Volume 10 Issue No. 9 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research SEPTEMBER 2009 BINHI AWARDEE (2007) Agricultural Newsletter of the Year hronicle C Visit our official website at http://www.bar.gov.ph ISSN 1655-3942 RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave.,cor. Elliptical Rd. Diliman, Quezon City 1104 PHILIPPINES Entered as second class mail at the Quezon City Central Post Office under permit no. 753-01 NCR NEWS FLORENDO AWARDEE (2003) Outstanding Information Tool for Print ISO 9001:2000 PHOTO: RDELACRUZ BAR BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH T alk about getting a positive out of something negative. “Climate change also has a positive effect,” said Dr. Rosa Perez, Senior Climate Specialist of the Regional Climate Systems at the Manila Observatory, in the recent symposium on climate change sponsored by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies on 22 September 2009. Dr. Perez talked on the topic, “Climate Change and Policy Responses”. She discussed how this phenomenon has been affecting the Philippines and she presented highlights of the United Getting positive about climate change Getting positive about climate change According to Dr. Rosa Perez, irrigated fields could perform better than rainfed agriculture. Nations Framework on Climate Change (UN FCC). The country's Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) are now being modified to include climate change. So how can climate change be positive? Dr. Perez says, “Yes, it is true that climate change will result to adverse impacts in most cases, but it can also bring along opportunities, mostly from the private sector, and some real tangible business opportunities in areas ranging from energy efficiency to water conservation, for those who are flexible enough to respond.” What’s inside... She further adds, “In agriculture, carbon fertilization may increase yield provided other factors are present, for example water. Irrigated fields could perform better than rainfed agriculture. There is also an opportunity to innovate in technology and infrastructure in addressing the challenges of climate change.” Different sectors have found ways to adapt and mitigate its effects. Rice scientists are now developing rice varieties that are resistant to drought, salinity, submergence and heat waves. Getting positive/to page 2 A n efficient and helpful tool to determine the future risks of climate change in agriculture was reported by experts from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) during the symposium titled, “Climate Variability and Change,” organized by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) during its celebration of the 7 Development Policy Research Month (DPRM). According to the ACIAR th Effective tool to determine risk of climate change in agri identified resource person, climate variability is one of the major factors affecting crop production resulting to crop damage and yield losses to farmers in the Philippines. However ACIAR indicated that, significant developments have been made towards understanding the atmospheric and oceanic processes causing the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the occurring factor resulting to climate variability Effective tool/to page 8 T he University of the Philippines Los Baños Alumni Association- Metro Manila Chapter (UPLBAA- MMC) inducted its new set of officers and board of directors with a simple oath taking ceremony held on 24 September 2009 at the 2/F Conference Room, RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. The new officers are: Dr. Clarito Barron of the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) (president), Dr. Teodoro Solsoloy of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) (vice president), Ms. Lina Lapitan of BPI (secretary), Ms. Josephine Garcia of BPI (treasurer), Mr. Rolando Labios of BAR (auditor), and Rita dela Cruz of BAR (public relations officer). Meanwhile, the selected nine- UPLBAA-Metro Manila Chapter inducts new officers and board of directors member board of directors include: Romeo Dizon, Paulino Resma, Teodorico Escober, Norlito Gicana, Francis Laurel, Manuel Rocha, Thelma Soriano, Tito Arevalo, and Leoncia del Mar. In a written message, Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar extended his greetings and congratulations to all the new officers and members of the board and UPLB alumni who were present during the induction. He expressed his enthusiasm and felt honored for BAR chosen to host this activity. “It is through this kind of organization that we keep our link to one another intact and with commitment to serve the nation. More than the technical training we received from UPLB, I am proud to say that UPLB enhanced our professional and moral commitment toward responsible action.” In the brief message of the new UPLBAA-MMC President, Dr. Barron enjoined all the officers and directors to continue to sustain what this association started two decades ago and promote strong commitment among the members while not forgetting the camaraderie and creating a friendly environment among its members. The new officers and members of the board of directors will man their respective posts for the next three years, 2009-2012. (Rita T. dela Cruz) Effective tool/to page 8 Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and Leyte State University (LSU) as implementing institutions in the Philippines, while South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Charles Sturt University (CSU) and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW-DPI) are the key participating institutions from Australia. According to ACIAR, SCF is very important in the context of agriculture. It helps minimize the risk of crop production failure during bad outcomes and aids farmers in taking advantage of the opportunities during good outcomes. It provides information on whether the coming season is likely to be wetter or drier and warmer or cooler than normal. In some cases, SCF can indicate whether there is an increased likelihood of extreme events such as El Niño or La Niña and can give early warning to farmers and other agricultural decision makers about future risks in order for them to make appropriate preparations for their farm and related activities. Since agriculture is vulnerable to climate variability, farmers may benefit from SCF by being able to choose what crops to plant and when to plant them. Levels of farm input can also be determined after considering the weather in the coming season thru SCF. While the risks may not be completely eliminated, information from SCF can lessen the costs that would have been incurred and may even enable farmers to make substantial yields and higher incomes, the ACIAR people added. (Edmon B. Agron) --------- For more information about SCF you can visit the nearest PAGASA weather station, or log on the PAGASA website www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or call 434- 0955, 9291953. Getting positive about climate change............ 1 Effective tool to determine risk........................ 1 Yap addresses the media............................... 2 BAR takes a closer look at ......... 3 Water lily in Lake Buhi now source................. 4 Filipino USDA expert develops....................... 5 BAR officials, staff train on community ............ 6 PIDS convenes concerned sectors................. 7 BAR participates in Asia Food Expo............... 7 CPAR Review, Mindanao Zonal...................... 8 IRRI, BAR donate children's books................. 9 BAR writer's piece on climate change............. 10 2009 PAFT annual confab highlights.............. 11 UPLBAA-Metro Manila Chapter ...................... 12 anthracnose BAR hronicle C BUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH ISO 9001:2000
Transcript
Volume 10 Issue No. 9 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research SEPTEMBER 2009
BINHI AWARDEE (2007)Agricultural Newsletter of the Year
hronicleCVisit our official website at http://www.bar.gov.ph
ISSN 1655-3942
RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave.,cor. Elliptical Rd.Diliman, Quezon City 1104PHILIPPINES
Entered as second class mail at the Quezon City Central Post Office under permit no. 753-01 NCR
NEWS
FLORENDO AWARDEE (2003)Outstanding Information Tool for Print
ISO 9001:2000
PHOTO: RDELACRUZ
BARBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
Talk about getting a positive out ofsomething negative. “Climatechange also has a positive effect,”
said Dr. Rosa Perez, Senior ClimateSpecialist of the Regional ClimateSystems at the Manila Observatory, in therecent symposium on climate changesponsored by the Philippine Institute ofDevelopment Studies on 22 September2009.
