Volume 9 Issue No. 10 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research OCTOBER 2008

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

BAR 2007 BINHI AWARDEEAgricultural Newsletter of the Year

hronicleCVisit our official website at http://www.bar.gov.ph

ISSN 1655-3942Department of Agriculture

RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave.,cor. Elliptical Rd.Diliman,Quezon City 1104PHILIPPINES

Entered as second class mail at the Quezon City Central Post Office under permit no. 753-01 NCR

NEWS

BAR hronicleCDEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

BAR ALBUM

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n a bid to resuscitate the dyinglocal peanut industry in thePhilippines, the Bureau of

Agricultural Research (BAR) hasinitiated the drafting of a nationalcommercialization program for high-yielding peanut varieties.

“The sad reality is our majorpeanut processors are greatlydependent on imported peanut. In fact,we are importing 80 percent of ourpeanut from China. In the early 1990s,Region 2 used to maintain an averageyield of 0.65 ton/ha on about 22,000hectares planted with peanut. Thisproduction hectarage dropped toalmost 70 percent when the hybridyellow corn was heavily promoted,”reported Rose Mary Aquino during theconsultation-meeting at BAR on 28October 2008.

Aquino is the focal person forpeanut at the Cagayan ValleyIntegrated Agricultural ResearchCenter (CVIARC) in Region 2.

Orlando Lorenzanawas also present in the meeting toprovide updates on the status of the

CVIARC Manager

BAR drafts national commercializationprogram for high-yielding peanut varieties

peanut industry in Region 2 which isone of the largest peanut-producingregions in the country.

BAR Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar called the meeting with thebureau's Technology Commer-cialization Unit (TCU) after peanutwas identified in the PhilippineAgriculture (PA) 2020 as an importantcrop that needs a good boost.

Since 2006, BAR hassupported the commercialization ofhigh-yielding varieties of peanuts suchas India’s and Region 2's

.“The problem with the

commercialization of these high-yielding varieties is that the existinggrading and screening machine usedfor the local small-seeded peanut isnot suited for the grading andscreening of the newly introducedvariety such as which are large-seeded,” Lorenzana explained.

CVIARC officers alsopointed out that the upgrading of theexisting machines for peanut's gradingand screening to accommodate the

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IN THIS ISSUE

BAR drafts national commercialization program.........

DA celebrates 2008 World Food Day.............................

BAR participates in 2008 AGRILINK..............................

8 ‘Pinaka-Best’ winners awarded...................................

Papaya and malunggay recipe wins..............................

Seminars on malunggay and salted egg.......................

Escudero and Yap discuss “Heart-Mind-Hands”.........

BAR announces 2008 Best AFMA R&D papers............

Law on Organic Agriculture is underway......................

Gov’t agencies make awareness.................

Veterinary and animal science confab highlights........

10th BAR Seminar Series highlights organic...............

BAR participates in the FIELDS Technical....................

Gov’t to produce export-quality coco wine...................

FEATURE: creates fish waves.....................

DA teams up with private firm to speed up..................

Brontispa

Pangasius

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The concern of the Philippines tobe globally competitive in termsof its production and processing

agricultural practices and assured qualityproducts has again taken center stage bykey players and stakeholders inagriculture and fisheries development.This time, the Organic Agriculture isnow being formulated by the Committeeon Agriculture and Food of thePhilippine Senate.

Five Philippine senators,namely: Jose “Jinggoy” P. Ejercito,Rodolfo G. Biazon, Loren Regina B.Legarda, Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, andManuel B. Villar have signified support

Law on Organic Agriculture is underwayfor and authored Senate Bills on thepromotion and application of OrganicAgriculture in the Philippines. In orderthat the proposed law will be formulated,approved, and implemented properly, theCommittee on Agriculture and Food iscoordinating the Technical WorkingGroup (TWG) preparing the law.

Overall, it is envisioned toaddress the appropriate, effective, andefficient use of organic agriculturalpractices and the production andprocessing of organic products byfarmers, manufacturers, and producers. Itwill also encourage stakeholders to adhere

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JLAP

ITAN

The Department of Agriculture (DA)has teamed-up with a privateagribusiness company to speed up

the delivery of new technologies tofarmers through the e-Pinoy FarmResource Management System (e-PinoyFARMS®), in support of PresidentArroyo's goal to rapidly raise farmproductivity and rural incomes.

According to the DA-Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR), e-PinoyFARMS® is a proprietary integrated farmresource management system designedand developed by Optiserve Technologies,Inc. for agribusiness.

An interactive software-basedsystem, e-Pinoy FARMS® helps farmersand their organizations effectivelyorganize, allocate, and manage vitalresources for sustainability, increaseprofitability and achieve agribusinessdevelopment, said BAR DirectorNicomedes Eleazar in a report to

DA teams up with private firm to speed updelivery of new technologies to farmers

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap.“Furthermore, it is customized

to automate information managementand feedback mechanism between theBAR and Regional IntegratedAgricultural Research Centers(RIARCs),” he said.

“The e-Pinoy FARMS®platform helps planners and decision-makers compile useful information fromraw data, documents, personalknowledge, and business models toidentify and solve problems and makedecisions,” he said.

The project, Eleazar said,highlights the value of communityparticipation and strategic managementof resources as it encourages proactiveand multi-stakeholder participation inresearch, development, and extension.

To flesh out the vision of DA “tomake agriculture business,” he said BARis coming up with a unified information

system that is vital to meeting the needsof multi-level decisions.

BAR's e-Pinoy FARMS®project is among DA's initiatives tocarry out President Arroyo's FIELDSprogram for agriculture. FIELDS standsfor ertilizer, rrigation and other ruralinfrastructure, xtension, training andfarmers’ education, oans, ryers andother postharvest facilities, and eeds.

The BAR project is part of theExtension component of the FIELDSprogram, which so far has receivedfunding from the DA in the amount ofP694.74 million.

FIELDS is being implementedby DA in the palay subsector through itsfive-harvest self-sufficiency programthat aims to make the country 98%sufficient in the grain in two years' timeby targeting much higher harvests of18.55 million MT next year and 19.77million MT in 2010.

Improving the country's riceself-sufficiency level and bringing foodon the table of every Filipino familyhave been President Arroyo'scommitments since her first State of theNation Address in 2001.

As a result of higher farmspending under the Arroyo presidency,palay production grew by 4.07% overthe 2001-2007 period as against thenational population growth of 2.04%.While the government is raising thenational rice sufficiency level in themedium term, President Arroyo hastapped into her “Katas ng VAT (ValueAdded Tax)” subsidy program tosubsidize rice prices in order to stabilizethe cost of this food staple, especiallyfor low-income families, at this time ofan unprecedented global rice priceshock.

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(DA Press Office)

Farmer’s partner card to access the e-Pinoy softwareand avail of technical assistance.

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Asha peanut

FEATURE

RITA T. DELA CRUZmanaging editor/layout

MANUEL F. BONIFACIO, PhD

MARLOWE U. AQUINO, PhDRITA T. DELA CRUZ

CHRISTMAS B. DE GUZMANMA. ELOISA E. HERNANDEZMIKO JAZMINE J. MOJICA

consulting editor

writers

BAR Chronicle is the official monthly publication of the Department of Agriculture-, mandated to ensure that agricultural researches are coordinated

and undertaken for maximum utility to agriculture. This publication provides regular updates onDA-BAR’s activities as the country’s national coordinator for agriculture and fisheries R&D. It alsohighlights features and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-member institutions.

