Bicol wins 2 DA national awards in

organic farming
by Philippines News Agency - December 9, 2015
www.businessmirror.com
PILI, Camarines Sur—An ethnic family and a local government worker from Bicol were
among this year’s national champions in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) search for
outstanding performers in organic agriculture.

Named as Outstanding Organic Farming Family during recent awarding ceremonies held at
the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City was the Avila family, a member of the
indigenous Aeta tribe in Tigaon, Camarines Sur; while Sienna Sombrero, the same town’s
agricultural extension worker, won the National Outstanding Municipal Focal Person in
Organic Agriculture award.

The awarding ceremonies highlighted the yearly holding of the DA’s National Organic
Agriculture Congress, now on its 12th year.

Abelardo Bragas, the DA-Bicol regional executive director, on Wednesday here said his
office is so proud of these Bicolano national championship winners, who bested all the other
finalists in the awards from different parts of the country.

“The honors received by the Avila family and Sombrero are also our pride in DA-Bicol, as it
symbolizes our success in our revitalization program of organic agriculture—also called
sustainable farming, which is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices
having a site-specific application that last over the long term,” Bragas said.

Sustainable agriculture provides or secure human with safe and nutritious food; enhance the
quality of environment based upon which the agricultural economy relies; and makes
efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources that are integrated into natural
biological cycles and conditions,
he explained.

The system also makes farm operations economically viable and enhances the quality of life
of farmers and the community or society as a whole, the DA regional chief said, citing the
success achieved by Bicol in organic farming, which is part of the Aquino administration’s
implementation of Republic Act 10068, or the Organic Agriculture Act (OAA), of 2010.
“Our adoption of organic agriculture has been a proven approach for increasing productivity
and income. It is also based on the OAA, which aims to enrich soil fertility, reduce pollution
and farming’s environmental destruction; prevent natural resources depletion; save on
imported fertilizer; and protect the health of farmers and consumers alike,” he said.

Bragas said special attention is being given by the DA to organic farming communities in
Bicol from where the country owes 74 percent of its organic rice production last year.

The region also contributed 44 percent to the country’s overall production of other organic
crops owing to the DA-Bicol’s expansion of organic farming with the P6-million upland
farming project that boosts the region’s hefty contribution to national rice production.

Under this project, the region’s organically produced upland rice was further developed for
its market potential, as some of these traditional strains have been reported to outperform
some modern rice varieties.
Bicolanos win awards in organic farming
by Sarah C. Imperial
December 12, 2015

Naga City, Camarines Sur — Bicolanos are champions in this year’s search for outstanding
performers in organic agriculture by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The Avila family, of the indigenous Aetas in Tigaon, Camarines Sur was awarded Outstanding
Organic Farming Family during recent awarding ceremonies held at the SMX Convention Center
in Bacolod City while Sienna Sombrero, the same town’s agricultural extension worker won the
National Outstanding Municipal Focal Person in Organic Agriculture award.
The highlight of DA’s National Organic Agriculture Congress, now on its 12th year, is the
awarding of outstanding organic farming practitioners.
Abelardo Bragas, DA Bicol regional executive director, said his office is proud of these Bicolano
national championship winners who bested all the other finalists in the awards from different
parts of the country.
Bragas said sustainable agriculture provides humans with safe and nutritious food, enhance the
quality of environment based upon which the agricultural economy relies, and makes efficient
use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources that are integrated into natural biological
cycles and conditions.
“The honors received by the Avila family and Ms. Sombrero are also our pride in DA Bicol as it
symbolize our success in our revitalization program of organic agriculture, also called
sustainable farming which is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices
having a site-specific application that last over the long term,” he said.

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/bicolanos-win-awards-in-organic-farming/#LFQEgtYeJItKfxVc.99

Bicol wins 2 DA national awards in organic farming
DECEMBER 10, 2015 by BICOLMAIL in TOP STORIES with 0 COMMENTS
By Danny O. Calleja
PILI, Camarines Sur — An ethnic family and a local government worker from Bicol were among
this year’s national champions in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) search for outstanding
performers in organic agriculture.

Named as Outstanding Organic Farming Family during recent awarding ceremonies held at the
SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City was the Avila family, a member of the indigenous Aeta
tribe in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, while Sienna Sombrero, the same town’s agricultural extension
worker won the National Outstanding Municipal Focal Person in Organic Agriculture award.

The awarding ceremonies highlighted the yearly holding of the DA’s National Organic
Agriculture Congress, now on its 12th year.

Abelardo Bragas, the DA-Bicol regional executive director, on Wednesday here said his office is
so proud of these Bicolano national championship winners who bested all the other finalists in
the awards from different parts of the country.

“The honors received by the Avila family and Sombrero are also our pride in DA-Bicol as it
symbolize our success in our revitalization program of organic agriculture, also called
sustainable farming which is an integrated system of plant and animal production practices
having a site-specific application that last over the long term,” Bragas said.

Sustainable agriculture provides or secure human with safe and nutritious food, enhance the
quality of environment base upon which the agricultural economy relies, and makes efficient use
of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources that are integrated into natural biological
cycles and conditions, he explained.

The system also makes farm operations economically viable and enhances the quality of life of
farmers and the community or society as a whole, the DA regional chief said citing the success
achieved by Bicol in organic farming which is part of the Aquino administration’s implementation
of Republic Act 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act (OAA) of 2010.