Dr. Perez talked on the topic,“Climate Change and Policy Responses”.She discussed how this phenomenon hasbeen affecting the Philippines and shepresented highlights of the United
Getting positive about climate changeGetting positive about climate changeAccording to Dr. Rosa Perez, irrigated fields could perform better than rainfed agriculture.
Nations Framework on Climate Change(UN FCC). The country's MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDG's) are nowbeing modified to include climatechange.
So how can climate change bepositive? Dr. Perez says, “Yes, it is truethat climate change will result toadverse impacts in most cases, but it canalso bring along opportunities, mostlyfrom the private sector, and some realtangible business opportunities in areasranging from energy efficiency to waterconservation, for those who are flexibleenough to respond.”
What’s inside...
She further adds, “In agriculture,carbon fertilization may increase yieldprovided other factors are present, forexample water. Irrigated fields couldperform better than rainfed agriculture.There is also an opportunity to innovatein technology and infrastructure inaddressing the challenges of climatechange.”
Different sectors have foundways to adapt and mitigate its effects.Rice scientists are now developing ricevarieties that are resistant to drought,salinity, submergence and heat waves.
Getting positive/to page 2
An efficient and helpful tool todetermine the future risks ofclimate change in agriculture
was reported by experts from theAustralian Centre for InternationalAgricultural Research (ACIAR) duringthe symposium titled, “ClimateVariability and Change,” organized bythe Philippine Institute forDevelopment Studies (PIDS) during its
celebration of the 7 DevelopmentPolicy Research Month (DPRM).
According to the ACIAR
th
Effective tool to determine riskof climate change in agri identified
resource person, climate variability isone of the major factors affectingcrop production resulting to cropdamage and yield losses to farmers inthe Philippines.
However ACIAR indicatedthat, significant developments havebeen made towards understanding theatmospheric and oceanic processescausing the El Niño SouthernOscillation (ENSO), the occurringfactor resulting to climate variability
Effective tool/to page 8
The University of the PhilippinesLos Baños Alumni Association-Metro Manila Chapter (UPLBAA-
MMC) inducted its new set of officersand board of directors with a simple oathtaking ceremony held on 24 September2009 at the 2/F Conference Room,RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Avenue, Diliman,Quezon City.
The new officers are: Dr. ClaritoBarron of the Bureau of Plant Industry(BPI) (president), Dr. Teodoro Solsoloy ofthe Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) (vice president), Ms. Lina Lapitanof BPI (secretary), Ms. Josephine Garciaof BPI (treasurer), Mr. Rolando Labios ofBAR (auditor), and Rita dela Cruz ofBAR (public relations officer).
Meanwhile, the selected nine-
UPLBAA-Metro Manila Chapter inductsnew officers and board of directors
member board of directors include:Romeo Dizon, Paulino Resma,Teodorico Escober, Norlito Gicana,Francis Laurel, Manuel Rocha, ThelmaSoriano, Tito Arevalo, and Leoncia delMar.
In a written message, DirectorNicomedes P. Eleazar extended hisgreetings and congratulations to all thenew officers and members of the boardand UPLB alumni who were presentduring the induction.
He expressed his enthusiasmand felt honored for BAR chosen tohost this activity. “It is through thiskind of organization that we keep ourlink to one another intact and withcommitment to serve the nation. Morethan the technical training we received
from UPLB, I am proud to say thatUPLB enhanced our professional andmoral commitment towardresponsible action.”
In the brief message of thenew UPLBAA-MMC President, Dr.Barron enjoined all the officers anddirectors to continue to sustain whatthis association started two decadesago and promote strong commitmentamong the members while notforgetting the camaraderie andcreating a friendly environmentamong its members.
The new officers andmembers of the board of directors willman their respective posts for the nextthree years, 2009-2012. (Rita T. delaCruz)
Effective tool/to page 8
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysicaland Astronomical ServicesAdministration (PAGASA), thePhilippine Institute for DevelopmentStudies (PIDS) and Leyte StateUniversity (LSU) as implementinginstitutions in the Philippines, whileSouth Australian Research andDevelopment Institute (SARDI),Charles Sturt University (CSU) andNew South Wales Department ofPrimary Industries (NSW-DPI) are thekey participating institutions fromAustralia.
According to ACIAR, SCF isvery important in the context ofagriculture. It helps minimize the risk ofcrop production failure during bad
outcomes and aids farmers in takingadvantage of the opportunities duringgood outcomes. It provides informationon whether the coming season is likelyto be wetter or drier and warmer orcooler than normal. In some cases, SCFcan indicate whether there is anincreased likelihood of extreme eventssuch as El Niño or La Niña and cangive early warning to farmers and otheragricultural decision makers aboutfuture risks in order for them to makeappropriate preparations for their farmand related activities.
