Ligao City features Disney-themed main street parade

Photos by Kyle Rebutica

In celebration of this year's Christmas holiday and Parish fiesta, Ligao City featured a Disney-themed main street parade on 24 December. Among the famous Disney movies featured during the main street parade were Rio, Frozen, Maleficent, Aladdin, Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy, Lion King, Swan Lake, The Little Mermaid, Happy Feet, and Hercules. The contingents consisted of elementary and high schools.

The main street parade is a yearly event of Ligao City to welcome the Christmas holiday and its Parish Fiesta which is celebrated every 26th of December.

Photos by Kyle Rebutica

Photos by Kyle Rebutica

Photo by Kyle Rebutica

Photo by Kyle Rebutica

Photos by Lala Penafiel

Christmas kickstarters: LGU, PNP, BJMP staff shines on Christmas Cheers

Last night, employees of the Local Government Unit of Ligao City, together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), have once again performed in their best suit. This time, however, not as public servants but as entertainers showcasing their talents to bring joys to Ligaoeños.

Behind their busy desks and mountains of paper works are public servants with hidden talents. Employees from different departments and offices of the local government have presented their creative performances that brought more life to the spirit of Christmas.

The BJMP group rendered a Christmas carol while the PNP group showcased their funny side as they perform their dance presentation.  

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua said that the event is not only a showcase of talents but a showcase of team work, coordination, and collaborative efforts of everyone.

Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (left) also joined their staff in the performance while a second batch of performers rendered equally laudable presentations with the first batch.

The event is also a kickstarter to more performances of private and public schools in the city. The Christmas Cheers will run from 15 December to 4 January 2015. 

Ligao City grabs four DOH Salud Bikolnon Awards

Photo credit: Jurlan Buello/ 
Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua

Ligao City took the limelight again as it bagged awards during the DOH Salud Bikolnon Awarding Ceremony on 12 December 2014 at Legazpi City. The Department of Health recognized Ligao City with the following awards:

• Best Implementer of Newborn Screening Program
• Best Implementer of TB Control Program
• Orally Fit Day Care Center Award - Ligao City
• Orally Fit Day Care Center - Oma-Oma Day Care Center

The local government, headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, is allocating funds for the improvement of facilities to provide citizens with quality services.

In the previous month, Ligao City was also awarded as an Outstanding LGU during the Philippine National Corn Congress for implementing corn-related programs and producing Aflatoxin-free corn. 

Meanwhile, two schools in Ligao have recently won awards. The Ligao National High School Voice Chorale won as Champion during the National Music Competition for Young Artists while Bicol Regional Science High School Dance Theater topped in the regional competition,Gayon Bicol Pastores, 

Read more about Ligao's health and agricultural services:

Seeds of Development: Ligao renders commendable agricultural services

Beyond borders: Ligao City offers free health services

"What is happening in your area?"

Rappler's Project Agos helps citizens report disaster situations

Photo: rappler.com

Do you want to report flood status in your area, or know someone in need of rescue?

Rappler's Project Agos lets ordinary citizens become local heroes by empowering them to report information on flooded areas, damaged infrastructures, and people in need of help and rescue.

By reporting these information, the Project Agos Alert Map can display real time disaster information in different areas of the country. Government rescue agencies that partners with Rappler use these information to repond before, during, and after the disaster.

Citizens can report a general information about their area by clicking "Info Alert". They can also report areas with people in need of rescue by clicking "Rescue Alert". To relay information on flooded areas, citizens can select "Flood Alert".

Screen shot of Project Agos web site. Visit agos.rappler.com to submit report.

"Each report has a message thread with which you can communicate with Agos responders," according to Rappler via Twitter explaining how the site reports responses on alerts.

As of today, 8 December 2014, more than 200 reports were submitted in the site as Typhoon Ruby continue to bring heavy rains.

Visit the Project Agos site at agos.rappler.com to report local area situation now. Click "Report" on the right side of the web page to start sharing information. Upon clicking "Report", the site will ask "What is happening in your area?".

