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NEWS & EVENTS

Jun 26, 2023

13 students start their summer youth internship at DA-BAR

Out of a competitive pool of 24 applicants, 13 candidates have been selected as summer youth interns at DA-BAR. The 45-day internship program started on 26 June 2023.Aligned with the provisions of Executive Order No. 139 series of 1993, DA is implementing the Summer Youth Internship Program for 2023. This initiative aims to actively involve young individuals in public service, offering them the unique opportunity to experience the bureau's ongoing endeavors firsthand. It also  serves as a strategic recruitment mechanism, identifying promising talents who may potentially become valuable public servants in the future. To ensure inclusivity, financial assistance may also be extended to the interns, further enhancing their participation.“You are lucky to be accepted into the program because you get to experience what we are doing here at the bureau,” said DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano as he addressed the summer youth interns during the program’s orientation.

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Jun 16, 2023

3 projects in Zamboanga Peninsula monitored

To track the progress and ensure everything is going according to plan, the DA-BAR conducted on-site monitoring and documentation of three projects on ceylon tea, rubber, and seaweed in Zamboanga Peninsula on 12-16 June 2023.  Production and processing of Ceylon tea plantsImplemented by DA-Zamboanga Peninsula-La Paz Experiment Station (LPES), the project titled, Commercialization of Ceylon Tea (Camelia sinensis) in Zamboanga Peninsula, aimed to promote the production of Ceylon tea plants through seedlings and cuttings and processing of young tea leaves.Production of Ceylon tea plants were established in Mutia and Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte and in Bayog and Presa, Zamboanga del Sur. Through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist of Zamboanga del Sur, the Women’s Movement for Rural Improvement Cooperative of Poblacion Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur underwent training on production of Ceylon tea cuttings and its proper cultural management practices.Black and green tea processing were also developed at DA-LPES. The enhancement of its packaging and label, nutrient analysis, and determination of shelf life of the products are nearing its completion. Enhanced latex yield of rubber trees through application of stimulantsTo improve productivity through increased rubber latex yield, a protocol on proper application and concentration of appropriate latex stimulants for rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) is being developed by DA-Philippine Rubber Research Institute. The stimulant is a mixture of vegetable oils and ethylene hormones or other active ingredients. The four project sites were selected based on the following criteria: 1) trees should be 10 years old and above, 2) rubber farm should be plantation type, 3) rubber trees are planted as monocrop, and 4) experimental trees were budded with similar planting date, distance, girth size, and clone per site.The study is limited to PB 260, PB 330, and RRIM 600 clones, aged 10-25 years, and within the bounds of Zamboanga Peninsula.  Seaweed production through pilot deep-sea circular HDPE cage farming systemTo increase seaweed production, the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Zamboanga Peninsula established two climate-resilient circular high-density polyethylene (HDPE) cage in deep sea, which is non-traditional seaweed farming areas, in Buenavista, Zamboanga City and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.Each cage was planted with 1, 200 kilograms of Kappaphycus sp. seedlings, with an average weight of 150-200 grams per seedling, sourced from adjacent farms in the area. Trials are ongoing to develop the protocol, which is expected to be completed within the year.

