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BAR hronicleCBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

ISO 9001:2000

Cont...

Volume 14 Issue No. 5 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research May 2013

IN THIS ISSUE...

BAR embarks public-private ........................................

Tech Com project supports ..........................................

BAR’s initiative on aerobic rice ....................................

Horti Asia 2013 showcases ..........................................

BAR participates in IFEX ..............................................

Initiatives to intensify cacao ........................................

Second leg of BAR seminar .........................................

Promoting malunggay as feed .....................................

Farmer-cooperators identified .....................................

Southeast by Southeast ...............................................

Addressing the challenge ............................................

Expert heightens challenges .......................................

ISU adopts technologies ..............................................

Promoting country drivenness ....................................

CPAR helps Ifugao farmers ..........................................

Reviving Bataan’s kapis ...............................................

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With the goal of expandingArabica coffee plantationand enhancing its

agribusiness enterprise, theDepartment of Agriculture (DA),through the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) and partner agencies,is embarking into a public-privatepartnership (PPP) initiative throughthe project,

The project isimplemented by the ProvincialGovernment of Oriental Mindoro incooperation with the Earth RightsPeoples Rights (ERPR), MacNutPhilippines, National Commission onIndigenous Peoples (NCIP), and

Mindoro Arabica Coffeefor Agro-Forestry Enhancement(MACAFE) Project: A PPP inagribusiness, reforestation andpoverty reduction.

Indigenous Peoples (IPs)/UplandFarmers Organizations.

The two-year project coversthe planting of 120,000 Arabicacoffee seedlings to rehabilitate 60hectares of open/barren areas andcoconut areas. This is in support tothe National Greening Program of thegovernment. It also aims to createadditional livelihood opportunitiesand to increase income, benefitting 75farmers (IPs/upland/coconut farmingfamilies).

Project sites will includemunicipalities of Baco, Bongabong,and Victoria in Oriental Mindoro.For each site, farmer-beneficiaries,along with local government unit(LGU) personnel, will be trained onorganic farming and farm

management; organic fertilizerproduction; harvest, postharvest andpackaging; and coffee enterprisedevelopment and marketing.

hand in ensuring that there is a steadyproduction of in Bataan, and atthe same time securing that there willbe jobs generated for the community.The proponents aim to use the findingsof the study as a reference to craft anational program on to helpresuscitate the diminishingindustry and once again be a marketleader on exporting -basedproducts.

kapis

kapiskapis

kapis###

-----References:1.Dagoon, J. (2005). Industrial technology III:A textbook in the specialization subject inindustrial technology III in the Philippine HighSchools. Retrieved 06 May 2013 fromhttp://books.google.com.ph2. Guillermo, A.R. Historical dictionary of thePhilippines. Retrieved 06 May 2013 fromhttp://books.google.com.ph3. Ingole, B.S. and S. Clemente. (2006). Statusof windowpane oyster Placuna placenta(Linnaeus) population in Goa. Retrieved 06May 2013 fromhttp://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/824

PHOTO:TCA

Reviving Bataan’s kapis..from page 19 Promoting malunggay as feed...from page 8

BAR embarks public-privatepartnership on coffee

PHOTOS:RBERNARDO

The project,“Commercialization andDevelopment of Malunggay( ) for Dairy Goat,”aims to utilize malunggay as goatfeed for lactating goats. This isgeared towards cutting the cost offeed concentrate and supplementsneeded in goat milk production, andtowards increasing the farmer'sincome. According to the project'sproponents, by commercializingmalunggay as a feed for dairy goatproduction, milk production mayincrease while reducing productioncost. This could be achieved by 1)development of malunggay for feed,2) on-farm feeding of malunggayleaf meal and pellets, 3) cost- benefitevaluation, and 4) production anddistribution of malunggay leaf mealand pellets.

In the project, theresearchers promoted the use ofmalunggay as forage for goats raisedfor milk production. Its high nutrientcontent increased milk productionby 134 percent. Quoting from theirreport, “daily supplementation perhead with one tablespoon ofmalunggay powdered leavesproduced the highest daily milk.”

At the moment, however,there are no major producers ofmalunggay in the country, andtherefore no stable supply, said Ms.Acasio during the seminar. This isone production issue that remains tobe addressed and could be a viablenew enterprise.

Moringa oleifera

### (Zuellen B.Reynoso)

Ms. Gladys T. Resubal, an aquaculturist fromthe Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA)in Balanga City, Bataan, discusses how torevive the kapis industry.

programs on corn agricultureresearch and production; 2) engagein discussions with agriculturalresearchers, farmers, and processorsfrom other countries in order toexpose them to innovative culturalpractices and farm managementprotocols; and 3) learn from thelessons and experiences of othercountries in their implementation ofcorn agriculture programs that couldbe emulated, replicated, or modifiedunder the Philippine setting.

The highlight of the programwas the presentation of reports whichstressed the comparison of thesituation of corn production andindustry in the Philippines versusThailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Italso provided an opportunity toreassess intermediate strategies andoutcomes, and development goals ofcorn in our country. Mostimportantly, it became a venue for allparticipants to solicitrecommendations on how to improvecorn research and development in thePhilippines.

With a wider perspective andincreased engagement of researchersand implementers in corn R&D, theDA through its National CornProgram and BAR, continue tostrengthen the country'scollaboration with other countryprograms and internationalorganizations to facilitate andintensify the development of thePhilippine corn industry. ###

Promoting country drivenness...from page 17

FeatureNTCP

BAR hronicleCBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

ISO 9001:2000

Editor:Consulting Editors:

Writers:

Reproduction/Printing:ACD Head:Adviser:

Rita T. dela CruzJulia A. Lapitan and Victoriano B. Guiam

Ricardo G. Bernardo and Lino Norman D. ReyesJulia A. LapitanDr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar,

Managing Editor:Layout:

Patrick Raymund A. LesacaAnne Camille B. BrionMa. Eloisa H. Aquino, Liza Angelica D. Barral, Daryl Lou A. Battad,Anne Camille B. Brion, Diana Rose A. de Leon, Victoriano B. Guiam,Patrick Raymund A. Lesaca, Leila Denisse E. Padilla,Zuellen B. Reynoso, Jacob Anderson C. Sanchez,Karla Marie D. Zapiter, Noreen DS. Alazada

CESO IV

ISSN 1655-3942

rd@bar.gov.ph. http://www.bar.gov.ph/barchronicle

Copyright Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture 2013.For subscription and inquiries, please contact us: Tel. Nos.: +63 (2) 928-8505, 928-8624, 920-0234 local nos. 3011,3012, 3328 Fax No. +63 (2) 927-5691 Email: Website:

BAR CHRONICLE is published monthly by the

Applied Communications Division of the Department

of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research,

RDMIC Building, Visayas Avenue, cor. Elliptical

Road, Diliman, Quezon City 1104 Philippines.

This publication provides regular updates on DA-

BAR’s activities as the country’s national coordinator

for agriculture and fisheries R&D. It also highlights

features and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-

member institutions.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Increasing rubber production in thecountry by turning 200,000hectares (ha) of land into rubber

plantations by 2016 is what thegovernment has in mind as theworldwide demand for natural rubbercontinues to increase unceasingly.

As of 2011, the country had anestimated 162,000 ha planted to rubberand the volume of production was426,000 metric tons which are muchlower compared to those of otherrubber-producing Southeast Asiancountries such as Thailand, Indonesia,Malaysia, and Vietnam (BAS, 2012).

Consequently, to be at par withthese countries, the government hasresolved to strengthen the rubberindustry with the enactment of RepublicAct 10089 or the Philippine RubberResearch Institute Act of 2010.Accordingly, the Department ofAgriculture (DA) has prioritized rubberas one of the industrial crops under itsHigh Value Crops DevelopmentProgram (DA-HVCDP). Meanwhile,the Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) now includes the rubber industryas among the 32 industries that the DTIwill develop in the next three or fouryears.

To achieve this goal, theexpansion of rubber plantations outsidethe Mindanao region is a must.Mindanao is still the country's leadingrubber producer but there are alreadyemerging rubber plantations in someregions of Luzon and Visayas.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)has been at the forefront in supportingrubber R&D projects for the furtherdevelopment of rubber in the non-traditionalareas, one of which is Palawan.

Palawan is said to be conducive forthe establishment of rubber plantations as itis located within the Mindanao latitude. Tosupport the growing rubber industry inPalawan, the Palawan AgriculturalExperiment Station (PAES) of DA-RegionalField Unit 4B proposed a five-year projectto BAR on the propagation of rubber clonesin the province. The project titled,

Rubber clones commercializationin Palawan

Techno-demo of recommended clones of rubber andnursery establishment toward

turn to page 9

2 BAR hronicleC May 2013 Issue 19BAR hronicleCMay 2013 Issue

A technician from PAES demonstrates theprocess of rubber budding. PHOTO:DDELEON

Reviving Bataan’s

kapis industryStory and photos by Diana Rose A. de Leon

Buhayin po ulit natin angindustriya (ng kapis)

Placunaplacenta kapis

kapis

kapis

,” saidMs. Gladys T. Resubal, an

aquaculturist from the Office of theProvincial Agriculturist (OPA) inBalanga City, Bataan.

