Volume 12 Issue No. 8 A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research August 2011

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hronicleCVisit our official website at http://www.bar.gov.ph

ISSN 1655-3942

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IN THIS ISSUE...

7th A/F Tech Forum concludes; draws crowd...........

BAR awards 5 best products from R&D....................

BAR launches books on climate change...................

7th Agri & Fisheries Tech Forum concludes.............

Increased budget for agri & fisheries..........................

Edible landscaping demo garden launched..............

Promising results from sweet sorghum R&D...........

BFAR 5 demonstrates techno demo..........................

Seagrass as handicraft raw material explored.........

Grow-out culture of sea urchin worthy......................

Coconut sugar: A beneficial and highly.....................

BAR-NSRI scholar presents study results.................

Project on cashew nut processing helps...................

Pickling the bitter ampalaya........................................

Optimizing the production of chemical-free..............

When your food takes care of you and......................

Farmers vs climate change say yes to.......................

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The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch made its way to a

successful conduct of the 7Agriculture and Fisheries TechnologyForum and Product Exhibition on 11-14August 2011 at the SM Megatrade Hall 2,SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City,drawing a remarkable 9,000+visitors. This annual activity alsocoincided with BAR's AnniversaryCelebration with the bureau now marking

its 24 year of existence as thecoordinating and funding agency of theDepartment of Agriculture (DA) onresearch and development (R&D)initiatives and activities. With

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the theme,

the event is thehigh point of BAR's efforts to identify,disseminate, and promote maturetechnologies in agriculture and fisheries.This is also in keeping with its drive toestablish and strengthen linkages andnetworks with private sector, non-government organizations, localgovernment units and other governmentagencies.

The activity kicked off with theribbon cutting and opening of productexhibits on 11 August 2011 led byAgriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcalaand assisted by BAR Director Nicomedes

“Galing ng Makabagong TeknolohiyaPara sa Pag-unlad ng Magsasaka atMangingisdang Pinoy,”

7 A/F Tech Forum concludes;th

P. Eleazar and Assistant DirectorTeodoro S. Solsoloy.

Director Eleazar welcomed theparticipants and guests. He impressed

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If farmers wish to win the battleagainst the debilitating effects ofclimate change, they should

seriously consider the practice of organicagriculture and diversified farming. Thuswas the general idea presented by Dr.Victoria Espaldon of the University of thePhilippines Los Baños (UPLB) in a

seminar she gave during the 7 NationalAgriculture and Fisheries TechnologyForum and Product Exhibition organizedby the Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) and which was held at SM MegaTrade Hall 2, SM Megamall, from 11-14August 2011.

“It is imperative that theagriculture sector adapt to climatechange,” said Dr. Espaldon, professor anddean of the School of EnvironmentalScience and Management at UPLB.

In her presentation, sheemphasized the significant impact thatorganic farming and crop diversification

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Farmers vs. climate change

could bring to the farming communities.“The best climate change strategies”, shesaid, “include sustainable agriculture andgood agricultural practices.”

Specifically, she recommendedusing climate-ready crops, integration oflivestock and non-farm incomegenerating activities, adjustment of theseasonal calendar, climate-resilientpostharvest storage and postharvestprocessing practices, and inclusion ofclimate risks in agricultural planning.

On why organic agriculturehelps mitigate global warming, Dr.Espaldon said that it promotes betterwater infiltration, retention, and deliveryto plants, which help sustain crop yieldduring drought periods. She likewisepresented the case of some farms inPuerto Princesa, Davao, and Bukidnonwhere the current agricultural practicesdefy the prevailing system of farmmanagement.

Espaldon explained why organicfarmers should not be too concernedabout eradicating weeds from their farms:

“Organic agriculture disregards'clean culture' because many weeds arenot really enemies. In fact, they serve asgreen manure by helping to conserve soilmoisture and prevent erosion. Thepresence of weeds could also be aneffective source of pest control at no costto the farmer,” she explained.

Moreover, she encouraged theapplication of natural fertilizers madewith indigenous microorganisms (IMO)to see improvements in the health of bothcrop and soil. She said that this approachto organic farming can be successfullypracticed in either commercial orbackyard farms.

“IMOs can be easily preparedusing farm or kitchen waste such as riceand banana peelings and mixing themwith moldy leaves and molasses. After afew days, the IMO produced can bemixed with water and drenched into thesoil or compost,” she explained.

“The regular application ofmanure and compost (vermiculture-derived) would also inoculate the soilwith beneficial organisms,” she added.

Dr. Espaldon further explainedthat through organic farming, fighting offnew diseases and pests with changedgrowing conditions with the appropriatepractices could be effective adaptationmeasures. She likewise emphasized thatcrop diversity and re-integration oflivestock into crop farms would increasethe economic value of forage crops thatadd organic matter during the phases ofrotation. (Miko Jazmine J. Mojica)

PH

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“The best climate change strategies

include sustainable agriculture

and good agricultural practices.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (2nd from right) leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony officiating theopening of the 7th A/F Tech Forum Exhibit. With him are (L-R): TCA President Max P. Guillermo, BARDirector Nicomedes P. Eleazar, Region 5 RTD for Research Edgar G. Madrid, and Asst. Dir. Teodoro S.Solsoloy (right). PHOTO: ACONSTANTINO

draws more than 9,000 visitors

on his audience the increase in R&Dearmarked budget for the year, likewiseencouraging research partners to submitproposals for possible funding support.

BAR awards 5 best products from R&D

One of the innovations

introduced in the 7Agriculture and Fisheries

Technology Forum and ProductExhibition (tech forum) was theselection and identification of the “bestproduct” among the participatingexhibitors. The awarding was heldduring the closing ceremonies of thetech forum on 14 August 2011 at theMegatrade Hall 2 of SM Megamall inMandaluyong City.

The criteria for judging, as

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formulated by the panel of judges,zeroed-in on the commercializationpotential of the product, itsmarketability and uniqueness, andmust capture the theme:

The panel of judges wascomposed of technical advisersfrom the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR), namely: Ms.Josefina Lantican, Ms. Virginia

'Galing ngMakabagong Teknolohiya Para saPag Unlad ng Magsasaka atMangngingisdang Pinoy.'

say yes to natural farming

TECH FORUM

2 BAR hronicleC August 2011 Issue 19BAR hronicleC

BAR hronicleCBUREAU OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

ISO 9001:2000

Managing Editor/Layout Artist:Consulting Editors:Writers:

Reproduction/Printing:ACD Head:Adviser:

Rita T. dela CruzVictoriano B. Guiam and Julia A. Lapitan

Ricardo G. Bernardo and Anthony A. ConstantinoJulia A. LapitanNicomedes P. Eleazar, PhD, CESO IV

Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino, Rita T. dela Cruz, Diana Rose A. de LeonMaria Anna M. Gumapac, Patrick RA Lesaca,Miko Jazmine J. Mojica, Leila Denisse E. Padilla, andZuellen B. Reynoso

ISSN 1655-3942Copyright Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture 2011.For subscription and inquiries please contact us: Tel. Nos: +63 (2) 928-8505, 928-8624, 920-0234local numbers 3011, 3012, 3027 Fax No. +63 (2) 927-5691 Email:Articles are also available online, visit our official website:

acd@bar.gov.ph.http://www.bar.gov.ph/barchronicle

BAR CHRONICLE is published monthly by the

Applied Communication Division of the Department

of Agriculture - Bureau of Agricultural Research,

RDMIC Building, Visayas Avenue, cor. Elliptical

Road, Diliman, Quezon City 1104 Philippines.

This publication provides regular updates on DA-

BAR’s activities as the country’s national coordinator

for agriculture and fisheries R&D. It also highlights

features and news articles concerning NaRDSAF-

member institutions.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Serving as keynote speaker, Sec.Alcala noted the remarkable record-breaking increases in rice (14.4 percent)and corn (37 percent) harvests during thefirst six months of the year which hecredited to the repair and rehabilitation ofirrigation systems and facilities resultingto an expansion of the total harvestablearea, and the effective delivery ofproduction and marketing support.

Sec. Alcala commended the saidtechnology forum,

He instructed BAR, togetherwith the Agricultural Training Institute(ATI), to be more aggressive in the fieldof RD&E and respond according to theneeds of our small farmers and fisherfolk.“We will be more aggressive in seekingprivate sector investments in our RD&Eendeavors,” he added.

As part of the innovations in theevent for this year, simultaneous technicalpresentations and technologydemonstrations were conducted. Acultural presentation featuring theexemplary talents of DA’s very ownRegional Executive Directors (REDs),Regional Technical Directors (RTDs),research managers, staff, as well aspartners from the statecolleges (SUCs) were showcased on thethird day.

The product exhibition provideda venue that brought togethermanufacturers, distributors, dealers andbuyers and served as a platform for

“Napapanahon angpagtitipong ito bilang isang kasangkapanupang mapagtagumpayan ang hamon namagkaroon ng sapat, abot-kaya at ligtasna pagkain ang bawa't pamilyangPilipino, at sumagana ang buhay sakanayunan.”

universities and

7 A/F Tech Forumth

...from page 1

identifying business opportunities forcompanies and business people and openup new doors for entrepreneurship.

About 90 exhibitors filled thehall. These were comprised of DA-attached bureaus and agencies, RegionalField Units (RFUs), Bureau of Fisheriesand Aquatic Resources (BFAR),Regional Integrated AgriculturalResearch Centers (RIARCs), RegionalFisheries Research and DevelopmentCenters (RFRDCs), SUCs, and otherR&D partner institutions, and privateentrepreneurs.

