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Volume V, No. 1
January – February 2014
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NTA consults local execs, farmers, traders on regulations on use of sin tax proceeds THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) had conducted dialogues with local leaders, tobacco farmers, manufacturers, traders, and other industry stakeholders to disseminate salient features of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on the use of the increased excise taxes imposed on cigarettes. With the dialogues, the agency also gathered input for the formulation of the roadmap for the Philippine tobacco industry and identification of priority programs and projects. NTA officials met with local leaders of 46 towns that produce Burley and native tobacco on February 20 in Rosales, Pangasinan. Local leaders from 43 Virginia tobacco-growing towns, mostly in Ilocos Provinces and Abra, also attended a dialogue on February 22 in Candon City. According to NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, his office is working with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Budget and Management to formulate guidelines for the identification, monitoring, and reporting of programs and projects by the local government units to ensure effective utilization of the fund for the purposes provided by law. Zaragoza said that with the consultations, he hopes to come up with a range of projects from which executive officials of beneficiary local government units can choose. He said that under the law, a province and a congressional district each get a 30-percent share, while a town/city gets 40 percent. He had emphasized that the benefits
Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza
Farmer-leaders, Bauang, La Union
Manufacturers and traders, NTA main office, Quezon City
Representatives, Quezon City
Administrator Zaragoza with Rep. Eric Singson (Ilocos Sur, 2nd District) and Rep. Josephine R. Sato (Occidental Mindoro) LGUs, Rosales, Pangasinan
Pls turn to page 4
NTA eyes more scholars this year THE National Tobacco Administration is expected to have more scholars for its Tobacco Free Education Program this coming school year. This was announced by NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza during the awarding of financial assistance to some 94 scholars in Candon City last January 31. The scholars came from different towns in
the second district of Ilocos Sur, the country’s top tobaccoproducing province. The agency at present is giving scholarship grants to 369 deserving and qualified dependents of tobacco farmers from the Ilocos provinces, Abra, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, Cagayan, and Occidental Mindoro. Pls turn to page 4
LGUs, Candon City
January - February 2014
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EDITORIAL
Making tobacco production more challenging AS they say, challenges make life exciting; without them, life would be boring. NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza has always been an advocate of continuing development in every endeavor. He initiated challenges to the employees of the NTA by spearheading the composition of the NTA Hymn and taglines for the NTA AgriPinoy products to make these more marketable. He encourages everyone in the agency to find new ways of doing things to make what used to be routine activities more exciting. He continues to send staff to various seminars to keep them abreast on the latest developments in office systems and procedures. Thus was the metamorphosis of the criteria in identifying the Tobacco Growers of the Year (TGY) among the farmers of the tobacco growing provinces for the various types and sub-types of tobacco. Formerly focused simply on the crop stand, production, quality, and income derived from tobacco farming, new criteria were added such as the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for tobacco, the reduction of non-tobacco related materials from seedling production to marketing, commitment to sell the produce to the contracting/buying firm, innovations that protect the environment and help reduce expenses and the drudgery of farm works, and proper recording of expenses throughout the cropping season. The criteria revealed the potential of the farmers not only with regard to tobacco production, the farm tools they themselves developed to facilitate their farm work and solve the lack of farm labor, and economical use of resources, but also as responsible members of the ecological system as they are doing their share in the National Greening Program of the government. It is hoped that the 20 outstanding tobacco farmers for CY 2012-2013, provincial winners of the TGY Contest, will become role-models to their fellow farmers to strive similarly and will continue to inspire others to ensure the production of world-class Philippine tobacco.
NTA-RD conducts orientation seminar on trading rules AS the tobacco trading season begins, the Regulation Department (RD) of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) had conducted its orientation seminar on the Trading Rules and Regulations (TRR) on the trading, wholesaling, and redrying of locally grown leaf tobacco. The annual event, held in Candon City, Ilocos Sur last January 31, is a prerequisite for applications for licenses or permits to buy or redry leaf tobacco, and Certificate of Authority to the tobacco traders, trading center operators and field representatives. RD disseminated to the participants information on newly set floor prices for 2014-2015 for all tobacco types and the conditions for their availment, including the 4Ps (proper grading, proper weighing, prompt and proper payment of tobacco proceeds, and proper documentation) as
provided in the TRR. Atty. Everin F. Molina, Deputy Administrator for Support Services (DASS) and concurrent Branch Manager of NTA Vigan, Ilocos Sur, in his message, requested all buyers to follow the TRR to have an orderly leaf trading operations for trading year 2014. NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza took advantage of the seminar to consult with the buying sector for their recommendations or suggestions on how the excise tax collections for the new Sin Tax Law (Republic Act 10351), per allotment expressed in RA 7171 and RA 8240, can be utilized for their contracted tobacco farmers. The seminar was attended by 101 field representatives, 34 trading center operators, 135 tobacco traders, and some officials and staff of the agency’s eight provincial branches. (Leonora N. Clarin)
TRADERS, EXPORTERS, IMPORTERS, AND TRANSSHIPPERS The Regulation Department in compliance with the Rules and Regulations on the trading of locally grown leaf tobacco, has issued Licenses to Buy to 54 trading centers in eight NTA branch offices, Permit to Purchase to 10 wholesale tobacco dealers, Permits to Redry to four redyring plants, and Certificates of Authority (COA) to 288 field representatives to buy leaf tobacco .
is published bimonthly 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: Nestor T. Tejada, 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 Contributor: Leonora N. Clarin Editorial Adviser: Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza
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January - February 2014
The tobacco trading operations for Virginia and Burley this year started last February 20, with the grant of request for official opening of the 11 registered/licensed trading centers in Ilocos provinces. Also in compliance with the existing Rules and Regulations on the Exportation and Importation of Unmanufactured/Manufactured Tobacco, RD has issued 19 Licenses/Authority to Export, 29 Licenses/Authority to Import, and four Authority to Transship leaf tobacco and tobacco products.