Since agriculture is vulnerableto climate variability, farmers maybenefit from SCF by being able tochoose what crops to plant and when to
plant them. Levels of farm input canalso be determined after consideringthe weather in the coming seasonthru SCF. While the risks may not becompletely eliminated, informationfrom SCF can lessen the costs thatwould have been incurred and mayeven enable farmers to makesubstantial yields and higherincomes, the ACIAR people added.(Edmon B. Agron)
---------For more information about SCF youcan visit the nearest PAGASA weatherstation, or log on the PAGASA websitewww.pagasa.dost.gov.ph or call 434-0955, 9291953.
Getting positive about climate change............ 1
Effective tool to determine risk........................ 1
Yap addresses the media............................... 2
BAR takes a closer look at ......... 3
Water lily in Lake Buhi now source................. 4
Attended by media practioners allover the country, AgricultureSecretary Arthur C. Yap graced
the 3 Bright Leaf Agriculture JournalismAwards' night as the guest of honor on 11September 2009 held at the Hyatt Hoteland Casino, Manila.
"Founded only three years ago theBright Leaf Awards has grown into one ofthe most prestigious and widelyparticipated agricultural journalismcompetitions in the country today," theSecretary said.
Yap stressed the importance ofthe media (radio, print, television) inpromoting agricultural development andsustainability in the country and enjoinedthe press people to always strive forbalanced story and that, while they reportthe bad news, they should also reportdevelopmental news in the agriculturesector.
The Bright Leaf AgricultureJournalism Awards is an annual
rd
Always strive for balanced story
competition on news, features andphotography giving due recognition tothe very best agricultural journalists inthe country thus promoting agriculturaldevelopment and sustainability in thePhilippines.
This time with bigger and moreexciting prices, winners were selectedfrom a field of 648 entries by a board ofjudges, composed of noted academics,scientists, journalists and governmentofficials.
Welcoming the attendees andparticipants was Mr. Chris J Nelson,managing director of Philip MorrisMarketing Philippines, Inc. (PMPI),sponsor for this annual event.
"When we planted the seeds ofBright Leaf Awards three years ago, wehad a sense of hope and urgency. Weknow that our commitment to honor thebest agriculture journalists in thecountry finds its fulfillment in pushingagriculture to the forefront of ournational consciousness," Nelson said.
He added that, with theincreased number of entries this year,the organizers are proud at how thecompetition has grown over the years, atmore than 100 percent increase from lastyear's 284 entries.
“This is an indication that,indeed, the harvest is great. There is somuch positive development in the fieldof agriculture today, especiallyinnovations toward sustainablepractices," he added. (Rita T. dela Cruz)
To reassess the Philippine foodindustry in view of theworldwide economic recession
and new international food safetyregulations vis-à-vis the global trends ofthe food industry, the PhilippineAssociation of Food Technologists
(PAFT) conducted its 48 AnnualConvention at Heritage Hotel, Manilaon 21-25 September 2009, with thetheme “Reshaping the Food Industry –APerspective for the Next Decade”.
The event emphasizes the roleof food technologists to ensure nationalfood security by providing appropriatetechnologies - considering affordability,yet nutritious dietary requirements - thatwould empower food production and thefood service industries to respondappropriately to the global challenges offood security, quality and safety.
Attending the event were Mr.Nandu Nandkishore, CEO of NestlePhilippines who served as keynotespeaker, Hon Gilberto C. Teodoro,secretary of the National Defense, Dr.Ramon M. Quesada, executive directorof Business Economics Club, MrSimplicio P. Umali Jr., president andgeneral manager of Gardenia BakeriesPhilippines, Mr Sudip Mall, presidentand general manager of Kraft FoodsPhilippines, other industry leaders,experts and student fellows in theacademe as well as a multitude ofrepresentatives from the different privatefood and non-food industries.
Highlighting the event were theinformative, on-time and relevantseminars covering a wide range oftopics such as, innovations on foodingredients, organic agriculture, “green”manufacturing practices,nanotechnology, affordable nutrition,food safety, nutricosmetics, pre and pro-biotics, laboratory diagnosis of food-borne pathogens, consumerizing healthand nutrition, practical tips onmarketing, and the different laws andpolicies that might have possible impacton the Philippine food industry.
An exhibit that showcased foodand non-food innovative products werealso included in the events.
According to Mr. Marty M.
th
2009 PAFT annual confab highlightsglobal trends in food industry
Panganiban, PAFT President, the eventcould serve as a venue for learning,sharing of experiences, technicalinformation and strategic knowledgefor the industry to grow and becomestronger to prevail over the complexchallenges concerning global foodsecurity, safety and the environmentalsustainability.
Mr. Panganiban emphasizedthe need to create more products tocater to the demand supporting thetrend of a “greener” and “healthier”lifestyle as shown by the proliferationof health oriented products, both food
and non-food in the market. There is anincreasing number of consumers thatrequire a healthier alternative anchoredon the virtue of natural and organicfoods and the growing awareness of theimportant role of proper nutrition inachieving physical fitness and wellness.
The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) sponsored the event togive support as a staunch ally ofprogressive institutions andorganizations in reaching the goals offood security and sufficiency, alleviatepoverty and sustain economic growth inthe country. (Edmon B. Agron)
Defense Secretary Gilbert C. Teodoro, guest speaker during the PAFT Convention, visits the BARbooth and graces a photo op with BAR staff members from TCU, IRU and ACD. PHOTOS: EAGRON
YAP ADDRESSES THE MEDIA:
Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap
Stress-resistant crops and livestockare also being developed. We havealso heard of energy efficientdevices & appliances and GreenArchitecture. The search forclimate change adaptive strategieswill not end.
