DA names MS Tubongbanua best agri-prenuer

By Niño Manaog
Regional Applied Communications
WESVARRDEC

2009 has been harvest year for WESVARRDEC. During its Yearend Strategic Meeting in December 2009, Aklan State University was named outstanding partner member agency (PMA) Award while the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Guimaras was named best FITS Center.

Then, towards the end of the year, Magsasaka Siyentista Rebecca Tubongbanua of the FITS) OPA Guimaras was conferred one of the successful agri-entrepreneurs across the region by the Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD) Region 6.

Tubongbanua received the recognition in the awarding rites and investment forum led by DA-AMAD on December 15, 2009 at the Iloilo Grand Hotel in Iloilo City.

MAY MANGGAD SA MANGGA
(There is profit in mango)
(Clockwise from top left) MS Rebecca C. Tubongbanua receives the recognition along with her husband Nestor (second and third from left) from DA 6 RTD Joyce Wendam (third from left), as witnessed by DA-AMAD 6 Chief Ma Teresa Solis (extreme right) and Francisco Ramos III, Director of Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Services (AMAS) of the DA national office (extreme left); the two page-article on MS Tubongbanua in Secretary Yap's agribusiness book; MS Tubongbanua promotes her McNester mango product line; and well wishers for MS Tubongbanua include fellow MSs, Jose Maria Eclavia (extreme left) of Igbaras, Iloilo and Ramon Gonzales of Bingawan, Iloilo (third from left); MS Tubongbanua's mango products were also sold in the venue (foreground).


According to Ma. Teresa Solis, DA-AMAD 6 Chief, the rites sought to give due recognition for the outstanding contribution of farmer producers to agribusiness in the region. The investment forum that came with it likewise sought to disseminate the practices of these exemplary agri-preneurs to the rest of Iloilo.

“There is much hope in agriculture,” said Joyce Wendam, DA’s regional technical director for Western Visayas. Wendam said farmers like Tubongbanua are the “hope of other farmers,” because they unselfishly share their best practices to the rest of the community. Wendam said that the likes of Tubongbanua are models because they virtually improve the lives of other people, even as they continue to innovate their profitable technologies.

In fact, the citation was based on being one of the Successful Agri-preneurs featured in The Art of Agribusiness: 111 Stories and More Success Stories in Agri-Entrepreneurship, a book published by Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap in 2009.

In a two-page article titled “Mango Products the Guimaras Way,” Tubongbanua was featured for her successful venture in mango processing technology in what is now famous and profitable McNester Food Products based in barangay San Isidro, Buenavista, Guimaras.

The book also features a number of Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) of the PCARRD family across the country including Victoria Motril, the “banana queen of the south” (banana chips processor from Cotabato) and Raul Carreras, award-winning corn farmer from Tigaon, Camarines Sur. Both MS were part of the consortia who visited WESVARRDEC in December last year.

In the investment forum featuring the award-winning agri-preneurs, Tubongbanua presented her McNester product line and promoted her mango processed products. While McNester is not an overnight success, Tubongbanua stressed on its continuous research in order to innovate and further the mango processing technologies.

Tubongbanua stressed that her success has not come without the encouragement and assistance of government institutions and agencies such as Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Plant Industry – National Mango Research and Development Center (BPI-NMRDC) and the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC). Tubongbanua expressed joy because her business is able to help and inspire other people as well.

MS Jose Maria Eclavia of FITS Igbaras and MS Ramon Gonzales of FITS Bingawan also took part in the forum. Both appointed MS by WESVARRDEC last year, Gonzales maintains a banana plantation in Bingawan, Iloilo while Eclavia also processes mango in barangay Barasan in Igbaras, Iloilo.

MS Peñalosa graces Negros organic congress

By Niño Manaog
Regional Applied Communications
WESVARRDEC

To address people’s ignorance by teaching them on farming is to help address the problem of poverty.

This is one advocacy of Ramon D. Peñalosa Jr., Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) who shared his expertise on probiotics-based swine raising during the Organic Festival held on November 25–27, 2009 at the Panaad Park in Alijis and Organic Market in Bacolod City.

In the annual organic fest hosted by the province of Negros Occidental, WESVARRDEC’s farmer scientist shared his know-how and shed light on the nitty-gritty of his practices in probiotics-based swine technology.

Constantly stressing the need to create the market for these and other farm products, Peñalosa’s input on how to package them by adding value to it also elicited a number of queries and feedback from the audience.

