Volume IV, No. 4
October – December 2013
NTA opens P165-M center to help tobacco farmers THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) has opened a P165-million food processing and trading center in Ilocos Sur as part of its income augmentation program for tobacco farmers. The 1.5-hectare facility, called the NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing and Trading Center, is strategically located along the national highway of Brgy. Nanguneg in Narvacan town. The food processing center comprises a slaughterhouse with a capacity of 200 hogs daily and a chicken dressing plant which has a capacity of 1,000 heads per hour. To be processed in the plant are well-known meat products such as bagnet, longganisa, bacon, ham, tapa and tocino, which would be directly sold in major trading outlets (bagsakan centers), food terminal, government offices, and hospitals, and supermarkets. The Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service would assist
the NTA in the distribution of processed meats in Ilocos and Metro Manila. NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza said that aside from the P165-million allotted for the construction of the food processing facility, another P35 million would be allotted as working capital. The facility is constructed as a component of NTA’s Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project, an intervention program that seeks to provide tobacco farmers with additional sources of income outside their regular trade. “The mandate of the NTA really is to improve the quality of lives of tobacco farmers, so they will not be dependent on their crop alone,” said NTA planning manager Rex Teoxon. “We have been training them in integrated farming systems which include livestock and poultry raising. To increase their earnings, they need to add value to their products, hence the need for the food processPls turn to page 4
The NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing and Trading Center (inset).
Senator Cynthia Villar (center) leads the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Assisting the senator are (from right) Narvacan Mayor Zuriel Zaragoza, Rep. Eric Singson (Ilocos Sur 2nd District), Department of Agriculture Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Emerson Palad, and NTA Administrator Edgardo Zaragoza. (Photo: Ma. Judith J. Savellano)
Senator Villar and Rep. Singson unveil the NTA AgriPinoy marker as Administrator Zaragoza looks on.
Farmers visit Alaminos bamboo plantations, AgriPinoy food facility NTA, through its Farmers Organizational Development Project, conducted tours for tobacco farmers in its intensified campaign for integrated farming and other income-generating activities, particularly bamboo and food processing last December. The agency sent 13 farmerleaders of tobacco-based cooperatives and associations to an educational tour to bamboo plantations, bamboo propagule farm, and bamboo processing plant in Alaminos City in
Pangasinan on December 15. The field exposure is aimed at orienting the farmers with the technicalities and prospects of the bamboo industry. This is aligned with NTA’s Renewable Fuelwood Energy and Restoration of Ecological Integrity Project. The selected farmer-leaders, all potential cooperators for bamboo propagule and plantation, are into Burley and native tobacco farming, which require a great deal of bamboo poles.
Tobacco buyer firms expand TCGS areas in Region 2
The buyer firms have intensified information drives in their expansion. ILTC held info drives in Baggao, Alcala, Amulung East and West, Peñablanca, Solana, and Tugue-garao City in Cagayan where a total of 606 farmers attended. ULPI held its own in Rizal and Conner, both in Apayao, with 576 farmers in attendance. The NTA, on its part, has presented the accomplishments of the collaborative undertaking with the different buyer
TO address the demand for tobacco in the world market, buyer firms Universal Leaf Phils., Inc. (ULPI) and Isabela Leaf Tobacco Corp. (ILTC) are expanding their Tobacco Contract Growing System (TCGS) areas by 18-20% and 10%, respectively. As early as September 2013, they have been conducting orientation seminars on their policies for CY 2013-2014.
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October - December 2013
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EDITORIAL
Keeping the fire burning WAY back in the 1980s, we have already been hearing that the tobacco industry is a sunset industry. However, as we have witnessed, the tobacco industry is still very much a strong pillar of the Philippine economy, despite the issues besetting it. The fear about the negative impact of the new Sin Tax appears to be unfounded, as we observe the increase in demand for tobacco in the Philippine market. While the tobacco industry is sailing through, the NTA sees to it that the ship does not lose its direction by keeping everyone on the ship on his/her toes so that each one performs the tasks at hand efficiently and effectively. All possible opportunities for increasing knowledge and skills are taken advantage of for the benefit of the crew. For 2013, the NTA had sent as many staff as possible to trainings, seminars, workshops, and conventions sponsored by various agencies and professional organizations. This is to ensure that the staff are kept abreast of developments, widen their knowledge base, and hone their skills in discharging their responsibilities with more vigor, dedication and commitment. More importantly, the present NTA leadership is on a continuous search for possible programs and projects that would utilize the agency’s manpower resources to keep them constantly challenged and productive and redound to the achievement of the mandate of the agency to improve the lives of the tobacco farmers, the NTA’s ultimate clientele. The manpower resource of NTA can look forward to getting more opportunities next year for their growth as government workers and as individuals, and fulfillment in doing their jobs well. One cannot afford to do otherwise, as long as the captain of the ship keeps the fire burning. Tobacco buyer firms... from page 1
firms, including the Compaña de Filipinas, for CY 2012-2013. It calls for regular orientation seminars including values orientation to farmer-cooperators. This is to ensure an effective implementation of the TCGS for this cropping year, and to minimize the repetition of the bad practices observed in the past season, such as incomplete adoption of the prescribed package of technologies for each tobacco type from seedbedding to marketing and double-listing of farmer-cooperators and polevaulting. The buyer firms commended the NTA for its technical assistance and regulatory services. During the assessment of the previous tobacco season, they asked the agency to increase its manpower to further strengthen
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the implementation and monitoring of production technology adoption by the farmer-cooperators. They also suggested that Extension Workers be provided with leaf moisture meters to help them monitor the moisture content of the tobacco prior to its delivery. ULPI, ILTC, and Compaña de Filipinas are still recruiting farmer-cooperators in Region 2, to attain the total target areas of 1,026 hectares for cigar-filler and 780 hectares for Burley tobacco. As of December, farmers tilling 80.78% of the total 1,806 hectares have been recruited. Further expansions for ULPI are expected in the corngrowing municipality of Tuao after the corn harvest which ends first week of January.
October - December 2013
Speech delivered by Senator Villar during the inaugural rites of the NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing and Trading Center in Nanguneg, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, October 30, 2013.
