Author: Venus Ladaga

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog underscored the vital roles of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
(OPA) to reach and inform the Agri-fishery sector in the community regarding the mandate of the office of ensuring
food sufficiency and security and increase agricultural productivity and income among the members of the sector.
It may be recalled that in every first Monday of the month, the OPA has conducted a General Assembly to be
participated by all employees of OPA, Provincial Agriculturist Quirog has been stressed the important role of the
OPA employees which are considered as the role model by the agri-fishery sector and as such we have to live such
expectation by showing them that we are capable or deserving in doing our jobs to lead them towards agricultural
upliftment.

 Quirog emphasized this as she said that the closed to two hundred employees of the Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPA) must not only doing their jobs at the office of the Provincial Capitol Building but also outside in
doing field works, touching the muds and experiencing the scorching heat of the sun as what have been done and
experienced by the farmers and fisherfolks.

Along with this, last January 27, 2024, Provincial Agriculturist Quirog divided the OPA employees into four
groups to conduct farm action to the four facilities to wit: Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology Center
(BOATECH) in Gabi, Ubay; Provincial Multi-Species Fresh Water Fresh Hatchery in Bohol Island State University
(BISU) Bilar main Campus, Zamora, Bilar; Balilihan Nursery in Del Carmen Weste, Balilihan; and in the Macaas
Nursery in barangay Macaas, Tubigon, Bohol.

Together with Provincial Agriculturist Quirog and OPA regular and job order workers were Executive Assistants
for Agriculture:  Engr. Ricardo Oblena, Nunila M. Pinat, Alfeo Piloton and Salvio Madanguit who is the ISDA
Program Provincial Coordinator in the PGBh.

This farm action has been conducted quarterly even if that these facilities have been maintained by some regular
and job order workers from OPA but considering the spacious areas to be managed and maintained, thus the farm
actions have been conducted, Quirog emphasized.

The BOATECH facility is the biggest among all facilities which consists the areas of 15 hectares (has.) and has
only managed by 15 regular and job order employees; Balilihan Nursery has two has. maintained by 14; Macaas
Nursery has more than a has. has taken cared by 10 employees; while the Provincial Multi-Species Fresh Water Fish
Hatchery at the BISU Bilar Main Campus which has also an area of almost a hectare is also managed by 7
employees.

The income of the facilities from the rents of the farm equipment in BOATECH, sales from the vegetables and
other agricultural products to include the Tilapia fry from the hatchery in Bilar would go to the Provincial
Treasurer’s Office (PTO) coffee. By Atoy Cosap

In an effort to boost Tilapia fish production that would lead to lower the high prices of fish in the province, the
Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Municipal Local
Government Units (MLGUs) through the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) are now using the NIA Dams in Bohol for
Tilapia Fingerlings stockings.

Last Tuesday, about 150, 000 Tilapia fingerlings were stocked at the Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bohol which has an
area of 143 hectares taking parts of five barangays namely: Población, Lumboy, Aurora, Pamacsalan and Del Pilar.
According to newly retired Pilar Municipal Agriculturist (MA) Carmen Cubrado that it would be the 6 th  Tilapia
Fingerlings stockings being done at Malinao Dam of which five during her time as MA and one after typhoon
Odette which was done last Tuesday.

During the preliminary program before the stockings of Tilapia fingerlings, Mayor Wilson Pajo of Pilar in his
message thanked the provincial government and BFAR to grant their request for fingerlings stockings at the dam.
Mayor Pajo said that this would create supplementary livelihood among fisherfolks in the locality when it
becomes harvestable after four to five months.

Pajo stressed that the municipal government has allowed free fishing at the dam. However, he emphasized that
the fisherfolks are not allowed to use the fine nets.  

He added that the fisherfolks are not also allowed to go on fishing when the water of the dam is below normal
level so as not to destroy the fingerlings at the dam.

Executive Assistant for Agriculture Nunila M. Pinat for and in behalf of Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado
said that the provincial government is always looking at the problem of high prices of fish caused by the low of
supply and demand.

