NEWS

The winners of the 23 out of the 30 categories of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma ug Mananagat nga Bol-anon 2025 are slated to be recognized and awarded during the scheduled awarding ceremony on July 17, 2025 at the Plaza Rizal this city, which falls on the fourth day of the five-day celebration of the Sandugo Agri-Fair which will start on July 14 to July 18, 2025.

            The 24 categories whose winners to be recognized and awarded are the following: Outstanding Farmer on Hybrid Rice Based-Farming System, Outstanding Farmer on Inbred Rice Based-Farming System, Outstanding Hybrid Corn Farmer, Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer, Outstanding Integrated High Value Crops Farmer, Outstanding Cacao Farmer, Outstanding Cassava Farmer,

            Outstanding Banana Grower, Outstanding Ubi Grower, Outstanding Tilapia Culture (Commercial Pond), Outstanding Tilapia Culture (Backyard Pond), Outstanding Bangus Culture (Cage), Outstanding Fishermen’s Association, Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist, Outstanding Farmers Association (Program Based) Department of Agriculture (DA) and PGBh-OPA support project,

            Outstanding Rural Woman, Outstanding Young Farmer (4H-Club), Outstanding Youth in Integrated Farming, Outstanding Young Farmer in Rural Community Service, Outstanding Rice Technician, Outstanding Corn Technician,

Outstanding Fishery Technician and Outstanding HVCDP Technician.

            While, the seven categories whose winners will be awarded on October 16, 2025 during the World Food Day Celebration of the province namely: Outstanding Organic Agriculture Individual Practitioner, Outstanding Organic Agriculture LGU Implementer, Outstanding Organic Farming Family, Outstanding School Organic Implementer, Outstanding Organic Practitioner (Association), Outstanding Organic Agriculture Young Farmer and Outstanding Organic Technician all for organic agriculture endeavors in Bohol.

            Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog stressed that this will be the first time that the awarding of the SUHID winners who have excelled in their field of agriculture be done during the Sandugo Agri-Fair and World Food Day celebrations emphasizing their importance in the community that should be given proper and appropriate recognition for their exemplary performance and significant contributions to the advancement and promotion of agriculture in the province and in the country in general.

            The names of the winners have not yet been released as the evaluators are finalizing on who are to be landed in the first, second and third placers in all of the 30 categories of the search.

            Quirog disclosed that this is also the first time there are three winners in each category, to acknowledge their efforts in participating the SUHID as nominees from their respective localities strongly endorsed by their Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAs/MAOs). By Atoy Cosap

Two Boholanos who have shown their passion and dedication in the field of agriculture have been selected as National Grand Winners of the 50^th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda.

            Pablita Cabarles of Manga National High School (Integrated-Diversified Organic Farming System Learning Site) adjudged as Outstanding Urban ana Peri-Urban Agriculture Garden (Micro-Garden), and Jomer M. Balag of Jolit’s Eco Garden and Integrated Farm in Cambacay, Batuan as Outstanding High-Value Crops Farmer-Vegetables Grand Winners.

            Engr. Roger V. Navarro, Chairperson, Gawad Saka National Executive Committee sent a letter informing Director Angel C. Enriquez, Regional Executive Director Regional Field Office – Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 that the three finalists of the national tilt from region 7 to include the City Agricultural and Fishery Council-Bayawan City in Bayawan, Negros Oriental emerged as National Grand Winners of the prestigious search.

            Engr. Navarro requested the winners to attend the 50^th Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony, to be conferred by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in Munoz, Nueva Ecija on Friday in recognition of their exemplary performance and significant contributions to the advancement and promotion of the country’s agriculture and fisheries sector. However, the confirmation of the exact time and other details of the activity is being awaited from the Office of the President.

            They are required to accomplish the following: submit the photographs of the national grand winners in accordance with the prescribed specifications; confirm the name of one official companion and assisting technician (if applicable) for each national grand winner of which only one companion will be strictly allowed per awardee; and provide the required bank details of each national grand winners and their respective assisting technicians (if applicable) for the release of cash prizes.

