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Manila Bulletin

11

Awareness: More agricultural trading centers rising

Agricultural trading centers are rising within the year in Benguet, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, and North Cotabato, under a partnership with the government, local government units and the private sector.

Tempo

3

More agricultural trading centers rising

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Balita

5

Rommel Tabbad

Bawang, sapat

Paliwanag ni DA Sec. Proceso Alcala, hindi na kailangang mag-angkat ng bawang ang bansa upang mapunan ang tinatawag na market shortage, dahil tumaas ng 120 porsyento ang lokal na produksiyon nito ngayong taon.

Pilipino Mirror

15

Monchet Larano

P630-M budget vs El Niño hiling ng DA

Umaasa ang DA na aaprubahan ng DBM ang kanilang hinihinging P630-M pondo para matulungan ang mga maaapektuhan ng El Niño phenomenon.

Manila Times

B2

James Galvez

PhilMech to push new mango drying method

The DA-PhilMech said that the testing of the locally developed Far Infrared and Convection Heating mango-drying machine will be an important step toward its eventual commercialization.

Daily Tribune

2

Charlie Manalo

Solon wants excise tax to fund roads, bridges for tobacco farmers

Aside from infrastructure projects, Rep Rodolfo Albano said RA 7171 also allowed funding for cooperative projects, livelihood projects, and agro-industrial projects.

People’s Journal

12

Paul Gutierrez

Suspects in rice smuggle try hauled to court

The government through the BOC, filed smuggling charges against top officials of an import/export company and its broker for their involvement in an attempt to smuggle into the country imported Vietnamese rice at Subic Freeport worth P30 million.

Manila Bulletin

B3

Raymund Antonio

BOC seizes P9-M smuggled garlic

Operatives of the Customs Enfocement Group yesterday seized 6, 948 bags of garlic stacked in four container vans, which were left unclaimed by its consignee, Aqua Blue marine Trading, in the Port of Manila.

Pilipino Star Ngayon

2

P8-M smuggled bawang inabandona sa warehouse, nabisto ng Customs

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Manila Bulletin

13

Danny Estacio

Quezon farmers get P7-M funding

The Farmers Federation in Lucena City expressed gratitude for the P7-M funding extended by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada for various agricultural projects.

Manila Bulletin

5

Marvyn Benaning

Mindanao farmers’ evacuation reaches UN

Reports on the forced evacuations of 6,500 Mindanao farmers and their families from areas of intense military operations wi8ll be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council in time for review on May 29.

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Business Mirror

B3

Photo Release:  DA Sec. Alcala hands over the farm inputs and tools that form part of an initial P35M worth of assistance to farming families affected by Typhoon Pablo to Gov. Arturo Uy of Compostela Valley province and Gov. Rodolfo del Rosario of Davao del Norte province in simple rites held in Compostela Valley’s Nabuntuan town on December 19.  

The Manila Times

A6

James Galvez

P6-M earmarked for Bicol upland rice farming

To boost Bicol’s contribution to national rice production, the DA is carrying out P6M organic upland rice farming in the region, which capitalizes on the native varieties’ drought tolerance.  

Business Mirror

B3

P6-M DA project to revive upland rice farming in Bicol

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Business World

8/S1

RJRP

Drought-tolerant rice variety pushed

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The Manila Times

B1

James Galvez

Record-high corn production seen in 2012

The country’s corn sector is expected to post record-high production this year as high grains prices in both local and international markets encourage farmers to plant more crops, the DA said.  DA Sec. Alcala said that corn production will exceed this year’s target of 7.8MMT as bumper harvest were recorded in major corn producing provinces that were unaffected by Typhoon Pablo. 

Manila Bulletin

11

Information:  Prospect of Philippine seaweed industry

Philippine seaweed production faces bright prospects with the rise in global demand for processed seaweed or carrageenan.  The government has allocated more funds in the 2013 budget to provide for technical training and input assistance to farmers, build infrastructure and postharvest facilities, establish seaweed nurseries, and increase the seedlings available to farmers. 

Tempo

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Prospect of Philippine seaweed industry

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Manila Bulletin

10

Editorial:  Mechanization input to farm productivity

A survey by the PhilMech of the DA showed that the level of farm mechanization in the Philippineshas risen to one horsepower per hectare from 0.52 hp/ha in the 90s, making it possible to catch up with neighbors in Asiaby 2016.  The DA launched last year its mechanization program for rice farming as part of efforts to make the country self-sufficient in rice by 2013.  (With photo of DA Sec. Alcala and PhilMech Exec. Dir. Rex Bingabing)

Tempo

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Editorial:  Mechanization input to farm productivity

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Balita

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Editoryal: Mekanisasyon para sa mabungang pagsasaka

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Business World

8/S1

SQ Meniano

Higher E. Visayas seaweed output sought

The BFAR plans to expand seaweed farms in E. Visayas by 400 hectares next year in a bid to increase production by at least 20%, the agency said in a recent statement. 

