NTA accomplishment report 2010-2016

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ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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MANDATES As the sole government tobacco agency, the NTA has been mandated, under its Charter, to: 1. Improve the economic and living conditions and raise the quality of life of the tobacco farmers including those who depend upon the industry for their livelihood; and 2. Promote the balanced and integrated growth and development of the tobacco industry to help make agriculture a solid base for industrialization.

ADDITIONAL MANDATES OF NTA UNDER REPUBLIC ACT 9211 (TOBACCO REGULATION ACT OF 2003) a. Tobacco Growers Assistance Program, to support financially the NTA-Registered Tobacco Farmers who may be displaced due to the implementation of RA 9211 or has voluntarily ceased planting of tobacco; b. Promote the Tobacco Growers Cooperative Programs, to assist Tobacco Farmers in Developing Alternative Farming Systems, plant alternative crops and other livelihood projects; c. National Tobacco Free Public Education Program, to provide Scholarships for Dependents of Tobacco Growers, in collaboration with State Colleges and Universities and Technical, and Vocational Schools; d. Research and Development Program to undertake studies in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology concerning technologies and methods to reduce the risk of dependence on and injury from tobacco product usage and exposure (or quality assurance of tobacco and tobacco products), development of alternatives uses of tobacco, and similar research programs. This is in line with the Balanced Policy adopted by the Government on tobacco pursuant to Section 2 of Republic Act 9211.

***************************************** Published by the National Tobacco Administration Sct. Reyes cor. Panay Ave., Quezon City Printed in the Philippines Philippine Copyright 2016 by the National Tobacco Administration Production Team

Office of the Administrator Corporate Planning Department Industrial Research Department Regulation Department

Information Coordination Farm Technology and Services Department Administrative Department Provincial Branch Offices Overall Editing Editing & Graphic Design Advisers

Perlita L. Baula, Ph.D Neyo E. Valdez Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza CorPlan Manager Rex Antonio P. Teoxon IRD Manager Roberto R. Bonoan, Ph.D.

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION


NTA Building, Sct. Reyes cor. Panay Ave., Quezon City

CONTENTS Message from the Administrator

4

Industry Update

7

Research and Development

10

Programs and Projects

14

Other Priority Projects

35

Corporate Planning Services

41

Regulatory Services

42

Manpower Development

44

Directory of Officials

46

NTA History

48

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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Keeping the tobacco farmers competitive in the market

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HERE is no other time in the history of the Philippine tobacco industry when it is threatened as it is today. The global campaigns against tobacco and smoking led by the World Health Organization – Framework Convention of Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) continue to heat up. Congress enacted the Tobacco Regulation Act in 2003 and Sin Tax Reform Law in 2012 in line with tobacco control measures, which drastically increase and unify the tax rates for cigarettes to make them less affordable. Import liberalization and global competition continue, with exports affected by currency devaluation. On top of it all, the climate has progressively become uncooperative, with the continuing extreme dry conditions due to El Niùo sweeping the tobacco growing regions. The challenge has been very formidable for the government, NTA in particular, to cushion the adverse effects of the above conditions, especially on matters of preparing our tobacco farmers for any eventuality that may arise in the implementation of laws affecting the tobacco industry. Undaunted, we have continued developing and implementing various programs and projects under such circumstances. Under our flagship project, the Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project (IFOIGAP), we provide the tobacco farmers technical and production assistance, enabling them to produce quality tobacco needed by both local and foreign markets. To ensure effective extension work, the tobacco production technology is periodically reviewed and updated in collaboration with the private sector to ensure that the tobacco plants are grown with the appropriate technology.

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

We put up AgriPinoy Projects to provide tobacco farmers with alternative sources of income by producing the livestock and poultry raw materials for the AgriPinoy Processing Plant, to be processed into high-value products such as bagnet, longganisa, bacon, tapa, tocino, barbecue, among others. The Food Processing Plant also includes a Feed Mill to purchase the feed crops raw materials from the farmers. To address ecological threats of climate change, we initiated projects to make the farming environment more conducive for the production of crops which are very sensitive to droughty conditions, in contrast to the tolerance of tobacco. The agency has been supporting the National Greening Program through its Renewable Fuelwood Energy Farm Project and Restoration of Ecological Integrity. This project assures the tobacco farmers of an adequate supply of fuelwood and at the same time conserve soil moisture and promote the establishment of water sheds. The project has also provided some tobacco farmers an extra source of income by producing tree seedlings which have been used in the annual Synchronized Tree Planting that we started in 2013 in all tobacco-producing provinces. Moreover, to keep the agency apprised of the climate which is critical for a profitable crop production, we send our representative to the periodic Climate Forum conducted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to anticipate the conditions that the farmers would be facing during the cropping season and advise them through our Extension Workers on the precautionary measures to safeguard their crop. We also engage some farmers in the production of bamboo seedlings and the establishment and


maintenance of bamboo farm plantations through our Kahuyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan (KPP), which include tree and bamboo plantation modules that would provide raw materials for the construction of curing barns/sheds. NTA is implementing the Irrigation Support Project for Small Tobacco Farmers, which includes the construction of new irrigation systems, and the rehabilitation of existing communal irrigation systems, in collaboration with LGUs, to ensure adequate water supply for crop production in general. This is in addition to extending facility assistance directly to the tobacco farmers by providing them with irrigation pumps and other irrigation facilities. To have our tobacco-growing families gain opportunities to earn other means of livelihood aside from tobacco farming, we provide scholarship program to their children. Some of our scholars have completed their college course and now gainfully employed. In addition, we conduct livelihood trainings for members of the tobacco farmers’ family. To maximize the facilities of our food processing facility, we established the AgriPinoy Training School, which has been accredited by TESDA to conduct Slaughtering Operations NC II, providing the graduates job opportunities not only locally, but abroad. We conduct values orientation of our farmers to inculcate Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and good values and with emphasis on efficient financial management, regular consultations with local leaders to address the problem on quality tabacco and to ensure that local shares from excise taxes will be used for the benefit of the tobacco growers and workers in the communities. We also conduct dialogues with tobacco companies for the purchase of all tobacco

produce at the best possible price. It is interesting to note that the tobacco farmers prefer to stick with their tobacco farming for as long as there is a market for their produce. As such, our agency has to adhere to its mandate but at the same time prepare for any eventuality of the tobacco industry. For our manpower development, we saw to it that our department managers and their corresponding staff are updated along their respective fields by encouraging them to attend seminars and trainings conducted by professional organizations and government agencies providing similar programs like the Governance Commission for Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, Career Executive Service Board and Civil Service Commission. These include technical capability development and improvement of systems and procedures in the office and promoting linkages with appurtenant agencies. In consonance with the targeted institution of ISO 9001:2008 Quality Managemenmt System in 2016 to all government agencies that will surely result in more efficient and effective delivery of services, the NTA is currently in the process of working towards this ISO Certification in collaboration with the DAP. The NTA will remain committed to our mandate of building a dynamic and globally competitive tobacco industry and providing assistance to the hardworking tobacco growers, who are truly the backbone of the country’s tobacco industry.

EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA Administrator

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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Board Meeting with DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, NTA Central Office, 2011.

Meeting with farmers in Pangasinan, March 2011.

With the NTA Directors, giving financial aid for curing barn repair, March 2015. Consultative meeting with local leaders on tobacco excise tax in Laoag City, March 2014.

Dialogue with farmer leaders in Bauang, La Union, February 2014.

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ULPI photo, 2012

INDUSTRY UPDATE

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MIDST formidable challenges which were foreseen to exert adverse impact on the local tobacco industry (to include, aggressive global campaign against tobacco and smoking, increasing health consciousness, increasing domestic taxation, e.g., Republic Act 10351, and increasing import liberalization and global competition), the NTA continues to be aggressive in its performance to fulfill its twin mandates: (1) to improve the lives of our tobacco farmers and all those who depend on the industry for their livelihood and (2) to promote the balanced and integrated growth and development of the tobacco industry to help make agriculture a solid basis for industrialization, resulting to some significant feats in the development of the local industry, for the ultimate benefit of its stakeholders, especially the tobacco farmers. It is worth noting herewith that the industry provides livelihood and sustenance to about 2.9 million stakeholders, including the more than 800,000 tobacco farmers and their families. Based on PSA-BAS data, tobacco remained as the second among the top ten commodities with highest production growth, 11.79%, from 2010-2013, and 14.27 in 2014.* Despite all the efforts to suppress the tobacco industry worldwide, it continues to be one of the strong pillars of the nation’s economy. The taxes * DA Annual Report, 2013; Secretary’s Message.

generated from the industry of late amounted to about P80-B in 2014 which increased to about P100-B in 2015, which is helping our government fund its education, health, social welfare, infrastructure, and economic programs. A certain percentage of the tax collection is plowed back to the tobacco growing provinces pursuant to RA 7171 and RA 8240 to help fund their priority programs. From tobacco exports alone, from 2011 to 2015, the tobacco industry earned and saved dollars for the Philippines which amounted to an average of $344 million annually. Evidently, the various stakeholders continue to exert efforts to make the Philippine tobacco competitive through collaborative undertakings and efforts to enable the farmers to produce the tobacco required by both local and foreign markets.

CHALLENGES

The local tobacco industry in the recent years has been faced with great challenges due to confluence of events: 1. With the enactment of the RA 10351 (Sin Tax Reform Law), the cigars/cigarettes manufacturers were compeIled to upgrade their products to match increasing prices. They have become increasingly discriminating in quality in buying leaf tobacco from the farmers (thus losing the market for low-grade tobacco leaf). ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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NATIVE 4,857 ha 14.96%

BURLEY

2.

