The Tobacco News May June 2015 issue

Scholarship slots for college studes doubled this year

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JATHELYN Haplit (3rd from right) of Sucoc, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur receives her allowance from Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, during the award of grants for tuition and allowance of the Candon Branch last June 29 in Candon City. Haplit is now Third Year in Bachelor of Elementary Education course at the University of Northern Philippines, Vigan City. Also in photo are (from left) Branch Accountant Resty Cambe, Jocelyn Haplit (Jathelyn’s mother), Candon Branch Manager Estrella G. De Peralta, and Chief Agriculturist Juan Begonia. The branch has 70 new scholars for SY 2015-2016, bringing its total number of scholars to 143 as of July 2015.

Volume VI, No. 3

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HE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) will again lead synchronized tree-planting activities in various areas in Regions I, II, and the province of Abra, on July 31.

For this year, at least 1 million tree seedlings of the more than 1.2 million seedlings targeted for distribution are expected to be planted during the simultaneous inter-agency and intersectoral effort for the restoration of ecological integrity.

This is in line with the government’s National Greening Program (NGP).

About 96,000 volunteers or participants are also expected

May - June 2015

1-M trees for 3rd Synchronized Tree Planting Day on July 31 to join the agency in various planting sites covering 500 hectares of public land in selected tobacco-growing areas.

Heads of different national and regional agencies and local government units, including volunteers from different colleges, universities, secondary and elementary schools, church groups, hospitals, civil societies, and private groups, are expected to join NTA officials and employees from the central office and eight provin-

cial branches in the one-day activity.

This year’s command center and ceremonial planting site will be at Narvacan National Central High School in Paratong, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. According to Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, the tobacco industry is one of the biggest users of fuelwood.

“To restore the environment, the NTA initiated this effort in 2013 to unify all partner agenPls turn to page 12

Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Mario E. Corpuz and his staff inspected the tree seedlings nursery of a farmer cooperator in Lagandit, Piddig, Ilocos Norte last June 24. The tree seedlings will be planted during the NTA Synchronized Tree Planting on July 31. At least 150,000 tree seedlings are expected to be planted in different areas of public land in the province on the said date. (L. Padayao/NTA Ilocos Norte)

HE number of scholarship grants for deserving and qualified dependents of tobacco-growing farmers under its Tobacco-Free Education Program (TFEP) has doubled this year.

Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said 284 scholarships were available for incoming college freshmen of school year 2015-2016, or nearly twice last year’s 138 grants.

TFEP is embodied in Republic Act No. 9211 or Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003.

The program covers both fouryear degree courses and technical or vocational courses.

The agency gives preferences to those who will enroll in an agriculture-related field of study.

“This is to benefit more stu­ dents, giving priority to those who would be enrolling in courses pertaining to agriculture, in consonance with the program of government to encourage farm­ers’ children to help sustain agricul­ture in the country,” Zaragoza said.

Of the total scholars for the past two school years, 38% were enrolled in agriculture and related courses.

Since its initial implementation in SY 2011-2012, a total of 739 chil­dren of tobacco farmers have been supported under the TFEP grants, of which 104 have finished their degree and non-degree courses as of June 2015.

The slots are distributed among the eight provincial branch offices, with NTA Candon (Ilocos Sur 2nd District) having the biggest allocation at 70 slots. Occidental Mindoro field office, which was only given 10 slots for the first time last school year, was given 10 more slots or a total of 20 in this year’s reallocation.

Other branch offices have the following allocations: Ilocos Norte, 36; Vigan (Ilocos Sur, 1st District), 28; Abra, 22; La Union, 24; Pangasinan, 22; Isabela, 46; and Cagayan, 16.

Zaragoza said that the original program provided only for tuition. “A reasonable monthly Pls turn to page 12

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EDITORIAL MAY 29, 2013 SIR:

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An international grading system to sustain the local tobacco industry

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OR the past several years, the Quality Assurance Division of the Industrial Research Department has been studying the international grading and classification of tobacco leaves of all tobacco types vis-à-vis the local grades. Samples from both the imported and locally produced tobacco leaves were collected for the purpose. This is to get an insight on what the international market needs so that local production can be adjusted accordingly using the appropriate technology.

In addition, the information generated makes one appreciate the more detailed classification of tobacco as required by the end users for specific requirements in the manufacture of cigarettes and/or cigars. A series of orientation seminarworkshops have been conducted already for the Branch Office officials and Extension Workers of NTA to develop their capability of imparting the information to their respective farmer-clientele.

Initially, the tobacco farmers find the system too tedious and time-consuming but slowly they get to understand that the more detailed the grading and classification is done on their produce, the more chances they get to obtain the appropriate price for each and every leaf, assuring higher profitability.

This harmonization of the local standards of grading and classification of all types of tobacco with the international system of grading means keeping abreast with the demands of the market, both local and international, an imperative move to sustain the industry. 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.

am Allan Ragen Wadiong, NTA scholar from San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. I graduated this year With Honors, with the degree Bachelor of Elementary Education from Occidental Mindoro State College (OMSC).

I wouldn’t have done this on my own and be in the position where I am right now without the strong and loving support system as well as the collaborative efforts of the significant people in my life to whom I’m about to express my forever gratitude.

I just wanted you to feel how really thankful I am for this great opportunity of being one of the beneficiaries of this Tobacco Free Education Program (TFEP). To the people behind the scholarship program, those with innate goodness in their hearts, a million thanks to all of you: to you, our dear Administrator, and all the members of the NTA Board of Directors; Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, TFEP chairperson, and all the members; my endorser Ms. Violeta E. Gayona, TPRO I; and to the whole NTA family.

I just couldn’t imagine the burden in the pockets of my beloved parents without this financial assistance. The financial support you have given me every semester had helped me a lot in my education. My parents’ monthly income is not enough for our basic needs.

Having this privilege gave me the motivation to study well and earned high grades. I would like you to know that the financial support you have provided me served as my instrument to achieve my goals in life, and to become successful in my chosen career, an educator in the future. And I would like to be a role model to other NTA scholars, and inspire them to become determined and passionate in the pursuit of success.