Sometimes, a half-emptyglass can be viewed from a half-full glass perspective andremember that necessity is themother of invention, according toDr. Perez.
Nowadays, people aremore aware of the effects of thecontinuing destruction of theenvironment. The recent typhoon“Ondoy” that devastated most ofMetro Manila and left neighboringprovinces under floodwaters is justone of the many possibleconsequences that the countrycould experience. All of uswouldn't want events like this toalways happen. Aside fromadaptive measures, we must notforget that we have a role to playin protecting the environment.(Johanna B. Benavente)
Getting positive/to page 1
“Sometimes, a half-empty glass can beviewed from a half-full glass perspectiveand remember thatnecessity is themother of invention.”
10 BAR hronicleC September 2009 Issue 11September 2009 Issue BAR hronicleC
Rita T. dela CruzManuel F. Bonifacio, PhD and Victoriano B. GuiamEdmon B. Agron, Marlowe U. Aquino, PhDJohanna B. Benavente, Rita T. dela Cruz and Don P. LejanoPatrick A. LesacaRicardo G. Bernardo and Anthony A. ConstantinoMaricel F. Fortaleza and Victoria G. RamosJulia A. LapitanDr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar, CESO IV
ISSN 1655-3942Copyright Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture 2009.
For subscription and inquiries please contact us: Tel.Nos +63 2 928-8505, 928-8624, 920-0234 locals 3012,3026,3027 with email at: Articles are also available online, [email protected]. http://www.bar.gov.ph
BAR CHRONICLE is published monthly by the
Applied Communication Division of the Department
of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research,
RDMIC Building, Visayas Avenue, cor. Elliptical
Road, Diliman, Quezon City 1104 Philippines.
This publication provides regular updates on DA-
BAR’s activities as the country’s national coordinator
for agriculture and fisheries R&D. It also highlights
features and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-
member institutions.
PRODUCTION TEAM
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The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) led by AssistantDirector Teodoro S. Solsoloy
facilitated a consultation meeting amongPHILFOODEX President and Presidentand CEO of Hi-Las MarketingCorporation Roberto C. Amores, Bureauof Postharvest Research and Extension(BPRE) Director Ricardo L. Cachuela,Dr. Kevin Yaptengo of the Institute ofAgricultural Engineering, University ofthe Philippines Los Baños (UPLB),representative from the Bureau of Plantand Industry (BPI) and technicalpersonnel from BAR to discuss and findsolution to combat dreadful diseasesfound on fresh mangoes. The meetingalso dealt on Hot Water Treatment's(HWT) effectiveness as a quarantineprotocol. The meeting-dialogue centeredon how to address disease,also known as detected onfresh mangoes exported to Japan.
Anthracnose is caused by afungus called
and thus consideredserious fungal disease of mango. Amongthe symptoms of this disease are flowerblight, fruit rot, and leaf spots. Infectionson the panicles or flower clusters start assmall black or dark brown spots. Thesecan enlarge, coalesce, and kill theflowers, greatly reducing yield.
In the Philippines,and stem-end rot are considered the mostserious and destructive diseases ofmango. Researchers also claimed that
infects almost all mangoparts, including floral panicles, twigs,
Anthracnoseblack spots,
Colletotrichumgloeosporioides
anthracnose
anthracnose
leaves, and fruits of mature andimmature trees.
The Hi-Las MarketingCorporation top executive said andclaimed that Philippine mangoes arebeing subjected (lately) to series ofproduction and postharvest threats liketheir physiological characteristics,which is susceptible to bacteriacontamination; proper and poorhandling method; quarantine protocol;volume of export and effects of climatechanges to a certain degree. Thesescenarios are affecting the local mangoindustry, he said.
BPRE Director RicardoCachuela on the other hand reportedthat they are now conducting studies onthe application of non-chemicaltreatment on fresh bananas under HWTand still have to test same treatment onfresh mangoes and added that onepossible treatment to eliminate orcompletely eradicate is theuse or application of Theirstudies showed positive results in termsof quarantine measure.
Given anthracnosecontamination as reported, Dr. KevinYaptengco of UPLB recommended tostudy further the variables of loweringthe heating temperature of HWT andprovide longer time for immersion and
anthracnosechlorine.
vice-versa. Dr. Yaptengco added thatthey will conduct trial period taking intoconsideration the temperature and timeprotocols.
The consultation meetingconcluded with the proposed submissionof a Feasibility Study on the CulturalManagement of . Theendeavor would be a collaborative effortamong BPRE, UPLB, Hi-Las MarketingCorporation, BPI, and BAR. Among theexpected action plan would include thestudy on re-designing HWT facility,temperature and immersion protocol ofHWT, use of chlorine and other non-chemical treatment and pest and diseasemanagement.
The technical side of theproposed study will be initiated by BPREand UPLB while the research componentwill be undertaken by BAR incollaboration with other agencies. It isexpected that the results of the studywould serve as viable input to the localmango industry in terms of anthracnoseelimination.
Asst. Dir. Solsoloy requested thegroup to submit and forward to DirectorNicomedes P. Eleazar the proposedfeasibility study as soon as possible forthe Bureau's further study and added thatBAR would take a closer look.
Anthracnose
(PatrickA. Lesaca)
BAR takes a closer look atdisease in mangoesanthracnose
Anthracnose Colletotrichumgloeosporioides
also known as “black spots” is caused by a fungus,and is considered a serious fungal disease in mango.
PHOTO: RDELACRUZ
Mango leaves infected with anthracnose.
PH
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Miko Jazmine J. Mojica, one ofthe writers of the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR),
won in the best agriculture feature storycategory (national level) in the recently
concluded 3 Bright Leaf AgricultureJournalism Awards. Her winning piece,“When Fish Catch a Cold, the Rest of theWorld Sneezes” was published in thethird quarter issue (July-September2008) of the , theofficial quarterly publication of BAR.
