Press Release

Bohol expands hybrid rice program

Aiming to ensure food sufficiency especially in this time of pandemic, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has intensified its Advanced Rice Technology (ART) 160 hybrid rice program in the province.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that through hybridization at the irrigated areas the Boholano farmers could increase production and income.

There are five varieties of hybrid rice planted in the province namely: Pioneer, Mestiso 20, Longping, SL8 and SL20.

Along with this intensified program, Dr.Pamugas said that the farmers have received free seeds, technical and marketing supports from the provincial government.

In the marketing aspect, the farmers have no reason to worry because 10 percent of their yield are bought by the provincial government at P20 per kilo under the palay buy-back program.

The “BugasniDagohoy,” program is first in the history of Bohol’s agriculture that the province has produced, Pamugas added.

Bohol has 23,960.64 hectares (has.) of irrigated areas to be supplied by irrigation water from Malinao Dam in Pilar, Bayongan Dam (San Miguel), Capayas Dam (Ubay), Talibon Dam (Zamora, Talibon).

Governor Art C. Yap earlier said that the PGBh has adopted the hybrid rice program to ensure more production because the farmers could produce almost double their yield compared those who are using good seeds.

Gov. Yap said that the province has already experienced a significant record on this program wherein a farmer fromTalibon town had exceeded the given target of 160 cavans per hectare (ha.) after he yielded 220 cavans.

To complement with this program for food security, the PGBh is also more aggressive for the developments of Advanced Rice Technology (ART) 120 Inbred Rice Program, Advanced Rural Transformation (ART) 100 Corn Technology, Agriculture for Rural Transformation (ART) Nilotika (Tilapia) 1,000, ART Bangus 1,000 and the establishments of fish cages/ponds and more provincial seaweeds nurseries, and for the developments of the high value crops production. (Atoy Cosap)

83 nominees to vie in Bohol’s SUHID agri tilt

In a bid to recognize and award the Boholano farmers who have excelled in their chosen field in agriculture, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) even in this time of Pandemic has conducted the annual SuhidsaMalampusong Mag-uumangBol-anon search this year.

There are 83 nominees to vie the 28 different categories of this year’s SUHID tilt with big prizes at stake to the winners.

The nominees of the different categories and corresponding prizes: Outstanding Integrated High Value Crops Farmer (P5,000) – Diomedes Boyles (Ubay), Arnold Pagador (Valencia), ReynoldCambarijan (Carmen), JhonnyJamil (Batuan), OlimpioBudiongan (Loay), Joanna Marie Duat (Loay), Jhun Vincent Regala (Loon), VJ Garcia Mendez (Bayongan, San Miguel), AdelinaCirculado (Banlasan, Trinidad); Outstanding Cassava Farmer (P5,000) – Vidal Jumawid (Carmen); Roberto Soria (Corazon, San Miguel, Sergio Legaspi (Poblacion, Dagohoy);

Outstanding HVCDP Technician (P5,000) – MarenitteAvenido (Ubay) Elma Amad (Valencia); Outstanding Organic Agriculture Practitioner (Individual Family – P10,000) – Marcelo Castro (Ubay), PetecioTorrentira (Sagbayan), NunildaPinat (P7 Bayongan, San Miguel);

Outstanding Organic Practitioner (Association – P15,000) – Tultugan Organic Practitioners Association (Tultugan, Calape) and Tiptip Urban Workers Association (Tiptip, Tagbilaran City)

Outstanding Organic Technician (P5,000) – Marilyn Piamonte (Bugho, Loon);

Outstanding Highest Yielder Hybrid Rice (ART 160) Farmer – P5,000 – Alfredo Magayon (Ubay); BernabeSarona (Carmen), Rene Ceniza (P4 Mahayag, San Miguel), Pablo Guhiling (Talibon), BernaditaCastulo (Candijay);

Outstanding Highest Yielder Hybrid Rice (ART 120) Farmer – P5,000 – BenturadoBaculi (Ubay), JeremiasBañoc (Loay);

Outstanding Rice Technician (P5,000) – LucitaBonghanoy (Ubay), JesaCagadas (Valencia), LoudicbethLibot (Loay);

