PCAF’s GBEST paints clearer picture on gender equality

Dr. Leo Gallego, Gender Focal Person of NIA-RAFPEP, welcomes AFC volunteers during one of PCAF’s Gender-Based Effectiveness Skills Training (GBEST). The GBEST was conducted in a total of five regions this year.

To gain adequate understanding on the related concepts of gender and equality, around 200 Agricultural and Fishery Council (AFC) volunteers joined the series of Gender-Based Effectiveness Skills Trainings (GBEST) spearheaded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).

PCAF, through the Capacity Development Section (CDS), facilitated the training which focused on three aspects: mainstreaming gender; exploring gender and culture, and recognizing gender realities and issues.

According to PCAF CDS Chief Arsenia Perez, it was the first time for most of the participants to join a gender-based training.

“It is important that AFCs know that we, at PCAF, are doing this kind of training and that this is in line with the provisions under the Magna Carta for Women,” Perez added.

The training team explained that the inclusion of the topic on Mainstreaming Gender is so that they could introduce the different gender mainstreaming processes and concepts. The AFC volunteers also learned the evolution of gender paradigms and perspectives from its early initiatives wherein women were viewed as vulnerable, helpless and needing of protection. 

The second module, which was on Exploring Gender and Culture, tackled the different factors that affect how people perceive things depending on the social norms, people and environment.


Lastly, the third module focused on Recognizing Gender Realities and Issues wherein the male and female differences are recognized and the various gender issues that need to be addressed and understand were identified.

AFC volunteers in Cagayan de Oro each raise a star symbolizing their aspirations and commitment toward a sustainable and gender equal agri-fishery sector. 

Dr. Leo Gallego, Gender Focal Person of the National Irrigation Authority-Rapid Food Production Enhancement Programme (NIA-RAFPEP), shared his expertise and served as the GBEST Learning Facilitator.

For this year, PCAF was able to facilitate five batches of the GBEST. The training of the first batch was conducted in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan last August 25 to 28 and was joined by 27 male and female AFC volunteers. For the second batch, 28 AFCs joined the training which happened at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Freshwater Fisheries Center in Bula, Camarines Sur from September 8 to 10. 

All smiles for fairness and equality. PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan joins the fourth batch of AFC volunteers from Cagayan de Oro after the three-day workshop for PCAF’s Gender-Based Effectiveness Skills Training.  

The third batch, which had 24 attendees, was held in Cebu Business Hotel in Cebu City, while the fourth batch was held at the VIP Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City with 33 participants. The final batch was comprised of 25 volunteers and was held at Pinnacle Hotel in Davao City.

With the series of GBEST workshops, PCAF CDS Chief Perez believed that AFC volunteers have recognized the right perspective towards sexual preference of individuals which will help them improve their dealings or approaches toward the other members of the AFCs as well as their husbands or wives.

With the series of GBEST workshops, PCAF CDS Chief Perez believed that AFC volunteers have recognized the right perspective towards sexual preference of individuals which will help them improve their dealings or approaches toward the other members of the AFCs as well as their husbands or wives.

Report by: Jez Campaniel
Photos courtesy of: Capacity Development Section
For more of our latest news, visit http://pcaf.da.gov.ph/

2015 Gawad Saka national winners named

Members of the 2015 Gawad Saka Board of Judges (BOJ) have recently named the national winners of this year’s Search for Outstanding Agri-fishery Achievers. Chaired by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), which serves as this year’s National Secretariat, the deliberation on this year’s national Gawad Saka winners was held at the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Soils and Water Management and Bureau of Agricultural Research Compounds in Diliman, Quezon City. In attendance were representatives from the private sector, the academe and the media that comprised the BOJ and the members of the various National Technical Committees (NTCs) for each of the 23 categories. BOJ members came to their decision after careful assessment of the results of the NTC’s evaluation on the top three finalists under each category. The 2015 Gawad Saka national winners will receive their respective awards in a ceremony slated in December. Left photo shows one of the breakout sessions during the BOJ deliberation. Right photo shows PCAF Executive Director and 2015 Gawad Saka National Executive Committee Chairperson Ariel Cayanan receiving the results of the BOJ deliberation as turned over by BOJ member and radio broadcaster Louie Tabing.

