Cordillera trivia radio quiz this July
Posted on | Sunday, 7 July 2013 | No Comments
By Susan Aro
BAGUIO CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- A contest on Cordillera Trivia over Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) member stations in the city will be launched on July 8 in line with the 26th anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region this July.
The Cordillera trivia contest will run daily from July 8 – 27, 2013 except Sunday. Daily winners will receive a P100 cellphone load of their choice as prize.
For the contest mechanics, the participating stations will float one question per day and answers will be entertained thru text. For proper identification, contestants are required to indicate full name then their response. Text response format - Name space Response;
The first texter to give the correct answer will be declared the winner for the day.
The radio host will forward the name and cellphone number of the winner to the Philippine Information Agency regional office. Each winner will be called for validation. The prize will be forwarded to the winner thru text.
In a day, a texter who wins in a radio station cannot join the radio quiz in another station.
The trivia contest is a project under the Regional Development Council-Information Education and Communications Committee on Regional Development and Autonomy for the General Public spearheaded by PIA in coordination with the KBP. (PIA-CAR)
Unity Gong relay kicks off July 9
By Joseph Zambrano
BAGUIO CITY, July 5 (PIA) -- As part of the 26th anniversary celebration of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the Unity Gong will go around the different provinces in the region next week.
With the gong as an inherent instrument practically in all the celebrations, rituals and gatherings of the Cordillera provinces, it is a fitting symbol of regional unity.
The Unity Gong relay will send-off at the Baguio City hall on July 9 with a ritual and “uggayam” by Mayor Maurico Domogan.
From Baguio, the team led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Cordillera Director Edilberto Carabbacan and chair of the Infrastructure and Development Committee of the Regional Development Council (RDC), which is spearheading this year’s celebration, will bring the gong to Bontoc, Mountain Province and will be received by Gov. Leonard Mayaen.
On January 10, the caravan proceeds to Ifugao and newly elected governor Denis Habawel, will receive the Unity Gong in the capital town of Lagawe.
The following day, July 11, the Unity Gong will proceed to Tabuk, Kalinga and will be received by Gov. Jocel Baac.
On July 12, it will be in Apayao and Gov. Elias Bulut Jr. will receive it in Luna. On July 13 it will travel to Bangued, Abra and will be accommodated by Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin.
The concluding journey of the Unity Gong is in La Trinidad, Benguet. Gov. Nestor Fongwan will hand it over finally to the RDC on July 15, the Commemoration Day.
A symbolic tree planting within the provincial capitol grounds and signing of memorandum of agreement between the Department of Interior and Local Government-Cordillera and concerned local government units relative to Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA), Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (SALINTUBIG), Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) and other DILG implemented programs will be conducted as part of the turn-over program in all the provinces.
The theme of this year’s CAR Day commemoration is “Bridging ONE Green Cordillera”. ( JDP/JBZ- PIA-CAR)
Short film contest on Cordillera autonomy and development set
BAGUIO CITY, July 5(PIA)--The search is on for the best short films that highlight efforts for Cordillera autonomy and development.
The contest is open to amateur filmmakers who are willing to independently produce a short film focusing on the Cordillera Autonomy and Development (based on House Bill 5595/Senate Bill 3115) and how the two concepts apply to the day-to-day lives of the Cordillerans.
The contest has two categories: the Student Category and the Open Category. The Student Category is open to college students nationwide who may work individually or as a team. The Open Category is open to Cordillerans as defined in House Bill 5595 (to quote: “The term Cordilleran shall apply to all citizens of the Philippines who are domiciled within the territory of the Cordillera Autonomous Region”).
Film entries must be 5 to 7 minutes long. Entries exceeding 7 minutes will be disqualified.
Entries must be independently produced and must not contain clips or segments from copyrighted works.
Entries may be done in, but not limited to, the following formats: documentary, animation, short fictional film, or experimental.
Dialogue can be in Filipino, English, or any Cordilleran vernacular. Subtitle must be provided for entries whose dialogue is in Cordillera vernacular or dialect.
Interested applicants must submit the following: A) A DVD copy of their entry (one entry per disc for those who intend to submit multiple entries) in .AVI, .MOV, or .MP4 (highest resolution) format labeled with the film title, name/s of participant/s, address, email, and contact number/s. B) A printed copy of a narrative description or synopsis (2 to 3 sentences) of the film. C) Duly accomplished entry form.
