Press Release

The three-day first Organic Agriculture Festival in Region 7 conducted by the province of Bohol last Wednesday to Friday at the Bohol Cultural Center, Tagbilaran City was significantly a success.ADVERTISING

The Provincial Government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Kapunungan sa Bol-anong  Organikong Mag-uuma (KBoOM), Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and other agri-line agencies aggressively conducted the festival which is the first of its kind in Region 7 comprising the four provinces to wit: Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Bohol.-ADVERTISEMENT-

According to KBoOM president Marilou Escalona the festival aims to spark awareness of the need of having a healthy lifestyle by advocating organic methods and practices, encouraging more farmers to adopt natural “ organic farming”, establish sustainable organic agriculture in the province of Bohol, transform conventional farming methods into organic farming practices, create a network of organic enterprise that farmers can use for collaborations and further develop their businesses. 

Escalona added that the festival serves as a venue for major marketing promotional event that highlights the agri-fishery display of fresh, organic agricultural and processed products coming from different farming communities to be integrated with tourism circuits in the province.

In the opening program, Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado in his prepared inspirational message read by Executive Assistant Gil Bongato, the governor lauded those who worked for the success of the first Organic Agriculture Festival in Bohol which is first in region 7.

Gov. Aumentado said that agriculture remained to be the biggest sector in our province in terms of the working populace and with that our province remained to be considered a food granary in Central Visayas Region.

He said that today is a great day for us Boholanos as we are able to celebrate our first Organic Festival and witness our organic and naturally grown local products.

Indeed, it is also a celebration of the collective efforts of the organic practitioners that would also show the greater collaboration among agri-line agencies to continue building momentum for the accelerated development of agriculture.

In his message, Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite who is the chair of the Committee on Agriculture in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol said that he proposed that this activity would be institutionalized and be conducted annually.

Vice-Gov. Balite emphasized that organic farming helps in healing our mother earth from calamities wrought about by climate change. 

Regional Technical Director Wilberto Castillo, DA-7 said that DA has continued its strong support of organic farming so as to produce safe and good foods.         

He said that DA is balancing its program in promoting organic and conventional methods of farming to ensure sufficient food supplies in the region.

Congressman Edgar M. Chatto (1stDist.)  represented by Atty. Abeleon R. Damalerio, Board Member Lucille Y. Lagunay (1st Dist.), Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Censoria Cajes-Yap, Garcia Hernandez Mayor Jess Baja for and in behalf of League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bohol Charter President Dave Duallo expressed their strong supports to organic farming.

On the second day of the activity, some topics were discussed by the best resource persons.

Professor Jose T. Travero talked about Organic Agriculture Practices, Updates on the Organic Agriculture program were discussed by Mae E. Montecillo (Regional Organic Agriculture Focal Person), while Dir. Antonio Jesus (Jet) C. Orbida (Member, National Organic Agriculture Board) also gave the Updates on Participatory Guarantee System. 

Prof. Travero defined organic farming as an agricultural production system that avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, growth regulators, pesticides, livestock, additives, and genetically engineered products. It combines tradition, innovation, and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and good quality of life for all involved.

The three days organic agriculture festival bringing the theme “ Display of Organically and Naturally Grown Local Products “ was participated by 38 exhibitors namely: LGU-Duero, LGU- San Miguel, LGU Albur, LGU-Dagohoy, St. Claire Organic Farmers Association, Lacto Pafi, Marcela Farms, Kaabag ni Bro, PARECO Management Services, Green  Gardens of Hope, Behind Suba Integrated Farm,  Merfe’s Organically Grown Garden, YACO’S Farm, Kapunungan sa Bol-anong Organikong Mag-uuma, Mely’s Farm, Dungaw Farm, JQL Organic Farm, Atbang Farm, Egay’s Farm,The FRMCY, Lasang Farm, CHC Agritech, Cecee’s Organic Farm and Cacao Nursery, Liboron Organic Farmers and Cacao Growers Assssssociation, Omamalin’s Farm, SS Mushroom Farm, Bohol Purple Women Association and South Farm. (Atoy Cosap)

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) is ready to tie-up South Korea for new technology in the
improvement of organic agriculture in Bohol and other provinces in Central Visayas.

This was the statement issued by Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado when he delivered a message during the 6th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) held at Reynas The Garden and Haven, New Calceta, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

Gov. Aumentado was in South Korea at the middle of this month eyeing the direct importation of farm
equipment for the development of agricultural program in Bohol.

The governor emphasized that even though that the provincial government has been advocating the conventional method of farming for high production we still promoting the organic agriculture focusing not only for the household consumption but also for the tourists who have been visiting and staying in the different tourist destinations, hotels and resorts in the province.

Aumentado after delivering his message led the signing of the pledge of commitment to support organic farming as he said that agriculture is also a priority in his administration.

KEYNOTE SPEECH

Director Bernadette A. San Juan, Director-National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP)-DA Central Office
who was not able to come-up during the congress, in her prepared keynote speech delivered by Lea C. Deriquito, Chief-Advocacy and Policy Division, NOAP said the she was elated that after more than two years since the pandemic came to our shores, the conduct of ROAC is finally back, stronger and better.

She said that the development of the agricultural sector, particularly the Organic Agriculture industry is
challenging these trying times therefore, our responses are decisive, innovative, integrated, and strategic.

San Juan said that she knows that we cannot do everything at once as much as we want to, but holding relevant gathering like this ROAC serves as the pivotal point to spur participation and collaboration among and between our OA stakeholders, agripreneurs, farmers, our local chief executives, and government officials.

Fervently, the NOAC is particularly toughening up for the global challenges ahead that could dampen our food productivity and mitigation of climate change: our farmers are feeling the pinch of global rising fuel prices and costs of fertilizers, which have now tripled; the entire world has been subjected to high consumer price inflation brought by the disruption of global food supply chains during the pandemic; climate change and natural disasters are upon us, and frequency of typhoons are making agricultural damage a common sight.

San Juan said that because of these reasons, we find solutions and on the ground actions: we in the program are prioritizing the Certification of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS); establishment of OA livelihood programs; massive production of organic fertilizer and soil ameliorants through the composting facilities for Biodegradable wastes (CFBW) and Small Scale Composting Facilities (SSCF); inventory and promotion of OA zones per municipality and city.

She said that all of these will aid the dynamic and changing needs of our OA practitioners and will definitely ease the effects of climate change.

San Juan disclosed that by next year they will conduct information caravan to any part of the country to inform the public regarding the importance of R.A. 11511 that mandates the responsibility of the chief local executives to help in the promotion of OA in their respective areas.

MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Director Joel B. Elumba, OIC-Regional Executive Director, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office
(DA-RFO) 7 said that in order to have food safety and sustainability we should go back to Organic Agriculture it doesn’t matter if it takes a long time for the effect.

Director Elumba emphasized that originally the method of farming that has been practiced by our early ancestors is the organic agriculture. Only in 1970’s that the inorganic agriculture or method of farming using synthetic chemicals was introduced in the Philippines, he clarified.

Elumba said we should think about our health and the future health of the next generation as he encouraged the youth to take up agriculture course.

Dir. Antonio Jesus C. Orbida, Member-National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) on his message via on line emphasized the importance of Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for the solution to the problem of organic practitioners in marketing of their products.

Dir. Orbida said that NOAB is offering scholarship for the youth to mitigate the impact on the aging organic farmer-practitioners problem.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

During the presentation and discussion of OA profiles per province and FY 2023 onwards Plan and Budget
Proposals of PLGUs to be done by Maricel Barloso, Provincial Focal Person (PFP), Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPA)-Bohol; Mirabel Amado, PFP, OPA-Cebu; Joshua Demerre, PFP, OPA-Negros Oriental and Rio Duhaylungsod, PFP, OPA-Siquijor, it was known the key issues and challenges in promoting OA in their respective locality.

Some of which are lack of support from the MLGUs in OA program implementation, less allocation of budget compared to other programs, poor monitoring and evaluation, lack of focal persons assigned in the LGU affecting data generation, less promotional campaign compared to conventional farming, lack of organic farming research, too many requirements for PGS certification, laborious, and lack of organic farming inputs.

Meanwhile, Mae E. Montecillo,Regional OAP Focal Person, DA-7 and Ma. Gracia S. Pungay, Regional OAP
Focal Person, ATI-7 also presented and discussed the OA Program Highlight of Accomplishments and FY 2024 onwards Plan and Budget Proposals.

The one-day congress carrying the theme “ Maunlad na Pagsasaka, Garantisado sa Organikong Agrikulturang Sinaliksik” was formally closed by Gracia F. Arado, OIC-Training Center Superintendent II, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-7. (Atoy Cosap)

6th REGIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE CONGRESS. Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado delivers his message during the 6th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC) held at Reynas The Garden and Haven, New Calceta St. Cogon, Tagbilaran City last Wednesday.

The province of Bohol will be the host of the 6 th Regional Organic Agriculture Congress (ROAC)
slated on October 26, 2022 at the Reyna’s the Haven and Garden, New Calceta Street, Cogon, Tagbilaran
City.

This will be the second time after the province also hosted the 2 nd ROAC last 2016. It can be
remembered that the first congress was conducted in Cebu last 2015, the 3 rd was in Siquijor, 4 th (Negrosn Oriental), and 5 th (Cebu). There were no congress being conducted on 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist
(OPA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and other agri-line government agencies have been balancing their efforts for the promotion of organic farming as well as conventional method through hybridization program which aims for high production.

Within the whole day ROAC activity, Director Bernadette A. San Juan, National Organic Agriculture
Program will deliver the keynote speech after being introduced by Ms. Mae E. Montecillo, Regional
Organic Agriculture Program Focal Person, DA-7.

Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado; Agriculture Assistant Secretary Atty. Salvador Diputado; OIC-
Regional Executive Director Joel A. Elumba; and Dir. Jet Orbida (virtual), Member, National Organic
Agriculture Program will give their messages after Agricultural Provincial Coordinating Officer Roman
Dabalos could acknowledge the participants and Acting Provincial Agriculturist could give the welcome
remarks.

Provincial Focal Person Ms. Maricel C. Barloso, OPA-Bohol; Provincial Focal Person Ms. Mirabel Amado, OPA-Cebu; Joshua Demerre, OPA-Negros Oriental; and Rio Duhaylungsod, OPA-Siquijor will present and discuss the organic agriculture profiles per province and FY 2023 onwards plan and Budget Proposals; while, Ms. Ma. Gracia S. Pungay, Regional OAP Focal Person, ATI-7 and Montecillo will present and discuss the organic agriculture program highlight of accomplishments, and FY 2023 onwards Plan and Budget Proposals.

After the presentation and discussion, the ATI-7 representative will give the synthesis of the whole day affair.

Each province has an exhibit of their organic products from their respective locality.

The whole day activity will be formally closed by Gracia F. Arrado, OIC- Training Center Superintendent II, ATI-7.

The PGBh is very determined to help the organic program in the province in tandem with the conventional method of farming.

In fact, the provincial government has an annual program which is the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-
uumang Bol-anon wherein there are some categories with big prizes at stake intended for organic such as; Outstanding Organic Agriculture Practitioner (Individual Family), Outstanding Organic Practitioner
(Association), Outstanding Young Farmer (Practicing Organic Farming) and Outstanding Organic
Technician. (Atoy Cosap)

Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will lead the Boholanos to join the whole world in celebration of the World Food Day on Tuesday, October 25, 2022.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has
prepared a program to fit the celebration to be held at the Bohol Cultural Center this city to start at 9 in the morning.

In the program, Gov. Aumentado will deliver the inspirational message while Vice-Gov. Dionisio Victor A.
Balite will give the welcome remarks while Director Joel A. Elumba, OIC- Regtional Executive Director,
Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 will give the message of support as Dr. Gracia F. Arado, OIC-Center Director, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)-7 will explain the rationale.

Other activities being lined-up in the one- day affair to include: Agri-Fishery Situationer And Major Programs ofOPA to be shared by Acting Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas; Sharing of Best Practices on Organic Farming by Jose Travero, Organic Farming Practitioner; Integrated Farming System (Celencio Maligsa, Farmer); Vegetable Production and Marketing Enterprise (Casino Monil, Farmer Entrepreneur/Owner, Bilar STEM Vegetable Farm); Sharing of Best Practices: Rice Wine Processing Enterprise to be shared by Vanessa Panugan,the owner of Jzaki Rice Wine (“The First Rice Wine Produced in Bohol”); Mushroom Production Enterprise to be taken by Rona Denque, CEO-Green Thumb Farm, Corella; and Tilapia Production Enterprise by Eleno Evangelista, Upland Aquaculture Section Head-OPA).

