Author: Venus Ladaga

El Niño affects rice areas in Bohol

Several hectares (has.) of rice areas in the different towns of Bohol have already been affected with El Niño phenomenon.
Evelyn T. Maligsa, head-Planning Division, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said that based on the partial consolidated report on damage assessment for rice from the 18 towns of Bohol wherein of the 7,615.60 has. total areas affected, 2, 351.66 has. of which were totally damaged while 2,278.10 has. were partially damaged.
Maligsa said the partial consolidated damage report came from the municipalities of Buenavista, Jagna, Batuan, Carmen, Alicia, Getafe, Bilar, Duero, Mabini, Bien Unido, Calape, Dagohoy, Balilihan, Sagbayan, Antequera, Garcia Hernandez, Danao and Trinidad wherein the town of Bien Unido got the highest total damaged of 992.75 has. then followed by Trinidad which had 524.06 has.
The number of damaged areas would include the rice lands covered by the service areas of dams and communal irrigation system (CIS).
Most of the crops that were damaged were those planted in rainfed areas, Maligsa concluded.
Engr. Evelyn Putong from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)7 during the Provincial Coordinating Committee for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCCAF) meeting last Wednesday held at NIA Regional Office 7, Dao District, Tagbilaran City reported that of the 3,047 has. of operational areas being served by Bayongan Dam in San Miguel there were 9 has. reported damage and of the 858 has. of operational areas under the Cayapas Dam in Ubay, there were 10 has. reported damage; while there were no reported damages of the 4,016 has. and 781 has. of operational areas being served by Malinao Dam in Pilar and Talibon Dam in Talibon respectively.
In Tubigon, of the 489 has. of operational areas seved by CIS there were 80 has. reported damage while in Lila 5 has. of the 13 has. of operational areas under the CIS were reported damage.
Putong also reported the water levels of the four major dams in Bohol as of Tuesday: Malinao Dam; actual – 151.94 meters (ms.), at full-(152.00ms., critical-146.5ms.; Bayongan Dam: actual – 44.00ms., at full-52.00ms., critical-41.00ms.; Capayas Dam: actual -33.27 ms., at full-36.05ms, critical-30.00ms.; Talibon Small Reservior Irrigation System: actual – 25.90ms., at full-30.00ms., critical-21.00ms.
She said that they have been continued the implementation of alternate wetting and drying, daily monitoring of irrigated areas and strict implementation of water delivery schedule, information dissemination and introduction of upland rice variety and other diversified crops for the rice areas.
Putong bared that it is good if there are natural rains to come in June to ensure that the Boholano farmers could plant rice on the next cropping season.
Although we need the artificial rain from cloud seeding operations (CSOs) but she said the the volume of water cannot suffice to be used in the land preparation for planting in all the rice areas in the province to include the rainfed because of the CSOs have focused only to the watershed areas.
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has planned to conduct CSOs to save agricultural crops and livestocks in the province that would be affected by El Niño Phenomenon.
The PGBh has a standby fund in the amount of P2.3 million which was already approved and bidded last year and the P25 million allocations from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) which was already downloaded to the DA-RFO7 and ready to be used after it was already bidded early this year. (Atoy Cosap)

PCCAF MEETING. Engr. Evelyn Putong (standing with mic) from the National Irrigation Administration ( NIA) 7 during the Provincial Coordinating Committee for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCCAF) meeting last Wednesday held at the NIA 7, Dao District, Tagbilaran City reported the irrigation systems situation in the province of Bohol. Photo by Rowena Dante-OPA staff

Bohol rice farmers face livelihood loss?

A large estimated number of 240000 rice farmers (concentrated largely on rice) in Bohol are now facing serious livelihood loss with the impending execution of the new Implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the rice tariffication act.

Due to the visibility of Tourism and trade Commerce, people may have largely ignored the fact that Bohol is still a predominantly agricultural province with the majority of folks living in rural areas and the farmers totaling about 600,000- which is about 46% of the 1.3 million Boholanopopulations.

Because of the shortage in rice last year- that increased the prices of the basic Filipino staple rice, caused inflation to shot up to 6.7% last year and negated the 6.2% GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth of the economy. Rice is a major component of the inflation “food basket”.

President Rodrigo Duterte, thereby, rushed the signing of the Congress-approved rice tariffication Act (RA 11203) which removed all quantitative restrictions on rice importation and basically allows anyone to import as much as they can cheaper rice from abroad. The tariff rate will be 35% from those imported from the ASEAN region, including that from Thailand and Vietnam , 40% tax for those within the MAV (Minimum access Volume) and 180% in excess of the MAV.

