The Tobacco News January - February 2015 issue

NTA, PhilHealth hold talks on tobacco farmers health benefits Volume VI, No. 1

January – February 2015

Left photo: Trading for Virginia tobacco in Ilocos Sur commenced with the opening of the PMFTC trading center in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur last February 27. The opening of the rest of the six registered trading centers in the second district of the province started by the end of the week. The Candon Office covers the whole of second district of Ilocos Sur, with about 44% of the total hectarage of Virginia tobacco farms in the country in the last cropping season. Right photo: The trading of Burley tobacco started in Pangasinan with the opening of the lone trading center for this tobacco type in Rosales town. NTA Pangasinan Branch Office staff inspected the grading and weighing of tobacco during the first day of trading. Burley leaves traded in Pangasinan accounted for about 42% of the total Burley production in Region 1 last cropping season.

Tobacco trading season starts early T OBACCO growers in Ilocos geared up for trading with cautious optimism about better profits and improved quality of tobacco after a generally low quality of leaves last year.

The tobacco trading operations for Virginia and Burley this year started on February 21, with the grant of request for official opening of the 14 registered/licensed trading centers in the Ilocos provinces.

The NTA Regulation Department in compliance with the Rules and Regulations on the trading of locally grown leaf tobacco, has issued License to Buy to 35 trading centers in eight NTA branch offices, Permit to Purchase to 12 wholesale tobacco dealers, Permit to Redry to four redyring plants, and Certificate of Authority to 65 field representatives to buy leaf tobacco.

NTA Administrator Edgardo Zaragoza said he was happy with the high level of preparedness by the trading centers and urged the traders to properly grade the produce and to respect the views of farmers.

He exhorted farmers to deliver only leaves that are free of non-tobacco related mate-

rials (NTRMs) and with the right moisture content to get a proper grading of tobacco based on prevailing buying price.

Though the average buying price last year for all grades of tobacco leaves was above floor price levels, the quality of leaves affected the grading of the leaves in trading centers, according to Zaragoza.

Data as of December 2014 shows that volume of production last cropping season for all types of tobacco was decreased by 3.69%. The documentation of tobacco acceptances is still on-going, however, and the agency expects the volume to reach more than 70 million kilograms.

“Tobacco buyers noted lower quality of Virginia tobacco

compared to previous year’s production as a result of the hot climate, or drought during the growth period of the crop,” Zaragoza said.

He added that some farmers could not cope with the lack of irrigation water in their respective area during El Niño.

“It is for this reason that before the current cropping season, we encouraged farmers to plant earlier than usual to avoid the effects of dry spell at the start of the year,” he added.

He said that farmers who planted early and beat the dry spell are expected to harvest quality leaves, triggering hopes among the growers to get reasonably good profits for their produce.

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From left: Deputy Administrator Atty. Everin F. Molina, CorPlan Manager Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, and PhilHealth President Alex Padilla.

N

TA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza held exploratory talks with PhilHealth President Alex Padilla on free health benefits through PhilHealth coverage for the tobacco farmers.

Administrator Zaragoza, along with Deputy Administrator Atty. Everin F. Molina and Corporate Planning Department Manager Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, met with Padilla at the PhilHealth main office at Citystate Centre in Pasig City last February 16.

During the meeting, Teoxon submitted the updated and validated list of registered tobacco farmers from the NTA database to PhilHealth. According to Padilla, PhilHealth will do the matching of the list with its database, particularly with the National Household Targeting System (NHTS).

Under the National Health Insurance Act (NHIA), Filipinos who are included in the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s list of indigents under the NHTS or whose health-care insurance is sponsored by local government units (LGUs) automatically become PhilHealth members even if they have not paid any contribution.

Tobacco farmers can avail of the enrollment and con­ tinuing PhilHealth coverage under the National Health Insurance Program of the government, pursuant to Section 2 of Rule III of Joint Circular No. 2014, Imple­menting Rules and Regula­tions of Republic Act 10351 (New Sin Tax Law).

Zaragoza said, however, that with the given standards set by NHIA, there is a possibility that some registered tobacco farmers will not be covered with free health benefits. It was suggested, however, that a provision may be inserted in the implementing guidelines of RA 10351 stating that proceeds from the share may be used by LGUs for the payment of premiums for the purpose.

January - February 2015

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EDITORIAL

Pushing manpower training and development to the max THE aggressive pursuit of manpower development by NTA is very evident in the readiness of the Administrator to endorse invitations for trainings, seminars, workshops, and conventions sponsored by various agencies, government or non-government, and professional organizations, to the concerned department and/or branch office of the agency.

The conscious effort of the head of the agency to provide opportunities for professional growth to its workforce to ensure increased efficiency and effectiveness at work is evidenced by the progressive number of trainings, seminars, workshops, conventions, and the like that the officials and staff have been attending since 2013, not to mention the number of employees who had been exposed to these activities. For 2013, a total of 89 individuals attended such activities.

For 2014, a total of 77 trainings and seminars were attended by 205 individuals, a number of whom attended more than one activity. For the first two months of this year alone, 142 individuals had already attended a total of 12 trainings.

Needless to say that learning is a continuous process and the NTA employees are indeed very lucky to be given every opportunity to widen their knowledge base and hone their skills in discharging their responsibilities. The supervisors should be sensitive to the needs of their staff and be responsible in seeing to the holistic growth of each one of their subordinates to ensure the development of responsibly productive individuals in synch with the goals and objectives of the NTA and ensure the attainment of its performance targets. is published bi-monthly

by the Department of Agriculture,

National Tobacco Administration,

Scout Reyes cor. Panay Ave., Quezon City.

Tel. Nos. 3743987. Fax: 3732095. Website: www.nta.da.gov.ph.

Editor-in-Chief: Perlita L. Baula, Ph.D. Technical Editors: Rex Antonio P. Teoxon,

Roberto R. Bonoan, Ph.D. Managing Editor: Neyo E. Valdez Writers: Ilocos Norte: Divina D. Pagdilao, Elaine Arcangel Tinio; Ilocos Sur Vigan: Noralyn I. Idica, Faustino O. Taal; Ilocos Sur Candon: Orlando O. Galdones; Abra: Ped Ruben B. Barbero; La Union: Emma Beth F. Balagot, Candido I. Liangao; Pangasinan: Elizabeth Q. Biala; Ronaldo P. Molina; Cagayan: Bernadeth C. Tamayao, Gilbert A. Taguiam; Isabela: Joefrey T. Bautista, Manuel M. Beltran; FTSD-Batac: Felisa R. Aurellano, Amparo L. Tumbaga; Central Office: Raquel F. Señga, Perla C. Manzon Consultants: Branch Managers Editorial Adviser: Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza

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January - February 2015

NTA Accomplishment Report CY 2014: Highlights

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HE industry provides livelihood and sustenance to about 2.9 million of stakeholders, including the more than 800,000 tobacco farmers and their families; in 2013, it generated P67.96-B in excise taxes, which increased to more than P75-B in 2014, more than P80-B if we include other fees and duties, which help the government fund its education, health, welfare, infrastructure and economic programs all over the country (P68-B in 2013) under RA 10351 (New Sin Tax Law); and earns and saves dollars for the country, average of US$281-M from 2011-2013.