Food security, high income for farmers tops in agri sector Senator Cynthia A. Villar
I AM happy to be here with all of you today to witness and be part of the launch of a multimillion food processing facility here in Barangay Nanguneg na bunga ng AgriPinoy Program at Public-Private Partnership Scheme ni President Noynoy Aquino. Natutu- Senator Cynthia Villar (2nd from left) is flanked by (from left) branch manager Estrella G. de Peralta wa ako dahil alam ko na of NTA Ilocos Sur-Candon, Narvacan vice mayor ito ay magpapalawig pa Fayinna Zaragoza and Gavina Zapata of AgriPinoy. ng agri-business sa lalawigan ng Ilocos Sur at karatig-bayan at magbibigay ng livelihood opportunities sa ating mga tobacco farmers. Nalaman ko rin na hindi lamang ang mga tobacco farmers ang mabibigyan ng oportunidad, pati na rin ang kanilang mga anak. That is really good, it will encourage the younger generations to get involved in farming too, side by side with their parents. I commend the National Tobacco Administration for recruiting technical graduates from the technical colleges and university as the initial work force of this facility and prioritizing tobacco farmers’ children, who are graduates of agri-technology and related courses. That is really a good start. As this food facility is equipped with equipment that can process vegetables and meat, this would allow our local food producers to cater to the high-quality demand particularly in the global markets. I have recently been to Cologne, Germany and attended the Anuga Food Fair there. I saw for myself how advanced the food industry has become and with all of you, it is my hope that our country will keep pace with the fast-paced developments, especially in technology. We have a huge potential to compete head on with the rest of the world. Personally, I believe that science and technology, particularly Pls turn to page 4 is published quarterly 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: Czeriza Valencia Editorial Adviser: Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza
FEATURE
TOBACCO farmers in Ilocos Sur are now realizing the benefits of embarking into different income-generating activities to boost their earning outside their regular trade. Tobacco farmer Rodrigo Cabotage of Barangay Cadacad, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur has sold all of his five hogs weighing an average of 108 kilograms per head, that earned him a net income of P20,412, or an average of P4,082.40 per hog. He said he only spent a little more than three months to fatten the hogs while tending to his tobacco farm. Cabotage is one of the 114 farmer-recipients of the first batch of the hog fattening component of NTA Agri-Pinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing Plant and Trading Center. As of first week of December, the farmer-recipients sold more than 238,802 kilograms or 2,551 of their fattened hogs worth P25.2-million. The NTA, through its multimillion food processing facility, buys the fattened hog at prevailing market price from the tobacco farmers, and sells them
as processed meat (tocino, tapa, barbecue, bagnet, longganisa, and ham) to major trading outlets, food terminals, government offices and supermarkets. The facility, opened last October this year, is a component of NTA’s Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities Project (IFOIGAP), an intervention program that seeks to provide tobacco farmers with additional sources of income outside their regular trade. The farmers are mostly from Narvacan, where the food processing facility is situated. The rest of the farmers are from Candon City, Santiago, Burgos and Sta. Maria in Ilocos Sur, and Pidigan and San Quintin in Abra. Cabotage’s P4,082.40 per hog exceeded the agency’s projection of net income for each hog. According to Minerva Mizal, NTA AgriPinoy operations manager, the agency is expecting the highest return of production at around P1,776 per hog. Cabotage said his earnings from NTA’s hog fattening project is a big boost to his livelihood as he earns just an average net income of Operations Manager Minerva Mizal (left photo) and Branch Manager Estrella de Peralta meet farmerrecipients during the reorientation for the second cycle of the hog fattening component of NTA AgriPinoy.
P40,000 for his half-hectare farm every cropping season. Jessie Cabael, also of Brgy. Cadacad, earned P43,448.50 for his 10 hogs, or an average of P4,344.85 per hog. Saturnino Saldua of Barangay Banglayan has a higher total income for his 20 hogs, which is P59,285.50 or an average of P2,964.28 per hog. According to NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, farmer-recipients like Cabotage, Cabael, and Saldua who enrolled in the program are provided with production assistance which include the cost of piglet, feeds, medicine, and other technical services. Zaragoza said that almost all of the farmer-recipients had gained an extra income on the initial cycle. The farmers had realized the benefit of the project, so all of them now want to be part of the second cycle, he added. He assured the farmer-recipients of a ready market and a fair price for their hogs. The agency will start distributing piglets to the qualified farmers for the second cycle of the program starting this December. Farmer-recipients must be legitimate tobacco farmers to avail of the NTA’s hog fatPls turn to page 5
Tobacco farmers Rodrigo Cabotage (left) and Saturnino Saldua, both of Cadacad, Narvacan, Iocos Sur, and succesful farmer-recipients of the hog fattening component of the AgriPinoy.
Hog Fattening First Cycle Success
NTA Candon: Unprecedented Increase of Interested Farmers Estrella G. de Peralta Candon Branch Manager DURING the first cycle of the NTA AgriPinoy’s hog fattening project, recruitment was not a walk in the park due largely to the wait-and-see attitude of some farmers and their previous experience on hog raising. However, with persistence, determination, hard work, and dedication of the NTA Candon branch office, with support from NTA AgriPinoy officials and some local government units, 33 clusters with 353 farmers from Narvacan, Sta. Maria, Burgos, San Esteban, Santiago and Candon, Ilocos Sur were formed for the initial implementation of the project The NTA AgriPinoy provides full production assistance to farmer-cooperators and teams up with the NTA Candon branch in close monitoring and supervision of the program. To ensure the services of the project, farmer-cooperators and AgriPinoy staff attended the Techno-Briefing and Orientation Seminar conducted by NTA on June 11, 2013. As in any project that is just starting, problems cropped up but these were immediately addressed by the officials. One problem was the effect of Typhoon Maring that hit Narvacan, Sta. Maria, Pls turn to page 5
NTA Administrator Zaragoza assures tobacco farmers of fair price and ready market for their fattened hogs that the ageny will buy from them.