FEATURE
Free scholarship grants giving hope to tobacco farm kids
The NTA Scholarship Program AS of January, NTA has given scholarship grants to 369 children of tobacco farmers who are enrolled in 31 academic institutions in the tobacco-growing provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, Cagayan, and Occidental Mindoro. Of the total, 344 (93.22%) are enrolled in state colleges and universities, while 25 (6.78%) in private institutions. Distribution of scholars according to types of institution. R-jay Errol Hidalgo helps his father tend their tobacco farm after his class at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College. Hidalgo is one of the first batch of tobacco farmers’ dependents who availed of the Tobacco Free Education Program of the NTA.
Screening of applicants is ongoing. This is to fill up the remaining 45 available slots for School Year 2013-2014. Of the on-going grantees, 139 are enrolled in agriculturerelated courses while 230 are pursuing non-agriculture-related courses. Moreover, 353 are taking up degree courses, 10 of which are expected to graduate this school year, as they availed of the scholarship on their second year in college. Nine of the 16 students taking non-degree courses are also expected to graduate this school year. Distribution of scholars according to course being pursued.
The various institutions where the current scholars are enrolled are summarized on page 10. (Inset) Scholar Ericson Peralta (right) receives financial assistance from NTA Administrator Edgardo Zaragoza in a ceremony at Candon City last January 31. (Lower photo) Administrator Zaragoza (center in blue shirt) and NTA Candon Branch Manager Estrella De Peralta (4th from right) with NTA scholars in Candon City .
MOST farmers would want their children finish college and have decent jobs. So they worked hard in the farm every crop year, hoping for a good harvest. Fortunately, some tobacco farmers need not wait for every harvest to send their children to school. In fact, some dependents of tobacco farmers can finish degree courses assured of financial assistance to sustain their education. That’s what R-jay Errol Hidalgo, 18, of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, is exactly aiming, to fulfill his dream to finish college, without pressing his father to depend on the harvest for his tuition and allowances. Hidalgo is among the first batch of tobacco farmer dependents who availed the Tobacco Free Education Program of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA). He is currently a Bachelor of Science Agriculture third year student at Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC) in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. Now on its third year of implementation, the scholarship program is in line with Re-
public Act No. 9211 or Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. The program covers both four-year degree courses and technical or vocational courses The NTA at present is giving scholarship grants to 369 deserving and qualified dependents of tobacco farmers from the Ilocos provinces, Abra, La Union, Pangasinan, Isabela, Cagayan, and Mindoro. By June this year, Hidalgo will be in his senior year. One more cropping season, he would remind himself every day of his work in the farm. After an early class dismissal in the afternoon, Hidalgo would go straight to help his father tend their tobacco farm in Barangay Nanguneg. Hidalgo knows that after the harvest and trading of their crop next month, his family would be earning around P90,000 for a hectare of their land planted to tobacco. And the farm has given him more hope for a better future. Early this year, Hidalgo went with 93 other scholars to the NTA Branch in Candon City to collect financial assistance Pls turn to page 4
January - February 2014
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NTA consults ... from page 1
of projects which the local executives would choose will go directly to the farmers. “We are assured that these funds will be used for the development or progress of a community,” he added. On February 8, NTA had a dialogue with officials and members of the National Federation of Tobacco Farmers’ Associations and Cooperatives (NAFTAC) in Bauang, La Union. He said that the farmers’ inputs will be used in the preparation of a master plan for the development of the industry. He assured the farmers that excise taxes from cigarettes will directly benefit tobacco farmers and their communities.
The farmer leaders proposed among others construction of more farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, production subsidy, and more livelihood programs for local tillers and their families. Zaragoza also met with 14 cigarette makers and heads of buyer firms, representing the private sector, in a consultative meeting at the NTA office in Quezon City on February 11. Discussed during the meeting were strategies and interventions that need to be adopted with the implementation of the sin tax law. Manufacturers and traders are expecting an increase of share of local leaf production in domestic manufacturing and the increase in exports of leaf
UTILIZATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHARE For Virginia tobacco-growing areas (RA 7171) (Under Rule V, Sec 1.1, R.A 10351) Projects identified under Section 1.1 of R.A. 10351 (same projects were identified under Section 8 of R.A. 7171) a) Cooperative projects that will enhance better quality of products, increase productivity, guarantee the market, and as a whole increase farmers’ income; b) Livelihood projects particularly the development of alternative farming system to enhance farmers’ income; c) Agro-industrial projects that will enable tobacco farmers in the Virginia tobacco-producing provinces to be involved in the management and subsequent ownership of these projects such as post-harvest and secondary processing like cigarette manufacturing and by-product utilization; and d) Infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads. For Burley and native tobacco-growing areas (RA 8240) (Under Rule V, Sec 1.2, R.A 10351) Projects identified under Section 1.2 of R.A. 10351 (Consistent with R.A 8240, as amended by Section 8[B] of R.A 10351) a) Programs that will provide inputs, training, and other support for tobacco farmers who shift to the production of agricultural products other than tobacco, including, but not limited to, high-value crops, spices, rice, corn, sugarcane, coconut, livestock, and fisheries; b) Programs that will provide financial support for tobacco farmers who are displaced or who cease to produce tobacco; c) Cooperative programs to assist tobacco farmers in planting alternative crops or implementing other livelihood projects; d) Livelihood programs and projects that will promote, enhance, and develop tourism potential of tobaccogrowing provinces; e) Infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads, schools, hospitals, and rural health facilities; and f) Agro-industrial projects that will enable tobacco farmers to be involved in the management and subsequent ownership of projects, such as post-harvest and secondary processing like cigarette manufacturing and by-product utilization.