Based on PSA-BAS data, tobacco remained as the second among the top ten commodities with highest production growth, 11.79%, from 2010-2013 (DA Annual Report, 2013).

PROGRAMS/PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project (IFOIGAP): Market-Driven Quality Tobacco Production a. Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS) For calendar year 2014 (covering end of crop year 2013-2014 and beginning quarter of crop year 2014-2015), NTA assisted a total of 7,803 tobacco farmers, an increase of 263% from the targeted 2,963 in 2014. Aside from the direct production assistance, NTA also facilitated the release of production assistance provided by Tobacco Buyer Firms, GFIs and LGUs to 10,853 tobacco farmers covering 6,689 hectares.

Volume and Value of Production/Acceptances. Total tobacco production/acceptances documented, to date, is at 70.74 million kilograms for 2013-2014 valued at nearly P5 billion, as against 67.665 million kilograms, valued at P4.664 billion, or an increase of 5% and 6%, respectively Yield per Hectare. Yield obtained under TCGS was quite high compared with CY 2012-13. Average for Virginia was 2,126 kg/ha, Burley at 2,534 kg/ha, and Native at 2,864 kg/ha. Across all tobacco types, yield was at 2,508 kg/ha.

Net Income per Hectare. For tobacco season 2013-14, average net income across all types of tobacco increased by 14%, from P55,672 in 2012-13 to P63,281 per hectare. The increase came from Native tobacco farmers’ net income, which increased by 106%. b. Rice Production component This is implemented in line with the rice self-sufficiency program of the government led by the DA, to augment the income of tobacco farmers, by increasing the yield to at least 4 tons/ha. Under the program, average yield obtained for the year was 4,968 kg/ha while net income was at P42,570/ha.

For CY 2014, NTA provided production assistance to 1,959 tobacco farmers, covering 1,607 ha. c. AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers’ Food Processing and Trading Center NTA started the establishment of the Agripinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing and Trading Center in 2013 to provide production assistance to tobacco farmers in the production of raw materials, i.e., hogs and poultry, which the Plant will buy, process and sell.

For its hog-fattening project component, assistance was extended to 592 farmer-cooperators. As a contribution to the food sufficiency goal of the DA, a total of 514,503 metric tons (mt) hogs were produced, 12,037 mt of chicken were harvested, and the plant was able to process Pls turn to page 8

Latest in Curing Barn Design

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IRGINIA tobacco, which constitutes about 55% of the locally produced tobacco in the country (20122014), is dried by heat that passes through metal pipes. The heat is generated by burning fuels in the grates situated under the main pipe. Under Philippine condition and in most underdeveloped nations, wood is the main fuel used to dry Virginia tobacco. With the worldwide concern on environment degradation, reducing the volume of wood consumption for tobacco curing is now a major challenge.

The National Tobacco Administration (NTA), through its technical team from the Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD), has been continuously exploring possible alternative fuels for flue-curing Virginia tobacco.

Rice hull-fed furnace for flue-curing Virginia tobacco

by Roman J. Raganit Jr., Luzveminda R. Truong, Oscar D. Cortero, Cecilio A. Cabigan, Harley Nazzer C. Ruguian & Christian Jyre Semanero

Previous experiments by the agency proved that waste materials other than wood could be used as alternative or supplemental fuel in drying Virginia tobacco. Agricultural wastes such as corn cobs, dried tobacco stalks and rice hull could reduce fuelwood consumption through the use of the anawang furnace.

Due to the great potential of rice hull as a fuelwood supplement and its availability in areas where flue-cured tobacco are grown, furnace designs were made and evaluated.

The development of a prototype of the raw rice hull-fed furnace was started in 2001 at

END VIEW

the then NTA Main Research Center in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

It was tested and verified in eight farmers’ fields in the area with the assistance of farmercooperators. The prototype was pre-tested in the fields of two farmer-cooperators for preliminary refinements. The experiences in the pre-testing stage were used as basis for further modifications of the prototype. Full field testing was done for the improved prototype by six more farmercooperators in the area.

The amount of fuel used, energy consumed, temperature distribution and emissions of CO, CO2 and O2 were mea-

Figure 1 The rice hull-fed furnace for flue-curing of Virginia tobacco.

sured. The results from combustion of these agricultural residues were found to be comparable to those obtained from firewood. It was demonstrated that rice hull and corncob can be used successfully to meet the requirement of thermal output for tobacco-curing at low emissions. These agricultural residues show great potential to replace wholly or partially traditional fuel for tobacco-curing.

For the past three cropping seasons (crop years 2011-2012, 2012-2013, and 2013-2014), the research team which was then headed by Luzveminda R. Truong, Chief Science Research Specialist (now FTSD Manager), and Roman J. Raganit, Jr., Supervising Science Research Specialist and officer-in-charge of FTSD Farm Development Division, had proven the technical feasibility of using rice hull as fuel for flue-curing Virginia tobacco.

The design of a furnace was conceptualized in 2010 based on the observations of the lambanog-distilling setup and huge kilns for clay pot-making in Vietnam which used rice hull as the sole fuel despite the fact that the temperature requirement for the kiln was more than 700 áľ’C.

The original design which was a grill-like ladder, did not fully attain the desired temperature needed to cure tobacco inside the barn with the use of rice hull alone. Only 14.55% rice hull was used.

Further studies resulted in the development of a functional furnace for the efficient utilization of rice hull as the main fuel in drying Virginia tobacco; and the generation of data as bases for recommending improvements or modification to the traditional flue-curing barns to further increase its efficiency and utilization.

The first modification set to increase the consumption and improve rice hull burning. The original design was modified by totally closing the open space at the back of the grill, leaving only a small pit beneath for the removal of ashes inside the furnace. (Fig. 1) With this design, the desired temperature per curing phase was still not attained by using rice hull alone. However, the volume of rice hull used increased slightly to 16.88%.