Form for the open category can be downloaded athttp://www.scribd.com/doc/151818094/Cordillera-Autonomy-and-Development-Short-Film-Contest-Entry-Form-Open-Category and the student category at http://www.scribd.com/doc/151818646/Cordillera-Autonomy-and-Development-Short-Film-Contest-Entry-Form-Student-Category.
Deadline of submission of entries is on August 31, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
Participants may submit their entries either personally or through mail to the Philippine Information Agency - CAR office at Romulo Drive, Barangay Lualhati, Baguio City 2600.
Ten entries (five per category) will be shortlisted by a panel of judges. The shortlisted entries will be uploaded on YouTube and the Top 5 videos with the most “likes” and comments will be selected. Those found manipulating the "likes" based on applications and programs would be disqualified. The judges would then choose from the shortlist.
There will be one winning entry per category. Awarding of winners will be on October 2013.
Winning entries will be used for Cordillera Autonomy and Development IEC purposes.
For queries, interested participants may contact (074) 442-8240 or 09175088534 and look for Pryce E. Quintos.
For more information on Cordillera autonomy and development, visit http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/opinion/2012/05/11/dacawi-5-principles-autonomy-draft-221031.
The contest is a project under the Regional Development Council IEC on Regional Development and Autonomy for the General Public. (JDP/Pryce Quintos-PIA CAR)
Kapangan’s low-cost technology wins Best Presentation Prize in international conference
Posted on | Tuesday, 11 June 2013 | No Comments
By Susan C. Aro
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, April 1 (PIA) -- A presentation paper on improvised low-cost water, sanitation and hygiene project in Kapangan municipality in Benguet was adjudged as “Best Presentation Prize” in an international conference in Thailand.
Kapangan Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer Dr. Jane Toribio garnered the “Best Presentation Prize” on the paper she presented entitled, “Barangay Integrated Development Action in Kapangan towards Water, Sanitation and Hygiene” (BIDA KA WASH!) in the First Asia Future Conference (AFC) held at Centara Grand Hotel, Central Park, Bangkok City, Thailand from March 7-11, 2013.
Toribio was awarded the “Best Presentation Prize” among the 216 presentations during the cnference along with other two Filipino delegates, Dr. Max Maquito of Sekiguchi Global Research Association (SGRA) and Dr. Rowena Baconguis of UP Los Baňos who both received the “Best Paper Award.”
The Asia Future Conference aims to provide a large-scale venue for exchange of experiences and presentations by foreign students of Japan as well as representatives from various educational and social institutions in Asia and other countries in the world, relative to the theme “Asia in the World: Potentials of Regional Cooperation
Kapangan Mayor Roberto Canuto who led his town's delegation said the paper was endorsed by the University of the Philippines for the International Conference.
Accordingly it was the first time a municipality presented in an international conference as such normally accommodated were research papers from institutions.
Canuto said there might be a possibility that representatives from other countries who joined the conference will visit the town to validate and observe the project and validate project implementation for possible funding.
Toribio in her paper shared the experiences, gains and benefits on the implementation of the low-cost technology. The presentation dealt on the municipality’s popular short-term but high impact community-managed potable water supply (CPWASH) project, highlighting the major output that includes the installation of WASH Facilities like water tanks, bio-gas digesters, bio-sand filters, iron-removal filters and the spring box in the five pilot barangays in Kapangan.
Canuto said the technology was piloted in five barangays of Kapangan namely Sagubo, Pongayan, Pudong, Taba-ao and Balakbak for community use and is being replicated among individual households.
As low-cost technology, it makes use of indigenous materials and ferro cement which is a mixture of Portland cement applied over layers of woven steel mesh and steel bars. (JDP/SCA- PIA CAR,Benguet)
BSU obtains highest level performance by CHED
Posted on | Friday, 24 June 2011 | No Comments
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-The Benguet State University was accorded the highest category in the classification of state universities and colleges (SUCs) throughout the country in terms of its institutional performance.
BSU president Rogelio Colting said the institution was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education as Level IV, which is the highest level, based on its performance in providing quality education and in compliance with the criteria set on the various aspects of tertiary education.
