Rice official urges for green, smart farming

Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco Jr, executive director of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), pushed for green and smart farming to transform the current food system during the 25th National Rice Research and Development Conference held in Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, Sept. 4-6.

Green initiatives aim to reduce external input, particularly energy, while smart initiatives are knowledge-intensive and labor-reducing technologies.

In his opening address, Rasco said the present food system needs changes as food miles, or the distance that a food travels from the farm to the consumers’ plate, are getting farther.

“Before, we used only to import rice from Thailand and Vietnam, now, we get from India. [Let’s also consider] the hamburger sandwich. The beef comes from Argentina, bread from Australia, cheese from New Zealand, and tomato paste from California. Our food sources are getting farther,” he said.

A transformation is also needed with “Filipinos losing control over what [they] eat and we are losing farming and associated supply such as seeds and agricultural inputs as a source of income.”

New dietary guidelines recommend that fruits and vegetables occupy half of our plates and about ¼ by grains. However, half of the typical Filipino plate contains rice despite recommendations to eat more fruits and vegetables.

In terms of income, Rasco said farmers are losing to imported agricultural products.

 “To transform the food system, we need to transform the energy and information systems that nurture it. We need to be green and smart – a system that is diverse and sustainable,” he said.

With a green and smart technology system, Rasco said the food system, especially on rice, localized sufficiency of food stapes would be possible.

“Green and smart is more than a slogan. It is a vision, a crusade, an agenda, and a strategy. Ultimately, it will become an action plan that hopefully we will commit to [work on],” he said.

As part of its green and smart initiatives, PhilRice crafted its Energy in Rice Farming Program and will soon implement the Philippine Rice Academy, an advanced research and training academy focused on promoting modern technologies.

DA-PhilRice is a government-owned and –controlled corporation that aims at developing high-yielding and cost-reducing technologies so farmers can produce enough rice for all Filipinos.

For more information, please visit or contact DA-PhilRice at Maligaya, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija with telephone number (044) 456-0285 loc 512 or any PhilRice station near you. You may also visit www.philrice.gov.ph or text your questions to 0920-911-1398.

OCD, PIA-III to utilize SMS in saving lives during disasters

PIA-III director Robert Baldago (center) and PIA Director General Jose Fabia

 MALOLOS CITY—Knowing that information is power, the Office of the Civil Defence (OCD) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Central Luzon joined hands in harnessing that power to save lives and property.

This is through information text blast with the support of  major telecommunications companies.

In a media briefing in Pampanga on Friday, Robert Baldago, director of PIA in Central Luzon said they will compose messages appropriate for the needs of about 10 million residents of the region and send it directly through the use of new media like short messaging system (SMS), Facebook, and Twitter.

“Short messaging or texting is arguably the fastest and most practical way of reaching a wider population nationwide, empowering them through the information sent to make intelligent decisions,” he said.

Among the messages that PIA plans to send out are alerts on typhoons, floods, tsunami, earthquakes, and advisories on dam release, high tide and low tide, class suspension and even schedules of brown outs.

Jose Fabia, PIA director general, said such information will serve as decision-making tools that would help people make more informed choices.

He said timely and accurate information can save lives especially in times of disaster, citing incidents last year when lives were saved after the victims were able to send out a text message informing the PIA of their situation.

Fabia said that information served as key to mobilize assistance from 

Officials of the Office of the Civil Defense

different government agencies.

For her part, Josie Timoteo, OCD-III director, said advisories are part of early warning systems during the times of disaster. She said that people can avoid going to areas where their lives will be in danger.

Timoteo added that that information text blasting can also help in increasing awareness and knowledge on how to adapt and address hydrometeorological hazards and other disasters.

As a valley, she said that large areas of Central Luzon are prone to flooding during the rainy season.

She said that through text blasting which is supported by Smart and Globe Telecommunication, majority of the about 10 million residents of Central Luzon can easily be reached by alerts and advisories.

The PIA said they already have the numbers of local officials from barangay to provincial levels in their data base along with police officers, members of the Social Security System (SSS) and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya and Pantawid Pasada programs of the government.

Even leaders of transport sectors from buses to jeepneys and tricycle operators are in their data base, along with urban poor leaders and leaders of senior citizens’ organizations. (Dino Balabo)

Eng’g, math and science grads to teach in K+12 program

Agham party-list Rep. Angelo Palmones

MALOLOS CITY—The next generation of Filipino students will have stronger foundation in mathematics and science, a party-list representative said.

This, through graduates of science, mathematics, statistics and engineering courses who will teach students under the kindergarten plus 12 (K+12) program.

“We have to start with education to build a solid foundation,” said Rep. Angelo Palmones of Agham partylist.

A former science journalist Palmones filed House Bill 3479 that seeks to allow graduates in science, mathematics and engineering courses to teach science and mathematics in elementary and secondary levels.

He said it was designed to increase exposure and awareness of the younger generation to science and mathematics.

