Author: Venus Ladaga

14 towns to join the Ubi Fest 2023 next month

The famous Ubi Festival in the Province of Bohol showcasing the different varieties of Ubi, especially the Ubi
Kinampay has drawn interest from the known Ubi growing municipalities to participate in this year’s festivity.
There are about 14 towns in this agricultural province that manifested their intention to join the three-day Ubi
Festival slated on December 4-6, 2023 at the Bohol Cultural Center Ground, in this city.

The 14 towns are the following: Carmen, Pilar, Ubay, Cortes, Corella, Baclayon, Tagbilaran City, Antequera,
Garcia Hernandez, Valencia, Dimiao, San Miguel and San Isidro.

Bringing the theme “Ubi, Hamiling Lagutmon Kaabag sa mga Bol-anon Niining Hagit sa Panahon“, the
celebration underscored the importance of Ubi in this time of climate change as an alternative crop of rice in line
with the mandate of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
(OPA) of ensuring food sufficiency and security, and increase income among Boholano farmers.

The celebration is highlighted with the Miss Ubi 2023 and other contests with prizes at stake namely: Best Ubi
Float Parade, Best Product Display, Highest Volume/Sales of Ubi, Most Participative LGU, Pinaka (biggest) on
Different Ubi Varieties (Kinampay, Baligonhon, Kabus-ok, Tam-isan, Binugas, Gimnay, Iniling, and Binanag), Best
New Ubi Processed Products, Best Re-Enactment Ubi Cultural Practices, Ubi Jingle Contest, Best Farmers
Rondalla, Best Christmas Singing Contest, and Best Ubi Vlog/Video Contest.

The festival shall be started with a colorful Ubi Float Parade Contest from the Capitol Grounds – New Capitol
Site Road – Hangos St. – J. A. Clarin – City Hall – Old Capitol Building – CPG Avenue – down to the Bohol
Cultural Center which is the venue of the activity.

In the opening program, Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will deliver his inspirational message as
Vice–Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite, Representative Edgar M. Chatto (1 st District), Rep. Maria Vanessa C.
Aumentado (2 nd Dist.), Rep. Kristine Alexie B. Tutor (3 rd Dist.), Director Angel C. Enriquez, CESO lll (Regional
Executive Director, Department of Agriculture – 7), Dr. Gracia F. Arado (Agricultural Training Institute – 7), and
Dr. Carolyn May O. Daquio (Bohol Ubi Center Foundation, Inc.) will give their messages of support; while City
Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes Yap will give the welcome message and Provincial AQgriculturist Liza M. Quirog will
state the rationale and acknowledge the guests and participants.

The judging of the Miss Ubi Festival shall commence at the start of the Ubi Float Parade wherein there are three
judging stations to be put up at the route of the parade down to the Bohol Cultural Center.

At the center, the muses will make a dramatic entrance going up to the stage and introducing themselves and
saying something about their advocacy towards the Ubi industry in Bohol. The coronation will be conducted right
after Gov. Aumentado could deliver his inspirational message.

Other Ubi Festival contests will be done on the second day (Dec. 5, 2023) which will be started at 8:30 in the
morning.

The 3-day fest will wind up on December 6, 2023, as the Closing and Awarding ceremony will start at 1:30 p.m.
and as such Gov. Aumentado will lead the provincial officials in giving the awards of the winners.

The PGBh through the OPA has conducted the Ubi Festival this year twice as the first one was last January as the
usual conduct of the festival based on the approved Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution. But the holding of such
an annual activity of the provincial government has changed through an ordinance passed last June declaring that the
Ubi Festival shall be conducted on the second week of December every year. However, considering that the
Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) would be very busy in attending Christmas parties and other
occasions during the Yuletide Season on the 2 nd week of December, it was decided that the festival shall be
conducted on the first week. By Atoy Cosap

KBoOM conducts second “OrganicAgriculture Festival”

The Kapunungan sa Bol-anong Organikong Mag-uuma (KaBoOM) will conduct its 2 nd “Organic Agriculture
(OA) Festival starting tomorrow up to Wednesday (November 13-15, 2023) at the Bohol Showcase Center within
the CPG Park, Cogon District, Tagbilaran City.

The 3-day celebration is in line with Proclamation No. 1030, which was issued on May 21, 2015, declaring the
month of November every year as “Organic Agriculture Month”, with a primary focus on promoting organic
agriculture as a robust tool for economic development, environmental preservation, and the safeguarding of the
interests of our farmers, consumers, and the general public.