Bureau ofAgricultural Research (DA-BAR)

RICARDO G. BERNARDOANTHONY A. CONSTANTINO

JULIA A. LAPITANVICTORIA G. RAMOS

reproduction/printing

circulation

MARLOWE U. AQUINO, PhD

NICOMEDES P. ELEAZAR, CESO IV

head, ACD

adviser

For subscription and inquiries please contact:Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture

3/F RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave., cor. Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City 1104 PHILIPPINESTelephone No.+63 (02) 928-8505 local 3026-3027 Fax: (02) 927-5691 or (02) 927-0227e-mail:Articles are also available online. Please visit us at:

Applied Communication Division

acd@bar.gov.phhttp://www.bar.gov.ph

NEWS

2 BAR hronicleC October 2008 Issue BAR hronicleC 15October 2008 Issue

BAR hronicleCDEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The official monthly publication of DA-BAR

In celebration of 2008 World Food Day,Department of Agriculture (DA)Secretary Arthur C. Yap led the

delegates from the DA attached agenciesand staff bureaus during the worldwidecandlelight vigil at the Liwasang Aurora,Quezon Memorial Park, Quezon City, on21 October 2008.

With the theme,

the ceremonysignified DA's commitment to fight hungerand malnutrition.

In his speech, Sec. Yap said thatfor 2009, DA programs will be simplifiedhighlighting and implementing its keyprograms.

DA Assistant Secretary SalvadorS. Salacup, chair of the World Food DayNational Steering Committee, shared thedifferent activities conducted incommemoration of World Food Day.

“World FoodSecurity: the Challenges of ClimateChange and Food Security,”

DA celebrates World Food Day;Yap leads candlelight vigil

These included a kick-off activity for thisyear's World Food Day celebrationattended by Sec. Yap in Boholhighlighting President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's FIELDS program. FIELDSstands for ertilizer, rrigation and otherrural infrastructure, xtension, trainingand farmers' education, oans, ryersand other postharvest facilities, and

eeds.Other activities included the

launch of the Organic FertilizerProduction- Program,2008 Agrilink, signing of the DA-Foodand Agriculture Organization (FAO) foodsecurity initiative, turnover of irrigationrehabilitation projects, multipurposedrying pavements, rice and vegetableseeds, poster-making contest, treeplanting activity, and FIELDSinformation caravan.

In an inspirational talk, Kristina

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Tamang Abono

Cassandra “KC” Concepcion shared herknowledge and experiences as thenational ambassadress against hunger ofthe United Nation's World FoodProgramme. The UN-WFP is theworld's largest humanitarianorganization tasked with feeding thehungry on a daily basis.

“I hope to make a difference,to reach out to as many people as I canand send a loud message as the concernfor food production and security hasbecome more pronounced than everbefore,” she said. She expressed thehope that more people, especially theyouth, would be inspired to make astand for what they believe in and makea difference for the country. Shementioned the world leaders' pledge tohalf the number of hungry people,especially the youth by 2015 throughthe Millennium Development Goals(MDG).

Kazuyuki Tsurumi, FAOrepresentative to the Philippines,commended the winners in thepostermaking contest, reminding theimportance of food security and effectsof climate change.

BAR Assistant DirectorTeodoro S. Solsoloy led the BARcontingent during the event. Alsopresent were UN Food ProgramCountry Director Stephen Anderson,DA Assistant Secretary Clayton Olalia,and DA Undersecretary for OperationsJesus Emmanuel M. Paras. (Ma. EloisaE. Hernandez)

BAR staff members join the 2008 World Food Day celebration.

The introduction of a new fishspecies in a new condition hasalways been a question to many

environmentalists, bio-conservationists,and development specialists, especially ifthis stirs controversy on the naturalhabitat, including ecological balance andbioversity. However, the Cordillerainland fishery was all out during thelaunch of its newest program onPangasius ( ) on30 September 2008 at the Bureau ofFisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)– Cordillera Regional Office in Guisad,Baguio City.

Pangasius is a freshwater fishinhabiting the Mekong River in SoutheastAsia. It was introduced in the countryfrom Thailand in 1978 but did not gainrecognition and importance because of itsphysical characteristics not common toproducers and consumers.

However, in 1982, it wasreintroduced and was given supportbecause it highlighted its nutritionalrelevance and as an alternative livelihoodfor emerging freshwater fish industry innorth central Luzon.

Owing to the production

Pangasius hypophthalmus

creates fish wavesMarlowe U. Aquino, PhD

Pangasius

potential in freshwater of Pangasius,the Cordillera believes it can sustainthe needed impetus in the mainstreamCordillera Fisheries Program; theactivity has drawn support from allsectors, particularly research anddevelopment, tourism, hotel andrestaurant businesses, fish farmers, andeducational institutions.

This was noted by Lois JuneFermin, BFAR-CAR regional fisheriesR&D center manager and overallcoordinator of the Pangasius project,who shared brief discussions duringthe launch of the program.

The launch included displayon the physical characteristics ofPangasius, discussions on the marketpotential and prospects forcompetitiveness, and technology onhatchery management and grow-outoperation specifically for Cordillerawaters. Its regional acceptance andoperation will be supported in theprovinces of Benguet, Kalinga, andIfugao.

To highlight its potential inthe domestic and global market, theactivity was enhanced by food

preparations and demonstrations onPangasius-based dishes byCordilleran Chef Pio de Guzman ofthe Baguio Country Club.

During the demonstration,Chef de Guzman prepared fiveoriginal and delectable dishes such asbreaded fillet with tartar sauce,streamed and poached fillet with dilland rice wine sauce, pan fried filletwith lemongrass teriyaki sauce, herbcrusted fillet with basil tomato sauce,and fillet adobo.

Through this initiative, thefisheries development in theCordilleras will take a major shiftwith the new commodity which willboost a lot of industries and createjobs for inland fishing families. Withthe right attitude, skills, andknowledge of fish farmers and theircommunities, including productionand processing technologies providedby BFAR CAR, and strong supportcoming from provincial andmunicipal local government units andother sectors, the Pangasius is here tostay for a more secure and sustainablefishery development.

Owing to the production potential infreshwater of Pangasius, Cordillerabelieves it can sustain the neededimpetus in the mainstreamCordillera Fisheries Program...

“”

Pangasius hypophthalmus

photo from www.worldofpangasius.com.vn

photo from www.worldofpangasius.com.vn

photo from www.worldofpangasius.com.vn

CDEGUZMAN

NEWS NEWS

14 BAR hronicleC October 2008 Issue BAR hronicleC 3October 2008 Issue

More than 5,000 guests visited theBureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) booth during the 2008

Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink celebration atthe World Trade Center in Pasay City on9-11 October 2008.

Dubbed as the country's biggestand most prestigious annual internationaltrade show on agribusiness, food andaquaculture, the 2008 Agrilink was co-organized by the Foundation for ResourceLinkage and Development (FRLD) andsupported by the Department ofAgriculture (DA), National Agriculturaland Fishery Council (NAFC), Bureau ofFisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR),and French Chamber of Commerce in thePhilippines.

BAR participates in 2008 AGRILINK;draws more than 5,000 booth visitors

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo served as keynote speaker duringthe event. She was joined by SenatorEdgardo J. Angara, DA Secretary ArthurC. Yap, Agrilink 2008 Chair LyndonTan, and FRLD President AntonioRoces.

“Sustaining agricultural growththrough niche markets is indeed the wayto go in a globally competitive world,”President Arroyo said. She mentionedthat almost seven million jobs weregenerated in seven years, many of whichwere in agribusiness.

