembly last October 9.

Middle photo: NAFC Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan looks forward to the harmonious partnership among NAFC and LDC staff in preparation for the implementation of the rationalization plan.

Bottom photo: Members of the NAFC and LDC workforce gather for a general assembly to discuss matters related to the consolidation of the two agencies.

PCAF Planning Workshop (October 9-11, 2013)

The National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) and the Livestock Development Council (LDC) are gearing up for the impending actualization of the approved agency rationalization plan in 2014. In preparation for the consolidation of the two agencies into a new institution under the name Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), a planning workshop was held last October 9-11, 2013 in Maharajah Hotel, Angeles City, Pampanga. Key officers of NAFC and LDC participated in the workshop to develop a shared understanding and deeper appreciation for the functional accountabilities, responsibilities and operational challenges of PCAF. With the expert guidance of accredited local and international consultant-facilitator, Ms. Carmen Auste, the attendees also determined the scope for the development of transition and integration framework plan, crafted strategic directions for PCAF for 2014, and formulated harmonized Major Final Outputs, Programs, Activities and Projects and performance indicators.

Top photo: NAFC and LDC staff pose for posterity to wrap up the PCAF Planning Workshop held in Pampanga. 

Middle photo: Accredited local and international consultant-trainer Carmen Auste lends her expertise to resolve strategic issues relative to the NAFC and LDC consolidation. 

Bottom photo: NAFC and LDC staff work together in strategizing consolidation and transition efforts for the implementation of the approved rationalization plan.

Phil hosts 1st ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

o strengthen partnerships and cooperation among agricultural engineers in the ASEAN region in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, the first ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ACABE) was held last September 24-26, 2013 at the Manila Hotel, with the theme “Integrating Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in the ASEAN for Food Security, Climate Change Mitigation and Global Practice.”

The conference was held through the partnership of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and its regulatory board, the Board of Agricultural Engineering (BOAE), and the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers (PSAE), in coordination with various government departments, the Asian Association of Agricultural Engineers (AAAE), Food and Agriculture Organization and Philippine Technological Council.

The conference served as a venue to lay the initial groundwork for the development of harmonized qualifications and standards needed for the mobility of agricultural engineering services in the ASEAN region that will also support in achieving long-term competitiveness of ASEAN’s food, agriculture and forestry products and commodities.

“Agricultural and biosystems engineering is a very critical component in achieving food security which is one of the primary concerns of the AEC,” BOAE Chairperson Engr. Ariodear Rico, who served as the chairperson of the coordinating committee, stressed.

Around 600 participants, who were mostly agricultural engineers, government officials, researchers, policy makers, academicians, service providers, practitioners on agricultural and biosystems engineering technologies, and suppliers and distributors of machineries from the 10 member-countries of the ASEAN, attended the conference.

NAFC Executive Director Ariel Cayanan gave the opening remarks, stating that the conference will be a great opportunity to share experiences and forge partnerships among ASEAN countries to achieve sound agricultural development in the region.

Championing the agriculture sector

Senator Cynthia Villar stresses the crucial role of agricultural engineers in modernizing and making Philippine agriculture at par with the best of the world. (Photo by DA Information Service)

In her keynote speech, Senator Cynthia Villar expressed her gladness about the conference, saying that such initiative will help promote and advocate the needs of the agriculture sector which has been overlooked and under-prioritized for a long time.

Sen. Villar, who is also Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, stressed that agricultural and biosystems engineering is an integral discipline and profession that contributes greatly to the global competitiveness of the country’s agricultural products, especially in preparation for the implementation of the AEC 2015.

Citing the ASEAN’s efforts to ensure long-term food security and improve the livelihood of the farmers in the region through the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework and Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security (SPA-FS) in ASEAN, Sen. Villar voiced out the need to uplift the situation of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Senator Cynthia Villar stresses the crucial role of agricultural engineers in modernizing and making Philippine agriculture at par with the best of the world. (Photo by DA Information Service)

“Filipino farmers and fisherfolk have always been considered as among the poorest in our country. It is about time we reverse that,” she said.

Sen. Villar assured stakeholders and industry players that she and the other legislators will do their share in helping them cope with the changes and challenges that will be encountered with the AEC integration.