Windowpane oyster (L.) or is a mollusk that

is endemic in 27 provinces of thePhilippines. Its appearance is bestdescribed as a paper-thin, fan-shapedto rounded, translucent shell. It thriveson muddy or sandy substratum inshallow water up to 100 meters indepth. It is usually found in bays,coves, and estuaries.

Out of the many types ofseashells such as mother-of-pearl, arkshells, script shells, giant clam, andothers, proved to be the mostbankable raw material for thehandicrafts and other souvenir items. Itis known to be used as window pane.It can also be used as a raw material inmaking lampshades, chandeliers,vases, trays, glass covers, windchimes, and wall panels, amongothers. The pounded shells canbe utilized as components for makingglue, chalk, varnish, soldering lead,and paint.

Though is mostly valuedfor its shell, its meat has its own merits.It is known to have higher proteincontent (23.29 per 100 grams of meat)as compared to oysters and mussels. Itcan be cooked as omelet, ,

, chips, , and can evenbe used as feeds for animals.

According to Ms. Resubal,was once one of the top fishery

export commodities of the country nextto prawns, tuna, seaweeds, and octopus.From 1986 to1991, the countryexported a total of US$ 36 millionworth of products; but because ofindiscriminate harvesting of young andadult , the once profitable industryfaced a considerable downturn.

Undeniably, proves to bea lucrative enterprise. To prevent thefurther worsening of the situation andthe wipe out of the industry in thecountry, the government has putthrough necessary steps to revive the

industry in the country.BAR, in partnership with the

Bureau of Fisheries and AquaticResources Regional Office 3 (BFARRO3) and the Provincial Government ofBataan, funded two -relatedprojects geared in improving

kapis

adobokropek bagoong

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productivity, and commercialization-based products in Bataan.

is one of the highly-pricedcommodities of Bataan. It is foundendemic in the waters of Samal,Abucay, Balanga, Pilar, Orion, andLimay.

Ms. Resubal, together withMs. Lilian C. Garcia of BFAR RO3,served as the project proponent of thetwo BAR-funded projects.

The first project, whichstarted in May of 2011, is aboutincreasing and improving the naturalstocks and growth of in thecoastal area of Samal, Bataan. Thus, atechnology adaptation/verificationtrial on the pen culture of hasbeen implemented. The project hastwo components: breeding and grow-out components. For the project, themunicipality of Samal has allotted 1.5hectares for sanctuary. This iswhere the pens for naturalbreeding and grow-out culture hadbeen put up. There are already threegrow-out pens and one breeding penconstructed in the sanctuary.

After the project completionin 2013, the proponents will establishnew breeding sites, replicate theactivities done in other municipalities,and disseminate the technology tolocal fisherfolk.

In support to this project, anoffshoot activity is funded by BARunder its National TechnologyCommercialization Program. The saidproject focuses on technologypromotion and utilization of -based products. Ms. Resubal shared inBAR seminar the initial activities theyhave done to jumpstart the project inSamal, Bataan. These include thesigning of Memorandum ofAgreement, and the awarding ofprocessing equipment to threeorganizations who also serve asproject beneficiaries, namely: BertingShellcraft, Kaliwanagan-RuralImprovement Club, and Capili SashFactory. The awarding was held on 12April 2013 at Samal, Bataan.

The project covers thedevelopment of new products,packaging and labeling, facilitiesimprovement, and capability buildingof the beneficiaries on marketing andenterprise development.

The two projects go hand in

ofkapis Kapis

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the budding rubber industry in Palawan

BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (2 from left), together withAnthony Obligado (2 from right) and Planning and Project Development Division

Head Joell Lales (rightmost) during a visit at the Palawan Agricultural Experiment Station.

nd

nd

Technology CommercializationDivision Head

PHOTO COURTESY OF AOBLIGADO

Tech Com project supports

International EventCPAR

Philippine delegates, BAR Asst. Director Teodoro S. Solsoloy (5 from left) and Mr. Jacob Anderson C. Sanchez(center, 2 row) together with the participants from other ASEAN Member States.

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ndPHOTO:ATWGARD

3BAR hronicleC

18 BAR hronicleC May 2013 Issue

May 2013 Issue

What about

aerobic rice?What about

aerobic rice?

Authority of Singapore (AVA),underscored the importance ofATWGARD as a key contributor inenhancing regional coordination andcooperation to strengthenagricultural research.

On the other hand, Dr. ChewHong Philip, director of Technologyand Industry Development, served aschairperson of the meeting. ChairPhilip lauded the efforts of thePhilippines, chaired by ex-officio Dr.Nicomedes P. Eleazar, for pursuingthe goals of the ATWGARDparticularly in elating the ASEANagri-fisheries sector using thetechnologies that were generatedthrough collaborative R&D.

Dr. Solsoloy delivered hisopening remarks and brieflydiscussed how the ATWGARD canhelp build the ASEAN EconomicCommunity by 2015. “The blueprintdraws on institutionalizing 1) freeflow of goods, 2) free flow ofcapital, 3) food, agriculture andforestry, among others. Our constantconsultation and meeting,collaborative R&D projects, andstrength in R&D will help us sustainthese,” he reiterated.

The 9 Meeting ofATWGARD will be hosted byThailand tentatively on May 2014.

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### (Jacob Anderson C. Sanchez)

The project proposal of theBureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) titled,

“Aerobic Rice R&D in thePhilippines” took center stage in therecently concluded 8 Meeting of theASEAN Technical Working Group onAgricultural Research andDevelopment (ATWGARD) held on13-14 May 2013 at the RendezvousGrand Conference Hall, Singapore.

Considered as the mentor inrice research among the ASEANregion, the project of the Philippinesgot the attention of the seven otherparticipating countries namely:Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia,Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, andVietnam.

The Philippine delegates werecomposed of Assistant DirectorTeodoro S. Solsoloy and JacobAnderson C. Sanchez of BAR. ThePhilippines, particularly BAR, playedhost during the 7 ATWGARDMeeting held in Quezon City.

Prior to the customarymeeting, an election of chairman andvice-chairman was led by ex-officioDr. Solsoloy signifying thePhilippines' turnover of chairmanshipto the host country, Singapore. “Weheld the position for two consecutiveyears, and we have strong faith thatSingapore (chair) and Thailand (vice-chair) will continue what we have all

th

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started,” he said.The Philippine project on

aerobic rice is aligned with theASEAN Integrated Food Security(AIFS) Framework and Strategic Planof Action on Food Security (SPA-FS).Generally, it seeks to increase riceproduction and farmers income up to15 percent. It also aims to develop asustainable rice-based farming systemin water-scarce areas of Region III.The project is in coordination with oneof the experts in Aerobic RiceTechnology (ART), the BulacanAgricultural State College.

With this, the interest of theASEAN Member States was furtherrecognized when they suggested to thePhilippines to organize an ASEANworkshop on aerobic rice. Committedto uplifting the marginalized ricefarmers, BAR accepted the challengeto take the lead for the project onaerobic rice.

Aerobic rice, which mayinvolve drought tolerant varieties,grows well in non-submerged and non-flooded soil in water scarce areas suchas rainfed, uplands, and tail-endportion of irrigated areas. It has a hugepotential to improve the conditions ofeconomically-challenged families whorely on rice as source of income.In her welcoming message, Ms. TanPoh Kong, chief executive officer ofthe Agri-Food and Veterinary

First introduced in the country by the

International Rice Research Institute,

the aerobic rice technology is a water-

saving production system which uses

aerobic rice varieties that are grown

in well-drained, non-puddled, and non-

saturated soils.

Along with proper management, a farmer

can have an average yield of 4-6 tons

per hectare.

It can thrive well on

water-scarce areas. Planting is usually

through direct seeding.

Source: www.knowledgebank.irri.org/factsheets

PDFs/watermanagement_FSAerobicRice3.pdf

vermicompost fertilizer using ricestraw as raw material. He credits thisadded skill and knowledge to thetrainings he went through togetherwith the rest of the cooperators.“Organic vegetable farming is simple,cost reducing, and a profitabletechnology,” he said.

Strong market supportservices have been established for thefarmers' produce which ensures asustainable organic vegetableproduction.

Being in the era of a morehealth-conscious generation, thedemand for healthier, organically-grown food is being given emphasismore than ever. Not only does organicagriculture promote overall food andnutrition security of the country, but italso minimizes the health risks offarmers from exposure to toxicmaterials coming from conventionalfarming practices that involve harmfulchemicals and pharmaceuticals.

As the country advances tohealthier, safer, and more naturalagricultural practices, Ifugao is one ofthe provinces that is at the forefront ofpromoting organic agriculture. In fact,its LGUs recently converged forprovince-wide organic agriculturecertification as they envision theeventual recognition of organicagriculture as one of the mainstreamA&F production strategy that willcontribute to a more sustainable andecologically-friendly, and saferPhilippine agriculture. ###

Joining the organic agriculturebandwagon

Go organic!”—This is howthe province of Ifugaoenvisions its local

agriculture and fisheries.Having adopted the right

advocacy that caters to both its peopleand the environment, the province ofIfugao continues to implementagriculture and fisheries (A&F)research and development (R&D)projects that prioritize organic farmingin collaboration with various nationaland local government sectors.