The Chief Executive mentionedthe array of non-mainstream productsdisplayed at the different booths, therecently launched organic fertilizer

called “Nutrisphere”, and the use ofnutritious and indigenous vegetablessuch as which are now beingutilized in feeding programs of thegovernment. “All of these will appeal todifferent segments of local and foreignmarkets,” she stressed.

As part of the FIELDS( ertilizer, rrigation and infrastructure,

xtension, training and farmers’education, oans and insurance, ryersand other postharvest facilities, and

eeds) program of the Department, BARtook charge of the extension component.BAR showcased during the three-dayexhibit different publications supportedunder the Scientific Publication Grant(SPG), products, salted eggs,and the e-Pinoy FARMS®, incollaboration with OptiserveTechnologies, Inc.

Among the invited speakersduring the seminar and productdemonstrations on the second day wereBicol Integrated Agricultural ResearchCenter (BIARC) Manager Elena B. delosSantos and Ilocos Integrated AgriculturalResearch Center (ILIARC) ManagerJovita M. Datuin on different productlines from malunggay and salted-eggproduction, respectively.

In collaboration with the Officeof the Presidential Adviser for JobCreation, BAR handled the Search forPinaka-Best Agricultural Harvets in thecountry and the O! May Gulay CookingContest which was actively participatedin by public high schools in MetroManila.

malunggay

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(Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez)

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Attendees watch President Macapagal-Arroyo on the big screen while she delivers herkeynote address during the opening ceremony of the 2008 Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink at WTC.

BAR booth is always filled with visitors from all walks of life on a queue to get free copies of BAR publications and SPG-supported books.

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being conducted by the various agenciesand the issues and concerns of thestakeholders were discussed.

For the oans component, themodule was explained by the AgriculturalCredit Policy Center, Land Bank of thePhilippines, and Philippine CropInsurance Corporation (PCIC). Thepresentation covered the agriculturalcredit and loan guarantee component inthe overall FIELDS Program and itsimportance to rice farmers. The functionsand responsibilities of the financinginstitutions and their different creditprograms and services that are focused onrice and corn production were alsodiscussed. Moreover, the guarantee andinsurance assistance and services that canbe availed of by rice farmers weredetermined.

With regard to the ryers andother postharvest facilities component,the Bureau of Postharvest and ResearchExtension (BPRE) described the gaps andproblems of postharvest industry,

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particularly in rice production, the rolesand responsibilities of the implementingagencies, and identified programs ofdryers and postharvest facilities insupport of FIELDS Program.

As for the eeds component,the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)discussed the importance of qualityseeds in the implementation of FIELDSProgram, described the status of riceseed program in the country, andidentified the specific targets, policies,and implementation strategies of theSeeds component of the FIELDSProgram for dry season 2008-2009.

Before the summary andintegration of the technical briefing, ATIDirector Asterio P. Saliot gave theclosing message. He said that theFIELDS Info Rice Caravan will beterminated at the end of October andwhat will take its place is the series ofnationwide FIELDS technical briefingscomplemented with trainings. He alsosaid that the nationwide briefing is a

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prelude to coming up with -database(subject to more improvement) forfarmers.

“The Agriculture Secretaryasked us to, at least, include thevalidation of farmers and AEWs in thelist of activities for this series oftechnical briefing,” stated Dir. Saliot.“We will be looking forward on thepossibility of translating this FIELDSProgram manual into four dialects,” headded.

According to Dir. Saliot, inter-agency representatives shall composethe National Action Teams that willconduct the FIELDS Technical BriefingSeries to be spearheaded by the ATI.The teams shall undertake ClusterTechnical Briefings for ProvincialAction Teams. The team leaders shalloversee the smooth conduct of thetechnical briefings. They may alsoserve as resource persons to clarifyissues that may arise during thebriefings.

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(Christmas B. de Guzman)

Gov’t to produce export-quality coco wine

The government, in tandem with aprivate company, is planning todevelop and produce wine of

export-quality from coconut sap ornectar, which it expects to be in theleague of popular spirits like Russianvodka and the Japanese , in supportof President Arroyo's vow to rev up thecoconut industry.

One of the farm-friendlycommitments by President Arroyo washer pledge in her 2004 State of theNation Address (SONA) to helprevitalize the coconut industry by, amongothers, making sure that coconut farmersbenefit from the multibillion-pesococonut levy fund. To date, P786 millionhad been allotted for the CoconutIndustry Investment Fund Safety-NetProgram (CSNP) and another P86million for the upgraded insuranceprogram benefitting 1.02 million coconutfarmers.

Given the sustained, higher farmspending by the government in support ofthe President's SONA promises, theagriculture sector grew by a high 4.7% inthe year's first semester as against 3.74%in the same period in 2007.

The main engine of growth forPhilippine agriculture during the January-June period was the crops subsector, with

output soaring 5.84% or 7.12million metric tons (MT) and corn yields

sake

palay

rising 19.62% or 3.292 million MT. Thecoconut subsector also posted aturnaround in growing by 6.49% duringthe semester after contracting minus4.48% during the same six-month periodin 2007.

In his report to AgricultureSecretary Arthur Yap, AdministratorOscar Garin of the Philippine CoconutAuthority said the PCA has entered intoa memorandum of agreement with NilakResearch and Development Services,represented by Marius Diaz, to developthis type of wine that will meetinternational standards and make thisproduct uniquely Filipino.

The alcoholic beverage, whichwill come from the sap or nectar ofcoconut inflorescence (flower clusters),is expected to elevate the status of thelowly tuba by upgrading it to aconventional wine category, Garin said.

Garin reported to Yap that thePCA expects this new kind of coconut-based wine to be identified with thePhilippines, just as is known tooriginate from Japan, and vodka fromRussia.

He said the technology toproduce the wine, which will bedeveloped by Nilak's Diaz, a local winemaker, will be transferred to coconut-based areas and preferably to viablefarmer-owned cooperatives or equally

sake

viable enterprises taking intoconsideration the intellectual propertyrights generated by the project.

Under the law, all intellectualproperty rights are deemed assigned,transferred and conveyed to the PCA,which will commission the project forP5.5 million.

Garin said the coconut wineproject would include a survey andexamination of sap availability andyield, preferably of the dwarf coconutvariety from the various coconut-producing regions in the country, whichwill be jointly identified by the PCAand Nilak.

Both the PCA and Nilak willhave to evaluate, he said, the freshcoconut sap with respect to its physicaland chemical characteristics andcontents and assess the appropriatemethods of harvesting to ensure thesafety of the product in accordance withinternational standards.

PCA expects the project toproduce approximately 1,200 liters amonth of quality coconut sap or about7,200 liters over a six-month period.

The end product—coconutwine—which will be aged for fourmonths, will be equivalent to 9,600bottles of 750 ml content with 12%-13% of alcohol content per volume.(DA-Press Office)

NEWS NEWS

4 BAR hronicleC October 2008 Issue BAR hronicleC 13

The Department of Agriculture (DA),through the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR), announced the

eight winners in the 2008 Pinaka-BestAgricultural Harvest on 11 October 2008during the celebration of theAgriLink/FoodLink/AquaLink at the WorldTrade Center in Pasay City.

The “Pinaka-Best” competition ison its second year. Initial screening wasconducted in 16 regions of the countrywith one entry per commodity selected forevery region. Facilitating the regionalselection were the DA-Regional FieldUnits (RFU) and the Bureau of Fisheriesand Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

This year's entries totaled 38commodities from which the eight ‘Pinaka-Best’ winners were chosen. The championharvests were

and ( and;, and (

. Winners were judged based onweight, length, and physical appearance.They were also compared to the usual sizeof the commodity that was grown underusual crop production managementpractices or cultured under enclosedaquaculture facility.

