NEWS

SUHID NOMINEE EVALUATIONS START

The 208 nominees for the 30 categories of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda’ng Bol-anon
have been evaluated since last February 16 and expected to be completed on March 15, 2026 as scheduled.
This too, after the given deadline for the submission of nominees had already ended last February 16, 2026.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog directed the evaluators teams from the Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPA) and some personnel from Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Provincial Field Office to
immediately conduct the evaluations.

Quirog said that after the evaluations, the teams will focus to consolidate the results to come up with the winners
of the tilt.

She said that the winners of the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda’ng Bohol-anon will be
awarded together with the winners of the Suhid: Busog Himsog Program, and Suhid sa Modelong Gulayan sa
Paaralan tilts on July 15, 2026 in line with the five-day celebration of Sandugo Agri-Fair 2026 on July 13-17, 2026
in yet to be agreed venue.

The 30 categories and its prizes under the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda’ng Bol-anon are:
Outstanding Farmer on Hybrid Rice Based-Farming System (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P30,000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Oustanding
Farmer on Inbred Rice-Based Farming System (1 st – P40,000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Hybrid
Corn Farmer (1 st – P40, 000, 2 ND – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),

Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd -P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Integrated High Value
Crops Farmer (1sr – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Cacao Grower (1 st – P30, 000, 2 nd – P20,
000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Cassava Farmer (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Banana
Grower (1 st – P35, 000,2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),

Outstanding Ubi Grower (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),Outstanding Organic Agriculture
Individual Practitioner (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd -P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Organic Agriculture LGU
Implementer (1 st – P30, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Organic Farming Family (1 st – P30, 000, 2 nd –
P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Organic Practitioner Association (1 st – P50, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P20, 000),
Outstanding Tilapia Culture Commercial Pond (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),

Outstanding Tilapia Culture Backyard Pond (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Bangus
Culture (cage) (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd -P15, 000), Outstanding Bangus Culture (Pond) (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd –
P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Fishermen’s Association (1 st – P50, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P20, 000),
Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist (1 st – P30, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Farmers Asssociation
(Program Based) – DA & PGBh – OPA support Project (1 st – P50, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P20, 000),

Outstanding Organic Technician (1 st – P20, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P10, 000), Outstanding Rice Technician (1 st –
P20, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P10, 000), Outstanding Corn Technician (1 st – P20, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P10, 000),
Outstanding Fishery Technician (1 st – P20, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P10, 000), Outstanding HVCDP Technician (1 st –
P20,000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P10, 000).

While, there are 19 categories under Suhid: Busog ug Himsog Program, and 6 categories under the Suhid sa
Modelong Gulayan sa Paaralan of which each category has three winners that would receive big prizes to include
the consolation prizes for the non-winning nominees.

The three big programs of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) under the administration of Gov. Aris
Aumentado and Vice-Governor Nick Besas through the OPA have been implemented to promote sustainable,
climate-resilient, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. By Atoy Cosap

Sandugo Agri-Fair’26 a festivity for farmers

This year’s Sandugo Agri-Fair 2026 tentatively scheduled on July 13-17, 2026 is considered a festive activity of
the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) for Boholano farmers who are truly responsible for ensuring food
sufficiency and security to 1.4 M Boholano populace and 1.4 M tourists annually in the province of Bohol.

This developed as the awarding of winners for the three big programs of the PGBh through the Office of the
Provincial Agriculturist as mandate to promote sustainable, climate – resilient, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture
namely: Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda’ng Bol-anon, Suhid: Busog ug Himsog Program, Suhid
sa Modelong Gulayan sa Paaralan tilts, and the winners of the different contests of the fair will be done on July 15,
2026 in yet to be agreed venue of the fair.

Along with this, during the first preparatory meeting last Tuesday morning at the Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPA), 3 rd Floor-New Capitol Building, Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog directed the different
working committees that starting tomorrow they must send invitation letters to the Municipal Local Government
Units (MLGUs), and Districts Schools in Bohol informing them that the OPA will now be accepting nominees for
the different categories of the tilts.

Aside from sending letters, the Provincial Agriculturist also directed to send the information through Group Chat
(GC) and e-mail ad so as they could catch up the deadline for the submission of nominees set on February 15, 2026.
Quirog said that the evaluations will commence immediately on the following day (Feb. 16,2026) until Feb. 28,
2026 as the whole of March will be dedicated for the consolidation of results of the evaluations and submission of
the list of winners.