The awarding ceremony, whichwas held on 11 September 2009 at theHyatt Hotel and Casino, Manila, wasgraced by Department of Agriculture(DA) Secretary Arthur C. Yap whoserved as guest of honor. BAR officialsand staffs, headed by Dir. Nicomedes P.Eleazar, were present to give support toMojica.
“This is really unexpected but Iwelcome this recognition with greatpride. May this serve as an inspirationfor all of us to continue promotingPhilippine agriculture throughjournalism,” said Mojica.
The other recipients of the 3Bright Leaf Agriculture JournalismAwards are as follows: Melpha Abello,
rd
rd
BAR R&D Digest
BAR writer's piece on climate changewins Bright Leaf's Best Feature Story
"A housing material made from chickenfeathers" (Agriculture Magazine,Manila Bulletin), Agriculture Story ofThe Year; Zac Sarian, "Something newto Virginia tobacco" (AgricultureMagazine, Manila Bulletin), TobaccoStory Of The Year; Edgardo Espiritu,"Spice Scarecrow," Agriculture Photo of
the Year; Andy Zapata, "Among theBest, " Tobacco Photo of the Year;Neil Jerome Morales, "Mangoexports reel from pesticide curbs",Best Agriculture News Story(National); Francis Martin, "Mostoutstanding farmer practicesindigenous farming", BestAgriculture Feature Story(Regional); Gloria Tuazon, "Thescent that heals", Best AgricultureFeature Story (Regional); InezMagbual, "Corn (Crafts from cornhusks)", Best Agriculture TVProgram/Segment; and SalvadorCruzana Jr., "Carera's Farm: BigTime at 200", Best Agriculture RadioProgram/Segment.
The Bright Leaf AgricultureJournalism Awards, sponsored byPhillip Morris Philippines, is anannual competition which aims togive due recognition and honor tojournalists whose works are gearedtowards the development ofsustainable agriculture in thePhilippines.
Serving as hosts for theevent were ABS-CBN newspersonalities Tony Velasquez andCecille Lardizabal. (Don P. Lejano)
BAR writer, Miko Jazmine J. Mojica, receives her trophy and cash prize during the 3rd BrightleafAgriculture Journalism awarding ceremony held at Hyatt Hotel and Casino, Manila. PHOTO: DLEJANO
Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap (left) and BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (right) pose withthe happy awardee, Miko Jazmine J. Mojica and her proud mother. PHOTO: DLEJANO
10 3BAR hronicleC September 2009 Issue September 2009 Issue BAR hronicleC
NEWS NEWS
Hybrid squash seeds
Known to many as the freshwaterhome of the world famoussmallest fish, ,
Lake Buhi is now also the source for rawmaterials for a new communitylivelihood.
Considered a weed, the waterhyacinth, commonly called “water lily”can be processed into handicrafts and isnow a source of livelihood for peoplealong the lake's adjacent barangays.Invasive at the start, the plant wastransformed into a material source for aprofitable small-medium enterprisethrough peoples' initiative, creativity, andartistry.
Water hyacinth () is an aquatic plant which can
live and reproduce while floating on thesurface of freshwaters. The plant sizeranges from 6 inches to 38 inchesdepending on its growing condition. Itsrate of proliferation under certain growthhabitat is extremely rapid and couldcause vast infestation of large areas ofwater in no time, creating various
Pandaka pygmaea
Eichhoriacrassipes
Water lily in Lake Buhi now sourceof community livelihood in CamSur
(Clockwise): Water hyacinth dried fibers from the stalks of water lily which are used as material inproducing handicrafts; slippers, mats, ropes – products from water lily; water hyacinth found in Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur.
(Eichhoria crassipes);
PH
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problems. However, the localgovernment and its people in Lake Buhiin Buhi, Camarines Sur used theircreativity and developed a boomingindustry that utilizes the stalks of waterhyacinth for processing into newalternative livelihood for the community.
Based on existing research andproven to local handicraft industrypractices, the water lilies are processedinto useful products. Through the Buhimunicipal government and BuhiEcumenical Development Association,Incorporated (BEDAI), the people aremobilized and capacitated to makebeautiful pieces of artwork. The BEDAImembers are women who are wives offarmers engaged in the developmentprojects of the Department ofAgriculture (DA) in the municipality. Inorder to maximize their time, themembers sought the help of theDepartment of Trade and Industry (DTI)and a local non-governmentorganization to start a local water lily-based small- to medium-sized
enterprise.During BAR's recent visit to
the municipality, the members wereprocessing the water lily from drying,curing, dyeing, and to weaving. Theproducts prepared included tablerunners, placemats and canisters, bags,slippers, and wall decors. Theseproducts will be displayed at the newlyinaugurated Bicolandia RegionalTechnology Commercialization Centerlocated at the DA-RFU 5 Compound inSan Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur.
Given the positive effect of theweed-turned crop on localcommunities, the Department ofAgriculture through the BicolIntegrated Agricultural ResearchCenter (BIARC) and provincialgovernments of the region, arecontinuing to support the initiatives toshowcase agri-fisheries relatedproducts that will ultimately boost thesocial and economic condition offarmers and their families. (
).Marlowe
U. Aquino, PhD
After launching the book,
on 27 Augustat the SM Megamall, staff
members of the Community andEmployee Relations Services (CERS) ofthe International Rice Research Institute(IRRI) and the Applied CommunicationDivision (ACD) of the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR), visitedBayog Elementary School in Los Baños,Laguna on 16 September 2009 for astorytelling session and distribution of thebooks.