The heaviest entry was the papaya( L.) grown by a farmer,Mercedes Rosalita from Valencia,Bukidnon (Region 10), weighing 7.25 kgand 52 cm long. Meanwhile, the entry ofLucio Amondoron of Dalaguete, Cebu(Region 7) could have been the largestsweet potato ( ) theaudience have ever seen; it weighed 2.50kg and was 20 cm long.

The other two ‘Pinaka-Best’winners were Oliver Britiller of Liliw,

papaya, sweet potato,cabbage, cornbangus, carp, sugpo ulang

Carica papaya

Ipomoea batatas

Pinaka-Best for crops

for crops)for

fisheries)

8 ‘Pinaka-Best’ winners awardedLaguna (Region IVA) forgrowing the biggest cabbage( ) (1.90 kg.)and Alfredo Taipan ofMaddela, Quirino (Region II)for growing the Pinaka-Bestcorn ( ) (0.40 kg and23 cm long).

Four Pinaka-Bestfishery harvests emerged aswinners. The heaviest was thecarp (

) entry of FranciscoCeremonia of Binangonan,

Rizal (Region IVA). It tilted the scale at8.02 kg and 62.12 cm in length. Thewinning bangus ( ) raisedby Marcelino Fernandez of DagupanCity (Region I) weighed 6.70 kg andmeasured 98 cm.

The other two Pinaka-Bestwinners were the (black tigershrimp, ) of ChrisantoCantong of Binmaley, Pangasinan(Region I) and the (freshwatershrimp, ) ofLeonardo Matienzo of Tanay, Rizal(Region IVA). The measured at0.17 kg and 24 cm long while theweighed 0.50 kg and measured 29 cm.

Not beating last year's recordsbut emerged as the “Pinaka-best” fortheir specific category, special awardswere given to the growers of banana( ), pineapple, eggplant, andgrouper ( ).

The largest banana (0.37 kg, 19

Brassica oleracea

Zea mays

Hypophthalmichthysnobilis

Chanos chanos

sugpoPenaeus monodon

ulangPalaemonetus paludosus

sugpoulang

Cardabalapu-lapu

Pinaka-Best for fisheries

Special awards

cm) was grown by Reggie Mallari ofMexico, Pampanga while the pineapple(4.50 kg, 25.10 cm) was an entry ofDominador Gonzales of Malilipot,Albay. From Region 2, the eggplant(0.50 kg, 35 cm) entry of Vicman Duqueof Rizal, Cagayan, also won a specialcitation. A good contender for fisherywas the of Alexander Amorinof Mauban, Quezon. Theweighed 6.30 kg and measured 62.23 cmlong.

The Pinaka-Best winnersreceived P15,000 each and a trophy. Aconsolation prize of P5,000 each wasgiven to the special awardees.

The national screening judgeswere Dr. Teodoro S. Solsoloy, assistantdirector of BAR; Dr. Carmencita V.Kagaoan, head of BAR's ProgramDevelopment Division; Dr. Mary Ann P.Sayoc, general manager of East WestSeed Company; Ms. Jennifer E.Remoquillo of the GMA High-ValueCommercial Crops Program; and Ms.Irma F. Ortiz of BFAR.

The winning commodities weredisplayed at the DA booth during the2008 Agrilink/Aqualink/FoodlinkCelebration.

The Pinaka-Best AgriculturalHarvest is a nationwide contest that aimsto recognize the farmers and fisherfolkwho raise and produce commodities intheir maximum capability and goodquality. This annual activity of DA isconducted in cooperation with the Officeof the Presidential Adviser for JobCreation and the National VegetableIndustry Council.

lapu-lapulapu-lapu

(Rita T. dela Cruz)

Sec. Arthur C. Yap presents this year’s ‘Pinaka-BestBangus’ to President Arroyo during her booth visits atthe 2008 Agrilink. With them is NVIC President Lyndon Tan.

Secretary Arthur C. Yap (right) awards this year’s ‘Pinaka-Best Corn’ to farmer, Alfredo N. Taipan(2nd from right) of Maddela, Quirino. With Sec. Yap are (L-R) BAR Dir. Nicomedes P. Eleazar,BFAR Dir. Malcolm I. Sarmiento Jr., and Dr. Mary Ann P. Sayoc of East West Seed Company.

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Atechnical briefing on ertilizer,rrigation and other rural

infrastructure, xtension, trainingand farmers' education, oans, ryers andother postharvest facilities, and eeds(FIELDS) for National Action Teams wasconducted on 20 October 2008 at theSerrano Hall, Agricultural TrainingInstitute (ATI), Diliman, Quezon City.

Participants in the briefing werefrom the Department of Agriculture's (DA)attached agencies and staff bureaus andvarious regional ATI training centers. Theactivity started with the welcome remarksgiven by ATI Assistant Director Alberto B.Maningding.Evelyn D. Tagud served as the master ofceremony.

ATI Assistant Director EvelynAro-Esquejo discussed the overview of theFIELDS technical briefing. According toher, the objectives of the briefing were: 1)Brief the National Action Teams; 2)Clarify issues that may arise in the seriesof FIELDS Technical Briefing at all levels;3) Strategize how to reach out to the 2.4million rice farmers nationwide; 4)Validate schedules, venues, resourcepersons, and participants.

Executive Director of PhilippineRice Research Institute (PhilRice) Atty.Ronilo A. Beronio explained thePhilippine/Regional/Provincial Self-Sufficiency Plan in line with the FIELDSProgram initiatives of the government.

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ATI senior agriculturist,

BAR participates in theFIELDS Technical Briefingfor National Action Teams

Ensuring the uniformity andaccuracy of information that will bedisseminated during the planned seriesof FIELDS technical briefing, abriefing manual for agriculturalextension workers (AEWs) wasdeveloped as a result of inter-agencyefforts spearheaded by ATI.

Representing the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR) were Dr.Marlowe U. Aquino, head of BAR'sApplied Communication Division(ACD), and Rita dela Cruz, head ofPublications Section of ACD.

The activity was capped by thepresentation of modules in theafternoon. Different components of theFIELDS Program were highlighted bythe designated module presenters. Itwas done in a lecture-discussionmanner with open forum at the end ofeach presentation to level-offconflicting ideas or inconsistencies.

In terms of the ertilizercomponent, PhilRice, Bureau of Soilsand Water Management (BSWM), andthe Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority(FPA) discussed the relevance oforganic and inorganic fertilizers and itsimpact on agriculture production andproductivity; various fertilizer programsof the DA in support of the FIELDSProgram; and Fertilizer SubsidyProgram coverage, funding, andmechanisms of implementation.

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The module on the rrigationcomponent was discussed by the DA-Field Operation Service (DA-FOS),National Irrigation Authority (NIA), andBSWM. The importance of irrigationand infrastructure support to riceproduction in the country wasemphasized. Likewise, variousprograms of government agenciesinvolved in irrigation and infrastructuresupport and the roles andresponsibilities of the implementingagencies and other stakeholders of theirrigation and infrastructure componentwere explained.

The xtension, training andfarmers' education module was handledby ATI and BAR. The need forextension support in all FIELDScomponents was articulated as well asthe role of key coordinating andimplementing agencies in support of theFIELDS Program. Extension activities

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ATI Assistant Director Alberto B. Maningding welcomes the members of participating agencies during the opening program.

