Sorsogon MSMEs to venture on pili food products
by BA Recebido
Eleanor A. Eco, DBP branch manager here, said the pili industry offers a very good opportunity for the locals, wherein they can avail of the credit facility under the One Town One Product (OTOP) supported by DBP that provides capitalization for the business.
Eco, however, recommended that it would be something original and of better value if business ventures will not focus on pili sweet products alone, rather develop products such as pili jelly roll, bread with pili spread or pili inspired filling, pudding, cake, pastries and even ice cream, among others.
“I observed in Sorsogon, that seldom such pili food products are made. In most cases, pili products are limited only to candies or other simple confectioneries”, she said.
Eco said DBP specifically promotes pili because it is one among the many indigenous product of Sorsogon with high nutritive value.
“Pili food products will surely be a’click’ to many especially that nowadays people tend to become more health conscious,” she stressed.
Pili is rich in magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, ascorbic acid, zinc, copper, iron, sodium and even in Vitamin A, B1, B2, B3 and Vitamin E.
“With the perseverance and proper management of MSMEs, the venture can significantly contribute to employment and quality life among Sorsoganons particularly that the Department of Tourism (DOT) is also promoting the “Kulinarya Tour” program as part of cultural tourism,” she added.
“Kulinarya Tour” introduces the Philippine flavors to domestic and international scene and promotes the country as a culinary destination by bringing in local and foreign tourist to areas where the cuisine or food product is most indigenous.
Sorsogon was included in the itineraries of “Kulinarya Bicol Tour” which will introduce the province as prime producer of high-quality pili nuts.
Eco also said that this program is a good step towards bringing food security and poverty alleviation among locals, adding that DBP is their partner in growing their business.
“DBP likewise assured its continuing support to small and medium enterprises through its retail and wholesale lending program, she added.
At present, DBP has P35 billion in capitalization and 80 percent of its borrowers are into MSMEs. In Sorsogon, four MSMEs has already been benefiting from the said program.
For those who want to avail of MSME loans and other DBP programs, they can visit their nearest DBP Branch nationwide.
“We also have five Super Region Management Offices and 16 Regional Marketing Centers, ready to assist the MSME sector across the nation,” said Eco.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture Bicol has recorded some 256 entrepreneurs in the region involved in pili industry. (PIA Sorsogon)
Farmers prefer to sell produce to private traders despite NFA’s higher buying price
Based on the accomplishment report of NFA, (a copy of which was obtained by PIA), farmers still prefer to sell their stocks to private traders with an average ex-farm prices ranging from P15-P16/kg of clean and dry palay of ordinary variety despite the better price of P18.25 being offered by NFA.
The report further stated that majority of farmers could not sell their produce to NFA due to the absence of mechanical dryers which could be used for drying the palay during rainy seasons.
NFA has four (4) existing mechanical dryers with a total capacity of 335 bags per day. These dryers are located at Maddela FLGC, Diffun FLGC and GID 2 warehouse at Cabarroguis, Quirino.
Private traders are taking advantage of procuring wet stocks at low prices because they have their own mechanical dryers which could be used to process their procured wet stocks.
The report also said that farmers have no choice except to deliver their produce to the private traders whom they owed much for their farm inputs and other family expenses.
It further stated that this has been a long practice of small farmers in the province thus living standards of these farmers could hardly be uplifted. (PIA 2)
11th August 2009 – No embargo
The EMRIP was created by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to provide the Council with thematic expertise, and provide it with studies and research based advice. The EMRIP consists of five independent, indigenous experts. One of the current experts is a Filipino Igorot, Mr. José Mencio Molintas.
The second session of the EMRIP is meeting August 10-14, 2009 to discuss lessons learned and challenges to achieve the implementation of the right of indigenous peoples to education, as well as the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. There are over 400 indigenous delegates, and their supporters, registered from all over the world, who are participating together with the official representatives of governments.
PIPLinks is a non-profit organization, which aims to uphold and promote the collective and individual human rights of Indigenous Peoples (see http://www.piplinks.org). This press release and succeeding statements is done in behalf of a 15 organisation consortium of Philippine based indigenous peoples organizations and support groups.
To give the opening blessing to the meeting is an honour bestowed on leaders from different parts of the world. Timouy Jose Anoy said a Subanon prayer that all participants be blessed with wisdom and clarity in deliberating issues. He also prayed that all indigenous peoples from all over the world, who came a long way to the EMRIP get respect, recognition and redress for violations against their rights. Timouy Jose Anoy sprinkled water on the venue to symbolize clarity of thought and coolness of minds.
