cordillera fisheries review, 1st qtr, 2012

Cordillera FisheriesReviewJanuary-March 2012

Vol.12 No. 1JaNuaryMarCh

The Official Publication of Da-Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic resources-Car

a leap towards developingTOPP Project:

fisheries in Paracelis

2012

Cordillera FisheriesReview January-March 2012

editorial board

editorial consultants

REBECCA G. DANG-AWAN, Ph.D., CESO VRegional Director

LILIBETH L. SIGNEY, Ph.D.OIC-Assistant Regional Director

LOIS JUNE B. FERMINOIC-PMED/ RFRDC Manager

PINO M. WAKITOIC-FETCD

HONORIO P. YAMOYAM, Ph.D.OIC-FRMD/ Budget Officer & Admin Officer Designate

CARMELITA B. BOLLAOIC-Admin & Finance

PROVINCIAL FISHERY OFFICERS

JESUS M. ASTRERO | AbraPINO M. WAKIT | BenguetSAMUEL C. BOLLA | IfugaoJOYCE M. DUCYOGEN | KalingaHONORIO P. YAMOYAM | Mt. Province

HONORIO P. YAMOYAMEditor-in-Chief

LOIS JUNE B. FERMINAssociate Editor

RODELYN Q. FORONDAEditor

PAUL JOSEPH A. NUVALManaging Editor

PAUL JOSEPH A. NUVAL with the assistance of

ALMIRA P. BENTADAN | BSU-DEVCOM INTERN 2012

Design&Layout

RONNA J. ABANCEGraphics Editor

ContributorsRODELYN Q. FORONDAPAUL JOSEPH A. NUVAL

BSU-DEVCOM Interns 2012BREVES BULSAOALMIRA BENTADANREBECCA DIBDIBENSHAMANY LAPA-AN

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region

Cordillera Fisheries Review 2012

regional officeBPI Compound, Easter Road, Guisad,

Baguio City 2600Telefax: (074) 445-8499

(074) 443-6716(074) 300-3535

E-mail: [email protected]

All contents and photographsCopyright © 2012

Department of AgricultureBureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-

Cordillera Administrative Region

a leap towards developingTOPP Project:fisheries in Paracelis

Reaping harvest through partnership

18

Experiment on the effect

in Controlled Environment: of Blast Fishing

a siMulation615

launched Fish Cage Techno-demoBFar delivered gill nets,Netting fishes

contents

54assistance to abra

aLCaLa pours

19 BFar joinsphilagrinetworkshop

163 fisherfolk

TOPP projbenefitted from

8assesing Fishes

beyondfishery technology offsprings14project validations

more than just a harvest

festival10cover story

Fishery assistance to abrenians granted

5


message

“For every step we take means a closer distance to our goal. This is why we continue to climb the ladder to take hold of that goal.

We have been taking the path towards attaining this very promising goal to grab victories which along the way served as a stepping stone in fulfilling our mandate.

as it is, we do not stop at that point to still walk through the same path until we could reach our ‘final destination’- sustainable development in the fisheries sector.

Our achievements for this quarter will not be made possible without building strong partnership among our local and regional fisherfolk, LGu’s, stakeholders and BFar. They are considered as important providers of the society that takes part in making Cordillera a fish sufficiency region. This is seen as we, consumers, fed on what our mga mangisngisda produce, raise or catch to meet the markets’ demand.

On the other hand, the commendable services offered by the employees and staffs of BFar-Car have gone far no one has ever imagined. We have and will continue our endeavor to provide the people services expected from us.

With regards to this, our employees and staffs and so does our fisherfolk have undergone several trainings and seminars for better, quality production and to understand the real needs of the society in the fisheries sector in particular.

Driven by our desire to make a positive change, we will continue to strive for our ultimate goal. We then look forward to working with the people in performing our duties and responsibilities within the society as your support encourage us to work our best.

rebecca G. Dang-awan, Ph.D., CESO Vregional Director

One step at a time.


These were addressed during the visit of Department of agriculture (Da)Secretary Proceso alcala in the province of abra.

With the Secretary were the different heads of the Da family in Car headed by Da-rFO regional Executive Director Marilyn Sta Catalina, regional Technical Director Danilo Daguio, and regional Technical Director and CharMP Manager Cameron Odsey, BFar regional Director rebecca Dang-awan, BFar assistant regional Director Lilibeth Signey, aTI Superintendent arlene Flores, BPI Center Chief Jesus aspuria, NFa regional Manager Danilo Pastrana, NIa regional Manager John Socalo and NIa administrator antonio Nangel.