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Senator Villar... from page 1
research and development (R&D) play a really significant role in the success of projects and programs. I came to this belief or conviction based on my own experiences. One of my biggest realizations when I was establishing one livelihood enterprise after another is the important and crucial role that technology plays. In fact, I would say that the equipment and technology we use is the secret to the success of my livelihood programs. I believe that technological innovation and relevant R&D can also propel the agriculture sector to greater heights. It is good that our government gives priority to R&D
and technological innovation also. Naisabatas na natin ang Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) or Republic Act (RA) 8435. AFMA calls for the allocation of at least P20 billion a year for agriculture modernization-related programs and projects. Ang Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for RA 10601 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Mechanization Law (AFMECH) ay tapos na rin at talagang tututukan natin ang implementasyon niyan para mas maging competitive ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda at iba pang industriya na nakatali sa agrikultura. AFMECH will promote the development and adoption of
“ORAS NI MANNALON TI TABAKO” RELAUNCHED
modern, appropriate, cost-effective and environmentally safe agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment to enhance farm productivity and efficiency to achieve food security and increase farmers’ income. The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) has acknowledged also that we need to invest in R&D, and that we can increase the productivity of agriculture and boost job creation in the industry through science and technology. This is expected to fast-track the growth in the Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (AFF) sector. We really need to improve the global competitiveness of our farmers and the country’s agriculture sector as a whole. The country’s integration to the ASEAN Economic Community in two years’ time (in 2015) will bring about cutthroat competition, thus we have to be globally competitive. ASEAN is moving towards standardizing practices and food safety systems such as adoption of Good Agriculture Practices, Good Aquaculture Practices, Good Animal Husbandry Practices, Good Hygiene Practices, Good Manufacturing Practices, and Hazard Analysis Critical NTA opens P165-M... from page 1
NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza meets with the coordinators of the “Oras ni Mannalon ti Tabako” from the different branch offices for the evaluation and planning of the agency’s radio program for tobacco farmers before its relaunch last November. OMT is one of the components of the agency’s Communication Support Program. The branch coordinators (lower photo) with OMT central office coordinators, Neyo Valdez and executive assistant to the Administrator Dr. Perlita Baula (8th and 9th from left, respectively).
OMT is now being aired at DZVV-Bombo Radyo Vigan, every Saturday, 12:30 to 1:00 PM, with Joe Taclas (left) and Noralyn Idica, both Tobacco Production and Regulation Officers III, as anchors. OMT is also being aired at DZTP-Candon (Monday, 12:00 to 12:30 PM) and DZPA-Abra (Sunday, 7:00 to 7:15 PM).
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October - December 2013
ing center,” he added. The processing center, which would be initially run by the NTA, would source hogs from farmers in Ilocos Sur and Abra. Zaragoza said 7,693 tobacco farmers in the region have been trained in backyard hog and poultry raising since June and have been grouped into 125 farm clusters. Teoxon said the food processing facility is expected to begin processing of hogs in the second week of the month (November) while it would begin to process poultry in the first quarter of 2014. NTA would source hog and chicken breeder stocks from Universal Robina Corp. because of “good quality of parent stocks and competitive prices.” (Czeriza Valencia, The Philippine Star)
Control Point or HACCP-based systems among others. Marami pa po tayong kailangan asikasuhin at trabahuhin. Lagi ko pong sinasabi na ako ay natutuwa dahil nakuha ko ang chairmanship ng Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food because I believe I can make a positive difference here. And that difference will accrue to a significant number of Filipinos. The Philippines, after all, is an agricultural country. We are an agricultural country and majority of our people are in agriculture-related jobs and businesses. A third of the Philippine population can be found in agriculture living on one-tenth of the national gross domestic product (GDP). Close to half of farm households live in absolute poverty. For the rural poor, including small farmers and landless farm workers, getting access to adequate nutritious and healthy food is a daily struggle. The agriculture sector deserves top priority. I really believe that the agriculture sector Pls turn to page 10 Rocutan ... from page 7
against possible fungal attack. During the crucial development of the seedlings, he constructed temporary shades for the beds. He gradually removed the shed to provide enough sunlight for the seedlings. He applied ammonium sulfate to boost the growth of the laggard seedlings prior to hardening. The seedlings that Rocutan produced could satisfy the need of 32 farmer-cooperators for a 23.75-hectare KPP area in three barangays in Batac City. He sold all his seedlings, known for their good quality and availability during transplanting schedules of KPP farmer applicants. He also registered his 0.25-hectare farm for the KPP. From his extra income, he was able to buy a motorcycle for his family and paid NTA of his amortization for irrigation support (water pump). He saved some amount for the education of his three children (one in college and two in high school). With his initial success, Rocutan has plans to continue as a seedling grower for the next cropping season. (Divina D. Pagdilao)
NTA Candon: ... from page 3
Burgos, and Candon in August. The floods carried away three piglets and some feeds purchased by the farmers. Difficulties did not dampen the enthusiasm of the farmers known for their positive and resilient attitude as most Filipinos. Their hard work and industry paid off, as 98% of the farmer-cooperators profited from the project. Based on sales performance, the top earners are as follows:
The success stories spread like wildfire. And our branch office has been swamped with requests by tobacco farmers from different towns to participate in the second cycle. In Narvacan alone, 24 clusters are already formed for the second cycle, an increase from 15 in the first cycle. Expansion is inevitable as embodied in the Business Plan. But to ensure the continuity and success of the project, we enforce rigid screening and evaluation.
Dr. Cristina C. Lopez (3rd from left), Administrative Department Manager, joins central office employees in the aerobics dance, during the National Government Employees Week.
Abuendio Mariano, Jr. (3rd from right), OIC, Administrative Services of Jose Fabella Center, DSWD, Mandaluyong City, receives cash and goods donations from Elvira Paras and Perla Manzon as part of NTA em-ployees’ outreach program for supertyphoon victims in Tacloban City.
