News Monitor April 11, 2013

 

Submitted by Adora D. Rodriguez/Arlhene S. Carro  (DA-AFIS)

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Manila Bulletin

B2

 

Photo Release:  The DA will spend P200M this year and P300M in 2014 to encourage more farmers to plant hybrid rice varieties, double the area planted from last year’s 164,787 hectares to 388,000 hectares in 2014, and contribute to attain rice self-sufficiency by end of 2013.  DA Sec. Alcala said the DA will continue to promote private and public hybrids, particularly those developed by the PhilRice, during the 1st National; Hybrid Rice Congress. 

Business Mirror

B3

PNA

PHL, China team up to develop super hybrid rice

ThePhilippinesis poised to attain a high-average rice yield of 10 MT per hectare as it collaborates withChinato develop super hybrid rice that can potentially push production cost to P5 per kilo.  The target is seen possible as the superhybrid rice developed by the China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development )CNHR-RDC) has yielded 13.5MT in 2011. 

Manila Bulletin

4

Ellalyn de Vera

Gov’t welcomes super hybrid rice

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Business World

S1/7

RJRP

Agency seeks better ways to grow rice

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Manila Bulletin

B1

 

Demo farms

DA Sec. Alcala said the DA will establish more hybrid rice techno-demo farms in major producing provinces in partnership with private seed companies. Farmers’ groups and irrigators’ associations, LGUs to promote the planting of high-yielding hybrid rice. 

The Philippine Star

B3

 

Hanjin subsidiary seeks NFA endorsement

A subsidiary of Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industry is seeking an endorsement form the NFA for its prospective grains project.  In a proposal submitted to the NFA, HHIC-Mindanao Inc. is asking for permission to construct a multi0-indsutry cluster (MIC) inMindanaofor rice and corn cultivation.   

Business Mirror

B3

Interaksyon.com

SoKor firm’s bid to plant rice, corn underevaluation

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Business World

6/S1

 

Agribusiness eyed

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Malaya

A3

Madelaine Cabrera

Hanjin affiliate to invest P11B in rice production

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The Manila Times

B4

James Galvez

Hanjin unit eyes agribusiness venture in Misamis Oriental

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Manila Standard-Today

B1

Anna Leah Estrada

Hanjin investing in farm

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Pilipino Mirror

15

Monchet Laraño

Korean company mamumuhunan sa produksiyon ng mais, palay

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Business World

S1/7

NLG

Negros festival highlights organic farming

Negros Occidental is showcasing its gains in organic agriculture in this week’s 20th year celebration of Panaad Sa Negros.  Gov. Alfredo Marañon noted that DA Sec. Alcala has declared the province as leader in organic farming in the country. 

Business Mirror

B3

Marvyn Benaning

NFA surpasses palay-procurement target fort Q1

The NFA has broken its palay record but it still has to abide by its mandate to purchase 10% of the total annual palay output to influence the rice of the staple.   NFA said it bought 2,244,142 bags of palay for the first quarter of 2013, 38.22% higher than its quarterly target of 1m695,900 bags.   

Manila Standard-Today

B1

Anna Leah Estrada

NFA bought more rice

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Malaya

A3

 

NFA surpasses palay procurement targets

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Business World

6/S1

Raymond Portillo

NFA exceeds palay procurement target

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Balita

3

Ellayn de Vera/Manila Bulletin

VCO napatunayang mabuti sa kalusugan

Inirekomenda ng PCA ang pagtatanggal sa “no therapeutic claim” sa PCA-certified VCO products dahil sa napatunayang benepisyo nito sa kalusugan. 

People’s Journal

7

Joel dela Torre

PCA insists virgin coconut oil has therapeutic benefits

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Abante Tonite

8

 

Fisheries code rebisahin – Jack Enrile

Dahil sa pinsalang idinulot ng oil spill sa Bolinao, La Union, ilocos Sur at Ilocos Norte,  nagbigay ng babala ang BFAR sa mga apektadong komunidad na huwag munang mangisda dito hanggang di pa tapos ang paglilinis.

People’s Tonight

5

Jun Icban Legaspi

Paghuli ng galunggong pinag-aaralang ipagbawal

Sa ngayon maraming pang nahuhuling galunggong subalit gusto ng BFAR na maparami pa ang population nito para bumaba pa ang presyo sa mga palengke.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

A9

Jocelyn Uy

Red tide in 3 Mindanao bays

Based on  a BFAR report,DumanquillasBayin Zamnoanga del Sur,BaliteBayin Davao Oriental andMurcielagosBayin Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental have been found positive of paralytic shellfish poison.

Malaya

B2

Gerald Naval

Red tide warning in Mindanao

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Business Mirror 

A8

Jennifer Ng

PHL food sells P2 billion in Dubai

Immediate orders throughout the 4-day trade fair reached $11 million, where the projected value of sales orders following the show is expected to value over $42 million.

Business World

S1/7

RJRP

Mindanao to get own carabao dev’t center

PCC will build a second development center inMindanaobefore the year ends to support its aim of improving the quality of carabao meat and increasing production of carabao milk.