The 30 categories and its prizes under the Suhid sa Malampusong Mag-uuma ug Mangingisda’ng Bol-anon are:
Outstanding Farmer on Hybrid Rice Based-Farming System (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P30,000, 3 rd – P15, 000),
Oustanding Farmer on Inbred Rice-Based Farming System (1 st – P40,000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),
Outstanding Hybrid Corn Farmer (1 st – P40, 000, 2 ND – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),

Outstanding OPV Corn Farmer (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd -P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Integrated High Value
Crops Farmer (1sr – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Cacao Grower (1 st – P30, 000, 2 nd – P20,
000, 3 rd -P15, 000), Outstanding Cassava Farmer (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Banana
Grower (1 st – P35, 000,2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),

Outstanding Ubi Grower (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),Outstanding Organic Agriculture
Individual Practitioner (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd -P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Organic Agriculture LGU
Implementer (1 st – P30, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Organic Farming Family (1 st – P30, 000, 2 nd
– P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Organic Practitioner Association (1 st – P50, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P20,
000), Outstanding Tilapia Culture Commercial Pond (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),

Outstanding Tilapia Culture Backyard Pond (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Bangus
Culture (cage) (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Bangus Culture (Pond) (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd
– P30, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Fishermen’s Association (1 st – P50, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P20, 000),
Outstanding Municipal Agriculturist (1 st – P30, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Farmers
Asssociation (Program Based) – DA & PGBh – OPA support Project (1 st – P50, 000, 2 nd – P30, 000, 3 rd – P20, 000),

Outstanding Rural Woman (1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Young Farmer (4H Club)
(1 st – P40, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000,3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Youth in Integrated Farming (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20,
000, 3 rd – P15, 000), Outstanding Young Farmer in Rural Community Service (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd –
P15, 000), Outstanding Organic Agriculture Young Farmer (1 st – P35, 000, 2 nd – P20, 000, 3 rd – P15, 000),
Outstanding Organic Technician (1 st – P20, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P10, 000), Outstanding Rice Technician (1 st
– P20, 000, 2 nd -P15, 000, 3 rd – P10, 000), Outstanding Corn Technician (1 st – P20, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd P10, 000),
Outstanding Fishery Technician (1 st – P20, 000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd – P10, 000), Outstanding HVCDP Technician (1 st
– P20,000, 2 nd – P15, 000, 3 rd _ P10, 000).

The Sandugo Agri-Fair is an annual activity of the provincial government through the OPA recognizing and
awarding the Boholano farmers who have been helping the PGBh in its Food Security Agenda. By Atoy Cosap

KADIWA now sells fish

The KADIWA Program of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPA) now selling not only rice, eggs, dried fish, root crops, banana, spices and vegetables every
Wednesday of the week at the Provincial Engineering Office Covered Court, Cogon, Tagbilaran City from Boholano
farmers but also fish as well.

Starting last Wednesday, fish trader Aspar M. Ambay from Zamboanga brought here the different kinds of fish
sold at the KADIWA with lower prices compared than those at the malls and wet markets.

The fish prices per kilogram – Molmol (small – P260, big – P280), Kyampao – P180, Danggit – P280, Tamarong
– P180, Kumay – P180, and Banak at P150/kilo.

Based on the weekly fish prices monitoring conducted by the OPA, the prices differ of at least P20 per kilogram.
According to Queenie B. Atop, Head – Fishery Division, OPA bared that the KADIWA shall be conducted every
Wednesday of the week and Ambay has been promised to sell his fish here.

Atop said that last January 6, 2026, the fish trader came to OPA and made a formal negotiation with the PGBh to
bring the fish from Zamboanga and sell it at the KADIWA at lower prices.

She explained that no single centavo from the provincial government has given as counterpart in this endeavour.
However, it is entrusted to facilitate for the display area and the use for free of the cold storage facility.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog is hopeful that the lower price fish would continue be available at the
KADIWA to encourage fish trader from other provinces to sell their fish catch here as she urged the Boholanos that
this time of high prices of captured marine fishes to eat the in-land cultured fishes like Bangus and Tilapia. By Atoy
Cosap

Bohol potential for coffee plantation

The province of Bohol is potential for coffee plantation which could help Boholano farmers for their additional
income.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog bared that in the towns of Mabini, Ubay, and Alicia only, there are more
than 493 hectares (has.) identified as very high potential areas for coffee plantation.

