Author: Venus Ladaga

There are 15 Municipal LocaL Government Units (MLGUs) confirmed to participate the Ubi Festival 2024
slated on December 18, 19, qnd 20, 2024 at the Plaza Rizal, Tagbilaran City.

It was known during the Ubi Festival 2024 final meeting held at the Arabelle Suite, New Calceta St., Cogon, this
city that the 16 MLGUs are the following: Loon, Getafe, Maribojoc, Sevilla, Carmen, Ubay, San Isidro, Tagbilaran
City, Valencia, Baclayon, Panglao, Sikatuna, Loboc, Cortes and Corella.

The 3-day Ubi Fest which carries the theme “Tatak Ubi’ng Bol-anon, Palambuon”, will be highlighted with the
Ubi Festival Queen’24 with big prizes at stake: 1 st prize (P15, 000), 2 nd prize (P10, 000), 3 rd prize (P8, 000), and the
non-winning candidates would receive P5, 000 each as consolation prizes, Best in Production Number (P2, 000),
and Best in Ubi Costume (P3, 000).

There are only six MLGUs confirmed to have their candidates for the Search for Ubi Festival Queen 2024.
Other contests and its corresponding prizes to make the festival more festive are the following: Ubi Float with
Miss Ubi candidate (1 st prize-P15, 000, 2 nd prize- P10, 000, 3 rd prize-P8, 000 and consolation prize at P5, 000 each);
Most Participative LGU (1 st – P10, 000, 2 nd – P8, 000, 3 rd – P6, 000 and consolation prize at P2, 000 each), Best
Booth/Product Display (1 st – P15, 000, 2 nd – P10, 000, 3 rd – P8, 000 and consolation prize at P5, 000 each.

Pinaka on Different Ubi Varieties (Kinampay – 1 st – P6, 000, 2 nd – P4, 000, 3 rd – P3, 000 and a consolation prize
at P1, 000 each), Baligonhon – 1 st – P4, 000, 2 nd – 3, 000, 3 rd – P2, 000 and consolation prize at P1, 000), Kabus-ok
(1sr – P4, 000, 2 nd – P3, 000, 3 rd – P2, 000). Tam-isan (1 ST – P2, 000, 2 nd – P1, 500, 3 rd – P1, 000 and consolation at
P500, Iniling (1 st – P2, 000, 2 nd – p1, 500, 3 rd – P1, 000 and consolation at P500.

Highest Ubi Volume/Sales (1 st – P5, 000, 2 nd prize – P3, 000, 3 rd – P2, 000 and consolation at P1, 000 each), Best
Farmers Rondalla (1 st – P10, 000, 2nd – P8, 000, 3 rd – P6, 000, and consolation at P3, 000 , and consolation at P3,
000 each, Best New Ubi Kakanin Products (1 st – P8, 000, 2 nd – P6, 000, 3 rd – P4, 000, and consolation at P1, 000
each).

Ubi Festival 2024 Promotional Video (1 st – P8, 000, 2 nd – P6, 000, 3 rd – P4, 000, and consolation at P1, 000 each,
Best in Reenactment/Street Dancing Contest (1 st – P18, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P12, 000, and consolation at P5,
000 each.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado and Vice-Governor Tita Baja would lead the Provincial Govwernment
of Bohol (PGBh) to award and recognize the Ubi growers who have been sustaining the Ubi industry in Bohol.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog is hopeful that the Ubi industry in the province will flourish as there are
concerted efforts be done from the PGBh, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Department of Agriculture (ATI),
and Bohol Island State University (BISU-Bilar) and Ubi stakeholders.

Quirog said the provincial government had already a Provincial Ordinance No. 2023-401, “Establishing the Ubi
Development Framework of the Province of Bohol and Appropriating Funds Therefor” which is very important in
the quest to flourish the Ubi industry.