In Bangued, abra agri-Pinoy Stakeholders Forum bearing the theme, “Pagkain na sapat, Kalayaan sa Kagutoma’y Ganap” was conducted to give the farmers an opportunity to express their requests and needs that will help improve their farming systems.

Most of their concerns were related to farm to market roads, bridges, and agricultural inputs.

however, in the best of Secretary’s

ability, he told the farmers to provide him a road map and will evaluate the road length “because there is a specific road length allowed for agricultural farm to market road and number of households in the area to benefit from these roads.”

For the construction of three bridges, alcala and abra Governor Eustaquio Bersamin concurred that they will provide PhP 1M pesos for the construction.

also, due to high cost of fertilizers, alcala suggested the provision of trainings on how to create their own organic fertilizer to minimize production cost of farmers.Simultaneously, awarding of checks, projects and certificates were undertaken.

BFar-Car awarded two tilapia productions in fish pond project in Barangays of Tubtuba and Dilong in Tubo under the Community-based Participatory action research (CPar) Program.

also, four chest freezers were awarded to rural Improvement Clubs (rICs) of Lamao, Bucloc, and Poblacions of San Isidro, Villaviciosa, and Pilar.

Five freshwater fish pens were turned over to Municipalities of San Juan, Lagangilang, Peñarrubia, Danglas and Tubo.

Meanwhile, Poblacion rIC of San Isidro received the Bagskan ng Isda sa Barangay project.

Moreover, Tineg Mayor Edwin Crisologo reminded the secretary of the creation of a fish sanctuary in the municipality for the protection and management of fish species. Tineg has been identified as a home of ludong, eel and some mullet. Director Dang-awan vowed to address this concern immediately.

Other concerns identifies for fisheries is the establshment of fish cages in San Quintin.

Pastrana told the farmers that NFa is going to buy their products at a higher price.

In addition, true to the secretary’s speech during the fora undertaken, he said abra province was the 58th province and the 5th province of Car he had visited in the country. he strongly motivated and encouraged the farmers to “lift their human potential in agriculture and let every farmer internalize their contribution as the backbone of the Philippines.”

Finally, in his “moving around management”, productive farmers may someday sustain the rice demand of every Filipino in the country.

Alcala pours assistance to Abra

To attain agricultural development in the country, agriculture sector had collaborated to bring issues and concerns of local farmers and fish farmers in the national.

rodelyn Q. Foronda, BFar-car

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It was pushed through with the theme “Turismo ken Kultura, Itandudo Ken Saluadan Para ti Naragragsak nga abra (Tourism and Culture, Promote and Preserve for a Better and happier abra).”

“Our participation to this errand promotes effectively what BFar can offer,” said BFar assistant regional Director Lilibeth L. Signey.

“Thus, the display of products

during this festival gathers thousands of people who join the affair. This is how we bring the public into our services,” she added.

In celebration of this light, BFar through its arD Signey assisted by abra Provincial agriculturist Jesus Villamor and abra Provincial Fishery Officer (PFO) Jesus astrero awarded 15 units of gill nets and turned-overs Bagsakan ng Isda sa barangay project (800 kilograms of Tilapia) to four fisherfolk organizations in abra on March 6.

The project involves the provision of capital in the form of fresh fish to increase availability of fish protein in far-flung communities.

The deliverance of the bureau’s services to our clienteles will remain reaffirmed towards sufficiency as we step higher to reach our goals.

March is marked to celebrate the 2012 abrenian Kawayan Festival and the 95th Founding anniversary of the Province of abra.

Fishery assistance to Abrenians granted

This served as a venue for stakeholders to access information and update on the culture of Pangasius.

The Pangasius Philippines Inc. (PPI), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic resources (BFar) organized the National Pangasius Conference in antipolo, rizal on March 30-31.

PangasiusFrom water to plate:gains aquaculture support

alMira P. Bentadan, Bsu-devcoM intern


With the theme, “Pangga-Pangasius: accelerating National Growth thru Gains in aquaculture,” the conference convened the country’s various industry key players representing the different aspects that concern the culture and marketing of Pangasius.

highlights of the two-day conference include the discussion on the Pangasius industry roadmap for 2012-2016 presented by the DTI.