Outstanding Tilapia Culture – P5,000: Gregorio Nuez (Ubay), Jacinto Agot (Cortes), Nenita Mira (Batuan), OlimpioBudiongan (Loay), CesarioAsube (Mandaug, Calape), IreneoMelijor (P2, Kagawasan, San Miguel), DalfonSentillas (Sto. Tomas, Trinidad); OutstandingBangus Culture – P5,000: Rey Boaquin (Ubay), Neil Into (Calunasan, Calape (fishcage in marine cuture); Outstanding Fishermen’s Association – P15,000: KahugpungansaGagmay’ngMananagatug Mag-uumasaSinandigan (KAGAMMASI- Ubay); Sta. Cruz Fishermen’s Association (Sta. Cruz, Calape), Bool Fishermen’s Association c/o Mr.Ibao (Bool, Tagbilaran City);

Outstanding Seaweeds Producer – P5,000: MemelynDungog (Ubay); Outstanding Fishery Technician – P5,000: JerajameNaminding (Valencia), Leah Matunhay (Carmen), Francis Solera (Loay);

Outstanding Corn Hybrid Farmer (P5,000): CrecensiaBacosmo (Carmen), Roberto H. Soria (Homesite, Corazon, San Miguel), Vicente Luminarias (Banlasan, Trinidad), UrsuloTaganahan (Cabanbanan, Dimiao;

Outstanding Corn Inbred Farmer: Priscilla Oreo (Ubay), Fernando Loremia (Carmen), EdilbertoMadlos (Oac, Dimiao), Guillermo Paclipan (BugtongBood, Clarin);

Outstanding Corn Technician – P5,000.00: Crispin Caballero (Ubay), CelsoAsares (Valencia), Jon Guillermo Mejares (Carmen), JoseniloGara (Trinidad);

Outstanding Local Fruits Farmers – P5,000: DionesiaBaculi (Ubay), Joseph Lacea (Balilihan), TeodoroPaquibot (Dimiao), ReynaldLacea (Catigbian), RJ Javier’s Tropical Fruit Farm (Pilar);

Outstanding Environment-Friendly Barangay (Most Number of fruit trees planted – P20,000): Cambugsay Tree Farmer’s Association (San Pascual, Ubay) c/o Leonisa Buna and Barangay Calunasan (Caluasan, San Miguel);

OutstandingBol-anongSiyentista on Food Processing (Fruits, Vegetables & Fish) – P5,000;

Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist – P5,000: MarianitoDoydora (Ubay); OutstandingBol-anongSiyentista on Food Formulation (Fish & Livestock) – P5,000; Outstanding Association (this will be based on our implemented programs) – P15,000: Camabugan Farmers Association (CAFA – Ubay);

OutstandingAgri-Enterprise for Crops – P15,000: Kinagbaan Coconut Famers Organization (Kinagbaan, Jagna), Loon Unified Business Initiatives MPC (Loon); Bohol Gardeners & Landscapers Association (Tagbilaran City);OutstandingAgri-Enterprise on Fishery – P15,000: Dalfon O. Sentillas (Sto. Tomas, Trinidad); Outstanding Exhibitors of ART Tabosa Bohol – P5,000: Bilar Stem Vegetable Farm (Riverside, Bilar), Arjhel’s Agricultural Farm (Bilar), MaribethJumawid Farm – Batuan; Outstanding Coconut Farmer – P5,000: VJ Mendez (Bayongan, San Miguel) and Gaudioso Fernandez (Hinlayagan, Ilaya, Trinidad); Outstanding Rural Women – P5,000: Arlene Bacule (Ubay); Outstanding 4H Club – P15,000: Ubay North Eastern Dairy Breeders 3 Associations 4h Club Youth (Ubay), Ubojan Young Dreamers 4H Club (Ubojan, Sagbayan), Greenlife 4H Club (Valencia); Outstanding Young Farmer (Practicing Organic Farming): Mauro Niluag Jr. (Brunil Drive, P4- Dao, Tagbilaran City), Joachim Pinat (P7, Bayongan, San Miguel), VJ Garcia Mendez (P7, Bayongan, San Miguel)

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that right after tomorrow’s OPA Management Committee (MANCOM) meeting, the SUHID evaluators will conduct a pre-evaluation meeting to draw measures ensuring the smooth evaluation of the nominees from the different parts of the province. (AtoyCosap)

Bohol agri office to launch cloud-seeding ops

In order to save the vegetative stage of rice and other crops planted this season, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will conduct cloud seeding operations if the absence of rain for many weeks already has continued to be experienced in Bohol until the end of this month.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that the PGBh has readied to conduct cloud seeding operations, however, has waited for the recommendation from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) on when to conduct.

Dr. Pamugas said that during the rice technicians meeting last Thursday at the New Capitol Building, Leonard Samar from PAG-ASA Radar Station in Albur forecasted that on the 3rd week of this month, Bohol and other provinces in the country would experience Near Normal Weather conditions.

