NEWS

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas urged anew his co-employees at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) to be the inspiration of Boholano farmers.
Dr. Pamugas made the call during the general assembly of OPA on April 29, 2019, usually conducted every last Monday of the month.
He said that since we are working in the agriculture line agency it behooves that we serve as idols among farmers and agri-stakeholders most especially nowadays that the number of farmers is decreasing.
Pamugas said we need to practice our profession and share our expertise in farming.
As we are experiencing dry spell which is difficult to grow plants, we have to focus on livestock, fish cages or intercropping to make sure that we can feed the 1.3 million Boholanos and 1.8 million tourists in the province.
He said that every employee must have at least containerized or backyard gardening.
Meanwhile, Pamugas expressed apprehension that some Boholano farmer entrepreneurs would face serious livelihood loss in the full implementation of the Rice Tariffication Act.
In the rice importation liberalization, the cheap imported rice from Thailand and Vietnam would come into the country and the Filipinos would no longer buy locally produced rice resulting to eventual collapse of rice industry among Boholano farmer businessmen.
Locally produced rice couldn’t compete the cheaper prices of imported rice because in Thailand and Vietnam their production costs are lower compared to the Philippines.
Bohol has maintained its title as “Rice Basket” in Central Visayas of which the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through Gov. Edgar M. Chatto is very grateful to the Boholano farmers. (Atoy Cosap)

Several hectares (has.) of rice areas in the different towns of Bohol have already been affected with El Niño phenomenon.
Evelyn T. Maligsa, head-Planning Division, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) said that based on the partial consolidated report on damage assessment for rice from the 18 towns of Bohol wherein of the 7,615.60 has. total areas affected, 2, 351.66 has. of which were totally damaged while 2,278.10 has. were partially damaged.
Maligsa said the partial consolidated damage report came from the municipalities of Buenavista, Jagna, Batuan, Carmen, Alicia, Getafe, Bilar, Duero, Mabini, Bien Unido, Calape, Dagohoy, Balilihan, Sagbayan, Antequera, Garcia Hernandez, Danao and Trinidad wherein the town of Bien Unido got the highest total damaged of 992.75 has. then followed by Trinidad which had 524.06 has.
The number of damaged areas would include the rice lands covered by the service areas of dams and communal irrigation system (CIS).
Most of the crops that were damaged were those planted in rainfed areas, Maligsa concluded.
Engr. Evelyn Putong from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)7 during the Provincial Coordinating Committee for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCCAF) meeting last Wednesday held at NIA Regional Office 7, Dao District, Tagbilaran City reported that of the 3,047 has. of operational areas being served by Bayongan Dam in San Miguel there were 9 has. reported damage and of the 858 has. of operational areas under the Cayapas Dam in Ubay, there were 10 has. reported damage; while there were no reported damages of the 4,016 has. and 781 has. of operational areas being served by Malinao Dam in Pilar and Talibon Dam in Talibon respectively.
In Tubigon, of the 489 has. of operational areas seved by CIS there were 80 has. reported damage while in Lila 5 has. of the 13 has. of operational areas under the CIS were reported damage.
Putong also reported the water levels of the four major dams in Bohol as of Tuesday: Malinao Dam; actual – 151.94 meters (ms.), at full-(152.00ms., critical-146.5ms.; Bayongan Dam: actual – 44.00ms., at full-52.00ms., critical-41.00ms.; Capayas Dam: actual -33.27 ms., at full-36.05ms, critical-30.00ms.; Talibon Small Reservior Irrigation System: actual – 25.90ms., at full-30.00ms., critical-21.00ms.
She said that they have been continued the implementation of alternate wetting and drying, daily monitoring of irrigated areas and strict implementation of water delivery schedule, information dissemination and introduction of upland rice variety and other diversified crops for the rice areas.
Putong bared that it is good if there are natural rains to come in June to ensure that the Boholano farmers could plant rice on the next cropping season.
Although we need the artificial rain from cloud seeding operations (CSOs) but she said the the volume of water cannot suffice to be used in the land preparation for planting in all the rice areas in the province to include the rainfed because of the CSOs have focused only to the watershed areas.
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) has planned to conduct CSOs to save agricultural crops and livestocks in the province that would be affected by El Niño Phenomenon.
The PGBh has a standby fund in the amount of P2.3 million which was already approved and bidded last year and the P25 million allocations from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) which was already downloaded to the DA-RFO7 and ready to be used after it was already bidded early this year. (Atoy Cosap)

PCCAF MEETING. Engr. Evelyn Putong (standing with mic) from the National Irrigation Administration ( NIA) 7 during the Provincial Coordinating Committee for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCCAF) meeting last Wednesday held at the NIA 7, Dao District, Tagbilaran City reported the irrigation systems situation in the province of Bohol. Photo by Rowena Dante-OPA staff