Clogging of unburned rice hull at the hopper tube and inside the combustion chamber was noted. To have continuous firing, the rice hull inside the Pls turn to page 7

SIDE VIEW

INDEX 1 HOPPER, 2 PULLEY, 3 MOTOR TIMER SWITCH, 4 AUGER CONVEYOR, 5 SHAFT, 6 V-BELT, 7 ELECTRIC MOTOR, 8 SPOUT/ CHUTE, 9 STEEL FRAME, 10 PILLOW BLOCK

Figure 3. Schematic diagram of rice hull automatic feeder machine.

Figure 2. Rice hull-fed furnace with fan/blower assembly.

January - February 2015

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Tobacco Grower of the Year

SUCCESS STORIES

provincial winners 2013-14 announced

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HE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) announced the provincial winners for Tobacco Grower of the Year (TGY), Crop Year 2013-2014, Burley and Native category.

The Tobacco Growers of the Year provincial winners for Crop Year 2013-14 are as follows: Isabela: Parelmo Prado (Burley Topped) and Lean Bicera (Native Cigar Filler); La Union: Marcelo Trinidad (Burley Neutral) and Carlito Dumo (Native Batek); Cagayan: Regie Bangibang (Native Cigal Filler) and Jose Orpilla (Burley Topped); Occidental Mindoro: Gloria De Vera (Burley Topped); Pangasinan: Remegio Barnachea Jr. (Native Batek) and Ronnie Barcayan (Burley Neutral); and Candon: Mary Jane Degracia.

The winners will be honored during the TGY awarding ceremonies on March 25 in Candon City. Outstanding extension workers will also be honored as successful technotransfer agents to the farmer winners.

Outstanding NTA Extension Workers who assisted the TGY winners will also be honored.

They are as follows: Teodolo B. Benitez (TPRO 1, Isabela), Timoteo C. Dorol (TPRO 1, Isabela), Violeta E. Gayona (TPRO 1, Occidental Mindoro), Joannaliza R. Ordinante (TPRO 1, La Union), Elemerante A. Ginez (Agriculturist 1, Cagayan), Edna C.

Zingapan (TPRO 1, Cagayan), Mari Beth B. Palabay (TPRO 1, La Union), Rechie V. Vallo (TPRO 1, Pangasinan), Lorna S. Espanto (TPRO 1, Pangasinan), and Rosario D. Parel (Agriculturist 1, Candon).

The Tobacco Grower of the Year contest showcases tobacco farmers’ innovativeness, efficiency, compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and protecting the environment while practicing their profession and getting the maximum income from their labor. The winners are all qualified for the national contests.

TGY provincial level is spearheaded by the TGY National Technical Committee chaired by Luzveminda R. Truong, Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD) Manager. The TGY National Advisory Council members are Internal Audit Services Manager Dinah E. Pichay, Regulation Department Manager Maybelen B. Dictaan, and Industrial Research Department Manager and Technical Coordinator for Branch Offices Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan. The Branch Technical Committee is headed by the Provincial Branch Manager.

Diversified farming, key to Cagayan farmer’s TGY win

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OBACCO farmer Jose Orpilla of Pared, Alcala, Cagayan is Tobacco Grower of the Year (TGY), crop year 2013-2014, provin-

Gloria De Vera. TGY Occidental Mindoro Winner

cial winner for Burley Improved category. Orpilla, like most tobacco growers in the region, practices total farming approach through diversified farming method. He plants offseason high value crops that command good prices. Aside from tobacco, he plants corn, peanut, vegetables, and rice.

Diversified farming ensures Orpilla regular flow of returns as his different crops are harvested at different times of the year. For his Burley farm last year, Orpilla had an average production of 3,375 kg per hectare with 79.93% high grade. The crop was valued at P315,161.01 on a hectare basis. He incurred a production cost of P92,423.96 and earned a net income of P134,790.06 or a return of investment of 145.84%, the highest among the four contestants in the province for Burley Improved category.

Orpilla was able to send his children to college with his earnings in the farm. Of his six children, four had finished college, two are working abroad and the other two are working in Manila, while the other two

Jose Orpilla. TGY Cagayan Winner

are still studying. His secret is faith in God, hard work and good farming management.

He has been into the tobacco production for 18 years now, first planting Native type then shifted to Burley tobacco because of its higher price. (Gilbert A. Taguiam) Women achievers

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LORIA De Vera of Barangay Bayotbot, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro is one of 10 provincial winners of this year’s NTA Tobacco Grower of the Year (Burley and Native tobacco type) for Crop Year 20132014. De Vera, winner in the Burley (improved) category, had an average yield of 3,418 kg/ha with about 45% return of investment, the highest among the contestants in the province.

Other outstanding women farmers are Lean Bicera of Sta. Isabel, Ilagan City (Native-Cigar Filler category) and Mary Jane Degracia of Lubong, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur (NativeSnuff category).

De Vera got high score in using the recommended agricultural inputs and following the buyer’s technology in growing, harvesting and drying of their produce, proper farm management, and GAP. Like the other provincial winners, she developed tools to make her works easier and lighter and reduce cost of production.

(Violeta E. Gayona) Long years of experience, a big factor

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ARD work, dedication and adherence to modern tobacco

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January - February 2015

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Project Implementation Updates

S

OME 1,090 tobacco farmers of Ilocos Norte with a total aggregate area of 637.24 hectares joined the Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS) for crop year 2014-2015. The breakdown, according to the different Sources of Financing (SOF) that provided the production assistance, is as follows: NTA, 641 farmer cooperators (FCs) with 358.25 hectares; Universal Leaf Philippines, Inc. (ULPI), 280 FCs with 162.49 hectares; Cooperative, 137 FCs with 108.5 hectares; and local government units (LGUs), 32 FCs with 8 hectares.

NTA Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Mario E. Corpuz and the senior staff of the branch conducted regular field visitation to the different project areas to assess the performance of the project, and to meet with the TCGS implementors (Branch Agriculturists and Tobacco Production and Regulation Officers or Extension Workers) and the farmer cooperators.

An Orientation Seminar for the TCGS project was conducted last January 27, held in two venues, at the NTA Auditorium in Batac City and at the Sarrat Covered Court in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, to accommodate more tobacco farmers from the different municipalities in the province. The Growing Operations Department officers and staff of the ULPI headed

by Alexander Dumpit, Area Manager for Region I North Area, Ilocos Sur 1st district and Ilocos Norte served as the resource speakers.

After validation of tobacco areas, the branch office recorded a total of 3,078.67 hectares planted to tobacco and 6,282 farmers for CY 2014-15. This is about 15% less than last

year’s data. The decrease is attributed to the El Niño phenomenon and lack of irrigation water, and the hesitation of some farmers to plant tobacco as the quality of their produce may be severely affected by drought conditions. Some tobacco farmers shifted to other crops like garlic, watermelon and corn, which according to the farmers, are easier to grow and manage than tobacco.