The excise tax will continue to increase, unify at P30/pack in 2017, and increase further at 4% every year thereafter. The industry therefore is in the period of technological and marketing adjustments, necessitating adequate and urgent support for our tobacco farmers, to meet the quality demanded by the manufacturers. Weather conditions continue to be uncooperative. The hope to recover from the extreme dry condition that affected the tobacco crop of 2014-2015 was dimmed with the threat of the El NiĂąo occurrence that coincided with the production, and intensified throughout the tobacco season 2015-2016.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Amidst yhe above challenges, the local tobacco industry was able to attain the following: 1. Number of tobacco farmers and tobacco farm area (in hectares) averaged 52,382 and 35,997 hectares, respectively, for the period, 2010-2015. Â Volume of production across all types (Virginia, Burley and Native tobacco) was at an average of 66 million kilos (valued at P4.564 billion), an average decrease of 4%, from 79 million kilos in 2010 to 48 million kilos in 2015, due to the unfavorable weather condition.

VIRGINIA 18,374 ha 59.95%

7,417 ha 24.20%

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

OTHER PROVINCES 8,511 ha 46.32%

Figure 1. Tobacco Hectarage per Tobacco Type as of CY 2015-2016 2.

3.

Revenue from excise taxes increased from P32 billion in 2012 to P97 billion in 2015 (see Table 1). Exports of unmanufactured leaf tobacco grew by 20% from 42.9 million kilos in 2011 to 51.3 million kilos in 2013. However, it showed a decreasing trend in the 2014-2015, from 38.4 million kilos to 11.4 million kilos (Table 3) due to currency devaluation. On the other hand, imports on unmanufactured tobacco increased by 24% from 94.2 million kilos in 2011 to 116.7 million kilos in 2013, and decreased by 41% from 107.8 million kilos in 2014 to 63.3 million kilos in 2015.

The cooperation and collaboration between and among stakeholders is strengthened through the leadership of the NTA in keeping a synergistic relationship among sectors from the setting of market-driven production to updating of appropriate production technologies and ensuring equitable profits for all stakeholders through the conduct of the biennial review and setting of floor prices.

Table 1. Average Revenue of Government 2011-2015

Source: NTA Regulation Department

ILOCOS SUR 9,863 ha 53.68%


Table 2. Volume and Value (in Peso) of Philippine Tobacco Production per Type CY 2012-2015

Source: NTA Regulation Department

Table 3. Volume and Value (in Peso) of Exports/Imports of Tobacco CY 2011-2015 EXPORTS

IMPORTS

Source: NTA Regulation Department in Peso 90 80

81.00

80.37

73.86 76.48

69.56

67.50

70 57.49

60

59.72

68.26

73.16 61.10

58.93

50 40 30 20 10 0

2012

2013

2014

2015

Source: NTA Regulation Department (Photo: NTA Candon)

Figure 2. Average Buying Price per Type, CY 2012-2015 ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Photos: IRD, FTSD

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NDER the Product Development Division of the Industrial Research Department, one of the studies conducted was on finding alternative uses of tobacco, focused on the use of tobacco extracts for controlling pests in vegetable crops. Such parameters as efficacy, quality, ease of handling, and general acceptance, were considered in the research trial, which are prerequisites for the product’s registration and commercialization with the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS). Two studies conducted for Standards and Quality Assurance were the following: 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). The first study involves evaluation/analysis of tobacco leaf samples in terms of physical (maturity, body, color) and chemical characteristics (nicotine, reducing sugars, chloride contents), the results of which are presented to NTA extension workers and farmer leaders during seminars on leaf grading standards. The second study is conducted to determine the

Phyicial and chemical evaluation of manufactured tobacco products.

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

levels of nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke. NTA maintains four laboratories: the Quality Assurance Laboratory in Quezon City, and the Soils and Water, Seed, and Product Development Laboratories in Batac City. Annually, the Soils and Water Laboratory conducts chemical analysis on the organic matter, pH, phosphorus, potassium and chloride content on soils for fertility assessment; and perform confirmatory tests on NPK content of fertilizers used in tobacco production. The Quality Assurance Laboratory provides (1) the chemical analysis on tobacco in support to projects on Quality Assurance, Technology Assessment and on Protocol Research; and (2) physical characterization of tobacco products and the determination of components in tobacco smoke. All these activities are in support of the production of quality tobacco and tobacco products, a concern for all NTA researchers, tobacco companies, and other stakeholders of the industry. Under Agricultural Research, results of two studies were incorporated in the technology manual: (1) “Effect of late topping and irrigation on the yield and quality of Virginia tobacco,” particularly on additional irrigation after 3rd and 5th priming with topping for improvement of yield and quality of top leaves of flue-cured/Virginia tobacco; and (2) “Bioefficacy evaluation of Orthene against the tobacco insect pests and their natural enemies,” 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. The Market Research and Development Division conducted studies on the supply and utilization of tobacco, published an Abstract of Selected Tobacco Statistics culled from various sources, and compiled profiles of different tobacco-producing countries. It conducted promotion and marketing of Tobacco Dust Plus in the Central Office, and participated in expositions, congress and trade fairs and exhibits organized by government offices and nongovernment organizations. The Technology Development and Services Program, in support of Market-Driven Quality Tobacco Production, involves the continuing, systematic testing, development, introduction, transfer and adoption of yield-increasing, quality enhancing, environment-friendly, incomegenerating and competitiveness enhancing production and processing technologies to address specific volume and quality requirements

for domestic manufacturing and for exports. The following projects/activities are being conducted: 1. Tobacco Seed Varieties Collection, Purification and Maintenance 2. Improvement of Curing Structures and Process of Virginia Tobacco 3. Production, Evaluation and Application of Vermicompost on Tobacco 4. Development of Organic Fertilization Scheme for Tobacco 5. Tobacco Pest Clinic/Quick Response System In 2011, two of the six NTA research papers evaluated during the commodity review conducted by the Ilocos Agriculture and Resources Research & Development Consortium (ILARRDEC) were recognized as Best Papers. The research paper entitled “Performance Evaluation of Anawang Furnace Fed with Agricultural Wastes” presented by Oscar D. Cortero won 1st Place. Awarded 2nd Place was the paper entitled “Tobacco Dust Plust as Pond Toxicant in Freshwater Fishponds” presented by Engr. Randy I. Abella, Fernando L. Andres, and Farm and Technology and Services Department (FTSD) OIC Luzveminda Truong. The winning papers were presented at the Regional Symposium on Research and Development.

Anawang Furnace (Photo: FTSD)

An artist’s rendering of the NTA Quality Assurance Building in Quezon City. Construction of the new facility started in June 2016.

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Table 4. List of R & D Projects Accomplished 2010-2016

Table continued next page

Photos: FTSD

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION


Source: IRD, FTSD

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

P

URSUANT to its primary mandate and thrust, “to improve the economic and living conditions and raise the quality of life of the tobacco farmers,” the NTA conceived and pursued the Market-Driven Quality Tobacco Production, which addressed both the domestic manufacturing and export requirements, as a component. The top priority of the program is Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project (IFOIGAP). Among its objectives are increasing farmer’s productivity and profitability from tobacco production through the adoption of improved agronomic and curing practices and promoting a market-oriented approach in tobacco production through the adoption of contract-growing scheme, and enhancing participation of the private sector in production technology transfer, credit assistance, and leaf marketing. Under IFOIGAP, the agency provides assistance to tobacco farmers in the production of rice, and hog and poultry raising through the AgriPinoy Projects. The coverage of said banner program of the agency got wider, improving the lives of the industry stakeholders, particularly the tobacco farmers, as a result of bigger allocation for the past five years under the leadership of Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza.

Photos: FTSD, NTA Candon, NTA AgriPinoy

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TOBACCO CONTRACT GROWING SYSTEM A focus on market-driven tobacco production

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HE Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS), a banner project of the NTA, is a marketdriven production system that assures the tobacco manufacturers and exporters of the volume and quality of tobacco they need. Under the system, the farmers are provided with the technology, production assistance, technical assistance, proper grading, accurate weighing and better prices for their produce, including incentives for good performance, like production quota, 100% delivery, prompt repayment, high nicotine, among others. The production assistance covers seedbedding up to curing and delivery of produce. The farmers under the project are assured of the market of their produce as their production has been covered by a marketing agreement with the

buyer firms. For calendar years 2010-2015, NTA assisted a total of 21,919 tobacco farmers covering 14,355 hectares. The total production assistance extended was P468.86 million. Average increase in number of beneficiaries is about 27%, while, production assistance at 29%. As facilitated by NTA, provision of production assistance by Tobacco Buyer Firms, GFIs and LGUs were extended to 59,121 tobacco farmers covering 38,374 hectares for a total production assistance of P1.408 -million. Volume and Value of Production/Acceptances Average production acceptances from 20102014 is at 65.58 million kilograms, valued at P4.48 billion.

Tobacco trading in Vigan City, 2015.