What this means to rice farmers

The production cost of Philippine produced rice is about ₱11.65 per kilo while those in the ASEAN averaged between ₱20-23 to wholesalers in 2018.

Today, the so-called “parity” price to equal the 35% shield due to the tariff wall will only be ₱17.00 which could mean there would not be too many wholesalers buying RP- produced rice. Besides the price differential between the ₱17.00 and the ₱11.65 production cost is too narrow to make economic sense to farmers.

According to provincial agriculturist Larry Pamugas, representatives of the Department of Agriculture Head Office have already visited Bohol twice to meet with farmer representatives to help save the rice industry.

One area being looked into is the ₱10-billion Rice Competitive Fund in the 2019 National Budget which can be used into ₱5billion for purchase of equipment to partially mechanize the process,₱3billion for seed distribution and ₱1billion each for credit or financing and training.

Boholanofarmers however are lamenting the fact that there is a very slow pace in implementing agricultural initiatives in the country for so long a time. While there are positive indications as to the effective reduction of cost once mechanized as piloted in Ubay, Dimiao and elsewhere farmers still face a long bureaucratic red tape in having these programs fully implemented, according to farmer groups.

As cheap imported rice especially from Thailand and Vietnam flood the market, who will buy the Filipino farmers (numbering about 10 million nationwide) rice produce? How will the boholano rice farmers shift and join the rest of the 460,000 other farmers who are, at least, multi-cropped farmers engaged in corn, vegetable, coconut and fruit growing businesses? One or a combination of them.

Even the 35% tariff proceeds which are also designed to be used to alleviate the plight of the farmers still need to have a budget allocation for 2020 since this is not covered in the 2019 GAA (General Appropriations Act) which itself was also only just recently signed by the Palace after a long tussle between the senate and the lower house due to “pork insertions”.

Because of the rice importation liberalization, prices of rice have dropped which help in bringing down inflation to 3.8 percent recently. That may be good for the 96 million Filipinos but what about the 10 million Filipino rice farmers?

IMPACT ON OTHER INDUSTRIES

Bohol is known to be a “net exporter” of rice in the sense that after satisfying the 115 kilos per capita annual consumption of the rice-eating 1.3 million Boholanos the province is able to sell its surplus rice outside the province.

But with traders likely to prefer to buy and then sell cheaper imported rice from abroad, what happens to the locally –produced rice? What will the role of the National Food Authority under this new regime of liberal rice importation? Has it been budgeted properly in the 2019 GAA to serve NFA’s new found purpose? Or is the existence of the NFA as we know it also in danger together with its numerous NFA rice retailers?

What about the rice millers and warehousing in the province that derive their business from locally produced rice what will they be doing as a going concern? What about the trucking and hauling businesses?

Pamugas has been discussing “subsidies” from the government with Governor Edgar Chatto to make local rice-farming a viable undertaking and compete with the cheap foreign rice brands. These will probably be issues touching on cheap credit, warehousing, insurance, fertilizers and pesticides and the like. Will these be enough to match the landed cost of imported rice?

Furthermore, even without the full brunt of the RiceTarrification act on them, rice farmers are already contending with the fact that some 6,300 hectares in 18 Bohol towns have already been negatively affected by the El Niño Phenomenon.

It is a fact that the “Poverty Level” in Bohol has been slowly reduced to 21% (estimated) through the Rico Aumentado and Chatto regimes.

But with some 240,000 (largely) rice farmers now facing a real economic threat, some measures need to be acted upon swiftly so as not to elevate the poverty level back to a higher plain in the province of Bohol.

It is a daunting challenge for the new set of provincial and congressional officers to hack as they take their oaths of office this coming June –July. (Bingo Dejareco)

Cloudseeding to save fields from El Niño

The El Niño Task Force in Bohol has recommended to Governor Edgar M. Chatto to push through the planned Cloud Seeding Operation (CSO) in the province of Bohol next month in time for the land preparation of the Boholano farmers for the coming to the wet cropping season in the service ares of the four major dams and rainfed areas in Bohol.

According to Leon Parac Jr., CSO focal person, the task force conducted an urgent meeting last Mprovinarch 29,2019 presided over by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his office at the office of the Provincial Agriculturist aimed to provide updates of El Nino Phenomenon which the country and the province of Bohol have been experienced.

Parac said that one of the agenda was about the plan to conduct CSO in Bohol of which they agreed to formally asked the governor to push through the making of artificial rain using the already approved funds from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in the tune of P2.3M.

The bidding of the P2.3M provincial budget was already conducted last December 19,2018, and the winning bidder was the Pegasus Air Services based in Manila.