             Cabarles and Balag together with the La Suerte Vegetable Growers Association (LASUVEGA), in La Suerte, Pilar were the nominees in DA-7 from Bohol to National Gawad Saka Search. But after the Gawad Saka National Technical Committee (NTC) of the search had completed the table evaluations only Cabarles and Balag had been shortlisted as finalists for the province.

            Thereafter, the NTC conducted the field validation last April 7-9, 2025 to interview the finalists and concerned officials of the Local Government Units (LGU). And after the thorough validations by the NTC Cabarles and Balag both landed top three and received their awards during the awarding ceremony held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City last May 19, 2025.

            They also received the awards during the Grand Parangal Regional Outstanding Agricultural Achievers Awarding Ceremony held at the Golden Prince Hotel in Cebu City last May 29, 2025.

            Cabarles and Balag are now preparing to accomplish the needed requirements as they are waiting further details regarding the date and time of the awarding ceremony. By Atoy Cosap

There are 15 Municipal LocaL Government Units (MLGUs) confirmed to participate the Ubi Festival 2024
slated on December 18, 19, qnd 20, 2024 at the Plaza Rizal, Tagbilaran City.

It was known during the Ubi Festival 2024 final meeting held at the Arabelle Suite, New Calceta St., Cogon, this
city that the 16 MLGUs are the following: Loon, Getafe, Maribojoc, Sevilla, Carmen, Ubay, San Isidro, Tagbilaran
City, Valencia, Baclayon, Panglao, Sikatuna, Loboc, Cortes and Corella.

The 3-day Ubi Fest which carries the theme “Tatak Ubi’ng Bol-anon, Palambuon”, will be highlighted with the
Ubi Festival Queen’24 with big prizes at stake: 1 st prize (P15, 000), 2 nd prize (P10, 000), 3 rd prize (P8, 000), and the
non-winning candidates would receive P5, 000 each as consolation prizes, Best in Production Number (P2, 000),
and Best in Ubi Costume (P3, 000).

There are only six MLGUs confirmed to have their candidates for the Search for Ubi Festival Queen 2024.
Other contests and its corresponding prizes to make the festival more festive are the following: Ubi Float with
Miss Ubi candidate (1 st prize-P15, 000, 2 nd prize- P10, 000, 3 rd prize-P8, 000 and consolation prize at P5, 000 each);
Most Participative LGU (1 st – P10, 000, 2 nd – P8, 000, 3 rd – P6, 000 and consolation prize at P2, 000 each), Best
Booth/Product Display (1 st – P15, 000, 2 nd – P10, 000, 3 rd – P8, 000 and consolation prize at P5, 000 each.

Pinaka on Different Ubi Varieties (Kinampay – 1 st – P6, 000, 2 nd – P4, 000, 3 rd – P3, 000 and a consolation prize
at P1, 000 each), Baligonhon – 1 st – P4, 000, 2 nd – 3, 000, 3 rd – P2, 000 and consolation prize at P1, 000), Kabus-ok
(1sr – P4, 000, 2 nd – P3, 000, 3 rd – P2, 000). Tam-isan (1 ST – P2, 000, 2 nd – P1, 500, 3 rd – P1, 000 and consolation at
P500, Iniling (1 st – P2, 000, 2 nd – p1, 500, 3 rd – P1, 000 and consolation at P500.

Highest Ubi Volume/Sales (1 st – P5, 000, 2 nd prize – P3, 000, 3 rd – P2, 000 and consolation at P1, 000 each), Best
Farmers Rondalla (1 st – P10, 000, 2nd – P8, 000, 3 rd – P6, 000, and consolation at P3, 000 , and consolation at P3,
000 each, Best New Ubi Kakanin Products (1 st – P8, 000, 2 nd – P6, 000, 3 rd – P4, 000, and consolation at P1, 000
each).

Ubi Festival 2024 Promotional Video (1 st – P8, 000, 2 nd – P6, 000, 3 rd – P4, 000, and consolation at P1, 000 each,
Best in Reenactment/Street Dancing Contest (1 st – P18, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P12, 000, and consolation at P5,
000 each.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado and Vice-Governor Tita Baja would lead the Provincial Govwernment
of Bohol (PGBh) to award and recognize the Ubi growers who have been sustaining the Ubi industry in Bohol.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog is hopeful that the Ubi industry in the province will flourish as there are
concerted efforts be done from the PGBh, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Department of Agriculture (ATI),
and Bohol Island State University (BISU-Bilar) and Ubi stakeholders.