Last Thursday at the Ceremonial Hall, 4 th Floor, New Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City. The Office of
the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) facilitated the Ubi Policy Development Forum of which the ATI had presented
the Ubi Roadmap for Extension Services; Bohol Purple Women presented the Experiences/Encounters by BAHRR
Consumers Related to Ubi Supply, Demand, Tuber and Product Tuber Quality;

BISU-Bilar presented the Research Needs of Ubi for Food Security and Industrial Growth as the OPA presented
the Government Support for Ubi supply through Plant Material Dispersal and Ubi Promotions. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will
award and recognize the winners of the 22 categories of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon 2024 on
Thursday to be held at the Ceremonial Hall, 3 rd Floor, New Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

Carrying the theme of the tilt “Ang Katambayayong Sa Agrikultura Nga Dugukan Sa Ekonomiya; Pasidunggan
Ta“, the PGBh will award and recognize the winners of the different categories and their corresponding prizes which
are the following: Danahaw Integrated School (Secondary) from Clarin, Bohol as Outstanding 4H-Club who will
receive P15, 000 plus Garden Cultivator; Tinago Dauis Farmers Association (Dauis, Bohol) – Outstanding Farmers
Association Program Based (P15, 000 plus Garden Cultivator and Power Tiller); Ubay Fish Vendors Association
(Ubay) – Outstanding Fishermen’s Association ( P15, 000 plus 16 HP Marine Engine Mega, Chest Type Freezer);

Ubay Native Chicken Raisers Association (Ubay) – Outstanding Organic Practitioner (P15, 000 plus Garden
Cultivator, Hand Tractor); Jomer M. Balag (Batuan) – Outstanding Organic Agriculture Individual Practitioner (P10,
000 plus Garden Cultivator); Rufo B. Nuez (Ubay) – Outstanding Farmer on Integrated Rice Based-Farming (P5,
000 plus Power Tiller, Hand Tractor with Trailer); Carmelita I. Cadorniga (Ubay) – Outstanding Hybrid Corn
Farmer (P5, 000 plus Corn Sheller);

Teresita J. Gamale (Valencia) – Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer (P5, 000 plus Corn Sheller); Casino Monil
(Bilar) – Outstanding Integrated High Value Crops Farmer (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Eduardo D. Dag-um
(Carmen) – Outstanding Cacao Grower (P5, 000 plus Mechanical Pruner); Imelda G. Agbon (Carmen) –
Outstanding Cassava Farmer (P5, 000 plus Hand Tractor); Edelbrando I. Namoc (Valencia) – Outstanding Banana
Grower (P5,000 plus Garden Cultivator); Leonisa B. Buna (Ubay) – Outstanding Ubi Grower (P5, 000 plus Garden
Cultivator);

Gerry P. Bernaldez (Pilar) – Outstanding Tilapia Culture Commercial Pond (P5, 000 plus HDPE Liner/Pond
Liner 1.5mm 5.8mx50m); Cresencio Camposo (Carmen) – Outstanding Tilapia Culture Backyard Pond (P5, 000
plus HDPE Liner/Pond Liner 1.5mm 5.8mx50m); Benjamin B. Sarabosing, Jr. (Ubay) – Outstanding Bangus Culture
Cage (P5, 000 plus 16 HP Marine Engine Mega, Chest Type Freezer); Ma. Concepcion M. Bongola (Valencia) –
Oustanding Municipal Agriculturist (P5, 000 plu Garden Cultivator); Efrenia C. Holt (Calape) – Outstanding Rural
Woman (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator);

Guillermo M. Lucip (San Miguel) – Outstanding Organic Technician (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Ma.
Michele F. Lariza (Guindulman) – Outstanding Rice Technician (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Anecita Q.
Ybanez (Sierra-Bullones) – Outstanding Corn Farmer (P5, 000) plus Garden Cultivator); and Ma. Trisha L.
Rempillo (Ubay) – Outstanding HVCDP Technician (P5, 000 pluus Garden Cultivator).

The Local Government Unit of Ubay, Bohol got the highest numbers of winners who bagged seven out of 22
different categories.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado together with Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog and Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas will lead the giving of awards and recognition to the winners of the
search. By. Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and Ubi
stakeholders need to burn out its midnight candle to flourish the Ubi industry in the agricultural province of Bohol.

This after the presentation of the Ubi Research Outputs presented by Engr. Dennis B. Jomoc, Chairperson,
College Research of the Bohol Island State University (BISU), Bilar Campus last Wednesday during the Research
Needs Assessment Forum for Ubi held at the Jj’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City that showed that there is a need to
connect the gaps between the government, stakeholders and Ubi growers to boost the industry.