Among others, the Vera-Yus who also manage an organic farm in Sibariwan, Dumarao, Capiz were convinced of Peñalosa’s farming practices that they even went to the Peñalosa farms after the lecture.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING UNLIMITED
(clockwise from top left) During the 4th Organic Festival in Negros, MS Ramon D. Peñalosa, Jr. of WESVARRDEC shares practical tips on how to market farm products simply and effectively; womenfolk stay glued to the lively and engaging lecture; and Ayesha Vera-Yu of Capiz throws questions to Peñalosa, finding the speaker and his practical technology convincing.

According to Ayesha Vera-Yu, Peñalosa’s lecture was so engaging because he is citing the real thing, not to mention the “vivacity of the speaker who effectively relates with his audience.” The Vera-Yus visited the Manapla farms to see the actual practices advocated by the speaker. Peñalosa graciously hosted the visitors, as he does regularly every week. After the visit, Vera-Yu told Peñalosa that they could copy some of his practices into their own farms.

Mrs. Edna Garde, manager of the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center based in the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Negros Occidental, assists him in the conduct of agri-tourism for the visitors who come from Luzon and other parts of the country. In the organic fest week alone, Peñalosa hosted two batches of visitors from the Cordillera region and La Libertad town in Negros Oriental.

Garde says that their province takes pride in the “edible landscape” being advocated by Peñalosa. The concept of edible landscape provides that there should be food in everyone’s backyard because it is easy to maintain and does not rely on commercially available pesticides and other interventions. In edible landscape any ordinary person can raise vegetables in his own yard. Garde said that the good number of visitors to the Peñalosa farms adds to the good figures for agri-tourism in their province.

Peñalosa’s farms situated in Manapla town and Victoria City, both in Negros Occidental, showcase integrated natural farming, one that is environment-friendly, low-maintenance, self-sustainable and profitable. Among others, the farms practice zero waste management, intercropping, vermi-composting and probiotics-based swine technology.

Antique women trained on fish processing

By Arlene Edna La Vega
RAC Representative
OPA Antique

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), PROCESS Foundation and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) jointly conducted hands on Skills Training on Fish Processing recently at Magdalena, Anini-y, Antique.

Arlene Galopo, Trade & Industry Development Specialist from the DTI stressed that the training aimed to equip moms with technology and skills on how to process fish so as to become self-employed. She further stated that this training is part of the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) of the government where people especially the women were given job opportunities.

Kagawad Joey Tarosa told the participants that this training is an opportunity for them to acquire new skills in fish processing and to add value to low value fishes caught in abundance. The training was attended by 17 women who are members of the “Katilingban Sang Mga Mangunguma Kang San Roque Kag Salvacion” (KAMAROSA) Cooperative and Magdalena Multipurpose Cooperative. The two-day training was carried out thru lectures and workshops on how to process fish. Topics were presented as follows: Basic Fish Handling Practices, Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP); Introduction to Fish Processing and Fish Preservation; Basic Packaging and Labeling Requirements; Product Costing; and Basic Entrepreneurship.

The workshop included hands-on exercises on raw materials preparation, Cooking, product packaging and presentation of finished products. To facilitate the workshop all participants were grouped into two to prepare the seven fishery value-added products such as: fish embutido, fish polvoron, fish lumpia, fish tocino, breaded fish fillet, fish ball, and fish kroepek. Allette Gayatin and Airene Arguelles from the Fisheries Division of the OPA, acted as the focal persons. They shared their expertise and experiences in the field of fish processing technology.

On the last day there were presentation of the finished products, conducted a round table sensory evaluation of the seven products, sharing of experiences during and after the product presentation by the participants, and critiquing of the finished products by the resource persons.

40 and counting

WESVARRDEC launches FITS Jamindan

By Niño S. Manaog
Regional Applied Communications
WESVARRDEC


"Hulog ng langit ang FITS Center" (The FITS Center is God’s gift)—said Municipal Mayor Ethel Jinon of Jamindan, Capiz, who led her local government into welcoming the 40th Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center launched by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) on January 13, 2010 at the Multipurpose Covered Gym in Poblacion, Jamindan, Capiz.



HULOG NG LANGIT
Major stakeholders of the partnership unfurl the Techno Gabay signage at the newly opened farmers center, which Mayor Ethel Jinon (center) calls "hulog ng langit," or a gift from God. Witnesses include (from left) RRD Coordinator Geronimo Gregorio, Dr. Raul Ticar, FITS CapSU Manager, Vice-Mayor Samson Montorio, RMIS Coordinator Nilo Araneta and Consortium Director Joseph Edward Idemne.


