The Tobacco News july august issue 2014

NTA @ 27:

Volume V, No. 4

July – August 2014

NTA urges farmers to plant tobacco earlier than usual

THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) is encouraging farmers in the Ilocos Region to plant earlier than the usual cropping season to avoid the effects of dry spell that will affect Luzon beginning September.

According to PAGASA, a majority of climate models indicate that El Niño, a weather pattern that can bring drought, may develop around the middle of the year.

With the early planting schedule, tobacco farmers will benefit from the remaining moisture of the soil and avoid the effect of the extreme dry month by the end of the cropping season.

During a dialogue last July with tobacco farmers and the private sector, the NTA came up with some measures to address the weather phenomenon in various stages.

NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said that the main measure to take was early planting of the crops, adding that NTA would provide farmers with calendars that highlight proposed dates of farm activities to help them keep on schedule (see page 8 for the Early Planting Calendar).

Other measures proposed include delineation of areas to evaluate availability of water for irrigation and to determine types of tobacco to be planted, and continuous consultation with farmers.

“If our farmers want to make sure of a higher percentage of survival and high-quality yield, they should stick to the calendar,” he said.

Farmers should start sowing Virginia tobacco “as early as first week of September” in order to transplant them by midOctober, while the Burley va-

riety should be sowed by midSeptember “for transplanting by early November,” said NTA industrial research department manager Dr. Roberto Bonoan.

With this new schedule, Virginia tobacco can be harvested before the dry spell, which “is at its peak by early part of 2015,” Bonoan added.

“Most tobacco farmers are also planting rice during the rainy season, but we encourage them to prepare also for the tobacco season to avoid delays of sowing,” he added.

Bonoan advised farmers to set aside a portion of their farm for the seedbedding of tobacco.

The weather phenomenon has caused the low quality yield of tobacco in the past. Last cropping season, the tobacco buyers noted lower quality of Virginia tobacco compared to previous year’s production as a result of the lack of rainfall during the growth period of the crop.

The agency urged the tobacco companies and farmer

Achieving Intersectoral Unity Towards Purposive Industry Transformation and Growth

With the new schedule, farmers are expected to start seedbedding, sterilization, sowing, mulching and seedling maintenance as early as September.

leaders to help the NTA branch managers disseminate the information on the mitigating measures. It also urged them to assist farmers with modern techniques of planting appropriate to the current climate condition.

Zaragoza said that consultations with the farmers shall include the evaluation of barn capacity, requirements of tobacco buyers, early planting strategies and technology, campaign against non-tobacco-related materials (NTRMs) and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and values orientation.

“Hopefully with these programs in place, farmers can still grow the crop and minimize the risk of drought,” Zaragoza said.

Tobacco production—regardless of El Niño—“is by itself very labor-intensive and costly,” said a GMA News Online report on 2010, when the dry spell brought by the El Niño phenomenon dried out the river that irrigated tobacco field in Ilocos Sur.

Multisectoral meeting on industry assessments and planning NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza presided this meeting with farmer leaders, representatives from the private sector (tobacco buyer firms, cigarette manufacturers) and top officials of the agency (department heads and branch managers) to assess the tobacco industry in the recently concluded trading season. The meeting was held at the NTA central office on July 24.

He urged the stakeholders to come up with measures in light with the current challenges in the industry, particularly in anticipation of less rainfall in the next cropping season due to El Niño, as predicted by the weather bureau.

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EDITORIAL

Bracing the tobacco farmers vs. El Niño ALTHOUGH a dry season crop, tobacco is not immune to the deleterious effects of El Niño, a weather disturbance characterized by drought, especially the growth-limiting effects of the lack of water during the active vegetative growth stage of the tobacco plant and its quality severely affected due to the very hot temperatures from the start of the harvest season. A prelude to this situation, which was experienced last cropping season, caused thickening of leaves and a general lowering of quality, especially for Virginia tobacco.

Even before the past tobacco season ended, the NTA held a series of dialogues between and among the different stakeholders of the industry to analyze the situation and discuss preemptive measures to sustain the industry. The earliest preemptive measure during the tobacco growth cycle is to plant earlier than usual, i.e. about a month earlier, the campaign for which all sectors agreed to pursue with their farmer-cooperators. Consequently, seedbedding and seedling production should also be done earlier.

To provide adequate water during plant growth and ensure the uptake of the nutrients from the applied fertilizers, the NTA is carrying on with its Irrigation Support Project, so that the tobacco farmers may be able to acquire the appropriate water pumps and other irrigation facility for their respective farming areas.

To sustain the potential quality of the leaves harvested, curing barns are to be assessed by our Extension Workers and repaired by the farmer-owners, when necessary, according to prescribed structural design/s and heating system before the start of harvest season. Financial assistance is given to the farmers to undertake such repair under the Curing Barn Facility Assistance Project of the agency.

The above are supplemented by the distribution of easy-to-read Techno Komiks to refresh the tobacco farmers about tobacco production technology from seedbedding to curing of tobacco.

With the collective efforts of all stakeholders of the industry, spearheaded by the NTA, the tobacco farmer is guaranteed of an action plan to mitigate the effect of El Niño this tobacco season.

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Mahal kong Administrador, Ako ay isang magsasaka at farmer-cooperator ng NTA. Napakalaking tulong sa akin at ng aking pamilya ang ahensiya dahil ito ang aming takbuhan para sa aming pangangailangan lalo na kung kulang ang aming kapital na gagamitin sa pagtatanim ng tabako. Sa totoo lang, hindi namin kayang tustusan ang mga pangangailangan sa pagtatanim ng dekalidad na tabako. Mabuti na lang at nandiyan ang ahensiya na laging umaalalay sa amin.

Ngunit minsan ay nakaririnig kami ng mga negatibong salita tungkol sa proseso ng pagluluto ng tabako. Kami ang sinisisi kung bakit nakakalbo ang kagubatan, dahil pinuputol ang mga puno upang panggatong sa aming mga pugon. Nagpapasalamat kami sa NTA dahil sa paghahatid nito ng tulong sa mga nagtatanim ng tabako upang matanggal ang negatibong puna sa amin.