Table 5. Volume and Value of Production, CY 2010-2015

Source: NTA Regulation Department

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Table 6. Average Yield (kg/ha) and Average Net Income (P/ha) CY 2010-2015 Yield per Hectare Across all types, the average yield increased by 12.44%, from 2,106 kilograms/hectare in 2010 to 2,368 kg/ha in 2015, with Burley obtaining the highest increase at 17.9% from 2,313 kg/ha to 2,727 kg/ha, followed by Native tobacco at14.7% from 1,937 kg/ha to 2,222 kgs/ha, while Virginia, at 4.3% from 2,067 kg/ha to 2,156 kg/ha in the five-year period. Net Income per Hectare Overall, the average net income of the tobacco farmer for the five-year period (CY 2010-2015) is P45,421.38 per hectare or about 31.6% increase, from P44,591/ha in 2010 to P58,703/ha in 2015. The increment came from the Burley type which increased by 31%, from P49,350/ha to P64,878/ ha, and Native which increased by 83.4%, from P37,211/ha to P68,235/ha.

Source: FTSD

With all the support provided under the TCGS, the farmers are expected to continue producing high-quality tobacco leaves with the use of updated production technologies. The farmers are also assured of market and high profits with their produce.

Photo: FTSD

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Table 7. IFOIGAP-TCGS Farmer Cooperators, CY 2010-2015

Table 8. IFOIGAP-TCGS Area, CY 2010-2015

Table 9. IFOIGAP-TCGS Production Assistance, CY 2010-2015

Source: NTA CorPlan

NTA-financed BF/LGUs/GFIs financed

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RICE PRODUCTION COMPONENT “Total Farmer for Total Farming”

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HE NTA has extended rice production assistance amounting to P98.89 million to tobacco farmers in tobacco growing provinces under the agency’s Rice Project Wet Season for CY 2010-2015. A total of 10,113 farmers representing an aggregate area of 7,666 hectares availed of said production assistance. As a result, average yield obtained for the period was 4,968 kg/ha while net income was at P42,570/ha for the period. For 2015, the actual production assistance to tobacco farmers was P19,647,828. In terms of farmer cooperators, the 2015 figure is 2,604 or a 214% increase from the 828 farmer cooperators in 2010. Farm area planted was 1,729 ha in 2015, which is 151% more than the 687.50 ha in 2011. The inbred rice component produced an average yield of 4,567 in 2015, a 16% increase from 3,920 average yield in 2010. As an IFOIGAP component, the Rice Project Wet Season is implemented in line with the rice self-sufficiency program of the government led by the Department of Agriculture, to augment the income of tobacco farmers, by increasing their yield to at least 4,500 kg/ha. Qualified farmers are those registered with the NTA through the provincial branch offices and

personally tilling or managing a tobacco-rice farm, which must have an adequate source of irrigation water. They can avail of a maximum P20,000 per hectare with 6% administrative charge per annum and one-time 1% service fee. The rice production assistance will cover the amount to purchase certified seeds, tractor/animal rental for land preparation, fuel for irrigation, and organic and inorganic fertilizers. The agency’s extension workers, who are also equipped with technical know-how on rice production, provide the farmers technical and marketing assistance, in addition to the financial assistance. To ensure a ready market of their harvest, NTA made an arrangement with the National Food Authority (NFA) in the locality to be the market outlet. The rice production assistance, which was started by the agency in 1999, aims to develop the tobacco farmer as a “total farmer” doing “total farming” and that he should be efficient in tobacco and rice farming. The program is expected to safeguard farm lots from poor farming practices that may contribute to high residual chloride in the soil. This encompasses recommended varieties, fertilizers that match with the nutrient requirements for the ensuing tobacco

Table 10 Average Palay Yield (kg/ha) of Farmer Cooperators Wet Seasons 2010-2015

* Note: No data means no project implementation in the area

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Rice Project Wet Season, Santiago, Ilocos Sur, 2013 (Photo: NTA Candon).

season, and cash for land preparation and incidental irrigation. With high return of investment reaching up to 244% (registered in Isabela) last year, the agency

looks forward to seeing another successful year of project implementation for the succeeding croping seasons.

Table 11. Total Number of Farmer Cooperators Wet Seasons 2010-2015

* Note: No data means no project implementation in the area

Table 12. Total Farm Area (in ha) Wet Seasons 2010-2015

* Note: No data means no project implementation in the area

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RENEWABLE ENERGY FARM PROJECT Addressing the need of fuelwood for flue-curing

T

HE NTA has focused its priorities on Before the release of financial assistance, the environment and climate change to enable branch extension workers gave farmer cooperators the agency to address the existing and orientation on the care of the plants, the emerging challenges of restoring the ecological economic and environmental benefits of bamboo integrity of the tobacco growing areas, and at the production, and repayment of the production same time, producing quality tobacco leaves, thus assistance. ensuring sustainable future of the tobacco industry. In 2013, farmer cooperator Melchor Rocutan To address the fuelwood and other forest of Brgy. Camandingan in Batac City produced resources requirements of the farmers in the 62,349 transplantable tree seedlings of ipil-ipil and curing of Virginia and other types of tobacco, gmelina, earning him a net income of P111,788 in as well as assist in the reforestation efforts of the just four months after he paid his capital amounting tobacco growing regions, the agency revived to P56,544. This easily qualified him for the award in 2013 the Energy Farm Project but with a wider Outstanding Forest Tree Seedling Nursery Grower in scope and now called Renewable Fuelwood Ilocos Norte for crop year 2012-2013. Energy Farm Development Project and Restoration As of today, from 2013-2015, the agency has of Ecological Integrity (RFEFDPREI), with ample allocated a total budget of P174 million. For the budgetary support provided by the Department KPP or grow-out module, a total of 11 million trees of Budget and Management from the agency’s were planted to an area of about 4,300 hectares. entitlement to the Tobacco Fund, pursuant to For KPP bamboo, about 1,000 hectares were Republic Act 4155. planted with 210,000 bamboos. About 5,000 farmer With the Farm Technology and Services cooperators benefitted from the said project. Department (FTSD) coordinating and providing “Every tree that we plant today serves as technical support, the NTA Branch Offices extend a reminder of the agency’s commitment to technical supervision in the establishment of tree/ a sustainable future and inspires action from bamboo seedling nurseries and the establishment our staff and other participants to protect the of Kahuyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan (KPP) Tree/Bamboo Farms by the farmer cooperators (individual farmers, farm clusters, or associations/cooperatives). Another component of the project is the Synchronized Tree Planting (STP) Project, which has been conducted in various areas in Regions I and II, Abra, and other areas. The KPP is also an additional source of income for the tobacco farmers. The cooperators are provided with production assistance to grow tree/bamboo seedlings in the form of cash for seedling acquisition, site selection, materials for stocking, 2013 2014 2015 2016 TARGETS hauling of seedlings, and buying organic fertilizers. Source: NTA CorPlan Figure 3. Areas (in ha) Planted under KPP and 2016 Targets

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Table 13. Total Number of Farmer Cooperators, Area and Seedlings Planted, CY 2013-2015

KPP farmer cooperator in Batac City, 2016.

environment,” Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said during the Synchronized Tree Planting held in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur in 2015. “We are all leaders and actors, and most importantly, we are enablers and beneficiaries of sustainable resources,” he added. What is required now on the industry stakeholders’ part is a little patience and allow some time for the trees to grow, then eventually the agency, along with the tobacco farmers, their families and their communities, will reap their rewards for the efforts.

Source: NTA CorPlan

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SYNCHRONIZED TREE PLANTING PLANTING TREES: NTA’s commitment to sustainability

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HE tobacco industry is one of the biggest users of fuelwood. To restore and manage the environment, the NTA initiated this effort to unify all partner agencies and industry stakeholders. It is also the agency’s way of returning the favor to the farmer cooperators by providing them sources of income through seedling production and planting of trees for fuelwood purposes. In 2013, NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza declared July 24, coinciding with the NTA anniversary, as the Synchronized Tree Planting Day, a unified, interagency and intersectoral effort for the restoration of ecological integrity. Participants are all stakeholders/beneficiaries of the tobacco industry in Region 1 (Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan), Region 2 (Cagayan and Isabela), and the province of Abra. And from 2013 to 2015, Synchronized Tree Planting has become one of the culminating activities highlighting the Anniversary Celebration of the agency. The project is part of the agency’s effort to contribute its resources towards ecological restoration, in line with the government’s National Greening Program (NGP). The tree planting activity is supplementary to the NTA’s livelihood assistance under its Kahuyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan (KPP)

Synchronized tree planting in Pilar, Abra, 2015.

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module, a component of its RFEDPREI program. The seedlings were sourced from the seedling nursery and fuelwood and bamboo farms managed by KPP farmers, clusters, and farmer cooperatives/organizations, under the supervision of the NTA branch office in the area. At least 551,936 tree seedlings were planted during the simultaneous planting in tobaccogrowing communities in 2013. A total of 85,811 farmers, students, and employees of different government agencies, local government units (LGUs), including volunteers from different colleges, universities, secondary and elementary schools, and the private sector participated in the activity. Administrator Zaragoza headed groups of volunteers in planting trees at the ceremonial planting site at the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College main campus in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. NTA provincial branches also had plantervolunteers, mostly LGU officials, barangay leaders, farmers and students in different planting sites in their respective areas. In 2014, a total of 963,248 seedlings, almost twice the number the previous year, were planted to about 500 hectares of public land in selected tobacco-growing areas, involving more than 93,405 volunteers. The ceremonial planting site was the Narvacan North Central School campus in Sitio Limmansangan, Margaay, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. In 2015, a total of 1.3 million seedlings were planted, involving 105,629 volunteers. The ceremonial planting site was the Narvacan National Central High School campus in Paratong, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. With this number, the agency is now able to plant about 3.1 million trees out of its total target of 4 million. This has involved a total of 281,300 participants from national and regional government agencies, local government units, schools, church and civil society groups, in various areas from 2013 to 2015.