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October 2008 Issue

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12 BAR hronicleC October 2008 Issue BAR hronicleC 5

The “Imbutidong Papaya atMalunggay” recipe prepared bytwo students of Dr. Arcadio

National High School in Parañaque Citybagged this year's grand prize in the 2ndO! May Gulay Cooking Contest heldduring the 2008 AgriLink/FoodLink/AquaLink celebration at the World TradeCenter in Pasay City on 11 October 2008.

The Department of Agriculture(DA), through the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR), conducted the cookingcontest as a vegetable consumptionawareness initiative for public schools inMetro Manila.

Out of 18 schools, six entered thefinal round which conducted cookingdemonstration as part of the activities atthe AgriLink. Recipes were judged basedon the following set of criteria:palatability, nutritional value, visualappeal, creativity and originality, andaffordability.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C.

Papaya and malunggay recipe wins2nd O! May Gulay Cooking Contest

Yap welcomed the participating schoolsand guests during the event. The panel ofjudges during this year's search wascomposed of Magazine Editor NancyReyes-Lumen, Chef JL Cang, PhilippineStar Columnist Christine Dayrit, Singerand Sexy Chef Restaurant Owner Rachel

Cook

Alejandro, and National VegetableIndustry Council President Lyndon Tan.

Students from the ManggahanMemorial High School in Pasig Citywere declared first runner-up for their“Fresh Lumpia in Pumpkin and Sauce”.Participants from Jose Abad SantosHigh School (“Vegetable Wraps”) tiedup with Don Alejandro Roces, Sr.Science Technology High School inQuezon City (“Kala-Malu-TahongRolyo Con Blanco Sarsa”) for thesecond runner-up position.

Winners received certificatesand cash prizes. The whole class of thegrand prize winner and first-runner-upwill have exposure trips to Baguio Cityand Tagaytay City, respectively.(Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez)

Students Stephanie Joy Oliveros and Minette Delacerna of Dr. Arcadio Santos National Highschool winthe 2nd O! May Gulay Cooking Contest with their recipe ‘Imbutidong Papaya at Malunggay’.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap (center) poses with the winners and highschool studentsduring the culmination activity of the 2nd O! May Gulay Cooking Contest.

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Law on Organic...from page 1

to international standards and practicesin order that Philippine agricultural andfishery products will be globallycompetitive.

Technical inputs and supportsfrom the Department of Agriculture(DA), Department of Agrarian Reform(DAR), Department of Trade andIndustry (DTI), Department of Health(DOH), Department of Interior andLocal Government (DILG), Departmentof Education (DepEd), Department ofScience and Technology (DOST),including their respective units andattached agencies as well as

representatives from non-governmentalorganizations, civil societies, industries,and private sector are provided to theCommittee to come up with acomprehensive and integrated law.

To date, the Committee and theTWG in charge of the drafting andpreparing of the law will be presentedduring zonal public consultations andforums and to solicit pertinent inputs forbetter policy development andimplementation. Strategic plans forzonal consultations are now beingprepared with commitments comingfrom key players and stakeholders ashosts and sponsors of the activities.

The draft law will cover amongother things, regulation, certification,and accreditation; research,development, and extension (RDE);information dissemination andpromotion; and marketing of organicagriculture.

Hopefully, the approval andimplementation of the OrganicAgriculture law will ensure thatPhilippine farms, manufacturers,producers, and consumers will beconsciously aware of the organicproduction and processing managementfor local agricultural produce to bedomestically and globally competitive.( )Marlowe U. Aquino, PhD

The Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) conducted the 10th of itsseminar series for this year

featuring the lecture of Mr. PablitoVillegas of the Villegas Organic andHobby Farms on “Organic Agriculture inthe Philippines: Issues and Concerns” atthe 4th floor of RDMIC Building, VisayasAvenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

The activity was attended byvarious representatives from Departmentof Agriculture (DA) attached agencies andstaff bureaus. The event was hosted byJulia A. Lapitan, head of the EducationCommunication Section of the AppliedCommunication Division (ACD).Assistant Director Teodoro S. Solsoloydelivered the welcome remarks.

Mr. Villegas lectured on organicagriculture and certification. According tohim, only 16 farms have been certified,with annual renewals on the decline. Healso said that there are organic exporterscertified by foreign certifying bodies notrecognized nationally.

Organic agriculture, as defined byInternational Federation of OrganicAgriculture Movements (IFOAM),includes all agricultural systems thatpromote the environmentally, socially, andeconomically sound production of foodand fibers. These systems take local soilfertility as the key to successfulproduction.

Organic agriculture dramaticallyreduces external inputs by refraining from

10th BAR Seminar Series highlightsorganic agriculture and certification

the use of chemo-syntheticfertilizers, pesticides, andpharmaceuticals. Instead, itallows the powerful laws ofnature to increase bothagricultural yield and pestresistance. Consequently,organic agriculture adheres toglobally accepted principles,which are implemented withinlocal socio-economic, geo-climatic, and cultural settings.

According to theOrganic Certification Centerof the Philippines (OCCP),the sole organic certificationbody by the Bureau ofAgriculture and FisheriesProduct Standards (BAFPS),

organic agriculture has relied since2005 on locally available resources.Organic farmers have proven that theirfarming system is distinguishable, andcompetitive, and provides products ofgood quality. Organic agriculture cancontribute to an ecologically soundfuture for all.

Despite the advantages oforganic agriculture and certification,many stakeholders oppose organicagriculture, Mr. Villegas pointed out.He said that the increased cost ofinspection, verification andcertification, voluminous paperworkand burgeoning bureaucracy is one ofthe factors why many still stand upagainst organic agriculture andcertification.

Also, many perceive that itfavors large-scale organic producersand is discriminatory to smallproducers. The concern for possiblemanipulation of certification regulationsand product misrepresentation andanomalous misclassification to thedetriment and misleading of consumersis also an issue.

The resource personenumerated other concerns on organicagriculture, as follows: 1) High cost ofinspection and certification; 2) Need fora system of equivalency betweeninternational and national standards andcertification; 3) Lack of knowledge andinformation on certification amongsome organicproducers/consumers/stakeholders; 4)National Organic Agriculture Boarddoes not convene often enoughalthough private-sector stakeholders arevery keen on meeting the developmentof the organic industry in thePhilippines; 5) The implementation ofrules and regulations on certification isnot monitored; 6) There is only onelocally recognized system (third party)and one accredited certifier in thePhilippines; 7) Issues regarding internalcontrol system; 8) Problemsencountered when moving fromconventional to organic farming orduring the conversion process; 9) Claimthat organic farming is a risky businessbecause market is not assured; and 10)Need for production protocol accordingto standards. (Christmas B. de Guzman)

Mr. Pablito Villegas of the Villegas Organic and HobbyFarms lectures on organic agriculture in the Philippines.

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October 2008 Issue

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6 BAR hronicleC October 2008 Issue BAR hronicleC 11

People from all walks of life camepouring in at the Seminar Room B,as the Bureau of Agricultural

Research (BAR) sponsored two seminarson malunggay and salted egg productionduring the 2008Agrilink/Foodlink/Aqualink celebration atthe World Trade Center on 10 October2008.

Dubbed as the country's biggestand most prestigious annual internationaltrade show on agribusiness, food, andaquaculture, this year's theme focused on“Sustaining Agricultural Growth throughNiche Markets”.