Binibigyan kami ng NTA ng mga punong itatanim tulad ng ipilpil upang may mapagkunan ng panggatong sa tamang panahon.

Ipinapakita lamang nito na totoong nagsisilbi ang ahensiya para sa mga nagtatanim ng tabako at handa itong magsilbi nang walang pag-aalinlangan.

Napakaraming naidudulot na kabutihan ang NTA sa amin, tulad ng pagpapahiram ng puhunan, pagibibigay ng mga water pump upang magamit sa pagpapayabong ng aming ani. Ngayon ay nagbibigay din ng mga livelihood seminar ang ahensiya para sa mga asawa at anak ng magsasaka upang magkaroon ng dagdag na kaalaman sa maaaring mapagkakakitaan.

Saludo ako sa mga bumubuo ng NTA, dahil sila ang aming kabalikat sa pag-asenso. Walang ibang iniisip ang namumuno kundi ang tulungan kaming mapaganda pa ang aming buhay. Patuloy ang aking pagtitiwala sa kakayahan ng NTA na tumulong sa mga magsasaka sa pag-asenso.

Chester Yoro Cadanglaan, Sinait, Ilocos Sur Ginoong Yoro, Natutuwa kami na nasisiyahan at nakikibahagi kayo sa mga iba’t ibang programa at proyekto na ipinapatupad namin para sa mga nagtatanim ng tabako sa pamamagitan ng aming mga masisipag na Agricultural Technicians. Magsisilbi itong inspirasyon namin, kasama ang mga Director at opisiyales ng NTA, para patuloy na pag-aralan ang mga dapat pang ipatupad na mga programa para sa ikabubuti ng inyong pagsasaka ng tabako at mga programang makapagbibigay, hindi lang ng dagdag hanapbuhay para sa inyong mga pamilya, kundi para maibalik ang luntiang kapaligiran.

Umaasa kami na patuloy kayong makikibahagi sa aming mga is published bi-monthly by the Department of Agriculture, National Tobacco Administration, Scout Reyes cor. Panay Ave., Quezon City. Tel. Nos. 3743987.

Fax: 3732095. Website: www.nta.da.gov.ph.

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

THE NTA livelihood training courses for women and children of tobacco farmers is still ongoing.

A total of 1,320 trainees are expected to complete the courses which started in batches last June and to end November this year. The selected trainees are dependents of tobacco farmers from different municipalities in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, and Isabela.

The livelihood training is the agency’s attempt at providing solutions to food sufficiency, health and employment.

Some 60 dependents of tobacco farmers attended the two-day training for Therapeutic massage from August 26 to 29 at the NTA AgriPinoy food processing plant in Brgy. Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. The number comprised the first two batches of the said training.

Resource speaker for the first two batches of participants was Reny J. Roldan, a TESDA accredited trainor on therapeutic massage. The training for the last two batches will be held from September 16 to 19.

The training on Therapeutic massage is the fifth module of the livelihood training courses, following the course on Meat Processing in June, Organic fertilizer/Off-season vegetable

NTA livelihood courses for farmers, dependents ongoing till November

Top Photo: The second batch of trainees in Food Processing Course.

Bottom (from Left): bread, cake and pastry making; therapeutic massage; and herbal tea making.

production in July, and Herbal tea making and Bread, cake and pastry making in August.

Trainors for the training modules are technical experts from the Department of Agriculture, PHILRice, and educational/ training institutions such as the Mariano Marcos State University and Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College.

Next course will be Noodle making in September. Other courses are Hair/nail care

programa para sa ikauunlad ng buong industriya bagama’t may mga isyu na pumipigil nito.

Nagpapasalamat, EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA Administrator Mahal kong Administrador, Ako po ay halos 15 taon nang nagtatanim ng Virginia tobacco.

May dalawang ektaria ang aking taniman. Meron lang akong suggestion tungkol sa tabako.

Ang presyo sana ay maging katulad noong una na may natitira sa amin pagkatapos ng bentahan. Noon ang presyo ay iisa lamang mula AA hanggang C; ang D hanggang E ay iisa rin ang presyo; F1 hanggang F2 o SDA hanggang SDC ay iisa rin ang presyo, di tulad ngayon na ang daming presyo alinsunod sa grado, at sa sobrang dami ay mahirap nang maintindihan.

Kung bibilhin nila ang tabako namin, sana ay mabigyan ito ng mga gradong aming maiintindihan.

Maraming salamat po.

Catalina Baguio Paagan, Santol, La Union Ginang Baguio, Ang mga kaganapan noong nakaraang bilihan ng tabako ay ipinakita sa atin ang sitwasyon ng kalakalan ng tabako sa buong mundo. Para manatili ang ating industriya ng tabako, kailangan tayong makipagkumpitensya sa buong mundo at ito ay magagawa lang natin kung susunod tayo sa mga patakaran sa pamilihan ng tabako na sang-ayon sa programa ng gobyerno. Ito ay bahagi

(September and October); Dragon fruit production (October); Dressmaking (November), and Novelty items making (November).

According to NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, with this series of livelihood training courses, the NTA showed the farmers that the agency is serious in empowering them and their dependents.

“We want them to participate dynamically in the improve-

ment of economic and living conditions and raise the quality of life of their own families,” he said.

All the trainings are conducted at the NTA AgriPinoy plant in Brgy. Nanguneg, except for the practicum for organic fertilizer production which was held in the farm site of the selected participants. The training is spearheaded by the agency’s Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD), headed

by Luzveminda R. Truong.

(Noralyn I. Idica/Photos: Francisca Sagsagat/FTSD)

ng orientation program para sa mga farmer-cooperators bago pa magsimula ang tobacco season. Kaya naman sa nakaraang ilang taon, buhat nang tayo ay umupo bilang Administrator, sinuportahan natin ang patuloy na pag-aaral ng NTA kung ano-ano ang katumbas na grado ng ating mga tabako base sa nakagawian nating mga grado. Kasabay nito ay pinag-aaralan din kung ano ang kaibahan ng mga tabakong binibili buhat sa ibang bansa ng mga gumagawa ng sigarilyong lokal.