Table 14. Total Number of Seedlings Planted and Participants CY 2013-2015

Crop Year Number of seedlings Number of Participants

2013

2014

2015

551,720

963,248

1,306,995

85,811

93,405

105,629

Source: NTA CorPlan

First Synchronized Tree Planting in ISPSC campus, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, 2013.

Table 15. Total Number of Seedlings Planted and Participants per Branch Office* CY 2013-2015

* Aside from the provincial branch offices, the Central Office in Quezon City (activity conducted in Montalban, Rizal), the NTA AgriPinoy Projects in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, and Farm Technology and Services Department in Batac City, also participated in the STP with a number of participants and seedlings planted. ** Isabela and Pangasinan Branch only joined the STP in 2014.

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IRRIGATION SUPPORT PROGRAM Increasing productivity through irrigation support

Photo: FTSD

T

HE NTA provides irrigation support to the farmers to increase their productivity and income and achieve food sufficiency. The Irrigation Support Project (ISP), a continuing project of the agency is a component of the Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project (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. The project provides farmers with production assistance for the purchase of irrigation facilities (engine/water pumps, water hose and other irrigation accessories) that they need in their farming activities. The farmers can use the water pumps to sustain the water requirement of their tobacco plants for normal growth and development without relying much on the unpredictable occurrence of rain. Tobacco with sufficient water has a good crop stand and quality. Some of the farmers use the engine not only for irrigation but also to power their kuliglig, trike, or thresher. The agency launched the project during crop

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

year 2012-2013 with an initial funding of P70 million, and benefitting 1,009 farmers. As of May 2016, the program has assisted a total of 2,478 farmer cooperators in the different provincial branch offices. Table 16. Total Farmer Beneficiaries and Production Assistance, CY 2012-2016

2,478

70,830,965.83


Irrigation Support Program for Small Tobacco Farmers Quality water source for farmers through communal irrigation system

T

HE Irrigation Support Program for Small Tobacco Farmers (ISPSTF) 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. This addresses the issue on the salinization of the soil due to saltwater intrusion resulting from continuous drawing of ground water. In 2013, the technical team from the NTA, with the assistance from the National Irrigation Administration conducted field inspections, validation, and feasibility study of present and potential areas for irrigation in tobacco-growing areas in Region 1 and Abra. 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 the NTA technical evaluation team. After the inspection, NTA looked for another

source of high quality irrigation water and that is the communal irrigation system (CIS). This type of irrigation system stores sufficient amount of low salinity water which can be described as quality irrigation water because these are mostly coming from rain, spring, mountain seepage, rivers, and creeks. With the areas inspected in 2013, the agency 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. By the end of December 2014, a total P437.5 million was approved by the Department of Budget and Management, for the funding of the CIS projects to cover the Virginia tobacco-producing provinces of Region 1 and Abra, with estimated

Small Diversion Dam Irrigation Project in Barangay Dintan, Pilar, Abra.

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Table 17. Communal Irrigation Projects as of June 30, 2016

11,260 farmer beneficiaries, and covering a potential area of 6,476 hectares. The budget covers expenses for the rehabilitation, repair or construction of CIS which may be in the form of a Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) or Small Diversion Dam (SDD). The local government units (LGUs) are the project implementors, with proper coordination with farmers association in their area, and the NTA Central Office. The agency signed tripartite memoranda of agreement with the LGUs with approved project locations, and the local farmers’ associations. The LGUs implemented the project either by bid contract or by administration, and they are responsible for its future repair and maintenance. To date, about 98% of the first batch of CIS projects are completed. A supplemental budget of P296.8 million was released for the second batch in 2015, for 42 communal irrigation systems, to benefit a total of 5,160 farmers, tilling an area of 3,340 hectares. In 2016, a budget of P381 million was released for the third batch comprising 48 CIS projects. With the rehabilitation and construction of more communal irrigation systems, NTA expects that cropping systems 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.

Source: NTA-ISPSTF Technical Team

Barbarangay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project Barbarangay, Banna, Ilocos Norte.

Inspection of an irrigation project ni Villaviciosa, Abra.

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

Ollaviano Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, Barangay Sinapangan Sur, Balaoan, La Union.


TOBACCO GROWER OF THE YEAR The rebirth of the search for the outstanding tobacco farmer

R

ECOGNIZING the outstanding farmers of their role in the development of the tobacco industry is the ultimate aim of the search for the Tobacco Grower of the Year (TGY) project of the NTA. This is a contest among tobacco farmers that started way back in 1976 with the then Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration covering Virginia tobacco production only. It continued to run until the merger of all tobacco agencies in 1987 with the creation of NTA. Since then until 2002, the contest covered the three major tobacco types: Virginia, Burley, and Native. The TGY provincial level was revived in CY 20112012 by Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza. The NTA Branch offices which serve as the implementing arm of the project through its Branch Technical Committee (BTC), which is responsible for the recruitment, recommendation, and monitoring of the contestants’ activities. The Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD), as the National Technical Committee, reviews and evaluates the contestants’ credentials and records forwarded by the BTC and recommends the winners of the contest based on contest rules and guidelines. The TGY National Advisory Council declares the winners. Diligence, innovativeness, and integrity in adhering to the contest rules are the basic qualifications of contestants. A farmer must be an NTA registered farmer with good moral character and not a delinquent borrower of any production and facility assistance, and an exemplary farmer

willing to adopt the recommended technologies. The contest did not only give credit to contestants with the highest yield and quality but it also recognized their initiative to achieve breakthroughs in production, post-harvest, and marketing practices; and their contribution to the restoration of ecological integrity. The major winners were awarded with cash prizes. Farm tools and equipment for tobacco production such as bolo, fork and shovel, rake, sprayer, irrigation hose, hybrid vegetable seeds, vermicast, were given as consolation prizes. The Branch-level winners are role models not only in tobacco farming but in total entrepreneurial farming. They are instrumental in building awareness among tobacco farmers on the effect of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in protecting, sustaining, and enhancing plant and animal life in the environment. They are exceptional farmers whose farming practices have not only brought about economic benefit to their families but also contributed to the sustainable use of resources in the production of relatively safe tobacco for the consumers. As sidelight to the contest, the assisting Extension Workers of the winners are also recognized for their comprehensive role in technology transfer (see Table 18 for list of winners). From among the Branch winners of the same contest category, a national contest was conducted in CY 2014-15. Only categories with similar setup from production to marketing across

Farm Evaluation of TGY contestants in Cagayan, Candon City, 2015.

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27


NATIONAL AWARDEES: (from Left) Regie Bangibang of Solana, Cagayan; Antonio Salmasan of Badoc, Ilocos Norte; Ignacio Llanto of Gattaran, Cagayan; and Winnie Vite of San Juan, Ilocos Sur.

Branch Offices were implemented. The national winners were Winnie Vite of Caronoan, San Juan, Ilocos Sur for Virginia Neutral (Vigan Branch); Antonio Salmasan of Camanga, Badoc, Ilocos Norte for Virginia Improved Flavor (Ilocos Norte Branch); Ignacio Llanto of Cumao, Gattaran, Cagayan for Burley Improved Flavor (Cagayan Branch); and Regie Bangibang of Cattaran, Solana, Cagayan for Native Cigar Filler (Cagayan Branch). The yield and economic data of these outstanding farmers have also contributed to the calculation of floor prices of tobacco in the biennial tripartite conference among farmers, traders, and the Agency. Their designs and innovations have also aided the research arm of the Agency in formulating research proposals. This TFY contest is an opportunity to honor and award the model farmers for others to emulate. Their story, discipline, and hardwork shall advance to inspire other farmers to move from plain subsistence to globally competitive farming.

Table 18. TGY winners and Their Extension Workers CY 2011-2015

Virginia-Neutral (V-N), Virginia-Improved Flavor (V-IF), Burley-Neutral (B-N), Burley-Improved Flavor (B-IF), Native-Batek (N-B), Native-Cigar Filler (N-CF), Native-Snuff (N-S)

Farm Evaluation of a TGY contestant in Ilocos Norte, 2015.

NOTE: The contest for CY 2015-16 is still on-going.