To learn more on how to use the site, watch the tutorial here.

To know more about Project Agos, visit rappler.com/ProjectAgos

-Lala Peñafiel

Source: Rappler.com

Ligao brings Christmas wonderland at City Park, celebrates annual lighting of giant Christmas tree

Ligao has transformed into a Christmas wonderland as bright lights, colorful life-size decorations, and a crowd of enthusiastic spectators filled the City park. People cheered with awe as they witness the most-awaited traditional lighting of the giant Christmas tree which later followed by fireworks display.

To make the holiday season more joyful, Ligao features a grander presentation of the of the giant Christmas tree, and life-size Santa Claus and Christmas decorations. A Christmas Shop and Toy house were also installed in the park for kids and kids-at-heart.

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR! Colorful and life-size Christmas balls and other decorations filled the City Park of Ligao. Photo credit: Jurlan Buello

The lighting of the giant Christmas tree was graced by local government officials including Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, Ligao Women's Club President and former City Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez, together with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Rev. Fr. Ramonsito Segubiense also lead the blessing of the Christmas tree.

The Ligao National High School Voice Chorale, which recently won as Champion during the National Music Competition for Young Artists on 21 November, rendered a Christmas carol.

The event also marked the opening of the Christmas Bazaar and a chain of food stand which are also part of the coming celebration of Ligao's Parish Fiesta on 26 December. - Lala Peñafiel

Ligao City bags national award for agriculture, leads Albay for producing toxin-free corn

During the 10th Philippine National Corn Congress at Cagayan de Oro on 20 November 2014, Ligao City was among the 25 municipalities and cities in the country to receive the Oustanding LGU award for its notable efforts in producing toxin-free corn and exceptional performance in implementing corn-related programs.



Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua (fourth from left) received the award for Ligao as an Outstanding LGU during the 10th Philippine National Corn Congress at Cagayan de Oro on 20 November 2014. Photo via bicol.da.gov.ph

The best corn in Albay

In 2012, the City Agriculture Office of Ligao submitted samples of corn harvested in Bonga and Tuburan to test for presence of Aflatoxin, a poisonous substance that causes liver cancer to humans. Results showed that corn samples contained 0.0 to 0.09 ppb* of Aflatoxin indicating that no poisonous substance were found. Among the municipalities and cities in Albay, Ligao is the only city that produces Aflatoxin-free corn.

The secret to this success lies in the proper management of crops and careful handling during postharvest operations, marketing, and storage. Agricultural Technologist Michele Odoño of the City Agriculture Office (CAO) explained that Aflatoxin is like a dormant microorganism in crops that easily grows under favorable environment. The best way to keep these toxins from getting “activated” is through proper handling of crops and equipment.


Ligao City was recognized for producing Aflatoxin-free corn. Photo courtesy of Ligao City Agriculture Office.

Corn production in Ligao is guided by the 2007 Philippine National Standard (PNS) Code of Practice for the Prevention and Reduction of Aflatoxin Contamination in Corn released by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Services. It details good farm practices during harvest, pre-harvest, and post harvest period. One of the important post harvest practices according to Agricultural Technologist Rebecca Manlangit is storing crops with proper ventilation to maintain enough supply of air and moisture in storage facilities and equipment.

Reaping benefits

One of primary benefits of maintaining toxin-free crops is the stable and/or increased production. Over the last three years, corn production has increased despite the drastic effects of climate change. In 2011, a total of 2,924.385 metric tons of corn was produced. Production increased to 5,389.35 metric tons in 2012 and 6,496.373 metric tons in 2013. The harvested corns are marketed in Ligao. However, merchants from other towns like Batangas visit Ligao to buy crops from local farmers. 

Corn production in Ligao is established in two cropping season each year, during dry season (January-June) and wet season (July-December). The production is concentrated in a cluster of barangays categorized into upper and lower cluster. Barangays Paulog, Tuburan, Bonga, Pinamaniquian, Pandan, Tastas and small areas from nearby barangays constitute the lower cluster. The upper cluster consists of Busac, Malama, Allang, Tula-Tula, and Palapas with some areas from neighboring barangays. In 2013, a total of 2,810 hectares of land were planted with corn in the upper and lower cluster.

