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Thursday, June 7, 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




Friday, November 10, 2017

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!
          
 .
         







Saturday, November 4, 2017

Region 12 papayas now available in South Korea

KORONADAL, SOUTH COTABATO- Papayas from the town of Tupi in this province are now available in the South Korean market.

Regional Executive Director Milagros Casis of the Department of Agriculture 12 (DA 12) confirmed that on October 31, 2017, farmers from Tupi, South Cotabato shipped a ton of solo papayas to South Korea with the help of the Department of Agriculture 12.

“We are glad that our farmers from Tupi inked a deal with Nurida Company based in South Korea,” Director Casis said.

Nurida Company is a distributor of fresh fruits in the market of the said country.

According to the supply agreement, Tupi farmers, led by RM Fruits as the consolidator, are expected to ship two-three metric tons of solo papaya every week.

“This is a triumph for us since we are encouraging more farmers in Region 12 to think of the bigger market… this is one of the priorities now of the agriculture department,” the lady director added.

The official refers to the export opportunity for agricultural commodities from SOCCSKSARGEN.

“Through the DA’s assistance more agripreneurs are now already exporters. The Tulunan Mango and Fruits Growers’ Association of Tulunan, North Cotabato also shipped two tons of carabao mangoes to Dubai, United Arab Emirates just a month ago,” Director Casis said.

The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of DA 12 also disclosed that this milestone was realized because of the participation of RM Fruits in the TienDA Farmers’ and Fishermen’s Outlet in Manila, where representatives from Nurida Company initially talked with them.

TienDA, which was conceptualized by Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, is regularly conducted by the DA to bring local agri-fishery products in Metro Manila.

According to AMAD, the construction of a treatment facility in Region 12 will further boost export opportunities for papaya, and other high value crops. (Carl Ulysses Aguillon/DA RAFIS 12)



Approved for release by:


MILAROS CAPAO-AN CASIS, CE
      Regional Executive Director


       Regional Executive Director

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Mga prodyuser at buyer ng gulay sa South Cotabato, pinulong ng DA 12

Nagtipon-tipon ang mga prodyuser at buyer ng gulay sa South Cotabato sa ipinatawag na forum ng Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division o AMAD ng Department of Agriculture 12 o DA 12 sa Koronadal City kamakailan lamang.
Sa pakikipagtulungan ng DA 12 sa Office of the Provincial Agriculturist ng naturang lalawigan, naisakatuparan ang aktibidad kung saan naglalayon ang pagtitipon na mailapit ang mga prodyuser sa kanilang mga buyer.
Ang mga buyer na ito ay kinabibilangan na lamang ng Koronadal Market Vendors’ Association at mga mall.
Ayon kay AMAD Officer-In-Charge Evelyn Jaruda ang forum ay isang paraan hindi lamang upang makahanap ng buyer ang mga prodyuser kundi pati na rin ang pagtuklas sa angkop na presyo para sa kanilang mga produkto.
Tiniyak din nito ang mga vegetable producer na palaging handa ang ahensya sa pagbibigay ng marketing assistance sa kanila kung kinakailangan.
Inilahad din nito na sa katunayan ay patuloy ang partisipasyon ng DA 12 at ng ibang magsasaka sa rehiyon sa TienDA Farmers and Fishermen’s Outlet kung saan ay dinadala ang mga produktong pang-agrikultura mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa patungo sa lugar na pinagdadausan ng DA.
Dagdag pa nito na nilalayon sa ngayon ni Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol na mas palawakin pa ang TienDA sa Visayas at Mindanao upang mas maraming magsasaka at mangingisda pa ang makakabenepisyo.
Sa pagtitipon ay ibinalita rin sa mga magsasaka ang panibagong laon program ng pamahalaan na Production Loan Easy Access Program. 


Direktor Casis hinikayat ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na palagiang makipag-ugnayan sa DA

Hinihikayat sa ngayon ni Department of Agriculture 12 o DA 12 Regional Executive Director Milagros Casis ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na ugaliing makipag-ugnayan sa ahensya.

Ito ang kanyang hamon sa mga partisipante ng isang forum sa Koronadal City para sa implementasyon ng Philippine Rural Development Project o PRDP.

Ipinaliwanag ni Director Casis na dahil sa kakulungan ng palagiang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa DA, hindi agarang nabibigyang solusyon ang iilang problema sa implementasyon ng mga proyektong pang-agrikultura.

Tiniyak naman ng opisyal na gagawing regular na rin ng DA 12 ang pagsasagawa ng forum upang i-assess ang implementasyon hindi lamang ng PRDP kundi pati na rin ng iba pang proyekto ng ahensya. 

Sa kabilang dako, ang forum ay resulta ng rekomendasyon ng World Bank sa ginanap na World Bank Review Mission sa Sarangani noong Mayo na mas paigtingin pa ng DA ang pakikipagpulong nito sa mga lokal na pamahalaan.

Ibinalita rin sa mga partisipante ang mga bagong guidelines sa proyektong imprastruktura ng PRDP at status ng mga proyektong iniimplementa sa Rehiyon Dose.

Inimbita naman ang mga contractor sa pagtitipon upang paalalahanan sila na kinakailangang matapos ang isang proyekto sa nakatakdang araw na nakasaad sa mga project design.


Thursday, August 17, 2017

DA-BAI bans movement of poultry outside Luzon

KORONADAL CITY. The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) temporarily bans the movement of live domestic and wild birds from Luzon to Visayas and Mindanao.
In a Memorandum Circular signed by Officer-in-Charge Director Enrico Garzon, which was sent out on August 11, 2017, the ban also covers products from domestic and wild birds like poultry meat, day old chick, and semen.
Manure of these animals, which is used as organic fertilizer, is also included in the prohibition from traveling outside Luzon.
This directive was in line with the Avian Influenza or Bird Flu outbreak in the province of Pampanga which started last week.
The document also stated that within Luzon Island, the movement of fresh, frozen meat, eggs and other uncooked poultry products may be allowed provided this is outside of the seven kilometer radius control area of the outbreak site in Pampanga.
A shipping permit and a health certificate issued by a government veterinarian should also be secured.
DA 12 Regional Executive Director Milagros Casis said that through this memorandum by DA-BAI, consumers in Region 12 will be assured of safety poultry meat and other related products for their consumption.
“Our government can also rapidly control the outbreak through this directive,” she added.
The temporary ban will take effect until such time that no new cases are reported 21 days after the depopulation of the affected areas.
Meanwhile, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said that the DA and BAI already culled out almost 200,000 of chickens in San Luis, Pampanga as part of the control measures of the government for the spread of the virus.
In his official facebook page, Sec. Piñol also released the hotlines for queries and concerns about avian influenza. For disease reporting and other concerns: 0920-854-3119 and 0995-132-9339; while for quarantine concerns clients can ask through this contact number: 0918-917-1407; and for mass media queries:  0928-736-4454. (Carl Ulysses L. Aguillon/RAFIS-DA RFO 12)

                                                            Approved by:
                                   
           
MILAGROS C. CASIS, CE

                                                            Regional Executive Director

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 N...