In line with this, theprovincial local government unit(PLGU) of Ifugao and the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR) tied upin implementing the project,

, which aims toincrease farm production andprofitability through the efficientapplication of improved farmingtechnologies, and the adoption of asustainable, ecologically-sound, andeconomically-viable organicagriculture production system.

Along with promoting 'greenagriculture', this project showcasessustainability and organic agriculture-capable farmer organizations in theprovince that are openingopportunities for thecommercialization of organicvegetables.

According to project leaderand CPAR regional coordinator, Dr.Catherine Buenaventura, the

Community-based ParticipatoryAction Research (CPAR) on OrganicVegetable Farming

Employing the CPAR approach

participatory approach of the projectis what the farmers appreciate themost, since it elicits communityengagement, organizationalcollaborations, and makes possible ajoint process of knowledgeproduction. “It makes them feel thatthey are a big part of the project,” Dr.Buenaventura said.

Through CPAR, the farmercooperators underwent a series ofcapability-building activities whichinclude workshops on theformulation of organic fertilizers andbio-pesticides, pest managementpractices, soil conservation andfertility management, andvermicomposting. These enabled thefarmers to practice natural farmingby producing their own organicpesticides and fertilizers.

Each of the farmercooperators allocated at least 100square meters as demonstration areato pilot test the viability of organicvegetable production. Theencouraging results led the farmercooperators to fully adopt thetechnology and expand theirproduction. Seeds planted werebroccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, snapbeans, ampalaya, lettuce, pechay,tomato, eggplant, sweet pepper, andcarrots.

To date, the technologyintroduced through the CPARintervention has been benefitting thefarmers. Mr. Florencio Dulnuan, oneof the farmer cooperators, went from100 to 400 square meters expansionof organic vegetable nursery. He isalso producing his own

“

CPARhelps Ifugao farmers go organicStory by Daryl Lou A. Battad

The farmer cooperators use an organic fertilizercalled IMO (indigenous microorganism) duringland preparation and planting of pechay.

PHOTOS:PCABRERA

BAR’s initiative on aerobic riceshines during 8 ATWGARD meeting

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3BAR hronicleCMay 2013 Issue

Cont...International Event

Horti Asia 2013: InternationalTradeshow for Horticulturaland Floricultural Production

and Processing Technologyconcluded its second year of productexhibition at Bangkok InternationalTrade and Exhibition Centre(BITEC), Bangkok, Thailand on 9-11May 2013.

The Philippines, through theDepartment of Agriculture (DA),showcased an array of products fromfresh produce (banana, pineapple,mango, papaya, and dragon fruit),processed fruit products includingcoconut, and fiber products.

The country’s pavilion hadseven exhibitors represented by bothpublic and private sectors, namely:DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR), DA-Agribusiness and

Marketing Assistance Service, DA-International Relations Division, FiberIndustry Development Authority(FIDA), Pasciolco Agri-Ventures,Pilipinas Ecofiber Corporation,Raspina Tropical Fruits, Inc., andREFMAD-V Enterprise.

BAR staff members, Evelyn H.Juanillo and Karla Marie D. Zapiter,brought with them tamarind balls,brewed and instant soybean coffeealternative, and veggie noodles.Funded by BAR and other agencies,sweetened and tamarind balls werepackaged by Big-A Multi-PurposeCooperative in Lobo, Batangas and arebeing marketed in the province andnearby towns. BAR assisted in thepromotion and commercialization ofthese developed products along withtamarind wine.

The brewed and instantsoybean coffee alternative andveggie noodles were developed andproduced by Makabagong Gabay saKalusugan Foundation, Inc.(MGSKFI), a non-governmentorganization (NGO) based in NuevaVizcaya. MGSK has long beenproducing products from soybeanand is one of the successful NGO-partners of DA. The bureausupported the product developmentaspect of soy coffee, ,(tofu), soymilk, soy sauce, polvoron,and vegetable noodles, amongothers.

BAR, through one of itsbanner programs, the NationalTechnology CommercializationProgram (NTCP), has continuouslysupported research and technologies

taho tokwa

Horti Asia 2013Horti Asia 2013

practices and farm managementprotocols to be at par withagricultural globalization in relationto Philippine corn production.

The participants of theprogram were composed of cornregional program officers of theDA, regional research officers, DA-BAR technical staff, regionalresearch station managers, resourcepersons from UPLB, and trainingcoordinators. They visited Thailand,Vietnam, and Indonesia- countrieswhich are among the top cornproducers in Asia.

The major components ofthe capacity building programconsisted of lectures, institutionalvisits, field visits, discussions, andexchange of ideas with fellowresearchers, scientists,academicians, government officials,and representatives from variousprivate sectors from countries inSoutheast Asia where agriculturalproduction of corn is mostprominent. Specifically, this jointundertaking of the bureau andUPLB-CEMAFI enabled theparticipants to: 1) scale-up andimprove their skills and capacity byintroducing them to up-to-dateagricultural technologies and

Empowering DA's cornresearchers

4 BAR hronicleC 17BAR hronicleCMay 2013 Issue May 2013 Issue

showcases Philippine agricultural and fisheries products

Various productsshowcased by thePhilippines.

PHOTOS:KZAPITER

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PHOTO:KZAPITER

Expert heightens challenges...from page 13

of extreme weather events. In fact,today's news and current eventsshowed headlines and chronicles ofdroughts, floods, and extremes oftemperatures occurring at morefrequent intervals in different placesall over the world.

“In the Philippines, povertyincidence continues to inflateaffecting several areas in Visayas andMindanao even where richagriculture and fisheries industriesare located. Without doing climatechange adaptation and mitigation, theimpact of climate disasters will bemore severe [and] the investmentrequired for managing climatedisasters will be more expensive andcost for recovery will also increasesignificantly. This will create a spiralof debt burden for developingcountries, exacerbating povertyincidence in poor developingcountries and marginalizing thealready marginalized population,”stated Dr. Espaldon in herpresentation.

Dr. Teodoro S. Solsoloy,assistant director of BAR, in hiswelcome message said, “Climatechange is one of the most relevantissues in the Philippines today,especially as it directly affects theagriculture sector.”

“With agriculture andfisheries (considering the wholeagriculture value chain) accountingfor about 35 percent of the grossdomestic product (GDP) and about50 percent of total nationalemployment, the stakes for povertyalleviation due to climate change arehigh. Climate change in South and

Climate change, poverty andagriculture

Southeast Asia is expectedto reduce agriculturalproductivity by as much as50 percent over the nextthree decades,” stated Dr.Espaldon as she tackled thechallenges of climatechange to human survival.

Climate change hasalways been viewed as ananomaly. But another way

of looking at it is as an avenue for moreopportunities. Dr. Espaldon highlightedthe opportunities to thrive amidst theclimatic disturbances being experiencedin the country.

One of these is smartagriculture which concentrates oncrucial aspects such as efficient resourceuse, environment-friendly inputs, cropand land suitability, market demand andearly forecasts of extreme weatherevents to either avoid or make the bestuse of such conditions , reduced habitatconversion, and attaining climateresilience.

Knowledge management (KM),a relatively new field of expertise thatcenters on managing the flow ofinformation and knowledge within andoutside communities of practice, canalso be tapped as a tool to help farmersadapt to climate change and to empowergroups and societies.

“A challenge for all of us,” asDr. Espaldon said, “is in organizing anintegrative approach wherein variousagencies will build on existing effortsand devise new approaches which canbecome an effective program foradapting to climate change.”

The river basin approach, whichfocuses on the sustainable interrelationof all the ecosystems within awatershed, calls for orchestratedintergovernmental collaboration whereagencies of different, yet interconnectedfields such as the Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources(DENR), Department of Agriculture(DA), BAR, local government units(LGU), and Bureau of Fisheries andAquatic Resources (BFAR), will beproactive constituents for protecting andmanaging a watershed from the uplandto the water depths.

Opportunities amidstclimate change

### (Leila DenisseE. Padilla)

Participants from various government agencies and stateuniversities and colleges attend the seminar. PHOTO:LPADILLA

Promoting country drivenness...from previous page

Participants of the capacity building programduring a visit in Indonesia and Thailand.

PHOTOS:UPLB-CEMAFI

turn to page 20

ExhibitCapacity Building

Horti Asia 2013 showcases...from previous page

5BAR hronicleC16 BAR hronicleC May 2013 Issue May 2013 Issue

generated by R&D institutions inthe country for adoption andutilization of the country's farmers,fisherfolk, and other clients whoneed them the most. Attendance tosuch exhibitions is an importantvenue to promote Philippineproducts developed from itsrenowned commodities, hence,establish linkages and introducethem in the export market.

The whole exhibit area wasfilled with 140 exhibitors from 15participating countries includingGermany, China, USA,Netherlands, Turkey, New Zealand,Italy, Thailand, India, Philippines,Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australiaand Myanmar.