The Assistant Provincial Agriculturist disclosed that he already received information from the field that there are rain-fed rice lands affected and hopefully tomorrow or next days he could formally submit the damage report to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

He said that no need for the Boholano farmers to worry if their rice-planted areas have been being insured because they can claim the damage indemnity from the Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

Lorebien Lagapa, Provincial Rice Coordinator, said that the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the province has implemented or applied the wet and dry technology in delivering irrigation water to their service areas.

Lagapa said that Bayongan Dam in Pilar, Malinao Dam (Pilar), Capayas Dam (Ubay) and Talibon Dam in Zamora, Talibon can provide irrigation water for one week and what is being affected by this hot weather condition those rain-fed areas which are dependent on rains, small river, and small water impounding sources.

The province of Bohol has 47,378 hectares (has.) of rice production areas of which 24,336 has. of these are rain-fed and 23,042 has. are fed via irrigation.

It may be recalled that the PGBh had already conducted several cloud seeding operations way back in 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2019 saving the planted agricultural products, livestock and most especially human lives. (with reports from Atoy Cosap)

Bohol agri programs anchored on ‘DA Reform Agenda’, says Yap

The Provincial Government of Bohol’s strategic framework for agricultural development which is anchored on the Department of Agriculture (DA) plans and programs has been cascaded down to the purok level.

During the Orientation on Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) programs to the Sangguniang Bayan/Sangguniang Barangay-chairman on Agriculture Committee and Municipal Agriculturist, from the Local Government Units of Buenavista and Clarin last Friday at 4th Floor, New Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City, Gov. Art C. Yap said that all plans and programs in agriculture in the entire province must be anchored on the DA Reform Agenda: Eighteen (18) Key Strategies.

Yap said the 18 key strategies are the following: Bayanihan Agri Clusters; Collective Action/ Cooperative Development; Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES); Mobilization and Empowerment of Partners to attain scale; Diversification; Credit Support; Post-Harvest, Processing, Logistics and Marketing Support; Agriculture Career System; Education and Training/Agribusiness Management; Youth & Women Management; Technology and Innovation; Digital Agriculture; Farm Technology and Mechanization Infrastructure Investment; Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Measures; Food Safety and Regulations; Agri-Industrial Business Corridors; Global Trade and Expert Development Promotion; Ease of Doing Business and Transparent Procurement; and Strategic Communications Support.

The governor emphasized that the provincial government has focused and concentrated on rice, corn, high value crops, vegetables and fruits, coffee, cacao, coconut and dairy to ensure food security and safety.

He informed the Agri stakeholders that Department of Agriculture Secretary William Dar during his visit to the province last June 4, 2021,to lead the turnover of P387M worth of farm machinery to the Boholano Farmer Cooperative Association (FCA) appreciated the agricultural plans and programs of Bohol for this year and beyond he presented to him.

The DA Sec. disclosed that Bohol is included as a pilot province under PAFES in the Department of Agriculture.The governor said that 700,000 Boholanos remain in agriculture that needs a common plan. Vice Governor Rene Relampagos said that their administration would give much focus on agriculture as tourism is already established and only badly affected by COVID 19.Relampagos said that Bohol has a clear road map in agriculture being managed by Gov. Yap a former DA Secretary for six year

As the first line of defense, he urged the Sangguniang Barangay and Bayan chairs on agri committee in the towns of Buenavista and Clarin to give their full support to the province to address poverty.Board Member Franz Gelaine Garcia of the second district urged the Boholanos for unity so as to achieve our goals towards agriculture and any endeavors of the provincial government.Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas, and Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Stella Marie Lapiz presented the different programs and interventions from the provincial to agriculture sector.Dr. Pamugas discussed the Advanced Rice Technology (ART) 160 (Hybrid Rice), ART 120 (Inbed Rice), ART Corn 100 Technology, ART 1,000 Bangus and ART 1,000 Nilotica (Tilapia) programs; while Dr. Lapiz dealt with the Agricultural Rural Transformation thru Integrated Community Dairy Project (ART-ICDP) and other programs of her office. (with a report from Atoy Cosap)

Bohol chosen as pilot province of DA’s PAFES program

The province of Bohol is one of the pilot provinces in the Philippines for the Province-led Agriculture and Fishery Extension Services (PAFES) program of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

This was the statement issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar during his visit here last Friday when he led the ceremonial turnover of P387 million worth of agri-fishery projects to the Boholano Farmers Cooperative Association (FCA) held at the Ceremonial Hall, 4^th Floor, New Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

Dar issued the statement after Gov. Art C. Yap presented to him the agriculture strategic framework for development of Bohol.

