NEWS

            The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), has been taking significant steps to address the rice needs of the province’s 1.4 million residents.

            Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Larry M. Pamugas, speaking on behalf of Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog during the 3rd Quarter Rice Technicians’ Meeting held at the Bohol Agricultural Promotion Center (B-APC), Dao, Tagbilaran City last Friday, August 15, 2025, disclosed that the provincial government has crafted the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Fisheries Road Map for 2025 to 2028. This initiative aims to increase Bohol’s rice self-sufficiency level by five percent annually while also addressing fisheries production gaps.         

            Dr. Pamugas reported that in 2024, Bohol’s rice self-sufficiency level was 82 percent, leaving an 18 percent deficit. To bridge this gap, the provincial government will implement the Bohol Integrated Climate-Smart and Resilient Agri-Fishery Program, the Bohol Agri-Fishery Commodity Investment Program, and the Agricultural Sustainability and Mechanization Program.

            For this year, the PGBh has prepared proposals and other necessary documents, procured registered and certified rice seeds worth ₱27,214,000, fertilizers including inorganic, organic, and pesticides worth ₱26,023,300, and carried out the palay seed buy-back program amounting to ₱13,706,325.

            For next year, the planned deliverables include the distribution of rice seeds to growers; provision of organic and inorganic fertilizers to support local rice farmers, including the youth; distribution of pesticides during pest and disease outbreaks; continuation of the palay seed buy-back program for distribution purposes; conduct of harvest festivals, rice technicians’ and stakeholders’ meetings; and technical briefings on rice production using the PalayCheck System for farmers, including young farmers.

            According to Dr. Pamugas, these interventions will continue, with the hope that by 2028, Bohol will be recognized globally as a model of inclusive and sustainable development, in line with its aspiration to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.

            During the same meeting, Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Officer Roman Dabalos delivered an inspirational message, thanking the rice technicians for supporting the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) programs such as the distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and financial assistance. However, he admitted that despite these interventions, there has been no significant improvement in rice productivity, which remains at an average of 3.2 metric tons per hectare. He encouraged technicians to work harder in the field to help increase yields.

            Meanwhile, Beverly Pucot from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) reported that rice crops in the service areas of Malinao, Capayas, Binliw in Ubay, Bayongan, and Talibon Dams are in the vegetative stage. The Malinao Dam, which covers the service areas of Alicia, Pilar, Dagohoy, San Miguel, and Ubay, has scheduled harvest dates from September 17 to October 2025. The Bayongan Dam, serving the municipalities of San Miguel, Ubay, and Trinidad, has harvest dates from September 15 to November 8, 2025. The Talibon Dam will have its harvest from September 22 to November 1, 2025, while the Capayas Dam in Ubay is set for October 6 to November 10, 2025, and the Binliw Dam in Ubay from September 15 to October 6, 2025.

            On the other hand, Pilita Barajan, Manager of the National Food Authority (NFA), reported that the agency continues its palay procurement program at ₱23 per kilogram, and at ₱26 per kilogram under the Palay Marketing Assistance from Legislators and Local Government Units (PALLGU) program. At present, this is being implemented only in the towns of Mabini and Calape.

            Other government agencies also gave updates during the meeting, including PAGASA, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), and the DA-7 Research Division.

By Atoy Cosap

The winners of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda’ng Bol-anon 2025 will be recognized and awarded on Thursday during a fitting ceremony at Plaza Rizal, in front of St. Joseph Cathedral in this city.

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will lead the awards presentation for winners in 23 of the 30 SUHID 2025 categories. Atilano G. Alijay, Jr. of Ubay received the ₱50,000 first prize for Outstanding Farmer in the Hybrid Rice‑Based Farming System. Sheila H. Balatero (Ubay) placed second with ₱30,000, while Aquileo S. Columnas (Carmen) took third prize of ₱15,000.

In the Inbred Rice‑Based Farming System category, first prize of ₱50,000 was awarded to Melchor G. Cainglet (Valencia), followed by Ester B. Ruloma (Calape) with ₱30,000 and Elma T. Salise (Carmen) with ₱15,000. For Outstanding Hybrid Corn Farmer, Gelyn I. Asares (Valencia) claimed ₱50,000, Victor T. Dayondon earned ₱30,000 in second place, and Ma. Linda C. Golosino (Ubay) took ₱15,000 in third.

Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer‑title‑holder was Teresita J. Gamale (Valencia), winning ₱50,000; Elvira B. Micutuan (Sierra‑Bullones) placed second with ₱30,000, and Priscilla V. Oreo (Ubay) secured ₱15,000 for third. Geoffrey G. Cepedoza (Danao) took ₱35,000 for Outstanding Integrated High‑Value Crops Farmer, with Casino L. Monil (Bilar) and Gabriel B. Espejo (Carmen) winning ₱20,000 and ₱15,000 respectively.

