Braving the path to innovative rice farming

In our search for success stories of local farmers, we were brought to a field of climate change-ready rice varieties of Mr. Edgar A. Pesebre, a Local Farmer Technician and a partner of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Bicol Station. Mr. Pesebre is one of the local farmers who benefit from using modern farming technologies introduced by PhilRice. The Bicol station of PhilRice is a priority project of Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez aimed at establishing an institution where local farmers can easily access and learn new farming technologies that would improve their farming system.

Mr. Edgar Pesebre grew up in Balangibang where residents refer to as the "Tungro capital" due to frequent flooding in the area. Aside from flooding, Balangibang also experiences drought which makes rice farming difficult in the area.

Mr. Pesebre grew up in a rice farm at Barangay Balangibang of Polangui, Albay. Local residents refer to their land as "Tungro capital" due to the frequent flooding. They also experience drought in the field which makes it difficult for them to produce high crop yield. Because of these unfavorable weather conditions, heavy work, and minimal returns in rice farming, Mr. Pesebre was hesitant to follow the footsteps of his parents, no matter how his mother tried to persuade him.

After graduating a degree in Business Administration, Mr. Pesebre worked at Toyota Motors Corporation in Quezon City. As a hardworking and dedicated employee, Mr. Pesebre received awards and was later promoted as Senior Service Marketing Supervisor. However, due to his desire to manage his own business, he left the company and went back to his hometown.

Braving the path to rice farming: Mr. Pesebre left his job as marketing supervisor to become a farmer.

Mr. Pesebre engaged in rice production. Because of his active participation in agricultural training programs and activities, he was designated by the Municipal Agriculture Office of Polangui as Farmer-Led Extension in 2003-2008.

To further practice his technical knowledge in rice production, Mr. Pesebre became a Palay seed grower in 2009. He identified rice varieties that will suit the environmental condition of his farm area. He also made varietal trials in submerged farms to test the adaptability of different rice varieties in flooded areas.

Scientific farming

The minimal use of pesticides is one of the benefits of proper crop management. Mr. Pesebre said that due to technology, farmers no longer have to extensively use pesticides.

According to him, the traditional rice farming method evolved into scientific farming. Interventions and innovations were introduced to achieve high yielding crops, resilient rice varieties, and minimize the production loss.

Mr. Pesebre is currently working on a submerged farm technology wherein vegetables are planted in an elevated bed soil surrounded by a fish pond and rice farm.

Research conducted and technologies developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and Department of Agriculture also played significant roles in the improvement of rice farming.

One of the technologies that Mr. Pesebre applies in his farm is the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD). According to IRRI Knowledgebank,

“AWD is a water-saving technology that farmers can apply to reduce their irrigation water use in rice fields without decreasing yield. In AWD, irrigation water is applied a few days after the disappearance of the water. Hence, the field is alternately flooded and non-flooded.”

After attending several trainings on rice production, conducting varietal tests, and partnering with different agricultural agencies Mr. Pesebre knew how to make adjustments in his farm by applying the technologies and technical knowledge he learned.

As of now, Mr. Pesebre manages 16 varieties of rice in 8 hectares of farm land. Of the 16 varieties of rice, eight of them are what he calls the “Next Generation” series. These varieties are climate change-ready which are resilient and adaptable to extreme environmental conditions such as flooding and drought.

The NSIC Rc342 and Rc360 is one of the recent varieties released by PhilRice and one of the so-called “Next Generation” varieties. Local farmers favor this variety because of its aromatic smell and good yield. Based on PhilRice-Bicol data, this variety yields 7.9 tons per hectare.

Mr. Pesebre plants vegetables to maximize the use of available land areas in his farm. He plants okra and chili pepper along the irrigation canal.

According to Mr. Pesebre, in the previous years when rice farming was difficult in Balangibang due to extreme weather conditions, production output was very minimal. Crop yield only reaches to three tons per hectare (3 tons/ha). At present, crop yield reaches to 5-7 tons/ha.

A champion in rice farming

Due to his efforts and innovations in rice farming, the Department of Agriculture hailed him as Regional and National Winner under the Outstanding Local Farmer Technician (LFT) Category during the 2014 Agri Pinoy Rice Achievers' Award.

Mr. Pesebre now manages wide areas of rice farm for the Climate Field School which demonstrate climate change-adaptable rice varieties. PhilRice partners with him and features his rice farm as demo sites for rice production training.

Agricultural agencies such as IRRI and farmers from other parts of the country visit his farm to learn about his techniques and methods on how to properly manage a rice farm.