Exhibits featured andshowcased products, services, andtechnologies with commercial potentialsdeveloped on high-value crops,livestock, fisheries, natural products forhealth and wellness, biofuels, organicagriculture, and climate change. Aspecial central display featured some ofthe BAR-supported projects andtechnologies which included: ediblelandscaping; herbs and spices; organicvegetables; and by-products of ,sweet sorghum, abaca, and

adlaipandan

leaves.Culminating the opening

ceremonies was the launching of threeBAR-funded books: 1) PhilippineRainfed Agriculture Research andDevelopment and Extension Program(PhiRARDEP) Framework and ActionAgenda, 2) Climate Change Researchand Development and Extension (RDE)Agenda and Program for Agriculture

and Fisheries, and 3) The 1 SweetSorghum Business Summit andPlantation Showcase.

Special awards were given tothe best booth presentations and bestunique products. The event wasorganized by BAR, through its NationalTechnology CommercializationProgram (NTCP). NTCP, one of BAR'sbanner programs, serves as a vital toolfor the development of rural enterprisesand the improvement of agriculture- andfisheries-related industries anchored onappropriate activities emphasizingtechnology promotion, transfer,utilization, and commercialization.

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(Ma.Eloisa H. Aquino)

BAR awards..from page 1

LOCAL EVENT

August 2011 Issue

Crowd in attendance during the opening program. PHOTO: ACONSTANTINO

Agcopra, and Mr. Roberto Villa, andalso included Mr. Anthony Obligado,OIC-head of BAR's TechnologyCommercialization Division (TCD).

From the 96 exhibitors, fiveproducts were selected and named the“2011 Best Products”. These were:

from Region 1, fromRegion 3 , from Region4A, from Region 5, and

from UPLos Baños.

Considered as “White Gold”and a very profitable cash crop,Region 1's garlic is also known for itssuccinct aroma and pungency theworld over. These characteristicsmade the region's bottled

, an entry product in the event,win as one the best products. It wasproduced by the Ilocos IntegratedAgricultural Research Center(ILIARC) of the Department ofAgriculture's RFU-1. To date, thebottled pickled garlic has alreadygained momentum in terms of productquality and marketability.

Also in the best productcategory, of Region 3 waschosen due to its nutritional value.Goat's milk is easily digestible, lessallergenic and contains less lactosewhich is good for lactose-intolerantpersons. Milk production and itscommercialization is a closecollaboration between the DA-RFU 3and Mr. Jeffrey Lim of JSJ Farmlocated in Brgy. Caturay, Gerona,Tarlac.

Region 4A's (

Ilocos pickled shallot and pickledgarlic goat's milk

adlai productspili oil

apiculture and bee products

Coix

pickledgarlic

goat's milk

adlai

(Clockwise) Pili oil, pickled shallot, goat’s milk, adlai,and apicul;ture products PHOTOS: ACONSTANTINO/LPADILLA

lacryma-jobiAdlai

Adlai

maja blanca sinukmanikakanin

Adlai

pili

) was also givenrecognition during the event. isalso called Job's Tears because of itstear-shaped grains. It belongs to thegrass family, Poaceae. is apromising crop due to its potentials asa food and feed source. It can becooked the same way as rice, or madeinto , , and otherrice-based . The grain can beground into flour and used to makebreads and pastas. This characteristicshelp the Department of Agriculture's(DA) in its goal of attaining food selfsufficiency. is now beingdeveloped as an alternative staple foodcrop.

The Bicol region takes pridein its which is known for itsdistinct characteristics and variousapplications. Indeed, oilproduction is an emerging technology

pili oil

that could uplift not only theagriculture sector of the region butalso serve as a source of livelihoodfor its communities. Locally-made

pulp oil is now becoming apopular and an inexpensivealternative to olive oil. The processextracts oil from freshly harvestedpili using minimal heat and simplecooking and filtration tools. The oil iscurrently distributed by Bicol's BestLeslie Pili Products.

The Apiculture Booth, whichwas part of the special setting of theforum, showcased likehoney, oil, syrup and other bee-basedproducts such as cosmetics, balm, andsoap, among others. It also won thebest product award. The bee projectundertaking is a venture between DA-BAR and the UPLB Bee Program.

pili

bee products

(Patrick RA Lesaca)

Seagrass...from page 9

items. She added that the seagrascraftmakers are continuously experimentingand generating new products. Filesystem box and folder kit are the newseagrass craft products.

At present, it is noted that theenterprise development in flood-proneareas project in Camarines Sur bringsabout additional employmentopportunities among the residents dueto the increase of 20-35 percent in bulkorders on seagrasscraft. The economicactivity in the community is visiblyensured by increasing number of

households engaged in seagrasscraftproduction.

For future directions of seagrasscraft industry, they are leaning onidentifying research areas for optimumproduction and continuous productdevelopment of seagrass-basedagribusiness enterprise. They alsoenvision of upscaling into municipal-level the craft-village handicraftproduction enterprise. They plan tocluster the direct and indirect keyplayersin seagrasscraft industry in the localityto insure stable source of raw materials

and skilled workforce to meet theincreasing demand of the commodity,and strengthening and maintaininglinkage mechanism between the targetorganizations and supporting entities tosustain the local handicraft industry.

Undeniably a unique andprofitable enterprise, the seagrasscraftindustry has been officially identifiedand promoted as banner commodity ofthe town of San Fernando under theOne-Town-One-Product (OTOP)Program of the Department of Trade andIndustry. (Diana Rose A. de Leon)

LOCAL EVENT

18 3BAR hronicleC BAR hronicleC

In a bid to promote the currentpriorities and R&D programs of thePhilippine agriculture and fisheries

sector, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) launched three books on climatechange, rainfed agriculture, and sweetsorghum on 11 August 2011 during the

opening of the 7 Agriculture andFisheries Technology Forum and ProductExhibition which was held at the SMMegatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall,Mandaluyong City.

The first two books, “

” and“

” are reference documents thatserve as guides to all stakeholders,particularly researchers, scientists andpolicymakers in aligning their RDEefforts with the prescribed priorities andframeworks on climate change andrainfed agriculture.

“These two books, which arefirst-of-its-kind, are results of a series ofconsultations, meetings, and workshopswith the agriculture and fisheries RDEsector and stakeholders to address theanticipated impacts of climate change andto unlock the vast potentials of rainfedagriculture in achieving food security andreducing poverty,” said Dr. Nicomedes P.Eleazar, director of BAR.

The book on climate changeprovides an overview/backgrounddiscussion on climate change as a

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ClimateChange Research, Development andExtension Agenda and Program forAgriculture and FisheriesPhilippine Rainfed Agriculture Research,

Development and Extension Program(PhiRARDEP) Framework and ActionAgenda

BAR launches books on climate change,rainfed agriculture, and sweet sorghum

phenomenon and its impacts specific tothe agriculture and fisheries sector aswell as a detailed discussion of BAR'sClimate Change RDE Agenda andProgram, including its rationale,framework, objectives, andcomponents. “We gave priority on theshort- and long-term adaptationstrategies that are significant to addressthe potential damage, to take advantageof opportunities, and to cope with theconsequences of climate change. Moreimportantly, the book contains actionplans which were jointly proposed byour participating stakeholders includingRDE priorities, a timeline for theimplementation of activities, and thepossible implementing agencies. Thispublication will be crucial for projectproponents because it providesimportant guidelines on specific areasthat need to be researched in order toaddress climate change,” Dr. Eleazarexplained.

The book on rainfed agriculturepresents aholisticperspective onundertaking aneffective RDEsystem forrainfedagriculture inthe countryproviding anaction plan toimplement theframework andto ensure thatthe objectivesof the programare delivered

as intended. It also contains helpfulinputs in the development of a strategicimplementation plan which is a valuablecontribution towards establishing theprogram. This undertaking is a concertedeffort of DA-BAR in partnership with theDA's High Value Crop DevelopmentProgram (DA-HVCDP) and theInternational Crops Research Institute forthe Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).

Also launched was the“Proceedings of the 1st Sweet SorghumBusiness Summit and PlantationShowcase” - the output of the businesssummit and plantation showcase held on2 June 2011 in Bacolod City. Thiscollaborative effort between DA-BARand the University of the Philippines LosBaños (UPLB) provided a good venue fordifferent stakeholders in the renewableenergy sector to engage in discussions onthe potentials of sweet sorghum in thebiofuel industry and identify businessopportunities.

Included in the book are variouspresentations including a discussion onthe Philippine Bioethanol Program andthe prospects of sweet sorghum in thePhilippines. Topics on the agronomic sideof sweet sorghum were also presented inthe book such as the agronomicperformance of sweet sorghum, sweetsorghum seed purchase arrangement, andsweet sorghum seed supply businessarrangement, along with the developmentof an evaporation system for sweetsorghum syrup production. “The bookwill be helpful for individuals who areinterested in sweet sorghum productionparticularly for bioethanol and otherhigh-value products,” stressed Dr.Eleazar. (Rita T. dela Cruz)

rich protein and minerals that can befound in it. After all, it is not called 'blackgold' for nothing.

“Mungbean sprouts are rich inVitamin C and iron. Iron in mungbeansprouts is twelve-fold high as compared tomung bean soup while a four-fold increasein iron can be achieved when it is cookedwith tomato,” said Aquino in herpresentation.