NTA celebrates National Gov’t Employees Week
The farmer-leaders from Isabela, Cagayan, and Pangasinan with the Farmers Organizational Development Project implementers at Alaminos, Pangasinan
AgriPinoy hog raising... from pag 3
tening program. With an assured price of up to P78 (highest grade of Virginia, AA) for his tobacco and an extra income from the hograising activities, Cabotage and the other program beneficiaries have all reasons to be hopeful of a good cropping season for their families. (Neyo E. Valdez)
Farmers visit ... from page 1
The bamboo plantations are expected to sustain their needs for curing shed, and supply huge demand to operate processing plants. Earlier, on December 11-12, a group of farmer-leaders of Cagayan and Isabela attended a training course on bamboo propagule establishment and plantation management also in Alaminos. A total of 172 farmer-lead-
NTA celebrated National Government Employees Week on December 3-5 with the central office employees joining a lineup of activities. This is in support of the Philippine Government EmployeesAssociation (PGEA) on its 68th Anniversary and the 17thAnniversary of the National Convention of Government Employees Working Council. Employees of the NTA central office employees had a one-day fun of physical activity through aerobics session with a professional aerobics instructor on December 3. Five employees represented the NTA to the National Convention of Government Employees held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila on December 4. They were Raquel Lelani F. Señga, Market Specialist V; Charito M. Salazar, Budget Officer II; Elvira R. Paras, Human Resource Management Officer V; Priscilla S. Esguerra, Information Technology Officer III; and Rogelio C. Santiago, Financial Analyst II. On December 5, a team of employees headed by Elvira R. Paras brought donations of cash and goods to Jose Fabella Center DSWD-Mandaluyong City as an outreach program for the Yolanda victims. (Perla C. Manzon) ers and extension workers from NTA branches in Candon, Abra, La Union, Vigan, and Ilocos Norte toured the NTA Agripinoy food processing facilities in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur in three batches on December 19, 23 and 27. Minerva P. Mizal, AgriPinoy operations manager, gave orientation and briefing to the farm-
ers. The farmers also toured the different activity areas of the food processing plant and observed some demonstration from facility workers. NTA expects that these tours would achieve total and sustainable development of the core of the tobacco industry, the tobacco farmers. (Lisa R. Aurellano/Noralyn I. Idica)
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Photos by Dina B. dela Reyna
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October - December 2013
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
EDGARDO D. ZARAGOZA
WE are celebrating Christmas in keeping with the times. Kung tutuusin, there should be no celebration dahil sa maraming dagok na nangyari sa bansa natin. But in the spirit of Christmas, we have to do this and no matter how simple it would be, what is more important is the essence, or the meaning, of our gathering today. Hopefully, we live to be as one family as we continue to perform our various tasks in the NTA. This is an opportunity also for us to take a look at what we have done for the year. I would like then to thank each and every one for being a part of what we have accomplished in 2013. This is a manifestation that we have done our jobs as an organization. We will continue to
work within our mandate and within that primary task of giving the best to the stakeholders, especially our farmers and, of course, our employees. As I look at our plans for 2014, I can say, and I am glad that we have adequately provided the necessary funding support for our programs para sa mga farmers at para sa mga empleyado. We are not getting into any large-scale project anymore, except for the renewable energy program. Now we can concentrate more in terms of employee development. Mas maluwag na tayo sa employee development program dahil puwede nating gastusin ‘yung pondo para doon, at sana ay magkaroon pa ng initiative and enthusiasm on the part of our employees to further improve their capabilities, and their credentials, as we go along. Huwag na nating sabihin na “I’m old already” o “Hanggang dito na lang.” Let’s strive to continue improving ourselves and this will really help us along the way. There will be more trainings. In all opportunities for training programs na ginagawa ng ibang agencies, I
from the ADMINISTRATOR
am encouraging the participation ng bawat isa. Our agency should be playing a better role towards economic development of our country because of the sizeable amount of the taxes that are collected from Sin Tax... How I wish, meron tayong mas mataas na allocation, nang sa gayun, mas marami din ang magagawa ng NTA. We have to work hand in hand with the national government. Let us think of ways on how to ensure that these funds are being used properly for the good of the industry and for the good of the tobacco farmers. We will continue to play a vital role in the industry. We will keep on working with the tobacco manufacturers on how we can further improve the technology by adding things that are necessary to ensure that our farmers should be benefited in the process... Ang pinakamalaking hinihingi ng ating Pangulo (Benigno S. Aquino III), ay sana magiging makabuluhan ang ating serbisyo sa pamahalaan para man lang maipakita that something is being done to do what is best for our people.
Nakikita po natin ang sincerity ng ating presidente and we are getting a new image as public servants. Ang laki ng pinagbago ng ating bansa and everybody keeps on saying na sana, there will be another six years of this kind of leadership para makumpleto yung process of transformation, or reforms, that everyone would like to see for our country. That’s the only way that we can achieve a more balanced development of our country and a better situation for everyone of us... Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for being a part of a good team of good management. Gusto ko rin pasalamatan ang mga members ng ating Board of Directors. We have a very effective working Board at sa nakikita ko naman ngayon sa ating organisayon, everybody is working. Everybody is cooperating. At kahit anong klase ng trabaho, nagagampanan natin dito sa NTA. Sa ginagawa lang natin sa AgriPinoy Project, halimbawa, hindi ko akalain na kayang-kaya nating gawin kahit na hindi po tayo expert o Pls turn to page 11