Level IV SUCs enjoy corresponding benefits and awards of grants and subsidies form CHED’s Higher Education Development Fund.
Such recognition gives inspiration to the people behind such as the faculty and staff and the university officials as well, said Colting.
Looking back from its humble beginnings, the institution was established by the Americans as the La Trinidad Agricultural School in 1916 . Through the years, the academic institution which has become a state university has been reaching the heights, so to speak, in terms of performance.
BSU is now at par with the other universities and colleges across regions. It is likewise recognized at the international level and is envisioned to become a key player institution in South East Asia, Colting said
BSU is celebrating its 95th Founding Anniversary as an institution from June 27 – July 2, 2011. * (JDP/SCA- PIA CAR,Benguet)
System set for 6th Organic Agriculture Congress
Posted on | Thursday, 16 June 2011 | No Comments
by Susan AroLA TRINIDAD, Benguet, June 16 (PIA) -- It’s all systems go for the 6th Cordillera Organic Agriculture Congress focusing on the status and current efforts in organic agriculture in the region.
Through the years, organically-grown crops and livestock production have been gaining grounds with the upsurge demand of health conscious consumers.
Expected to attend the two-day congress from July 1-2 are representatives from local government units, regional line agencies, non-government organizations, organic practitioners and advocates, academe, consumers.
Department of Agriculture–Cordillera newly installed Director Marilyn Santa Catalina will serve as keynote speaker of the congress to be held at the Benguet State University.
There will be plenary sessions with paper presentations by BSU on its organic programs and accomplishments.
As can be recalled, the demo farm of BSU was certified producer of organic herbs, vegetables, and fruits. It was issued a certification last year with a life span of one year by the Organic Certification Center of the Philippines.
Success stories of organic farmers will also be showcased. Members of the BSU Internal Guarantee System, and the La Trinidad Organic Practitioners will give their testimonies.
Updates on Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 and its Internal Rules and Regulations, updates on the results OCCP consultation, organic crop production, and organic livestock will likewise be presented.
Field exposure and dialogue with organic farmers will take place on the second day at the BSU organic farm, Master’s Garden, and Organic Coffee Processing at Ampasit.
The roadmap of organic agriculture in the Cordillera will also be presented. Resolutions which underscore the strengthening of organic agriculture in the region will also be presented for consideration and appropriate action during the occasion.
Awards will also be given to institutions and individuals who had contributed in the development of organic agriculture in the region. *(JDP/SCA - PIA CAR, Benguet)
206 police recruits take oath
LA TRINIDAD,- A total of 206 successful police recruits took their oath yesterday at the parade grounds of the Police Regional Office Cordillera at Camp Bado Dangwa, before Cordillera police regional director PCSupt. Villamor Bumanglag.The new PNP recruits, composed of 161 males and 45 females, are part of the PRO-COR Attrition Recruitment Program for 2011.
PRO-Cordillera was given a quota of 302 under the Police Officers 1 Recruitment Program-Attrition Quota. A total of 686 applicants were accepted; but in the end, only 206 applicants took the oath.
Bumanglag rallied the new recruits to carry their burden as it is a big challenge. It may be daunting but it’s simple to carry on - just follow orders.
The 206 newly appointed PO1s were turned over to the Cordillera Administrative Region Training Center where they will undergo further training. They will undergo the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) for six months then the Field Training Program (FTP) for another six months before the PNP recruits become permanent Police Officers 1 (PO1).
They will beef up the manpower complement of the PRO to further strengthen PNP capabilities.*(PROCOR/PIA CAR)
La Trinidad bares Plasma technology to solve garbage problems
Posted on | Wednesday, 15 June 2011 | No Comments
By Jun Pitas
La Trinidad Mayor Gregorio Abalos Jr. bared plan the municipality will purchase a “super plasma decomposition technology” to address garbage problems in the capital town.
“It is called the super plasma decomposition technology and it is revolutionary in that it requires zero fuel, no power or energy, and requires negligible maintenance fees and very low labor cost,” he said.
Cordillera chief execs sign for full disclosure policy
Experimental traffic coding scheme works, to continue in La Trinidad
Posted on | Wednesday, 8 June 2011 | No Comments
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet- Banking on its initial impact in decongesting traffic along bottleneck areas in this capital town, the local officials decided to continue the experimental traffic coding scheme.