According to KaBoOM President Marilou M. Escalona, the theme for this year’s celebration is “Panginabuhing
Organiko, Kaugmaon Segurado”.

Escalona said the celebration promises to be a three-day extravaganza, brimming with a wide array of engaging
activities. These activities include the display of organically grown products, technology demonstrations related to
organic agriculture, and interactive engagements aimed at educating and involving the public in the world of organic
farming.

Tomorrow in the opening program which will be started right after the Thanksgiving Mass at 1 pm, Governor
Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will deliver his inspirational message; while Rep. Edgar M. Chatto (1 st District), Rep.
Maria Vanessa Aumentado (2 nd Dist.), Kristine Alexie Tutor (3 rd Dist.), City Mayor Jane Yap, 1 st Dist. Board Member
Lucille Lagunay, Director Angel C. Enriquez – Department of Agriculture – 7, Dr. Gracia F. Arado – Agricultural
Training Institute (ATI) – 7, and Escalona will give their messages of support.

Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite will give the welcome message immediately after Provincial
Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog acknowledges the guests and participants.

After Gov. Aumentado delivers his inspirational message, he will lead the ribbon cutting and the opening of
exhibits.

On the second day, there will be a Regional Organic Agri Quiz Bee at Capitol Lobby to be facilitated by the ATI
from 9 am to 3 pm. The Organic Technology Seminar will be held at the CPG hall (2 nd Floor, New Capitol Building).
Still on this day that Vermi Production Training, Organic Soil Amendments, and Stingless Bees Productions lecture
will be conducted in the morning as the Urban Gardening, Organic Cacao Productions, and Organic Feed
Formulation Trainings will be done in the afternoon; while the Organic Tilapia Raising and the Coconut Production
lectures will be conducted in the morning on the 3 rd day (Wednesday-Nov. 15, 2023) as the closing program will be
set in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Second District Municipalities will also celebrate its 2-day Organic Agriculture Month on
November 29-30, 2023 to be held at the CPG Sports Complex, Poblacion, Talibon, Bohol.

The organically grown products from the 14 towns in the 2 nd district will be displayed and sold at the complex.
At first, it was suggested by the OA Technical Working Group that the activities in Talibon would be participated
by the organic practitioners coming from the 19 towns in the 3 rd District. However it was not carried out due to
financial constraints.

In the Central Visayas Provinces, Bohol was the first province who conduct the Organic Agriculture Festival that
was last year on November 16, 17, and 18, 2023 at the Bohol Cultural Center, Cogon, Tagbilaran City. By Atoy
Cosap

PGBh joins National Awareness Month

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will join
the entire nation in the celebration of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) next month.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on January 5, 2004 issued a Proclamation No. 524, s. 2004
Providing for the Celebration of the International Year of Rice in 2004 and Declaring the Month of November as
National Rice Awareness Month.

Arroyo proclaimed the month of November of every year as National Rice Awareness Month, coinciding with
the anniversary of the Philippine Rice Research Institute, created under Executive Order 1061 dated November 5,
1985, as amended.

Beaming the theme “Buy local. Eat local. Support Filipino rice farmers.” Imparts the importance and advantage
of eating safe and nutritious rice to consumers, instilling the value of patriotism in supporting the local rice farmers.
The National Rice Awareness Month celebration generally aims to promote the consumption of locally produced
rice. Specifically, it aims to encourage consumers to patronize local rice and support local rice farmers; motivate
farmers to continue producing quality rice for consumers; promote awareness of the value of locally produced rice;
and engage public influences and opinion leaders with activities in promoting the consumption of local rice and
responsible consumption.

In Bohol, Lorebien Lagapa, Provincial Rice Seeds Coordinator/Rice Section Head, Crops and Productivity
Division-OPA said that the provincial government has outlined some activities for the coming next month in
observance of the NRAM of which the launching will be on November 6, 2023 at the Bohol Quality Atrium at 8:00
o’clock in the morning.

In the opening program, Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will deliver his inspirational message; while
other local officials will give their messages as Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog and the rice technical person
from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 will speak about the importance of rice as our number one staple and
means of livelihood among Boholano farmers; then to be followed by the open forum.

The launching will also be highlighted with the on-the-spot photo-making contest which will be participated by
students and other participants; and the significant signing of the pledge of commitment by all participants of the
celebration.