The Oras ni Mannalon ti Tabako (OMT) radio program was aired in Ilocos Norte every other Saturday (12:30 to 1:00 in the afternoon) from December 12, 2015 to February 27, at DZVR Bombo Radio Laoag City. The program was hosted by Engr. Jesusa D. Calano, Agriculturist I of NTA Ilocos Norte Branch.

The recruitment of the farmer cooperators for the Kahuyang Pangkalikasan at Pangkabuhayan (KPP) Project is still ongoing. Names of interested participants were already submitted to Luzviminda U. Padayao, Senior TPRO and the branch KPP Project Coordinator.

For the Synchronized Tree Planting, five farmers were identified to establish the tree seedling nurseries to meet the target production of 150,000 seedlings. These seedlings will be planted during the National Synchronized Tree Planting of the agency in July.

Meanwhile, Engr. Leandro Bagaoisan, National Coordinator of Irrigation Support Project for Small Tobacco Farmers (ISPSTF), together with Manager Corpuz and Project Coordinator Calano, in coordination with the LGU, conducted the validation of the proposed ISPSTF sites in the towns of Marcos, Banna and Dingras last January and Tobacco Grower of the Year National Technical Committee members conducted field evaluation in Badoc, Ilocos Norte.

NTA Ilocos Norte NTA Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Mario E. Corpuz, along with branch Senior Staff, visits the TCGS farms during the early part of the growing season and at harvesting stage; and a proposed site for the Irrigation Support Project for small tobacco farmers in the province.

February. The implementation of the ISPSTF requires proper coordination among the Farmers Association, the LGUs and the NTA Ilocos Norte Branch in coordination with the Central Office.

For the upcoming trading season, the branch office has processed the licenses of field representatives (FRs).

An Orientation Seminar on the Amended Trading Rules and Regulations, one of the requirements for the renewal of the FRs Certificate of Authority, was conducted last February 11 at the Branch Office. This was attended by 37 field representatives in the province. Lecturers during the orientation seminar were NTA Regulation Department Manager Maybelen Dictaan, Chief TPRO Engr. Alex Borje, and Senior TPRO Leonora Clarin.

The Operations Staff also attended a separate seminar of the same agenda. Some 46 FRs submitted their application forms and paid their obligation to the NTA Ilocos Norte Branch Office.

Three farmer contestants from the province will be joining the Tobacco Grower of the Year (TGY) contest, National Category, for CY 2014-2015. They are Armando Calaycay and Antonio Salmasan, both from Camanga, Badoc, who won the TGY Provincial Contest (Improved Flavor Virginia tobacco) in CY 2012-13 and CY 2013-14, respectively. Tomas Romero of Marcos, Ilocos Norte, TGY Provincial winner in CY 2013-

14 will also vie for the TGY National Category, under the Virginia Neutral Category.

The National Technical Committee and the Branch Technical Committee conducted the field evaluation in Badoc last January 22 and in Marcos last February. Calaycay, Salmasan, and Romero are presently assisted by the branch Extension Workers Rhonnelle Sulicipan, Saturnino Agatep, and Filipinas Ganir, all TPRO I, respectively.

The Extension Workers also conducted farmers’ classes in the different clusters to give lectures and reminders on the tobacco production technology, Good Agricultural practices (GAP), agricultural labor practices, and harvesting, postharvest and marketing issues, especially on non-tobacco related materials (NTRMs). The EWs also conducted regular visits to the farmers and their farms as a follow-up activity on the topics discussed during the meetings and seminars.

During regular staff meetings of the Operations Division, Manager Corpuz and some senior staff would remind the EWs to always do their best in assisting their farmer cooperators and encourage them to be vigilant in the collection of the production assistance extended to the farmers and also the collection of past dues from tobacco farmers, including the amortizations for the Multipurpose Curing Barn and the Irrigation Support Project (water pump).

(Divina D. Pagdilao)

January - February 2015

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NEW COMMUNAL IRRIGATION PROJECTS

Tayum, Abra. The construction of a new communal irrigation proj-

ect in Sitio Wayya in Barangay Velasco, Tayum, Abra is expected to service up to 60 hectares of farm land in the area.

According to Engr. Leandro Bagaoisan, member of the technical evaluation team, the construction of water impounding structure at the foot of the mountain where excess spring water is collected for irrigation is ideal site for a gravity-type irrigation system. Water coming from this source belongs to a very high quality irrigation water classification, suitable to all crops especially to a salt-sensitive crop like the tobacco.

Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. This water source in Sitio Beckes-Aragan,

Carusipan and Alinaay in Cabugao Ilocos Sur will soon be utilized for efficient farm irrigation with the construction of a small reservoir under the NTA Irrigation Support Program for small tobacco farmers.

The agency expects that, with the construction and rehabilitation of existing irrigation systems, cropping system will be improved, and the utilization and productivity of farm areas for Virginia production will be increased.

NTA gets fund for irrigation support program ALL systems go for the implementation of the Irrigation Support Program for Small Tobacco Farmers (ISPSTF) by the National Tobacco Administration (NTA).

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved on December 23, 2014 the implementation of the proj-

ect with the release of P437 million from the NTA’s Tobacco Fund/Special Account in the General Fund, pursuant to Republic Act 4155.

NTA said the project covers the Virginia tobacco-producing provinces in Region 1 and Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), with an estimated

11,260 tobacco-farmer beneficiaries, covering a potential area of 6,476 hectares.

NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said the budget will cover expenses for the rehabilitation, repair or construction of communal irrigation systems, which may be in the form of small water

NTA Cagayan gives 50 water pumps for ISP project THE NTA Cagayan Branch Office extended facility assistance to 50 tobacco farmers to enable them to purchase brandnew water pump and engine sets, under the agency’s Irrigation Support Project (ISP) for crop year 2014-2015.

The turnover of facility assistance was held at the branch office in Tuguegarao City in February.

NTA Cagayan Branch Manager Dr. Corazon Riazonda said that the water pumps are very important to the tobacco farmer availees because they are really in dire need of water pumps to irrigate their tobacco plants during the long drought caused by El Niño this cropping season. She added that

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San Emilio, Ilocos Sur. This old and damaged small diversion

dam in Brgy. Kalumsing, San Emilio, Ilocos Sur will soon be rehabilitated under the Irrigation Support Program (ISP) for small tobacco farmers in Virginia tobacco-growing provinces.

The rehabilitation of the small diversion dam is expected to service up to 90 hectares of farm land in the area. Aside from Kalumsing, a new small diversion dam will be constructed in Sitio Mangmangga in Brgy. San Millano.