He said that he was elated on the plans and programs of the province which is anchored on the DA strategic framework for development of which he wanted to be emulated by other provinces in the country.

The DA sec. said that since Bohol is ready on its program for agricultural development, the province can assure for more projects and services under PAFES together with Negros Oriental and other provinces.

He bared that Bohol is in the right tract of giving focus on the commodities suitable for the area to ensure food safety of which he is appreciated most.

Gov. Yap on his presentation emphasized the ongoing programs for agriculture such as: Advanced Rice Technology (ART) 160 Hybrid Rice, ART 120 (Inbrid Rice), Advanced Rural Transformation (ART) Corn Technology 100, Agricultural Rural Transformation (ART) Bangus 1000, ART Nilotica (Bangus) 1000, Sea Weeds Productions, Swine and Poultry among others.

The visit of DA Secretary Dar last Friday was significant because he led the turnover of agri-fishery projects such as: Drilling Rig and its component worth P20,000,000, concreting of Barangay Cayacay Farm to Market Road Project (Leading to Brgy. Abaca, Mabini) – Alicia –P12,546,952.39; Rehabilitation of Paraiso Diversion Dam – Paraiso, Mabini – P7,765,573.59; Rehabilitation of Katipunan SWIP – Katipunan, Carmen – P1,593,029.77; Cattle feedlot Fattening – Buenavista – P5,000,000; Cattle feedlot Fattening – Sierra Bullones – P5,000,000; 4WD 90HP Tractor – Catigbian – P2,400,000.

Convergence in Coconut Farming Communities Towards Sustainable Rural Project – Virgin Coconut Oil Processing Facility in Balilihan, Bohol – P17M to LGU Balilihan.

While for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization component recipients were the following: 1^st District – Balilihan (Camasaque Irrigators Association (Casaquia) Inc., Cogon Small Coconut Famers Organization,Sagasa Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Calape – Abucayan Fishermen and Farmers Association, Bonbon Farmers and Fishermen’s Association;Catigbian – Candumayao Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative; Cortes – Municipal Local Government Unit of Cortes, Bohol.

For the second district – Bien Unido-Bical Small Farmers Association (BICFA), Bien Unido Multi-crops and Mango Producers Association, Nagkahugpong Mag-uuma ug Mananagat sa Nueva Esperanza (NAGMMANE),Buenavista – Lubang Farmers Organization,Catigbian Waterworks and Sanitation Association (CAWSA); Dagohoy – Samilca Irrigators Association, Inc., DSM Irrigators Association, Inc.; Danao – Hibale – Poblacion-Danao – Irrigators Association (HIPODIA), Inc.,DanaoMaribeta Irrigators Inc.; Trinidad – Purok 3 HinlayaganIlaya Farmers Association; Torreguis Farmers Association (TOFA); Ubay – GBL Irrigators Association, Inc.;

3^rd District – Saleka Irrigators Association, Inc., Garcia Multipurpose Cooperative, Quirinino Irrigators and Farmers Association; Bilar – Bugang Sur Farmers Association; Carmen -Mabago Farmers Association (MaFA),Panagdago-ocan Farmers Association; Candijay – Lungsodaan Farmers Association (LFA); Garcia-Hernandez – Napo-Tabuan Irrigators Association, Inc.,AghubanCambuyo Irrigators Association, Inc.; Duero – Bangwalog Rice Farmers Association; Jagna –Siling Irrigators Association, CalabacitaTuob Irrigators Association, Inc., Jaglonoy Irrigators Association, Inc., JagnaAlejawan Irrigators Association, Inc.; Mabini – NMC Aguipo Farmers Association (NMCAFA),Oliva Irrigators Association, Inc., San Rafael Bangi Irrigators Association; Sierra Bullones – Anibongan Farmers Association (AFA), Dusita Farmers Association (DUFA); Valencia – SimangBalingasao Irrigators Service Association, Inc.;

Other projects such fund coursed through from the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were: Tubigon – 4 units (P68,801.00); Trinidad – 2 units (P34,400.50); Garcia Hernandez – 2 ( P34,400.50); Tagbilaran – 2 (P34,400.50); Loon – 2 (P34,400.50); Mabini – 2 (P34,400.50); Valencia – 2 (P34,400.50); Carmen – 1 (P17,200.25); Maribojoc – 2 units (P34,400.50); Candijay – 2 (P34,400.50); Lila – 2 (P34,400.50); Ubay – 2 units (P34,400.50); Guindulman – 2 units (P34,400.50); Calape – 2 units (P34,400.50); Bien Unido – 2 units (P34,400.50); Jagna – 2 units (P34,400.50); Duero – 2 units (P34,400.50);