Moreover, during the discussion on the culture of Pangasius for sustainable development, the potentials of indigenous feeds for semi-intensive

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and organic culture of Pangasius were considered since the demand for organically cultured species is increasing.

The different challenges to the Pangasius industry were also discussed like how to respond to the market demands on Pangasius.

The conference was capped by a tour in St. Martha Farm in antipolo. This BFar - assisted farm is culturing Pangasius and is already starting to produce processed Pangasius products such as longanisa, siomai and empanada.

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The research study aimed to identify effects of dynamite fishing in three cultured species: milkfish, siganid, and grouper at different distance of five meters, 25m, 45m, 65m, and 100m.

“This would enable us (BFar) to properly detect its (blast fishing) effects physically and internally and manifestations at the different stages of fishes,” said assistant director allan Poquita.

he added the experiment will be instrumental in planning policies and measures on the use of explosives in fishing.

The experiment was conducted in a controlled area of two hectare fishpond comprises of fish stages from eggs to larvae, fry, fingerlings, juvenile, and marketable size. These fishes are enclosed in a hapa nets at the different distances.

after the blast, the fishes were labeled and analyzed to determine the extent of damage.

as of press time, the result is still under study in the station and national bureau’s quick response team (QrT).The official result will be released after the examination.

Firearms and Explosives Division of the regional PNP ensured the blast test was at utmost security and safety measures were followed.

The five priority campaign

Bureau director asis Perez stressed five campaigns and challenges to conserve the natural resources for fisheries.

he said, “We started to battle for those illegal vendors and collectors of our corals” as seen in his participation in the apprehension of collectors of black corals in Zamboanga last year.

he continued saying, “Now we are starting to gain power against the destructive fishing method. This

second campaign focuses on the use of dynamite and other destructive methods of fishing.” That is the essence of highlighting the effects of blast fishing through the simulation study.

The third campaign is to combat against the destructive effects of fishing gears. The use of inappropriate gears in fishing will have adverse effects on biodiversity and volume of catch for food.

The fourth priority will be ensuring that the captured fish will be in their maturity and marketability stage.

“Marami sa mga isdang nahuhuli ay maliliit pa lamang dahilan upang maubos (Most of the captured fish are in their juvenile stage, resulting to their extinction),” explained Perez.

The last priotity according to Perez is emphasizing on the protection of the individual species especially those fish that are near extinction.

“Kinakailangan kapag meron kang kampanya ay may diin. We have to focus

To determine the effects and damage range of blast fishing in a controlled environment, the simulation study was conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic resources-region 7 (BFar-r7) was conducted in Central Visayas regional Fisheries research and Development Center in Calape, Bohol on February 24.


in Controlled Environment: of Blast FishingPaul JosePh nuval, BFar-car


research

6

on a particular area to solve one after the other. One challenger at a time, and making sure that each challenger is beaten,” stressed Perez.

Protecting the rainforest of the sea

Perez explained the Philippines belonged to the coral triangle where Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste are part to working together to address food security, climate change, and marine biodiversity. It is said that coral reefs are known as the ‘rainforest of the sea‘ where a total economic value is estimated at uS$1.1 billion annually in the Philippines.

he further explained the Philippines have the one of lengthiest coastline in the world if not the longest of 36,289kms and all of these are protected area for corals. also, the country’s coral reef area of 27,000 sq.km matched our coastline where fish grow, develop, and breed. Thus, an important ecosystem for fisheries.

“We do not appreciate the most diverse

ecosystem because we do not really see them-we take them for granted,” said Perez. “

Campaign against blast fishing

achieving the massive campaign against dynamite and blast fishing, the bureau strengthens its mandate of increasing production which directly impact the livelihood and food security of the grassroots.

In background, the practice has been in existence for centuries and is currently conducted on reefs in at least 40 countries or islands around the world.

a dynamite blast kills all fish within a 15-20m radius by sending a powerful shock wave of 4,940 feet per second through the water causing the internal organs of the fish such as swim bladder and intestines to burst while the skeleton of the fish sustains hundreds of fractures.

On the research conducted by BFar, most of our coastlines are exposed to illegal method of fishing. accordingly,


in Controlled Environment: of Blast Fishing

a siMulationthe Philippines is highly threatened in blast and cyanide fishing damaging the country’s coral reefs.