Trainings, seminars... from page 9 Giovanni B. Palabay Hermogenes A. Galvez Cecilio A. Cabigan Milagros C. Tiu Modesto S. Cleto Joseph Salter B. Elizalde
Rex Antonio P. Teoxon
Fortuna C. Benosa Priscilla S. Esguerra Ramon C. Soriano Geoffrey DG. Gacula Vicente D. Lasam Everin F. Molina Rohbert A. Ambros Priscilla S. Esguerra Edgardo C. Guia Milagros C. Tiu
CESB Executive Leadership Program, July 25-Aug. 1 Training Program on Employee Engagement, July 20-21 Virtual Store – PhilGEPS, June 14 Annual Convention of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, May 22-23; Annual Convention of the Philippine Medical Association, May 14-17 Cascading DA’s Performance Contract, Apr. 29-30; Developing a Results-based Monitoring and Evaluation System for Agriculture and Fisheries, Apr 10-12; Hands-on Training on Organic Agriculture and Agriculture-Fisheries Extension Network Meeting, Mar. 18-22 SDC Track III, Apr. 17-19 Seminar-Workshop on Strengthening the DA Information Technology, Mar. 19-22 Mandatory Continuing Legal Education, Mar. 7, 8, 14, 15
Comprehensive Updates on the Implemetation of Republic Act (RA) 9184, Feb. 13-16 Supervisory Effectiveness for Improved Quality and Productivity, Jan. 29-31
October - December 2013
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SUCCESS STORY
MELCHOR ROCUTAN
(organic fertilizer and garden buffer in case of uncontrolled soil) and sourced out seeds events that may adversely af2013 Outstanding Forest Tree of ipil-ipil and Gmelina. His fect the growth of the seedSeedling Nursery Grower lot is elevated and exposed lings. When some seeds failed to sunlight, and near a source to germinate, he gathered wild of clean water for watering. growths of ipil-ipil and GmeHis soil bagging activity lina from the nearby areas was scheduled by batch, such for the unplanted soil bags. He irrigated the seedbeds that seed sowing was also done COMMITMENT, initiative and come other than their tobacco in a staggered manner. In ad- carefully so as not to dislodge hard work had driven Melchor produce through production of dition to the 60,000 seedling the sprouting seeds and provide Rocutan of Brgy. Camandingan, transplantable tree seedlings bags provided by the project, adequate moisture to the growBatac City, Ilocos Norte to suc- through the agency’s Renew- he sourced out additional soil ing seedlings. He used funable Fuelwood Energy Farm bags, and seeded them, as his gicide as preventive measure ceed as a farmer. Pls turn to page 4 Rocutan is one of the to- Development and Restoration bacco farmers who took part of Ecological Integrity Project in the NTA’s tree planting and (RFEFDREIP), and fuelwood Truong appointed Department fuelwood production program or bamboo production through Manager III at FTSD through eco-friendly projects its Kahuyang Pangkabuhayaimed at sustaining the fuelwood an at Pangkalikasan (KPP). Rocutan’s production of LUZVEMINDA R. Truong, got appointed Department Manager requirements of tobacco farmIII 12 days before Christmas Eve, and the whole of Farm Technolers while restoring the ecologi- 62,349 transplantable tree seedogy and Services Department (FTSD) had reasons to celebrate. lings of ipil-ipil (Leucaena leocal balance in the environment. Truong, who has been officer-in-charge of FTSD after the The farmers can earn in- cocephala) and Gmelina earned transfer in October 2010 of its former head Dr. Roberto R. Bonohim a net income of P111,788.00 an to the Industrial Research Department at NTA-Central Office, in just four months after he is now a full-time head of FTSD. Her appointment took effect on has paid his capital amounting to P56,544.30. This easily December 12, 2013. Before her promotion, Truong was Chief Science Research qualified him for the award as and head of Farm Technology Development Division (FTDD). Outstanding Forest Tree SeedShe finished her Master’s Degree in Plant Pathology and the ling Nursery Grower in Ilocos Norte for crop year 2012-13. academic requirements of DocNTA extends production torate in Plant Pathology at the University of the Philippines in assistance to farmers in the Los Baños. She passed the Cagrowing of tree seedlings and reer Executive Service Officer production of fuelwood for the flue-curing of Virginia tobacco. examination in 2010. She has collected many For the project, Rocutan awards in research and develattended an orientation seminar on the Guide to Quality opment studies that brought to the agency, then known as PhilSeedling Production in Smallholder Nurseries at the NTA ippine Tobacco Research and Training Center, to a different Ilocos Norte Branch Office. level in the science commuBefore the release of the fiOutstanding tree seedlings producer nity. For her expertise in plant nancial assistance for the nursRocutan in his newly acquired motorcyle, with Concepcion R. ery establishment, he started pathology, she was appointed Quiocho, TPRO I of NTA Ilocos Norte. in various critic and consultant preparing the planting media positions of several research unLuzveminda R. Truong dertakings. Dialogues... from page 10 She is also a lifetime memadded. the Year (TGY), Renewable Fuber of the Philippine Phytopathological Society, NTA MemHe urged the farmers to pro- elwood Energy Farm Developber in the National Seed Industry Council–Tobacco Technical duce quality tobacco to realize ment Project and Restoration of Working Group, and Regional Technical Working Group of the a greater profit. He suggested Ecological Integrity (RFEFDPILAARRDEC. She has also established linkages with research inthe use of the Unified Fertil- REI), and the AgriPinoy Projstitutions and private agricultural companies for the benefit of NTA. izer Technology to minimize ect. The new FTSD Manager is known for her dedication to her work the production of low grade Most of the concerns of toand has been an inspiring leader to her staff. Mercedes M Lucas, FTSD tobacco leaves. He emphasized bacco farmers in Candon, such secretary, describes the new manager as “an eight-to-five worker that the low quality leaves may as the alleged downgrading, but stays beyond office time until all is polished. She gives hearty not command a good price in low prices, SLOB and the long comments on every aspect of life and she means what she says.” the succeeding tobacco seasons process in trading center trans“Her limited patience to poor excuses somehow challenges the due to the enforcement of the actions, were directed to ULPI meagre performers to do better,” she added. Sin