Volume 9 Issue No. 1 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research JANUARY 2008

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

BAR hronicleCVisit our official website at http://www.bar.gov.ph2007 BINHI AWARDEEAgricultural Newsletter of the Year

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

In this issue...

BAR realigns its programs with CGIAR system................1

More responsive programs in agriculture..........................2

MIT students urge RP gov’t to support wide-scale...........3

BAR to support nursery and techno-demo........................4

BAR realigns programs with CGIAR...................................5

ICT-based initiative intensifies agribusiness.....................5

BAR expands CPAR implementation..................................6

BAR allocates R&D funds to .....................7

Pinoy scientist discovers indigenous, giant......................1

GMA-HVCC keen on supporting..........................................7

Revitalizing the green sector through job..........................8

1st Nat’l Sweet Sorghum RDE Conference........................9

FSP Volumes 1 and 2 now available in e-book.................10

RP, Japan gov’ts to develop biomass...............................11

Who’s new at BAR..............................................................12

Super Regions

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The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) started the yearright by conducting its “Annual

Review and Planning Workshop” on 10-11 January 2008 in Antipolo City.

The activity was set to realignthe bureau’s plans and programs for2008 in complementation with thecurrent priorities of the Department ofAgriculture (DA) and in response to thetrends and issues in world agriculture.The activity was also conducted toassess the bureau's performance duringthe previous year.

In his opening message,Director Nicomedes P. Eleazaracknowledged the bureau’saccomplishments and its continuedcommitment to strive what has beentargeted and planned in 2007. This isamid the relatively small budgetreleased to R&D last year.

Although this year's budget forR&D has been increased, he stressedthat this is no reason to be complacent.He further that the R&D sector needs tocontinue what it has been doing in thepast and to surpass the accomplishmentsby bringing down the impact of R&D tothe ground level.

Eleazar presented the“Consultative Group on International

BAR realigns plans and programs for 2008

BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (right) delivers his opening message and specificinstructions to the bureau s key personnel to serve as guidelines in crafting of plans andprograms for 2008.

Agricultural Research (CGIAR)Priorities for 2005-2015”. BAR, beingthe sole representative of Philippineagriculture in CGIAR, must align itspriorities and programs with that of theConsultative Group particularly on theissue of world poverty and foodconcern.

The overall goal of CGIAR

research is to improve the livelihood oflow-income people in developing countriesand address the following key issues on: 1)Sustaining biodiversity for current andfuture generations, 2) Producing more andbetter food at lower cost through geneticimprovements, 3) Reducing rural povertythrough agricultural diversification andemerging opportunities for high-value

Pinoy scientist discovers

indigenous, giant mushroom

phot

oco

urte

syof

CLS

U

Dr. Renato Reyes (left),researcher and deanof the Central LuzonState University(CLSU), discovered agiant mushroom,

(P. Henn) or locallyknown as

. The giant,wild and ediblemushroom was firstdiscovered in NuevaEcija, Philippines.

Collybia reinakeana

KabutengCalao

story in page 4...�

turn to page 10

The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) welcomesthe new year with two new

additions to its staff to furtherstrengthen its manpower.

A BS Agriculture graduatefrom the University of the PhilippinesLos Baños, is thenewest and youngest staff member inthe Research Coordination Division(RCD). Jay-jay, as he is fondlycalled, is a native of Los Baños,Laguna.

This tall and slender ladenjoys playing table tennis andwatching TV shows. He relates thathis patience and enthusiasm to learnnew things are among his qualitiesthat he can share to the Bureau inattaining its goals.

a orMiko is a familiar face among thosein the BAR staff. A BAR returnee,

Jojee H. Lales

Miko Jazmine J. Mojic

Who's new at BARMiko first joined thebureau in March 2005as a writer based in theAppliedCommunicationSection. She writesnews and feature articlefor the regularpublications of BAR, and was also in-charge of the bureau's several specialpublications such as the ResearchHighlights, NRS proceedings, and thetechnology calendar.

She is now based at theTechnology Commercialization Unitof BAR and is responsible for thedocumentation of the activities of theunit. Miko is a BS DevelopmentCommunication graduate from theUniversity of the Philippines LosBaños and is currently pursuing anMS degree in DevelopmentManagement at the same university.(Ellaine Grace L. Nagpala)

Jojee H. Lales

Miko Jazmine J. Mojica

photos by ELLAINE NAGPALA

calculated as an average over the fiveyears. The six GHG are carbon dioxide(CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide(N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphurhexafluoride (SF6).

Under the CDM, governmentsor private entities in developedcountries will assist developingcountries like the Philippines toimplement emission reduction projectsand receive credit in the form ofcertified emission reductions or CERs.

In the Philippines, DENR isappointed by the national governmentas the designated national authority(DNA) to examine and approvevoluntary participation in CDMprojects aimed at sustainabledevelopment.

During the forum, Dr. RodelLasco of the World AgroforestryCenter (ICRAF) lectured on the statusof climate change and the concept ofCDM in the international perspectivewhile Ms. Joycelyn Goco of theDENR's Environmental ManagementBureau (EMB) presented thegovernment's initiatives on CDM forthe Philippine energy sector. Mr.Arnold S. Bufi, country director of EcoSecurities in the Philippines, likewisepresented CDM opportunities in thewaste management sector. (MikoJazmine J. Mojica)

RP, Japan...from page 11

BAR realigns...from page 10

programs and to provide tighterfocus in setting the priorities.