Manila Bulletin

15

Mark Anthony Manuel

Japan, Korea helping carabao sector

The PCC stationed at the CLSU signed an agreement withJapanandKoreafor the development of the carabao industry in the country.  The agreement aims to enhance the quality of animal products through technology exchange and regulate the veterinary medicinal products in the country. 

Business Mirror

B3

PNA

Western Visayas nearing rice-production target

Western Visayasis nearing its target production of 2.3MMT this year, with some 2.29MMT recorded as of end-October, it was learned on Tuesday. 

The Manila Times

B1

James Galvez

Sugar industry nearing peak of production

The SRA said it is now within 30% of the total sugar production target with the output expected to peak early January next year. 

People’s Journal

5

Coco industry needs gov’t aid – Magsaysay

Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay urged the government to align local economic activities in coconut producing provinces with the programs of the DA, PCA, and other agencies to give rise to a truly integrated farm management.

The Manila Times

A2

Magsaysay calls for government aide to coconut industry

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Balita

2

Raymund Antonio/Manila Bulletin

Danilo Lim ililipat sa NFA?

Ito ay matapos aminin ni BoC Comm. Ruffy Biazon na nakausap si retired Army Gen. Danilo Lim hinggil saplanong huli na magbitiw sa kanyang pwesto upang pamunuan ang National Food Authority.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

A6

Yolanda Sotelo

Fishkill strikes Anda

The fishkill was discovered along a kilometer of Kakiputan Channel flowing off Siapar village on Christmas Day, prompting fish cage operators to harvest their stocks.

Tempo

5

Jonas Reyes

PhilRice: Local rice arsenic-free

Unlike some 60 rice and rice products in the US, locally grown rice varieties are safe from arsenic.

Business Mirror

B3

Agri dept-to set up community radio stations

DA is looking to establish community radio stations in strategic areas in the country to further expand its advocacy and technology-dissemination efforts.

Business Mirror

B3

DA projects receive good practice award

MRDP 2 and InFres each received a Good Practice Award from NEDA. 

Business World

2/S1

Raymond Jun Portillo

US sees Philippine dairy market expanding further

According to a USDA report, dairy products are the country’s second largest agricultural import after wheat.

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The Philippine Star

A26

Czeriza VCalencia

Banayo to run for Congress

NFA Admin. Angelito Banayo confirmed yesterday that he has resigned from his post effective Sept. 30 to run for Congress.  He said he is intent on pursuing legislation for food security and on clearing NFA of its P143M debt.  Banayo is running for congressman in the first district of Agusan del Norte,  Next week, he will file his candidacy under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).      

People’s Journal

2

Joel dela Torre

NFA chief quits

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Pilipino Star Ngayon

2

Angie dela Cruz

NFA boss nagbitiw

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Malaya

A5

New round for rice quota

The NFA n Wednesday said that there may be new round of negotiations for quantitative restrictions on rice, following the resignation of its administrator.  The government will have to appoint a new lead negotiator to lobby the retention of the QR on rice, which expired in June 2012. 

Business Mirror

B2-7

Jennifer Ng

Thailand’s demand biggest hurdle to PHL’s bid for rice protection extension

The demand of Thailand for the guaranteed purchase of some 600,000MT of milled rice poses the biggest problem to the Philippines to extend a protection on rice traded under the WTO.  Officials of the NFA said Thailand is negotiating for the guaranteed purchase of rice under a government to government deal in exchange for allowing the Philippines to extend the quantitative restriction (QR) on rice. 

Business Mirror

B2-7

Jennifer Ng

NFA council ‘apprehensive’ over farmers’ bid to export corn

While the export of corn could be beneficial  to farmers in the immediate future, the MNGA expressed apprehension that this could pose problems should the country be faced with a shortage due to destruction caused by strong typhoons next year.  NFA admin. Banayo said that the NFA council has yet to decide on the request of the PhilMaize to export surplus corn from the current crop year. 

Business World

S1/7

BFVR

WTO negotiations on rice quotas to hit snag

The ongoing negotiations for the extension of the Philippines’ special treatment on rice pending before the WTO may hit a temporary snag after the country’s chief negotiator said he is set to leave his post to pursue a congressional bid next year.  The DA will have to appoint a new lead negotiator for the team, which could mean changes in the current position. 

