The Professional Regula-tions Commission (PRC) has

awarded a certificate to the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) as the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization

(AIPO) for Agriculture having integrated in its fold different agriculture-related national professional organizations in

the country.

Issued as Certificate No. AIPO-042 dated 25 July 2017, this accreditation recognizes PAA as the sole

professional organization to represent the agriculture

profession in PRC.

Based on Section 5 of PRC Resolution No. 1089, series

of 2018, PAA as an AIPO has the right to submit nominees for vacant positions in the PRC Board of Agriculture and the annual outstanding

agriculturists awards as well as to designate a representa-

tive to the Continuing Pro-fessional Development (CPD) Council for Agricul-

ture.

In addition, the CPD Coun-

cil of Agriculture of PRC has also accredited PAA as a CPD provider for professional agri-culturists in the country with its issuance of Certificate of

Accreditation No. 2018-001

on February 7, 2018.

According to Mr. Arthur Baria, the current PAA Presi-

dent and one of three mem-bers of the CPD Council for Agriculture, PAA as a CPD Provider can now organize and implement learning events

for professional agriculturists who will need the CPD points that is required for the re-newal of their licenses. (RF

Rañola & AD Gasmen)

PAA now the AIPO, accredited CPD

Provider for Agriculturists

It’s Silver Anniversary for PAA! Do you know that the Philip-

pine Association of Agricultur-

ists, Inc. is now in its 25th year since its registration with the Securities and Exchange Com-

mission (SEC) in 1993?

Based on record, the Associa-

tion was conceived as early as 1991 by Tomas L. Claudio and Vicente L. “Sonny” Domingo who came up with the idea of organizing an “independent,

strong, cohesive, responsive and

viable professional organiza-tion dedicated to the develop-

ment of agriculture in support of the development objectives

of the nation.”

They were joined in this ef-fort by then Bureau of Plant

Industry (BPI) Director Nerius I. Roperos along with other

well-known agriculturists.

Their vision for the organiza-tion was for it to be “a leading

advocate for rural develop-ment and sustainable Philippine

agriculture and to contribute to the greater awareness and deeper understanding of Philip-pine agriculture.” However, it was only two years later in

1993 that PAA was officially

registered with SEC.

For more information about the history of PAA, visit its website at www.paa.org.ph.

(ADGasmen)

January-June 2018 Volume 1, Issue 1

Special points of

interest:

Continuing Professional

Development

Accredited Integrated

Professional Organization

Philippine Agriculturists’

Bill

Organization and initiatives

of PAA Regional Chapters

Agriculturists Awards

Inside this issue:

Note from the Editor 2

PAA has new home in DOST-PCAARRD

2

PAA holds Board Meeting and Planning Workshop

2

PAA vigorously pushes for enactment of PA Bill

3

Central Visayas to host 6th National Congress

4

Tamarind Chapter Con-ducts First Regional Con-vention

4

Davao Eagle Chapter implements the first PAA CPD-accredited Program

4

The Official Publication of the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc.

Certificate of PAA as AIPO

Certificate of Accreditation of

PAA as CPD Provider

PAA Newsletter

PAA Regional Chapters almost complete

5

PAA-NCR considers championing urban agriculture

5

PAA National assists Region 1 Chapter organization

5

6th National Congress to tackle climate and disaster issues

5

PAA in the limelight... 6

PAA has its new National

Office at the Innovation and Technology Center (DPITC) of Philippine Council for Ag-riculture, Aquatic, and Natu-ral Resources Research and

Development (DOST-PCAARRD), Jamboree Road,

Timugan, Los Baños, Laguna.

The transfer is a result of a

Memorandum of Under-standing (MOU) signed on July 25, 2017 by Dr. Roberto Rañola, PAA National Chair

and Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora, PCAARRD Executive Direc-tor, which specified that PCAARRD shall provide a

permanent office to PAA.

Before moving to DPITC, PAA shared office at the De-partment of Agricultural and Applied Economics in Uni-

versity of the Philippines Los

Baños. (AV Oleta)

Note from the Editor

PAA has new

home in DOST-

PCAARRD

PAA holds Board Meeting and Planning Workshop

and determine courses of action for the organization to

move forward.

Participants from the re-

gions presented their Re-gional Chapter reports as well as their plans for their chapters. The latter were

then harmonized with the plan of PAA National in the workshop that ensued to come up with an Integrated

Plan of the Association.

The activity also included the election of Representa-

tives of the three Island Groups to the PAA Board of

Trustees. Winners were: Dr. Honorio Soriano, President of the Tamarind Chapter for Luzon; Mr. Virgilio Jakosalem, President-Central Visayas

Chapter for Visayas; and Dr. Anna Notarte, President of Davao Eagle Chapter for

Mindanao.