In behalf of all the NTA scholars in Mindoro, thank you for giving us the hope for a bright future. Rest assured that we will use our education not just for our own welfare, but also for the benefits of other people more so, to our much loved country, the Philippines.

We hope that NTA will continue giving scholarships to the children of tobacco farmers who are less fortunate and could not study because of financial problems.

Thank you, God bless and more power.

Truly yours,

ALLAN RAGEN WADIONG NTA TFEP Scholar Occidental Mindoro

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

Roberto R. Bonoan, Ph.D. Editorial Adviser: Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza

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May - June 2015

Allan and his proud father, Romeo B. Wadiong, during his graduation last May 11 at Occidental Mindoro State College. Allan is now working as elementary teacher at his alma mater.

IRRIGATION

SUPPORT PROJECT

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HE National Tobacco Administration conducted ocular inspection and verification of the accomplishments of various municipalities in the construction/ rehabilitation of the different communal irrigation projects under the NTA Irrigation Support Project for Small Tobacco Farmers (ISPSTF) in the provinces of Abra, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, and La Union last May 11 to 12.

Members of the Project Management Staff who conducted the inspection of some of the ongoing projects were Dinah E. Pichay, Ma. Teresa B. Laudencia, Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, and Rex Antonio P.Teoxon, all Department Managers of the NTA Central Office. The team was assisted by the Technical Team of Engr.

Leandro D. Bagaoisan and Engr. Abraham de la Pe単a.

Two of those inspected in Abra were the new communal irrigation projects in Sitio Wayya, Barangay Velasco and Barangay Budac in Tayum, Abra.The communal irrigation projects in the province have a maximum potential service area of 650 hectares of farm lands in the municipalities of Tayum, Pilar, Dolores, and Villaviciosa.

Two of the 10 inspected communal irrigation projects in the 2nd district of Ilocos Sure were the small reservoir irrigation projects in Brgy.

Salincub and Brgy. Al-aludig, both in Santiago, Ilocos Sur. The two communal irrigation projects in said town have a combined maximum potential

NTA La Union Branch Manager Dr. Giovanni B. Palabay (left) with members of the Project Evaluation Teadm (seated, from left): Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, Dinah E. Pichay, Ma. Teresa B. Laudencia, and Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, and other NTA officials during the inspection of project sites in Balaoan, La Union.

Project evaluation team inspects ISPSTF projects service area of 360 hectares of farm lands.

Other irrigation projects visited by the evaluation/technical team, were those in San Emilio, Lidlidda, Sta. Cruz and Banayoyo.

In La Union, the team visited the ongoing rehabilitation of reservoir irrigation system in Patpata Weste, Patpata Este, Ar-arampang, Apaleng, and Sinapangan, all in Balaoan, La Union.

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

The irrigation water sourced from the creeks, watershed runoffs, seepage from the mountain, and rain in the area, falls under very high-quality irrigation water classification,

suitable to all crops especially to a salt-sensitive crop like the tobacco, according to NTA technical evaluation team that surveyed the site last year.

Ilocos Norte project sites ENGR. Leandro Bagaoisan, National Technical Team Member of ISPSTF headed the inspection and evaluation team that visited the six ongoing project sites in Ilocos Norte in May. The ongoing projects are: Rehabilitation and Improvement of Mabuti Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Mabuti, Marcos, Ilocos Norte; Construction of Capasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Capasan, Dingras; Restoration of Bacsil Small

Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bacsil, Dingras; Construction of Upper, Middle and Lower Espiritu Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Dingras; Restoration of Barbarangay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Barbarangay, Banna; and Restoration of Nagpatayan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Nagpatayan, Banna.

The projects are expected to provide sources of irrigation to a total of 846 hectares of farmlands in said locations.

Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Mario E. Corpuz, Engr.

Jesusa D. Calano, ISPSTF Branch Coordinator, and other senior staff of the branch office joined Bagaoisan during the project evaluation and inspection. (Divina D. Pagdilao)

Balaoan, La Union

Tayum, Abra

Santiago, Ilocos Sur

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Harmonizing tobacco classification and grading system

HE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has an established system of classification and grading of locally grown Virginia tobacco. The grade is based on the quality of tobacco which includes the elements of maturity, body, color, oil and injury.

Because of the diversity and complexity of tobacco leaves, most of the classification and the quality evaluations of the flue-cured tobacco leaves are done manually by a well-seasoned expert’s senses on the properties of the leaves. The width, maturity, body and color, and so on are the key factors effecting tobacco grades.

Based on Presidential Decree No. 1481, the conventional standard grading or classifications are as follows: – Grade A, lemon or orange in colors; and of choice quality, ripe (mature), thin to medium thin in body, oily, and not less than 15 inches in length; – Grade B, lemon or orange in color; of good to choice quality, ripe, thin to medium in body, oily, not less than 33.28 13 inches in length; – Grade C, lemon or orange in color; of good quality, ripe, medium in body, fair in oil, not less than 11 inches in length; – Grade D, lemon orange of brownish shade with dominating lemon or orange in color; of fair quality, fairly ripe, medium thick or thick in body, lean in oil, not less than 9 inches in length; – Grade E, lemon orange or brownish with dominating lemon orange color; of fair to poor quality, fairly ripe, medium or thick body, lean in oil, below 9 inches in length.

All the leaves under the above grades should have a10% allowance in injury.

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May - June 2015

Reject tobacco do not fall in any of the above-mentioned grades and are commonly described as scalded, scorched, sponged, immature, sucker, infested, sundried, injured, moldy, and rained-out.

Per NTA Grade Description of Philippine Virginia Leaf Tobacco approved under Board Resolution No. 011-200 dated February 23, 2001, the leaf is given the topmost Grade “AA” if it has deep color of lemon or orange, rich in oil, thin and more than 10% allowance on injury.

The different buyer firms, however, use different systems of grading and classification using their own international standards, based on the demand in the international market, where leaves are classified according to stalk positions.

Need to Harmonize The agency saw the concerns of farmers regarding leaf grading in trading centers in the last trading operations.

