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
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*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