ASC

ASC UPDATESASC UPDATES

New Soil Science Grad...p2DOST 7 grants 3M... p2FSTP Country Siquijor ...p3

Alumni Updates...p5Soil Science Week...p6PASES Shares Paskong Paslit...p7

New Research Focus...p8SURPRESA in the rainfed rice...p10ASC staff in NOAC...p11

The revival issue of the ASC Updates mark the new era of the Cluster’s effort to put Agricultural Systems

into the forefront of agricultural development. The Agricultural Systems Cluster will continue its effort to address various issues confronting Philippine agriculture to include among others the prevailing poverty in the sector resulting from low productivity, resource degradation, climate change, and global economic challenges.

Being at the center of agricultural development convergence in the College of Agriculture at UPLB, the ASC, despite its limitations, is able to mobilize meager resources and social capital to operationalize agricultural systems approaches in its various programs and projects.

The SURPRESA is being implemented in the rainfed rice areas of Batangas since 2009. The on-farm trials of white corn technologies to increase productivity of the alternative staple food to rice are being conducted in selected corn eating areas of the country. The Farmers Scientist Training Program (FSTP) is now adopted as an extension strategy

with ASC providing the support to the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in its national implementation particularly in white corn producing areas. The initiative in improving the production of Native Swine in Coconut-based areas is also being expanded in Bondoc Peninsula and REINA areas of Quezon Province.

Organic Agriculture is operationalized in various R&D projects. Started as a pilot project, organic farming is eventually being adopted by farmers organizations in Tayabas and Pagbilao, Quezon, Bauan, Batangas and in Baras Rizal. The ASC researches continue to validate and develop organic farming technologies.

Meeting the challenge of Climate change, the ASC exerts effort to develop agricultural systems capacities to adapt to climate change. There are efforts to develop methodologies to assess vulnerabilities and adaptive capabilities of communities and agricultural systems to climate change. To provide a venue for discussion and exchange of information, the ASC launched a seminar series on Agricultural Systems Adaptation to Climate Change.

ASC keeping up to the challenge!

Organic AgricultureASC-UPLB leads 1st Provincial PGS. Page 3

Native SwineNative Swine for Lechon de Leche. Page 4

New ASC DirectorFCM at the helm. 2

Seminar Series on Agricultural Systems LaunchedASC on Climate Change

Climate keeps on changing. We cannot escape from it but we can live with it. Communities have to adapt with climate change. The Agricultural Systems Cluster (ASC) has been addressing this concern through its various research and development activities

but are not adequately communicated to the public. With this, the need to have a Seminar Series on Agricultural Systems Adaptation to Climate Change was conceptualized. The seminar series will provide a venue to discuss various efforts of ASC to address methodologies and

approaches to enhance agricultural systems adaptation to climate change.

Seminar SeriesThe seminar series was

launched on December 8, 2011 through a seminar presented by Dr. Jose Nestor M. Garcia on VAST-Agro: Community-based

Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity Assessment for Agriculture.

Dr. Garcia presented the assessment methodology tested by the ASC Team (with Dr. Simplicio M. Medina and Dr. Amparo M. Wagan) in two villages in Magdalena, Laguna. Using various

Jade Vine in full bloom at ASC

ISSN: 1656–9865 November–December 2011

Continued on Page 2

To keep up with the challenges of the times, the ASC is geared towards the operationalization of Agricultural Livelihood Systems Approach to development (ALSADev) which deals with enhancing assets, optimizing the value chain, reducing the constraining factors and promoting the driving forces in the development of Philippine Agriculture. These will guide the new Director and staff of the ASC for 2012 and beyond.

(A) (B)

2 ASC UPDATESASC UPDATES November–December 2011

ASC UPDATESASC UPDATESA bi-monthly newsletter of the Agricultural Systems Cluster (ASC),

College of Agriculture, UP Los Baños

Editor-in-Chief: Managing Editor:

Members:

Desktop Publisher:

Circulation Officer:

Dr. Edna Luisa A. MatienzoDr. Virgilio T. VillancioPatrick M. RocamoraSimeona C. SeminianoHospicio G. Natural, Jr,Leonardo P. FaylonGuillerma Z. ValenciaMyrna A. TenorioSimplicio M. MedinaJanelle Faye B. TanudtanudMelba S. PaelmoVicente D. Limsan, JrFlorentina M. Mico

The Corn-based Farmer-Scientists RDE Training Program (FSTP) is now a

national program implemented in different regions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao through Executive Order 710 effective February 2008. It involves different government agencies as partners in the implementation such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED) -SUCs, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)- LGUs, non-government organizations (NGOs) and University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) who are all concerned with agricultural development program of the country.

As part of its commitment to FSTP, the Department of Science

and Technology Region 7 (DOST 7), represented by its Regional Director, Engr. Rene Burt N. Llanto has approved for implementation this January 2012 another FSTP project titled, “ Urban and Rural Technology Transfer and Commercialization of Farm Products Developed By FSTP–Trained Farmers in Region 7”. This project will be implemented by the FSTP Team of the Agricultural Systems Cluster (ASC), CA-UPLB through the leadership of Dr. Romulo G. Davide, Professor Emeritus, Crop Science Cluster.