Jomoc presented their recommendations based on actual encounters and findings of their study to bridge the gaps
which are the following: Production of an Ubi Commodity Road Map for Bohol; Investment to machinery and
equipment for sustainable upland farming and value-adding; investment to seed yam production system such as
tissue culture cum aeroponics for the production of quality planting materials; strategies and approaches for effective
enhancement of productivity and production volume;

Machine and equipment development for Ubi-based and enhanced food products; performance of Ubi under
protected and irrigated environments; Ubi stability map in Bohol for efficient and effective resource allocation and
utilization; DNA sequencing of Bohol Ubi varieties; micro-climate identification and/or characterization of soils in
the Ubi production areas;

Response of Ubi (growth, yield, and tuber properties) on different agroecological zones to organic and inorganic
nutrients supplementations; mass production of quality planting materials using the current production technologies;
and performance evaluation of the conventional method of Ubi production and farmer’s adopted practices.

He disclosed that there are only 430 Ubi growers in the province tilling the 6 hectares (has.) scattered in 16
towns which are only small when we speak about boosting Ubi industry namely: Panglao (33), Dauis (16),
Tagbilaran City (19), Baclayon (71), Cortes (24), Corella (32), Sikatuna (16), Loon (35), and Alburquerque (61) in
the First District; Ubay ((7) and Sagbayan (15) in the Second Dist.; Dimiao (4), Loay (1), Bilar (11), Pilar (12),
Carmen (48) and Jagna (25) with an average Ubi production area per grower is 138 sq. meters.

Jomoc said that generally, there is a decreasing trend of production area from 2010 to 2022 in Bohol and the
aging average age of Ubi growers is 61. He said that with regards to the status of ownership in the production area,
there are about two-thirds of the Ubi production area is personally-owned and 3 out of 10 Ubi growers have tenanted
lot for production.

Felix Tubiano, Center Chief, Department of Agriculture – Bohol Experiment Station (DA-BES) admitted that
Bohol could not produce mass production of Ubi because of the limited production areas and only one planting
season a year.

Tubiano said the BES had conducted research on Ubi especially the Kinampay variety on its characteristics,
aromatic taste compared to other provinces of the same variety using the tissue cultured derived-Ubi plantlets.

Dr. Clarissa B. Jamilo, Senior Research Specialist, DA-BES said that it was found out that based on their study
that early planting of tissue cultured derived planting materials resulted to higher number and weight of tuber
produced in Baligonhon and Kinampay varieties; average number of tubers produced as classified according to
weight ranges from 10 grams to more than 150 grams; mostly tuber production in the three varieties planted monthly
reached the 50 grams weight which could be used as planting materials in the field.

They also found out that tissue-cultured plantlet is a good alternative to Ubi setts as planting material in the
production of quality Ubi seeds and tubers; given the right cultural management practices, tissue cultured derived
Ubi plantlets produced marketable and bigger tubers.

Executive Assistant to the Governor for Agriculture Nunila M. Pinat for and in behalf of Governor Erico
Aristotle C. Aumentado in her message informed the participants of the forum that under the administration of Gov.
Aumentado, the provincial government had crafted the Ubi Development Framework.

She lauded the research study made by BISU and BES and she hoped that the Ubi production in Bohol would
expand. Pinat questioned why Boholano Ubi growers have been using Ubi planting materials from other provinces
with the fact that we have our owned production here.

According to Pinat, this is a great challenge for us to expand the Ubi industry in Bohol.
Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog earlier said that the forum serves as an initiative of the Bohol Ubi Board
in our shared mission to further elevate the Ubi industry – a cornerstone of Bohol’s agricultural identity and a key
contributor to our local economy.

The activity aims to identify research gaps and opportunities, specific research needs and research priorities for
Ubi and foster cross – disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration, she said.

Quirog stressed that the forum would also provide a platform to present recent research findings and
advancements, aligning with global trends and technological innovations. This exchange of knowledge would enable
stakeholders to collectively shape a dynamic research agenda tailored to the needs and aspirations of Bohol’s Ubi
industry.

She added that these partnerships are crucial to unlocking innovative approaches that address the challenges
faced by Ubi growers and processors, while also exploring opportunities for diversification, value addition, and
sustainability. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) will once again  support the high value of Ubi crop in the province
by conducting Ubi Festival and on this year is slated on December 18 – 20, 2024 at the Plaza Rizal, Tagbilaran City.
According to Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, all Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) in the
province are encouraged to participate in the 3-day festival.

Quirog emphasized that MLGUs through the Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers
(MAs/MAOs) may select farmers, cooperatives or associations to handle the exhibits. The exhibitors may display
raw or processed Ubi from the famers and processors.