Business Mirror

B3

Marvyn Benaning

Searca backs program boosting agri, fisheries knowledge-management system

According to Searca, it has become necessary for information officers and regional managers of research institutions to sharpen their skills in packaging products of research in agriculture and fiheries into usable products in the field.    

Manila Bulletin  

11

Atty. Rome Pefianco

Now its rice from Cambodia

Our government recently signed a MOA on rice trade with theKingdomofCambodiato pave the way for NFA to import rice from the kingdom for two years.

Business World

S1/7

Reuters

China set for record corn imports on crop damage

Chinais likely to import a record volume of corn in the next marketing year, as the world’s second largest consumer takes advantage of a fall in global prices and after the domestic crop suffered damage from mold and wet weather delayed plantings.

Business World  

7

Reuters

Angry farmers, unsold rice:Thai intervention near crisis?

Thailandis set to sell half-a-million tons of rice on world markets at a loss, as it scrambles to offload a record stockpile deteriorating in quality in warehouse. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

News Monitor April 9, 2013

Submitted by Catherine Nanta, DA-AFIS

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Manila Times

B1

James Galvez

DA allots P500 million for hybrid rice growing

Agriculture Sec. Alcala said that of the total budget, P200 million will be spent this year and another P300 million by 2014, to increase hybrid rice utilization and encourage more farmers to increase their hectarage by 8-10% in 2014.

Business World

2

Raymond Portillo

DA budgets P200 M for hybrid rice

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Philippine Star

B4

Czeriza Valencia

DA allots P500M for hybrid rice farmers

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Business Mirror

B3

Marvyn Benaning

DA allots P500M for hybrid-rice promotion

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Malaya

A3

 

P500M set to encourage planting of hybrid rice

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Philippine Daily Inquirer

B3

Amy Remo

 

DA earmarks P500M for hybrid rice program

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Business World

7

 

Coco processor planning expansion

A unit of a Netherlands-based group plans to expand its coconut processing operations in Mati, Davao Oriental, the Trade department said in a statement yesterday.

Malaya

A3

 

Dutch group bares plan to expand coco coir project

-do-

Business Mirror

A4

Marvyn Benaning

More rice for Pinoys returning from Sabah

The NFA has released a total of 99, 500 bags of rice for distribution to Filipinos who fled Sabah and returned to Mindanao due to the conflict in the territory being claimed by the sultanate of Sulu.

Business Mirror

B3

 

Banana fiber-making industry augments income of farmers in Davao del Norte

What is commonly regarded as farm waste—the banana stalk or pseudostem is raising the incomes of banana farmers in Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte. Melanie Provido of the DA-HVCDP in Davao said, “we have to look for alternatives like diversifying markets and making new products to make the industry less vulnerable to shocks.

Manila Bulletin

15

 

Banana fiber yields additional revenue

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Manila Bulletin

15

 

Banana fiber yields additional revenue

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Business Mirror

B3

PNA

Prices of commodities remain stable in Sulu despite disrupted trade—DTI

Trade Usec. Zenaida Maglaya stressed that supplies of basic commodities are enough to meet the residents’ needs. She said the department want to ensure that supplies are available as it expects more evacuees arriving from Sabah, where some 5, 000 Filipino families were reportedly displaced.

Business World

6

ENJD

Gov’t checking cement, flour retail prices

DTI Usec. Zenaida Maglaya said they have asked the cement manufacturers and flour retailers to explain high prices. She explained that farmgate prices of flour have fallen by around P40 but retail prices have not yet gone down.

Business World

4

Rolando Dy

The sugar industry under AFTA in 2015

In 2015, the sugar industry will face tough competition. The ASEAN Free Trade Agreement will fall to 5%.

Pilipino Mirror

15

Monchet Larano

Virgin coconut oil nakakaganda ng cholesterol

Umapela ang PCA sa BAFPS na payagan ang mga gumagawa ang VCO na tanggalin sa kanilang label ang katagang “no therapeutic claim.” Iginiit ni PCA adm. Euclides Forbes na makakatulong sa promosyon ang pagbabago ng label ng produkto.

The Philippine Star

2

Jess Diaz

Agriculture, tourism to suffer budget cuts next year

DA and DOT are among several agencies whose budgets will be reduced next year. Under the planned funding ceilings for agencies set by the DBM funds for the agriculture department will go down by P16.2 billion, from P64.5 billion this year to P48.3 billion next year.

Malaya

B4

Ducky Paredes

Jack: Farmers’ friend

Jack Enrile notes: “As we increase total agricultural production, we also increase the income of the farmers. They are able to put more food on the table, send their children to school, buy medicines, and perhaps, even acquire some appliances.  

Business Mirror

B3

 

Civil-society organizational lambast promotion, commercialization of GMOs in developing nations

Their opposition came during the International Conference on Adoption of Biotech Crops in the Developing World. Masipag national coordinator Mr. Chito Medina said that aside from the high costs of planting GM crops, many independent studies show that GMOs may have negative effects on the environment and human health.

Business World

9

Reuters

Don’t look for cheaper food yet

Consumers can’t bank on a year of cheaper food, despite predictions of bulging grain crops in the US and other major global producers that have dragged future prices back from last year’s record highs.