The LGU funds farming machinery like tractors (left) and Village-type Corn Cob dryer (right) to facilitate farming operations. Photo courtesy of Ligao City Agriculture Office.

Prioritizing farmers' needs

The LGU is allocating funds for the procurement of agricultural machineries and equipment to facilitate farming operations in Ligao. In 2011 to 2013, more than 160 farmers and three farmers’ organizations benefited from the LGU-owned tractor. During the same period, a total of 6,265 bags of corn were dried and shelled using the Village-type Corn Cob Dryer in Barangay Bonga. All areas where crop production is a major activity are also equipped with solar dryers.

Ligao Ciy implements loan assistance programs to help farmers establish their source of livelihood in farming. Photo courtesy of Ligao City Agriculture Office.

The LGU also released a total amount of P 2,415,000 as loan assistance to farmers in 2011 to 2013 through the LPG-SEED Planting Assistance Loan Program.

Crop production has been a top priority in Ligao since the time of Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez as Mayor of Ligao. The legacy of good governance remained as former City Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez and current City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua continued the development and implementation of agricultural programs.

These notable efforts are driven by the strong partnership of the local government, agricultural agencies, farmers, and individuals who continuously participate in the improvement and development of agricultural programs. Aside from the local agriculture office, the Philippine Rice Research Institute Bicol station based in Ligao is another institution that brings opportunities for local farmers to be the prime movers of success in the agricultural industry.- Lala Peñafiel
_____
*maximum allowable amount of Aflatoxin is 20 ppb

References:

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards. 2007. Philippine National Standard. Code of Practice for the Prevention of Aflatoxin Contamination in Corn

Aflatoxin Prevention and Control and Postharvest Strategies on Corn (Compilation of Presentations) Local Government Unit – Ligao City.

City Agriculture Office. LGU-Ligao Updated List of Corn-Related Projects Initiated. Ligao City

City Agriculture Office. CY -2013 Updated Corn Profile. 

City Agriculture Office. Comparative Summary of Corn Cluster Production Status from CY 2011-2013. 

Resource persons:

Michele O. Odoño, Agricultural Technologist, City Agriculture Office, Ligao City

Rebecca Z. Manlangit, Agricultural Technologist, City Agriculture Office, Ligao City

PhilRice launches Rural Transformation Movement; highlights new technologies on Farmers Field Day

As a continued effort to improve the economic status of rice-based farming communities in the Philippines, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) launched its new campaign, Rural Transformation Movement (RTM), at the PhilRice Bicol Station, Batang, Ligao City on 11 November 2014. Simultaneously, PhilRice Bicol held a Farmers Field Day highlighting new technologies and farming equipment.

RTM aims for transformation rather than transmission,
said RTM campaign leader Dr. Ronan Zagado

The RTM aims to achieve a "holistic, inclusive, and sustainable growth in the rice-based communities," said Dr. Ronan Zagado, RTM Campaign Leader. The campaign is in line with PhilRice's Gusto Namin Milyonaryo Kayo campaign that promotes the P1 million profit per hectare per year. The campaign also supports President Noynoy Aquino's goal on alleviating poverty, generating high income, and increasing production of crops to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the Philippines.

Dr. Zagado pointed out that RTM is a campaign that aims for transformation rather than transmission. Instead of the usual one-way dissemination of information, RTM is a process of changing the perceptions, practices, attitudes, and life chances of farmers through rice-based agriculture to achieve sustainable growth in the rice farming areas.

RTM will also involve behavioral intervention, according to Dr. Zagado. While PhilRice provides technical assistance and develops rice farming technologies, farmers also need to maintain a positive attitude towards learning new techniques and strategies and contribute to their own success. 