There will be an open forum to give chance of the participants to ask clarification or questions to the sharers.

Joining the World Food Day Celebration is one of the annual activities of the provincial government geared towards the strengthening of the relationship with national and international ties to fly together into greater height as the celebration this year brings the theme “Leave No One Behind”. (Atoy Cosap)

The relentless move to bring down the prices of fish will continue until the supply can reach the various public markets, and not just at the Old City Airport.ADVERTISING

Former Loboc Mayor Leon Calipusan who is on the frontline of this advocacy said the core group manning the entry of more fish supplies has targeted December this year to have the distribution chain operational.

He said the much-awaited operation of a huge refrigerated van now stationed at the old City Airport is targeted this week as the required electrical connections were ordered done the fastest it could be completed. The van can accommodate 15 tons of fish and marine items. 

“The target of this operation is to bring the low-priced fish supplies up to the public markets, not just in the city, but in the towns as well,” Calipusan stressed.

Earlier this week, fish supplies from Zamboanga City and from the Talibon area were sold at a lower price which triggered prices of fish at the Fish Terminal in Causeway Drive having to be reduced also so as to compete with that at the airport.  The first shipment of fish supply from Zamboanga effected a reduction of borot-borot fish to P170 per kilo and P160 at the various markets in the city.

Calipusan said the Task Force Isda is starting to “negotiate” with fish suppliers in Pasil, Cebu which is the major selling point of fish in the entire Central Visayas. Other targeted suppliers are in Plaridel and General Santos.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) is gradually achieving in the quest to modernize agriculture in
the province.

Last Thursday, Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado led the ribbon cutting and the blessings of some farm machinery and farm facilities at Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology (BOATech) Center in Gabi, Ubay, Bohol.

The farm machinery and facilities which are worth P68,900,000 are as follows: Combine Corn Harvester-4
rows (picker, sheller, and stalk chopper) with trailers; Brand New Movable Trailer-Mounted mechanical dryer 4 to5 tons capacity; Portable Feed Mill; Corn Flour Mill (25 tons corn/day);120 HP Tractor with Complete Accessories (disc plow, furrow ridge, harrow); 95 HP Tractor with Complete Accessories (disc plow and harrow); Cassava Chipper and Cassava Uprooter; and Cassava Dryer (6-8 tons) options diesel-electric-rice hull or corn cobs fuel.

Gov.  Aumentado has cited the importance of farm equipment to boost the agricultural products in Bohol.
Acting Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas said that the objectives to purchase of the machinery above are to increase the production of quality corn and cassava for human consumption, feeds and industrial uses; to empower the farmers and increase their income, thereby improving the quality of life; to facilitate the production of local feeds for livestock and aqua intended for backyard raisers; to reduce the production cost of livestock and fishery products; to showcase the complete value chain for corn and cassava; to enhance farm efficiency compared to manual labor; and to have access to modern agricultural equipment for the farmers thereby reducing production cost for corn and cassava.

Dr. Pamugas bared that the direct beneficiaries are the Boholano corn/cassava farmers who will be given
production support through the provision of affordable and efficient machine services during the land preparation, harvesting, and other postharvest activities.

Pamugas emphasized that the distribution of the machines will be focused on the four clustered areas of corn and cassava in the province such as; Cluster 1 (Dimiao, Valencia), Cluster 2 (Carmen, Sagbayan, and Sierra- Bullones), Cluster 3 (Dagohoy, Danao, San Miguel, and Trinidad), and Cluster 4 (Anda, Alicia and Ubay). Each cluster will have a machine shade based on the approved proposal from the Development Bank of the Philippines. He said that the equipment will be stationed in strategically clustered areas for easy access to the beneficiaries. It will also serve as the workshop and focal ground of the team and operators managing the machine.

The rental and payment mechanism for the use of the machinery will be based on the approved ordinance of the provincial government.

The province of Bohol has more than 20,786 corn farmers and the existing areas utilized for corn production are at 6, 243 hectares (has.) but it can be expanded to 20, 000 has. If appropriate support will be provided. (Atoy Cosap)

Gov.Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado leads the blessings of the farm machineries and facilities at Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology (BOATech) Center in Gabi, Ubay last Thursday. He is assisted by Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte and his mother Former First Lady in the Province of Bohol Mrs. Greeny C.Aumentado. Photo by Alfredo Amora Jr.