Some farmers claimed that their tobacco leaves are not given the appropriate grade, and some are graded arbitrarily. Other farmers complained about the different grading system/classification of the buyer firms in grading the quality of leaves. They want a simple grading system that they can easily understand.

Buyer firms, however, claimed that while their trading centers provide the listing and equivalents in the trading area, some farmers would only look for the high grade.

NTA officials and representatives of buyer firms in a multisectoral dialogue in Candon City last April had to explain to the farmers the international tobacco leaf grading standards.

The trading operators and the

NTA technicians assigned in trading centers adhere to these standards.

For the interest of the farmers and the traders, NTA has to reconcile the different standards in leaf grading. And it was agreed after the dialogue to have a harmonized grading system and classification of the internationally accepted grading and classification system which will be uniformly accepted by all tobacco buying firms.

Since 2010, NTA has started applying the internationally accepted US standards on leaf grading, but not all grades therein are for local applications. The agency, through the Quality Assurance Division (QAD) of the Industrial Research Department (IRD)

has come out with the Implementing Rules and Guidelines on the Harmonized Grades of Locally Grown Leaf Tobacco.

This was presented for pilot testing in 2011.

Elements of Quality According to Lina A. Cera, QAD chief, different buyer firms use different specifications but they refer to the same grade.

For example, for Choice Quality Orange Leaf (B1O), only USA and TMI adopted this grade name. ULPI and PMFTC use First Quality Orange Leaf for the same grade name (in one instance ULPI used Good Quality Orange while PMFTC used Top Quality Orange Leaf). On maturity of leaf, USA, TMI, ULPI and

PMFTC use “Ripe.” In one instance, however, ULPI used “Mature to ripe” while PMFTC used “Very ripe.” For the body of leaf, USA and PMFTC use “Fleshy.” TMI and PMFTC, in one instance, use “Medium” referring to the body, while ULPI has no specifications for this. Except for ULPI and PMFTC, in one instance, all buyer firms use “Firm” to refer to the leaf structure. For oil, TMI and USA use “Rich in oil”; “Oily” for PMFTC; and no specifications for ULPI. For color, all use “Orange” except PMFTC in one instance where it used “Light orange to orange.” All firms use “Deep” to describe intensity, except ULPI which has no specifications for this. To describe width, only USA and PMFTC use “Spready” and the rest of the firms have no specifications for this.

Using the NTA harmonized standard, the specifications for the same grade name Choice Quality Orange Leaf (B1O) will just be ripe (maturity), fleshy (body), firm (leaf structure), orange (color), oily (oil), deep (intensity), and spready (width).

According to Cera, the elements of quality and the degrees of words used in the specifications in the proposed NTA harmonized grades of locally grown Virginia leaf tobacco are almost synonymous in their meaning, yet, they are sufficiently different to represent steps within the range of the elements of quality to which they are applied.

The conventional type of classification will still be retained for floor pricing. Using the above example, the grade name Choice Quality Orange Leaf (B1O) will be given the floor price for Grade “AA.” Orientation and Training The proposed draft of implementing rules and guidelines of harmonized grades was presented to the extension workers last March and this will be the basis for the holding of a training-seminar this August on leaf grading standards to core-group of trainers of leaf grading using the harmonized standard.

The core-group comprised Pls turn to page 6

Key to Harmonized Grade Marks

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HE harmonized grade marks for Virginia tobacco are symbols that described the leaf group, leaf quality and leaf color as identified below: Groups Qualities 1 – Tips 1 – Choice B – Leaf 2 – Fine C – Cutters 3 – Good X – Lugs 4 – Fair ND – Nondescript 5 – Low

Colors L – Lemon O – Orange R – Orange Red V – Running Green K – Variegated G – Green

Summary of Standard Grades (72 grade marks) The proposed harmonized grades for Virginia tobacco had a total of 72 grades where the tips had 15, 21 for leaf, 16 for cutters, 16 for lugs, and four for nondescript as can be seen below.

T3L T4L T5L

15 Grades of Tips T3O T3R T3V T4O T4R T4V T5O T5R T5V

T3K T4K T5K

B1L B2L B3L B4L B5L

21 Grades of Leaf B10 B1R B2O B2R B3V B3O B3R B3V B4O B4R B4V B5O B5R B5V

B3K B3K B4K B5K

To grade a lot of tobacco, two thing have to be done: 1 Classify tobacco according to Stalk Position or Leaf Group; and 2) Determine the elements of quality and degrees of each element

C1L C2L C3L C4L C5L

16 Grades of Cutters C1O C2O C3O C3V C3K C4O C4V C4K C5O C5V C5K

X1L X2L X3L X4L X5L

16 Grades of Lugs X1O X2O X3O X3V X3K X4O X4V X4K X5O X5V X5K

4 Grades of Nondescript TND BND CND XND

ELEMENTS OF QUALITY LEAF STRUCTURE (The cell development of a leaf indicated by its porosity.)

The different degrees of leaf structure are Tight, Close, Firm and Open.

MATURITY The degree of ripeness. Tobacco is mature when it reaches its prime state of development. The extremes are expressed as immature and mellow. The maturity of leaf at harvest is given the top most consideration as elements of quality in grading of flue-cured.)

The different degrees of maturity are the following: Immature – when 20% or more of the leaves is green (G) with leaf structure of tight (leaf-B and tips-T); close (cutters-C) and firm (lugs-X) Unripe – the tobacco is 20% or more of the leaf surface is variegated (K) in color which is visible on the surface of the leaf but it is not the same at the back of the leaf. The leaf structure of unripe tobacco close Mature – there is 20% or more of the running green (V) color to yellow color on the leaves with leaf structure of firm in B and T and open in C and X Ripe – no running green color it could only be lemon, orange and orange red accompanied by leaf structure of firm in B and T and open in C and X BODY (The thickness and density of a leaf or the weight per unit of surface. The body determines the color of the leaf.)

The different degrees of the body are the following: Heavy – variegated color of cured leaf B has heavy body Fleshy – orange red color of cured leaf B is generally fleshy in body Medium – when leaves are mature to ripe at harvest, generally the cured leaves are medium in body and orange in color Thin – is always associated with lemon color and the leaves are ripe to mellow when harvested; is dry and when pinchED it leaves a finger print COLOR (The third factor of a grade based on the relative hues, saturations or chromas, and color values common to the type. It is basically related to body and other overall characteristics of the type.