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Jun 27, 2023

Progress, completion of four rice R4D projects for Q2 2023 reviewed

In compliance with the guidelines and procedures of its monitoring and evaluation system, the DA-BAR conducted a progress and completion review of rice projects for the second quarter of the year through a video conference on 26-27 June 2023. “To ensure smooth and effective implementation, the bureau is spearheading the review to help the partners/collaborating agencies from various government agencies, and state colleges and universities in the process,” said Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Linkaging Division (PMELD) and rice focal Julie Ann L. Dulay.Technical experts and assistant professor Dr. Pompe C. Sta Cruz and Paul Joseph B. Ramirez from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) served as the evaluators during the review.The first project discussed was the Rice Business Innovations Systems (RiceBIS) implemented by DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute. It aims to create a development model for community transformation that is participatory, market-driven, and supported by a scientific production base to improve the competitiveness of rice-based farming communities through the establishment of farmer clusters. Economics and management expert Ramirez advised DA-PhilRice to document the entire process since they are developing a model. “Process documentation is very helpful for the evaluators to identify what will be continued in the completion report. Include also in the report information on the database on profiles of farmers,” he said.Implemented by UPLB, the project, Market Segmentation for Brown Rice: The Case of Metro Manila, was the next reviewed. DA-BAR Program Development Division (PDD) head Raymond Patrick Cabrera posed some clarifications/questions regarding this project. He asked, “Can we have the technical and policy recommendations sorted as short- and long-term ones to address the mentioned high price, unavailability, and packaging for brown rice and the strategies to link producers to consumers?”He added, “Who are the specific key players (groups, institutions) that we can tap or engage and partner with for these recommended strategies?” After this was the DA-PhilRice and UPLB collaboration project, Deployment of genetic resistance in the management of rice black bug S. Coarctata. After the latter’s presentation, Dr. Sta Cruz advised the project team to plan their next project for sustainability.   The main objective of the project was to improve management of Rice Black Bug through the use of genetic resistance. Specifically, to establish the screening methodologies for resistance to rice black bug. The last project presented was a collaborative project by DA-PhilRice and DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Improvement of the Rice Seed Information System (RSIS) for Scaling Up, Deployment, and Operationalization in Strategic Areas Nationwide. Ruel C. Gesmundo from the DA-BPI underscored that using the developed RSIS modules and apps require human interventions and total commitment of the industry players to use them, as well as their capacity to use through know-how enhancement, their interest and enthusiasm through inculcating the benefits and ease of using. He further shared that the partnership between RSIS and RCEF-Seed Program Component RSMS to extend the modules and apps of certified seed (CS) distribution and monitoring systems, which are now necessary to track the status of the CS and farmer-recipients, had also been started. The DA-PhilRice management also committed to support the project by allowing a staff to continuously make necessary improvements even after the project completion. Dr. Sta Cruz said that “you improve it through time,, but you have to buy hardware through DA-BPI.” To continuously develop this technology, he suggested DA-BPI to buy the hardware for sustainability. The RSIS as a tool is used for collecting, generating, processing, and sharing data through the use of ICT. In a nutshell, this project is expected to enhance the Philippine rice seed industry through a platform that can collect, consolidate, and disaggregate data on rice seed production and distribution levels for project and program planning, and implementation. Moreover, it will provide easy access for the intended users and beneficiaries of the system at the national and local level of reliable data and information for program implementation, decision-making, and policy formulation. PMELD assistant division head Julia A. Lapitan officially closed the review by reminding the implementing agencies to submit the required documents such as progress and completion reports.

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Mar 04, 2024

Harnessing the Queen’s Pineapple’s domain

Hailed as the sweetest pineapple in the world, the Queen pineapple (QP) from Camarines Norte is not just your average summer staple, it has proven its queenship in the agricultural sector of the country, manifesting new technologies, collaboration, and people empowerment.During the WD DAR Seminar Series of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research held on 21 March 2024 via Streamyard and Facebook Live, Jasmin M. Dacillo of the DA-Bicol Region shared her expertise on the farming system of Queen Pineapple.According to Dacillo, QP was one of the identity-defining commodities of Camarines Norte, manufactured into various forms such as juice, purée, tarts, and jams. Moreover, the leaves of QP are utilized for pineapple fiber processing, attracting significant interest from international markets such as the United Kingdom. Dacillo also reveals a projected demand value of 27.08 billion USD for QP in the Philippines by 2028, underscoring its pivotal role in the Philippine market.In her presentation titled, Queen ng Pinyahan: Pineapple-based Farming System, Dacillo shared the systematic process of the DA-BAR funded technology. The process encompasses various stages including selection of planting materials, land preparation, site selection, pests and diseases management, intercropping, and harvesting.During the selection of planting materials, Dacillo shared that it is important to choose the right size of suckers as it will greatly affect yield.“Ang recommended po namin ay iyong 51 to 70 centimeters (Medium to Large) po ang length and then, 200 to 399 po yung grams niya… kapag gumamit po tayo nito ay bibigyan po tayo ng magandang yield or mas malaking bunga compared po sa extra-large na kadalasan namumunga sa panahon,” Dacillo explained.After sorting the sizes of the suckers, the roots section of the suckers must be exposed to sunlight for drying for one week to prevent fungal infections. Dacillo said fungicide application can also be done during this curing phase.As per the technology presented, QP is planted in a double row planting method (100 cm x 50 cm x 30 cm) and can be cultivated in diverse environments, including under coconut trees, in open fields, and on hilly terrain. Additionally, it can be integrated into intercropping systems with other crops such as peanut, corn, and taro. While the typical harvest period spans 16 to 18 months, intercropping can enable farmers to reap yields as early as 4 months.Normally, 4 thorough weeding is done during the growing period of QP but if QP is planted intercropped with other commodities, it suppresses the growing of weeds depending on the combination of crops grown together.“Kapag may intercropping po, mas maganda at nakakatipid po siya, kasi doon sa intercropped namemaintain po ang kalinisan ng area,” Dacillo claimed.She also recommends applying pre-emergence herbicides such as Diuron or Karmex to suppress the fast growing of weeds in the area.As common practice, flower induction is done every 10-12 months after planting with the use of plant hormones (Ethephon) and urea. While fruit ripening is done 2-3 days before harvest with Ethrel. Additionally, QPs can also be enhanced with a gibberellic acid solution consisting of 2.5 grams of Berreline 90, small amount of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, and water.Dacillo also presented different pest and diseases management techniques for controlling issues affecting QP, which include Pineapple Mealybugs, Birds, June Beetle, Butt Rot, Heart Rot, and Pineapple Wilt.“Sa pag harvest naman po ng ating pinya, ginagawa po ito 4.5-5 months after flower induction, 4.5 po without growth enhancer, kapag nag spray po ng gibberellic acid ay inaabot po siya ng 5 buwan,” Dacillo explained.In celebration of Women's Month, DA-BAR invited three female farmer-partners engaged in the project to share their experiences. Among them was Alicia Odiaman, who expressed her utmost appreciation for the project.“Malaking tulong po sa amin kasi yung mga intercropped po na namumunga sa pinyahan, habang naghihintay kami na mamunga yung pinya, may naaani na kami… Dahil din sa technology na itinuro sa amin, nakapag-ani po kami ng magandang kalidad ng pinya,” Odiaman shared.According to the project’s cost and return analysis, the intervention yielded an impressive 84.59% return on investment (ROI) specifically for queen pineapples. Additionally, intercropped crops showed significant ROIs: 75.68% for corn, 27.56% for peanuts, and 43.93% for taro.To further enhance crop yield and reduce planting costs, Dacillo shared that she has ongoing research currently focused on site-specific nutrient management for queen pineapple.

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Jun 16, 2023

DA-BAR, AFD-CIRAD convene for possible partnership on climate change resiliency

DA-BAR and Climate Resilient Agricultural Office met with key officials and representatives from CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to discuss the implementation of the technical assistance support for the research for development (R4D) policy reform agenda of the DA-Climate Change Action Program on 16 June 2023 at DA-BAR.Under the Philippine policy-based loan on the Climate Change Action Program (CCAP), the assistance is a strategy to ensure that research and development key players are equipped and ready for the implementation of the policy outcomes or commitments endorsed and approved by both the Philippines and ADB.AFD deputy country director Thierry Liabastre facilitated the meeting  wherein timelines and deliverables on the implementation of the technical assistance were discussed.Philippe Guizol and Jean-Marc Roda, CIRAD Public Policies and Sustainability Reforms team leader and Southeast Asia Island Countries regional director, respectively, presented their agriculture research agenda focus, as well as the possible technical support to programs focusing on climate change-vulnerable crops and commodities and other related areas. Meanwhile, ADB lead expert and policy analyst Lourdes Adriano discussed the possible role of the bureau in increasing the R4D funding in the country by 2024. DA-BAR director Junel Soriano, together with assistant director Joell Lales, highlighted the role of the bureau in the agri-fisheries R4D sector and sought further support from the organization toward the actualization of the said partnership.The meeting was part of the AFD-CIRAD’s inception mission that ran from 15 to 23 June 2023 aimed at fast tracking and finalizing the launching and implementation of the said technical assistance support.