Quirog together with Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas last January 3, 2026 visited the
Amoguis Coffee Estates (ACE) Farms in San Roque, Mabini, owned and managed by Manny Rey Amoguis.
The Provincial Agriculturist said that Amoguis was working in the United States of America, but came home to
manage a coffee plantation.

Amoguis disclosed that his farm having an area of 25 hectares (has.) in multiple sites had started last 2019 and
planted approximately not less than 12, 000 Liberica Coffee trees variety.

He said that he is still actively planting towards the end of the rainy season on February aiming to plant 6, 000
Liberica Coffee seedlings.

Amoguis stressed that Liberica is the world rarest coffee of which less than 2% of the world commercially
grown.

Liberica Coffee otherwise known as Barako Coffee which the province of Batangas is very famous for and
portion of Cavite and Bukidnon.

He informed that last January 10-11, 2026, the First Bohol Liberica Coffee Festival was conducted at his farms
with special guests in the coffee world coming from Bulacan, Dumaguete and local expert from Garcia Hernandez,
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Provincial Tourism Office (PTO), OPA, and all stakeholders in the coffee
industry.

Amoguis thanked the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) led by Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado
and Vice-Governor Nick Besas, Quirog and Pamugas for their strong support in their quest geared towards the
development of the industry. By Atoy Cosap

5 towns identified for Model Hybrid Rice Farms

Five municipalities in the agricultural province of Bohol have been identified as the pilot areas for the
establishment of Model Hybrid Rice Farms projects which is a flagship initiative of the Department of Agriculture
(DA) in strong collaboration with the Provincial Government of Bohol) PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial
Agriculturist (OPA).

During the coordination meeting last Tuesday held at the Bohol APC Function Hall, Bohol APC Compound,
Dao, Tagbilaran City to be attended with Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAs/MAOs),
Rice Technicians, Irrigators Associations (IAs)’ Presidents, it was identified the towns of Dimiao, Talibon, Calape,
Ubay, and Candijay as suitable areas for the project at 100 hectares (has.) each of the municipalities.

The Model Hybrid Rice Farms project aims to address persistent productivity challenges in the rice sector by
showcasing location-specific, climate-smart, value chain-integrated technologies, and generation, utilization, and
analysis of actionable field-level data.

Moreover, the implementation of the program aims to: showcase hybrid rice technologies, promote smart
agriculture practices and tools, adoption of digital monitoring and input distribution systems, and building rice value
chain.

According to the Implementing Guidelines on the Scalable Hybrid Rice Model Farm Project that this project
responds to these challenges by establishing model cluster clusters across all 16 regions of the country. Each model
farm will serve as a platform to demonstrate the viability of hybrid rice production technologies that can achieve 8
metric tons per hectare during the wet season and 10 metric tons per hectare during the dry season.

SCOPE OF IMPLEMENTATION
The project shall be implemented nationwide across all sixteen regions, targeting a maximum of 1, 000 has. per
region annually. Implementation shall cover at least 500 has. per region during each cropping season, encompassing
both wet and dry seasons within fully irrigated areas that possess adequate drainage systems. Each cluster shall
utilize one to two locally adapted NSIC-registered hybrid rice varieties with similar physical characteristics, selected
based on technology demonstration results from major rice-producing areas in accordance with applicable
memorandum orders and memorandum circulars.

CLUSTER SELECTION CRITERIA
Each cluster shall meet the following requirements: a minimum area of 100 has. with farmer-members registered
under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), geo – referenced mapping and profiling with
established baseline yield of at least four metric tons per has., and classification bas at least Level 2 Cluster status
with an approved cluster development plan.

Maricel Barloso, Provincial Rice Coordinator, OPA bared that another coordination meeting will be conducted
with MAs, Rice Technicians, and IAs as the project shall be implanted here in Bohol for two cropping on May –
June 2026 (wet season) and on October – November 2026 (dry season).