The Palayamanan Plus, a modified rice farming system to increase the production of rice and other crops with high market value, and the Nucleus Estate Strategy (NUESTRA) are among the strategies that will be employed during the campaign. The nine stations of PhilRice will serve as nuclei wherein research and development begins. The stations will also provide farmers with technical assistance, inputs, and machinery requirements. Communities surrounding the stations will adopt the technologies developed by PhilRice. The process will continue until more communities are reached. This strategy creates the "ripple effect" wherein communities influence other surrounding communities. 

Dr. Zagado also stressed that "partnership is imperative". Aside from PhilRice, State Universities and Colleges, and Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers can also serve as nuclei.

SIGN OF SUPPORT. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez and former Ligao City Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez, who were tagged as the Father and Mother of PhilRice Bicol showed a continued support to the efforts of PhilRice.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua said that
the City Government supports PhilRice in achieving
the goal of RTM.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez of Albay 3rd District, who is also tagged as the Father of PhilRice Bicol, said that RTM is a big step in transforming the society into a very productive economy. Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua said that 84% of Ligao's total land area consist of agricultural land which makes farming a major activity in the city. Hence, the City Government of Ligao is allocating funds to prioritize the needs of farmers. Having PhilRice Bicol established in Ligao, local farmers become the primary beneficiaries of technologies.

As PhilRice launched its new campaign, new technologies were showcased during the Farmers Field Day. The Integrated Rice-based Agri-Bio Systems (IRBAS) featured Vermiculture and the Mushroom House where Oyster mushrooms are produced. The Learning Center features the actual scenario of plant growth. The Azolla production is a new technology that PhilRice Bicol started last month. In addition, the Palayabangan, the 10-5 challenge, also showcased the rice fields of contenders. The Palayabangan is a competition that targets a production of 10 tons of rice with only P5/kilo cost of production. Farming equipment developed by PhilRice were also displayed during the event.

PhilRice showcased new technologies and farm equipment during the Farmers Field Day.

PhilRice will continue to develop and implement technologies in the future as more components will be added to IRBAS such as poultry raising and fish pond. The City Government of Ligao is also establishing infrastructures and facilities like irrigation canals to improve the farming operations in the area.

Photos and Story by Lala Peñafiel

Mayon evacuees return home

After the recent discussion on the extended kilometer danger zone around Mt. Mayon, the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office has decided to decamp the evacuees from their temporary shelters.

Evacuees residing within the extended 7-8 kilometer danger zone are now permitted to go home. However, those who are located within the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone shall remain in the evacuation centers.

Parts of Daraga, Sto. Domingo, Guinobatan, and Ligao that are located outside the permanent danger zone were already identified and local government units have already began the decampment procedure.  

Evacuees packed up their belongings and prepare for their return to their homes. Photo credit: Jurlan Buello

References: Inquirer.Net

SNEAK PEAK: On-going construction of covered courts and school buildings in Albay 3rd District

Aside from busy streets, the 3rd District of Albay is also busy with on-going construction of facilities. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, with the help of the national government, aims to provide communities with facilities where people can gather for socioeconomic activities such as dental and medical mission, program implementation, culminating activities, and other community gatherings.

Caratagan, Pioduran

On-going construction of covered court at Caratagan, Pioduran. Photo credit: Jonathan Acoyado

Libon Agro-Industrial High School

A nearly completed covered court at Libon Agro-Industrial High School.

Itaran, Polangui

Another on-going construction of covered court at Itaran, Polangui

Pioduran Municipal Grounds

An on-going construction of covered court is also located at Pioduran municipal grounds.

School buildings are also built around the district to accommodate more students and provide a convenient and safe space for teachers and students.

Pioduran Community College

Pantao National High School

Ligao Community College

Photo credit: Jan Oscar De Luna Aquino

Paving the road to success: Ligao to introduce new facilities and infrastructures

As facilities and infrastructures continuously emerge, opportunities for development continue to grow in Ligao. These enhancements make up a facet of development, and the most transparent form of it. While “to see is to believe” is a popular standard of development, the realization of plans is an important goal. The City Government of Ligao is realizing plans beyond what the eyes can see, building channels that make up a good foundation for the development of the society and welfare of the people.

