PARENT-LEADERS TI 4 P’s, NAARAMID TI MITINGDA

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Nagatendar dagiti 51 a Parent-Leaders ti Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4 P’s) iti ili a Cabugao nga idauluan ni Ms. Nerles Saturno, Presidente, itay nabiit iti 2nd Floor, Municipal Building, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Kangrunaan a nataming iti nadakamat a miting ti Capability Build-up dagiti Parent-Leaders kas pangulo iti Clustering Group ti 4 P’s ken naipunganay no ania ti kaipapanan ti programa a para kadagiti marigrigat a benneg ti kagimongan.

Naaramid pay ti updating of record ken kasta metten iti pannakatratar ti pannakaiseguro dagiti Parent-Leaders. 

Tinarawidwidan da Miss Aida S. Cueto, Ms. Jessie Anne O. Tabut ken ni  Ms. Juliet Madriaga, agpapada a Social Welfare Worker, Municipal Link Cabugao iti panagmiting dagiti Parent-Leaders iti nasao a pasdek ti Munisipio. # (Web In-Action)

BFAR IMPLEMENTS BOAT REGISTRY SYSTEM

THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Provincial Government launches the Boat Registry System or BoatR in Ilocos Sur which aims to establish a simplified and standardized national registration of fisher folks, their fishing gears, and fishing vessels.

To support its aim, BFAR provides a tablet for each Local Government Unit to be use in registering all these information online. This scheme will help the LGUs to protect preferential rights of subsistence of fisher folks and promote coastal conservation. “We need to protect our seas in order for us to benefit from it and also to preserve our natural resources for the next generation.” says Gov. Ryan Singson. The BoatR serves as the basis in implementing National Programs on aquaculture. It also aims to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Under the Republic Act 8550 or Fisheries Code of the Philippines, unauthorized fishing and fishing through explosives, electricity or poisonous substance are penalized. Meanwhile, BFAR also hands over two patrol boats to the provincial government. “These will be used in monitoring together with the Philippine National Police to prevent illegal fishing” BFAR Regional Director Nestor Domenden claims. In addition, the BFAR held a competition among the LGUs nationwide using the Boat Registry System. The first 100 LGUs who complied with the registration requirements were given livelihood assistance. Among the most efficient and fastest municipalities to register their fisher folks are Quirino, Candon and Caoayan in Ilocos Sur where they received two million pesos each. # Mary-vick Addu. – Source, PIO-Ilocos Sur

UHC TO ADDRESS INEQUITY IN THE HEALTH SYSTEM

UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE and Its Aim
Universal Health Care (UHC), also referred to as Kalusugan Pangkalahatan (KP), is the “provision to every Filipino of the highest possible quality of health care that is accessible, efficient, equitably distributed, adequately funded, fairly financed, and appropriately used by an informed and empowered public”.1 The Aquino administration puts it as the availability and accessibility of health services and necessities for all Filipinos.
It is a government mandate aiming to ensure that every Filipino shall receive affordable and quality health benefits.This involves providing adequate resources – health human resources, health facilities, and health financing.

UHC’s Three Thrusts
To attain UHC, three strategic thrusts are to be pursued, namely: 1) Financial risk protection through expansion in enrollment and benefit delivery of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP); 2) Improved access to quality hospitals and health care facilities; and 3) Attainment of health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Financial Risk Protection
Protection from the financial impacts of health care is attained by making any Filipino eligible to enroll, to know their entitlements and responsibilities, to avail of health services, and to be reimbursed by PhilHealth with regard to health care expenditures.
PhilHealth operations are to be redirected towards enhancing national and regional health insurance system. The NHIP enrollment shall be rapidly expanded to improve population coverage. The availment of outpatient and inpatient services shall be intensively promoted. Moreover, the use of information technology shall be maximized to speed up PhilHealth claims processing.

Improved Access to Quality Hospitals and Health Care Facilities
Improved access to quality hospitals and health facilities shall be achieved in a number of creative approaches. First, the quality of government-owned and operated hospitals and health facilities is to be upgraded to accommodate larger capacity, to attend to all types of emergencies, and to handle non-communicable diseases. The Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP) shall provide funds to improve facility preparedness for trauma and other emergencies. The aim of HFEP was to upgrade 20% of DOH-retained hospitals, 46% of provincial hospitals, 46% of district hospitals, and 51% of rural health units (RHUs) by end of 2011.
Financial efforts shall be provided to allow immediate rehabilitation and construction of critical health facilities. In addition to that, treatment packs for hypertension and diabetes shall be obtained and distributed to RHUs.
The DOH licensure and PhilHealth accreditation for hospitals and health facilities shall be streamlined and unified.

Attainment of Health-related MDGs
Further efforts and additional resources are to be applied on public health programs to reduce maternal and child mortality, morbidity and mortality from Tuberculosis and Malaria, and incidence of HIV/AIDS. Localities shall be prepared for the emerging disease trends, as well as the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
The organization of Community Health Teams (CHTs) in each priority population area is one way to achieve health-related MDGs. CHTs are groups of volunteers, who will assist families with their health needs, provide health information, and facilitate communication with other health providers. RNheals nurses will be trained to become trainers and supervisors to coordinate with community-level workers and CHTs. By the end of 2011, it is targeted that there will be 20,000 CHTs and 10,000 RNheals.
Another effort will be the provision of necessary services using the life cycle approach. These services include family planning, ante-natal care, delivery in health facilities, newborn care, and the Garantisadong Pambata package.
Better coordination among government agencies, such as DOH, DepEd, DSWD, and DILG, would also be essential for the achievement of these MDGs. # Source – www.doh.gov.ph

MAISAGSAGUT TI MARKETGOERS ITI NISTC PUBLIC MARKET

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Segun ken ni Mrs. Norma S. Bertumen, Market Supervisor ti NISTC Public Market, nga itultuloyda iti napintas a pannakaipaay ti serbisio kadagiti aggatang/aglaklako  babaen iti agtultuloy a pannakalinis a nasayaat ti las-ud ti Tiendaan (NISTC Public Market)  ken iti  itutulongda a mangbunag kadagiti dadduma pay a wara nangruna kadagiti selopin (non-biodegradable materials) ket agtultuloy nga isayangkat dagiti Personnel ti NISTC Public Market a tumulong nga agikkat kadagiti rugit.