The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) 7 declared the province of Bohol free from African Swine Fever (ASF).
Dr. Melika Adriatico, Veterinary Quarantine Service, BAI-7 during the Agripreneurs Forum last Wednesday held at the Dauis Dymnasium, Poblacion, Dauis, Bohol said that there are no reported cases of ASF in the country “but we do not take for granted this development”.
Adriatico said ASF is a highly contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs of all ages, characterized by high fever, loss of appetite, reddening of the skin and hemorrhages of the internal organs; and death which follows between 2-10 days on the average; and mortality can be as high as 100%.
She said the fever could transfer through direct contact between sick and healthy animals.
It could also be indirect transmission through feeding with garbage containing infected meat; fomites (premises, vehicles, implements and clothes) and biologic vectors (soft ticks).
The Philippine Government has drawn strategies for ASF prevention which includes banning of pork importation from affected countries, avoid swill feeding, and educate the people.
She said the government has been implementing to block the entry of smuggled shipments, luggages from ASF affected countries, hand carried items, food wastes from international airports and seaports.
Adriatico bared that there are 15 countries affected with ASF namely: Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Maldives, Hungary, Bulgaria, Belgium, Lalvia, Poland, Romania, China, South Korea, Zambia, Mongolia, and Vietnam.
According to Adriatico, the Top 10 pork producing countries are China, European Union, United States, Brazil, Russia, Vietnam, Canada, Philippines, Japan, and South Korea wherein China ranked No. 1 and Philippines is number 8.
Adriatico urged everyone to take part in the campaign against ASF because this has no treatment, no vaccine, and highly contagious, posing danger to the swine industry.
On the issue about Rice Tarrification Law otherwise known as RA No. 11203 which the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRs) are about to finish, Cecile Opada, Regional Rice Focal Person-Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)7 said the government is just to fulfill international commitment as new member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995. Among its objectives are to ensure the availability of rice in the domestic market for the accessibility of greater majority of the population by allowing more private traders (big or small) to participate in importing rice;
Lower domestic rice prices to levels that would be affordable to the greater majority of the population; make domestic market function effectively and efficiency with much reduced or no government intervention, provide farmers equivalent protection with the imposition of 35% higher tariff rates on the rice imports and preferential assistance to rice farmers, adversely affected by tarrification; to provide opportunity for farmers to earn more in the world market.
The law also lifted the restriction on rice exports to encourage farmers to produce much better quality heirloom/ traditional rice geared to export, provide support and safety nets to farmers, especially those that will be adversely affected.
She said that in view with this, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) was established to fund key interventions that will improve productivity and competitiveness, enhance the value chain and increase farm incomes.
She added that the excess tariff revenue collection will still be given to farmers to provide preferential support to farmers who will be greatly affected.
Karlo Ceasar C. Abarquez, Information Officer, Agriculture Credit Policy Council (ACPC) discussed thoroughly about the DA-Credit Policy on how it would be very useful to the farmer-entrepreneurs through an Easy Access Loans.
Abarquez said these types of loans aim to provide easy-to-access loans to marginal and small farmers and fisher folks by tapping the lending conduits in extending loans.
She explained the lending conduits select, evaluate, approve and collect loans from borrowers under agreed guidelines with the ACPC.
The ACPC extends zero cost funds to lending conduits that in turn must extend non-collateralized loans at reduced interest rate (6% p.a.)
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto in his inspirational message thanked the farmers, fishers, farmers’ organizations, cooperatives and growers, processors and entrepreneurs in sharing their time in the gathering.
Gov. Chatto informed the participants of the forum regarding the completion of several projects to include the New Bohol Panglao International Airport, new Capitol building, among others.
He said the three pillars for growth and development of the province are the agriculture, tourism and Information Communication Technology (ICT).
Chatto urged the Boholano farmers to double their efforts to produce more agricultural products to cater to the needs of the increasing number of tourists, estimated at 1.5 million, coming to Bohol adding to the 1.3 million Boholano populace.
The governor also thanked the Boholanos in helping Bohol maintain its status as “food basket” in the entire Central Visayas.
Gov. Chatto informed the people that his term as governor will end on June 30 but still he will continue to serve the Boholanos as he is running as congressman in the first district of Bohol this coming May 13 election.
House Deputy Speaker Arthur Yap gladly informed the people of his House Bill No. 37 that was already passed into Law, the Republic Act 10969 or Free Irrigation Act.
Congressmen Yap in his solidarity message underscored the importance of the law that would benefit the farmers in the entire country for free irrigation water if they have tilled the rice fields with an areas of 8 hectares (has.) and below.
Being a former agriculture secretary he has given the most important support to agriculture for food or domestic security.
Yap urged the farmers of not being contented to become the mere farmers but the entrepreneurs of their own produced products.
He asked the Boholanos to continue supporting his endeavors for the good of Bohol.
On his part, First District Congressman Rene Lopez Relampagos in his message informed the people his strong support to agriculture.
Relampagos recalled that when he was the governor in the province he established the Barangay Livestock Aide (BALA) which has been very useful in shaping up the agricultural framework of the province.
He also urged the farmers to become entrepreneurs and to go to other places and adopt successful agricultural innovations.
Board member Ricky Masamayor said that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has always been looking into more developments for the good of the farmers.
Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas acknowledged the thousands of participants after Dauis Mayor Marietta T. Sumaylo delivered a warm welcome to those who participated in the forum.
Board Member Jade Bautista in the 3rd District of Bohol also graced the affair.
Provincial Veterinarian Stella Marie D. Lapez formally closed the forum. (Atoy Cosap)