She said that the participants will be provided with display areas with basic amenities and will also be given food
subsistence for the duration of the festival.

During the festival, there are different contests with prizes at stake to be undertaken such as: Search for Ubi
Festival Queen 2024, Float Parade, Highest Ubi Volume/Sales, Best Booth Product Display, Best New Ubi Festival
Kakanin Products, Most Participative, Best Farmer Rondalla, Best Ubi Festival 2024 Promotional Video Contest and
among others as the Float Parade will commence to start the festival.

The awards and cash prizes will be given to the winners in every category during the awarding and closing
ceremony in the afternoon of the last day of the fest.

Ubi Festival is the yearly activity of the PGBh which considered Ubi as one of the most significant and valued –
crop whose objectives are: to showcase fresh Ubi tubers, processed products and product lines; to appreciate
farmers’ Ubi cultural rituals by re-enactment of unique planting practices; to showcase Ubi in Boholano culture
through songs and dances.

To introduce scientific updates in production and value-adding; to identify issues relative to its production,
marketing and other industry concerns; to discover local talent and beauties through the participation of the Ubi
pageant; and to ensure the availability of quality raw products and assess the farmers, the women sector, the
processors and youth of their participation in the celebration.

This year would be the second time of the annual activity that the festival be conducted in December as since the
start this would be done on every second week of January.

This too after the request of the Boholano Ubi growers had been granted that the festival be done in December
which would be the month of Ubi harvesting. By Atoy Cosap

The sweats and toils among Boholano farmers and fisherfolks in helping the province to ensure food sufficiency
and security will once again be recognized and awarded by the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the
Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

This after the PGBh has scheduled the awarding and recognition ceremony for the winners of the Suhid sa
Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon 2024 on December 11, 2024 to be held at the Ceremonial Hall, 3 rd Floor, New
Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

Carrying the theme “Ang Katambayayong Sa Agrikultura Nga Dugukan Sa Ekonomiya; Pasidunggan Ta“, the
PGBh will award and recognize the winners of the 22 categories of the search who will receive cash prizes and farm
equipment.

The winners of the different categories and their corresponding prizes are the following: Danahaw Integrated
School (Secondary) from Clarin, Bohol as Outstanding 4H-Club who will receive P15, 000 plus Garden Cultivator;
Tinago Dauis Farmers Association (Dauis, Bohol) – Outstanding Farmers Association Program Based (P15, 000
plus Garden Cultivator and Power Tiller); Ubay Fish Vendors Association (Ubay) – Outstanding Fishermen’s
Association ( P15, 000 plus 16 HP Marine Engine Mega, Chest Type Freezer);

Ubay Native Chicken Raisers Association (Ubay) – Outstanding Organic Practitioner (P15, 000 plus Garden
Cultivator, Hand Tractor); Jomer M. Balag (Batuan) – Outstanding Organic Agriculture Individual Practitioner (P10,
000 plus Garden Cultivator); Rufo B. Nuez (Ubay) – Outstanding Farmer on Integrated Rice Based-Farming (P5,
000 plus Power Tiller, Hand Tractor with Trailer); Carmelita I. Cadorniga (Ubay) – Outstanding Hybrid Corn
Farmer (P5, 000 plus Corn Sheller);

Teresita J. Gamale (Valencia) – Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer (P5, 000 plus Corn Sheller); Casino Monil
(Bilar) – Outstanding Integrated High Value Crops Farmer (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Eduardo D. Dag-um
(Carmen) – Outstanding Cacao Grower (P5, 000 plus Mechanical Pruner); Imelda G. Agbon (Carmen) –
Outstanding Cassava Farmer (P5, 000 plus Hand Tractor); Edelbrando I. Namoc (Valencia) – Outstanding Banana
Grower (P5,000 plus Garden Cultivator); Leonisa B. Buna (Ubay) – Outstanding Ubi Grower (P5, 000 plus Garden
Cultivator);

Gerry P. Bernaldez (Pilar) – Outstanding Tilapia Culture Commercial Pond (P5, 000 plus HDPE Liner/Pond
Liner 1.5mm 5.8mx50m); Cresencio Camposo (Carmen) – Outstanding Tilapia Culture Backyard Pond (P5, 000
plus HDPE Liner/Pond Liner 1.5mm 5.8mx50m); Benjamin B. Sarabosing, Jr. (Ubay) – Outstanding Bangus Culture
Cage (P5, 000 plus 16 HP Marine Engine Mega, Chest Type Freezer); Ma. Concepcion M. Bongola (Valencia) –
Oustanding Municipal Agriculturist (P5, 000 plu Garden Cultivator); Efrenia C. Holt (Calape) – Outstanding Rural
Woman (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator);