Innayonna pay a maar-aramid iti pannaka- “Flushing” ti basar ken stalls iti paglakuan ti ikan ken karne (mamindua ti makalawas) ken naasikaso pay ti septic tank kasta met a  maigidgiddan ti inspeksion kadagiti ambulant vendors babaen iti panagpasiar ken panangpalagip ti Public Sanitary Inspector ti LGU-Cabugao kadagiti Food Handlers nga aglaklako iti ikub ti Tiendaan.

Malaksid iti uneg ti Tiendaan, agtultuloy met ti koordinasion ti Opisina ti MENRO-LGU Cabugao ken ni Mrs. Bertumen iti patinayon a pannakadalus ti agsumbangir ti Kalsada Nasional a batog ti Tiendaan agraman kadagiti drainages tapno agtultuloy a nasigo ti sanitasion ken nasalun-at nga aglawlaw ti NISTC Public Market a para met laeng iti sapasap.

Insupusop pay ni Mrs. Bertumen nga adda regular a koordinasionda iti Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Vigan City iti pakaseknan iti presio ken pagkiluan iti Tiendaan. Naipasdek ti masasao a: “Timbangan ng Bayan” iti dua a disso, ti kanatengan ken kakarnean/kaikanan tapno adda pangpasingkedan dagiti aggatgatang no umisu met laeng ti kilo iti nagatangda ken agpatingga laeng iti 15 Kilograms ti pagkiluan a libre. 

Malaksid iti pannakamonitor iti presio, pagkiluan, pasilidades ti tiendaan ket maipampamaysa iti pannakamantener ti kinadalus  ti uneg ken aglikmut ti tiendaan nangruna kadagiti Comfort Rooms (CRs). 

Nupay kasta, agtultuloy  ti umay makitienda uray pay kadagiti agindeg iti kabangibang nga ili nangruna a mangpaadu ti malakuan dagiti adda iti puestona iti Tiendaan.

Dagitoy nga agtultuloy a panagsayaat ti Tiendaan  ket gubuay iti nasamay a Direktiba ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. nga ipatungpal  ti Management Staff  ti NISTC Public Market. # (Web In-Action)

PHL IS A FRONTRUNNER IN FOOD SAFETY – PRES. AQUINO

THE PHILIPPINES is performing very well in terms of food safety.

This was according to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III who graced the opening of the Livestock Philippines 2015, on June 25, 2015 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

During his message, the Chief Executive told the members of the diplomatic corps, foreign exhibitors, national and local government officials, and the media, that the country has been free from avian flu since 2005 and the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) since 2010 making it eligible to export poultry and swine products.

“Just last month, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) accorded the Philippines the highest level of recognition as a country free from FMD without vaccination, further increasing the country’s global competitiveness,” Aquino said.

“The government’s goal is not only to maintain the standards but also to ensure that the livestock industry continues to grow and develop,” he added.

Over the course of Aquino’s term, the budget for livestock industry has increased by 180%, giving priority on vaccination initiatives and disease surveillance among other measures which aim to control if not eradicate animal diseases.

Currently, the government’s initiatives under the livestock industry is primarily focused in ensuring food safety.

For example, the amended Meat Inspection Code imposes stricter fines for food safety violations. The Food Safety Act of 2013, on the other hand, strengthens the food regulatory system in order to protect consumer health.

The Agriculture Department has also monitored the price movement of various livestock and poultry products.

According to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, the price of meat and poultry has remained relatively stable for the last five years.

He added that even the change in price for meat and poultry between 2011 and 2014 was comparatively lower at 2.6% per year versus the 3.8% overall inflation rate.

“Not even during the past Christmas season did the country experience surges in the price of ham and chicken,” Alcala said.

“The stable price of meat and poultry was due partly to the effective coordination among industry stakeholders including producers and processors,” he added.

Alcala said that the Livestock Expo 2015 celebrates the milestones and other achievements of the Filipino livestock and poultry industry.

“This exposition showcases the progress that we have made together and reminds us of the huge potential of the industry towards the continuous transformation and growth of Philippine agriculture,” he said.

From 2010 to 2014, livestock and poultry production volume increased by 2.3% annually while the value of the output grew at a rate of 4.8% per year.

In 2014, the value of livestock production grew by 5.6% from previous year’s output to PhP 247.1 billion. Meanwhile, value of poultry output expanded by 7.84% to PhP 189.7 billion at current prices.
Livestock and poultry contribute between 30.6% of total agricultural output. ### Marlo Asis, DA-AFID – Source, www.da.gov.ph

PHL GOV’T PUSHES GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS OF LIVESTOCK INDUSTRY

PRESIDENT BENIGNO SIMEON AQUINO III shares the government’s initiatives in ensuring food safety within the livestock industry, during his keynote speech at the Livestock Philippines 2015. According to the President, the government’s goal is not only to maintain the standards of produce but also to ensure that the industry continues to grow and develop. Over the course of his term, the budget for livestock industry has increased by 180%, giving priority on vaccination initiatives and disease surveillance to control if not eradicate animal diseases completely. Under Aquino’s watch, key legislations promoting food safety has been passed including the amended Meat Inspection Code which imposes stricter fines for food safety violations, and the Food Safety Act of 2013 strengthening the food regulatory system to protect consumer health. Aquino and Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (left) led the opening of the Livestock Philippines ’15 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on June 25, 2015. # Source – www.da.gov.ph

5-DAY TRAINING TI BNS-BHW’s, NABALLIGI A NAILEPPAS

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Naballigi a naileppas ti 5-Day Training dagiti Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), Barangay Health Worker’s (BHW’s) ken Parent-Leaders (PL’s) (BNS) iti  Munisipalidad ti Cabugao a nangrugi idi Hunio 22, 2015 agingga iti Hunio 26, 2015   iti Municipal Conference  Building, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Napauluan ti seminar iti “Training of Trainers on the Promotion of Good Nutrition”.