Organized by VNUExhibitions Asia Pacific Co., Ltd.(VNUEAP), the three-day eventaimed to support and to createawareness on the current fastgrowing horticulture andfloriculture industries andtechnologies in Southeast Asia.

Consul General Edgar B.Badajos, Special AgricultureRepresentative Ana GM B.Abejuela, and representatives fromthe Department of AgriculturalExtension in Thailand visited theBAR booth. The soybean productscaptured the attention of manyvisitors and considered thetamarind balls different in taste andtexture from those produced intheir country.

,

### (Ma. Eloisa H.Aquino)

(L-R) BAR staff Karla Marie Zapiter, SpecialAgriculture Representative Ana GM B. Abejuela,Consul General Edgar B. Badajos, andMs. Evelyn Juanillo during a photo opportunity. F

ood, fun, and facts–theseencompass the IFEX 2013experience. IFEX, or Asia's

Ethnic Food and Ingredients Show, isnow a biennial international event thatshowcases and promotes organic ethnicAsian food ingredients.

Exhibitors and guests from allregions of the Philippines, ASEANcountries, and other countries like theUnited States, gathered to attend theevent held on 16-19 May 2013 at SMXConvention Center in Pasay City.

Department of Agriculture(DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala,Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) Secretary Gregory C. Domingo,DTI Undersecretary Ponciano C.Manalo, DA-Agribusiness andMarketing Assistance Service (AMAS)Director Leandro H. Gazmin, andCenter for International TradeExpositions and Missions (CITEM)Executive Director Rosvi C. Gaetosgraced the event. They were joined inby foreign and local grocers and buyersin formally opening the show.

DA Sec. Alcala commendedhow IFEX has become the “mostcomprehensive and most distinguishedfood show in the Philippines” in lessthan a decade. He also pointed out thatIFEX is a place where one can instantlysearch for innovations, is a good venuefor agriculture promotion, and adoptsthe world's best food show practices.The show is the culmination not just ofculture, but also of the best practices inprocessing and producing food.

DTI Sec. Domingo on onehand stressed on strengthening theproduction of the Philippines in termsof agriculture commercialization,establishment of marketing linkages,

and expansion of agriculture exportsthrough providing consistent supportto private sectors, employing aholistic approach, and improving theproduction system of the country.

DTI-CITEM and DA-AMASaim to increase the profits of andmake more globally active theFilipino producers and retailers, thusthe Philippines' hosting of the IFEX.Dubbed as the biggest and mostdistinguished hub for trading andexporting Asian food and produce,IFEX this year featured sections likethe International Hall, Retail Hall, andthe best of FoodPhilippines.

The best of FoodPhilippinesincluded the DA Pavilion thatshowcased fresh fruits and vegetableswhich were offered for sale, Grocer'sExchange which gathered top foodexporters and top Asian retail chainsto assess possible ventures and futurepartnerships with producers from thePhilippines, and Partner Province andCity Program which helps small- andmedium-scale enterprises to promoteproducts and services offered by theirconstituents.

Other highlights were the livecooking demonstration of professionalFilipino chefs in Chefs-at-Work,Culinary Craft Spots, City Tour, IFEXAfter Hours, and Food IndustrySeminars that extensively providedthe trends and recent developments onfood industry. BAR’s partnerinstitutions including BAPAMINEnterprises, Masaganang Gabay saKalusugan, and Tropical Fruit Winerywere also in attendance.

The next IFEX will be held inIndia in 2015. ### (Noreen DS.Alazada)

ifexBAR participates in 2013

BAR features different R&D technologies derived under its banner programssuch as adlai, sweet sorghum, sapinit, and soybean, among others. PHOTO:LBARRAL

Promoting country drivenness in corn R&Dthrough capacity building program

Story by Daryl Lou A. Battad

To maximize opportunities andmeans to empower people andtheir aspirations - this has been

the underlying principle of the project,“Capacity Building on Corn Research,Development, and Extension Programfor the Department of Agriculture'sResearch Managers and Regional FieldResearchers,” a collaborating venture ofthe Department of Agriculture-Bureauof Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) andthe University of the Philippines LosBaños-College of Economics andManagement Alumni Foundation, Inc.(UPLB-CEMAFI).

In the realm of agriculture andfisheries, capacity building is consideredas one of the strands of sustainableresearch and development sector.Enhancing capacities of individuals andorganizations has taken the limelight inpromoting and mainstreaming R&Dprograms in which attitude, behavior,and practice are expected to change tocontinuously strengthen a specific

network of expertise.The success of the

implementation of the project manifestsa stronger, more engaging, and a moreup-to-date corn programs andtechnologies for a more defined globalpositioning of Philippine agriculture interms of corn research and production.

In 2011, the Food andAgriculture Organization (FAO) of theUnited Nations reported that corn is thesecond largest cereal crop grown in thePhilippines next to rice. China is thelargest producer of corn in Asiaregistering 193 million metric tons (mt),followed by India with 22 million mtand Indonesia with 18 million mt. ThePhilippines ranked fourth in the Asianproduction of corn with seven millionmt, followed by Thailand and Vietnam,both producing five million mt.

Meanwhile, the Bureau ofAgricultural Statistics (BAS) revealed in

Boosting the Philippine corn industry

2012 that the growth in productionhad reached 20 percent in 1999 andrecords showed that it had beenfluctuating widely since then. Thisgrowth in the industry stronglysuggests an increased intensity inthe country's corn production andmanagement.

In line with this, DAthrough its National Corn Programhas been coordinating efforts andcollaborating with otherorganizations and concerned groupsin obtaining self-sufficiency in cornproduction. In order to acquire abroader perspective regarding cornproduction technologies, UPLB-CEMAFI's initiative providedresearch managers and fieldresearchers the opportunity toexperience study visits whereconsultations, field exposures, andexchange of ideas and experiencescan pave way to innovating cultural

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In an effort to inform the farmers, cooperatives,processors and traders, and other stakeholders on thestatus and opportunities in the cacao industry, the

Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness MarketingAssistance Service (DA-AMAS) and the CocoaFoundation of the Philippines (CocoaPhil) teamed up toorganize and conduct a symposium titled, “PhilippineCacao: Beyond Tablea”, during the International FoodExhibition on 16 May 2013 at the SMX ConventionCenter.

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)joined the event along with some of the well-known cacaocompanies including Ralfe Gourmet, Valmarce, CocoaPhil,Antonio Pueo, and TB Foods Inc.

Mr. Yeong Chye, managing director of ArcherDaniels Midland Co. (ADM) Cocoa Asia Singapore,discussed the global situation of the cacao industry. As faras the chocolate consumption is concerned, Mr. Chyeexplained that the global supply and demand of cacao isguided by two key elements: 1) economic growth or GrossDomestic Product (GDP) of the country; and 2) disposableincome of the people. He reported that for the last sevenyears, the global supply of cacao had increased to fivepercent on the average. On the other hand, the demand forcacao had increased to 14 percent. Thus, global demandfor cacao had been exceeding the global supply in the lastseven years.

As for the continental supply and demand basis,Mr. Chye further explained that the supply of cacao in Asiahas decreased by 16 percent while the demand hasincreased by 20 percent. Asia used to be a net importer butlost its standing due to the decrease in cacao supply. “If thedemand for cacao or the consumption growth for cacaoincreases, you need so much of cacao to support thisdemand,” Mr. Chye added. At present, the demand forcocoa is growing fast especially in Asia and LatinAmerica.

The food sector is noted as having the biggestdemand for cacao, specifically for processing chocolatesand other food items such as pastries, cakes, and desserts.In the Philippines, private companies like UniversalRobina Corporation and Monde Nissin havecommercialized 16 new products that are mainly chocolatefood products.

In order for industry to succeed in the Philippines,Mr. Chye emphasized two key aspects in cacao production,“make sure you have the lowest cost or you are the lowestcost cacao producer in the country, and you emphasize onthe quality, where you produce something the customerwants.”

Mr. Edward F. David, president of CocoaPhil,discussed the current situation of the cocoa industry inPhilippines. The unstable state of the industry was broughtabout by the low application of the fermentation processfor beans resulting to the production of low quality of

cacao for the local and export markets.To revive the industry, CocoaPhil developed a

Cacao Roadmap. As emphasized in the roadmap, the targetproduction is 100,000 metric tons of cacao for one croppingseason. Ten percent of the 1.6 million hectares of coconutland is the target area for cocoa production Roughly only160,000 hectares of the total coconut land area will beneeded for cacao production. They are recommendingintercropping since coconut is already well established, itwill entail less labor cost and can provide additional incometo coconut farmers. Since cacao falls as a high value cropunder the High Value Crops Development Program(HVCDP) of DA, skills enhancement programs are offeredto interested farmers. Successful implementation of theroadmap includes the use of selected cacao varieties,establishment of nurseries, its actual planting up to its post-harvest stage.