Source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/deliberation.php

2015 Gawad Saka top 3 finalists picked

After a careful selection process, the 2015 Gawad Saka Search for Outstanding Agriculture and Fisheries Achievers now has its top three finalists as presented to the National Executive Committee (NEC) last September 17, 2015 at the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority Convention Hall, Visayas Ave., Quezon City. The top three finalists for the national level of the Search were selected for each of the 23 Gawad Saka categories following the field validation and evaluation conducted by the National Technical Committees (NTCs) which were created for each category. Divided accordingly into three groups for crops, institutions and research, and livestock and fisheries, the presentations were rendered by the NTCs during the breakout sessions. Each group was respectively moderated by Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority Dir. Clarito Barron, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Administrative Services Assistant Director Atty. Benjamin Tabios and Dir. Manuel Jarmin of the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF). The final presentation materials on the finalists will be submitted to the board of judges before their deliberation on October 5. PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan, who also serves as this year’s Gawad Saka NEC Chairperson, urged NTC members to continually draw inspiration from one another in ensuring the success of the Search this year and hoped that everyone’s efforts will help make Gawad Saka remain a relevant undertaking in the ever-changing agri-socioeconomic landscape. He also thanked everyone for the support being given to PCAF which serves as this year’s Gawad Saka National Secretariat.

Source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/finalist.php

Isidro Acosta is chairman of AGRILINK 2015

Philippine Maize Federation (PhilMaize) vice president and Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC) chairman Isidro Acosta has been tapped as chairman of the 22nd Agrilink International Trade Exhibit, slated on October 15 to 17 to be held at World Trade Center Manila.

As a corn farmer, he cited the success of Cagayan Valley’s corn production has increased to 1.857 million metric tons, contributing 24% of the country’s total corn output as of last year. The growth is driven by the promotion of yield-boosting and cost-reducing technologies such as hybrid corn seeds currently being subsidized and implemented by the DA’s Cagayan Valley Research Center (CVRC); expansion of corn planting into idle and new arable land; investment in postharvest facilities and farm mechanization technologies to increase production, reduce losses and improve quality; and development of linkages to create a competitive and sustainable market for the corn industry.

Acosta’s expertise will help provide entrepreneurs, stakeholders, and consumers a better understanding of how regional agribusiness development can improve our supply and value chains as well as address the increasingly changing consumer demand and the new technologies needed to keep our agricultural products globally competitive. “The regional agribusiness development approach to Cagayan Valley’s corn industry creates a competitive advantage where it brings cohesiveness into the various corn development initiatives from the government and private sectors. Some of these include the continuous implementation of the DA’s farm machinery program through the provision of equipment such as four-wheel drive tractors and implements for land preparation, planters and multi-crop combine harvesters, as well as infrastructure support through the Cagayan Valley Integrated Agricultural Laboratory, One Stop Shop Agribusiness Center, Agribusiness Development Centers and Agri-Pinoy Trading Centers, which also provide marketing assistance to farmers and cooperatives. Moreover, Region II corn farmers lead in mechanized land preparation. There is also increasing investment on processing, value-adding and storage facilities. The Mindanao Grains Processing Center in Reina Mercedes, Isabela, for instance, is the biggest in Southeast Asia,” Acosta said during an interview.

Aside from having 11 private feed manufacturers, plans are under-way to establish multi-commodity corn processing plants which can produce by-products such as corn flakes, oil, flour and grits. These can also create unique value-added products such as Gourmix, a rice and corn-based instant food developed by CVRC. In addition, the DA has provided accreditation and certification on Good Agricultural Practices for 118 corn, rice and mango farmers in Nueva Vizcaya to ensure high quality and competitive products. The region is also planning to establish commercial swine, poultry, livestock, cattle and dairy production and processing facilities, whose components include forage development, breeding management, disease prevention and control, animal health and reproductive management.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/isidro-acosta-is-chairman-of-agrilink-2015/

PCAF joins efforts to strengthen aquaculture engineering

The National Consultative Workshop on Aquaculture Engineering and Aquaculture-Fisheries Research Development and Extension Agenda for the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization RDE Network drew participants from various government agencies, agricultural engineering organizations and the academe, including staff from PCAF and representatives from the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization.