Roman M. Dabalos, Agricultural Promotion Coordinating Officer (APCO) said that by anchoring the project on
convergence, cooperation and coordination, it will bring together the efforts of DA units, private sector players and
farmers organizations to test and scale up inclusive and sustainable rice farmers systems. By Atoy Cosap

OPA directs all its employees for mandatory planting of Ubi

In an effort to support the Provincial Government of Bohol’s Food Security Agenda and to boost the Ubi
industry, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) mandate to promote sustainable, climate-resilient, and
nutrition sensitive agriculture.

Along with this, Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog released a memorandum dated January 5, 2026,
directing all OPA employees to plant a minimum of three Ubi (Purple Yam) plants, regardless of variety in their
respective backyards, farms or gardens and shall begin during the April 2026 planting season.

Provincial Agriculturist Quirog explained that this activity forms part of OPA’s internal model-building initiative
demonstrating practical implementation of food production at the household level and reinforcing advocacy efforts
for indigenous and high-value root crops.

She added that this initiative strengthens OPA’s role as a model implementer of food security programs as well as
promoting Ubi especially the Kinampay variety in this agricultural province, encouraging employees to lead by
example and sustainable agricultural practices starting within their own household, thus all concerned are hereby
enjoined to comply.

COVERAGE
This memorandum covers all personnel of the OPA, including: Provincial Agriculturist, Assistant Provincial
Agriculturist, Executive Assistants, Regular Employees, Contract of Services, and Job Order Workers.

PROGRAM ALIGNMENT
This initiative is aligned with and supports the following OPA and Provincial Thrusts: Provincial Food Security
and Nutrition Program, Climate-Smart and Resilient Agriculture Initiatives, and Promotion of Indigenous and High-
Value Crops (Root Crops Development).

TECHNOLOGY, INPUTS AND MAINTENANCE
All planting materials, farm inputs, and labor requirements shall be personally procured and maintained by the
concern employee, consistent with the spirit of household-based food production. Technical assistance, coaching and
mentoring shall be provided by the Crops and Productivity and Agri-Facilities Division.

MONITORING, DOCUMENTAION, AND REPORTING
The Division/Unit concerned shall oversee monitoring and documentation, including photo records and basic
progress reporting. Random inspection shall be conducted and consolidated accomplishment reports shall be
submitted to management through the appropriate channels of Planning Division.

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT INTEGRATION
Quirog emphasized that compliance with this directive shall be included in the targets and Individual
Performance and Review (IPCR) of the concerned personnel and shall be considered in performance monitoring and
evaluation.

The Provincial Agriculturist is hopeful that the OPA employees will plant more Ubi in addition to vast Ubi
plantation by among Boholano Ubi growers to display and sell during the coming Ubi Festival 2026 on the first
week of December. By Atoy Cosap

P1.13M sales for two-day Ubi Festival

Despite of the bad weather condition, some P1, 136, 313.80 were the total sales of the sold Ubi tubers
during the 2-day Ubi Festival 2025 conducted last Wednesday and Thursday held at the Plaza Rizal, this
city.

Of the P1, 136, 333.80 total sales, the P1,029, 304.80 of it was from the Ubi raw sales, P31,716 (Ubi
processed sales), and the P75,313 (other agriculture products).

There were 19 Municipal Local Government Units (MLGUs) participated the festival namely: Getafe,
Carmen, Panglao, Dimiao, Alburquerque, Maribojoc, Loon, Calape, Sikatuna, Pilar, Talibon, Baclayon,
Loboc, Valencia, Cortes, Corella, Ubay, Alicia and San Isidro; private exhibitors (EJ’s Ube Halaya, AtoAni
Agriventures Inc., Purles Women, Lamac, MPC, KBoOM, Pryce Gas, and Gazeebo Loondon; Agri-Line
Agencies (BISU-Bilar Campus and ATI-7, Department of Agriculture, and Nations Food Authority (NFA).
The Ubi Festival was originally scheduled for three days but due to Tropical Depression “Wilma” that
put Bohol under signal No. 1, the last day of selling of Ubi tubers was cancelled to prevent damage on the
displayed products and to protect the lives of the exhibitors.