Mayor Gregorio Abalos Jr issued Executive Order 07-2011 extending the experimental number coding and odd-even scheme pending the enactment of a regulatory ordinance.
The extension was done when there was a noticeable significant improvement in the flow of traffic along critical routes.
As stated in the order, public acceptance and appreciation of the coding scheme was overwhelming during its implementation.
As can be recalled, the scheme was implemented from Kilometer 3 Bell Church to Kilometer 6 Buyagan Road junction from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The odd-even scheme will apply to PUVs such as jeepneys and taxi cabs. For PUVs bearing plate numbers ending 1,3,5, and 9, they are only allowed to pass the affected stretch every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. For PUVs bearing plate numbers ending 2,4,6, and 8, they are only allowed to pass the said stretch every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The scheme for PUVs does not apply on Sundays.
The number coding scheme applies to private vehicles, vans, and one trip a day vehicles bound to other municipalities. Plate numbers ending 1-2, Monday; 3-4, Tuesday; 5-6, Wednesday; 7-8, Thursday, 9-0, Friday.
But there are exemptions to be included as stated in the resolution allowing vehicles loaded with perishable goods on commercial quantity and the granting of ‘window hours.’
Taking advantage of the gains of its implementation, extension of the traffic scheme is commendable, the order states. * (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet)
BENECO to establish its hydroelectric power plant soon
Posted on | Thursday, 26 May 2011 | No Comments
The Benguet Electric Cooperative, the power distributor for Baguio City and the province, will soon generate its own hydroelectric power through the development of mini-hydros with initial steps underway .
BENECO Garett Waytan, engineer, said they have just completed the feasibility study of Man-asok river in Buguias that would serve as the water source and site for the proposed hydroelectric power plant to provide sizeable power requirements for its consumers.
The detailed engineering and design will follow suit which would take around six months before the construction and establishment of the mini-hydro, Waytan said.
Department Mmnager of the corporate planning office Joselito Villarey said the power plant will have a capacity of three megawatts sufficient to supply the power requirements of the northern part of the province.
Villarey said there are several requirements needed before securing permit and the process is tedious. It still needs the approval of the community.
The Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) requirement of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples is still on process, according to Waytan.
The electric cooperative hopes to produce 30 percent power requirement of consumers to be sourced out from the proposed mini-hydros which they intend to put up in the province.
BENECO is also eyeing to establish mini-hydro power plant in Tuba.*(JDP/SCA-PIA CAR,Benguet)
Amended scholarship qualification to widen inclusion of grantees
Posted on | Monday, 16 May 2011 | No Comments
by Susan Aro LA TRINIDAD, Benguet- More students from the municipality of Kibungan are expected to qualify under the town’s college educational scholarship program with local officials amending an earlier ordinance that limits scholars to only poor and deserving residents who attended or graduated in schools within the area. Municipal Ordinance 22 series of 2011 amends Municipal Ordinance Number 18 series of 2009 implemented first semester of school year calendar year 2010. This carried the provision that the student grantee, “must have attended and completed his/her elementary and high school or its equivalent educational programs in the municipality of Kibungan.” Under Mun. Ordinance 22, the Sangguniang Bayan is amending said provision to “must have completed his/her Elementary and High School or its equivalent educational program in Benguet province.” The councilors noted that some eligible residents were not able to avail of the program because they finished their high school in public schools outside Kibungan; there are no trade/industrial and agricultural high schools in Kibungan. Most of the poor but deserving students who are candidates for the scholarship go to Balakbak in Kapangan and other secondary schools in adjacent towns. Such provision deprives some qualified grantees the chance to pursue their college education. Said measure was forwarded to the Provincial Board for their appropriate action. * (JDP/SCA- PIA CAR,Benguet) |
Benguet State University now an organic agriculture institution
by Joseph B Zambrano
Kibungan police chief to represent CAR in LEAD PNP Award
Posted on | Monday, 2 May 2011 | No Comments
by Joseph B Zambrano
Kapangan police confiscates P.6M worth of marijuana bricks
Posted on | Thursday, 28 April 2011 | No Comments
The Kapangan Municipal Police Station confiscated P605,000 worth of marijuana bricks last Saturday as the police intensified its drive against ilkegal drugs.