Source: FTSD

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION


TOBACCO DUST PRODUCTION Upbeat with increased sales in 2015

T

OBACCO Dust Plus (TDP), launched by the NTA in 2010, is the only commercialized brand of biodegradable molluscicide cum fertilizer for grow-out fish ponds in the country. TDP is a result of years of experiments dating back in the 90s in Iloilo, in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology - Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Resources Research and Development, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Region III. Field trials conducted by the NTA in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan fishponds reportedly showed that tobacco dust is a safe alternative to the banned chemical pesticides during pond preparation. This was also demonstrated by the NTA, in collaboration with the provincial government of La Union and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, during the launch of sustainable aquaculture practices using tobacco dust in La Union in January 2012. When applied to a drained pond for a few days, TDP promotes the growth of lablab (algae) and at the same time acts as molluscicide to completely eliminate snails and other pests with no harmful side effects. It has a great potential for use with many other farmed species, not just milkfish and tilapia. NTA inaugurated the Tobacco Dust Production Plant (TDPP) in Sto. Tomas, La

Union in July 2009, producing 2,334 bags with an introductory price of P397 per bag. The price, however, could not compete with adulterated tobacco sweepings from bodegas marketed as tobacco dust, which ranged from P80 to P100 per bag. These sweepings are found to be crude, unclean tobacco sweepings that do not undergo processing and with varying rates of nicotine and moisture content. NTA assures the use of pure tobacco materials, finely pulverized, standardized product for its TD Plus. Building upon the gains achieved in its earlier operation, TDPP Project Manager Hermogenes A. Galvez, provided a more aggressive leadership in its operation. With the help of a team composed of the Industrial Research Department, the Corporate Planning Department, and the NTA Pangasinan Branch Office, the plant was able to promote and establish a steady market for the product. The team installed a more aggressive approach, together with effective measures, to control the proliferation of unregistered tobacco dust dealers through MC No. 001, s. 2013 issued by NTA, which prohibits the selling of tobacco sweepings to any entity other than the agency. With the

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29


Table 20. Tobacco Dust Plus Production, Sales/Withdrawal and Inventory

increase in sales, the next objective of the plant is to optimize profit from operations, as TDP remains at its promotional price in the market. The TDPP reported an increase in sales to 17,750 bags amounting to P2.02 million in 2015, a staggering 860% increase from 1,848 bags in 2014. The total sales in 2015 represents 63% of the 27,979 bags sold by the plant since 2009, its first year of commercialization. From the 2015 total sales, 91.41% were marketed to Pangasinan, with 14,300 bags sold to a single fishpond operator and dealer in Bolinao. NTA launched in the first quarter of 2015 a marketing campaign for the product with dealers and fishpond operators in Bolinao, Bani, Alaminos, Anda, and Dasol in Pangasinan. TDP was also promoted during the AgriPinoy Pangkabuhayan Forum held in Candon City last September 2015. TDPP signed up a major dealer in Bolinao, and before the year ended, said dealer surpassed the initial annual quota of 12,000 bags. Other buyers came from fishpond operators in La Union, Mindoro, Capiz, Zamboanga, Surigao del Norte, and Agusan del Norte. Having secured a significant market share and penetrated a major sector in aqua-culture farming in Pangasinan, the project management team of TDPP and the Pangasinan Branch Office is hopeful Table 19. 2015 Sales/Withdrawal by Location

Source: TDPP

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

* Including the Production in Meycauayan Plant in 2009 (3,366 bags) ** As of June 2016

Source: TDPP

that it could expand the promotion and sales in Region III. Galvez is positive about the increase in sales and upbeat about its future. He said that TDP has the potential to craft sustainable fisheries and improve the economic situation for fish and tobacco farmers worldwide. “A better indicator in the potential and success of the Tobacco Dust Plus, aside from reaping profits for the agency, is our contribution to the realization of our aspiration that the fish dishes served on our dinner plates will be free from toxic contaminants,� Galvez said.


NTA AGRIPINOY PROJECTS Empowering the tobacco farmers through the AgriPinoy Projects

The AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing and Trading Center in Brgy. Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

T

HE NTA inaugurated in October 30, 2013 the NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing and Trading Center, as part of its income augmentation program for tobacco farmers. The facility is constructed as a component of the Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project (IFOIGAP), an intervention program of the agency that seeks to provide tobacco farmers with additional sources of income outside their regular trade. The tobacco farmers need to add value to their products, hence the need for the food processing center. The 1.5-hectare facility comprises a slaughterhouse with a capacity of 200 hogs daily and a chicken dressing plant which has a capacity of 1,000 heads per hour. The facility has been conferred with “AA” rat­ing, and certified as having Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Standard Sanitation Operating Procedures (SSOP) by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in April 2014. The food processing plant buys fattened hogs at prevailing market price from the tobacco farmers who avail of the backyard hog fattening and poultry raising project of the agency. Cooperators, who must be registered tobacco farmers, are provided with production assistance which includes the cost of piglets, feeds, medicine, and other technical services. The facility gets hog and chicken breeder stocks from reliable private

facility, with Senator Inauguration of the

er 2013.

Cynthia Villar, Octob

suppliers who can provide parent stocks of good quality and competitive prices. The food processing plant processes the fattened hogs into meat products such as tocino, tapa, barbecue, bagnet, longganisa, and ham, and sells them at Bagsakan Centers, government offices in Regions 1 and 2, Abra, and Metro Manila. The agency launched in October 2014 the NTA Pinoy Foods as label for its pork and poultry products with the opening of its Meatshop at NTA Central Office in Scout Reyes St. cor. Panay Avenue in Que­zon City. NTA Pinoy Foods meat products are also available in the Provincial Branch Offices and some major outlets and supermarkets in Metro Manila. The hog-fattening com­ponent of the project started middle of 2013, involving 383 farmers in 35 clusters. For the first cycle, the facility harvested

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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376,453 kilograms of live hogs with a value of close to P40 million. From the harvest of the project’s first cycle in 2013, tobacco farmers earned as high as P43,000 net income, according to NTA AgriPinoy data. Tobacco farmer Rodrigo Cabotage of Cadacad, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur sold all of his five hogs weighing an average of 108 kilograms per head, that earned him a net income of P20,412, or an average of P4,082.40 per hog. He said he only spent a little more than three months to fatten the hogs while tending to his tobacco farm. Cabotage is one of the 383 farmer-cooperators of the first cycle. He said his earnings from NTA’s hog fattening project is a big boost to his livelihood as he earns just an average net income of P40,000 for his half-hectare farm every cropping season. Cabotage’s P4,082.40 per hog exceeded the agency’s projection of net income of P1,776 for each hog. Jessie Cabael, also of Barangay Cadacad, earned P43,448.50 for his 10 hogs, or an average of P4,344.85 per hog. Saturnino Saldua of Barangay Banglayan had a higher total income for his 20 hogs, which was P59,285.50 or an average of P2,964.28 per hog.

Hog fattening project in Burgos, Ilocos Sur, 2015.

Table 22 Poultry Dispersal and Production

Source: NTA AgriPinoy

Table 21. Piglets Dispersal and Harvest by Cycle and Cluster, CY 2013-2016

NOTE: 50 clusters out of 52 for Cycle 3, were already harvested as of May 30, 2016. * Cycle 4 just started dispersal and recruitment is still on going.

Source: NTA AgriPinoy

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Broadening services to tobacco farmers and their communities...

For the three-cycle period of the hog-fattening component, from 2013-2016, a total of 1,508 farmer cooperators in 25 clusters sold to the food processing plant a total of 1,350 metric tons (mt) of their fattened hogs, worth P146 million. A total assistance of P130.219 million were extended to the farmer cooperators in hog fattening. For the initial cycle of its poultry raising component, NTA extended production assistance in October 2014 to farmer cooperators in poultry raising. A total of 9,451 chicken were harvested

from the first cycle, involving 11 farmers in four clusters in Ilocos Sur. As a contribution to the food sufficiency goal of the Department of Agriculture, the food processing plant produced a total of 440 mt of fresh meat, 131 mt of processed meat, and 11,278 mt of dressed chicken, from 2013 to 2015. According to NTA AgriPinoy Operations Manager Minerva P. Mizal, the agency will sustain livelihood programs for the tobacco farmers with the help of the NTA AgriPinoy projects, not only to help them boost their earnings, but also to create job opportunities in the tobac­co-growing areas.

NTA FEED MILL COMPLEX

T

O expand the program of the pro­cessing plant, the National Tobacco Administration constructed the NTA Feed Mill Com­plex to cater the rice and corn produced by the tobacco farm­ers. The Feed Mill Com­plex, built along the National Highway in Sulvec, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur was launched on October 30, 2015. It has a produc­tion capacity of 10 tons of feeds per day. The said complex, a first in the province, is primarily designed to meet the demand of feeds for the hog and poultry raising projects of the agency for to­bacco farmers. The feed mill will not only help production of feeds for the AgriPinoy hog and poultry raising projects, but will also help other poultry or livestock

farmers in access­ing feeds at their doorstep. This will also generate em­ployment opportunities in the community. The feed mill is expected to produce a wide range of feeds including starter mash, grower mash and finisher mash for hogs; and booster mash, start­ er mash and grower mash for chicken. According to Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, Industrial Research Department Manager, the formulations of the feeds are based on those recommended and approved by the Bureau of Animal Industry. As of date several test-runs were already conducted in order to assess the capacity and efficiency of the feed mill plant.

