Month: May 2020

The province of Bohol has enough food supply in this time of crisis.
This was the statement issued by Gov. Art C. Yap when he met with local media last Wednesday at the New Capitol Building.
The assurance was given by Gov. Yap amidst apprehension on food shortage in the province as most provinces in the country are affected by COVID-19, citing also that most of these abundant provinces have to suffice supplies considering uncertainty as to when the crisis will end.
Gov. Yap said the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) is mobilizing now to convince Boholano farmers at irrigated areas to plant hybrid rice and those at rain-fed rice lands must have to plant inbred rice.
The governor revealed that the provincial government has the Advance Rice Technology (ART) 160 program which encouraged the use of hybrid rice and ART 120 in the use of inbred rice among Boholano farmers which aim to increase rice production.
He explained that planting hybrid rice at irrigated areas is advantageous because it yields 8 to 10 metric tons per hectare (ha.) compared to inbred which can only produce 6 metric tons per hectare.
Hybrid rice is not suitable in rain-fed areas because it needs enough supply of water wherein such rice lands are only good for inbred.
The governor encouraged the Boholanos to plant these varieties and refrain the use of the farmer’s rice seeds which only yield 3 to 4 metric tons per hectare.
It may be recalled that Gov. Yap in a press briefing last April said that the governors of Cebu, Saranggani and Bohol were discussing on how to buy from rice-producing provinces while waiting for the submission of price quotations from Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Cagayan.
The governor issued the statement after he was briefed by the National Food Authority (NFA) regarding the food security stock of NFA rice in Bohol.
He said that in reality if we just consume based on our regular consumption then we will actually not run out of supply. The problem is everybody is rushing to buy more rice which resulted to unduly depleting our rice stocks and with this we are pushing the price of rice to go up.
The governor said that this is the reason why he cautioned the Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) and barangays of indiscriminate buying of rice and instead advised them to buy rice regularly because it is now the harvest period.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas reported the consolidated food situation in Bohol based on the data source from DA-Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office, NFA and Rice Tech, the number of days to consume the rice stocks as of April 15, 2020, are 69 days/ 2.3 months or will last up to June 23, 2020.
Pamugas added that based on the rice inventory as of April 15, 2020, NFA has 68,000 bags at 50 kilograms (kgs.), Marcela Farms (80,000), Bohol Quality (22,000) and other small traders (15,000) that would last for about 18 days while the expected rice yield of the remaining harvestable rice farm are 513,138.8 bags that will be consumed by the Boholanos for about 51.73 days.
He said the 1.3million Boholanos would consume 9,920 sacks of rice per day.
With regards to the stocks of corn in the province, last March during the harvesting period Bohol had produced 2,723.57 sacks of corn grits that would only last for 7.96 days as the daily consumption of Boholanos of corn is 342 sacks, he said.
Pamugas said that as of now based on the daily monitoring Bohol has enough supply of vegetables and fish.
The Boholano fishermen have sold their fish catch at the different markets and malls in Bohol because they could not sell their products to other provinces due to the implementation of the community quarantine.(Atoy Cosap)

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have set the tone to ensure food security under the new normal situation because of COVID-19.
The PGBh, DA and BFAR had conducted the consultative meetings with all the Municipal Agriculturists (MAs) of the 3rd, 2nd and 1st districts of Bohol last May 21, 22 and last Monday respectively at the Ceremonial Hall, 4th Floor, New Capitol Building, New Capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City wherein the three agriculture-related government agencies had presented its Agri-Fishery Programs for this year.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his welcome message and statement of purpose said that the PGBh, DA and BFAR have come up with this activity so that every MA in all towns of Bohol would know the projects and programs of the agencies for them to re-align their allocations if the certain projects have already been allocated for their localities by the agencies.
Dr. Pamugas said that with this strategy, the resources of the Local Government Unit (LGU) could be utilized to other projects that could benefit their constituents.
