Cordillera Fisheries Review

Cordillera FisheriesReviewJanuary-December 2011

Fishery sectoraffirms push to

identifies issues to subsectors;DFAr Bill

Trongco, 3 others are

GAWAD SAKAAWARDEES

The Official Publication of DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-CAR

Vol.11 No. 1JANuARyDECEmBER

2011

Cordillera Fisheries January-December 2011Review

contents

editorial boardeditorial consultantsREBECCA G. DANG-AWAN, Ph.D., CESO VRegional Director

LILIBETH L. SIGNEY, Ph.D.OIC-Assistant Regional Director

LOIS JUNE B. FERMINOIC-PMED/ RFRDC Manager

PINO M. WAKITOIC-FETCD

HONORIO P. YAMOYAM, Ph.D.OIC-FRMD/ Budget Officer & Admin Officer Designate

CARMELITA B. BOLLAOIC-Admin & Finance

PROVINCIAL FISHERY OFFICERS

JESUS M. ASTRERO | AbraPINO M. WAKIT | BenguetSAMUEL C. BOLLA | IfugaoJOYCE M. DUCYOGEN | KalingaHONORIO P. YAMOYAM | Mt. Province

HONORIO P. YAMOYAMEditor-in-Chief

LOIS JUNE B. FERMINAssociate Editor

RODELYN Q. FORONDAEditor

PAUL JOSEPH A. NUVALManaging EditorDesign&Layout

ALMIRA P. BENTADAN | BSU-DEVCOM INTERN 2012

Design&Layout

RONNA J. ABANCEGraphics Editor

ContributorsRODELYN Q. FORONDAPAUL JOSEPH A. NUVAL

BSU-DEVCOM Interns 2011GLORY BALEGANMABEL BANGSI-ELEYRYL PALCON

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region

Cordillera Fisheries Review 2011

regional officeBPI Compound, Easter Road, Guisad, Baguio City 2600Telefax: (074) 445-8499(074) 443-6716(074) 300-3535E-mail: [email protected]

All contents and photographsCopyright © 2011Department of AgricultureBureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region

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5Trongco, 3 others are

GAWAD SAKAAWARDEES

Trongco sits asmANGINGISDANG

Director

Highland products buildCORDI ECONOmy

BFAR awards2.75m in Apayao;gives bagsakan in Kalinga

Community harveststilapia fishin Namarabar, Abra

13BFAR-CAR turns-overHATCHERy

in Abra

8DA ASec Salacup

BFAR PROJECTSlaunches, monitors

17Itogon Fisherfolk

Fishery Lawstrains on Aquaculture,

18trains onPost Harvest practices

FisherfolkKalinga, Apayao

9BFAR steps-upclimate change

fishery resourcesadaptation measures for the

Fishery sector identifies

affirms push toissues to subsectors;

DFAR Bill

magat Dam, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao

cover story


messagemessage

Rebecca G. Dang-awan, Ph.D., CESO VRegional Director

As we are done with the year, we expect more actions as we brace ourselves onwards. Our accomplishments are satisfactory to our goals even as I advice every staff to surpass what we already attained.

In pursuit of fulfilling our commitment to promote sustainable development, our agency distributed different fingerlings to identified cooperators as input assistance to them. moreover, the increasing number of rice-fish culture sites is a good sign of our goals being fulfilled.

In our goal to promote the utilization and conservation of our region’s fisheries and aquatic resources, our agency traveled to different provinces of CAR to monitor and deliver materials for our clients and stakeholders. In Ifugao, we saw that the improvement of the Ifugao Fish Hatchery Research and Aquatic Center and the on-going establishment of fish terraces is an opportunity for the fishery to expand. In Abra, the establishment of fish hatchery program of Danilo Trongco, our mangingisdang Direktor of the month, is a chance to bring fish farmers in the Cordillera active in strategizing actions and solving issues concerning them. And in Apayao, the supplies for the Techno Demo rehabilitation of fish hatcheries in San Francisco Luna and Gozons Farm in Pudtol is almost complete.

Our researchers also attended the NSAP Training/Workshop on FISAT Retooling. This training/workshop is useful for them to conduct assessment of fisheries stocks in the water bodies in Cordillera. They also gained knowledge on data processing and analyzing and will surely help a lot in their fiels/work.

Our meeting with DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala is of significance to raise different issues and concerns regarding programs projects and activities being implemented in the Cordillera region to support the agricultural sector.

The Gawad Saka 2011 Search for Outstanding Agricultural Scientist is an opportunity for our fisherfolk who has done outstanding research woks related to agricultural and fisheries.

more to go, more to achieve, more communities and fisherfolk to help.For the fishery development in the Cordillera, we remain.


Trongco, 3 others are Gawad Saka Awardees

Of the 23 awardees, four Cordillerans championed their categories beating other regional finalists. They are: Francisco Ching, “Outstanding High value Crops Farmer,” from Balili, mankayan, Benguet; GeniceDalisdis from Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet grabbed Outstanding Small Animal Raiser; DaniloTrongco of Lagangilang, Abra won Outstanding Fisherfolk (Fish Culture); and Sayapot mPC as the Outstanding Barangay Food Terminal-Non LGu Operated.

The Gawad Saka is an annual competition of the Department of Agriculture (DA) acknowledging farmer’s valuable contribution of sustaining agricultural and fishery production in the country.

“This year’s search turns 41 years old, at muli nating bibigyan pagkilala ang mga natatanging indibidwal at organisasyon na katuwang ng pamahalaan tungo sa mas maunlad na sakahan at pangisdaan at ganti sa sapat at supisyenteng pagkain para sa lahat,” said Edilberto de Luna, Chair of GawadSaka 2011.