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NTA AGRIPINOY TRAINING SCHOOL

First batch of trainiees, 2015

T

HE NTA AgriPinoy Training School, a component of the NTA AgriPinoy food facility located in Brgy. Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, was granted a Certificate of Technical Vocational Education and Train­ing (TVET) Program Registration by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The original copy of the certificate was attached in a letter dated July 25, 2015 signed by TESDA Provincial Director Joel M. Pilotin, and addressed to NTA AgriPinoy Operations Manager Minerva P. Mizal. This means that the training school is now a TVET in­stitution, having complied with all the requirements for the opening of a program. Upon its launch in October 30, 2015, the training school started offering Slaughtering Operations NC II, a short butchery/slaugh­tering course accredited by TESDA. It consists of seven units of competencies that take a minimum of 280 hours to complete (approxi­mately 35 working days). Each course costs P20,000. Arturo D. Castillanes, holder of National TVET Trainer Certificate and the head of the NTA AgriPinoy Slaughtering Section is the trainer of the Program. Thirty applicants from Abra comprised most of the first two batches of trainees, sponsored under the Training for Work Scholarship Program (TWSP) of the Office of Senator Cynthia A. Villar, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Abra. Fifteen applicants from Ilocos Sur comprised most of the third batch, sponsored under the TWSP of TESDA Region 1. The rest of the trainees for the three batches, 15 workers of the food processing facility, were sponsored by the NTA. Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said that there are plenty of good reasons to offer such

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a course. “There might be a market there for slaughter­house butchers, for people go­ing into this business. Employ­ment opportunities here and abroad also await those who would complete the training,” he added. TESDA Region 1 Direc­tor Cenon M. Querubin, in his message during the launching of the training school, commended the agency for making the tobacco farmers continuously and eco­nomically active with its train­ing school program. The school gives the NTA an opportunity to broad­en its services to the tobacco farmers and their dependents, by providing them with special skills that will equip them with knowledge and qualifications for additional employment. This will redound to the improvement of the economy of their families and eventu­ally, the community. It likewise helps NTA maximize the utilization of its food facil­ity. In December 2015, the training school got the Certificate of Accredi­tation as a Competency Assessment Center (CAC) for Slaughtering Operations NC II from TESDA. With the CAC accredita­tion, trainees will no longer go out of its training facility for their practicum. Without the CAC, they would have to go to Vigan for their practical exams and this would add cost to their fees. Aside from the ease of tak­ing the Practical Exam, the trainees are free to use the facilities and equipment and they do not need to buy their specimen because they use the hogs that the facility harvests for slaughter­ing. Applicants for the training school should be 18 years old and at least high school gradu­ate or its equivalent. The slots are limited and the award is on a first-come-first-served basis.


Other Priority Projects NTA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Additional incentives to local tobacco growers

T

HE NTA started offering scholarship grants to deserving college students, who are dependents of tobacco farmers, in school year (SY) 2011-2012. It is in line with the Tobacco Free Education Program embodied in Republic Act No. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003). In its initial year of implementation, a total of 138 slots were distributed among the provinces growing tobacco, the number of which was determined according to the area planted to tobacco. For SY 2015, the slots were reallocated to provide slots for children of tobacco farmers in Occidental Mindoro. And, while the original program provided only for tuition, the need to provide monthly allowances to the scholars was recognized to ensure that the scholars have a source for transportation and miscellaneous expenses. At the end of SY 2014-2015, the program has produced a total of 104 graduates, 23 of which had non-degree or vocational courses. Twenty graduates finished courses in agriculture and four in agriculture-related courses. The rest obtained nonagriculture related courses. Before the start of SY 2015-2016, upon approval

of the NTA Board, a total of 284 new slots were made available for incoming college freshmen, a number which was nearly twice the previous year’s 138 grants. “It was timely that we double the slots in the just-concluded school year, because this coming school year (2016-2017), we have to suspend giving new grants for the next two years with the implementation of the K to 12 program,” Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said. As soon as the students finish their Senior High School or Grade 12, scholarship grants await deserving children of tobacco farmers who enter college. A total of 450 scholars were enrolled in different tertiary institutions in tobacco-growing provinces at the start of SY 2015-2016. Almost 40% of them are enrolled in BS agriculture or agriculture-related degree programs. Since its initial implementation, a total of 873 children of tobacco farmers have been supported under the scholarship grants, of which 174 have finished their degree or nondegree courses as of April 2016. The breakdown of the number of graduates

NTA scholars of Candon Branch, 2014.

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Table 23. Total Number of Scholars Per Branch SY 2011-2016

Source: NTA Administrative Department

per province is as follows: Ilocos Sur 2 (Candon), 46; Isabela, 28; Ilocos Sur 1 (Vigan), 25; La Union, 22; Abra, 16; Pangasinan, 15; Cagayan, 15; Ilocos Norte, 6; and Occidental Mindoro, 1. Some of the scholars are now gain­fully employed, with three of them joining the agency after graduation. They are Reymark Bermijiso, Bachelor of Sci­ence in Entrepreneurship grad­uate of Cagayan State Univer­sity (CSU), who now works as Marketing Aide; Maricar De Leon, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science graduate also of CSU, who is employed as Computer Operator; and Abigael Imperial, Bach­elor of Science in Agricul­ ture (BSA) graduate of Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur) who is the latest addition to Candon Branch Operations as Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer I. According to Candon Branch Manager Estrella G. De Peralta, hiring scholars can be an advantage for the agency. “Our scholars, like Abigael, are all children or relatives of tobacco farmers and they know and understand what we’ve been doing for the industry,” she said. “They have this sense of be­longingness because they are part of the industry even be­fore they enter our workforce, so there is no question about their dedication,” she added. Hiring its own scholars is part of the agency’s continu­ing assistance to the tobacco farmers

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

and their families. The new employ­ees also went through the usual selection process, and the scholars came out the best among those whom the agency considered for the jobs. Six NTA scholars topped their class and graduated as Cum Laude. Three are from ISPSC, namely Anna Marie Abad (Bachelor in Technical Teacher Education), Angelo Edeleon (BTTE), and Krystal Mae Combis (Bachelor of Elementary Education). The three others are Ginalyn Obillo, BS Agriculture from DMMMSU-NLUC in Bacnotan, La Union; Karla Mae Cardona, BS Agriculture from Isabela State University; and Shelany Marie Ibaan, Bachelor of Science in Busi­ness Administration from University of Northern Philippines. Except for Ibaan who graduated in 2015, the rest of the cum laude graduates finished their courses in 2016. Administrator Zaragoza said the scholars topping their respective classes would only show that given the opportunity, students can excel and eventually realize their dreams. It is worth noting that despite the threats to the tobacco industry, it is doing its share in trying to sustain agriculture by supporting the tobacco farmers’ children in their pursuit of degree courses in agriculture and do their share in the development of agriculture, in general, and the tobacco industry, in particular.


FARMERS ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

T

Education and training for tobacco farmers

HE advocacy of the NTA through its Farmers Organizational Development Program is capacity strengthening of farmers’ organizations through continuous education. Continuous education is an essential part in cooperative empowerment by capacitating the leaders and members in governance and livelihood principles. NTA has trained a total of 1,605 for the agency’s capability training courses in various modules and batches. This is in line with the NTA’s thrust to provide continuous education to the tobacco farmers and extension workers for cooperativism and for livelihood project development. The training courses were divided into two: the CDA (Cooperative Development Authority) Standard Training Modules and the Livelihood Training Courses. Beneficiaries for each course were cooperative workers and leaders from tobacco growing provinces and women and children of tobacco growers in Region 1 and Abra. In a three-year span from CY 2012 to 2014, eight CDA standard training courses were conducted for cooperative leaders from the eight Branch Offices of the agency. The program helped sustain the institutional fortitude of the coop members by enhancing and developing their skills and attitudes in different areas. On the other hand, the provision of livelihood trainings to the cooperative members particularly the tobacco farming families in Crop Year 2014 was

Photo: FTSD

Table 24. Standard Training Modules and Number of Participants

Source: FTSD

an attempt to provide solutions to food sufficiency, health, and employment. To increase economic opportunities, the agency included in said trainings spouses and children of the tobacco farmers so that they can participate in the improvement of their economic conditions. Training courses on food business, agribusiness, crafts, and health and wellness were the interventions to maximize the agriculture-based operations. The trainees of the livelihood training were traced after a year to assess the employability and socioeconomic status of the trainees. Their profile, perceptions, and aspirations were likewise drawn. Of the 1,234 trainees who attended, 289 respondents were identified based on a strategic sampling formula. Majority of them who belonged

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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Table 25. Livelihood Training Modules and Number of Participants

Source: FTSD

to early to middle adulthood (20-39 years old) were married females. After the trainings, there is a significant change in the employment status of the participants. There were more employed and self-employed who applied their trainings than unemployed participants. Sixteen participants joined the workforce. Another 12 participants became entrepreneurs/self-employed. They saw good business opportunities in their environment and were confident to start business. After the training, there was ran improvement in the socioeconomic status of the trainees (type of house structure, water source for domestic use, and type of latrine). There was also an increase in

SD

Photo: FT

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

all the household and farming amenities. While 59.52% of the trainees applied their acquired skills, the rest (40.48%) were not able to do so, due to lack of capital, equipment, and manpower, being still involved in tobacco farm­ing activities. Tobacco production on a hectare basis of any tobacco type entails an average of 240 man-days from seed­ling production to marketing. As a follow-up to the training program, the agency earmarked P10 million in Novem­ber 2014 as livelihood seed capital assis­tance to the farmers or their dependents who graduated from the training courses who would set up their own businesses. There were 33 trainees who applied for the Livelihood Seed Capital Assistance and 12 of them have already received the assistance. They were Florencia Romero (Ilocos Norte Branch) and Emelinda Gorospe (Candon), meat processing; Jennelyn Argel (Vigan), bread, cake & pastry; Felixto Coronel (Candon), ice cream making; Rosalinda Romoluna and Eufrocino Ilagan (both Cagayan), and Dominga Buraga, Agustina Calingcaling, and Norlita Urpiano (all Isabela), noodle making; and Femico Capal, Ralph Martillano and Joel Lorenzo (all Isabela), organic fertilizer production. The trainees rated NTA 96.89% on their trust level. Most of them are satisfied with NTA’s projects, services, technologists, and respect for people. The result gives justice to the ex­istence of NTA as the sole agency to im­prove the economic and living conditions and raise the quality of life of the tobacco farmers, including those who depend upon the industry for their livelihood. Notably, the trainees still consider farming as a lucrative profession, and it is where their expertise lies. The livelihood training courses became a gateway to employability and thus resulted in a cascading effect on the family income of the tobacco farming families. The tobacco farming families, however, cannot forgo their tobacco production in favor of any venture and will continue to do so for as long as there is a demand for the tobacco leaf and its products.


COMMUNICATION SUPPORT PROGRAM Promoting the agency’s key message to stakeholders

T

HE main objective of the Communication Support Program is to ensure that the NTA is able to effectively educate and convey pertinent information to its stakeholders. The program, being managed by the public relations office under the Office of the Administrator, in coordination with the provincial branch office managers and designated information officers, informs the public, in line with the national government platform for transparency and accountability, creates good perceptions regarding the agency, and builds goodwill among industry stakeholders and the general public. Activities 1. The program, in cooperation with the provincial branch offices, has conducted active consultation and dialogue with the tobacco private sector and tobacco farmers groups on matters affecting the local tobacco industry, such as trading, tobacco production, tobacco excise tax, among others. 2. The agency has maintained regular press releases to national and local papers. Good media coverage publicizes the agency’s development programs and projects, research reports, accomplishment reports, major farm activities, press conferences and interviews, and farmer success stories. 3. The agency has been issuing two regular publications and published two special ones from 2010-2016. a. The Philippines Tobacco News (quarterly then bi-monthly starting 2014) – This has been very effective in information dissemination, giving employees, farmers, other stakeholders, and the public in general, important updates about the activities in the agency. From 2010 to date (June 2016), 26 issues have been released or about 20,000 copies printed and distributed. b. Technoguide Calendar – The technocalendar helps remind tobacco farmers (all tobacco types) of cropping schedule, with pictures accompanying every process of

OMT achors at DZVV Bombo Radyo

tobacco production in one calendar year. c. Technoguide Comics – In 2014, the agency released a colored edition of two-part Technoguide Comics in Ilocano, spearheaded by the Farm Technology and Services Department, in its effort to popularize production technology. A total of 18,900 copies were distributed. d. 25th Anniversary Coffee Table Book – The agency released a coffee table book entitled “25 Years of the National Tobacco Administration” as a tribute to the men and women of the agency who had served the interest of farmers and the tobacco industry in the past 25 years. 4. For the past five tobacco seasons (2011-2016), “Oras ni Mannalon ti Tabako” (OMT) Radio Program, has been an effective reinforcement in the education and information campaign of the agency’s programs, projects and activities particularly to tobacco farmers who are not directly assisted by NTA Agriculturists. This is aired in DZVV Bombo Vigan, DZTP Candon City, and DZTP Bangued. In crop year 2014-2015, OMT expanded its coverage, with additional airing in DZVV Laoag City, DZVV Bombo La Union, and DZRD Dagupan City. 5. Others a. Coverage of the Tobacco Festival of Candon City – This gives the agency a good opportunity to showcase the benefits of tobacco industry in a local government unit. b. Production of video presentations on the following events: (1) AgriPinoy Pangkabuhayan Expo 2015 in September 2015, and (2) NTA’s exhibit for the Kabisig Philippine Government Expo and Trade Fair in June 2016. c. Social Media: Facebook Page https://www.facebook. com/nta.da.gov. for Industry update / info; Office activity; Projects.

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MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM Enhancing information system for personnel and farmers

A

N Information System (IS) is a customized computer program that the Management Information System Division of the Corporate Planning Department (MISD-CPD) develops, enhances, and implements to provide timely, accurate and effective management information for use of the Operations and Support Group and the Top and Middle Management of the agency. Two Information Systems are being implemented or used in the Central Office and in the eight provincial branches.

Table 26. Number of IDs Issued to Farmers per Branch, as of June 2016

Human Resource Information System

Registration of farmers in Isabela Branch Office, 2015.

NTA Registry/ID System (RIDS) RDIS is implemented to update databases on the personal information of NTA personnel and the registered tobacco farmers, both already captured in the existing Personnel Information System (PIS) and the Farmers Information System (FIS). It initially targets the issuance of ID cards for the NTA employees and the Registered Tobacco Farmers (RTFs). Through the RIDS, a total of 22,947 ID cards were issued, for free, to RTFs in Regions 1 and 2, and Abra, listing of which are submitted to PhilHealth for possible inclusion in the National Household Targetting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). Registered farmers can also avail of production assistance and the opportunity to participate in the programs/projects of the agency such as the Tobacco Contract Growing System, Irrigation Support Project, Livelihood Projects, and Scholarship Grants for their children. Registration of tobacco farmers in the provincial branches is still ongoing. For PIS, 100% of our NTA and Job Order personnel have been issued with ID cards.

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

HRIS integrates all the other previous information systems namely, (1) the Payroll System (2) the Daily Time Record System; and (3) the Registry/ID Information System (RIDS). MISD-CPD deployed the system to the eight provincial branch offices and in the Farm Technology and Services Deparment in Batac City. Last May 23 to 27, the Technical Support Team of MISD-CPD conducted the Users’ Training on the HRIS for said provincial branch offices and department. To date, all the Branch Offices are updating their respective databases of personnel. The databases will be submitted to the Administrative Services Division of the Administrative Department for integration in the Central Database of Personnel in the Central Office.

ining in Candon

HRIS Users’ tra

Branch Office,

2016.


CORPORATE PLANNING SERVICES

T

HE NTA, as a policy, institutionalizes a corporate planning system that will guide, systematize, standardize, and integrate planning efforts of all its units, and therewith unite directions, strategies and priorities and provide the basis for allocation of resources. It ensures the Agency’s continuing relevance to national development, effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness to industry’s clients needs and requirements, and viability as a development and regulatory corporate entity. Accomplishment Report 2010-2016 a.

b.

c. d.

e. f.

g. h. i.

in million (PhP) Conducted continuing dialogues and consultations with industry stakeholders to generate information and feedbacks from the farmers regarding issues, problems and recommendations on matters of vital concern to them as sector or together as a group; Maintained open communication with the local leaders to ensure that the programs and projects of the Agency are properly implemented, based on the implementing rules Source: CorPlan, Finance Dept and regulations set by the government; Figure 4. Budgetary Support (2007-2016) Increased corporate operating budget, development projects assistance and services; Prepared position papers in defense or in support of legislations or House Bill items on matters of vital concerns for the continuous development of the tobacco industry, and for the benefit of its stakeholders, especially the farmers; Prepared quarterly/semestral annual accomplishment reports submitted to DA, DBM, NEDA-RDC, and other oversight agencies; Prepared Tobacco Industry Road Map and submitted to DA and DBM containing among others, the list of proposed programs/projects under R.A. 7171 and 8240, as recommended by LGUbeneficiary provinces/municipalities; Developed the guidelines for the agency’s Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) and the Performance Agreement Negotiation with GCG; Established the agency’s Quality Management System (QMS) certifiable to ISO 9001:2008 with DAP, and Customer Satisfaction Survey with ISPSC; and Strengthened external relations and linkages with relevant government and private agencies for the effective interfacing of the programs and projects of the Agency, for the continuing development of the industry, and for the benefit of its stakeholders.

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REGULATORY SERVICES

T

HIS program involves the exercise of regulatory authority of the NTA, to include the supervision of tobacco trading operations, the setting up of floor prices for tobacco through the conduct of the biennial tripartite conference, the implementation of regulatory procedures on the redrying, preliminary processing of tobacco leaf, and the regulation of importation and exportation. On the aspect of monitoring/enforcement, the NTA assures equitable trading to include, accurate weighing, proper grading, proper pricing, prompt payment and proper documentation, pursuant to existing rules and regulations. In the exercise of its regulatory activities, improvements are likewise achieved in the issuance of licenses to 36 trading centers, 285 field representatives; issuance of import and export permits/clearances/commodity inspections to 17 wholesale tobacco dealers and redryers, 59 tobacco exporters and importers and 14 cigar/cigarette manufacturers. As of 2015, 91% of the trading centers, 95% of exporters/ importers/ transhippers, and 93% of the manufacturers were found compliant to regulatory conditions/rules. The Agency’s income from regulatory fees increased from a total of P96 million to P110 million.

FLOOR PRICES As mandated by Presidential Decree (PD) No. 627 s. 1974 (for all tobacco types except Virginia), PD No. 1481 s. 1974 (for Virginia), and PD No. 1143 s. 1977 as amended (for Burley), NTA is authorized to set or fix tobacco floor prices by adopting a tripartite consultative conference, through its Regulation Department. Floor price is the minimum price allowed by the government for the procurement of tobacco

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

buyers from the farmers. This is set based on the prevailing market conditions such as production cost, reasonable margin of profit for stakeholders, and growing conditions. The latest floor prices of all types of tobacco produced in the country were approved in a tripartite conference initiated by the NTA on September 29, 2015. This was the third tripartite conference under the current administration, and


Tripartite conference in NTA Central Office, Quezon City, September 2015.

Table 27 Floor Prices of Tobacco (2006-2017)

Source: NTA Regulation Department

the third time that prices were increased. The last two tripartite conferences before this were held in 2013 and 2011. Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said the recent tripartite achieved a “win-win� situation in deciding the relevant floor prices of the locally produced tobacco that would let the farmers earn better income.