Manila Bulletin

2

Raymund Antonio

BOC moves vs meat smuggling

The BoC yesterday conducted a “walk through” on imported meat release facilitation procedures in the Manila International Container Port (MICP).  Customs Comm. Ruffy Biazon accompanied the country’s local hog and poultry raisers top demonstrate the rigid processing of meat products in response to their clarion call against meat smuggling. 

Balita

5

Ellalyn de Vera

Kakapusan sa pandaigdigang pagkain, matutugunan

Sa gitna ng paghahanda sa matitinding epekto ng climate change sa pandaigdigang produksyon ng pagkain, na nagdudulot ng kakapusan ng tubig para sa pananim at pagbabaha sa mga bukid, ipinanukala ng tatlong Pilipinong eksperto ang “climate smart agriculture” (CSA) upang matugunan ang climate change at matiyak na sapat ang produksyon ng pagkain sa bansa.  Tinalakay ang CSA nina BSWM Dir. Tejada, PCIC senior vice-president Cajucom at climate change technical adviser Dr. Godilano sa 2^nd Global Conference in Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Changes sa Hanoi, VBietnam.  

Balita

5

Light Nolasco

Imported carabao, kinain kaysa ipangsaka

Mahigit 500 mamahalin at imported na kalabaw na binili ng Pilipinas para magamit sa pagsasaka ang hindi napakinabangan, sa halip ay naging laman-tiyan, nang gawing tapa at steak.  Sa 2001 year-end report ng COA sa PCC, lumalabas na 530 imported buffalo na binili ng ahensiya mula 1999 hanggang 2004 ang hindi nagamit sa pagsasaka. 

Manila Bulletin

15

Vegetable project

DA’s Gulayan sa Paaralan program has benefited more than 120 public elementary and secondary schools in Region 12.

Business Mirror

B2-7

Goat-raising course for women, fishers in 7 MisOc towns set

Participants will learn the general husbandry practices and techniques, including breed identification, body management for women, fishers and farmers.

Business World

6

Declining enrollment in farm courses noted

State efforts to improve the country’s food security is being challenged by the continued decline of enrollment in agricultural courses.

Malaya

B1

Evangeline de Vera

SC stands pat on coco levy

The Supreme Court yesterday stood pat on its Jan. 24, 2012 ruling which unanimously upheld a Sandigangbayan ruling that awarded the 24% block of shares in SMC registered in the name of the CIIF and the holding companies in trust for coconut farmers.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

A10

Mar Arguelles

Gov’t to seize Vietnam rice in Albay

The 94,000 bags of imported rice from Vietnam worth P112.8 million face possible confiscation after NFA – Albay failed to present the necessary import permits on Wednesday to prove that the cargo was not smuggled. 

Manila Times

A7

Rhaydz Barcia

Syndicate uses farmers to corner rice imports

Rice smuggling in the country is on the wane but big-time rice traders are still at it, maneuvering to corner rice importations.

Manila Times

A1

AFP/Ritchie Horario

El Niño may come back within days – UN weather agency

The surface of the Pacific warmed in July and August, providing part of the mix necessary for El Niño to develop. 

Manila Bulletin

B7

Zac Sarian

Beekeeper score new DA order

Members of the Beekeeper Network Foundation of the Philippines assailed the new order of DA transferring official control and regulatory requirements of the Honeybee Industry from BPI to BAI.

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Manila Bulletin

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P83-M ‘AA’ Iloilo abattoir inaugurated

Sen. Drilon and DA Sec. Alcala recently inaugurated an upgraded P83-M double ‘A’ abattoir or slaughterhouse in Iloilothat will pave way to transforming the province and Western Visayasinto a major livestock producer and source of quality meat and meat products. (with photo)

The Manila Times

B2

James Galvez

DA bans Australian poultry products

The DA has temporarily suspended the importation of poultry and other poultry products fromAustraliabecause of the reported outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). 

Business World

8

DA bans Australian poultry

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Pilipino Mirror

15

Monchet Laraño

Manok mula sa Australia bawal sa Pinas

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The Philippine Star

2

Paolo Romero, Jose Clapano

House to summon DTI, BOI officials on Thai poultry firm

Officials of the DTI and Board of Investments (BOI) will be summoned to a House of Representatives hearing on Tuesday over their questionable move to grant a seven-year tax holiday and other perks to a Thai-owned hog and poultry firm Charoen Pokphand (CP). 

Manila Bulletin

15

PNA

Irrigation program

The NIA has earmarked a total of P243.5M for three irrigation projects being implemented by the agency inDipologCityand a municipality in Zamboanga del Norte. 