She also congratulated the 237 passers of this year’s Agricultural Engineer Licensure Examination who took their oath last September 24, as spearheaded by the BOAE.

Presentations during the conference focused on a variety of topics including the implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement on Engineering Services, Guidelines and Accreditation of Agricultural Engineers for ASEAN Chartered Engineer Registry, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Components of the AIFS Framework, SPA-FS and Climate Change Mitigation Program.

Representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines also reported on the state of agriculture and gave an overview of agricultural and biosystems engineering in their respective countries.

Framework for cooperation

The Philippines’ proposed ASEAN Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) Framework for Cooperation and Complementary Action in Support to ASEAN Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation was also adopted and approved during the conference, as supported by the representatives of the other ASEAN countries as well as the ASEAN Secretariat.

The said framework aims to develop more efficient and safe technologies and facilities that will ensure food security and reduce the adverse impact of climate change.

Strategies to support the realization of goals under the framework include the Creation of ABE Working Group Research & Development, Establishment of Regional Standards, Capacity Development, Technology Promotion, Early Warning Systems and development of sustained financing mechanism.

The Philippines, through the PRC, will submit the said paper to the ASEAN body, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other appropriate bodies.

Environment-sensitive, climate-resilient agriculture

Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Field Operations and National Coordinator for the DA Corn Program Edilberto de Luna delivered the keynote message from DA Secretary Proceso Alcala who was unable to attend due to another important engagement.

In his message, Sec. Alcala congratulated the organizers of the conference, saying that it is time not only to emphasize increasing food production but, more importantly, protect the environment to ensure continuous and sustainable productivity in the agriculture and fisheries sector. 

“We, at the DA, are pleased that the experts on ABE in the region have taken the initial steps in making the agricultural sector more sensitive to the environment , more resilient to the latest threat, specifically climate change, and more ready for easing up of trade restrictions by the year 2015,” he said.

DA Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna conveys Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala’s message
of underscoring the need to make the agriculture sector more resilient to climate change. (Photo by NAFC)

Sec. Alcala also explained how the DA is pushing for the better adoption of organic agriculture as a method of farming to source food, a profitable agriculture enterprise and a more enviroment-sensitive farming system.

He also cited other measures that can be done in the medium term to ensure productivity and protect the environment as suggested by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, namely rain-fed agriculture, better water management and village knowledge and technology centers.

Lastly, Sec. Alcala assured the agricultural engineers at the conference of the DA’s support to proposals to further promote sustainable agriculture in the country and greater cooperation with our Asian neighbors.

Other officials who graced the three-day event were ASEAN Secretariat Director Subash Bose Pillai, former AAAE President Dr. Makoto Hoki, PRC Chairperson Teresita Manzala, DFA-Office of the ASEAN Affairs Exec. Director Teresita Daza, PSAE President Engr. Henry Tristeza, and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization Exec. Director Engr. Rex Bingabing.

An exhibit was also held simultaneously with the conference featuring the latest agricultural and biosystems engineering and mechanization products, services and technologies, as spearheaded by the Philippines' Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association, in partnership with the DA and Department of Trade and Industry.

Job Enhancement for the Middle Level Managers of the Department of Agriculture

Participants from the different bureaus and attached agencies, training consultants and facilitators posed for a souvenir snapshot during the 3-day training on “Job Enhancement for the Middle Managers” of the Department of Agriculture.

Four (4) personnel from the National Agricultural and Fishery Council, Ms. Conchita S. Del Rosario (Special Projects Division), Ms. Marisa R. Lo (Finance and Administrative), Mr. Michael Rey C. Lazaro, (Agricultural Support and Coordination Division) and Ms. Shirley G. Pascua (Planning, Monitoring and Communications Group) attended a 3-day live-in training course on “Job Enhancement for the Middle Level Managers” of the Department of Agriculture from September 23-27, 2013 at the Hotel Stotsenberg, Clarkfield, Pampanga along with the twenty-eight ( 28) participants from the different DA bureaus and attached agencies: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS); Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI); Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM); Cotton Development Administration (CODA); Department of Agriculture (DA); National Dairy Corporation (NDA); National Food Authority (NFA); National Irrigation Authority (NIA); National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS); Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA); Philippine Center for Post Harvest Development and Mechanization (PHILMech); Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA);and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

This activity was initiated by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) through the Extension, Innovation and Training Division (EITD). It was also facilitated and coordinated by Ms. Janina A. Guibani, Mr. Juan Rafael B. Gomez of EITD-ATI and photos done by Mr. Camilo M. Alberto. 

