Consultative meetings to ensure food security

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have set the tone to ensure food security under the new normal situation because of COVID-19.
The PGBh, DA and BFAR had conducted the consultative meetings with all the Municipal Agriculturists (MAs) of the 3rd, 2nd and 1st districts of Bohol last May 21, 22 and last Monday respectively at the Ceremonial Hall, 4th Floor, New Capitol Building, New Capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City wherein the three agriculture-related government agencies had presented its Agri-Fishery Programs for this year.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his welcome message and statement of purpose said that the PGBh, DA and BFAR have come up with this activity so that every MA in all towns of Bohol would know the projects and programs of the agencies for them to re-align their allocations if the certain projects have already been allocated for their localities by the agencies.
Dr. Pamugas said that with this strategy, the resources of the Local Government Unit (LGU) could be utilized to other projects that could benefit their constituents.
The assistant Provincial Agriculturist asked the MAs to submit their agri-fishery programs for 2020 to thePGBh through the OPA to come up with the consolidated programs for more agricultural developments in Bohol.
PGBh AGRI-FISHERY PROGRAMS FOR 2020
In the presentation of PGBhAgri-Fishery Programs for 2020, Dr. Pamugas disclosed that the province has an allocation of P40,104,457 for the different programs and projects of rice, corn, cassava, High-Value Commercial Development Program (HVCDP), fisheries, agribusiness development program, organic agriculture, and to engineering support services.
For the rice program, this would include the Rice Assistance Program for Institutional Development (RAPID); farm mechanization; campaign for crop and assistant insurance to farmers; rice seeds production; certification and accreditation of seed growers; spearhead in the establishment of Japonica Rice; Adaptability varietal trial and Japonica rice seed production; assist in the organizational formation of KaABAG per MLUs; quick response to pest and diseases occurrence on the rice-duck farming system; extend assistance to farmers for the awards; sustainable integrated agri-business program; Advance Rice Technology (ART) 120; ART 160.
For the corn and cassava program: corn seed production (OPVRS-CS); corn seed distribution (OPV); technical briefings/trainings; maintenance of existing ABAG and Bohol Corn Seed Assistance Program.
High Value Crops Development Program: Bahay Kubo FAITH HOPE & CHARITY; Gulayan Sa Paaralan; search for SUHID HVCD, distribution of assorted vegetable seeds, fruit trees, and coconut planting materials, agriculture for rural transformation (ART) in support to vegetable and water enhancement; bayanihan livelihood assistant program, enhancement production of banana; fruit production enhancement and mango rehabilitation.
For fisheries program: tilapia dispersal; mangrove planting; assisting seaweeds nurseries for 12 municipalities; upland aquaculture development; harvesting and splitting of seaweed; ongoing construction of PRDP-GEF MPA artificial reefs; ongoing construction of PRDP-GEF MPA boats.
Agribusiness Development Program: conduct market reconnaissance and development activities; agri-fishery promotion; enterprise development institution development; development of market driven products; fish terminal operationalization, ART Tabosa Bohol.
Research and Agri-Support Services: undertake massive advocacy for organic farm conversions; provide assistance support for organic agri practitioners like irrigation facilities; farm machinery and equipments; farm inputs; supplies of materials; cash for work program.
DA AGRI-FISHERY PROGRAMS FOR 2020
Engr. Taboy Du, Chief-Planning Division, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) 7 presented the different agri-fishery programs such as: agricultural machinery; equipment; facilities and infrastructure support services; technical support services; production support services; extension support; education and training services; research and development agricultural machinery; equipment and facilities support services; irrigation network services; rice resiliency project; expanded hybrid rice production in suitable areas; financial subsidy to rice farmers (FSRF).
Engr. Du said that under the DA rice program, this includes the provision of Inbred and Hybrid Seeds; provision of fertilizers; seed reserve for quick rehabilitation response; school on the air (SOA); distribution of IEC materials; national rice awareness month celebration; GawadSaka Award; Rice Achiever Award; incentives to LGU, AEWs and LFTs; development of RCM recommendations.
On the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP) which is one of the 15 projects under ALPAS Kontra COVID-19 (Agri 4PS) has an allocation in the amount of P8.5B to increase local rice supply to address potential food shortage and hunger and improve country’s food adequacy.
The major sub-projects of RCEF to include RCEF enhanced-fertilizer support to RCEF areas to complement the inbred seeds provided by PhilRice (P2.0B); expanded inbred rice production (beyond RCEF areas)- to enhance production in non-RCEF areas, with components such as seeds and fertilizers (P3.0B); and Hybrid Rice Production in suitable areas – in areas with good irrigation, seeds & fertilizers (P3.5B).
BFAR AGRI-FISHERY PROGRAM FOR 2020
CandidoSamijon, Provincial Fishery Officer-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-Bohol) showed in his presentation the total budget in the amount of P13,309,545 broken as follows: for the targeted action to reduce poverty and generate economic transformation (P8,633,025) and special area for agricultural development (SAAD) in the tune of P4,676,520.
Samijon said that BFAR has been allocating funds to support the seaweed farming in the province as he mentioned as a great contribution to acquire a living among fisheries folks.
He also encouraged the MAs to strengthen the tilapia production as his office continues the tilapia fingerlings dispersal in tandem with the dispersal program of the PGBh through the OPA.
On his part, RFO 7 Regional Director Salvador D. Diputado who attended the consultative meeting urged the MAs to show or to come up with a 10% increase in their production so that the DA could give them miracles through projects.
The RFO 7 Regional Director asked the MAs to inform him if whatever problems they encountered in dealing and implementing their programs in their respective localities.
Diputado cited that in this time of crisis we have to realize that food production is important so that the people could eat nutritious foods to build strong body resistance which is the only defense against the threat of COVID-19.
Diputado said that while he is still the DA regional director we will make a difference together with the provincial leaders by making Bohol an agricultural province.
Rep. Aristotle C. Aumentado in the 2nd District in his message said that he always supported the programs of DA and PGBh geared towards agriculture.
Rep. Aumentado said that he attended the meeting to show his moral support to Director Diputado and Gov. Art C. Yap.
The solon in 2nd district clarified that his office; DA and the provincial government are working in the same direction for the good of Boholanos. (AtoyCosap)

CONSULTATIVE MEETING. The Provincial Government of Bohol, Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources have presented their agri-fishery programs for 2020 to the Municipal Agriculturists MAs in Bohol during the Consultative Meetings last week and last Monday at the Ceremonial Hall, 4th Floor, New Capitol Building, New Capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City. Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas, DA-RFO7 Regional Director Atty. Savaldor D. Diputado and Engr. Taboy Du, and Provincial Fishery Officer CandidoSamijon underscore the important of the activity. 2nd Dist. Rep. Aristotle C. Aumentadohas attended the meeting last May 22, 2020 parcipated by the MAs of his district.