The specific objectives of the project are to: 1) identify FSTP farm production technologies developed by FSTP – trained farmers in some municipalities of Cebu, Siquijor, Bohol and Negros Oriental for commercialization, 2) establish an organic vegetable demonstration farm at the backyard of the DOST Region 7 building for initial screening

of developed urban gardening technologies; 3) transfer the adoptable production technologies to selected rural and urban communities; 4) develop packaging and marketing strategies for farm products and 5) formulate and recommend policies that are responsive to the needs of farmers to adopt improved farming technologies at the national and local levels.

Partner-agencies will be DOST Region 7, the local government units (LGUs) of Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor and Negros Oriental with FSTP trained farmers; the local state universities and colleges (SUCs) and the concerned Farmer-Scientists Associations (FSAs) established by FSTP in these areas.

Simeona C. Seminiano

DOST 7 grants 3M funds for FSTP

biophysical, socio-economic and environmental parameters, the team generated vulnerability and adaptaion capability index that will be very useful in local development planning in response

to climate change.

The seminar series will be conducted monthly with the Bell and Bottle project of Dr. David D. Manalo, the coping mechanism to climate change of corn farmers in Cebu

by the FSTP team and on submergence rice by Dr. Romeo V. Labios scheduled for the first quarter of 2012.

Virgilio T. Villancio

Seminar Series...from Page 1

New Soil Science Graduates join ASC Research Teams

Two new BSA graduates major in Soil Science joined the Farming Systems and Soil Resources Institute (FSSRI) of the Agricultural Systems Cluster (ASC). They were (A) Jacob Labita and (B)Katherine Valencia. Jacob is now a research associate under the project “Site-Specific Nutrient Management for White Corn in the Philippines“under the project leadership of Dr. Romeo V. Labios. On the other hand, Kathy is a research associate of Dr. Blesilda M. Calub under the project “Organic fertilizer and Microbials for improved Soil Fertility in Organic Vegetable Production in Southern Luzon”. Jacob and Kathy are not new in research. Kathy did her thesis on “Methane and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Lowland Rice Soils under different Fallow Management” under Dr. Pearl Sanches. Jacob, on the other hand, did his undergraduate thesis on “GIS-aided Crop Suitability Assessment and Design of Crop Intensification and Diversification Models for Major Land Units in Upland non-rice based Farming Systems in Batangas, Philippines” under the supervision of Dr Rodrigo B. Badayos. With Dr Labios and Dr Calub as their research mentors at ASC, surely Jacob and Kathy will gain more knowledge and research experience in agricultural systems.

November–December 2011 ASC UPDATESASC UPDATES 3

The ASC-UPLB Organic Vegetable Project initiates setting up the first Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) at provincial level in the Philippines. Promoted by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), the PGS is a locally-based quality assurance system which guarantees that a product claimed to be organic is really organic according to a set of standards. PGS represents an alternative to the more costly third party certification. It enables the active participation of producers and consumers and other stakeholders in the verification procedures to recognize a farming system and its products as organic.

The Quezon Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is being organized in close collaboration with the Quezon Province Office of the Governor and the Provincial Agriculturist, civic organizations and organic farmers’ associations from Tayabas, Pagbilao and Sariaya. The Magsasaka at Siyentipiko Para sa Pag-unlad ng Agrikultura (MASIPAG), an NGO that pioneered PGS in the Philippines shares their technical knowledge, expertise and experience on setting up the PGS in Quezon.

Quezon PGS will involve setting up approval committees at municipal level

to be composed of Municipal Agriculturists/Focal Person on Organic Farming, chairpersons of organic farmers’ associations in Tayabas, Pagbilao and Sariaya, the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC) and two (2) representatives from the consumers/ civil society. Organic farmers are being trained as Field Inspectors and Quality Control Officers.

The Quezon PGS group starting on Sept. 22 to Dec. 12, 2011 have conducted several meetings, workshops and field practicum to draft the Quezon PGS Standards. In the coming months in 2012, the Manual of Operations will be prepared and tested. A PGS seal will be agreed upon, profiling of all members and the Quezon PGS Standards

will be finalized and approved for implementation.

This activity is being undertaken as part of the DA-BAR funded project “Sustainable Community-based Commercialization of Organic Vegetables while Promoting Food Security and Food Safety at Barangay Level”

Setting up the PGS is a work in progress. Refinements will continue to be made as more experiences are gained from its actual use in the field. The ASC-UPLB organic vegetable project team with support from DA-BAR and other relevant agencies are in the forefront in this undertaking.

Blesilda M. Caluband Edna Luisa A. Matienzo

ASC-UPLB leads 1st Provincial PGS

FSTP started in 2003 in Siquijor and all its six municipalities (Lazi, Maria, Larena, Enrique Villanueva, San Juan and Siquijor) were already covered by then with

a total of 338 farmer-scientist (FS) graduates. On October 15, 2004 during his term as Governor of Siquijor, Representative Orlando B. Fua declared Siquijor province an FSTP country in his inspirational message for the FSTP Phase I graduates in Larena. Since then, he committed Php 1 M yearly from its Internal Revenue Allocation (IRA) for FSTP implementation.