“Bring out the Best”, was the key to enhance the supervisory skills of the participants who attended this training. Four (4) modules were discussed and explained by the Training Consultant, Mr. Mark P. Joseph, Jr. of Performex, Inc., including its action plans and the participation of the group for the role playing presentations. These are: 1)Managing Self, 2)Managing the Job, 3)Planning, Leading, Organizing, Controlling (PLOC) and 4)Managing Others.

Also included in the course is the Happiness Factor Workshop conducted by Ms. Immaculada Concepcion Y. Belza and assisted by Mr. Edsel H. Madranga also of the Performex, Inc. The objective of these courses is to enhance the skills and mindset of the participants on how to become effective supervisors while the objectives of Happiness is to understand the concept and how it brings benefit to one’s professional and personal life, understand negativity as a block to happiness and understand positivity as a route to happiness and spread happiness to the workplace.

What Mr. Joseph introduced to the participants are the four (4) types of behaviors which have typically Most-to-least characteristic of an individual: Directing, Influencing, Steady and Cautious. He added that at the end of the session, the participants will learned to a) Articulate the roles and functions of supervisors in terms of relationship with subordinates, upper management and external clients; b) Accept being part of the management team (no longer rank and file); c) Review core values and behavioral descriptions and individually assess the individual level to which they are manifested in day-to-day tasks; d) Commit to self improvement by putting values into action; e) Assess their leadership styles and learn the style that is best to use for given situations; f) Practice one and two-way communication skills with application to day-to-day job situations; and g) Practice the Seven (7) Steps of CARE-frontation for reinforcing coaching skills.

Ms. Belza also presented the happiness factor covering Empowering Performance, Productivity and Personal Growth. She added that there are three (3) routes of happiness: a) Full life ( Live life at the service of others; lasting happiness; b) Good life (talents, abilities and strengths which are put in good use); and c) Pleasant life (abundance of positive emotions).

She also emphasized during her presentation that an individual should be happy, stop complaining, be grateful and spread happiness because positive emotions with desired organization goals will surely results to positive environment. She also added that negativity is a major block to happiness because it could only affect health, block creative energies, restricts vision, drains energy and it’s highly contagious. As a closing, she said, “Stay happy, Level-up and Stop complaining.”

The resource persons left the following memorable quotations for the participants:

1. “It’s okay to be down but not to stay down.”
2. According to Peter Drucker, “Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to higher sights, the raising of a person’s      performance to a higher standard, and the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.”
3. “You’ll never know your limits until you push it.”
4. “Physical limitations is not an obstacle to flourishing life.”
5. “Make the drastic choice to be happy.”
6. “You can change behavior and results by changing perceptions.”
7. “You can achieve your results through Awareness, Acceptance and Adaptability.”
8. “Keep your goals simple but Smarter.”
9. “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions and the compassion to listen      to the needs of others. He or she doesn’t set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of actions and the      integrity of intent. In the end, leaders are much like eagles…they do not flock; you find them one at a time.

Pictures taken during the training course.

Training Consultant Mr. Michael Joseph of Performex, Inc.	Group Activities
NAFC staff	Group presentations

Camaraderie build-up among the participants  during the training course.

Phil hosts 1st ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering

NAFC, PRC, BOAE spearhead three-day event

To strengthen partnerships and cooperation among agricultural engineers in the ASEAN region in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, the first ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ACABE) was held last September 24-26, 2013 at the Manila Hotel, with the theme “Integrating Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in the ASEAN for Food Security, Climate Change Mitigation and Global Practice.”

The conference was held through the partnership of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and its regulatory board, the Board of Agricultural Engineering (BOAE), and the Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers (PSAE), in coordination with various government departments, the Asian Association of Agricultural Engineers (AAAE), Food and Agriculture Organization and Philippine Technological Council.

The conference served as a venue to lay the initial groundwork for the development of harmonized qualifications and standards needed for the mobility of agricultural engineering services in the ASEAN region that will also support in achieving long-term competitiveness of ASEAN’s food, agriculture and forestry products and commodities.