Kangrunaan a nayadal kadagiti nadakamat a pannakaramay ti Munisipio iti Nutrision dagiti module a mangpapintas/mangpasayaat  ti serbisio dagiti BNS, BHW’s ken dagiti Parent-Leaders (PL’s) kadagiti klienteda iti barangay.

Segun ken ni Mrs. Joenah G. Sevilleja, MNAO-Cabugao, lima laengen iti 33 a barangay ti saan pay a nagdalan iti kastoy a panagsanay ket pito a barangay a lugar dagiti  agdama a nagpartisipar iti training a dagitoy ti Brgy. Maradodon, Catucdaan, Nagsantaan, Lipit, Sagayaden, Nagsincaoan  ken Marga-ay.

Innayon ni Mrs. Sevilleja a maikkanda met iti “Sertipiko ti Panagleppas”  a pakakitaan iti lima nga aldaw a panagsanayda nga aggapu iti Department of Health (DOH)  ken iti National Nutrition Council, Region 1.  # (Web In-Action)

BRANDING KEN DEWORMING, AGTULTULOY A MAARAMID KADAGITI BARANGAY

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Iti pannaki-amad ti Web In-Action ken ni Dr. Melvin G. Castro, Veterinarian  ti DA-LGU Cabugao iti Hunio 26, 2015, impakaammona  nga idanonda ti / panagmarka/panagpurgada   kadagiti ayup ken dinguen (Baka, Nuang ken Kalding) kadagiti 33 a barangay ti ili tapno masigud a maprebentaran dagiti rumsua a sakit ti animales.

Innayon ni Dr. Castro a  makikoordinarda iti Barangay Captain ta kabaelanna a mobilisaren dagiti adda ayup ken dinguenna tapno matamingda.  

Malaksid iti ragup a kas iti grupo/barangay  a panagmarka/panagpurga ti Large Cattle ken Kalding ket maangay met iti indibidual a wagas nangruna kadagiti adda sakit ti dinguen ken ayupda a kasapulan pay a makita ken maagasan.


Dagitoy nga aksion ken inisiatiba ket resulta ti agtultuloy a programa ti Animal Care and Disease Prevention  ti Gobierno Munisipal nga idauluan ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. tapno naan-anay a maidur-as ti livestock  sector  babaen iti pannakapapigsa ti  panagtaraken kadagiti ayup  a katulongan iti panagmulmula a pamastrekan dagiti mannalon. # (Web In-Action)

EL NINO TO INTENSIFY, END MAY 2016 - PAGASA

The government is alerting the public in nearly half of the country to prepare for the effects of a four-month dry spell later this year, as the state weather agency forecasts an intensified El Nino phenomenon.

"Thirty-two provinces will likely be affected by the dry spell from August to November 2015," Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported in its second semester outlook for the country.

Pagasa identified the provinces as Isabela, Aurora, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Quezon, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Albay, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon, all in Luzon;

Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental all in Western Visayas (Region VI);

Bohol, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, all in Central Visayas (Region VII);

Southern Leyte in Eastern Visayas (Region VIII);

and in Mindanao provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Southern Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Basilan, Maguindanao, and Sulu.

What is a dry spell?

Pagasa defines dry spell as three consecutive months of below-normal rainfall.

Areas under the dry spell receive precipitation that's 21 percent to 60 percent less than average rainfall there, warned Pagasa.

According to experts, El Nino is a naturally occurring condition characterized by warmer-than-average waters in eastern equatorial Pacific.

From weak to moderate

Pagasa expects the dry condition to intensify El Nino from "weak" at present to "moderate" by August this year.

El Nino may persist until December 2015 then gradually weaken in early 2016, Pagasa also said.

"Such El Nino may likely terminate by May 2016," Pagasa said.

As of May 27 this year, data from Pagasa show that of the 32 provinces at risk for the four-month dry spell, several are already affected by drought amidst El Nino.

Eight of those provinces are already affected by the dry spell, Pagasa also said.

Drought-affected

The drought-affected provinces are Albay, Batangas, Cavite, Masbate, and Sorsogon in Luzon; Bohol, Negros Oriental, , and Southern Leyte in the Visayas as well as Basilan, Maguindanao, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sulu in Mindanao.

Pagasa defines drought as three consecutive months of way-below normal rainfall condition.

Luzon's Quezon, Rizal, and Romblon provinces, the Visayas' Capiz, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental provinces, and Mindanao's Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur provinces are already under the dry spell, Pagasa data also showed.

11 to 16 cyclones

Despite the prevailing El Nino, Pagasa expects an average 11 to 16 tropical cyclones (TCs) to either enter or develop in the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the June-December 2015 period.

Pagasa previously pointed out that El Nino episodes could alter TCs landfall patterns.

Lower-than-average number of landfalls could be expected in the Philippines during El Nino as TCs then tend to head northwards instead of crossing the country which these generally do under normal conditions, Pagasa weather forecaster Fernando Cada said earlier.