Pinaghahandaan po ng NTA ang paggamit ng International Grading System sa patuloy na pag-aaral nito sa tulong ng mga wholesale tobacco dealers dahil nakikita namin na hindi na natin puedeng iwasan ito. Nakakalula po talaga kapag nakikita nating napakadaming grado pero hindi naman lahat nito ay makikita sa produkto ng isang magsasaka. Bago mag-umpisa ang bilihan ng tabako, nasabihan na ang mga mamimili na ipaskil sa kanilang trading center and mga grado na ginagamit at kung ano ang katumbas ng mga ito sa local grades. Para matulungan kayo, ayon sa Manager ng NTA La Union Branch Office namin, ipinapaliwanag naman daw ng mga technicians namin kung ano ang katumbas sa local grades ang mga international grades na ginagamit naman ng Tobacco Buyer.

Umasa po kayo na ang NTA ay gagawin ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya para sa kapakanan ng mga magsasaka ng tabako. Malaking tulong po sa aming pagpaplano ang mga ibinahagi ninyong obserbasyon noong nakaraang taniman ng tabako.

Nagpapasalamat, EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA Administrator

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TGY 2013-2014

NTA honored nine tobacco growers for showing exemplary efforts in Virginia tobacco farming in a ceremony held in celebration of the agency’s 27th founding anniversary, July 24 at the NTA Quadrangle in Quezon City.

The Tobacco Growers of the Year for crop year 2013-14 are as follows (from Left): Neutral Category: Tomas P. Romero of Imelda, Marcos, Ilocos Norte; Winnie M. Vite of Caronoan, San Juan, Ilocos Sur; Jeffrey A. De Guzman of Poblacion Sur, Burgos, Ilocos Sur; Adonis M. Bolaoit of Lumaba, Villaviciosa, Abra; Alvaro R. Buen Jr. of Caarusipan, San Juan, Ilocos Sur; Topped Category: Jimmy E. Oliveras of Sinapangan Sur, Balaoan, La Union; Reynaldo R. Sarmiento of Camanggaan, San Juan, Ilocos Sur; Armando C. Calaycay of Camanaga, Badoc, Ilocos Norte; and Eddie E. Aling of Naguimba, Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur. (Photo: Imelda Riñen/FTSD)

NTA celebrates its 27th Anniversary Outstanding farmers, workers, retirees honored THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) celebrated its 27th Anniversary with guests from the private sector and farmers at the NTA Central Office quadrangle in Quezon City, last July 24.

The event’s program was highlighted by the awarding of the outstanding tobacco growers and extension workers, and recognition of the retirees from the agency.

The theme of the celebration, NTA at 27, Achieving Intersectoral Unity Towards Purposive Industry Transformation and Growth, means a consolidation of all “our resources, efforts, and directions to overcome challenges besetting our industry today,” according to NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza.

“NTA will continue to lead the industry to where it should be,” he said, as he urged the stakeholders “to renew their commitment and our unconditional support to the needs of the industry.”

“We need the support and cooperation of the farmers, their leaders, our branch managers and the private sector to achieve our goals for the years ahead,” he added.

The Administrator assured funding for the agency’s programs and projects such as

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everything that has to do with the Philippine tobacco industry, especially in ensuring its growth and development.

NTA Administrator Zaragoza

the tobacco contract growing system, curing barn, irrigation support, scholarships to dependents of tobacco farmers, and renewable energy program.

He commended the extension workers from the branches for providing technological services to the farmers, the branch managers and central office managers for satisfactory supervision of their respective departments, and all the employees for their dedication to do well for the good of the agency despite the challenges.

The 27th Anniversary program was preceded by daylong Employees’ Fun Day and Thanksgiving Mass at the NTA Quadrangle.

NTA, created by virtue of Executive Order 245 issued on July 24, 1987, was designed as the definitive government body that will handle anything and

Private sector commitment The private sector, the tobacco traders and manufacturers, agreed with Zaragoza that the industry is facing some challenges. Some of the challenges mentioned were the oversupply of Virginia in the world market affecting exports, the continuous rise of the excise tax on tobacco, and pressures from different sectors against tobacco smoking.

“We only barely scratch the surface of what we need to do to make our Virginia more competitive in the world market,” Winston Uy, president of Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. (ULPI), said. He urged the major industry players to sit “more together, and work together to find a way to make the industry more progressive

as it is right now.”

Edilberto Adan, president of Mighty Corporation, however, said that with the use of new technology and the resourcefulness of its people, the industry will achieve the highest quality of tobacco acceptable in the international market.

Adan also said that times have been challenging with the passage of Republic Act 10351 (the New Sin Tax Law) but the industry remains full of hope and the millions who depend on it for a living.

“At the forefront of these exciting times is the NTA with its steadfast commitment to the vision of improving the quality of life of tobacco farmers through meaningful reforms,” he said.

He added that Mighty Corporation will continue its support for the agency’s initiatives that help the government make its target of dispersing economic growth and the benefits

From Left: ULPI President Winston Uy, PTI President Rodolfo Salanga, and Mighty Corporation President Edilberto Adan.

Outstanding Extension Workers who assisted the TGY winners are as follows (from Left): Elpidio T. Gonzales (TPRO I, Vigan), Dominador B. Coy-om (TPRO III, La Union), Cleofe V. Argel (TPRO I, Vigan), Charito A. Masiglat (TPRO I, Candon), Natividad B. Quibilan (TPRO I, Abra), Filipinas Q. Ganir (TPRO I, Ilocos Norte), Adonis D. Lazo (TPRO III, Candon), and Saturnino A. Agatep (TPRO I, Ilocos Norte). Not in photo: Estelita V. Lopez (TPRO I, La Union).

(Photo: Imelda Riñen/FTSD)

that come with it.

“There may be more problems now, but with the help and effort of NTA, the industry will survive and definitely outgrow anyone,” Rodolfo Salanga, president of Philippine Tobacco Institute (PTI), said.