“Agricultural and biosystems engineering is a very critical component in achieving food security which is one of the primary concerns of the AEC,” BOAE Chairperson Engr. Ariodear Rico, who served as the chairperson of the coordinating committee, stressed.

Around 600 participants, who were mostly agricultural engineers, government officials, researchers, policy makers, academicians, service providers, practitioners on agricultural and biosystems engineering technologies, and suppliers and distributors of machineries from the 10 member-countries of the ASEAN, attended the conference.

NAFC Executive Director Ariel Cayanan gave the opening remarks, stating that the conference will be a great opportunity to share experiences and forge partnerships among ASEAN countries to achieve sound agricultural development in the region.

Championing the agriculture sector

Senator Cynthia Villar stresses the crucial role of agricultural engineers in modernizing and making Philippine agriculture at par with the best of the world. (Photo by DA Information Service)

In her keynote speech, Senator Cynthia Villar expressed her gladness about the conference, saying that such initiative will help promote and advocate the needs of the agriculture sector which has been overlooked and under-prioritized for a long time.

Sen. Villar, who is also Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, stressed that agricultural and biosystems engineering is an integral discipline and profession that contributes greatly to the global competitiveness of the country’s agricultural products, especially in preparation for the implementation of the AEC 2015.

Citing the ASEAN’s efforts to ensure long-term food security and improve the livelihood of the farmers in the region through the ASEAN Integrated Food Security (AIFS) Framework and Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security (SPA-FS) in ASEAN, Sen. Villar voiced out the need to uplift the situation of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

“Filipino farmers and fisherfolk have always been considered as among the poorest in our country. It is about time we reverse that,” she said.

Sen. Villar assured stakeholders and industry players that she and the other legislators will do their share in helping them cope with the changes and challenges that will be encountered with the AEC integration.

She also congratulated the 237 passers of this year’s Agricultural Engineer Licensure Examination who took their oath last September 24, as spearheaded by the BOAE.

Senator Cynthia Villar stresses the crucial role of agricultural engineers in modernizing and making Philippine agriculture at par with the best of the world. (Photo by DA Information Service)

Presentations during the conference focused on a variety of topics including the implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement on Engineering Services, Guidelines and Accreditation of Agricultural Engineers for ASEAN Chartered Engineer Registry, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Components of the AIFS Framework, SPA-FS and Climate Change Mitigation Program.

Representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines also reported on the state of agriculture and gave an overview of agricultural and biosystems engineering in their respective countries.

Framework for cooperation

The Philippines’ proposed ASEAN Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) Framework for Cooperation and Complementary Action in Support to ASEAN Food Security and Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation was also adopted and approved during the conference, as supported by the representatives of the other ASEAN countries as well as the ASEAN Secretariat.

The said framework aims to develop more efficient and safe technologies and facilities that will ensure food security and reduce the adverse impact of climate change.

Strategies to support the realization of goals under the framework include the Creation of ABE Working Group Research & Development, Establishment of Regional Standards, Capacity Development, Technology Promotion, Early Warning Systems and development of sustained financing mechanism.

The Philippines, through the PRC, will submit the said paper to the ASEAN body, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other appropriate bodies.

Environment-sensitive, climate-resilient agriculture

DA Assistant Secretary Edilberto de Luna conveys Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala’s message of underscoring the need to make the agriculture sector more resilient to climate change. (Photo by NAFC)

Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Field Operations and National Coordinator for the DA Corn Program Edilberto de Luna delivered the keynote message from DA Secretary Proceso Alcala who was unable to attend due to another important engagement.

In his message, Sec. Alcala congratulated the organizers of the conference, saying that it is time not only to emphasize increasing food production but, more importantly, protect the environment to ensure continuous and sustainable productivity in the agriculture and fisheries sector. 

“We, at the DA, are pleased that the experts on ABE in the region have taken the initial steps in making the agricultural sector more sensitive to the environment , more resilient to the latest threat, specifically climate change, and more ready for easing up of trade restrictions by the year 2015,” he said.

Sec. Alcala also explained how the DA is pushing for the better adoption of organic agriculture as a method of farming to source food, a profitable agriculture enterprise and a more enviroment-sensitive farming system.