Lesser TC landfalls mean the Philippine landmass won't generally experience as much rain as it would during a non-El Nino year, he said.  # ADAPTED, Philippines News Agency

WHAT IS THE AGRI-PINOY RICE PROGRAM?

THE AGRI-PINOY RICE PROGRAM is one of the banner components of the Department of Agriculture mainly concerned in rice farming and uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers.
Guided by the principles of the Agrikulturang Pilipino (Agri-Pinoy) framework, the National Rice Program integrates government initiatives and interventions for the agriculture sector, namely: food security and self-sufficiency, sustainable resource management, support services from farm to table, and broad-based local partnerships.

What are the objectives of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program?

The Agri-Pinoy Rice Program plays a key role in the Food Staples Sufficiency Program (FSSP), the central focus of the country’s food security policy from 2011 to 2016 and beyond.
With the vision of a food-secure society where farmers enjoy a decent and rising standards of living, the FSSP 2011-2016 aims to achieve self-sufficiency in food staples. Self-sufficiency means satisfying domestic requirements for food, seeds, processing, and feeds through domestic production.
The key target is to produce the country’s domestic requirements by 2013. Beyond 2013, the aim is to strengthen national resilience in staples production.
The key strategies are concentrated in the following: (1) raising farmers’ productivity and competitiveness, (2) enhancing economic incentives and enabling mechanisms, and (3) managing food staples consumption.

What are the activities being undertaken by the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program?

To carry out these objectives, various government interventions are undertaken from the national to the local levels in the form of support to rice production; irrigation; postharvest and other infrastructure facilities; market development services; extension, education and training services; and research and development.

Specific interventions provided by the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program are as follows:
A. Production support
•Production of Breeder Seeds of Inbred and Nucleus/Breeder Seeds of Hybrid Parentals
•Basic Breeder Seed Production
•Seed Production of varieties for climate change adaptation/mitigation; Including varieties that are submergence-tolerant, drought-tolerant/early maturing, saline-tolerant, and cool-elevated
•Upland Rice Production Development
•Establishment of Community Seed Banks; including rehabilitation and establishment, distribution of simple seed processing equipment; and locally adopted starter seeds
•Support to RIARC Development and Activation, including production and distribution of registered seeds, and purification and multiplication of traditional and locally adopted varieties
•Disaster Response like buffer seed stocking and provision of insurance coverage
•Establishment of pest outbreak control measures like bactericides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, and light traps
•Cloud seeding operations on vulnerable regions
•Distribution of fertilizers for rationing
•Establishment of agro-meteorological (agro-met) stations per major rice district
•Establishment and maintenance of Multi-Purpose Bio-Organic Fertilizer Plants
•Conduct of pest and diseases surveillance/SEWS in clustered areas to determine and prevent pest occurrence; and strengthening of pest surveillance teams
•Establishment of community-based bio-control agent laboratories, including upgrading of technical capabilities of bio-control laboratories
•Promotion of nutrient management tools as aid in formulation of SSNM options and varieties
•Support to soil laboratories and establishment of mobile soil clinics
•Distribution of farm and fishery production-related machinery and equipment such as: Rice Drum Seeders, Rice Transplanters, Mini four-wheel drive tractors, Rice Hull Carbonizers, and Hand Tractors

B. Irrigation Development Services
•Support to activities of the National Irrigation Administration, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, in restoration, rehabilitation, and generation activities of irrigation systems and their service areas.
•Provision of Small Scale Irrigation Projects in rice cluster areas to ensure that major waterways are functional to achieve high irrigation efficiency
•Operating, monitoring, and evaluation of irrigable areas or service areas expanded through restoration, rehabilitation, and construction of Small Water Impounding Projects, Diversion Dams, and Small Farm Reservoirs

C. Other Infrastructure and Postharvest Development Services
•Distribution of postharvest equipment and machinery, such as net/laminated sacks, construction and rehabilitation of flatbed dryers, mechanical dryers, bag closers/baggers, threshers, combine harvesters, rice cutter/harvesters, shredders, moisture meters
•Construction and rehabilitation of palay sheds and warehouses, and multi-purpose drying pavements,
•Construction and operationalization of Rice Processing Complexes, and village-type grain postharvest processing centers,
•Provision, rehabilitation and retrofitting of biomass furnace to existing re-circulating dryers
•Validation of farm-to-market roads (FMRs)

D. Market Development Services
•Market Promotion and Development, consisting of the establishment of Seed Trading Centers and e-Trading centers, and holding of agri-business investment clinics, market matching, and trade fairs
•Generation, periodic updating and dissemination of regional rice statistics and market information such as inflow and outflow, demand and supply, palay and milled rice prices, basic rice statistics (effective rice area, area planted & harvested, production, yield per hectare, sufficiency), input suppliers, millers, etc., supply chain and cost structure analysis, price monitoring, and updating of cost structure, stakeholders directory, market profiles, and rice value-added products
•Establishing linkages with public and private financial institutions, NGOs, and agri-business entities

E. Extension Support, Education and Training Services
•Conduct of trainings and training-related events for farmers such as technology transfers, schools-on-the air, Farmers’ Field Day, sustainable agriculture practices, Palay Check, Palayamanan, and other social mobilization activities
•Conduct of technology demonstrations (Techno-Demo) such as varietal TD, compact hybrid/cluster, community-based MRC, LSTD, abiotic stress environments, etc.
•Promotion and showcase of environment-friendly technologies adaptable to organic production
•Technology commercialization for ratooned rice, upland, submergence, and saline rice varieties
•Technology updating and re-tooling of agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and farmer technicians by conducting specialized trainings
•Provision of logistical support to LGU Extension Workers and para-technicians,
•Organization and strengthening of Irrigators Associations (IAs) and farmers’ organizations by forming and mobilizing clusters and conducting technical briefings
•Engages in intensive information dissemination campaigns by distributing IEC materials such as newsletters, posters, brochures, handouts, flipcharts, billboards and streamers; print, radio and television campaigns; information caravans; schools-on-the-air, and other related activities.

