20th National Tuna Congress Broke Records!

Ms. Rosana Contreras, Executive Director of Socsksargen Fishing and Allied Industries Incorporated (SFFAII), Friday, said that the 20^th National Tuna Congress in General Santos City is generally successful and broke congress records.

Held on September 5-7, 2018 at the Trade Halls of SM City General Santos with the theme, “20 Years and Beyond; Continuing Remarkable Convergence.”

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In an interview, Contreras said that 2 days before the event, they are expecting around 700 domestic and foreign industry players for this has been the number for the previous congresses. Due to the security threats caused by bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, some foreign delegates withdrew their attendance because of fear to be a victim and travel bans released by their state, the organizers struggled to reach the number this year. So, they came out to an idea, to reach the potential players of the industry. This caused the breaking to more than 800 from 700 delegates expected.

This year, more delegates are local compared to the previous congresses. Aside from companies, private groups, and government agencies, students from colleges offering fisheries and tourism joined the 2-day congress proper.

The congress started on Wednesday with the traditional caravan, Eucharistic Mass, and the opening of the Trade Exhibit graced by Marine Industry Authority (MarInA) Administrator Leonardo Rey Guerrero. The exhibit hosted 185 for the expected 176 from 82 companies which is another record.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Pinol spoke before the delegates as keynote speaker on the first day of the congress proper.

14 plenary discussions was lined up including salient features of the Phillipine Safety Rules and Regulations; updates on the development of the Philippine Economic Catch Documentation and Traceability System; updates on the certification and sustainability efforts; and, the presentation of new technologies for small-scale fisheries on monitoring vessels including catch and location.

Senator Cynthia A. Villar, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture graced the congress on the second day expressed her support to the Tuna Industry and congratulated the industry players with their success.

During the congress, SFFAII has launched their first-ever coffee table book entitled “Tuna: At the Hearth of General Santos”; a summit for tuna handline fishing sector; and a job fair with the various fishing companies and allied industries.

The congress ended with the updates on the 19^th Tuna Congress Resolutions and the presentation of the 11 resolutions concerning the industry to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).

The traditional farewell dinner was served at the roof deck of the parking building of SM City GenSan where the best booth, and the groups and personalities behind the success of SFFAII and Tuna Congress were recognized.

SFAII and the congress organizers expressed their thanks to all who became and has been their partners, the security, the industry players, Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), other government agencies, and the local government of General Santos City for supporting.

20th. Gensan Tuna Festival

General Santos City – Albeit the unfavorable weather and security situations, the 20^th Tuna Festival concluded on Wednesday, September 5 successfully and safely.

       The celebration of this year’s Tuna Festival has been faced with many challenges.                          Regardless, the city government of Gensan and the Philippine Fishport Authority, the organizers of the festivity, pushed through a merry and event-filled Tuna Festival.

       Mayor Ronnel C. Rivera, during the Closing ceremony of the Tuna Fest at Oval Stadium, told that he was happy that the celebration was able to continue without any incidents.                                       He also thanks to the residents of Gensan for their support to the festivity.                                             “I also thank the people of Gensan for their continuous support. Without you, this event won’t be successful,” the Mayor said.
                                                                                                                                                                           Rivera also acknowledged the efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in beefing up the security of city throughout the duration of the festivity. The closing day of the Tuna Festival featured a street dancing competition among four schools in the city; General Santos City National High School, General Santos City School for the Arts and Trade, Fatima National High School and Dadiangas North High School. All these contingents performed routines and moves that are reminiscent of the Mardi Gras Festivity.

       The Dadiangas North High School bagged the first place, seizing the Php 250,000. Grand prize.     Aside from the street dancing competition, there were also other notable events that were held throughout the course of Tuna Festival.

       Fishport, Sugbahan sa Dalan, Mr. and Ms. Tourism 2018, Tuna Congress and Bancarera. These included the Fish Fest at Fishport

ADLSN TV News Cast

DA distributes P168-M farm machines toRegion-12 LGUs, farmers groups

Tupi, South Cotabato. The Department of Agriculture 12 released on Monday, June 18, 2018, P168-M worth of farm machines and postharvest facilities to local governments and farmers’ associations.