In addition, awarding the Outstanding Organic Farmer, according to de Luna, was the new category added in the search. It is giving due recognition to the success of the farmers following the Organic Act of 2010.

“Pinupugay at ipinagdiriwang natin ang kagalingan ng mga magsasaka. Ito ang kabuhayan na ibinunga ng agrikultura na nagpamalas sa mga katangi-tanging sipag at husay, sa pagpapaunlad sa sektor ng pambansang sakahan at pangisdaan,” said President Benigno Aquino.

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said because of the farmer’s willingness to adopt agricultural strategies, abilities, and determination, and the use of technologies, farmers were able to increase their production, thus, improving their quality of life and influencing others. Furthermore, PNoy encouraged farmers to continue the good agricultural

Paul JosePh Nuval, BFaR-CaR

After a laborious documentation, rigorous screening process, actual

field evaluations, 23 different persons and

groups were named as the GawadSaka

National Awardees 2010 in malacañang on

December 14.

practices and sharing this to the larger community resulting to large agricultural share in the economy. In the improvement of the sector, PNoy hopes for individuals to engage in the productive farming as to prove the cliché: “Ang palay na dito ipinunla, dito aanihin at dito rin kakainin.” PNoy also reported that because of the receptiveness of farmers for development, rice production increased by 40% for nine months in 2011. Crop production, according to PNoy, increased by 16% from January to November. Sixteen percent was also recorded as increase in corn production compared to last year’s produce from 4.7mT to 5.5mT for the first three quarters.

“Hindi matatawaran ang kanilang (magsasaka) mahalagang ambag sa pagsisikap na maabot ang kasapatan sa pagkain. Patuloy na susuklian ng kagawaran at pamahalaan ang hirap ng ating magsasaka at mangingisda sa kanayunan,” ended Alcala. Of the prices of the search, it includes a cash award and a project grant ranging from PhP100,000 to PhP1m, a Presidential trophy, and a citation.

Cordillera FisheriesReview4

people

January-December 2011


The two priority issues confronting the fishery sector are BFAR as a line bureau of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the country and concerns rergarding the four subsectors of fisheries.

These issues affected livelihood of the local fisherfolk and fish farmers and also government agencies in implementing programs and projects.

“The fishery potential is higher compared to land resources because we are surrounded by water justifying that 70% of our total population feeds on fishery resources,” said National BFAR Director Asis Perez. He also added this contribution of the fishery sector is sometimes not accounted and audited.

research statistical Back-up

According to Jose Ingles, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) marine Scientist, fisheries share 4.3% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country for the last five years, which has a great impact to 1.61m directly employed in the fisheries sector.

Also, Ingles presented the decrease of statistical data of fishery intake. “Daily protein intake from fish and seafoods has declined from 99 grams/day in 1990-95 to 87 grams/day in 2003-2005. Similar situation to fish availability which has declined from 32kg/p/yr in 1960’s to just 24-27 kg in 2000’s.”

He also revealed commercial fisheries emphasizing on the studies resulted

Fishery sector converged in National Fish Summit in General Santos City on may 29 & 30 to discuss two priority issues confronting subsectors of fisheries and pushing house bill in creating departmentalized of Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

from Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) confronting the tuna industry in the country have declined in productivity due to overfishing, ecosystem changes and climate related changes.

“Philippines is known for catching juvenile tuna, however, this is a better idea than letting other countries feed on our tunas. The pacific region is known as the breeding grounds of tuna and they transfer to western waters once they grow, so fish farmers prefer to catch them while young rather than other countries,” narrated Ingles.

Four subsectors

“Interrelationship of the factors affecting the fishery sector drives all other areas of concern to either its failure or development.”

The fishery sector aired identifying the four subsectors determining

key pressing issues and concerns include aquaculture, municipal sector, commercial fisheries, and post-harvest and marketing products.

Aquaculture

In aquaculture, source of fry and fingerlings, high cost of feeds and feed ingredient, rentals in compliance to Fishery Lease Agreement (FLA), regulation of imported bangus fry depicts in RA 8550, support incentive policy for hatcheries, big head carp fingerling production for mindanao were concerns raised by fisherfolk in terms of production.

With this, BFAR intensifies projects to solve the raised concerns, such as producing local source of fingerlings, allotment of hatchery of bighead carp in Region 12, regulating and amending parts of RA 8550 and enhancing the native varieties of fish.


affirms push to DFAR bill

Fishery sectoridentifies issues to subsectors;

5

cover story


Another seen issue for aquaculture is the marketability of pangasius comparing Philippine market sells Pangasius at PhP 150/kilo while PhP 50/kilo for imported pangasius from Vietnam. Thus, resolution for the reduction in volume of imported pangasius from Vietnam is seen as solution.

municipal Fisheries

Preferential users of municipal fisherfolk, mariculture parks and fish cages, overpopulation of coastal communities and resource use resulted in the decline of municipal fisheries production, overfishing, destruction of habitat and weak of fishery law enforcement, and absence or ineffective management systems were sought as underlying issues of concern in municipal fisheries.

In contrast, strategies were raised to solve such emerging concerns such as enforcement of laws pertaining to the use of illegal fishing gears, conducting scientific studies on fishing gears and accessories that are environmental friendly, provision of funds for municipal fisheries development,

establishment of guidelines on resettlement, and inter-

agency cooperation and linkages.

“We have to balance the jurisdiction of municipal

waters to sea escape, and the like within the government agencies to have a synchronized production to alleviate hunger among our people,” said Rogelio Amatorio Jr, National Fisherfolk Director.

commercial Fisheries

“Commercial fishing must be supported because we want to continue producing fishes; it should be a joint effort of the national government and commercial fishing sector importantly to have a productive harvest to back-up our claims,” said Asis.