In his speech during the province’s celebration of 38th Charter Anniversary, Cong. Fua thanked the national government for playing a big role in bringing in development programs making Siquijor the most improved in terms of UNDP’s Human

Development Index (HDI). He cited a number of projects funded by the national government through its various agencies and one of these is the Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP).

Barely three years from its entry to Siquijor province, FSTP was observed to have made a big difference in the lives of the farmers. Since then, results have been encouraging as farmers have experienced a remarkable improvement in their productivity and in developing their scientific capabilities to produce different crops. They have been using FSTP’s appropriate farming technologies and the necessary positive values toward modernized farming. Posted by NEDA Region 7, an economic survey of 187 farmer-scientists from 49 barangays

FSTP Country Siquijor is Number One Income Achiever Nationwide

Continued on Page 4


The promotion of native swine production in the coconut areas of Bondoc Peninsula received a

new shot in the arm as the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) provided support for another two years (2012-2013) to the ASC through the UPLBFI for the project Agricultural Systems Approach to Commercialization of Native Swine in Quezon Via Supply Chain Clustering.

The project aims to provide the basic foundation for the commercialization of the native swine industry in Quezon Province using the agricultural systems approach and scaling up the Dos por Cinco. The project will establish three (3)

Breeding-Fattening-Marketing (BFM) Demonstration Clusters to showcase the combination of technologies for native

swine enterprise in Bondoc Peninsula and REINA area (Real, Infanta and

General Nakar) of Quezon Province. Good agricultural practices (GAP) in native swine production such as alternative feeding systems utilizing locally available materials, housing and breeding scheme, and meat processing technologies for the organic market of nearby urban centers will be promoted. Value-chain analysis of the native swine agricultural systems in Quezon Province will be conducted and alternative marketing systems for native swine and its products will be introduced. Capacity building among

various stakeholders of the native swine industry in Quezon Province will also be conducted.

Native Swine for Lechon de Leche: Scaling-up Dos por Cinco

in all six municipalities of Siquijor was conducted in 2009. The Municipal Agricultural Officers (MAOs) and agricultural technicians (ATS) facilitated the survey. Provincial LGU FSTP coordinator, Lilibeth Caroro revealed an increase of 107 percent in the annual income of the 187 farmer-scientists in Siquijor after two to three years from graduation in FSTP. Main sources of income are vegetables, sweet potato, banana fruits, cassava, peanut, mongo, and those derived from their livestock raised.

Based on the 2008/2009 Philippine Human Development Report (PHDR) financed by the United Development Programme (UNDP) and the New Zealand Agency for International

Development, Siquijor’s per capita income showed to have increased by 43.6% followed by Biliran at 27.5% between the period 2003 and 2006. The HDI is a summary measure of human development that seeks to measure the average achievement in a country in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, knowledge, and decent standard of living (UNDP,2007). HDI levels increased for 50 and declined for 27 provinces. This was shared by Representative Orlando B. Fua in a report from UNDP through the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) naming Siquijor as the “most improved province” in the country in terms of income.

As the representative of the lone district of Siquijor, Cong. Orlando B. Fua and Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua, Jr., with all other local officials are giving another boost to

Siquijor farmers as they vowed to continuously support their agricultural needs particularly those trained farmer-scientists (FS). Congressman Fua committed another P1M worth for agricultural projects in 2011. Governor Fua also cited that records from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics showed that Siquijor province is already self-sufficient in corn while needing 35% more to become self-sufficient in rice. For it was already proven. “With rise in income, Siquijor province will no longer be importing corn from the neighboring islands because of FSTP,” Gov. Fua claims. (RAC/PIA-7 Siquijor).

This year and 2011, Siquijor has another 419 farmer-scientists to add to the list of successfully trained GS since its implementation. These farmer-scientists shall serve as additional seeds and as source of knowledge not only for the Siquijodnons but for the Filipinos in general.

Inspired by Siquijor officials to do more as they renew all-out financial and logistic support, the FS are doing their share to bring Siquijor to full economic prosperity by serving their constituents as indigenous agricultural technicians by teaching fellow farmers.

For nine years implementing and advocating FSTP in Siquijor, the program can probably say that almost all barangays of the six municipalities have embraced the FSTP strategy and elevated the poor farmers of Siquijor from the bondage of poverty and hunger.


FSTP Country...from Page 3

Continued on the next page...

Gov. Orlando B. Fua, Jr. gives his inspirational message during the joint FSTP graduation

Farmer-Scientists graduates from the six municipalities of Siquijor Province.

Photo by Melecio Maghanoy

Photo by Melecio Maghanoy


Native Swine...from Page 4

It is observed that there are fewer graduates under the Agricultural Extension and Agricultural Systems compared to the other major fields offered under the College of Agriculture. Aside from the low popularity of these particular major field options, students also show lack of interest due to their perception about the tough nature of work and they do not have a clear understanding of probable development opportunities in the agricultural extension and systems service. For the last three years, the number of graduates have increased.