In a fevered speech that sought to inspire the fellow Jamindanons, Jinon considered the establishment of the FITS center an indispensable means through which they can improve the town’s economy. Jinon further encouraged the local townsfolk to avail themselves of the benefits to be given to the farmers’ center and asked them to trust in the research and development efforts offered by the consortium.


With Vice-Mayor Samson Montorio and some members and officials of Jamindan, Jinon was welcomed by Director Joseph Edward Idemne into the WESVARRDEC family, who came in full force for the launch.


The farmers’ center’s launch coincided with the town’s Agro-Fair featuring the varied farm harvest, vegetables and processed products of some 30 clustered barangays.


Most important, Research and Development Coordinator Geronimo Gregorio of WESVARRDEC simplified to the audience the necessity and importance of R&D in the lives of ordinary people in Jamindan, a gesture well received by the local government and warmly backed up by WESVARRDEC led by Director Idemne.


Before the signing of the memorandum of agreement between LGU Jamindan, FITS CapSU, WESVARRDEC and the Philippines Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Development (PCARRD), Regional Techno Gabay Coordinator Anna Mae Relingo enjoined the active participation of the major stakeholders.


Dr. Raul Ticar, FITS manager and Mr. Eduardo Navarra, technology services specialist of FITS CapSU were likewise cited for their pioneering efforts to have the center launched in Jamindan, Capiz. FITS Jamindan will work closely with CapSU as its PMA.

FITS OPA Guimaras named WESVARRDEC’s best

By Niño Manaog
Regional Applied Communications
WESVARRDEC

For its outstanding participation in the programs implemented by the consortium in the past year, the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Guimaras was conferred the Best FITS award by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) during its Yearend Strategic Meeting held December 09, 2009 at the Sunset Terrace Hall in Hotel del Rio in Molo, Iloilo City.

For 2009, FITS OPA Guimaras was cited for satisfactorily working their partner member agency, the Bureau of Plant Industry - National Mango Research and Development Center (BPI-NMRDC) and for having actively taken part in the consortium’s agenda.


GO, GO, GUIMARAS
FITS OPA Guimaras clinched WESVARRDEC’s top prize owing to the untiring performance of FITS Manager Judy Bulquiren (fourth from right) and Magsasaka Siyentista Rebecca Tubongbanua (extreme right) of the McNester products fame, as duly supported by BPI-NMRDC’s Sofia Covacha (third from right), RTG Team Leader and Helen Bignayan (second from right), Regional Applied Communication (RAC) representative.


FITS OPA Guimaras led and participated in some 8 caravans in 2009. Aside from taking part in activities initiated by the consortium, it brought the products of its Science and Technology Based Farm (STBF) to some five agri-trade fairs in Guimaras and Iloilo, widely promoting the mango process technology across the region.

While it produced a wide number of IEC materials from brochures and flyers to catalogues and tarpaulins it also posted sizable website information through the PCARRD-maintained FITS-IS database.

The plaque of recognition was awarded to FITS Manager Judy Bulquiren, Regional Techno Gabay (RTG) Team Leader Sofia Covacha and Regional Applied Communication (RAC) representative Helen Bignayan. FITS OPA Guimaras will also receive 5,000 cash prize and activity proposal worth P10,000 for the FITS Center.

Criteria for selection included delivery of PMA services, 40%; resource generation and linkages, 15%; organization and management, 30% and overall leadership of TG team leader (coordination with RMIS and RACO representative), 10%.

The regional evaluation committee consisted of Research and Development Coordinator Geronimo Gregorio of the Capiz State University, WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne, and Dr. Juanita Magan, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos.

WESVARRDEC hosts 3 visiting consortia

By Niño Manaog
Regional Applied Communications
WESVARRDEC

In the last quarter of 2009, the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) played gracious host to some 60 members representing three national consortia who chose to conduct Lakbay-Aral in the Panay and Negros islands. From November through December 2009, WESVARRDEC hosted cross-visitors from three consortia, and facilitated the tour learning of their visitors through the trips to Panay region.

WARM WELCOME
(Clockwise from top left) Visitors from CARRDEC while away the time after the dinner hosted at Breakthrough restaurant; RAC Coordinator Cora Navarra of the Capiz State University (CapSU) host visitors from SMARRDEC; and RTG Coordinator Grace Breizuela of BCARRD hands the plaque of appreciation to WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne in Ocean City restaurant.