The assistant Provincial Agriculturist asked the MAs to submit their agri-fishery programs for 2020 to thePGBh through the OPA to come up with the consolidated programs for more agricultural developments in Bohol.
PGBh AGRI-FISHERY PROGRAMS FOR 2020
In the presentation of PGBhAgri-Fishery Programs for 2020, Dr. Pamugas disclosed that the province has an allocation of P40,104,457 for the different programs and projects of rice, corn, cassava, High-Value Commercial Development Program (HVCDP), fisheries, agribusiness development program, organic agriculture, and to engineering support services.
For the rice program, this would include the Rice Assistance Program for Institutional Development (RAPID); farm mechanization; campaign for crop and assistant insurance to farmers; rice seeds production; certification and accreditation of seed growers; spearhead in the establishment of Japonica Rice; Adaptability varietal trial and Japonica rice seed production; assist in the organizational formation of KaABAG per MLUs; quick response to pest and diseases occurrence on the rice-duck farming system; extend assistance to farmers for the awards; sustainable integrated agri-business program; Advance Rice Technology (ART) 120; ART 160.
For the corn and cassava program: corn seed production (OPVRS-CS); corn seed distribution (OPV); technical briefings/trainings; maintenance of existing ABAG and Bohol Corn Seed Assistance Program.
High Value Crops Development Program: Bahay Kubo FAITH HOPE & CHARITY; Gulayan Sa Paaralan; search for SUHID HVCD, distribution of assorted vegetable seeds, fruit trees, and coconut planting materials, agriculture for rural transformation (ART) in support to vegetable and water enhancement; bayanihan livelihood assistant program, enhancement production of banana; fruit production enhancement and mango rehabilitation.
For fisheries program: tilapia dispersal; mangrove planting; assisting seaweeds nurseries for 12 municipalities; upland aquaculture development; harvesting and splitting of seaweed; ongoing construction of PRDP-GEF MPA artificial reefs; ongoing construction of PRDP-GEF MPA boats.
Agribusiness Development Program: conduct market reconnaissance and development activities; agri-fishery promotion; enterprise development institution development; development of market driven products; fish terminal operationalization, ART Tabosa Bohol.
Research and Agri-Support Services: undertake massive advocacy for organic farm conversions; provide assistance support for organic agri practitioners like irrigation facilities; farm machinery and equipments; farm inputs; supplies of materials; cash for work program.
DA AGRI-FISHERY PROGRAMS FOR 2020
Engr. Taboy Du, Chief-Planning Division, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 7 presented the different agri-fishery programs such as: agricultural machinery; equipment; facilities and infrastructure support services; technical support services; production support services; extension support; education and training services; research and development agricultural machinery; equipment and facilities support services; irrigation network services; rice resiliency project; expanded hybrid rice production in suitable areas; financial subsidy to rice farmers (FSRF).
Engr. Du said that under the DA rice program, this includes the provision of Inbred and Hybrid Seeds; provision of fertilizers; seed reserve for quick rehabilitation response; school on the air (SOA); distribution of IEC materials; national rice awareness month celebration; GawadSaka Award; Rice Achiever Award; incentives to LGU, AEWs and LFTs; development of RCM recommendations.
On the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) which is one of the 15 projects under ALPAS Kontra COVID-19 (Agri 4PS) has an allocation in the amount of P8.5B to increase local rice supply to address potential food shortage and hunger and improve country’s food adequacy.
The major sub-projects of RCEF to include RCEF enhanced-fertilizer support to RCEF areas to complement the inbred seeds provided by PhilRice (P2.0B); expanded inbred rice production (beyond RCEF areas)- to enhance production in non-RCEF areas, with components such as seeds and fertilizers (P3.0B); and Hybrid Rice Production in suitable areas – in areas with good irrigation, seeds & fertilizers (P3.5B).