Perez presented in the forum the loss and gain equation of a fishefolk engaged in blast fishing.

he explained in every PhP100 to PhP150 cost of dynamite, it could kill an estimated 10 kilos of fish giving a fisherfolk PhP 800 in the process.

however, he further made clear that the fisherfolk does not know the value lost in terms of fish eggs, larvae, and fingerlings that were destroyed during the blast. The dynamite impact in volume (200mx200mx200m) accumulates to 8M cu.m.

according to BFar study on sardines, in every 100cu.m., the density of fish eggs, larvae, and juvenile is 3,000. Thus in 8M cu.m, 240M eggs, larvae and fingerlings present.

Calculating the survival of 240M fish in an assumed rate of 0.1% we get 240,000 fish, marketed at five pieces per kilo in their matured stage at PhP 100, we can generate PhP 4.8M.

Therefore, in an average of 10,000 blast fishing per day as per BFar record, the PhP 4.8M worth of sardines alone will sum up to PhP 48T loss per day.

“This is why the bureau campaigned to protect our coral reefs, protect our fishes and therefore protect ourselves,” ended Perez.

Cordillera FisheriesReviewJanuary-March 2012 7


hito harvests in fish terraces: a success


gmore than just a harvest festival...Assessing fishes and

The partially harvested african catfish weighs 55 kilograms in an area of 50 sq. meters.

This was resulted from the harvest field day of fish terraces techno-demo project in Poblacion, Bokod, Benguet on March 29.

For a greater and more participative approach in the development of fishery projects in Cordillera, the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic resources (BFar-Car) continues to establish and implement aquaculture projects to augment fish production and likewise provide livelihood for the locals.

The establishment of fish terraces techno-demo project in Bokod is one among its projects.

In its extent of development, the conduct of partial harvest field day was undertaken to let the locals know the result of the implemented project.

Prior to the harvest of african catfish, a program was conducted to recognize

the people behind the success of the said project.

It was attended by the members of Bokod Women’s association, Municipal agriculturist, LGus, BFar staff and other stakeholders.

Mayor Mauricio Macay gave the opening remarks where he emphasized the efforts of BFar in extending its services to the locality of Bokod.

“Despite the case of water abundance, BFar proved that fish production in mountains is really possible through this kind of projects,” Macay added.

also, Benguet Provincial Fishery Officer (PFO) Pino Wakit discussed the rationale of the project where he also stated his willingness to hike the mountains and search for feasible areas for fish production.

Simultaneously, awarding of Bagsakan ng Isda sa Barangay was conducted.

a total of 120 kilograms of fresh

marketable tilapia was awarded to Poblacion, Bokod Women’s Organization rIC.

“This is another project of the bureau which involves the provision of capital in the form of fresh fish to increase availability of fish protein in far-flung communities.”

Moreover, Josefa Sappit, agricultural Technician asked for support to the fisherfolk.

“We hope for a more sustainable fishery opportunity in our community, and BFar would still assist us in developing more aquaculture endeavors,” ended Sappit.

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BEYONDgmore than just a harvest festival...Assessing fishes and

Sa sukat mong mumunti,kami ay nabighani.

Naglaro ka nang malaya...nang walang pag-iimbot...nang walang pagdadamot...

Inaruga ka sa piling ng aming kalinga.Lumaki ka sa tamang pangangalaga.

Sa panulat ng isang mangingisdaLAMES‘

“These fishes are not only caught for market but they are a reflection of a united people working towards achievable goals, it is life itself.

kwadernongMangingisda

Sa limang buwang iyong pagtatampisawliwanag mo ang aming natanaw.

Isang pagninilaynilay...mula sa mga mumunting buhay,isda man kayong maituturing,pag-asa ang inyong kalakip.

at kapag kayo ay nahuli na,Pagkain ng bayan, kayo ang dakila.

Buhayin sa diwa.ako ay mangingisda.

Cordillera FisheriesReviewJanuary-March 2012 9


To reach Barangay amolong and Licoy in Paracelis, Mountain Province, one has to travel kilometers of rough road and traverse mountains and rolling hills planted with corn and rice. It was in the area that Minoli Fisherfolk association and Licoy-amolong Integrated Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s association receptively developed their ponds to grow freshwater fish. Thus, literally defining ‘fish in the mountains’.