Quirog said the provincial government had already a Provincial Ordinance No. 2023-401, “Establishing the Ubi
Development Framework of the Province of Bohol and Appropriating Funds Therefor” which is very important in
the quest to flourish the Ubi industry.

Last Thursday at the Ceremonial Hall, 4 th Floor, New Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City. The Office of
the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) facilitated the Ubi Policy Development Forum of which the ATI had presented
the Ubi Roadmap for Extension Services; Bohol Purple Women presented the Experiences/Encounters by BAHRR
Consumers Related to Ubi Supply, Demand, Tuber and Product Tuber Quality;

BISU-Bilar presented the Research Needs of Ubi for Food Security and Industrial Growth as the OPA presented
the Government Support for Ubi supply through Plant Material Dispersal and Ubi Promotions. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will
award and recognize the winners of the 22 categories of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon 2024 on
Thursday to be held at the Ceremonial Hall, 3 rd Floor, New Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

Carrying the theme of the tilt “Ang Katambayayong Sa Agrikultura Nga Dugukan Sa Ekonomiya; Pasidunggan
Ta“, the PGBh will award and recognize the winners of the different categories and their corresponding prizes which
are the following: Danahaw Integrated School (Secondary) from Clarin, Bohol as Outstanding 4H-Club who will
receive P15, 000 plus Garden Cultivator; Tinago Dauis Farmers Association (Dauis, Bohol) – Outstanding Farmers
Association Program Based (P15, 000 plus Garden Cultivator and Power Tiller); Ubay Fish Vendors Association
(Ubay) – Outstanding Fishermen’s Association ( P15, 000 plus 16 HP Marine Engine Mega, Chest Type Freezer);

Ubay Native Chicken Raisers Association (Ubay) – Outstanding Organic Practitioner (P15, 000 plus Garden
Cultivator, Hand Tractor); Jomer M. Balag (Batuan) – Outstanding Organic Agriculture Individual Practitioner (P10,
000 plus Garden Cultivator); Rufo B. Nuez (Ubay) – Outstanding Farmer on Integrated Rice Based-Farming (P5,
000 plus Power Tiller, Hand Tractor with Trailer); Carmelita I. Cadorniga (Ubay) – Outstanding Hybrid Corn
Farmer (P5, 000 plus Corn Sheller);

Teresita J. Gamale (Valencia) – Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer (P5, 000 plus Corn Sheller); Casino Monil
(Bilar) – Outstanding Integrated High Value Crops Farmer (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Eduardo D. Dag-um
(Carmen) – Outstanding Cacao Grower (P5, 000 plus Mechanical Pruner); Imelda G. Agbon (Carmen) –
Outstanding Cassava Farmer (P5, 000 plus Hand Tractor); Edelbrando I. Namoc (Valencia) – Outstanding Banana
Grower (P5,000 plus Garden Cultivator); Leonisa B. Buna (Ubay) – Outstanding Ubi Grower (P5, 000 plus Garden
Cultivator);

Gerry P. Bernaldez (Pilar) – Outstanding Tilapia Culture Commercial Pond (P5, 000 plus HDPE Liner/Pond
Liner 1.5mm 5.8mx50m); Cresencio Camposo (Carmen) – Outstanding Tilapia Culture Backyard Pond (P5, 000
plus HDPE Liner/Pond Liner 1.5mm 5.8mx50m); Benjamin B. Sarabosing, Jr. (Ubay) – Outstanding Bangus Culture
Cage (P5, 000 plus 16 HP Marine Engine Mega, Chest Type Freezer); Ma. Concepcion M. Bongola (Valencia) –
Oustanding Municipal Agriculturist (P5, 000 plu Garden Cultivator); Efrenia C. Holt (Calape) – Outstanding Rural
Woman (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator);

Guillermo M. Lucip (San Miguel) – Outstanding Organic Technician (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Ma.
Michele F. Lariza (Guindulman) – Outstanding Rice Technician (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Anecita Q.
Ybanez (Sierra-Bullones) – Outstanding Corn Farmer (P5, 000) plus Garden Cultivator); and Ma. Trisha L.
Rempillo (Ubay) – Outstanding HVCDP Technician (P5, 000 pluus Garden Cultivator).