“Our adoption of organic agriculture has been a proven approach for increasing productivity and
income. It is also based on the OAA which aims to enrich soil fertility, reduce pollution and
farming’s environmental destruction, prevent natural resources depletion, save on imported
fertilizer, and protect the health of farmers and consumers alike,” he said.
Bragas said special attention is being given by the DA to organic farming communities in Bicol
from where the country owes 74 percent of its organic rice production last year.
The region also contributed 44 percent to the country’s overall production of other organic crops
owing to the DA-Bicol’s expansion of organic farming with the P6-million upland farming project
that boosts the region’s hefty contribution to national rice production.

Under this project, the region’s organically-produced upland rice was further developed for its
market potential as some of these traditional strains have been reported to outperform some
modern rice varieties.

The advantage of these traditional varieties is in higher grain production and drought tolerance
which has become a critical trait amid the prevailing climate change threats.

Upland rice varieties generally have an average yield of only one to two metric tons (MT) per
hectare, but selected Bicol varieties which the DA projects use in reviving vast upland rice farms
in the region exceed such yield average, according to Bragas.

Based on a report of the International Rice Research Institute, (PhilRice), Bicol had 63,699
hectares of upland farms, some of it rendered idle by unfavorable weather conditions and pest.
DA’s development of the region’s upland rice is very timely as these varieties have the potential
to withstand higher temperature and less water supply which is what is needed amid the
threatening climate condition.

Upland rice production is ideal since it can make up for any shortfall in flood-prone lowland
irrigated areas.  This is specifically during wet season cropping when flooding in lowland
prevails.

Uplands are now rice production frontier in Bicol as its yield has the potential to improve through
improved varieties and cultural management practices that suit the soil, climatic, and social
conditions.

For winning the organic farming championship award, the Avila family got a cash prize of
Php300,000 while Sombrero received Php40,000.

In the awarding rites, Bragas said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala cited the two Bicol
awardees along with the six others from other regions who won the awards in different
categories of the search as “worthy of the recognitions” for besting 67 other contenders from all
over the country.
Other categories of the awards are Outstanding Province, City/Municipality, Farmers Group,
Provincial focal Person, Agricultural Extension Worker, and Small Individual Farmer.

Bragas said the awarding ceremonies and the three-day 12th national Organic Agriculture
Congress was attended by over 1,500 organic farmers, processors, traders, advocates from
NGOs, organic agriculture focal persons of DA regional offices, and local government units from
all regions of the country.

The Congress featured exhibits of organic products and plenary sessions where technical topics
on local policies and global standards, organic vegetables and crops production, promotional
strategies to expand market reach and health benefits to delectable organic kitchen recipes
were discussed, Bragas said.

In the discussions, Alcala stressed that “converting to organic is not instant, but time will come
that more farmers will adopt the organic system because it is safer,” the DA regional chief
added.
 WWF honors heroes of the environment
 Features
 Biodiversity

by BusinessMirror - December 20, 2015

0 139

In
Photo: The family of Gerlie Menchie Alpajora, who was posthumously honored with the WWF-Philippines 2015 Hero of the
Environment Award for her work in combatting illegal fishers in Camarines Sur, receives the award from Vincent Pérez (left),
outgoing WWF-Philippines chairman and incoming chairman of the WWF-Philippines National Advisory Council; and WWF-
Philippines President Joel Palma (right).

TAKING care of the environment is everyone’s concern. With emerging issues on climate

change, forest degradation and other ecological concerns, individuals, businesses and other
organizations have started to embrace solutions.
 Members of Taw’buid Mangyan Tribe
receive the 2015 Hero of the Environment Award during the Partner’s Night of the WWW-
Philippines. Presenting the award are Pérez (left) and Palma (right).
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) has long banked on partnerships to
promote its science-based solutions. WWF recently paid homage to its allies through a
Partners’ Night, held at a hotel in Makati city.

Mangyan tribesfolk, slain fisheries advocate, swimmer honored

A highlight of the event was the recognition of new Heroes of the Environment. The
program started in 2009 to award individuals and groups which show decisive environmental
action.

Three new champions joined the roster. Ingemar Macarine is a Bohol-based lawyer, election
officer, triathlete and pioneer in solo channel swimming in the Philippines. Dubbed as the
Pinoy Aquaman, Ingemar has swam the open waters of the Visayas and Mindanao to raise
awareness about the need to protect Philippine seas.

The indigenous Taw’buid Mangyan of Mindoro were awarded for their unrelenting efforts to
help conserve the Tamaraw, the world’s rarest buffalo species.

Gerlie Menchie Alpajora, a fisheries champion who was gunned down in July for her work
in combatting illegal fishing in Camarines Sur, was pothumously honored. Though
dangerous, her work has brought illegal fishers to justice, allowing the local government to
strengthen its initiatives to protect Bicol’s marine resources.
 Ingemar Macarine (second from left) and his
family receive the 2015 Hero of the Environment Award during the Partner’s Night of the
WWF-Philippines held at a hotel in Makati City. Presenting the award are Pérez (left) and
Palma (right).
Allies recognized

One of the biggest highlights of the event was the recognition of Environmental Leadership
awardees. Recognized were Arthaland Corp., BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands
and BPI Foundation, Cebu Pacific Air, Century Pacific Food, Costa Del Hamilo, Far Eastern
University, Fox International Channels, Banana Peel, Philips Electronics And Lighting,
Republic Cement Services Philippines, Samsung Electronics Philippines, Sun Life Financial
Philippines Foundation, Yuchengco Group of Companies, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
Corp., the Grieg Foundation and Pascual Laboratories.