The activity which was done at the agency’s research and experiment station here is in connection with the intensified farm mechanization program of the DA.

Secretary Emmanuel Piñol spearheaded the mass distribution of farm machines which were received by local officials coming from the four provinces and two cities covered by the region.

Some of the farm machines being turned-over were rice and corn combine harvesters, tractors, among others.

Secretary Piñol has said that the Philippines has one of the lowest farm mechanization rates among ASEAN-member countries prompting the administration of President Rody Duterte to pour billions into the procurement of farm equipment for distribution to farmers and fisherfolks.

“The DA is also offering the Agriculture and Fisheries Machinery and Equipment Loaning Program for associations and cooperatives who would like to acquire additional implements.” He added.

The AFME loaning program, he said, is handled by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), an agency under the DA which extends loans for the purchase of tractors, harvesters and other equipment at two percent (2%) interest per year payable in eight years.

DA creates loaning facilitation teams in provinces

At the sidelines of the mass distribution event, Secretary Piñol has announced that the DA is set to launch loaning facilitation teams in provinces nationwide.

He further disclosed that with the on-going implementation of his brainchild, the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) program through the ACPC, the agency has already established teams that will accept and facilitate loan applications from the farmers.

“Their main task is to only entertain your application for loan and prepare the documents,” the agri chief said.

He observed that some of the setbacks why farmers opt to go to private lending entities rather than availing of government loans are because of the complicated process and the endless list of requirements.

“That is why we created the loaning facilitation teams in the provinces… they will be in charge not just in assessing your application but as well as preparing the documents for you… we will get rid also of the tedious process,” Sec. Piñol emphasized.

He also noted that the team will conduct close coordination with the provincial local government units.

PLEA program was launched last year which caters to loan application of farmers who are members of a registered cooperative or association. This financing program has a six percent (6%) annual interest.

Farmers can avail of financing support up to P50,000 which they will use to purchase seeds for planting, fertilizer and other production support.

This made-easy-for-farmers credit facility of the government is the antidote to the delayed delivery of seeds caused by the long and tiresome government procurement processes.

“We will no longer procure seeds… with the long bidding process, we cannot timely deliver the seeds because farmers have already finished planting… sometimes if we wait longer the seeds will have low germination rates,” Sec. Piñol explained.

He said that the loaning program is an alternative for farmers where they can freely choose the best quality of seeds.

DA to construct 2,000 solar-powered irrigation projects until 2019

“I will request DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Secretary Año to send memorandum to local governments to submit to us listing of areas which could be served by solar-powered irrigation,” Piñol noted during the event.

The DA plans to put up 2,000 solar powered irrigation system projects all over the country until 2019 which could approximately provide water to 100,000 rainfed rice areas.

With these areas provided by enough water, additional 1,000,000 million metric tons of rice will be produced.

Meanwhile, the agri czar urged local chief executives in the country to initiate water impounding programs in their localities. This will serve as their counterpart to the DA’s advocacy of solar-powered irrigation system.

“We can be rice sufficient, if we have enough water,” he said.

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte switched-on the prototype of this project in M’lang, North Cotabato, and the DA has completed the first fully-operational SPIS project in Matalam, North Cotabato. Around 169 similar projects are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

IP groups ink market deal for ube, camote

Members of the tribal communities in Central Mindanao have entered into a marketing deal with a Bulacan-based organic food processing company for the supply of organic purple ube and camote.

Leaders of the Manobo and B'laan tribes who live in the mountains of Central Mindanao came down on Monday to meet with young businesswoman Almay Gaw-See, owner of Oh, So Healthy! Foods to enter into a supply agreement which would earn the tribes an estimated P300, 000 every month.

The market linkage started when Secretary Manny met Almay Gaw-See during the International Food Expo (IFEX) event last month at the World Trade Center in Manila.

The aggie chief shared that Gaw-See had a booth which displayed fruit and rootcrop chips which she produced organically and were packaged beautifully which caught his attention.

During their talk, she confided to the secretary that one of her problems was where to get her supply of organically grown purple ube and camote.

She said she needed an initial supply of 10 metric tons every month and that she was buying the crops at P35 per kilo.