The TOPP PrOjecTThe project, “Enhancing Capacity of Fish Farmers Towards Sustainable Farming in the TOPP Sites in the Cordillera,” hopes to increase skills of fisherfolk on aquaculture enabling them to practice fish farming and develop fishery


a team ready to hike three mountains, geared to cross rivers, bare footed in the muddy foot trail to validate fishponds, verify sites and give

necessary technical assistance, a scenario trailed by the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic resources-Cordillera administrative region (BFar-Car) in the initial phase of the Technology Outreach Promotion Project (TOPP).

Paul JosePh nuval, BFar-car

10


technology strategy suited in the geographical locations of their ponds

also, the project aims to increase fisherfolk’s income and availability of food for the family, increasing their awareness on the importance of sustainable resource management to food security, familiarizing farmers on the characteristics of the newly introduced pangasius and to develop a monitoring and evaluation scheme for the project.

The TOPP is in partnership with the Local Government units (LGus), the fisherfolk’s and farmers’ associations and BFar. This partnership hopes to

enhance capacity building for the stakeholders.

In fact, the staff in ubao Fish Farm (uFF) in aguinaldo, Ifugao assisted the group in the validation of sites and distribution of supplies.

“We hope that you have patience in coming and visiting our far-flung barangays, and hoping that these sacrifices we made will leave a big opportunity to our locals,” said Barangay amolong Kagawad Edwin Gayao.

according to Lois June Fermin, Project Leader, the project will establish strong and efficient partnerships that can


contribute to family farming, where beneficiaries will be in control of the project.

Since agriculture is dynamic, Fermin added, each time a farmer drops seeds, it falls in an ever changing world thus, change will happen. “Learning is about change, what we learn before might be different now, as we adopt change in the environment.”

“The challenge is to find what works (in the process) and scale it up through focus, direction and goal setting,” said Fermin.

ON TechNOlOgy meThOdOlOgiesThe outreach initial phase was to train

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farmers on sustainable production of pangasius and resource management practices to ensure expected growth and production.

“Fishponds must be treated the same way we treat our homes, it must be cared and maintained. Fish will be its household that will live in the reflection of what we do,” said Martha Estima, Technical Support Staff (TSS), during the training of fish pond construction and engineering.

Further, research TSS regino Doctolero II led the training on breeding and

culture of pangasius. Since this is new species for the fish farmers, according to Doctolero, close supervision must be done to secure that management practices will be appropriately implemented.

Fermin also discussed the Memorandum of agreement (Moa) to clear roles of concerned groups in the attainment of food security in the TOPP sites.

It was stipulated in the Moa that the “pass-on-the-loan“ scheme will be followed. The group agreed the first batch of fisherfolk will pass the loan received from the project after two croppings to the next batch of fisherfolk. The first batch of fisherfolk also agreed to support the next batch in terms of technical assistance and other material support.

coverstory

siTe visiTaTiONs aNd validaTiONsactual visitations of fishponds were conducted to show fisherfolk fishponds that were properly prepared and those that were not ideal. In this way, fisherfolk will know what is ideally prepared. Those ponds not properly prepared have to be repaired before they are stocked with fingerlings.

The group was divided into two with a mix of fisherfolk, LGus, and BFar.

along side validating fishponds for readiness, TSS roderick Pangan headed the water sampling to determine if water in the ponds is ideal for fish production. approximately 40 ponds were validated in the two sitios.

“The water sources analyzed are suited for fish growing,” revealed Pangan.

On the whole, “Many of the farms are



not yet ready for the stocking of fish,” confirms Fermin. “It is also high time that we validate to see actual practices of the farmers so we can recommend appropriate management.”

The secONd visiTafter a month from the initial training on aquaculture and site validations for the TOPP project, the team bound to return for the dispersal and stocking of fingerlings on the different sites in amolong and Licoy, Poblacion, Paracelis, Mountain Province on February 1-3.

as a result of the preliminary site validations, more than 50 compartments were measured for the two fisherfolk organizations, thus, calculating fingerlings to be stocked in three pieces in a square meter pond.

This time, the team was equipped

to distribute an estimated 35,000 fingerlings to 35 fisherfolk from Licoy-amolong Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Integrated association (LFFIa) and Minoli Fisherfolk association.

hOme grOwN FishesThe fingerlings were home grown from the BFar-ubao Fish Farm (uFF) in ubao, aguinaldo, Ifugao.