This year, as Ligao celebrated its 13th cityhood anniversary, marked the opening and inauguration of several facilities. The community-based Teen Health Center at City Health Office, school-based Teen Chat Center at LNHS, City Tourism Office at Tuburan, Class “AA” Slaughterhouse at Tinago, Mini-Hydroelectric Power Plant at Herrera, Materials Recovery Facility at Bonga, and the Community Police Assistance Center at Nasisi were among the recently opened facilities.

OPENING GATES. Earlier this year, the City Government inaugurated several facilities including the Class AA Slaughterhouse, Teen Health Center, City Tourism Office, and the Community Police Assistance Center. 

As of October 2014, more than 10 major facilities were completed in Ligao while another set of major facilities is in line for completion. Several projects were also implemented for the maintenance, repair, enhancement, and improvement of existing facilities and infrastructures.

The City Government also implements emergency projects to address the urgent need for repair and enhancement of infrastructures such as dikes, siphons, and irrigation canals to protect communities from devastation. 

Projects Completed

A new LGU ALS Building was recently put up at Ligao West Central Elementary School (Binatagan) while another school building was constructed at Macalidong. Three Science Laboratories were also established in Barayong, Ranao-Ranao, and Cabarian. Meanwhile, the new PNP Barracks at Nasisi will soon be functional.  

On the other hand, 44 units of apartment-type niche were added to improve the Ligao City Cemetery at Tomolin.

Ligao continuously improves its pathways for convenient travelling and transporting of products from upland, coastal, and distant areas. 

In addition, a pavement was installed in Tambo and five solar dryers were installed in Malama, Tupaz, Busay, Amtic, Palapas. Emergency repairs of protective dikes were also implemented in Guilid, Pandan, Tagpo, Bonga, Binanowan, and Tomolin. Drainage facilities and irrigation and water systems were also installed in several areas.

On-Going Projects

Several facilities are also nearing its completion. The Ligao Community College campus in Guilid, the two school buildings with 10 classrooms in Nasisi and Baligang, and another with eight classrooms in Batang are among the new school facilities that will soon rise in Ligao. The school building at Tuburan is also on its second phase of construction. The first 12 classrooms were already turned over to Ligao East Central School on 6 June 2014.

In the 2014 Infrastructure Program of Albay 3rd District Engineering Office - Department of Public Works and Highways, three school buildings will be constructed in Amtic Elementary School, Bonga Elementary School, and Paulba National High School this year.

The City Government is also implementing pathway and road improvements in Culliat, Tupaz, Catburawan to Bogtong, Bacong, Cabarian, Mahaba to Busay, and Busac to Oma-Oma. The bridge in Mahaba and multi-purpose pavement in Tagpo is also nearing completion.

FOUNDATIONS OF TOMORROW. The on-going construction of school building with 10 classrooms in Nasisi (left) and Ligao Community College Campus at Guilid (right). Photo courtesy of Jan Oscar De Luna Aquino.

Ligao also looks forward to the opening of the City Health Office Extension in Nasisi along with the new district office of Land Transportation Office and new Lying-in in Sta. Cruz. In addition, the forthcoming construction of the new City Hall building and Albay Police Provincial Command at Brgy. Binatagan. is already in line. 

The City Government, headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, implements projects in compliance and support to the policies and programs of the national government in providing safe environment, enhanced facilities and infrastructures, and convenient channels for delivering services to the people.

With the strong support of Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, Ligao is able to acquire more resources for the implementation of development projects. Known for its active performance towards development, Ligao has received several recognition for its outstanding feat in project development and implementation.

Story and Graphics by Lala Peñafiel

References:
Progress Report (City Projects) As Of October 2014. Office of the City Engineer. City Government of Ligao. 

Ligao demonstrates operation of new rice combine harvester

The City Government of Ligao conducted a demo operation of the newly procured Kubota combine harvester today, 24 October 2014, at Bonga, Ligao City.