Special Awards were also given to selected WWF-Philippines partners which proved their
commitment. Among WWF’s broadcast, print and online media partners, BusinessMirror
bagged the Media Partner of the Year title. Althea Torralba and Jessica Guerrero were
recognized as WWF’s Most Outstanding Fundraisers for 2015.

WWF’s Corporate Partner of the Year was BDO Unibank for its support of full-range WWF
programs like marine conservation, climate solutions, plus sustainable food and water
production.

Newly appointed WWF-Philippines Chairman Aurelio “Gigi”Montinola said: “Individually,

we are but one drop—but collectively, we are an ocean. We must work as one to transform
our country into a living space our children will appreciate.”

WWF National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez hosted the affair, while
WWF Forest and Watershed Steward Piolo Pascual serenaded the guests.

Image Credits: Alysa Salen

Naga’s agri technologist is Outstanding Agriculture Extension Officer for 2015
NOVEMBER 5, 2015 by BICOLMAIL in TOP STORIES with 0 COMMENTS
By Jason B. Neola

NAGA CITY — After receiving the National Quality Corn Achiever Award in 2014, the city government of
Naga reaps another national recognition this year when the Department of Agriculture (DA) conferred the
2015 Outstanding Agricultural Extension Worker on its hardworking local agricultural technologist.

Obtaining an evaluation result of 80%, Benedicto Collao Heraldo of the City Agriculture Office (CAO)
received the award from Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and other ranking DA officials in a fitting
ceremony held in Clarkfield, Pampanga last October 23, this year.  The event was attended by key
personnel of various agriculture offices and elective officials of various local government units.

Heraldo, who ranked 11th among the 300 nominees from different cities and municipalities in 18 regions,
also received a cash prize of P20,000.  Heraldo’s plaque of recognition acknowledges “his outstanding
support services rendered towards the production of quality corn and the development of the corn
industry.”

Heraldo works as corn technician at the LGU’s agriculture office, covering the upland barangays of
Panicuason and Carolina with corn production area of 665 ha.  His approachable character and good
working relationship with 230 farmers allow the sector to achieve an average corn production of 5.04 tons
per hectare per cropping.

“Aside from being a hardworking agricultural extension worker, he is also the focal person of two
sustainable projects, namely, the corn cob-based vermiculture project and mushroom production project
using corn cobs as substrate,” says CAO head Maria Edna Bongalonta.

Heraldo was a research assistant from 2006 to 2010 at the regional office of the Department of
Agriculture’s Soil Microbiology Laboratory wherein he acquired expertise on 2 projects.  It was during
those years that he handled the post of research assistant for corn and sweet sorghum technology demo
and varietal trial for lahar-laden area at Buang in Tabaco City.

He was also tasked to collect soil samples with GPS data for soil fertility mapping in corn areas in Albay
and Sorsogon while performing the task of conducting lectures on proper soil sample and soil testing. 
Included in his routine works were doing soil microbial analysis for quality control of Bio-N for corn being
produced in mixing plant in Bicol.

Bongalonta said that Heraldo’s technical capability is a big advantage for the city’s corn program cluster
development, not to mention his active participation in agriculture sector development by sharing with
farmers his knowledge as resource person on good agricultural practices on corn, nutrient management,
soil testing, vermiculture and mushroom production.

In support of the city government’s current corn program, Heraldo promotes corn GAP certification and
helps strengthen corn cluster, cooperative and organization in the barangays.
Aika discusses mom’s food security bill
DECEMBER 17, 2015 by BICOLMAIL in TOP STORIES with 0 COMMENTS
TARLAC CITY — “Not many of you might know that before the ‘PantawidPamilya’ program of the national
government was launched, we already had ‘Sanggawadan,’ which means ‘to extend a helping hand’ or
‘help raise up’ in Bikol,” thus said Aika Robredo, eldest daughter of then Naga City Mayor Jesse M.
Robredo and incumbent Rep. Leni Gerona-Robredo of the 3rd district of Camarines Sur.
Aika represented her mother, Rep. Robredo, during a forum with the Management Association of the
Philippines Agribusiness and Countryside Development Foundation in Camiling, Tarlac the other day.
The event was the ‘Agribusiness Forum on the National Food Security Bill,’ whereAika discussed with the
forum participants the National Food Security Act of 2015 whose House bill was principally authored by
her mother.
She discussed the bill’s goals, saying, “It is not just a bill that seeks to create a national feeding program
because it is not enough to completely end hunger in the country. We must also ensure that food is
always accessible, and that we can eliminate poverty at the same time.”

‘Leni’ files Nat’l Food Security Bill

by Sarah C. Imperial
August 29, 2015

Naga City, Camarines Sur — Representative Leni Robredo of the 3rd District of this province has filed House Bill
No. 6062, the National Food Security Bill of 2015, in a bid to streamline food procurement and food distribution
systems nationwide.

Robredo explained that the measure creates a feeding program for children 0-13 years old, which will address
hunger and malnutrition in the entire country.

In addition, the proposed measure creates a structured demand for produce that ensures and raises the income for
Small-Scale Food Producers who are incapable of competing with big industry producers.

In her explanatory note, Rep. Robredo said the eradication of hunger and poverty should be our utmost priority. The
representative quoted former Senator Ninoy Aquino who said “The very first freedom that has to be won is freedom
from hunger. When you are always concerned about where the next meal will come from, everything else becomes
irrelevant.”

Furthermore, Rep. Robredo believes that a National Feeding Program is not enough to completely end hunger in the
country. She said “Giving the people access to food is only the first step to solving the problem. We must create a
mechanism where food production and food distribution are sustainable.”