Through CocoaPhil, postharvest centers wereestablished to process the wet beans. Also, through a BAR-funded research, 24-ton capacity fermentation boxes wereestablished for the use of cocoa producers. Furthermore,from the financial assistance given by the DA, CocoaPhildeveloped and fabricated Filipino-designed equipment suchas solar dryers, hybrid solar dryers, and mechanical dryersfor use in drying cacao wet beans. Another significantaccomplishment was the development of by-products suchas vinegar and renewable fuel from the cacao pods. Fortheir on-going projects, they have established farms whichare practicing Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

.

cacao industry

Mr. Yeong Chye, managing director of ADM Cocoa Asia Singapore (above)and discuss on the global andPhilippine situation of the cacao industry, respectively.

CocoaPhil President Mr. Edward F. David

PHOTOS:DA-AFIS

turn to page 10

agriculture, project proposalsconsidered by the meeting include:1) ASEAN-India Fellowships forhigher education in the field ofagriculture and allied science inIndia–India; 2) Training on ITApplication for Agricultural Extension(e-Extension)–Thailand; 3) Training onOrganic Certification for Fruits andVegetables–Malaysia; 4) Training onOrganizing and Implementing anEffective National Seed QualityControl System–Malaysia; 5) Trainingon Conventional and MolecularTechniques for Diagnosis ofTransboundary Animal Diseases–India; and 6) Managing Food Securityand Price Volatility–India.

The current Chair of theSenior Officers' Meeting (Lao PDR) ofthe ASEAN Ministers of Agricultureand Forestry (SOM-AMAF) hasidentified agricultural research anddevelopment as one of the importantaspects in addressing food security.“Promotion of joint research fordevelopment of technologies forincreasing production and productivityin agricultural systems, and efficientmanagement of natural resources; andthe exchange of technologies andexpertise in the region” are among theactivities for consideration by the tworegions.

In the Inaugural Session of the3 AIWGAF Meeting, Ms. Renu Pall,joint secretary of the ASEAN-MERunder the Ministry of External Affairsof India, noted the shared desirebetween the ASEAN countries andIndia of “formulating demand-drivenprojects with collective-ownership andin facilitating the co-steering ofresearch initiatives, eventuallyestablishing an institutional network inthe two regions”.

Mentioned by ICAR DirectorGeneral S. Ayyappan for possible jointwork over the long run are: hybrid ricetechnology, breeding for biotic andabiotic stress tolerance (submergence,drought, salinity, diseases and insectpests), resource conservationtechnologies, gene and allele mining,quality enhancement of agriculturalproduce, nutrient and water use

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Future R&D Cooperation

efficiency management, climateresilient agriculture, demonstrationand exchange of farm implements andmachinery, and agroforestry systems.

Dr. Ayyappan also noted thata proposed series of research projectsunder the cooperation could include:“Evaluation of Post-Harvest Losses inFish Industry”; “Training on Geo-Informatics Application for Fisheryand Marine Resource Management”;“Buffalo Production usingReproductive Biotechnology”;“Empowerment of ASEAN-IndianWomen through Cooperatives”;“Development of Knowledge Modelfor Organizing Agriculture Content”;“Biological Control of PapayaDieback Disease using BeneficialBacteria”; “Utilization of thePredatory Mite,

for ControllingHerbivorous Mites under ProtectiveStructures”; and “Biological Controlof Golden Apple Snail in Irrigated

Rice Cultivation”

Phytoseiulus

persimilis,

. ### (Victoriano B.

Guiam)

-------

References:

1.ASEAN. Report of the 3 Meeting ofthe AIWGAF. 7 May 2013. NationalAgricultural Science Center, ICAR, NewDelhi, India

2.ASEAN. Report of the 2 Meeting ofthe AIWGAF. 6 March 2012.Palembang, Indonesia3.ASEAN. Matters Arising from ASEANIndia Meetings. ASEAN Secretariat

Information Paper from the 3 Meetingof the AIWGAF. 6 May 2013, NationalAgricultural Science Center, ICAR, NewDelhi, India4.Ayyappan S. Address delivered in the

Inaugural Session of 3 ASEAN-IndianWorking Group on Agriculture &Forestry (AIWGAF) Meeting on 6 May2013 at the National AgriculturalScience Center, ICAR, New Delhi, India5.Douangsavan, L. Opening Remarksfor the SOM-AMAF Leader delivered in

the Inaugural Session of 3 ASEAN-Indian Working Group on Agriculture &Forestry (AIWGAF) Meeting on 6 May2013 at the National AgriculturalScience Center, ICAR, New Delhi, India

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Southeast by Southeast...from page 11

Agriculture and Fisheries that willserve as the agency's blueprint for theimplementation of R&D priorityprojects in agriculture and fisheries inaddressing the effects of climatechange in the country.

The components of theprogram are focused on short- andlong-term adaptation strategies andmitigation options that wouldstrategically address the potentialdamage, take advantage ofopportunities, and cope with both thecurrent and future consequences ofclimate change. Moreover, BARviews these strategies as a directresponse to the DA's call for theimplementation of AMIA.

Priority will be given to short-term adaptation strategies includingtechnology generation, developmentof forecasting tools, climate riskassessment, biodiversity conservation,watershed protection andmanagement, and water resourcesstudies. Long-term strategies willinclude studies like development ofclimate-resilient crop varieties andanimal breeds, promotion of soilmicrobial diversity, and crop qualityassessment, among others. Thesestrategies are imperative to addressthe potential threats and possibleconsequences of climate change onagricultural and fisheriescommodities, and to farming andfishing communities.

To date, there are 17 short-term and 11 long-term adaptationstrategies, and one climate changemitigation BAR-funded projects.These projects are consideredpriorities according to the DA-Policyand Implementation Program onClimate Change (PIPCC).

BAR serves as one of theDA's front liners in addressing climatechange that actively collaborates withother agencies of the government forthe successful implementation ofpolicies and programs related toclimate change. ### (PatrickRaymund A. Lesaca)-------References:1. Memorandum Order of SecretaryProceso J. Alcala dated 25 January 20132. BAR Climate Change R&D Program

Addressing the challenge...from page 12

discussed

Seminar SeriesClimate Change

7BAR hronicleC14 BAR hronicleC May 2013 Issue May 2013 Issue

Second leg of held in BicolBAR Seminar Series

The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR), incollaboration with the

University of the Philippines LosBaños (UPLB)-Crop Science Cluster,Asian Food Agriculture CooperationInitiative (AFACI), and theDepartment of Agriculture-RegionalField Unit 5 (DA-RFU 5), conductedits second Regional Seminar Series onEdible Landscaping and SNAPHydroponics on 8-9 May 2013 at DA-Bicol Integrated AgriculturalResearch Center (BIARC) in Pili,Camarines Sur.

Ms. Luz Marcelino, BIARCmanager, officially opened theactivity with her welcome remarksand extended her appreciation to theEdible Landscaping (EL) Team led byDr. Fernando Sanchez and to the DA-BAR Team as well. Mr. PatrickRaymund Lesaca from the AppliedCommunications Division (ACD) ofBAR gave a brief overview on theRegional Seminar Series and a shortbackground on AFACI.

Dr. Sanchez, professor andvice chancellor for Planning andDevelopment of UPLB, discussed theprinciples and elements of EL. Theresource speaker also showeddifferent edible landscaping ideas inorder for the participants tounderstand the concept of the

technology. Dr. Sanchez emphasizedthat EL can be merged to agritourism.Further, agritourism not only brings asteady flow of income in thecommunity but also provideseducation and recreation to local andforeign tourists.

Mr. Bryan Apacionado,instructor from UPLB-Crop ScienceCluster, facilitated the hands-ontraining on the application of theelements and principles of design, aswell as the creation of base map. Theparticipants conducted site orientationand evaluation at BIARC quadrangle,where EL will be applied, followed bythe conceptualization and creation of abase map and master plan. Dr. Sanchezand Ms. Norma Medina from UPLB-Crop Science Cluster evaluated theparticipants' outputs and gavenecessary recommendations for theimprovement of their master plan.

On the other hand, Mr.Ricardo Bernardo from BAR's ACDdiscussed the concept of SimpleNutrient Addition Program (SNAP)Hydroponics. He conducted ademonstration on how to prepare themedium and liquid solution. Some ofthe participants had the chance ofpreparing the medium using differentcontainers such as styrofoam andpolyvinyl chloride (PVC) coke bottle.

Participants of the regional seminar series are mostly from the region’sDA-Regional Field Units and Local Government Units. PHOTO:ACD

Dr. Fernando Sanchez of UPLB explainsthe concept, principles, and elements ofEdible Landscaping.PHOTO:ACD

Mr. Ricardo Bernardo of BAR lectures onSNAP Hydroponics. PHOTO:BAPACIONADO

In attendance were 51participants, mostly from DA-Regional Field Units and LocalGovernment Units in Region 5. Thefinal stretch of the Regional SeminarSeries on EL and SNAP Hydroponicswill be conducted in Region 8. ###(Liza Angelica D. Barral)

Heavily dependent on climate,the agriculture sector is atthe receiving end of the

detrimental impacts of climatechange. Its wide-ranging effects,including wholesale crop loss anddestruction of productive lands,deeply affect national productivity invarious agricultural commodities.