Other activities being outlined in the celebration include the mass feeding among elementary school pupils in the
island barangays: Ubay on November 15, 2023, Talibon (November 16, 2023), and Buenavista (Nov. 17, @023).
Responsible Funrun has been scheduled on November 25, 2023, of which the registration will be done at 3:00-4:00
a.m. at the Bohol Wisdom School for the three categories of the run: aged from 8 years old below, 19-50 yrs. old and
51 yrs. old up. The fun run will start at 4:30 in the morning from Bohol Wisdom School going to Plaza Rizal.

On November 28, there will be a Farmers’ Big Day in the town of Trinidad; while the whole month rice trivia to
be facilitated by Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) will be conducted starting November 1, 2023, to be aired over
Station DYRD during DYRD Patrol Balita at every 6:30 in the morning Monday to Thursday wherein each of the
two winners per day will receive P100 worth of prize and shall be given through gcash. By Atoy Cosap

PGBh faces big challenge from El Niño

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) is about
to face a big challenge in the coming months on its mandate for food sufficiency and security to feed the 1.4 million
Boholano populace because of El Nino.

During the Provincial Coordinating Committee on Agri-Fisheries (PCCAF) Coordinating Meeting last
Wednesday held at the Bohol Public School Teachers and Employees Association (BPSTEA) Building, Tamblot St.
Cogon, Tagbilaran City, Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog said the PGBh under the administration of
Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado has already drawn some mitigating measures to minimize the impact of El
Nino into human lives, livestock, poultry and plants.

Provincial Agriculturist Quirog bared that the provincial government has already allocated P2.5M; while waiting
for the requested fund from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) in the amount of P7.5M for the
conduct of Cloud Seeding Operations (CSOs) in Bohol.

She said that the provincial government also recommended to all Boholano farmers that after the harvest, they
have to make use of the opportunity of having rainfall this month of October to do immediately the land preparation
for the next cropping season.

The Provincial Agriculturist also asked the Boholanos to conserve the use of water because if based on the
forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric Geo-Physical Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) we will
experience drought in the coming months.

She encouraged the farmers to ensure their livestock and agricultural products to the Philippine Crops Insurance
Corporation (PCIC) to lessen the effects to their livelihoods for whatever happens if calamities like El Nino, and
typhoons among others.

Quirog thanked the Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAs/MAOs) for being always
with the provincial government in the quest for agricultural upliftment.

Leonardo Samar from PAG-ASA Radar Station in Albuquerque said in an interview that based on the PAG-ASA
assessment at the end of December 2023 Bohol will experience dry conditions or the province will experience two
consecutive months below normal rainfall conditions, end of February 2024 Bohol will be expected under dry spell
condition which means the province will experience three consecutive months below normal rainfall condition and
at the end of March 2024, the province will be expected to experience drought condition of which Bohol has
experienced five consecutive months below normal rainfall condition.

Samar explained that it does not necessarily mean that if we are under dry, a dry spell or drought we cannot
experience rain. There are still rains but there are reductions from average rainfall would happen. By Atoy Cosap

2nd Ubi Festival this year set

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will
conduct the second Ubi Festival this year on December 4-6, 2023 at the Old Tagbilaran City Airport, Cogon,
Tagbilaran City.

This could be the first ever that in a year there would be two festivals to be conducted as the first one was done
last January 26-30, 2023 at the Old City Airport, in this city.

This came after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Bohol passed an ordinance in the second quarter this year
sponsored by 3 rd District Board Member Nathaniel Binlod who is a member of the SP Committee on Agriculture
declaring that the Ubi Festival be conducted on every first week of December of the year.

The passage of the ordinance superseding the SP resolution mandating that the Ubi Fest be conducted every
3 rd week of January of the year was an offshoot of the assessment that was conducted after the festival which BM
Binlod had attended and personally heard the suggestions from among the Municipal Agriculturists
(MAs)/Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs) and Ubi growers that the festival is ideally be done on every
December or earlier than January because that would be the harvesting time.

They also said that we could not expect a volume of Ubi products to be displayed on the January Festival
considering that during the yuletide season Ubi product is highly demanded in the market.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog earlier said that we will be adopting the real essence of a festival this
coming December festival that there would be Miss Ubi among others.

Bringing the theme “Ubi, Hamiling Lagutmon Kaabag sa mga Bol-anon Niining Hagit sa Panahon”, the
December Festival will be highlighted with Miss Ubi 2023 Pageant contest with prizes at the stake of which the 1st
prize would receive P25, 000, 2 nd prize (P20, 000), and the 3 rd prize (P15, 000) and at P10, 000 each as consolation
prizes for the 10 non-winning candidates.