Among the key issueshighlighted at the annual reviewand planning workshop were:expansion of CPAR projects withthe local government units askey proponents; R&D fundallocation for thein accordance with PresidentGloria Macapagal-Arroyo'sprescribed resource allocation;State Universities and Collegesto conduct more relevant R&Dprograms; alignment of BARprograms vis-à-vis CGIARpriority programs for developingcountries; revitalizing theagriculture sector; andintensifying the use andapplication of knowledgemanagement and information

Super Regions

BAR hronicleCDEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

BAR hronicleCDEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

A monthly publication of DA-BAR

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2 BAR hronicleC

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BAR hronicleC 11

LEARN- :IT

RITA T. DELA CRUZmanaging editor/layout

MARLOWE U. AQUINO, PhDRITA T. DELA CRUZ

MA. ELOISA E. HERNANDEZMIKO JAZMINE J. MOJICA

ELLAINE GRACE L. NAGPALAwriters

BAR Chronicle is the monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) of theDepartment of Agriculture (DA), which is mandated to ensure that all agricultural researches arecoordinated and undertaken for maximum utility to agriculture. This publication provides regularupdates on BAR s activities as the country s national coordinator for agriculture and fisheries R&D.Italso highlights features and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-member institutions.

RICARDO G. BERNARDOANTONIO A. CONSTATINO

JULIA A. LAPITANVICTORIA G. RAMOS

reproduction/printing

circulation

MANUEL F. BONIFACIO, PhD

MARLOWE U. AQUINO, PhD

NICOMEDES P. ELEAZAR, CESO IV

editorial consultant

head, MISD

adviser

For subscription and inquiries please contact: , Management Information and Systems Division(MISD), Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture 3/F RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave., cor. Elliptical Rd., Diliman,Quezon City 1104 928-8505 local 2043-2044 Fax: 927-5691 or 927-0227Articles are also available online. Please visit us at:

Applied Communication Section

misd-acs@bar.gov.phhttp://www.bar.gov.ph

In consonance with the mandateset by President GloriaMacapagal-Arroyo for the

Department of Agriculture (DA)under the Medium-Term PhilippineDevelopment Plan (MTPDP), DASecretary Arthur C. Yap iscontinuously aligning theDepartment's programs, activities,and interventions for 2008 throughthe Five Developmental Pillars forAgriculture and Fisheries. These are:1) market access, 2) postharvest andstorage, 3) credit facilitation, 4)technology and extension, and 5)irrigation. This is to considerablyuplift the productivity andprofitability of farming, fishing, andagribusiness ventures, more soimproving the country's food securityand job generation.

In 2007, DA posted a 4.68%growth in the farm sector despite theoccurrence of dry spell and typhoonsin the country. This is based on theofficial report of the Bureau ofAgricultural Statistics (BAS), thoughit did not reach the 5% performancetarget for the year, this stillmanifested a remarkable percentwithin the range projected bygovernment planners.

In a press conference,Secretary Yap said that theDepartment expects a 4.5% to 5.5%hike for 2008. Rice and cornproduction is targeted to increase by

More responsive programs in agricultureand fisheries sectors in 2008 SA CY

5.78% and 10%, respectively.The fisheries sector likewise

showed production growth of 4.9 millionmetric tons for 2007. The fisheries andaquaculture were noted to be primarygrowth driver for 2007 at 6.81% increase.This year, target production denotes a10% scale.

Secretary Yap said that in orderto help sustain the growth of the fisheriessector for 2008, establishment ofenvironment-friendly systems, such asmariculture parks, and expansion ofseaweed farming are deemed important.

The Bureau of Fisheries andAquatic Resources (BFAR), being thelead agency for the fisheries sector, hasalso enumerated other programs asfollows: 1) farming of high-value species,2) more responsive enforcement of anti-poaching and illegal fishing, and 3)sustained resource conservation efforts.

Secretary Yap said the twofactors critical for 2008 are sustaining thegrowth and expansion of the sectors.Also, the Department is targeting to strikea similar full-year growth of 4.5 to 5% inorder to propel gross domestic product(GDP) growth to as much as 7% for2008.

Based on the DA's PlanningGuide, all implementing units of theDepartment will continue to implementprograms, project, and activities (PPAs)consistent with the DA's commitments inthe MTPDP 2008-2010. Goal 1 forexample, 1.35 M hectares are still to be

developed for agribusiness and for Goal2, continue to implement PPAs thatwould reduce the cost of priority wagegoods, increase production efficiencyand the competitiveness of the A&Fsector as a whole.

DA will support the Japan-Philippine Partnership Agreement(JPEPA) particularly on the fisheries,livestock and poultry, high valuecommercial crop, coconut, and sugarsubsectors. However, the JPEPA has tobe ratified by the senate for it to takeeffect. On the basis of the major finaloutputs (MFOs), this coversproductivity enhancement measures,regulatory systems, and trade promotion

photo by RITA DELA CRUZ

Secretary Arthur C. Yap

turn to page 10

RP, Japan gov ts to develop biomasstechnologies to fight global warming

The Philippine and Japanesegovernments are looking into thepossibility of cooperating and

developing biomass energy technologies(BETs) to mitigate global warming.

This forging of efforts wasdiscussed in a forum for the exchangeof information between the twocountries on the state of climate changeinitiatives organized by the Universityof the Philippines Los BañosFoundation Inc. (UPLBFI) and theResearch Institute of Tsukuba Bio-TechLtd. of Japan at the SEAMEO SoutheastAsian Regional Center for GraduateStudy and Research in Agriculture(SEARCA), Los Baños, Laguna on 24January 2008.