"Rice self-sufficiency is possible"

The answer to better rice farming, according to Mr. Pesebre, is a good irrigation system. Such infrastructure help farmers transform idle lands to productive farms and provide a sustainable water source for the crops during dry season.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez is prioritizing the establishment of irrigation systems in areas where agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for residents. He also aims to help communities maximize the use of idle and unproductive lands to improve and modernize farming activities.

In Polangui, 90% of farm lands are now irrigated, according to Mr. Pesebre. This was due to the combined efforts of local farmers, farmers and irrigators association, and financial support from the government, non-government organizations, and agricultural agencies.

With the technologies that have been developed to innovate rice farming, Mr. Pesebre believes that Philippines can be rice self-sufficient. But in order to completely achieve rice self-sufficiency, the country needs to minimize importation of rice and prioritize the marketing of local products, according to him. Local farmers need the support of the government in patronizing local products in the market. In such way, the demand in local production of rice will increase and farmers will be encouraged to increase the production which in turn improves their income generation. albay3d.blogspot.com

DOST-ICTO launches Tech4Ed Centers at Ligao City

The Department of Science and Technology Information and Communications Technology Office (DOST-ICTO), in partnership with the City Government of Ligao, launched the Tech4Ed at Nasisi Barangay Hall, Ligao City on 15 February 2016.

Tech4Ed coordinator Engr. Antonio B. Bonganay demonstrate Tech4Ed features to Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua and participants of the event. Photo courtesy of City Government of Ligao

Tech4Ed is a project designed to “give communities access to information, communication, technology, government services, non-formal education, skills training, telehealth, job markets, and business portals [1].”

Source: facebook.com/Tech4EDCenters

Two Tech4Ed Centers are established in Ligao City: one in Nasisi servicing Mayon unit and one in Paulba for the upland communities. Each center has three computer units and one IT specialist assigned by the City Government to assist the users. Nasisi Barangay Captain Jurlan N. Buello was thankful to have a Tech4Ed Center in his barangay as this will enhance the learning experience of his constituents and experience online access to government services.

DOST-ICTO Luzon Cluster III Director Reynaldo T. Sy said that Tech4Ed caters to all sectors. Unlike in the previous years, ICT aimed to educate the people, especially students, but with Tech4Ed, ICT now aims to educate various sectors (i.e. indigenous people, government employees, entrepreneurs,students, educators/teachers, OFWs, PWDs, senior citizens, andout of school youths and adults) and give easy access to government services through the internet.

Tech4Ed focal person Engr. Antonio B. Bonganay demonstrated during the launching the features and usage of the technology. Among the features of Tech4Ed are:

• e-EduSkills which include PDF modules for Alternative Learning System learners, the Learning English Applications for Pinoys (LEAP) training software, eSkwela learning modules, Online TESDA courses, and e-Library 
• e-Assist which provides learning materials for entrepreneurs and job seekers including ICT for Financial Literacy, ICT for Entrepreneurs, ICT for Digital Literacy, and ICT for Career Development
• e-Govserve which provides various users access to government services. Among these services include:
• BaLinkBayan for OFWs
• BIR online information
• DTI Registration
• GSIS information
• Application for Birth Certificate and NBI Clearance

With the assistance of a Tech4Ed Center manager, the services can be accessed through tech4ed.com.ph.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua encouraged the participants to use all opportunities for personal growth and career development as these will help them rise from poverty. The advancements in technology make for greater opportunities to disseminate information and deliver services efficiently. The City Government has assigned an IT specialist to facilitate the learning experience of Tech4Ed users in the centers and maximize the usage of these services. Lala Peñafiel/albay3d.blogspot.com


[1] e-Filipino Tech4Ed. Accessed 15 February 2016 at http://icto.dost.gov.ph/major-programs-and-projects/e-filipino/e-filipino-technology-for-the-economic-development-tech4ed/

Ligao City recognized as LGU Eco Champion during the 1st Philippine Environment Summit

The City Government of Ligao is one of the three (3) cities in the country to be recognized as LGU Eco Champion by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) during the 1st Philippine Environment Summit on February 9-11, 2016 at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez Alsua (2nd from right) and City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Maria Soledad T. Preña (3rd from right) received the award during the 1st Philippine Environment Summit

Organized by the Green Convergence, the Philippine Environment Summit aims to discuss environmental problems and issues and feature innovations that promote sustainable development.

As part of the three-day conference, the summit awards LGUs for their “outstanding contributions and excellence in adoption and practice of sustainability as called for in Philippine Agenda 21[1]” through the National Search for LGU Eco Champions.