Philippine Star

A20

AFP

WHO: No proof of China’s bird flu spreading among humans

WHO representative Michael O’Leary said that, “Although we do not know the source of infection, at this time there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission.

-      end –

 

 

News Monitor April 10, 2013

 

Submitted by Adora D. Rodriguez/Arlhene S. Carro  (DA-AFIS)

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Article

The Philippine Star

1

CzerizaValencia

No false claim: Virgin coconut oil is good for you

The PCA has asked the BAFPS to allow producers of VCO to remove the phrase “no therapeutic claim” from the labels of PCA-certified VCO products.  Results of a PCA-commissioned study show that VCO intake significantly increases good cholesterol in the body.  

Manila Bulletin

2

Ellalyn de Vera

PCA-certified VCO’s health benefits confirmed

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Business Mirror

B3

Marvyn Benaning

Coco agency: VCO can reduce cholesterol

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Business World

6/S1

 

Virgin coconut oil health benefits cited

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Business World

10/S1

LOP

Farmers, institutions to be feted for initiatives

Individuals as well as institutions into farming and fishing have been asked by the DA-12 to join the search for outstanding initiatives in agricultural development. 

People’s Journal

7

MPurificacion

Zubiri wants more scholarship grants to farmers’ children

The DA and the DOST should grant more scholarships to the children of farmers and students who want to work as farmers and to manage farms.  Zubiri said the DA and the DOST should show the youth that food crop farming can provide dependable income stream and job security. 

Malaya

A2

Madelaine Cabrera

Entrepreneur sells silk cocoon as beauty product

Thelma Watanabe, Organization for Industrial, Spiritual, and Cultural Advancement (OISCA)Philippinesexecutive director, is selling silk cocoons as beauty products.  She said that cocoons are very effective as moisturizer and exfoliant at the same time.  FIDA data showed that the OISCA which has 150 farmers contributed 80% of the country’s silk production. 

Balita

5

Jun Fabon

P32 billion agri-products, naipuslit

Noong 2012 umabot sa P10 billion o katumbas na 600,00 MT bigas ang naipuslit sa bansa. Kaugnay nito, hinimok ng Abono Party-List na paigtingin ng gobyerno ang monitoring sa mga pumapasok na bigas sa bansa na karaniwang idinadaan sa Visayas at Mindanao.

Pilipino Star Ngayon

7

 

Jack Enrile:Paglago ng agri ipadama sa farmers

Kaugnay ng lumabas na ulat ng DA na nagtala ng 3.5% paglaki ang sektor ng agrikultura, sinabi ni Senatoriable Jack Enrile na kung lumalago ang sektor, dapat lamang na gumanda rin ang pamumuhay ng mga magsasaka.

Business Mirror

A4

Jonathan Mayuga

DENR sets greening of Corregidor

DA also raised in 2012 some 1.2 million fruit tree seedlings as their contribution to the National Greening Program under the National Convergence Initiative.

Business Mirror

A4

Jonathan Mayuga/Lady Glorynne Fontamillas

Paje calls for water conservation despite adequate supply

Metro manila consumes water at the rate of 46 cubic meters per second while NIA requires 12 to 20 cubic meters per second depending on the cropping season.

Manila Bulletin

15

 

Agriculture awards

The Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards aims to encourage the full participation of all local government units involved in rice production.

 

 

 

 

 

 

News Monitor April 8, 2013

 

Submitted by Adora D. Rodriguez/Arlhene S. Carro  (DA-AFIS)

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Business Mirror

B3

 

Photo Release:  Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing; DA Sec. Alcala; Prof. Yuan Longping, China’s so-called father of hybrid rice; SL Agritech Corp. Chairman and CEO Henry Lim Bon Liong; and former PhilRice director and current DA rice program consultant Dr. Santiago Obien pose during the envoy and professor’s visit to the DA’s national office in QC on April 1. 

Manila Bulletin

1

EHL

Agri-Pinoy Centers

The DA is strongly supporting initiatives to enable farmers sell their produce directly to institutional buyers, assuring them of sustained bigger incomes.  DA Sec. Alcala made the assurance during a recent Farmers’ Entrepreneurship Program (FEP) forum, where 13 Agri-Pinoy Trading Centers would be set up in selected sites nationwide. 

The Philippine Star

C1

CzeirzaValencia

Phl, PNG eye deals for rice, fishery dev’t

The DA is preparing the groundwork for a technical cooperation agreement on rice production and fisheries with Papua New Guinea (PNG) that could provide investment opportunities for Filipino firms engaged in the two sectors. 

Business World

S1/2

Raymond Protillo

Rice, corn imports fall

Philippine corn and rice imports are expected to decline in market year 2013 to 2014 due to high local production of the two staples, the USDA said.  Last month, DA Sec. Alcala said thePhilippineswill import only 187,000MT of rice this year, around 63% lower than the 50-0,000MT imported last year, with thePhilippinesexpected to achieve rice self-sufficiency in the staple. 

Malaya

A2

Madelaine Cabrera

Roadmap readied for silk production

With silk industry in rapid decline, the Philippines is pinning its hopes on weaving a long-term for expanding silk production that would provide local producers better access to niche markets, including the European fashion industry. 