Around 100 officials from various government agencies, agricultural and aquacultural engineering organizations and academic institutions gathered on July 21-22, 2015 to tackle the development of aquaculture engineering in the country.

Recognizing the vital role of aquaculture engineering in the development of the fisheries sector, a National Consultative Workshop on Aquaculture Engineering and Aquaculture-Fisheries Research Development and Extension (RDE) Agenda for the Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization RDE Network (AFMechRDEN) was held at the Electrical Engineering Building, College of Engineering and Agro-industrial Technology, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Laguna (UPLB).

Spearheaded by the UPLB-Agricultural Mechanization Development Program (AMDP), the Professional Regulations Commission-Board of Agricultural Engineering and the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries through the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization, the consultative workshop served as a venue to strengthen and advance agricultural and biosystems engineering, particularly in the field of aquaculture engineering for the overall development and improvement of the agricultural and fisheries mechanization sector.

During the workshop, the participants reviewed and updated the aquaculture engineering-related courses in higher education institutions (HEIs) and the table of specifications in the board exams. They also reviewed and planned for the operationalization of the Aquaculture Engineering Practice of Agricultural Engineers and prioritization of Aquaculture Engineering Standards for development.

The workshop also focused on the training regulations on aquaculture mechanization and the Aquaculture and Fisheries Agenda for inclusion in the AFMechRDEN HEI Agenda.

Prior to the workshop, resource persons discussed various related topics such as the Agri-Pinoy Fisheries Program and the Status of Aquaculture Engineering in the Philippines; the Laguna Lake Development Program on Aquaculture Engineering; Industry Perspectives on Fisheries Engineering and Aquaculture Engineering; Status of the Aquaculture Engineering R&D in the Philippines; Aquaculture Engineering Courses as per Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order 37 of 2007; and the AFMechRDEN Agenda of AFMech Law, among others.

UPLB Chancellor Dr. Fernando Sanchez, Jr. encouraged everyone to work more closely to address the challenges faced by the agriculture and fisheries sector through research, development and extension and policy development especially in aquaculture.

He also emphasized the relevance of agricultural engineering, particularly aquaculture engineering as an industry and as a professional practice.

The consultative workshop was organized in line with the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 and the Fisheries Code that supports aquaculture engineering as a vital component in the development and modernization of the fisheries sector and in the implementation of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Fisheries Program.

Through the activity, the organizers also aim to address the provisions of the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Act of 1998 wherein aquaculture engineering constitutes as one of the scope of practice of agricultural engineering.

Furthermore, the consultative workshop is in accordance with the Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Law which mandates the UPLB-AMDP to lead and coordinate the agricultural and fishery mechanization RDE program of all academic institutions in the country. The law also tackles the development of training regulations on agri-fisheries mechanization which include aquaculture mechanization.

Under the law, the DA is also tasked to formulate a unified National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Research and Development and Extension Agenda in consultation with the members of the AFMechRDEN. 

Source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/writeup.php

NSC members join PCAF teams in project monitoring in Bicol

Driven by its commitment to foster greater participation of the private sector in agri-fishery development, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) continues to make possible the involvement of the members of the National Sectoral Committees (NSCs) in the monitoring of local agri-fishery programs and projects.

NSC officers Raul Montemayor and Hazel Tanchuling visit the site of the Abuyog Small Water Impounding Project in Sorsogon City.

In line with this PCAF, representatives and NSC members jointly conducted monitoring activities in the Bicol region on August 24-30, 2015.