Recognizing the importanceof adaptation and mitigationinitiatives in countering the threatsposed by climate change, the Bureauof Agricultural Research (BAR),through its Climate Change RDEProgram, has given support for theimplementation of the project titled,“Climate Change AdaptationStrategies for Agriculture inCommunity Watersheds of CagayanRiver Basin” proposed by the IsabelaState University (ISU).

As part of the documentationof BAR-funded projects in CAR andRegion 2, a group from BAR togetherwith PTV 4's visitedISU on 27 May 2013 to monitor anddocument the project. According toDr. Orlando Balderama, project leaderand a professor at ISU, upland andrainfed farmers comprise almost 70

Mag-Agri Tayo

percent of farmers in the country. Theyare the ones who are vulnerable andare greatly affected by climate change.“The main objective of this project isto give our farmers solutions to combatthe effects of climate change. Since italready exists, we just have to adapt toit. We cannot change it, we cannotrevert it. We have to live with itbecause this is what adaptationmeans,” he said.

Currently halfway through itsimplementation, the project aims to: 1)conduct climate change impactassessment using simulation models;2) develop an information system inpilot community watersheds within theCagayan River Basin; and 3) introduceadaptation strategies and approachesfor improved livelihood, soilconservation, and communitymobilization in drought-prone areas.

At the same time that theproject adopted various technologiesand tools for improved crop productionin Cagayan Valley, adaptation toclimate change is also being studiedthrough less physical means. Forinstance, Dr. Balderama mentioned thecultural management of drought-tolerant crops such as groundnut,

pigeonpea, and sweet sorghum whichwere introduced in the country by theIndia-based International CropsResearch Institute for the Semi-AridTropics (ICRISAT). Through the useof cropping system models,simulation analysis for groundnutwas implemented. The technologyallows the prediction of crop yield inrelation to weather and soilconditions, and crop managementscenarios by comparing simulatedoutcomes with observed results.Using this innovation providesvaluable information to farmersespecially on improving cropmanagement, increasing yield, andassessing suitable crops andtechnologies for adoption in lesseramounts of time. Currently,simulations for sweet sorghum andcorn are on-going.

Water conservation strategiesare also given focus in this project asdrought and shortfalls in water areperceived to be the major effects ofclimate change in the region. Assuch, water harvesting facilities havebeen constructed to collect and storesurface runoff to be used for

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PHOTOS:ABRION

Seminar Climate Change

8 BAR hronicleC 13BAR hronicleCMay 2013 Issue May 2013 Issue

Based on the projectdocuments presented to BAR, thePhilippines is importing 40,000-65,000metric tons of coffee every year. Inorder to be self-sufficient in coffeeproduction, the country requires anestimated 50,000 hectares additionalareas planted with coffee. TheProvincial Government of OrientalMindoro will start at 60 hectares,geared towards establishing 10,000hectares of coffee plantations.

As the lead agency, theProvincial Government of OrientalMindoro will provide the overallproject management, providingtechnical and administrativeassistance. In return, the municipal

BAR embarks public-private...from page 1

Malunggay (

) finds use as foodand as traditional medicine,

especially in the Philippines, intreating blackheads, diarrhea, eye andear infection, fever, sprain, andpimples—in preparations as varied asits uses. High in Vitamin A and otheressential amino acids and nutrients,there are but a few culinary uses ofmalunggay save for as soup ingredientor as a salad. Modern use however hasextended this to processing of driedmalunggay leaves into powdered formin making special bread, noodles, anddelicacies like pastries ,

, for making it into herbalteas, or even as a cleaning agent.However, the reach of malunggay doesnot end here.

Moringaoleifera

(putopolvoron)

During the Department ofAgriculture–Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (DA-BAR) seminar series forthe month of May, the AppliedCommunications Division (ACD)featured a topic on the utilization ofmalunggay as goat feed for milkproduction. Attended by about 40participants from various sectors, theseminar, “Malunggay as Goat Feed,”was conducted by Ms. Remedios Acasioof the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry(DA-BAI), wherein she explained theincreasing demand for goat milk and thechallenges in meeting the demand.

Although goat is one of thelivestock used in dairy production, itremains one of the lesserproducers—with only a 9.3 percentincrease in heads per year. It falls last

government will provide theextension services to the projectbeneficiaries, ensuring thatappropriate organic farmingtechnologies are adopted.

MacNut Philippines, theprivate company partner, will supplyand co-finance the seedlings ofArabica Typica variety for theproject. Likewise, the conduct offarmers' training on farming systemsand technologies on Arabica coffee,and assist in linking the producedcoffee to the market.

NCIP and ERPR will guidethe IP organizations in variousaspects, and assist in socialpreparation and capacity building

activities, respectively.The project is funded under the

National Technology CommercializationProgram (NTCP), one of the flagshipprograms of BAR.

To date, six projects have beensupported by the bureau in support to thecoffee industry. These are in partnershipwith various agencies including: DA-Northern Mindanao IntegratedAgricultural Research Center(NOMIARC), DA-Quezon AgriculturalExperiment Station (QAES), CaviteState University (CaVSU), MunicipalGovernment of San Teodoro, OrientalMindoro, and Ka Tribu, a non-government organization. ### (Ma.Eloisa H. Aquino)

Representatives from the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoroand farmer-beneficiaries during the meeting. PHOTO:GESPIRITU

compared to cows and buffalos. Inorder to meet the increasing demand, abig improvement in quality for localgoat milk to be able to compete withcheaper imported products is needed.Farmers also need to be encouraged togo into dairy goat enterprises toincrease their profits and be providedwith continuous training on culturalpractices for milk production.

Promoting malunggay

Ms. Remedios Acasio talks on the advantagesof utilizing malunggay as feed for dairy goatproduction. PHOTO:LPADILLA

turn to page 20

One of the promisingtechnologies that is part of the projectdoes not only address climate change,but also supports the Department ofAgriculture's National Year of Ricethrust. ISU also included as one of theproject interventions the aerobic ricetechnology, one of the water-savingtechnologies for rice production whichwas introduced by the InternationalRice Research Institute (IRRI).According to Dr. Balderama, “thetraditional rice farming systemconsumes almost 5,000 liters of waterto produce a kilogram of rice. But withaerobic rice, only 1,000 liters of waterare needed to produce the same amountof rice.” Mr. Jaime dela Peña, the firstadopter of the technology in Echague,Isabela, said that aerobic rice is indeedhelpful to small-scale farmers like himbecause of its suitability in water-scarceareas and its ability to thrive well in

irrigation purposes in agriculturalproduction during times of waterdeficit.

As part of the development ofan information system, ISU alsoadopted the Geographic InformationSystem (GIS) mapping technologywhich maps and identifies criticalcommunity watersheds in CagayanValley which will need specificinterventions. GIS mapping profilesthe type of soil and determines thetype of crops or interventions suitableto the areas identified. In addition,Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)were installed to record and analyzedata on rainfall, temperature,radiation, wind, and other climaticvariables. The generated data shall beuseful to farmers as forecasting toolsthat will help them make informeddecisions regarding their farmingactivities.

both upland and lowland situations.From his experience, plantingaerobic rice requires less inputs andlabor, and, therefore leads to moreincome. In almost five years ofplanting aerobic rice, he was able tosend his children to school andpurchase his own equipment for hisfarming endeavors.

Ultimately, the project wantsto empower farmers by equippingthem with knowledge on the besttechnologies with which to overcomethe obstacles brought about byclimate change. As it is foreseen tobe a long-term challenge for theagriculture and fisheries sector,adaptation and mitigation strategiesshould be given utmost importanceto serve as the sector's shield inwithstanding the devastating effectsof this worldwide phenomenon. ###(Anne Camille B. Brion)

Dr. Maria Victoria O. Espaldon, chancellor forResearch and Extension of UPLB and climatechange expert PHOTO:LPADILLA

Expert heightens challenges,opportunities amidst climate change

ISU adopts technologies...from page 14

Climate change exacerbatespoverty problems.” Thus,articulated by Dr. Maria

Victoria O. Espaldon, vice chancellorfor Research and Extension of theUniversity of the Philippines Los Baños(UPLB), in a seminar sponsored by theBureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)on 23 May 2013 at the bureau's office inQuezon City.

Dr. Espaldon's seminarpresentation titled, “Climate Change,Food Security and Human Survival:Some Challenges,” covered essentialmatters such as global climate changeupdates, climate change implicationsin the Philippines, UPLB's researchand development efforts on adaptationand mitigation, and smarteragriculture as a strategy foradaptation.

In attendance were partnersfrom the DA such as Agriculture andFisheries Information Services(AFIS), Agricultural Training Institute(ATI), Bureau of Animal Industry(BAI), Bureau of Plant Industry(BPI), Bureau of Soils and WaterManagement (BSWM), Bureau ofFisheries and Aquatic Resources-Regional Field Unit II, and DA-RFUIV-A and IV-B; and various stateuniversities and colleges such asCamarines Norte State College(CNSC), Batangas State University(BatSU), Central Luzon StateUniversity (CLSU), Nueva VizcayaState University (NVSU), PampangaAgricultural College (PAC), BataanPeninsula State University (BPSU),

University of Rizal System (URS),Mindoro State College of Agricultureand Technology (MinSCAT), CaviteState University (CavSU), CentralBicol State University of Agriculture(CBSUA), and Mariano Marcos StateUniversity (MMSU). Judging by theattendance alone, one can tell thelevel of interest in climate changenow and how seriously it is beingtaken.