First, on November 18, 2009, WESVARRDEC welcomed cross-visitors from the Cotabato Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CARRDEC) led by RTG Coordinator Cayetano Pomares.

Like many other visitors of Negros region, the delegation toured the Victorias City farms of Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Ramon Peñalosa of the Farmers Information and Technology Services Center (FITS) based in the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Negros Occidental. Having now become popular for his integrated natural farming practices, Peñalosa lures more and more tourists and visitors from across the country, hosting groups of visitors almost every week.

In visiting the One-Stop-Information Shop of WESVARRDEC on November 18, 2009, MS Victoria Motril of CARRDEC likewise found the video on probiotics-based swine culture by MS Peñalosa very informative. Motril said that such is an improved if not better version of the Korean way of swine-raising. MS Cesar Berame of Matalam, Cotabato also found the probiotics swine video convincing, and certainly “a big help for the farmers.”

On December 1, 2009, WESVARRDEC welcomed the delegation from the Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (SMARRDEC) led by Consortium Director Lourdes Generalao.

The SMARRDEC delegation included FITS Managers, representatives from partner member agencies and workers from the local government unit (LGU). In a dinner hosted by WESVARRDEC at the Breakthrough Restaurant in Villa, Iloilo City, consortium directors Generalao and Joseph Idemne expressed gratitude and appreciation for efforts and interest of respective members to learn from each other’s consortia.

RTG Focal Person Nicolas Banquero meanwhile facilitated the safe trips of the contingents to Capiz State University where they were hosted by RAC Coordinator Cora Navarra; and Aklan State University where they were hosted by RTG Coordinator Anna Mae Relingo. MS Gary Andrade of FITS Banga generously shared his knowledge and technologies on environmental management which he practices in his darag farm in Libas, Banga, Aklan.

Part of the itinerary of the contingents was the tour of the undisputed, most popular tourist destination in the country, Boracay Island situated in Malay town in Aklan.

On December 10, 2009, WESVARRDEC received visitors from the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Research and Development (BCARRD) led by Regional Techno Gabay Coordinator Grace Brizuela.

In a speech during a dinner that WESVARRDEC hosted at the Ocean City Restaurant in downtown Iloilo on December 11, 2009, RTG Coordinator Brizuela expressed appreciation to the consortium for hosting their delegation.

Among others, the BCARRD visitors included national winner MS Antonio Carreras from Tigaon, Camarines Sur. In an interview, MS Carreras said he was impressed by the organic farming and technology practiced by MS Ramon Peñalosa of FITS OPA Negros Occidental,. Carreras claimed he would replicate aspects of it in his own farm in Bicol.

The delegation also toured the processing site of MS Rebecca Tubongbanua in San Isidro, Buenavista Guimaras. Dennis Lunas, Administrative Officer of BCARRD, said that the McNester Food Products has so much to offer for mango enthusiasts. The delegation packed bagsful of mango processed products when they returned to Bicol.

According to RTG Focal Person Nicolas Banquero of WESVARRDEC, facilitating the cross visits towards the end of the year 2009 has afforded the consortium more appreciation of technologies, products and agri-tourism by the members of the fellow consortia across the country.

FITS Maasin stages bamboo field day anew

By Niño Manaog
Regional Applied Communications
WESVARRDEC

For the second time in 2009, the Farmers Information and Technology Service (FITS) or Techno Pinoy Center in Maasin, Iloilo hosted a Bamboo Science and Technology-Based Farm Field Day on December 10, 2009 at the Maasin Covered Gym in Poblacion, Maasin, Iloilo.

The bamboo field day featured the bamboo technology and products of prospective Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) German Allesa of barangay Bolo in Maasin, Iloilo.

The significant assistance extended to Allesa’s bamboo technology forms part of a project led by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).

Dubbed the “Package of FPRDI S&T Interventions for the Bamboo-based Industry,” the project since March 2008 has extended technical, market and logistics assistance to German Allesa of Maasin, Iloilo and Virgilio Laudencia of San Fernando, La Union.


BAMBOOZLED
(Clockwise from top left) An LGU Maasin employee lounges away her time on the bamboo beach chair produced by German Allesa as assisted by FPRDI; German Allesa (right) and subcontractor Jovic Maido promote their bamboo product; a big number of Maasin farmfolk attend the bamboo products and technology exposition; FPRDI’s Dr. Cieltio Siladan orients participants on the bamboo assistance project; and FITS Maasin Manager Luzvisminda Casio expresses gratitude to the sponsors of the project.