BFAR AGRI-FISHERY PROGRAM FOR 2020
CandidoSamijon, Provincial Fishery Officer-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-Bohol) showed in his presentation the total budget in the amount of P13,309,545 broken as follows: for the targeted action to reduce poverty and generate economic transformation (P8,633,025) and special area for agricultural development (SAAD) in the tune of P4,676,520.
Samijon said that BFAR has been allocating funds to support the seaweed farming in the province as he mentioned as a great contribution to acquire a living among fisheries folks.
He also encouraged the MAs to strengthen the tilapia production as his office continues the tilapia fingerlings dispersal in tandem with the dispersal program of the PGBh through the OPA.
On his part, RFO 7 Regional Director Salvador D. Diputado who attended the consultative meeting urged the MAs to show or to come up with a 10% increase in their production so that the DA could give them miracles through projects.
The RFO 7 Regional Director asked the MAs to inform him if whatever problems they encountered in dealing and implementing their programs in their respective localities.
Diputado cited that in this time of crisis we have to realize that food production is important so that the people could eat nutritious foods to build strong body resistance which is the only defense against the threat of COVID-19.
Diputado said that while he is still the DA regional director we will make a difference together with the provincial leaders by making Bohol an agricultural province.
Rep. Aristotle C. Aumentado in the 2nd District in his message said that he always supported the programs of DA and PGBh geared towards agriculture.
Rep. Aumentado said that he attended the meeting to show his moral support to Director Diputado and Gov. Art C. Yap.
The solon in 2nd district clarified that his office; DA and the provincial government are working in the same direction for the good of Boholanos. (AtoyCosap)

CONSULTATIVE MEETING. The Provincial Government of Bohol, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have presented their agri-fishery programs for 2020 to the Municipal Agriculturists MAs in Bohol during the Consultative Meetings last week and last Monday at the Ceremonial Hall, 4th Floor, New Capitol Building, New Capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City. Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas, DA-RFO7 Regional Director Atty. Savaldor D. Diputado and Engr. Taboy Du, and Provincial Fishery Officer CandidoSamijon underscore the important of the activity. 2nd Dist. Rep. Aristotle C. Aumentadohas attended the meeting last May 22, 2020 parcipated by the MAs of his district.

In an effort to assist our farmers in marketing their farm products and link with institutional buyers, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will launch the “Agricultural Rural Transformation (ART) Tabo sa Bohol” at the CPG Park fronting Bohol Wisdom School (BWS), New Capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City, tomorrow at 8:00 o’clock in the morning.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that Gov. Art Yap will lead the launching of the activity, a series that will happen every Monday.
Dr. Pamugas explained that this program is similar in last year’s OPA regular program, the “Tabo Sa Plaza,” which was temporarily stopped due to the on-going renovation of the Plaza infront of the old capitol building.
He said the ART Tabo sa Bohol will also cater to employees buying farm products at lower pricesthan those in markets and malls.
Rosanna G. Lamdagan, Head-Agribusiness, OPA said the products or basic commodities to be sold are fish from Bohol United Fish Traders Group, rice (Rice Processing Center (RPC) and Misiona Rice Mill), Chocobao (Bohol Dairy Cooperative), vegetables (Bilar Stem Vegetable Farm and LGU Jagna), fruits (LGU Dimiao and LGU Jagna), meat (Stephen Boncales), pineapple and melon (PNB KGB Multi-Purpose Cooperative/ Carmen Farmers Bagsakan Center), eggs and cooking oil (3C Enterprises), Magnolia dressed chicken (Agape R&R Foods), Boholano delicacies like suman, budbod, bingka (A.I.M. for Progress in Balilihan and refreshments from P&P Enterprises.
Lamdagan bared that the ART Tabo sa Bohol is in tandem with the “KADIWA on Wheels (Mobile Market) initiated by the PGBh and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to be conducted to the identified municipalities which also sales basic necessities at the cheaper prices as an alternative so as the consumers would not go to the markets or malls to buy basic needs.
KADIWA on Wheels has been conducted in the towns ofDauis, Albur, Cortes, and Loon with total sales of more than P2 million.