This amount intended for CSOs is in addition to the P2.5M budget from Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) which was already downloaded to Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO7) and the bidding was already conducted last March 12,2019, and the winning bidder was the Rhoyle Airways based in Negros Oriental.

He said the El Nino Task Force cited several reason after the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical- Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) had reported the forecast models that indicated the weak or even moderate strength El Nino conditions for the March-May season, continuing into June-August and August-October seasons, weakening but not disappearing during October-December 2019 seasons.

Based on PAG-ASA’s outlook for areas potential for dry condition, dry spell and drought the provinces of Bohol, Cebu and Southern Leyte have expressed dry spell starting this month.

The PAG-ASA’s rainfall forecast for the whole country: April 2019- generally way below normal rainfall to below normal rainfall conditions in most parts of the country: May 2019 generally below normal rainfall conditions of Southern Luzon and Visayas while near normal in most parts of Northern Luzon and Mindanao; June 2019- below normal rainfall conditions expected in most parts of Visayas and Mindanao are expected to have near normal rainfall conditions;

July 2019 most parts of Luzon will likely received near- normal rainfall with some patches of above normal rainfall conditions; while near normal rainfall conditions with patches of below normal in Visayas and Mindanao is expected; August 2019- generally below normal rainfall conditions in most parts of Luzon while near normal to above normal in most parts of Visayas and Mindanao are expected; September 2019- generally below normal rainfall conditions in most parts of Luzon while near normal to above normal in most parts of Visayas and Mindanao are expected.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) also reported that the water elevations of Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bayongan Dam in San Miguel, Capayas Dam in Ubay, Talibon Dam in Talibon are getting lower due to below normal rainfall conditions wherein the existing water are not enough for the coming wet cropping season on May-June 2019.

Evelina P. Putong, Principal Engineer C, NIA7 reported that as of March 28,1019, The water elevations of the four dams were as follows: Malinao Dam; actual 44.88m, at full 52.00m., critical 41.00m; Capayas Dam: actual 33.54m, at full 36.50m, critical 30.00m; Talibon Dam: actual 25.87m, at full 30.00m, critical 21.00m.

Engineer Putong said that NIA7 has been conducting the daily monitoring of irrigated areas and strict implementation of water delivery schedule.

To mitigate the impact of El Nino phenomenon NIA 7 requested for cloud seeding for the next cropping as an intervention of the government to the Boholano farmers. (AtoyCosap)

El Niño Task Force recommends for cloud seeding

The El Niño Task Force in Bohol has recommended to Governor Edgar M. Chatto to push through the planned Cloud Seeding Operation (CSO) in the province of Bohol on May in time for the schedule of land preparation of the Boholano farmers for the coming wet cropping season in the service areas of the four major dams and rainfed areas in Bohol.
According to Leon Parac Jr., CSO focal person, the task force had conducted an urgent meeting last March 29, 2019 presided over by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his office at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist aimed to provide updates on the effects of El Niño Phenomenon which the country and the province of Bohol have been experienced.
Parac said that one of the agenda was about the plan to conduct CSO in Bohol of which they agreed to formally ask the governor to push through the making of artificial rain using the already approved funds from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in the tune of P2.3M.
The bidding of the P2.3M provincial budget was already conducted last December 19, 2018 and the winning bidder was the Pegasus Air Services based in Manila.
This amount intended for CSOs is in addition to the P2.5M budget from Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) which was already downloaded to Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO7) and the bidding was already conducted last March 12, 2019 and the winning bidder was the Rhoyle Airways based in Negros Oriental.
He said the El Niño Task Force cited several reasons after the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical-Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) had reported the forecast models that indicated the weak or even moderate strength El Niño conditions for the March-May season, continuing into June-August and August-October seasons, weakening but not disappearing during October-December 2019 seasons.
Based on the PAG-ASA’s outlook for areas potential for dry condition, dry spell and drought the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, and Southern Leyte have expressed dry spell starting this month.
The PAG-ASA’s rainfall forecast for the whole country: April 2019-generally way below normal rainfall to below normal rainfall conditions in most parts of the country; May 2019 – generally below normal rainfall conditions of Southern Luzon and Visayas while near normal in most parts of Northern Luzon and Mindanao; June 2019-below normal rainfall conditions expected in most parts of Visayas and Mindanao are expected to have near normal rainfall conditions;
July 2019 – most parts of Luzon will likely receive near normal rainfall with some patches of above normal rainfall conditions; while near normal rainfall condition with patches of below normal in Visayas and Mindanao is expected; August 2019- generally below normal rainfall conditions in most parts of Luzon while near normal to above normal in most parts of Visayas and Mindanao are expected; and September 2018 – generally below normal rainfall conditions in most parts of Luzon while near normal to above normal in most parts of Visayas and Mindanao are expected.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) also reported that the water elevations of Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bayongan Dam in San Miguel, Capayas Dam in Ubay and Talibon Dam in Talibon are getting lower due to below normal rainfall conditions wherein the existing water are not enough for the coming wet cropping season on May-June 2019.
Evelina P. Putong, Principal Engineer C, NIA 7 reported that as of March 28, 2019 the water elevations of the four dams were as follows: Malinao Dam; actual – 44.88m, at full – 52.00m., critical – 41.00m; Capayas Dam: actual – 33.54m, at full – 36.50m, critical – 30.00m; Talibon Dam: actual – 25.87m, at full – 30.00m, critical -21.00m.
Engr. Putong said that NIA7 has been conducting the daily monitoring of irrigated areas and strict implementation of water delivery schedule.
To mitigate the impact of El Niño phenomenon, the NIA 7 requested for cloud seeding for the next cropping as an intervention of the government to the Boholano farmers. (Atoy Cosap)