Director Claravall

NTA Governing Board accomplishments Dante G. Claravall, representative of tobacco farmers sector to the NTA Board of Directors, cited the accomplishments of the Board for the past year and its plans and programs.

Claravall mentioned, among others, the approval of the budget for the milling complex and the powerhouse transformer and electrical wires to augment the full operation of the AgriPinoy food processing plant in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. The Board has also increased to almost 50% the TEVs (travel expenses vouchers) of the extension workers.

“Presently, we are filling up our vacant plantilla positions, and considering to put up another branch or area office in Mindoro to cater our tobacco farmers there,” he added. According to him, the Board has also given the authority to the management for the revival of the NTA housing project at Rodriguez, Rizal.

He cited the 410 scholars

financed by the agency under its Free Education Program.

He also commended Mighty Corporation for providing 200 scholarship grants to the sons and daughters of tobacco farmers, as he appealed to the other tobacco companies to participate on the scholarship program, and the NTA management to come up with a proposal to provide scholarships also to sons and daughters of the employees.

Extension workers cited Tobacco Grower of the Year awardee Jimmy Oliveras of Sinapangan Sur, Balaoan, La Union, in his acceptance speech on behalf of the awardees, commended the extension workers for helping the farmers win the award.

He said that Estelita V. Lopez, TPRO I of NTA La Union branch, assisted him all the way from preparations of his farm to the trading of his produce. He said that Lopez closely monitored his farm activities and taught him the proper way of preparing his leaves for trading.

“Sa aming pagsusumikap upang lalong gumanda ang aming ani, di ko maikakaila na malaking tulong ang naibigay sa amin ng NTA, lalo na yong mga teksnisian na nakatalaga sa mga barangay na madalas naming nakasasalamuha, na di napapagod upang ibahagi ang mga bagong tuklas na teknolohia sa amin,” Oliveras said.

Zaragoza also commended the extension workers for their attitude at work and untiring services to the tobacco farmers.

He said that based on feedbacks reaching the central office, the farmers are very grateful to the extension workers for helping them in their farm and trading

activities.

Zaragoza, with the members of the Board and Deputy Administrators Everin F. Molina and Vicente D. Lasam, handed the plaques of recognition and cash prizes to the TGY and Outstanding Extension Worker awardees (see photo on top of pages 4 and 5 for list of awardees).

Farmer-leader Mario Cabasal, president of National Federation of Tobacco Farmers and Cooperatives Inc. (NAFTAC) congratulated the NTA for its programs and projects which he said are helping the farmers improve their lives.

“Sa pamamagitan ng magandang pamumuno at pamamalakad ng ating administrador, nakikita na natin ang magandang epekto ng kanilang programa para sa ikagaganda ng industriya,” he said.

Retirees honored Part of the celebration was the recognition of NTA employees who have bowed out of the service recently.

“We have chosen this day,

our 27th anniversary celebration, as the most fitting ceremony to honor them and to convey our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to these men and women whom today we call the retirees,” Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, Administrative Department Manager, said in her introduction to the retirees.

She said that the retirees have given their all and the very best in them in their endeavor at work and at service to the NTA. “At the NTA, we value human resources, and every working man and woman is an asset to the NTA,” she added.

The retirees were: Norma Saludares (HMRO III), Lina Sansano (Secretary I), Evelyn Ligutan (Records Officer II), Amanda Santos (HRM Assitant II) all of the Administrative Department; Nancy Barillos (Computer Operator II), Lorenzo Castro, (TPRO 1) both of Candon Branch; Thelma Albino (Cash Clerk III), Teresita Tolentino (Supervising Cashier) both of Finance Department; Raphael Hernandez (Internal Auditor II) of Internal Audit Service Department; Pablo Paraoan (TPRO III) of Ilocos Norte Branch; Nestor Tejada (Agriculturist II) of Isabela Branch; Lilia Maramba (Administrative Officer III) of Pangasinan Branch; and Tita Turalva (Cashier III) of La Union Branch.

Left: Dr. Cristina C. Lopez; Bottom: Some of the retirees (from left): Teresita Tolentino, Tita Turalva, and Thelma Albino.

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NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza (center in light green shirt) poses with other key players of the ceremonial tree planting held at this year’s synchronized tree planting command center at Narvacan North Central School in Margaay, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

Regreening project in tobacco areas NTA plants more trees in synchronized tree planting

AS highlight of its 27th founding anniversary celebration, NTA conducted synchronized tree planting activities in various areas in Regions I, II, and the provinces of Abra, Rizal and Occidental Mindoro on July 30. This also marked the second year of the simultaneous inter-agency and intersectoral effort spearheaded by the agency for the restoration of ecological integrity.

At least 956,000 tree seedlings were planted during the simultaneous planting this year.

NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza headed groups of volunteers in planting trees at the ceremonial planting site at the Narvacan North Central School (NNCS) in Sitio Limmansangan, Margaay, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. The volunteers were heads of different national agencies and local government units (LGUs), including volunteers from different colleges, universities, secondary and elementary schools, contingents from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other government and private groups.

Joining the Administrator at

the ceremonial site were NTA CorPlan Manager Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, Mighty Corporation President Edilberto Adan, ULPI Vice President Robin Green, NNCS Principal Larnie Molina, Narvacan Parish Priest Msgr. Cosmeño Rosimo, Narvacan Vice Mayor Fayinna Pilar Zaragoza, NAFTAC President Mario Cabasal, and Ilocos Sur PENRO Benjamin Abucay.

NTA provincial branches also had planter-volunteers, mostly LGU officials, barangay leaders, farmers and students in different planting sites in their respective areas.

NTA Central Office employees also joined the synchronized tree planting at a planting site in San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal. The central office contingent was headed by department managers Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, and Ms. Dinah E. Pichay.

The NTA started its regreening project in tobacco areas in 2013, where a total of 551,000 tree seedlings were planted to tobacco-growing communities.

Over 85,000 farmers, students, and employees of different government agencies and the private sector participated in the activity.