Timouy José “Boy” Anoy, together with another Subanon Leader Timouy Noval Lambo and Ifugao representative Peter Duyapat will participate in this five-day session to share their experience and propose ideas in addressing violation of rights to land, and rights to self determination by large scale mining companies and the lack of government support for redress.
The three leaders are also attending the 75th Session of the UN Committee on the Elimination of all forms of racial discrimination (UNCERD) to present a report about the discrimination of Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines to the committee as well as to press for a resolution to a Subanon Submission made at a previous meeting of the Committee.
Feature: Large-scale coconut biodiesel production in Ilocos Norte, first in the world
By Carlo P. Canares
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (10 August) — North Luzon, particularly the province of Ilocos Norte boasts of not just the country’s but the world’s first large scale coconut plantation intended solely for the production of coconut bio-fuel as an alternative energy resource.
The Arroyo administration is promoting indigenous energy exploration to protect the country from shocks brought about by volatile imported fuel prices and help solve the global problem on climate change.
Some 400,000 hectares of land in North Luzon, majority of which will be in the villages of Balaoi, Caparispisan and Caunayan in the town of Pagudpud, will be developed and planted with coconut trees to secure the supply of coconut oil for domestic market demand and sustain exports.
Not only will there be development of alternative fuels but also reforestation that promotes cleaner, fresher air; protect and restore the environment and absorb carbon dioxide.
A Coconut Bio-fuel energy plant, covering 9 hectares of land, will rise in the coastal town of Pasuqin in the province of Ilocos Norte. The coconut oil mill and biodiesel plant will produce at least 2,000 tons of coconut oil per month with provisions of up to 25,000 tons; and 300,000 tons of coconut biodiesel annually.
The first phase of the project is for the construction of the Coconut Oil Mill plant. Covering an estimated 4.5 hectares, it will consist of a copra warehouse, copra milling section, coconut oil refinery section, copra cake section, storage tanks, administration offices and port facility. The second phase is the construction of the Coconut biodiesel plant and Coconut shell charcoal processing plant and will cover another 4.5 hectares of land.
The bio-fuel power project is one way of solving the problem of climate change because the use of coconut bio-diesel will contribute to the reduction of green house gas emissions in the atmosphere.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has repeatedly stressed that climate change is already adversely affecting the world and will have catastrophic effects if immediate and sufficient actions to curb fossil fuel emission and forest loss are not taken.
Bio-fuel is any fuel derived from organic matter. It is a renewable source of energy unlike other resources such as petroleum, coal and nuclear fuels. One advantage of biofuel in comparison with most fuel types is its biodegradability, thus its handling and use is relatively harmless to the environment.
The bio-fuel coconut oil project will secure the region’s – and the country’s – own source of alternative fuel and lessen dependence on imported fossil fuels. It will also mean job creation and economic upturn for various related industries.
The bio-fuel/coconut oil project will cost P3.5 billion of which P500 million will be for land and infrastructure while the remaining P3 billion will be for plantation of coconut trees, including provisions for livelihood and employment, farm supplies, fertilizers, seedlings, etc. (PIA Ilocos Norte)
NVizcaya-NEcija road now passable
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (10 August) — Local commuters can now continue to travel coming and going to Cagayan Valley with ease as the Department of Public Works and Highways(DPWH) and local government units have restored the national highway after it was blocked by a series of landslides since Thursday (August 6) afternoon.
The reported landslides blocked hundreds of commuters along the national highway in barangay Pungkan in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija as it was triggered by strong rains due to typhoon ‘Kiko’.
“It is now over and our commuters can now travel safely and comfortably,” said Police Supt. Pedro Danguilan, provincial director here.
Danguilan said the clearing operations became fast since the two provinces jointly undertook earth moving operations within the landslide areas.
The national highway was opened at 4 P..M. Friday(August 7), bringing relief to stranded commuters which filled the national highway. Some of the stranded commuters since Friday have opted to walk, braving the intermittent rains while other waited for more than 24 hours, relying on bread and biscuits as food, according to disaster coordinating council officials here.
Danguilan said the closure of the national highway in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija was due to a huge vehicle that was hit by a major landslide including minor landslides in other areas which totally blocked the road. (PIA NVizcaya)
Gov’t vehicles not spared from LTO’s “No Plate, No Travel” policy
by Maritess Benas
Bangued, Abra (8 August) — The chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the province stood firm on the position of their office regarding the enforcement of the “No Plate, No Travel” Policy.
Despite clamor from representatives of various government agencies in Abra to the LTO to give special consideration to red plate vehicles of government offices in order not to cause delay in the delivery of basic services of the government, . Eusebio R. Bidalen Bidalen said that the government should be role models in abiding by the laws of the country and therefore should be the first to comply with the rules and regulations to avoid negative comments from the general public who are obliged to register their vehicles.