The photos were taken in January and February during the validation of the project in different areas in Virginia tobacco-growing provinces, conducted by a technical evaluation team of the NTA composed of Engr. Leandro Bagaoisan and Engr. Abe de la Peña, with NTA branch office staff and representatives from the local government units.

[Photo credits: L. Bagaoisan / NTA Candon]

January - February 2015

impounding project, small diversion dam or spring water development.

With the rehabilitation and construction of more communal irrigation systems, Zaragoza expects that cropping system will be improved, and the utilization and productivity of farm areas for Virginia production will also be increased.

“This can also generate employment for our farmers, as the project requires farmers’ associations to provide labor for the construction or rehabilitation and the operation of the irrigation system,” he said.

The agency will be signing a tripartite memorandum of agreement with the local government units with approved project locations, and the local farmers’ associations.

The LGUs will implement the project either by bidded contract or by administration, and they will be responsible for its future repair and maintenance.

The ISPSTF supplements the irrigation support assistance that the agency has been providing since 2012 in line with the market-driven production and food sufficiency program of the government.

This addresses the issue on the salinization of the soil due to saltwater instrusion resulting from continuous drawing of ground water.

A technical team from the

Rice hull-fed furnace for flue-curing..., from page 3

chamber should be disturbed or swiped at 5 minutes interval.

The second modification provided for a bigger rice hull deposit inside the furnace and the wood feeding chamber was covered, leaving only an ash pit beneath the grill. With this modification, the desired temperature per curing phase was attained and the consumption of rice hull was increased up to 57.6% and fuel wood consumption was decreased to 42.4%. However, the barn tender could not leave the barn because, as stated earlier, the bulk of the rice hull should be swiped or disturbed every 5 minutes, to attain continuous burning of the fuel.

The problem of poor burning of rice hull was remedied in the third modification through the provision of two 1.8 amp fan/blower for better air circulation at the incinerator or combustion chamber to facilitate the burning of rice hull. (Fig. 2) Thus, the current design has two fans/blowers which provide air for efficient rice hull burning and automatic rice hull dispenser that reduce the labor on feeding the fuel to the grate. This design increased the consumption of rice hull up to 80% and reduced the fuelwood consumption to 20% only.

However, frequent rice hull feeding to keep the heat level necessary for proper drying of the tobacco leaves was still perceived as a problem because the farmers are used to the slow burning of fuelwood which allows them to do multitasking and even napping while curing. To address the problem, the idea of introducing a device in the hopper that

will drop the required volume of rice hull at specific intervals based from the data generated in the previous tobacco curing trials was conceptualized.

The specifications of the required automatic feeder to be used to complement with the ricehull furnace were presented to Engr. Arnold Dumaoal of the Mariano Marcos State University who has a wide experience in agricultural machine designs. He developed a prototype design (Fig. 3), presented it and, after due approval of the project by the NTA management, he manufactured the machine.

Thus, the current design, which is proposed to be verified under farmers’ field condition for CY 2014-15 evolved from several modifications of the original design. (Fig. 4) Preliminary test under a farmer’s farm last cropping season showed that the farmer did not fully utilize the technology because the farmercooperator still preferred wood as fuel during nighttime for easier barn tending. However, he appreciated much the 45.78% reduction on fuelwood consumption.

More piloting trial, especially in areas where cost of fuelwood is high, coupled with educational campaign on the importance of close monitoring of barn temperature during curing for high quality tobacco production and of reducing use of fuelwood must be done to change the mindset of the flue-cured tobacco farmers and increase their environment conservation awareness.

This may help them appreciate the use of alternate fuel even if it requires more time than they are used to.

NTA, with the assistance from the National Irrigation Authority, Bureau of Soil and Water Management, and Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Unit conducted field inspections, validation, and feasibility study of present and potential areas for irrigation in tobacco-growing areas in Region 1 and CAR. From the areas inspected in 2013, the agency has approved

an initial batch of priority areas, comprising 56 locations in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union.

According to Engr. Leandro D. Bagaoisan, member of the NTA technical team, the locations met the requirements of the project which include sufficiency of irrigation water source and other geographic requirements, areas covered, and cropping system.

Figure 4 The details of the rice hull-fed furnace are shown below:

January - February 2015

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NTA Accomplishment..., from page 2 276 mt of fresh meat, 58 mt of processed meat and 10 mt of dressed chicken. d. Renewable Fuelwood Energy Farm Project and Restoration of Ecological Integrity of the Tobacco Growing Regions For the Tree Seedling Production and Distribution component, 1,330,192 seedlings were produced against the target of 1,220,000.

Under its Synchronized Tree Planting, a total of 1,237,704 were planted in various areas in Regions 1 and 2 and CAR. For the Kahuyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan or growout plantation module, a total of 3.4 million trees (giant ipil-ipil and gmelina) were planted to an area of 1,497 ha out of the 1,600 ha targeted for the year. For bamboo, 413 ha were planted out of the 400 hectares proposed for the year.

Research and Development Services Studies were conducted to find alternative uses of tobacco, one of which was the Tobacco Extracts for Controlling Pests.

An organic pesticide, the production and utilization in vegetable crops in farmers fields was tested. Several parameters were considered such as efficacy, quality, ease of handling, and general acceptance. These research trials were a prerequisite for the product’s registration and commercialization with the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.

Two studies were also conducted for standards and quality assurance: 1) Annual Physical and Chemical Evaluation of Philippine-Grown and Imported Tobacco Leaf and 2) Annual Physical and Chemical Evaluation of Manufactured Tobacco Products (Cigarettes). In the first study, chloride content of Philippine grown (neutral and improved/topped) and imported burley tobacco were determined; while for the second study, weight, circumference and roundness of local and imported cigarettes were determined. The presence and levels of hazardous chemicals/carcinogenic substances in tobacco and tobacco products (nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar), were also determined, as part of NTA’s regulatory function.

For the studies incorporated in the technology manual, the results of the “Effect of late topping and irrigation on the yield

and quality of Virginia tobacco” was included particularly on additional irrigation after the 3rd and 5th priming with topping for improvement of yield and quality of top leaves of flue-cured tobacco. The result of the protocol research on “Bioefficacy evaluation of Orthene against the tobacco insect pests and their natural enemies” was also incorporated in the technology manual since the product was found to be as effective as the currently recommended product with similar active ingredient and was recommended as alternative choice for the control of ants, sucking insects and black cutworm. It was included in the Package of Technology as one of the products the farmers can choose from.