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).

According to Zaragoza, the 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,” he said.

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

“This is our way of returning the favor to our farmer cooperators by providing them sources of income through seedling production and planting of trees for fuelwood purposes,” Zaragoza said.

Cagayan Planning on synchronized tree planting for Cagayan was conducted on July 16 at the DA Regional Office in Tuguegarao City. Involved in the planning were municipal agricultural officers (MAO), representa-

Robin Green (left) of ULPI and Administrator Zaragoza.

Larnie Molina, principal of Narvacan North Central School, welcomes participants. On stage (from left): Narvacan Parish Priest Cosmeño Rosimo, ULPI Vice President for Leaf and Sales Robin Green, Mighty Corporation President Edilberto Adan, and Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza. (Right photo) Some of the participants from the different sectors.

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tives of the tobacco-producing municipalities, ULPI, Isabela Leaf Tobacco Co. (ILTC), the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officers (CENROs) of different local government units.

Marina Acebedo, DA Regional Focal Person on Organic Fertilizer, commended NTA for its tree planting program as she urged everybody to participate in the National Greening Program, one of the priority programs of the government to promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation adaptation.

Margie Calata of CENRO Tuguegarao said that DENR has its all-out support for the synchronized tree planting.

NTA Cagayan Branch Manager Corazon R. Riazonda said that NTA is in collaboration with the DENR for the project, with the LGUs, farmers, tobacco companies, cooperatives and higher education institutions.

In line with the NGP, the NTA has adopted the RFEDPREI for the tobacco-growing areas in Regions 1 and 2.

According to Riazonda, NTA has to produce or plant 66,454 trees in Region 2 based on the NGP Commodity Roadmap for CY 2013-2016.

Ferdinand Teneza, Director of ULPI Region 2 talked on ULPI’s Bamboo Production in Dummun, Quezon, Isabela and the objectives of the project.

Also discussed during the planning were dates of information drives of the different barangays, species of trees to be delivered, date of hauling, drop points of seedlings and formation of Technical Working Groups in the provincial and barangay level.

The ceremonial tree planting site was at the Tuguegarao City Training Center and Dormitory, spearheaded by the NTA staff, together with the officers and members of the Tuguegarao Tobacco Producers Cooperative.

Meanwhile, Mayor Marilyn Julia Taguinod headed the volunteers from Peñablanca in the synchronized tree planting held at the Ecological Park in BaPls turn to page 8

Synchronized tree planting in different places ASIDE from the ceremonial site of the NTA synchronized tree planting at the Narvacan North Central School in Margaay, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, other sites in different areas of Regions 1 and 2, and the provinces of Abra and Rizal were planted to trees from July 30 to first week of August. (Contributed photos from the branch offices)

Bucay, Abra Batac City

Bacnotan, La Union Mangaldan, Pangasinan

Rodriguez, Rizal Santiago, Ilocos Sur

Ilagan City July - August 2014

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Regreening..., from page 7

rangay Cabasan on July 30.

Peñablanca was the first LGU to get tree seedlings (2,000 of different species) produced by the NTA Cagayan branch office. About 100 of the employees from the different departments of the LGU, together with the PNP, MSWO, MHO, and DA and other attached agencies joined the activity. (Josefa P. Correo) Pangasinan NTA Pangasinan branch office , headed by Branch Manager Cesario G. Sambrana spearheaded the tree planting activity for the province, with support from the heads of different tobacco-producing municipalities, tobacco companies, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, schools, and tobacco farmers.

A total of 103,161 tree seed-

lings mostly ipil-ipil, gmelina, mahogany, neem tree and kakawati, were planted to different planting sites.

An estimated 5,000 volunteers joined the one-day activity on July 30. (Beth Biala) Isabela People from all walks of life actively participated in the synchronized tree planting in Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya last July 30. The activity is a major annual undertaking simultaneously implemented by the agency’s eight branch offices.

A total of 450 seedlings were planted in the one-day activity spearheaded by the NTA Isabela branch office in different planting sites. Joining NTA Isabela were heads and volunteers from DENR, tobacco-producing LGUs, Liga ng mga Barangay, Department of Education (DepEd), tobacco buyer-firms, NTA scholars, tobacco-based

Parlors games, group dancing, and Bingo socials were held during the Employees’ Fun Day.

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July - August 2014

cooperatives and associations, and private groups.

The kick-off activity held at Barangay Osmeña in Ilagan City was participated in by the NTA branch employees headed

by Branch Manager Herman C. Torres, with the heads and volunteers from PENRO-DENR, ULPI and Compaña de Filipinas (CdF), and the barangay council of Osmeña headed by Brgy. Chairman June Yadao.

In support of the NTA’s advocacy for the restoration of ecological integrity, DepEd also mobilized its teachers, students, some parents and PTCA officers to participate in the activity. The schools commended the NTA for providing tree seedlings that were planted in their school grounds. DepEd officials in Isabela said that the activity would serve as a wakeup call for the children to recognize the importance of trees in maintaining a sound ecological balance.

The ULPI and ILTC, two dominant tobacco buyers and exporters in Region 2, allotted areas for the tree planting. They also assisted in the hauling and distribution of seedlings to the planting sites. The LGUs, also assisted in identifying possible planting sites, used their own trucks in hauling the seedlings.

They assured NTA Isabela Branch for the maintenance and protection of the trees.

The tree seedlings distributed during the activity were produced from the 12 seedbed sites strategically situated near the planting sites. Seedling growers were farmer-cooperators financially supported by the NTA, and given technical assistance by the agency’s extension workers.

Among the youngest participants was six-year-old James

Verhoeven Vercida, son of Lyn Vercida who led contingents from the Guardians Stop Global Warming Foundation in a greening site in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. (Joefrey T. Bautista) Ilocos Norte The synchronized tree planting activity on July 30 spearheaded by Ilocos Norte branch office was a collaborative effort of the Agriculturists and Tobacco Production Production and Regulation Officers (TPROs) of the branch office under Branch Manager Mario E. Corpuz.