In the Outstanding Cacao Grower category, first prize of ₱35,000 went to Ernesto I. Macabenta (Maribojoc), second prize of ₱20,000 to Efrenia C. Holt (Calape), and third prize of ₱15,000 to Oscar G. Reyes (Valencia). Imelda G. Agbon (Carmen) was named Outstanding Cassava Farmer (₱35,000), followed by Roberto H. Soria (San Miguel, ₱20,000) and Alfonso L. Daverao (Sierra‑Bullones, ₱15,000).

Esmeraldo T. Mulato (Clarin) received ₱35,000 as Outstanding Banana Grower, with Imelda E. Idusma (Valencia, ₱20,000) and Marvin P. Day (Batuan, ₱15,000) named second and third respectively. Romulo G. Campoamor (Carmen) claimed ₱35,000 first prize as Outstanding Ubi Grower; Leonisa B. Buna (Ubay) and Alfredo P. Putong (Pilar) placed second and third, winning ₱20,000 and ₱15,000 respectively.

For Outstanding Tilapia Culture in Commercial Ponds, Dave A. Evangelista (Talibon) won ₱50,000, with Shirly B. Dalagan (Bilar) earning ₱30,000 and Arnel O. Lomod (Carmen) receiving ₱15,000. Outstanding Tilapia Culture in Backyard Ponds honored Cresencio D. Camposo (Carmen) with ₱50,000; Febio V. Vallecer (Antequera, ₱30,000) and Segundo R. Laranjo (Maribojoc, ₱15,000) placed second and third respectively.

The Outstanding Bangus Culture (Cage) award of ₱50,000 went to Benjamin “Boy” Banting Sarabosing Jr. (Ubay), with Aguiningnong Pondok sa Yanong Mananagat under Chairman Charlito A. Lingo (CPG) receiving ₱30,000 and Lucio A. Perales (Calape) taking ₱15,000.

In the Outstanding Fishermen’s Association category, the Ubay Fish Vendor Association led by Glenn B. Gavas earned ₱60,000; Nagkahiusang Mananagat sa Bahi chaired by Bienvenido M. Besin (Alburquerque) won ₱30,000; and the Busalian Crab Pickers Association under Julieta G. Samuya (Talibon) received ₱20,000.

Angelito A. Oroyan (Talibon) was named Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist with a ₱30,000 prize, followed by Arlene Cabusao (Carmen) with ₱20,000 and Geoffrey E. Gulay with ₱15,000. The Outstanding Farmers Association – Program‑Based (DA and PGBh–OPA support project) award went to the GBL Irrigators Association of Ubay, chaired by Divina L. Salaum (₱60,000); second prize (₱30,000) was awarded to Nagkahiusang Mananagat ug Mag‑uuma sa Nueva Esperanza (Bien Unido), led by Wilfredo A. Gutang; and third prize (₱20,000) to Nagkahiusang Mag‑uuma sa Basacdacu, chaired by Teresita B. Manon‑og (Alburquerque).

The Outstanding Rural Woman awards honored Ma. Reina P. Perez (Loon) with ₱40,000, Jocelyn C. Ramirez (Carmen) with ₱20,000, and Jocelyn D. Hinampas (Guindulman) with ₱15,000. In the Outstanding Young Farmer (4‑H Club) category, Greenthumpreneurs advised by Annabelle L. Cereligia received ₱40,000; Island Green 4‑H Club under Zessicrel D. Mejias took ₱20,000; and Christopher Niño L. Mercado (Alburquerque) placed third with ₱15,000.

Outstanding Youth in Integrated Farming winners were Rhodman Joseph M. Ubas (Ubay, ₱35,000), Vivian B. Minguito (Carmen, ₱20,000), and Joyan Jannel Manggay (Clarin, ₱15,000). The Outstanding Young Farmer in Rural Community Service award of ₱35,000 went to Aries A. Berongoy (Guindulman), with Kenith H. Tanhente (Carmen) and Jasper M. Estodillo (Loon) receiving ₱20,000 and ₱15,000 respectively.

Angeles C. Opiala (Talibon) earned ₱20,000 as Outstanding Rice Technician, followed by Ananias C. Nuez (San Miguel, ₱15,000) and Glaiza V. Sanchez (Ubay, ₱10,000). For Outstanding Corn Technician, Zenaida A. Aparece (Talibon) secured ₱20,000, Artemia Y. Hamo (San Miguel) won ₱15,000, and Ronald P. Valentos (Carmen) received ₱10,000.

