Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala had a close encounter with the farmers and fisherfolk in Zamboanga del Sur to listen their issues and concerns for the national government to address under the Agri-Pinoy program.

 

Anchored by the Agri-Pinoy slogan:  “Bridging the Gap; Touching the Heart,” the secretary’s two-day  visit to Region IX particularly in Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte was mainly focused to talk with the stakeholders last Nov. 11 and 12.  

 

Agrikulturang Pilipino (Agri-Pinoy) promotion and development is based on the principle of sustainable agri-fishery, natural resource-based management, food security and local development through organic agriculture.  It promotes an active participation among farmers, fisherfolk, non-government organizations, private sector and local government units for agricultural development.

 

At the New Executive Conference Building, Capitol Grounds, Sec. Alcala met at least 300 farmer leaders and fisherfolk, NGO leaders and local government officials led by Gov. Antonio Cerilles.

 

“Maigi na ang top management mismo ang kakausap sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda upang matugonan agad ang kanilang pangangailangan,” Alcala stressed.

 

“Let’s go back to the basic – organic agriculture,” Alcala declared as he explained this is the means to attain the department’s goal ‘to be rice self-sufficient by 2013’.

 

Zamboanga del Sur is rice top producing province in Zamboanga Peninsula that exports rice to nearby provinces and cities while Zamboanga del Norte is for corn.  

 

“We will help you from seeds to market.  “Mas palalakasin natin ang pagproduce ng certified seeds at bigyan ng incentives ang mga certified seed growers.  Mag-establish tayo ng postharvest facilities like establishment of modern storage silo or grain carrier,” Alcala promised.

 

A farmer leader from Dumingag pushed for the resumption of the water impounding project or small dam construction which was approved in the 1990s but was not implemented due to opposition from a religious group.

 

“Kung madayon ning proyektoha mas modaku pa lang produksyon sa humay tungod kay 100-300 hectares nga basakan sa Dumingag ang matubigan,” president of irrigators association Rodolfo Batican informed the Secretary.

 

Alcala said: “Dapat magkaroon ng consultation sa mga concerns.”  He instructed National Irrigation Administration (NIA) regional manager Alberto Lacuaren to submit latest cost estimates for this.  

 

The main component for rice production is water.  For 2010, NIA has targeted to rehabilitate irrigation systems with accumulated total of 91,300 hectares to be served nationwide and hopes to construct new irrigation systems that can supply to 8,179 hectares.

 

Meanwhile, Governor Antonio Cerilles is advocating organic rice production through the Integrated Rice Duck Farming System (IRDFS).   To complement this program, Alcala advised regional executive director Oscar Parawan and provincial agriculturist Marilyn Bersales to formulate the proposal for the putting up of hatchery in the province.   

 

Other highlights of Alcala’s visit to Zambosur include the MOA signing between the DA’s Philippine Carabao Center and the Provincial Government represented by the Secretary and the Governor.  Two units of liquid nitrogen mother tanks were also turn-over to the provincial veterinary office.  Center directors Lowell Paraguas and Simbanatao Batugan of PCC Central Mindanao University and Mindanao State University, respectively were also among the signatories.

 

The secretary also led that turnover of a Barangay Bagsakan (BB) at the Capitol.  BB is a barangay-based food depot and distribution outlet of organically-grown rice, vegetables and other food products. 

 

Apart from the P30-T support fund for the operation of the BB, DA provided facilities and equipment such as 2 units of chest freezers and chillers as cold storage, 25 pcs. plastic crates, 5 pcs weighing scales, styropores, calculators and other supplements for the BB operation.      

 

DA also gave P50-T for the renovation of the BB building.  (REMAI S. ALEJADO/DA9)