200 BUB-SLP farmer-recipients receive starter kits for organic rice production

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua and Pastor Jun Prena of LPRAT assisted the distribution of starter kits to BUB-SLP farmer-recipients.

Two hundred farmer-recipients of the Bottom-up Budgeting- Sustainable Livelihood Project (BuB-SLP) from Ligao City received starter kits for organic production on 9 October 2015 at Jesse M. Robredo Bldg., Tuburan, Ligao City. The starter kit consist of one head carabao, PCIC insurance premium for the carabao, Biologics for the carabao (dewormer and vitamins), one kilogram of Agrican Night Crawler, one rake, one spade, and one hoe.

The farmer-recipients underwent two-day training on organic rice production last June 2015 conducted by the City Agriculture Office (CAO). The training is a prerequisite for the recipients to receive the starter kits which they can utilize to enhance their farming activity.

The farmers also received carabaos marked with "BUB", the acronym for Bottom-up Budgeting.

Aside from the training, CAO will be offering technical assistance to the beneficiaries including free veterinary services for the carabaos.

According to Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, the City Government will assign a monitoring team to check if the starter kits are properly utilized.

Pastor Jun Preña of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team also inspired the farmer-recipients to help each other share the benefits they have received.

Earlier this year, three livelihood programs were completed including Dressmaking and Tailoring, Hairdressing and Tailoring, and Organic Vegetable Production. Lala Peñafiel \ albay3d.blogspot.com

Ligao City holds 3-day workshop on Forest Land Use Planning

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez talks before the participants of the 3-day workshop on forest land use planning.

The City Government of Ligao in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 3rd Congressional District of Albay, and Deutsche Geselschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, is currently holding a three-day workshop on Forest Land Use Planning on 1 July 2015 and will continue through 3 July 2015. Officials from different barangays and the local government were among the stakeholders in the workshop.

The government conducts forest land use planning to properly allocate and manage forest and forestlands (FFL) as natural resources. Likewise, the planning aims to balance the production activities and protection of forest and conservation of biodiversity. The Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP), an expected output from the workshop, shall be integrated in the LGU’s Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) [1].

OIC-CENR Officer Marlon S. Francia of DENR Regional Office V said that the goal of forest land use planning is to preserve the forest and biodiversity, and attain a sustainable economic growth despite the increase in human population, land conversion, and globalization.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua seeks the cooperation of the stakeholders to actively participate throughout the three-day workshop as this will ease the flow of planning and production of the mandated FLUP.

[1] FMB Technical Bulletin No. 2 Forest Land Use Planning. Forest Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, FMB Building, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines. April 2014

Written by Lala Peñafiel 

PhilRice Bicol breaks ground for new laboratory and training building with lodging facilities

The ceremonial groundbreaking was lead by ASec Edilberto De Luna, Dr. Reynaldo Castro, Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua and former Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez with representatives from Bicol University Research Center, Department of Agriculture, agriculturists, researchers, and local officials.

Expanding its facilities for rice research, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Bicol Station held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for its new laboratory and training building with lodging facilities on 9 June 2015 at Batang, Ligao City.

The ceremonial groundbreaking were lead by PhilRice OIC-Executive Director ASec Edilberto M. De Luna, Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, former Ligao City Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez, PhilRice Bicol Branch Manager Dr. Reynaldo Castro, and representatives from Bicol University Research Center, Department of Agriculture, local officials, and agriculturists.

The project costs P 10.9M and is expected to be completed on 27 November 2015. “This facility will not only showcase research activity but this will focus more on the production of seeds to cater to the needs of our farmers and seed growers in the region,” said ASec De Luna. The production of rice in the Philippines has significantly increased over the years due to proper use of technologies and new varieties of rice, despite limited area for agriculture, according to ASec De Luna.

The lowering of time capsule during the ceremonial groundbreaking was lead by ASec Edilberto De Luna, Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua and former Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez with representatives from Bicol University Research Center, Department of Agriculture, agriculturists, researchers, and local officials.

The ceremony also gathered stakeholders in the agricultural sector including agriculturists, researchers, extension workers, and policymakers. ASec De Luna saw this as an opportunity to draft a rice research agenda.

Aside from research facilities, former Mayor Gonzalez also envisions the establishment of rice museum where different rice varieties and technologies developed by the institute will be displayed, and eventually become a tourist destination. This will encourage the youth and families not to leave farming.

PhilRice Bicol is also something that Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez has dreamed of, said former Mayor Gonzalez. Because rice is next to coconut as top agricultural crop produced in Ligao, they are prioritizing agricultural programs that will enhance farming activities in the local areas. “The station represents a good part of the population, the farming sector, of the Bicol region,” said former Mayor Gonzalez.

Congressman Gonzalez and former Mayor Gonzalez were named as the Father and Mother of PhilRice Bicol due to their painstaking efforts to establish the branch in Ligao City.

Ligao has always proved to be the rightful place for the institute. ASec De Luna acknowledged the good collaboration of researchers, agriculturists, LGUs, with the strong support of the City Government of Ligao. “We are one with PhilRice with this vision,” said Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua while stating her commitment to support the institute.


By Lala Peñafiel

Bridging the gap: Albay 3rd District farmers dialogue with agriculture experts

Mr. Bernardino Dizon (left) and Mr. Constante Adalla (right) demonstrate the grafting of Pili seedlings during the "Sa Kabukiran: Talakayan ng Pangkat Kaunlaran" at Ligao City Gym, 21 May 2015.