Kapangan MPS chief of police, Sr. Insp. Onofre Willie said their office received a text message from a concerned citizen on April 17, 2011 that a male passenger on board a public utility jeepney via Gaddang en route to Baguio City was suspected to be carrying marijuana bricks.
As a result, police elements led by Willie conducted a checkpoint at sitio Aso, barangay Datakan intercepting the PUJ where the illegal drugs were loaded.
But about 20 meters away, upon noticing the checkpoint, the unidentified male passenger who was at the top of the PUJ allegedly jumped off and ran towards the mountain. The suspect boarded in Gaddang, according to the passengers.
Intercepted were 11 marijuana bricks or equivalent to 11 kilograms worth P605,000.
Willie said search operations were immediately conducted but they were not able to locate the suspect.
Based on interviews with the passengers and driver, Willie said they claimed that they do not know the person and seemingly is not from the place. Investigation is ongoing to identify the person.
Hopefully this would be a warning to the suspect not to engage in such an activity, he said.
The illegal drugs were turned over to the Benguet Provincial Police Office, according to Willie. (JDP/SCA-PIA CAR,Benguet)
“Implan Tugis” leads to arrest of 206 most wanted persons in CAR
By all accounts, the police project “Implan Tugis” is a success following the capture of 206 most wanted persons in the region.
According to PRO-COR regional director chief Superintendent Villamor A. Bumanglag, “Implan Tugis” sets forth the strategic concepts and operational guidelines in the accounting of all wanted persons in the region.
This is a more aggressive detective efforts by police officers, detectives, and investigators to neutralize the most wanted persons (MWP)in the region in close coordination with other law enforcement agencies, Bumanglag said.
“Our target is to arrest the 510 wanted persons in the Cordillera by the end of the year,” Bumanglag added.
The PRO-COR came up with the list of MWP region wide that serves as database for the “Implan Tugis.” It was distributed to Police Provincial Office (PPOs) down to the municipal police stations and the barangays.
Bumanglag explained that warrants of arrest are issued and that other law enforcement agencies are provided with the data of MWP. The list will also be published in public places for the awareness of the community who can subsequently help in the arrest of these criminals.
We are doing this program with the objective of attaining justice for the victims of crimes, Bumanglag stressed. (JDP/JBZ-PIA CAR)
Atok farmers appeal for water pumps for their vegetable gardens
ATOK, Benguet- The farmers in the vegetable-producing municipality of Atok are requesting water pumps for their farmlands which are affected by the summer season.
Vice mayor Marson Lay-at said that with no rains the past weeks, farmers are worried that the continued dry season would affect the quality and quantity of the vegetables being produced.
Atok is one of the biggest producers of highland vegetables being transported to La Trinidad and Baguio City and to market outlets in the Manila and other parts of the country.
Lay-at said that there are water sources in the barangays such as creeks and streams but many farmers do not have water pumps and watering hoses to supply water to the farmlands in the upland barangays like Paoay and Sayangan. The low lying barangays of Naguey and Pasdong have already been irrigated.
At the moment, farmers are manually carrying water from the source up to their farmlands, he said.
Lay-at said they have asked the National Irrigation Authority for water pumps and water source installation in their municipality and they are hoping that this will be answered soon. They have also sought assistance from the provincial government and other government agencies to help them with their problem.
During extremely cold days from December to February, Atok farmers experience frost bites in their vegetable farms. (JDP/RC-PIA CAR)
Abalos lifts number coding scheme for Lent
Posted on | Thursday, 21 April 2011 | No Comments
Mayor Gregorio Abalos has ordered the suspension of the experimental number coding traffic scheme in his municipality from April 18 to April 22 in observance of the Lenten season.
In his Executive Order 06-2011, the mayor acknowledged that most of his constituents are Christians and there is a need to give full reverence to the observance of the Lenten Season. This would allow greater ease and mobility to devotees who will be using their vehicles.
The EO also states that in order to accommodate the many tourists who are expected to flock to the municipality to visit the different tourist sites, particularly the Strawberry Fields located in Betag, the coding scheme has been suspended.
The EO was released by Abalos following the suspension of the number coding scheme in Baguio by Mayor Mauricio Domogan last week.