Many of the recent graduates of Agricultural Extension and Agricultural Systems are now working in private companies like Tara Christina Banaag and Maui Mendoza who graduated year 2009 (both Majors in Agricultural Extension) are now working in Mandela Development Corporation (MADECOR) and in International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), respectively. Also, Kim Kirstley Razon, another Agricultural Extension major, who graduated year 2010 is currently with Monsanto. Among the recent graduates is Kimberly Zarah Bejo, an Agricultural Systems major, is now with Green Organic, Inc., in Bacoor, Cavite.

Janelle Faye Tanudtanud

ALUMNI UPDATES

Tara Christina Banaag2009Agricultural Extension

Sherbonn Ciceron2011Agricultural Extension

Vera Ysabel de la Cruz2011Agricultural Extension

Maui Mendoza2009Agricultural Extension

Kimberly Zarah Bejo2011Agricultural Systems

Geeza June Painaga2011Agricultural Extension

Kim Kirstley Razon2010Agricultural Extension

Vina Lorraine Orolfo2011Agricultural Extension

Maria Rouella Guevarra2011Agricultural Extension

This project is an extension of the previous project of ASC also supported by BAR on the Native Swine for “Lechon De Leche” Production: Improving Feed Availability Through Integration of Sakwa as Forage Feed in Coconut Based Production Systems implemented in San Narciso and Mulanay, Quezon. For two years (August 2009-July 2011), the said project tested the Dos por Cinco module of native swine sharing scheme and feed supplementation using sakwa, or the main corm of Gabing San Fernando (Xanthosoma sagittifolium). The Dos por Cinco module provides to each grower-partner two ready to breed native swine gilt and five piglets for fattening, who in turn will pay in the form of piglet equivalent after weaning the litters or selling the fatteners for lechon de leche (roasted pig). Starting with five grower partners as Level One in each project site, the project extended to 15 grower partners (Level Two) at the end of the second year with all the Level One partners fully paying the piglets equivalent. Each of the Level One partner paid 15-16 piglets for the two gilts and five piglets provided by the project. This project was implemented with the local government of San Narciso and Mulanay, Quezon; the Rural Improvement Club of Barangay Latangan, Mulanay, Quezon and the San Juan Native Swine Producers Association of San Juan, San Narciso, Quezon. The fund support is provided by the National Agriculture and Food Council (NAFC) through the DA-BAR. The FAO/ILO project being coordinated by Dr. Jaime Montesur also supported the capacity building initiatives in the project sites.

Related to this, a Manual for Enterprise Development with Native Swine is currently being drafted by the Project Leaders, Dr. Mary Jean G. Bulatao and Dr. Virglio T. Villancio in cooperation with Dr. Rene Santiago of the National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center (NSPRDC) of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI).

Virgilio T. Villancio

A L U M N I


Soil Science Week highlights national agenda on top of soils

The annual weeklong anniversary celebration of UP Soil Science Society (UPSS) was yet another success through the collective leadership and unparalleled camaraderie of its members. Akin to State of the Nations Address delivered by a Philippine President annually, the society adopted the theme “SONA 2011: Soils on Nation’s Advancement” as it marked its 34th anniversary from September 5 to 9, 2011. It was a response to the national need to address and itemise inevitable issues on agricultural community, particularly on Philippine setting and intensify promotion of significance of soil science as a tool to unravel and answer the issues. Also, it aimed to promote soil science as a major field of study and career. The idea focused mainly on the larger processes that should be done by agricultural key players to promote public-private partnership. Further national agenda addressed were food security, role of soils on sustainable agriculture, urban agriculture and declining number of soil scientists. The weeklong event delightfully prepared various educational and social

activities that answered the organization’s goals and objectives.

Roll out the red carpetThe ASH Lobby was transformed into

a SONA-like ceremonial on September 6 as the students, ASC faculty and staff, and representatives from other cooperating student organizations and institutions like the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Institute of Plant Breeding of the Crop Science Cluster (IPB-CSC) walked to the red carpet while showing off their enticing filipiniana suits. It was followed by speeches from Dr. Pearl Sanchez, former SAED Division Head and UPSSS’ Senior Adviser, and Dr. Enrico Supangco, the former ASC Officer-in-Charge. Both professors pinpointed the importance of soil science and how hapless agriculture will be in the future due to consistent low number of BSA students taking up this major field.

Jacob Labita, the UPSS President, addressed the 5-point agenda on top of soils. He talked about several technologies for urban needs such as Dr. Eduardo Paningbatans’ Enriched Potting Preparation (EPP), sustainable practices like organic agriculture promoted by the Agricultural Systems Cluster (ASC), and booming researches and development projects benefited by the combined efforts of public and private sectors to meet food security. He also said that the country is failing to suffice its domestic needs for soil scientist. Otherwise, all of the future advancement will not materialize if soil scientist will be out of the picture. An exhibit displayed several technological products and development (e.g. STK, MOET, etc.), and showcased the creativity and resourcefulness of its members. UPSSS own version of “open tambayan” known as almusalan catered breakfast such as saba, puto, pandesal and coffee to the participants.

Splatters of soil as work of artFor the very first time, mere soil was

used as medium to create a poster painting. The event was a success as the society, with support from the UP Painters Club, conducted obraSONA, an inter-high school artwork competition, on the afternoon of September 6. It was participated by students from LBNHS, Liceo de LB and LSPU. A short lecture and a tour to exhibit were done to give the contestants a profound idea about the theme. Varieties of color were taken from various soil series found in the country’s landscape. The contest intended to unravel the unforeseen uses and riches

of dirt. The winners of the said competition received medals, trophies and cash prizes.