Pinat said, the Tilapia Fingerlings stocking is part of the ISDA Program of the province aiming at lowering the
prices of fish by increasing fish production.

Queenie Madrio Atop, Chief- Fishery Division, OPA said that of the 150, 000 fingerlings, there are about 80%
survival rate or120, 000 Tilapia Fingerlings have been survived.

Atop stressed that if we value the 120, 000 Tilapia Fingerlings in four to five months that would probably weigh
to 30, 000 kilos at four to five pieces per kilo and to be sold at P160/kilo it will cost at P4, 800, 000.

The fingerlings stocking at the dams has no expenses because it does not require feeding but they will live free
range at the dam, Atop disclosed.

She said that during the coordination meeting with NIA and BFAR the other week held at the Office of the
Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, 3 rd  Floor, New Capitol Building, Candido T. Samijon, Center Chief, CFFM
Caluasan, Clarin – BFAR DA-7 said that he asked NIA the areas of all the dams in Bohol for allocation of
fingerlings stockings with the ratio of 1, 000 fingerlings per one hectare.

There are four major dams in Bohol namely: Bayongan Dam in San Miguel, Capayas Dam in Ubay, Zamora
Dam in Talibon, and the Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bohol. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has
scheduled to turn-over the 41 units of 22 – Footer Fabricated Motorized Fiber Glass Boats to 41 fishermen’s
associations from the six coastal/island barangays in Bohol on March 7, 2024 to be held in Talibon.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog said that of the 41 boats, 15 units for Talibon, 7 units each for Inabanga
and Buenavista, 6 (Getafe), 4 (CPG), and 2 units for Tubigon.

Provincial Agriculturist Quirog stressed that there are 100 units of this kind of boats powered by
7.5 Horsepower (HP) wherein 31 units of these were already turned over to Bien Unido (20 units) and Ubay (11
units) as the fabrication works are ongoing for the remaining units.

Quirog disclosed that the 100 units were acquired under the Typhoon Odette and COVID-19 Intervention
Program of the PGBh in CY 2022-2023 as she added that for this CY 2024-2025, the provincial government aimed
to provide and distribute another set of 120 units to the fishermen’s associations in Garcia Hernandez, Getafe, CPG,
Buenavista, Inabanga, Clarin, Trinidad, Panglao, Dauis, Loon, Dauis, Candijay, Mabini, Anda, Calape, Guindulman,
Valencia, Loay, Alburquerque, Baclayon, Tagbilaran and other coastal/island barangays and municipalities to be
used in their daily livelihood activities that support and sustain the basic needs of their families as well as increase
fish catch and fish production.

To ensure that the supply materials procured are fully implemented in support to our fisherfolks, the PGBh hired
experts on boat fabrication to do the boat making job, Quirog added.

The provincial agriculturist disclosed that the only counterpart of the beneficiaries of this program is to construct
their respective outriggers (katig) once the boats have already turned over to them.

She said that the Fishery Division of OPA led by Division Chief Queenie Atop has been inspecting the outriggers
of the beneficiaries to ensure that the parts of the boats are ready to be assembled once the units could be turned over
as Quirog clarified that the procurement of materials had followed the normal bidding procedure as provided for by
existing laws.

Quirog emphasized that no legal or political opposition to the project having had the noble intention to help
boost the production in the province and provide livelihood to the people.

She added that the PGBh and the project beneficiaries concerned had entered into a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) for the operations of the pump boats.

IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES
The project has implemented by the PGBh through the OPA in collaboration with Bureau of Fisheries and
Aquatic Resources (BFAR) as the technical assistance provider of the project. The management of the facility is the
OPA team and coordinated Cooperative together with the identified People’s Organizations/families/households as
recipients based on the criteria of selection.

Quirog considered the fisheries is an important aspect of the agriculture sector of the province as it provides food
and livelihood to nearly 1.4 million Boholanos, and per capita consumption of fish and fishery products of 38 kg.
per year. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in collaboration
with the Department of Agriculture and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are putting their
resources together to put up more Bangus fish cages in the coastal towns in Bohol to be operated or managed by the
fisherfolks associations to boost fish production.