The total number of par-ticipants who attended the

workshop was 41.

Officers of PAA National and Regional Chapters for the

very first time have convened for a Board meeting and plan-ning workshop on January 20-21, 2018 at the R.D. Guerrero Hall, DOST-PCAARRD, Los

Baños, Laguna.

The activity aimed to pro-vide avenue for the national and regional officers to meet and discuss issues facing the organization, strengthen link-

ages between and among the national and regional chapters

Page 2

It is indeed with great

pleasure to have this maiden issue of the PAA Newsletter!

As you can see, we still don't have an official name.

However, with the eager desire of the Board of Trus-tees to inform the members about the activities of the Association during the past

several months, the Board urged the Public Relations Committee to come up with this first printed release of

the newsletter.

So many things have hap-pened after our convention

in Naga City took place that the Board thinks the mem-bers should be informed. These include the future plans of the Association, its

recognition as an Accredited Integrated Professional Organization and as a CPD Provider for Agriculture, the organization of different

Regional Chapters that is almost complete, as well as their activities and growth of

membership.

These are but a few of what have transpired. We

hope to include those that we missed in the succeeding issues to come, whether in electronic or printed form. We also wish to already have

an official name in next re-lease of this newsletter. We welcome your suggestions on

what that name would be.

We are inviting everyone to contribute articles to this

newsletter that you think are worth sharing.

By Andrew D. Gasmen, PhD, Chairman, PAA Public Relations Committee

PAA NEWSLETTER

Editorial Board

ANDREW D. GASMEN Editor-in-Chief

JESSICA REY

Managing Editor

Writers

ROSALINA LAPITAN RAMON OLIVEROS

JIM LEANDRO CANO ANA VERA OLETA

JUDITH UNSON

Advisers

ROBERTO RAÑOLA ARTHUR BARIA

Historic inauguration of PAA Headquarters at DOST-PCAARD, January 20,2018.. On the right picture, Dr. Melvin Carlos (Center), PCAARRD Deputy Director, accompanied by Dr. Roberto Ranola and Arthur Baria during ribbon cutting

PAA Newsletter From the Headquarters

The PAA National Officers took an extra mile to lobby support for the en-

actment of the Professional Agriculturists (PA) Bill.

For this year, a series of consultative meetings between the Association and

the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) together with the Board of Agri-culture were held to deal with the con-tent, substance and form of the Bill with

the aim of getting legislative support.

The first consultative meeting was held on March 8, 2018 at PRC, Manila, upon the request of Commissioner Jose Cueto, Jr., PRC Commissioner for Technology

Cluster, where both PAA and PRC to-gether with the Board of Agriculture presented and discussed among them-selves their own versions of the Bill.

The second meeting followed in the same venue on March 26, 2018 where

PAA and PRC along with the Board of Agriculture further discussed the Bill with

the purpose of harmonizing their two ver-sions and come up with only one.

On May 29, 2018, a team of PAA Offi-cers composed of Dr. Roberto Rañola,

Arthur Baria, Dr. Rosalina Lapitan, and Dr. Jessica Rey, also met with the technical staff of Senator Kiko Pangilinan in Senate upon his invitation to explain the provi-

sions of the PA bill.

In stressing the need to pass the Bill, Dr. Roberto Rañola, PAA Chairman, cited the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA) that called for the

professionalization of the Philippine agri-culture. He said that this professionaliza-tion is a prerequisite for agricultural mod-ernization. However, there is only one PRC resolution providing for the imple-

mentation of that provision in AFMA.

Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 1

According to Dr. Rañola, agriculturists are generally viewed as sheer techni-cians and not as professionals that are at

par with other professionals in other fields. As such, many of our agricultur-ists are complaining that they are among the lowest paid in government. This could be one reason why many young

people are not attracted to work in agriculture. It is hoped that this bill and a Magna Carta for agriculturists will help in uplifting the conditions of our agricul-turists and achieve the modernization of

the agriculture sector.

To date, the Bill has been filed in the House of Representatives as House Bill 7246 by Congressman and former Agri-

culture Secretary Arthur Yap. PAA aims to get the unanimous support of both Senate and House of Representa-tives, and eventually the President of the

Philippines. (AD Gasmen)

PAA vigorously pushes for enactment of PA Bill

1st consultative meeting between PAA and PRC where Legislative Committee Chair Ramon A. Oliveros (front left) represented PAA

Second consultative meeting with PRC, where PAA was represented by

Pres. Arthur Baria (2nd from left) and Ramon Oliveros (3rd from left)

PAA Officers planning for an approach to promote the PA Bill, Boy Scout of the

Philippines, December 2017

Housed Bill 7246 filed by Cong.