Bohol free from African Swine -Fever

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) 7 declared the province of Bohol free from African Swine Fever (ASF).
Dr. Melika Adriatico, Veterinary Quarantine Service, BAI-7 during the Agripreneurs Forum last Wednesday held at the Dauis Dymnasium, Poblacion, Dauis, Bohol said that there are no reported cases of ASF in the country “but we do not take for granted this development”.
Adriatico said ASF is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs of all ages, characterized by high fever, loss of appetite, reddening of the skin and hemorrhages of the internal organs; and death which follows between 2-10 days on the average; and mortality can be as high as 100%.
She said the fever could transfer through direct contact between sick and healthy animals.
It could also be indirect transmission through feeding with garbage containing infected meat; fomites (premises, vehicles, implements and clothes) and biologic vectors (soft ticks).
The Philippine Government has drawn strategies for ASF prevention which includes banning of pork importation from affected countries, avoid swill feeding, and educate the people.
She said the government has been implementing to block the entry of smuggled shipments, luggages from ASF affected countries, hand carried items, food wastes from international airports and seaports.
Adriatico bared that there are 15 countries affected with ASF namely: Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Maldives, Hungary, Bulgaria, Belgium, Lalvia, Poland, Romania, China, South Korea, Zambia, Mongolia, and Vietnam.
According to Adriatico, the Top 10 pork producing countries are China, European Union, United States, Brazil, Russia, Vietnam, Canada, Philippines, Japan, and South Korea wherein China ranked No. 1 and Philippines is number 8.
Adriatico urged everyone to take part in the campaign against ASF because this has no treatment, no vaccine, and highly contagious, posing danger to the swine industry.
On the issue about Rice Tarrification Law otherwise known as RA No. 11203 which the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) are about to finish, Cecile Opada, Regional Rice Focal Person-Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)7 said the government is just to fulfill international commitment as new member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. Among its objectives are to ensure the availability of rice in the domestic market for the accessibility of greater majority of the population by allowing more private traders (big or small) to participate in importing rice;
Lower domestic rice prices to levels that would be affordable to the greater majority of the population; make domestic market function effectively and efficiency with much reduced or no government intervention, provide farmers equivalent protection with the imposition of 35% higher tariff rates on the rice imports and preferential assistance to rice farmers, adversely affected by tarrification; to provide opportunity for farmers to earn more in the world market.
The law also lifted the restriction on rice exports to encourage farmers to produce much better quality heirloom/ traditional rice geared to export, provide support and safety nets to farmers, especially those that will be adversely affected.
She said that in view with this, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) was established to fund key interventions that will improve productivity and competitiveness, enhance the value chain and increase farm incomes.
She added that the excess tariff revenue collection will still be given to farmers to provide preferential support to farmers who will be greatly affected.
Karlo Ceasar C. Abarquez, Information Officer, Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) discussed thoroughly about the DA-Credit Policy on how it would be very useful to the farmer-entrepreneurs through an Easy Access Loans.
Abarquez said these types of loans aim to provide easy-to-access loans to marginal and small farmers and fisher folks by tapping the lending conduits in extending loans.
She explained the lending conduits select, evaluate, approve and collect loans from borrowers under agreed guidelines with the ACPC.
The ACPC extends zero cost funds to lending conduits that in turn must extend non-collateralized loans at reduced interest rate (6% p.a.)
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto in his inspirational message thanked the farmers, fishers, farmers’ organizations, cooperatives and growers, processors and entrepreneurs in sharing their time in the gathering.
Gov. Chatto informed the participants of the forum regarding the completion of several projects to include the New Bohol Panglao International Airport, new Capitol building, among others.
He said the three pillars for growth and development of the province are the agriculture, tourism and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Chatto urged the Boholano farmers to double their efforts to produce more agricultural products to cater to the needs of the increasing number of tourists, estimated at 1.5 million, coming to Bohol adding to the 1.3 million Boholano populace.
The governor also thanked the Boholanos in helping Bohol maintain its status as “food basket” in the entire Central Visayas.
Gov. Chatto informed the people that his term as governor will end on June 30 but still he will continue to serve the Boholanos as he is running as congressman in the first district of Bohol this coming May 13 election.
House Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap gladly informed the people of his House Bill No. 37 that was already passed into Law, the Republic Act 10969 or Free Irrigation Act.
Congressmen Yap in his solidarity message underscored the importance of the law that would benefit the farmers in the entire country for free irrigation water if they have tilled the rice fields with an areas of 8 hectares (has.) and below.
Being a former agriculture secretary he has given the most important support to agriculture for food or domestic security.
Yap urged the farmers of not being contented to become the mere farmers but the entrepreneurs of their own produced products.
He asked the Boholanos to continue supporting his endeavors for the good of Bohol.
On his part, First District Congressman Rene Lopez Relampagos in his message informed the people his strong support to agriculture.
Relampagos recalled that when he was the governor in the province he established the Barangay Livestock Aide (BALA) which has been very useful in shaping up the agricultural framework of the province.
He also urged the farmers to become entrepreneurs and to go to other places and adopt successful agricultural innovations.
Board member Ricky Masamayor said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has always been looking into more developments for the good of the farmers.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas acknowledged the thousands of participants after Dauis Mayor Marietta T. Sumaylo delivered a warm welcome to those who participated in the forum.
Board Member Jade Bautista in the 3rd District of Bohol also graced the affair.
Provincial Veterinarian Stella Marie D. Lapez formally closed the forum. (Atoy Cosap)

AGRIPRENUERS FORUM. Rice Tafficiation Law, African Swine Fever and Department of Agriculture-Credit Program were discussed during the Agripreneurs Forum last Wednesday held at the Dauis

Province anti-poverty program gets DND unrelenting support

The Department of National Defense (DND) continues supporting the endeavors of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) geared towards reducing poverty incidence through food security and achieving genuine and lasting peace.
DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzanain his prepared keynote speech read by DND Undersecretary (Usec) Cardozo M. Luna said the DND relates to the ideas to where this endeavor is founded on environmental protection and poverty alleviation.
Tfhe statement was issued last Tuesday during the Blessing and Inauguration of Bohol Giant Clams Hatchery and Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on the Implementation of a Half-way House for Rebel Returnees at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Multi-Species Hatchery, Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol.
Secretary Lorenzana underscored the project as he said that the seeding of giant clams in Bohol marine areas aim to increase variety of marine species and biodiversity in the waters, thus increasing the catch of the fishermen.
Lorenzana said the DND through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had the opportunity to take part in the profound cause of which the province has been a partner of the AFP in its environmental protection and conservation programs under the internal peace and security plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.
He said in 2013, the AFP provided the facility to the province of Bohol when it transported 240 giant clams from Balinao, Pangisinan.
Lorenzana said that in the past six years, the armed forces were consistent in lending its support to Bohol in its commitment to develop its own giant clams hatchery.
The 47th Infantry Battalion consistently participates in the annual underwater biophysical assessment in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) seeded with giant clams.
He said the DND relies on many facets, including environmental stability and socio-economic growth.
Lorenzana bared the defense department strongly views the importance of sustaining our internal peace and gladly welcome efforts and partnerships such as what had been done last Tuesday which was truly commendable.
The DND Secretary emphasized that in this age of rapidly changing environmental patterns and rise of unprecedented impacts of climate change, it is important that we provide protection to our marine ecosystem.
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto expressed thanks and gratitude to the DND who provided facility in transporting the giant clams from Bolinao, Pangasinan to Bohol considering the allotted given time of 11 hours of transporting from the origin to the destination for the clams to survive.
Gov. Chatto said the seeding of giant clams is not an easy work because it faced a lot of challenges.
It can be said that “No Pain No Gain,” the governor clarified that no matter how big the challenges are but at the end of the rope through our concerted efforts the fisherfolks and the people would be benefited, the provincial government would accept the challenges.
Chatto was also grateful to BFAR, Bohol Island State University (BISU) Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Bohol Environmental Management Office (BEMO) and other agri-related government agencies who in one way or another helped for the realization of the project geared towards peace and development.
He asked everyone to help in protecting our giant clams at the MPAs and other marine resources not only for today but for future generation.
Dr. Zina D. Sayson, Vice President for Research Development and Extension, BISU in her message said that as an academic institution it offers fishery courses in BISU Candijay and Clarin Campuses as among the flagships degree programs that they have been motivated to do their share of making their curriculum offerings truly committed in taking active part in the preservation of natural wealth such as the clams and other marine products.
Regional Executive Director (RED) BFAR Alfeo G. Piloton expressed apprehension on the dwindling population of the giant clams because of the climate change, typhoons and illegal fishing.
Dir. Piloton urged the law enforcers and the local government units to intensify the campaign against illegal fishing especially at the purok level.
Piloton said the BFAR has launched the program called “Operation BagongBuhay” giving technical assistance and alternative livelihood to those who were apprehended and freed on illegal fishing.
Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/ MPA Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) in her statement of purpose articulated the main reason to venture this project which is for ensuring food security.
Quirog pointed out that the presence of giant clams in the sea waters increases the marine resources because it provides food and shelter for other marine organisms, and helps to enhance marine bio-diversity among others.
She narrated on how difficult to seed the giant clams especially in bringing the clams in the province from Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Quirog urged the Boholanos to help in protecting the clams at the MPAs and at the hatchery as she disclosed that destroying one giant clam has a penalty of P500, 000 and an imprisonment of 12 to 20 years.
In the same occasion that the Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on the Implementation of a Half-Way House for Rebel Returnees was conducted wherein Gov. Chatto, DND Usec. Luna and the Department of Interior and Local Government Provincial Director John Joan Mende who inked the agreement.
Also gracing the affair were Vice Governor Dionisio D. Balite; Board Member AgapitoAvenido; Ubay Mayor RestitutoAuxtero; Deputy Commander General Elie Alberto, Central Command-AFP; Lt. Col. Joel Malig, 47IB; Lt. Col. Agum; NonitaCabacaba, BFAR Guian Center Director; Col. Caballes-Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO); Maritime Police and Coast Guards. (AtoyCosap)