Guillermo M. Lucip (San Miguel) – Outstanding Organic Technician (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Ma.
Michele F. Lariza (Guindulman) – Outstanding Rice Technician (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Anecita Q.
Ybanez (Sierra-Bullones) – Outstanding Corn Farmer (P5, 000) plus Garden Cultivator); and Ma. Trisha L.
Rempillo (Ubay) – Outstanding HVCDP Technician (P5, 000 pluus Garden Cultivator).

The Local Government Unit of Ubay, Bohol got the highest numbers of winners who bagged seven out of 22
different categories.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado together with Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog and Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas will lead the giving of awards and recognition to the winners of the
search. By. Atoy Cosap

Some 106 units of various rice machineries and equipment amounting to P144.77M were distributed to the 57
Farmers’ Cooperatives Associations (FCAs) beneficiaries in the province of Bohol last November 8, 2024, at the
Poblacion Public Market Covered Court, Dagohoy, Bohol.

This would be under the 2023 and 2024 fund source of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)
Mechanization Program from Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).

The machineries being distributed were: Four-wheel Tractor Tier II (16 units), Four-wheel Tractor Tier III (16),
PTO Disc Plow (29), Levee Maker (8), Walk-behind Transplanter (2), Rice Combine Harvester Tier II Joystick (8),
Rice Combine Harvester Tier II FDS (8), Rice Combine Harvester Tier III (6), Recirculating Dryer 6T (2), Single
Pass Rice Mill Stationary (10), and Multi Stage Rice Mill 1,5tph (1).

During the opening program, Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog who represented Gov. Erico Aristotle C.
Aumentado as the keynote speaker thanked the PhilMech for the farm machineries and equipment given to the FCAs
which are very useful for them in helping the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) in shaping up the agricultural
landscape in our agricultural province.

Quirog congratulated the beneficiaries as she asked them to take good care of the machineries and equipment for
longer use of it.

She emphasized that the provincial government under the administration of Gov. Aris in strong collaboration
with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and PhilMech has always been looking at for the good of the agri-fishery
sector which is the backbone of our economy.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture in her video message
also congratulated the FCAs beneficiaries in Bohol.

Sen. Villar lauded the role of the farmers and fisherfolks in ensuring food security in the country which are
always threatened by the effects of the climate change.

Others who gave the messages were: Balilihan Municipal Kagawad Abel Llorente in lieu of First District
Congressman Edgar M. Chatto; Assistant DA-7 Director Cirilo Namoc in behalf of RED, DA-7 Angel Enriquez;
and Dionisio G. Alvinidia, Director IV, PhilMech as Dagohoy Mayor Germinio C. Relampagos delivered his
welcome remarks.

 According to the DA, the rationale of the program is that the PhilMech is the lead agency in the implementation
of the RCEF Mechanization Program. Based on the approved implementing rules and regulations of RA 11203 or
the Rice Tariffication Law, 50% of the Rice Fund or P5B annually for the period of six years (2019-2024) shall be
released to and implemented by the PHilMech as grant in kind rice farm equipment such as tillers, seedes, rice
planters, harvesters, threshers, mechanical dryers, rice mills, etc. to eligible FCAs and local government units
(LGUs).

The rice mechanization component aims to raise rice farmers’ productivity, profitability and global
competitiveness through strengthen access and use of appropriate production and postproduction mechanization
technologies.

The expected direct benefits of the mechanization and postharvest facility intervention specifically for the users
and beneficiaries of the projects are: a) reduction of production cost of farmer-users by P2-3 per kilogram using
precise, effective and complete system of mechanized production technologies; and b) reduction of postproduction
losses of farmer-users by 3-5% using appropriate and efficient postproduction technologies.

These are apart from the other benefits that can be derived such as boosting the local agricultural machinery
manufacturing industry and employment, widespread adoption of mechanization technologies, promotion of locally
fabricated technologies, yield increment, increasing the cropping intensity, timeliness of farm operation and reduction of labor, and additional income that can be generated from using the machineries and equipment. By Atoy
Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will once again
conduct the three-day Organic Agriculture Festival for the First District on November 20 – 22, 2024 at the Island
City Mall Atrium, Tagbilaran City.