The book, authored by ChatGarrido-Ocampo and illustrated by GraceC. Dy, narrates the story of a young boynamed Popong, and his adventures in hisgrandfather's farm where he learns thebenefits of eating brown rice. It is afollow-up to “Popong Eats His Rice” alsoby Ocampo, which was published lastyear. Both publications were published byBAR under the leadership of DirectorNicomedes P. Eleazar.
This activity is part of CERS'month-long conduct of storytellingsessions in 10 public elementary schoolsin Los Baños and Bay, Laguna with thesaid book as material.
According to Ocampo, she wrotethe book to support the informationcampaign of the Brown Rice Advocates(BRADS) on the benefits of eating brownrice and, once again, dedicates the book toher two sons, Anthony Manuel and AlvinCarlos.
BRADS is a coalition of non-government organizations (NGOs),farmers' groups, business, academe andresearch institutions, Local Government
“PopongEats Brown Rice”
IRRI, BAR donate children's books topromote the value of eating brown rice
Units (LGUs) and government agencieswhich advocate better nutrition bypromoting the health benefits of eatingbrown rice for the more deprived andvulnerable sector of society.
Welcoming the group fromIRRI and BAR were Grade 3 studentsfrom three sections, their respectiveadvisers, and Ms. Lucia Anjail, theschool principal.
Ms. Kitchie Victoria of IRRI didthe storytelling while Mr. Lito Platonalso from IRRI facilitated thedistribution of books to the students.
Meanwhile, Ms. Julia A.Lapitan, head of BAR's AppliedCommunication Division, delivered abrief message to the students andteachers in behalf of BAR DirectorNicomedes P. Eleazar. In her message,
she emphasized the importance of readingbooks and having a wide collection ofreading materials to satisfy every student'scuriosity for “new knowledge”. Inclosing, Ms. Lapitan handed over variousBAR-supported publications to PrincipalAnjail to increase the literature collectionof the school's library. Anjail expressedher gratitude to BAR and IRRI forchoosing their school as one of thebeneficiaries of their activities. Thebooks, according to her, will go a longway in helping the children in learningnew things particularly “the healthbenefits of rice and brown rice”.
The crew of NBN'sprogram led by Mr. Patrick B.
Daffon, executive producer, was alsopresent to document the activity.
Mag-AgriTayo
(Rita T.dela Cruz)
Grade 3 students of Bayog Elementary School are happy to receive their own copies of the books, and .Popong Eats His Rice Popong Eats Brown Rice
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BAR’s Applied Communication Division Head Julia A. Lapitan (left) handsover BAR publications to Ms. Lucia Anjai (center)l, the school principal.Also in the photois Chat Garrido-Ocampo (right), author of the books.
4 9BAR hronicleC September 2009 Issue September 2009 Issue BAR hronicleC
NEWS NEWS
An export winner, the leatherindustry, which is the primarymarket for the tannery industry,
is an important sector in Philippinecommerce specifically the leatherfootwear industry. Unfortunately, due toinsufficient local supply of leather fromthe tanning industry, the country's leathermarket has to rely on leather imports.
In a seminar conducted at theBureau of Agricultural Research (BAR),Dr. Mila Aldema-Ramos, senior scientistand an expert from the Easter RegionalResearch Center, Agricultural ResearchServices of the United States Departmentof Agriculture (USDA), discussed arecent research endeavor on makingquality leather from cow's skins.
The study, “An EnvironmentFriendly and Molecular Level Approachto Improve the Quality of Leather Madefrom Bovine Hides” tries to address thequality and environment aspects ofleather making through molecularapproach.
According to Dr. Ramos, themajor environmental concern in theleather industry comes from the early partof the production process wherein sulfideis used to dehair bovine hides which ishazardous for both human health and theenvironment.
The group of Dr. Ramosdeveloped a dehairing process that cansolve the problem and, likewise, producehigh quality bovine leather. This novelsystem has the potential to replace thehazardous chemicals used during thedehairing stage making it moreenvironment-friendly.
Filipino USDA expert develops environment-friendlytechnique to produce quality leather from cowhide
“Using the alternativeenvironment-friendlyoxidative dehairing processcan solve the problem ofsulfide toxicity with itsenvironmental consequences,while at the same timeimprove the quality ofleather if co-treated withproteolytic enzymes, “Ramosrevealed.
In terms of the quality ofleather, Ramos said thatresults of their study showedthat “in general, the lowerthe residual décorin contentthe better the quality ofleather. As the décorincontent decreases, the leatherproduct becomes softer,more stretchable, and yet astough as and sometimes eventougher than the control-leather tanned without co-treatment with proteolyticenzymes.” Décorin is a minorproteoglycan (part protein and partcarbohydrate) found in the cow's skin.
BAR Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar welcomed the attendees andparticipants. He was enthusiastic aboutthis research endeavor. He providedsome insightful information on theleather industry particularly on thechallenges and opportunities.
“In this industry there hasalways been a lack of adequate supplyof cow hides due to lack of structuredcattle farming industry. This is alsobecause of the improper system in the
slaughter houses and the decreasingnumber of livestock in the country,Eleazar explained.
Eleazar also elaborated that“one of the problems faced by theleather industry is that the hides andskins are not given much importance,leading to unacceptable quality.”
Still in its refining stage,Eleazar hoped that the technology willgreatly benefit the country's leatherindustry and provide the local producersa bigger chance in entering the worldmarket. (Rita T. dela Cruz)
BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (left) awards the certificate ofappreciation to senior scientist and expertfrom USDA after her lecture at BAR.
Dr. Mila Aldema-Ramos,PHOTO: RDELACRUZ
PHOTO: RDELACRUZ
Mibang Hotel, Dipolog City,
Zamboanga del Norte – The 3Quarter Mindanao Zonal
Research and Development Extension(RDE) Meeting and Community-BasedParticipatory Action Research (CPAR)Review was conducted here last 2-4September 2009.