A talk to causeThe symposium dubbed as sympoSONA,

held at the ASC Lecture Hall on September 5, aimed to inform UPLB constituents about the value and success of joint endeavors between government and private companies in terminating hurdles in agricultural production. The discussants were Arleen Valera, Chairman of Agri Product Market Link Cooperative and Pablito Sandoval, current Board Member of Sugar Regulatory Administration. The speakers are highly acclaimed for their achievements as agro-entrepreneurs. Valera said that as cream among the crops, UPLB graduates should take the lead in engaging in a farm business and in utilization of knowledge and skills developed from tough training by the university. For his message, Sandoval discussed the mission of the sugarcane farmers and provincial government to increase sugar production in Batangas.

Bragging academic excellenceA tin can with overcrowding fishes inside

seems to be the appropriate depiction of ASC Lecture Hall during virtuoSONA: Soil Science 1 Inter-Laboratory Quiz Contest on September 8. In this annual contest, the organization attested their advocacy on high academic standards. Around 50 teams composed of 3 members showed their sportsmanship and fairness as they fought for bragging rights, aside from prizes at stake. EPP media and gift certificates were given to trivia winners. Judges of the competition were Dr. Rodrigo B. Badayos, former ASC Director and SAED Professor, Mr. Edwin R. Abucay, an Assistant Professor at the College of Human Ecology (CHE) and Michelle B. Castillo, a senior researcher at PhilRice Institute. Laboratory instructors and professors like Dr. Jocelyn Labios, Dr. Simplicio Medina, Dr. Bayani Espiritu and Victorino Bato were also present in the said event to support their students.

Continued on the next page...


Towards the end of the year 2011, the Philippine Agricultural Systems and Extension Society (PASES), an academic organization based in the University

of the Philippines Los Baños under the ASC, carried out their remaining activities for the year. December was a hustle and bustle month for the organization as it was lined with their activities such as Orientation for new applicants, Parolan 2011 and the Paskong Paslit 2011.

The Paskong Paslit is an annual activity of the organization that started last 2010 where the organization went to the Municipality of Rizal, Laguna in cooperation with Honorable Vina Lorraine Orolfo (Municipal Councilor). Members spent time of fun and happiness with the community especially for the children during the yuletide season. This activity is the organization’s way of giving back the blessings that they received for the whole year.

Last December 17, 2011, the organization held the activity to the “Batang Riles” in Sto. Domingo Bay, Laguna. Thirty three kids full of excitement and enthusiasm were all willing to participate in the activities prepared by the organization. With the help of Dr. VirgilioT. Villancio, PASES Junior Adviser, the event was successfully undertaken.

The “Paskong Paslit” event was filled with high-spirits as the children were given the opportunity to enjoy as they sing Christmas carols and join a number of games. They all left smiles on their faces which brought fulfillment to the Ates and Kuyas of PASES.

NOTE: The Philippine Agricultural Systems and Extension Society (PASES) is an academic organization established on June 25, 2010 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Los Baños, Laguna. We develop nationalism, academic excellence and leadership; advocate poverty alleviation and sustainable agriculture; food security and equality; and socio-economic empowerment through our skills and knowledge abiding by its motto: “Mapagkumbabang maglilingkod para sa pag-unlad ng agrikultura ng Pilipinas.” The organization believes that development should be system-oriented, multi-disciplinary and participatory in considering the bio-physical, technical, political, economic and social perspectives. We live by our objective in propagating the cause of humanitarian service through our knowledge and expertise in Agricultural Systems and Agricultural Extension.

Janelle Faye Tanudtanud

PASES Shares Paskong Paslit with the Children of Sto. Domingo, Bay, Laguna

After bash to concludeThe last event named as concluSONA turned out to be

a night of elegance as the participants’ guise filled the ASH Lobby with red and black touch. It was on September 9 when UPSSS celebrated the success of the weeklong activities and expressed its deep gratitude to all the significant contributions of individuals, organizations and institutions especially its alumni that indeed helped to make the anniversary festive at the same time a worthwhile one. The night also served as an oath taking ceremony for new members and advisers. The audience were overjoyed when the Undergraduate and Graduate student-members clashed on the dance floor. Dr. Gina Villegas-Pangga, current SAED Division Head, brought the closure of soil science week. As an UPSSS alumna, she expressed her delight on the dynamism and achievements of its members and she was optimistic about the future of the organization.

The society is looking forward to its future activities and involvements. These will include participating on the much-awaited salpuCAn, an inter-organization sportfest in College of Agriculture and a regional crop science quiz contest spearheaded by UP Horticultural Society (HortSoc), in collaboration with UP Society of Agronomy Major Students (UPHILSAMS) and UPSSS. With high hopes of taking steps and eagerness to help its members and university, UP Soil Science Society is always ready to take its palm off dirty. SOIL FOR PROGRESS.

