NEWS

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.

Some 752 farmers and fisherfolks out of the 5, 000 intended beneficiaries of the Presidential Assistance for
Farmers and Fisherfolks (PAFF) received the financial assistance in the amount of P10, 000 each during turn over
ceremony last Friday held at the 3 rd Floor Lobby, New Capitol Building, New capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

The 752 first batch beneficiaries came from the five municipalities to wit: Sevilla with 612 beneficiaries, Corella
(71), Dauis (38), Albur (16), and Maribojoc (15).

The 5, 000 beneficiaries are come from the 24 municipalities of which Ubay is the highest with 1, 140
beneficiaries.

Other municipalities entitled to receive are: Alicia (726), Sevilla (612), Getafe (414), Loboc (380), Mabini (201),
Bien Unido (191), Sikatuna (191), Antequera (164), Trinidad (146), Clarin (125), Duero (113), Calape (111),
Candijay (109), Guindulman (95), Pres. Carlos P. Garcia (90), Corella (71), Balilihan (41), Dauis (38), Loon (27),
Sagbayan (17), Albur (16), Maribojoc (15), and Baclayon with 11 beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the second batch consists of 423 beneficiaries will receive their P10, 000 each on Thursday are come
from other four towns namely: Bien Unido (191), Clarin (125), CPG (90), and Sagbayan with 17 beneficiaries.

The distributions of cash assistance to other towns’ PAFF beneficiaries have not yet scheduled because the
supporting documents have not yet signed by the municipal mayors due to the different reasons which are the
following: mayors are hesitant to sign because accordingly, they do not know some names who are listed as
beneficiaries; denied that the list of beneficiaries that it came from their municipal agriculture offices, they need to
consult their Municipal Agri-Fishery Council (MAFC), some who are listed as beneficiaries are not qualified, and a
mayor who is still on leave.

Agricultural Provincial Coordinating Officer Roman Dabalos explained that they submitted the list of
beneficiaries from the Municipal Agriculturists/ Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAs/MAOs) to the Department of
Agriculture (DA) for validation.

Dabalos disclosed that there were an initial 12, 000 list of beneficiaries they submitted and then another 10, 000
to reach a total of 22, 000. But only more than 7, 600 beneficiaries were approved by the DA to receive the cash
assistance.

Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado in his inspirational message during the distribution of cash assistance
thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr, and DA for the assistance.

Gov. Aumentado said the DA and the provincial government have some interventions that have been given to the
agri-fishery sector to alleviate their livelihood who are most badly affected with climate change.

He said that during the El Nino, the DA and the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) had collaborated to
conduct the Cloud Seeding Operations (CSOs) in the province.

Aumentado asked the farmers and fisherfolks to cooperate and support the government as he said that there is no
perfect governance.

The governor said that they continue to work to help the agri-fishery sector as he asked them to comply on what
are the requirements needed to process the assistance intended for them.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his welcome message also thanked the president, Gov.
Aumentado and DA as he also asked beneficiaries to continue supporting the plans and programs of the government.
By Atoy Cosap

PAFF DISTRIBUTION. Gov. Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado leads the distribution of Presidential Assistance to
Farmers and Fisherfolks to 752 beneficiaries during the cash distribution ceremony last Friday held at the 3rd Floor
Lobby, New Capitol Building, New Capitol Site, Cogon, Tagbilaran City.

The Agri-line Government Agencies have continued to strengthen the Municipal Local Government Units
(MLGUs) to become ready for the full implementation of devolution for agricultural programs due to the expected
increase of National Tax Collection (NTC) to be received by the Local Government Units (LGUs) based on the
Mandanas Ruling.

The agencies such as Department of Agriculture (DA-7), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA),
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Irrigation
Administration (NIA), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Academe (BISU),
Philippine Crops Insurance Corporation (PCIC), and Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)
introduced the establishment of Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAPES) in the province
of Bohol.