Pilipino Mirror

15

Monchet Laraño

DA-BAI nakaalerto vs brid flu

Nakaalerto ang lahat ng quarantine officer ng DA-BAI upang bantayan ang entry at exit point sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa laban sa bird flu. 

Business Mirror

B3

Jonathan Mayuga

DAR to promote new rice technology to boost production

The DAR will promote the adoption of a new rice technology to agrarian-reform beneficiaries to help boost the country’s rice production.  The DAR, together with DA and PhilRice, launched on Thursday at the rice agency’s headquarters, the new farming technology dubbed “reduced tillage farming,” which promises farmers relief from intensive land preparation and the high production costs of traditional rice farming without sacrificing yield. 

Business World

6/S1

Raymond Portillo

Coconut oil exports up 88%

UCAP Exec. Dir. Yvonne Agustin said that the volume of coconut oil exports grew by 88% to 320,000MT in the first quarter of 20-13 from 170,000MT in the same period last year.  In March alone, coconut oil exports more than doubled (125%) to 143,000MT from 64,000 MT in the same period last year. 

The Philippine Star

B2

CzerizaValencia

CNO exports up 125%

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The Philippine Star

B2

CzerizaValencia

Bayer CropScience launches new rice variety

Bayer CropScience Inc (Philippines) has launched Arize Bigante Plus, its most disease tolerant hybrid rice variety to date and has a potential of 32% higher yield than inbred. 

Business World

S1/2

Reyan Arinto

E. Visayas NFA exceeds target

The NFA E. Visayas has procured a total of 13,979 bags of palay, more than double the target of 6,000 bags for the period. 

Balita

4

Bella Gamotea

PHL-Cambodia rice trade, nilagdaan

Inaasahan ang pag-angkat ng aktibidad sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas atCambodiamakaraang pagtibayain ang MOA sa kalakalan ng bigas. Binuksan ng MOA ang daan para mag-angkat ng bigas ang NFA mula sa Cambodia sa susunod na dalawang taon sa Green Trade, na isang Cambodian public enterprise. 

Business Mirror

B3

Marvyn Benaning

Agriculture official bats for rice nutrition farming

NFAC’s Noel Juliano showed that farmers can reduce production costs by 30 percent and raise their incomes by 60 percent by using organic inputs.

Manila Times

A7

James Konstantin Galvez

Re-greening of Corregidor Island pushed

An agreement will be sealed between DA, DENR, the City ofCaviteand the Corregidor Foundation for the rehabilitation of the island under the government’s National Greening Program.

Business Mirror

B3

Marvyn Benaning

Reject harmful agri inputs and their promoters, says farmer-leader

The earlier people do away with agricultural inputs that actually degrade the soil, the better the country’s chances in achieving food sufficiency.

Malaya

A6

 

Food exports rise 12% but lag behind Asean

Exports of the semi-processed food and agriculture-based industries reached US$3.55 billion in 2012, an increase of 11.56% from 2011 figures. These sectors are expected to post continued volume growth, forecast at 6% in 2013 and 10% in 2014.

The Daily Tribune

1

 

Agri group say P32B yearly being lost from smuggling of farm goods

In 2012, the total volume smuggled agricultural products amounted to P32 billion. Comparing the volume of trade export of other countries with thePhilippinesto the import volume based on Customs records, as much as P10 billion or 600,000 MT rice was smuggled last year. 

Manila Bulletin

1

Liezle Basa Iñigo

Gov’t seen losing P30B annually to smuggling

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The Manila Times

A3

Jing Villamente

Smuggled agricultural products worth P32B

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Business Mirror  

A4

Jennifer Ng

P32-billion farm products smuggled in 2012 – farmers

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Philippines Daily Inquirer  

B4-3

Jose Rene Gayo

(column) Winning the war against poverty

It is true that DA have invested billions of pesos for farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, post-harvest facilities, farm equipment, subsidized fertilizer and seeds, research and development, and yet why are the farmers still the poorest of poor. It simply tells us that these programs are not making the intended big impact in lifting families of farmers from poverty.

 

 

 

 

 

News Monitor April 7, 2013

Submitted by Catherine Nanta, DA-AFIS

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Philippine Star

B2

 

Photo release: China’s father of hybrid rice

SPJA meets China’s father of hybrid rice and Chinese Amb. to the Philippines Ma Keqing, who called on him at the DA national office in Quezon City.

Manila Bulletin

B2

Melody Aguiba

Philippines starts exporting fancy rice to Hong Kong, United States, Dubai

The Philippines is exporting this year 100 metric tons of high-value rice to Hong Kong, Dubai, and the United States as a strategic plan to use fancy rice as a long term entry tool to global trade. The first 50 MT is set to be shipped to Hong Kong and Dubai within the month.

Manila Bulletin

B1

Manila Bulletin

PH to import rice from Cambodia

Just recently the Philippine government signed a memorandum of agreement MOA on rice trade with the Kingdom of Cambodia to pave the way for the NFA to import rice from that country for the next two years.

Manila Bulletin

18

Nonoy Lacson

ZDS back healthy organic farming

In an effort to promote healthy living and preservation of the environment, Zamboanga del Sur has established the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial College and Center for Organic Farming in the province.  