Arthur Yap for the 17th Congress

PAA Legislative Updates

Davao Eagle Chapter implements the first PAA

CPD-accredited Program

Agriculturist’s Challenge,” the activity served as a learning

event for the 620 participants who came from local govern-ment units, national offices, academe and privates compa-nies from Regions IX, X, XI,

XII, XIII and ARMM.

Participants benefited from the discussions about relevant issues and updates on the agri-culture profession, and dealt with ways on how profes-

sional agriculturists shall ex-tend crosscutting technologies

to farmers to ensure resil-iency, sustainability and

competitiveness of the agri-culture sector in the midst

of the ASEAN Integration.

The activity also provided a venue wherein Agricul-turists developed camara-

derie, shared experiences and insights towards effec-tive and efficient service delivery as they get back to their respective areas of

service. (ANotarte)

The Davao Eagle Chapter made a historic record

among PAA Regional Chap-ters after implementing the first CPD-accredited Pro-gram of the Association through the 1st Mindanao

Agriculturists Convention on May 16 to 18, 2018 at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex,

Mankilam, Tagum City.

With the theme “Food

Security and Safety Towards Global Competitiveness:

Tamarind Chapter Conducts First Reg’l Convention

ture in Region III and its neighboring regions, as well

a venue to meet and inter-

act with other members.

It also provided opportu-nity where members learned from the latest up-dates on research and de-

velopment outputs from different pillars of the agri-culture industry as well as on extension activities. Fur-thermore, members were

updated on the latest issues and concerns about Con-

tinuing Professional Devel-opment (CPD) require-

ments.

The Convention congre-

gated more than 350 partici-pants from different regions and provincial agricultural offices in Luzon. About 150

individuals headed by Chap-ter President Dr. Honorio M. Soriano, Jr. took their oath as new PAA Tamarind Chapter members and offi-

cers. (R. Alfonso, S. Medina,

A. Cruz and A. Zapatos

The PAA-Tamarind Chap-ter held its 1st Regional

Convention of Agriculturists on June 4-6, 2018 at Pam-panga State Agricultural University (PSAU) in Ma-galang, Pampanga. The

theme of the Convention was “Facing the Challenges of ASEAN Integration

through Smart Agriculture”.

The convention served as a platform for academicians,

technicians and profession-als from the field of agricul-

Page 4

Participants of the Training on “Food Security and Safety Towards Global Competitiveness:

Agriculturist’s Challenge,” during the 1st Mindanao Agriculturists Convention

PAA Newsletter

PAA Central

Visayas to host 6th

National Congress

Regional Chapter Reports

For PAA Central Visayas Chapter, this year's Annual

Summit and 6th National Congress of Filipino agricul-turists - to be held on July 22-26, 2018 at the Water-front Hotel, Lahug, Cebu

City - will be a grand privi-lege for them to host.

About 2,000 participants from all over the country representing national gov-

ernment agencies, local gov-ernment units, state univer-sities and colleges, private higher education institutes and the private sector are

expected to attend this event -- most of whom are interested in advancing their knowledge in the agriculture profession through continu-

ing professional develop-ment (CPD) that will allow them to earn CPD points for the renewal of their

licenses.

Under the overall direc-tion of the PAA National Officers, the Central Visayas Chapter led by its President

Mr. Virgilio Jakosalem have organized their local operat-ing committees (LOC) who will be working directly with local stakeholders to pre-

pare for this momentous event.

Dr. Rosalina Lapitan, Vice President and Convention Chair, said that Regional

Chapters do really have to work hard to make the event outstanding since hosting only happens once in nearly two decades as it

is rotational among all the 17 regions nationwide. (AD Gasmen)

The National Office of PAA has been encouraging and

supporting the formation of Regional PAA Chapters in its effort to reach out and sup-port the needs of licensed agriculturists in the entire

country.

As of July 10, 2018, 14 Chapters of the 17 adminis-trative Regions nationwide

have already been recognized by the PAA Membership

Committee, one was already organized but yet to be rec-ognized, two (Region 8 and MIMAROPA) are in the

process of being organized .

According to Ramon A.

Oliveros, Chairman of PAA Membership Committee, the recognition of Regional

Chapters entitles them to enjoy the rights and privi-

leges of PAA while advanc-ing the cause of profession-alizing agriculture in the

Regions.

The minimum require-ment to organize a Regional

Chapter is 20 licensed agri-

culturists. (ADGasmen &

RAOliveros)

Acting Assistant Provincial Agriculturist, presided the

meeting that resulted in a registration of 88 new mem-

bers.

As part of regional assis-tance by PAA National, Dr. Rosalina M. Lapitan, Vice President, presented the Manual of procedure for

Chapter organization and governance as well as some updates on accreditation of PAA as CPD provider and

requirements on the renewal

STA. BARBARA, Pangasi-nan -- Professional agricul-

turists in Region 1 gathered to organize their regional chapter called PAA Amianan

Chapter on March 21, 2018.