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January - February 2014
and tobacco products. “As long as we have farmers planting tobacco, we have to protect their interest,” Zaragoza said. The manufacturers expressed support to the administrator as they emphasized the need to provide assistance to farmers to produce quality leaves. On February 18, Zaragoza also met with some district representatives of tobacco-growing provinces in Rembrandt Hotel in Quezon City. The increase in excise taxes
was triggered by the enactment in December 2012 of Republic Act No. 10351, or the sin tax law, which levies higher taxes on cigarettes and liquor. The law took effect in January 2013. Under the law, a portion of revenue collected will be allocated to projects that will benefit tobacco farmers and workers nationwide in addition to the tobacco farmers’ livelihood support under RA 7171 and RA 8240. (with reports from Elizabeth Q. Biala)
Free scholarships... from page 3
there are 45 slots ready for graduating high school seniors this year. The agency gives preferences to those who will enroll to further their education in an agriculture-related field of study. Zaragoza said more scholarship opportunities for poor but deserving children of tobacco farmers is consistent with the agency’s major mandate of improving the quality of life of all those who depend on the tobacco industry as a source of livelihood. Hidalgo and the rest of the scholars are expected to contribute not only for the continuing development and modernization of the agricultural sector but also for the ultimate benefit of the tobacco farmers and their families. (Neyo E. Valdez)
from the agency. The scholars came from different towns in the second district of Ilocos Sur, the country’s top tobaccoproducing province. Another NTA scholar Ericson Peralta, 18, of Barangay Codoog in Narvacan, is also determined to finish his Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSE) degree. Like R-jay, he is expected to graduate in 2015. He is now a third year student at ISPSC, where most scholars in the second district are enrolled. Peralta is studying hard to continue availing the privilege. Scholars like him must maintain a general weighted average of at least 80% with no grade less than 75% in any of the subjects to stay in the program. Cielo Sabado of Buselbusel, Santiago, Ilocos Sur, and Fhell Dollente of Cabaroan, Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, also take the challenge to complete the requirement of their respective degree courses within four years. Sabado, a BSE freshman of ISPSC, said that having a scholarship is a big help to her family who only rely on their tobacco farm for income. “We don’t want to lose this opportunity,” Dollente, a BS Agriculture freshman also at ISPSC, said in Ilocano. Like many of the scholars, she believes that the way out of poverty is through education. NTA Administrator Edgardo Zaragoza, in his recent meeting with the scholars, expected to have more scholars this coming school year. According to NTA records,
NTA eyes... from page 1
There are 45 slots ready for graduating high school seniors this year. The agency gives preferences to those who will enroll in agriculture-related courses. A total of 139, or 37.67%, of the scholars are presently enrolled in agriculture-related courses in different state universities and colleges in tobacco-growing provinces. NTA scholarship program, now on its third year of implementation, is in line with the Tobacco-Free Education Program (TFEP) embodied in Republic Act No. 9211 or Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. The program covers both four-year degree courses and technical or vocational courses.
No more market for “usable” reject tobaccos?
THERE’S market even for “rejects”or those tobacco leaves that failed the standards of quality set by buyer firms. Based on the latest floor price (for 2014 and 2015 trading), usable reject tobaccos have a floor price of P46 per kilo for Virginia types, and P28 for Burley. But for the next trading seasons or beginning 2017, even usable rejects might be good as waste. This is so when the uniform tax rates of all types of cigarettes per pack will take effect on 2017. According to the new Sin Tax Law which took effect in January 2013, the tax on tobacco products, both upper and lower price ranges continue to rise at their respective rates (For 2014, a pack of cigarette priced at P11.50 is taxed P17/pack; for
those priced more than P11.50, these are taxed P27/pack) until 2017 when all types of tobacco products are taxed P30 per pack. With this development, cigarette makers are expected to improve the quality of their products to be competitive in the market. They would only buy the best quality leaves, and those leaves rejected during the trading season might no longer be bought as before. As early as the first year of implementation of the law, NTA has been advising the farmers to avoid as much as possible producing low-quality leaves that turn out to be bad rejects during the trading. Tobacco buying
HOW TO SPOT REJECT TOBACCOS Leaf browning is caused by having humidity levels too high when the temperature is increased at the end of yellowing. This causes the leaf to continue to respire until all the sugars are used up, causing a reduction in weight and leaf browning. If the leaf is not dried soon enough, it tends to darken in color and become harsh, trashy and difficult to condition. Sponge is a term used to describe a leaf which has been too wet when
the temperature has been increased at the end of yellowing or drying the leaf too slowly. Spongy leaf is typically yellow brown, thick and poor quality. Adequate ventilation and even raising the temperature will help to prevent sponging. Green along the midribs and veins on a large proportion of the cure suggests that the leaf has not been yellowed long enough and was harvested green. This can be prevented in the future cures by harvesting riper leaf or opening the vents slightly later or raising
firms would only want the best quality leaves for their products. Though usable rejects comprise only a minimal volume (about 5%) of the total production, just the same, the agency would want to address the problem, according to NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza. During the orientation seminar on trading rules held last January in Candon City, he asked the farmers to follow the standard practice in tobacco farming. He also requested the private sector to help the agency in conducting a study so that the temperature more slowly. A solid green on the tip end of the leaf is sometimes found on the lower tiers of the barn. This is usually due to the temperature being raised too high for a short period in the first 24 hours of curing. A similar green color can be caused by sun scald if the leaf is left in the sun after harvesting. Small green lines, mostly near the butt end of the leaf, are caused by bruising, mainly during the harvesting and tying. These bruises can lower the value of the leaf.
Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan, Industrial Research Department Manager, talks to agency’s research specialists and extension workers during the Training on Leaf Grading System for Virginia Tobacco, held in Candon City last February 18.