Maricel C. Barloso from OPA who is also the Provincial Organic Focal Person said that this would be the third
times that the province of Bohol conducted the festival this year as the fest for the Second District was done last
September 24-25 in San Miguel and for the Third District was conducted last October 24-25 at Island City Mall.
According to Barloso, the products to be displayed and sold during the festival are mostly the organically grown
vegetables; organic fertilizers, rice, pork and native chicken meats, and concoctions.

Allowed to display and sell their products are those organic agriculture farmers in the first district and the
members of the Kapunongan sa mga Bol-anong Organikong Mag-uuma (KBoOM) from the second and third
districts, she said.

On November 20, which is the first day of the activities, the festival will be started with a Thanksgiving Mass
and afterwards the setting up of exhibits.

In the opening program, Garcia Hernandez Mayor Filadelfo V. Baja III, President, Visayas Island, LOAMCPP
will be the Keynote Speaker; while, Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will give his inspirational message as First
District Congressman Edgar M. Chatto would lead to give the messages of support along with Provincial
Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, Board Member Lucille Y. Lagunay; Regional Executive Director, Department of
Agriculture – 7 Angel Enriquez, and Center Director, Agricultural Training Institute – 7 Gracia F. Arado .

There are some programs, plans and activities for organic agriculture would be presented on the following day.
Mae E. Montecillo, Regional Organic Focal Person will present the Plans, Activities and Programs of Organic
Agriculture Program; Maryjane Flor Patulilic will discuss about the Youth Internship Program on Oganic
Agriculture; Rona M. Denque, Manager, Green Thumb Farm will talk about the OA sa Negosyo: Organic
Agriculture Towards Enterprise.

Dr. Clarissa Jamilo, DA RFO-7 (Ubi Production); Jomer Balag, JOLIT’S Farm (Stingless Bee); Representative
from Alturas Group of Companies (ACG) will share about the Marketing Opportunities for Organic Products;
Nemesio B. Calacat, Prersident-KBoOM (Organic Agriculture: Sustainable Farming Practices and KBoOM
Information; KBoOM/BGSA for Organic Fertilizer and right after there would be the Forum/Trivia.

The activities on the third day: contests (Creative Art, Best Organic Food Products, Highest Sales); while the
closing program will be done at 3pm of which Hon. Odysseus C. Glovasa, SP Chair on Agriculture and Fisheries;
Roman M. Dabalos, APCO – Bohol, and Vice-Governor Tita Baja will give their messages as Nunila M. Pinat, Vice
Chairperson, Organic Agriculture TWG will formally close the program.  

Bohol was the first province in Central Visayas who conducted the 3-day organic festival on November 16-18,
2022 held at the Bohol Cultural Center initiated by the KBoOM. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has continued to
conduct the two-day training for Barangay Agri-Fishery Resiliency Volunteer Technician to each and combined municipalities to
be attended by selected participants coming from the different barangays of the host town/towns.

Getrudes S. Fuentes, Head- Crops and Productivity Division, OPA said that the activity aims to have the strong partners of
the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) to the barangays aside from the
Barangay Livestock Aide (BALA).

Fuentes emphasized that the agri-fishery resiliency technician with the strong coordination with the barangay officials would
focus on the crops and fishery; while, the BALA on the livestock projects and programs in the barangay level.

The Head-Crops and Productivity Division, OPA disclosed that the Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers
(MAs/MAOs) and the barangay officials are responsible to choose on who are the participants to undergo the trainings.

She reported that since late last year until last Wednesday they already conducted the trainings to 10 municipalities in Bohol
namely: Antequera, Sierra-Bullones, Catigbian, Alicia, Candijay, Calape, Valencia, Cortes, Maribojoc and Carmen.

The topics to be taken up and presented by the speakers from OPA during the two-day trainings are the following:
Overarching Development Framework and OPA Programs and Projects by Ramil Rodela – Head, Planning Division; Concepts of
Different Development Approaches (The Community Development and Community Organizing Approaches) by Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas;

Roles and Functions of a Community Organized/Community Development Worker (Nunila M. Pinat-Executive Assistant for
Agriculture); Values Re-Orientation/Voluntarism (Salvio Jerome Madanguit-Coordinator, Isda Program, PGBh); Facilitation and
Leadership (Lorebien N. Lagapa-Head, Rice Section); Human Relations/Team Building (Ma. Gemma Encabo-Head,
Administration); and Stress and Conflict Management (Fortunato Cosap-Head, Promotion Section).