Carrying the theme “Ubi’ng Bol-anon: Tinubdan sa Pagkaon, Garbo sa Kulturang Bol-anon,” the
festival featured contests with prizes at stake as the winners were the following: Ubi Festibal Queen 2025
winners crowned as Ubi Festival Queen 2025 – Denia Deiparine (Carmen), 1 st runner-up – Crisan Rose
Tabigue (Valencia), 2 nd Runner-up – Dianna Mae Bonao (Panglao), Best in Thematic Costume – Katrice
Alessandra Racho (Maribojoc), Best in Production Number – Denia Deiparine (Carmen);

Best Farmer’s Rondalla: 1 st – LGU (Carmen), 2 nd (Candungao Rondalla (San Isidro), 3 rd (LGU Calape );
Video Contest: 1 st – (LGU Panglao), 2 nd – (LGU Valencia), 3 rd – (LGU Baclayon); Most participating LGU –
1 st (LGU Carmen), 2 nd – (LGU Valencia), 3 rd – (LGU Panglao); Highest Sales – 1 st – (LGU Ubay); 2 nd –
(LGU Carmen); 3 rd (LGU Pilar); Highest Volume – 1 st (LGU Ubay), 2 nd – (LGU Carmen), 3 rd – (LGU
Valencia); Motorcade – 1 st (LGU Carmen), 2 nd – (LGU Panglao), 3 rd – LGU Valencia).

For Pinaka Ubi contest of different varieties: Tam-isan – 1 st – Virginia Sernada – Carmen), 2 nd (Leonisa
Buna (Ubay), 3 rd – Allan Madronero (Dimiao); Kabus-ok – 1 st – Allan Madronero (Dimiao), 2 nd – Romulo
Campoamor (Carmen), 3 rd – Veneranda Lungay (Cortes); Baligonhon – 1 st – Boby Pahit (Valencia), 2 nd –
Mario Ochea (Carmen), 3 rd – Allan Madronero (Dimiao); Kinampay – 1 st – Roldan Daligdig (Carmen), 2 nd –
Cipriano Curay (Alicia), 3 rd – Vivencio Lingatong (Cortes);

Best in Ubi Street Dancing – 1 st (LGU-Carmen), 2 nd (LGU-Panglao), 3 rd (LGU-Valencia), and Best
Booth and Product Display_ 1 st (LGU Valencia), 2 nd (LGU Carmen), 3 rd (Loon).

Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado thanked the exhibitors for their continued commitment and
support to enhance the Ubi industry in the province of Bohol.

Gov. Aumentado said that the provincial government is consistently supporting the agri-fishery sector
to alleviate their livelihood as they are the important partners to achieve the agricultural goals in his
administration.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog stressed the importance of conducting the Ubi Festival every
year in Bohol to showcase the different varieties of Ubi especially the Ubi Kinampay such name has been
included in the lyrics of the Bohol Hymn which we have been sung daily.

Quirog said that since before during our early ancestors, the Ubi Kinampay in Bohol has been famous
because of its natural aroma which has not found of the same variety from other provinces.
She thanked the participating exhibitors as she asked for their continued support to the plans and
programs of the provincial government. (Atoy Cosap)

Farmers’ Big Day a truly big day for farmers

The celebration of Farmers Big Day in Bohol as part of the Rice Festival Month in line with the National Rice
Awareness Month (NRAM) was truly a big day for the Boholano farmers and fisherfolks who have been continued
helping the Provincial Government of Bohol ( PGBh) in shaping up the agricultural landscape in the province.

This developed as the 47 winners of the Suhid sa Malampusong Bol-anon Vegetable Corridors: Bol-anong
Busog ug Himsog Program and the seven people’s organizations received the awards yesterday.

Senator Francis “Kiko” N. Pangilinan, Chair Senate Committee on Agriculture and Agrarian Reforms and Gov.
Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado led the awarding of cash and turning over the HDPE fish cages, fish feeds and
seaweeds inputs during the NRAM Rice Festivals Farmers Big Day yesterday held at the Municipal Gym, Pob
lacion, Garcia Hernandez. The 47 winners of Suhid Vegetable Corridors we’re came from the towns of Garcia
Hernandez, Valencia, Jagna, Duero, Guindulman, and Sierra-Bullones.

Sen. Pangilinan in his keynote speech said that he came here during the celebration of Farmers Big Day to unite
the Boholano farmers who are contributors to the food supplies in the country to feed the Filipinos.

Pangilinan emphasized that the government has been working to give more programs intended for agri-fishery
sector to ensure food security, a sector which is vulnerable on the effects of climate.