Tax Reform Law. and PMFTC. Both ULPI Area “She wants everything done as planned and in detail, and she In the open forum in La Manager Mar Biala and PMFTC gives full support and motivation to achieve tangible results,” Union, the Administrator urged Cashier Arman Tan emphasized said Roman J. Raganit Jr., Supervising Science Research Spethe farmers to avail of or parti- that quality dictates the price cialist of his former boss at FTDD. cipate in the different programs and that any alleged downThe rest of her colleagues believe that her full-time designation and projects of the agency, grading has been resolved with would signal the takeoff of tobacco production and post-production namely, Scholarship Program, NTA mediating. (Warlie V. technologies, and production support and services for the interest Irrigation Support Project, Oribello, Giovanni B. Palabay, of the farmers, the tobacco traders, and the FTSD staff in accorSearch for Tobacco Grower of Estrella G. de Peralta) dance with the general direction of the agency. (Lisa R. Aurellano)
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October - December 2013
TRAININGS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, CONVENTIONS ATTENDED BY NTA OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES IN 2013, NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza prioritized Manpower Development to enhance the potentials of the human resources of the agency that would redound to more efficient and effective delivery of services to its clientele. This is evidenced by the support given to officials, and staff in attending seminars, trainings, consultations, conventions and the like. A total of 85 officials and staff had attended such activities during the year. Dinah E. Pichay Charity P. Garcia Rex Antonio P. Teoxon Roberto R. Bonoan Maybelen B. Dictaan Dinah E. Pichay Mario E. Corpuz Estrella G. de Peralta Ma. Teresa B. Laudencia Giovanni B. Palabay Cesario G. Sambrana Herman C. Torres Minerva P. Mizal Charity P. Garcia Rafael H. Hernandez Rosalie P. Catura Minerva P. Mizal Rafael H. Hernandez Rosalie P. Catura Perla C. Manzon Abraham C. dela Peña
Charity P. Garcia Rosalie P. Catura Alfonso E. Sabado Roberto R. Bonoan Dinah E. Pichay Alex L. Borje Raquel Leilani F. Señga Myrna O. Lozano Excelsior R. Mejia Ramon L. Fernandez Jessie R. Palaspas Roderick C. Villarin Jerymy Ann E. Feria Benson B. Carino Joefrey T. Bautista Priscilla S. Esguerra Vivien F. Ferareza Leonora N. Clarin Myrna O. Lozano Eleanor A. Rapanut Reynaldo R. Aquino Milagros C. Tiu Imelda N. Riñen Ophelia T. Gonzales Leonora N. Clarin Myrna O. Lozano Eleanor A. Rapanut Ma. Teresa B. Laudencia Milagros C. Tiu
Control Risk and Internal Audit Risk, Dec. 12, 13, & 16 Annual CES Conference with the theme, “Fit @40! Renewing our Past, Leading the Future”, Nov. 27-29
Operations Audit, Nov 25-27; Baseline Assessment of Internal Control System, Nov. 11-13 Logistics Management, Nov. 21-21; FiveDay MBA Program, Aug. 12-16 Management Audit, Nov. 20-22; Compliance Audit, Nov. 18-19 PIO Consultative Meeting and Assessment Workshop, Nov. 19-22 12th Regional Convention and General Assembly of the Pollution Control Ass’n of the Philippines, Nov. 14-15; Seminar on Continuing PCO Empowerment Towards Environmental Sustainability, July 17-18 Strategic and Annual Audit Work Planning, Nov. 14-15 Supervisory Dev’t Course (SDC) Track I, Nov. 12-15 Seminar on International Food, Processing, Packaging and Products Exhibition, Nov. 10-12
Meat Inspection Training Course for Local LGUs, Nov. 4-29 SDC Tracks II & III, Nov. 4-8; SDC Track 1, Aug. 20-23 Buyers Training PhilGEPS, Oct. 24-25 SDC Tracks II & III, Oct. 21-25
Records Disposition Administration, Oct. 22-24 SDC Track I, Oct. 15-18
AGAP Annual Convention-Seminar (Theme, Asensong Ramdam ni Juan: The Challenge Financial Managers Must Face), Oct. 14-17
Charity P. Garcia
Teresita D. dela Rosa Raquel Leilani F. Señga Luzviminda U. Padayao Maricel B. Rojas Carmencita T. Bersalona Marcelia P. Pulgar Aurie Nellie A. Tumbaga Lilia C. Maramba Ramon L. Fernandez Jerymy Ann E. Feria Triumphante F. Viloria, Jr. Rafael H. Hernandez
Dinah E. Pichay Felisa R. Aurellano Cecilio A. Cabigan Alex L. Borje Divina D. Pagdilao Noralyn I. Idica Warlie V. Oribello Roger T. Madriaga Nestor T. Tejada Elmerante A. Ginez Dinah E. Pichay Priscilla S. Esguerra Rosalie P. Catura
Modesto S. Cleto Edgardo C. Guia Vicente T. Saccuan Orlando D. Llantada Elmerante A. Ginez Moises D. Duran Magdalena N. Mamuyac Edna C. Perlaoan Marzel F. Manzanas Reynaldo A. Pugrad Charito A. Masiglat Alberto C. Casison Paulino B. Abenojar, Jr. Prescilla A. Nisperos Leonora N. Clarin Maybelen B. Dictaan Lina A. Cera Roberto R. Bonoan Nora A. Corre Romeo Y. Paculdo Divina D. Pagdilao Jose A. Taclas Tomasito G. Taloza Adonis D. Lazo Aurelia Veronica L. Lacaden Orlando O. Galdones Potenciano H. Apilado Warlie V. Oribello Leonora N. Clarin Maybelen B. Dictaan Alejandro S. Cristobal Lina A. Cera Roberto R. Bonoan
Advocating Governance in the Agency, Oct. 9-11; Strategic Planning for Internal Audit, Sep. 4-6; Quality Management System Audit, Aug. 22-23; Fraud Prevention and Anti-Red Tape, July 31Aug. 2 Workshop on Role Analysis and Performance Harmonization, Oct. 14 Effective Selling and Negotiation Skills, Sep. 26-27
Internal Control for Property and Supply Management, Sep. 25-27; Audit on Procurement, Aug. 28-30 Seminar-Workshop on How to Set Up an Internal Audit Group, Sep. 25-26 1st ASEAN Conference on Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Sep. 24-26
Information Technology Audit, Security and Governance, Sep. 23-27 Cash Management and Its Internal Control System, Aug. 14-16
Product Awareness Seminar, Aug. 14 NTA Training of Leaf Grading (Burley) Aug. 1-2
NTA Training of Leaf Grading (Virginia) Aug. 2
Pls turn to page 7
October - December 2013