“The reason why only few Filipinos are pursuing engineering and science courses is due to poor foundation in both subjects,” he said.

He said the country needs more engineers and scientists to further boost the local economy noting that science and technology contribute at least 70 percent to the economic growth of industrialized countries.

In newly-industrializing countries, economic data showed that science and technology contribution is at 45 to 55 percent; among underdeveloped countries, it contributes 30 percent to economic growth.

For the Philippines, Palmones said science and technology contribution is estimated at 40 percent. He added that it can be further increased if there are more engineers and scientists in the county.

He cited recommendations from the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) that there should be 380 trained science and technology personnel for every one million population.

In the Philippines, Palmones said, there are only 165 research and development personnel per million population.

“We need more engineering and science graduates if we are to boost our economic development.

He said it can be done with the inclusion of science and engineering graduates as instructors in the K+12 program.

“Instead of going to call center they can work and share their expertise to thousands other young Filipinos,” the party-list representative said.

He explained that teaching science and mathematics requires not only theory, but passion and the most passionate are graduates of the said courses.

Based on HB 3479, Palmones said that engineering graduates can immediately teach under the K+12 provided they have to take 18 units of education course in five years, and pass the Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET).

He added that it is a big opportunity for young graduates because they can teach for five years without the LET.

“After HB 3479 is approved, I believe that it will only take eight to 10 years for us to see its fruit,” Palmones said. (Dino Balabo)

DOST’s enterprise upgrading program fetes pili nut company for technology adoption

By Luisa S. Lumioan, S&T Media Service

J. Emmanuel Pastries, a pili nut processing business which started out on a Php 500 capital and now a multi-million business, is the very first Best National adoptor of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

SETUP is one of the priority programs of DOST that aims to boost small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) productivity and competitiveness by assisting them in adopting technological innovations to improve their operations.

When asked about the main ingredients for their success, J. Emmanual Pastries co-owner Maria Lomibao said that these include “small capital, perseverance, faith, and DOST.”

Ms.Lomibao was very grateful of the recognition their company got on top of all the help extended by DOST.  “My husband and I are overwhelmed by DOST’s generosity,” she said, as she accepted the plaque of recognition.

J. Emmanuel Pastries availed of SETUP in 2003 to acquire additional equipment for the company.  One of the company’s acquisitions was the gasifier which utilized waste pili shells as fuel for the cooking. The company was able to solve the problem of accumulating waste from the pili shells and realized a 50-percent savings from its fuel consumption with the use of the gasifier, a technology developed by Industrial Technology Development Institute of DOST.

Aside from the gasifier, the company also acquired roasting machine, vacuum sealer, oven, foot sealer, extractor, evaporator, bottle sterilizer, and stainless table.  In addition, the company improved its plant layout and design.  Its employees also underwent training activities on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliance to ensure the quality of their products.

Ms.Lomibao shared the ways in which the company benefitted from the DOST program.

First, the company was able to improve the production process with a systematized process flow, Food and Drug Administration Certification, GMP compliance, and HACCP alignment.

Second, the company was able to improve and innovate its products.  The product line expanded and diversified from pili nut confectioneries to coco jam, sesame seed balls, sampaloc candy, banana chips, butter scotch and puto seko.  Research and development initiatives of the company also extended the shelf life of the products making them suitable for export.

Third, better management of people through personnel training was accomplished by the company.

Fourth, the company was able to penetrate more markets with additional sales outlets and reach to international market including South Korea and the United States.

All of this of course translated into financial benefits through savings in fuel cost, increased productivity, product acceptance and sales.

The impact of SETUP intervention did not end with the company, she adds.  The community was able to benefit in terms of additional jobs and cleaner production technology with minimum environmental impact.

The SETUP award, given during the National Science and Technology Week’s SETUP Forum, seeks to recognize adoptors, inspire new entrepreneurs, and highlight the role of science and technology in industries.  Aside from the National Best SETUP Adoptor, the Regional Best SETUP adoptors were also recognized.

During the SETUP Forum, Ms.Lomibao and five other business owners/managers shared how the DOST program made impact in their lives.

Summing up the activity’s objective, Engr. Rowen Gellonga, regional director of DOST VI, said, “This forum is not only about sharing and learning but also about networking and building partnerships.”

Sec. Mario G. Montejo, who was hinself a SETUP beneficiary when he was still involved in SMEs long before he became DOST secretary, extended his compliments to the awardees.  “I hope that you will serve as an inspiration to others,” he said.  He also encouraged entrepreneurs to avail of the program. “SETUP is here to provide assistance not only in the urban areas but most especially those in the country sides,” he said.

SMEs that belong to any of these categories-- food processing; furniture; metals and engineering; agriculture; marine products; and gifts, houseware, and decors-- can avail of SETUP assistance. SMEsinterested in availing of SETUP may contact the Regional DOST Office where their businesses are located.###

DOST’s enterprise upgrading program fetes pili nut company for technology adoption

By Luisa S. Lumioan, S&T Media Service

J. Emmanuel Pastries, a pili nut processing business which started out on a Php 500 capital and now a multi-million business, is the very first Best National adoptor of the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP).