F. Research and Development Services
•Adopts research and development activities on new rice technologies, such as researcher and farmer-managed adaptability trials for new hybrids and inbred certified seeds; screening, selection and commercialization of special rice varieties like organic and biotic-stress resistant; assessment and validation of soil fertility of rice clusters for organic rice production;
•Promotion and adoption of technology on controlled irrigation, irrigated and rain-fed rice systems
•Collection of germplasm for indigenous vegetables, rootcrops, and native staples in support to Integrated Farming Systems
. Conduct of climate change mitigation and verification studies
•Research and provision of assistance on the commercialization of organic fertilizers
•Upgrading of research facilities
•Support to the research and development programs of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice)
Further, the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program develops, maintains, implements, monitors, and evaluates plans and policies that affect over-all rice production, farmers’ welfare, consumer interests, and climate or environmental concerns

Specific policy-oriented activities of the Agri-Pinoy Rice Program include:
Policy review and technical updates;
•Generation of nationwide rice statistics from national surveys and other statistical activities; planning and monitoring of program activities and interventions;
•Conduct of quarterly program reviews from provincial and regional data;
•Holding of coordination meetings with stakeholders;
•Conduct of regular operational and program monitoring and evaluation activities to determine program implementation and delivery of services;
•Support to the establishment of a National Rice Council;
•And support to regional rice action teams. #  Source -  DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (DA), OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY,  NATIONAL RICE PROGRAM

IDLE RIVER NOW A BOATING PARK

THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS SUR is known as one of the prominent tourist destinations in the country because of its natural scenic views, preserved churches and rich culture and heritage. And recently, the City of Vigan was inaugurated as one of the New Seven Wonders Cities of the World.

To add up to the growing tourism industry, the Provincial Government through Public Private Partnership or PPP is crafting a Memorandum of Agreement with local business sector to utilize the Govantez Dike located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur, and in the entrance of the City of Vigan. Businessman Patricio Orio of Bantay, Ilocos Sur developed the area into a boating park. Like in his Hidden Water Park in Bantay, he installed different life size superhero characters in the river bank, and in the waters, floating booth for picnic activities, and boats to be rented by adventurers. Governor Ryan Luis Singson inaugurated the Boating Park on Saturday, June 20, 2015 with the blessings of Fr. Jack Cabatu. “This is a best way to invite tourists to come to the province to relax and enjoy. The Provincial Government is planning for more improvements like putting up a board walk where we can establish food courts, souvenir shops and view deck like in Baguio” Gov. Ryan Singson said. The boating park started to operate after the ina uguration. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00pm. Tourists can use the boat to wander along Govantes River for only one hundred fifty pesos and with no time limit. “The Govantes Dike has a lot of potential for tourism because the place is naturally beautiful. The river runs to other municipalities which makes the boating more interesting.” Patricio Orio said.###Kristelle Keith Tubadeza

DA BEEFS UP CONTROL OF CASSAVA WITCHES’ BROOM DISEASE

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (DA), through the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), has intensified measures to control the spread of witches’ broom disease, which could endanger the country’s growing cassava industry if not proactively addressed.

A bacteria-like organism called phytoplasma causes the witches’ broom disease.

Phytoplasma interferes in plant development and according to the BPI, infected plants exhibit short nodes with dense clumping of stunted leaves, resembling a witch’s broom.

The disease reduces cassava root starch content, hence reducing yield value and farmers’ income.

Symptoms not noticeable

The BPI said that the witches’ broom disease is systemic and asymptomatic, making efforts in controlling its spread more challenging than with other diseases. A BPI scientist explained that when a disease is systemic, it does not only affect a single part or some parts of a plant but the whole plant system.

According to the BPI’s crop protection division, the symptoms of the witches’ broom disease may not be immediately noticeable as the infection starts in the innermost bark of the plant. It is only when the clumping of leaves, as well as discoloration, are observed can farmers conclude that their plants are infected.

The danger of this the disease’s asymptomatic characteristic is that infected planting materials may be unknowingly sourced from infected plantations and will be transferred to other plantations, spreading the disease to a wider geographic cover. The BPI added that even using contaminated farm implements may cause the spread of the disease.

The bureau then has warned cassava farmers that visual observation cannot guarantee the cleanliness of planting materials.

Proactive responses

To proactively respond to the witches’ broom disease threat, BPI Director Paz Benavidez II has created a technical working group to focus on the control and management of the disease. A plant quarantine memorandum banning the movement of infected cassava from Bukidnon has also been issued by the agency.

To implement long-term solutions, the BPI is seeking funding support for the agency to work on the adoption of protocol used by the United States Department of Agriculture on the detection of the cassava witches’ broom pathogen, or the organism that causes the disease. When this protocol is already in place, the BPI will conduct disease indexing, a process that includes thorough screening of cassava planting materials. Through this system, only clean plants will be allowed to be distributed and grown.

The seed quality control, and the crop research and production support offices of the BPI are also collecting planting materials for the BPI national research centers to grow. These will later be subjected to detection and indexing protocols.

“At least four research centers where disease detection and indexing are conducted will become the source disease-free planting materials for cassava farmers in the country,” Director Benavidez said.

While the protocols are not yet ready, the BPI is now crafting with experts interim measures on how farmers should handle cassava growing.

To empower farmers on the disease’s management, the bureau’s crop pest management division, in coordination with DA regional field offices, plans as well to conduct farmer field school activities on the disease. These activities will provide participatory and experiential learning venue for farmers on the witches’ broom disease.