Manila Bulletin

B1

Elisor Recide

US company launches rice breeding

The breeding station of US Agri-seeds through local subsidiary SeedWorks Philippines Inc. (SPI) covers four to five hectares in Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

A23

Jaymee Gamil

 

Bird haven defenders get international boost

The Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area was recently included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Philippine Star

A22

AFP

China steps up response to bird flu cases

A second Chinese city culled bir4ds yesterday to prevent the spread of H7N9 avian influenza, which has killed six people in the country, as Shanghai’s live poultry market remained shut.

End

News Monitor April 6, 2013

Submitted by Catherine Nanta, DA-AFIS 

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Philippine Daily Inquirer

A3

 

Shellfish Bulletin No. 8

Based on latest lab results of the BFAR, shellfishes collected at Dumanquillas Bay and Murcielagos Bay are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory limit. Moreover, Balite Bay is now positive for red toxin.

Abante

6

Joselito Perez

Red tide sa Davao Oriental

Nagpalabas ng Red Tide bulletin ang BFAR na bawal muna ang pagkain ng mga mahuhuling shellfish sa Balite Bay, Davao Oriental.

Manila Bulletin

8

Tara Yap

NIA-6 mitigates erosion in IloIlo

Engr. Gerardo Corsiga, NIA-6 Regional Director said the concerns of nearby residents of embankment erosion are being addressed with ongoing repair works to fix the gates of the dam that controls the flow of water that runs along the Jalaur River.

Philippine Star

B4

Czeriza Valencia

US Agriseeds to expand corn breeding facility in Phl

The company which is putting up a breeding facility for hybrid yellow corn seeds in Mindanao also intends to put up additional rice test areas in Panay, Davao del Norte, Bukidnon, and Misamis.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

A7

Anselmo Roque

Wasting rice ‘crime’—China expert

Chinese professor Yuan Longping, the acknowledged developer of hybrid rice and a 2011 Magsaysay awardee for government service, rice wastage should be condemned and must be considered a crime.

Manila Bulletin

10

Editorial

 

The Panagyaman rice festival month

Recognizing that the month of April is the period of harvest of rice and other basic food crops, it has been declared “Panagyaman Rice Festival Month,” pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 606 s. 2004.

Tempo

6

Editorial

The Panagyaman Rice Festival Month

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Balita

6

Editorial

The Panagyaman Rice Festival Month

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Philippine Star

A22

Reuters

China culls poultry as bird flu death toll rises

Chinese authorities slaughtered over 20, 000 birds yesterday at a poultry market in the financial hub Shanghai as the death toll from a new strain of bird flu mounted to six, spreading concern overseas and sparking sell-off on Hong Kong’s share market.

Philippine Star

A22

 

US to develop bird flu vaccine

US health authorities said that they are liaising with domestic and international partners to develop a vaccine for the H7N9 bird flu virus that has killed five people in China.

End

News Monitor April 5, 2013

 

Submitted by Adora D. Rodriguez/Arlhene S. Carro  (DA-AFIS)

Newspaper

Page

Writer

Article

The Philippine Star

B15

CzerizaValencia

Phl to export 100-MT premium rice this year

ThePhilippinesis exporting around 100 MT of premium rice this year to Hongkong, Macau,Dubaiand theUS, according to DA Asec. Dante Delima.  The 50 metric tons of long grain aromatic white rice (Basmati-like), black rice and Jasponica brown and white rice would be shipped out in April.  Bound for Hongkong andMacauare 15MT of black rice from Tiaong, Quezon province, 20MT each of brown and white Jasponica rice produced by SL Agritech. Bound forDubaiare 15MT of long grain aromatic white rice from Region 12. 

Business Mirror

B3

Jonathan Mayuga

PHL to ship 50MT of fancy rice to HK, Dubai this month – DA

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Manila Standard-Today

B1

Anna Leah Estrada

PH set to export fancy rice this month

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Malaya

A1

Paul Icamina

PH imports .5M tons of rice; will export 50 tons

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The Philippine Star

B15

Jess Diaz

Agriculture to suffer biggest budget cut

The DA would suffer the biggest budgetary cut among state agencies in 2014.  Under the plan set by the DBM, funds for the DA, including those for projects, would go down by P16.2B, from P64.5B this year to P48.3B next year.  Of that reduction, P14.3B would come from the office of the DA Secretary, whose funding would go down from P56.6B this year to P42.3B in 2014. 

The Manila Times

A3

Neil Alcober

Peasant bloc dares Aquino to repeal IRRI immunity

Militant peasant groups Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and the Resistance and Solidarity Against Agro-Chemical TNCs on Thursday dared Pres. Aquino to repeal a Marcos-era decree that gives the IRRI immunity from Philippine laws and jurisdiction.   They said that IRRI is guilty of plundering farmers’ rice diversity around the world and to the death and illness suffered by rice farmers due to their promotion of poisonous pesticides and chemicals. 

Business Mirror

B3

Jonathan Mayuga

Repeal law giving IRRI immunity, militant groups urge Aquino

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Business World

10/S1

 

China mobilizes to fight new bird flu; Japan, HK on guard

The new H7N9 bird flu strain does not appear to be transmitted from human to human but authorities inHong Kongraised a preliminary alert and said they were taking precautions at the airport.