Color symbols. As applied to flue-cured tobacco, single color symbols are as follows: L–lemon, O–orange, R–Orange red, V–Running green, K–Variegated, and G–green.)

Normal colors considered are Lemon (L), Orange (O), and Orange Red (R) Lemon (L) – yellow Orange (O) – reddish yellow Orange red (R) – yellowish red

Pls turn to page 9

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For the second time this year, Administrator Zaragoza met with tobacco farmer-leaders of Ilocos Sur 2nd District. for a dialogue-consulation.

After a dialogue last April 11, Candon Branch Manager De Peralta (left) conducted an inspection of trading centers in the Candon Branch area.

NTA Candon holds dialogue with tobacco farmer-leaders

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TA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza had another round of dialogue with Ilocos Sur tobacco farmerleaders at the Candon Branch Office in Candon City last June 29.

Candon Branch Manager Estrella G. De Peralta facilitated the one-day dialogue attended by a total of 128 farmer leaders from the different tobacco-growing municipalities in the second district of Ilocos Sur.

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sues about trading, and to discuss directions of the industry in the coming cropping season,” she said.

During the open forum in the April dialogue, to­bacco buyers Universal Leaf Philip­ pines Inc. (ULPI), PMFTC Inc., and Trans-Manila Inc. were given the opportunity to enlighten the farmers and the local execu­tives on grading and pricing at the trading center..

(Photos: Candon Branch office)

OMT program extended for Pangasinan farmers

HE “Oras ni Mannalon ti Tabako” (OMT) Radio Program at DZRD-Sonshine Radio 981 KHZ in Dagupan City had a successful fivemonth run, from February to June this year. The program was aired 11:00–12:00 noon every first Friday of the said months.

According to its anchor Elizabeth Q. Biala, Supervising Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer of the Pangasinan branch office, a group of farmers were invited to a forum in a designated area in the province, simultaneous with the airing of the one-hour radio program.

She said the interaction with the farmers through the broad­ cast is a good supple­ment to technology updating being conducted regularly by the agency’s extension workers.

“We also invited resource speakers, including farmer leaders to discuss and share their ideas on the subject matter on air or recorded inter-

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According to De Peralta, the Administrator regularly conducts dialogue with farmers to address, on the spot, issues affecting the industry, particularly on trading issues.

Trading issues was well addressed in a dialogue attended by tobacco farmers and lo­cal executives in the district, also held in the Candon Branch Office last April 11.

“But the Administrator would always want to have another one to clarify other is-

May - June 2015

views,” she added.

Extension workers of the branch office served as facilitators to record the issues and concerns that crop up during the forum.

A total of 168 farmers from six tobacco-producing municipalities participated in the monthly farmers’ forum.

Participants got in touch with the anchor through phone calls or text messages. Most of the issues were those concerning grading of tobacco, strict implementation of moisture content of tobacco deliveries, curing barn assistance for tobacco farmers, and additional cash for labor under the NTAfinanced Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS).

The Radio Program for Pangasinan was one of the six radio programs for OMT for 2014-2015 to­bacco cropping season.

From November 2014 to May 2015, NTA had weekly radio programs in DZVV Vigan, DZTP Candon, and DZPA

Biala

Bangued; and bi-weekly programs in DZSO San Fernando City and DZVR Laoag City.

Since its relaunching in crop year 2011-2012, OMT has been helping the agency in upgrading the knowledge and competencies of tobac­co farmers on quality pro­duction.

OMT, a component of the agency’s Communication Support Program, also serves as a venue to clarify issues, particularly on the to­bacco price and grading sys­tem during the trading sea­son.

The OMT program is un­der the direct supervision of the branch manager of the covered area.

Harmonizing..., from page 5

the Tobacco Production and Regulation Officers of the Regulation Department and the different provincial branch offices, and the IRD research specialists. More trainings will be held in September for the rest of the extension workers.

Also by September, the coregroup of trainers will start the orientation and training on leaf grading to the Virginia tobacco growers under the NTAfinanced Tobacco Contract Growing System.

The draft will also be submitted to the buyer firms for review.

“The building up of confidence and competence in the application of harmonized leaf grading standards require time and constant application of the standards,” Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, IRD Manager, said.

Aside from enhancing their competence on the use of international leaf grading standards for tobacco, Bonoan expects the staff and other agency officials to be more effective in the discharge of their functions and responsibilities in the agency.

With the training of competent leaf graders, NTA expects better trading operations with farmers in the next tobacco trading season.

The biggest challenge now for the agency and the tobacco traders is to help the farmers produce the top quality tobacco (Choice, Fine, Good) and minimize the production of low quality tobacco leaves (Fair and Low). This is to ensure a profitable trading season for both the traders and the farmers. (Neyo E. Valdez)

NTA VIGAN

Project Implementation Updates

IFOIGAP Tobacco Contract Growing System

AgriPinoy Hog Raising Project

A total of 1,113 direct farmer-cooperators (FCs) of the 1st District of Ilocos Sur with a total aggregate area of 626 hectares joined the IFOIGAP 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, 618 FCs with 345 hectares; and Buyer Firms and local government units (LGUs), 495 FCs with 281 hectares.

The second cycle of implementation of the NTA AgriPinoy Hog Raising Project, comprising six clusters in the district, had a total of 95 farmer-cooperators beneficiaries.

The hog raising component of the NTA AgriPinoy food processing facility located in Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. is an intervention program that seeks to provide tobacco farmers with additional sources of income outside their regular trade, by raising raw materials (hogs) which the plant will buy, process and sell.

Harvesting and hauling of hogs by the NTA AgriPinoy at a piggery of a farmer-cooperation in Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

TCGS farmer-cooperators removing non-tobacco related materials (NTRMs) from their tobacco deliveries at the Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. (ULPI) in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Irrigation Support Project for Small Tobacco Farmers (ISPSTF) There are four sites for the Irrigation Support Project for Small Tobacco Farmers (ISPSTF) in the 1st District of Ilocos Sur. They are in three barangays of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, namely, Calingayan, Cabulalaan, and Baracbac; and the Aragan, Carusipan, Alinaay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. The four projects have a maximum potential service area of 788 hectares of farmlands in the area.