TWIN ACTIVITIES. Gov. Edgar M. Chatto (top photo) leads the ribbon cutting during the Blessing and Inauguration of Bohol Giant Clams Hatchery and Tripartite MOA Signing on the Implementation of a Half-Way House for Rebel Returnees at BFAR Multi-Species Hatchery, Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol last Tuesday. He was assisted by DND undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna and Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/MPA Provincial Technical Working Group chairperson among others. While the bottom left photo are some of the giant clams at the hatchery for seeding.

Giant Clams hatchery to be inaugurated

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Governor-Bohol Environment Management Office (GO-BEMO) in coordination with the member agencies of the Marine Protected Area Provincial Technical Working Group (MPA PTWG) will bless and inaugurate the Giant Clams Hatchery Facility at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Multi-Species Hatchery (BFAR-MSH) in Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol on Tuesday.

The activity will start with a Holy Mass at 8:30 A.M. and to be followed by a blessing and then the inauguration program at 10:00 a.m.

In the program, the Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana will give his keynote speech and Gov. Edgar M. Chatto will deliver his inspirational message while Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes; Director Alfeo G. Piloton, BFAR 7; and Dr. Reguncivilla A. Pobar, Bohol Island State University (BISU) president will give their messages.

Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/MPA PTWG chairperson will state the statement of purpose after Barangay Captain Jimmy Dabalos of Sinandigan would give his welcome message.

Villa I. Pelindingue, Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Unit Head said the Giant Clams Hatchery Facility is for spawning of the giant clams which are now seeded at the 10 MPAs at 20 clams each since February 20, 2013 namely: Balicasag, Panglao; Bingag, Dauis; Basdio, Guindulman; Badiang, Anda; Lumayag MPA, Baybayon, Mabini; Sinandigan, Ubay; Gaus, Carlos P. Garcia; Cataban, Talibon; Hambungan, Inabanga, and Majingpit, Bonbon, Clarin.

The clam is hermaphrodite in nature which has the capacity to produce egg and sperm cells.

Pelindingue explained that the clams at the MPAs must be pulled-out for spawning at the hatchery facility wherein the egg and sperm cells from the other clams will be fertilized which could hardly happen at the MPAs because the egg and sperm cells would be eaten by fishes at the surrounding.

She said the PGBh had established the MPA Management Council tasked to manage the MPAs as the BEMO has been conducted an annual underwater bio-physical assessment since 2015.

The CRM unit head bared that six giant clams had already pulled-out from Sinandigan MPA and put at the hatchery for spawning.