Kubota rice combine harvester is a powerful farm technology that can help farmers reduce labor cost and increase the efficiency of postproduction activities (i.e. harvesting and packaging). It has a harvesting capacity of 3-5 ha/day, a gathering length of 2,000 mm and weighs 2,450 kg.

A new technology has landed. Ligao conducts a demo operation of the new combine harvester. 

Photo courtesy of Jurlan Buello.

Aside from the combine harvester, the City Agriculture Office also maintains 4WD tractors that farmers use for land preparation during crop production. The City Government, headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, is acquiring new farming technologies to help develop and modernize farming operations in Ligao. 

References:

Kubota DC-60. Retrieved at http://www.kubota.com.ph/our-product/dc-60-2/

Albay 3rd District enhances evacuation centers with water system and fresh meat supplies

FISHES OUT OF THE SEA. Despite being away from their homes, evacuees still enjoy cooking fresh meat aside from canned relief goods. 

It has been more than four weeks since the evacuees had to temporarily leave their homes due to the prevailing threat of Mayon eruption. Local Government Units are pulling resources to provide the basic needs of the evacuees while they stay at the evacuation centers. 

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, in partnership with local government officials of the 3rd District municipalities, and organizations, visits evacuation centers to make sure that evacuees are getting enough supply of food, potable water, and other needs.

Evacuees of Guinobatan, Albay joined together in cleaning up the fresh Tilapias they received. 

Congressman Gonzalez, with local government officials, periodically distributes fresh fish and conducts feeding programs in the evacuation centers to make varieties in the supply of food.

Aside from distributing relief goods, the local government conducts feeding programs in evacuation centers in the 3rd District. 

Evacuation centers were also enhanced with water system to provide evacuees a convenient supply of water. 

Congressman Gonzalez led the installation of water system at Barangay Bubulusan to provide convenient water supply to the evacuees. Photo courtesy of Fj Oxales.

Ligao receives Corn Quality Achievers Award during Bicol Farm Family Day and Awarding

During the Bicol Farm Family Day and Awarding of Regional Gawad Saka, Quality Corn and Organic Agriculture Achievers on 20 October 2014, Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua received the Corn Quality Achievers Award for the City Government's outstanding contribution to the corn industry. Ligao was awarded as Outstanding City while City Agriculturist Cesar Sodsod was awarded as Outstanding City Agriculturist.

City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua received the Quality Corn Achievers Award given to the City Government of Ligao. Photo courtesy of Jurlan Buello 

Ligao will also receive the national award on 20 November 2014 during the 10th National Corn Congress in Cagayan de Oro. Four Agricultural Technologist from Ligao will also receive the Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker. 

Seeds of Development: Ligao renders commendable agricultural services

Last year, Ligao City was awarded as one of the top performing Local Government Units (LGUs) in the Philippines for its exceptional contribution to the corn industry. This year, the City will be receiving yet another award for continuously rendering quality agricultural services and programs and enhanced farming facilities.

Through the City Agriculture Office (CAO), Ligao yields a variety of agricultural services and programs for farmers, communities, and people’s organizations. To complement these, the local government also acquires and improvises farming machineries and equipment for efficient farming operations.

CAO provides assistance to farmers from planting to marketing stage. They also conduct monthly meetings with farmers to discuss farming technologies. CAO has various agricultural services and programs that fall under Crop Production Assistance Program, Soil Resource Management Services, Techno-Demo Establishment Services / HVCDP Programs, Agricultural Production Loan Services, and Agricultural Support to Nutrition Program Services.

1. Crop Production Assistance Program

Rice and corn are the major crops produced by farmers in Ligao. To achieve high production of these crops, CAO provides technical assistance to farmers and conducts farming lessons and trainings to further enhance their knowledge on crop production. CAO deploys 18 agricultural technologists in 55 barangays to monitor the planting and harvesting activities in the areas.

Rice Production Assistance – Rice is a staple food in Ligao which makes high production of crops an important activity in the locality. In 2011, rice produced during wet season amounted to P 130,473,008 and in 2013, the amount increased to P199,845,660. Similarly, rice produced during dry season increased from P194,765,740 in 2011 to P 213,028,620 in 2013.