Dr. Francisco B. Geromo, CenterManager of the Western MindanaoIntegrated Agricultural Center(WESMIARC) welcomed the guests andparticipants from all the regions ofMindanao.
Dr. Carmencita V. Kagaoan, headof Program Development Division (PDD)of the Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) gave a welcome message in behalfof Dir. Nicomedes P. Eleazar while Mr.Tito Z. Arevalo, head of the ResearchCoordination Division (RCD) providedthe guests and participants with BARupdates.
Different agenda were tackledduring the Zonal Meeting proper. Amongthese were the National ResearchSymposium (NRS) papers, the updatingof the Regional Integrated Research andDevelopment Extension Agenda andPrograms (RIRDEAP) and the OrganicAgriculture Program for Mindanao.
While the zonal meeting wasongoing, various CPAR sites in DapitanCity and Zamboanga Sibugay were
rd
CPAR Review, Mindanao Zonal RDE Meeting held
CPAR evaluators composed of (R-L) Dr. Liza Battad, Dr. Enrico Supangco, Dr. Catalino dela Cruz, Dr.Roberto Rañola, Dr. Teotimo Aganon, and Dr. Zosimo Battad (not in photo) talk with the implementersof the CPAR project on “Improved Coco-based Farming System” during a site visit conducted in Ilaya,Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. PHOTO: DLEJANO
visited by a team of CPAR evaluatorscomposed of Dr. Roberto M. Rañola andDr. Enrico P. Supangco of the Universityof the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB),Dr. Liza G. Battad of the PhilippineCarabao Center (PCC), Dr. Teotimo M.Aganon of the Cetral Luzon State
University (CLSU), Dr. Zosimo M.Battad of Pampanga AgriculturalCollege (PAC) and Dr. Catalino R. delaCruz, technical adviser of BAR.
Back in Dipolog City,implementers of all CPAR projectsfrom Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, CARAGAand ARMM were given 15 minuteseach for presentation. CPAR evaluatorsand other participants were allowed toraise questions after every presentation.
The objectives of this CPARReview are 1) to evaluate theaccomplishments of on-going andcompleted CPAR projects from 2007-2009, 2) to identify what went well,what needs improvement and lessonslearned, and 3) to classify successfulCPAR stories for IPR, disseminationand commercialization.
Among the recommendationsthat were given during the plenarywere: 1) evaluation must cover allaspects of the CPAR principlesincluding the culture of the area, 2)integration of the proposedtechnologies, 3) market integration, 4)restatement of objectives as researchobjectives, and 5) result-oriented andnot process-oriented of CPAR projects.
The Zonal RDE Meeting forLuzon and Visayas Zones will follow inthe coming months. (Don P. Lejano)
Effective tool/to page 1
in tropical Pacific regions includingthe Philippines.
ENSO is a periodic changein the atmosphere and ocean of thetropical Pacific region. Though it is acomplex process, it involves theunsusual warming and cooling of theocean's surface temperature. The ElNiño is the warm phase of ENSOwhile La Niña is the cool phase. Thechanges in temperature that thesephases bring affect the weather andclimate in many parts of the world,the ACIAR staff stated.
Fortunately, advances inscience and technology andimprovements in the understanding ofENSO, shed light in the predictabilityof climate fluctuations. Newknowledge is now being used togenerate Seasonal Climate Forecast(SCF), the ACIAR experts added.
SCF is an estimate of howrainfall or temperature in a comingseason is likely to be different fromthe prevailing average climate. SCFsuse dynamical (based on laws ofphysics) or statistical (based onhistorical patterns) methods to predictthe climate. They usually forecast“above median” or “below median”rainfall. Seasonal climate forecastingis usually done three months to a yearin advance or longer.
In the Philippines, SCF ismade possible through a multi-collaborative project, “Bridging thegap between seasonal climateforecasts (SCFs) and decision makersin agriculture” led by ACIAR and thePhilippine Council for Agriculture,Forestry, and Natural ResourcesResearch and Development(PCARRD), in collaboration with the
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8 5BAR hronicleC September 2009 Issue September 2009 Issue BAR hronicleC
NEWS NEWS
(Clockwise, starting from left ):Marilyn Edrosolan and Zenaida Vinculadoof BAI show how to cook skinlesslongganisa, siomai, and burger.
Dr. Elena delos Santos of BIARC explains thewonder health benefits from Moringa powder.
Dr. Edwin Macaballug of ISU demonstrateshow to cook delicious sweet sorghum cookies.
Attendees of the seminar take a bite of theproducts during the taste tests.
BAR officials, staff train on community dev't andknowledge mgt for sustainable agri and fisheries
Athree-day “Training on
Community Development as anApproach in the Application of
Knowledge Management andCommunity-Based Initiatives forSustainable Agriculture and Fisaheries”
was held at the 4 Floor of the RDMICBuilding on 9-11 September 2009.
This training was participated inby staff members from the AppliedCommunications Division (ACD),Research Coordination Division (RCD),Technology Commercialization Unit(TCU), Planning Unit (PU), ProgramDevelopment Division (PDD) and theInformation Management Unit (IMU) ofthe Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR). Also present during the trainingwas Dr. Manuel A. Bonifacio, BARtechnical consultant.
Serving as lecturers for thetraining were Dr. Angelito “Ka Lito” G.Manalili, Dr. Ma. Theresa V. Tungpalanand Dr. Emmanuel M. Luna. They are allprofessors of Community Developmentat the College of Social Work andCommunity Development (CSWCD) ofthe University of the Philippines Diliman(UPD).
Ka Lito explained to the trainingparticipants the Community
th
Development-Community Organizing(CD-CO) Framework. The topic wasdivided into two sessions: 1)Community Development Frameworkand 2) Community Organizing andOrganization Development.