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

Kahuyang Pangkalikasan at Pangkabuhayan (KPP) Project / Synchronized Tree Planting A total of 440 farmer-cooperators from the municipalities of San Juan and Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, with an aggregate area of 470 hectares benefitted from the Kahuyang Pangkalikasan at Pangkabuhayan (KPP) Project.

For the Synchronized Tree Planting scheduled on July, the Branch Office has targeted to plant a total of 110,000 seedlings sourced from the branch-assisted tree nurseries in the district.

Vigan Branch officer-in-charge Faustino O. Taal visits the KPP site of farmer-cooperator Edmund Sayaboc in San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Tobacco Free Education Program (TFEP) Nine of the 51 TFEP scholars from Vigan Branch Office graduated from their respective courses in different colleges in the province last school year. For the first semester of SY 2015-2016, the province has 28 new scholars, bringing its total number of scholars to 70 as of June 2015.

The NTA project monitoring team during the validation of ISPSTF sites in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. Joining the team were Cabugao Sangguniang Bayan Member Benedict Savellano (in orange T-shirt) and Barangay officials headed by Brgy. Capt. Modesto Ronque of Aragan, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur. (inset) The reservoir of the Aragan, Carusipan, Alinaay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project at Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

Branch officials headed by Officer-in-Charge Faustino O. Taal (extreme right), posed with some of NTA TFEP Scholars during the turnover of scholarship grants.

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TRAININGS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, CONVENTIONS ATTENDED BY NTA OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, May - June 2015

Geoffrey DG. Gacula Vicente D. Lasam Everin F. Molina Rohbert A. Ambros Loreto S. Reyes Orlando O. Galdones Isabela and Cagayan Branch Officials and Staff Loreto S. Reyes

Priscilla S. Esguerra

Luzveminda R. Truong

NTA Officials*

2nd period of the Mandatory Continuing Lawyers Education under the Department of Agriculture, U.P. College of Law, Diliman, Quezon City, May 12-14 Effective Communication Skills Training, CSC Regional Office 1 Training Center, San Fernando City, La Union, May 13-14 Orientation on the Strategic Performance Management System, Civil Service Commission, NTA Isabela Branch Office, May 15 Monthly general assembly meeting of the Council of Human Resource Management Practitioners - Ilocos Sur Chapter, San Vicente, Ilocos Sur, May 15 Preparation of the DA Enterprise Architecture, E-Services Strategic Roadmap, DA - ITCAF, Balai Isabel, Talisay, Batangas, May 20-22 Technical Working Group Meeting for the development of Philippine National Standards Code of Good Agricultural Practices for Non-Food Agricultural Commodities, Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards, DA Compound, Quezon City, May 21-23 National Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on AFEN Strategic Planning for 2017-2022, Ormoc City, June 13-19 Workshop on the Implementing Guidelines of the NTA Srategic Performance Management System Training Rm., NTA Central Office, June 1-2

* Edgardo D. Zaragoza, Ma. Judith J. Savellano, Rohbert A. Ambros, Dinah E. Picahy, Charity P. Garcia, Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, Fortuna C. Benosa, Prisicilla S. Esguerra, Teresita D. dela Rosa, Claire Monette P. Esteban , Luzveminda R. Truong, Roman J. Raganit, Jr., Imelda N. Riñen, Everin F. Molina, Vicente D. Lasam, Roberto R. Bonoan, Cecilio A. Cabigan, Myrna O. Lozano, Lina A. Cera, Raquel F. Señga, Excelsior

Gavina B. Zapata Estrella G. de Peralta Everin F. Molina NTA Abra Branch Officials and Staff Perla C. Manzon Ophelia T. Gonzales Minerva P. Mizal Diosadado L. Maduli Arturo C. Castillanes Leonardo B. Federico Estephany Agustin Milagros Rufina C. Doria Perla C. Manzon

Supervisory Development Course Track I, CSC Regional Office 1 Training Ctr., San Fernando City, La Union, June 2-5 CES Club entitled, “The Importance of EQ in Leadership”, Quirino Memorial Hall, National Museum, Ilocos Reg’l Complex, Vigan City, June 4 Lakbay Aral to Baler, Quezon and visit the PMFTC Plant visit, Batangas, June 12-15 Leave Administration Course for Effectiveness Seminar, Civil Service Commission – National Capital Region, June 18-19 Livestock Philippines, 2015 Expo & Conference - 3rd Int’l Livestock Production, Health & Nutrition & Meat Industry Show (Feeds Expo/PhilMeat Expo/Food Processing & Packaging Expo), SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, June 23-26 Comprehensive Values Reorientation Officer Trainer’s Training Design, Hotel Supreme, Baguio City, June 23-26,

R. Mejia, Ma. Teresa B. Laudencia, Milagros C. Tiu, Reynaldo R. Aquino, Cristina C. Lopez, Elvira R. Paras, Perla C. Manzon, Ophelia T. Gonzales, Vivien F. Ferareza, Maybelen B. Dictaan, Alex L. Borje, Eleanor A. Rapanut, Mario E. Corpuz, Candelario P. Corpuz, Elaine A. Tinio, Alexis B. Jamias, Luzviminda U. Padayao, Estrella G. de Peralta, Juan B. Begonia, Reynaldo C. Aquino, Sr., Loreto S. Reyes, Orlando O. Galdones, Faustino O. Taal, Gilbert I. Yadao, Florence G. Nolasco, Jose A. Taclas, Jr., Tomasito G. Taloza, Esmeralda G. Valera, Ped Ruben B. Barbero, Leonora C. Benzon, Felicisimo T. Lazo, Giovanni B. Palabay, Marcelo T. Pascual, Emma Beth B. Fantastico, Christopher R. Supang, Elvira N. Sambrana, Cesar G. Sambrana, Roger T. Madriaga, Joselyn G. Miguel, Alma G. Toralba, Leodegario N. Tolentino, Herman C. Torres, Joefrey T. Bautista, Manuel M. Beltran, Rogelio T. Tarun, Perpetuo C. Dalloran, Corazon R. Riazonda, Gilbert A. Taguiam, Zenaida T. Arrojo, Alicia A. Malab, Roberto F. Pedro, Minerva P. Mizal, Diosdado L. Maduli, Noralyn I. Idica, Crisanto A. Ibbay, Hermogenes A. Galvez