Outstanding Fish Technician honors went to Windyl E. Mejias (Ubay, ₱20,000), Restituto B. Polo (San Miguel, ₱15,000), and Antonino B. Pancho (Batuan, ₱10,000). Finally, Mary Ann T. De la Torre (Carmen) was named Outstanding HVCDP Technician with ₱20,000, Elma C. Amad (Valencia) received ₱15,000, and Ma. Trisha L. Rempillo (Ubay) was awarded ₱10,000.

The winners in the remaining seven categories—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—will be recognized and awarded on October 16, 2025, during the World Food Day celebration in the province.

Governor Aumentado will deliver the keynote address. Vice Governor Pacifico Nicanor S. Besas will present his message, and Regional Executive Director of DA–7 Angel C. Enriquez, along with Vianney T. Ojerio, will share their support remarks.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog will present the welcome message, and Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas will explain the rationale of the competition. By Atoy Cosap

            The Sandugo Agri-Fair, an annual activity of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), will commence on Monday, July 14, 2025 and will run until Friday, July 18, 2025. The event, which showcases fresh agricultural products from Boholano farmers, will be held at Plaza Rizal, in front of St. Joseph Cathedral in Tagbilaran City.

            A total of 27 municipalities will participate as exhibitors, namely: Tagbilaran City, Calape, Carmen, Panglao, Loon, Lila, Ubay, Alburquerque, Talibon, Batuan, Duero, Loboc, Bien Unido, Dauis, San Miguel, Sierra-Bullones, Maribojoc, Getafe, Sikatuna, Antequera, Cortes, Bilar, Baclayon, Pilar, Sagbayan, Buenavista, and Dimiao.

            The fair will kick off with a motorcade contest at 1:00 PM, following a route from the Capitol Grounds to Bohol Wisdom School along CPG Avenue, ending at Plaza Rizal. Sixteen exhibitors are expected to participate in the motorcade.

            The Agri-Fair will feature a wide array of agricultural products for display and sale, including rice—especially the “Bugas Bol-anon”—as well as corn grits, vegetables, spices, root crops, bananas, and more, all at prices lower than those in wet markets.

            With the theme “Agrikultura sa Kasingkasing, Kinaiya, Kalamboan ug Kahiusahan,” the five-day fair will also include various contests with prizes at stake, such as: Motorcade, Best Booth and Product Display, Bangus Deboning, Tilapia Cleaning and Filleting, Net Mending, Most Promising Tilapia Processed Product, Most Promising Seaweed Processed Product, Vocal Solo, Love Duet, and Stand-Up Comedian competitions.

Out of the 27 Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) exhibitors, 25 will participate in the “Pinaka Contest,” which will showcase the best and biggest of the following: Jackfruit, Cardava Banana (bunch), Eggplant, Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya), Squash, Cacao, Coconut (Lubi Laya), Bottle Gourd (Upo), Sweet Potato (Camote), Taro (Gabi), Tilapia, and African Hito.

During the opening program, Dr. Anthony M. Penaso, President of Bohol Island State University (BISU), will deliver the keynote speech. Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado and Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap will offer their inspirational messages. Also delivering their messages of support are Director Angel C. Enriquez of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 7, Dr. Mario N. Ruinata, Regional Director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 7, and Vianny T. Ojerio, Officer-in-Charge of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region 7.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog will deliver the welcome remarks, while Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas will present the rationale of the fair and acknowledge the participants.

Governor Aumentado will lead the local officials in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and formal opening of the exhibits. By Atoy Cosap

            The Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Councils (FARMCs) in the province of Bohol must be strengthened to increase marine and freshwater fish production, which would lead to higher incomes and a more sufficient food supply. As part of this initiative, consultations and summits have been conducted regularly.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, in her inspirational message during the FARMC Consultation/Summit held last July 4, 2025 at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)–Central Visayas Multi-Species Nursery Demo and Training Center in Bentig, Calape, Bohol, expressed appreciation for the spirit of volunteerism shown by FARMC members in the municipalities who are now actively engaged in their roles.

Provincial Agriculturist Quirog emphasized the importance of strengthening FARMCs through close collaboration with local officials. She also encouraged the public to raise their concerns regarding marine and freshwater care and development through the barangay councils and FARMCs, so that appropriate policies may be formulated for the benefit of all.

She also highlighted the current challenges facing the fisheries sector, such as the decline in fish catch and the increasing incidence of poverty due to loss of income and livelihood.

The FARMC in the Philippines was established through Executive Order No. 240 on April 28, 1995, to involve local fisherfolk and resource users in the planning and implementation of policies for the management, conservation, development, and protection of fisheries and aquatic resources. Government agencies are mandated to provide technical assistance, while law enforcement agencies are expected to help in the enforcement of environmental laws.

The functions and duties of FARMCs include: prepare and recommend fisheries and aquatic resource management policies and plans based on scientific assessments and bio-economic data, and integrate these plans into the broader Local Development Plan; recommend guidelines to local government units and specialized agencies for project development, implementation, and issuance of permits and licences; evaluate fisheries-related projects and applications prior to approval; and ensure resource use limits and controls are effectively implemented.