According to thepresentation, global temperature hasconstantly been rising in varyingdegrees in different regions of theworld in the last 50-100 years. “Theglobal mean temperature iscontinually increasing even if thereare cooling periods,” Dr. Espaldonexplained.

In a research conducted byvarious international organizations, itwas found that climate anomalieswere caused by massive emissions ofgreenhouse gases (GHG) which resultto continuous warming. Not only areclimate patterns altered drasticallythrough time, but also the frequency

Climate change: On a global scale

“

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as feed for dairy goats

Cont...Climate Change

9BAR hronicleC12 BAR hronicleC May 2013 Issue May 2013 Issue

commercialization in Palawan,

RRIM 600 PB 260 USM 1PB 311 PB 330

officiallycommenced in 2008 and is now in itsfifth year of implementation.

Prior to project implementation,there were already in existence sporadicrubber plantations in the province. Aproject inventory showed that there werealready 380 ha of rubber plantation, ofwhich 345 ha were newly planted areaswhile the remaining 35 ha have alreadymatured and are productive rubber trees.According to the report, the potentialarea for rubber expansion in theprovince is about 112,500 ha.

Puerto Princesa, El Nido,Española, and Coron are the identifiedlocations for project sites in Palawan.Six farmer cooperators were tapped foreach project site, with each cooperatorplanting five of the recommendedrubber clones at 100 seedlings for eachclone. In a hectare of land, 500 rubbertrees can be planted for propagationpurposes. The recommended rubberclones are: , , ,

, and . “In this research,our objective is to promote rubberclones that are adaptable to Palawanclimate,” said Elmer T. Ferry, projectleader and PAES center chief.

To ensure that there will be asteady supply of planting materials,nursery and budwood gardenestablishment is included as a projectcomponent. The nurseries were placed atAboabo Rural Agricultural Center andthe Palawan Agricultural Center (PAC)of PAES. As of 2012, these two researchsatellites had produced 56,200 sexuallypropagated rubber seedlings and a totalof 29,502 budded rubber seedlings. Thebudwood gardens in Aboabo, PAC andEspañola have a total of 1,000 trees forthe five rubber clones. These budwoodgardens have been the source of qualitybudsticks for the production of buddedrubber seedlings since 2010.

Tech Com project supports...from page 2

Expanding rubber plantationsAs the goal of the province is

to establish Palawan as one of theleading rubber producers in thecountry, Ms. Teresita Guian, provincialagriculturist of Palawan, said that theprovincial government pioneered the“plant now, pay later” program thatassists local farmers and interestedrubber growers in venturing intorubber production. In this program, thefarmer can loan seedlings good for ahectare of land and pay the dues oncethe rubber trees are already realizingprofit. The program also providessupport for the establishment ofnurseries and budwood gardens.

Ms. Guian also emphasizedthe harmonious relationship betweenthe provincial government and DA-PAES in providing support for therubber growers. This statement wasreaffirmed by Engr. Ferry who addedthat the province is very enthusiasticand supportive in strengthening therubber industry in Palawan.

On the side of PAES, the PACcurrently has 7,000 seedlings ready fordispersal to the farmer cooperators.The PAES is still expanding the rubberplantations and they are targeting toproduce 60,000 seedlings within theyear to be distributed to interestedrubber growers.

According to Engr. Ferry, thisrubber project was awarded a fivemillion pesos grant for a five-yearduration. He added that fundutilization has reached 60-70 percent.The remaining 30 percent will be usedfor further expansion of rubberplantations in the province,establishment of nurseries andbudwood gardens, and the conduct oftraining activities on tappingmanagement.

In an interview, Ms. Thelma

The five recommended rubber clones at the PAC tech-demo farm which is part of the project component.

Kilan of Española, one of the project'sfarmer cooperators said that among thefive recommended clones, theand performed best. Since thedispersal of seedlings to the farmercooperators started in 2009, her rubbertrees are now in their 4 year. In twomore years, she will be able tocommence “tapping”. She is quiteoptimistic that she will profit from herventure once she starts to harvestrubber. After all, she does not worryabout marketing her produce becauseof the large demand for rubberproducts. In preparation for theexpected harvest, she and her husbandplan to attend trainings on rubbertapping management.

In terms of problemsencountered, the proponents reportedno major setbacks with rubberpropagation. However, they still havethe problem of sourcing out the rubberseeds. The seed producers in Palawancannot cope with the demand so theystill need to buy seeds from Mindanao.

Everyone agrees that the realimpact of the project will be felt aftertwo-three years when the farmercooperators start to harvest the rubberlatex. With the unmet demand forrubber, not only in the internationalmarket but in the domestic market aswell, the proponents, the provincialgovernment, and the farmercooperators as well are confident thatrubber will be well worth the wait.

USM 1PB 311

th

###(Diana Rose A. de Leon)-------References:1. The Philippine Star. September 18, 2012.Phl to raise rubber plantations to 200,000hectares by 2016. Retrieved 20 May 2013from http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/09/18/850628/phl-raise-rubber-plantation-200000-hectares-20162. Bureau of Agricultural Statistics. June2012. Selected Statistics on Agriculture.

Addressing the challenge of

through responsive R&Dclimate change

Climate change is nowconsidered a major threat, notonly to agriculture and

industry, but to the long-term survivalof human civilization. The issues andconcerns of unnatural and man-madeweather patterns were not so serious orcontroversial 50-500 years ago. Buttoday, climate change is seen asbringing serious environmental hazardsand is poised to counter theproductivity developed by the farmingand fishing sector.

The Inter-governmental Panelon Climate Change (IPCC) refers toclimate change as any change inclimate over time, whether due tonatural variability or as a result ofhuman activity.

Climate change is inevitableand one must not take things forgranted. Otherwise, we will all sufferthe consequences. Thus, the Republicof the Philippines promulgatedRepublic Act 9729, “An ActMainstreaming Climate Change intoGovernment Policy, Formulations,Establishing the Framework Strategyand Programs on Climate Change,Creating for this Purpose the ClimateChange Commission, and for otherPurposes,” also known as the ClimateChange Act of 2009.

In 2010, Republic Act 10121,“An Act Strengthening the PhilippineDisaster Risk Reduction andInstitutionalization of the NationalDisaster Risk Reduction andManagement Plan,” was also enactedinto law to fortify further our positionin the fight against climate change.

The State adopts the principleof protecting the climate system for thebenefit of humankind, on the basis ofclimate justice, or common butdifferentiated responsibilities, andinvokes the precautionary principle to

Development Zones (SAFDZs) byincluding climate changevulnerabilities as part of mappingvariables; 3) redefine the agriculturedevelopment planning framework asbasis for agricultural planning byincluding key factors/variablesassociated with climate change; and 4)develop a new framework and plan forthe provision of “new” governmentagriculture services towards theaccelerated development of climate-smart agriculture and fisheriesindustries.

In pursuit of these strategicobjectives, the DA agencies aredirected to take the necessary steps tomigrate from the usual planningframework in the preparation of theirrespective programs and project plansand incorporate the use of agro-ecological zones, as the overarchingplanning domain, with dueconsideration to their watersheds andthe corresponding climate changerisks, both current and projected.Moreover, the marching orders of thesecretary call for all plans andprograms of the Department to beclimate change-compliant. Essentially,the programs are to be crafted into thekey regional strategic plans for theagro-ecological zones before they aretranslated or contextualized intoprovincial or LGU plans.

Climate change research anddevelopment is seen as a huge task.The challenge in this endeavor isidentifying a common and holisticapproach for climate changemitigation and adaptation measures. Inresponse, the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) crafted the DA-BAR's Climate Change Program for

BAR's Response

guide decision-making in climate risk.The Law seeks the stabilization ofgreenhouse gas concentrations in theatmosphere at a level that wouldprevent dangerous human interferencewith the climate system which shouldbe achieved within a time framesufficient to allow ecosystems to adaptnaturally to climate change, to enableeconomic development to proceed in asustainable manner and, moreimportantly, to ensure that foodproduction is not threatened.

To capitalize on the strength ofthe laws and ensure successfulimplementation of all climate change-driven programs and strategies,Secretary Proceso J. Alcala of theDepartment of Agriculture has issued aMemorandum to all officials of theDepartment to mainstream climatechange in the DA programs, plans andbudget. The Secretary likewiseapproved the Department's Seven-WidePrograms on Climate Change (DA-SWPCC) as follows: 1) MainstreamClimate Change Adaptation andMitigation Initiatives in Agriculture(AMIA), 2) Climate InformationSystem, 3) Philippine Adaptation andMitigation in Agriculture KnowledgeToolbox, 4) Climate-Smart AgricultureInfrastructure, 5)Financing and RiskTransfer Instruments on ClimateChange, 6) Climate-Smart Agricultureand Fisheries Regulation, and 7)Climate-Smart Agriculture ExtensionSystem.