LGU Eco Champions are identified through a national survey of LGUs compliance to various Philippine Environmental Rules and Regulations such as:

• R.A. #8749 (Clean Air Act 1999) 
• R.A. #9275 (Clean Water Act) 
• R.A. #9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management) 
• R.A. #9729 (Climate Change Act) and E.O. #774 (Reorganizing the Presidential Task Force on CC) 
• R.A. #10121 (Strengthening DRRM) 
• PD #1151/1586 AO #42 EIA/EIS 
• R.A. #7160 Local Government Code 
• R.A. #6969 Hazardous Wastes 
• E.O #23 Moratorium on Timber Cutting 
• E.O. #26 National Greening Program 
• PD # 953 Tree Planting Program 
• R.A. #10068 Organic Agriculture Environmental Governance 

Ligao City was also recognized for implementing environmental programs[1] which are beyond compliance with the existing laws such as:

Organized Illegal Fishing and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Protection Task Force composed of the City Government headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Office of Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez/3rd District of Albay, the DENR, the Philippine Army, the PNP, and the municipality of Pioduran;

Establishment of a 135-hectare Fish Sanctuary and Marine Reserve (FSMR) under City Ordinance No. 2008-009 which successfully regenerated coral reef and enhanced marine biodiversity for increased fishery resources; and

Establishment of Conservation Farming Villages designed to implement farming practices in the upland to sustain livelihood, agricultural productivity, and healthier ecosystem.

To complete the list, the following LGUs are the finalists of the National Search for LGU Eco Champion under each category:

City Ligao City, Albay San Carlos City, Negros Occidental San Fernando City, La Union	Province Albay Aurora Negros Occidental
Municipalities Bacolod, Lanao del Norte Lucban, Quezon Province San Mateo, Isabela	NCR Makati City Parañaque City Pasig City Quezon City Valenzuela City

[1] 1st Philippine Environment Summit Souvenir Program

Written by Lala Peñafiel / albay3d.blogspot.com

Ligao City hails 442 graduates of Sustainable Livelihood Program

The graduates of the Sustainable Livelihood Program consist of 442 beneficiaries from different barangays of Ligao City.

The City Government of Ligao in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development conducted a Graduation Ceremony for the 442 beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program on 9 February 2016 at JMR Building, Tuburan, Ligao City.

The beneficiaries from different barangays underwent livelihood trainings and received starter kits as part of their completion. Sixty-two of them completed and passed the assessment on Dressmaking NC II, 54 underwent training on Meat Processing, 14 attended training on How to Start a Business cum Rice retailing, 113 underwent training on Hog Raising, 178 on Vermicomposting, and 21 on Commercial Management cum Broiler Chicken Production.

Trainees of these livelihood programs are beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez believes that it is best to institutionalize the program for a sustainable assistance to the poor families and help them improve their living condition. This will guarantee a permanent budget allocation from the national government to continuously implement the 4Ps and help improve the economic status of poor communities.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez (left) and DSWD Assistant Regional Director Arwin Razo (right) were present during the graduation ceremony for the SLP beneficiaries.

DSWD Region V Assistant Regional Director Arwin Razo believes that the livelihood programs will create a positive impact to the beneficiaries as this will help them secure employment or build their own business.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua (3rd from right) with DSWD ARD Arwin Razo, City Councilors Helen Abalos and Ana Manlangit congratulate the graduates of SLP.

The City Government headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua is building stronger partnership with other government agencies to implement capacity building activities to help improve the living conditions of poor families.

38 women receive starter kits for completing Cookery and Meat Processing training

Thirty eight (38) women graduated from Cookery and Meat Processing training on 4 February 2016 at JMR Building, Tuburan, Ligao City

On 4 February 2016, 38 women were recognized for completing the Cookery and Meat Processing training at the Jesse M. Robredo Building, Tuburan, Ligao City. The training is another partnership program of the City Government of Ligao, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of the Interior and Local Government under the Bottom Up Budgeting program.

As part of their completion, the trainees received starter kits which include a steamer, a refrigerator, kitchen scale, measuring cups, and food trays. This is to provide the trainees materials they can use to begin or improve their livelihood. 

As part of their training completion, the graduates receive a starter kit which includes a steamer, a refrigerator, kitchen scale, measuring cups, and food trays.

One of the graduates of the program, Marilyn Buenaventura of Barangay Binatagan, was teary-eyed as she expressed her words of gratitude for being part of the first batch of Cookery and Meat Processing training. Buenaventura has been planning to have her own business but due to lack of income, she can barely make the ends meet. Having received the starter kit, Buenaventura can finally make her dream come true and start her own business.