According to Dr. Ma. Cielito G. Siladan, project coordinator, the project seeks “to help these two businessmen increase their shops’ productivity and expand their product lines.” The FPRDI took pride in having taught Allesa and his fellow producers how to make folding beach chairs which could sell well in beach resorts. FPRDI also enjoined the bamboo producers to develop new products from their bamboo processing wastes.

As part of the support, Allesa was awarded a set of bamboo processing tools and equipment composed of air compressor, power drill, bamboo splitter, bamboo thicknesser, bamboo sizer and imported hole saws of several sizes.

According to Siladan, FPRDI sees that the project’s impact will go beyond helping the two bamboo processors, as the improved bamboo technology will eventually “showcase the many benefits that come from the optimal use of bamboo.”

Based on an FPRDI website report, local government leaders in Maasin, Iloilo have already taken notice of the shops’ progress and have committed to give full support to their local bamboo-based producers. Allesa’s bamboo products are available at the FITS Center in Poblacion Maasin, Iloilo.

Gracing the occasion and expressing full support of the bamboo initiative were Board Member Mariano Malones Sr. of the Province of Iloilo; Maasin Mayor Mariano Malones, Jr.; a number of Sangguniang Bayan members of Maasin; Regional Applied Communications Staff Niño Manaog who represented WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne; and Forestry and Environment Research Division Director Romulo Aggangan who represented PCARRD.

Leading the bamboo field day was FITS Maasin Manager Luzvisminda Casio who has been active in WESVARRDEC’s programs activities even as it banners bamboo as one of its priority commodities. According to Casio, the FITS center has long been anticipating the favorable feedback for their efforts not only for their municipality but also for the consortium.

In late June 2009, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 6 and WESVARRDEC co-hosted the Bamboo Field Day in Maasin, Iloilo featuring the bamboo products and technology of MS Norberto Ceballos. Consequently, Ceballos’s bamboo products were featured in regional and national exhibits within the same year.

WESVARRDEC cites best RAC reps

By Niño Manaog
Regional Applied Communications
WESVARRDEC

In an effort to recognize exemplary performance in its regional applied communications, the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) conferred the Certificate of Recognition to Judy D. Bulquiren and Vishia Mae Dominic J Tolcidas, two representatives of the consortium’s Regional Applied Communications (RAC) for their significant contribution for the past year.

The plaques of recognitions were conferred during the Strategic Yearend Meeting held on December 9, 2009 at the Sunset Terrace in Hotel del Rio in Molo, Iloilo City.

Judy Bulquiren (extreme right), RAC representative of OPA Guimaras, receives the award from Regional Research & Development Coordinating Council (RRDCC) Chair Minda J. Formacion of the UP Visayas (second from right), as witnessed by (from left) Regional Techno Gabay Coordinator Anna Mae Relingo and WESVARRDEC Consortium Director Joseph Edward Idemne.

The manager of the Farmers Information and Technological Services (FITS) based at the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Guimaras, Bulquiren consistently helped promote the consortium’s programs and activities in various instances. Bulquiren assisted Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Rebecca Tubongbanua of FITSD Guimaras in promoting her mango processing technologies. Bulquiren led and participated in numerous information caravans, and produced a number of functional IEC materials on mango technology including a video on recipes on Tubongbanua’s now-famous mango processed products.

Information Services Specialist (ISS) Tolcidas, who is based in OPA Negros Occidental, likewise put forth some important contribution to WESVARRDEC. In the past year, Tolcidas prolifically produced a big number of news articles and press releases on their activities. She also led an information caravan for farmers in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, among others. And working with their MS, Ramon D. Peñalosa, Jr., Tolcidas produced IEC materials including a video on probiotics-based swine culture championed by Peñalosa.

Vishia Mae Tolcidas (right), RAC representative of OPA Negros Occidental, missed the awarding rites. FITS Manager Edna Garde received the award in her behalf.

Both contributions of Bulquiren and Tolcidas were singled out from among those of fifteen active RAC representatives coming from the consortium’s partner member agencies.

According to WESVARRDEC RAC Coordinator, Dr. Cora F. Navarra of the Capiz State University (CapSU), it is just fitting for the representatives to be thus cited.

Navarra said that with such gesture, the consortium continually encourages more participation and productive performance from its pool of agricultural experts even as it seeks to promote needed and currently significant technologies which can be beneficial to all.

CapSU's Cora F. Navarra (left) reads the awards' citation before WESVARRDEC's regional audience.