HOW TO AVOID PRODUCING “UNUSABLE” REJECT TOBACCOS Reminders: • Harvest only ripe and mature leaves. • Observe proper distancing between sticks of tobacco to promote proper ventilation. • Follow the recommended number and sizes of the vents for the barn. • Always refer to the curing chart and make adjustments if necessary. • Use wet bulb and dry bulb thermometer. • Observe the condition of the leaves being cured inside the barn. • Check for leaks in the heating system. Source: Industrial Research Department, NTA Central Office, Quezon City
bad rejects will be minimized if not avoided during the trading. The agency, through its Industrial Research Department, is coming out with reading materials which contain an advisory (see side bar) on how to avoid producing unusable rejects. This will be translated to Ilocano language. Runback is caused by moisture from the stem seeping back in the leaf blade once it has been dried. Runback occurs when the barn is allowed to cool down during the lamina or stem drying stage. If the temperature drops or humidity in the barn is too high for the midrib to dry rapidly, moisture may move out from the midrib into the already dried leaf. This may produce a dark brown discolouration along the midrib or, in some cases, a distinct brown line on the lamina parallel to the midrib. Scorching is caused by an increase in temperature during the final drying stage above 70OC. Scorching causes the leaf to become “cherry red” in color or a slate grey or even Scalded tobacco has brown or dark brown colors on the whole surface of cured leaves as a result of excessive humidity in the barn during the curing process. The condition is normally caused by overloading the barn resulting in inadequate ventilation. Advancing Pls turn to page 10
January - February 2014
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TGY 2012-2013 Awardees. Standing (from L): Ricardo W. Alvaro, Antonio V. Salmasan, Pepito O. De Sesto, Buenaventura C. Isla Jr., Teofilo S. Baclig, Jonathan V. Torricer, Celso G. Bayle, Alfredo G. Ganado, Charlito B. Cabalbag, Nolito O. Jaravata, Howard A. Ciervo, Nestor V. Dominguez, Anastacio M. Dumaya, Eddie L Habab; seated: (from L) Cirilo I. Guiyab (represented by his wife Rosa), Maribel C. Matammu, Erlinda E. Daquigan, Purisima F. Dumpit, Zosima G. Madriaga, and Myrna A. Panit.
Tobacco Growers of the Year
20 farmers honored for exemplary efforts in tobacco farming THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) honored 20 tobacco growers for showing exemplary efforts in tobacco farming in a ceremony held on February 28 at the NTA central office in Quezon City. The Tobacco Growers of the Year contest showcases tobacco farmers’ innovativeness, effi-
TGY awardees as role models Emerson U. Palad, Undersecretary, Department of Agriculture
MAGANDANG gabi sa inyong lahat. Ating bigyan ng pagkilala ang lahat ng Tobacco Growers of the Year for 2012-2013. Sa paggawa ng programa at proyekto na i-implement ng Deparment of Agriculture, kami ay ginagabayan ng dalawang pangunahing objectives: ito ay ang pataasin ang produksion
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ciency, compliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and protecting the environment while practicing their profession and getting the maximum income from their labor. The awardees were able to demonstrate application of science and technology-based knowledge and made the production of tobacco a profitable enterprise, according to Luzve-
minda R. Truong, chairman of TGY National Technical Committee. She said that farmer-awardees are also owners of tree plantations in their farms. Their innovations include a fertilizer applicator made up of PVC pipe and oil container, recycled container vegetable garden, agri-waste composting, mobile water container, and multipur-
pose sled. The awardees were selected in each category (type/subtype of tobacco) within the province or area coverage of an NTA branch. A total of 140 were nominated as contestants from the eight branches and the outreach station in Occidental Mindoro. Farmers of Ilocos Norte, Ilo-
ng isang commodity, sa inyong kalagayan, ito ang tabako; at ang pataasin ang income ng magsasaka. Hindi kasi masasabing sabay ang dalawa; hindi dahil tumaas ang production, ibig sabihin, tataas na rin ang kita ng mga magsasaka. Yung dalawang objectives na ’yan ay sabay nating minimithing maachieve. Kapag titinitingnan natin ang mga awardees ngayong taon, ang DA ay talagang natutuwa sa inyong tagumpay. Ultimately the success of tobacco farmers reflect on how we carried out our mandate, especially that of the National Tobacco Administration. Thus, let me also acknowledge our colleagues in the NTA, especially the tobacco production officers and agriculturists for a job well done. Malaki na ang naging improvement ng sektor ng agri-
kultura sa mga nakaraang taon. We’ve seen increased mechanization in farming. Farmers are now more open to adopting new technologies. This, in turn, is enabling them to produce more and earn more. And this is seen in the tobacco industry. Kami ay natutuwa na ang mga tobacco farmers ay hindi na lamang nagtatanim ng tabako ngayon, kundi nand’yan na rin ang pagtatanim ng palay. At ang iba ay nag-aalaga na rin ng poultry at may nagaalaga rin ng baboy. Kaya nga ating itinayo ang NTA AgriPinoy Food Processing Plant and Trading Center sa Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. With this processing plant, we expect you to incur less production cost and earn greater profit. But more than increased income, we are pleased to note that tobacco farmers practice
the proper farm management by conscientiously following the Good Agricultural Practice. Ang pagkilalang ito ay isang simpleng token lamang, simbolo ng aming pasasalamat sa inyong pagsisikap at contribution sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa. Sa halip na kayo ang nagpapasalamat, tanggapin ninyo ang pasasalamat namin. Hindi ang mataas na ani o kita ang iyong pinakamalaking achievement. Ito ay ang pagiging isang huwaran sa inyong mga kapwa tobacco farmers. Pagpapakita ito na posible na kumita sa pagtatanim ng tabako, at pagpapakita na sa sipag at tiyaga, aasenso tayo. Muli, ito ang pagbati sa inyo ng DA. Kaisa ninyo kami sa hangaring pagsisikap para sa mas maunlad na tobacco industry. Maraming salamat po at magandang gabi.