The strategic objectives of thewide-ranging order are to: 1) increasethe adaptive capacity and productivitypotentials of agriculture and fisherieslivelihood by modifying commoditycombinations to better meet weatherissues, and the standing naturalresource endowments; 2) redefine orremap Strategic Agricultural Fisheries

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PHOTOS:DDELEON

Institutional Collaboration

3) promoting capacitybuilding, technologytransfer and R&D asmay be mutuallyagreed upon for globalcompetence inagriculture; and 4)information sharing toenhance farmingpractices andmanagement skills ofASEAN and Indianfarmers.

Thus far, sixprojects have been completed, majorityof which are for experience-sharing andfor building capacity. These include:

Training on Advances inAgricultural Equipment forProductivity Enhancement includingPrecision Farming, 23 April – 5 May2012, in Bhopal, India

Training on Processing and ValueAddition of Soy Products and CoarseCereals, 7 - 19 May 2012, in Bhopal,India

Training on Production andProcessing Technology for ValueAddition of Horticultural Products,30 April – 12 May 2012, inLudhiana, India

Two Exchange Visits for YoungFarmers between ASEAN and Indiaon 19-30 December 2012 in Indiaand participated in by 27 farmers andagricultural officers from ASEANMember States (AMSs), and on 14-23 April 2013 in Malaysia for Indianfarmers and agricultural officers

Publication of the ASEAN-IndiaNewsletter on Agriculture andForestry, produced through theIndian Council of AgriculturalResearch (ICAR) as a semi-annualpublication (March/October)

Conduct of the ASEAN-India Agri-Expo on 17-19 October 2012 in NewDelhi in which DA-ATI representedthe Philippines

In addition, a Conference ofHeads of Agricultural Universities washeld in New Delhi on 19-20 February2013. Among the items discussed was

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the establishment of a networkingamong the agricultural research,education and extension institutionsof the AMSs and India, as well as theexchange of scientists fromagricultural research institutions ofboth AMSs and India.

A “Workshop on ClimateChange Adaptation and Mitigation inAgriculture Sector in India andASEAN Countries,” conducted on 23-25 August 2012 in New Delhi, tackledresearch networking projects onclimate change assessment, mitigationand adaptation; technology transfer,HRD programmes; and institutionalsupport.

The 3 AIWGAF Meetingheld on 6-8 May 2013 in New Delhi,in which Director Asterio Saliot of theAgricultural Training Institute (ATI)and Mr. Victoriano Guiam of theBureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) represented the country asdelegation head and member,respectively, discussed the linking ofagriculture experts/scientists, andidentified academic institutions inIndia and ASEAN as espoused by theproposal, exchange of scientistsbetween agricultural education,research and extension institutions ofASEAN Member Countries and India,by India.

To promote capacity building,technology transfer and R&D todevelop global competence in

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The 3 AIWGAF Meetingrd

10 BAR hronicleC 11BAR hronicleCMay 2013 Issue May 2013 Issue

Institutional Collaboration

Mr. David also stated thatthere are studies being conductedby our local scientists andresearchers specifically in the areasof drying, fermentation, equipmentand processing. That is why thespeaker also emphasized theimportance of financial assistancefrom other local institutions.Related to this, CocoaPhil is nowready to build cacao centers inareas adjacent to where cacaoplantations will be established likein Tiaong, Quezon and Naga City,Camarines Sur. To expand projectcoverage nationwide, CocoaPhil isalso planning to establish cacaoplantations in selected sites inVisayas and Mindanao. ### (LizaAngelica D. Barral and KarlaMarie D. Zapiter)

Initiatives to intensify cacao...from page 6

Farmer-cooperators identified,field established

Project leader Dr. Agustin Molina (2 from left), with local project partners, hands over aGCTCV 219 seedling to Puyod Farm's Manager, Emil Diamante, to symbolically mark thestart of planting under this collaborative project.

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PHOTO:BIOVERSITY

Bioversity International andthe Department ofAgriculture-Bureau of

Agricultural Research (DA-BAR),Philippines have rolled out acollaborative project that sets tooffer immediate alternative solutionto the Fusarium wilt problem in thecountry.

By way of a Memorandumof Agreement that was signed inApril 2012, the partner institutions,together with local line agencies andprivate entities, have startedworking with smallholderCavendish banana growers in DavaoProvince, Mindanao, south ofPhilippines.

The recent Fusarium wilt(causal agent: f.sp. - Foc) disease outbreakin this major banana-growing regionhas rendered small-scaleindependent growers vulnerable,destroying hundreds of hectares ofbanana plantations. From an area of80,000 ha, independent growersproduce 30-40 percent of thecountry's Cavendish bananas forexport.

Yet, unlike the multinationalcompanies, they are the ones who donot have the capability to addressthis disease problem, hence, theurgent need to back them up withhelpful options.

This project would makeuse of GCTCV (Giant CavendishTissue Culture Variant) 218 and 219varieties, which have high resistance

Fusariumoxysporumcubense

against Tropical Race 4 (TR4), thevery race that attacks the Cavendish,

and varieties. Thesecultivars are products of years-longintensive selection and research by theTaiwan Banana Research Institute(TBRI).

In the 1970s, the boomingbanana industry of Taiwan had a majorbreakdown due to Fusarium wiltinfestation which wiped out hectares ofplantations, hence, the development ofvarieties that can survive diseaseonslaught.

GCTCV 218 and 219(a selection of 119) varieties have somerelatively inferior traits compared withthe commercial varieties such as longermaturity period, higher plant height anddistinctly different hand formation. Butthey are highly resistant to TR4, tastesweeter than the usual Cavendish, andare acceptable in the export market.These cultivars have been field evaluatedin Davao City, Philippines by BioversityInternational with Lapanday FoodsCorporation.

This project would heavilyinvolve farmer-cooperatorswho own atleast a hectare of field heavily infestedwith TR4. They should be willing toself-conduct the gathering of data, underthe supervision of local governmentpartner agencies and Bioversity.

So far, of the 20 target farmer-cooperators, 15 have been identified andagreed to participate in the project.Project locations cover the Calinan andTugbok Districts, Davao City, Davao delNorte and Compostela Valley.

Foc

Lakatan Latundan

Foc

Field evaluation plots havebeen established in the identified farmsand approximately 26,000 GCTCV219 seedlings have been planted in thefields, along with Gran Naine to serveas control. At least 14,000 more ofthese seedlings will be planted in thecoming months. A participatory rapidappraisal (PRA) is currently beingconducted among the farmer-cooperators.

Complementary capability-building activities for the farmer-cooperators and local researchers andextensionists, particularly on diseasediagnosis, management tactics, andfield selection of improved Cavendishresistant varieties, are in the pipeline.

Bioversity International is aresearch-for-development organizationworking with partners worldwide touse and conserve agricultural and treebiodiversity for improved livelihoods,nutrition, sustainability and productiveand resilient ecosystems. With base inLos Baños, Laguna, Bioversity is amember of the CGIAR consortium, aglobal research partnership for a foodsecure future. ###-----* For more information, contact Dr. Agustin B.Molina, Senior Scientist and RegionalCoordinator-Asia and the Pacific of theCommodity Systems and Genetic ResourcesProgramme, Bioversity International ata.molina@cgiar.org.

* This article was reprinted with permissionfrom Bioversity International (first published inBAPNET Bulletin Vol. 18 No. 4)

India started as a dialogue partnerof ASEAN in 1992. Since then,the relationship has progressed

and the extent of developmentcooperation activities/areas hasgrown. ASEAN-India cooperationnow covers the following sectors:trade and investment, science andtechnology (S&T), human resourcesdevelopment, tourism, transport andinfrastructure, health, small &medium-scale enterprise, and people-to-people contact. Significantly, S&Thas been one of the mutuallybeneficial areas. In the 5 Meeting ofthe ASEAN-India Joint CooperationCommittee in 2003, India proposed anew sector of co-operation:agriculture.

India, with her Look EastPolicy, reaffirmed the importance ofEast Asia, including ASEAN, in thecontext of global geopolitical andgeo-economic development.Complementation and synergy areseen as the order of the day. Towardsthese ends, the Ministers ofAgriculture of the ASEAN member-countries agreed to the establishmentof the ASEAN-India Working Groupon Agriculture and Forestry(AIWGAF) on 8 October 2011 withthe view to promote and intensifycooperation in the agriculture &forestry sector between ASEAN andIndia.

The Medium-Term Plan ofAction drawn up for ASEAN-IndiaCooperation in Agriculture for 2011-2015 places emphasis on: 1)enhancement of productivity ofagricultural products and meet thechallenges of food security, as well astheir accessibility to global markets;2) promoting networking betweengovernment authorities concerned aswell as between agricultureexperts/scientists and the agriculture-related academic institutions ofASEAN Member Countries and India;

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The ASEAN-India Working Groupon Agriculture and Forestry

India partners with on agricultural R&DASEAN

Participants of the 3 AIWGAF Meetingrd

PHOTO COURTESY OF VGUIAM

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