The fingerlings were packed in bags with the name of the fisherfolk beneficiary written on it for easier distributions.

also, the corresponding feed requirement for the first mont was weighed and distributed to ensure their food until the next sampling.

FiNgerliNgs iN a PasikiNg after distributing the fingerlings,

the natives still have their traditional pasiking, packed up the fingelings and feeds and started to trail the mountains of Licoy.

“Kastoy iti inaldaw nga sangsang-aten mi ditoy Licoy, ngem han nga problema iti dalan, gapu ta kayat mi met ti nayun a panagbiag ken progreso, itrabahuan mi tapnu met uray kaskasanu ket ada pagrang-ayan ti panagbiag,” narrated Salvador Danggalan.

headed by the fisherfolk in Licoy, Paul Nuval, rTSS and Jovy Bakichan, TSS, joined the natives as they were bare footed hiking the mountains.reaching Licoy, four of the natives were instructed to condition the bags of fingerlings in their ponds before releasing. Bakichan also facilitated the release of fingerlings and giving necessary directions and concerns for the improvement of their ponds.


In Benguet

Provincial Fishery Officer (PFO) Pino Wakit and Technical Support Staff (TSS)on resource Management roderick Pangan validated sites for techno-demo projects in Kapangan, Benguet on February 7-9.

Validation of sites were conducted to determine technologies and management practices to apply in the demo farms. The sites validated are owned by six individuals with an aggregate area of 1,430 square meters. The sites registered ph values of 7.o ppm to 7.5 ppm; alkalinity of 75mg/li; and hardness of 20 to 90mg/li. These parameters are ideal for aquaculture in the said areas.

Besides water parameters, other aspects imnportant to aquaculture were considered such as source of water, topography, land-use around the proposed sites, photoperiodicity, drainage, security, and accessibility.

a maintained techno-demo farm of BFar-Car in Tabeo, Mankayan was stocked with catfish to showcase appropriate management practices in the culture of the species in the area.

Water quality in this techno-demo farm owned by Chester Likiyan is regularly mnonitored to see that the water quality is ideal for aquaculture.

In Mountain Province

Breves s. Bulsao, Bsu-devcoM intern

During the start of the year, the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic resources-Cordillera administrative region (BFar-Car) visited proposed sites for technology demonstration in Benguet and Mountain province.

fishery technology offspringsproject validations

Meanwhile, TSS for Extension, Training, and Communication Martha Estima validated proposed sites in Mountain Province from January 27 to March 1.

Sites validated are found in Bauko, Bontoc, Sabangan, and Tadian. In these highland municipalities, sizes of fishponds ranging from 50 to 500 square meter. Fifty-seven individuals in Bauko, Bontoc, and Sabangan had 8, 421 square meters aggregate area of fishponds validated. These fishponds will be stocked with tilapia and catfish.

On the other hand, Lebaen Lake in Tadian with an approximate area of 1,000 square meters will be stocked with catfish.

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reBecca diBdiBen, Bsu-devcoM intern

Twenty-five gill nets were distributed as input assistance to 25 fisherfolk in ambuklao reservoir. Fisherfolk use gill nets to catch fish from the open waters of the reservoir

“The gill nets were given to fisherfolk who were not given gill nets last year,” said Pino Wakit, PFO-Benguet.

On the same day, the fish cage techno-demo project for cold tolerant tilapia culture was launched.

The cold tolerant strains tilapia were developed by the National Integrated Fisheries Technology Center (NIFTC) in Muñoz Nueva Ecija for highland areas in the country.

These tilapia fingerlings were distributed in ambuklao to verify growth performance in fishcage culture in Bokod, Benguet.

ulysis agustin, cooperator of the fishcage techno-demo farm

launched Fish Cage Techno-demoBFar delivered gill nets,Netting fishes“

In support to the fishing activity of the fisherfolk in ambuklao, Benguet, BFar distributed fishing gears and launched fish cage

techno-demo project on March 23.

said he will support the trial because determining strains best for the area benefits the farm productivity by the fisherfolk.

Supplies given to agustin include scoop nets and feeds for one cropping season. Other inputs including labor for taking care of the project will be the counterpart of the cooperator.

“When the fish are harvested, the best performing fish will be brought back to Muñoz for further analysis,” ended Wakit.

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This training sought after BFar-Information and Public relations Group (IPrG) perceived that there ‘is a need to retool the Information officers on new developments in the ever changing landscape of journalism vis-à-vis the new program thrust of the agency.’