Jacob B. Labita

Soil Science...from Page 6


Y ellow corn (or maize) has been the focus of more substantial corn research in the Philippines,understandably because it is

a reflection of the local and global demand for this corn type to fill the need of the livestock (or feed) and manufacturing industries. In 2001, Pingali and Pandey projected that by 2020 demand for maize in developing countries will surpass the demand for both wheat and rice. They further anticipated a rapid response to this increased demand by the commercial-maize production sector, which targets feed maize (mostly yellow maize), through the adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies such as hybrid seeds.However, these authors also expressed,at that time, that the prospects for increased productivity in the food-maize (of which white corn is classified) sector are less certain, especially for the subsistence farming systems, with the public sector as the primary source of technology.

This is the case in the Philippines where public research institutions have led in research and extension efforts for white corn.For example the Institute of Plant Breeding at UPLB, University of Southern Mindanao (USM), and the DA RIARC-Isabela have bred open-pollinated white corn varieties that are widely used along with local and native varieties in white corn areas. Yields continue to be low for this corn type for several reasons, more prominent of which are: (1) white corn is often grown in more marginal upland areas largely dependent on rainfall for irrigation, (2) input or fertilizer use is

often sub-optimal or absent in subsistence farming systems, (3) low-yielding local varieties have been the farmers’ preferred option due to cash constraints.

A renewed focus by the Department of Agriculture on white corn, which is a major staple to a significant portion of the population, is partly as a response to a growing recognition to address food security issues. Correspondingly, research and extension institutions have responded to the goal of improving productivity and income in the more marginal and subsistence farming systems, ensuring food security in a growing population sector that utilizes white corn as food, and offering an alternative to rice as staple.

Researchers from the Agricultural Systems Cluster of the College of Agriculture have responded by proposing two projects which are now being implemented with funding from the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR).

White Corn As Alternative Source of Staple FoodThe project on Adaptation and Dissemination of

Newly Developed Improved White Corn Varieties As Alternative Source of Staple Food is funded for the period June 2011 to May 2013 and is being conducted in collaboration with DA RFU RIARCS in Regions 2, 4A, 7 and 12 and the provincial and municipal agriculture offices in the selected sites in Isabela, Quezon, Bohol and North Cotabato. It has two components: 1) On-farm participatory varietal selection, preference analysis, and sensory evaluation of white corn, and 2) Seed system and outscaling of newly developed improved white corn varieties. The main objective of the project is to increase white “flint” corn productivity, yield, and

income for the farmers in the project areas utilizing the participatory varietal selection (PVS) approach, technology innovations and seed systems.

For component 1, ten improved white corn OPVs, one hybrid variety, and farmer’s local varieties are included in the participatory varietal selection researcher-managed (PVS RM) trials in two sites per province for agronomic data (Labios et al, 2004 and 2009; Paris et al, 2011). Before harvest, preference analyses involving the farmers within and nearby barangays are invited to participate. From the 12 entries, farmers select the three most preferred and the three least preferred varieties and are requested to list down the traits of the corn and why they prefer them or not. In addition, sensory evaluation of cooked milled corn is done for five to seven entries. The agronomic data, preference

analysis, and sensory evaluation data will serve as basis for better recommendation of white corn varieties at the provincial and regional levels.

New Research Focus on White Corn:ASC Researchers Respond to Current National Priorities


For component 2, registered seeds of IPB Var 6, known as quality protein maize (QPM), and another variety commonly grown in the province are used for seed production in the RIARC stations. The amount of certified seeds produced will be used for the PVS farmer-managed trials. Ten kg of white corn certified seeds and a guide, called PVS kit, are provided to the farmers willing to participate. The number of farmers involved will depend on the amount of certified seeds produced in the RIARC stations. A roll-over scheme will be applied to cater to more farmers within the barangay and from nearby barangays. In areas that are quite far from the seed producers or centers, like RIARCs, a community seed banking (CSB) scheme will be adopted to ensure continuous supply of good quality seeds. It is expected that majority of the farmers will benefit through this scheme

Bio-physical and socio-economic characterizations of the selected sites are

accomplished through direct measurements and observation, and by the use of the survey method. The outputs of this exercise will support technical and policy recommendations for each site.

The researchers involved in this project are Dr. Romeo Labios (Project Leader and Agronomist), Dr. Jocelyn Labios (Soil Scientist), Mr. Proceso Manguiat (Plant Breeder), Mr. Leonardo Tamisin, Jr., Mr. Abe Cia, and Ms. Dona BaeMalayang(University Research Associate).

Site-Specific Nutrient Management for White Corn

The project on Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) for Maize in the Philippines was launched in 2005 by the International Plant Nutrition Institute (IPNI) Southeast Asia Program as part of a larger multi-national research initiative in the Southeast Asia region to increase the productivity

and profitability of hybrid yellow maize farming through site-specific, integrated nutrient and crop management approach. After the experiences from the SSNM-Maize project (2005-2010) which is specific to hybrid yellow corn, a similar research endeavor using the same approach will be undertaken in major white corn growing areas to develop location-specific fertilizer recommendations for white corn. The major objective is to improve the productivity of white corn open pollinated varieties (OPVs) and compare these with local varieties grown by the farmers (ie. native and tiniguib). This project is funded by DA-BAR, administered through UPLBFI, for the period October 2011 to September 2013. It is being conducted in collaboration with DA RFU RIARCS in Regions 1 to 13, CAR, ARMM and the provincial and municipal agriculture offices in the selected sites.