January - February 2014
Continued next page
BEHIND the success of each farmer winner is a Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer or Agriculturist of NTA who tirelessly guided each farmer contestant from the start to the end of the contest. They endured the heat, dusty and bumpy rides, even walk long distances just to make sure that the contestants were properly aided in the application of the technology. Their constant presence and efforts inspired and strengthened the contestants’ determination to achieve their goal. It is therefore fitting that they, too, should be honored in this occasion as successful techno-transfer agents to the farmer winners. Congratulations to the TPRO’s. Your NTA family salutes you. (L.R. Truong) cos Sur, Abra and La Union participated in the award for Virginia production. Recognized in the production of VirginiaNeutral were Buenaventura C. Isla Jr. of Pinili, Ilocos Norte; Teofilo S. Baclig of Cabugao, Ilocos Sur; Alfredo G. Ganado of Candon City; Celso G. Bayle of Bucay, Abra; and Myrna A. Panit of Bacnotan, La Union. Farmers who bagged the honors in the Virginia-Improved production category were Antonio V. Salmasan of Badoc, Ilocos Norte; Jonathan V. Torricer of San Juan, Ilocos Sur; Eddie L. Habab of Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur; Howard A. Ciervo of Pilar, Abra; and Pepito O. De Sesto of Balaoan, La Union. On the other hand, the categories for Burley and native tobacco were participated in by farmers from La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, and Occidental Mindoro. In the Burley-Neutral category, Zosima G. Madriaga of Agoo, La Union, and Nestor V. Dominguez of Balungao, Pangasinan emerged as winners. In the Burley- Improved category, the TGY awardees are Anastacio M. Dumaya of Tuao, Cagayan; Maribel C. Matammu of Roxas, Isabela; and Nolito O. Jaravata of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Purisima F. Dumpit of Bau-
TGY Model Extension Workers 2012-2013
Precilla R. Lagadon TPRO I, NTA Ilocos Norte
Rhonelle P. Sulicipan TPRO I, NTA Ilocos Norte
Romel C. Hilario Agriculturist I, NTA Vigan
Jose A. Taclas Jr TPRO III, NTA Vigan
Leonardo C. Escobar Agriculturist I, NTA Candon
Cynthia B. Magaliao TPRO I, NTA Candon
Merly S. Sison TPRO III, NTA Candon
Melben B. Bejarin TPRO I, NTA Abra
Romeo Y. Paculdo Agriculturist II, NTA Abra
Sinfrosa N. Valmonte TPRO I, NTA La Union
Potenciano H. Apilado TPRO I, NTA La Union
Alberto C. Casison TPRO I, NTA La Union
Aurie Nellie A. Tumbaga TPRO III, NTA La Union
Edna C. Perlaoan TPRO I, NTA Pangasinan
Yolanda S. Ignacio TPRO I, NTA Pangasinan
Moises D. Duran TPRO I, NTA Cagayan
Alicia A. Malab Cashier II, NTA Cagayan
Perpetuo C. Dalloran TPRO III, NTA Isabela
Primitivo A. Magudang Agriculturist I, NTA Isabela
Prescilla A. Nisperos TPRO III, Occ. Mindoro
ang, La Union, and Erlinda E. Daquigan of Villasis, Pangasinan, were the awardees in the Native-Batek category. In Native-Cigar Filler category, Cirilo I. Guiyab of Tuguegarao City and Ricardo W. Alvaro of Roxas, Isabela emerged as winners. The award for Native Snuff tobacco, a new category, was given to Charlito B. Cabalbag of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. The winners received cash rewards of P15,000 each and
plaques of recognition. “One of the stated objectives of the TGY award is to reward practices that allow the interplay of technology, quality. yield, and increased farmers’ income, and this year’s batch of national awardees have certainly achieved that,” NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said. Undersecretary Emerson U. Palad of the Department of Agriculture, keynote speaker who
represented DA Secretary Prospero J. Alcala, commended the awardees for applying proper farm management and conscientiously following the GAP for tobacco farming. He urged the awardees to be role models to other farmers and share their talents and skills with them to improve production of Philippine tobacco. The TGY was first given in Pls turn to page 12
January - February 2014
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The Search for the Tobacco Grower of the Year
Luzveminda R. Truong, Chairman of the TGY National Technical Committee
THE search for the Tobacco Grower of the Year project is a contest among tobacco farmers of the same tobacco type and subtype within the province or area coverage of a Branch Office of NTA. The contest has two levels, the Provincial and the National Level. In the provincial level, the farmers planting similar type/subtype from each branch vie for the TGY award of the branch/province. These provincial winners of the same tobacco type/subtype are the contenders for the national level of the contest. The project is a joint activity of 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. The project was started by the then Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administra-
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tion in 1976 for Virginia tobacco growers. In 1980, Burley was included, Native - Cigar Filler in 1987, Native - Batek in 1989, and Native - Snuff in 2012. From its beginning until 2002, when its implementation was temporarily stopped, the contestants were rated according to crop stand (50%), yield (15%), quality (15%) and income (20%). The TGY provincial level was revived in CY 1011-2012 with more zest and with a different focus. Honesty, integrity, and diligence based from previous production record is embodied in the qualification of participants. Lately, the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for tobacco and good agricultural labor practices, famers’ initiative in developing farm tools/devices and protecting his environment while practicing their profession and getting the maximum income from their endeavor, are the main elements of the competition. GAP is the call of the time in all crops and environments and is required to make our products competitive in the world market. Through this contest, the farmers are encouraged not only to use the recommended farm inputs and
TGY Winners Achievements
technology in growing, harvesting, and drying the leaves but to practice simple acts of sanitation from the fields until delivery of their produce to the buyers. In so doing, they will help in giving integrity to the Philippine tobacco and make our products attractive to foreign and local buyers. While most of the components of production technology are prescribed, the farmers, in their own social setting, are still encouraged to practice their initiative to make their task lighter and reduce production cost by developing simple tools or adopting efficient farming practices. Likewise, the project tries to inculcate business entrepreneurship in the tobacco farmers by giving points to the proper recording of farm expenditures and income, for them to know if they are earning from their enterprise. In doing this, the project hopes that they would strive to use the resources at hand wisely and get more income from them. On the other hand, by giving points to doable practices that protect the environment, like planting of trees and proper waste disposal and recycling, the contest will help create awareness among the farmers on the importance of environment preservation, and how each of them, including their family, can participate in improving its current state. The Winner of the TGY award, therefore, is the image of an enterprising, environmentally responsible individual, who honors the values of commitment, honesty, diligence and dedication to his profession in his quest to improve the quality of life of his family. He serves as a role model for other farmers in the community and he is our true partner in making the local tobacco industry survive in a sustainable environment.