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NTA Personnel Update 2013 Appointments Rosalie P. Catura, Internal Auditor I, Internal Audit Service, Jan. 23, 2013 Rudy M. Albao, Driver II, Office of the Administrator, Jan. 23, 2013 Abraham C. dela Peña, Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer (TPRO) I, Ilocos Sur-Candon, Jan. 23, 2013 Rolando B. Habon, TPRO I, Ilocos Sur-Candon, Jan. 23, 2013 Violeta E. Gayona, TPRO II, Regulation Department (RD), March 20, 2013 Analiza R. Gabuat, Secretary, Ilocos Sur-Candon, Aug. 1, 2013 Restie V. Peralta, Computer Operator II, Ilocos Sur-Candon, Aug. 1, 2013 Triumphante F. Viloria Jr., Secretary I, Administrative Department (AO), Aug. 5, 2013 Promotions Loida S. Borje, Senior TPRO, RD, Jan. 23, 2013 Estrella D. De Peralta, Department Manager III, Ilocos Sur-Candon, March 5, 2013 Gavina B. Zapata, Cashier III, Ilocos Sur-Candon, March 5, 2013 Primitivo M. Abalos Jr., TPRO III, RD, March 13, 2013 Ophelia T. Gonzales, HRMO III, AD, March 13, 2013 Loreto S. Reyes, Administrative Officer III, Ilocos Sur-Candon, Aug. 1, 2013 Charlemagne P. Navarro, TPRO I, Ilocos Sur-Candon, Aug. 1, 2013 Perla C. Manzon, HRMO IV, AD, Aug. 5, 2013 Luzveminda R. Truong, Department Manager III, FTSD, Dec. 12, 2013 Retirees Nancy B. Barillos, Computer Operator II, Ilocos Sur-Candon, 36 years Pablo M. Paraon, TPRO III, Ilocos Norte-Batac, 31 years Lina S. Sansano, Secretary I, AD, 36 years Norma S. Saludares, HRMO III, AD, 43 years Thelma A. Albino, Cash Cerk, Finance Department, 40 years
1,253 farmers join TCGS in Ilocos Norte SOME 1,253 tobacco farmers in Ilocos Norte were provided production assistance to grow their crop with full technical supervision by NTA Extension Workers or private firm Agricultural Technicians, according to NTA Ilocos Norte Chief Agriculturist Candelario P. Corpuz. Of the total, 757 are farmercooperators (FCs) with an aggregate area of 382 hectares under the NTA Integrated Farming and Other Income Generating Activities ProjectTobacco Contract Growing System (IFOIGAP-TCGS), while
496 are FCs with an aggregate area of 289.44 hectares under the same TCGS scheme by cooperatives and buyer firms in different local government units in the province. The production assistance covers seedbedding up to curing. With all the support provided under the TCGS, the farmers are expected to produce high-quality tobacco leaves with the use of updated production technologies. The farmers are assured market and high profits with their produce. Divina D. Pagdilao
Senator Villar... from page 4
itong facility na ito at ang iba pa nating ginagawa at gagawin ay iyan ang ultimate goal—ang masiguro ang sapat na pagkain para sa bawat Pilipino at maiangat ang antas ng pamumuhay ng ating mga magsasaka. Kasama na dyan ang gawing globally competitive ang ating mga produkto. On that note, maraming salamat sa pakikinig. Magandang umaga sa inyong lahat!
will be able to generate more revenues for the Philippines, if it will be backed by adequate budget and effective programs. We need to help Filipino farmers to be more productive and globally competitive. Under the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, food security and raising incomes of the farmers are the agriculture sector’s ultimate goals. At
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October - December 2013
NTA Administrator meets tobacco farmers in La Union, Candon City NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza met with tobacco farmers and private sectors in a separate consultation and dialogue held in Candon City and Bauang, La Union at Payocpoc Sur, Bauang, La Union on November 6. This is part of the Administrator’s regular dialogue with tobacco farmers and other stakeholders of the industry to gather updates on the ground and attend to issues that need to be resolved. In both meetings, the Administrator updated the participants on the approved floor prices per grade of tobacco to be enforced for the trading season 2013-2014 and that there was an increase of P6 per kilogram across the board for Virginia tobacco, as approved during the tripartite conference held last September. He added that the actual buying price had been usually higher than the floor prices. He also underscored his assessment on the impact of the implementation of Republic
Act (RA) No. 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Law, which imposes higher rate of tax to tobacco products. He said that in spite of the passage of the law, the demand is not affected. He urged the tobacco farmers to continue planting tobacco as it is the crop that guarantees them a big income. “New players are coming in so this augurs well for us as it only means that Philippine tobacco is globally competitive because you are producing quality tobacco,” he said to participants in the dialogue in Candon. The dialogue, the fourth one conducted by NTA Candon branch office this year, was also attended by Mayor Ericson G. Singson of Candon City. On the positive side, he stressed that the increased tax on cigarette products would mean a bigger excise tax to be collected by the government. The proceeds derived from RA 7171 and RA 8240 would increase, thus bigger share for the tobacco-growing provinces, he Pls turn to page 8
NTA Administrator Zaragoza (right) talks to tobacco farmers and other industry stakeholders during the consultation and dialogue with tobacco farmers. La Union Branch Manager Giovanni Palabay joins the Administrator in the dialogue.
Candon City Mayor Ericson G. Singson (left) thanks the agency for its unwavering commitment to help the tobacco farmers, as Administrator Zaragoza and Candon Branch Manager Estrella G. de Peralta listen.
NTA Joins Nationwide Run4Rice Project
Elaine Arcangel Tinio, Administrative Officer III of NTA-Ilocos Norte, explains records management to the OJT students.
Students OJT at Ilocos Norte, Isabela Branches NTA, MMSU Renew MOA NTA has renewed its commitment to support the internship program of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). A Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Mario E. Corpuz, NTA Ilocos Norte Branch Manager, and Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, MMSU President. As part of the agreement, four Human Resource Development Management students from the College of Business, Economics and Accountancy (CBEA) of MMSU will undergo on-the-job training (OJT) at NTA’s office in Batac City. The students, Vina Rose Battulayan, Florentino Cimatu, Shenna Marie Diego and Jesely Verdadero, started to report to Elaine Arcangel Tinio, Administrative Officer III and designated OJT supervisor on November 11, 2013. The OJTs are required to finish 256 hours of training which will last until December 26, 2013. They were briefed on NTA’s major functions, its thrusts, and framework and organizational structure. Later, they were oriented with the different functions of the administrative and financial units of the agency. To date, they are now concentrating on practical applications of administrative work, and providing assistance to the present personnel complement. (Elaine Arcangel Tinio) NTA Isabela hosts 6 OJTs Six students OJTs trained at NTA Isabela Branch, in Omeña, Ilagan City, beginning November 5.