When the secretary confirmed the availability of the supply in Central Mindanao, the tribal leaders were asked to meet with Almay Gaw-See. The deal was sealed with a handshake.

After their dialogue with the buyer, the tribal leaders went home hopeful of a better life and said they will start digging for the ube and the camote in their ancestral lands.

Secretary Piñol said that the DA will also help the tribes in planting more ube and camote.

The secretary has expressed his happiness after the signing of the deal between the previously neglected people and an enterprising young businesswoman. (CULAguillon/LMSalvo/DA-RAFIS 12 with reports from MannyPiñol FB page)

Photo Caption:

Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol turns-over more than P168-M worth of farm equipment to local officials of Region 12 during the mass distribution of farm machines held at DA's research and experiment station in Tupi, South Cotabato on June 18, 2018.

New agri lab in Region 12 eyed to thwart animal diseases threats

General Santos City. Animal and human health concerns in Region 12 will soon be easily addressed with the inauguration of renovated and improved laboratory as well as facilities of the Department of Agriculture 12 (DA 12).

The new Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) of the DA 12 located here was inaugurated on June 04, 2018 to unravel concerns such as enhancing prevention, detection, treatment and eradication of zoonotic diseases, and human transmission.

This project was implemented under the Cooperative Biological Engagement Program (CBEP) of the United States Defense Threat Reduction Agency (US-DTRA), proposed by the DA through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards.

Lance Brooks, the Program Director of CBEP, and Dr. Ronnie Domingo, the OIC-Director of the DA-BAI, were the guests-of-honor during the inauguration rite. They were also joined by the delegates from the US-DTRA, the top management of the DA 12 and local officials.

DA 12 Regional Executive Director Milagros Casis said that this project aligns fully with the priorities set out in the vision of the DA, specifically, to develop national laboratories and regional integrated agricultural laboratories.

“This project is in line with the prescription of the Department Order 4, Series of 2017 entitled Department Policy on Rationalizing and Strengthening DA National and Regional Laboratory Services,” she said.

Casis added that the project could surely prevent outbreaks involving animal diseases which not only have negative impacts in the agricultural production but also on the exposure of humans to zoonotic pathogens as this pose direct threats to human health.

Meanwhile, Director Brooks noted that the project is a defense against the increasing number of severe risks from animal diseases set to occur in the Asia-Pacific Region.

“The reported cases could occur either as epidemic or endemic not only in your country but also across national boundaries and territories,” the foreign official added.

The inauguration was just part of the P230-Million Enhancement of the Biosafety and Biosecurity Capabilities at the DA Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories which also covers the construction of new facilities and improvement of labs of RADDLs in Regions 2, 3, 7, 10, and 11, and as well the lab at the DA-BAI in Quezon City.

The project components included the construction and renovation, provision of laboratory and IT equipment, supplies for sustaining capacities for disease diagnosis, and training for lab personnel.

In the country, routine and primary diagnosis is performed at the RADDLs. (CULAguillon)

Approved for release by:

MILAGROS CAPAO-AN CASIS, CE

      Regional Executive Director

FCI 3rd Commencement Exercises

Treasures of Region 12 is set on November in GenSan

           Region 12, Philippines. Treasures of Region 12 is set in GenSan on November 13-19, 2017 at the SM City, San Miguel Street, General Santos City, DTI 12 together with its 10 partner NGA’s, 1 LGU and 1 Private Sector Organization, invite institutional buyers, consumers, students, tourists to visit the Trade Fair on the said date.

            Treasures of Region 12 is an annual event that aims to showcase the result of the different interventions given by the Department of Trade and Industry 12 as well as partner agencies to its Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises-clients. This also aims to inform and exhibit to the public the Best Products of Region 12’s products that all market-ready. This activity also encourages institutional buyers to visit the region to see what products they can consolidate for marketing outside Region 12 or even outside the country.