Following the theme of nichemarket, BAR highlighted “Food Productsfrom ” presented by Dr. ElenaB. delos Santos, manager of the BicolIntegrated Agricultural Research Center(BIARC). The presentation was part ofthe results of a BAR-supported project on

or startingfrom the conduct of field trials topromotional activities of the developedtechnologies. The project is a follow-up tothe massive campaign of the Departmentof Agriculture (DA) on the several healthbenefits from , thus a line ofmalunggay-based products have beenreleased in the market. Among theseproducts are moringa powder, moringacookies, moringa polvoron, moringasurprise, and the bestseller—malunggaytea. BIARC is currently improving theseproducts by developing new postharvest

Malunggay

Moringa oleifera malunggay

malunggay

Seminars on and salted eggdraw big audience in

malunggay

BIARC’s malunggay teaILIARC’s salted egg

processes and waste-reducingtechnologies.

Another seminar sponsored byBAR was the “Salted Egg Productionand Value Adding” conducted by Dr.Jovita M. Datuin, manager of the IlocosIntegrated Agricultural Research Center(ILIARC).

The technology came from theresults of a study titled “Shelf-lifeEvaluation of Salted Eggs Cured byDifferent Processing Methods”. Thetechnology that was derived from thestudy deviates from the usual “

” that most Filipinos know as ituses the heated clay method.

“The heated clay method is atreatment similar to the ordinary claymethod, except that clay is heated forone hour before mixing with salt,”explained Dr. Datuin. The value-adding

itlog namaalat

aspect of the salted eggs developed byILIARC comes with the packaging.“We do not use dye to color theeggshell, thus protecting it frompotential bacteria. Instead we use cornstovers to package and adorn them,”Dr. Datuin said.

For better appreciation,BIARC's developed products from

and ILIARC's packagedsalted eggs were displayed at the BARbooth during the 2008 Agrilinkcelebration. Free taste and sampleswere also partly done to enable visitorsto appreciate the technology more.

The projects onand salted eggs were supported byBAR through its National TechnologyCommercialization Program (NTCP).NTCP is one of the flagship programsof DA in meeting its goals for themodernization of agriculture, jobscreation, and building profitableenterprises.

malunggay

malunggay

(Rita T. dela Cruz)

Dr. Jovita M. Datuin of ILIARC (left) lectures on salted egg whileDr. Elena B. delos Santos (right) introduces products from .malunggay

Members of the audience are engrossed listening to the lectures.

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2008 AgriLink

Animal development and climatechange posted an intellectualdiscourse during the 45

Philippine Society on Animal Science(PSAS) Annual Scientific Seminar andNational Convention on 22-24 October2008 at the PCC Headquarters, ScienceCity of Munoz, Nueva Ecija. Theconvention's theme, “Climate Changeand Animal Productivity: NewChallenges for the Animal Industry,”stirred controversies and called forimmediate actions to be done,especially the dramatica social,economic, and ecological changeshappening to people, communities, andthe whole world.

Believing that the animalsector plays an important role indevelopment, the PSAS did not limit itsresponsibility and accountability insharing its concern with key issues inthe environment, particularly on animaland climate change. Specifically, it hasconsidered the threats, challenges, andopportunities of the livestock andpoultry sector vis-à-vis the climaticchanges.

Dr. Arnel del Barrio, PSASPresident (2007-2008), and Dr. MildredPadilla, Vice-President and chair of theScientific Papers Committee, said that

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Veterinary and animal scienceconfab highlights climate change

the decision to have the two importanttopics on climate change and animaldevelopment into one holistic scientificdebate is timely and fitting on the issuesand concerns being encountered by keyplayers working on development.

This was complemented by theplenary topics shared by Dr. MariaVictoria Espaldon and Dr. FelinoLansigan, chair and co-chair,respectively, of the Climate ChangeTask Force of the University of thePhilippines Los Banos whichhighlighted the effects and actions to betaken in relation to animal productivityand sustainable development.

The occurrence of climatechange has severe impacts in manyparts of the tropics and subtropics,including the Philippines. Despite theimportance of animals (livestock andpoultry) to poor people and themagnitude of the changes that are likelyto befall livestock systems, theintersection of climate change andlivestock is relatively neglectedresearch and development (R&D) area.There is very minimal understandingand knowledge about the interactions ofclimate and increasing climatevariability with other drivers of changein livestock systems and in broader

development trends.The need to document all of

these in Philippine context is nowaddressed by the animal sector in orderthat the temporal and spatialheterogeneity of household responsesbe recorded and used for R&D. Whileopportunities may exist for somefamilies and their communities to takeadvantage of more conducive pastureareas and cropping conditions, forexample, the changes projected willpose very serious problems for manyother communities.

Furthermore, ruminantlivestock has an important impact onclimate, through the emission ofmethane and through the land-usechange that may be brought about bylivestock raisers, especially on acommercial scale.

Given these concerns, thePSAS officers and their memberscommitted their efforts to beresponsive and supportive of thedevelopment work on climate changewith veterinary and animal R&Dprograms, especially on proper andappropriate animal waste managementand continuous animal production andresource management. (

)Marlowe U.

Aquino, PhD

large-seeded ones requires a biginvestment that even private investors arereluctant to incur.

With regards to the local demandfor peanuts, Aquino and Lorenzana saidthat there are currently five major peanutprocessors in the country, namely:Newborn Food Products Inc., TobiMarketing Inc., Growers Food IndustriesEnt. Inc., Marigold Commodities Inc., andCalifornia Manufacturing Co. Inc. whichrequire a total of 343 metric tons ofpeanuts monthly.

“From what we gathered, thesemajor processors are more than willing tosource their peanut requirements locallywhich are fresh unlike those coming fromChina which have been stocked for severalmonths to years in some cases,” Aquino

BAR drafts...from page 1 said.Aquino added that, a big

opportunity for peanut producers is theselling of shelled and pre-gradedpeanuts which is a value-addingactivity. Processors usually requireshelled and pre-graded peanut whichlocal producers do not meet.

CVIARC proposes theestablishment of a Peanut ServiceStation that could cater to the needs ofboth peanut producers and processors.Aquino and Lorenzana mentioned thatthe investment that would be used forthe service station is worth the benefit itwill provide for the local peanutindustry.

“The service station wouldserve as a facility that would housedifferent equipment that will be usedfor stripping, drying, shelling,

sorting/grading, packaging, and storingpeanut produce. Provisions for farmerdividends and other benefits such astraining and market assistance could alsobe provided by the station,” Aquinoadded.

The proposed national programfor the commercialization of differentvarieties of peanut drafted by TCU andCVIARC officers during the meeting willbe refined and furnished to othergovernment agencies within and outsidethe Department of Agriculture (DA)which will be tapped partners for itsplanning and implementation. The draftedproposal likewise emphasizes theimportant role of local government units(LGUs) in the successfulcommercialization and revitalization ofthe peanut industry in the country. (MikoJazmine J. Mojica)

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October 2008 Issue

10 BAR hronicleC October 2008 Issue

NEWS NEWS

BAR hronicleC 7

It was a fitting occasion when twoprominent personalities spoke theirideas, experiences, and desires to

strengthen the agriculture and fisheriessector.

The guest speakers,Representative Salvador H. Ecudero IIIof the First District of Sorsogon andincumbent Secretary Arthur C. Yap,shared their passion on agriculture andfisheries through dedication,responsibility, open-mindedness, anddevelopment orientation. Both speakersemphasized on action, responsiveness,and efficient management of programs toimprove the lives and conditions of thefarmers and fisherfolk.

This was observed during theawarding ceremony of the 20 NationalResearch Symposium of the Departmentof Agriculture - Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (DA-BAR) on 3 October 2008at the Fernando Hall, BSWM, Diliman,Quezon City.