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(1) Farmer leader Mario C. Cabasal, president of NAFTAC, speaks on behalf of the farmers’ associations ; (2) Vigan Branch awardees Rommel C. Hilario, Teofilo S. Baclig, Jose A. Taclas Jr., and Jonathan V. Torricer, with Deputy Administrator and concurrent Vigan Branch Manager, Atty. Everin Molina (right). (3) Administrator Zaragoza (right) hands over awards to Ilocos Norte branch awardees Rhonelle P. Sulicipan and Antonio V. Salamasan. (4) Deputy Administrator for Operations, Atty. Vicente D. Lasam, delivers his Welcome Address.
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January - February 2014
PURISIMA F. DUMPIT
Outstanding Native Batek Grower
La Union farmer is “queen” of batek tobacco WHO still believe that tobacco farming is only for men? Is bookkeeping only for big enterprises? Are wives or mothers good only for the home? A 180-degree turn is taking place in tobacco farming with the invasion of women as farming chiefs. The list of women Dumpit farmers is getting longer in the once male- showing her improdominated arena, according to data from vised fertilthe National Tobacco Administration. izer applicator made Purisima F. Dumpit, a mother at 60, of reof Parian Weste, Bauang, La Union, has cyclable refined the economic landscape of Native materials Batek tobacco farming with her industry and business sense. NTRMs (non-tobacco related The 140% return on investment materials). (ROI) she obtained from her Ate Lou, as she is known 0.66-ha farm refutes the claim in the community, is not only that the tobacco industry is friendly and generous but also an at its sunset. Her technology- advocate of simple bookkeeping based farming technique for or well managed farm recording CY 2012-2013 registered a 3.33 as she encourages wives and ton/ha yield of 96% high to me- mothers of farmers like her. dium quality cured tobacco, ra- She believes that tobacco toons inclusive, which is higher farming is an enterprise; hence, than the national average yield bookkeeping is an essential of Batek tobacco at 2.22 ton/ha tool in farming. Her past farm with about 90% high to medium records, according to her, would quality cured tobacco. serve as her “lesson plan” for On a hectare basis, she earned the current year. She knows a net income of P92,118.00, where to cut expenditures higher than the P54,567.00/ha without sacrificing quality, and average net income from the where to find opportunities to same tobacco type. She strictly earn more. abides with Good Agricultural She designs not only the Practices (GAP) to ensure the interior of her house but also delivery of produce without farming gadgets. From scrap
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materials, she assembled a single-drop fertilizer applicator cum corn seeder from PVC pipe just apt for her fragile body. This devise not only cuts on labor usage but also applies proper fertilizer application, which is to put the fertilizer at root level without exposure to sunlight. The modified fertilizer applicator also promotes a healthier practice by protecting the vertebral column of the user from being bent too low. To her, however, the most important success she gained as a tobacco grower is the educational attainment of her four children. She helped her husband, Rolando, 63, send all their children to school
SUCCESS STORY mainly from the proceeds of tobacco farming: Lou Silvano, an agriculturist; Louella, BS Commerce; Bonfelio, BS Hotel & Restaurant Management and now a seaman; and Christine, BS Nursing. She has no plans to stop planting tobacco in their small farm. With her savings, she can easily finance her farms, yet she would gladly accept financial assistance from the NTA to give her more resources to ensure the quality and quantity of her produce. (Felisa R. Aurellano, Aurie Nellie Tumbaga)
Dumpit at her native batek farm, with TPRO III Aurie Nellie Tumbaga (right), who gives technical assistance to her during cropping period.
PROMOTION
NTA Central Office has new Accountant IV ARTHUR B. Barbero is appointed Accountant IV of the Finance Department of the NTA Central Office. Before his appointment, Barbero served as Accountant II of the NTA Abra Branch Office for 14 years. He started his government service as stock clerk, bookkeeper, staff assistant, then office manager of Abra Electric Cooperative (ABRECO). He also served as finance manager of Norphil Construction and Development Corporation. In 1982, he joined Philippine Vir-
ginia Tobacco Administration, and appointed Accountant II of Abra after the creation of National Tobacco Administration. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and Parish Pastoral Council of St. Therese Parish in his hometown Peñarubia, Abra. Barbero is married to the former Eunice Sagasag, now finance manager of ABRECO. Barbero assured NTA that all central office and branch Pls turn to page 10
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(5) Awardees from NTA La Union with Branch Manager Giovanni Palabay (from L-R): Pepito De Sesto, Potenciano H. Apilado, Alberto C. Casison, Dr. Palabay, Sinfrosa N. Valmonte, Myrna Panit, and Zosima Madriaga; (6) Engr. Felisa R. Aurellano and Marcelo T. Pascual are the awards night’s hosts. Arthur B. Barbero takes his oath as Accountant IV for the central office from Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, Manager of Administrative Department.