Agricultural technologists deployed in different barangays assist farmers land preparation and planting of crops.
Photo courtesy of CAO

CAO distributes fertilizers to farmers, conducts light trapping to monitor Blackbugs, and distributes Zinc Phosphide to control rat infestation.

Corn Production Assistance –Similar to rice production, CAO also monitors planting and harvesting of corn with agricultural technologists deployed in the areas. Aside from, corn farming lessons and workshops, CAO also conducts training on Corn-based Food Processing.

CAO provides technical assistance on corn production and conducts training on processing Corn-based food products.
Photo courtesy of CAO.

Corn production over the last three years has significantly increased. Corn produced in 2011 amounted to P 792,932 and P 971,265 in 2013.

Operation and Maintenance of Abaca Nurseries –Ligao has two abaca nurseries located in Tula-Tula and Amtic. Nurseries are maintained through regular weeding, re-planting, spraying, watering, and fertilization.

CAO maintains abaca nurseries in Tula-Tula and Amtic. Photo courtesy of CAO

Capability Building –CAO conducts trainings and seminars for RIC’s, 4-H Clubs, farmers and fisherfolks. Farmers also take up farming lessons through the Farmers Field School (FFS) conducted yearly. In 2013, CAO conducted three FFS: 1) Palay Check FFS at Barayong, Herrera, and Mahaba wherein farmers took lessons on rice production; 2) Corn Production FFS at Layon and Busac; and 3) FFS on Vegetable production at Tuburan and Paulog.

Farmers take up farming lessons and workshops through the Farmers Field School conducted in different barangays. Photo courtesy of CAO.

This year, CAO has reported a positive performance on the activities carried out under the Crop Production Program. Shown below is a citation from CAO’s latest Quarterly Physical Report of Operations (June 2014).

Activity	Performance1
Rice Production Assistance Program
Rice Hybridization:	113 farmers benefited
Inbred Rice Production Assistance:	705 farmers benefited
Blackbug monitoring:	35 barangays monitored
Distribution of Zinc Phosphide:	548 farmers benefited
Operation and Maintenance of Abaca Nurseries
Abacas planting	6,500 (Amtic Nursery); 3,750 (Tula-Tula Nursery)
Abaca suckers re-planting	650 (Amtic Nursery); 400 (Tula-Tula Nursery)
Abaca suckers distribution	4,200 (Amtic Nursery); 2,600 (Tula-Tula Nursery)
Coconut OPV
Distribution of seednuts/seedlings	4,870 seedlings; 65 farmers benefited
Capability Building
Farmers Field School:	6 conducted; 281 farmers attended
Trainings:	5 conducted; 169 farmers attended
Exposure/Cross visits:	5 cross visits; 206 farmers attended

 2. Soil Resource Management Program

CAO provides services and technologies to manage sloping agricultural lands and soil resources in the upland area. Sloping Land Management (SLM) model farms are being developed and maintained to help farmers turn idle lands into manageable land resource. Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) model farms are also established in line with the Soil Conservation Technology.

Farmers also undergo training and workshop on SLM Technology. They also visit SLM model farms within the barangay or in the nearby barangays. As of June 2014, 58 farmers attended two trainings on Sustainable Upland Development.

3. Techno-Demo Establishment Services/ HVCDP

Demo farms showcase the application of technology and best practices on managing crop production. CAO collaborates with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit, farmers, local organizations, and other agricultural agencies in establishing and maintaining demo farms. CAO also implements High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) to enhance the production of crops with high market value. Some of these crops are Pili, Karagumoy Palm, Sweet Potato, and different varieties of Corn. Special projects are also implemented for the rehabilitation of Coconut areas.

CAO establishes and maintains demo farms of vegetables and crops with high market value. Photo courtesy of CAO

Site Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) sites were also established in Tuburan, Pinamaniquian, Tula-Tula, Pandan, and Busac. SSNM is a plant-based approach in which the supply of nutrients (e.g. Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus) is controlled based on the amount needed by crops and abundance of nutrients in soil2.