Like groundnut, mungbean is adrought-tolerant, all-season crop thatmatures from 55 days to 74 days afteremergence (DAE) depending on thevariety planted. The climate change-readyvarieties for mung bean are Pagasa 7,NSIC Mg 12 or , and NSIC Mg15 or .

According to Aquino,mungbean's high carbohydrate contentparticularly found in Pagasa 19 makes it agood raw material for bread or noodleproduction.

“The mungbean is soldat farm gate price of P35 per kilogram. Interms of rat and frog infestation,19 is at an advantage because the plantgrows taller. On the other hand, isa good choice if you want your plant tomature early,” she explained.

Soybean, while currentlyclassified as legume in the country and inother parts of the world, the Food andAgriculture Organization (FAO) and theUnited States Department of Agriculture(USDA) classify this crop as an oilseed.Whether touted as the “king of beans” or“wonder crop”, the powerhouse of healthbenefits that is present in soybeans isworth paying attention to.

Aquino discussed soybean as asource of high quality protein and hasnumerous health benefits that can begained from soy isoflavones including theability to lower the risk of several types ofcancer, reduce menopausal symptomssuch as hot flushes in women, and reducethe risk of osteoporosis and heart disease.

“The tocopherol or Vitamin Efound in soy is a very good anti-oxidant.Soybean sprouts also contain 12 timesmore iron than found in mungbean,” sheadded.

While the US remains the biggestproducer of soybeans in the world, thePhilippines is beginning to dip into theglobal opportunities for soybean. Throughthe Philippine Soybean Roadmap 2011-2014 crafted by the Department ofAgriculture (DA), BAR is tasked to

Pagasa 19Kinang

Pagasa 7

Pagasa

Kinang

Soybean: The wonder crop

coordinate all R&D activities needed tobe undertaken for the roadmap to takeoff. BAR, in coordination with regionalresearch centers such as CVIARC, islooking into the potential to supply thehuge soy demand in the Japanese market.Currently, the approved varieties forsoybean are or whichmatures in 86 to 103 DAE.

The soil also deserves justice- ifonly they could have their own lawyers.Thus was the lament of Aquino about thesevere problem on land degradation dueto wrong farming practices. Thankfully,even with increasing cropping intensity,soil health can be maintained with theinclusion of grain legumes in theproduction system.

“Peanut, mung bean,and soybean are nitrogen-fixing cropsbecause of , the bacteria thatcan be found abundantly in the rootnodules of legumes,” said Aquino. Thenitrogen compounds that can be found inlegumes are essential for the growth ofplants. When the plant dies, the nitrogenthat is fixed is released to other plantsand also helps to fertilize the soil.Aquino said that legumes maintain soilfertility by serving as 'green manure' andsoil conditioner, and acts as a goodsubstrate for organic fertilizerproduction.

According to Aquino, due to thisnitrogen-fixing ability, the organic wayof legumes production is highly possibleand commendable.

“Legumes are very responsiveto residual nutrient utilization andrequire less fertilizer input. In CagayanValley, the farmers who adopted apeanut-white corn intercrop did notapply chemical fertilizers or pesticides.Farmers who organically plantedmungbean and soybean after upland rice

PSB Sy 2 Tiwala 6

Rhizobium

Soil health and organic agriculture

also found that on-time planting helpedminimize pest damage,” said Aquino.

A 2006 study from CentralLuzon State University (CLSU) byAbon et al. assessed the legumesindustry and the current policyenvironment to help boost the industry.An inventory of government policiesand programs were undertaken thatincluded the enabling institutions andtheir outcomes. The researchers highlyrecommended an appropriate policyenvironment that will establish anational program for sustained legumesproduction with provisions for adequateR&D support on its production,processing, and utilization.Improvements on government credit-marketing support services that willpromote productivity, link, and expandmarkets were also deemed necessary.Furthermore, the development of astronger linkage between producers andprocessors of legumes and the enablingmechanisms for the establishment ofrural-based legumes enterprises with thegovernment providing market and priceincentives were recommended.

With the bright promise oflegumes and the existence ofgovernment support particularly fromthe DA including BAR, dedicatedresearchers and scientists, farmers'interest, and increasing publicawareness in nutritious and organicfood, the aim of producing qualitysource of food and sustainablelivelihood is an exciting prospect that,hopefully, this generation would notmiss out this time.

Development of a legume industry

###

-----For more information on legumes, you may contactMs. Rose Mary Aquino or CVIARC at tel. no. (078)622-0961 to 62, email: rosegaquino@yahoo.com,cviarc_ies@yahoo.com.

TECHNOLOGY

August 2011 Issue August 2011 Issue

BAR-supported books launched during theopening of the Tech Forum at Megamall.

BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (right) and UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco(left) turn over the books to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (center). PHOTO: RBERNARDO

TECHNOLOGY

4 BAR hronicleC BAR hronicleC 17

LOCAL EVENT

While cereals such as rice andcorn are the staple food inAsia, legumes are increasing

in importance as sources of nutrition forboth humans and the soil. With thegrowing demand for food, especially riceand corn, farmers are prone to resort tomonocropping, a farming practice whichnot only favors pest infestation and soildegradation but also reduces theopportunity to generate better incomes.

When the rice-rice or corn-corncropping pattern becomes the norm,humans, particularly those in the distantareas or those with much reducedpurchasing power, may miss out on otheressential and inexpensive sources ofprotein, vitamins, and minerals with alargely rice or corn diet. Hence, cropdiversification is an attractive option thatwise farmers could take advantage ofgiven its several benefits.

Ms. Rose Mary Aquino, a seniorresearcher at the Cagayan ValleyIntegrated Agricultural Research Center(CVIARC), is one staunch advocate ofcrop diversification. Specifically, sheactively promotes grain legumes, such asgroundnut (peanut), mungbean, andsoybean, as a means to alleviate povertyin the face of climate change andmalnutrition in marginalized rice- andcorn-based farming communities.

During the 7 NationalAgriculture and Fisheries TechnologyForum and Product Exhibition organizedby the Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR) at the SM Mega Trade Hall 2, SMMega Mall, Mandaluyong City on 11-14August 2011, Aquino presented theenhancement of grain legumesproductivity in predominantly rice andcorn producing areas in Region 2.

Based on the studies made byCVIARC researchers from 2006-2010,Aquino presented the four possiblecropping patterns for a cereals-legumescropping system. For example, it ispossible to adopt a rice-mungbean, corn-

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Breaking the monocrop

When your food takes good

care of you and the soil, too!Miko Jazmine J. Mojica

soybean, corn-peanut, or corn-mungbean-peanut intercrop dependingon the average monthly rainfall andtemperature.

“Grain legumes productionsupports the agriculture sector's climate-change mitigation measures in threeways: it requires minimum or zerotillage, it retains adequate levels of cropresidues to protect the soil from erosion,and intercropping reduces pest anddisease incidence,” explained Aquino.

In her presentation, Aquinopresented groundnut or peanut as thelegume that could be graded A+ innutrition for its low salt but high proteincontent, energy value, and dietary fiber.She presented data showing thatgroundnut contains unsaturated fat – thegood fat – that helps to removecholesterol from the blood. Likewise, itcontains more protein than eggs, dairyproducts, and various cuts of meat andfish. As a source of dietary fiber, it alsoreduces the risk of having some types ofcancer and controls blood sugar levels.

“Of the 13 vitamins needed bythe body, half of it is present ingroundnut. Moreover, of the 20 mineralsnecessary for normal body growth,seven can be found in groundnut,” sheadded.

Groundnut: A+ in nutrition

According to Aquino, thecurrent climate change-ready varietiesof groundnut are NSIC Pn 11 orNamnama-1, NSIC Pn 14 or Namnama-2, and NSIC Pn 15 or Asha. As theoverall coordinating agency foragriculture and fisheries R&D, BARhas funded the adaptability trials andpromotion of these promising peanutvarieties, tapping CVIARC as one ofthe research proponents.

“The market potential ofgroundnut is great particularly in ourcountry that imports 30,000 to 50,000tons annually which is more than 50percent of our national requirement.The demand of peanut processors in ourcountry is at 343 metric tons monthly inthe shelled form which sells at P50 toP60 per kilogram. In unshelled form,the farm gate price of peanut is rangesfrom P25 to P28 per kilogram,” saidAquino.

“We have submitted samplesof these promising peanut varieties tofive major processors in Manila andthey all gave positive feedback mainlydue to their improved shells and biggernut size,” she added.

If you used to think twiceabout eating mung bean, you'd be betteroff thinking twice about not getting the

Mungbean: The black gold

When your food takes good

care of you and the soil, too!

August 2011 Issue August 2011 Issue

PHOTO: DA-CVIARC

Organic legumes production in CagayanValley. According to Ms. Rose MaryAquino, on-time planting helps minimizepest attack and damage.

The 7 Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum andProduct Exhibition officially closed with the giving of the“best awards”— best cultural presentation, best booth, and

best innovative products. The closing and awarding ceremonieswere held on 14 August 2011 at SM Megatrade Hall 3, SMMegamall, Mandaluyong City.

Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) DirectorNicomedes P. Eleazar, in his welcome remarks, mentioned howthe bureau has come of age in terms of conducting this yearlyevent which, a mere seven years ago, was held at the office ofBAR and now it is being conducted in a much bigger and moreaccessible venue, the SM Megamall. He articulated that this year'sAgriculture & Fisheries Tech Forum and Product Exhibition is aconcrete manifestation of BAR's commitment to be of service tothe Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. “We are now leveling thetechnologies knowing that the true measure of research anddevelopment is its ability to reach the market and our end-users,”he stressed. He also acknowledged the involvement andparticipation of Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala during theForum's opening ceremonies. He also extended his gratitude to theR&D community, collaborators in the state universities andcolleges (SUCs), partners from the private sectors, as well ascolleagues from the various government agencies, for making theevent a success.