Business Mirror

B3

PNA

Summer heat could destroy crops in Northern Mindanao

Corn farmers who just planted the crop early this month in Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental provinces would likely suffer the most from the heat, especially if the crop is in the pollination stage. 

Abante 

4

Raymond Burgos

Sobrang swerte ni Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon

Dahil kakampi at kapartido nina Senators Guingona t Pangilinan si Biazon, naging mabait ang komite ng mga nasabing senador sa Customs Commissioner at ibinunton na lang ang sisi sa NFA dahil sa malaganap na rice smuggling.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

B2-8

Ernesto Ordoñez

Agri anchors, roadmaps, governors

Alcala directed the creation of agricultural commodity roadmaps that are now being pursued vigorously. These can only be useful if a spatial dimension is included in the roadmaps. The DA can even have a national contest where the governors with the most strategic agricultural roadmaps will be recognized.

 

 

 

 

News Monitor April 4, 2013

 

Submitted by Adora D. Rodriguez/Arlhene S. Carro  (DA-AFIS)

Newspaper

Page

Writer

Article

Manila Bulletin

B1

 

Photo Release:  DA Sec. Alcala meets Professor Yuan Longping,China’s ‘Father of Hybrid Rice,’ and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing, who called on him April 1, 2013, at the DA national office in QC.  Prof. Longping shared with the DA chief how he developed hybrid rice that madeChina self-sufficient and a major producer. 

Manila Bulletin

B3

Melody Aguiba

DA implements mechanized hybrid rice program with grant from China

The DA is implementing a mechanized hybrid rice program over a total of 300 hectares in a government ofChinaagreement as part of an original $500,000 grant that aimed to support the country’s rice sufficiency. 

Manila Bulletin

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Editorial:  First National Hybrid Rice Congress

The first National Hybrid Rice congress in being held on April 3-5, 2013 at PhilRice in the Science City of Muñoz, N. Ecija, led by DA and PhilRice. The theme is “Bigas na Sapat, Binhing Hybrid ang Kabalikat.”

Balita

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Editorial:  First National Hybrid Rice Congress

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Tempo

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Editorial:  First National Hybrid Rice Congress

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Balita

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Light Nolasco

National Rice Hybrid Congress ngayon

Idinadaos ngayon ang unang National Rice Hybrid Congress (Abril 3-5) sa PhilRice sa lungsod ng Science City of Muñoz.  Pangunahing pandangal sina Prof. Yuan Longpin (Ama ng Hybrid Rice), DA Sec. Alcala, DAR Sec. Virgilio delos Reyes at DENR Sec. Paje. 

Manila Standard-Today

B1

Othel Campos

New policy discourages new agriculture projects

An agriculture-related project withdrew its application for tax incentives from the Board of Investments because of the slow endorsement process at the DA. 

Business Mirror

A5

Marvyn Benaning

PHL silk seeks foothold in fashion capitals

While the fledgling Philippine silk industry is no match to those of Goliaths likeChina, the FIDA believes it could make the industry earn a niche in Europe and other more sophisticated markets, particularly fashion capitalsFranceandItaly.  Export earnings from silk and silk products reached $457,177 by end-2012, up from the $390,796 in 2011.  FIDA administrator Soriano said that based on their roadmap, they have to build an industry and they have to tap the DTI and other partners for the industry to put up a textile mill that will capture the production. 

The Manila Times

B3

James Galvez

Govt to weave roadmap for silk production

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Business World

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Raw silk production up

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Manila Standard-Today

B1

 

Silk exports increase

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People’s Journal

11

Joel dela Torre

Corn center to aid CamSur farmers

Some 2,000 farmers will benefit from the construction of a P42M worth of corn postharvest processing and trading center in CamarinesSur.

Manila Bulletin

B8

Erlinda Tiu

Goat project launched inSamar

The DA recently launched the Samar Island Small Ruminant Rural Enterprise Development (SAIS-SRRED) project, another potential money-earning farm enterprise considered as the sunrise industry in E. Visayas, at the Ciriaco Hotel,CalbayogCity,Samar. 

Business Mirror

B3

Joey Pavia  

Farmers’ Field School produces 869 graduates in Pampanga

With the assistance of ATI, PhilRice and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the FFS graduates studied the latest and modern techniques on planting rice, corn vegetables and high value crops.

Business Mirror  

B2-5

 

NGO launches food security program for Pablo victims

The program aims to provide the families with the ability to eradicate hunger by growing vegetables in their backyard all year round using a sequence of planting that does not deplete the soil.

Remate  

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Si Nangel lang ba magaling?

Tuloy ang panliligaw ni Administrator Antonio Nangel sa mga opisyal at kawani ng NIA para siya’y di maalis at manatiling boss sa ahensya.

Pilipino Star Ngayon

2

Angie dela Cruz

8 DA officials abswelto sa fertilizer fund scam

Dinismis ng anti-graft court’s 1st Division ang malversation charges laban kina regional directors Sumail Sekak, Leo Cañeda, Dennis Araullo, Oscar Parawan, Cesar Rodriguez, Roger Chio, Eduardo Lecciones, Jr., at Ricardo Oblena.  