She underscored the importance of clam in the quest of the PGBh to increase the marine resources because it provides food and shelter for other marine organisms, helps to enhance water visibility because it has the ability to filter water, helps to build and shape reef, attracts more fishes because it produces foods for fishes and helps to enhance marine bio-diversity.

Gov. Chatto said this endeavor is one of the PGBh priority projects to ensure sustainable management of MPAs in line with the goal of reducing poverty incidence and ensuring food security to the Boholano communities through collective efforts in the protection and conservation of our marine environment.

Jovencia Ganub, head-BEMO said the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol headed by Vice Governor Dionisio D. Balite will also grace the affair. (Atoy Cosap)

CLAMS HATCHERY FACILITY. The P2M worth of Giant Clams Hatchery Facility at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Multi-Species Hatchery (BFAR MSH) in Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol will be blessed and inaugurated on Tuesday. This facility serves as the spawning ground of giant clams which have been seeded at the 10 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the different towns of Bohol. Foto: VILLA I. PELINDINGUE, CRM Unit Head

Agripreneurs’ forum set March 27

Some 3,000 farmers, fishers, farmers’ organizations/cooperatives and growers/processors/entrepreneurs who are producing and processing food for the entire populace in Bohol will gather on March 27, 2019 in an Agripreneurs/Stakeholders Forum to be held at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)7 covered court, Purok 4, Dao, Tagbilaran City.

Rosanna G. Lamdagan, head-Agribusiness Division – Office of the Provincial agriculturist (OPA) said the forum aims to strengthen agribusiness in order to increase income; to update agri-stakeholders on latest major areas of concern affecting the industry; to identify major issues and concerns affecting operations of different livelihood projects in relation to the stakeholders’ prospective; to formulate immediate solutions to major enterprise problems; to market test newly developed products; and to generate sales.

The expected participants are the farmers/ entrepreneurs for both crops, livestocks, fisheries and all stakeholders which considered as the “backbone of the nation,” the indispensable partners in the national farming venture for economic recovery, that would be parts in dealing with some major issues on concerns and identifying solutions to major enterprise problems.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) entrusted the OPA through the Agribusiness Division in developing Farmers Rural Based Organizations and Cooperatives to be partners in the agribusiness development program in partnership with other line agencies such as; Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in implementing small livelihood projects.

In a meeting called by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas together with the heads of the different divisions of the OPA and Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) last Tuesday in his office, they identified the three major issues and concerns to be taken up in a whole day activity: Rice Tarrification Law; African Swine – Fever and DA-Credit Programs.

Provincial Veterinarian Stella Marie D. Lapez said the African Swine -Fever is a big threat to swine industry due to its 100% mortality because there is no treatment or no preventive vaccination available if affected.

According to Dr. Lapez this fever that long time affected the swine industry and already contained in Africa is now affecting the 15 countries worldwide to include Mongolia, Vietnam and China of which the latter has been greatly affected that poses danger the swine industry in the country.

She said the Philippines ranked no. 8 worldwide in terms of volume of meat products while China is ranked number 1.

Dr. Lapez said the DA is now implementing the ban for importation of live animals and pork-based meat products from those affected countries.

Although no importation of live animals and raw meat from China but the DA has been very careful about the entry of processed meat that would possibly bring by the travelling tourists and likewise through the travelling tourists if not sanitized well their shoes through the foot baths at the ports.

She said this fever wouldn’t affect human health but would greatly affect swine industry because of the virus’ high survival for about 300 days.

Lapez said that the farmers must aware and familiarize the natural symptoms of the fever which are almost the same with the classical hog cholera.

Pamugas on the other hand said that in the forum the farmers must know about the nature of the Rice Tarrification Law and how it would affect to them being entrepreneurs in the implementation of the law.

He also emphasized that the DA-Credit Programs must also be properly disseminated and explained to the farme- entrepreneurs on how it can be useful in their business.

To take up these major issues and concerns are the resource persons from the Bureau of Animal Industry 7, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-Regional Field Office 7, Pamugas added.

In the opening program, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto will lead the provincial officials to deliver the messages, while Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog will give the rationale of the activity after Dr. Pamugas acknowledges the participants. (AtoyCosap)

