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

34 sewing machines and starter kits benefit newly trained dressmakers

The graduates of Dressmaking and Tailoring course with Regional Project Coordinator Gina Minete, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, and Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua during the ribbon cutting ceremony and distribution of sewing machines.

Thirty four (34) newly-trained dressmakers from different barangays of Ligao City were granted new sewing machines and starter kits after finishing a 28-day Dressmaking and Tailoring Course. The program was implemented by the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) which constitutes the Local Government Unit of Ligao, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Bottom-Up Budgeting and Planning (BuBP) to eradicate poverty and empower women by developing their skills and giving them resources to start their own livelihood.

With the theme, "Pagpakusug sa Kapasidad kang mga Kababaihan, Simbag para ang Pagtios Mabawasan [Strengthening women's capacity to lessen poverty]," the graduates of the program received their Dressmaking National Certificate (NC) II for passing the Dressmaking and Tailoring Assessment, special awards for those who excelled in the course, together with the starter kit and sewing machine during the 1st Dressmakers’ Commencement Exercises on 29 May 2015 at Robredo Bldg., Tuburan, Ligao City.

The graduates wore their sewn uniforms during the Dressmaker's 1st Commencement Exercises

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua further explained that the program aims to extend the services and benefits of the BuBP to the communities in the upland and coastal areas. Hence, the beneficiaries of the program came from different communities in Ligao City. She also encouraged the graduates to be the forerunners of successful dressmakers in the city.

The government programs such as the free courses offered by the TESDA bring opportunities to indigent families to improve their living condition thereby slowly eradicating poverty. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez said that the Dressmaking course gives women, especially the housewives, to enhance their skills and help their families find additional sources of income. He also acknowledged the dedication of Pres. Benigno Aquino III to improve the lives of every Filipino. His transparency proves that the funds were properly allocated for the implementation of several projects.

Written 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/

Kawakawa Hill to welcome thousands of visitors this Lenten season

Catholic devotees visit Kawakawa Hill for the Way of the Cross

Thousands of visitors are expected to arrive this Lenten season at Kawakawa Natural Park, Ligao City to experience the natural beauty of the famous hill without a hilltop. Catholic devotees flock to this religious site to practice their faith by praying in the life-size sculpted Stations of the Cross.

Influx of visitors begins with the gathering of students, seminarians, priests, and Catholic devotees to participate in the Youth Way of the Cross held every March. The arrival of thousands of visitors continues as the Holy Week approaches and families reunite for a week-long holiday. 

The pilgrimage begins with the Last Supper at the bottom of hill then continues to the First to Fifth Stations located across the pathway uphill. The Sixth to Thirteenth Stations of the Cross are located around the hill’s crown.

Trekking the hill gives a different kind of experience to the devotees. The fresh and natural beauty of the hill brings peace to the visitors as they commune with God through prayers. 

Aside from the life-size sculpture of the Stations of the Cross, the Divine Mercy Monastery of the Carmelite Nuns is also located at the base of the hill. A Holy Mass is celebrated everyday at the monastery. 

The Thirteen Stations of the Cross at the Kawakawa Hill

The Kawakawa Hill Management headed by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez provides personnel to guide the visitors in trekking the hill. Refreshments, benches, Nipa huts, and restrooms are provided in the vicinity. The City Government of Ligao headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua also provides security and medical personnel for the safety of visitors. 

Structural improvements were also done for the convenience of the visitors especially children and senior citizens. Concrete pavements and additional pathways were done to ease the trekking. 

There is no entrance fee at the Kawakawa Hill. However, visitors are requested to observe cleanliness and respect the religious sculptures to preserve the beauty of the site. 

Written by Lala Peñafiel