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog usually during the training would give the inspirational message as the Municipal
Mayor in the host town of the activity would give the welcome remarks.

Quirog lauded the importance of Barangay Agri-Fishery Resiliency Volunteer Technician to channel or cascade the plans,
programs and projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), Municipal
Agriculture Office (MAO), Sangguniang Barangay down to the purok and households in the barangay.

The Provincial Agriculturist stressed that through this activity, the agriculture in the barangay level would be strengthened
that redound to best interest of the agri-fishery as well as the livestock sectors.

Earlier this year, Quirog sent letters to all 1, 109 barangay captains in Bohol attached with sample project proposal on how to
procure assorted vegetable seeds using their barangay budgets.

This primarily aims to increase high value crops production or to attain 40% of vegetable and fruits sufficiency in the
province, to provide alternative livelihood assistance, to provide good quality vegetable seeds and planting materials, to revive
the interest of the Boholanos to farming, and to attain household level sufficiency. By Atoy Cosap

AGRI-FISHERY RESILIENCY TRAINING. Executive Assistance for Agriculture Nunila M. Pinat delivers her
topic “Roles and Functions of a Community Organizer-Community Development Worker” during the Training for
Barangay Agri-Fishery Resiliency Volunteer Technician on October 23, 2024 held at the Multi-purpose Building,
Poblacion Sur, Carmen, Bohol.

Some 752 farmers and fisherfolks out of the 5, 000 intended beneficiaries of the Presidential Assistance for
Farmers and Fisherfolks (PAFF) received the financial assistance in the amount of P10, 000 each during turn over
ceremony last Friday held at the 3 rd Floor Lobby, New Capitol Building, New capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

The 752 first batch beneficiaries came from the five municipalities to wit: Sevilla with 612 beneficiaries, Corella
(71), Dauis (38), Albur (16), and Maribojoc (15).

The 5, 000 beneficiaries are come from the 24 municipalities of which Ubay is the highest with 1, 140
beneficiaries.

Other municipalities entitled to receive are: Alicia (726), Sevilla (612), Getafe (414), Loboc (380), Mabini (201),
Bien Unido (191), Sikatuna (191), Antequera (164), Trinidad (146), Clarin (125), Duero (113), Calape (111),
Candijay (109), Guindulman (95), Pres. Carlos P. Garcia (90), Corella (71), Balilihan (41), Dauis (38), Loon (27),
Sagbayan (17), Albur (16), Maribojoc (15), and Baclayon with 11 beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the second batch consists of 423 beneficiaries will receive their P10, 000 each on Thursday are come
from other four towns namely: Bien Unido (191), Clarin (125), CPG (90), and Sagbayan with 17 beneficiaries.

The distributions of cash assistance to other towns’ PAFF beneficiaries have not yet scheduled because the
supporting documents have not yet signed by the municipal mayors due to the different reasons which are the
following: mayors are hesitant to sign because accordingly, they do not know some names who are listed as
beneficiaries; denied that the list of beneficiaries that it came from their municipal agriculture offices, they need to
consult their Municipal Agri-Fishery Council (MAFC), some who are listed as beneficiaries are not qualified, and a
mayor who is still on leave.

Agricultural Provincial Coordinating Officer Roman Dabalos explained that they submitted the list of
beneficiaries from the Municipal Agriculturists/ Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAs/MAOs) to the Department of
Agriculture (DA) for validation.

Dabalos disclosed that there were an initial 12, 000 list of beneficiaries they submitted and then another 10, 000
to reach a total of 22, 000. But only more than 7, 600 beneficiaries were approved by the DA to receive the cash
assistance.

Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado in his inspirational message during the distribution of cash assistance
thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr, and DA for the assistance.

Gov. Aumentado said the DA and the provincial government have some interventions that have been given to the
agri-fishery sector to alleviate their livelihood who are most badly affected with climate change.

He said that during the El Nino, the DA and the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) had collaborated to
conduct the Cloud Seeding Operations (CSOs) in the province.

Aumentado asked the farmers and fisherfolks to cooperate and support the government as he said that there is no
perfect governance.