The objectives of the project are to: (1) understand and quantify the yield potential of white

corn varieties and existing yield gap in the main white corn-growing areas of the Philippines,(2) develop an approach and tools for site specific nutrient management for white corn, and (3) disseminate SSNM for white corn.

The project is being implemented in one site covering each white corn cluster area in selected municipalities during the 2011 to 2013 dry and wet cropping seasons. Identification of the specific sites is the responsibility of the SSNM regional research team.Field activities include (a) on-farm trials (OFT) in five strategic locations (farm sites) following omission plot techniques (Witt et al., 2009),and (b) farmer participatory evaluation (FPE)

with five to ten farmers surrounding each of the five locations of on-farm trials. Soil and plant sampling and related analysis will be performed.

Bio-physical and socio-economic characterization of the selected sites will be done through direct measurements and observation and with the use of survey methodology. The output of this exercise will support technical and policy recommendations for each site.

The researchers involved in this project are Dr. Romeo Labios (Project Coordinator and Agronomist), Dr. Apolonio Ocampo (Project Leader and Soil Scientist), Dr. Jocelyn Labios (Co-Project Leader and Soil Scientist) and Mr. Jacob Labita (University Research Associate).

Jocelyn D. Labios and Romeo V. Labios


One of the project of the Agricultural Systems Cluster is “Enhancing Sustainable Farm

Productivity and Income through Integrated Rice-based Farming Systems”, with Dr. Florentino C. Monsalud as Project Leader. It is under the Program entitled “Sustainable Development and Utilization of Resources Program for Rice-based Agroecosystem (SURPRESA)”. The project started in 2009 with Bgy. Escribano, San Juan, Batangas as the project site in collaboration with the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist and the Local Government Unit of San Juan, Batangas. The project extended to the adjoining municipalities of Padre Garcia and Rosario, Batangas. SURPRESA is being implemented as a part of the UPLB-PhilRice collaboration. The ASC team is led by the Director as the Project Leader with Dr. Hospicio G. Natural Jr, Rene L. Limosinero, and Leonardo L. Tamisin as Study

Leaders assisted by Isabelo Zarate as researcher.

The general objective of the project is to provide an effective mechanism by which the economic well-being of the farmers and communities in the rainfed rice areas can be improved. Specifically, the project aims to improve the production systems in the target area and improve farm productivity and income of the rainfed rice farmers through the crop-livestock integration and product diversification.

At the start of the project, the activities conducted in the area focused on identifying the factors that limit the yield and income of the rainfed rice farmers. The following were identified: water availability, crop establishment, high price of agrochemicals and low selling price of palay. Cooperators were selected in consultation with the local

government unit. Demonstration plots were then established to showcase the component technologies of the rice production system that were deemed necessary to improve their production system such as proper land preparation, use of drum seeder for seed establishment instead of broadcasting the seeds, use of registered/certified rice varieties, proper pest management and nutrient management.

As of this time, the farmers were able to save 50% on seed cost with the use of drumseeder. Yields were also increasing as a result of the use of certified seeds, proper pest management and nutrient management.

Another task is to improve farm productivity and income of the rice farmers through the crop-livestock integration and product diversification. Rice production alone will not give enough income to the rainfed rice farmers. In 2011, animals (specifically goat) were integrated in their production system. The goat enterprise is envisioned to be supplementary, as well as, complementary to rice enterprise. The co-operators have thus improved their production asset thereby giving them the opportunity to increase productivity and income. Another activity is the introduction of upland crops (white corn/mungbean/cowpea) to areas which practices the rice-fallow system.

Isabelo Zarate

SURPRESA in the rainfed rice areas of Batangas


“Organic Farming: Towards Food Sufficiency and Healthy Environment” was the theme of the 8th National Organic Agriculture Conference (NOAC) held at the Aquino Center, Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City on November 8-11, 2011. The conference was participated in by organic practitioners and advocates from government and non-government organizations, research institutions, academe, business industry, organic consumers, students, people’s organizations, and private individuals.

In his message, Hon. Benigno Simeon C. Aquino Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines expressed his confidence that the rice sufficiency target will be achieved, and there will be no importation of rice in 2012. He also congratulated Hon. Proceso J. Alcala, Secretary of the DA for the endless effort and in making agriculture programs a realization and in his advocacy for organic farming as countrywide development program of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Hon. Victor A. Yap, Governor, Tarlac City gave the welcome address.

The NOAC is a regular annual activity to promote and provide updates on the development of organic agriculture in the country. The conference included trade fair and exhibit of organic products and awarding of Gawad Saka Outstanding Organic Agriculture Farmer. During the press conference, Secretary Alcala and Governor Yap responded to various questions about the national agriculture programs specifically on organic farming and how the city of Tarlac is responding to the challenges of organic farming towards the implementation of RA 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act 2010. Governor Yap informed the group that they have integrated organic farm located at Baligabo, Tarlac City where organic practices and technology are being showcased.