AGRIPRENUERS FORUM. Rice Tafficiation Law, African Swine Fever and Department of Agriculture-Credit Program were discussed during the Agripreneurs Forum last Wednesday held at the Dauis

The Department of National Defense (DND) continues supporting the endeavors of the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) geared towards reducing poverty incidence through food security and achieving genuine and lasting peace.
DND Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzanain his prepared keynote speech read by DND Undersecretary (Usec) Cardozo M. Luna said the DND relates to the ideas to where this endeavor is founded on environmental protection and poverty alleviation.
Tfhe statement was issued last Tuesday during the Blessing and Inauguration of Bohol Giant Clams Hatchery and Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on the Implementation of a Half-way House for Rebel Returnees at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Multi-Species Hatchery, Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol.
Secretary Lorenzana underscored the project as he said that the seeding of giant clams in Bohol marine areas aim to increase variety of marine species and biodiversity in the waters, thus increasing the catch of the fishermen.
Lorenzana said the DND through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had the opportunity to take part in the profound cause of which the province has been a partner of the AFP in its environmental protection and conservation programs under the internal peace and security plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.
He said in 2013, the AFP provided the facility to the province of Bohol when it transported 240 giant clams from Balinao, Pangisinan.
Lorenzana said that in the past six years, the armed forces were consistent in lending its support to Bohol in its commitment to develop its own giant clams hatchery.
The 47th Infantry Battalion consistently participates in the annual underwater biophysical assessment in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) seeded with giant clams.
He said the DND relies on many facets, including environmental stability and socio-economic growth.
Lorenzana bared the defense department strongly views the importance of sustaining our internal peace and gladly welcome efforts and partnerships such as what had been done last Tuesday which was truly commendable.
The DND Secretary emphasized that in this age of rapidly changing environmental patterns and rise of unprecedented impacts of climate change, it is important that we provide protection to our marine ecosystem.
Gov. Edgar M. Chatto expressed thanks and gratitude to the DND who provided facility in transporting the giant clams from Bolinao, Pangasinan to Bohol considering the allotted given time of 11 hours of transporting from the origin to the destination for the clams to survive.
Gov. Chatto said the seeding of giant clams is not an easy work because it faced a lot of challenges.
It can be said that “No Pain No Gain,” the governor clarified that no matter how big the challenges are but at the end of the rope through our concerted efforts the fisherfolks and the people would be benefited, the provincial government would accept the challenges.
Chatto was also grateful to BFAR, Bohol Island State University (BISU) Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Bohol Environmental Management Office (BEMO) and other agri-related government agencies who in one way or another helped for the realization of the project geared towards peace and development.
He asked everyone to help in protecting our giant clams at the MPAs and other marine resources not only for today but for future generation.
Dr. Zina D. Sayson, Vice President for Research Development and Extension, BISU in her message said that as an academic institution it offers fishery courses in BISU Candijay and Clarin Campuses as among the flagships degree programs that they have been motivated to do their share of making their curriculum offerings truly committed in taking active part in the preservation of natural wealth such as the clams and other marine products.
Regional Executive Director (RED) BFAR Alfeo G. Piloton expressed apprehension on the dwindling population of the giant clams because of the climate change, typhoons and illegal fishing.
Dir. Piloton urged the law enforcers and the local government units to intensify the campaign against illegal fishing especially at the purok level.
Piloton said the BFAR has launched the program called “Operation BagongBuhay” giving technical assistance and alternative livelihood to those who were apprehended and freed on illegal fishing.
Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/ MPA Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) in her statement of purpose articulated the main reason to venture this project which is for ensuring food security.
Quirog pointed out that the presence of giant clams in the sea waters increases the marine resources because it provides food and shelter for other marine organisms, and helps to enhance marine bio-diversity among others.
She narrated on how difficult to seed the giant clams especially in bringing the clams in the province from Bolinao, Pangasinan.
Quirog urged the Boholanos to help in protecting the clams at the MPAs and at the hatchery as she disclosed that destroying one giant clam has a penalty of P500, 000 and an imprisonment of 12 to 20 years.
In the same occasion that the Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on the Implementation of a Half-Way House for Rebel Returnees was conducted wherein Gov. Chatto, DND Usec. Luna and the Department of Interior and Local Government Provincial Director John Joan Mende who inked the agreement.
Also gracing the affair were Vice Governor Dionisio D. Balite; Board Member AgapitoAvenido; Ubay Mayor RestitutoAuxtero; Deputy Commander General Elie Alberto, Central Command-AFP; Lt. Col. Joel Malig, 47IB; Lt. Col. Agum; NonitaCabacaba, BFAR Guian Center Director; Col. Caballes-Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO); Maritime Police and Coast Guards. (AtoyCosap)