Director Eleazar and Assistant Director Solsoloy, assistedby Mr. Anthony Obligado, the head of the TechnologyCommercialization Division (TCD), awarded a Certificate ofParticipation to each of the 96 exhibitors for their invaluableparticipation and contribution to the success of the event.

The best cultural presentation was awarded to the Luzoncluster while Mindanao and Visayas and clusters went home withthe second and third prices, respectively.

The “Best Booth Award” went to DA-Regional Field Unit8 while the 2nd and 3rd place went to DA-RFU 4A and 5, andDA-RFU 10 and 11, respectively.

The best innovative product awards were given to Region1 (Ilocos pickled shallot and pickled garlic), Region 3 (goat'smilk), Region 4A ( products), Region 5 (pili oil), and UPLB(apiculture and bee products).

Asst. Director Teodoro S. Solsoloy, in his closing

remarks, said that the success of the 7 Agriculture and FisheriesTechnology Forum and Product Exhibition was a product ofeffective collaboration by and among the key players involvedlike the DA Family, SUCs, research and scientific communitiesand the private sector. He added that the success of the event wasalso due to the determined efforts of the men and women of BAR.

Dr. Solsoloy extended his heartfelt gratitude to everybodyfor coming and joining the event including the “walk-ins' orcommon mall shoppers and wished everybody a safe journeyhome.

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(Patrick RA Lesaca)

7 Agri & Fisheries Tech Forumconcludes with “best” awards

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Trophies for the Best Cultural Presentation

Asst. EVIARC Manager Elvira C. Torres (center)receives the grand prize for Best Booth.

Booth of DA-RFU 8 wins “Best Booth”

Luzon Cluster (Reg. 1,2,3,4a, 4b, CAR)bags the “Best Cultural Presentation”

PHOTO: ACONSTANTINO

PHOTO: RDELACRUZ

PHOTO: ACONSTANTINO

PHOTO: RBERNARDO

TECHNOLOGY R&D BUDGET

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cutting of bunches into hands qualitychecking to remove dirt and otherimpurities, initial washing, crowntrimming, water-dipping, air-drying,weighing and packing into carton boxes,and shipment to Japan.

Similar to other crop productionprocesses, non-chemical bananaproduction also has its setbacks. Limitedresources, packaging and transportdifficulties, and postharvest diseases areamong the major problems encountered.

“Due to limited availability ofwater in the packing houses, theprocessors are forced to re-use freshwater in the washing bin which becomesdiscolored with the large number ofbanana hands immersed and the presenceof impurities like dried flowers. Theimpurities are simply removed withplastic scoops and the contaminatedwater is used again for washing the nextbatches of fruits,” added Dr. Alvindia,project leader.

The main problems in packagingand transport are congestion, deficientcushioning, and piling and/or prolongedexposure to harsh environmentalconditions that result to physical stressand fruit damage (scarring/bruising).

Before sending out to the market,the non-chemical bananas are scrutinizedfor defects and diseases. The most severepostharvest disease is crown rot, which iscaused by several fungi. In the early 90s,crown rot occurrence was not a seriouscrisis because of the use of synthetic

,

Problems

fungicides in the postharvest bathetreatment. But since the utilization ofprotective agricultural chemicals isunacceptable to the consumers, theintervention to be used has to be non-chemical.

Three non-chemical methodswere proposed and examined to preventpostharvest diseases. These are: 1) hotwater treatment (HWT); 2) bio-controlagent (BCA) utilization; and (3)integrated non-chemical methods forthe development of postharvest diptreatment.

For the HWT, cantolerate up to 55°C of HWT for 10minutes without physical injury.Beyond this, partial to total browning orblackening and failure to soften will bethe result.

In the Bio-control Agent(BCA) utilization, a banana pathogen isbest controlled by microbialantagonists. Certain bacteria andfungi have been found to havepotentials as antagonists againstpostharvest pathogens. These arealso useful for geneticcharacterization, and for thetransformation and developmentof bio-products.

For the Integrated Non-chemical Methods forPostharvest Dip TreatmentDevelopment, among themethods tested were: 1) HWTwith salt, 2) HWT with BCA,

Buñgulan

Interventions

and 3) HWT with salt and BCA. Thesemethods are currently being investigatedto determine which among them is themost effective and the most efficient diptreatment that will control theoccurrence of banana post-harvestdiseases.

Today, ATC is expanding itsoperations from Luzon and VisayanIslands to Mindanao areas. Projectproponents and partner organizations arecurrently developing more methods toimprove the production and distributionof organic banana. ###

-------For more information, please contact:Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindia of the PhilippineCenter for Postharvest Development andMechanization (PhilMech) through email:dgalvindia@yahoo.com or mobile number:09178818763.

Non-chemical banana productionexpansion

The main problems inpackaging and transportare congestion, deficientcushioning, and pilingand/or prolongedexposure to harshenvironmental conditionsthat result to physicalstress and fruit damage(scarring/bruising).

August 2011 Issue August 2011 Issue

PHOTOS: courtesy of DR. DIONISIO G. ALVINDIA

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Proving that the government isserious about R&D spending toachieve food security and

national competitiveness, the budget foragriculture and fisheries R&D willincrease next year by more than double itscurrent amount.

Dr. Nicomedes Eleazar, directorof the Bureau of Agricultural Research(BAR), announced this substantial budgetincrease during the opening program of

the 7 National Technology Forum andProduct Exhibition (tech forum) on 11August 2011 at SM Mega Trade Hall 2,SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. Theannual four-day event is organized byBAR and participated in by exhibitorsrepresenting all regions nationwide.

In his welcome remarks duringthe program, Director Eleazar said thatwhile the budget this year had alsoincreased from the previous year's budget,he revealed that next year's impendingfund is worth even more than what theBureau had expected.

BAR's budget for this yearamounts to P400M while the allocatedbudget for 2012 would approach the P1Bmark. The budget includes grants fromthe Agriculture and FisheriesModernization Act (AFMA) andallocations for various R&D-relatedactivities from the flagship programs ofthe DA for corn, high value crops, andorganic agriculture, among others.

“As the focal agency for fundingand coordinating agriculture- and

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fisheries-related R&D, BAR has been atthe forefront of programs, projects, andactivities spearheaded by its partnersfrom both government and non-government organizations such as theDepartment of Agriculture's (DA)regional field units, research centers,and attached agencies; state universitiesand colleges; non-governmentorganizations (NGOs); and localgovernment units (LGUs),” said Dr.Eleazar.

He recounted how, over therecent years, the efforts and investmentsmade on agricultural research throughBAR have focused on communicatingresearch results to a wide audienceincluding farmers and fisherfolk,businesspeople, policymakers, and thegeneral public.

One of the ways it employs forR&D results to cross over to themainstream of production andeventually the market is through theNational Technology CommercializationProgram (NTCP) which organizes theannual techno forum event to showcaseappropriate technologies, products, andservices on agriculture and fisheries.

Through the NTCP, BARsupports the commercialization of R&Dbreakthroughs and appropriatetechnologies developed by R&Dinstitutions. It serves as a vehicle todevelop the commercial potentials ofagriculture and fisheries commoditiesfeaturing the use of appropriate

technology and bring them closer to themarket.

“Through the holding of nationaltechnology forums and exhibits, we havemanaged to reach a wider audience thatincludes various interested sectors andindividuals from all walks of life. Wewere able to attract the attention of thepublic on the exciting opportunities inagriculture. More important is that wewere able to communicate the results ofagriculture and fisheries R&D which arerelevant to the needs and demands of thechanging market and agriculturallandscape,” said Dr. Eleazar.

Aside from NTCP, anotherbanner program of BAR that strengthensthe role of R&D in technology transferand the production management system isthe Community-based ParticipatoryAction Research (CPAR). It alsoinstitutionalizes the active involvement ofthe community both in the identificationof the most appropriate technologies thatsuit their needs and in the management oftheir own farm resources.

BAR is currently acceptingproject proposals from its stakeholdersparticularly research institutions such asthe DA's research-implementing units,and state universities and collegesnationwide. To know more about BAR'sprograms, priorities, and upcomingevents, downloadable forms andinformation can be accessed at itswebsite, www.bar.gov.ph. (Miko JazmineJ. Mojica)

Increased budgetearmarked for agri& fishery research

Increased budgetearmarked for agri& fishery research

LOCAL EVENT TECHNOLOGY

6 BAR hronicleCBAR hronicleC 15

Today, almost all crops are grownwith the use of chemicals. Fromproduction processes to

postharvest activities, chemicals likeinorganic fertilizers and pesticides areamong the main inputs. This is due tounfavorable factors like diseases andenvironmental hazards that affect thequality and quantity of yield for which,in order to prevent these from happening,farmers resort to chemicals since theygive immediate relief and increases cropproduction and yield.

However, due to the reportednegative effects on human health and theenvironment, emphasis on the use ofchemicals in crop production is beinglessened. Now, some crops can be grownsuccessfully even without chemicals andare tagged as “organic crops”. Oneparticular crop that is being organicallyproduced in the Philippines and is beingdistributed domestically and abroad isthe so called “non-chemical banana”.

The Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR) has been holdingtechnology colloquia and a series ofdemonstrations of the results of BAR-supported projects conducted by R&D-partner agencies in the annualAgriculture and Fisheries TechnologyForum & Product Exhibition to providefor certain concerned stakeholders, theseminar and demonstration series wereclassified into two: technical and

popular. In the recent 7 Techno Forumheld on 11-14 August 2011 at the SMMegatrade Hall in Mandaluyong City,one of the featured seminars in thepopular category was the “

” conducted byproject leader Dr. Dionisio G. Alvindiaof the Philippine Center for PostharvestDevelopment and Mechanization(PhilMech). The seminar highlighted theorigin, issues and challenges, andmanagement processes developed for thenon-chemical banana project which was

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Productionand Post-production Management ofNon-Chemical Banana

Optimizing the productionof chemical-free banana

Leila Denisse E. Padilla

implemented through a collaborationbetween Alter Trade Corporation (ATC)and the Philippine Center forPostharvest Development andMechanization (PhilMech).

In 1987, ATC (a people-oriented enterprise) was established inBacolod City, Negros Occidental,which campaigned to reduce famineand poverty in the local communities.ATC became Negros' trading arm andsince then it has been marketing thearea's products nationally and abroad toaffiliated associations. One of its well-known merchandise is non-chemicalbanana and this crop created andstrengthened the partnership betweenATC and the Japan Committee forNegros Campaign (JNCC) when ATCresponded to JNCC's call for “Trade notAid”.

Since then, the local bananacultivar a banana varietywhich is abundant and widelydistributed in the Philippines, has beengrown by small-scale Negros farmers intheir backyards without the use ofchemicals and has been marketed toconsumer cooperatives in Japan. Thispartnership benefits local farmers andNegros communities since this conceptis geared towards the economicrecovery of Negros through trade

Buñgulan,

How it began

linkages. “The economic benefits fromthe non-chemical banana industry is theemployment of 20,000-25,000 peopleworking as employees and handlerswhile steady and good market price ofbanana fruits are enjoyed by the small-scale farmer-producers,” said Dr.Alvindia, PhilMech scientist and projectleader.

In the production of the non-chemical banana, usual practices likeland preparation and field sanitation arecarried out. The thing that differentiatesit from the production methods of othercrops is the non-use of chemicals forreducing pest and disease incidence, andthe adoption of traditional farmingtechniques which can also provideoptimum protection and maintenance ifexecuted properly. Weeding, de-leafing,and removal of plant debris are alsoamong the traditional practicesincorporated in production

After harvesting, certainprocedures are done to prevent qualitydepreciation of produce. The steps innon-chemical banana postharvestmanagement prior to consignment toJapan include: partial cutting and tiltingof trunk mid-portion to carefully harvestfruit bunch tying of the bunch tip formanual delivery to the trade center

Buñgulan .

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Production and postharvestmanagement

August 2011 Issue August 2011 Issue

PHOTO: courtesy of DR. DIONISIO G. ALVINDIA

In an effort to massively promote tothe public the technology on EdibleLandscaping (EL) and contribute to

the food security drive of the Departmentof Agriculture (DA), the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR) launched ademonstration garden featuring “EdibleLandscaping: The Artistic Technology ofFood Production” at the back lot of the

BAR building as part of its 24Anniversary celebration.

Leading the launching ceremonywere BAR Director Nicomedes P.Eleazar, Asst. Dir. Teodoro S. Solsoloy,and Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez of theUniversity of the Philippines Los Baños(UPLB) who was also the project leader.

The demo garden is part of theproject titled, “Technology Promotionand Commercialization of EdibleLandscaping (Phase 2)” implemented bythe Crop Science Cluster-College ofAgriculture, University of the PhilippinesLos Baños (CSC-CA-UPLB) and fundedunder the National TechnologyCommercialization Program (NTCP) ofBAR.

Phase 1 of the project began inNovember 2009 under the leadership ofDr. Leonido R. Naranja producing modelplots as pilot studies for the ediblelandscaping concept.

“The technology of growingcrops is already there, the twist isplanting the crops in consideration of its

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demo garden launched at BAR

aesthetic value, arranging cropsin an artistic manner and assessing theirqualities based on the colors and texturesof their leaves and fruits, this is basicallythe essence of edible landscaping,”explained Dr. Sanchez, project leader ofthe phase 2 of the edible landscapingproject.

According to Dr. Sanchez, EL ispart of the general concept of urbanagriculture. It was conceptualizedbasically to address the food supplyproblem in the urban areas.

“We want common householdsto adopt to growing crops but with atwist, which is the art component. We willteach interested growers on how toexecute the design following thecomponents of landscaping consideringthe principles of balance, contrast, andemphasis. After teaching them thecomponents of landscape design, we willalso train them on choosing what specificcrops to plant and how to arrange them inplots to enhance their aesthetic value,” Dr.Sanchez said.

He added that, “majority of thecrops used in EL are vegetables, that'swhy it's called “edible” you need to growcrops that can be consumed by humans ona daily basis. Also, in EL, we usedorganic agriculture techniques so we areensured that the crops we produce and eatare safe both to human and theenvironment.”

While phase 1 of the projectfocused on the edible side oflandscaping, phase 2 will focus on theartistic side, according to Dr. Sanchez.“So now we are focusing on the artisticside in relation to the edible componentso that we can produce crops with an art.Landscaping is both science and art. Oneof the outputs of the second phase is amanual wherein one can select the typeof vegetable crops one wants to growand where and how the crops will besourced out. Also in phase 2 we willteach them how to grow vegetables orgerminate vegetable seedlings and use itas landscape material, how to plant it,what kind of planting techniques, whatorganic fertilizer to use, and how toproduce the organic fertilizer,” said Dr.Sanchez.

The demo garden at BAR isonly one of the EL models from theproject, other plot models are located atthe University of the Philippines RuralHigh School in Los Baños, Laguna;Makiling Elementary School in CalambaCity, Laguna; and Jardin de Miramar inAntipolo City.

The EL project was alsoexhibited as part of the BAR special

setting during the 7 NationalAgriculture and Fisheries TechnologyForum and Product Exhibition at SMMegatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall.

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(RitaT. dela Cruz)

Edible landscapingEdible landscaping

PHOTO: RBERNARDO

Dr. Fernando C. Sanchez (left) of UPLB and project leader of the Edible Landscaping projectshows to BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar (right) the components of the demo gardenlaunched during the BAR 24th Anniversary celebration.

TECHNOLOGY R&D RESULT

14 BAR hronicleCBAR hronicleC 7

discussed in NAST 33 ASMrd

With the recent developments inthe country whereingovernment agencies are

looking into fuel feedstocks that havehigh potential for commercialization,sweet sorghum has risen to fame with itspromise as an alternative source ofbiofuel. One of the government agenciesthat have set its priorities on sweetsorghum is the Bureau of AgriculturalResearch (BAR), focusing on howviable and competitive sweet sorghum assource of bioethanol feedstock.Its strategies and activities towardcommercialization of sweet sorghum forcommercial production of ethanol havebeen formulated and started wasdiscussed extensively in a talk presentedby Professor Rex Demafelis of theUniversity of the Philippines Los Baños(UPLB) during at the 7th Agricultureand Fisheries Technology Forum andProduct Exhibition on 11 August 2011,SM Megamall.

Demafelis, a licensedprofessional chemical engineer andprofessor at the Department of ChemicalEngineering, UPLB, discussed “BiofuelsFeedstock Development,” with anunderlying aim towardcommercialization of alternative biofuelfeedstocks in our country—focusingprimarily on the potentials of sweetsorghum.

The current mandatoryprovisions, according to Prof. Demafelis,include Republic Act 9367, or TheBiofuels Act of 2006, that calls formandatory blending of bioethanol andbiodiesel to gasoline and diesel,respectively. Effective 6 February 2009,the blending of 2 percent biodiesel in alldiesel fuels sold in the country wasimplemented. Not everyone may beaware of it, but diesel sold in gasolinestations all over the country today is 2percent biodiesel. As of last 6 August2011, 10 percent bioethanol blendingwith gasoline with certain octane levelswas also implemented, thus increasingthe demand for bioethanol.

Last year, there was a 5 percentmandatory blending of bioethanol with

Sautéed , ,

con carne, sautéedwith ,

omelet- these are among the usual bittergourd or foods that we cookand eat in the comfort of our homes orfind in the ubiquitous Pinoy .Ampalaya ( ), anannual plant native to the country, is acrawling vine that bears an elongated,green, rumple-skinned fruit. This crop isknown for its distinct bitter taste and richnutritional value, and which is recognizedas a reliable home remedy for variousailments like cough, fever, and diabetes.

Given its popularity amongFilipinos, more dishes and preparationsare being discovered and that make use ofthis high value crop. One recipe that hasbeen invented and commercializedrecently is the pickled .