           This year’s highlights include the following: 1.) Job Business Fair, 2.) Trade Fair, 3.) Seminars and 4.) Special Setting. The Job Business Fair, dubbed as “Trabaho, Negosyo at Kabuhayan (TNK) is done in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment and will be held on November 13-14, 2017 at the SM Trade Hall 1, Meanwhile, the Seminars include: Entrepreneurial Mindset will be held on November 14-15, 2017 which will center the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) that identified by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), one of the agency partners for the said event. Other interested MSME are also welcome to attend as participants. On the other hand, the Seminar on Geological Hazards and Responsible Mining will be held on November 15, 2017 at the SM Meeting Room 1. This will cater again those participants that were identified by the DENR-Mines and GeoSciences Bureau and other interested stakeholders. On the other, a BIMP-EAGA Forum and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) will be held on Greenleaf Hotel on November 16-17 to cater those MSMEs and Stakeholders that are interested to learn doing the BCP and those that are interested to venture into business within the BIMP-EAGA.

           Meanwhile the Special setting from November 13-19, 2017 include: 1.) Tsokokapehan, a showcase of the region’s coffee blends and chocolate that are served to the visitors for free; 2.) Sustained Upbeat, Empowered and Responsible (SUPER) Consumer, a booth that will be giving out information and communication material on consumer protection; 3.) Aspire Pavilion, which aims to showcase DA’s Agribusiness Support for Promotion and Investment in Regional Expo (ASPIRE) which has done in partnership with DTI and was piloted for Mindanao in Region 12. This will be located at the Atrium.

           On the other hand the Special Setting from November 15-19, 2017 include:  1.) One Town One Product (OTOP) Next Gen and Branding Equity Development Program (BrEDP) Balangay, Treasures of SOX Pavilion, Craft Pavilion, and BIMO-EAGA as well as Go Lokal.

           The OTOP and BrEDP Balangay will showcase the different brands of local products that wlli be used in marketing. These products are considered as the Region 12’s Best and are ready to enter the national as well as international markets. On the other hand, the Treasures of SOX Pavilion will be set-up by the Department of Tourism and will showcase the region’s different tourist destinations, therby enticing the visitors to see some places in SOCCSKSARGEN apart from buying its products.

           The Craft Pavilion will also showcase the different craft products that were up scaled through the different skills and technical trainings on design and prototyping given by the DTI in cooperation with other agencies like DENR, TESDA, among others.

           The BIMP-EAGA Pavilion also aims to showcase the products of the Region, mostly Aquamarine that have already penetrated the BIMP-EAGA Market and are still open to be marketed to other parts of the world.

           Go Lokal on the other hand, will showcase the Region’s products that were identified as export ready and will be displayed in malls like Robinson’s, Sm, as well as concept parks like the Enchanted Kingdom.

           Treasures of Region 12 is done in cooperation with the following national government agencies:  1.) Department of Agriculture (DA); 2.) Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR); 3.) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); 4.) DENR-Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (DENR-MGB); 5.) Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA); 6.) Technical and Skill Development Authority (TESDA); 7.) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); 8.) Department of Tourism and 9.) Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) 10.) National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), It is also in collaboration with the local Government Unit of GenSan and the Regional SMED Council.

                     49 Negosyo Cenetrs Launched in Soccskasargen

           A total of 49 out of 52 Negosyo Centers were launched across the region as of October 23, 2017, broken down as follows; South Cotabato – 11; North Cotabato – 15; Sultan Kudarat – 12; General Santos City – 1; Sarangani – 8; and Cotabato City – 1. Base on loction, 44 are based in the Local Government Units (LGUs); 4 in DTI Officers; and 1 in academe. There will be 3 additional Negosyo Centers left to be launched this year, in particular; Mlang, North Cotabato, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato and Midsayap, North Cotabato.

           Categorized per model types, there are more model C Negosyo Centers – 33 out of the 45 NCs, compared to the total number of model A NCs with only 12 centers, model B NC with only 1 center.

           These Negosyo Centers (NC) are in two Cities- General Santos City and Cotabato City, and four provinces- North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Corabato and Sarangani.

           For North Cotabato, the 15 Negosyo Centers launched were in the city of Kidapawan, and in the municipalities of Matalam, Makilala, Kabacan, Aleosan, Tulunan, Antipas,  alameda, Pigcawayan, Carmen, Arakan, Magpet, President Roxas, Banisilan, Libungan, and Pikit.