22 ft. Motorized Fiberglass Boat (Under Target Program): Garcia Hernandez – 3 units(P164,227.20); Anda – 2 units(P109,484.80); Bien Unido – 3(P164,227.20); Duero – 3(P164,227.20); Tagbilaran – 3 (P164,227.20); Lila – 3(P164,227.20);

22 ft Motorized Fiberglass boat: Candijay – 11 units (P164,661.67); Office of the Provincial Agriculture – 4 units (P223,513.33); 30 ft. Motorized Fiberglass boat (under TARGET project); Calape – 3 units (P274, 311.90) and Jagna – 3 units – P274, 311.90.

Brand new refrigerated van for dairy with complete accessories funded under PRDP project (20% PGBh counterpart) was turned over to Bohol Dairy Producers Association for the Bohol dairy proceeding and marketing enterprise (recipient BODACCO and PCC Director).(AtoyCosap)

PGBh expects more entries for SUHID ’21 amid pandemic

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) is
expecting more entries to vie for the different categories of this year’s Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-
anon amidst COVID-19 pandemic.
The SUHID is one of the programs of the PGBh aims at recognizing and giving of awards to the efforts of the
Boholano farmers and fisherfolks who have helped the provincial government in shaping up the agriculture
landscape of Bohol.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas earlier said that in this time of pandemic that collapsed the
tourism industry, the agriculture has sustained and flourished because the weather would cooperate.
The province of Bohol even during the Lenten season has been experienced rains which are good for any agri-
cultural products being planted, he concluded.
THE 31 CATEGORIES
This year’s search with big prizes at stake has 31 categories which are the following: Outstanding Highest
Yielder on Hybrid Rice (ART 160) Farmer which has a corresponding prize of P5,000; Outstanding Highest Yielder
on Inbred Rice (ART 160) Farmer P5,000; Outstanding Corn Hybrid Farmer (P5,000); Outstanding Corn Inbred
Farmer (P5,000); Outstanding Integrated High Value Crops Farmer (P5,000); Outstanding Coconut Farmer
(P5,000); Outstanding Cassava Farmer (P5,000); Outstanding Local Fruits Farmer (P5,000); Outstanding Young
Farmer (Practicing Organic Farming) (P10,000); Outstanding Organic Agriculture Practitioner (Individual Family)
(P10,000); Outstanding Organic Practitioner (Association) (P15,000); Outstanding Tilapia Culture (P5,000);
Outstanding Bangus Culture (P5,000); Outstanding Fishermen’s Association (P15,000); Outstanding Seaweeds
Producer (P5,000); Outstanding Bol-anong Siyentista on Feed Formulation (Fish & Livestock) (P5,000);
Outstanding Bol-anong Siyentista on Food Processing (Fruits, Vegetables & Fish) (P5,000); Outstanding Organic
Technician (P5,000); Outstanding Agri-Fishery Resiliency Technician (ART) (P5,000); Outstanding Association
(this will be based on our implemented programs) (P15,000); Outstanding Environment-Friendly Barangay (most
number of fruit trees planted) (P20,000); Outstanding Exhibitor of ART Tabo Sa Bohol (P5,000); Outstanding Agri-
Enterprise for Crops (P15,000); Outstanding Agri-Enterprise for Fishery (P15,000); Outstanding Rural Woman
(P5,000); Outstanding 4H-Club (P15,000); Outstanding Rice Technician (P5,000); Outstanding Corn Technician
(P5,000); Outstanding Fishery Technician (P5,000); and Outstanding HVCDP Technician (P5,000);
Rosanna G. Lamdagan, Head-Agribusiness Division, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said that there
were some categories of the SUHID were excluded in this year’s search giving importance to the inclusion of other
categories which are in line with the priority programs of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) under the
administration of Gov. Art C. Yap and Vice Gov. Rene L. Relampagos namely; Advanced Rice Technology (ART)
160 (hybrid rice), ART 120 (inbred rice), Agricultural Rural Transformation (ART) Corn 100, ART 1000
Tilapia/Bangus, and Fruit Trees Production.
Last year, the PGBh through the OPA was able to give the awards and recognition to the SUHID winners amidst
the COVID-19 pandemic.
The SUHID winners of last year would automatically be the entries for Bohol in the Gawad Saka Search 2021
sponsored by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA–RFO) 7 sometime in the first semester of
this year.
The Bohol’s records at the Gawad Saka Search cannot be surpassed by the other provinces in Region 7 such as
Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor as annually most numbers of the categories were bagged by the Boholano
farmers.
Bohol in so many years is still the rice granary in Central Visayas. (Atoy Cosap)