Other Priority Programs and Projects Tobacco Seed Production and Distribution NTA distributed 69.4 kg of tobacco seeds of different varieties benefitting 9,259 farmers or 4,629 ha (at 15 grams/ha); a total of 19 kg were sold to the private sector for distribution to about 4,800 farmers.

Farmers Organizational Development (FOD) The activities conducted for 2014 include:  Education and training/workshops for FOD coordinators and coop officers and members on the following topics: Cooperative Standards, Entrepreneurial and Business Management, Strategic Planning and Accounting for NonAccountants;  13 livelihood trainings for 1,248 tobacco farmers and dependents.

Quality Assurance/Analytical Services Annually, in addition to requests from the various sectors that are being responded to, the NTA’s quality assurance activities include the following:  Continuing monitoring of soil fertility, chloride content, and water quality of major tobacco growing areas  Fertilizer and pesticide analyses  Monitoring/Analysis of Physico-Chemical Quality of tobacco production, using various technology applications, across locations Pls see next page

Tobacco industry RA 7171

The signing of R.A. 7171 by President Aquino at Malacañang on January 9, 1992, with House Speaker Ramon Mitra, Executive Secretary Franklin Drilon, Senate President Neptali Gonzales, and Ilocos Sur Rep. Luis “Chavit” Singson, one of the principal authors of the law. (Photo by Rene A. Avenido, U.S. News Agency); Background: A news article by Marichu A. Villanueva in Manila Standard, Business Page (p. 13), January 10, 1992.

Tobacco Inspection Law (Act No. 2613)

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99 YEARS AGO, on February 4, 1916, the Philippine Legislature enacted Act No. 2613 or the Tobacco Inspection Law, to improve the methods of production of quality tobacco in the country, and to develop an export trade.

The law authorized the Collector (now Commissioner) of Internal Revenue to establish general and local rules concerning the classification, marking and packing of tobacco for domestic sale or factory use and for exportation.

Since 1987, the National Tobacco Administration has been mandated by law (Executive Order 245) to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations on the production, standardization, classification, grading and trading of tobacco products; and through its Regulation Department, to conduct inspection as regulatory procedure to monitor, regulate, and supervise the export, import, and transshipment of tobacco leaf and tobacco products.

January - February 2015

Milestone

23 YEARS AGO, on January 9, 1992, President Corazon C. Aquino signed into law Republic Act No.7171 (“An Act to Promote the Development of the Farmers in the Virginia Tobacco-Producing Provinces”). The law extends special support to the farmers of the Virginia tobacco-producing provinces inasmuch as these farmers are the nucleus of the Virginia tobacco industry that generates a sizeable income for the National Government.

The law states that 15% of collections from excise taxes on tobacco products will go to provinces where Virginia tobacco is produced. It is specific with the kinds of projects that the local government units can fund with their share from the tobacco excise tax: cooperative projects that will increase the tobacco farmers’ income; development of alternative farming system; agro-industrial projects that will be co-managed and eventually owned by tobacco farmers; and infrastructure projects, such as farm-to-market roads.

During the awarding of Tobacco Grower of the Year (TGY) provincial winners (Burley and Native), Tobacco Production and Regulation Officers (TPRO) and Agriculturists of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) will also be honored as successful techno-transfer agents to the farmer winners. Two of the awardees are Joannaliza R. Ordinante (left photo, assisting TGY awardee Marcelo Trinidad) and Marie Beth B. Palabay (right photo assisting TGY awardee Carlito Dumo), both TPRO 1 of NTA La Union Branch.

TGY provincial winners..., from page 4

technology made Marcelo Trinidad of Tabtabungao, Rosario, La Union, winner of this year’s TGY provincial contest (La Union, Burley Neutral) for Crop Year 2013-2014. He bested two other contestants under this category.

In his early years in the industry, Trinidad worked as Research Laborer of the Research Station of the then Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration in Rosario. During his stint in the Research Station, it made him more skillful in the cultural practices of tobacco growing. When he got out of the Research Station and de-

cided to farm on his own, he chose tobacco being so close to his heart.

For him, tobacco is the only crop that can provide him a good income for his family.

With tobacco as his primary source of income (he is also into rice and corn production during off-season), he was able to acquire his own farm machineries, like four-wheel tractor, hand tractor and portable water pump, which help him more productive as a farmer. His long years of experience in the industry have really molded him to be one of the best producers of the best quality tobacco in the province.

(NTA La Union)

NTA Accomplishment..., from page 8  Monitoring of quality of tobacco leaf and tobacco products being exported and imported Scholarship Program for Tobacco Farmers Dependents (pursuant to RA 9211) The NTA continued the scholarship program for tobacco farmers’children, pursuant to RA9211, the Tobacco Free Education Program (TFEP) and in affirmation to the Administration’s thrust of giving priority to the primary stakeholders of the industry, the tobacco farmers. As of December 2014, it has extended financial assistance to the new batch of 466 scholars, enrolled in fouryear and vocational/technical courses, in state colleges and universities in Regions 1 and 2 and CAR. (Prepared by NTA Corporate Planning Department) NEWS BRIEFS..., from page 11

Lean A. Bicera of Sta. Isabel Sur, City of Ilagan, Parelmo Prado of Maligaya, Mallig, Maribel Matammu of San Placido, Roxas, and Meliton Lacar of Villa Fugu, Aurora.

Bicera is the only contestant for the Native Cigar Filler Category while the three other contestants are vying for the Burley Improved Flavor Category. The contestants are competing with other contestants from the other provincial Branch Offices.

The evaluators conducted one-on-one interviews with the contestants, and inspected their records and farm areas for crop uniformity, occurrence of pest and diseases, missing hills, presence of non-tobacco related materials (NTRM) and the compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).

The TGY National Technical Committee will conduct the second evaluation on the second week of March.

(Vicente T. Saccuan)

Marcelo Trinidad, TGY La Union Winner

WHAT IF… ? ?

WHAT if tobacco had not been discovered?

It would have remained a weed, trodden and trampled.

Or, it would just have been like many of the plants that are only noticed when they add beauty to the landscape. Surely, the tobacco plant entices when its white or pinkish flowers smile to the morning sunshine during the summery months.

But then, you will only admire the flowers at a distance because you will be repelled by its gumminess. Gosh, what a difference the tobacco makes today!

What if tobacco seeds were not brought into the country by the conquistadores during one of their galleon trade expeditions?

The Filipinos would not have experienced the bane and the boom that tobacco brings. The stretch of countryside extending toward the north would not be as prosperous as it is today. The number of graduates earning the much-coveted college diploma would not be as many. The gap between the haves and the have-nots would have remained nauseatingly wide. The macho image of our menfolk sporting a cigarette between their fingers would not have been enhanced earlier.