January - February 2014
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CSC Director meets NTA managers and HR officers on SPMS and Prime-HRM DIRECTOR Noel V. Salumbides of the Civil Service Commission gave the NTA an orientation on strategic performance management system (SPMS) and the program to institutionalize the meritocracy and excellency in human resource management (Prime-HRM) on January 20 at its central office in Quezon City. The orientation was attended by the central office managers, branch office managers, administrative officers, and human resource management officers of the NTA. Salumbides made a comprehensive view of what each HR officer should know and should do in order to handle the demands of his task effectively and efficiently. SPMS is the latest of several performance evaluation and appraisal systems implemented by the CSC through the years. One of its aims is to ensure organizational effectiveness and improvement of individual employee efficiency by cascading institutional accountabilities to the various levels of the organization anchored on the establishment of rational and factual basis for performance targets
and measures. The guidelines in the implementation of PRIME-HR among the various government agencies are outlined in CSC Memorandum Circular No. 3, series of 2012. Among its objectives are the assessment of the HRM practices and capabilities of agencies, empowering agencies in the performance of HRM functions, and promotion of and rewarding excellent human resource management practices. Administrative Department Manager Cristina C. Lopez, in her closing remarks, explained that it is not only the human resource department which should be in charge of our HR plans, their implementation and the enforcement of discipline and other rules and regulations involving HR. It also involves the whole of staff and middle management. “So I hope all of us will be able to realize that and refrain from thinking that it is the sole responsibility and job of HR or the HR department and in our case the administrative department to really think about the welfare of our employees,” she added. (Perla C. Manzon)
Seated (L-R): Maybelen Dictaan, Deputy Administrator Everin Molina, CSC Director Nestor V. Salumbides, Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, and Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, with (Standing) other department managers, branch office managers, adminisrative officers and human resource management officers.
Barbero... from page 9
trial balance and financial statements will be consolidated and reconciled to have effective and efficient operations of the agency. “He deserves the promotion,” NTA Abra branch officerin-charge Esmeralda G. Valera said of Barbero. According to her, Barbero is one of the more
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dependable and hardworking employees in the branch. “It’s Abra’s loss and central office’s gain.” Nora Corre, Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer III of NTA Abra, describes his former officemate as a very approachable, soft-spoken, patient and a good brother to his peers. (Perla C. Manzon)
January - February 2014
NTA scholars... from page 3
NTA gives P81.6-M assistance to tobacco farmers NTA has extended a total of P81,627,666 to 3,695 tobacco farmers representing an aggregate area of 2,581 hectares for the cropping season 20132014. The NTA’s production assistance is intended to provide the tobacco farmers a ready capital to finance the different phases of tobacco production. It is implemented under the Tobacco Contract Growing System of the agency’s banner program, the Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Projects (IFOIGAP). The assistance includes the cost of the tractor/animal rentals for land preparation, the cost of fertilizers and pesticides, the cost of gas and oil for watering/ irrigation, the cost of fuelwood for flue-curing and cost of barn repairs or for curing shed constructions. A total of 36,880 hectares of tobacco farmlands were cultivated last cropping season
in 13 provinces, or a total of 53,892 tobacco farmers. The agency had achieved 82.7 collection rate of last year’s production assistance given to tobacco farmers, one of the highest among governPls turn to page 11 How to spot... from page 5 the temperature too fast, or insufficient ventilation, can contribute to scalding. Fat midribs are produced if the leaf is taken from the barn with some of the midribs not completely cured. They will be soft and pliable and larger than the dry midribs. Under no circumstances should leaf be bulked in this condition as it will go mouldy. If there are many fat midribs in the barn, drying should continue. Black tobacco is a problem most prevalent in lower leaf positions from well grown plants or the types of leaf which do not readily lose moisture and wet or rainedout tobacco. To avoid this, follow the procedure for curing wet or rained-out tobacco.
NTA AgriPinoy hosts plant visit, farmers’ training
Free scholarship grants... from page 3 FTSD conducts... from page 12
‘ham-onganiza’ business. Minerva P. Mizal, AgriPinoy operations manager, and Estrella G. De Peralta, Candon branch manager, pledged assistance to the participants. Meanwhile, NTA-FTSD conducted training for 33 tobacco cluster leaders of Narvacan on dragon fruit production also held at the food facility in Barangay Nanguneg on January 17. The training was in partnership with the Ilocos Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Con-
BSU Engineering students line up for taste test of NTA AgriPinoy products during their plant tour of the food facility in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.
sortium (ILAARRDEC). Leonardo T. Pascua, ILAARRDEC director, and Ma. Luisa S. Gabriel, professor of Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City, delivered lectures and held demonstrations on dragon fruit production. ILAARRDEC distributed cuttings of dragon cactus to the recipient-trainees. A total of 650 cuttings worth P21,667 were given to them for free. (Felisa R. Aurellano)
SOME 135 Mechanical Engineering students and their instructors of Bulacan State University visited NTA AgriPinoy food processing facility at Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur last January 13. The educational tour is part of the students’ Seminar and Inspection Trips subject where they are required to visit plants and manufacturing industries to give them insights on the operation of the equipment and devices actually used in a facility. The students were given house lecture about the facility during the plant tour, where they also tasted some food products of the processing plant. Since its opening in October last year, the facility has been hosting plant visits and educational tours from farmers, local government officials and employees, and private companies. Meanwhile, 25 farmer leaders in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur attended a training on dragon
Phivolcs official briefs NTA employees on earthquake-preparedness
PHIVOLCS EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS GUIDE
NTA central office employees listen to Joan C. Salcedo, science research specialist of Phivolcs, during an orientation on earthquake preparedness.