People’s Journal

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Jester Manalastas

8 DA execs cleared

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Business Mirror

B3

Jonathan Mayuga

Farmer-scientist group seeks ban on GM crops

According to MASIPAG, the corn industry has long been benefiting from this pro-corporate anti-farm system, coupled with the very lax regulation of government agencies, including the BPI and quasi-government scientist.

Business Mirror  

B3

Marvyn Benaning

Farmer-leader backs wider propagation of biotech corn

ThePhilippinescontinues to be a leading player in the full commercialization of biotech food crops, beating such giants asChinaandIndia, both of which are promoting the cultivation of Bt corn.

 

 

 

 

News Monitor April 3, 2013

 

Submitted by Adora D. Rodriguez/Catherine Nanta  (DA-AFIS)

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Business Mirror

B3

Photo release

Alcala at mango congress. Alcala encourages participants at the 15th National Mango Congress to include other livelihood activities in their mango projects. 

Manila Standard Today

B1

Photo release

Father of hybrid rice. Alcala meets Professor Yuan Longping who shared with him how he developed hybrid rice that made China self-sufficient and a major producer. 

Manila Standard Today

B1

Anna Leah Estrada

Mango sector gets P15M

The amount would finance the projects of the Philippine Mango industry to help prop up the mango industry by providing needed interventions to attain major targets under the mango commodity road map.

Business World

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Raymund Jun Portillo

Rice price stable despite lower stocks

BAS data showed that total rice stocks as of March 1 fell by around 3.5% to 1.94 million metric tons from 2.01 MMT in the comparable period in 2012. These were also lower by around 4% from 2.02 million MT on Feb. 1.

Business World

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Raymund Jun Portillo

Agriculture department drafting quality standards for rice

DA will develop an internationally harmonized code for GAP for rice and formulate certification guidelines for all rice grown in the country.

Business World

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 Raymund Jun Portillo

Corn center to help CamSur farmers cut post-harvest losses

The P42M corn postharvest facility can reduce postharvest losses by 5% and will ensure the supply of dry corn even during wet season harvest.  

Malaya

A2

 

US complains of long period for PH tests on veggie imports

DA says it had provided its pest risk analyses for US-grown broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, cabbage, and celery to theUSin May 2011, the PRA process is yet to be completed.

Manila Standard Today

B1

Otehl Campos

US wants restrictions on vegetables lifted

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Manila Bulletin

B1

Bernie Cahiles Magkilat

US pushes open vegetable exports

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Manila Bulletin

B1

Edu Lopez

P421M rice processing center assistance

The P421M RPC will help farmers reduce postharvest losses and become less dependent on private millers.

Manila Bulletin

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Increase in coco exports seen

The Region-10 office of the PCA is expecting a five-fold increase inNorthern Mindanao’s coconut-based exports once the hybrid coco farms start producing seeds five years from now.

Manila Bulletin

B14

Mars Mosqueda Jr.

Cebu hosts SEAFDEC council meeting

Asian fisheries executives from 10 countries including those within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are in Cebufor the five-day 45th council meeting of the SEAFDEC that will discuss, among other matters, new technologies that can be used in ensuring abundant fish supply in the region.

Business Mirror

B3

PNA

Processing plant will not compete with canning firms-BFAR

The BFAR has vowed that its fish-processing plant at the RFFC in Fabrica village, Bula town, Camarines Sur province, will not compete with other canning companies. According to BFAR spokesman Ronald Canabe, the BFAR shall prioritize assisting local government units and fishermen’s associations in the production of canned fish products and hands-on training.

Business Mirror

A8

Max DeLeon

Govt eyes incentives for agri PPPs

The government will suspend incentives and subsidies to make agriculture projects under the public-private partnership scheme more attractive to businessmen and offset the inherent risks in the sector, including natural disasters, seasonality and effects of climate change.

Business Mirror

B3

PNA

DA trains rice farmers, irrigators in Zamboanga

The DA has finished training its third batch of farmers and irrigators under its Training of Trainers for Farmers/Irrigators Associations inPagadianCity, Zamboanga del Sur province.

Business World

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MJO Cantilero

Former agriculture officials cleared in fertilizer fund scandal

In a 17-page resolution dated march 27, the first division of the Sandiganbayan has dismissed malversation charges slapped against former regional directors Sumail Sekak, Leo Cañeda, Dennis Araullo, Oscar Parawan, Cesar Rodriguez, Roger Chio, Eduardo Lecciones, Jr., and Ricardo Oblena.  

Manila Bulletin

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Rolly Carandang

Sandigan clears agriculture department directors

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Malaya

A5

Peter Tabingo

Aggie execs cleared in fertilizer scam

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The Manila Times

A1

John Cordone

Sandiganbayan clears 8 agri officials in fertilizer fund scam

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Malaya

B6

AP

Corn prices plunge anew on high supplies

Corn skidded by nearly 8%, down 53 cents to $6.4225 per bushel. That also pulled down wheat, which fell more than 3%, and soybeans down 1%. 