During the 7 Agriculture andFisheries Technology Forum and ProductExhibition with the theme "

" on 11-14 August 2011, the Bureauof Agricultural Research (BAR) featuredseminars and demonstrations of productsresulting from the BAR-supportedprojects of R&D partner agencies. Theseminar and demonstration series wereclassified into two: technical and popular,in order to cater to particular audiences.One of the popular seminars featured wasthe “Pickled Ampalaya” which waspresented by Ms. Myrna S. Eguia of theResearch, Development, and TechnologyManagement Section of the BulacanAgricultural State College (BASC).

ampalaya pinakbetampalayamongo ampalaya ampalaya

ampalaya

karinderyasMomordica charantia

ampalaya

Galing ngMakabagong Teknolohiya Para sa Pag-unlad ng Magsasaka at MangingisdangPinoy

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puts Phl in a good spot

Promising results fromsweet sorghum R&D

gasoline. The fueldisplacement or bioethanolrequirement reached 178million liters. This year, bymerely multiplying it by two,seeing as the requirement hasnow reached 10 percentblending of bioethanol togasoline, the demand shouldincrease to nearly 360 millionliters. If the increase inpercentage of blendingcontinues, the projections ofthe good professor are that, ifwe have to blend 15 percentbioethanol by 2015, we willneed about 645 million litersof bioethanol by that year.

In terms of biodiesel,the demand last year reached107 million liters as per required 2percent blending of biodiesel with alldiesel fuel sold in the country.Projecting a 10-percent biodieselblending requirement by 2015, studiesshowed that the requirement shouldreach 663 million liters annually.

As per Prof. Demafelis'presentation, the crop advantages ofsweet sorghum as compared with sugarcane includes: lower water requirementand greater resilience to drought;relatively lower fertilizer requirement;shorter crop cycle (two to threecroppings per year); higher cane yieldper hectare per year (an average of 50tons/hectare per cropping); and, it isconsidered a multicrop as both its stalkand grains can be used for ethanolproduction, its grains for poultry feed,and its stalks for sugar and vinegarproduction. However, it cannot be usedfor table sugar as it cannot becrystallized.

In terms of benefits to thesweet sorghum farmer, Prof. Demafelispresented an estimated cost/incomepotential, using a matrix provided byDr. Heraldo Layaoen of the MarianoMarcos State University (MMSU). Dr.Layaoen has been heavily involved inthe evaluation of sweet sorghum as afarmer's crop. With two croppings in

the dry season, one as seed crop and theother as ratoon crop, the Prof. Layaoen'sdata included a set of parameters: yieldof 50 tons/hectare of cane from the seedcrop and 3,000 kg seeds per hectare.With these parameters, at a price ofPhp700 per ton of cane, a farmer couldearn Php35,000 out of the cane andPhp30,000 out of the seeds at Php10 perkilo, for a total gross sale of Php65,000.Production cost during this first croppingamounts to Php30,755 for a net incomeof Php34,245.

For the ratoon crop, with thesame parameters of Php700 per ton ofcane and Php10 per kilogram of seedsand the same tons of seeds and caneharvested, the cost of productiondecreased from Php30,000 to aboutPhp15,000 with the deduction of thecosts of seeds and land preparation. Witha total sale of Php65,000, less thedecreased cost of production for theratoon crop compared with the seed cropmentioned earlier, the net incomeamounts to Php49,700. Adding up thesenet incomes projected for a single dryseason, the total could reach Php83,960.

Prof. Demafelis reported that notonly will farmers benefit from this newventure, but processors can also do aswell. He presented a table outlining aprojected selling price of ethanol coming

turn to page 8

Pickling thebitter Ampalaya

Leila Denisse E. Padilla

Highlighted in this colloquium werefood processing sanitation tips, cookingprocedure, and the cost analysis ofproducing pickles.

Ms. Eguia started the seminarwith a discussion on proper sanitationas one practice that should be observed,not only in pickled ampalayaprocessing, but also in food processingin general. She described sanitation as“the aseptic practice in the preparation,processing, and packaging of foodproducts.” In addition, food sanitation isthe pragmatic usage of hygienicmeasures in handling food to preventthe worst food problem –contamination.

She expounded on the steps inpreparing pickled . Ms. Eguiasaid that the palatability of the resultingdish depends on the freshness of theingredients. “The bottles should besterilized through washing it with soapand water and boiling for 15 minutes.”Ms. Eguia explained that this wouldeffectively prevent contamination. She

ampalaya

ampalaya

Cleanliness comes first

also discussed that the ingredients canbe altered slightly according to thepreference of the person who willprepare the pickled .

Ms. Eguia presented the costanalysis of one-kilo pickled .“One kilo can produce 15 bottles ofpickled at 350 grams perbottle.” The suggested retail price of onepickled ampalaya bottle is Php 45.00implying that one-kilo of pickledampalaya could gross Php 675.00. Theapproximate cost of expenses in theingredients, water, LPG, andtransportation is Php 467.00, whichmeans that the total earning from a one-kilo pickled ampalaya is Php 208.00.

Pickled ampalaya is not just anewly-explored delectable cuisine thatwill be celebrated by the Filipino taste.It is also another livelihood opportunityfor the Filipino community.

ampalaya

ampalaya

ampalaya

###---------For more information on the featured product, pleasecontact: Ms. Myrna S. Eguia of the BulacanAgricultural State Colleg (BASC). For more detailsplease contact: (044) 677-2264 ormyrna_eguia88@yahoo.com.

Cost analysis

Pickling thebitter Ampalaya

August 2011 Issue August 2011 Issue

Ingredients for picklingampalaya PHOTO: LPADILLA

PHOTO: LPADILLA

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R&D RESULT R&D RESULT

8 BAR hronicleCBAR hronicleC 13

Through assistance given undervarious government programsand initiatives, rural

community-based enterprises haveflourished throughout the nation.Government agencies such as theDepartment of Agriculture (DA)continue to assist local families in theirlivelihood ventures not only throughfinancial grants, but also throughprojects that contribute to theenhancement of their livelihoodprojects which, in turn, can provide fora more prosperous way of living.

Through the Self-EmploymentAssistance Kaunlaran (SEA-K)program of the Department of SocialWelfare and Development (DSWD),families living below the poverty linenow have the opportunity to reducepoverty and learn the skills that willallow them to become successfulentrepreneurs andbusinessmen/businesswomen.

Through forums such as the

recent 7 Agriculture and FisheriesTechnology Forum and ProductExhibition organized by the Bureau ofAgricultural Research (BAR), thesefamilies now have a venue where theycan further their knowledge on theskills needed to bring their enterpriseto a bigger market and, possibly, evengain more through BAR's flagshipinitiatives such as the NationalCommercialization and TechnologicalProgram (NTCP) and the Community-

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The Bureau of Fisheries andAquatic Resources-RegionalFisheries Research and

Development Center 5 (BFAR-RFRDC)has turned seaweed into extraordinarydishes - literally, twists on your favoritesnack and dessert. Seaweed spaghetti andleche flan from seaweeds are culinarypreparations that would definitely sootheyour taste buds.

These were showcased during

the 7 Agriculture and FisheriesTechnology Forum and ProductExhibition. RFRDC Manager AidaAndayog and her staff held a technologydemonstration on how to prepare thedishes.

Seaweeds are endemic to marinewaters. Local varieties are variouslyknown as “ ”, “ ” or“ ”. Based on the presentation,seaweeds are a valuable and nutritiveproduct. In human nutrition, it can helpbuild and sustain the broad nutritionalrequirements and balance of vitamins,minerals and vital nutrients on whichoptimum health and vitality depends.

According to Ms. Andayog,

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gulaman dagat gusotambalang

from sweet sorghum compared withpetroleum gasoline at Php55 per liter.In the computation, should theprocessor buy the sweet sorghum caneat PhP700 per ton cane (or PhP/TC)with the estimated 9 percent, the sellingprice of ethanol coming from sweetsorghum amounts to Php33, a muchlower price than Php55 for gasoline.Even if the processor buys the sweet

BFAR 5 conducts techno demoon food products from seaweeds

seaweeds are low-calorie foods witheasily digestible sugars and fats.Seaweeds are a source of minerals,essential fatty acids, nucleic acids likeRNA & DNA, and phytochemicals suchas carotenoids, protein and fiber.

She added that value-addedproducts from seaweed are easy toprepare, cook and eat. Delicious andnutritious recipes are readily availableand are affordable.

Seaweed spaghetti and lecheflan can give you a return on investmentof 35.48 percent and 26.50 percent,respectively.

The development of theseproducts were integrated in the project

Funded by the Bureauof Agricultural Research, the projectaims to standardize and commercializeseaweeds and processed seaweedproducts for market competitiveness.

Other seaweed-basedprocessed products that have beendeveloped by BFAR-RFRDC are:

, chocolate bar, juice, jam,, , tart, and ,

among others.

“Product Development/Improvementand Commercialization of Seaweeds inBicol Region”.

morconlumpia longanisa yema

(Ma. Eloisa H. Aquino)

Promising results..from page 8

sorghum stalks at a projected higherprice of 1,700 (Php/TC), the sellingprice falls at Php53, still lowercompared with gasoline. In addition,sweet sorghum has a °Brix or estimatedfermentable sugar of 9 percent, and asthe fermentable sugar of sweet sorghumincreases, wherein studies show resultshigher than the estimated 9 percent, themore viable the ethanol's countryproduction using sweet sorghumbecomes. Thus, with a higherfermentable sugar of as much as 15percent, with a Php/TC of 700, theprojected selling price can be as low asPhp28, much cheaper indeed thanpetroleum gasoline.

There is also the developmentof sweet sorghum hybrids, with studiesfunded by BAR and implemented bythe Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB). In

addition, under the collaborativework of Prof. Demafelis and Dr.Layaoen, plantation trials wereimplemented with the industryplayers which was further realized

through the conduct of the “1 SweetSorghum Business Summit andPlantation Showcase” held in June2011 in Negros Occidental.