Lastly, the BPI is conducting an experiment on heat treatment to test if this technology could help in combating the disease.

Developing a resistant variety, on the other hand, would not an option for now as no resistant variety for any kind of phytoplasma has been developed yet.

Infection of other plants

The BPI has assured farmers that infection of other plants such as corn and vegetables is not possible.

A BPI scientist explained that other crops host their own specific kind of phytoplasma such that the cassava witches’ broom phytoplasma cannot be hosted by other plants other than cassava.

According to Dr. Erlinda Vasquez of Philippine Root Crop Research and Training Center, the country has yet to determine the exact number of hectares affected as the DA regional field offices are still conducting surveys. But she added that there are already thousand hectares of cassava plantations affected.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala has urged farmers to be vigilant and immediately report symptoms of the disease to their local agricultural officers. He has also advised farmers not to source out planting materials from previously infected areas and practice diversified cropping to have alternative source of income and food in case of witches’ broom disease outbreak. # Adapted News - (Jan P. Dacumos, DA-AFID)

8,400 A SEEDLINGS, INTED TI NTA

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Naipaayan ti LGU-Cabugao iti agduduma ti klasena a Seedlings nga inted ti National Tobacco Administration (NTA)-Batac City a maisangrat a para iti Clean and Green/Reforestation Project ti Munisipio.

Segun ken ni MENRO Edgar S. Balangatan, AT, napanda  innala dagiti nadakamat a Seedlings idiay NTA-Batac babaen iti serbisio ti lugan ti LGU. Dagiti sumaganad ti nagan dagiti Seedlings ken kaaduda:

1.Neem Tree – 5,000; Madre de Cacao – 1,200; Narra – 500; Golden Shower- 300; Mahogany – 550; Banaba – 150; Taloto – 300; Kariskis – 100; Adaan – 50; Onygeum  - 200; ken Pacac – 50.

Dagitoy a Seedlings ket naideposito iti Municipal Plant and Nursery, Brgy. Baclig, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur para iti pannakaasikasona kabayatan a saan pay a naimula.

Dagitoy nga aksion ken inisiatiba ket bunga ti agtultuloy a pannakikammayet ti LGU-Cabugao iti Ahensia ti NTA para iti pannakapaberde ti aglawlaw. # (Web In-Action)

DE LA SALLE HEALTH SCIENCE STAFF, INADALANDA DAGITI BHW’s

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Naangay ti One-Day Orientation and Training dagiti Barangay Health Workers (BHW’s) ken Parent Leaders (PLs) iti 33 a barangay ti ili a Cabugao iti pakaseknan ti pannakataming ti salun-at (umisu nga aramiden no dumteng ti emerhensia ti sakit a hypertension ken bullo) partikular kadagiti addaan iti an-annayen nga ubbing ken umili. Naangay ti panagadal iti Cabugao Cultural and Sports Complex, Brgy. Rizal, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur idi Hunio 24, 2015. 

Kangrunaan a nagsentro iti Physical Therapy iti naiyadal.

Naglektiur dagiti Staff ti  De la Salle Health Science Institute-College of Rehabilitation Sciences, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, Cavite. 

Nakitinnarabay met dagiti Personnel ti STAC-Cabugao, MSWDO-Cabugao  iti daytoy a naisayangkat a panagadal.

Sakbayna, naangay ti turnover ti wheelchair nga indonar ti Latter-Day Saint Charities kadagiti maseknan a PWD’s babaen iti panangigannuat ti DLSU Staff. # (Web In-Action) 

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RAIN – DA

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY Proceso J. Alcala urged rice farmers to plant early and take advantage of the water supply brought about by the rainy season.

“If you start planting now, by July, when it is expected to rain the most, your rice crops would have passed its flowering stage, thus there is a better chance that harvests will be maximized,” he said during a media interaction at the L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City, yesterday.

According to Alcala, farmers must take advantage of the intermittent rains especially in rainfed areas. As such, the Department of Agriculture (DA) chief advised farmers and other stakeholders dependent on water for their food production activities to save water and take active actions related to water impounding initiatives of the government.

“We are thankful for the forecasts declared by PAG-ASA, as it prepares and enable us to lay-out efficient strategies to assist our farmers,” Alcala said.

He however noted that even if it is raining every now and then, it does not mean that the El Niño dry spell is over.

“As per experts’ advise, the dry spell will start weak and grow moderate until August this year, it will persist until December and will start weakening until early 2016,” he said.

Alcala underscored that the agency has mapped out a variety of climate adaptation measures to cushion the impact of adverse weather changes.

“We are ready to schedule cloud seeding operations in case there is a need to induce rains during long dry seasons,” he assured.

He added that DA is ready to install water pumps and solar water pumps in communities that will need augmentation in water supply.

Alcala was in Negros Occidental, on June 23, 2015, to oversee the operation of the agricultural tramline system installed by DA’s Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization in Salvador Benedicto.

The project aims to help farmers of the municipality [Salvador Benedicto] as well as the city of San Carlos haul and transport their produce easier and for a shorter period of time, thereby lowering postharvest losses and enabling farmers to earn more.

The two-way bicable tramline system serves around 400 farmers producing upland rice, banana, ginger, corn, vegetables, coconut and livestock.

With the installation of the tramline, farmers are able to lessen transport time from 3 hours to only 15 minutes, and deliver to trading centers at shorter periods of time.

“The system also helps them maintain the good quality of their products, which in effect enables them to demand good price in the markets,” Alcala said.

Governor Alfrdo Marañon, Jr., who stressed that Alcala was the first cabinet secretary to set foot in Salvador Benedicto, thanked the agri chief for all his assistance in the agricultural development of the province.