He also cited other measures that can be done in the medium term to ensure productivity and protect the environment as suggested by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, namely rain-fed agriculture, better water management and village knowledge and technology centers.

Lastly, Sec. Alcala assured the agricultural engineers at the conference of the DA’s support to proposals to further promote sustainable agriculture in the country and greater cooperation with our Asian neighbors.

Other officials who graced the three-day event were ASEAN Secretariat Director Subash Bose Pillai, former AAAE President Dr. Makoto Hoki, PRC Chairperson Teresita Manzala, DFA-Office of the ASEAN Affairs Exec. Director Teresita Daza, PSAE President Engr. Henry Tristeza, and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization Exec. Director Engr. Rex Bingabing.

An exhibit was also held simultaneously with the conference featuring the latest agricultural and biosystems engineering and mechanization products, services and technologies, as spearheaded by the Philippines' Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association, in partnership with the DA and Department of Trade and Industry.

Source: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/2013/acabe.html

Public, Private Partnerships Celebrated in 15th Tuna Congress

In photo (counter clockwise): RAFC 12 Chairperson Dionisio (in white) and head of the NAFC-CFA Secretariat Sarah Bales (in red) with technical staff Maria Iris Millendez and Jackielyn Bola during the 15th National Tuna Congress Bautista in General Santos City. (Inset) SFFAII President and Congress Chairperson Joaquin Lu thanks all partners from the government and private sectors for supporting the fishing industry for the past 15 years.

In photo (counter clockwise): RAFC 12 Chairperson Dionisio (in white) and head of the NAFC-CFA Secretariat Sarah Bales (in red) with technical staff Maria Iris Millendez and Jackielyn Bola during the 15th National Tuna Congress Bautista in General Santos City.

(Inset) SFFAII President and Congress Chairperson Joaquin Lu thanks all partners from the government and private sectors for supporting the fishing industry for the past 15 years.

The SOCKSARGEN Fishing Federation and Allied Industries, Inc. (SFFAII) celebrated 15 years of strong partnerships between and among private sector players and government agencies in tackling industry issues as it spearheaded the 15th National Tuna Congress last September 6 and 7 at the SM Trade Halls, General Santos City.

The SFFAII also underscored the milestones reached through the teamwork between the private and public sectors, one of the most recent of which is the extension of the Philippine fishing access to the High Seas Pocket 1 in the Pacific Ocean for its fleet of 36 ice-chilled fishing boats as granted during the 9th Regular Session of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) last December 2012.

SFFAII President and Congress Chairperson Joaquin Lu thanked all their partners including the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) for their commitment to strengthen the resilience of the fishing industry.

As a member of the NAFC Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (CFA) since 2005, the SFFAII has been actively participating in the consultative forums being conducted by the agency to address issues concerning the industry and recommend policies supporting its development.

“NAFC’s partnership with private sector stakeholders such as the SFFAII is one of the effective approaches to achieving a sustainable agriculture and fishery development,” Region 12 Agricultural and Fishery Council Chairperson Dionisio Bautista said.

RACF Chairperson Bautista attended the event with the Head of the NAFC-CFA Secretariat, Sarah Bales and technical staff Maria Iris Millendez and Jackielyn Bola.

“The Tuna Congress has served as an impetus in consolidating the efforts of the government and private sectors toward improving the competitiveness of the Philippine tuna industry and promoting responsible fishing,” Bales said.

The congress adopted 14 resolutions which include the resolution urging the Philippine Government to fast track the application for Enhanced Generalized Scheme of Preferences of the European Union, otherwise known as the GSP+, and a resolution requesting the Philippine Government to defer the ratification of International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 188 entitled “Convention Concerning Work in the Fishing Sector” and its Accompanying ILO Recommendation 199 entitled “Recommendation Concerning Work in the Fishing Sector”.

Other resolutions were for the reiteration of requests for the government to expedite the passage of the law creating the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; for the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Transportation and Communications to expedite the issuance of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of “The Handline Fishing Law”; and, for the government to rationalize the Cabotage Provisions of the Republic Act 1937 and other related issuances, among others.