Given these small yetpromising results that are beinglooked into even further, the countrysees a great chance that soonenough, it can fend for itself in termsof the availability of fuels and dealeffectively with their externallyinfluenced pricing, and even better,compete at the forefront with the restof the world to provide a cleanerenvironment.

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(Maria Anna M.Gumapac)

Project on cashew nut processinghelps women's association in Bataan

based Participatory Action Research(CPAR).

Locally known as ,cashew nuts are one of the mostversatile nut crops in the Philippines asthey find use in both the food and feedindustries. With the growing domesticand international demand for thecommodity, cashew growers continue toseek innovations in creating newcashew nut products that could farewell in both the local and internationalmarkets.

Grown for its cashew nuts andcashew apples, can be consumedraw or used to create various beverages,jams, chutney, and even pickled. Itskernel is used for baking and in theconfectionery trade. It is eaten as asimple finger food served in smallbowls during a feast, or as an appetizerwhile waiting for the main entrée toarrive and is usually consumed inroasted form with a pinch of salt totaste.

The challenge to collecting thecashew kernel is fairly simple: thekernel must be extracted from its shellwith minimal damage to preserve theunique shape of the nut. Extraction insmall scale operations is performedmanually, while bigger producers useequipment specially developed for thisspecific function.

In the case of the Alion Kapit-Bisig SEA-K Association producing forthe Gracielos Cashew Processingheaded by Mrs. Elizabeth Denzon

kasoy

kasoy

Paglinawan, they use a cashew nutsheller equipment developed by thePhilippine Center for PostharvestDevelopment and Mechanization(PhilMech). The step-by-step manualcashew nut process was shared by Mrs.Paglinawan during the forum.

Mrs. Paglinawan explainedhow the simple business promoted bythe Alion Kapit-Bisig SEA-KAssociation in Bataan, Region III ofthe Philippines, made possible theempowerment of the women in theirtown as cashew nut processing allowedthem to contribute to their daily familyfinances. It takes a little amount ofeffort to grow cashew nuts becausethey are easy to grow as they are notsusceptible to common pests andbacteria, and are generally better ableto withstand abrupt weather changes.Apart from this, the postharvestprocesses are very basic and are easyto learn, and heavy equipment is notrequired.

With government agenciessuch as DSWD, PhilMech, DA-BAR,and the local government unit ofBataan continuing to collaborate withassociations such as Alion Kapit-BisigSEA-K, enterprises that are deemedimpenetrable by small localcommunities with meager budgetarycapabilities are not only able to makeand distribute highly marketableproducts, but are also now able tosupport and provide for their ownfamilies. (Zuellen B. Reynoso)

August 2011 Issue August 2011 Issue

Members of the Alion Kapit-Bisig SEA-KAssociation (left) producing various productsfrom cashew nuts (top) using the nut shellerequipment developed by PhilMech.

PHOTO: ZREYNOSO

New products from seaweeds: leche flan and spaghettideveloped by BFAR/RFRDC 5. PHOTO: EAQUINO

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SEMINAR ON COFFEE R&D RESULT

12 BAR hronicleCBAR hronicleC 9

Dr. Ruel M. Mojica of the CaviteState University (CaVSU)presented his findings from his

study titled “Influence of Roasting onTotal Phenolic Content and AntioxidantActivity of Philippine Coffee” in aseminar organized and sponsored by theDepartment of Agriculture-Bureau ofAgricultural Research (DA-BAR) on 25August 2011.

Dr. Mojica, a post-doctoralfellow, is a grantee of the DA-BAR andUniversity of the Philippines NaturalSciences Research Institute (UP-NSRI)under the “Post-Doctoral and SeniorScientist Research Fellowship in BasicResearch in Agriculture and Fisheries”program.

His study included four types ofcoffee: , considered thebest in quality due to its flavor andaroma; , known locally as

, which produces thebiggest berry; , withsmoother, thinner, and more roundedleaves with a smooth edge; and

, characterized by a largeumbrella-shaped growth and berriesclosely clustered when ripe.

Coffee, before being consumed,has to undergo a number of processes,one of which is roasting. Proper roastingis an essential step for bringing out thearoma, flavor, and color of coffee.According to Dr. Mojica, the mode ofheat transfer and applied temperatureprofile are the most critical parametersthat have major impact on the chemicalproperties of coffee. During roasting,

Coffea arabica

Coffea libericaKapeng Barako

Coffea excelsa

Coffearobusta

Richard Bach once quoted, “everyproblem has a gift for you in itshands”. This is the scenario that

best describes Camarines Sur, which isknown as one of the best touristdestinations in the country. Despite anunderlying problem that mars theeconomic development of the saidprovince, its tourism progressing byleaps and bounds.

In the recently held technicalseminar series of the Bureau of

Agriculture Research (BAR), the 7Agriculture and Fisheries TechnologyForum and Product Exhibition, Mr.Emmanuel P. Oroyo of the BicolIntegrated Agricultural Research Center(BIARC) presented a BIARC project thatpromotes the exploitation of a heretofore,relatively unappreciated resource withthe potential to answer the local farmers'problem on productivity.

This project titled,

, tackled the long-standing problem of low productivity inthe vast flood-prone rice-producing areas(particularly along the Bicol river basin)and the solutions they came up with tosolve this dilemma.

In his presentation, Mr. Oroyosaid that because of no assurance onreturn of investment, plenty of farmersleft their farms fallowed during rainyseason. Due to this fallow period, itresulted to the dense growth of variousweeds and seagrasses. However, removalof these weeds and seagrasses incurredadditional costs for herbicides and labor.

With this, the Palayamananproject of PhilRice at San Fernando,Camarines Sur, spearheaded thedevelopment of integrated farmingsystem for the flood-prone areas. Thenew cropping system that was developedgave birth to the local seagrass craftindustry. Rather than considering theseagrass as a “pest” that should beremoved, farmers were taught to look atit as a potential handicraft raw material.

Seagrass () is a coarse edge plant with

th

EnterpriseDevelopment in Flood Prone Areas inCamarines Sur

Rynchosporacorymbosa

as handicraft rawmaterial exploredSeagrassSeagrass

distinct triangular broad leavesmeasuring about one meter long.Locally, it is called and isalso known as elsewhere in theBicol region. It grows abundantly inflood-prone areas of Bicol alongswamps, streams, canals, and ditches.The , the hand-twined driedstalks from the seagrass, can be used asa primary raw material in handicraft-making.

The potential of seagrass in thehandicraft industry paved the way forBAR to extend institutional support.Through BAR's provision of handicraftwelding machine, other productiontools, and construction of curing roomfor produced seagrass handicrafts, it isnow easy for the handicraft-makers tomaximize the seagrasscraft industry'sfull operation. They can nowaccommodate large bulk of orders andsupplying it to the local handicraftindustry market mainstream.

The increasing popularity ofusing seagrass fiber among thehandicraft-makers is due to its

ragiwdiwagas

salapid

comparability to abaca sheath. Basedon the comparative analysis donebetween seagrass fiber and abaca sheathas raw material for handicraftproduction, seagrass fiber cost less(P40.00 per bundle) than the abacasheath (P300.00 per bundle), seagrassonly takes 2-3 months before maturityfor harvesting than the abaca sheathwhich takes 18-24 months, and seagrassfiber has greater resistance to moldsduring storage and rainy season thanabaca sheath.

As an off-farm source oflivelihood, engaging in seagrassenterprise is enough to sustain the dailyneeds of an average household.Amounting to P0.60 per meter, anaverage household (5 members) canproduce 500 meters of whichfetches about P300.00 per day.

According to BIARC ManagerMs. Luz R. Marcelino, they have a widearray of seagrasscraft ranging withfunctional uses such as trays, bags,slippers, and hampers to decorative

salapid

BAR-NSRI scholar presents studyresults on Phl coffee in a seminar

green beans are heated at 200–240 Cfor 10 minutes, depending on thedegree of roast required. Coffee isqualitatively assessed for moisturecontent, for example, with a singlecategorization as light, medium, darkor very dark roast.

Roasting leads to profoundchanges in the chemical composition ofcoffee such as proteins, amino acids,fatty acids, and many of which are dueto the Maillard reaction. The Maillardreaction occurs when sugars condensewith amino acids and proteins and thisleads to the formation of a wide varietyof compounds that are said to possessantioxidant properties. Similar tocaramelization, the Maillard reaction isthe result of a chemical reactionbetween an amino acid and a reducingsugar that usually requires heat.

Dr. Mojica presented hisresults, wherein lightly roasted coffeedoes indeed produce the highestamount of antioxidants. Antioxidantproperties can be found naturally inmany foods and beverages that providehealth benefits in preventing diseasessuch as heart diseases, cancer, etc. Inthe body, antioxidants work by directlyreacting with the freeradical—donating an electron to thefree radicals. Any antioxidant cansupply the free radical with areplacement for its missing electron. Inthis study, it was shown that the degreeof roasting strongly affected both thetotal phenolic content and antioxidantactivity of Philippine coffee, and that

0

light roast coffees contain the highesttotal phenols at all tested varieties.

With this regard, Dr. Mojicaproceeded to show that, in the localsetting, although there are alreadyseveral studies on the chemicalcomposition of different coffees, nobasic research on coffee has been done.In fact, no studies were reported on thetotal phenolic content and antioxidantactivity of our local blends. Thus, Dr.Mojica's research was conceptualizedand conducted.