The meeting was in con-junction with the 2nd Pangas-inan Umaani Expo 2018 held at the Sta. Barbara Provincial

Nursery and the Agew na Umaani Extension Workers (Agricultural Extension

Workers) Day.

Mr. Nestor P. Batalla,

of license.

The officers of the Chapter are: President – Nestor P. Batalla, Vice Presidents – Rona Frianeza and Dionisio

Carino Jr., Secretary – Danilo Villamil, Asst. Sec. – Cristina Agas, Treasurer – Aurelia Cariaga, Asst. Treasurer - Lily Tadeo, Auditor – Marilyn

A. Opina, PRO – Norberto Dumantay & Aries Magat, and Business Managers – Ernesto Tobias & Rico Na-

tata. (RM Lapitan)

PAA Regional Chapters almost complete

PAA National assists Region 1 Chapter organization

PAA-NCR considers championing urban agriculture

Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies in

Quezon City. Its current Chapter Presi-

dent, Mr. Earwin Belen, a consultant for the Philippine

Rural Development Project, was elected along with other chapter officers: Dr. Jose-phine Aben from ATI as Vice President, Ms. Jamaica Catim-

bang from DA Central Office - Secretary, Mr. Vicente Lim-san Jr. from Bureau of Agri-culture and Fisheries Stan-

dards - Treasurer, and Mr. Valerio Ablaza Jr. from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management - Auditor.

The Chapter is symbol-

ized by the Nila Plant, also

known as the Indigo Plant

(Scyphipora) which is a kind

of mangrove, from which

‘Manila’ was taken from.

Being a non-producing re-

gion, PAA-NCR is looking

forward to promote Urban

Agriculture in Metro Manila

as an alternative source of

food supply in addressing

food insecurity. It also plans

to engage with different

stakeholders to address

pressing issues in agricul-

ture. (EA Belen & JLCano)

With its youthful energy and enthusiasm to pursue the

relevance of agriculture to urban societies, the Philip-pine Association of Agricul-turists – National Capital Region (Nila) Scyphipora

Chapter is starting to make waves.

The Chapter was initiated by a group of young agricul-

ture professionals, and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) through the Partner-ships and Accreditation Divi-

sion. Its membership is mainly composed of regis-tered agriculturists who are currently working with the

Page 5 Volume 1, Issue 1

Page 5 Volume 1, Issue 1 PAA National Reports

Amid issues and grave con-cerns facing the agriculture

sector given the changing cli-mate conditions and concomi-tant natural disasters, the 6th National Congress and 2018 Philippine Agriculturists Sum-

mit to be held in Cebu City shall take on the theme: "Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction: Role of Philippine Agriculturists."

The event will engage ex-perts and authorities from public and private institutions who will shed light on the present policies and initiatives

undertaken by the govern-ment and other institutions to address these issues; and like-wise provide guidance and directions in identifying adap-

tation and risk reduction measures.

Moreover, they will share insights in helping agriculture

professionals define their spe-cific contributions to such measures.

There will be plenary ses-sions, oral and poster presen-

tations that will give opportu-nity for participants to share their research findings and best practices related to the theme thereby increasing their

knowledge that can be applied in the practice of their profes-sion and ultimately benefit those in the agriculture sector through increased resiliency

and improved and sustained agricultural productivity.

The PAA Congress also expects to have a special ses-sion with Agriculture Secre-

tary Emmanuel F. Piñol who will give the keynote address. (ADGasmen)

6th National

Congress to tackle

climate and

disaster issues

HEADQUARTERS

3rd Floor DOST-PCAARD Innovation and Technology Center

(DPITC) Jamboree Road Brgy. Timugan Los Baños Laguna 4030

PHILIPPINES

Tel. Nos.: (0933) 302-1179

(0933) 394-9597 (0926) 964-7123 Email: paa.philippines@gmail.com

Facebook page: fb.me/paa.org.ph

PHILIPPINE

ASSOCIATION OF

AGRICULTURISTS,

INC.

www.paa.org.ph

PAA taking part in honoring Topnotchers of the November 2017 Agriculture board exam at PICC, January 26, 2018

PAA President Arthur Baria taking Oath as

Member of CPD Council for Agriculture

Participants of the Board Meeting and Planning Workshop held at

DOST-PCAARRD, January 20-21, 2018

Honoring Dr. Emma Sales as 2018 Outstanding

Professional of the Year at the Manila Hotel

PAA Newsletter Page 6

PAA in the limelight….

Chapter organizational meetings: on top—Magat Chapter, May 31,

2018; below—NCR Chapter, April 6, 2018

Participants of the Tamarind Chapter Regional Convention at PSAU, Magalang, Pampanga, June 4-6, 2018

Pictorials