The congress offered 11 presentations on different aspects of the industry, including the Philippines-Papua New Guinea Collaboration over the years, Tuna and the ASEAN 2015 Integration, Commodity and Market Updates on Fresh and Frozen Tuna and Canned Tuna, and the Philippines-WCPFC Collaborations on Tuna.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas also dropped by the congress to extend his support to the stakeholders of the fishing industry.

“On behalf of the government, I assure you that we will stand by you and attend to your problems so that the industry can thrive. We offer you our continued partnership,” he said.

Meanwhile, in his message read by DA-12 Regional Executive Director Amalia Datukan, DA Secretary Proceso Alcala also assured the stakeholders that the government will continue to give assistance to the Filipino fisherfolk which include the provision of fishing paraphernalia.

He also commended the efforts of all industry players in enhancing and sustaining the competitiveness of the Philippine fishing industry and for giving the DA the opportunity to affirm mutual and collective efforts in bolstering the fishery sector as a whole and the tuna industry in particular.

The National Tuna Congress is the biggest annual gathering of key players, stakeholders and supporters of the Philippine tuna industry and a venue to discuss opportunities and challenges and advocate for necessary reforms to make the industry more resilient and sustainable in the face of global competition and dwindling aquatic resources.

This year’s congress, with the theme “Celebrating 15 Years of Advocacy, Partnership and Collaboration”, is part of the 15th Tuna Festival marking the 45th anniversary of the charterhood of General Santos City. Over 400 delegates from different places in the Philippines and other countries participated in the congress, as well as in the exposition that was held simultaneously.

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas pronounces his support to help boost the fishing industry during the 15th National Tuna Congress.

NAFC hands over reins on AFMech Law implementation to DA

(From left) AFMeC TWG on Research, Development and Extension Chairperson Joel Panagsagan, NAFC-AFMeC Chairperson Engr. George Canapi, DA Undersecretary Emerson Palad, NAFC Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan and NAFC-AFMeC Vice Chairperson Engr. Ariodear Rico during the symbolic handover ceremony of the newly passed AFMech Law. (Photo by Rosano Donasco)

In a symbolic gesture, National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) Executive Director Ariel Cayanan and partners from the NAFC Committee on Agriculture and Fishery Mechanization (AFMeC) formally handed over the reins on the implementation of the newly signed Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law to the Department of Agriculture (DA) last July 11, 2013.

DA Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Emerson Palad represented Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala in the said handover. AFMeC Chairperson Engr. George Canapi, Professional Regulation Commission-Board of Agricultural Engineering (PRC-BOAE) Chairperson and AFMeC Vice Chairperson Engr. Ariodear Rico, and AFMeC Technical Working Group on Research, Development and Extension Chairperson Joel Panagsagan were also part of the said undertaking.

The event was held in the presence of officials from DA, NAFC, PRC and Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers & Distributors Association, AFMeC members, representatives of DA Regional Agricultural Engineering Divisions from different regions, and members of the local media.

The AFMech Law, or Republic Act No. 10601 otherwise known as “An Act Promoting Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Development in the Country”, was signed into law by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III last June 5, 2013.

The new law mandates the promotion of the development and adoption of modern, appropriate, cost-effective and environmentally safe agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment to enhance farm productivity and efficiency; provision of a conducive environment to the local assembling and manufacturing of engines and agri machinery and equipment; strengthening of the support services to farmers, fisherfolk and other stakeholders; and, unification and strengthening of the implementation and coordination activities and mechanisms on agricultural and fisheries mechanization programs and projects.

“This will help our government achieve food security and safety and increase the income of our farmers,” said NAFC Exec. Dir. Cayanan during the press briefing held at the NAFC Apacible Conference Room.

After the handover ceremony, the DA and NAFC officials present answered 

questions from members of the local media.
(Photo by Erika Vizcarra)

Under the new law, the DA will craft a five-year National Agri-Fishery Program to promote an environment conducive to the local assembling and manufacturing of equipment for agricultural and fisheries production, processing and marketing.

It also mandates the local government units to undertake applied research, extension, dispersal, management and regulation of agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment, including the collection of fees.

In Sec. Alcala’s press statement read by USec. Palad, he stressed that the new law will address problems in agricultural and fishery mechanization in the country which are caused by limited farmers’ access to appropriate and affordable farm machinery and equipment, proliferation of substandard machinery and equipment and inadequate and fragmented support services.