“The build-up in theatmospheric carbon due to excessiveuse of fossil fuels by industries andother human activities has been a majorcause of global warming,” organizers ofthe forum stated.

In discussing global warming,the organizers intend to foster a strongerpartnership among the various sectorsof the two governments in coordinationwith the academe and researchinstitutions, government agencies,private sector, and other stakeholders inforging significant efforts to solve theclimate crisis.

Dr. Jesse Elauria, associateprofessor and chair of the EngineeringScience Department, College ofEngineering and Agro-IndustrialTechnology (CEAT) at UPLB andbiomass focal person in the Philippines,said that the country, just like any other

Energy technologies

photo courtesy of UPLBFI

countries in Asia, has an abundantsupply of biomass.

“Several BETs are ready forcommercialization if not commerciallyavailable, however, there are severalbarriers that must be addressed,” Dr.Elauria said, mentioning that biomassenergy has high potential in addressingthe energy security of the country and inmitigating greenhouse gas (GHG)emissions. He also mentioned thepassage of the Renewable Energy Billand product standards to attractinvestors and stakeholders to addresssome of the barriers.

The scientists from Japanpresented in the forum the currentscenario in their country with regard tobiomass management and the trend ofscientific research and technologydevelopment in this area of concern.

“Livestock waste and garbagefrom animal farms and the foodindustry account for the majority ofbiomass wastes, and recovery of biogashas been proposed for the realization ofthe policy. The government of Japanaims to create a recycling-orientedsociety in which biomass waste isrecycled and reused,” said Drs. TakashiOuwa and Takaaki Maekawa who gavetheir perspectives of biomass energydevelopment in Japan.

Dr. Maekawa, secretary-generalof the International Commission ofAgricultural Engineering (CIGR), islikewise instrumental in thedevelopment of a cost-effective andcommercial scale methane fermentationsystem for food recycling and theintroduction of Stirling engine as outercombustion engine. Both technologies

were presented in the forum at SEARCA.The full-scale fermentation

system was developed as a high-performance hybrid biomass conversionsystem and was operated on a commercialscale in Kyushu, Japan.

According to Dr. Maekawa, theseregulations are applicable to wastemanagement in food industries, and theircost and carbon dioxide (CO2) reductionare possible.

The Stirling engine, used asenergy supply system, uses a multi-fuelouter combustion (heating) engine.

Dr. Maekawa introduced thetechnology with Drs. Nobatoshi Tetsukaand Saturo Shimada. According to them,biomass fuels such as wood chips, biogas,ethanol, and plant oils are suitable foroperating the Stirling engine.

The forum was also used as avenue to explore strategies on renewableenergy technologies under the KyotoProtocol's Clean DevelopmentMechanism (CDM). The organizers of theforum cited the commitment of thePhilippines and Japan in the 1997 KyotoProtocol in adopting more climate-friendly policies and technologies as acollective response to the climate crisis.

According to the Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources(DENR), under the Protocol, thedeveloped countries commit themselvesto reduce their collective emissions of sixkey greenhouse gases by at least fivepercent. Each country's emission targetmust be achieved during the period of2008-2012. The emissions will be

Kyoto Protocol and CDM

next page

Participants of the Symposium on Appropriate Bioenergy T echnologies for Mitigating Global Warming held at SEARCA.

NEWS NEWS

BAR hronicleC10 BAR hronicleC 3

Ateam of graduating MBA

students from theMassachusetts Institute of

Technology (MIT), Sloan School ofManagement in the US, is urging thePhilippine government to support thewide-scale production of Moringa(malunggay) after it was identified asa potential crop in the Western marketparticularly as a natural ingredient intheir diet, biofuels, and even in theircosmetic products.

In a forum organized by theDepartment of Agriculture'sBiotechnology Program Office (DA-BPO) on 17 January 2008 at the DACompound in Quezon City, thestudents, namely: Jesus Benavides(Mexico), Alex Rall (Germany),David Salamon (France), and JoseTorbay (Venezuela), presented theirstudy on the viability of the globalcommercialization of Moringa.

They likewise gave theirrecommendations for a realisticmarketing strategy that will positionthe Philippines as the main source of

in international trade.“Time is crucial. You need to

act now or some other country will doit,” said the students, citing thegeographic and economic advantagesof the Philippines in supplying thedemand for Moringa and its by-products.

According to the study, thereis currently no mass scale production

malunggay

Market outlook

MIT students urge RP gov't to supportwide-scale productionmalunggay

photos by MIKO MOJICA

MBA students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), namely: Jesus Benavides (Mexico), Alex Rall (Germany),David Salamon (France), and Jose Torbay (Venezuela), present their study on the viability of the global commercialization of

in a forum organized by the DA's Biotechnology Program Office.Moringa

of in the world althoughthe extracts from its seeds and leavesare already being used as bases forlow-scale production of shampoo,food supplements, beauty creams, andenergy drinks.

The MIT students identifiedthe increasingly health-conscious USand European markets as attractivemarkets for Moringa oil, especiallysince it contains low trans fatty acidsand has a longer product shelf life.

According to the students'research, the chemical compositionand physical properties ofare ideally suited for the high-endmarket because of its high oleic acidcontent which renders it a goodemollient (used to soothe and softenskin) and its perceived nutritionalbenefits in the form of dietarysupplements.

“Moringa has a costadvantage over main competitorssuch as sunflower oil or olive oil andhas a lower price sensitivity ofpotential clients than in othermarkets,” the MIT students added.

As a potential biofuel source,Moringa has a “low iodine valuebetter than diesel and low cetane(ignition) number that is better thanboth coconut fat and diesel” theystressed.