Farmers from different city/municipalities of Albay 3rd District were able to get firsthand information and had their queries directly answered by agricultural experts during the seminar-cum-dialogue program, “Sa Kabukiran: Talakayan ng Pangkat Kaunlaran” at the Ligao City Gymasium on 21 May 2015.

Sponsored by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez and the City Government of Ligao headed by City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua in partnership with ABS-CBN DZMM Teleradyo, the activity was conceptualized due to public demand to conduct a localized discussion of in-demand and site-specific information.

More than 1000 farmers from Libon, Polangui, Oas, Ligao City, Jovellar, Pioduran, and Guinobatan attended the event. Experts from different fields of agriculture presented information, demonstrated several methods, and answered questions raised by participants. Among the topics covered by the experts include the following:

Dr. Frisco Malabanan – Hybrid Rice Production
Mr. Louie Tabing – Virgin Coconut Oil Making at Home
Mr. Bernardo Dizon – Fruit Tree Propagation Techniques
Dr. Aida Adalla – Opportunities in Crops for Natural Ingredients
Mr. Constante Adalla – Root Crop Production Techniques
Mr. Greg Nicdao – Ram Pump and Drip Irrigation Technique
Dr. Erlinda P. Rillo – Tissue Culture Production
Mr. Romeo Opeña – Vegetable Production Technology Techniques
Ms. Rosselle De Guzman – Marketing Agri-Products

Aside from presenting new technologies, experts also recommended high market value crops and high quality varieties. Dr. Frisco Malabanan, an expert in hybrid rice production, recommended the SL-8H hybrid rice variety due to increased amount of output it produces compared to inbred rice. Roselle De Guzman suggested that farmers plant “Pakbet” vegetables: eggplant, okra, squash, and bitter gourd, Chopsuey vegetables, and spices: garlic, onion, and ginger. Dr. Malabanan also stressed that farmers can generate high income using the right kind of variety and proper crop management.

The experts also see the potential of Albay in agricultural business because of its rich natural resources. Bernardo Dizon, who discussed on managing fruit-bearing trees, said that he envies the Bicolanos because of its beautiful soil. “Naiinggit po ako sainyo, dahil nandito ang pinakamagandang soil-volcanic soil [I envy you, because you have the most beautiful soil, the volcanic soil],” said Dizon. DZMM Teleradyo Sa Kabukiran host, Louie Tabing, meanwhile believe that Bicolanos should be happy that coconut milk is a favorite in the locality. People who consume more coconut oil are more likely to live longer, according to Tabing.

Local farmers not only benefit from easy access to technical assistance but the strong support of local government units in prioritizing agricultural projects. In Ligao City, several agricultural programs for farmers have been recognized which brought LGU-Ligao to the list of outstanding LGUs in Bicol. Aside from agricultural programs, infrastructures were also developed to facilitate farming activities as well as marketing of farm products. Congressman Gonzalez said that the government is allocating funds to irrigate drought-prone areas and improve the farming system in upland and coastal areas.

PhilRice Bicol's Field Day highlights ICT-based tools and resources on rice farming

To help Bicol farmers improve their rice production and enhance their farming activities with easy access to information, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Bicol Station conducted its second Field Day with Knowledge Sharing and Learning (KSL) Activity on 06 May 2015 highlighting ICT-based tools and resources.

Participated by farmers, extension workers, policymakers, and agriculture experts, the event features a field tour in different stations with technologies being maintained and developed by PhilRice Bicol such as the IRBAS, Palayabangan (10-5 challenge), and Learning Center.

During the KSL Activity, experts explained the features and benefits of several ICT-based tools developed by PhilRice, International Rice Research Institute, and Department of Agriculture. Among the ICT-based tools and resources highlighted during the activity include the following:

PhilRice Text Center

Farmers can receive rice farming information they urgently need by sending their questions to or calling customer support service at 0920-911-1398. Farmers can also receive information regarding rice varieties by texting the name of the rice variety (e.g. RC18). 

Rice Doctor

The Rice Doctor is a web-based tool that diagnoses the problem in rice crops by identifying its symptoms. Upon diagnosis the tool provides advice on how to manage the problem. The Rice Doctor can be accessed at http://ricedoctor.irri.org 

Rice Crop Manager

"Rice Crop Manager is a computer- and mobile phone-based application that provides farmers with advice on crop management matching their particular farming conditions"[1]. This tool can be accessed at http://webapps.irri.org/ph/rcm/.

MOET Application

MOET App is a downloadable application that provides farmers with fertilizer computation based on the required amount of fertilizer for irrigated lowland rice. It can also predict the rice yield according to the fertilization plan provided by the application.

Pinoy Rice Knowledge Bank

The Pinoy Rice Knowledge Bank (http://www.pinoyrice.com/) is a website maintained by PhilRice that includes latest information on rice production in the Philippines. It also features 1,600 online resources for students, extension workers, researchers, agriculture experts, journalists, and food enthusiasts. 

Rice Knowledge Bank

Rice Knowledge Bank is a website managed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and contains information on different rice varieties and crop production in different parts of the world. It also includes information on crop management, pests and disease management, farming tools and equipment, web-based tools and applications, and other technologies developed by IRRI. The site can be accessed at http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/.

[1]http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/decision-tools 

Related links:

International Rice Research Institute | www.irri.org

Philippine Rice Research Institute | http://www.philrice.gov.ph/

Agricultural Training Institute | http://ati.da.gov.ph/

Department of Agriculture | http://www.da.gov.ph/

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

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
__________

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