Tears of joy: Marilyn Buenaventura was teary-eyed as she expressed her words of gratitude for benefiting from the program.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua encouraged the women to make use of their skills as this will empower them to be more productive and earn their own income while staying at home. She also advised the women on how to market their products from making taste-tests to selling outside their community. 

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua encouraged the women to use their skills and knowledge to improve their livelihood.

Bebilita Manlapas, a 52-year old Barangay Health Worker (BHW) at Pinit, is also thankful that she is among the beneficiaries of the program. Aside from being a mother and a BHW, she makes polvoron and sells them to schools and small stores for a living. Manlapas believes that, as a mother, she also has the responsibility of providing for her children despite having a husband who assumes the responsibility.

Bebilita Manlapas of Pinit, Ligao City found the opportunity to expand her business from selling polvoron to making longganisa and embutido using the starter kit she received.

Now that she has gained knowledge and skills in meat processing and received her own kitchen tools, Manlapas said she can now expand her business by selling longganisa and embutido.

The BUB program caters to the needs of different sectors for capacity building and livelihood improvement. In 2015, trainings on organic farming, dressmaking, and cosmetology were already conducted under this program. According to Mayor Gonzalez-Alsua, the City Government is preparing programs for 2016 under the BUB to address the needs of those in the marginalized sector build a sustainable source of livelihood. Lala Peñafiel/albay3d.blogspot.com

A detour to a more convenient and safer path

Pathways and bridges provide great convenience to residents as it makes transportation and daily routines more efficient. Residents can save time, effort, and money when taking shorter routes.

In Barangay Bongoran, Oas, the residents used to ride vehicles or walk through longer routes to get to the Poblacion market of Oas and roads going to Polangui and Ligao. As this route usually take about 15 to 30 minutes of travel time and Php 15 transportation fare, residents chose to take the other route – that is by crossing the river through a wooden raft. Travel time is reduced to five minutes and fare is only two pesos for each round trip. However, crossing the river is risky especially during rainy days when the water level rises. Residents have to compromise their safety and convenience to save time.

Due to this inconvenience and danger brought to the residents, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, with the local government, made efforts to address this concern.

On November 2015, a 60-meter hanging bridge was constructed connecting Barangay Bongoran to Poblacion area of Oas. Many residents proved that this structure is indeed a great convenience to them.

One of them is Justin Peranca, a Grade 8 student at Oas Polytechnic School who used to cross the river by riding the wooden raft whenever she goes to school. However, the wooden raft is only available until 5 pm. At night and during rainy days when the route is not safe to take, residents including college students who attend night classes have to chose longer routes. Like Peranca, many students are experiencing the great convenience brought by the establishment of the hanging bridge as this enables them to save time and money going to and coming home from school.

Justin Peranca is a Grade 8 student from Oas Polytechnic School 

According to Bongoran Barangay Captain Rodel Realco, the construction of the bridge is also beneficial to his vendor-constituents. Many of his constituents sell Sampaguita flowers for a living. As early as three in the morning, Sampaguita vendors are already out in the streets to begin their day. Since they start before daylight, crossing the river is not safe, hence they have to take the longer route to reach Poblacion area. The hanging bridge now provides them a convenient and safer path. 

Bongoran Barangay Captain Rodel Realco sees the great benefit of the hanging bridge to his constituents

Consuelo Peralta, a 63-year old resident of Bongoran, is a Sampaguita vendor and a frequent passerby at the bridge. Before the bridge was constructed, she pays Php 10 for a ride going to Poblacion area via the longer route. With the newly-constructed hanging bridge, Peralta no longer needs to spend transportation fare to reach her destination.

Consuelo Peralta, a 63-year old Sampaguita vendor is a frequent passerby at the bridge.

Aside from Peralta and Peranca, Barangay Kagawad Edna Rillo also frequently passes through the bridge. Kgwd. Rillo used to walk around from her house to Poblacion area which usually takes her 30 minutes to reach the destination. Now she's experiencing convenience in taking a shorter and safer route at the hanging bridge.

Barangay Kagawad Edna Rillo said that they are making efforts to keep the bridge in good condition.

Due to the great convenience the structure provides, the barangay officials and residents are also making an effort to maintain the bridge. They limit the passage of motorcycle with heavy loads and prioritize the use of structure as footbridge. They also value the safety of the residents especially the students, hence, keeping the bridge in good condition is one of their primary concern in area.

Aside from the construction of the hanging bridge, the flood dikes are continuously improved to mitigate flooding and protect livelihoods and properties of the residents.

Congressman Gonzalez coordinates with the Department of Public Works and Highways to achieve the desired structures with robust materials that would benefit communities for a longer period. Lala Peñafiel / albay3d.blogspot.com