The second day of the conference was the presentation of the status of organic agriculture programs and projects in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, NOAB roadmap, and organic farming in national convergence initiative sites,Then on the 3rd day was breakout sessions that focused on organic agriculture research and technology updates and marketing tools and strategies for organic products. The last day of the conference was devoted for visiting the organic farms managed by the Office of the Governor at Baligabo, Tarlac and the Department of Agriculture Region -3. The NOAC was organized by the Bureau of Agriculture Fisheries and Products Standards (BAFPS).

Four technical staff of the ASC actively participated in the conference namely: Drs. Blesilda M. Calub, Edna Luisa A. Matienzo and Ms. Myra Atienza-Tenorio, University Researchers and Dr. Eduardo P. Paningbatan participated as exhibitor. The officers of the Samahang Magsasaka sa Paraang Organiko sa Kaunlaran ng Tayabas

(SAMA PO KATA), Tayabas City, Quezon; the Organic Farmers’ Association of Pagbilao (OFAP), Inc. Pagbilao, Quezon ; and the Bauan Organic Farming Association (BOFA). Bauan, Batangas City also participated in the conference. The first two LGUs and farmer partner organizations are ASC partners in the project titled “Sustainable Community-based Commercialization of Organic Vegetables while Promoting Food Security and Food Safety at the Barangay Level” funded by the DA-BAR. The project started on May 2011 and will end on May 2013.

Myrna A. Tenorio and Edna Luisa A. Matienzo

ASC Staff participates in NOAC

ASC UPDATESASC UPDATESAgricultural Systems ClusterCollege of Agriculture, UPLBCollege, Laguna 4031

Dr. Florentino C. Monsalud, referred to as FCM by colleagues, is the 3rd Director of the Agricultural

Systems Cluster (ASC) of the College of Agriculture (CA), UPLB effective November 1, 2011-October 31, 2014. He succeeded Dr. Rodrigo B. Badayos from June 1, 2005—May 31, 2011 with Dr. Enrico P. Supangco, Vice –Chancellor for Research and Extension (OVCRE) as OIC effective June 1, 2011 to October 31, 2011. Dr. Eduardo P. Paningbatan was the first Director of ASC from June 1, 2003-November 8, 2004.

Being a director is no longer new to him as he had served in various lead capacities at ASC. He was the Deputy Director of ASC from October 2007-May 2011. He also served as the Director of FSSRI from August 1998-May 2003, as head of the Soils and Agro-ecosystems Division (SAED) from May 2009-May 2010 and the Integrated Farming Systems and Agricultural Extension Division (IFSAED) of ASC from March 2006-May 2008. He was the Deputy Director of FSSRI and Head of Administrative Division concurrently in September 1993-July 1998.

Dr. Monsalud started his career from the bottom as a Research Aide in 1979 and through hard work and perseverance rose to University Researcher IV position until 2007. He was promoted as Assistant Professor 4 in

2010 and now is an Assistant Professor 5.He completed his BS in Agriculture, major

in Soil Science at the College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Banos (CA-UPLB) in 1979, his MS in Soil Science at CA-UPLB in 1986 and his Doctor of Agricultural Science degree in Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan in 1996. His fields of specialization are Soil Conservation and Management, and Farming Systems.

His work experience is also varied. To mention a few, he served as a national expert in the Project for Stabilization of Upland Agriculture in El Niño Vulnerable Countries under the UN ESCAP CGPRT Centre from August 2000-March 2003; as a Farming System Specialist under the Farming Systems Evolution for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Project from March 2003- August 2005; as Assistant Team Leader and Farming System Specialist for the Rapid Farming Systems Appraisal Central and Southern Cordillera Project (Phase I) from August-September 1999; and as a Research Fellow in a Comprehensive Education and Community Development Project in Dauis, Bohol in Education Research Program, UP Diliman, Nov. 1998-February 2000. He was also involved as Program, Project and Study Leader in various research undertakings in the cluster.

Dr. Monsalud has earned three publications in refereed journals with other co-authors and several other publications under different fields in Soil Science and Farming Systems. He received an Achievement Award from the Philippine Society of Soil Science and Technology during its 2007 Annual Meeting and Conference.

Dr. Monsalud would like to orchestrate the delivery of the mandate of ASC with high motivation, harmony, transparency and collegiality among its faculty and staff. He is hopeful to achieve the set vision and mission of the cluster with the able leadership of his chosen Executive Committee members. They are Dr. David D. Manalo as Deputy Director and Research Coordinator; Dr. Gina Villegas-Pangga, Head-SAED; Dr. Mary Jean G. Bulatao, Head-IFSAED; Dr. Virgilio T. Villancio, Extension Coordinator and Dr. Simplicio M. Medina, Instruction Coordinator.

With Dr. Monsalud at the helm, ASC could make a unique impact especially in the fields of agricultural systems analysis and agricultural extension in the upliftment of the plight of the poor and marginalized farmers.


FCM at the helm of ASC

“”

We need to link with one another, or with other institutions

within and outside UPLB. Let us pool together our resources

and expertise to be able to provide quality instruction and

training, meaningful research outputs and agricultural

extension in soil science and agricultural systems.

ASC

Documents

Transcript of ASC