As for the downside of goinginto the commercialization of

, the students cautioned its

malunggay

malunggay

malunggay

Market risks

audience regarding some market risksthat the Philippines should be aware of.One of these is that could bestereotyped as a “fad” that willeventually wane and be overtaken byanother novel commodity. Alex Rallcited as example the promising Jojobaoil which became a one-time fad diet inthe US.

Since the market is Western, alarge marketing investment is also likelyto establish the commodity's credibilityand acceptability. “It is likely that aprocess that will remove the nutty flavorand smell of oil will berequired,” Rall said.

The students also noted the bigswitching cost that will be incurred bypotential importers because it will entaila change of suppliers, operators,marketing, and packaging of a newproduct. Foremost to that, the Moringaoil, being a novel commodity, will haveto undergo a stringent and tediousprocess of approval from the US Foodand Drug Administration (FDA) and theEuropean Food Safety Authority(EFSA).

The assessment of 'smarket attractiveness led the students tocome up with a three-phase market entrystrategy, starting with the aggressiveentry into biofuels before progressinginto the high-end/cosmetics market andfood industry.

Timeliness and speed in filling

malunggay

malunggay

malunggayStrategic recommendations

turn to page 6

The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR), in closecoordination with the

Aquaculture Department of theSoutheast Asian FisheriesDevelopment Center(SEAFDEC/AQD), recently publishedtwo volumes of the

(FSP) in e-book format for easy accessand dissemination to the fisheriesR&D sector and other concernedinstitutions.

SEAFDEC/AQD packagedthe two volumes of FSP books into auser-friendly CD booklet.

FSP Volume 1 contains 34research papers published in scientificjournals and other publications and hasa printed version released inNovember 2002. FSP Volume 2

Research Outputof the Fisheries Sector Program

FSP Volumes 1 and 2 now available in e-book

consists of 32 BAR-funded researches onfisheries R&D reflecting the Departmentof Agriculture's (DA) directions andpriority programs on fisheries.

This is the latest addition to theFSP publications published in this CDformat.

The CD has an accompanyingjacket of abstracts for easy browsing ofresearch outputs. It also includes AcrobatReader version 5, 6, and 7 for computercompatibility. The CD will auto-run incomputers with Windows XP as operating

system.BAR Director Nicomedes P.

Eleazar underscored the importance ofthe publications given the economicimportance of the fishery sector, both asincome- and employment-generatingactivities, particularly in coastal areasof the Philippines.

BAR, being the nationalcoordinator for fisheries research anddevelopment (R&D), must take on thechallenge to optimize the use of digitalmedia as an engine of progress for thefishery sector, he said.

Eleazar further stressed that thefishing industry could benefit from thenew information and technologiesgenerated from the research results toimprove not only the production butalso the marketing aspect, especiallyexport marketing. He expressed that thetwo volumes of FSP books would serveas valuable references not only for theR&D community but also otherconcerned individuals who may find theinformation relevant and useful in theirendeavors.

For e-copies of the FSP books,please send an e-mail to Mr. RaymondPatrick L. Cabrera of the ProgramDevelopment Division (PDD) at

. It can also bedownloaded from BAR official websiteat .

rcabrera@bar.gov.ph

http://www.bar.gov.ph (Rita T. delaCruz)

and facilitation.The primary focuses for

the Super Regions created by theDepartment are the North LuzonAgribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ)and the Agribusiness Mindanao.

For 2008, DA iscommitted to increase landproductivity, build up new small-scale irrigation facilities, construct708 kilometers of farm-to-marketroads, and establish 200 units ofmarket-related infrastructure, suchas(BFTs) and or drop-offcenters in Metro Manila. Thisaims to expand market access andfacilitate trade for the country'ssmall farmers and fisherfolk andlikewise to minimize the effects of

Barangay Food TerminalsBagsakan

More responsive...from page 2

the continuous

based on President Arroyo's directive.

------(Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez)

Sources:DA to build 708 kms of farm-to-market roads

Fisheries still seen to boost agri growth

Agriculture likely grew 5%

Agriculture sector grew 4.68% in 2007

Agri sector posts 4.68% growth in 2007

Agriculture posts 4.68% growth in 2007-DA

by Mariane V. Go, The Philippine Star, 09January 2008.

byAmy R. Remo, Philippine Daily Inquirer,11 January 2008.

, Manila Bulletin, 15January 2008.

by AmyR. Remo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 22January 2008.

byMarianneV. Go, The Philippine Star, 22January 2008.

byMarvyn N. Benaning, Manila Bulletin, 22January 2008.

increase in prices of oilin the world market. These are all

BAR realigns...from page 1

commodities and products, 4)Promoting poverty alleviation andsustainable management of water,land, and forest resources and, 5)Improving policies and facilitatinginstitutional innovation to supportsustainable reduction of poverty andhunger.

Eleazar also presented“Revitalizing Agriculture/Fisheries(A/F) in the Philippines” which wasoriginally presented by AlbayGovernor Jose Clemente “Joey”Sarte Salceda to substantiate theimportance of R&D in theagriculture sector and why the needto increase its budget.

The BAR director presentedthese to serve as guidelines inrealigning the bureau's agenda and

turn to page 12

NEWS NEWS

BAR hronicleC4 BAR hronicleC 9

Asec Salacup keynotes techno forum for Mindanao cluster

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (DA-BAR) is funding

the establishment of a nursery andtechnology demonstration facility forherbal and medicinal plants and sweetsorghum as part of the agri-parkdevelopment of the hillylands ofCuyambay, Tanay, Rizal.