TWIN ACTIVITIES. Gov. Edgar M. Chatto (top photo) leads the ribbon cutting during the Blessing and Inauguration of Bohol Giant Clams Hatchery and Tripartite MOA Signing on the Implementation of a Half-Way House for Rebel Returnees at BFAR Multi-Species Hatchery, Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol last Tuesday. He was assisted by DND undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna and Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/MPA Provincial Technical Working Group chairperson among others. While the bottom left photo are some of the giant clams at the hatchery for seeding.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Governor-Bohol Environment Management Office (GO-BEMO) in coordination with the member agencies of the Marine Protected Area Provincial Technical Working Group (MPA PTWG) will bless and inaugurate the Giant Clams Hatchery Facility at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Multi-Species Hatchery (BFAR-MSH) in Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol on Tuesday.

The activity will start with a Holy Mass at 8:30 A.M. and to be followed by a blessing and then the inauguration program at 10:00 a.m.

In the program, the Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana will give his keynote speech and Gov. Edgar M. Chatto will deliver his inspirational message while Ubay Mayor Constantino Reyes; Director Alfeo G. Piloton, BFAR 7; and Dr. Reguncivilla A. Pobar, Bohol Island State University (BISU) president will give their messages.

Liza M. Quirog, chief of staff/MPA PTWG chairperson will state the statement of purpose after Barangay Captain Jimmy Dabalos of Sinandigan would give his welcome message.

Villa I. Pelindingue, Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Unit Head said the Giant Clams Hatchery Facility is for spawning of the giant clams which are now seeded at the 10 MPAs at 20 clams each since February 20, 2013 namely: Balicasag, Panglao; Bingag, Dauis; Basdio, Guindulman; Badiang, Anda; Lumayag MPA, Baybayon, Mabini; Sinandigan, Ubay; Gaus, Carlos P. Garcia; Cataban, Talibon; Hambungan, Inabanga, and Majingpit, Bonbon, Clarin.

The clam is hermaphrodite in nature which has the capacity to produce egg and sperm cells.

Pelindingue explained that the clams at the MPAs must be pulled-out for spawning at the hatchery facility wherein the egg and sperm cells from the other clams will be fertilized which could hardly happen at the MPAs because the egg and sperm cells would be eaten by fishes at the surrounding.

She said the PGBh had established the MPA Management Council tasked to manage the MPAs as the BEMO has been conducted an annual underwater bio-physical assessment since 2015.

The CRM unit head bared that six giant clams had already pulled-out from Sinandigan MPA and put at the hatchery for spawning.

She underscored the importance of clam in the quest of the PGBh to increase the marine resources because it provides food and shelter for other marine organisms, helps to enhance water visibility because it has the ability to filter water, helps to build and shape reef, attracts more fishes because it produces foods for fishes and helps to enhance marine bio-diversity.

Gov. Chatto said this endeavor is one of the PGBh priority projects to ensure sustainable management of MPAs in line with the goal of reducing poverty incidence and ensuring food security to the Boholano communities through collective efforts in the protection and conservation of our marine environment.

Jovencia Ganub, head-BEMO said the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bohol headed by Vice Governor Dionisio D. Balite will also grace the affair. (Atoy Cosap)

CLAMS HATCHERY FACILITY. The P2M worth of Giant Clams Hatchery Facility at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Multi-Species Hatchery (BFAR MSH) in Sinandigan, Ubay, Bohol will be blessed and inaugurated on Tuesday. This facility serves as the spawning ground of giant clams which have been seeded at the 10 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the different towns of Bohol.                                                                Foto: VILLA I. PELINDINGUE, CRM Unit Head