Other contests with their corresponding prizes are Ubi Jingle (group): 1 st prize – P6, 000, 2 nd prize – P5, 000, and
3 rd -P4, 000 and P3, 000 each for 7 consolation prizes; Best Farmers Rondalla (group): 1 st – P10, 000, 2 nd – P8, 000,
3 rd – P6, 000 and at P5, 000 each for 7 non-winning groups as consolation prizes; Best Ubi Christmas Singing
Contest (group): 1 st prize – P6, 000, 2 nd – P5, 000, 3 rd – P4, 000 and at P3, 000 each for the 7 non-winning group as
consolation prizes;

Best Video Presentation: 1 st prize – P5, 000, 2 nd prize – P 4, 000, 3 rd – P 3, 000 and at P2, 000 each for 10 non-
winning entries as consolations; Best Ubi Float Parade: 1 st prize – P10, 000, 2 nd prize – P8, 000, 3 rd prize – P6, 000
and at P5, 000 each for 20 non-winning entries; Highest Ubi Sales: 1 st prize – P6, 000, 2 nd prize – P5, 000, 3 rd prize –
P4, 000 and at P3, 000 each for the 25 non-winning entries; Most Paticipative LGU: 1 st prize – P10, 000, 2 nd prize –
P8, 000, 3 rd prize – P6, 000 and at P5, 000 each for the non-winning participating LGU;

Pinaka on Different Ubi Varieties: Kinampay – P3, 000, Baligonhon – P2, 000, Kabus-ok – P2, 000, Tam-isan –
P2, 000, Binugas – P2, 000, Gimnay – P2, 000, Iniling – P2, 000, Binanag – P2, 000 and at P100 each for the 100
non-winning entries; Best New Ubi Processed Products: 1 st prize – P5, 000, 2 nd prize – P4, 000, 3 rd prize – P3, 000
and at P2, 000 for the 10 non-winning entries; and Best Re-Enactment-Ubi Cultural Practices: 1 st prize – P10, 000,
2 nd prize – P8, 000, 3 rd prize – P6, 000 and at P5, 000 each for the 10 non-winning entries as consolations.

Quirog explained that only this year we could celebrate 2 Ubi festivals because next year we will follow what
has been mandated in the ordinance which is every first week of December of the year.

She is expecting more Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) to participate in the fest. By Atoy Cosap

PBGh resounded the call touphold Anti-GMO Ordinance

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist resounded its
request to the municipal mayors of the 14 towns in Bohol who were the beneficiaries of the Genetically Modified
Organism (GMO) Corn seeds from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 to uphold or to take appropriate action of
ensuring the enforcement of Anti-GMO Ordinance in the province of Bohol.

This came after where only one of the 14 municipalities heeded the call.

Municipal Mayor Elizabeth Mandin Pace in the town of Catigbian, Bohol in her replied letter dated September
13, 2023 addressed to Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog said that the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist has
conducted information dissemination to the farmers citing Provincial Ordinance No. 2003-010 also known as Anti-
GMO Ordinance and advising them to hold the production and no replanting will be done.

Mayor Pace justified that based on their Local Government Unit (LGU) programs and projects, they have not
purchased GMO corn seeds for their farmers, however, they only facilitated the distribution of corn seeds from the
DA and OPA.

Other towns who were identified by DA 7 as their beneficiaries of GMO corn seeds to wit: Clarin, Dagohoy,
Buenavista, Sikatuna, Pres. Carlos P. Garcia, Loon, Ubay, Valencia, Carmen, Alicia, Sierra-Bullones, Trinidad and
San Miguel.

Provincial Agriculturist Quirog in her letter addressed to the Bohol Mayors dated August 18, 2023, reminded
them about the implementation of Executive Order No. 30 officially signed by Governor Erico Aristotle C.
Aumentado last June 6, 2023 mandating the immediate recall of all distributed and planted GMO Corn across the
province of Bohol, while concurrently reactivating the GMO Monitoring Committee.

According to Quirog, our collective awareness of Provincial Ordinance No.2003-010 underscores the importance
of stringent measures aimed at safeguarding the health of the Boholanos and preserving the ecological equilibrium
of our beloved province. This ordinance, which outlines penalties for transgressions, serves as our guiding
framework in these endeavors.