“As the country moves forward with its Food Self-Sufficiency Program, the DA and the whole membership of the AFMeC welcome the enactment of a landmark legislation, the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Law or Republic Act No. 10601, and thank its principal authors, Senator Kiko Pangilinan and Representative Mark Leandro Mendoza,” the Agriculture Secretary said in the statement.

He also said that the AFMech Law will strengthen local manufacturing of agricultural machinery and equipment through joint venture and the granting of incentives under EO No. 226 or The Omnibus Investment Code of 1987 which will, in turn, lower the investment costs and create employment particularly in the countryside.

“Agri-fishery machinery service centers shall also be established in key production areas for custom plowing, harrowing, harvesting, drying, milling and other services which may be owned and operated by registered farmers, cooperatives and associations,” Sec. Alcala added.

The crafting of the AFMech Law was made through the partnership of different private sector groups and government agencies under the NAFC-AFMeC in their effort to address the issues and concerns of the stakeholders on the dismal situation of agricultural and fishery mechanization in the country.


The DA is set to implement the AFMech Law after the crafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), which are targeted to be launched during the First ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering on September 24-26, 2013 at the Manila Hotel.

see also: http://nafc.da.gov.ph/NAFCNEWs/2013/afmech.html

DA heads firm upanti-smuggling initiatives

Heads and representatives of different DA attached agencies, bureaus, service units and banner programs
 convene to firm up anti-smuggling efforts to address the concerns of private sector entities and stakeholders.

Heads of different attached agencies and bureaus of the Department of Agriculture convened last June 11 at the Apacible Conference Room, DA Compound, Quezon City to draw up means to strengthen anti-smuggling initiatives and address other related issues.

This is in answer to the growing concern of many private sector entities and stakeholders with regard to the rampant smuggling of agriculture and fishery products in the country, as discussed in many meetings of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council’s (NAFC) sectoral committees.

DA Undersecretary Emerson Palad led the said meeting which was organized by NAFC. Representatives from different DA service units and banner programs, as well as members of DA Secretary Proceso Alcala's Technical Advisory Group (STAG), were also present to give feedback, inputs and recommendations.

“We will be forwarding all recommendations and suggestions generated from this meeting to the Secretary to help him set what direction to take with regard the issue of smuggling,” Usec. Palad said.

The meeting tackled the stakeholders concerns on the initiatives of concerned DA agencies and bureaus that address the smuggling of livestock and poultry products, rice, fruits, vegetables and other commodities and related products.

On the issue of accessing the Bureau of Custom's Inward Foreign Manifest (IFM), the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) was tasked to follow up Secretary Alcala’s April 30 letter to Commissioner Rozzano Rufino Biazon requesting that the BOC System (E2M)be also installed at the Manila International Container Port (MICP) so that BAI Quarantine Officers there can also access the IFM.

IFMis a document containinginformation on the names of importers, identification of the imported product, the prices, source country, the ship it will arrive in, and date of arrival.

On the monitoring of the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) collections, the BAI-Quarantine and the MAV Secretariat were tasked to reconcile data on MAV collections for the entire 2012 and the first quarter of 2013.

Dr. Jocelyn Salvador of NMIS also suggested the inclusion of the MAV import clearance application in the DA Trade System for easy monitoring of MAV collections.

On the entry of smuggled Peking ducks, the DA officials assured that the Department will support the full implementation of the second border DA Harmonized Inspection Protocol for Meat, Aquatic and Plant Products as proposed by the National Meat Inspection Service.

The body also tackled the creation of an anti-smuggling task force for rice and the granting of the right of first refusal to the National Food Authority (NFA) on the bidding of seized smuggled rice to help curb the unscrupulous practice in the system.

On the access of trade information, BAI Assistant Director Simeon Amurao called for other agencies issuing Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary import clearance, such as the NFA and Sugar Regulatory Administration,to participate in the DA Trade System so that import arrivals can easily be determined.

The misdeclaration of imported agricultural products, widespread smuggling in Davao and Cagayan regions, limited import permits for red and white onions and the entry of banned agricultural chemicals in the country were also discussed. It was suggested that local government units be involved in the monitoring and regulation of the entry of smuggled products.