Cecile Opada from the Department of Agriculture (DA)-7 during the PAFES Mide-Year Assessment Workshop
last Wednesday held at the Bohol Farm, Dao, Dauis said that the PAFES has been introduced here in Bohol for
almost three years during the time of Former Gov. Art Yap when Former DA Secretary William Dar had chosen the
province as pilot area for PAFES.

Merigine Otara from Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 7 who gave the rationale of the assessment said the
establishment of the PAFES is one of the identified strategies under One DA Agenda which aims to address the long

• standing battle-neck and challenges in agri-fishery extension especially the need to harmonize the institutional
  arrangement to integrate and strengthen extension services at the provincial level.
  She added that in order to operationalize the system, each province is encouraged to establish its Province-led
  Agriculture and Fisheries Extension Center (PAFEC) and identify multi-disciplinary technical person with the strong
  partnership of different stakeholders who are implementing different agri-fishery programs and projects in their
  respective province.
  Otara emphasized that PAFEC serves as the extension hub and harmonize the different extension agri-fishery
  programs and services in most efficient, effective and responsive to the needs of the farmers and fisherfolks.
  However, she clarified that there is a need to review the implementation process, reflect and recalculate for a better
  and smooth implementation.
  Ramil Rodela, Team Leader Extension Communication presented the PAFEC accomplishment for 1 st  Semester
  FY 2024 in Bohol.
  Rodela said that the province through the agri-line agencies had already conducted the following activities in
  relations to PAFES: Rice Technicians Meeting, Agri-fishery Consultative Meeting, Corn and Cassava Technicians
  Meeting, HVCC Technicians Meeting, Fishery Technicians Meeting, Preparatory Meeting for Benchmarking of
  PAFES Davao, PAFES Project Management Team with MAs/MAOs/CAs Meeting,

Coaching and Critiquing of Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Development Plans of which 47 municipalities
already passed their draft output, Agri-Resiliency Barangay Volunteer Technician Training, Provincial Coordinating
Committee on Agri-Fishery (PCCAF) Meeting, Sandugo Agri-Fair, Kadiwa ng Pangulo and Organic Festival.
Rodela said the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Development Plan is important for consolidation to identify
priorities to form the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Development Plan.

He said that the province has already created the Devolution Transition Plan defining the programs to be retained
or devolved to the Local Government Units (LGUs).

In the devolution, the national programs from DA to be devolved to the LGUs are: Seeds, Fertilizers,
Infrastructure, Farm Machineries, and Agri-business; while the program to be retained to the DA is the Research and
Development.

Dr. Leo S. Pelletero, Regional PAFES Director said that he has a high hope that the implementation of PAFES in
Bohol would be successful.

Pelletero disclosed that Bohol will be the host province for the National Assessment of PAFES this coming
November 25-29, 2024 at the Blue Water Resort in Panglao to be attended by 78 PAFEC Directors all over the
country.

For an in behalf of Governor Erico Aristotle C. Aumentado, Executive Assistant Nunila M. Pinat relayed the
message of the governor that he is elated that Bohol is one of the PAFES provinces.

Pinat said that we need to harmonize our agricultural programs for the development of the countryside.
In this endeavour, the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) would be encouraged to give agriculture the priority in
their developmental plans.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog, the PAFEC Director in her closing statement thanked the strong
participation of the agri-line government agencies in the in the Mid-Year Assessment Workshop.

She said that she is looking forward for the very successful implementation of PAFES in Bohol as Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas in his welcome message also thanked the participants. By Atoy Cosap

The farm machineries and equipment owned by the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) stationed at Bohol Organic Agriculture and Technology (BOATech) in Gabi, Ubay, Bohol are ready to be rented at the low rate.

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has been
offering its farm machineries/equipment for rentals at the lower rate compared to other private entities who are also
offering the same kind of services.