Escudero's message was drawnfrom his vast experiences as an advocateand practitioner during his incumbency ashead of the DA. He pointed out that hismessage is coming from the heartbecause he is one with the key players inagriculture – knowing the plight andconditions affecting agriculturestakeholders is the reason why hewanted to share light in his cause of morepersonal dealings with the agriculture andfisheries sectors.

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In addition, Escuderohighlighted the services provided by thesector through timely and appropriatestrategies such as human resourcedevelopment to technicians, as well aslocal government officials, who set thedirection for immediate response to localdevelopment. Continuing education totechnical personnel and farmers in thedelivery of services and technologies isthe main factor that needs to be done toimprove the production and processingmanagement systems of crops, animal,and fishery commodities.

Also, these must be supportedby continual sharing of lessons learnedby farmers, fisherfolk, researchers,extension workers, and evenpolicymakers. Knowing what is in thehearts of farmers and fisherfolk willguide them to be skillful in the

production and processing of goods withquality assurance.

On the other hand, Yap'smessage focused on the challenges facedby the farmers and fisherfolk in this timeof technology revolution. Althoughseveral technologies are available, theDepartment of Agriculture's FIELDSprogram must ensure that these will begiven to farmers and fisherfolk wherethey most need them. FIELDS stands for

ertilizer, rrigation and other ruralinfrastructure, xtension, training andfarmers' education, oans, ryers andother postharvest facilities, and eeds

The challenges are here to staybut DA's response must be quick andappropriate, said Yap. Key players'positive experiences must be used toaddress the challenges today. Those thathave negative attributes must be changedfor the betterment of the farmers andfisherfolk. “It is up for the sector then tobe on top of the situation and use thegains from the output of research anddevelopment to institute the changes andaddress new challenges. We have a roleto play – that is responsive, reflective andproactive,” Yap concluded.

Based on the speakers' views, theso-called “Heart-Mind-Hands”Agriculture would not only start fromwhere the farmer or action is, but willalso draw the formulation andimplementation of programs anchored onthe needs and conditions of the farmerswith effective and efficient application ofresource management strategies.( )

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Marlowe U. Aquino, PhD

Escudero and Yap discussHeart -Mind-Hands agriculture

Instituting a community-basedintegrated pest management actionprogram for the control of

Brontispa (Gestro) commonly called CoconutLeaf Beetle (CLB), affecting the growthand development of coconut plantationsis now the major activity of thePhilippine Coconut Authority (PCA) incollaboration with the National CropProtection Center – University of thePhilippines Los Banos (NCPC-UPLB),the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), andBureau of Agricultural Research(BAR).

Recorded historicaldocumentation traces the appearance ofBrontispa as early as 1885 in AruIslands, Maluku and Papua provinces ofIndonesia. Over a period of 120 years,it has spread widely in more than 25countries in Asia, Australia, and AsiaPacific Islands, attacking not onlycoconut palm but also several othercultivated and wild palms.

It has spread very fast inChina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives,Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore,Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, AmericanSamoa, Australia, French Polynesian,New Caledonia, New Hebrides, NorthMariana Islands, Papua New Guinea,the Philippines, Republic of Nauru,Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tahiti,Vanuatu, Wallis, and Futuna.

Brontispa longissima,

Gov’t agencies make Brontispa

In the Philippinesinfestation was first sighted

among coconut trees along AirportRoad, NAIA and Roxas Boulevard inPasay City in April 2005. The pest wasbelieved to have been introduced viaimportation of ornamental palms. Sincethen, infestation has been reported innearby provinces.

According to PCA, to date,recorded and verified reports show thatthe pest has affected 374,413 coconuttrees in 38 provinces of nine regions ofthe country.

Considering that coconut playsa major role in the economy and as oneof the top export agriculturalcommodities, Brontispa's present statusas a serious devastating pest, emergencyand immediate pest managementoperations are necessary. Also, at therate it is going which is very alarming,preventive actions must be instituted inorder to increase farmers' awareness andknowledge, particularly on its controlmeasures and management. If thisinfestation is not contained, the damageinflicted by pest and its increasingpopulation, it can devastate the country'sUS$ 800 M dollar worth coconutindustry.

In view of the high risk ofspread of the beetle and its damagethreat, documentation and pestawareness for sustainable management

, B.longissima

are necessary to understand the pest'smorphology, distribution, and pestcontrol approaches to combat thefurther spread and pest outbreaks incoconut-growing provinces.

A biological control method,chemical control, and utilization ofpredators have been developed andimplemented to bring down the CLBpopulation. While adopting thebiological control measures, it is alsonecessary to prevent the entry of thepest in the 40 non-infested provincesin the country.

This will enable the PCA andits partners to ensure the reduction ofcrop losses owing to CLB infestationand prevent environmental harm byutilizing biological control methodsas alternative to synthetic pesticideand to establish a natural balancebetween the pest and its naturalenemies.

As these initiatives are beingimplemented with the use ofparticipatory approach, in coconut-growing areas where farmers' skillsand knowledge are vital in farmingoperations, massive awarenesscampaign and proper pestmanagement promotion will leadfarmers to be technically equipped forproductivity, profitability, andsustainable coconut development.( )Marlowe U. Aquino, PhD

information awareness a priority

photos from aseanipm.da.gov.ph

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Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap Congressman Salvador H. Escudero III

October 2008 Issue

BAR hronicleC 9

NEWS NEWS

8 BAR hronicleC October 2008 Issue

Winners in the 20 NationalResearch Symposium wereofficially announced during

the awarding ceremony held on 3October 2008 at the Fernando Hall of theBureau of Soils and Water Management(BSWM) Bldg., Visayas Avenue,Diliman, Quezon City.

Representative Salvador H.Escudero III of Sorsogon's first district,Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar and Asst.Director Teodoro S. Solsoloy of theBureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)presented the awards to the 18 winners.

BAR holds the yearly NRSwherein various researchers andscientists from state universities andcolleges (SUCs), attached agencies andstaff bureaus of the Department ofAgriculture (DA), and local governmentunits (LGUs) gather to present recentresearches in the field and compete forthe title of Best AFMA R&D PaperAward.

This year's competition focusedon the theme, “

: Bringing the benefits ofagricultural and fisheries R&D closer tothe people,” defining the important roleof R&D in meeting the challenges ofpoverty and food security, particularly inthe rural areas.

Entries totaled 79 R&D papersfrom which 42 qualified. Of these, 20were invited to present to a panel ofexperts for the final evaluation on 2October 2008. The winners were rankedbased on the garnered average pointscores.

Paper entries were divided intocategories, agriculture and fisheries,competing based on the foursubcategories: ,

, and research.

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Mula sakahan patungonghapagkainan

basic, applied socio-economics development

BAR announces 2008 Best AFMA R&D papers and posters in 20 NRSth

Applied research was further divided intotwo:

(TG/IG) and

(TA/TV).Winners who garnered an average

point score of 85 percent or higher wereconferred the Best AFMA R&D PaperAward receiving a plaque and cash prizeof P50,000. The first and second runners-up received P30, 000 and P20, 000,respectively.

The applied research category(TG/IG) is strategic in nature and isusually conducted on-station. This type ofresearch is directed toward contributing toa body of information with immediateapplication of findings.

For the agriculture division, thestudy titled “Integrated Soil FertilityManagement (ISFM) on Coconut +Lanzones ( Corr.)Agro-ecosystem in Southern Mindanao,Philippines (1993-2007): With Emphasison the Multi-nutrient Coconut-specificMineral Fertilizer” by Severino S. Magat,Millicent I. Secretaria, Junaldo A.Mantiquilla, and Rogaciano Z. Margate ofthe Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)emerged as the first prize winner.