In his message of support, Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado affirmed the strong support for the
agri-fishery sector during the “Farmers’ Big Day”

Gov. Aumentado emphasized that the “Farmers’ Big Day” celebration is a significant opportunity to honor the
farmers, whom he described as the province’s “frontliners” in ensuring food security and sufficiency.

“We are doing this as a gesture of gratitude for your service. The provincial government is serious in its efforts
to strengthen the agriculture sector,” the governor said. He assured that under his administration, the province will
continue to provide full and unwavering support to the thousands of farmers across Bohol.

Aumentado also urged Boholanos to support local producers by purchasing locally grown rice and avoiding the
wastage of rice and other agricultural products. He stressed that responsible consumption is essential in sustaining
the province’s food supply.

During the event, Governor Aumentado expressed his gratitude to Senator Francis Pangilinan for extending
support to the activities and initiatives of the “Farmers’ Big Day,” which aim to uplift and empower the agricultural
sector in the province.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog, in her statement of purpose, underscored the significance of the National
Rice Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of valuing rice as a vital agricultural resource. She emphasized
that purchasing locally produced rice is essential in supporting the livelihood of local farmers and strengthening the
province’s agricultural economy. She even urged the Boholanos to eat brown rice which is nutritious and good to
our body. Quirog congratulated the winners of the Suhid sa Malampusong Bol-anon: Vegetable Corridors.
Quirog also expressed her gratitude for the time and support extended by Senator Francis Pangilinan during the
event. She affirmed the efforts of the Provincial Government under the leadership of Governor Aris Aumentado,
particularly its initiatives aimed at boosting the agri-fishery sector and improving the productivity of farmers and
fisherfolk.

Furthermore, she thanked the various local government units for their continued cooperation and assistance to
the Provincial Government in advancing agricultural development across Bohol.

The NRAM was promulgated oursuant to Proclamation No. 524, s. 2004, declaring every November as National
Rice Awareness Month aligning the commitment to elevate appreciation for rice farming, foster sustainable
agricultural practices, cultural celebration and fortity community bonds. By Atoy Cosap with reports from Venuz
Ladaga

PGBh Palay Buy-Back Program strengthened

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and other
departments of the provincial government has expanded its palay procurement operations to more municipalities as
the harvest season progresses so as to produce sufficient supply of “Bugas Bol-anon” with cheapest price at P36 per
kilogram.

This program is in line with the continued implementation of the Provincial Rice Program: Palay Buy-Back
Project of which under the leadership of Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado and Vice-Governor Nick Besas
was started last year that aims to provide Boholano farmers with fair and competitive buying prices at P23/kilograms
(14% moisture contents) protecting them from volatile and often low market rates during peak harvests;

Safeguard farmer livelihoods by promoting equitable trading practices and reducing dependence on middlemen;
build Bohol’s strategic rice reserves which are later used to support relief efforts and local food distribution.
The initial procurement of the program began in the 2024 harvest season in major rice producing municipalities
namely: Ubay, Talibon, Bien Unido, San Miguel, Carmen, Batuan, Pilar, Alicia, Candijay, Buenavista, Dagohoy,
Danao, Sierra – Bullones, Trinidad and preparing to expand procurement operations to other known rice
municipalities in the second and third districts in the province who are members of the irrigator’s associations.

PALAY SALES FROM FARMERS
The Irrigator Association (IA) member farmer-cooperator shall be required to sell at least 10% of their total
palay production per hectare exclusively to the PGBh through the project. The assigned Provincial Rice Technician
must ensure that the palay intended for sale meets the following quality standards: freshly harvested, properly dried,
and free from impurities, moisture content of 14%, verified and confirmed at least one day before the scheduled
hauling.

Along with this, the technician shall also coordinate closely with the farmers to ensure compliance with these
requirements, facilitating a smooth and efficient procurement process.

BUY-BACK SCHEME ON THIS PROGRAM
The PGBh through the OPA and the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) shall facilitate the procurement
of palay produced by the program beneficiaries.

The buy-back funds shall be sourced from the PGBh, in accordance with the approved Project Proposal, ensuring
proper allocation and utilization of resources for the successful implementation of the program.