An estimated 100,000 seedlings were distributed to planter-volunteers from the participating groups: LGUs, PNP, MHO, DA, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC), members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), DepEd, Ilocos Norte Agricultural College (INAC), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), Bacarra Medical Center, Parent Teachers Community Associations (PTCAs), Tobacco Farmers Association of Ilocos Norte, Tobacco Growers Association, Friends of Imelda Marcos (FIRM), Irrigators Association, and tobacco farmers and their families.

The Branch office staff was divided into two roving teams to monitor the tree planting sites. The first group was led by Manager Corpuz for the northern areas of the province while the second group was led by Chief Agriculturist Candelario P. Corpuz for the southern areas.

Local chief executives who were present in separate planting sites were Mayor Arlene Torralba of Badoc, Mayor Pls turn to page 9

NTA Candon Branch team headed by Renato C. Aquino (far left), Supervising TPRO, visits a rice farm in Tablac, Candon City, under the IFOIGAP Rice Wet Season 2014 program of the NTA.

Regreening..., from page 8

Samuel Pagdilao, Sr. of Pinili, Mayor Gladys Que of Currimao, Mayor Dolores Clemente of Paoay, and Mayor Erdio Valenzuela of Dingras. (Divina D. Pagdilao) La Union In support of the National Greening Program of the government, the NTA La Union branch office spearheaded a synchronized tree planting activity on July 30. A total of 158,255 seedlings were planted to different planting sites in 20 tobacco-growing LGUs in the province.

The activity was participated in by 8,681 volunteers from the LGUs, public schools, farmer associations, some national and local agencies, and tobacco companies.

The branch office staff completed the survey and registration of participants, including the greening sites to be planted by each participating group weeks before the planting activity. The branch office also put up seedling production at various locations as sources of seedlings.

According to Branch Manager Giovanni B. Palabay, the availability of trees for tobacco curing in the future is ensured with the big number of seedlings planted in this year’s synchronized tree planting in the province. (Candido I. Liangao)

123 new NTA scholars

NTA gives P3.83-M rice production assistance to La Union farmers THE NTA La Union branch office has extended rice production assistance amounting to P3.83-million to tobacco farmers in La Union. A total of 269 farmers representing an aggregate area of 301 hectares availed of said production assistance under the agency’s Rice Project Wet Season 2014.

Qualified farmers can avail of P20,000 per hectare with 6% administrative charge per annum and 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 fertilizer requirement is given in kind to ensure that the prescribed package of technology (POT) is followed for higher yield.

According to Branch Manager Giovanni B. Palabay, the agency’s extension workers, who are also equipped with

NTA Tobacco Free Education Program (TFEP) has 123 new scholars to bring the total of its scholars to 492 as of August this year. Of the new scholars 35 are from NTA Candon Branch.

In photo is college freshman Ana Marie Abad of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur receiving her allowance from Chief Agriculturist Juan Begonia, with (from left) Senior TPRO Felisa Directo, Branch Manager Estrella G. de Peralta and TPRO III Loreto Reyes.

SCHOLARSHIP

technical know-how on rice production, will 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,” he said.

The rice production assistance is a component of the Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project (IFOIGAP) of the agency. It is implemented in support of the National Government Program for food sufficiency and to augment the farmers’ income. (Warlie V. Oribello) CANDON

Some 518 tobacco farmers, representing an aggregate area of 364.20 hectares, from the different towns of the second district of Ilocos Sur are participating in the Rice Project Wet Season 2014.

Among the commercially available varieties of rice in the market, PSB Rc 82 or “Peñaranda” is the top choice among farmers, almost one quarter (22.97%) of the total number of farmers and about one-fifth (18.60%) of the total area planted.

The other popular varieties used by the farmers are NSIC Rc 124H or “Mestiso-4” (15.25%), NSIC Rc 160 or “Tubigan-14” (12.16%), NSIC Rc 132H or “Mestiso-6” (10.23%), NSIC Rc 222 or “Tubigan-18” (6.95%), and PSB Rc 18 or “Ala” (4.83% With regard to area, the same varieties were planted

Rice Project Wet Season 2014 Data from Other Branch Offices

in 17.30%, 13.66%, 6.59%, 6.80%, and 5.42%, respectively. The above mentioned varieties summed up to almost threequarters (72.39%) of the total farmers with a corresponding over two-thirds (68.37%) for area planted.

According to NTA Candon Branch Manager Estrella de Peralta, no major problem was observed in the project prior to transplanting activity.

“The southwest monsoon rains are beneficial to the transplanted rice seedlings as the availability of water is assured during the early growth of the crop without resorting to artificial means using water pumps, hence farmers’ savings in gasoline expense,” she said.

She added that there was no report yet on application of crop protection agents up to this time because of the favorable weather condition prevailing across various locations.

(Orlando O. Galdones) ILOCOS NORTE

Meanwhile, the IFOIGAP Rice Project Wet Season 2014 in Ilocos Norte is now in full swing with the production assistance to the farmers for seeds, land preparation, fertilizer, and gas and oil.

According to Alexis B. Jamias, Supervising TPRO and Project Coordinator, the program covers a total of 195 hectares in 24 clusters with 254 farmer-cooperators. The total project loan exposure is P2.178-million.

(Divina D. Pagdilao)

July - August 2014

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IN line with the priority of National Tobacco Administration (NTA) to increase productivity and income and food sufficiency of the tobacco farmers, the agency provides irrigation support assistance to the farmers to increase their productivity level thru proper irrigation.

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

ISP helps mitigate water problems of the tobacco farmers during the growing stage of the plants. Tobacco with sufficient water has a good crop stand and quality.

As of August 2014, the program has assisted 2,624 farmer-cooperators in the different provincial branch offices.

IRRIGATION SUPPORT PROJECT

28; San Esteban, 8; Santiago, 23; Banayoyo, 2; Lidlidda, 3; San Emilio, 10; Galimuyod, 11; Salcedo, 2; Candon City, 41; Sta. Lucia, 7; Sta. Cruz, 23; and Tagudin, 5.