She urged and encouraged all local chief executives to take swift action in implementing the pro- visions set
forth in E.O. No.30, effective immediately.

In her another letter dated August 31, 2023, addressed to the 14 mayors with attached lists of farmers in the
municipalities who allegedly cultivating GMO Corn, Quirog said that there has been a direct violation of the Anti-
GMO Ordinance as mandated by Provincial Ordinance No. 2003-010.

She cited in this letter, that this violation not only undermines the principles of sustainable and organic farming
but also poses potential risks to our environment, biodiversity, and public health.

Quirog emphasized that by taking swift and decisive action against this violation, we will reaffirm our
commitment to protecting our environment, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and maintaining the health
and safety of our citizens.

In the Executive Order No. 30 by Gov. Aumentado, the governor brought the attention in Section 3 of the
ordinance that “ No person shall conduct any laboratory or field testing or any activity whatsoever for the
propagation of or experimentation related to GMOs of any plant, animal or microorganism in any area within the
territorial jurisdiction of the province of Bohol” and Section 4 where “Any violation of this ordinance shall be meted
with a fine of not more than Five Thousand Pesos (P5, 000.00) or imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year or both
fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court; while juridical entities involved shall also be subject to
closure’.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol sometimes in the month of August, 2003 passed a Provincial
Ordinance No. 2003-010 authored by then Vice G0vernor Julius Caesar F. Herrera, chairman, Committee on
Agriculture entitled “ Instituting Stringent Measures to Safeguard the Health of the Boholanos and Protect the
Ecological Soundness of the Province of Bohol from the Possible Disastrous Ill-effects of Genetically Modified
Organisms, Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof, and for Other Purposes.

Gov. Aumentado in his letter addressed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. dated on September 13, 2023 most
humbly and respectfully requested that the province of Bohol be excluded from the introduction of GMO seeds and
materials, and from activities related to studies, technology transfer, or experimentation related to GMO. It is also
requested that any ongoing activity in Bohol related to the foregoing be halted.

Aumentado disclosed that Bohol has been positioning itself as a place for organic agriculture as the province has
prioritized agriculture as one of its concerns as it is one of its main economic drivers.By Atoy Cosap

PBGh resounded the call to uphold Anti-GMO Ordinance

This came after where only one of the 14 municipalities heeded the call.

Provincial Agriculturist Quirog in her letter addressed to the Bohol Mayors dated August 18, 2023, reminded
them about the implementation of Executive Order No. 30 officially signed by Governor Erico Aristotle c.
Aumentado last June 6, 2023 mandating the immediate recall of all distributed and planted GMO Corn across the
province of Bohol, while concurrently reactivating the GMO Monitoring Committee.

She urged and encouraged all local chief executives to take swift action in implementing the pro- visions set
forth in E.O. No.30, effective immediately.

She cited in this letter, that this violation not only undermines the principles of sustainable and organic farming
but also poses potential risks to our environment, biodiversity, and public health.

More Suhid nomineesfor 2023 tilt

As expected, the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon 2023 tilt has gotten more nominees from the
different agriculture-known municipalities in Bohol compared to past years search.

After the deadline for submission of nominees was up last September 8, 2023, there are about 142 entries to vie
the 24 different categories of the Suhid with big prizes at stake not only monetary but also farm equipment which
started to be evaluated by the evaluators last Tuesday.

The categories and their corresponding nominees are the following: Outstanding 4H-Club/Young
Farmer/Fisherfolk Organization such prizes are P20,000 + 1 Unit Garden Cultivator has three nominees namely:
Danahaw Integrated School (Secondary) 4H Club (Clarin), Tabon Young Farmers Association (Talibon), and Batuan
4H Club (Batuan); Outstanding Farmers Association Program Based (P17, 000 + 1 Unit Garden Cultivator and 1
Unit Power Tiller) – NMC Aguipo Farmers Association (Mabini), TIDPA (Dauis), KALAGMANA (Panglao),
ASNA (Carmen), Puangyuta Fisherfolk Association (Dimiao), Ubay Malingin Irrigators Association (Ubay), Tabon
Seaweed Farmers Association (Talibon), AFFILA (Trinidad);