Well, our forefathers would not have agonizingly suffered in carrying the burden of the tobacco monopoly. They would not have learned to bow, to yield and to be meek to the point of losing their self-respect.

But, destiny has its course. Tobacco passed this way to touch the life of many. So, what if tobacco, at this time, ceases to exist by force of circumstance. It would be a drastic change, a very drastic one which is unlikely to happen considering the institutionalization process. But when tobacco’s aroma will no longer excite and arouse the senses, these are the lines to console: “There is no life without pain, Lift your face to the rain.

Don’t you know it takes fire To make gold?

And a seed must die To make flower live?

Soon the rain and the pain disappear.”

Reprinted from the “Editorial,” Philippine Tobacco News, Volume XII, No. 1, January to June 1994 , p.2.

January - February 2015

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CorPlan holds performance assessment meeting

HE National Tobacco Administration conducted a performance assessment meeting and workshop for its branch managers, department managers, and project officers to discuss and agree on the accomplishment for the last cropping season (2013-2014) and identify issues, concerns and recommendations to enhance programs and projects implementation.

The different departments and branch offices also presented, discussed and agreed on their Performance Plan/Commitments for CY 2015.

The two-day meeting, facilitated by Corporate Planning (CorPlan) Department Manager Rex Antonio P. Teoxon and staff, was held at the NTA Central Office in Quezon City last January 29 and 30.

TRAININGS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, CONVENTIONS

ATTENDED BY NTA OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES January - February 2015 Branch Office Managers/ OICs, TPROs/ Agriculturists and Administrative staff: Pangasinan Branch

Pangasinan Branch Office, Rosales, Pangasinan, Feb. 9, 2015

La Union Branch

La Union Branch Office, Bauang, La Union, Feb. 10, 2015

Ilocos Norte Branch

Ilocos Norte Branch Office, Batac City, Feb. 11, 2015

Vigan Branch

Vigan Branch Office, Bantay, Ilocos Sur, Feb. 12, 2015

Candon Branch Office & Abra Branch Office

Candon Branch Office, Candon City, Feb. 13, 2015

Minerva P. Mizal

Myrna O. Lozano Dina B. dela Reyna Rolando C. dela Cruz Ramon C. Soriano

Rohbert A. Ambros Priscilla S. Esguerra Neyo E. Valdez

Corporate Planning Department Manager Rex Antonio P. Teoxon (seated center) and his staff, with the provincial Branch Managers, Department Managers, and Operations Managers during the performance assessment meeting.

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Environmental Law Awareness Seminar for Executive Officers and Managers conducted by the Environmental Training Institute, ETI Training Ctr., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Feb. 13, 2015 Strategic Marketing Seminar conducted by the Guthrie-Jensen Consultants, Inc. EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City, Feb. 17-18, 2015 “Symposium on the New Chemistry Law,”PNP Multipurpose Hall, Camp Crame, EDSA, Quezon City, Feb. 17, 2015 1st Training/Workshop on the Preparation of the DA Enterprise Architecture, conducted by the DA - ITCAF, DA, Quezon City., Feb. 16-18, 2015 DA-NBACA Capability Building cum Meeting, Hotel del Rio, Iloilo City, Feb. 18-19, 2015 1st Sem Consultative Meeting and Communication Planning Workshop of the DA Family PIOs, RIOs & AFID Staff, Feb. 25-27, 2015 Forum on “Dealing with Media Effectively for Efficient PR Work”, Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Feb. 26 & 27, 2015

NTA L.U. Manager Palabay completes DAP Senior Executives course

R. Giovanni B. Palabay, NTA La Union Branch Manager, was one of the 65 elite public managers who received masters and diploma degrees in Development Man-

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Orientation Seminar on the rules and regulations governing the trading of locally grown leaf tobacco:

agement from the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) during the Joint Graduation Rites last January 30 at the DAP Conference Center in Tagaytay City.

Dr. Palabay and 24 other members of Senior Executive Class (SEC) Batch 3, including 40 middle managers, completed from two and a half to six months of intensive training

Dr. Giovanni B. Palabay, with other graduates of DAP Senior Executives course.

January - February 2015

Source: NTA Administrative Department

under DAP’s Public Management Development Program and the National Government Career Executive Service Development Program (NGCESDP). This year, the training for the Senior Executives was enhanced with a five-day Foreign Study Mission in Indonesia.

The public managers came from different national line and attached agencies all over the country.

Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, chair of the NGCESDP, in his message to the graduates, encouraged them to share the light of good and honest governance and translate all lessons learned into concrete actions as they reenter their respective agencies.

NTA-RD conducts orientation seminar on trading rules, regulations

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NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza and Regulation Department Manager Maybelen B. Dictaan speak before tobacco traders and field representatives during the orientation seminar in Candon City.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Tobacco trading in La Union is on

OBACCO trading in La Union started with the opening of trading centers of Trans-Manila Incorporated in Balaoan (for Virginia tobacco) on February 15 and its main trading center in Agoo (for Virginia and Burley) on February 23.

The Associated-Anglo American Tobacco Corporation opened on February 20. Universal Leaf Philippines Incorporated is expected to open all its trading centers in Bangar and Agoo on the first week of March. Continental Leaf Philippines will open its trading center in Bacnotan also on the first week of March.

As a standard operating procedure, the NTA La Union Branch inspected the trading centers before their scheduled opening to ensure that the weighing scales in the trading centers are duly calibrated, and their license and other needed documents before buying are in place. The Tobacco Production and Regulation Officers and Agriculturists were also deployed to supervise the day-to-day operations of the trading.

(Candido I. Liangao)

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NTA Cagayan, Isabela employees attend CSC SDC Track 1

IX employees of the National Tobacco Administration from Cagayan and Isabela Branch Offices attended the Supervisory Development Course (SDC) Track 1, conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Region 2 held at the Las Palmas de San Jose Leisure Club, Tuguegarao City last January 20-22.

Delegates from NTA Cagayan were Gilbert A. Taguiam (Supervising TPRO), Zenaida T. Arrojo (Admintrative Officer III) and Bernadeth C. Tamayao (Accountant II). Delegates from NTA Isabela were Manuel M. Beltran (Supervising TPRO), Rogelio T. Tarun (Administrative Officer III) and Lorelie B. Figarola (Accountant III). The employees completed the lectures and workshops for the enhancement of skills of present and future supervisors in handling their people, which are helpful in coping with the present challenges and demand of the entire civil service. (Bernadeth C. Tamayao)

S the tobacco trading season begins, the Regulation Department (RD) of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) conducted an orientation seminar on rules and regulations on the trading, wholesaling, and redrying of locally grown leaf tobacco.