The pending bill also creates a system in which Small-Scale Food Producers are given constant demand.

The bill requires government to procure at least 30 percent of supplies needed for the feeding program from Small-
Scale Producers – giving them constant revenue. “We hope to address hunger by alleviating poverty. This can be
done by establishing a National Feeding Program in conjunction with the creation of a sustainable livelihood
program for our Small-Scale Producers.” She said.

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/leni-files-natl-food-security-bill/#gjz2sV8Hi8FAROqK.99

PRESS RELEASES
Solon proposes creation of national feeding
program for children
Total views: 225 11 September 2015 09:28:05 AM
Writer: Ma. Victoria I. Palomar, Media Relations Service-PRIB
 Send Feedback
A lawmaker is proposing the establishment of a national feeding program to
alleviate hunger and malnutrition for children ages 13 and below.

Rep. Leni Gerona-Robredo (3rd District, Camarines Sur) filed

House Bill 6062, otherwise known as the "National Food Security Act of 2015,"
to give teeth to current various government programs on hunger and
malnutrition, which are not enough to address the problem.

"We cannot eradicate hunger without integrating anti-hunger measures with

mechanisms that alleviate poverty," Gerona-Robredo said.

Under the bill, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), in coordination with
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department
of Health (DOH), shall establish a nationwide database that identifies groups
and/or individuals that have the least access to proper nutrition. The database
shall identify the most vulnerable groups and/or individuals to be listed as
beneficiaries.

The measure mandates the DOH to create a system of distribution through the
Barangay Health Workers of food packets for those targeted by the system
created in this Act, in consultation with DSWD. The food packets shall
supplement the nutritional and dietary needs of children ages 0 - 1 year olds.

Gerona-Robredo said it should be the responsibility of the DSWD to ensure that

children ages 2 - 5 receive the proper nutrients and diet while under their care.
The bill provides that beneficiaries shall be given meals that will meet their
nutritional need and that the DSWD may consult with the National Nutrition
Council (NNC) to meet the proper nutritional and dietary needs of the children.

Under this Act, beneficiaries are children 2 - 4 years old in the Supervised
neighborhood Play (SNP) Area; 3 - 4 years old enrolled in Day Care Centers
(DCC); and children 5 years old but not enrolled in the Department of
Education (DepEd) preschool system but enrolled in DCCs.

The proposal tasks the DepEd to ensure that students from Kindergarten to
Grade 4 are given the proper meals during school hours.

It also requires the government to ensure that 30 percent or more of the supplies
needed to implement the National Feeding Program are procured from small-
scale producers to give them constant revenue. 
PRESS RELEASES
National Food Security Act proposed
Total views: 111 12 December 2015 09:38:45 AM
Writer: Dionisio P. Tubianosa, Media Affairs and Public Relations Service
 Send Feedback
Declaring that hunger and poverty is one of the nation's topmost priorities, Rep.
Leni Gerona-Robredo insists on the establishment of a National Feeding
Program to address hunger and malnutrition among Filipinos.

The Robredo proposal, to be known as the "National Food Security

Act of 2015" is contained in HB 6062 entitled "An Act creating a system of
food distribution for addressing the nutritional needs of the people providing for
its procurement process and appropriating funds therefor and for other
purposes."

"Today, we have the freedom of speech and expression, the freedom to make
our own choices, and the freedom to better ourselves. Sadly, many of our
countrymen cannot fully enjoy these freedoms because they lack access to basic
needs. This situation robs the human dignity of our people," the Camarines Sur
lawmaker lamented.

To make her point clearer, the author cited Senator Ninoy Aquino who ones
said, "The very first freedom that has to be won is freedom from hunger. When
you are always concerned about where the next meal will come from,
everything else becomes irrelevant."

"This makes the eradication of hunger and poverty one of our topmost
priorities," she stressed.

HB 6062 specifies actions the State must take to combat hunger and poverty,
including the institutionalization of a National Feeding Program, the
streamlining of food procurement and food distribution systems.

"We also need the creation of a structured demand that ensures and raises the
income of poor people, who are mostly small-scale food producers incapable of
competing with big industry producers, in the hope that the produce that free
Filipinos from hunger are the same produce that free our people from poverty,"
she added.

Furthermore, she said, the Constitution requires the State to ensure that the
health of the people is cared for and health-consciousness is instilled in them.

She noted that various government programs currently address hunger and
malnutrition in the country but these are not enough.

"We cannot eradicate hunger without integrating anti-hunger measures with

mechanisms that alleviate poverty," Gerona-Robredo pointed out, adding that
"as a signatory to the UN Declaration of Human Rights, the Philippines is
committed to provide every Filipino access to adequate food and nutrition and
to ensure that every family has a way to raise their income above the poverty
threshold."

Under HB 6062, the National Feeding Program (NFP) shall aim to alleviate
hunger and malnutrition for children ages 0 - 13 years old.

Under the NFP, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in coordination with
the Department of Social Services and Development (DSWD) and Department
of Health (DOH) shall establish a nationwide database that identified groups
and/or individuals that have the least access to proper nutrition to be listed as
beneficiaries.

Likewise, an Infant Feeding Program shall be established by the DOH, in

consultation with the DSWD, which shall serve as a distribution system through
the Barangay Health Workers of packets for those targeted by the system. The
food packets shall supplement the nutritional and dietary needs of children ages
0 - 1 year olds.

There shall also be a Supplementary Feeding Program wherein the DSWD shall
ensure that children ages 2 -5 receive the proper nutrients and diet while under
their care. The DSWD may consult with the National Nutrition Council to meet
the proper nutritional and dietary needs of the children.