“Communicating the right information to our audience and clients entails critical media use. you are our weapon to champion our thrust. you serve as carpet bombers,” encouraged Bureau Director asis Perez.

The IOs served as carpet bombers that will communicate to the grassroots the mandate of the bureau and thus, ‘inflicting change in the fisheries sector.’

“an effective way to do this would be through a training workshop for all IOs, including other staff involved in writing and developing information, education, and communication (IEC) materials.”

Melanie Guerra, IPrG head, said the training workshop will enhance the skills of IOs which they already have. “They will also be given the chance to learn new techniques that will help them in their daily tasks as IOs to include the use of new platforms of media and video production.”

“The workshop will also discuss

3 fisherfolkbenefitted fromTOPP proj

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cooperator and whose area was validated was not around during the distribution of inputs, hence, was not included in the first batch of cooperators.

The project will use the “passing-on-the-loan” scheme. after two croppings, the cooperators will pass the inputs given to them to another member of the fisherfolk association. This will give the cooperators enough time to save for their succeeding operations.

analysis of the whole farming system will be done. The analysis hoped to show the contribution of aquaculture in the farming system of the farmer.Prior to the distribution of inputs, the sites of the proposed cooperators were validated for readiness for the implementation of the project.

The validation showed that the cooperators are not new to aquaculture. They had been into fish production for three years already. aside from fish culturing, the cooperators are also into crop and livestock growing.

alMira P. Bentadan, Bsu-devcoM intern

Three cooperators from Luna, apayao have finally received fingerlings from BFar-Car.

The activity was part of the bureau project, “Enhancing Capability of Fish Farmers towards Sustainable Farming in the TOPP site in the Cordillera.

In terms of reference, the project aims to “increase skills of fisherfolk on aquaculture, enabling them to practice fish farming and develop fishery technology strategy suited in the geographical location of the ponds.”

The cooperators were Erlinda Pacis with an area of 2,100 square meters, Segio Dalayon and Lauro reyes with 1,200 square meters and 700 square meters, respectively. They were given five fingerlings per square meter. Thus, giving them a total of 20,000 finglerlings.

Ernesto Juan, one of the proposed

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the basic strategies on crisis communication to effectively respond to emergency situations such as fisk kills, among others,” said Guerra.

renowned speakers and experts in the journalism field were invited to facilitate the training. This include: environment advocate abner Mercado, Krusada’s host; Philip Daffon, Jr. Executive Producer of Mag-agri Tayo; Judy Cordova, SM’s Executive assistant to the EVP; and Ma. Vic relayson, Freelance advertiser.

Veteran journalist abner Mercado spoke on the work of a journalist leading to the understanding of crafting good project messages to gain publicity and essentials of media briefing.

he said: “a program can advocate a concrete action on current issues. It allows the anchors to take stand on issues that will promote positive social change. It is not just a program; it is a multi-media movement with follow-through.”

he further discussed environmental journalism as a step in combating

Info OFFICErS areINFO BOMBERS

dynamite and illegal fishing activities.

“Environmental advocacy is presenting information on nature and environmental issues that is decidedly opinionated and encourages its audience to adopt more environmentally sensitive attitudes, often more biocentric worldviews,” Mercado explained.

Furthermore, Daffon discussed the basic of cinematography, process of video production and layout and design of print information materials.

“a video is an expression of what you want to be heard,” enthused Daffon.

after, the IOs were grouped to make a 30-second advertisement regarding dynamite fishing and poster layout to be located in the market.

“Write something which you want to convey and something worth writing for,” said Cordova in her discussion of flashback to writing 101.

The 16 IOs, in this session prepared news and feature articles to be

published in the Da-BFar maiden magazine issue. also, critiquing of some BFar print materials were also conducted.

after the five-day on board training, IOs came to ground to develop style book, guidelines and program for information officers that will be conveyed in the national policy.

armed with pens, cameras, and information, the 16 information officers of the regional arm of the Bureau of Fisheries and aquatic resources (BFar) trained on-board to the research vessel of the bureau, M/V Da-BFar named DyCa on March 16-20.

Paul JosePh nuval, BFsar-car



harvesting of fishes in the terraces was done. They harvested 965 kilos at 400 square meters and marketed to PhP100 per kilo.