Tobacco industry

Milestone

Presidential Decree No. 1481

Republic Act 2265 (Creation of Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration) 56 YEARS ago today, President Ferdinand Marcos established, by virtue of Republic Act 2265 (approved June 19, 1959), the Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration (PVTA) to promote the effective merchandising of Virginia tobacco in the domestic and foreign markets; to create, establish, maintain, and operate processing, warehousing and marketing facilities in suitable centers and supervise the selling and buying of Virginia tobacco, among other objectives.

PVTA was merged with seven other tobacco agencies in the creation of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) by virtue of Executive Order No. 116 signed by President Cory Aquino on January 30, 1987.

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37 YEARS AGO: On June 11, 1978, President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed Presidential Decree No. 1481, a decree governing and regulating trading of locally grown Virginia leaf tobacco.

With the law, the State declared as its policy the full development of the Virginia tobacco industry, and took firmer measures to safeguard the general interest of the farmers and other stakeholders.

PD 1481 established the duration, place and hours of trading, classification and baling of tobacco, tobacco grades and specifications, minimum prices, qualifications of buyers, authorized sellers, registration of farmers, accreditation of cooperatives, supervision and procedure of buying, suspension and cancellation of licenses and permits, among others.

A 1985 stamp commemorating the 25th year anniversary of the PVTA

Source: NTA Administrative Department

Rice hull-fed furnace saves trees from flue-curing

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HE NTA-FTSD has come up with an effective and efficient means to reduce fuelwood consumption in fluecuring tobacco with the use of rice hull as supplementary fuel.

Through the years, the team headed by Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD) Manager Luzveminda R. Truong, has continually modified the rice hull-fed furnace to give its optimum operation. With the provision of fan or blower to facilitate the continuous burning of rice hull and the automated rice hull feeder to lessen barn tending time and labor, the use of rice hull as supplementary fuel has lowered fuelwood consumption to only 20%.

In the traditional curing system based on a half-hectare barn capacity using fuelwood alone, the average fuelwood consumption is 2.07 cubic meters (m3) per curing.

With the supplementation of rice hull to as much as 80%, only 0.41 m3 of fuelwood will be used per curing in the modified anawang as burning chamber. Only 2-3 kg of small pieces of wood as igniter is needed for the continuous burning of rice hull. This system has been tested by three farmer cooperators this cropping season.

Rice hull is an agricultural waste that is being left behind in large quantities. Tapping it as an alternative or supplement for fuelwood for flue curing Virginia tobacco is an effort to fight indiscriminate cutting of trees; thus saving the environment from soil loss, flooding

The NTA delegation during the parade. (Right photo) The DA family float bearing the different logo of the attached agencies.

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NTA joins Batac’s 7th farmers festival

HE National Tobacco Administration, through its Ilocos Norte branch office and the Farm Technology and Services Department, participated in the 7th Farmers’ Festival of the City of Batac, Ilocos Norte last May 1-7.

The week-long activity was also joined by the other agencies and offices under the Department of Agriculture.

The festival formally opened on May 1 with the opening of agricultural booths and exhibits. The branch office featured in its booth the NTA AgriPinoy products.

NTA Ilocos Norte also joined the parade on May 6, along with different schools, national agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations, nongovernment organizations, and the 43 barangays comprising the city.

The DA contingent also paraded its float, designed in consonance with this year’s theme: and severe warming. Likewise, using it as fuel is an appropriate and environmentally acceptable waste disposal system, thereby restoring the ecological integrity of the earth.

(FTSD/Ilocos Norte)

Former Administrator Carlitos S. Encarnacion, 74 Former Administrator Atty. Carlitos S. Encarnacion passed away last May 13.

He was 74. Atty. Encarnacion served as Administrator from March 2001 to June 2003, and from March 2004 to June 2010. During his term, he pursued pioneering ventures including the development and commercialization of tobacco dust production as molluscicide cum fertilizer for aquaculture application in the country, tobacco handmade paper and handicrafts, ethanol, and tobacco extracts as pesticides.

“Organiko a Panagtalon Suroten, Salun-at ken Aglawlaw Parambaken.”

The Farmer’s Festival is an annual activity conducted

by the City of Batac to showcase its bounty of harvests of locally produced agricultural products.

(Elaine Arcangel Tinio)

Key to Harmonized ..., from page 5 Variegated (K) – described the color applied to unripe tobacco that does not blend with the normal colors of the types; any leaf of which 20% or more of its surface is scorched, grayish, mottled bleached, doty-faced, scalded or sunbaked Running green (V) – a color term applied where the lamina portion of the leaf has a green tinge – this coloration may “run” or disappear during storage. Any leaf which has a running green color affecting 20% or more of its surface may be described as mature.

Green (G) – a color term applied to immature or crude tobacco.

Any leaf which has a green color affecting 20% or more of its surface may be described as green.

Crude – a sub-degree of maturity. Crude leaves are usually hard and slick as a result of extreme immaturity. A similar condition may result from fire-kill, sunburn, or sunscald. Any leaf which is crude to the extent of 20% or more of its leaf surface may be described as crude.

Slick – a term used to denote tobacco having a close or tight leaf structure. Any leaf of lemon or orange color of which 20% r more of its surface is close or tight may be described as slick.

Mixed color – distinctly different colors of the type mingled together.

Color intensity – the varying degree of saturation or chroma.

Color intensity as applied to tobacco describes the strength or weakness of a specific color or hue. It is applicable in all colors except in variegated, running green and green colors.

The different degrees of color intensity are weak, moderate, strong and deep.