OPA promotes corn hybridization to Bohol farmers

In order to achieve the desired target on the Advanced Rural Transformation (ART) Corn Technology 100 program, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has been promoting the use of farm mechanization and corn hybridization to the Boholano farmers, improving productivity.

The government is also setting the tone between the financing institution and its conduit for easy access on loans to the farmers for land preparation in the coming planting season on April and May.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that the goal for ART Corn Technology 100 to yield 100 cavans of shelled corn per hectare (ha.) is achievable if the farmers would adopt the modern way of corn farming.

Pamugas bared that the interventions to the farmers on the clustered known corn municipalities include: giving free corn seeds and 2 bags of organic fertilizer per ha., and providing technical assistance.

CORN TOWNS AND HECTARAGE

Provincial Corn Coordinator Leon Parac, Jr. disclosed that the clustered known corn towns in Bohol are Carmen, Sagbayan, Ubay, Sierra-Bullones, Dagohoy, San Miguel, Alicia, Anda, Valencia, Dimiao, Trinidad and Danao.

Parac said that Bohol has 15,000 has. of corn potential areas wherein of these areas only 4,489.76 has. were planted last planting season, thus the provincial government has continued the call to till the other potential areas which can contribute food sufficiency in Bohol.

During the urgent meeting called by Dr. Pamugas last Tuesday participated by farmers coops and irrigation associations presidents, Cecilio Clarete, Manager- Bohol Lending Center, Land Bank of the Philippines, Tagbilaran City stated the readiness of LBP to grant loans to the farmers through the coop conduits.

Clarete stressed that the bank had already released loans for the purchase of 40 tractors which are now serving at the different farmers’ associations in Bohol.

Based on statistics, a Boholano has registered 4.62 kilograms (kgs.) per capita consumption for corn very much lower than that of rice which has registered at 115 kgs.

MARKETING ASPECT

Arnel Terec, Marcela Farm Special Project In- Charge said that as of now their buying price of shelled corn is P12-P12.50 per kilo for white variety and P13-P13.50 per kilo for yellow variety.

Terec emphasized that Marcela Farm is still open for the negotiation to come up with the marketing agreement of P15 buying price per kilo just for the benefits of the corn farmers in Bohol.

Meanwhile, Rocky Tidon from the Philippines Crops Insurance Corporation(PCIC) assured the farmers for their continued service.

Tidon urged the farmers to make sure that their planted agricultural products must be insured at the PCIC because of the uncertainty in farming nowadays due to climate change. (with report from Atoy Cosap)

Month-long Ubi Festival 2021 in New Norm starts tomorrow

All systems go for the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) in holding the month-long celebration of Ubi
Festival 2021 in the New Norm to showcase the different varieties of Ubi in the province especially the Kinampay.
The Ubi Festival in the New Norm carries the theme “Pagpananum ug Ubi Napuslan, Kagutom nga Dala sa
COVID-19 Nabatukan” will start tomorrow, January 25, 2021 and culminates on February 24, 2021 at the Old City
Airport, Tagbilaran City.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said the PGBh through the Provincial Technical Working
Group (PTWG) upon the directive of Gov. Art C. Yap had already drawn several measures to ensure the safety of all
the people who will troop to the festival.
Dr. Pamugas disclosed that part of the measures is the holding of the fest at the Old City Airport where social
distancing can be properly observed considering its wide area.
He said the distance between exhibitor booths is five meters while two meters for the table with barriers for the
sellers who are wearing facemasks and face shields.
The wearing of facemask is a must upon entering the venue, wherein all the people should undergo a temperature
check, handwashing with alcohol, foot bath before filling up the log sheets for contact tracing and moving in one
direction inside, he said.
The Assistant Provincial Agriculturist emphasized that inside the venue, the 50 percent allowable capacity will
be strictly followed. Supposing if the 50% allowable capacity would be fully occupied, the entrance gate be
automatically closed and the probable buyers outside would stay at the holding and waiting area with tents and the
numbers from them are allowed only to get inside would be based on the number of buyers who would go out from
the venue.
He said that some members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Provincial Security Force (PSF) would
help in controlling the number of people from getting inside.
Moreover, the conduct of Literary Musical Contests such as UbiBalitaw, Del Horest and Sarah Geronimo Voices
Alike, each contestant must bring his/her own microphone.
Other contests to highlight the festival are the Bugno sa Rondalla (farmer’s category), Pinaka of different Ubi
varieties, motorcade, highest volume of Ubi display, cooked Ubi eating, tabirak eating and outstanding Ubi grower
contests.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Aside from usual selling of Ubi products and other agri-commodities, displaying of ornamental and flowering
plants, there are also food fair, nightly entertainment, cycling, running, techno-fora, jogging, zumba, arnis demo,
Ubi cook off to be conducted to make the event more colorful, Pamugas added.
LGUs/NGAs/INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITORS
Some 18 known Ubi municipalities have registered to participate the festival namely: Anda, Carmen, San Isidro,
Jagna, Loon, Tagbilaran City, Cortes, Balilihan, Sikatuna, Baclayon, Dauis,Panglao, Duero, Loay, Valencia, Sevilla,
San Miguel and Pilar while for the associations are the Bohol Ubi Growers Association (BUGA) and Cabudlan
Farmer’s Association in Ubay town.
For the agri-fishery products exhibitors: 3C Enterprise, PNB-KGB MPC, Bilar STEM, Sevilla Fruits, Sevilla
Vegetables, KapunungansaBol-anongOrganikong Mag-uuma(KBoOM), Totsie Farmers Store, Arjhel’s Farm,
Grainstar, Flor’s Fruits, BUSEO, Obles Fruits, Bohol Fish Trader’s Group, Garrote’s Dried Fish, Edna’s Dried Fish,
Edlyn’s Dried Fish, Amparo’s Fruits, and Angie’s Fruits.
While for the processed foods exhibitos: BFARCO, OH! Some Bites, EJ’s UBE Halaya, Basak Bistro, P&P,
A.I.M. For Progress, Evalyn’sSweet Corn, BODACO, 4-H Club Federation, PRDP I-REAP Proponent Groups,
Sweet Disposition, Bastillas Variety Shop, BBC, Marcela Farm, Our Deli Bread, and BAGELS & Bakery.
And for the plantito/plantita: Bohol Gardeners and Landscaper Association (BGLA), GLBA, 0216 Home
Garden, Maeson’s Home Garden, Josie’s Garden, Esther’s Garden, Maritess and DY Jeans Plantitas, Merlin’s
Garden, Cheya’s Plants and Eglee’s Garden.
On tomorrow’s opening program of the Ubi Festival in the New Norm, Gov. Yap will lead in the giving of
messages and opening of exhibits. (Atoy Cosap)

CAPTION:
UNDER NEW NORM. The Provincial Government of Bohol will once again recognize the efforts among
Boholano Ubi growers during the month-long celebration of Ubi Festival ’21 in the New Norm at the Old City
Airport, Tagbilaran City which will commence tomorrow up to February 24, 2021.