The governor said that they continue to work to help the agri-fishery sector as he asked them to comply on what
are the requirements needed to process the assistance intended for them.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his welcome message also thanked the president, Gov.
Aumentado and DA as he also asked beneficiaries to continue supporting the plans and programs of the government.
By Atoy Cosap

PAFF DISTRIBUTION. Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado leads the distribution of Presidential Assistance to
Farmers and Fisherfolks to 752 beneficiaries during the cash distribution ceremony last Friday held at the 3rd Floor
Lobby, New Capitol Building, New Capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

The Agri-line Government Agencies have continued to strengthen the Municipal Local Government Units
(MLGUs) to become ready for the full implementation of devolution for agricultural programs due to the expected
increase of National Tax Collection (NTC) to be received by the Local Government Units (LGUs) based on the
Mandanas Ruling.

The agencies such as Department of Agriculture (DA-7), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA),
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Irrigation
Administration (NIA), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Academe (BISU),
Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)
introduced the establishment of Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAPES) in the province
of Bohol.

Cecile Opada from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 during the PAFES Mide-Year Assessment Workshop
last Wednesday held at the Bohol Farm, Dao, Dauis said that the PAFES has been introduced here in Bohol for
almost three years during the time of Former Gov. Art Yap when Former DA Secretary William Dar had chosen the
province as pilot area for PAFES.

Merigine Otara from Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 7 who gave the rationale of the assessment said the
establishment of the PAFES is one of the identified strategies under One DA Agenda which aims to address the long

• standing battle-neck and challenges in agri-fishery extension especially the need to harmonize the institutional
  arrangement to integrate and strengthen extension services at the provincial level.
  She added that in order to operationalize the system, each province is encouraged to establish its Province-led
  Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (PAFEC) and identify multi-disciplinary technical person with the strong
  partnership of different stakeholders who are implementing different agri-fishery programs and projects in their
  respective province.
  Otara emphasized that PAFEC serves as the extension hub and harmonize the different extension agri-fishery
  programs and services in most efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of the farmers and fisherfolks.
  However, she clarified that there is a need to review the implementation process, reflect and recalculate for a better
  and smooth implementation.
  Ramil Rodela, Team Leader Extension Communication presented the PAFEC accomplishment for 1 st  Semester
  FY 2024 in Bohol.
  Rodela said that the province through the agri-line agencies had already conducted the following activities in
  relations to PAFES: Rice Technicians Meeting, Agri-fishery Consultative Meeting, Corn and Cassava Technicians
  Meeting, HVCC Technicians Meeting, Fishery Technicians Meeting, Preparatory Meeting for Benchmarking of
  PAFES Davao, PAFES Project Management Team with MAs/MAOs/CAs Meeting,

Coaching and Critiquing of Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Development Plans of which 47 municipalities
already passed their draft output, Agri-Resiliency Barangay Volunteer Technician Training, Provincial Coordinating
Committee on Agri-Fishery (PCCAF) Meeting, Sandugo Agri-Fair, Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Organic Festival.
Rodela said the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Development Plan is important for consolidation to identify
priorities to form the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Development Plan.

He said that the province has already created the Devolution Transition Plan defining the programs to be retained
or devolved to the Local Government Units (LGUs).

In the devolution, the national programs from DA to be devolved to the LGUs are: Seeds, Fertilizers,
Infrastructure, Farm Machineries, and Agri-business; while the program to be retained to the DA is the Research and
Development.

Dr. Leo S. Pelletero, Regional PAFES Director said that he has a high hope that the implementation of PAFES in
Bohol would be successful.

Pelletero disclosed that Bohol will be the host province for the National Assessment of PAFES this coming
November 25-29, 2024 at the Blue Water Resort in Panglao to be attended by 78 PAFEC Directors all over the
country.

For an in behalf of Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, Executive Assistant Nunila M. Pinat relayed the
message of the governor that he is elated that Bohol is one of the PAFES provinces.

Pinat said that we need to harmonize our agricultural programs for the development of the countryside.
In this endeavour, the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) would be encouraged to give agriculture the priority in
their developmental plans.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, the PAFEC Director in her closing statement thanked the strong
participation of the agri-line government agencies in the in the Mid-Year Assessment Workshop.

She said that she is looking forward for the very successful implementation of PAFES in Bohol as Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his welcome message also thanked the participants. By Atoy Cosap