OIL (A soft, semifluid constituent of tobacco. Degree of oil in the leaf determines the leaf structure. Mature leaves at harvest has more oil and the cured leaves are sticky to the fingers.)

The different degrees of oil in the leaf are as follows: Oily – 50% of the leaf sample/s is oily and it is sticky as can be seen in B3,4, C1,2,3, and X1,2 the butt of the leaf is usually sticky because the tip dries up and has less oil.

Lean oil – less than 50% of the leaf sample/s is oily like in B4,5, C4,5, and X3,4,5 when the oil is lean there is more injury in the leaf because there is less oil that holds the lamina together; it also indicates high sugar content except on the K. WIDTH (The relative breadth of a tobacco leaf expressed in relation to its length. Width, as an element of quality, does not apply to tobacco in strip form.)

The different degrees of width are as follows: Spready – 75%/length (+18, 20 inches length) Normal – 50%/length (+16 inches length) Narrow – 25%/length (16 inches length). --

May - June 2015

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Central Office organizes values orientation workshop

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HE National Tobacco Administration conducted Values Orientation Workshop (VOW) for the Central Office employees (first batch) last May 20 to 22 at the Central Office Conference Room in Quezon City.

This was participated in by a total of 63 officers and staff of the NTA central office. The course had five modules, the first four focused on the four areas of a person, namely: consciousness of the environment (pagka-kalikasan), personhood (pagkatao), being a civil servant (pagka-tagapaglingkod), and being a Filipino citizen (pagka-Filipino); and the last is the integration of the four values.

The lectures and exercises were facilitated by resource persons from the Civil Service Commission (CSC), namely, Lilian F. Luy, retired Director III; Roland D. Palumpon, CSC-Chief of Human Resource Specialist, and Ms. Mae Reyna, Director.

VOW is adopted as a continuing intervention program by the CSC pursuant to Republic Act 6713 or the Code of

Members of Batch 2 with (Seated, from Left) CSC-Chief of Human Resource Specialist Roland D. Palumpon, , Deputy Administrator Atty. Everin F. Molina, Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, Administrative Department Manager Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, retired Director III Lilian F. Luy, and Gian A. Tan.

Conduct and Ethical Standards for Government Officials and Employees.

The workshop took off with an unfreezing session (Kumustahan/Lakbayan and Pagtutulungan) which was intended to build rapport among the participants. This was followed by an interactive lecture-discussions on Sino Ako and Hiwaga ng Buhay which deal with better understanding of one’s behavior, motives, dreams, and aspirations; and discussions on pagka-kalikasan and pagka-Filipino (Mangarap Tayo, Mabuhay ang Pinoy, and Tinig

ng Bayan) and pagka-Tagapaglingkod (Public Service and Luha at Ligaya).

Highlights of the closing ceremony included the pledge of commitment recited by the employees according to their

groupings in the workshop.

The activity was culminated with the Binhi ng Buhay, where participants joined Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza in the ceremonial planting of trees.

IRD Manager Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan leads his group (Batch 1) in the pledge of commitment during the culminating activity. (Photos: Erick Villarin)

D NTA joins “Fun Walk for Women’s Education”

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HE National Tobacco Administration joined the Fun Walk for Women’s Education 2015 at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila last May 30.

The one-day event, organized by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) of the Department of Agriculture, was aimed at generating more funds for the benefit of the indigent women students and highlighting the department’s commitments

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May - June 2015

under the gender and development program.

Leah Gina B. Ramboyong, Records Officer II of the NTA Administrative Department, headed the participants which also included Jayson I. Gannaban, Russel R. Rutab, Patricia Cortez, Rosalie P. Catura, Lioba B. Pacapac, Lina A. Cera, Charity P. Garcia, Excelsior R. Mejia, Leah C. Fiesta, and Rudy Albao.

(Photo courtesy of Rosalie Catura)

Orientation on earthquake preparedness held

IRECTOR Rogelio A. Elveña, Member of the NTA Governing Board, conducted refresher Orientation on Earthquake Preparedness for Central Office employees last May 29 at the NTA Training Room in Quezon City.

This is in light of the recent warnings and precautionary measures towards Earthquake preparedness, being invoked by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), and with the possibility of a major earthquake up to Intensity 6.

In line with this, the agency also formed its Fire and Earthquake Brigade to oversee evacuation, safety and rescue of agency officials and staff, tenants of the NTA office

Dir. Elveña

spaces and the visiting public.

The brigade members are tasked to respond, in accordance with their specific assignments, as demanded for in any eventuality during a disaster.

Alex L. Borje, Chief TPRO of the Tobacco Leaf Regulation Division, will serve as Team Captain, with Edgardo C. Guia, Building Foreman (Administrative Department) as Assistant Team Captain.

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FTSD visits Aurora, Isabela on educational tour

HE NTA Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD) visited the native industries (bignay winery and sabutan leaf weaving) in Baler, Aurora and the engineered bamboo facility in Angadanan, Isabela in their educational tour from April 29 to May 2.

According to Luzveminda R. Truong, FTSD Manager and head of the educational tour, said industries were primarily considered in the itinerary because they can be possibly ad-

S

opted by the tobacco farming families. “These industries do not only provide lucrative jobs for the residents, they are also attuned to the national trend of going back to basics, which is utilizing indigenous raw and recyclable materials for crafts,” she added.

Adriano Necesito, Provincial Agriculturist of Aurora, described his bignay wine as equal to the first-class wines in the European countries. He also said that it is beneficial to

Orientation on SPMS held for Cagayan, Isabela Branch Offices

OME 38 officers and staff of the NTA Branch Offices in Cagayan and Isabela attended the Orientation on the NTA Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS), conducted by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) last May 15 at the Isabela Branch Office in Ilagan City.

Main discussant of the orientation was Noel V. Salumbides, Director II of CSC assigned at the Office of the President CSC Field Office.

Facilitators or members of the NTA Training Management Team were Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, manager of the Administrative Department; Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, manager of the Corporate Planning Department; and Elvira R. Paras, HRMO V of the Administrative Services Division.