There is also the Elementary Feeding School Program where the DepEd shall
ensure that students from kindergarten to grade 4 are given the proper meals
during school hours.

Relative to the procurement process laid down in the measure, the Government
is mandated to ensure that 30% or more of the supplies needed to implement the
National Feeding Program are procured from Small-Scale Producers.

Also, the bill mandates the creation of a National Food Security Council which
shall be an attached and independent agency to the Office of the President. The
said Council is mandated to act as the check and balance organization for the
food security system.

The Council shall oversee the effective distribution, procurement, and targeting
of beneficiaries, and shall serve as a coordinating body for the different
departments involved in the implementation of the proposed Act. The council's
membership is also provided for in the said Act, whose Chairperson shall be
appointed to a six-year term by the President of the Philippines.

The funds needed to implement the proposed National Feeding Program shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. HB 6062 has been referred
for its appropriate consideration to the Special Committee on Food Security
chaired by Hon. Agapito Guanlao.
 Robredo joins fight vs hunger, poverty
 December 12, 2015
 Written by Jester P. Manalastas
 Published in Top Stories
 Read: 128
IN a bid to lessen hunger and poverty, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo is proposing the establishment of a
National Feeding Program.

Robredo has filed House Bill 6062 which seriously addresses hunger and malnutrition among Filipinos.

The title of the bill is “An Act creating a system of food distribution for addressing the nutritional needs of the people
providing for its procurement process and appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes.”

Robredo said Filipinos deserve freedom from hunger and poverty.

“The very first freedom that has to be won is freedom from hunger.  When you are always concerned about where the
next meal will come from, everything else becomes irrelevant. This makes the eradication of hunger and poverty one
of our topmost priorities,” she stressed.
     
HB 6062 specifies actions the State must take to combat hunger and poverty, including the institutionalization of a
National Feeding Program, the streamlining of food procurement and food distribution systems.

Under HB 6062, the National Feeding Program (NFP) shall aim to alleviate hunger and malnutrition for children ages
0 – 13 years old.
 
Under the NFP, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in coordination with the Department of Social Services and
Development (DSWD) and Department of Health (DoH) shall establish a nationwide database that identified groups
and/or individuals that have the least access to proper nutrition to be listed as beneficiaries.

Likewise, an Infant Feeding Program shall be established by the DoH, in consultation with the DSWD, which shall
serve as a distribution system through the Barangay Health Workers of packets for those targeted by the system. 
The food packets shall supplement the nutritional and dietary needs of children ages 0 – 1 year olds.
     
There shall also be a Supplementary Feeding Program under which the DSWD shall ensure that children ages 2 -5
receive the proper nutrients and diet while under their care. The DSWD may consult with the National Nutrition
Council to meet the proper nutritional and dietary needs of the children.
     
Also proposed is the Elementary Feeding School Program where the DepEd shall ensure that students from
kindergarten to grade 4 are given the proper meals during school hours.
     
Relative to the procurement process laid down in the measure, the government is mandated to ensure that 30
percent or more of the supplies needed to implement the National Feeding Program are procured from small-scale
producers. 
 
Also, the bill mandates the creation of a National Food Security Council which shall be an attached and independent
agency to the Office of the President.  The Council is mandated to act as the checks and balances organization for
the food security system.
     
The funds needed to implement the proposed National Feeding Program shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.
Passage of National Food Security bill
pushed
By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star) | Updated August 30, 2015 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo pushed yesterday for the immediate passage of
the bill that seeks to streamline food procurement and food distribution systems nationwide to address
hunger and malnutrition, especially among children.

Robredo authored the National Food Security Bill that would also create a feeding program for children
aged one to 13 years.

“The eradication of hunger and poverty should be our utmost priority,” the lawmaker said in her bill.

“The very first freedom that has to be won is freedom from hunger. When you are always concerned
about where the next meal will come from, everything else becomes irrelevant,” she said, quoting the late
Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.

She said a national feeding program is not enough to completely end hunger in the country.

“Giving the people access to food is only the first step to solving the problem. We must create a
mechanism where food production and food distribution are sustainable,” Robredo said.

Under the bill, a system where small-scale food producers are identified and the government is mandated
to procure at least 30 percent of supplies needed for the feeding program from them, ensuring constant
revenues. 

“We hope to address hunger by alleviating poverty. This can be done by establishing a national feeding
program in conjunction with the creation of a sustainable livelihood program for our small-scale
producers,” she said.
Leni Robredo pushes passage of Nat’l Food Security bill
701

Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Leni Robredo is proposing a new law that would streamline the country’s food
distribution system to effectively address the perennial problem on hunger and malnutrition, particularly among
children.
In filing the National Food Security bill, the lawmaker-widow of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo wants to
implement a comprehensive feeding program for children aged one to 13 years.
Under the bill, a system where small-scale food producers are identified and the government is mandated to procure
at least 30 percent of supplies needed for the feeding program from them, ensuring constant revenues.
“The eradication of hunger and poverty should be our utmost priority,” Robredo said in her bill.
She said a national feeding program is not enough to completely end hunger in the country.
“Giving the people access to food is only the first step to solving the problem. We must create a mechanism where
food production and food distribution are sustainable,” Robredo said.
Growing demand for Manila elemi a big boost to Bicol’s pili
industry
by Philippine News Agency
March 12, 2015 (updated)

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image: http://www.mb.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/pili-nut.jpg

Unshelled pili nut/Photo by Lance Catedral from Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Licensed under
CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

PILI, Camarines Sur  – Bicol’s pili (Canarium ovatum) industry is expecting a big boost from the growing
worldwide demand for the resin extracted from its trunk called Manila elemi.