Outstanding Fishermen’s Association (P17, 000 + 1 Unit Fabricated Pumpboat) – KANABAMI (Panglao), Isla
Mantatao Fisherfolks Association (Calape), Tangohay Fisherfolk Association (Dimiao), MATIGA (Jagna),
KAGAMASSI (Ubay); Outstanding Organic Practitioner Association (P17, 000 + 2 Units Garden Cultivator) –
PUNAOFA (San Miguel), FFF (Talibon), LASOVEGA (Pilar); Outstanding Organic Agriculture Individual
Practitioner (P10, 000 + 1 Unit Garden Cultivator) – Rona Mechaves Denque (Corella), Jomer Balag (Batuan),
Mary Aguilar (Dimiao), Joachim M. Pinat (San Miguel), Ismael Tumanda (Carmen), Emmanuel Gamonez
(Balilihan), Ma. Reina P. Perez (Loon), Napoleon B. Jumawan (Sagbayan), Cecilia S. De Leon (Calape), Antonio
Soco (Talibon, and Vanissa Pilongo (Antequera); Outstanding Farmer on Integrated Rice Based-Farming System
(P6, 000 + 1 Unit Power Tiller) – Marcial Galler (Dimiao), Artemio S. Baja (Garcia Hernandez), Rene Ceniza (San
Miguel), Florencio B. Sagliba (Carmen), Ferdinand E. Oroyan (Talibon), and Joselito Baculi (Ubay); Outstanding
Hybrid Corn Farmer-Conventional Hybrid Variety (P6, 000 + 1 Unit Corn Sheller) – Thelma T. Duavis (Danao),
Jose C. Salva (Garcia Hernandez), Roberto Soria (San Miguel), Diosdado M. Cagatin (Carmen), Ursolo V.
Taganahan (Dimiao), Teresita J. Gamale (Valencia), Carmelita Cadorniga (Ubay), Melchor P. Yaras (Pilar);

Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer (P6, 000 + 1 Unit Corn Sheller) – Romana P. Milloria (Danao), Ma. Vilma T.
Lampaug (Garcia Hernandez), Teresa Cruda (San Miguel), Rufno T. Boco, Jr. (Carmen), Alberto Bunaos (Talibon),
Bienvenido Gallegos (Dimiao) Prescilla Oreo (Ubay), and Elvira B. Micutuan (Sierra-Bullones); Outstanding
Integrated High Valaue Crops Farmer (P6, 000 + 1 Unit Garden Cultivator – Vilma Idul (Dimiao), RenanteC.
Daguing (Mabini), Atty. Urbano H. Lagunay (Carmen), Heracleo Doysabas (Maribojoc), Miguelito Persigas (Loon),
Adela Pastrana (Sevilla), Remias Cresencio (Talibon), Pablito B. Quinal (Danao); Outstanding Cacao Grower (P6,
000 +1 Unit Mechanical Pruner) – Domingo Akiatan (Dimiao), Miguel esiona (Catigbian), Jocelyn C. Ramirez
(Carmen), Bohol Chocolate Farm (Sagbayan), Ernesto Macabenta (Maribojoc), Raul H.Leornes (San
Miguel),Cosme Galido (Garcia Hernandez), Efrenia C. Colt (Calape), Jonah Lasaca (Ubay), and Jovilito G. Avelino
(Danao);

Outstanding Cassava Farmer (P6, 000 + 1 Unit Garden Cultivator) – Vidal L. Jumawid (Carmen), Alfonso
Daverao (Sierra-Bullones), AND Abundio T. Cajes (Trinidad); Outstanding Banana Grower (P6, 000 + 2 Units
Power Sprayer) – Policario Bolanio (Dimiao), Clemente G. Butal (San Miguel), Felipe G. Cuadra (Garcia
Hernandez), Jaime M. Membreve (Carmen), Jose C. Andoy (Calape), Delia Gurrea (Talibon), Romeo Patarlas
(Ubay), and Abundio M. Anora (Danao); Outstanding Tilapia Culture Commercial Pond (P6, 000 + 2 Units Water
Pump) – Alipio C. Savulga, Jr. (Garcia Hernandez), Ferlinda D. Rejas ((San Miguel), Catalino E. Asumatra, Jr.
(Carmen), Mary Mae Evangelista (Talibon); Outstanding Tilapia Culture Backyard Pond (P6, 000 +2 Units Water
Pump) – Nenita Mira (Batuan), Rolando S. Gelay (Mabini), Maria Chona C. Hoyle (San Miguel), Jaime C. Aranay
(Guindulman), Edgar Aladad (Carmen), Romeo O. Morales (Garcia Hernandez), Freddie Ole (Calape), Joshua
Aparece (Talibon), Reymund L. Dela Torre (Dimiao), Victor Castro (Ubay), Alicia G. Cepedoza (Danao);

