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

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/

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

Ligao LGU, Agriculture experts to receive National Quality Corn Achievers Awards

In recognition of its exceptional contribution to the corn industry, the Local Government Unit of Ligao, with its City Agriculturist and Agricultural Technologists, will be receiving the 2014 National Quality Corn Achievers Awards on the upcoming 10th Philippine National Corn Congress this 20 November 2014 at Cagayan de Oro.

Ligao City, along with other four city/municipalities in Bicol, will be receiving the Outstanding City award. City Agriculturist, Cesar D. Sodsod will be receiving the Outstanding City Agriculturist award while Agricultural Technologists Amelita O. Palacio, Dely B. Nocos, Elsa N. Bonagua, and Magdalena P. Pobocan will be receiving the Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker award.

YET ANOTHER AWARD: Ligao City Agriculturist Cesar P. Sodsod will be receiving yet another award as an Outstanding Agriculturist on the upcoming 2014 National Quality Corn Achievers Awards ceremony.

Ligao’s very own Aflatoxin-free corn is one of the breakthroughs that brought Ligao and Agricultural experts into the limelight. Aflatoxin-free corn, according Mr. Sodsod, is a unique product of Ligao that cannot be found in other areas in Bicol. Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin-contaminated corns can affect production and sales, and can poison warm-blooded animals like cattle and swine (Sumner, 2012).

TOXIN-FREE: Ligao City Agricultural Services team was able to develop an Aflatoxin-free corn, recognized as one of the great contributions to the corn industry. Photo courtesy of City Agricultural Services Office

In addition, Ligao, through its City Agricultural Services Office, has extensive and robust agricultural and livelihood programs for farmers, communities, and groups. The City Government, headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua in partnership with Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, is also being recognized for its efforts in developing agricultural machineries, equipment, and infrastructures for the use of farmers and communities.

During the 2013 National Corn Congress at Tagaytay City, the same awards were given to Mr. Sodsod, Agricultural Technologists Bonagua and Pobocan, and the City Government. The Department of Agriculture also conducts the Regional Awarding of Agricultural Achievers in recognition of their performances. This year, the regional awarding will be held at Naga City on 20 October 2014.

OUTSTANDING LGU: The Local Government Unit of Ligao was recognized as one of the Outstanding Cities during the 2013 National Quality Corn Awards Ceremony. Photo courtesy of City Agricultural Services Office

The National Corn Congress is an annual event that recognizes LGUs and agricultural experts of their outstanding performances and contribution to the corn industry. The event is organized by the Philippine Maize Federation, Inc. in partnership with the Department of Agriculture.

Written by Lala Peñafiel

References:

Sumner, P. (2012). Reducing Aflatoxin in Corn During Harvesting and Storage. Retrieved at http://extension.uga.edu/publications/files/pdf/B%201231_3.PDF on 13 October 2014.

Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 5. Special Order No. 90 Series of 2014. September 22, 2014.

Resource persons:

Cesar P. Sodsod, City Agriculturist, City Agricultural Services Office, Ligao City

Michelle O. Odoño, Agricultural Technologist, City Agricultural Services Office, Ligao City