The demand comes largely from the perfumery industry that use this substance as a fixative agent in the
manufacture of most signature brands of perfume like Gucci, Dior Homme Sport for Men, Marc Jacobs Bang for
Men, Donna Karan DKNY Women, Revlon Pink Happiness for Women, Ralph Lauren Extreme Polo for Men and
dozens more.

Some industrial firms also use Manila elemi as a pharmaceutical component and as ingredient in the manufacture of
plasters, ointments, paints, varnish, sealants, lacquers, asphalt, water and fire proofing, linoleum, plastics and
printing inks.

France imports this pili product from the Philippines for its limonene content that is evident as fragrance component
in luxury perfumes while Germany uses it for pharmaceutical purposes.

The Manila elemi oil extracted from the resin is used by known cosmetic brands like Chanel Ultra Correction Lift as
anti-ageing, skin rejuvenating and moisturizing agent, being one of the best and premium cosmetic grade, food grade
and pharmaceutical grade oils in the world.

The Philippines is listed by the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades as the sole source of the
Manila elemi resin that is shipped out in raw form.

Arsenio Ella, a scientist of the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science
and Technology, said here during a recent gathering of Bicol’s pili industry stakeholders that the softer, whiter and
cleaner, and has more premium is the grade of the gum resin.

Its aromatic scent can be described as pale yellow liquid with fresh, lemony, peppery, balsam, green, woody, sweet
and spicy odor, he said.

Pili products that have been capturing both the local and international markets include confectioneries, making it the
favorite take home items among tourists and visitors, and the newly-developed pili pulp oil—which like elemi is
now also being used by multi-national companies such as Olay Fragrance, Chanel France and Christian Dior as base
for their perfume collections, Imperial said.

Locally made pili pulp oil is now becoming a popular and an inexpensive alternative to olive oil which was first
developed after a few years of research by Bicolana entrepreneur Minda Yee of Sorsogon City who perfected the
proper way of extracting pili pulp oil for culinary, pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses.

To boost Yee’s production capability, the Department of Science and Technology has also initiated the development
of the technology as an alternative to the process introduced by National Institute of Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, which uses enzymes in extraction and chemicals in
refining pili pulp oil.

Now a much-sought after raw material by largest cosmetics companies here and abroad for its high level contents of
carotenoids and Vitamin E, there is also now a locally-produced pili oil-based lipstick that protects the lips from
dryness and cracks, Imperial said.

Studies made by scientists from the University of Guelph in Canada and the Philippines’ DOST recently reported
proteins in pili are good for the heart too while oil extracted from the pulps and kernels can be used as cooking oil,
fuel oil for lamps and for making insect repellants, moisturizers and perfumes.

Also rich in phosphorous, calcium, protein, and potassium, the pili nut is a good alternative to the expensive pine nut
in pesto sauce and can be thrown into all kinds of breads, pastries and sautéed food.

Pili is indigenous to the Philippines and produced mainly in Bicol and five other regions—Eastern Visayas,
Southern Tagalog, Caraga, Western Visayas and Southern Mindanao.

In Bicol, pili plays a significant role in the economy as it provides additional income to some 14,000 farmers who
own at least 10 trees and farm laborers hired as harvesters.

The pili processing industry also generates employment to scores of people such as the traders, processors,
assemblers, factory workers, store keepers and others offering miscellaneous services related to the industry.
Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/growing-demand-for-manila-elemi-a-big-boost-to-bicols-pili-
industry/#Ex8OReAP7ddvVStq.99
EDITORIAL: Drug addiction
DECEMBER 10, 2015 by BICOLMAIL in OPINION with 0 COMMENTS
WHILE lurking in fear and desperation, we are heartened to note that our provincial police director in
Camarines Sur, P/SSupt Wally Pornillos, has once more called on all police municipal station chiefs and
their personnel to tighten their watch and flex their muscles against illegal drugs, especially at this time of
the Yuletide Season when the students are on vacation and many of them have extra money to spare for
the ‘stuff.’
“These illegal drug peddlers should spend their Christmas in jail,” Pornillos vowed.
The police chief’s call is in line with PNP’s so-called ‘One Time Bigtime Operation Against Illegal Drugs’
which empowered local police personnel, in collaboration with the operatives of the Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and barangay officials, by the strength of a search warrant, to conduct raids
against suspected drug lairs and residential houses where illegal drugs may have been kept as a lucrative
merchandise.
We would like to believe that P/SSupt. Pornillos is serious with his words as there had been successful
raids and arrests made so far during the past few months. But still, so much have to be done because of
reports that illegal drug trade and use continue to pervade in many towns and cities, including the
remotest villages of the province, indicating that a monstrous scourge is upon us, which is too big a
problem now for the police alone to solve. Here in Naga City, drug trade and addiction have infiltrated
almost all its 27 barangays, as they had seriously affected the province’s 35 towns and two cities.
Drug problem is a serious national concern that the upcoming political exercise, especially in the choice of
our next leaders, cannot simply ignore. This is perhaps the reason why the current administration’s
presidential candidate and his running mate fare poorly in pre-poll surveys as they suffer the brunt for
Pres. Aquino’s dismal record as far as the fight against drugs and criminalities are concerned. This,
perhaps, is the reason why opposition aspirant Rodrigo Duterte’s popularity soared so high because of
public angst and clamor for an iron-fist campaign against drug peddlers and criminals that the trigger
happy Davao city mayor promised to deliver nationwide once he becomes president.
According to PDEA, more than 8,000 barangays in the country are plagued with the drug menace. Based
on its consolidated data gathered from operational reports and other law enforcement agencies, the
PDEA said around 20.51 percent or 8,629 villages out of the 42,065 barangays nationwide have drug-
related cases.
Not surprisingly, Metro Manila has the highest rate of being drug-affected with 92.10 percent of the
region’s barangays affected, followed by Region 4A (Southern Tagalog) at 33.78 percent.
Shabu, otherwise known as “Methamphetamine hydrochloride,” and marijuana remain to be the most
abused illegal drugs in the country. Based on 2014 arrest data, 88.78 percent involved the seizure of
shabu, while 8.86 percent covered the confiscation of marijuana. The rest were for cocaine, ecstasy,
ephedrine, and ‘fly-high.’
The Philippines, according to UN World Drug report, has the highest abuse rate for shabu in East Asia.
In a US state department report, on the other hand, it was revealed that many Filipino youth, aged as
young as 16 were using shabu, and “domestic consumption of methamphetamine and marijuana
continued to be the main drug threats in the Philippines.”
Given these data, we could see and feel more alarmed that the drug menace is even more dangerously a
local problem that spawns more crimes like robbery, murder, rape, and gun-running.  And, thus, it
behooves upon our local officials and the police, as well as the schools and parents to look at this
problem seriously –as earnest as electing the right officials who have a strong political will and no-
nonsense platform to lick them like they were a malignant, deadly disease.
Nagdakop sa No. 1 wanted sa droga sa Bicol, hinale sa NCPO
DECEMBER 10, 2015 by BICOLMAIL in BIKOL NEWS with 0 COMMENTS