The Local Government Unit of Ubay, Bohol got the highest numbers of winners who bagged seven out of 22
different categories.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado together with Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog and Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas will lead the giving of awards and recognition to the winners of the
search. By. Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and Ubi
stakeholders need to burn out its midnight candle to flourish the Ubi industry in the agricultural province of Bohol.

This after the presentation of the Ubi Research Outputs presented by Engr. Dennis B. Jomoc, Chairperson,
College Research of the Bohol Island State University (BISU), Bilar Campus last Wednesday during the Research
Needs Assessment Forum for Ubi held at the Jj’s Seafood Village, Tagbilaran City that showed that there is a need to
connect the gaps between the government, stakeholders and Ubi growers to boost the industry.

Jomoc presented their recommendations based on actual encounters and findings of their study to bridge the gaps
which are the following: Production of an Ubi Commodity Road Map for Bohol; Investment to machinery and
equipment for sustainable upland farming and value-adding; investment to seed yam production system such as
tissue culture cum aeroponics for the production of quality planting materials; strategies and approaches for effective
enhancement of productivity and production volume;

Machine and equipment development for Ubi-based and enhanced food products; performance of Ubi under
protected and irrigated environments; Ubi stability map in Bohol for efficient and effective resource allocation and
utilization; DNA sequencing of Bohol Ubi varieties; micro-climate identification and/or characterization of soils in
the Ubi production areas;

Response of Ubi (growth, yield, and tuber properties) on different agroecological zones to organic and inorganic
nutrients supplementations; mass production of quality planting materials using the current production technologies;
and performance evaluation of the conventional method of Ubi production and farmer’s adopted practices.

He disclosed that there are only 430 Ubi growers in the province tilling the 6 hectares (has.) scattered in 16
towns which are only small when we speak about boosting Ubi industry namely: Panglao (33), Dauis (16),
Tagbilaran City (19), Baclayon (71), Cortes (24), Corella (32), Sikatuna (16), Loon (35), and Alburquerque (61) in
the First District; Ubay ((7) and Sagbayan (15) in the Second Dist.; Dimiao (4), Loay (1), Bilar (11), Pilar (12),
Carmen (48) and Jagna (25) with an average Ubi production area per grower is 138 sq. meters.

Jomoc said that generally, there is a decreasing trend of production area from 2010 to 2022 in Bohol and the
aging average age of Ubi growers is 61. He said that with regards to the status of ownership in the production area,
there are about two-thirds of the Ubi production area is personally-owned and 3 out of 10 Ubi growers have tenanted
lot for production.

Felix Tubiano, Center Chief, Department of Agriculture – Bohol Experiment Station (DA-BES) admitted that
Bohol could not produce mass production of Ubi because of the limited production areas and only one planting
season a year.

Tubiano said the BES had conducted research on Ubi especially the Kinampay variety on its characteristics,
aromatic taste compared to other provinces of the same variety using the tissue cultured derived-Ubi plantlets.

Dr. Clarissa B. Jamilo, Senior Research Specialist, DA-BES said that it was found out that based on their study
that early planting of tissue cultured derived planting materials resulted to higher number and weight of tuber
produced in Baligonhon and Kinampay varieties; average number of tubers produced as classified according to
weight ranges from 10 grams to more than 150 grams; mostly tuber production in the three varieties planted monthly
reached the 50 grams weight which could be used as planting materials in the field.

They also found out that tissue-cultured plantlet is a good alternative to Ubi setts as planting material in the
production of quality Ubi seeds and tubers; given the right cultural management practices, tissue cultured derived
Ubi plantlets produced marketable and bigger tubers.