Commercial fisheries concerned about illegal fishing methods and proliferation of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), lack of policy for catch quota, size, maturity stages and total allowable catch (TAC), unregulated increase in the number of fishing boats, partial implementation of RA 8550 due budget insufficiency, composite team for enforcement, lack in leadership, lack of compliance to reporting requirements, and unfair labor practices and job security.

However, to solve this, the fisherfolk recommended the creation of composite team for anti-illegal fishing, strengthening of budget consideration, revision and amendments to RA 8550 to clarify municipal waters, reconciliation between national law and local ordinance, improve safety measures, and drafting of FAO for FAD regulation.

Post-harvest and Marketing

According to fisherfolk, BFAR should be proactive for the establishment of Post-Harvest Facilities in strategic areas from profiling and data banking, and setting criteria for site selection of projects.

New Administration Principles

BFAR Director Asis Perez said the congress is an opportunity to him as the new bureau director to learn the revolving agenda and underlying issues of the fisherfolk in the national scene. “Ako ngaun ay nagpapapako sa inyo and I promise not to commit mistake. I must have no wrong public mistakes that I cannot account into,” he added.

Asis emphasized five principles laid for the duration of his term. “One is transparency to all transaction including finances, second, we must be very predictable citing situations to be a violation, it should be a violation.”

The third, according to Asis is consistency to policies implemented wherever there are fishery resources. Increase in target production is also highlighted but geared towards sustainability, “a balance production and protection.”

He is also pro-active in putting up fisheries facilities based on clear scientific and economic bases.

On the other hand, the newly appointed director affirmed that fishery law enforcement will be strictly implemented. “Such as training of judges, environmental judges, enforcers and police focusing on prosecution on fishery laws and RA 8550.”

“Lawyers per region will be built and trained who will be in charge of cases towards fisheries not only training law but training their hearts,” emphasized Asis.

The commercial fishing must be supported because we want to continue producing fishes; it should be a joint effort of the national government and commercial fishing sector importantly to have a productive harvest to back-up our claims...

“cover story


Departmentalizing BFAr

“The creation of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) needed to pass to cater more with the demand of the market but more importantly to benefit the population working in the fishery resources of the country.”

Of the issue raised, “Our favorite galunggong (round scad) is now imported from Vietnam,” said Angelo Palmones, Technical Working Group (TWG) Chair for the DFAR Bill.

According to Palmones, when they monitor the performance of other countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, they are now exporting fish to the uS, Europe, and other progressive countries. This is because they have developed facilities, practices, and they conform to international standards.

“If we ask where these experts coming from, it is really from the Philippines. They are Filipinos,” said Palmones emphasizing Philippines is the only Asian country that has not departmentalize the fishery sector.

Included in the proposed house bill was the organizational structure where it is composed of a secretary, three undersecretaries, six assistant secretaries, six bureaus, 16 regional field offices, 6 national technology centers, three advisory bodies, two attached agencies, and a research arm.

The task of the secretary is to supervise the advisory council. “more than the credential is the passion to serve because we will not be able to have an effective DFAR if the person who sits there has only an interest to the office but not the passion for the benefit of our fisherfolk and fisheries,” elaborated

Palmones. “Somebody who loves not only the fishery sector but to champion the hearts of the fisherfolk.”

The TWG finalized the consolidated proposed house bill and will be submitted to the mother committee for approval. Once finalized by the mother committee, it will be forwarded to the Committee on Appropriations for necessary action before the second and third reading to the plenary session.

Palmones shared what we meant in the process is that it is still a long process and fight. “There will be more time for reviews, chances to inject changes, and greater opportunities for you (fisherfolk) to help us.”

On the other hand, Palmones appealed to strengthen research and development arm of BFAR since some of these researches just stayed in the libraries ‘so it is about time to use it and we need to tap the academic sector.’

Also, scholarships will not be a problem anymore according to Palmones. “There will be no reason for fisherfolk whose children want to take up courses in fisheries and marine biologists because we will establish support system to such educational need.”

In terms of reference, initial appropriations of PhP 10B will be used for the operations and an additional PhP 500B for the construction of a National Office for the Department both from the unappropriated funds of the National Treasury. Revolving fund will come from licensing operations, fees collected from proprietary services

and administrative fines imposed by the National Fisheries Regulatory and Adjudication Board.

Appeal to the Fishery sector

With the number of fisherfolk, commercial fisheries, LGus and BFAR concern to the creation of DFAR, the authors of the proposed house bill called for action and taking contribution to its passage.

“Sectors that will be affected will surely oppose the bill due to abolition and transfer,” explained Palmones. But ‘it is about time to come up with one campaign, a signature campaign, certifying that raising a department of fisheries is an urgent issue.’

South Cotabato 1st District Cong. Pedro Acharon said, “Consumers are inversely proportional to the fishery resources that is the reason also we are pushing the bill, but not only passing DFAR but how we sustain our fishery resources.”

‘Otherwise, tomorrow and the next days, we will see our seaweeds to be productively harvested in nearby countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh.’

Palmones further explained unless we invest in R&D and strengthen the capability of our fisherfolk we cannot compete with the demand. “Now, we need a department which will be armed at monitoring, design programs and will focus on raising fisherfolk to what they would become.”


In increasing the fish supply of the province, Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary Salvador Salacup together with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (BFAR-CAR) Regional Director Rebecca Dang-awan and mangingisdang Direktor Danilo Trongco launched the Fish Terraces Technology Demonstration project in Bayabas, Sablan, Benguet on may 13.

“Food security is above most our concern,” said Salacup. He explained that the project is to increase the sufficiency level of fish production along terraces in the province.

meanwhile, Dang-awan pointed out that the project also ‘helps in solving the protein sufficiency in the municipality of Sablan.’