Namumundo an Peace and Order Council (POC) kan lokal na gobierno kan Ciudad nin Naga sa biglaan
na paghale ki Chief Inspector Benito Dipad Jr. bilang jefe kan Intelligence Branch kan Naga City Police
Office asin naaraman sana kan POC sa ginibong miting kan Martes, Diciembre 8.
Siya destino na sa Albay PNP Provincial Office asin pigribayan ni Supt. Ferdinand Raymundo dating
nagpupugol kan Intelligence Branch kan PNP CamSur.
An paghale sa NCPO ki Dipad, haros kaparejo man kan caso ki dating NBI Director Ricardo Diaz na enot
nang sinakyada an residencia ni Chinglo sa Brgy. Balatas kan taon 2006 alagad an saiyang premyo
halion digdi sa Bicol asin pigdestino sa Manila. Kan panahon ni Diaz sa NBI bicol sunod-sunod si
pagsakyada sa manga tataghan nin dorogista sa Camarines Sur.
Si Dipad, kaibahan an miembros kan NCPO iyo an responsable sa pagkaka-arestar sa siyam nang taon
na numero uno na drug dealer sa Kabikolan na si Lorenzo ‘’Chinglo’’ Rosales kan Abril 29, 2015 sa
saiyang residencia sa barangay Balatas.
An jefe kan Intellegence Branch, nadestino sa NCPO kan Febrero 2015 asin an nagribay ki Rosales sa
number 1 wanted sa kaparejong caso sa Kabikolan na si Dennis ‘’Taweng’’ Arbues y Comprado sainda
mang nadakop sa Saint Jude, Bgry. San Felipe, Ciudad nin Naga kaibahan an apat pang manga
suspechado sa nagtutulak nin droga.
Si Taweng, nalalaom sa carcel na mayong fiansa kaibahan an apat pang mga suspechado sa casong
pagbagla sa Acta Republica 9165 o mas midmid sa Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
Sinabi ni Bise Alcalde Nelson Legacion, presiding officer kan POC na sunod-sunod si acomplisimiento
laban sa dorogista kan grupo ni Dipad alagad nasurprisa sinda kan confirmaron  kan NCPO sa ginibong
miting kan POC.
Sad, no prior notice, he was doing good job, sabi ni Legacion.
PALIWANAG
KAN NCPO
Si Acting City Director Sr. Supt. Narciso Domingo nagpahayag sa entrevista kan Bicol Mail na si Dipad
hinale efectivo kan Diciembre 1, 2015 sa directiva ni Regional Director Chief Supt. Augusto Marquez,
alagad an pagbabalasa kan manga jefe kan intelligence branch bako lang sa NCPO envez sa gabos na
Provincial Office kabale na sa iba pang ciudades kan Kabikolan asin sa ibang Municipal Police Station.
Katuyohan kaini, nganing mahale an isyu sa pagiging harani sa ibang mga politico mientras na nagrarani
na an presidential asin local election.
Kun nagpaheling nin marhay na acomplisimiento si Dipad, tiwala man an City Director sa kakayahan ni
Supt. Raymundo.
Kan hapoton kun ano an grado niya sa dating jefe kan intelligence branch, very satisfactory asin
naghihinayang sinda alagad saiyang pigrerespeto an decicion kan regional command, sabi pa.
Sa panahon ni Dipad poon kan Enero hasta Noviembre 2015 igwag naarestar na 52 na nagtutulak nin
droga asin 45 naguusar kan ilegal na droga asin ini sa kagabsan na 97 na anas nag-aatubang na nin
caso sa pagbalga kan RA 9165.
1M registradong votantes sa CSur
DECEMBER 10, 2015 by BICOLMAIL in BIKOL NEWS, TOP STORIES with 0 COMMENTS
Igwa nang kagabsan na 1,001,870 rehistradong votantes an Camarines Sur sa maabot na
presidential elections sa Mayo 9, 2016 hale sa dating 900 mil sa pirilian kan Mayo 2013 asin
61,285 an hinale na sa listahan matapos magpalyar na magpakoa nin biometrics data.
Alagad kasunod kan pinaluwas na temporary restraining order kan Corte Suprema na
pinupugolan an Comelec na dai haleon sa listahan an mayong biometrics, afectado an trabajo
kan commission sagcod na ma-uktaba an nakatalaan na pirilian.
Sinabi ni Alexander Marpuri, parataram kan Comelec CamSur na sainda sanang iimplementar
an Act Republica 10367 o an mapadapit sa ‘’No Bio, No Vote’’ na dakulang bagay tanganing
mahale na an manga flying voters.
Halawig na manga bulan si ginibong continuing registration sa mga oficina lokal kan Comelec
sagcod na nagkaigwa nin satellite registration sa manga barangay sa enterong Filipinas, afuera
pa kaini pinadarahan pa nin surat sa paagi kan Philippine Postal Corporation an votantes na
‘’No Bio’’, alagad rinibo pa an dai nagpasiring sa Comelec nganing magpakoa nin biometrics
data.
Nagsusunod sana an Comelec sa ley alagad mawot ibasura kan Corte Suprema an acta
republica na inadalan kan congreso antes pinasar sagcod na inaprovaran kan Malacañan, sabi
pa kan Comelec.
Sa manga ginigibong pag-andam kan Comelec digdi para sa pirilian nurong taon sa duwang
ciudades asin treinte y cincong manga banwaan, preparado na numero kan clustered precincts
na igwang 1,816, iluluwas an 1,816 na counting machines, manombra nin 5,448 na board of
election inspectors.
NBI estimates P1B lost in Bicol lending scams
DECEMBER 10, 2015 by BICOLMAIL in TOP STORIES with 0 COMMENTS
By Juan Escandor Jr.