Deputy Administrator for Operations Atty. Vicente D. Lasam and NTA Director

Dante G. Claravall were also present during the orientation.

This is the fourth and last set of the said orientation on the SPMS. Last April, officers and staff of the NTA Branch Offices in Region 1 and Abra attended the orientation in three areas—Pangasinan Branch Office, Candon Branch Office, and Ilocos Norte Branch office last April.

Salumbides said that SPMS is focused on linking individual performance vis-à-vis the agency’s organizational vision, mission and strategic goals.

In compliance with the CSC’s requirement, the NTA SPMS will be implemented to increase individual’s and team’s effectiveness and productivity levels, promotion of result-oriented working environment, as well as attaining continuing client responsiveness and increased organizational efficiency.

health if drank with discipline.

The sabutan leaf weaving (which is used for mats and novelty items), a cooperativemanaged industry in Aurora, gives the province its identity because the plant grows abundantly in the province.

The engineered bamboo facility owned by the local government of Angadanan, Isabela use bamboo to create home decors and novelty items. The ongoing bamboo production project of NTA, on the other hand, is an effort to help in the reforestation in the tobacco-growing areas, and to provide construction materials

for tobacco curing sheds.

According to Truong, the bamboo trimmings by the tobacco farmers can be processed into home decors and other items if linkage and coordination are properly established.

The NTA Staff also visited some notable tourist spots in Aurora and Isabela, which include the Caunayan Falls, Ermita Hill, and the Balete Century Tree in Aurora.

Mayor Arsenio A. Agustin of Marcos, Ilocos Norte provided the vehicle and driver for the trip.

(F. Ramos Aurellano)

NTA Isabela joins Brigada Eskwela

NTA Isabela, along with other government offices and nongovernment organizations, joined the provincial government of Isabela in the 2015 Brigada Eskwela Week of the Department of Education last May 18 to 23.

Some volunteers from the branch office, headed by Branch Manager Herman C. Torres, trooped to Ilagan East Central School in Ilagan City, with their cleaning materials and paint, for the cleaning and beautification of the school before the start of the school year 2015-2016. (R.Tarun).

Participants from the host branch, NTA Isabela, with guests: (seated, from Left) Administrative Department Manager Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, CSC Director Noel V. Salumbides, Deputy Administrator for Operations Atty. Vicente D. Lasam, NTA Director Dante G. Claravall, CorPlan Manager Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, and Administrative Services Division HRMO V Elvira R. Paras.

May - June 2015

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Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza (left) addresses participants in the NTA Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) Orientation during the opening program, held at the Central Office in Quezon City. The agency, through its Performance Management Team (PMT), conducted the two-day workshop (June 1 and 2) on the Implementing Guidelines of the NTA SPMS. A total of 76 officers and staff from the central and branch offices participated in the workshop, which was facilitated by Director Noel V. Salumbides of the Civil Service Commission.

1-M trees for 3rd Synchronized Tree ... from page 1 cies and industry stakeholders in the regreening of tobacco areas,” he said.

In its initial year (2013), a total of 552,236 tree seedlings were planted to tobaccogrowing communities by over 85,811farmers, students, and employees of different government agencies and the private sector. Last year, about 93,400 planting volunteers or participants were able to plant 963,019 tree seedlings.

After this year’s tree planting activities, the agency will then be able to plant about 2.5 million trees out of its total target of 4 million.

According to Zaragoza, this is an appreciable effort considering that we still have more years to do this project.

The tree-planting activity is supplementary to the NTA’s livelihood assistance under its Kahuyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan (KPP) module, a component of its Renewable Fuelwood Energy Farm Development Project and Restoration of Ecological Integrity program.

The seedlings are sourced from the seedling nursery and fuelwood and bamboo farms of KPP farmer-availees, clus-

ters, and farmer cooperatives/ organizations, under the supervision of the NTA branch office in the area.

NTA Ilocos Norte The senior staff of the Ilocos Norte Branch Office led

by Branch Manager Mario E. Corpuz spearheaded the inventory of transplantable tree seedlings in the province. The tree seedlings will be planted in the different sites for the Synchronized Tree Planting (STP) on July 2015. The visitation was conducted in different dates in June .

Ilocos Norte formed the Inventory Committee to account the seedlings produced by the seedling growers individually.

Administrative Officer Elaine A. Tinio chairs the committee, with Operations Division Chief Candelario P. Corpuz, Branch Accountant Valentino L. Valdez, and KPP Coordinator Luzviminda U. Padayao, as members.

According to Padayao, in addition to STP, KPP will also be implemented by the branch office to over 313 hectares to benefit 345 farmer-cooperators for the year. (Divina D. Pagdilao)

NTA AgriPinoy News

BSU students plant tour SOME 20 BS Food Engineering Third Year students of Batangas State University and their instructors visited the NTA AgriPinoy food processing facility in Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur for their educational plant tour last May 20.

Plant Supervisor Diosdado Maduli gave the students house lecture on the food fa-

cility, and a brief tour at the slaughterhouse and wastewater treatment facility of the plant.

Since its opening in October 2013, the facility has been hosting plant visits and educational tours for college students, farmers, local government officials and employees, and private companies. (Noralyn I. Idica)

NTA AgriPinoy products at DA Trade Fair

NTA doubles.., from page 1

allow­ance to the scholars was also provided to ensure that they have a source for transportation and miscella­neous expenses,” he added.

Administrative Department Manager Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, TFEP scholarship committee chairperson, said 59

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May - June 2015

slots are still available as of June 2015 for deserving and qualified children of tobacco farmers.

Interested applicants, she added, may submit their documents for evaluation at the NTA branch office in their respective provinces.

DEPARTMENT of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and Undersecretary Emerson U. Palad (2nd and 1st from right) visited the NTA Pinoy Pork and Poultry Products booth during the DA Anniversary Trade Fair at the DA central office in Quezon City last June 26. Also in photo are staff from NTA AgriPinoy Jhing Cortez Doria, Jojie Feria and Leonarda Federico. Sec. Alcala and USec. Palad have plans to open a marketing opportunity for NTA Agripinoy Products as backload products to Baguio City. (J. Feria/photo: J. Doria)