Philippine Daily Inquirer

B4

Ronnel Domingo

 

PPP may include even risky projects in agriculture

The delayed public-private partnership may yet cover agriculture projects, but possibly with the much-maligned take-or-pay provisions.

Balita

5

Rommel Tabbad

Mangga mula sa Zambales, pinakamatamis

Ayon sa DA Region III pinasigla ang industriya ng mangga sa Zambales kasunod ng 15th National mango Congress.

Business Mirror

B3

PNA

Batangas farmers receive agri equipment

The provincial agriculture office distributed the implements to enhance livelihood standards, increase productivity and augment the farm output and income of the farmers.

 

 

 

News Monitor April 2, 2013

 

Submitted by Adora D. Rodriguez/Arlhene S. Carro  (DA-AFIS)

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The Philippine Star

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Photo Release:  DA Sec. Alcala and Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno share a light moment during the latter’s visit at the DA office in QC. On March 18.

Business World

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RJRP

Gov’t wants to expand hybrid rice experiments

The DA wants to open more areas to hybrid rice experimentation to ensure the country hits its rice self-sufficiency target.  The Philippine-Sino center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT), located in Muñoz, N. Ecija, is a joint project between thePhilippinesandChina.  It is focused on the development of a mechanized hybrid rice farming system. 

Business Mirror

B3

Marvyn Benaning

DA to implement 2nd phase of Chinese-supported hybrid-rice program

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Malaya

A3

 

PH, China to promote hybrid rice

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Balita

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Jun Fabon

P15M pondo sa mango farmers

Naglaan ang DA ng P10M ngayong 2013 para suportahan ang grupo ng mga mango farmers, habang P5M naman ang inilaan para sa mga gamit sa sakahan, bilang resulta ng Mango Congress. 

Malaya

A3

 

PhilMech to help 28 rice processing centers

The PhilMech will provide technical assistance to 28 small to large-sized processing centers (RPC) worth P421M to help farmers reduce post-harvest losses and become less dependent on private millers.  PhilMech executive director Rex Bingabing said the project, called “RPC 1-2-3” aims to establish milling facilities devoted in farming clusters devoted to palay so farmers do not have to transport the grains over long distances to have them milled. 

Business Mirror

B3

Marvyn Benaning

Govt to spend P431M to cut postharvest losses in rice

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The Manila Times

B3

James Galvez

More rice centers eyed nationwide

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People’s Journal

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Joel dela Torre

Gov’t to end farmers’ palay milling woe

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Business Mirror

B3

 

PHL targets $50-M coco coir exports by 2016

ThePhilippinesis seeking to increase export receipts from coco coir shipments to $50M by 2016, the DTI said.  Citing 20-11 data from PCA, the country’s coconut production and coco coir exports lag behind that of major coconut producing countries such asSri Lanka,IndiaandThailand. 

Business World

6

Sarwell Meniano

Abaca disease eradication prioritized

For this year, FIDA will focus on preventing the recurrence and spread of abaca diseases inE. Visayas, the country second highest abaca producing region.  Fida-7 has allotted P7.6M for the abaca disease eradication program targeted at 3,800 hectares of farms in the region. 

Business World

6

Sarwell Meniano

Constraints to coco industry growth tagged

Poor access to technology, and lack of unity among the stakeholders have been identified as the two min constraints to the development of coconut industry in E. Visayas.  PCA regional manager Edilberto Nierva said the agency is currently implementing a participatory coconut replanting program in the region to encourage farmers to plant high-yielding varieties. 

Business Mirror

B2-5

Manuel Cayon

750 hectares of farm hit by Pablo now rehabilitated

According to Task Force Alayon, a total of 148 hectares were added to the 602 hectares it had cleared in March. The team’s assistance gave residents of New Bataan hope to begin anew and helped relieve their sufferings from the effects of Pablo.  

Manila Bulletin

6

Leonard Postrado

P728M fertilizer scam witness rescued

Benhur Luy was detained because of his knowledge in several government-funded projects on behalf of JLN Group of Companies.

Malaya

A9

 

NWRB participates in Bangkok climate change workshop

ThePhilippinesformed a multi-disciplinary team composed of representatives from NEDA, CCC, DA and the NWRB to conduct economic analysis of a selected project as well as to participate in the regional training events. 

Philippine Daily Inquirer

A20

Ramon Tulfo

Custom bureau plays favorites

Three importers’ groups are complaining that BOC seized their shipments despite being given import permits by the NFA. Because the government approved the rice importation, NFA validated the shipping documents of the imported rice on March 4.

Business World

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BFV Roc

Customs bureau seizes rice shipment at Legazpi port

The BOC said that it confiscated 94,000 bags of the commodity, which arrived at thePortofLegazpifromVietnamafter the shipment’s consignees failed to show proof of payments for the corresponding duties and other required documents.

Malaya

A5

AP

Corn plunges on higher-than-forecast stock levels

Stock of corn totaled 5.4 billion bushels March 1, USDA said in its quarterly grain stocks report, exceeding analysts’ forecast.

Business Mirror

A8

AP

Two in China first known deaths from H7N9 bird flu

H7N9 bird flu is considered a low pathogenic strain that cannot be easily be contracted by humans.

 

 

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