NAGA CITY—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has estimated at least P1 billion lost to financial
scam in Camarines Sur involving hundreds of investors duped into putting their hard-earned cash in at
least eight investment companies.

Special Investigator Rex Solano, the NBI officer assigned to investigate complaints of 153 victims of
financial scam, warned of the proliferation of so called money lenders and investment solicitors as the
number of victims continues to pour into their office to ask help.

“Beware of promises of scammers of high yielding investments from 6-10 percent a month which is too
good to be true,” Solano said.

He cited the One Dream Global Marketing, Inc. that operated sometime in July 2015 and stopped paying
up its investors in September of the same year has 43 victims who asked the NBI to investigate the case.

Solano said that with One Dream alone at least P200 million had been lost to scammers headed by its
director named Arnel R. Gacer who cannot be located until now.

He said the NBI has already filed a syndicated estafa case before the Camarines Sur Provincial
Prosecution Office against Gacer and 11 persons allegedly involved in the scam.

Among those the NBI named accused of conspiring with Gacer are Jobelle V. De Guzman, Ariel R.
Gacer, Richard Ramos, Jay-Ar V. De Guzman, Mary Ann Dela Cruz, Richard Jamer, Cristy Oliva, Rachel
Jamer, Verna Mendoza, Arnel Evangelista, and Sesyl A. Peña.

These 12 accused of ripping their victims of their investments employed the so-called “fastrix system”
where one investor would invest a certain amount for one slot, according to the case information filed at
the prosecution office.

“The maximum slot that an investor could invest is up to 31 slots for the total amount of P27,528, and
after four days the same investment will be returned with interest for the total amount of P40,300,” the NBI
said.

Aside from the promise of high investment yield, the victims were also promised with health/beauty
product and quantum pendant and bracelet for the entire amount of investment.

In addition, the victims were also promised other perks like brand new car, house and lot, appliances or
gadgets should they reach an accumulated investment of P4 million.

Solano said One Dream and other financial investment entities were registered with Securities and
Exchange Commission as a corporation but they were not registered as financial or investment institution.
He said though some of these investment entities are registered with SEC, they function beyond what
was provided for in their registration, which is illegal.

Esther B. Maralit, 70, a complainant against One Dream, narrated that she was made to believe by Gacer
that the money she entrusted was also invested in investment companies like Procter and Gamble and
Puregold.
Maralit said Gacer informed her of this assurance during the launching of One Dream in a hotel in this city
on June 27, 2015.

“Furthermore, complainant (Maralit) was told by Sesyl Peña not to worry about her investment and
assured her that her money was not sent to Manila. Mrs. Peña gave her assurance that her money was in
Naga City and that, only the interest was deposited to the bank account of Arnel Gacer, that was why
complainant was confidently convinced that her money would be returned to her on her pay-out day,”
according to the NBI information.

All in all, there are 43 complainants against One Dream that the NBI investigated and which the
information for syndicated estafa case against 12 persons involved in the scam  already filed before the
prosecution office in Camarines Sur.

Solano said the scammers victimize those gullible persons who want immediate high yield on their
investment.

He said he is baffled why these scams continue to proliferate despite the unbelievable promise of return
of their investments.

So far, the NBI has identified eight investment entities whose investors asked for assistance if only to get
their money back.

Among them are Save and Earn owned by Nancy Cajot with 16 complainants; El Rabab of Angelito
Ramos with 13 complainants; Trusty Foundation of Rudy Valenzuela with 55 complainants; 5-D of Arla
Baloloy with 3 complainants; Antonette Nicole Sicam with 6 complainants; Nestor Avenido with 5
complainants; and Joel Agdabo with 9 complainants.