Dr. Tungpalan, on the otherhand, was tasked to talk aboutParticipatory Action Research (PAR)-Knowledge Management (KM)Strategies. The topic was furtherdivided into 1) PAR-KnowledgeManagement Concepts and Strategiesand 2) Selected Methods forParticipatory Knowledge Management.
Meanwhile, Dr. Luna discussedabout the Application of CD-CO andPAR-KM to Agriculture, Fisheries andEnterprise Development. He dissectedthe topics into 1) Community-BasedResource Management (CBRM)Strategies in Enterprise Developmentand Agribusiness Management and 2)Proposals for Improving Community-Based Participatory Action Research(CPAR) Practices.
“I understand that this trainingwill be conducted in three key points inLuzon, Visayas and Mindanao. But Iwanted our BAR staff and officials toundergo the same training so that we
would know the right thing to do uponentering the communities in the regions.
“More so, we would know howto be one with the village people so thatwe could implement our CPARendeavors with them harmoniously. Bydoing this, we are ensuring the successof our projects,” said BAR Dir.Nicomedes P. Eleazar in his speech.
The next batches of thistraining will be conducted in Pampanga(October 12-16), Cebu City (November9-13) and Davao City (November 30-December 4). Attending these trainingsare the different Regional IntegratedAgricultural Research Centers (RIARC)Managers and the Community-basedParticipatory Action Research (CPAR)implementers from three key regions inthe country.
Facilitating the training wereDr. Marideth R. Bravo, TrainingDirector, School of Urban and RegionalPlanning (SURP), Ms. Dina C.Magnaye, Training Specialist of theCenter for Local and RegionalGovernance, National College of PublicAdministration and Governance(CLRG-NCPAG, and John Ermin S.Francisco, also from CLRG-NCPAG.(Don P. Lejano)
BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (3rd from right); Dr. Emmanuel Luna (2nd from left), one of the resource persons of the three-day training from UP-CSWCD; Dr.MaridethR. Bravo (right, training director of UP-SURP; and Ms. Dina C. Magnaye (2nd from right), training specialist of CLRG-NCPAG together with participants from BAR.
Various sectors such asgovernment, media, non-government organizations and
research and development (R&D)agencies participated in a symposium onclimate change held on 22 September2009 at the National EconomicDevelopment Authority Building inMakati City. The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch was invited to this activityorganized by the Philippine Institute ofDevelopment Studies (PIDS).
With the theme,” Coping withClimate Variability and Change”, theexperts tackled the emerging issuesbrought about by climate change, andmeasures to adapt and mitigate its effectsin the Philippine setting. According to Dr.Josef Yap, PIDS president, the symposiumis just one of the many ways to increaseawareness and disseminate informationabout this global issue. This activity ispart of the Development Policy ResearchMonth (DPRM) celebrated everySeptember together with the PIDSFounding Anniversary.
Assistant Weather Services ChiefEdna Juanillo of PAGASA-DOSTpresented the concepts of climatevariability and change. She clarified thatclimate change means the variation in theearth's global climate or regional climates
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The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch participated in thisyear's Asia Food Expo (AFEX)
2009 at the World Trade Center inPasay City held on 23-26 September2009. An exhibit about BAR, itsprojects and products from differentregions were showcased.
The AFEX 2009 is also the
18 International Exposition on FoodProcessing, Packaging and HandlingMachinery, Equipment andTechnology Exposition. The TradeAssociation Pavilions such as
th
BAR participates in Asia Food Expo 2009Philippine Food Processors & ExportersOrganization, Inc. (PHILFOODEX),Philippine Association of FoodTechnologists (PAFT), Association ofFood Cart Owners & Suppliers, Inc.(AFO) and Philippine FranchiseAssociation (PFA) were present in thisevent.
The AFEX gathered companiesand key players in the foodmanufacturing, processing andpackaging industry. It also featuredvarious food products, condiments andadditives as well as equipment for the
food service business and kitchen.Participants were thrilled by the manyfree food samples, cookingdemonstrations, product presentationsand seminars throughout the durationof the exposition.
Activities like this arerelevant to BAR since the bureau ishelping farmers and farmer-entrepreneurs in the development oftheir products including packaging.These also help promote the projectsand activities of BAR. (Johanna B.Benavente)
6 7September 2009 Issue BAR hronicleCBAR hronicleC September 2009 Issue
spanning over decades or millions ofyears. A more timely definition sheadded is that climate change is attributeddirectly or indirectly to human activitythat alters the composition of the globalatmosphere.
In the Philippines, extensivedroughts, massive floods, abnormalrainfall, stronger typhoons, and rise insea levels have been felt over the lastforty years. Since 1975, an increase of0.74 °C in the global surface temperaturehas been noted. Chief Juanillo alsopointed out that our country is verysusceptible to the effects of climatechange.
A specific tool that can help inadapting and mitigating the effects ofclimate change was also presented.Called the Seasonal Climate Forecast(SCF), it is a forecast for a 'season' thatmay range from one month to one year.SCF can predict if there would be alonger dry or wet season and the amount
of rainfall. Christian Mira of the PIDSdiscussed the significance of using SCFin the rice importation policy decisionwhile Dr. Canesio Predo of the Instituteof Renewable Natural Resources in UPLos Baños presented the application ofSCF at the farm level.
Dr. Rosa Perez, Senior ClimateSpecialist at the Regional ClimateSystems Program of the ManilaObservatory, discussed Climate Changeand Policy Responses. Dr. Perez alsopresented the impacts of climate changein the Philippines as well as thehighlights of the United NationsFramework on Climate Change (UNFCC). She further challenged thedifferent sectors to act and do their part.
An open forum was conductedafter every presentation with theparticipants voicing their opinions,questions and suggestions. A climatechange exhibit was also launched on thesame day. (Johanna B. Benavente)