This partnership opened opportunities to benefit people in the grassroots’ .

In this collaboration, BFar provided first cropping input and thus to be sustained by the association after the first cropping.

On the other hand, Wakit, explained Philex has shared 600 bags of cement for the construction of the terraces and improvedthe access bridge to the project site.

To open more aquaculture opportunities, BFar and the Philex Mining Corporation collaborated to implementing fish terraces project in Camp 3, Kennon road, Tuba, Benguet

under the bureau’s food security program, which is mandated to assist fisherfolk in developing aquaculture projects, Philex concurred through conducting sustainable community-based enterprises as a part of their own economic and social development program.

The project aims to encourage fish enthusiasts who wish to venture aquaculture in the region.

Furthermore, according to Pino Wakit, PFO Benguet, this is the second project that has been supported by the corporation after 2010.

It was in December 2010 that the first


news



shaMany laPaan, Bsu-devcoM intern

The seminar workshop updated and further improved the skills of PhilagriNET members in content development and management or respective database thereby facilitating speedy migration of data to the PhilagriNet Central Database held on Febuary 28 to March 3 2012 at hotel Kimberly, Tagaytay City.

During the seminar, Mila ramos, member, BFL, PrC introduced the Dspace by MIT. a software used and has been adapted by PhilaGrinet in building repositories , Bar which will serve as the central data base while regional agency networks and members will contribute to the system by inputting required information. The information which will be reviewed by an administrator for immediate utilization of end-users in the world wide web.

Dr. Nicodemes Eleazar, keynote speaker discussed the impact of PhilagriNet which basically focuses on information and resource sharing by electronically linking member institutions as well as researchers for mutual access to local agricultural knowledge. he also added that Philagri Net mission is to provide, in an equitable, cooperative, cost effective manner, enhanced access to printed and electronic agricultural knowledge sources to institutions engaged in agricultural research in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Julia Lapitan,head,aCD, Bar mentioned 16 existing members of PhilagriNet, Bureau of agricultural research (Bar),

Benguet State university(BSu), Central Bicol State university of agriculture (CBSua), Cavite State university (CavSu), Central Luzon State university (CLSu), Don Mariano Memorial State university (DMMMSu), International rice research Institute (IrrI), Isabela State university (ISu), Leyte State university (LSu), Nueva Vizcaya State university (NVSu), Philippine rice research Institute (Philrice), Siliman university (Su), university of the Philippine Los Baňos (uPLB), agricultural Librarians association of the Philippines (aLaP), regional Integrated agricultural research Centers (rIarCs) and the regional Fisheries research and Development Centers( rFrDCs).

The general assembly focused on thorough assessment of accomplishments of each member regarding inputs to the PhilagriNet Database and brainstorming on possible means to hurdle obstacle and future plans.

Paul Joseph Nuval , BFar, rTSS, was appointed as the Zonal coordinator in Luzon among the two other Zonal Coordinator by the PhilagriNet. Car and region 1 to V participants gathered and discussed on content management, membership campaign, and building linkages created matrix for the work plan. all discussions have been presented including the plan of Luzon cluster to create an e-Group for proper coordination. With reports from Ayel Mei Rubia, BFAR-CAR

Participants experienced the hands on exercise registering to the PhilagriNet inputting the 22 metadata elements of the administrators and with the proper keywords to use.


3rd Annual PhilAgriNetBFAR joins

workshop

On the other hand, the Balding Tokok Irrigators Farmers association (BaTIFa), the proponent of the project, provided the manpower for the construction as a counterpart.

Philex Mining Corporation is primarily engaged in large scale exploration, development and utilization of mineral resources. hence, they are mandated to implement a Social Management and Development Program in order to benefit its host communities.

With these collaborations, the project resulted to a successfully operating technology demonstration; to date is expected to produce tilapia, common carp and hito for the second cropping.

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Republic of the PhilippinesDepartment of AgricultureBureau of fisheries and aquatic resourcesCordillera Administrative RegionBPI Compound, Guisad, Baguio [email protected]: (074) 445 8499 | 443 6716

“ “punan mo ang tubig ng isdahayaan mong lumangoy nang malaya...

yakapin sa bigkis ng iyong pangangalaga,mga mumunting isdang dulot ay pag-asa...

cordillera fisheries review, 1st qtr, 2012

Documents

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fisheries sector

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developingtopp project

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regional fisherfolk

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