Held in cooperation with the Agricultural and Fishery Councils, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Offices and local government units, the monitoring activities covered a total of 51 agricultural and fishery programs and projects in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon, most of which are programs and projects funded under the Bottom-Up Budgeting program of the government in 2014 and 2015.

PCAF-CFA Chairperson Arsenio Tanchuling visits a rain shelter project in Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

In a report submitted to PCAF for proper endorsement to the concerned agencies, NSC representatives tackled issues that affect the overall implementation of agri-fishery initiatives in the concerned sites and proposed measures to address them.

NSC members Dr. Ernesto Ordoñez, Aurora Regalado and Evangeline Palacio, together with a PCAF representative, conduct interviews about a crablet nursery project located in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

Some of the issues are on the dissemination of information, delineation of roles and functions of concerned parties, availability of funds, proper documentation, site selection, market access and compliance to standards, among others.

The joint PCAF and NSC monitoring teams also reported on their findings on the funding, completion and management of programs and projects related to various agri-fishery industries such as farm-to-market roads, flatbed dryers, diversion dams, irrigation facilities, small water impounding projects, fishery facilities, trading centers, food terminals, rice processing centers, rain shelters, seed banks, farm machinery and organic farming.

Towards food sufficiency

PCAF Committee on Livestock, Poultry and Feed Crops Chairperson Rufina Salas and PCAF-CFA member Marita Rodriguez during their field monitoring in Albay.

NSC representatives who took part in the said undertaking are PCAF Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture (CFA) Chairperson Arsenio Tanchuling, PCAF-CFA members Evangeline Palacio and Marita Rodriguez, PCAF Committee on Food Staples (CFS) and Committee on International Trade Chairperson Raul Montemayor, CFS members Aurora Regalado, PCAF Committee on Livestock, Poultry and Feed Crops Chairperson Rufina Salas, PCAF Committee on Climate Change (CCC) Vice Chairperson Hazel Tanchuling and PCAF-CCC member Ernesto Ordoñez.

The NSCs are private sector-led consultative bodies which provide venue for government agencies, civil society organizations and other groups to discuss sector- or industry-specific issues and concerns.

source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/nscBicol.php

Japan’s 2KR-assisted AKBay Program Phase II renews hope in Guiuan

A total of 596 fishing households in Guiuan, Eastern Samar benefitted from the fishing boats and engines provided under the AKBay Program Phase II, while 424 other families were given farming inputs. (Photo courtesy of DA-RFO 8)

After almost two years since typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck, the Government of Japan continues to reach out to farming and fishing communities in Eastern Visayas through the Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy Program for Typhoon Yolanda-affected Areas or AKBay Program Phase II.

On September 24, livelihood assistance under the AKBay Program Phase II was given to a total of 1,020 farming and fishing households in Guiuan in a ceremonial handover held at the town plaza.

Guiuan, a first class municipality in Eastern Samar with more than 47,000 people, was where Yolanda first made landfall, destroying over 10,000 homes as well as the locals’ major sources of livelihood: fishing and coconut farming.

Through the AKBay Program Phase II, the Government of Japan aims to assist Guiuananons restore their livelihood after the calamity.

Implemented under the 2KR Program, the AKBay Program Phase II aims to contribute to the recovery efforts of 8,500 displaced farming and fishing households in Biliran, Eastern Samar, Samar and Leyte. This is in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF).

Each aid package, worth P15,000, came in the form of farm inputs which include vegetable seeds, fertilizers and farm implements for farming families.

Fishing households, on the other hand, were given different packages such as one fiberglass boat (16 feet long x 16 inches deep x 16 inches wide), one diesel cool air 12hp motorboat engine, and municipal fishing paraphernalia, depending on their needs.

A fisherman starts over

Seventy-four-year-old Francisco Ablay of Barangay Camparang could not hide his excitement over the fishing boat provided to him.

Mang Francisco has been fishing for a living since he was in his teenage years. Until in November 2013, Yolanda robbed him of his lapu-lapu or grouper culture business including some cash and two fishing boats, forcing him to stop fishing for some time.