Speaking at a farmers’ forum held in La Carlota, Alcala assured all farmer-participants that the government will continue to provide assistance and support to the country’s agriculture sector. As such, he directed all concerned DA officials to immediately conduct training on efficient and productive farming systems, as well as provide support on farm mechanization and infrastructure development programs of the department to ensure that farmers live will reach the optimal effect of government assistance.

“Ako po ay personal na inatasan ng ating pangulo na ilapit sa inyo [magsasaka at mangingisda] ang mga programa ng pamahalaan para naman po maramadaman ninyo ang pagbabago sa inyong buhay at kabuhayan,” he assured. # (ODA RODRIGUEZ/AFID) – Adapted News, www.da.gov.ph

CHEAPER LAND PREP POSSIBLE—PHILRICE

Comprising about 19% of the total labor cost in rice production, there, indeed, is a pressing need to look for new ways of doing land preparation.

The Reduced Tillage Technology (RTT) is an alternative system of land preparation for irrigated areas where plowing is not applied.

Rice stubbles, weeds, and the scattered rice straws are pressed two to three times using the hand tractor’s paddy wheels attached with riding-type leveler or by drop down-spiked tooth harrow. The pressing is done at a 5 to7-day interval.

After the final leveling, crop establishment is done either by transplanting, direct seeding using the drumseeder, or by manual broadcasting.

RTT was piloted in 2012 in Talavera and Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. After the success of its initial implementation, 14 more towns in Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Ilocos Sur were added as demonstration sites.

“Yield increase relative to using the conventional tillage method and savings generated on land preparation were the parameters used in measuring the success of the study,” said Ruben Miranda, study lead.

He explained that for 3 consecutive seasons, the average yield of the demonstration sites were relatively higher at 5.35 t/ha, 4.92 tons/ha for conventional tillage. In addition, farmers saved P3, 380.00/ha per season.

“Savings can be attributed to the faster operation time and lesser fuel consumption. In RTT, farmers can save more than 5 hours per ha in their farming operations. Savings on fuel is up to 50% or 14 l/ha lesser than in conventional tillage,” Miranda explained.

Aside from the savings and ease of land preparation, RTT also mitigates impacts of climate change.

The reduced diesel consumption and scattering of rice straws, which are usually burned by farmers, result in lesser methane and carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere.

Celia Abadilla, Julian Macadamia, Mark Angelo Abando, Melvin Ruiz, Laarnie Mandia, and Marvin Manalang are the study team members.

RTT is a collaborative project of PhilRice, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), DA-Regional Field Office in Central Luzon, and participating local government units. # Adapted News - DA-PhilRice Development Communication Division.

2nd DAY TRAINING TI BNS, NABALLIGI

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Maang-angay ti  5-Day Training dagiti Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) iti 33 a  Barangay ti Munisipalidad ti Cabugao a nangrugi idi Hunio 22, 2015 agingga iti Hunio 26, 2015   iti Municipal Conference  Building, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Napauluan ti seminar iti “Training of Trainers on the Promotion of Good Nutrition”.

Kangrunaan a nayadal kadagiti nadakamat a pannakaramay ti Munisipio iti Nutrision iti 2nd Day ket dagiti sumaganad:

1.Promotion of Eggs.
2.Promotion of Vegetables.
3.Pabasa sa Nutrisyon.
4.Overview of the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon Strategy.
5.Group assignment and discussion.
6.Eat  a Variety of Food Everyday.
7.Hidden Hunger and protein-energy malnutrition.
8.Having micronutrient-rich foods through home food production.
9.Hidden hunger and planning, purchasing, selection and preparation of nutrition meals.

Dagitoy nga aksion ken inisiatiba ket maigapu iti agtultuloy a pannakaibayog ti programa ti Nutrision a supsuportaran ti Gobierno Munisipal nga idauluan ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. tapno mamantener ti salun-at a kakuykuyog iti agtultuloy a progreso ti ili ken iti sapasap nga agnanaed. # (Web In-Action)

LATE ONSET OF RAINY SEASON, DA URGES TO BE PREPARED FOR RAINS, TYPHOON!

THE Department of Agriculture said today that despite the delay of the onset of the rainy season due to El Niño, farmers and the whole nation must also be prepared for rains and typhoons.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the Department is already busy making the necessary preparations as part of its climate change resiliency efforts.

“Climate change is already upon us, and we must do all that we can to be already for its effects,” Alcala said.

Alcala cited super typhoon Chedeng, which in April threatened the Philippines.

“A storm of Chedeng’s magnitude in the first week of April is something quite unimaginable some years ago. Luckily for us it dissipated as it entered the country and there was minimal damage,” Alcala said.

According to the Secretary, disaster preparation should go hand-in-hand in with disaster response.

Alcala added that in the event another typhoon of Chedeng’s initial strength enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, emergency response should not be 10 kilometers per hour (kph) if the typhoon’s speed is 120 kph.

“Ang pagdaan sa daang matuwid ay dapat matulin din,” Alcala said.

He added that among those badly need help after typhoons are the farmers. The multiplier effect is bigger if help is given straight to farmers because they also feed others with what they plant, according to the Secretary. #  (DA-OSEC) - Adapted, www.da.gov.ph

BFAR, TUMULONG MET KADAGITI 4 P’s TI CABUGAO

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Simmarungkar dagiti dua a pannakabagi ti Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Region 1 idi Hunio 22, 2015 iti Opisina ti DA-LGU Cabugao nga imatonan ni Acting Municipal Agriculturist Robert S. Savella tapno mangisayangkatda iti “Profiling” kadagiti kameng ti Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4 P’s)  ditoy nga ili  iti  pakaseknan ti gandat ti Ahensia a tumulong kadagitoy a nakurapay nga umili babaen iti pannakikammayetda iti Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). 