First runner-up went to ManolitoC. Bulaong and Crestituto C. Mangaoangof the Bureau of Postharvest Research andExtension (BPRE) and Tessie Q. Ramirezand Elito V. Circa of the National FoodAuthority (NFA) for their study,“Development of a Machine VisionSystem for Corn Quality Analysis”. Thesecond runner-up prize was awarded toAlgerico M. Mariscal, Reynaldo V.Bergantin, and Anita D. Troyo of the

technology generation/informationgeneration technologyadaptation/technology verification

Lansium domesticum

Applied research (TG/IG) – agricultureand fisheries

Visayas State University (VSU) for thestudy, “New Cassava Varieties forIndustrial Use”.

For the fisheries category, thestudy on “Immune Responses ofVaccinated and Probiotics-Fed NileTilapiaChallenged with ”by Apolinario V. Yambot, Carolyn C.Cabic, Ma. Neda A. Catalma, Isagani P.Angeles, Jr. of the Central Luzon StateUniversity (CLSU), and Iichiroh Ohhira,Yasuyoshi Miyake of the Biobank Group,Japan won the first runner-up.

This type of research may beon-station or on-farm with specific focuson technology commercializationprojects and technology enhancement-related concerns. This research is gearedtoward fine-tuning of newly-developedtechnologies necessary for determiningtheir technical feasibility in solvingspecific needs related to agricultural andfisheries production and postproduction.

Taking home the grand prizewas the study, “Trichoderma-BasedManagement of Clubroot Disease ofCrucifers” by Teresita K. Mangili,Trenesie M. Lorezco, and Rhonda M.Oloan of the DA-Bureau of PlantIndustry-Baguio National CropsResearch and Development Center (BPI-BNCRDC).

The second placer was the studyon “Field Application of Common Salt( ) on Cooking BananaCultivar "Cardaba" ( )grown under a Coconut + Banana Agro-ecosystem: A Techno-demonstration Trialin Southern Mindanao, Philippines” byMillicent I. Secretaria, Severino S.

Oreochromis NiloticusAeromonas Hydrophila

Sodium chlorideMusa balbisiana

Applied research (TA/TV) –agriculture

Magat, and Marianita N. Eroy of PCA-Davao Research Center. Third was “MassProduction and Utilization of Earwig( ) for the Control ofCorn Borer” by Marivic G. Begonia, et al.of DA-Ilocos Integrated AgriculturalResearch Center (DA-ILIARC).

The socio-economics researchcategory deals with people and institutions,specifically on methods of participatoryaction research, monitoring, and evaluationof technological packages with regard toadoption and impact, and contributions topolicy-related concerns in agriculture andfisheries development. This type of researchfocuses more on the outputs of the project.

No first prize winner wasannounced for this category.

The second placer came from theUniversity of the Philippines Los Baños(UPLB) with its study titled, “TechnicalEfficiency and Profitability of Tilapia andMilkfish Grow-out Cage Operations in TaalLake, Talisay, Batangas, Philippines” byReynaldo L. Tan, Yolanda T. Garcia, andIsabel Mildred Tan. Third was the studytitled “Supply Chain Improvement ofLocally Produced Organic Fertilizer inSelected Areas of the Philippines” by ClaritaP. Aganon, Luzviminda M. Galang, and RexS. Parayno, all of the Central Luzon StateUniversity (CLSU).

Basic research refers toexperimental or theoretical work undertakenprimarily to acquire new insights on theunderlying foundations of physical andbiological phenomena and observableevents, without any particular or specificapplication or use in view.

It usually takes supplementary

Euborellia Annulata

Socio-economics research

Basic research

research/activities before a specificapplication or use can be identified.Attention is given on processes, methods,techniques, protocols, and chemicalcomposition.

Taking home the first prize wasthe study of Edgardo E. Tulin, Zenaida T.Ecleo of VSU titled, “Genetic Approachand Phenotype-based ComplementationScreening for Selection of Yam Resistantto Anthracnose”.

The second prize went toRubigilda C. Paraguison, Ma. Pia P.Faylon, Ester B. Flores, and Libertado C.Cruz of the Philippine Carabao Center(PCC) for their study, “RandomAmplification of Polymorphic DNA(RAPD) Markers to Distinguish thePhilippine Carabao and Indian MurrahBuffaloes”.

Also from PCC, the study, “One-step Reverse Transcription- PCR Methodfor Rapid and Safe Detection of FMDVirus Applied on Inactivated Vaccine” byRubigilda C. Paraguison, Darlene Fe P.Castro, Ester B. Flores, and Libertado C.Cruz won the third prize.

Development research is anoutput of systematic work, drawing onexisting knowledge gained from researchand/or practical experience and directedtoward introducing/producing newmaterials, installing new processes, andimproving substantially those alreadyproduced and installed for more effectiveuse by the intended clients. The focus ofthis research is on innovation studies,piloting, fine-tuning, improvement of thesystem, linkages with the LGUs, andsupport services. Its main concern is onachieving the desired outcome of theproject.

Development research (agriculture)

Getting the grand prize wasthe study, “Community-basedParticipatory Action Research (CPAR)Goat Agribusiness DevelopmentProject in Region I” by Melinda G.Calumpit of DA-ILIARC.

The second prize went to RoseMary G. Aquino, Orlando J.Lorenzana, Rolando D. Pedro, VioletaA. Peralta, and Vanessa Joy Fortin,Norma E. Nerona of DA-CagayanValley Integrated Agricultural ResearchCenter (CVIARC) for their study,“Introduction, Promotion and EfficientSeed Support System of ICRISAT'Asha' Peanut Variety in Region 2,Philippines”.

Also from DA-ILIARC is thestudy, “Garlic TechnologyCommercialization in Region I:Production, Processing, EnterpriseDevelopment and Market Strategies”by Wilhelmina P. Castaneda, Sharon A.Viloria, Aida D. Solsoloy, andLeonardo T. Pascua securing the thirdspot.

Nobody won in the fisheriescategory.

The AFMA Best posterwinners were chosen from thesubmitted posters of the R&D paperspresented during the NRS.

This year's winner went to thestudy, “Development of a MachineVision System for Corn QualityAnalysis” by Manolito C. Bulaong,Crestituto C. Mangaoang both ofBPRE; and Tessie Q. Ramirez andElito V. Circa of National FoodAuthority (NFA). They receivedP7,000 cash prize and a plaque.

The first and second runners-up went to the R&D posters,“Community-based ParticipatoryAction Research (CPAR) GoatAgribusiness Development Project inRegion I” of DA RFU I – ILIARC; and“Trichoderma-Based Management ofClubroot Disease of Crucifers” of BPI-Baguio National Crops Research andDevelopment Center. They receivedP5,000 and P3,000 cash prizes andtrophies, respectively. (Rita T. delaCruz)

AFMA Best Poster

Winner for the applied research (TG/IG), agriculture

division is the group of Severino S. Magat of PCA.

Winner of the applied research (TA/TV), agriculturedivision goes to Teresita K. Mangili of BPI-BNCRDC.

The group of Edgardo E. Tulin of VSU takes homethe first prize for the basic research category.

Melinda G. Calumpit of DA-ILIARC wins first

prize for the development research (agriculture).The study of Manolito C. Bulaong of BPREis this year’s winner of AFMA Best Poster.

photos by RDELACRUZ

October 2008 Issue