Executive Assistant to the Governor for Agriculture Nunila M. Pinat for and in behalf of Governor Erico
Aristotle C. Aumentado in her message informed the participants of the forum that under the administration of Gov.
Aumentado, the provincial government had crafted the Ubi Development Framework.

She lauded the research study made by BISU and BES and she hoped that the Ubi production in Bohol would
expand. Pinat questioned why Boholano Ubi growers have been using Ubi planting materials from other provinces
with the fact that we have our owned production here.

According to Pinat, this is a great challenge for us to expand the Ubi industry in Bohol.
Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog earlier said that the forum serves as an initiative of the Bohol Ubi Board
in our shared mission to further elevate the Ubi industry – a cornerstone of Bohol’s agricultural identity and a key
contributor to our local economy.

The activity aims to identify research gaps and opportunities, specific research needs and research priorities for
Ubi and foster cross – disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration, she said.

Quirog stressed that the forum would also provide a platform to present recent research findings and
advancements, aligning with global trends and technological innovations. This exchange of knowledge would enable
stakeholders to collectively shape a dynamic research agenda tailored to the needs and aspirations of Bohol’s Ubi
industry.

She added that these partnerships are crucial to unlocking innovative approaches that address the challenges
faced by Ubi growers and processors, while also exploring opportunities for diversification, value addition, and
sustainability. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) will once again  support the high value of Ubi crop in the province
by conducting Ubi Festival and on this year is slated on December 18 – 20, 2024 at the Plaza Rizal, Tagbilaran City.
According to Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, all Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) in the
province are encouraged to participate in the 3-day festival.

Quirog emphasized that MLGUs through the Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers
(MAs/MAOs) may select farmers, cooperatives or associations to handle the exhibits. The exhibitors may display
raw or processed Ubi from the famers and processors.

She said that the participants will be provided with display areas with basic amenities and will also be given food
subsistence for the duration of the festival.

During the festival, there are different contests with prizes at stake to be undertaken such as: Search for Ubi
Festival Queen 2024, Float Parade, Highest Ubi Volume/Sales, Best Booth Product Display, Best New Ubi Festival
Kakanin Products, Most Participative, Best Farmer Rondalla, Best Ubi Festival 2024 Promotional Video Contest and
among others as the Float Parade will commence to start the festival.

The awards and cash prizes will be given to the winners in every category during the awarding and closing
ceremony in the afternoon of the last day of the fest.

Ubi Festival is the yearly activity of the PGBh which considered Ubi as one of the most significant and valued –
crop whose objectives are: to showcase fresh Ubi tubers, processed products and product lines; to appreciate
farmers’ Ubi cultural rituals by re-enactment of unique planting practices; to showcase Ubi in Boholano culture
through songs and dances.

To introduce scientific updates in production and value-adding; to identify issues relative to its production,
marketing and other industry concerns; to discover local talent and beauties through the participation of the Ubi
pageant; and to ensure the availability of quality raw products and assess the farmers, the women sector, the
processors and youth of their participation in the celebration.

This year would be the second time of the annual activity that the festival be conducted in December as since the
start this would be done on every second week of January.

This too after the request of the Boholano Ubi growers had been granted that the festival be done in December
which would be the month of Ubi harvesting. By Atoy Cosap

The sweats and toils among Boholano farmers and fisherfolks in helping the province to ensure food sufficiency
and security will once again be recognized and awarded by the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the
Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

This after the PGBh has scheduled the awarding and recognition ceremony for the winners of the Suhid sa
Malampusong Mag-uumang Bol-anon 2024 on December 11, 2024 to be held at the Ceremonial Hall, 3 rd Floor, New
Capitol Building, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

Carrying the theme “Ang Katambayayong Sa Agrikultura Nga Dugukan Sa Ekonomiya; Pasidunggan Ta“, the
PGBh will award and recognize the winners of the 22 categories of the search who will receive cash prizes and farm
equipment.