A team from the TechnologyCommercialization Unit (TCU) ofBAR, together with staff members ofother DA-attached agencies andoffices involved in the project for thepromotion of DA banner programs,visited the site on 18 January 2008 forsite validation.

The Bureau of Soils andWater Management (BSWM) isspearheading the development of the

BAR to support nursery and techno-demofacility as part of agri-park set in Tanay, Rizal

30-hectare landarea donated bythe localgovernment unit(LGU) of Tanayfor the project.

“We expect to complete thecenter by 2010,” said Mr. Wilfredo E.Cabezon, BSWM assistant director,referring to the proposed research,demonstration, and training centerenvisioned by the bureau for thehillylands of Tanay.

The center, which will double asan agri-park, will showcase anassortment of technologies on agricultureand fisheries promoted by DA, therebyenhancing agro-biodiversity and agri-eco-tourism. It will likewise “promote apublic-private partnership in undertaking

research and demonstration and buildfarmers' capacity to establishconservation farms through participatoryapproach of learning by doing.”

Aside from catering to theneeds of farmers and researchers, theagri-park will develop a total techno-demo and leisure farm suited to thelocation by putting up dormitories,function rooms, view deck, livingmuseum on soil and water conservation,forest garden, and a pick- and pay-harvesting experience, among otherfeatures, to attract tourists and potentialinvestors. (Miko Jazmine J. Mojica)

Land use map for the proposed 30-hectare agri-park setin Tanay, Rizal.

BSWM Asst. Director Willie Cabezon (right) orients BAR-TCU’sAnthony Obligado and Evelyn Juanillo (left) on the plannedestablishment of a nursery and technology demonstration facilityat the agri-park.

Another dedicated andhardworking Filipinoscientist is on the go to

reveal his work on indigenousmushroom.

Dr. Renato Reyes,researcher and dean of the Collegeof Arts and Sciences of the CentralLuzon State University (CLSU),serendipitously discovered a giantmushroom after the July 1990earthquake that struck the North-Central Luzon region.

The indigenous mushroom,(P. Henn), is aCollybia reinakeana

giant wild edible mushroom found inthe Philippines. It is popularly called“Kabuteng Calao” but Dr. Reyesnamed it owing to itsplace of origin though the mushroom isnot endemic in Nueva Ecija.

In September 1990, the giantfruiting bodies were found in theeroded areas in Puncan, Carranglan,Nueva Ecija, and its cell lines wererescued by Dr. Reyes and his students.

Fascinated by its size, Dr.Reyes conducted a thoroughinvestigation on the bio-physiologicalprofile of the new-found mushroom at

Novoecijanotake

Tokyo University of Agriculturethrough a Japan Society for thePromotion of Science (JSPS) PostDoctoral Fellowship Program. Hissignificant findings led to itssuccessful domestication andeventually resulted in its localproduction.

Dr. Reyes and his teamcontinued to rediscover the potentialsof the mushroom for nutraceutical andpharmaceutical properties which couldresult in the development of patentabletechnologies (

).Marlowe U. Aquino,

PhD

Pinoy scientist discovers indigenous, giant mushroom

photos by MIKO MOJICA While the agriculture sector iscontinuously being houndedby the recent food-versus-

fuel debate on biofuel feedstocks, theBureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)continues on its stance regarding thebenefits of biofuel, particularly thepromotion of sweet sorghum.

BAR, being the assigned focalagency of the Department of Agriculture(DA) on biofuels R&D has been taskedwith providing a critical role in thecoordination and management ofresearches towards the creation of aunified biofuel plans and programs.

In connection with this, theBureau, in cooperation with the MarianoMarcos State University (MMSU)conducted a pre-conference briefing forresearchers to discuss the “FirstNational Sweet Sorghum RDE Reviewand Planning Conference” slated on 12-14 March 2008 in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

The event is organized incoordination with partner agencies,namely: Commission on HigherEducation (CHED), Department ofScience and Technology-PhilippineCouncil for Agriculture, Forestry andNatural Resources Research andDevelopment (DOST-PCARRD), DA-Philippine Agricultural Developmentand Commercial Corporation (PADCC),Department of Energy (DOE), and theInternational Crops Research Institutefor the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT),the India-based internationalorganization that first brought to thePhilippines the first varieties of sweetsorghum for testing.

In reaction to recent reports thatbiofuels development will adverselyaffect the country's ability to producefood, ICRISAT Director GeneralWilliam D. Dar, who was recently in thecountry, reiterated that “Investing inbiofuels is not counterproductive andwill not adversely affect the country'sability to produce its own food.”

Dr. Dar, former actingagriculture secretary and currentchairman of the Committee for Scienceand Technology of the United NationsConvention to Combat Desertification(UNCCD), asserted: “A science-basedapproach to biofuels can help ensure analternative to fossil fuel, help reduce theadverse impacts of climate change, andimprove the livelihood of poor drylandfarmers without compromising foodsecurity. We have proven this in farmers'

1 Nat'l Sweet Sorghum RDE Conference slated in Marchst

fields at ICRISAT in India,where the biofuel feedstockswe are producing areenvironment-friendly, provideadditional income to farmers,and do not compromise foodsecurity.”

The coming sweetsorghum RDE conference isexpected to be attended byat least 100 researchers,extension specialists, policymakersfrom various government institutions,directors and vice-chancellors of R&Dfrom selected state colleges anduniversities (SCUs),representatives from the private sector,non-government organizations (NGOs),farmers, and other concernedstakeholders.