SUPERVISING science research specialist Joan C. Salcedo of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) gave a three-hour lecture on earthquake preparedness to NTA employees at its central office in Quezon City last January 7. The orientation was aimed at giving central office employees, occupants of its eight-storey building, information to prepare for possible earthquake in the city and readiness to respond to emergency situations during and after a calamity. More than two months before, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Bohol killing 222 people, and a month earlier, tsunami-like storm surge devastated Tacloban City and the rest of Eastern Visayas killing at least 6,000 people. According to Salcedo, such occurrences are a possibility in almost every place in the country, so she emphasized on serious preparation and quick response and alertness during and after calamities.
fruit production at the conference hall of the food facility on January 17. The training was sponsored by the NTA, in collaboration with the Ilocos Agriculture and Aquatic Resources Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC) specifically with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), and the local government of Narvacan, Ilocos Sur. NTA and MMSU are two of the various member-agencies of ILAARRDEC. The farmers, including some staff of the municipal agriculture office and employees of the NTA Candon branch, were given practicum on planting the dragon fruit at the facility’s ground. (Noralyn I. Idica) Pangasinan ... from page 12
chemical and physical analysis of tobacco gathered in previous years. During the open forum, NTA Pangasinan Branch Manager Cesario Sambrana requested IRD to expedite the harmonization of the NTA standard grades and that of the different tobacco companies in time for the trading season. He expected TPROs to act as arbiters in case of conflict during the trading on the grading standards. (Ronaldo P. Molina) NTA gives... from page 10
ment agencies. For previous year’s cropping season, the agency gave P113,567,215.00 to 5,356 farmers representing 3.070 hectares of tobacco farm lands. For CY 2011-12, a total of 3,924 tobacco farmers representing 2,682 hectares participated in the project. Using a video of an actual footage of an earthquake in Japan in 1995, Salcedo also reminded the NTA employees on what to do during a highmagnitude earthquake. The do’s and don’ts in finding for cover were further discussed during the open forum.
January - February 2014
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FTSD conducts trainings in meat processing, dragon fruit production THE National Tobacco Administration with its Farm Technology & Services Department (FTSD) conducted training on meat processing at the NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing Plant and Trading Center, in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur on February 12-14. A total of 35 participants, mostly out-of-school or unemployed children of tobacco farmers and wives of farmers, and some Balikatan-Rural Improvement Club leaders of Narvacan, completed the threeday training. Representatives from the local government unit also participated in the training. Imelda N. Riñen, Chief Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer, served as training facilitator. She explained that the aim of the training was to empower the tobacco farmers to find additional income for their families and improve their lives. The participants prepared
seven dishes out of pork, namely, whole ham, sliced ham, nuggets, luncheon meat, tapa, tocino and skinless longaniza. Mentors during the activity were Dr. Gloria D. Tuzon, Associate Professor IV, and Joanna Marie T. Guarin, Instructor I, both of the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur. Tuzon discussed the principles of food processing and shared her experiences in the acquisition of equipment for food processing, and the basic rules on integrity and dedication in food processing. “Profits should not overrule health benefits derived from the food trade and industry,” she said. “I had no second thought when I was informed to participate in this training because it is my passion to engage in the food business,” Mr. Lorenzo Zapatero, cashier of a food chain in the locality, said after the training. He has plans to resign from his present job and start his own Pls turn to page 11
Participants wrap luncheon meat, as one of the activities during the training on meat processing held at the AgriPinoy facility in Narvacan.
Administrator Edgardo Zaragoza (center) receives dragon fruit cuttings donated by ILAARRDEC for distribution to cluster leaders of tobacco farmers in Narvacan. Also in photo are (from right) NTA AgriPinoy operations manager Minerva Mizal, Candon Branch Manager Estrella De Peralta, FTSD’s Chief TPRO Imelda Riñen, and a participant.
Pangasinan TPROs attend ULPI briefing on leaf grading standards TOBACCO buyer firm Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. (ULPI) briefed Tobacco Production and Regulation Officers (TPROs) of NTA Pangasinan on the system of grading tobacco last Febru-
CAR State Auditor validation visit to NTA Abra STATE Auditor Hedeliza Cabanlong (left in red shirt) of Commission on Audit, Cordillera Autonomous Region, gets actual view of the activities of tobacco farmers as part of the COA’s validation of NTA projects in Abra. According to her, she understands NTA better with her interviews with the farmers during the validation. Cabanlong is assisted by NTA Abra Branch OIC Esmeralda Valera. Also in photo is TCGS farmer-cooperator Romulo Pasal. Some of the projects and areas visited are hog fattening project in Pidigan, a multi-purpose curing barn (top right photo) and REFDPREI Nursery (bottom right photo) in Bangued.
20 farmers ... from page 7
1977 by the then Philippine Virginia Tobacco Administration but was shelved by the agency in 2002. Zaragoza said that the agency revived the project in 2012 because it afforded the agency to
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take a look at how the farmers perform in achieving the target set by the agency, and to help the tobacco growers increase their profitability to achieve higher production and bigger income for their families. This year’s award was
January - February 2014
ary 17 at the NTA branch office, in Carmay East, Rosales, Pangasinan. This is to update the extension workers on the standards set by ULPI for tobacco delivered by the farmers in all its trading centers in the province. During the briefing, ULPI trainors headed by Christopher Maandig of the firm’s Leaf Department, showed different leaf samples and their corresponding grades. He also provided the TPROs the descriptions of all grades of tobacco that ULPI intend to use for trading year 2014. Alfonso E. Sabado, supervising science research specialist of the NTA’s Industrial Research Department discussed the status of the harmonization of grades conducted by the agency including the results of Pls turn to page 11
spearheaded by the NTA eight branch offices that served as the project’s implementing arm (recruitment, recommendation and monitoring of the contestants) and the National Technical Committee of the Farm Technology and Services Depart-
ment (FTSD) which reviewed, evaluated and recommended winners to the National Advisory Committee. us on NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION