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NEWS & EVENTS

Jun 30, 2023

DA-BAR pushes developmental approach in R4D

“Ang approach namin ngayon ay [Participatory Agriculture and Fisheries R4D Technology Transfer towards Entrepreneurship and Sustainability](PARTNERS), dahil lahat kayo ay partners [ng departamento]. We will renew and strengthen our partnership towards a program. Ngayon, kayo ang may boses. Buuin natin ang kwento,” DA-BAR assistant director Lales said as he addressed the farmer-leaders who participated in the 4-day scoping and appraisal activity on 27-30 June 2023.Targeting a more grounded technology scaling and transfer initiatives, the bureau has implemented the PARTNERS program, intended to address the needs of the sector through grassroots movement. In this modified way of developing programs, activities, and projects,  the bureau aims to do away with the traditional approach but instead, “balikan natin ang mga na-produce na technology in the past, then we go down and we hear from you [farmers] directly,” as Lales described.“Kung ano ang pwedeng ilaban, ilaban natin,” DA-Caraga regional executive director Ricardo M. Oñate stated in a discussion during the courtesy visit of the DA-BAR delegation. The visit served as a kick-off for the first scoping and appraisal activity of the bureau, in line with its recently crafted PARTNERS program.For its first scoping and appraisal mission, the DA-BAR team engaged various farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Agusan del Sur and Dinagat Islands. The activity served as a venue for the FCAs to present the current situation and needs of their respective municipalities as well as priority commodities. It also allowed the respective provincial local government units (LGUs) and DA-Caraga to share and discuss the various interventions that have been implemented in response to the needs of the agri-fisheries sector in the region.Afterwhich, a workshop was conducted in order to allow the FCAs, through the guidance of DA-BAR, DA-Caraga, and LGU, to delve deeper into the identified challenges and needs of the region, as well as propose possible interventions. Further to the discussion and workshop proper, the team also visited sites of existing initiatives of the DA and the province in line with improving the sector.PARTNERS program consists of six stages, four of which are targeted to be completed within the calendar year. The first two stages cover prioritization and target setting. The third stage, which targets action planning and validation, involves scoping and appraisal activities in identified areas with high poverty incidence and low agricultural productivity.

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Jun 01, 2023

QYEA’s ubi powder attracts local, foreign buyers

The ubi powder produced by Quirino Young Entrepreneurs Association (QYEA) through Quirino State University (QSU)’s upgraded crop processing facility reaches both the local and international market.“This May, we have delivered 100kg of ubi powder to Sasmuan delicacies in Pampanga while another 500kg is set to be shipped to Japan,” Quirino State University (QSU) associate professor and researcher Mila T. Benabise said in an interview with DA-BAR on 1 June 2023.Funded under the DA’s Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund program, QSU’s crop processing facility had its new look and improved features resulting in enhanced product quality and production capacity of the processors. Renovated in 2021, the said facility, which welcomes young entrepreneurs, students, and members of Farmer Cooperatives and Associations, acquired new processing machinery and equipment turning its products to be competitive both locally and internationally.Benabise explained that the upgrading of the processing facility opened new possibilities resulting in the development of new products.“Through the addition of a pulverizer, cabinet oven, hydraulic slicer, dehydrator, and other processing equipment, we were able to kickstart the production of a high-quality ubi powder,” Benabise highlighted.Before the project, QSU’s processing facility only catered selected crops due to its limited capacity and equipment. Members of QYEA can only process crops like soya and bignay into food products like flour and butterscotch; and fruit juices and wine, respectively.With its attractive color and food grade qualities, the ubi powder appealed to potential buyers, dealers, and partners during the International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines last 26-28 of May at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.According to Nur E. Agustin, QYEA acting chair, the product had a total sales amounting to PhP 65,870 during the three-day food exhibit. He also reported a total of 41 inquiries from potential buyers.With its current market linkages, the members of the QYEA along with ubi farmers from Baguio Village, Diffun, Quirino expect bigger production of fresh and processed ubi.“Walang value ang ubi para sa amin dati. Sabi nga nila, tanim daw ito ng mga tamad kaya naman hindi namin masyado binigyang pansin. Kung dati ay nabubulok lang, o di naman kaya ay pinapakain lang namin sa aming mga alagang hayop, ngayon ay nabebenta na namin ito at napagkakakitaan,” Baguio Village Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BAVIMCO) marketing head Brenda Diola I. Ignacio shared. With its current successes in the market, the said product ensures sustained and increased income to QYEA members and BAVIMCO ubi farmers. “We have ongoing talks with potential partners in South Korea even with government agencies in the country. We have come a long way, but greater things are yet to come for the ubi powder and every hand that labors for it,” Benabise said. 

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Jun 14, 2023

Ready-to-adopt technologies rolled out in DA-Central Luzon’s tech forum

Several DA-BAR-funded project outputs were showcased during the technology forum conducted by the DA-Central Luzon in collaboration with partner state colleges and universities on 14 June 2023 at DA-Central Luzon Integrated Agricultural Research Center (CLIARC), Paraiso, Tarlac.“Our work [research] doesn’t end kapag naka-develop na tayo ng technologies. We have to disseminate the technologies,” DA-Central Luzon regional technical director Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit underscored in his welcome message.Among the displayed research-generated products were mushroom crackers, tapa, bulgogi, and tocino. These products resulted from the Community-based Participatory Action Research conducted by Dr. Emily A. Soriano, DA-CLIARC for Upland Development chief.Meanwhile, the tissue culture technology for sweetpotato and banana, and mass propagation technology for mushrooms were also exhibited in the event.The forum convened 84 farmers and potential technology adopters, and 31 technology generators from the seven provinces of Central Luzon. During the event, technology generators catered to the queries of farmers and fellow researchers relevant to technology adoption and promotion. Dayrit highlighted the significance of the technology forum in bridging the gap between the technology generators and the next-in-line users, the farmers and fisherfolk.Representing DA-BAR director Dr. Junel B. Soriano in the event was Knowledge Management and Information Systems Division head Salvacion M. Ritual.“Ang pagdiriwang na ito ay kumikilala rin sa ating mahuhusay na mga mananaliksik na nagbuhos ng kanilang dedikasyon para makalikha ng mga kapakipakinanabang na mga teknolohiya para sa ating mga magsasaka,” Ritual said in her message.

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Jun 14, 2023

DA-Bicol Region showcases queen pineapple-based farming system in Harvest Festival

“Napakalaki po ng pagkakaiba ng pamamaraan namin sa [technology] na na-introduce ng [Research Division ng DA-Bicol Region]. Halos isa’t kalahating taon bago kami kumita [dati], samantalang dito three to four months mayroon na tayong maha-harvest na mani, mais, at taro. Ang kagandahan dito habang naghihintay ako sa pag-harvest ng pinya ay napapakinabangan ko na po ‘yong intercrop[s], Nakadadagdag na sa panggastos sa bahay at sa pang-araw-araw,” said farmer-cooperator Ruel A. Boribor from San Felipe, Basud, Camarines Norte during the Harvest Festival on 5 June 2023.Sixty five farmer-cooperators from barangays Binatagan, Plaridel, and Caayunan in Basud, barangays Maisog and Dagotdotan in San Lorenzo Ruiz, and barangays Lugui and Matanlang in Labo attended the said activity. Joining them were the project team and key officials from DA-Bicol Region, as well as representatives from DA-BAR, Camarines Norte Provincial Agriculturist Office, Labo Progressive Multipurpose Cooperative (LPMPC), and Camarines Norte State College.Boribor also shared how the quality of their pineapple fruit improved from using the technology introduced through the project, Technology Adaptation for Queen Pineapple-based Farming System in Camarines Norte. Implemented by DA-Bicol Region led by Jasmin M. Dacillo in June 2021, the project aimed to increase the production and income of pineapple growers by introducing the double row planting spacing and intercrops, along with the package of technology for Queen Pineapple production.“Makalipas ang dalawang taon ay nakita namin, siguro naman po ay nakita niyo rin, na mayroong magandang resulta ang ating proyekto. Napakagandang balita po nito sa amin dahil ibig sabihin ‘yong pondo pong inilaan namin dito sa proyekto ay hindi po nasayang. At ‘yong pondo po na ito ay hindi ko po ito pondo o pondo ng mga kasama ko rito, public funds po ito, taxpayers’ money. So makikita po natin na hindi po siya napunta sa wala lang,” said DA-BAR High Value Crops focal Juan Nikolas A. Paller.On behalf of DA-BAR, Paller also expressed his gratitude to the farmer-cooperators of the project whose hard work, along with the efforts of the implementing agency contributed to the success of the project. He also reminded the DA-Bicol Region to ensure that more pineapple growers will benefit from this technology.LPMPC general manager Mario M. Espeso signified their cooperative’s support in buying the farmer-cooperators’ harvest, especially the butterballs which do not make it to the traders’ truck.“Ang ating processing center sa Malasugui ay may capacity na 3,000kg kada araw. Ang ginagamit po natin doon ay mga butterball, ‘yong 250g to 350g na usually ay iniiwan ng ating mga trader. Kung sa pag-ani po ninyo ay may natirang pinya, bibilhin po ‘yan ng kooperatiba. Makipag-ugnayan lang po kayo sa amin,” he said.Meanwhile, Camarines Norte provincial agriculturist Engr. Almirante A. Abad shared their efforts and experiences in linking the pineapple farmers with institutional buyers such as Dole and Dizon Farms, which, unfortunately, the farmers in Camarines Norte could not keep up with due to inconsistent quality and volume of the pineapple fruits produced. Abad encouraged the attendees to adhere to Good Agricultural Practices on pineapple production, maximize this opportunity, and ensure that their produce is at par with the qualifications of the institutional buyers.DA-Bicol Region-Research Division chief Corazon A. Orbon assured the farmers that the department will continue to provide research-based technology interventions and technical assistance in improving the productivity and quality of their pineapples.

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Jun 05, 2023

DA-BAR supports Zero Kilometer Project for Food Security

The DA-BAR, through assistant director Joell H. Lales, participated in the joint ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Zero Kilometer (Zero KM) Project at the Office of the Secretary, DA Central Office on 5 June 2023.The Zero KM project holds significant promise in enhancing food security, supporting local farmers, and preserving the environment. By encouraging the consumption of locally grown produce and minimizing transportation distances (hence the concept of food traveling “zero kilometer” before being consumed), the project strives to create a sustainable and healthier nation. The collaborative efforts of various government agencies and local officials in Hermosa and Dinalupihan, Bataan demonstrate a unified commitment to achieving these goals. As part of the agreement, DA-BAR will provide funding for research that will analyze the factors influencing supply and demand in the two municipalities. The research will delve into commodity prices, expenditure movements, identification of major stakeholders in the market economy, and consumer behavior analysis.“We, at DA-BAR, support studies and projects like this; because with the Zero KM project, we are pursuing three important goals: promoting income from local production, reducing marketing costs to increase income for producers, and preserving the environment by minimizing pollution from transporting goods. These efforts contribute to a healthier and food-secure nation,” said Lales.The MOA signing solidified the commitment to achieve the targets set by the Zero KM Project. DA senior undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, speaking at the ceremony, underscored the initiative’s importance as part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos’ commitment to establish a food-secure nation.Signatories to the MOA included DA-Bureau of Plant Industry director, DA-High Value Crops and Development Program director and National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban, DA-Central Luzon regional technical director for Operations and Extensions Dr. Eduardo L. Lapuz Jr.,  Hermosa, Bataan mayor Antonio Joseph R. Inton, Dinalupihan Committee on Agriculture and Fishery chair Elizalde M. Torno, and Bataan Peninsula State University vice president of Academic Affairs Dr. Thelma D. Manansala.

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Jun 02, 2023

Reappointed DA-BAR assistant director Lales espouses working as a team

“If we internalize our mandate and live by it, we will realize our worth in the organization, our importance as an individual and how we are going to function as a team,” said reappointed assistant director Joell H. Lales to DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) employees as he rallies them to work in harmony to efficiently do their respective jobs in the bureau and effectively serve its R4D stakeholders especially the farmers and fisherfolk.Lales, who was reappointed Director III (Assistant Director) on 2 June 2023, also thanked the employees for their support during his incumbency as OIC-director of DA-BAR from 24 October 2022 to 2 May 2023.Lales was a four-time awardee as Outstanding DA-BAR Employee under different categories since he joined the bureau in January of 2004 as Agriculturist II. He later assumed various designations such as senior executive assistant and planning officer, until he became chief agriculturist in 2011 and headed the Program Development Division until 2020 when he was designated OIC-assistant director. He was appointed full pledged assistant director in March 2022 and was designated OIC-director in October 2022.His expertise in the field of research management, policy studies, institutional development, and project development and implementation enabled him to contribute valuable inputs in elevating the level of services of the bureau and benefited our partners and stakeholders in the agri-fisheries sector. As a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture graduate from the University of the Philippines (UP) Los Banos, Master of Technology Management from UP Diliman, ongoing student of Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Sciences at Pampanga State Agricultural University and having served various designations in the bureau, he is equipped with knowledge and in-depth experience on organizational management and supervision which made him effectively and efficiently performed his designated tasks.During his term as OIC-director, he set to implement a pro-farmer, pro-poor agenda through industry- and market-driven technology innovations, scaling up of best-bet technology-based interventions, prioritizing the poorest provinces in the country and partnering with the private sector in implementing R4D programs. He now sets to pursue the DA-BAR Enhanced R4D Directions under the leadership of reappointed director Dr. Junel B. Soriano. He ensures director Soriano that he has a one big DA-BAR family to support his leadership, with future leaders inspired by him and who will continue to work hard for the bureau.Assistant director Lales believes in every employee’s skill and talent and trusts them that they can do their jobs well in serving the R4D stakeholders. He asked the employees to break whatever barriers they encounter in performing their tasks efficiently and effectively.“In my more than two decades of service in the bureau, I have seen how hardworking the DA-BAR employees and officials are, and this assures us that whoever heads this bureau can rely on its employees to fulfill its given mandate by working harmoniously as a team,” he said.