The setting of the minimum floor price provides tobacco farmers a guaranteed minimum return on investment of at least 25 percent for expenses. The actual buying price, which is based on prevailing market prices, is usually higher than the minimum floor price. Table 27 shows the different floor prices of tobacco per type for the past 10 cropping years.

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MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT Pushing manpower development to the max

T

HE aggressive pursuit of manpower development by NTA is very evident in the readiness of the Administrator to endorse invitations from any entity, government or nongovernment, for monthly/ quarterly seminars or trainings, and also from professional organizations holding national annual conventions, to the concerned department and/or branch office. 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, and conventions 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 the year alone, 142 individuals had already attended a total of 12 trainings. For 2015, the officials and staff attended 74 trainings, seminars, conferences, or symposia. For the first half of 2016, among the 16 trainings or seminars attended by the officials and staff is the Orientation Awareness

44

NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION


Seminar on ISO, NTA Central Office in Quezon City, 2016

Program on ISO 9001:2008 for all department managers and Central Office staff. On the other hand, all department managers, division chiefs, administrative officers and project managers attended the 1st and 2nd Training Courses on the development of a Competency-Based HR System. For a more efficient management of HR information, all computer operators of the branch offices/units were introduced to the Human Resource Information System. Aside from manpower development support, the agency also enhanced the efficiency of extension workers by providing them mobility support through the provision of motorcycles at easy modes of repayment. To boost the morale of Extension Workers who are the frontliners of the agency, they are duly recognized for their extra efforts in technology transfer every end of the tobacco season in the Branch Offices. The value of teamwork among the employees is showcased with the conduct of annual sports activities, dubbed Friendship Games, consistent with the Sports, Cultural, Athletic and Recreational Development Program of the Civil Service

Commission. In addition, the officials and staff of the different units are allowed to undertake Lakbay-Aral/TeamBuilding activities annually on official time only. To constantly remind the NTA family of its mission, the “NTA Hymn� (composed by Jeorge Pastorin) is sung during the flag ceremony every Monday. Jobs well done are dully recognized and appropriate citations handed to those who did well, for others to emulate. The agency handed out special citations to 15 outstanding employees, from the rank of Supervisor to the rank-and-file, with the conduct of the NTA Employees Awards System by the Administrative Department in 2013. Needless to say that learning is a continuous process and the NTA employees are indeed very lucky to be given every opportunity to hone their skills and widen their knowledge base. 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 agency and ensure the attainment of its performance targets.

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NTA OFFICIALS as of June 2016

NTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Vice Chairman Members Ex Officio Member

PROCESO J. ALCALA EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA JOSE S. DIÑO DANTE G. CLARAVALL ROGELIO A. ELVEÑA GEOFFREY DG. GACULA PEDRO J. MENDIOLA JR. RODOLFO F. SALANGA DENNIS M. GUERRERO

DIRECTORY NTA OFFICIALS Administrator EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA, CPA, MBA (02) 374-3987

Deputy Administrator for Operations Atty. VICENTE D. LASAM (02) 372-3214 Deputy Administrator for Support Services Atty. EVERIN F. MOLINA (02) 372-6055

DEPARTMENT MANAGERS (Central Office) Ms. DINAH E. PICHAY Internal Audit Service (02) 373-2093

Ms. MAYBELEN B. DICTAAN Regulation Department (02) 372-3178; Fax (02) 372-3186

Mr. REX ANTONIO P. TEOXON Corporate Planning Department (02) 372-3185

Ms. MA. TERESA B. LAUDENCIA Finance Department (02) 372-3183

Ms. IMELDA N. RIÑEN (OIC) Farm Technology & Services Department (077) 792-3086; Fax (077) 792-3381

Dr. CRISTINA C. LOPEZ Administrative Department (02) 372-3188

Dr. ROBERTO R. BONOAN Industrial Research Department (02) 373-2097

PROJECT MANAGERS MS. MINERVA P. MIZAL NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing Plant and Trading Center Brgy. Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

MR. HERMOGENES A. GALVEZ Tobacco Dust Production Plant Brgy. Fernando, Sto. Tomas, La Union Mobile Phone No. 0916-3451350


BRANCH OFFICE MANAGERS Abra Ms. ESMERALDA G. VALERA Washington St., Zone 6, Bangued Abra Telefax (074) 752-8474

La Union Dr. GIOVANNI B. PALABAY Payocpoc, Bauang, La Union (072) 607-9290; Fax (072) 607-9289

Ilocos Norte Mr. MARIO E. CORPUZ City of Batac, Ilocos Norte Telefax (077) 792-3111

Pangasinan Engr. CESARIO G. SAMBRANA Carmay East, Rosales, Pangasinan (075) 569-5446

Ilocos Sur I (Vigan) Mr. FAUSTINO O. TAAL (OIC) Zone 5, Bantay, Ilocos Sur (077) 722-5760; Fax (077) 722-2027

Isabela Mr. HERMAN C. TORRES Brgy. Osmeña, Ilagan City, Isabela Telefax (078) 624-2117

Ilocos Sur II (Candon) Ms. ESTRELLA G. DE PERALTA City Hall Compound, Candon City, Ilocos Sur (072) 742-5604; Fax (077) 742-6170

Cagayan Dr. CORAZON R. RIAZONDA Bagay Road, San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City Telefax (078) 304-0576

DIVISION CHIEFS Ms. FORTUNA C. BENOSA – Ms. PRISCILLA S. ESGUERRA – Mr. ROMAN J. RAGANIT JR. (OIC) – Ms. IMELDA N. RIÑEN – Engr. CECILIO A. CABIGAN – Ms. MYRNA O. LOZANO – Ms. LINA A. CERA – Ms. RAQUEL LEILANI F. SEÑGA – Engr. ALEX L. BORJE – Atty. ROHBERT A. AMBROS – Ms. MILAGROS C. TIU – Mr. REYNALDO R. AQUINO – Ms. PERLA C.MANZON – Dr. CRISTINA C. LOPEZ –

Planning, Programming and Evaluation (02) 372-3185 Management and Information System (02) 372-3182 Farm Technology Development (077) 792-3381 Production Support Services (077) 792-3381 Product Development (077) 792-4505 Techno Laboratory Services and Instrumentaion (02) 372-3194 Quality Assurance (02) 372-3194 Market Research and Development (02) 373-2098 Tobacco Leaf Regulation (02) 372-3178 Tobacco Products Regulation (02) 372-3178 Accounting (02) 373-2096 Budget and Cash Management (02) 373-2090 Administrative Services (02) 372-3188 General Services and Procurement (02) 372-3188 ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT 2010-2016

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CHIEF AGRICULTURISTS Mr. PED RUBEN B. BARBERO (OIC), Abra Mr. CANDELARIO P. CORPUZ, Ilocos Norte Mr. FAUSTINO O. TAAL, Ilocos Sur I (Vigan) Mr. JUAN B. BEGONIA, Ilocos Sur II (Candon) Ms. EMMA BETH F. BALAGOT , La Union Engr. . ROGER T. MADRIAGA, Pangasinan Mr. JEOFREY T. BAUTISTA, Isabela Mr. GILBERT A. TAGUIAM, Cagayan

(074) 752-7425 (077) 792-3111 (077) 722-5760 (077) 742-6170 (072) 607-9290 (075) 569-5446 (078) 622-3572 (078) 304-0576

NTA

BRIEF HISTORY THERE used to be seven separate but highly interrelated agencies that attended to the regulatory and developmental service requirement of the industry. These agencies included the Philippine Tobacco Administration (PTA), Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration (PVTA), Philippine Tobacco Board (PTB), Philippine Virginia Tobacco Board (PVTB), Philippine Tobacco Research and Training Center (PTRTC), Virginia Tobacco Fuelwood Corporation (VTFC), and the National Tobacco Classification Council (NTCC). However, on January 30, 1987, President Corazon C. Aquino issued Executive Order No. 116, now known as the Reorganization of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, mandating the consolidation of the aforesaid agencies into one, attached to the Department of Agriculture (DA). The consolidation was implemented by Executive Order No. 245, the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) Charter, issued on July 24, 1987. Resulting from the consolidation, the NTA has become the sole government agency mandated to regulate and administer the Philippine tobacco industry. In order to effectively cater to the developmental requirement of the major tobacco growing provinces, the NTA established its corresponding Branch Offices. These offices are strategically located in the heart of the tobacco-growing areas to implement its programs and projects. Source: 25th Anniversary of National Tobacco Administration, coffee table book, 2012

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NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION


NTA QUALITY POLICY THE National Tobacco Administration, as the steward of the tobacco industry, commits to provide customers with distinct quality— Research and Development, Technology Assistance, Extension and Production Support, and Regulatory Services. Further, we affirm this commitment through: n Application of continually improving, cost-effective, income-increasing and environment-friendly approach of Quality Management System, for the stakeholders of the Tobacco Industry; n Compliance with the applicable Policies, Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Government concerning NTA operations and the Tobacco Industry; and n Ensuring the quality of programs and services to the full satisfaction of the customers through the provision of adequate and timely support, number and quality of expertise and active consultation in their development, implementation and review for continuing enchancement. This Quality Policy shall be made known to all employees and stakeholders, and shall be reviewed periodically for its continuing suitability.

EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA Administrator April 1, 2016

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50

Department of Agriculture NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION Scout Reyes St cor. Panay Avenue, Quezon City NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION Tel No. 374-3987 / Fax: 3732095 / website: nta.da.gov.ph


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