SETUP is one of the priority programs of DOST that aims to boost small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) productivity and competitiveness by assisting them in adopting technological innovations to improve their operations.

When asked about the main ingredients for their success, J. Emmanual Pastries co-owner Maria Lomibao said that these include “small capital, perseverance, faith, and DOST.”

Ms.Lomibao was very grateful of the recognition their company got on top of all the help extended by DOST.  “My husband and I are overwhelmed by DOST’s generosity,” she said, as she accepted the plaque of recognition.

J. Emmanuel Pastries availed of SETUP in 2003 to acquire additional equipment for the company.  One of the company’s acquisitions was the gasifier which utilized waste pili shells as fuel for the cooking. The company was able to solve the problem of accumulating waste from the pili shells and realized a 50-percent savings from its fuel consumption with the use of the gasifier, a technology developed by Industrial Technology Development Institute of DOST.

Aside from the gasifier, the company also acquired roasting machine, vacuum sealer, oven, foot sealer, extractor, evaporator, bottle sterilizer, and stainless table.  In addition, the company improved its plant layout and design.  Its employees also underwent training activities on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliance to ensure the quality of their products.

Ms.Lomibao shared the ways in which the company benefitted from the DOST program.

First, the company was able to improve the production process with a systematized process flow, Food and Drug Administration Certification, GMP compliance, and HACCP alignment.

Second, the company was able to improve and innovate its products.  The product line expanded and diversified from pili nut confectioneries to coco jam, sesame seed balls, sampaloc candy, banana chips, butter scotch and puto seko.  Research and development initiatives of the company also extended the shelf life of the products making them suitable for export.

Third, better management of people through personnel training was accomplished by the company.

Fourth, the company was able to penetrate more markets with additional sales outlets and reach to international market including South Korea and the United States.

All of this of course translated into financial benefits through savings in fuel cost, increased productivity, product acceptance and sales.

The impact of SETUP intervention did not end with the company, she adds.  The community was able to benefit in terms of additional jobs and cleaner production technology with minimum environmental impact.

The SETUP award, given during the National Science and Technology Week’s SETUP Forum, seeks to recognize adoptors, inspire new entrepreneurs, and highlight the role of science and technology in industries.  Aside from the National Best SETUP Adoptor, the Regional Best SETUP adoptors were also recognized.

During the SETUP Forum, Ms.Lomibao and five other business owners/managers shared how the DOST program made impact in their lives.

Summing up the activity’s objective, Engr. Rowen Gellonga, regional director of DOST VI, said, “This forum is not only about sharing and learning but also about networking and building partnerships.”

Sec. Mario G. Montejo, who was hinself a SETUP beneficiary when he was still involved in SMEs long before he became DOST secretary, extended his compliments to the awardees.  “I hope that you will serve as an inspiration to others,” he said.  He also encouraged entrepreneurs to avail of the program. “SETUP is here to provide assistance not only in the urban areas but most especially those in the country sides,” he said.

SMEs that belong to any of these categories-- food processing; furniture; metals and engineering; agriculture; marine products; and gifts, houseware, and decors-- can avail of SETUP assistance. SMEsinterested in availing of SETUP may contact the Regional DOST Office where their businesses are located.###

Central Luzon Football League Champions

COURTESY CALL.  FutBulakenyos football club lead by Coach Emmanuel Robles paid Bulacan Gov. Willy Alvarado a courtesy visit on Wednesday, July 18 and presented the championship trophy they won in the maiden season of the Central Luzon Football League.

NUMBER ONE.  Members of the FutBulakenyos Football Club flashed a Number  1 sign after a courtesy visit to Bulacan Governor Willy Alvarado on July 18.  The FutBulakenyos ruled the Central Luzon Football Leagie with an unblemished record.

Metrobank's JOY Awards

 SHAPING THE NATION THROUGH POWERFUL STORIES.  True to its tradition of recognizing excellence and in celebration of its 50th year, the Metrobank Foundation Inc. (MBFI) will once again award the best journalists from print, broadcast and online media for 2012.  Via the signing of a memorandum of agreement for the Journalists of the Year (JOY) Awards, the MBFI  has partnered with the Probe Media Foundation Inc. (PMFI) to administer the awards program  that will include nomination, screening and judging a journalist's body of work for the last five years. "Metrobank has always been exposed in the sectors that are concerned with development.  The media for one, have been very helpful,"  says Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, President of MBFI.  In November 2001, Sheila Coronel, Dean Armando Malay and Jessica Soho became the first batch of awardees.  In the photo are: MBFI Executive Vice President Elvira Ong Chan, MBFI President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña, PMFI Founder and Trustee Cheche Lazaro, PMFI Vice President Twink Macaraig; (standing) MBFI Executive Director Nicanor L. Torres, Jr. and PMFI Executive Director Yasmin Mapua-Tang.