The winners of the different categories and their corresponding prizes are the following: Danahaw Integrated
School (Secondary) from Clarin, Bohol as Outstanding 4H-Club who will receive P15, 000 plus Garden Cultivator;
Tinago Dauis Farmers Association (Dauis, Bohol) – Outstanding Farmers Association Program Based (P15, 000
plus Garden Cultivator and Power Tiller); Ubay Fish Vendors Association (Ubay) – Outstanding Fishermen’s
Association ( P15, 000 plus 16 HP Marine Engine Mega, Chest Type Freezer);

Ubay Native Chicken Raisers Association (Ubay) – Outstanding Organic Practitioner (P15, 000 plus Garden
Cultivator, Hand Tractor); Jomer M. Balag (Batuan) – Outstanding Organic Agriculture Individual Practitioner (P10,
000 plus Garden Cultivator); Rufo B. Nuez (Ubay) – Outstanding Farmer on Integrated Rice Based-Farming (P5,
000 plus Power Tiller, Hand Tractor with Trailer); Carmelita I. Cadorniga (Ubay) – Outstanding Hybrid Corn
Farmer (P5, 000 plus Corn Sheller);

Teresita J. Gamale (Valencia) – Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer (P5, 000 plus Corn Sheller); Casino Monil
(Bilar) – Outstanding Integrated High Value Crops Farmer (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Eduardo D. Dag-um
(Carmen) – Outstanding Cacao Grower (P5, 000 plus Mechanical Pruner); Imelda G. Agbon (Carmen) –
Outstanding Cassava Farmer (P5, 000 plus Hand Tractor); Edelbrando I. Namoc (Valencia) – Outstanding Banana
Grower (P5,000 plus Garden Cultivator); Leonisa B. Buna (Ubay) – Outstanding Ubi Grower (P5, 000 plus Garden
Cultivator);

Gerry P. Bernaldez (Pilar) – Outstanding Tilapia Culture Commercial Pond (P5, 000 plus HDPE Liner/Pond
Liner 1.5mm 5.8mx50m); Cresencio Camposo (Carmen) – Outstanding Tilapia Culture Backyard Pond (P5, 000
plus HDPE Liner/Pond Liner 1.5mm 5.8mx50m); Benjamin B. Sarabosing, Jr. (Ubay) – Outstanding Bangus Culture
Cage (P5, 000 plus 16 HP Marine Engine Mega, Chest Type Freezer); Ma. Concepcion M. Bongola (Valencia) –
Oustanding Municipal Agriculturist (P5, 000 plu Garden Cultivator); Efrenia C. Holt (Calape) – Outstanding Rural
Woman (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator);

Guillermo M. Lucip (San Miguel) – Outstanding Organic Technician (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Ma.
Michele F. Lariza (Guindulman) – Outstanding Rice Technician (P5, 000 plus Garden Cultivator); Anecita Q.
Ybanez (Sierra-Bullones) – Outstanding Corn Farmer (P5, 000) plus Garden Cultivator); and Ma. Trisha L.
Rempillo (Ubay) – Outstanding HVCDP Technician (P5, 000 pluus Garden Cultivator).

The Local Government Unit of Ubay, Bohol got the highest numbers of winners who bagged seven out of 22
different categories.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado together with Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog and Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas will lead the giving of awards and recognition to the winners of the
search. By. Atoy Cosap

Some 106 units of various rice machineries and equipment amounting to P144.77M were distributed to the 57
Farmers’ Cooperatives Associations (FCAs) beneficiaries in the province of Bohol last November 8, 2024, at the
Poblacion Public Market Covered Court, Dagohoy, Bohol.

This would be under the 2023 and 2024 fund source of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF)
Mechanization Program from Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech).

The machineries being distributed were: Four-wheel Tractor Tier II (16 units), Four-wheel Tractor Tier III (16),
PTO Disc Plow (29), Levee Maker (8), Walk-behind Transplanter (2), Rice Combine Harvester Tier II Joystick (8),
Rice Combine Harvester Tier II FDS (8), Rice Combine Harvester Tier III (6), Recirculating Dryer 6T (2), Single
Pass Rice Mill Stationary (10), and Multi Stage Rice Mill 1,5tph (1).

During the opening program, Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog who represented Gov. Erico Aristotle C.
Aumentado as the keynote speaker thanked the PhilMech for the farm machineries and equipment given to the FCAs
which are very useful for them in helping the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) in shaping up the agricultural
landscape in our agricultural province.