According to Dr. Santiago R.Obien, senior consultant of BAR whowas also the key facilitator during thepre-conference briefing held on 24January 2008 at 4/F RDMIC Building,Diliman, Quezon City, the mainobjective of the conference is to developa national framework for RDE on sweetsorghum in the context of the Philippinebiofuel industry.

“The unified RDE frameworkfor sweet sorghum is crucial tocomplement and synergize efforts ofvarious stakeholders and make thebiofuels industry viable,commerciallyprofitable and mostimportant, sustainablein improving thelivelihoods of the poor,”Dr. Obien stressed.

Other objectivesare: review R&Dprojects on sweetsorghum and recommendstrategic researchableareas; identify strategicoptions and researchpriorities in designing andevaluating integrated food andenergy production systems; and organizethe human and physical infrastructureneeded to sustain the bioethanol RDEprogram in the country.

Among the strategic issues linedup to be discussed in the conference are:1) (major RDE results,research gaps and strategic areas forproduction, post-production andprocessing); 2)(impacts of sweet sorghum with

technical issues

socioeconomics issues

emphasis on improving the livelihoodsof the poor farmers), 3)

(innovative commercializationapproaches for sweet sorghum), and 4)

(structural and manpowerorganization and complementation,public-private-farmer partnerships inproducing, processing and marketing ofsweet sorghum for bioethanol).

technologysharing and community mobilization

institutional arrangements and resourcemobilization

(Rita T.dela Cruz)

photos by RITA DELA CRUZ

NEWS NEWS

BAR hronicleC8 BAR hronicleC 5

photo courtesy of RFU III

To be more responsive inaddressing the needs of theagriculture and fisheries (AF)

sectors, the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) has realigned itsprograms in harmony with the systemspriorities of the Consultative Group onInternational Agricultural Research(CGIAR).

CGIAR as a consultative groupis a strategic partnership of countries,international and regional organizations,and private foundations. ThePhilippines is among the member-countries of CGIAR, in which BARserves as the CGIAR's primary contact.

In general, the consultativegroup aims to achieve sustainable foodsecurity and reduce poverty indeveloping countries through scientificresearch and research-related activitiesin the fields of agriculture, forestry,fisheries, policy, and environment.

In specific terms, CGIAR hasfive areas of focus in which it tends to

BAR realigns programs with CGIAR system prioritiesaddress the problem on poverty and foodsecurity. These are: 1) sustainingbiodiversity for current and futuregenerations, 2) production of more andbetter food at lower cost through geneticimprovements, 3) reduction of ruralpoverty through agriculturaldiversification and emergingopportunities for high-valuecommodities and products, 4) promotionof poverty alleviation and sustainablemanagement of water, land, and forestresources, and 5) improvement ofpolicies and facilitating institutionalinnovation to support sustainablereduction of poverty and hunger.

As the lead agency incoordinating and funding research anddevelopment (R&D) activities, BARfocuses its programs and R&D thrust onalleviating rural poverty and in ensuringfood security. This is exemplified by thebureau's banner programs, which are theCommunity-based Participatory ActionResearch (CPAR) and National

Technology Commercialization Program(NTCP).

CPAR aims to enhance the roleof R&D in technology transfer andproduction management system anddevelop strategies for effectiveintegration of support services foragribusiness development. The programencourages active communityparticipation in the management of AFresources.

NTCP, on the other hand, isfocused on the commercialization ofmature technologies developed in theacademe and other research stations.Through the NTCP, technologies aremade accessible to the countryside wheremost farmers and fisherfolk are situated.It is expected that the farmers andfisherfolk, being the end-users of thetechnologies, would increase productivityand income, at the same time providefood for the people in general. (EllaineGrace L. Nagpala)

Green sectors comprised ofagriculture and agroforestryserve as engine of Gross

Domestic Products (GDP) growth anddriving force for job creations andpoverty reduction throughdiversification and productivity”.

This was the main messageof Albay Governor Joey SarteSalceda's presentation on GREENPHILIPPINES Pangkat Green:Magsasaka Angat during one of thePresident's Cabinet meetings.Governor Salceda, serving as one ofthe President's economic advisers,highlighted the importance ofinvesting more in agriculture andagroforestry.

In line with this, theDepartment of Agriculture (DA) hasadopted the program through its“Growth in Green” strategy. Thisaims to sustain development throughenvironmental protection and climatechange adaptation and mitigation.

Based on the WorldDevelopment Report of 2007,Philippine agriculture and fisheriesshould be the centerpiece ofeconomic development agenda for it:1) is a powerful engine of growth; 2)is an effective poverty reductionmeasure; and (3) can sustaindevelopment through environmentalprotection and climate changeadaptation and mitigation.

To date, the agriculture sectoraccounts for 18 percent of theNational GDP generated employment

Revitalizing the green sector throughjob creation and poverty reduction

“

to 11.5M workers or34.5 percent of thecountry's totalworkforce in 2007.At the end of theyear, an officialreport from theBureau ofAgriculturalStatistics (BAS)posted a 4.68%growth in the farmsector despite theoccurrence of dryspell and typhoonsaffecting agriculturallands.

Salcedaunderscored the importance of investingin A&F development, taking intoconsideration the rising globalcommodity prices, growing demand forfeedstock for biofuels withoutjeopardizing food security, andopportunities derived from early harvestwith China and the World TradeOrganizations (WTO).

One of the current issuesconcerning the government today ishunger mitigation. In line with this, theDepartment has set productivity-enhancing programs to increase foodproduction focusing on the livestock andcrops sector, marine regeneration(mangrove and coastal fisherydevelopment),program, and increased irrigation throughcollaborative efforts with the Departmentof Environment and Natural Resources

Gulayan ng Masa

(DENR).In increasing productivity of

agricultural crops, the cost of goodsshould also not be affected more soimproving its quality for export.