The next mobile market is scheduled on Tuesday at barangay Calituban inTalibon. (Atoy Cosap)

The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 7 had endorsed to the Bohol Provincial Price Coordinating Council (BPPCC) the new price ceilings of Regular-Milled Rice (RMR) and Well-Milled Rice (WMR) at P42 and P45 per kilogram (kg.) respectively, starting last Tuesday amid the implementation of price freeze order to basic commodities in this time of crisis.
DA-RFO7 Regional Executive Director Atty. Salvador D. Diputado said the released new price ceilings of RMR and WMR was in response to the formal request of the BPPCC during their meeting held last April 28, 2020, to come up with the new pricings of rice considering the recent high farm gate price of palay in Bohol that reached up to P25 per kilogram.
Atty. Diputado said that it was noted recently by the Price Monitoring Joint Task Force that the prices of RMR and WMR in markets had gone beyond the price ceilings set under the “Price Ceilings, Suggested Retail Price and Price Freeze of Basic Commodities in the Province of Bohol” as enforced by Executive Order No. 20, Series of 2020 signed by Governor Arthur C. Yap on March 25, 2020.
The DA-RFO7 Executive Regional Director said that the price of RMR increased from its price ceiling at P38 to P43/kg., while WMR increased from its price ceiling at P43 to P45/kg.
He said the new price ceilings on rice are based on the following: existing stock of rice among traders is good for 19 days (OPA data as of April 15, 2020), hence it would last until May 4, 2020, new stocks are expected to be out starting last Tuesday; the new price agreed by rice traders during the meeting conducted last April 24, 2020, is P2,000 per bag for RMR and P2,100 per bag for WMR;
Retailers usually add P100 per bag as profit margin; hence the resulting price will be P42/kg. for RMR and P45/kg. for WMR; and as per request from rice traders, DA recommended that the buying price of palay (farm gate price) should not exceed P21 to P22/kg. in order that the price of milled rice will be within the set price ceilings during this time of crisis brought about by COVID-19.
Last week, the BPPCC warned traders not to violate the price freeze order by the government.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said the BPPCC chaired by Gov. Yap would not hesitate to apprehend the violators to protect the rights of the consumers who have been bracing the impact in implementation of the community quarantine. (Atoy Cosap)

The sum of P2,237,908 was the total sales as of May 5, 2020, in the operations of the “KADIWA on Wheels” conducted in the four towns in the Province of Bohol namely Dauis, Alburquerque, Cortes and Loon.
Based on the records obtained at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Dauis got the highest sales amounting to P1,366,021, followed by Albur who had P653,476 while Loon had P178,341 and Cortes got the lowest at P40,070.
The KADIWA on Wheels initiated by the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) was launched in Poblacion, Dauis last April 14-16, 2020 and since then the operation continues every Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays.
After the successful launch, the next mobile market was conducted in Albur last April 21-22, 2020 and continues to run every Tuesdays; Cortes last April 28, 2020 and in Loon last Tuesday and Wednesday.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that to date some municipal mayors requested to bring the “KADIWA on Wheels” to their respective municipalities so that their constituents could buy basic commodities at cheaper prices compared to the wet markets and malls in Bohol.
The basic necessities can be bought at the mobile market are rice, corn grits, vegetables, root crops, dressed chicken, cooking oil, eggs, fruits, fish, spices and other fishery products.
Rosanna G. Lamdagan, Head-Agribusiness Division-OPA said that as of now at the KADIWA on Wheels there are still enough supplies of basic commodities from the Boholano farmers/producers from Calape, Bilar, Carmen, Dimiao, Catigbian, Dagohoy, and Balilihan.
Gov. Art C. Yap has called on the Boholanos to continue patronizing the mobile market so that farmer entrepreneurs could earn through their products and it is also a way of minimizing the people who would buy at the wet markets and malls while we are under community quarantine. (Atoy Cosap)