Five are Bachelor of Science in Business Administration students from Saint Ferdinand College (SFC), Sta. Ana, while one is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student from System and Technology Institute (STI). Both schools are in Ilagan City. The students, Rushell Tungpalan, Daphne Jane Dawangon, Crizel Joy Apalla, Glenalyn Costales, Ma. Christine Joy Peñafiel, all of SFC, and Jomar M. Respicio of STI, were provided with experience working in an office, and understand the relevance of their lessons to actual work situations. The students were also briefed on the agency’s vision, mission, core values and organizational structure including programs/projects, and various functions of the different sections of the Branch Office where they are assigned. Their activities included posting accounting data on subsidiary ledger, indexing of subsidiary ledger, sorting of files, stamping cashier report and encoding of new farmers’ information. (R. T. Tarun)
IN celebration of this year’s National Year of Rice, the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies, including the National Tobacco Administration, conducted a nationwide fun run (2K and 5K categories) on November 24, 2013. Some 500 participants from the government agencies, private organizations and schools in Batac City joined the event, dubbed RUN4RICE. The fun run is also for the benefit of the earthquake and typhoon victims in the Visayas. The run started in front of the St. Augustine Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. A short program opened the activity with former Paoay Mayor Bonifacio Clemente welcoming the
participants. The 2K run ended in front of the NTA building and the 5K run ended in front of the Imelda Cultural Center in the City of Batac where the closing program was held. Cash prizes, medals and finisher-certificates were given to the winners and participants. After the awarding ceremonies, Fidela Bongat, Manager of Philrice-Batac, led the “Panatang Makapalay.” Batac City Mayor Jeffrey Jubal C. Nalupta and Provincial Administrator Windell D. Chua, representing Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos, delivered messages. A doxology performed by the NTA Music and Arts Club concluded the activity. (Elaine Arcangel Tinio)
Heads of agencies (from left) Mario E. Corpuz, NTA Ilocos Norte branch manager, former Mayor Bonifacio Clemente of LGU-Paoay and Batac City Mayor Jeffrey Jubal Nalupta get ready for the ceremonial run of the 5K category.
Adminstrator’s Christmas message ... from page 7
wala po tayong ganung experience to operate the facility. Sa aking assessment noon, akala ko di natin kaya pero nakakaya naman. Pati dun sa mga technology studies ng FTSD; minsan parang di ko akalain na kaya pala ng mga taga-NTA ang ginagawa nila. Sana po ay ganito tayong lahat. We continue to be imaginative, resourceful in our respective roles. I always count myself as
Delegations from NTA-Ilocos Norte at the starting line.
a temporary officer of NTA. Sooner or later, it will go back to you, kayo ang permanente. So I always see to it that the element of continuity will be there. As much as possible, ibinabato ko sa inyo all the decisions. By 2016, we will not be here anymore. Siguro inihahanda ko in
such a way na kayo mismo, you will be able to protect what is best for NTA. And you will see to it na kung sino man ang nandito sa puesto natin, later on, maganda pa rin ang takbo ng NTA. Magandang araw at Merry Christmas sa inyong lahat!
October - December 2013
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NTA Irrigation Support Project benefits 134 Burley tobacco farmers in Cagayan THREE districts in Cagayan, comprising of 11 municipalities and 134 farmers, have availed of the NTA’s Irrigation Support Project (ISP). District III had the highest number of farmer-availees with 81 (Amulung, 36; Peñablanca, 1; Solana, 3; Tuao, 33; and Tuguegarao, 8). District I had 46 farmer-availees (Alcala, 34; Baggao, 8; and Gattaran, 4), while District II had 7 (Lasam, 1; Piat, 4; and Sto. Niño, 2). NTA Cagayan has noted an increased profitability of the farmer-availees from their tobacco production. This is evidenced by the capability of the farmers to pay more than the required repayment schedule for CY 2012-2013. The average repayment efficiency of the districts is 106%. Only one farmer-availee paid below 100%, or 93%; all the rest paid from 100% to 118.70% of what was due. Realizing the importance of water in ensuring the production of high-quality tobacco, NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza initiated ISP to provide facility assistance in the form of irrigation facilities for the tobacco farmers. This is in support to the thrust of making Philippine tobacco competitive in the world market. With the strong support of the NTA Governing Board, this assistance can be availed of at very minimal interests.
3,918 cigar-filler tobacco seed packets distributed to Cagayan farmers NTA Cagayan Branch office has distributed a total of 85 kg or 3,918 packets of seeds in cigar-filler tobacco-growing municipalities during the information drives of tobacco buyer firms For CY 2013-2014. This is part of NTA’s Seed Production and Distribution Project, which caters to the seed requirements of the tobacco farmers, and the buyer firms. The project ensures that through established seed production procedures, starting
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Officials and staff, headed by NTA AgriPinoy operations manager Minerva P. Mizal (bottom right photo), made this NTA AgriPinoy Projects Float that won First Place in the Bagnet Festival Float Parade Competition, besting six other entries, during the Narvacan Town Fiesta last December. Photos by Minerva P. Mizal
NTA-Pangasinan intensifies bamboo seedlings distribution NTA-Pangasinan, through its Kahuyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan Project, has distributed 23,014 bamboo seedlings to 312 farmer-availees in 11 municipalities and 44 barangays in Pangasinan and Tarlac, covering a total area of 90.71 hectares. The bamboo plants will be the source of construction materials for air curing barn and shed structures, bamboo poles, tiers and curing sticks for both Burley and native tobacco. NTA provides production assistance to farmer-availees, from the seedbed up to the harvest and processing of seeds and storage, the seeds are trueto-type and decontaminated from tobacco mosaic virus. The seed stocks of the agency also serve as a buffer for the buyer firms in cases of disaster like what happened when typhoon Pablo wreaked havoc in Amulung, Alcala and Gattaran in lower Cagayan in December 2012, which required redistribution and resowing of seeds. The Cagayan Branch Office has been responsible for the production of cigar-filler tobacco. Last cropping season (2012-2013), it produced 53.30 kg of Vizcaya and 177.65 kg of Tabije .
October - December 2013
Chief Agriculturist Imelda N. Riñen (left) heads team of FTSD staff in monitoring and evaluation of NTA’s Kahuyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan Project in Alcala, Pangasinan. L-R: Riñen, Virgilio I. Rabang, Branch Project Coordinator; Marino Mones, farmer-cooperator; Leo Cuaresma, farmer-cooperator; Ricardo D. Casugay, FTSD; and Felisa R. Aurellano, FTSD.
covering cost of seedlings and maintenance, amounting to P2,126,540. The production assistance is payable on agreed schedule of payment with 6% interest per annum and a one-
time service fee of 1%. The seedlings distribution is in support of the agency’s Renewable Fuelwood Energy Farm Development and Restoration of Ecological Integrity Project.
Dr. Corazon R. Riazonda, NTA Cagayan Branch Manager, meets farmer-cooperators in Cagayan during an orientation.