For 2008, the Department has setto grant new investment in agri-research,technology extension, and marketingsupport. Together with the major sectors(rice, corn, fisheries, and livestock),technologies and interventions will focuson postharvest facilities, farm-to-marketroads, and irrigation vis-à-vis productionsupport.

This is all part of the Medium-term Philippine Development Plan(MTPDP) serving as the 10-point legacyof the Arroyo administration. MTPDP isa detailed roadmap towards reducingpoverty through job generation andenterprise. (Ma. Eloisa E. Hernandez)

photo by RITA DELA CRUZ

ICT-based initiative intensifies agribusiness development

To strengthen the use ofinformation andcommunication technology

(ICT) in agriculture and fisheries, theBureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) has teamed up with theAgricultural Training Institute (ATI)and Optiserve Technologies, Inc for amore information-driven and action-oriented management system.

The newly conceptualizedand developed system is called theComprehensive Agriculture andFisheries Integrated AgribusinessManagement System (CAFIAMS). Itis an integrated management systemthat unifies the application ofagriculture and fisheries informationfrom production to marketing for

use. It alsoenables the users and beneficiaries toactively participate in the decision-making process of their enterprises oragribusiness activities to achieve the

farmer and fisherfolk

desired and optimum production andprofit.

CAFIAMS has three majorcomponents, namely: ,

, and .The is handled by

ATI and focuses on the transfer andexchange of experiences based onpackaged learning modules of prioritycommodities in agriculture andfisheries. It is an on-line system thathelps farmers and fishfolk use ICT andhave a face-to-face interaction to obtainrelevant and pertinent agriculture andfisheries technologies.

The is an ICT-based system that enhances andsupports the Department of Agriculture,through BAR, in the implementation ofthe bureau's Community-basedParticipatory Action Research (CPAR).It supports the monitoring andevaluation of CPAR projects for bettertechnology refinement and systematic

e-Learning e-Pinoy FARMS C-PREMS

e-Learning

e-Pinoy FARMS

processing of community informationand stakeholder characterization forappropriate and timely decision-makingfor agriculture and fisheries policies on

e-Pinoy FARMS software

research and development,agribusiness, and marketing.

or Commodity-Production Resource ManagementSystem is a system that enablesagriculture and fishery tradingmore attuned to competitivenessand globalization. Initially, ittracks the production andmarketing activities of onions fromproducers, traders and distributors.This year the system will gradually

C-PREMS

ICT-based...from page 5

turn to page 8

be expanded to other commodities suchas vegetables (tomato, eggplant, okra,etc), fruits (mango, pineapple andbanana), rootcrops (potato, sweet potato,cassava), ornamentals (roses, mums,daisies, etc.), and goat and other dairyproducts.

Through the CAFIAMS, theefforts of research, development andextension/education (RDE/E) portal ofthe DA envisions to be more interactive,systematic and relevant to the needs and

requirements of the farmers andfisherfolk for a more productive,profitable, and sustainableagriculture and fisheries.

It will ensure that thedifferent systems will adhere to therequirements of the key players andstakeholders with BAR as the leadagency for RDE/E and the strongsupport of the ATI and OptiserveTechnologies, Inc. (

)Marlowe U.

Aquino, Ph.D

NEWS NEWS

BAR hronicleC6 BAR hronicleC 7

The local government units(LGUs) will be the leadproponents of all the CPAR

projects to be implemented this year.They are identified as key partners forthe implementation of CPARexpansion.”

Thus, Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) Director NicomedesP. Eleazar announced at the “BARAnnual Review and PlanningWorkshop” held on 10 January 2008in Antipolo City. The pronouncementwas made in connection with thebureau's effort to expand theimplementation of all Community-based Participatory Action Research(CPAR) activities in the regions.

CPAR is one of the bannerprograms of BAR. It aims to addressthe weak research-extension linkagewith the ultimate goal of increasingtotal farm productivity and income inthe context of a sustainable productionsystem following the farming systemapproach. It serves as a platform fortechnology assessment involving theactive participation of the communitytogether with the experts andresearchers in identifying the mostappropriate technologies to meet thecommunity's priority needs.

For 2008, BAR targets theimplementation of at least 400 CPARsites, doubling the target from last

year's 233 regular CPAR sites (plus 33sites more conducted in the 10 poorestregions).

Eleazar said that, this early, thebureau is soliciting “quality CPARproposals” with the provision of therevised guidelines in availing of funds.He instructed the BAR regionalcoordinators to invite the regions tosubmit proposals and immediatelyfacilitate the release of funds.

He stressed that proponents mustcome either from the Regional FieldUnits (RFUs) of the Department ofAgriculture (DA)-the Regional IntegratedAgricultural Research Centers (RIARCs),Bureau of Fisheries and AquaticResources (BFAR) Regional Office— theRegional Fisheries Research andDevelopment Centers (RFRDCs), and thelocal government units.

So far, 11 regions have beenidentified to submit CPAR proposals toBAR. From these regions, eight are foragriculture (Regions 3, 4a, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,and Cordillera Administrative Region),one for fishery (Region 4b), and two foragriculture and fishery (Regions 2 and 5).

All CPAR proposals must bespecific to on-farm researches withspecific discipline, indicated fundingmode, and qualified to organized groupsfor easy tracking and documentation.