To date, the province of Bohol has 100 units of Bangus fish cages to include the five new designs which were
being made-up of PVC pipes that would long last up to several years compared to the reliability and durability of
cages made – up of bamboo.

The Bangus fish cages that were made-up of bamboo that have been managed and operated by PGBh assisted
fisherfolks associations/organizations are situated in the following: Canigaan Farmer and Fisherfolks Organization,
1 unit in Canigaan, Sandingan, Loon; Bonbon Farmers and Fishermen’s Association , 2 units (Bonbon, Calape);
Kapunungan sa mga Manginmgisda sa San Isidro, 1 unit (San Isidro, Calape); Lomboy Carpenters, Framers and
Fishwermen’s Association, 1 unit (Poblacion, Calape); Association of CRM Workers, 2 units (Poblacion, Calape);
Cruz Small Fisherfolk Association, 1 unit (Cruz, Buenavista), Cambuhat Enterprise Development and Fisheries
Association, 1 unit (Cambuhat, Buenavista);

Epo Fishermen’s Association, 1 unit (East Poblacion, Albur); Bool and Mansasa Uswagong Galantaw sa
Asosyong Yano, 1 unit (Mansasa, Tagbilaran), Purok 1, Pandanon Marginal Fishermen Association, 1 unit
(Pandanon Island, Getafe); Kahugpungan sa Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Jandayan Sur (KAGAMAJAS), 1 unit
(Jandayan Sur, Getafe); Nasingin Fisherfolk and Mangrove Planters Association, 1 unit (Nasingin Island, Getafe);
Tipolo Fisherfolks and Farmers Multi-sectoral Assoiation, 1 unit (Tipolo, Ubay); Kahugpungan sa Gagmay’ng
Mananagat ug Mag-uuma sa Sinandigan (KAGAMMASI), 1 unit (Sinandigan, Ubay); Union Fisherfolks And
Seaweeds Association, 1 unit (Union, Ubay);

Humay-Humay Fisherfolks Association, 1 unit (Humay-Humay, Ubay); Tapal Farmers and Fisherfolk
Association, 1 unit (Tapal, Ubay); San Isidro Fisherfolks Association, 1 unit (Tapal, Ubay); Tapon Fisherfolk
ASSSSOCIATION, 1 UNIT (Tapon, Ubay); Biabas Farmers and Fishermen’s Association, 1 unit (Biabas, Ubay);
Cuya Farmers and Fisherfolks Association, 3 units (Cuya, Ubay); Juagdan Fisherfolk Association, 2 units (Juagdan,
Ubay); Del Mar Fishermen’s Association, 1 unit (Del Mar, Mabini); Valaga Fishermen’s Association, 1 unit (Valaga,
Mabini); Kapunungan sa Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Tabon, 2 units (San Francisco, Talibon);Sun-ok Farmers and
Fishermen’s Association, 2 units (Sto. Nino, Talibon); Busalian Pumpboat Operators Association, 2 units (Busalian,
Talibon);

Tanon Seaweeds Farmers Association, 2 units (San Francisco, Talibon); Paunungan sa Gagmay’ng Mangingisda
sa Bagacay, 2 units (Bagacay, Talibon); Abucay Fishermen’s Association, 2 units (San Agustin, Talibon); PAMO
Fishermen’s Association, 2 units (Poblacion, Talibon), Tabon Young Farmers Association, 2 units (San Francisco,
Talibon);Panagbuan Fishermen’ss Association, 2 units (Panagbuan, Talibon); San Vicente Fishermen’s Association,
2 units (San Vicente, Talibon); Suba Agri Fishery Development Association, 2 units (Suba, Talibon); Cataban Agri

Fishery Development Association, 2 units (Cataban, Talibon); Busalian Agriculture and Fisheries Development
Association, 2 units (Busalian, Talibon); Suba Farmers and Fisherfolk Association, 2 unit (Suba, Talibon);
Pulangyuta Fisherfolk Association, 2 u8nits (San Francisco, Talibon); Bagacay Fish Cage Workers and
Fishermen’s Association, 2 units (Bagacay, Talibon); Hugpong Mananagat sa Sambag Bien Unido, 2 units (Puerto
San Pedro, Bien Unido); Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Alegria,2 units (Alegria, Bien Unido); Hingotanan West
Fishermen Asssociation, 1 unit (Hingotanan, West Bien Unido); Nagkahugpong Mananagat ug Mag-uuma sa Nueva
Esperanza,1 unit (Nueva Esperanza); Maomawan Fishermen Association, 1 unit (Maomawan, Bien Unido);
Nagkahiusang Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Pinamgo, 1 unit (Pinamgo, Bien Unido); Nueva Estrella Farmers and
Fishermen’s Association for Development, 1 unit (Nueva Estrella, Bien Unido);

Bilangbilangan East Fishermen’s Association, 1 unit (Bilangbilangan East, Bien Unido); 1 unit (Bilangbilangan
West Fishermen’s Association, 1 unit (Bilangbilangan West, Bien Unido);Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Puerto San
Pedro, 1 unit (Puerto San Pedro, Bien Unido); Bien Unido Poblacion Small Fishermen’s Association, 1 unit
(Pobl;acion, Bien Unido); Mandawa Farmers and Fishermen’s Associationn, 1 unit (Mandawa Bien UNido); and
Tuboran East Seaweeds Farmers Association, 1 unit in Tuboran, Bien Unido, Bohol.

While the six High Density Polyethylene Bangus Fish Cages which were being made-up of PVC pipes are being
managed/operated by the fisherfolks association are situated in the following: Guindacpan Marine Protected Area
Management Board (MPAMB), 1 unit in Guindacpan, Talibon; Bilangbilangan East Fishermen’s Association
(BEPA), 1 unit (Bilangbilangan, Bien UNido); Auiningnong PPondok sa Yanong Mananagat (APYM), 1 unit
(Aguining and Saguise, CPG); Kahugpungan sa Gagmay’ng Mananagat sa Saguise (KAGAMASA), 1 unit (Saguise,
CPG); Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Asinan, 1 unit (Asinan, Buenavista); and the Kahugpungan sa Gagmay’ng
Mananagat ug Mag-uuma sa Sinandigan (KAGAMMASI).

The High- Density Polyethylene Bangus fish cage were funded by Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural
Development Project-Global Environment Facility (DA-PRDP GEF) are durable compared to cages that were made
by bamboo that would only last for three years.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog when she inpected the Canigaan Bangus Fish Cage in Canigaan,
Sandingan, Loon last Wednesdasy underscored the importance of fish cages to increase fish production in Bohol. By
Atoy Cosap

FISH CAGES. Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog inspects and gives feeds the aqua-cultured Bangus fish in
Canigaan Farmer and Fisherfolks Organization Bangus Fish Cage, Canigaan, Sandingan, Loon, Bohol last
Wednesday as she underscored the important of fish cages to boost fish production in Bohol.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBH) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) together
with the different agri-line agencies of the government are now harmonizing agri-fishery programs and projects to
avoid duplication in the full implementation of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System
(PAFES).

Last Wednesday, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-7 facilitated the Synergize for Success: A
Harmonization Meeting and Planning Workshop with the PGBh through the OPA, Department of Agriculture-Bohol
Agricultural Promotion Center (DA-BAPC), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Office of the
Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) held at the ATI-RTC7, Cabawan District, Tagbilaran City discussing things in
preparation of Bohol for the full devolution of basic services from the national government agencies to Local
Government Units (LGUs).

The implementation of the programs/projects through PAFES is an off-shoot of the Mandanas – Garcia ruling
that provides LGus with larger share of the national revenue, giving them more financial autonomy. This increased
fiscal autonomy can potentially enhance their capacity to plan and deliver services effectively.

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the just share of LGUs from the national taxes is not limited to “national
internal revenue taxes” collected by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) but includes collections (customs duties)
by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

The PAPES was conceptualized in the time of President Noynoy Aquino in accordance with the full
implementation of the Local Government Code that the functions of the projects/programs of the national agencies
be devolved to the provincial and municipal government units.

However, it was President Rodrigo R. Duterte who issued an Executive Order No. 138 in 2021 ordering to
implement the Mandanas Ruling of the Supreme Court, which states the LGUs should get 40 percent of all
government tax collections and not just internal revenue, three years prior.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog said that with the full implementation of the Mandanas Ruling, the
National Tax Allocation (Internal Revenue Allotment before) would have a significant increase that needs to be
planned, programmed and managed well to maximize impact of the projects by the PLGU and MLGUs in Bohol.
Ramil Rodela, Planning Division Officer, OPA disclosed that in the present situation, there are duplications of
programs and projects of the PGBh and DA such as; seeds, fertilizers and machineries of which there were
beneficiaries who received the same projects while others do not have.

Before the harmonization meeting, there were coordination meeting conducted by the coordinators of the
different programs of the PGBh, DA and BFAR to orient the PAPES programs and projects.
Quirog emphasized that what the province of Bohol doing now is the preparation stage in order to act or
implement immediately once the president orders a full implementation of system.

This development happened amid report from national news that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. accordingly
said “that the lower – class communities would be at a disadvantage if functions are devolved to them despite the
extra internal revenue allotment “and accordingly ordered government agencies to study Executive Order No. 138
for the possible amendments, and to determine what national government functions to be devolved to the LGUs as a
result of the Mandanas – Gacia ruling. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)
Central and Regional Offices are now working for the finalization of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with
the two Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) in Bohol for the formal operations of the two units of 60-
footer FRP Tuna Handline Fishing Boats from BFAR.

Bruna T. Abrinica, Provincial Fishery Officer in Bohol said that the details of the MOA have been keenly and
carefully studied to ensure that all the parties involved would be compliant to their roles and responsibilities in the
operations.

The MOA is executed and entered into by and among: BFAR, a line Bureau of the Department of Agriculture
represented by its National Director Atty. Demosthenes R. Escoto; BFAR – Fisheries Regional Office No, 7
represented by its Regional Director Mario N. Ruinata; PGBh represented by Governor Erico Aristotle C.
Aumentado; MLGU of Guindulman, Bohol represented by Mayor Albino M. Balo and Guindulman LGU Personnel
Multi-Purpose Cooperative referred to as beneficiary; MLGU of Panglao, Bohol represented by Mayor Edgardo F.
Arcay and the Panglao Fisherfolks Federation represented by Crispin Horcasitas as beneficiary.

The agreement seeks to provide support to fisherfolk members of Guindulman LGU Personnel Multi-Purpose
Cooperative and Panglao Fisherfolks Federation, through the provision, operation, and management of two units 62-
footer FRP Handline Fishing Boat including fishing gears and accessories; to capacitate fisherfolk members in the
operations and management of the fishing boats; to operate and manage the project in suitable and profitable
manner, contribute to fish production of about 40 metric tons annually and improve income of fisherfolks;

To develop the capacity of the two associations to engage/expand ventures in the value-chain to optimize benefit
from the Project and improve socio-economic conditions of its members and local community within three rears of
operation of the project; to serve as  platform for implementation of a “One BFAR Program” approach in providing
support to production, post-harvest, marketing and other allied services, and collaboration among relevant
government agencies, institutions, industry and other stakeholders; and, to serve as pilot project to document and
demonstrate as a “Proof of Concept” that the socio-economic conditions of small-scale and sustenance municipal
fisherfolks can be better improved when organized and provided with appropriate support/technologies(upgraded
fishing vessel and fishing gear) and capacity to manage the fishing project and engage in economic activities in the
supply chain.

CONTRAVENTION OF THE TENOR OF THE MOA
In the event that the partner beneficiary cooperative/association fails to comply with the terms and conditions
stipulated in the agreement, BFAR may unilaterally revoke it and thereby oblige the concerned partner beneficiary
cooperative/association to return the fishing vessel/vessel facilities, equipment and fishing gear project package.

The use of the project other than its primary purpose, including changing the fishing vessel’s design, color,
markings, and identification, shall be ground for BFAR to rescind the agreement. Consequently, BFAR may
immediately demand from the partner beneficiary cooperative/association the return of the entire livelihood package
awarded.
LOSS OR DAMAGES OF THE AWARDED FISHING BOAT FACILITIES

CAUSED BY A THIRD PARTY
In the event that the awarded project is lost in part or entirely due to the partner beneficiary cooperative/
association negligence or fault, the lost item/s must be replaced with the same items of the same quality and
quantities. Such loss must also be reported to BFAR immediately.

On the other hand, damages and liabilities, whether intentional or accidental, caused by third party persons other
than the partner beneficiary cooperative/association, shall be borne exclusively by the authorized beneficiary.
According to Abrinica, the LGUs of Guindulman and Panglao are waiting for the 6 units each of Pump
boats (Pakura) to complete the whole project package worth P8M each as she said that BFAR Bohol is not certain on
when the Pakura arrive.

It may be recalled that last January 5, 2024 during the weekly Capitol Report held at the Ceremonial Hall,
4 th  Floor, New Capitol Building, Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado said that he has a high hope that with that
commercial fishing boats to be managed and operated by the fisherfolks’ cooperatives.

The governor added that with Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog they planned that the provincial
government through the “Isda Program” will purchase this kind of fishing vessel that would greatly help in the quest
to increase fish catch, low prices of fish and increase livelihood among Boholano fisherfolks. By Atoy Cosap

The Boholanos would expect that in the next coming months, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh)
through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) would have more supplies of Tilapia and African Hito
Fingerlings to cater the needs among the upland aquaculture raisers for fresh water fish fingerlings and can provide
the necessary information about the nutrient presence and availability in the soil in a certain place in Bohol.

This developed after Governor Erico C. Aumentado led the groundbreaking and time capsule laying ceremony of
the PGBh-Bohol Island State University (PGBh-BISU) Multi-Species Fresh Fish Water Harchery and Nursery, and
Bohol Soil and Water Laboratory in BISU Bilar Campus, Barangay Zamora, Bilar, Bohol; Ceremonial Signings of
the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the PGBh-BISU for the Multi-Species Fresh Fish Water Hatchery
and Nursery ; MOA between PGBh-OPA , Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)  and the Local
Government Unit (LGU) Valencia through Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite; MOA between PGBh-OPA, BFAR and LGU
Pilar through Mayor Wilson Pajo during the ceremonies last Tuesday held at the BISU Bilar Campus.

Gov. Aumentado also did the ceremonial turned over of the cheques to Mayor Pajo and Mayor Balite worth
P1.5M each for the establishments of Municipal Fresh Water Hatchery in the town of Pilar and Valencia respectively
as the two municipal executives delivered their acceptance speeches thanking the provincial government.

In his inspirational speech, Gov. Aumentado said that these projects are parts of the top priority programs in his
administration in support of the “Isda Program” aims to address the high price of fish in the province and to help the
Boholano farmers to increase agricultural production.

The governor emphasized that with our continued support we can address the problems and we can draw
measures to counter the challenges we are facing especially the impending El Nino Phenomenon.

Other dignitaries who also delivered their inspirational messages were: Dr. Anthony Penaso, BISU System
President; Director Marietta Macalolot, BISU Bilar Campus; Regional Technical Director Engr. Cirilo Namoc in
lieu of Department of Agriculture 7 Director Angel Enriquez; Executive Assistant s Nunila Pinat; Provincial Officer
Bruna Abrenica, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); and Bilar Councilor Ricardo Cal who
represented Bilar Mayor Norman D. Palacio of which all of them were elated for the realization of the projects
which are really beneficial to the agricultural province like Bohol.

Fara T. Nazareno, Section Head-Soils and Water Laboratory Section, Agricultural Engineering Division, OPA
cited the importance of the Bohol Soil and Water Laboratory because it measures the nutrients that are left in the
field following harvest.

The laboratory tells which nutrients are lacking or in excess throughout the soil in the field. Helps to determine
the most favorable fertilizer plan to increase or maintain yields for the following year, Nazareno added. By Atoy
Cosap

Once again, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
(OPA) has recognized and awarded the efforts of the Boholano Ubi Growers in helping Bohol for the development
of Ubi industry during the just concluded Ubi Festival 2023 last Monday to Wednesday held at the Bohol Cultural
Center, this city.

Capping the three-day festival the more than P300,000 total sales from among the 14 exhibitors coming from the
towns of Garcia-Hernandez, Corella, San Isidro, Carmen, Ubay, Valencia, Pilar, Sikatuna, Cortes, Talibon, Dimiao,
Alicia, Baclayon, and San Miguel as the town of Pilar won the Highest Volume/ Ubi Sales contest.

The Ubi Festival 2023 bringing the theme “Ubi, Hamiling Lagutmon Kaabag sa Mga Bol-anon niining Hagit sa
Panahon was highlighted with different contests with prizes at stake wherein the town of Valencia and Carmen got
tie in the numbers of winning in the first prizes of the 18 contests of which each of them has seven wins.

The winners of the following contests and its corresponding prizes were the following: Best Ubi Float Parade
won by the Local Government Unit (LGU) Valencia with cash prize of P10,000.00; Cortes (2nd – P8,000); Carmen
(3rd – P6,000); Best Product Display – Carmen (1st – P10,000), Valencia (2nd – P8,000), Garcia Hernandez (3rd-
P6,000); Highest Volume/Ubi Sales – Pilar (1st – P10,000), Carmen (2nd – P8,000), Ubay (3rd – P6,000), Most
Participative LGU – Carmen (1st – P10,000), Valencia (2nd – P8,000), Garcia Hernandez (3rd – P6,000);

Best New Ubi Processed Products – Valencia (1st – P5,000), San Miguel (2nd – P4,000), and Carmen (3rd –
P3,000); Best Re-Enactment – Ubi Cultural Practices (Song and Dance Interpretation) – Carmen (1st – P10,000),
Cortes (2nd – P8,000), and Valencia (3rd – P6,000); Ubi Jingle Contest – Valencia (1st – P6,000), Garcia-Hernandez
(2nd – P5,000), and Carmen (3rd – P4,000); Best Farmers Rondalla – Garcia Hernandez (1st – P10,000), San Isidro
(2nd – P8,000), and Carmen (3rd – P6,000); Best Ubi Christmas Singing Contest – Carmen (1st – P6,000), Garcia-
Hernandez (2nd – P5,000), Sikatuna (3rd – P4,000); Best Ubi Vlog Video Contest – Ubay (1st – P5,000), Garcia-
Hernandez (2nd – P4,000), and Cortes (3rd – P3,000).

For the Pinaka (the biggest) on Different Ubi Varieties: Allan Madroniro from Dimiao won the four varieties:
Kabus-ok, Tam-isan, Iniling and Binanag with the prize of P5,000 for each of the variety; Binugas Variety won by
Eulogio Galer of Valencia (P5,000); Baligonhon variety (Alex Prieto – P5,000); and Kinampay – Reynel
Campoamor (Carmen – P5,000).

The most coveted contest that highlighted in the first day of the festival was the Ubi Festival Queen 2023
wherein Miss Mary Ingrid P. Orevillo from the town of Valencia crowned as Miss Ubi Festival Queen 2023 who
received the prize in the amount of P15,000. Orevillo also adjudged as Best in Production Number and Best in
Interview with the prize at P2,000 each of the minor award.

Executive assistant for agriculture Nunila Pinat for and in behalf of Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado cited
the importance of Ubi industry in the province which is an alternative for rice and corn.

Pinat said that Bohol is known internationally because of Ubi Kinampay. In fact, she said that the Korean
International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is ready to help our Ubi industry in Bohol.

In the meantime, Board Member Nathaniel Binlod in the Third District, Atty. Abeleon R. Damalerio in behalf of
First District Congressman Edgar M. Chatto, Edgar del Rosario who represented Second District Congresswoman
Maria Vanessa C. Aumentado; Katherine Ente in the place of Third District Congresswoman Kristine Alexie Tutor,
Roman Dabalos in behalf of Director Angel Enriquez – DA7, Dr. Gracia Arado- ATI7, and Dr. Carolyn May O.
Daquio of Purple Women delivered their messages of support.

City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes Yap in her welcome message vowed to help in marketing the Ubi Produts.

City Mayor Yap said the City Government of Tagbilaran has been always a partner in the PGBh in all its
endeavors especially towards agriculture.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog thanked and lauded the Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA)
headed by Barangay Captain Esmeraldo Ondoy Malig-sa for their unwavering support to the provincial government.
(Atoy Cosap)

UBI FESTIVAL 2023. The Provincial Government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist just
conducted sa Ubi Festival 2023 partipated by 14 LGU exhibitors with reigning Miss Ubi Festival Queen 2023 Mary
Ingred P. Orevillo from the Town of Valencia, Bohol.

The three-day second Ubi Festival this year will formally start tomorrow with a colorful Float Parade Contest
with Miss Ubi Muses at 1pm passing through from Capitol Grounds – New Capitol Site – Hangos Street. – J.A.
Clarin St. – City Hall Ground – Old Capitol Building – CPG North Avenue down to the Bohol Cultural Center
which is the venue of all the activities.

The Ubi Festival is an annual activity of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the
Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) showcasing the famous Ubi Kinampay and other varieties of Ubi to be participated
by known Ubi municipalities in Bohol.

Bringing the theme “Ubi, Hamili’ng Lagutmon Kaabag sa mga Bol-anon Niining Hagit sa Panahon”, the festival
has participated by 16 towns to wit: Baclayon, Corella, Cortes, Sikatuna, Tagbilaran City and Panglao in the First
District; San Isidro, Talibon, San Miguel and Ubay in the Second District; and Alicia, Carmen, Dimiao, Garcia-
Hernandez, Pilar and Valencia in the third District.

In the opening program, Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will deliver his inspirational message as Vice-
Governor Dionisio Victor A. Balite, First District Representative (Rep.) Edgar M. Chatto, Second Dist. Rep. Maria
Vanessa C. Aumentado, Third Dist. Rep. Kristine Alexie B. Tutor, Executive Regional Director Angel C. Enriquez-
Department of Agriculture (DA)-7, Dr. Gracia Punay – Center Director, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-7 and
Dr. Carolyn Mae O. Daquio from Bohol Ubi Center Foundation Inc. (BUCFI) will give their messages of support;
while City Mayor Jane Censoria C. Yap will deliver her Welcome Message after Provincial Agriculturist Liza M.
Quirog could acknowledge the guests and participants and could give the rationale of the activity.

Aside from Miss Ubi Festival Queen 2023 search, Pinaka, and Best Product Display Contests to be performed
tomorrow, the other contests which will be conducted on Tuesday are the following: Most Participative Local
Government Unit (LGU), Ubi Jingle, Ubi Vlog, Best Christmas Singing, Rondalla, Best Reenactment of Ubi
Cultural Practices, Ubi Highest Salas, and Best New Ubi Processed Product as the Ubi Cook-off to be facilitated by
the Bohol Provincial Tourism Office also conducted on Tuesday at the Bohol Showcase Center inside the CPG Park.

The festival also highlighted with the Agri-Fishery Stakeholders Panagtapok on Tuesday evening still at the
Bohol Cultural Center wherein the MAs/MAOs, agri-fishery sectors, agri-line agencies and OPA   will rub their
elbows as partners in agricultural developments of the province of Bohol.       

During the Ubi Festival preparatory meeting last November 10, 2023 at Reyna’s the Haven and Garcen, New
Calceta St., Cogon, Tagbilaran City facilitated by the OPA and attended by the Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal
Agricultural Officers (Mas/MAOs), representatives from the different agri-line agencies, Officers of the Bohol Ubi
Growers Association (BUGA), it was agreed that the uniformed prices of Ubi to be displayed and sold at the venue
of the festival are the following: Kinampay at P80 per kilo, Baligonhon (P60/kilo) and P50/kilo to all other varieties.

The conduct of the Ubi Festival aims to create market linkages between the traders and the Ubi growers and to
discover other best Ubi processed products in Bohol. By Atoy Cosap