Imbatad ni Mrs. Milagros R. Paz, Municipal Fisheries Coordinator a dagitoy a programa ket paset ti agtultuloy a napintas a pannakikammayet/pannaki-partner  ti LGU-Cabugao kadagiti Ahensia ken Opisina a makaprobitsar iti mayataday a serbisio a para kadagiti nakurapay a kaamaan iti lokalidad. # (Web In-Action)

WHEELCHAIR, NAIPAAY KADAGITI PWD’s TI CABUGAO

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Naikkan dagiti ubbing ken nataengan iti libre a wheelchair nga impaay ti Latter-Day Saint Charities (Mormon) babaen iti panangmobilisar dagiti pannakabagi ti De la Salle Health Science Institute-College of Rehabilitation Sciences, De La Salle University kadagiti maseknan a kameng ti People with Disabilities (PWD’s) nga umili ti Cabugao, Ilocos Sur babaen iti pannakikammayetda iti Opisina ti MSWDO nga idauluan ni MSWD Officer Mrs. Lydia S. Gazmen ken iti Opisina  ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. Naangay ti Turnover dagiti Wheelchair kadagiti PWD’s iti sango ti Munisipio idi Hunio 23, 2015.

Tinarabay  ni SBM Atty. Bryan Jett S. Pano, Comittee Chair on Social Services dagiti pannakabagi ti De La Salle University kabayatan iti pannakaibunong dagiti wheelchair ken pannakarukod dagiti maseknan a PWD a mabenepisiaran kadagiti naisangpet a wheelchair.

Imbatad ni Atty. Pano a malaksid iti distribution of wheelchair, maaramid manen ti wheelchair fitting seminar inton Hunio 24, 2015 ditoy Munisipio nga atendaran dagiti kameng ti BHW’s ken SPED Teachers tapno matakuatan pay dagiti saan a nairaman nga ubbing ken umili iti listaan dagiti maikkan iti wheelchair.

Innayon ni SBM Pano a babaen iti agtultuloy a suporta ti LGU-Cabugao nga idauluan ni Mayor Ediboy ket agtultuloy met ti itden ti Unibersidad a pannakikammayet kadagiti institusion a makaipaay iti umarngi a proyekto ken serbisio-sosial kadagiti umili ti Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. 

Kamalman iti dayta a petsa, naaramid ti orientasion iti isu met la nga institusion kadagiti ubbing ken nagannak iti STAC-Cabugao iti Opisina ni Mayor Ediboy. Naaramid pay ti Planning iti panggep a pannakaipasdek ti STAC Building iti Municipal Lot iti asideg ti pasdek ti Munisipio. # (Web In-Action)

PRE-MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR, NAANGAY MANEN DITOY MUNISIPIO

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Naangay ti Pre-Membership Seminar ti Fatima (Vigan) Multi-purpose Cooperative iti 2nd Floor. Municipal Building, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur  idi Hunio 22, 2015.

Naangay ti panaglektiur dagiti pannakabagi ti Kooperatiba ken nasungbatan dagiti saludsod a kayat a malawlawagan dagiti nagdengngeg iti seminar.

Daytoy a nainayon nga institusion ti ili ket agtultuloy a tumulong a mangital-o ti socio-economic status dagiti umili ken tumulong a mangidur-as iti kabaelanda a mangpasayaat ti kasasaadda kasta metten   iti komunidad a pagnanaedanda. 

Ti Fatima (Vigan) Multipurpose Cooperative ket naorganisar ken naipasdek  idi Oktubre 1968. Addan iti 45 a Tawenna nga agserserbi iti kaaduan. Babaen iti Maka-Diyos ken nadisiplina a prinsipiona iti pannakaimanehar  ti operasionna ket in-inut a dimmakkel ken nagballigi daytoy a Kooperatiba iti panaglabas ti tawen. 

Nakagun-oden ti 10 a dadakkel a pammadayaw iti serbisio iti benneg ti Kooperatiba. 

Masarakan ti Main Office ti Kooperatiba iti Pantay Fatima, Vigan City ken iti Branch Office-na iti National Highway, Sitio Bessang, Brgy. Marga-ay, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. # (Web In-Action)

SEMINAR TI BNS, MAANGAY

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur – Maangay ti Seminar dagiti Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) iti 33 a  Barangay ti Munisipalidad ti Cabugao a mangrugi iti Hunio 22, 2015 agingga iti Hunio 26, 2015   iti Municipal Conference  Building, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Napauluan ti seminar iti “Training of Trainers on the Promotion of Good Nutrition”.

Sakbay ti Training Proper ket naangay ti Registration; Opening Program; Getting to know you; Levelling of Expectation and Training Mechanics.

Timmabuno iti seminar  ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. ket kimmablaaw ken nagyaman ta maangay manen ti kakastoy a panagtitipon a mangipaay ti  gundaway a mangipangato  iti kaammuan ken mangpabaro/mangpatibker  iti linnangen iti hanay dagiti BNS. 

Kangrunaan a nayadal kadagiti nadakamat a pannakaramay ti Munisipio iti Nutrision iti Day 1  ket dagiti sumaganad:

1.Overview of the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition, 2011-2016.

2.Overview of the National  Plan of Action on Infant and Young Child Feeding  (IYCF) 2011-2016.

3.Presentation Tips.

4.Discussion of session assignment for IYCF Counselling Course Dinner. 

Dagitoy nga aksion ken inisiatiba ket maigapu iti agtultuloy a pannakaibayog ti programa ti Nutrision a supsuportaran ti Gobierno Munisipal nga idauluan ni Mayor Edgardo “Ediboy” S. Cobangbang, Jr. tapno mamantener ti salun-at a kakuykuyog iti agtultuloy a progreso ti ili ken iti sapasap nga agnanaed. # (Web In-Action)