The facility assistance amortization will start during the tobacco trading in 2015.

(Orlando O. Galdones)

LA UNION

165 water pumps, 8 tube wells for tobacco farmers NTA La Union branch office provided production assistance for the purchase of 165 water pumps and eight shallow tube wells for the tobacco growers this cropping season.

Funds for 34 units of water pumps were released for the first batch and 131 units for the second batch. Funds for eight shallow tube wells were also released to eight farmer-cooperators.

The branch office noted an increase of tobacco farmers requesting for irrigation support assistance. This is in anticipation of the El NiĂąo reported to hit tobacco growing areas in the region this cropping season.

Meanwhile, the branch office has 62.98% collection rate from the total amortization as of 2014 tobacco trading season. (Christopher R. Supang)

CAGAYAN

Alvaro Buen Jr. of San Juan, La Union, one of the recipients of the ISP production assistance.

CANDON

230 beneficiaries for I. Sur 2nd District NTA Candon branch office released funds under the ISP to provide irrigation facility assistance in two batches (May and July) this year benefitting 230 qualified farmer-availees from 14 municipalities and 1 city in the district. Of the total, 185 opted for diesel-fed water pumps and 45 for electric type.

The distribution of farmeravailees per municipality is as follows: Nagbukel, 16; Narvacan, 35; Sta. Maria, 16; Burgos,

Farmer-leader Ferdinand Tumacdang, of Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur, receives his ISP production assistance from NTA Candon Branch Estrella de Peralta, assisted by her staff (from left) Charlemagne Navarro, Renato Aquino, Juan Begonia, and Orlando Galdones.

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July - August 2014

ISP assistance to 129 beneficiaries The NTA Cagayan branch office released production assistance to 129 farmers for the purchase of new water pump engines and facilities for crop year 2013-2014 under ISP. For this year, the project covered a total area of 96.30 hectares.

The ISP collection of NTA Cagayan branch office for the latest cropping season had a remarkable collection efficiency of 97.85% for ISP releases in 2013 and 112.42% collection rate for 2014 releases.

NTA Cagayan Branch Manager Corazon R. Riazonda attributed the high rate to the close coordination and concerted efforts of the branch office staff and full support of the

manager of the buyer firms in the collection during the trading operations.

She also noted that farmers have paid more than the amount due for the year because of high income from their harvest. Farmers with balances promised to pay their dues from their corn proceeds, she said. (Bernadeth C. Tamayao) ISABELA

NTA Isabela now has 360 ISP beneficiaries NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza approved the funds for the purchase of water pumps to the 156 Isabela tobacco growers representing the third batch of beneficiaries of the agency’s irrigation support project.

The number brought the total ISP beneficiaries to 360 farmer availees/beneficiaries as of July 2014.

The third batch of availees were granted assistance in the month of March.

Branch Manager Herman C. Torres said that the farmers are elated on the release since during this month, the moisture Pls turn to page 11

Farmers are allowed to use the machine for other gainful purposes (to power trike, threshers, or kuliglig) to augment their income.

RETIREMENT “LET me tell you the story of a young girl, who grew up from a family of farmers. A girl full of dreams...”

That’s how Teresita Rambaud Tolentino began the story of her successful journey from a young girl in her hometown Paoay, Ilocos Norte to her fulfilling work as Supervising Cashier of the Finance Department. Born July 14, 1949, Tolentino retired from service last July, and she was one of the retirees honored during the 27th Anniversary celebration of the agency last July 24.

“Who would have thought that a young, frail girl who helped her brothers tend their farm would reach college despite the family’s meager income from tobacco and rice farming?” she asked as she reminisced how she was back then. To Tess, as she is fondly called by family and friends, what she achieved is her destiny, which she described as something that is not within the power of a person to control.

A very religious person, Tess believes that while it is not in a person’s power to determine what will happen to him or her, it is the Lord who directed the steps to every person’s success.

“She tried her best to make good in school,” she continued her story. “She went through high school and after graduation, she couldn’t decide where to enroll in college. Fortunately, a rich relative helped her enroll in one of the state colleges in Manila.”

Tess said that while in college, more challenges came to her life, one of which was living in the big city whose culture was far different from that in the barrio in Paoay where ISP ..., from page 10

content in the field began to dry up due to absence of rain.

“They 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 rains,” he said.

The financial assistance is to be paid from three to five years

“We come to office

early but we cannot leave the office early; we rush to office but we cannot rush to home. So that has been the motto since then until we retired...”

Teresita R. Tolentino

Her story tells it all 40 years of dedicated service for the tobacco industry

she grew up. But with her deep faith in the Lord and determination to succeed, she overcame these challenges.

Tess graduated from Philippine College of Commerce (now Polytechnic University of the Philippines) with the degree Bachelor of Science in Commerce (BSC) major in Management in 1971.

“But the girl went through all the odds,” she said. “But another challenge she had to face was to apply for a job.”

Almost two years after her graduation, Tess was hired as steno-typist by the Philippine Tobacco Authority (PTA) in 1973. She got her promotion as accounting clerk in 1976 and as budget examiner in 1979.

After the consolidation of PTA with other tobacco agencies in the creation of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) in 1987, she retained her job as budget examiner. She was appointed as budget analyst in 1989 and as budget officer in 1992. She was promoted to Budget Officer II in 2002, and three years after, she was appointed Supervising Cashier under the Budget and Cash

Management Division of the Finance Department, a position she held until her retirement.

“So she spent 40 years of her life in the tobacco industry,” she went on. The “she” was the same little girl who worked from their tobacco farm, under the intense heat of the Ilocos sun, to an air-conditioned room in her office in Quezon City.

“The little girl is now the old woman standing before you,” she concluded her story before her peers in the Finance Department and other co-employees in the NTA. It was the last and most applauded line of her speech during her retirement day.

Tolentino, a resident of Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City, is married to Hilario Tolentino, a government employee, who works at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City. Their union has been blessed with three children, Milfred, Emerson and Thea Grace.