“I had lost all hope then. I used to earn up to P3,500 for my cultured lapu-lapu before Yolanda swept everything away. But I am thankful that I survived,” he recalled.

Mang Francisco has been living by himself for a few years now after his wife moved to Cavite to take care of their grandchildren. He recalled how he, on the day Yolanda struck, rushed to his nearby relative to save himself from the rising sea waters with nothing but the clothes on his back.

Through the assistance of different institutions, Mang Francisco’s life gradually returned to normalcy. However, because of the loss of his fishing equipment, Mang Francisco could only manage to earn P200 to P600 a week from fishing these days. 

According to Mang Francisco, the fishing boat from the AKBay Program Phase II will indeed help him re-establish his fishery enterprise.

“The assistance given to us by the Japanese Government is no joke. I know for a fact that the boats and engines cost thousands each,” he remarked.

Despite his deteriorating eyesight caused by cataracts, Mang Francisco is determined to get back in business and start culturing lapu-lapu again, “I am thankful to the Government of Japan for helping us here in Guiuan.”

Overflowing gratitude

Rose Mylene Lumagbas, together with her fellow farmers and fisherfolk in Barangay Trinidad, happily welcome their Japanese visitors.

Guiuananons holding ‘thank you’ signage greeted the Japanese officials and representatives from DA Regional Field Office 8, PCAF and the local government upon their arrival at the ceremony.

Among them was the group of Rose Mylene Lumagbas, 28, from Barangay Trinidad. A mother of four, Lumagbas eagerly waited for the boat provided through the AKBay Program Phase II.

“Fishing is our family’s only source of income and it’s the only work we can do since my husband and I were only able to finish high school,” Lumagbas said.

She added that the aid package will help them provide for the needs of their children, “All we ever want is for them to finish college and have a comfortable life.”

Together with her neighbors, Lumagbas travelled for around 30 minutes from the island of Tubabao to attend the ceremonial handover which coincided with the town’s 1st Fishers’ and Farmers’ Day.

PCAF Exec. Dir. Ariel Cayanan pays tribute to the resiliency and speedy recovery of the people of Guiuan after typhoon Yolanda’s onslaught.

Officials who graced the ceremony were First Secretary, Agriculture of the Embassy of Japan Kenji Terada, JICA Representative Yuko Tanaka, DA resident JICA Expert Takashi Fujimori, JICA Philippines Poverty Reduction Section Program Officer Sherilyn Aoyama, PCAF Executive Director Ariel Cayanan, RAFC 8 Chairperson Edgardo Codilla, Guiuan Councilor Cornelio Sison and other Sangguiang Bayan officials, and Eastern Samar PAFC Chairperson Inocencio Morallos.

In his speech, PCAF Exec. Dir. Cayanan lauded the Guiuananons for their resiliency and hoped that the support provided to them through the AKBay Program Phase II will motivate them to carry on the ‘bayanihan’ spirit in their respective communities.

First Secretary, Agriculture Kenji Terada of the Embassy of Japan reaffirms Japan’s commitment to support the realization of the vision for Yolanda-affected areas in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, First Secretary, Agriculture Terada encouraged the beneficiaries in Guiuan to make optimum use of the materials that they received under the AKBay Program Phase II. He also extended his sympathies to the Yolanda-hit locals, saying that the people of Japan are no strangers to calamities either, citing the Great East Japan Earthquake in particular.

“We hope to empower the affected communities for the restoration of the basics of livelihood. I believe our combined efforts will give the beneficiaries renewed hope and determination to overcome their difficulties,” he said.

Prior to the ceremonial handover in Guiuan, distribution activities for over 5,500 farming and fishing households were held in various areas in Biliran, Eastern Samar, Samar and Leyte starting April this year. Capability-building training activities on vegetable production in concerned municipalities have also been undertaken since late last year.

The ceremonial handover for the remaining 1,977 fishing households in the provinces of Biliran and Leyte will be held in the coming months.

source: http://www.pcaf.da.gov.ph/news/2015/2krJapan.php