Location site must be specificallyindicated with one component

technologies which is similar for oneCPAR site for replicability of theresearch. The ratio must be 1:1:3 (1CPAR:1 municipality:3 barangay sites).

In view of this recentpronouncement, BAR, through itsResearch Coordination Division (RCD),will schedule a meeting of theRIARCs/RFRDCs to discuss the revisedguidelines and to facilitate thesubmission of CPAR proposals forfunding this year. (Rita T. dela Cruz)

“

BAR expands CPAR implementation; LGUs to lead projects

photos by RITA DELA CRUZ

Following the directives ofPresident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the strategic program

fund allocation for research anddevelopment (R&D), the Bureau ofAgricultural Research allocates theprescribed 30-20-20-30 scheme infunding the R&D of the

.The as

mentioned by the Chief Executive inher pronouncements include NorthLuzon Agribusiness Quadrangle,Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, CentralPhilippines, and AgribusinessMindanao.

Theconsists of the

CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna,Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Region 3,Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, NCR(National Capital Region),MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque,Romblon, Palawan). The

SuperRegions

Super Regions

Metro Luzon UrbanBeltway

North Luzon

BAR allocates R&D funds to Super RegionsAgribusiness Quadrangle

Agribusiness Mindanao.

includesCAR (Cordillera AdministrationRegion), Regions 1, 2,3, Aurora,Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Regions 5, 6, 7, 8, andMIMAROPA compose the CentralPhilippines while Regions 9, 10, 11,12,13, and ARMM (AutonomousRegion in Muslim Mindanao) make upthe

The program fund allocationper super region will be: 30% forNorth Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle,20% for the Metro Luzon UrbanBeltway, 20% for the CentralPhilippines, and 30% for AgribusinessMindanao.

The Super Regions werecreated by President Arroyo as part ofher grand vision to develop the countryinto five Super Regions by 2010. Theidea of grouping the regions andprovinces in the country according totheir economic strengths was officially

announced at t her sixth State of theNation Address (SONA).

BAR Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar emphasized that while the less-developed provinces should be givenpriority in the R&D allocation, it mustnot be limited to them. He citedCALABARZON as an example, sayingthat it is already developed but this isnot a reason to put off any investment inthis area as some areas still need R&Dinvestments.

He also instructed concerneddivisions that while BAR is keen onprioritizing the GMA Banner Programssuch as the High-Value CommercialCrops (HVCC) i.e., banana, mango,pineapple, rubber, and abaca—fundingmust not be limited to them. Eleazarsaid that these are just rankings forprioritization. Funding must also takeinto account the current market demandand needs of the sector. (Rita T. delaCruz)

The Department of Agriculture's(DA) Ginintuang Masagang Ani– High-Value Commercial Crops

(GMA-HVCC) Program has committedits support to the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) for thecommercialization of appropriatetechnologies for priority commoditiessuch as banana, mango, coffee, rubber,

GMA-HVCC keen on supporting BAR’stechnology commercialization program

Dr. Rene Rafael C. Espino (left), GMA-HVCC national program coordinator, explainsthe importance of responding to the needs of the farmers and the demands of themarket in order to successfully promote agricultural technologies. With him in thephoto are BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (middle) and Optiserve TechnologiesCEO Cheryl Marie Natividad (right).

photoby

MIK

OM

OJIC

A

pineapple, and vegetables.Dr. Rene Rafael C. Espino,

GMA-HVCC national coordinator, saidthe program is eager to grant fundingsupport to BAR for thecommercialization of appropriatetechnologies that can be adopted byfarmers to realize a market-drivenproduction system for high-value crops.

These technologies must be cost-efficientand competitive in the local and foreignmarket.

“Having a good technology is notenough, we have to make sure that thepackages of technologies are in place fortheir effective promotion and transfer. Wehave to convince the farmers that what weare promoting will benefit them.” Espinosaid at a consultation meeting with BAR.

BAR Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar presented to Espino a partial list ofHVCC-related technologies that are eitherBAR-funded or have been at least identifiedby the bureau for the past couple of years asmature technologies that have potentialcommercial value.

Espino expressed interest insupporting some of the technologiesincluded in their priority commodity list andurged BAR to develop suitable programsthat will formalize the partnership of BARand GMA-HVCC in promoting technologycommercialization.

OptiServe Technologies, Inc. led byits chief executive officer, Cheryl Marie U.Natividad, was also present at the meeting.OptiServe has an on-going partnership withBAR for the e-Pinoy FARMS (FarmResource Management System) Project, atransaction-based software developed byOptiServe to cater to the need of BAR toconsolidate and provide timely access toinformation by stakeholders for effectivedecision-making. (Miko Jazmine J. Mojica)

the value chain by launching aproduction program and establishingcontacts are foremost to the strategyin entering the biodiesel market.

MIT students...from page 3

“Establishing the supplychain and building brandrecognition is necessary topreempt the competition andexpand the client base,” thestudy stated.

When the reputation iscemented and demand issatisfied, the study recommendsinvesting in more research anddevelopment to create newproduct brands that will excitethe market.

Based on the students'assessment, a significant increase injobs and income can be earned by

Socioeconomic benefits

rural communities, especiallyfarmers assuming that each farmerwill be allotted ten hectares for

production. This willtranslate more than P2 million inrevenues per farmer in the firstyear of planting and harvesting ifthe biofuel market will reach 16billion liters per year by 2010.

Given this estimate, theannual income from planting

appears moreprofitable compared to plantingcorn which would earn the farmerP1.4 million or coconut with P814,000, still based on the students'research.

malunggay

malunggay

(Miko Jazmine J.Mojica)

photo courtesy of BPI T