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Mar 16, 2024

Farmers and partners feedback to DA-BAR’s SCALE-UP program in Quezon Province

"Maniwala at sundin nang maayos ang mga modernong pamamaraan sa agrikultura na natutunan mula sa ibinigay na pagsasanay, ito ay mahalaga na gawin na sana ay paniwalaan ng ibang magsasaka upang makita kung makatutulong nga ang mga bagong teknolohiya sa mga magsasaka. (Believing and diligently following the modern agricultural technological procedures learned from provided training are key to the success of the program that other farmers should also embrace to see if these new agricultural technologies will indeed help farmers.)" This sentiment was echoed by farmers interviewed during the field monitoring of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research’s (BAR) Sustainable Community-based Action R4DE for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity (SCALE-UP) program in March 2024 in selected barangays of Plaridel and Atimonan in Quezon Province.The SCALE-UP program aims to establish innovative and sustainable agriculture through enhanced soil rejuvenation, soil test-based nutrient management recommendations, and other approaches to enhance productivity and profitability. Quezon Province was selected as one of the pilot sites due to its high agricultural productivity and for its vast rainfed areas. As such, to validate progress in achieving agricultural productivity goals through farmland rejuvenation, DA-BAR conducted progress review and field monitoring. Farmers accompanied the monitoring team to the program sites and shared their experiences and insights acquired from the training sessions. Key learnings highlighted by farmers included proper fertilizer application, appropriate cropping patterns, pest and disease identification and management, and correct planting distances. Positive feedback regarding the SCALE-UP program emphasized observed enhanced plant yield growth and anticipated increase in harvests.Rice farmer Norberto S. Anda of the Samahan ng Magpapalay ng Tanauan said, “nagpapasalamat ako at nabibigyang pansin ang mga kagaya kong magsasaka at naturuan kami kung paano lumago ang ani at mga tamang paraan ng pagtatanim lalo na ang makabagong teknolohiya (I am thankful that farmers like me are being given attention and are being taught how to increase yield and the correct methods of planting, especially with modern technology).”Some farmers highlighted how important it is for the program to work well by not dwelling on local problems but finding solutions, like dealing with scarcity of water, and closely following the farming procedures learned. Rice farmer Quirino V. Vicen, Jr. from the Lusong Farmers Association of Barangay Ilosong showed this dedication by actively searching for water sources no matter how far, and following all the farming steps wholeheartedly instead of just doing the easy steps.Farmers also provided recommendations for program improvement, including the need for Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials featuring visuals of pests and diseases, along with recommendations on appropriate inputs and activities. Dr. Huelgas encouraged farmers to actively engage in documenting diseases and pests observed in their farms and share them through agreed designated communication channels.Likewise, Local Government Unit (LGUs) partners expressed support for the project, with Atimonan Mayor Rustico Joven U. Mendoza welcoming the monitoring team and local farmers. Mayor Mendoza anticipated increased adoption of SCALE-UP approaches based on observed positive results and acknowledged the necessity of advanced farming technology for the municipality.Atimonan Municipal Agriculturist Pedro B. Gariguez, Jr. and Plaridel Municipal Agriculturist Albert Saavedra demonstrated their support by attending farm visits and engaging with the monitoring team and farmers, as well.OIC-assistant head of the DA-BAR Program Development Division and SCALE-UP Program lead focal Kris Thea Marie Hernandez, conducted an orientation session for farmers and LGU partners, emphasizing the objectives of the SCALE-UP program and outlining upcoming activities, such as the distribution of soil cards and the creation of soil maps. Emphasis was placed on understanding soil health and nutrient status as the basis for fertilizer and technology recommendations, utilizing soil health cards and maps to identify suitable and ideal amounts of nutrient and farm practices, thereby minimizing excessive fertilizer application, reducing production costs, and increasing yields.DA-BAR and DA-CALABARZON committed to providing further support to farmers through continued provision of technical assistance, training, capacity building activities, and appropriate IEC materials.