Month-long Ubifest ‘21 set Jan. 25 to Feb. 24

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) will celebrate the Ubi Festival 2021
with a longer period from January 25 to February 24.
Activities are slated at the Tarmac Area, Old City Airport, Tagbilaran City, if the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines (CAAP) would grant the request that the area would be the venue.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that this month-long celebration of showcasing the
different varieties of Ubi in the province of Bohol will be conducted so as not to jampack the buyers, considering
restrictions amid Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Pamugas said that the 30-day festival will be filled with activities and contests such as Highest Value of Ubi
Display, Ubi Eating Contest, Best New Ubi Processed Products, Pinaka, Literary and Musical Contests; and nightly
entertainment and food fair.
Other activities to highlight the celebration are the cooking demonstrations of which the members of the Bohol
Association of Hotel Resorts and Restaurant (BAHHR) will demonstrate the manner of preparing food or style of
cooking using Ubi as the main ingredient, Ubi processing and Ubi Techno-Fora that deals about production to
include pests and diseases of Ubi.
Pamugas said that the Ubi Festival ’21 will kick off through a motorcade on January 25, 2021 at 8 a.m. Jump off
area will be at the Capitol Ground going to New Capitol Site Road – Hangos St. – J.A. Clarin- City Hall Grounds –
Calceta St.- back to J.A. Clarin St.- PNB-CPG Avenue – City Airport Road down to the venue to be participated by
Local Government Units, Ubi Growers, Non-Government Associations, Peoples’ Organization and Technical
Working Group on Ubi Fest.
At the opening program, Governor Art C. Yap will give his inspirational message while Vice-Governor Rene L.
Relampagos, Rep. Edgar M. Chatto (1st District), Rep. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado (2nd District), Rep. Kristine
Alexie B. Tutor (3rd District), and DA 7-Regional Executive Director Salvador D. Diputado will deliver their
messages as City Mayor John Geesnell “Bab” Yap will give the welcome message after Dr. Pamugas acknowledges
the participants.
Gov. Yap will lead in the ribbon cutting and opening of exhibits to be assisted by Vice Gov. Relampagos,
SangguniangPanlalawigan Members, City Mayor Yap, and Dr. Pamugas.
About 26 Ubi known municipalities and one city are expected to participate in this festival namely: Tagbilaran
City, Cortes, Balilihan, Corella, Sikatuna, Baclayon, Dauis, Panglao, Albur, Dimiao, Duero, Bilar, Valencia, Batuan,
Lila, Ubay, Talibon, Calape, Loon, Antequera, Maribojoc, San Isidro, Pilar, Carmen, Alicia, Trinidad and Jagna.
Pamugas bared that this would be the first time that the Ubi Festival has allocated a big budget in a tune of
almost P3 million with the duration of one month and the strong coordination with other departments of the
provincial government such as Provincial Budget Office, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, Center for Culture
and Arts Development, Provincial General Services Office, PRIMER, Provincial Engineer’s Office, and Bohol
Investment Promotion Center who composed the Technical Working Group (TWG).
The Assistant Provincial Agriculturist said that he already created the different working committees and
conducted the series of preparatory meetings for the successful celebration of Ubi Festival ’21 which also sells not
only Ubi products but also other commodities.
Pamugas emphasized that the provincial government has chosen the Old Tagbilaran City Airport as the venue of
the festival to ensure the implementation of basic health protocols would be followed especially physical distancing.
The venue providesa wide area for the activities. (AtoyCosap)

PREPATORY MEETING. The Technical Working Group on Ubi Festival 2021, led by Assistant Provincial
Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas is in the thick of preparation for the upcoming one month celebration of Ubi
Festival 2021 which is slated on January 25-February 24, 2021 at the Old City Airport in Tagbilaran City.

Small Farm Reservoirs to waterless areas constructed

The problems of some municipalities in the Agricultural Province of Bohol regarding the sources of water for
farming to include vegetables and fresh water fish productions have been gradually solved.
The PGBh hired as consultant former Provincial Irrigation Manager Calixto Seroje to study the establishment of
Small Farm Reservoirs (SFRs) to the waterless areas.
Marjoe Rey Labonite, Head-Research and Agri-Support Services (RASS) Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
(OPA) said that the team of Engr. Seroje had identified 104 sites from the nine municipalities for the establishment
of SFRs.
Labonite said the PGBh has already allocated P5.2 million through Agriculture for Rural Transformation (ART)
Community Engagement Project for the SFRs whose cost for labor per site is P44,000.
He disclosed that about 28 of the 104 SFRs were completely constructed in the towns of Pilar (15 sites), Trinidad
nine, Talibon two, and San Miguel two.
Actually, Labonite clarified that in Pilar there are 17 being identified, Trinidad 14, Talibon five, and San Miguel
10.
Other ideal areas for the construction of SFRs are in Buenavista which has 18 sites, Danao 14, Getafe 10 and
Alicia 6.
He said the project is very useful to contain the soil and water for rice, vegetables, and Tilapia productions.
It could also generate employment among Boholano farmers’ organizations/associations because of the labour
component of the program that requires laborers to do the construction of an SFR which has an area of 300 sq.m.
(15ms. x 20ms.) with 1.5ms. depth.
Last week, about 280 farmers of the 28 sites had received P4, 400 each as the salary for the 10 days of work of the
SFRs.
Labonite clarified that each SFR has to be constructed by the organization/association consisting of 10 members
using the carabao to plow the surface area of the site. (Atoy Cosap)

CONSTRUCTION ONGOING. Members of the farmers’ organizations in Trinidad have been very busy in
the construction of the Small Farm Reservoirs located in barangay Kina-oan (left photo) and barangay
Hinlayagan (right photo). The project has been funded by the 20% development fund of the Provincial
Government of Bohol through agriculture for Rural Transformation (ART) Community Engagement Project.
Foto MARJOE REY LABONITE/OPA staff