According to Jazel Ann Diez from the Agricultural Engineering Division, OPA, the PGBh has the ready to rent
machineries/equipment stationed in Bohol Organic Agriculture Technology (BOATech) Center, Gabi, Ubay Bohol to
wit: 6 units of Tractor with Disc Plow (95 HP with 4 blades, 120 HP with 5 blades), 2 units of Tractor with
Rotavator (45 HP for rice field areas – lowland), 6 units of Tractor with Harrow (95 HP with 16 blades, 120 HP with
24 blades),

Transplanter Riding Type (with 6 rows transplanter picker) – 3 units, Transplanter Walking Type (with 4 rows
transplanter picker) – 3 units, and Combine Harvester (corn and rice) – 3 units.

Diez explained that the PGBh has its owned operators to operate of the equipment and the farmer clients will
provide the crude oil.

She bared that the rentals are as follows: Tractor with Rotavator (P600/hour) – crude oil (10 liters/hr.); Tractor
with Harrow (P750/hr.) – crude oil (15 ltrs./hr.); Tractor with Plow (P600/hr.) – crude oil (15 ltrs./hr.);
Rice Transplanter Walking and Riding Type (P2, 500/hectare) – 8 ltrs. gasoline (walking) and 15 ltrs. diesel
(riding); Combine Rice Harvester (P4, 500/ha.) – 30 ltrs. diesel; Combine Corn Harvester (P4, 500/ha.) – 30 liters of
diesel.

In availing the services, just call the Agricultural Engineering Division, OPA at (038) 411-0138 and 0927464
1042 for scheduling. And then, fill-up the request form which is available at the Municipal Agriculture Office
(MAO) in every municipality. The team from the Agricultural Engineering Division will conduct a validation or
survey to check if the area is ready.

If the area could pass the survey, that would be the time that the service is to be rendered and thereafter the
rentals shall be collected and the receipt shall be kept by the farmer clients.

Diez said the payments of rentals shall be collected by the collectors from the OPA and immediately be remitted
to the Provincial Treasurer’s Office (PTO).

She urged the Boholano farmer clients who are interested to avail the services offered by the provincial
government as one of the initiatives to help farmers to ease the high farming production costs. By Atoy Cosap

The Province of Bohol will host the Department of Agriculture’s Information Caravan, “Masaganang
Agrikultura, Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas” on the last quarter of this year.

The one-day activity will be conducted in the gymnasium of Carmen, Bohol on November 7, 2024 such activity
is in alignment with the President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr. administration’s national development goals
under Bagong Pilipinas.

In his memorandum to the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Directors, Regional Program
Coordinators, Regional Information Officers, Agriculture and Fisheries Information Directors (AFIDs) and Regional
Agriculture and Fisheries Information Sections (RAFIS), Engr. Roger V. Navarro, DA, Undersecretary for
Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization said the event is designed to strengthen the agricultural sector’s vital
role in advancing the nation’s progress.

Undersecretary Navarro said the caravan will feature comprehensive discussions on the Department’s current
agricultural and fisheries programs to equip participants with the knowledge and guidance necessary to enhance
their productivity and sustainability in the agriculture sector.

Navarro said that through these discussions, the stakeholders gain valuable insights on the best practices,
innovative technologies, and support mechanisms that will help them achieve greater efficiency and long-term
success in their agricultural endeavors.

He added that the participants will also have the opportunity to engage in the open forum following each
presentation, allowing them to ask questions and clarify their concerns about the topics discussed. The in-charge for
the banner programs, bureaus, and attached agencies/corporations under the DA will set up booths within the venue
to distribute Information Education Communication (IEC) materials and promotional  items. Additionally, coaching
and one-on-one mentoring sessions will be offered to further assist participants.

Navarro emphasized that the traveling and other incidental expenses incurred by the DA-Agriculture and
Fisheries Information Division (AFID) and DA-Regional Field Office, invited farmers/ fisherfolks, and guests
during the activity shall be chargeable against their respective program funds, subject to the usual accounting and
auditing rules and regulations.

The Undersecretary for Operations and Agri-Fisheries Mechanization bared that the Information Caravan will
take place in Luzon, Visayas , and Mindanao with the following schedules: Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro (Region
IV-B) on October 3, 2024; Pili, Camarines Sur (Region V) on October 10, 2024; Santiago City, Isabela (Region II)
on October 24, 2024; Carmen, Bohol (Region VII) on November 7, 2024; Bacolod City, Negros Occidental (Region
VI) on November 14, 2024; Koronadal City South Cotabato (Region XII); and in Surigao City (Region XIII) on
November 28, 2024.

During the preparatory meeting last Monday at the Bohol Agricultural and Promotion Center (B-APC), Dao,
Tagbilaran City attended by Oda Rodriguez and Gemma Garcia from Information Relations Division, DA-Central
Office; Rochelle G. Flores, Richard B. Bernante and Judith G. Gabanito from Metro Ad Service Provider, Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Larry M. Pamugas; Roman Dabalos, Agricultural Promotion Coordinating Officer, DA-7;
and Municipal Agriculturist of Carmen Arlene Cabusao, it was known that there are 600 participants will join the
caravan of which 500 of them are the farmers/fisherfolks, and the 100 are the DA and LGU officials.

The 500 participants are come from the eight major rice producing towns namely: Carmen (host town), Pilar,
Sierra-Bullones, Batuan, Bilar, Dagohoy, Sagbayan, and San Miguel. By Atoy Cosap

The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Organic
Agriculture (OA) Stakeholders have been always working to promote OA in the Province of Bohol for healthy
environment and sustainable agriculture.

As evidence, the 3 rd year of conducting the OA Agriculture Festival which carries theme “ Panginabuhiang
Organiko, Kaugmaong OK Kaayo” is scheduled this month and next months in the agricultural province of Bohol.

Provincial Organic Focal Person Maricel C. Barloso bared that the OA Fest this year will be conducted on
September 24-25, 2024 in San Miguel for the second district, October 24-25, 2024 in Bohol Island State University
(BISU) for the third district, and on November in Tagbilaran City for the first district of which the dates will still be
agreed.

Barloso said that on the September 24-25, 2024 festival in San Miguel Gymnasium, Governor Erico Aristotle C.
Aumentado will deliver his inspirational message as his wife 2 nd District Congresswoman Vanessa C. Aumentado
will lead to give the messages of support together with San Miguel Mayor Ian Gil G. Mendez, San Miguel Vice
Mayor Faustino D. Bulaga, and Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog; while Professor Jose T. Travero,
Chairperson-Organic Agriculture Technical Working Group (TWG) will give the statement of purpose as Municipal
Agriculturist Felix M. Lucip will give his welcome message.

The opening activity in the morning would be very meaningful and colorful as the Kadiwa Ng Pangulo (KNP)
will be launched and the ribbon cutting will be done at 9:30 in the morning after the Thanksgiving Mass and parade
in which the Provincial DILG Director Jerome G. Gonzales will give the statement of purpose for KNP.
On the same day after lunch, there are Organic Agriculture Information Dissemination will be conducted after
Nemesio B. Calacat, KBOOM President could give his message.

Mae Montecillo, Regional Organic Focal Person and Barloso will present the Plans, Activities and Programs of
OA; Andrew M. Macaambac, ATI RTC-7 Organic Focal will give the updates on Youth Intership Program on OA
and other ATI OA related activities; Sheryl Lane Mar, Intern- Youth Internship Program on OA; and Rona M.
Denque, Manager-Green Thumb Farm will discuss the OA sa Negosyo: OA Towards Enterprise.

There are contests with prizes at stake to be conducted on the second day to wit: Creative Art Contest, Best
Organic Food Products, and Highest Sales Contest. The awarding of winners, synthesis of the two days activity, and
the giving of certificates will be done in the afternoon of the second day of the festival.

The first OA Festival was conducted on November 16-18, 2022 at the Bohol Cultural Center which brought the
theme “Healthy Lifestsyle through Organic Farming Methods and Practices Results to a Sustainable Agriculture in
Bohol”; while the 2 nd OA Festival was conducted in two separate areas and dates: November 13-15, 2023 at the
Bohol Showcase Center, Tagbilaran City for the first district; and November 29-30, 2023 in Talibon (2 nd district)
bringing the theme “ Panginabuhiang Organiko, Kaugmaon Segurado”.

In the province of Bohol now, there are five Boholano organic farmers whose commodities and farming practices
are certified by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Standards (BAFS), National as Participatory Guarantee
System (PGS) Certified Farms as Organic.

They are Rona Denque – Sambog, Corella (Mushroom); Efrenia Holt – Cabayugan, Calape (vegetables, fruits
and chocolate); Emmanuel Gamonez – San Roque, Balilihan (rice, vegetables, organic soil ammendments/organic
fertilizers); Marilou Escalona – Bingag, Dauis (vegetables and goats); Jomer Balas – Cambacay, Batuan (vegetables,
fruits and beekeeping.

Barloso could not account on how many Boholano farmers who are engaging organic farming but she confirmed
that the numbers are very small compared to the farmers who are engaging conventional farming. However, the
numbers are increasing.By Atoy Cosap

In an effort to know and define well the agri-fishery development plans in line to the development agenda in the
Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh), the coaching and critiquing of the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery
Decvelopment Plans (MAFDP) have conducted to be participated by the Municipal Agriculturists/Municipal
Agricultural Officers (MAs/MAOs), Municipal Technicians and MAs/MAOs staff in Bohol.

The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 7 in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (ATI), Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Provincial Local Government Unit
(PLGU) through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), has sponsored the six days coaching and critiquing
sessions for the MAFDP in three batches.

The first batch that consists from the participants of the municipalities of Alburquerque, Antequera, Buenavista,
Calape, Corella, Dimiao, Inabanga, Lila, Loon, Tagbilaran City, Ubay and Valencia had conducted their sessions last
Tuesday and Wednesday at the Panda Tea, Dao, Tagbilaran City; while the second batch that composed the
participants from Balilihan, Bien Unido, Catigbian, Getafe, Guindulman, San Isidro, Panglao, San Miguel and
Talibon had conducted their sessions last Thursday and Friday at the Alta Bohol Resort, San Isidro, Baclayon.
While the participants for the third batch coming from the towns of Alicia, Baclayon, Batuan, Bilar, Candijay,
Cortes, Dagohoy, Danao, Duero, Loboc, Sevilla, Sierra-BUllones, Sikatuna, Loay, Tubigon, Mabini, Maribojoc,
Dauis, Anda, Sagbayan, Carlos P. Garcia, Carmen, Jagna, Garcia Hernandez, Trinidad and Pilar will undergo their
two-day sessions on Thursday and Friday at the Panda Tea Gardens.

Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog said that this engagement is crucial to ensure the streamlining of
programs and projects from the municipalities or city to the development agenda of the province.

Quirog asked the commitment and cooperation of the participants for the success of the activities.
Ramil D. Rodela, Chief- Planning Division, (OPA) said that the PGBh through the OPA will consolidate the
submitted MAFDPs and submit these to the DA Central Office for their consideration.

The participants have been elated in this endeavour not only for them to be guided but also to the concerned
government agencies to identify their priorities which need to be given drastic action. By Atoy Cosap

COACHING AND CRITIQUING. Provincial Agriculturist Liza M. Quirog together with other government agri-
line agencies leads the coaching and critiquing of the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Development Plans (MAFDP)
conducted last Tuesday and Wednesday at the Panda Tea, Dao, Tagbilaran City for the first batch and in Alta Bohol
Resort,San Isidro, Baclayon last Thursday and Friday for the second batch. The third and last batch of the activity will
be conducted on Thursday and Friday at Panda Hotel.