            The topics being discussed during the consultation/summit were: FishCore Project Overview by Pamela Sullano, Assistant Coordinator; I-Fit Result in Fishery Management Area 9 (FMA9): Key Findings and Future Directions by Albert Simbajon,OIC-MCS; Overview of the Harvest Strategy in FMA9 by Joanne Garcia, NSAP Project Leader; FARMC’s Legal Framework (Duties and Responsibilities) by Joel Lutao, OIC-Fisherfolk Operation; and How to access Budyong , FARMC ICT Social Media-Based Portal.

            The event was attended by FARMC chairpersons, secretaries, and treasurers, along with municipal councilors who chair the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture in 17 municipalities under FMA9 facing Mindanao. These municipalities include: Panglao, Dauis, Baclayon, Alburquerque, Loay, Lila, Dimiao, Garcia Hernandez, Carlos P. Garcia, Valencia, Jagna, Duero, Guindulman, Anda, Candijay, Mabini, and Ubay.

            Mary Queen Atup, Head of the Fishery Division at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), explained that the summit specifically focused on the municipalities under FMA9 that are set to benefit from FishCore projects aimed at improving fisheries management and enhancing production value. She added that the municipalities under FMA10—namely Tagbilaran City, Cortes, Maribojoc, Loon, Calape, Tubigon, Clarin, Inabanga, Buenavista, Getafe, Talibon, Trinidad, and Bien Unido—will also be given equal attention in future engagements.

The Fisheries Management Area (FMA) approach was established to encourage coastal local government units to serve as fisheries managers and take on shared responsibilities. This system promotes positive changes in the conservation and sustainable management of fishery resources, including Science-Based Management, Local Involvement, Sustainable Livelihoods, Ecosystem-Based Approaches, Participatory Governance, and a Transparent Framework. By Atoy Cosap

After the good harvest, the Boholano rice farmers are now busy for their rice planting activities covering 58,222 hectares of physical rice areas in the province of Bohol for this wet planting season.

            Maricel Barloso, the Provincial Rice Coordinator, said that most of the estimated 165,172 farmers are already engaged in planting, while only a few are still in the land preparation stage.

            Barloso revealed that of the 58,222 hectares of rice areas in the province, 30, 416 hectares are rainfed and mostly planted with inbred rice, while 27,806 hectares are irrigated and primarily planted with hybrid rice using the farm machineries and carabaos.

            Among all municipalities in the province, the town of Ubay has the largest rice area at 8,314 hectares. It is followed by Pilar (5,762 hectares), Dagohoy (4,128 hectares), San Miguel (3,750 hectares), and Carmen (3,707 hectares).

            Other rice areas in Bohol include the following: Siera-Bullones (2,818 hectares), Talibon (2,750 hectares), Guindulman (2,484 hectares), Alicia (1,721 hectares), Trinidad (1,677 hectares), Candijay (1,640 hectares), Catigbian (1,521 hectares), Mabini (1,385 hectares), Calape (1,294 hectares), Bien Unido (1,250 hectares), Batuan (1,008 hectares), Bilar ( 1,002), Valencia (818 hectares), Buenavista (756 hectares), Sagbayan (719 hectares), Danao (696 hectares), Tubigon (694 hectares), Garcia-Hernandez (691 hectares), Jagna (682 hectares), Duero (628 hectares), Getafe (578 hectares), Sevilla (558 hectares), Inabanga (547 hectares), Balilihan (554 hectares), Dimiao (527 hectares), Antequera (502 hectares), Pres. Garcia (460 hectares), San Isidro (405 hectares), Loboc (399 hectares), Clarin (397 hectares), Loon (373 hectares), Cortes (131 hectares) Alburquerque (113 hectares), Maribojoc (110 hectares), Loay (105 hectares), Baclayon (89 hectares), Lila (84 hectares), Anda (83 hectares), and Corella (65 hectares).

            Seizing the opportunity from the recent good harvest, the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) is fast-tracking its Palay Buy-Back (PBB) Program at ₱24 per kilogram, with a 14% moisture content (MC).

            According to PBB Focal Person Lorebien N. Lagapa, the program has already achieved 71% of its target, with ₱7,095,000 disbursed out of the ₱10 million total allocation. The remaining balance stands at ₱2,904,472.

            Lagapa explained that under the Palay Buy-Back Program, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), led by Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, MNSA, handles the procurement, drying, milling, and packaging of palay. Meanwhile, the marketing and selling of Bugas Bol-anon, which is sold at ₱40 per kilogram, is managed by the Provincial Economic Enterprise and Management Unit (PEEMU) under Liza Flores. By Atoy Cosap