In her message during the NTA anniversary, Tess said that her 40 years of service was a total dedication and commitment to serve.

with 6% interest rate per annum and a one-time 1% service fee. Farmers are advised to pay their annual amortization on time to avoid penalty, and to maintain good credit standing to avail of future financial assistance.

The branch office reported a 100% collection rate of the previous production assistance.

(Joefrey T. Bautista)

I. Norte Seminar Series..., from page 12

to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and BSP’s advocacy programs such as the National Coin Recirculation Program and the Clean Note Policy.

The administrative/finance group of the branch office served as the main coordinators/secretariat, in cooperation

Tess Tolentino

“We come to office early but we cannot leave the office early; we rush to office but we cannot rush to home. So that has been the motto since then until we retired,” she added.

She challenged those who would replace the retirees to be strong enough to face the challenges in life, while serving the NTA and the tobacco industry in general.

Surely, Tess Tolentino’s dedication at her work and her leadership and long experience in handling cash for the employees will be missed in the agency, especially in her department.

(Neyo Valdez/ Perla C. Manzon) with the Industrial and Market Research Department and the Farm Technology and Services Department.

NTA Ilocos Norte started the Seminar Series five years ago with support from frontline agencies in Ilocos Norte, is part of the Manpower Development Program of the agency.

(Elaine Arcangel Tinio)

July - August 2014

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1 Clockwise: (1) GSIS Region 1 OIC Sotero A. Guerrero, Jr. receives the Certificate of Recognition from NTA-Ilocos Norte: (from left) Luzveminda R. Truong, FTSD Department Manager III; Elaine A. Tinio, Administrative Officer III; Fe P. Guillermo, OIC-Frontline Services Division (GSIS), and Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Mario E. Corpuz. (2) Candelario P. Corpuz, Chief Agriculturist awards the Certificate of Recognition to BSP-Ilocos Norte Deputy Director Buenafe F. Alinio. (3) Branch officials and employees listen to the resource speakers during the August 11 seminar.

3

NTA Ilocos Norte holds Seminar Series IN celebration of the NTA’s 27th Foundation Anniversary, Ilocos Norte Branch office conducted the Seminar Series on July 7, 14 and 21, and August 11.

The July 7 seminar had the topic “Retirement and Its Benefits” with Sotero A. Guerrero, Jr., officer-in -charge of the Government Service and Insur-

ance System (GSIS) Region 1 as resource speaker.

Guerrero gave the employees updates regarding retirement, and on loan programs and other benefits from the system.

“PhilHealth Updates” was the topic on July 14 with Alvin A. Ubasa, social insurance offficer of the Philippine Health

Street dancing winners: (from left) Barangay Mauswagon, Best in Performance; and Barangay Sambulawan, Best in Choreography.

Laguindingan, Misamis Or. celebrates 51st Charter Day, 5th Tobacco Festival THE town of Laguindingan in Misamis Oriental celebrated its 51st Araw ng Laguindingan with the theme “Fly High LAGUINDINGAN” on July 10-12.

Highlighting the festivities were the Search for Miss Laguindingan and the celebration of the 5th Tobacco Festival.

Other activities included Walk for a Cause, tree planting activities at Tagbabanga Spring in Sinai and Aromahon, Laguindingan, and a medical mission.

The civic and military parade on the first day of celebration was participated in by the town’s public and private schools, employees of local and national agencies, and delegates from different cooperatives and associations in the municipality.

Laguindingan Mayor Oliver L. Ubaub, on his 7th State of Municipality Address, cited the accomplishments and achievements of his administration as he thanked his townmates for the support and confidence on his leadership. He announced that Laguindingan got a bigger share of tobacco excise tax which led to the concreting of some road networks in the municipality.

The Tobacco Festival was marked with street dancing competition won by Barangay Sambulawan (Best in Choreography) and Barangay Mauswagon (Best in Performance).

The mass singing of the Laguindingan festival song followed after the awarding of winners.

Iris J. Ragmac, chair of the tobacco festival committee, said that there are plans to include the search for the outstanding tobacco farmers in the next staging of the festival.

(Ma. Mercedes M. Ayco)

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July - August 2014

Insurance Corporation (PHIC) as resource speaker.

Ubasa discussed Republic Act 10606 (National Health Insurance Act of 2013) particularly on the declaration of dependents, and new payment scheme on PhilHealth membership, among others.

July 21 was the turn of the Department of Health (DOH), through the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH & MC), Batac City, to update the participants on diabetes. Resource speakers who discussed “How to Prevent Diabetes” were Dr. Quintin S. Cocson, Jr., Medical Specialist III; Dr. Annalyn Q. Urbano, Medical Officer IV;

and Mercylenn Arzadon, Nutritionist-Dietician I. The Seminar Series was concluded on August 11 with the topic “The Thrusts and New Programs of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.”

Resource speakers were BSP-Ilocos Norte officials Dr. Buenafe F. Alinio, Deputy Director of BSP-Ilocos Norte; Dr. Evelyn V. Tanagon, Senior Research Specialist; and Mark Daryll T. Abuy, Administrative Officer III. The discussion was centered on the provision of the New Central Bank Act (RA 7653), the renaming of Central Bank of the Philippine Pls turn to page 11

Training on NTA Registry ID System (RIDS) THE NTA conducted a user’s training on the data entry module of the Registry ID System (RIDS) of the agency at the NTA Central Office in Quezon City last July 10.

Participants, selected employees from different NTA branches, were given a walkthrough on the RIDS program, particularly on familiarization with the menus, editing and

entering data, capturing image and signature and sending of databases through the team viewer; and a hands-on application on data entry operation.

Facilitators were members of the technical team headed by Priscilla S. Esguerra, Information Technology Officer III, of the Management Information System Division-CorPlan Department (MISD-CPD).

RIDS training participants with NTA officials (seated 2nd row from right): Perla C. Manzon, HRMO IV; Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, Corporate Planning Department Manager; Atty. Everin F. Molina, Deputy Administrator for Support Services; Priscilla S. Esguerra, Information Technology Officer III; and Elvie R. Paras, HRMO V.