Dang-awan assured assistance to the fisherfolk in developing terraces to maximize the use of abundant water from the mountains.

Jerome Calado is the cooperator of the launched fish terraces which started with minimal resources having only a small pond where he gets food for

family consumption and later on with the help of BFAR developed it into series of terraces.

Calado said, typoon Pepeng and Ondoy that lashed the country in 2009 have affected his production and destroyed his ponds making the fish unmarketable. However, with the assistance provided by the bureau, they were able to repair the ponds and as of now, his production is increasing.

Sablan mayor Arthur Baldo also encourages other residents to engage in such business as when the projects are consolidated, it will have a positive impact to the economy of the municipality.

“The fish sold in our local market is far cheaper compared to those in other markets and provinces for that matter because we have readily available supply from our local fish farmers in the municipality and not importing fishes from Naguilian,” said Baldo.Other than fish terraces, Calado also has a piggery and a fruit plantation as additional sources of income.

Further, A/Sec Salacup also visited the on-going research trial on the performance of tilapia strains suitable to Cordillera condition in Itogon, Benguet and fish terraces techno-demo project in Camp 3, Kennon Rd. Tuba, Benguet, owned by William

Banuca.

Banuca requested the agency to conduct a seminar in their place to train other interested residents on fish production explaining that the terraces earns good feedbacks from the residents who are at the same time consumers.

The agency started the project by identifying potential location for aquaculture in Benguet and mt. Province.

unlike the lowland provinces which have limited areas for the establishment of fishpond, BFAR developed the upland aquaculture known to many as fish terraces.

The project is in partnership with the local fish farmers. BFAR provides technical assistance and input materials that include; construction materials, fingerlings and feeds good for one cropping season.

The cooperator, on the other hand, shoulders the labor in the construction of the terraces; likewise the care and maintenance of the fish.

“This will open opportunities to develop more fish terraces in strategic areas in the Cordillera and will help in the development of aquaculture in the mountains,” ended Dang-awan.

launches, monitors BFAR projectDA A/sec. salacup

eyRyl PalCoN & MaBel BaNgsi-el | Bsu DevCoM iNteRNs

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According to BFAR-CAR director Rebecca Dang-awan, the bureau is also focusing on climate change adaptation measures, aside from food security and increasing price of oil.

In line with this, Danga-awan said during a press conference last monday, that they are already promoting ‘best cage practices’ for

fish farming or aquaculture. The BFAR introduced this in Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet wherein they

have already reduced the culture time of fish so that its harvest time would not reach the rainy or typhoon season.

She also affirmed that BFAR is strengthening the water monitoring system in fish cages or aquaculture areas.

Dang-awan also bared that government is also

strengthening the weather monitoring equipment of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geo-physical and Astronomical Service Administration, for better public advisory and this includes the capacity to properly or timely advise our fish cage operators to harvest

their stock before a typhoon hits them.

Other steps being done by the bureau is the introduction of support technologies in Cordillera that adapt to changing climate and reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions.

The said technolgies include the use of windmills which is already being installed in Kalinga and Ifugao for trial; promotion of high yield and climate resilient fish species or strain such as Pangasius; cold tolerant tilapia and loach or yu-yu; as well as the promotion of low input system.

BFAR is also promoting ecosystem-based practices or approaches which include poly-culture, integrated aquaculture and agriculture, and the use of probiotics. It is also into improving, and promoting indigenous or existing knowledge or practice in managing resources and alternative management system, and establishing micro-hatcheries in strategic places to cater to the needs of the fisherfolk especially in far-flung areas.

Despite the series of typhoons that recently passed through Cordillera, there are minimal reports of damages from the fishery sector in the different parts of the region, Dang-awan also reported.

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources - Cordillera (BFAR-CAR) is now bringing in support technologies that would help the fishery sector adapt especially to extreme climate changes that are hard to determine or monitor.

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climate change BFAr

adaptation measures fishery sectorlito DaR | Pia CaR

steps-up

for the


This is in pursuant to the provisions of Department of Agriculture (DA) Special Order No. 88 series of 2005 that states, “One fisherfolk is chosen to act as BFAR Director at the national and regional levels respectively in the whole month of may as one of the highlights of the Farmer’s and Fisherfolk month Celebration.”

“I will focus more on the strengthening of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources management Councils (FARmCs) and conduct trainings on aquaculture,” said Abra Native Trongco.

Furthermore, the celebration gives due recognition and tribute to farmers

Trongco sits as Cordi’s

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-CAR) positioned Danilo C. Trongco as the Mangingisdang Direktor for the month of May in accordance to the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk Month Celebration.

and fisherfolk highlighting their role as partners of the government and as the country’s backbone in the poverty alleviation and food security program.BFAR-Regional Director Rebecca Dang-awan said his (Trongco) function to serve as Regional Fisherfolk Director is equally important in bringing fish farmers in the Cordillera active in strategizing actions and solving issues concerning them.

Trongco assumes the roles and tasks of the Director in helping other FARmCs and fisherfolk to actively participate in the full development of fishery technology in the region and “to give the fisherfolk partners a deeper appreciation and understanding of the

workings of the bureaucracy”. With this, Trongco is set to accomplish lined up activities such as Cleanup drive in magat Dam, Ifugao; Project and facilities visitation and FARmC strengthening in the six provinces of the region; Fisherfolk Summit in General Santos City; Distribution of Fishing gears in Abra; and Fingerling Dispersal in Tuba, Benguet.

The activity is in relation to BFAR’s objective to empower the marginalized fisherfolk primarily by giving them due recognition as a sector separate from that of the farmers and by looking into the concerns of the sector and addressing them through BFAR’s programs and projects.