Vegetables and fruit crops productions to increase

The productions of high value vegetables and fruit crops in the province of Bohol are expected to increase following the completion of the 155 participants to undergo the two months “Season Long Technology Transfer Training under Protective Culture and Open Field Techno Demo on High Value Vegetables and Fruit Crops last February 26 to April 25, 2019.
Gertrudes Fuentes, Chief – Crops and Productivity Division, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said the participants were trained in three separate venues of which of the 155 participants, 64 were from Ubay and trained in Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology (BOA Tech) in Gabi, Ubay every Tuesday; 56 (Tubigon) and trained in Maca-as, Tubigon Nursery every Thursday and the 35 participants from Dagohoy who were trained in Candelaria, Dagohoy every Wednesday by the trainors/facilitators from the Harvest Agribusiness Corporation.
In the graduation program held at BOATech last Friday, Leonard A. Mirador, Central Visayas – Marketing Manager, Harvest Agribusiness Corporation presented the candidates for graduation and confirmed by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas.
Pamugas is optimistic that the productions of vegetables and fruit crops would increase as he encouraged the newly-trained to put into practice on what they have learned of the new technology in the training to grow vegetables and fruit crops through greenhouse or protective culture and open field.
He said the Boholano farmers are facing some challenges for the increase of vegetables, fruits and flowers productions.
However, he said that Bohol’s vegetable production has been increasing due to the 44 hectares (has.) of vegetable areas in Cantaob, Sierra-Bullones and the three of the 23 has. fully developed in Taytay, Duero.
Glenn Doloritos, chief-General Services Office (GSO) thanked and congratulated the participants who have just undergone the trainings.
Doloritos said the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through Gov. Edgar M. Chatto has kept on giving some interventions or technology to Boholano farmers for them to uplift their way of living.
The Harvest Agribusiness Corporation was the winning bidder to construct the greenhouses in Candelaria, Dagohoy, BOATech Gabi, Ubay and Mcaas Nursery, Macaas Tubigon and to teach the participants regarding the new technology in growing high value vegetables such as; eggplant, cucumber, bitter gourd, tomato, chili, squash, and fruit crops such as; water melon, honey dew melon, musk mellow among others.
In the program, Marcial Odarve head-Facilities Section OPA gave the welcome remarks, as Rufa S. Ugay, head-HVCDP Section – OPA acknowledged the guests and participants, while Avita A. Perez, head, Corn Section – OPA delivered the closing remarks. (Atoy Cosap)

INTRODUCING NEW TECHNOLOGY ON VEGETABLES & FRUIT CROPS . Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas (right) and Dr. Glenn Doloritos (left) who represented Gov. Edgar M. Chatto urged the graduates of the “Season Long Technology Transfer Training under Protective Culture and Open Field Techno on High Value Vegetables and Fruit Crops during the graduation held at BOA Tech, Gabi, Ubay last Friday to apply the knowledge they learned to uplift their lives.

Prov’l gov’t.to conduct cloud seeding if no heavy rains until May

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has planned to conduct another round of Cloud Seeding Operations (CSOs) in May after the standing crops would be completely harvested and the rainfall conditions in the province have continued to be below normal to ensure that all Boholano farmers could plant rice during the next dry cropping season on May and June.

This developed during the El Niño Task Force meeting called by Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his office at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) last February 18, 2019 when Engr. Evelyn Putong from National Irrigation Administration (NIA)7 reported that the water levels of Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bayongan Dam (San Miguel), Capayas Dam (Ubay) and Talibon Dam (Talibon) could only enough to be used for the standing crops now and could no longer supply the needed water for the next cropping season of rice.

Leonard Samar from Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) also reported that the El Niño Phenomenon is now likely to come at the end of the month of February or in March.

The El Niño Task Force is tasked by the PGBh to assess the rainfall conditions so that the provincial government could make mitigating measures to lessen the impact to agriculture if there is drought or dry spell.

Leon Parac, Jr. CSOs focal person said the task force whose members are coming from the PAG-ASA, NIA, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO)-DA 7, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), OPA, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

Bohol Water, Federated Irrigators Association president, and Board Member Abeleon R. Damalerio – chair Committee on Agriculture of the SangguniangPanlalawigan agreed to conduct the CSOs to save not only rice but also all crops and livestocks.

Paracbared that the PGBh has a standby fund in the amount of P2.3M intended for CSOs which was already allocated last year aside from the P2.5M from the Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) which was already downloaded to Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 7 and is scheduled for bidding this month.

He said that last Thursday he attended the pre-bidding conference held at the DA-RFO7 Conference Room in Cebu as one of the purchase requests needed for the conduct of CSOs in the province of Bohol.

It maybe recalled that last November 8-27, 2018, the PGBh, DA-RFO7, Philippine Air Force (PAF) and PAG-ASA had sponsored the 45 hours CSOs that greatly helped to elevate the water levels of Malinao, Bayongan, Capayas and Talibon Dams saving the vegetative stage of planted rice, all other planted crops and livestocks.

Bohol has 56,913 hectares (has) of rice fields of which the 23,993.68 has. are irrigated and the 32,919.53 are rainfed. (AtoyCosap)