Outstanding Bangus Cage Culture (P6, 000 + 1 Unit Fiber Glass Boat) – PAMFA (Panglao), Sergio Tesorio
(Calape), Aian Rosales (Talibon), Benjamin Sarabosing , Jr. (Ubay); Outstanding Bangus Pond Culture (P6, 000 + 2
units of Water Pump) – Dave E. Evangelista (Talibon), Rey Boaquin (Ubay), Primo Avenido (Bien Unido);
Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist (P6, 000 + 1 Unit of Power Sprayer) – Geofrrey E. Gulay (Guindulman), Arlen
D. Cabusao (Carmen), Angelito A. OroyN (Talibon), and MarianitoM. Doydora (Ubay); Outstanding Rural Woman
(P6, 000 + 1 unit Garden Cultivator) – Marivic D. Pardillo (Trinidad), Rubilyn S. Bajinting (Carmen), Felipa C.
Maldora (Sagbayan), Erlinda G. Maglente (Dimiao), Antonina Mansa (Calape), Mary Mae Evangelista (Talibon), and Leonila Capuno (Ubay); Outstanding Organic Technician (P6, 000 + 1 unit Power Sprayer) – Ireneo S.
Penticase (Alburquerque), Guillermo M. Lucip (San Miguel), and Zester R, Virador (Pilar);

Outstanding Rice Technician (P6,000 + 1 unit Power Sprayer), Evelyn M. Estilloro (Danao), Roland L. Sarong
(Batuan), Ma. Micheke F. Lariza (Guindulman), Jane B. Noculan (Carmen), Angeles C. Opiala (Talibon), and Lucita
C. Bonghanoy (Ubay); Outstanding Corn Technician (P6, 000 + 1 unit Power Sprayer) – Alisa P. Ochavillo (Garcia
Hernandez), Roland P. Valentos (Carmen), Zenaida A. Aparece (Talibon), Eulogio Galler (Valencia), and Crispina
A. Caballero (Ubay); Outstanding Fishery Technician (P6, 000 + 1 unit Power Sprayer) – Antonino B. Pancho
(Batuan), Ana Mae Evangelista (Talibon), Windyl E. Mejias (Ubay), Outstanding HVCDP Technician (P6, 000 + 1
unit Power Sprayer) – Andrew F. Simo (Guindulman), Mary Ann T. Dela Torre (Carmen), and Ma. Trisha L.
Rempillo (Ubay); Outstanding Ubi Grower (P6, 000 + 1 unit Garden Cultivator) – Allan Madronero (Dimiao), Pablo
Chiong (Panglao), Policarpa T. Bautista (Cortes), Mario R. Tumale (Baclayon), Romulo G. Campoamor (Carmen),
and Leonisa Buna (Ubay).

The evaluators composed of some employees of the OPA, other departments of the Provincial Government of
Bohol (PGBh), and representatives from some agri-line agencies have doubled their times to do the evaluations to
catch up with the scheduled date for the awarding ceremony on the middle of November this year.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog earlier said that she is expecting more nominees in this year’s search
because of the increased cash prize and additional farm equipment that would entice them to participate.

Quirog said that the provincial government through the OPA under the administration of Gov. Erico Aristotle C.
Aumentado and Vice -Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite has always looking at for the good of the agri-fishery sector in
Bohol and she is optimistic that on the next year tilt more prizes to be given to encourage our farmers and fisherfolks
to excel in their respective field works. By Atoy Cosap

Bohol as “Outstanding Province” in C. Visayasin RCEF program

The Provincial Government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA)’ endeavor geared
towards the development of the agri-fishery sector has not been put to waste as it was being recognized and awarded
in the national and regional tilts.

Just recently, the PGBh Thru the OPA received the Excellence Award as Outstanding Province in the entire
Central Visayas in the implementation of the RCEF (Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund) Program.
Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite and Provincial Seed Coordinator
Lorebien Lagapa received the award during the awarding ceremony last Tuesday held at PhilRice, Murcia, Negros
Occidental.

Mayor Juliet Dano of Sevilla, Bohol, and Municipal Agriculturists (Mas) Mitchel Varquez from Sevilla, Avelina
Lopeseros (Trinidad), and Marianito Doydora (Ubay) were also received the awards in the program.
Provincial Rice Seed Coordinator Lagapa bared that the RCEF Program in Bohol has benefited the 29, 237
Boholano farmers who received the quality certified rice seeds of about 45, 830 bags (20kgs./bag).

Lagapa said that it was not easy to receive the award because this would be based on criteria which are the
following: distribution rate 40%, syncing rate 10%, syncing participation 20%, far management 10%, seed stock
card and inventory report 10%, resource mobilization 5%, and participatory governance at 5% of which the province
of Bohol got the rating of 99%, the highest rating in all the provinces in Central Visayas.

The planting of certified seeds that showed an increase of yield at 3.6 metric tons per hectare during the first
semester has contributed a lot to getting the award, Lagapa emphasized.

Provincial Agriculturists Quirog,and Vice – Gov. Balite said that all these we owed to the MAs, Municipal
Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs), and rice technicians and most especially the Boholano farmers in the
province as they thanked them for their unwavering support of the programs and projects of the provincial
government.

Also attending the awarding ceremony were Department of Agriculture-Regional Technical Director (DA-RTD)
Joel Elumba, PhilRice Negros Director Leo Sta. Ines, Chief, Science Research Specialist Dr. Rizal Corales from
PhilRice Nueva Ecija, Marchel Brina, BPI-NSQCS Region 7, and PhilRice Staff in Bohol Care Jason Parina and
April Badajos. By Atoy Cosap

OPA asked help rice technicians to account rice retailers among others

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) asked the rice
technicians to help with the inventory of all the rice retailers, millers and warehouses in the province of Bohol.
This developed after it was found out during the rice technicians’ meeting last Tuesday, CPG Hall, 2 nd Floor,
New Capitol Building that the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the National Food Authority (NFA) do not have
any list of accredited rice retailers, warehouses and millers in Bohol which are essentials for monitoring the prices
and updating the supplies of rice.

Joel Lim from the NFA said that since 2019 when the Rice Tariffication Law was implemented in the country,
the NFA has not given the authority to account, monitor, and update the accredited rice retailers, millers and
warehouses but instead, they are only given the task to do the palay procurement program for buffer stocking for
calamities, emergency situations and feeding programs.

Lim disclosed that their palay procurement program with the support price of P19/kilo could not entice rice
farmers to sell their palay to NFA and they preferred to sell it to the local traders which have higher support prices
that range from P25 to P26 or even P30/kilo.

However, he said they have now closely coordinated with some Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs)
like Ubay, Mabini and Calape who have provided subsidy in the amount of P2/kilo as an add-on price from their
support price of P19/kilo of palay.

It was learned during the rice technicians’ meeting that most rice retailers in the province do not reduce the
prices of their regular milled rice to P41/kilo and well-milled rice to P45/kilo in compliance with the Executive
Order No. 39 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. effective August 31, 2023.

Under Section 1 of the E.O. 39, the mandated price ceilings are regular milled rice is priced at P41.00 per
kilogram, and well-milled (P45.00/kilogram) and as such the implementation shall remain in full force and effect
unless earlier lifted by the president upon the recommendation of the Price Coordinating Council or the DA and the
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Meanwhile, Domingo Salces, Federated President, the National Irrigation System/Communal Irrigation System
(NIS/CIS) said Executive Order No. 39 issued by the president would greatly affect their palay selling price.
Salces said before the implementation of the order, the local traders would buy their palay at prices ranging from
P26 to P30/kilogram which was beneficial to the rice farmers because it increased their income. But starting August
31, 2023, which was the effectivity of the order, the price would drastically change to only P21/kilogram.

The federated president of more than 200 irrigators associations in Bohol said that he sees a good harvest this
season as shown by the standing crop and based on the yield of the 5% among all Boholano rice farmers who
harvested their planted rice.

On this development, there is no reason for panic buying because aside from the old stock, there will be an
incoming big volume of rice supply from our Boholano farmers.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog during the rice technicians’ meeting said that the government has no
letting up to help the farmers.

Quirog said the PBGh under the administration of Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado and Vice-Governor
Dionisio Victor Balite and DA have continued its program of giving free seeds and fertilizers as the government has
acknowledged the sweat and toils from our more than 60, 000 Boholano farmers with an average age of 57 years old
who have tilled the 184, 874 hectares (has.) of agricultural areas in the province with an average farm size of .05 ha.
who feed the 1.4 million Boholano and 1.5 tourist population annually. By Atoy Cosap