In March, the municipal government and the La Trinidad Police Office enforced the number coding scheme for private and public utility vehicles to control the flow of vehicles plying the main road of the municipality. (RC - PIA CAR)
Agro-chemical companies support ordinance on collection, disposal of empty pesticide containers
Posted on | Tuesday, 19 April 2011 | No Comments
A proposed ordinance to regulate the collection and proper disposal of empty pesticide containers in the province is now being perfected following the support of some agro-chemical companies.
Board member Apolinario Camsol authored an ordinance, now on second reading, mandates the collection and proper disposal of empty pesticide containers within the province with penalty provisions.
The ordinance mandates all agrochemical companies, distributors, and dealers in the province to collect their empty pesticide containers and to encourage farmers to bring their empty pesticide containers to designated areas in the barangays and municipalities.
Pesticide containers pose hazard to health and the environment and are potential sources of contamination and pollution. This may now be addressed should the measure be finally passed.
It has been noted that some farmers or pesticide users indiscriminately throw used or empty pesticide containers along canals, dikes, rivers, and creeks unmindful of the danger it poses to the environment, the explanatory note stated.
Camsol disclosed that in a meeting last April 14, some agrochemical companies such as Bayer, Croplife, and Sygenta together with Crop Protection Association of the Philippines and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA), are willing to buy back not only bottled containers but all pesticide plastic and paper containers. They likewise gave inputs in enhancing the proposed ordinance.
In some towns where they have been buying pesticide containers at P10.00 per kilo. But farmers find the buy-back price somewhat cheap, according to Camsol.
The agro-chemical companies are willing to give in kind their products in return instead of cash, Camsol said.
The proposed measure also extends and strengthens the empty pesticide containers disposal practice in other towns of the province with the support of the provincial government and the local government units.(JDP/SCA-PIA CAR, Benguet)
DA to build Agri-Pinoy trading center in La Trinidad
Posted on | Monday, 18 April 2011 | No Comments
Benguet province will soon have an Agri-Pinoy trading post with a processing center and cold chain facility following the launching and signing of memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala and Benguet State University(BSU) through its president, Dr. Rogelio Colting, last week here.
The new trading post, worth P400 million, will be constructed in the Strawberry Farm in this capital town, owned by BSU and being rented out to farmers.
During the MOU signing, Alcala has released a check worth P1.25 million as compensation to farmers who will be dislocated by the construction of the trading center that is expected to start in three months.
The trading center is envisioned to have several warehouses, a cold storage, commercial areas, processing center, and post harvest facilities as conduit in developing a vibrant agricultural marketing system.
The DA’s Agri-Pinoy program, as a system, aims to have an interconnected farmer- oriented agri-processing and trading centers aimed at promoting efficiency, productivity, and equity all across the supply chain.
Aside from Benguet, DA is also already studying the putting up of other similar trading centers in other parts of the country, targeting not only vegetables but other potential agricultural products.
In a press conference, Alcala said that food self-sufficiency is one of the problems they are trying to address. On rice, Alcala affirmed that the government aims to be self-sufficient by 2013. He stressed that they have already cut rice importation by about one third, from 2.4 million metric tons last year to 860,000 metric tons this year, which they hope to cut even further by 2012.
On other commodities, such as vegetables, Alcala said that, “We do not need a longer time to be self-sufficient as we can have enough production in just a year and all we need to do is to prepare the consolidation of all farmlands and for farmers to support the present programs being implemented by DA.”
Alcala also affirmed that aside from food sufficiency, the country also has the potential to export agricultural products through the Agri-Pinoy program that aims to improve agricultural production and food chain.
“Layunin natin dito ay para ang ating mga magsasaka ay diretso ng magdadala ng produkto sa mga traders.
Pinaghahandaan na din natin dito ang pagdating ng ating commitment mula sa World Trade Organization (WTO), na babagsakan na tayo ng mga imported na produkto, kaya dapat by that time may maganda na tayong food chain, kung saan mura na rin input natin at production cost, so we could compete,” Alcala said. (Our aim is for our farmers to bring directly their produce to traders. We are also preparing for our commitment with the WTO where we will be getting imported products so that by that time, we already have established food chains with cheap inputs and production cost so we could compete.)
In line with this, Alcala called on farmers to support the present programs being implemented by the agriculture department. (JDP/LD-PIA CAR)