            In Sultan Kudarat, the 12 NCs are in the City of Tacurong, and in the municipalities of Isulan, President Quirino, Lambayong, Bagumbayan, Esperanza, Lutayan, Palimbang, Sen. Ninoy Aquino (SNA) Kalamansig, Colubio and Lebak.

           For South Cotabato, the Negosyo Cenetrs were opened in Koronadal City in their local Government Unit and the Notre Dame Marbel University, and in the Municipalities of Surallah, Sto. Nino, Tangtangan, Tupi, Norala, Banga, T’boli, Polomolok and Tampakan.

           In Sarangani. The 8 negosyo Cenetrs are located in Alabel in their Local Government Unit and the Provencial Government Office, and in the municipalities of Malapatan, Maitum, Maasim, Glan, Malungon, and Kiamba.

           The Negosyo Centers have three major functions, namely; 1.) Business Registration Assistance, specifically facilitation of registration application of MSMEs in the Philippine Business Registry (PBR) and Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE); 2.) Business Advisory services for MSMEs tailored according to their needs, such as product development, trade promotion, financing facilitation, investment promotion, and SME counselling; and 3.) Business information and advocacy, specifically the provision of information on market, suppliers, buyers, and government assistance programs, as well as the conduct of trainings and seminars.

       The Women of Marawi; Threading the way back to normalcy

           Making ends meet in a great challenge for residents of Marawi City but these women are doing everything just to stay and keep their family alive.

           Sewing was their regular source of livelihood, but all of the sudden, it came to an abrupt end. On May 23, 2017, Thousands of families were displaced by the wars and scores of families had to flee to ensure their families’ safety.

          But as they say, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

           To hasten the recovery and rehabilitation of Marawi City, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which lead the Bagon Marawi Task Force Sub-Committee on Business and Livelihood, provided these women with sewing machines and cloth as starter kits to help them earn while staying either homeland or evacuation centers.

           Back in August, DTI-Region 10 identified 16 women internally displaced persons (IDPs) who will be trained for dressmaking and were awarded with the sewing kits. The 16 sewers are able to generate income for themselves.

           From Sta Elena Gymnasium, where they temporarily stay, the 16 women sewers go to the Provincial Training and Livelihood Development Center in Iligan City, where they sewer can earn at least P500 after a day’s work.

          For Asnia Saniman, 23, laying hands on a high-speed sewing machine was a dream come true. Even as a kid, Asnia has been sewing handwomen tube kirts or malong in Filipino, shawls, and long dresses to earn extra for schooling and for her family.

           But with the new sewing machines and cloth provided by DTI, Asnia can earn up to p1,300. At school, her classmates also ask her to sew for them, allowing her to earn even more.

           To Asnia, the new sewing machine kits was her new lease on life amid the crisis that she and her family are going through.

           “Naappreciate naming at sobrang masaya kami. Parang nabigyan kami ng panibaging buhay,” a teary-eyed Asnia said, while recalling the time when the terrorists where banging on their door.

           “Malaking ulong sa amin ito,” she added.

           On the other hand, the DTI’s Negosyo Center and PTLDC ensure that the handwomen malong, shoals and long dresses made by the IDP sewers go to the market indeed the products ended up in the right market with orders coming in from SM Cagayan de Oro, Manila, the Bangon Marawi Concert, Bangon Marawi Store at DTI main office in Makati City. There are also orders from Rustan’s for the Go Lokal Project.

           Fellow IDP and 36-year-old Memeng Dianal said the sewing kits allowed her to feed her six children everyday. From P500 she earns before, now Memeng earns P2,000.00 a day, Finishing at least 20 handwomens malongs, shawls and long dresses.

           “Malaking tulong ito sa amin (sewing kits) kahit kaunti-konti natutusyusan naming yung araw-araw na pangangailangan naming,” Memeng dsid.

          Despite knowing that her family’s home in ground zero is now levelled due to the conflict, Memeng is hopeful that once they return to Marawi, there will be more opportunities for her and other Marawi residents. If only she can handle two business, she would do it for her children.

           “Kung pweding doblehin ang business, magdodoble kayod ako para sa mga anak ko,: she said.

           Now with the fighting officially declared over by the government. Asnia and Memeng together with other residents of Marawi will just have to wait for their return to their hometown.

           After all, hope spring eternal!

          

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