Quirog congratulated the beneficiaries as she asked them to take good care of the machineries and equipment for
longer use of it.

She emphasized that the provincial government under the administration of Gov. Aris in strong collaboration
with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and PhilMech has always been looking at for the good of the agri-fishery
sector which is the backbone of our economy.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture in her video message
also congratulated the FCAs beneficiaries in Bohol.

Sen. Villar lauded the role of the farmers and fisherfolks in ensuring food security in the country which are
always threatened by the effects of the climate change.

Others who gave the messages were: Balilihan Municipal Kagawad Abel Llorente in lieu of First District
Congressman Edgar M. Chatto; Assistant DA-7 Director Cirilo Namoc in behalf of RED, DA-7 Angel Enriquez;
and Dionisio G. Alvinidia, Director IV, PhilMech as Dagohoy Mayor Germinio C. Relampagos delivered his
welcome remarks.

 According to the DA, the rationale of the program is that the PhilMech is the lead agency in the implementation
of the RCEF Mechanization Program. Based on the approved implementing rules and regulations of RA 11203 or
the Rice Tariffication Law, 50% of the Rice Fund or P5B annually for the period of six years (2019-2024) shall be
released to and implemented by the PHilMech as grant in kind rice farm equipment such as tillers, seedes, rice
planters, harvesters, threshers, mechanical dryers, rice mills, etc. to eligible FCAs and local government units
(LGUs).

The rice mechanization component aims to raise rice farmers’ productivity, profitability and global
competitiveness through strengthen access and use of appropriate production and postproduction mechanization
technologies.

The expected direct benefits of the mechanization and postharvest facility intervention specifically for the users
and beneficiaries of the projects are: a) reduction of production cost of farmer-users by P2-3 per kilogram using
precise, effective and complete system of mechanized production technologies; and b) reduction of postproduction
losses of farmer-users by 3-5% using appropriate and efficient postproduction technologies.

These are apart from the other benefits that can be derived such as boosting the local agricultural machinery
manufacturing industry and employment, widespread adoption of mechanization technologies, promotion of locally
fabricated technologies, yield increment, increasing the cropping intensity, timeliness of farm operation and reduction of labor, and additional income that can be generated from using the machineries and equipment. By Atoy
Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) will once again
conduct the three-day Organic Agriculture Festival for the First District on November 20 – 22, 2024 at the Island
City Mall Atrium, Tagbilaran City.

Maricel C. Barloso from OPA who is also the Provincial Organic Focal Person said that this would be the third
times that the province of Bohol conducted the festival this year as the fest for the Second District was done last
September 24-25 in San Miguel and for the Third District was conducted last October 24-25 at Island City Mall.
According to Barloso, the products to be displayed and sold during the festival are mostly the organically grown
vegetables; organic fertilizers, rice, pork and native chicken meats, and concoctions.

Allowed to display and sell their products are those organic agriculture farmers in the first district and the
members of the Kapunongan sa mga Bol-anong Organikong Mag-uuma (KBoOM) from the second and third
districts, she said.

On November 20, which is the first day of the activities, the festival will be started with a Thanksgiving Mass
and afterwards the setting up of exhibits.

In the opening program, Garcia Hernandez Mayor Filadelfo V. Baja III, President, Visayas Island, LOAMCPP
will be the Keynote Speaker; while, Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will give his inspirational message as First
District Congressman Edgar M. Chatto would lead to give the messages of support along with Provincial
Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, Board Member Lucille Y. Lagunay; Regional Executive Director, Department of
Agriculture – 7 Angel Enriquez, and Center Director, Agricultural Training Institute – 7 Gracia F. Arado .

There are some programs, plans and activities for organic agriculture would be presented on the following day.
Mae E. Montecillo, Regional Organic Focal Person will present the Plans, Activities and Programs of Organic
Agriculture Program; Maryjane Flor Patulilic will discuss about the Youth Internship Program on Oganic
Agriculture; Rona M. Denque, Manager, Green Thumb Farm will talk about the OA sa Negosyo: Organic
Agriculture Towards Enterprise.