Aside from facilitating the palay procurement, the OPA is also responsible for drying, milling, packaging; while
the Provincial Economic and Enterprise Management Office (PEEMO) is in-charge for developing and presenting a
comprehensive marketing and sales plan; proposing product pricing and product naming; remitting collections to
Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO) and presenting relevant reports to Technical Working Group (TWG) every
meeting;

Providing personnel for labor work; overseeing the sale of products at the Capitol, arranging deliveries to clients,
and request the PGSO to inspect the products and by-products upon arrival at the Capitol premises; and identifying
target markets for milled rice and its by-products.

Other departments of the PGBh who are involved in this collective program are: Provincial Budget and
Management Office (PBMO), PTO, Provincial Motorpool Office (PMPO), and Provincial Cooperative Development
Office (PCDO).

Based on the Executive Order No. 29 signed by Gov. Aumentado last October 20, 2025 it stated that in
accordance with the foregoing provision of RA 11203, the PGBh has embarked on a Provincial Palay Buy-Back
through clustering of irrigators/farmers associations in the municipal level being affected by the passage of the said
law.

According to the EO No. 29, the depressed buying price of rice can be attributed to the repercussions of the 2018
Rice Tariffication Act. This legislation opened the floodgates to unlimited rice imports, leading to a significant drop
in the market prices. To avoid financial losses, our farmers have been completed to align or even lower their pricing
to stay competitive.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog is urging the Boholanos to patronize and promote the Bugas Bol-anon
guaranteeing that consumers can buy clean, safe and locally produced rice grown by Boholano farmers as the local
officials have welcomed the continuation of the program. By Atoy Cosap with reports from Lorebien N. Lagapa,
OPA staff

Ubi buy-back for Dispersal

It might be that there is no enough reason on why the Boholano farmers do not have interest to plant Ubi crop in
the agricultural province of Bohol.

This as the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA)
has allocated the amount of P2.8M for Ubi buy-back dispersal program specifically for Kinampay and Baligonhon
varieties before the year ends.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog during the coordination meeting with Municipal
Agriculturists/Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAs/MAOs) and representatives from agri-line and partner agencies
last Wednesday held at the Reynas the Haven and Garden, New Calceta St., Cogon, Tagbilaran City, urged the Ubi
growers through the MAs/MAOs to plant more areas for Ubi to address the volume of demands domestically and
internationally.

The provincial agriculturist bared that based on records of OPA, it showed that out of 484.5 hectares (has.) of
potential areas for Ubi in the province only 82.79 has. are planted.

In the Ubi buy-back dispersal, the PGBh will buy good quality Ubi Kinampay and Baligonhon tubers in Ubay,
Carmen and Pilar and which will be given to the Ubi growers. The number of kilos to be given is the same number
of kilos will be returned back to the PBGBh and will be dispersed to other towns.

She said that there is a protocol strictly being followed in this program that there is no replanting of Ubi in the
same location because the fungi are carried within the Ubi tubers itself and when planted on the same area the fungi
will thrive and spread rapidly.

Quirog underscored the conduct of Ubi Festival in Bohol which will be celebrated on every first week of
December in every year to sustain the Ubi industry in the province.
She asked higher government officials to put up more resources for Ubi industry so as more interventions to be
given to the Boholano Ubi growers.

In the conduct of Ubi Festival 2025 which is slated on December 3-5, 2025, the provincial agriculturist is
hopeful that there are more LGUs to participate compared to last year activity which had 16 LGUs.
The Ubi known towns in Bohol are the following: Pilar and Carmen which have the potential areas of 45 has.
each; Dagohoy, Ubay, and Guindulman (35 has. each), San Miguel (30 has.); Garcia Hernandez and Danao (28 has.
each); Talibon and Calape (25 has. each);

Alicia, and Valencia (20 has. each); Catigbian (15 has.); Baclayon and Batuan (12 has. each); Sevilla, Mabini and
Balilihan (10 has. each); Cortes, Sikatuna, Getafe, and Jagna (5 has. each); Maribojoc (3.5 has.);
Antequera, Panglao, and Bien Unido (3 has. each); Corella (2 has.) while the town of Dauis has only a hectare Ubi
areas.

Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado will lead the Boholanos in the three-day activities of Ubi Festival 2025
which will be held at the Plaza Rizal, in front of the St. Joseph Cathedral, this city which will be highlighted with
different contests to include street dancing and Ubi Festival Queen. By Atoy Cosap