This was attended by tobacco traders and field representatives of Candon, Vigan, and Abra Branch offices, held at the Candon City government center in Candon City last February 13.

NTA RD, headed by Manager Maybelen B. Dictaan, met with the traders and field representatives to update all sectors in the industry on the features of the amended Trading Rules and Regulations (TRR) for its efficient and effective implementation, in the

forthcoming trading season.

The orientation seminar is a prerequisite for applications for licenses or permits to buy or redry leaf tobacco, and Certificate of Authority to the tobacco traders, trading center operators and field representatives.

NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, in his message, requested all buyers to follow the TRR to have orderly leaf trading operations. He emphasized on proper grading, proper weighing, prompt and proper payment of tobacco proceeds, and proper documentation as provided in the TRR. The seminar was attended by 82 field representatives, 17 trading center operators, tobacco traders, and some officials and staff of the agency’s provincial branch offices.

NTA Cagayan gives..., from page 6 tobacco plants with sufficient water has a good crop stand and quality.

Acting Chief TPRO Gilbert Taguiam, Administrative Officer III Zenaida Arrojo, and branch accountant Bernadeth Tamayao helped the Branch Manager in giving the farmer availees orientation on the implementing guidelines of the project.

The facility assistance is to be paid from three to five years with 6% interest rate per year and a one-time 1% service fee.

The branch officers advised the farmers to pay their annual amortization on time to avoid penalty, and to maintain good credit standing to avail of future assistance.

Branch Manager Riazonda said that the ISP collections of the branch for the first amortization of the second batch of availees had an efficiency of 124%. She emphasized the importance of 100% collection rate for this batch of availees to ensure sustainability of the project.

The ISP, a continuing project of the agency which started in crop year 2012-2013, is a component of the Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities (IFOIGAP) aimed at increasing the quality of life of the farmers.

ISP helps mitigate water problems of the tobacco farmers during the growing stage of the plants. (Gilbert A. Taguiam)

TGY national technical committee evaluates Isabela Branch contestants

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HE TGY National Technical Committee headed by its chairman, FTSD Manager Luzveminda R. Truong, conducted the first evaluation of the provincial contestants of the Isabela Branch last February 16 and 17.

Truong, along with Felisa Aurellano also of FTSD, visited and evaluated the farm areas of the four contestants, namely, Pls turn to page 9

NTA Cagayan Branch Manager Dr. Corazon Riazonda meets with farmer availees of the ISP project of the agency.

January - February 2015

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SCHOLARSHIPS

NTA scholars from Candon Branch: 72 of the 116 scholars from Candon Branch pose in front of the branch office in Candon City, after the briefing and awarding of allowances last February 19. (Photo: NTA Candon Office)

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Cagayan Branch awards allowances to NTA Scholars

OBACCO Free Education Program scholars from Cagayan received the last payments of their allowances for the school year from the Cagayan Branch Office in Tuguegarao City last February 21.

NTA offers scholarship program for tobacco farmers’ children, pursuant to RA 9211, Tobacco Free Education Program (TFEP). Thirty-nine of the 466 NTA scholars as of the start of the 2nd semester SY 2014-2015 are from Cagayan.

Branch Manager Dr. Corazon R. Riazonda, along with Zenaida T. Arrojo, Administrative Officer III, and Alicia A. Malab, Cashier III, met with the 32 scholars.

Nine of first batch of scholars are expected to graduate this April. They are: Rosemel Balganion, BS Education; Ryan Ballinan, BS Industrial Tech; Reymark Bermijiso, BS Entrepreneurship; Viberly Carag, BS Education; Maricar De Leon, BS Comp.Sci; Algie Duldulao, BS Education; Mary Luz V. Macapia, BS Education; Mary Ann Mapagu, BS Hospitality Industry Management; and April Joy Salazar, BSBA Financial Management.

During the meeting, students, representing each year level, delivered their short messages. They narrated the hardships encountered on their studies. They also extended their gratitude to the NTA management, especially

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Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, for giving them the opportunity to complete their courses as scholars.

Manager Riazonda and the scholars agreed to conduct a simple party for the graduating scholars in April in Cagayan Branch Office. Parents of the graduating scholars were asked to be present during the party. This is to give recognition to the parents, who are all tobacco farmers, for having their sons and daughters qualified for the NTA scholarship program and completed their courses. (NTA Cagayan)

Newly appointed NTA Director Rodolfo F. Salanga takes his oath of office from DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala.

NTA Board has new Director

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ODOLFO F. Salanga, longtime tobacco industry leader and president of the Philippine Tobacco Institute, was formally inducted last February 26 as member of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Governing Board, representing the manufactur-

Candon Branch Scholars NTA Candon Branch Office expects at least 20 of its scholTobacco trading...from page 1 ars to graduate this March, According to him, the agenaccording to Branch Manager Estrella G. de Peralta. The cy has low expectations for Candon Branch has the most this year’s production. “The number of Tobacco Free Edu- country is likely to produce cation Program (TFEP) schol- less than the 70 million kg anars among the eight branch nual average for the past five offices, with 116 of the 466 years as a result of unfavorable scholars as of the start of the rainfall pattern,” he said.

Zaragoza also said that the second semester, SY 2014decline in production this year 2015.

Of the 116 NTA Candon could still work in favor of the scholars, 83 are currently en- farmers. He said that the prosrolled at the Ilocos Sur Poly- pect in the market continues to technic State College (ISPSC). be bright.

“As long as the industry adThe rest of the scholars are enrolled at the North Luzon dresses the quality as demandPhilippines State College ed by export market or specific (18 scholars), University of quality demanded by domestic Northern Philippines (14), and manufacturing, we will sustain Taguding Institute of Science the viability of the local tobacco industry,” he added. and Technology (1).

January - February 2015

ing sector.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala administered the oath-taking of Salanga at the DA Office in Quezon City, with NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza witnessing.

Salanga, a certified public accountant from San Fernando, La Union, worked with Philippine Tobacco Flue-Curing and Redrying Corporation from 1960 until he retired in 1995 as the Senior Vice President for Tobacco Operations.

He has been the president of PTI since 1995.

The NTA Governing Board is headed by Secretary Alcala as chairman and Administrator Zaragoza, vice-chairman.

Salanga has joined Directors Jose S. Diño (representing the academic sector); Dante G. Claravall, Geoffrey DG. Gacula, and Rogelio A. Elveña (tobacco farmers sector); Pedro J. Mendiola, Jr. (tobacco traders/ exporters sector); and Undersecretary Emerson U. Palad (ex-officio member) as members of the board.