Dr. Clarissa Jamilo, DA RFO-7 (Ubi Production); Jomer Balag, JOLIT’S Farm (Stingless Bee); Representative
from Alturas Group of Companies (ACG) will share about the Marketing Opportunities for Organic Products;
Nemesio B. Calacat, Prersident-KBoOM (Organic Agriculture: Sustainable Farming Practices and KBoOM
Information; KBoOM/BGSA for Organic Fertilizer and right after there would be the Forum/Trivia.

The activities on the third day: contests (Creative Art, Best Organic Food Products, Highest Sales); while the
closing program will be done at 3pm of which Hon. Odysseus C. Glovasa, SP Chair on Agriculture and Fisheries;
Roman M. Dabalos, APCO – Bohol, and Vice-Governor Tita Baja will give their messages as Nunila M. Pinat, Vice
Chairperson, Organic Agriculture TWG will formally close the program.  

Bohol was the first province in Central Visayas who conducted the 3-day organic festival on November 16-18,
2022 held at the Bohol Cultural Center initiated by the KBoOM. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has continued to
conduct the two-day training for Barangay Agri-Fishery Resiliency Volunteer Technician to each and combined municipalities to
be attended by selected participants coming from the different barangays of the host town/towns.

Getrudes S. Fuentes, Head- Crops and Productivity Division, OPA said that the activity aims to have the strong partners of
the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) and the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) to the barangays aside from the
Barangay Livestock Aide (BALA).

Fuentes emphasized that the agri-fishery resiliency technician with the strong coordination with the barangay officials would
focus on the crops and fishery; while, the BALA on the livestock projects and programs in the barangay level.

The Head-Crops and Productivity Division, OPA disclosed that the Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers
(MAs/MAOs) and the barangay officials are responsible to choose on who are the participants to undergo the trainings.

She reported that since late last year until last Wednesday they already conducted the trainings to 10 municipalities in Bohol
namely: Antequera, Sierra-Bullones, Catigbian, Alicia, Candijay, Calape, Valencia, Cortes, Maribojoc and Carmen.

The topics to be taken up and presented by the speakers from OPA during the two-day trainings are the following:
Overarching Development Framework and OPA Programs and Projects by Ramil Rodela – Head, Planning Division; Concepts of
Different Development Approaches (The Community Development and Community Organizing Approaches) by Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas;

Roles and Functions of a Community Organized/Community Development Worker (Nunila M. Pinat-Executive Assistant for
Agriculture); Values Re-Orientation/Voluntarism (Salvio Jerome Madanguit-Coordinator, Isda Program, PGBh); Facilitation and
Leadership (Lorebien N. Lagapa-Head, Rice Section); Human Relations/Team Building (Ma. Gemma Encabo-Head,
Administration); and Stress and Conflict Management (Fortunato Cosap-Head, Promotion Section).

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog usually during the training would give the inspirational message as the Municipal
Mayor in the host town of the activity would give the welcome remarks.

Quirog lauded the importance of Barangay Agri-Fishery Resiliency Volunteer Technician to channel or cascade the plans,
programs and projects from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), Municipal
Agriculture Office (MAO), Sangguniang Barangay down to the purok and households in the barangay.

The Provincial Agriculturist stressed that through this activity, the agriculture in the barangay level would be strengthened
that redound to best interest of the agri-fishery as well as the livestock sectors.

Earlier this year, Quirog sent letters to all 1, 109 barangay captains in Bohol attached with sample project proposal on how to
procure assorted vegetable seeds using their barangay budgets.

This primarily aims to increase high value crops production or to attain 40% of vegetable and fruits sufficiency in the
province, to provide alternative livelihood assistance, to provide good quality vegetable seeds and planting materials, to revive
the interest of the Boholanos to farming, and to attain household level sufficiency. By Atoy Cosap

AGRI-FISHERY RESILIENCY TRAINING. Executive Assistance for Agriculture Nunila M. Pinat delivers her
topic “Roles and Functions of a Community Organizer-Community Development Worker” during the Training for
Barangay Agri-Fishery Resiliency Volunteer Technician on October 23, 2024 held at the Multi-purpose Building,
Poblacion Sur, Carmen, Bohol.