MANGINGISDANG DIREKTOReyRyl PalCoN | Bsu DevCoM iNteRN


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mangingisdang Direktor Danilo Trongco said during his site visitation to six fish farms in Kalinga and Ifugao on may 26 and 27.

With inland aquaculture as an emerging enterprise in the region, Trongco led the conservation, preservation, and protection of the natural resources where sources of water is abundant through lectures and actual demonstration activities.

“Kung hindi natin aalagaan ang likas na yaman, hindi mabubuhay ang mga yamang pinagkukunan natin ng kabuhayan, ngunit hindi rin dapat tayo ganid sa mga yamang ito bagkus

visits Kalinga, Ifugao farmsalagaan din natin at pagyamanin, (If we do not protect our environment, our natural resources will not be visible which is our source of livelihood, but we should not be selfish to this sources rather we conserve and develop more),” pleaded Trongco.

In Kalinga, Trongco visited Tabuk Agro-Food, Research and Development Center, Ryan’s Farm, and Rizal Lowland Fish Farm (RLFF).

“One problem sought in the farm (Tabuk Agro-Food, Research and Development Center) is the inefficient drainage system during flood but improvement of dikes are being conducted as a solution to flooding and drainage,” said Lim Ducyogen, Agricultural Technologist.

Also, Corazon Ryan, farm owner of Ryan’s Farm and 1997 Gawad Saka

Fishery farms in the Cordillera are one of the prides that we can applaud from the development we do for the Cordillerans and their communities.

Awardee, aired concern on the mining operations being held in Kalinga where chemical used in extracting gold are carried through run-off water to irrigation systems causing pollution and dying of fish.

With this, Trongco affirmed support by raising such concern in the national convention of fisherfolk that will enable the national organization of fisherfolk directors to create resolutions to stop mining activities.

Furthermore, more than fifty fisherfolk gained farm operation experiences of mangingisdang Direktor in his training on aquaculture in RLFF where he shared

technical knowledge, technologies, and best management practices done in his farm.

According to Joyce Ducyogen, Provincial Fishery Officer-Kalinga, the fisherfolk are eager to learn more and need motivation to develop and enhance their farm operations and not be dismayed on the effects of market loss and climate change.

“If we venture on fisheries, we need not only have interest but more importantly the heart and passion to what we are doing,” shares Trongco.

With this, more than 2000 tilapia fingerlings were distributed after the training as initial input assistance to the fisherfolk.

On the other hand, Trongco tripped to magat Dam to assist the painting

and distribution of boats to fisherfolk, visited ubao Fish Farm and Lamut Fish Farm in Ifugao.

“We (Ifugao province) are indeed supportive in the fishery development that is continuously taking place in the province and region in general; and very willing to help at any cause in the fulfillment of developing fishery technologies for our farmers,” supports Ifugao Gov. Eugene Balitang.

Also, agriculture students of Ifugao State university (IFSu) gained additional learning regarding basics of aquaculture, social responsibility and community contribution of fisheries from Trongco.

“Not only the economic preference that we gain in fisheries but how we become proactive members of our society,” ended Trongco.

MANGINGISDANG DIREKTORPaul JosePh Nuval, BFaR-CaR

Cordillera FisheriesReview 11

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The system aims to facilitate the processing of fisherfolk registration using technology based solutions.

This system allows the LGus to populate their own fisherfolk database annually or as often as needed, generate the full list of the fisherfolk, monitor the registry, and generate reports according to key aggregation scheme such as age bracket, gender distribution, income, and necessary profiles.

The registry will also be used in obtaining the number of contributors in the fishing industry. Likewise, the fisherfolk information will be the basis of all future plans for improving the socio-economic conditions of the fisherfolk communities and solving arising concerns regarding fishery

tadiangan

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in response to its mandate to provide technical assistance to the LGus in managing their fishery resources, has developed a municipal Fisherfolk Registration System (mRFS).

The Techno-Demo Project Harvest Field Day was celebrated by the people of Tadiangan, Tuba, Benguet last February 18.

The project which was launched last may 14, 2010 in partnership with BFAR-CAR headed by Regional Director Rebecca Dang-awan and Cooperator Feliberto Longboan, aimed to encourage the people to engage in fish production.

BFAR-CAR Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Lilibeth Signey mentioned the mandate of BFAR in increasing fish sufficiency in the region with the establishment of techno-demo projects for possible adoptation of local folks.

Benguet Provincial Fishery Officer Pino Wakit, said that the harvest was undertaken to show that the province can produce their own fresh fish. He explained that the Techno-Demo project would further prove that fish culture in the highlands of Cordillera is possible.

During the event, mr. Longboan gave the welcoming remarks and stressed on the efforts of the BFAR-CAR in the establishment of the fish terraces. Added to that, he also pointed the

importance of the fish terraces in his family as a source of their income.

meanwhile, Tadiangan Brgy. Cpt. mr. manuel Fernando delivered his message encouraging other farmers to engage in fish culture as their alternative livelihood.

Likewise, the recent activity calls on the local and interested citizens to go into aquaculture activities.

The activity was also attended by the BAS representatives, barangay officials, Local Government units (LGu’s), and media representatives.

The participants had witnessed how the 500 kilograms of fresh tilapia was harvested from the successful fish terraces project. The 160 kilograms was brought to the previously established Bagsakan sa Barangay in La Trinidad and Sablan, Benguet and 57 kilograms was brought to mt. Province for future breeders while the other harvest were sold in the locality.

Harvest Fest: a celebrationfishery resources

ICTto monitor eyRyl PalCoN | Bsu DevCoM iNteRN

eyRyl PalCoN | Bsu DevCoM iNteRN


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activities in the region.

The Fisheries Information management Center (FImC) is the primary unit in BFAR responsible for the development and deployment of the system.