He adds that this research canbe a useful tool in conducting appliedresearch such as the formulation ofspecial coffee blends with highbeneficial effects on health. BAR Asst.Dir. Teodoro Solsoloy in his speechmentioned how Dr. Mojica's study willbenefit the coffee industry and theagriculture sector as a whole given thatcoffee is an economically importantcommodity. “Seeing as the Philippineshas been importing coffee for the past10 years, with this research results wecan hope to eventually export our ownin the near future. Moreover, results ofstudies, such as this, could pave the wayto enhance and promote thecompetitiveness of Philippine coffeeagainst imported varieties,” he said.(Maria Anna M. Gumapac)

August 2011 Issue August 2011 Issue

PHOTOS: DDELEON

Products from seagrass (Rynchospora corymbosa)

Dr. Ruel Mojica delivers the findings of hisstudy during the BAR Seminar Series.

PHOTO: MGUMAPAC

Roasting coffee beans can affect itsphenolic content and antioxidant activity. turn to page 19

“

R&D RESULT R&D RESULT

10 BAR hronicleCBAR hronicleC 11August 2011 Issue

Notwithstanding its globular,spiny appearance, sea urchins( ) have

proven to be a lucrative shellfish industryworldwide. However, the high economicvalue of sea urchins prompted itsdepletion due to over exploitation. Withthis concern, the Bureau of Agriculture

Research (BAR) included in the 7Agriculture and Fisheries TechnologyForum and Product Exhibition, a featuredseminar that discussed a BAR-fundedproject that is looking into the problems,solutions, and future of the sea urchinindustry in the Philippines and its statusfor commercialization.

The seminar was delivered byproject leader, Ms. Amanda S. Galang, asenior aquaculturist of Bureau ofFisheries and Aquatic Resources –Regional Fisheries Office I (BFAR-RFOI) in San Fernando, La Union. In herpresentation, she said that the country isnot spared the problem pertaining tounregulated harvesting of sea urchins.One of the solutions that they have comeup with is the practice of grow-outculture.

Locally, known asin the Ilocos region,

in Pangasinan and in the Visayas,the initial grow-out culture of sea urchinswas undertaken in sea pens at Brgy.Nalvo, Ilocos Sur in 1998. Since then,BFAR-RFO 1 has been vigorouslypromoting the cage culture of sea urchins.

Grow-out culture simply meansthat the sea urchins are collected andraised to marketable size in bamboo pensinstalled on the reef flat. The grow-outcages are regarded as 'mini-reproductive

Tripneustes gratilla

'maritang-tang' 'kuden-kuden'

'tuyom'

th

In the seminar titled, “RuralCommunities and Coconut SapSugar Production as a Farming

Enterprise,” presented in the technology

forum of the 7 Agriculture and FisheriesTechnology Forum and ProductExhibition last 11-14 August 2011 heldat SM Megatrade Hall 3, SM Megamall,Mandaluyong City, representatives fromthe Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)headed by Erlene C. Manohar sharedwith the audience the simple buteffective process of producing coconutsap sugar that creates for a beneficial andhighly lucrative rural-based enterprise.The forum serves as a venue for theexposition of current and groundbreaking projects that have becomevehicles of change for our local farmers.

Manohar explained the threebasic components involved in coconut-based enterprises as production, whichinvolves tapping of the coconut sap andprocessing; product development, thatinvolves the standardization andregulatory processes; and marketing,which includes both the packaging andpromotion.

To be able to perform thesesteps, key players in the different stagesof production , development, andmarketing are required. These basiccomponents respond to the livelihoodneeds of the community, helping in thegeneration of income for families whobecome part of the team of workers thatproduce coco sap and other high-valuecoconut products.

Rural communities that engagein coco sap sugar enterprise share in theresponsibilities of creating their product.The process begins with the coconutgrowers who are in charge of the rawmaterials. Toddy collectors then collectthese raw materials and deliver them tothe coco sugar processors who supply thefinished product. Coco sugar processors,according to Manohar, are preferablywomen, “Nothing against the males…

” (“women are more patientand are meticulous”).

th

Mas may pasensya ang mga babae atmetikulosa

Grow-out culture of

worthy of investment

sea urchin

reserves'. Grow-outculture effectivelyprotects seedstockspecies (juvenile seaurchins) from naturalpredators, increasessurvivorship toreproductivematurity andenhances recovery ofdepleted natural

population. As observed upon theintroduction of grow-out culture, withthe increase of sea urchin in the area,there has been a remarkable growth alsoof other species such as sea cucumbers,indicating that the practice may also becontributing to the survival of othervulnerable animal life nearby.

For those who want to engagein sea urchin grow-out culture in cages,some general considerations need to beheeded before starting. First, avoidbuilding cages in area with very lowsalinity because this is stressful for seaurchins and may result in massmortality. Second, cages should beideally situated in a sheltered areawhere wild are naturallyfound. Third, avoid areas prone to

or water poison. Fourth, stockthe cages with fresh (brownalgae) regularly even if some food stillremains. This is to ensure that urchinsfeed at maximum rates andconsequently grow fast and developlarge gonads. Finally, for beginners, theUP-MSI recommends to start withabout 3-4 grow-out cages, each withapproximately 1000 – 5000 seedstockspecies (about 25-500 individuals persquare meter).

T. gratilla

'kulaba'Sargassum

When harvesting, keep in mindthat bigger urchins command a betterprice. Thus, it is stressed that only thebiggest urchins should be harvested.

Production of sea urchins undergrow-out culture promotes resourceconservation for it prevents furtherdepletion of sea urchins and, at the sametime, provides an alternative source oflivelihood to the community. Seaurchins fishery is a good livelihoodbecause there is always a demand forthe roe or gonads (the edible part ofurchins) and is a high value product inthe local and foreign markets. In theinternational market, Japan is theworld's largest importer and consumerof roe (or in Japan). It is noted thatduring year 2000, roe was the mostexpensive marine product in the Tokyocentral wholesale market. It is alsoconsidered a premium marine fooddelicacy in Korea, Greece, France, andNew Zealand. In the domestic market,roe is considered a delicacy and is soldto specialty restaurants. The live seaurchin is sold at P60.00 - P70.00 perkilogram while the fresh chilled seaurchin roe fetches P1000.00 – P1200.00per kilogram.

Aside being a food source, theshells of sea urchins can be used asfertilizer and as raw material for noveltyitems like candleholders.

Ms. Galang remarked that thereare still issues that need immediateattention and long-term solutions suchas the proper cage design and size,inadequate supply of juveniles at thestart of project, sustainable harvest of

, and poaching. Furtherinterventions are therefore needed by

uni

sargassum

Production of sea urchins under grow-out culture promotes resourceconservation for it prevents furtherdepletion of sea urchins and, at thesame time, provides an alternativesource of livelihood to the community.

A beneficial and highly lucrative

Coconut sugar:

With the finished product, thelocal consolidator comes into thepicture for product development, whothen turns to the local trader for localmarket matching or the exporter traderfor export marketing. For some of theproducts, shipping lines (outside therural community) are involved in themovement of the products towards theirspecified markets. Governmentagencies monitor the standards andregulatory processes of the finishedcoco sap products. After regulation,agents who make marketingarrangements take the products, andpresent them to the last, but definitelynot the least, key players which are thewholesale and retail buyers.

Since the inception of the PCAproject in 2007 under the NationalTechnological CommercializationProgram titled, “Commercialization ofHigh Value Coconut Products”,development of coco sap enterpriseshave been flourishing. Not only havethe products, particularly coconut sapsugar, developed to becomecompetitive in the export market, butalso the process has been enhanced toenable for almost zero waste coco sapafter extraction. The popularity of cocosap sugar has also increased asnumerous producers from North andSouth Cotabato, Zamboanga City,Misamis Oriental, Davao del Norte, andDavao del Sur have begun their ownenterprises with some even producingto meet export demands.

Manohar emphasized in herlecture that most, if not all, of therecruited members of their workforce inNorth Cotabato are composed of simplehousewives, once knowing onlyhomemaking skills. After training,these women became equipped withskills and knowledge that have enabledthem to venture out into business ontheir own and make their own coco sapsugar thus generating additional incomefor their families.

According to Manohar,because it is a simple process that can

be learned in three days, as it onlyinvolves a simple heat evaporationprocess and toddy tappers could collectcoconut sap multiple times in a day, thisventure is a sure income-generatingenterprise. Although it has been said that“coconut farmers are among the poorestof the poor,” with this innovation, thecoconut farmers' living condition shouldbegin to change for the better. As mostof the coconut businesses in the countryare owned by big players in the industry,particularly those engaged in the coprabusiness, the small coconut farmers isleft with no choice but to work for thesetitans. With this innovation, small capitalholders such as these farmers are nowable to engage in a profitable businessand compete in a bigger market, thusensuring that they have better chances tosurvive and prosper.

“Dahil

,” (“Because of BAR'sfunding, this project was a success”)shared Manohar. Both the men andwomen shared the responsibilities increating and maintaining, and insucceeding in rural-based enterprises.Government agencies and localgovernment units have collaborated toprovide a productive environment whereideas for sustainable livelihood projectscan be tested. More families are able torise above poverty, rural communitiesbecome key players in national andinternational markets, and our basicagricultural resources are furtherdeveloped to reach their fullestproduction potentials.

sa funding na binigay saatin ng BAR, maganda po ang tinakbong project na ito

(Zuellen B.Reynoso)

Coconut sugar:sea urchinrural-based enterprise

August 2011 Issue

PHOTO: ZREYNOSOSea urchins (Tripneustes gratilla) PHOTO: BFAR I