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
__________

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