With this, FImC conducted an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) assessment and workshop on the importance of the fisherfolk registry to Regional Fisherfolk Operations Center (RFOC) and Regional Fisheries Information management Center (RFImC).

BFAR Director malcolm Sarmiento informed all the regional offices regarding the five-day national workshop whereas BFAR-CAR, headed by Regional Director Rebecca Dang-awan, hosted the said workshop on February 21 to 26.

In terms of reference, the training aims to assist the region in organizing its own RFImC as part of strengthening the ICT capability of the regional level. Also, the activity familiarizes regional information coordinators in using the mFRS form and for the participants to access the online registry portal and perform data entry and fisheries report generation.

Renato malana and marites Sales of FImC Central Office served as the speakers for the training.

“The seminar served as a guide for us, system administrators, on how to approach and introduce the system to the local fisherfolk,” said Rona Abance, BFAR-CAR participant.

She added that the system would pave way in the easier access of information on the fisherfolks profiles.

During the workshop, FImC evaluated the Region’s various ICT components namely: server group; client computer systems; networking and data communications; comprehensive software inventory; security management; and human resources.

This gives avenue for the locals to practice, maximize and capitalize on the natural resources around them. The land and water that house the freshwater fishes in the Cordillera, despite its being landlocked region, signals the possibilities and opportunities for the people.

With this, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (BFAR-CAR) turned over the improved hatchery and multipurpose hall to Danilo Trongco, a community leader in Abra for aquaculture.

“The hatchery will serve as the new home of fingerlings, as it will help the bureau in extending its services to the grassroots. This will also give distant source of fingerlings for other fisherfolk and interested individuals wanting to engage in aquaculture,” said regional director Rebecca G. Dang-awan.

BFAr-cAr turns over

According to Rogelio Amatorio, President of the Pambansang Alyansa ng mangingisda sa Pilipinas (PAmPANO), this will uphold that even in the mountains, there are locals who really wanted to produce fishes for the public.

He said Trongco has been a long community leader in aquaculture. Trongco’s dedication to help his constituents waved his reputation to help those low income earners to engage in the production of fishes. He never sees his constituents as competitors but rather partners to developing community.

Lagangilang mayor Patrocinio Abaya, Jr. gives his praises to the locals of Lagangilang to their desire for action to improve their lives. “These are the major factors in development, our people’s free will to act for their own and our role is to guide and help them.”

The long battle for fishery development in the Cordillera marks the receptiveness of the people to engage in the production of

fish as a supplementary to their livelihood, if not an alternative.

Abrahatchery in Paul JosePh Nuval, BFaR-CaR

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making fish readily available on the table of every home, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (BFAR-CAR) awarded financial support, Bagsakan ng Isda sa Barangay project and chest freezers to Apayao and Kalinga.

Coincided to the Say-am Festival of Apayao on February 13, the provincial government received PhP 2.75 million for the development of the fishery center (hatchery) of the province to maximize the resources available and to increase the fish production by making fingerlings available in the province.

“This will pave to the greater fishery technology development in the

region and making fish available in every home,” said BFAR-CAR director Rebecca G. Dang-awan.The fishery center was first conceptualized by Gov. Elias Bulut Jr. and Cong. Eleanor Begtang in response to sustainable agriculture practices in the province.

“Our commitment to build the province is to help in the improvement of every community and strategize our action in promoting tourist destination and agricultural products to develop the identity of Apayao,” said Bulut.

Also, six chest freezers were awarded to the six organizations in Apayao to support the Bagsakan ng Isda sa Barangay under Hunger mitigating Program (HmP) and to support the entrepreneurial activities of the communities.

“We give fresh fishes in the community outlet that has a relative distance to the market; to make fish affordable and available to the communities and thus, serving our family and community better,” added Dang-awan.

gives bagsakan in Kalinga

BFAr awardsP2.75M in Apayao;

On the other hand, the bureau awarded Bagsakan ng Isda sa Barangay project in two organizations in Kalinga during the 16th Foundation and ullalim Festival on February 16.

The program provides initial 200kgs of fresh marketable tilapia to the organizations to be sold at affordable prices for the community.

According to BFAR asst. regional director Lilibeth Signey, Blackgold Agri-ventures and Central Banao mPC of Tabuk, Kalinga were identified as the organizations of the project to drive hunger incidence in the country.’

“This will give training and micro-enterprises campaign to get at the root of hunger incidence.” Signey added.

According to the beneficiaries, with the continuous development in the countryside, this helps them provide fish in the rural areas where fishes are considered scarce. “The initiative of the community enlighten us to build a better fishery technology in the mountainous region.”


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With 52 members of the association, their willingness to venture on aquaculture in the province brought them to capitalize on the Namarabar river as a source of water for fish production.

Provincial Agriculturist Jesus Villamor, Abra Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin initiated the fish pen project in the river to help develop the lives of the people in Abra. “The help will be given to those who assert to help themselves,” he quoted.

This assured the initial support from the provincial government by providing feeds and nets that is good for one cropping season.

“We are pleased to witness how Abra government gave attention to fishery projects and not concentrated on agriculture alone; and despite the minimal intervention of the bureau to the project, harvesting fishes as a gained community effort is indeed a celebration,” said Dr. Lilibeth Signey, BFAR OIC-Asst. Regional Director.

Also, Abra is second to Ifugao in terms of regional fish production, although BFAR accounted 10% fish sufficiency

level in the region, and the rest of 90% imported from the neighboring provinces. Signey said this became our major challenge to produce and create more fishpond projects.

“If we maintain the supply of water until summer, we will provide fingerlings under the input assistance program and we can grant you tarudtud (siene net) for partial harvesting,” assured Signey.

Board member Elmer Bides said, “It is good that you unite yourselves. And the only thing we have is ourselves. We made use of this group, the community to help each other.” A key that played interconnection within the government and people for development to happen.