Philippine Daily Inquirer

A6

Senate asked to probe NIA privatization

The NIA stands to lose some P114M a year in revenues when it implements a highly questionable contract that privatizes the operations of its Baligatan minihydropower plant in Ramon town, Isabela, documents received by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee showed. 

Manila Bulletin

7

PNA

Thousands jobless during the fishing ban

Leaders and officials of the labor, manufacturing, fishing fleets, and other fishery sectors met yesterday to finalize plans to reduce the effects of a dormant fishing and cannery industry following the imposition of a closed season for catching sardines starting Saturday. 

Philippine Daily Inquirer

B6

Riza Olchondra

Perks for Thai agri giant hit

Livestock producers currently working on an industry roadmap to develop the local industry are crying foul over incentives granted by the BOIA to Thai-led Charoen Pokphand (CP) Foods Corp. for an integrated poultry production project. 

Balita

Bert de Guzman

P487M illegal rice importation, sinisiyasat

Patuloy na sinisiyasat ng House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability ang umano’y illegal rice importation sa pamamagitan ng pagpasok nito sa Subic at Legazpi ports na nagkakahalaga ng P487M. 

Philippine Daily Inquirer

B6

Ernesto Ordoñez

Commentary: Carabaos and credit

Today, 99% of our milk is imported.  The NSO shows that our dairy product importation grew by 18% from $715M in 2010 to $843M in 2011.  For food self-sufficiency, as well as providing much-needed jobs in the rural areas, we should have an aggressive program to improve domestic milk production.  Access to credit is therefore the key to expand our carabao milk industry. 

Pilipino Mirror

3

Atty. Jose Rojas III

Pusong Panalo:  Patungo sa Food Security – Part 2

Inutusan ng Pangulo kamakailan ang DBM na maglabas ng P1-B para sa DA upang magamit nila sa malawakang implementasyon ng Agrarian Production Credit Program.  Ang mga hakbang na ito mula sa pamahalaan at sa pribadong sector ay magdudulot ng magandang resulta sa hinaharap sa anyo ng mas malusog at tuloy-tuloy na kaunlaran na siyang titiyak ng seguridad sa pagkain at upang masuportahan ang sarili nating pangangailangan nang umaasa sa produkto ng ibang nasyon. 

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Philippine Star

B6

Czeriza Valencia

2 DA projects get NEDA award

Awarded by NEDA are DA projects MRDP2 and INFRES.

Manila Times

A6

James Galvez

‘Pablo’ damage to agriculture balloons to P29 billion

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said that the loss was higher because a big part of the areas battered by Pablo were planted with high value crops.

Manila Bulletin

BC

PhilRice tests rice for arsenic

PhilRice chemist Joy Bartolome Duldulao said that unlike some 60 rice and rice production the US that the FDA reported to contain cancer-causing arsenic, “locally grown rice varieties are safe from it.”

Manila Bulletin

13

Jonas Reyes

Shellfish safe

Residents in Central Luzon could still enjoy seafood Noche Buena this coming holidays as the provinces of Bulacan, Zambales and Bataan remain free from paralytic shellfish poison or commonly known as red tide.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

15

Monchet Larano

Group warns against tobacco tax evaders

Calling it an “unqualified step forward,” a regional antitobacco group yesterday lauded the Philippines’ enactment of a “sin tax” reform law but warned of renewed efforts by the tobacco industry to evade the law.

Manila Times

James Galvez

P1.5B set aside for irrigation repairs

The government will begin by January next year the restoration of damaged irrigation facilities in Mindanao to prevent major disruption in cropping calendar, particularly on rice crops, the NIA said on Friday.

The Daily Tribune

4

Charlie Manalo

‘JV’ slams Noy government for ignoring tobacco farmers

San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito Estrada yesterday chided the Aquino government for its failure to draw up a program for hundreds of thousands of tobacco farmers and workers who are at risk of being displaced once the Sin Tax Reform Act is implemented.

The Daily Tribune

3

Charlie Manalo

Mitos: Hire banana farmers in cash –for-work program

The government should devise a strategy to help the agriculture industry recover in areas hardest hit by typhoon “Pablo” amid reports that many plantation owners are opting to shut down operations in the wake of billions worth of damage to their crops.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

B2

Ernesto Ordoñez

Commentary: Ineffective anti-smuggling efforts

Smuggling is still rampant in the country and one estimate says that the government loses as much as P320 billion a year in foregone revenue due to smuggling. It is time we supplement the ineffective piecemeal anti-smuggling effort with systems approach using PPP-OCAS that will put an end to today’s smuggling scourge.