4. Agricultural Production Loan Services

Aside from technical assistance, Ligao provides agricultural production loan assistance to farmers through the Ligao Participatory Governance for Social Economic Enterprise Development (LPG-SEED) Planting Assistance. As of June 2014, LPG-SEED has lent P 1,158,000 to 260 farmers. CAO also implements Seed Exchange Program in which farmers borrow seeds, instead of money, to help them produce crops. In return, farmers pay the loaned seeds using the seeds they were able to produce.

CAO provides loan assistance to farmers through the Ligao Participatory Governance for Social Economic Enterprise Development. Photo courtesy of CAO.

5. Agricultural Support to Nutrition Program Services

CAO purchases and distributes vegetable seeds and provides technical assistance in establishing and maintaining backyard gardens. 

Activity	Performance1
FAITH Gardening
Backyard gardening for farmers	694 farmers benefited
Communal Gardening
Distribution of vegetable seeds to BNS	65 barangays benefited
Technical assistance for establishment and maintenance	50 barangays benefited
Distribution of vegetable seeds to 4Ps beneficiaries	26 barangays benefited
School Garden
Distribution of vegetable seeds to school heads	16 schools benefited

Farming machinery and equipment

Some farming equipment and machinery are based in and maintained by the communities. The Tramline in Amtic functions like a cable car. Farmers use this equipment to transport heavy loads of vegetables conveniently.

The Tramline in Amtic helps farmers conveniently transport vegetables instead of walking long distances while carrying heavy loads. Photo courtesy of CAO.

The Village Type Corn Cob Dryer in Bonga can dry more than 5,000 bags of corn in a year. This machinery helps prevent postharvest losses which create higher market sales. Barangay organizations also maintain corn shellers and rice threshers used as postharvest machinery.

The 4WD tractor (left) is utilized in preparing land for planting crops. The village-type corn cob dryer is a postharvest machinery located at Bonga, Ligao City. Photo courtesy of CAO

CAO also maintains 4WD tractors used for land preparation. This year another 4WD tractor was purchased along with rice combine harvester for the development of upland areas and modernization of farming operations. The LGU shares with the DA in allocating funds for the purchase of the machineries.

Aside from farming machinery and equipment, Ligao has also established irrigation canals to divert water resources such as rain water into agricultural lands which are prone to drought.

Growing efforts

Ligao’s commendable agricultural services and programs to farmers and local residents is a product of collaborative efforts of dedicated people. The CAO team, headed by City Agriculturist Cesar Sodsod, is continuously building capacities to further enhance the delivery of services and programs.

CAO partners with community-based organizations like the Barangay Agriculture and Fishery Council (BAFC), Rural Improvement Club (RIC), 4H Clubs which consist of young farmers and out-of-school youths, and other local organizations.

CAO partners with community-based organizations in implementing agricultural programs and services. 

Photo courtesy of CAO

The LGU, headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, in partnership with Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, gives strong support in developing agricultural programs and upgrading facilities and infrastructures to improve and modernize farming operations in Ligao.

The DA-RFU5, Provincial Agricultural Services Office, Philippine Rice Research Institute-Bicol and other agencies are also taking part in developing agricultural programs in Ligao.

Written by Lala Peñafiel
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¹ Data are based on the Quarterly Physical Report of Operations (June 2014) of CAO. Values under Performance are based on the consolidated values from the first, second, and third quarter data of 2014.

References:

2013 Year-End Assessment. City Agriculture Office. Ligao City, Albay

Quarterly Physical Report of Operations For the Quarter Ending June 2014. City Agriculture Office. Ligao City, Albay

² Site Specific Nutrient Management. Retrieved at http://knowledgebank.irri.org/ericeproduction/IV.4_SSNM.htm

Resource persons:

P. Sodsod, City Agriculturist, City Agriculture Office

Michelle Odoño, Agricultural Technologist, City Agriculture Office