With this, the Namarabar river has seven units of fish pen equally distributed to the fisherfolk with 600 square meters each. These units were dispersed with 3,000 fingerlings last December 2010.

Of the harvest, a total of 450kgs projected tilapia was harvested with an average of six pieces per kilo. This was sold on site amounting to PhP

120 per kilo based on prevailing market price.

“This effort of making aquaculture is not possible without the receptiveness of the fisherfolk themselves to organize, protect and maximize the natural resources,” said NFA President manulo Buena.

According to the fisherfolk, this gave them the opportunity to engage in fish production because nothing will happen if they will sit and relax.

“We promise and do to continue the project, also expand, and we will assure that the unity encompassed now will be the same unity that will lead us to work and gain more,” they said.

Abra Provincial Fishery Officer Jesus Astrero said one program of the bureau (BFAR) is to disperse fingerlings to strategic areas in the province and Namarabar is one of its area-beneficiaries of the assistance.

A community eating followed to taste the home-grown tilapia harvested in the river.

Namarabar fisherfolk community brings unified effort

A community capitalizing on the natural resource of river, initiating their actions to organize themselves and maximizing the projects given by BFAR-CAR is what the Namarabar Fisherfolk Association (NFA) celebrated during the Harvest festival simultaneous to the Kawayan festival in Peñarrubia, Abra on march 6.

harveststilapia;Paul JosePh Nuval, BFaR-CaR

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This was perceived by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the constant battle to improve agri-fishery sector this new administration.

This was further focused during the 6th Agriculture and Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition and 23rd Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Anniversary Celebration held in Sm megamall, mandaluyong City, manila on August 5-8.

As reflected in the theme, “Facing global challenges through technology commercialization in agriculture and fisheries,” this served as an avenue to strengthen the research and development unit of regional line agencies, public and private organizations to promote a progressive agriculture and fisheries sector. “As we speak, Philippine agriculture faces each challenge in feeding our growing population against the backdrop of shrinking farm and fishery resources, rising production costs, adverse effects of climate change and a highly liberalized global trading environment,” said Director Leandro Gazmin, DA-Agribusiness marketing Assistance Service. Also, according to BAR Director Nicomedes Eleazar, to provide excellent service is the BAR commitment through providing sustainable technology to improve the socio-economic status of our farmers.

For the Cordillera, the Department of Agriculture- Regional Field unit (DA-RFu-CAR) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region (BFAR-CAR) represented the two branches of agriculture-crops and fisheries. This paved the facilitation of technology transfer for the benefit of our local farmers, led also to develop linkages on technology, marketing and capacity building and armed to promote the Cordillera as an agri-aqua-eco tourist destination through the fish terraces, rice terraces and vegetable terraces concepts. The Regional Fishery Research and Development Center (RFRDC) of BFAR-CAR projected Rice-Fish integrated farming in the Cordillera highlighted yu-yu (Japanese weather fish) as the only endemic fresh water fish that is promising to the rice terraces. This fresh water fish thrives only in the Cordillera and compatible with organic farming. Also, BFAR-CAR displayed local products which include smoked tilapia, dried tilapia, fish shanghai, pangasius fillet and smoked pangasius produced by the local farmers of Ifugao. “This is one great opportunity to show that Cordillera has a lot to offer, from its rice terraces to highland vegetables and fresh water fishes that builds the

economy of our farmers,” said RFRDC manager Lois June Fermin.

On the other hand, DA-RFu-CAR displayed highland vegetables, ornamental plants, processed cookies, pastillas, peanut butter, and Benguet organic Arabica coffee. This “gives a taste of the highlands’ products produce in the high altitude of farms plowed with a touch of traditional farming.” According to Gazmin, this will allow us among others to bring new technologies into the mainstream of the national economy to the national technology commercialization program and improve the research and extension system through the community participatory action research (CPAR) approach. In the techno-fora, renowned speakers from various sectors discussed on agricultural potentials of crops processed products, animal products, mechanical engineering with the concern to easily adopt the innovations, fishery commercialization and production management to produce competitive Filipino products that may open its potential to the global market. Organized by BAR, a total of 94 exhibitors from DA Regional Field units, BFAR Regional Offices, SuCs, Business Sector and private organizations showcased their best products each region can offer to the public.

The growing demand of agriculture and fishery in the market concludes the potential commercialization of regional products to feed the growing population of the country.


Highland products build

Cordi economy


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The training is in support to the aquaculture efforts and priority programs of the town that would help enhance the livelihood of the locals and as a source of food.

“Information dissemination within the constituents of the barangay is important in protecting the water resources,” said Benguet Provincial Fishery Officer (BFAR-PFO) Pino Wakit.

Itogon fisherfolk

He lectured on the differences between the pond fish culture and cage fish culture; and afterwards assisted the participants to have a hands-on training in the preparation of fish cages.

Provincial Fishery Coordinator Laurence Ognasi talked about Rebuplic Act 8550 also known as the “Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.” Accordingly, the code is an “act providing for the development, management and conservation of fisheries and aquatic resources, integrating all laws applicable.”

This was discussed to create awareness among participants on the importance of developing, managing and conserving fisheries and aquatic resources for livelihood and food sufficiency.

meanwhile, municipal Agriculturist Whigas Cilo discussed the establishment of a fishery refuge or a fish sanctuary at the Agno River in Tinongdan which is in accordance with the Fishery Code.

In making Itogon a fish sufficient producing municipality, its Local Government unit (LGu) organized a two-day training on aquaculture and lecture on Fishery Laws held at the Tinongdan Barangay Hall on may 5 and 6.

The sanctuary is a joint project of the Itogon-LGu, barangay officials and locals of Tinongdan. “This intends to enhance fish production from communal bodies of water through the preservations of indigenous fishes and the dispersal of Tilapia fingerlings and other fish species,” explained Cilo.

With this, Cilo encouraged the locals to campaign against all forms of illegal fishing. He also reiterated the need to follow measures in adherence to the Fishery Code for the protection and enhancement of fish production in the Agno River.

“We should help the government in implementing the laws because we, residents, are also the ones who benefit from it,” said Cilo.

members of Binga Fisherfolk Livelihood Association, Dalupirip Fisherfolk Livelihood Association, and municipal Aquatic and Fisheries Cooperative headed by its president melina mathis and other interested residents attended the event.

trains on aquaculture, fishery laws


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The training and hands-on demo on value adding of fish was requested by the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

PFO Reynaldo Vicerra introduced the BFAR-CAR staffs who will be conducting the demonstration to the participants headed by Janet S. Daguio, TSS, assisted by the Apayao LGus receiving incentives from AgriPinoy Fisheries Program.

Pangasius fish was used during the demo. The demo started from the steps in processing fish such as cleaning or filleting, gutting and removal of skin. Afterwhich, the fish was set to be cooked for different recipes like fish sisig, sausage, loaf, kikiam, balls and nuggets.

Kalinga, Apayao fisherfolk trains on post harvest practices

Participants had a hands-on-training during the demonstration. Cooked value added products were taste tested by participants every after cooking.

Likewise, a two-day fish processing demo was done at Bulanao, Tabuk City on February 15 to 16 which was attended by 37 participants.

On the first day, steps in processing Pangasius fish was demoed followed by the cooking of fish recipes such as fish sisig, sausage, loaf, kikiam and balls.

On the second day, preparation of Tilapia recipes was done starting from following the first steps such as Tilapia filleting/marinating/drying or Tilapia smoking. The recipes that were cooked are fish tapa, fish burger and fish tocino.

With the objective of developing community-based approaches and strategies on the preservation and

management of fishery resource through developing skills of fisherfolk or income

generating activities in the barangays related to food security and poverty

alleviation, BFAR-CAR conducts a fish processing demo in Luna, San Isidro,

Apayao on February 10 which was attended by 46 participants.

gloRy BalegaN | Bsu DevCoM iNteRN

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In celebration of the International Women’s Day and as part of the Women’s month activities, the staff of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-CAR) led by Regional Director Rebecca Dang-awan together with the various women’s group and right advocates have participated the grand parade from the top of Session Road down to Baguio Convention Center on march 8.

With the theme, “magna Carta of Women, Philippine CEDAW: In support of the millennium Development Goals” the celebration was to stress the country’s efforts in empowering women and recognizing their role in nation building.

In lieu of Sen. Edgardo Angara, Congressman Juan Edgardo Angara of Aurora Province served as the speaker of the said event.

“Babae, ganda at talino ka ng bayan,” said Angara stressing on the importance of women in the society.

Added to that, he also encouraged the women as well as the men to strengthen their programs and activities in nation building.

Relative to this, BCyA Executive Director marlene De Castro recognized the Ten Outstanding Women Leaders for the year 2011 while the finalists of the Search for Best Performing Barangay Women’s Organization were also awarded with their Certificate of Participation.

The signing of the pledge of commitments between the Regional Directors of National Government Agencies and the Presidents of the Women Non-Government Office’s (NGOs) was also done in the same event to duly implement the magna Carta of Women.

On the other hand, participating agencies rendered their own short yell signifying the importance and role of women in the society. They also displayed the products and the services they offer to let the public be acquainted of the various interventions undertaken in the agency.


BFAr joinsWomen’s Day

BFAR-CAR Regional Director Dr. Rebecca G. Dang-awan; Lois June Fermin, OIC PmED; Carmelita Bolla, OIC Finance and Arnold Paleng, Aqua Tech I attended the BFAR Planning Budgeting Workshop for Fy 2012 Budget Preparation Workshop in Tuguegarao City on February 23 to 26, 2011.

The workshop aims to identify the agency priority thrusts for Fy 2012, ensure a more thorough discussion of the budget concerns and issues for the current year and the succeeding years and to be able to finalize the BFAR Fy 2012 Proposed Budget to meet the deadline set by the Department of Budget and management on the submission of the requirement per National Budget memorandum No. 107.

During the workshop Region II Regional Director Jovita Ayson delivered the welcome remarks while Assistant Director Gil Adora conveyed the BFAR’s priority thrusts and directives for Fy 2012.

Adora emphasized that the regional proposals for Fy 2012 should always

BFAR-CAR attends 2012 Budget Preparation WorkshopgloRy BalegaN | Bsu DevCoM iNteRN

be within the framework of the Agri-Pinoy guiding principles such as food security and self-sufficiency, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, natural resource management and local development.

Central Office OIC-Planning Officer Sammy malvas and OIC Finance head Felisa Poniente discussed the guideline procedures in the preparation of Fy 2012 proposed budget and budget preparation forms and calendar.

Participants of the workshop accomplished reports on statement of revenues, comparison of appropriations and obligations, summary of obligations and proposed programs/projects, obligations for personal services (PS), obligations for mOOE, obligations for Capital Outlays (CO), list of retirees, annual GAD plan and budget and accomplishment report and agency performance measures.

BFAR-CAR participants proposed Php 55,712,000.00 for the Fy 2012 with breakdown of Php 11,179,000.00 for the regular fund and PhP 44,533,000.00 for the National Fisheries Program Fund.

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Republic of the PhilippinesDepartment of AgricultureBureau of fisheries and aquatic resourcesCordillera Administrative RegionBPI Compound, Guisad, Baguio [email protected]: (074) 445 8499 | 4436716

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Cordillera Fisheries Review

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