The request was raised because of the failure of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to facilitate the issuance of the insurance of their vehicles which is one of the requirements in the registration of their vehicles with the LTO.
Another issue on transportation discussed during the monthly meeting of the Provincial Law Enforcement Coordinating Council (PLECC) was the “out-of-line” transport of passengers by tricycle drivers. There are complaints by some jeepney drivers and operators whose passengers are being ferried by some tricycles which deprive them of their supposed passengers.
Meanwhile, Decimia D. Cabang of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) reported that the livelihood assistance given to former rebels in Abra who have not availed of the said fund assistance from the government at the time of their surrender, are still being processed.
The funds, in the amount of P20,000, is provided by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP).
Since May of this year, the OPPAP has been collaborating with members of the Abra Social Integration Committee (ASIC) chaired by Governor Eustaquio P. Bersamin for the awarding of the Social Integration Program (SIP) funds and projects to the former rebels (FRs). Three batches of FRs have been awarded their benefits. The fourth batch will be awarded after the ASIC has verified their records.
The FRs who availed of the SIP funds have invested their cash benefits for their micro-livelihood projects. Most of those in the upland communities particularly in Lacub and Malibcong municipalities are into small scale mining since this is the activity that they know. Others availed of the trainings conducted by the Technical Education Skills Authority (TESDA) for them to be able to start their own livelihood. (PIA-Abra)
Gov’t continues to provide affordable rice for Pangasinenses
By Venus H. Sarmiento
Lingayen, Pangasinan (7 August) — The government continues to provide quality but affordable rice to Pangasinenses, according to the National Food Authority here.
NFA Western Pangasinan General Manager Ramon Cuaresma said his office continues to sell NFA rice at P18.25 per kilo in ‘Tindahan Natin’ outlets in far flung barangays of the province.
Cuaresma explained that there are rice allocation ledgers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to make sure that the NFA rice goes to the poor who should be prioritized in the availment of affordable rice.
He added that the limit for one family is five kilos of rice. Any ‘Tindahan Natin outlet found not abiding by the rules will face cancellation of rice allocation, Cuaresma said.
At present there are 302 ‘Tindahan Natin’ outlets where 88 of these are in located in barangays accredited by DSWD. Other outlets especially in the Poblacion area sell NFA rice at P25 per kilo.
Curaesma added that not all NFA rice is being imported. Most of the supplies are locally produced, bought by the government from farmers since August to December last year.
He admitted that NFA rice is not as white as well-milled rice because it is only of the regular-milled kind. However, he made sure the NFA rice is of good quality, delicious and smells pleasant.
Cuaresma assured the public that there is an ample supply of rice in his area of responsibility until next harvest season. (PIA-Pangasinan)
Green Groups Send-Off Filipino Tribal Leader to UN
QUEZON CITY – Today, Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM), an advocacy group and a people’s movement that upholds the rights of the present and future Filipinos against the persisting injustices related to mining, holds a send-off lunch for Filipino indigenous peoples (IPs) leaders who will be leaving for Geneva Switzerland tomorrow to participate in the United Nation’s Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) hearing on a complaint filed against the Philippine Government by the Subanon community.
The Filipino Tribal leaders who will be going to Geneva are: Timuay Jose Boy Anoy, the rightful owner of ancestral land in Mt. Canatuan, who was personally given a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, has been ejected from his own land by TVI together with his fellow Filipino tribal leaders; Timuay Noval Lambo, Chief Elder of the Subanon Council of Seven Rivers in the Zamboanga Peninsula; and Peter Duyapat, President of the Didipio Earth Savers Movement Association (DESAMA) belonging to the Ifugao community from Didipio, Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya.
The three IP leaders are asserting that their rights to the ancestral domains have been violated, and that the actions of the Philippine government, particularly the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples have been adverse against them.
‘The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) facilitated the formation of a bogus
tribal council in connivance with TVI. There was no genuine free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) given to the mining operations. Our customs, traditions, and beliefs have been disrespected by no less than the government,’ says Timuay Anoy.
According to Timuay Lambo, “The government must tell the truth. We have been waiting for so long. The government’s report, which states that are no indigenous peoples’ discrimination is purely a lie as fabricated by the NCIP, through its incompetent local officials. They should be held accountable.”
Duyapat, whose community is impacted by an Australian mining company, OceanaGold, has been abusing the rights of the indigenous community through militarization, displacements and loss of livelihood. He will raise complaints about their community’s situation. “We strongly demand that the real spirit of IPRA should be implemented and genuine FPIC be sought”, exclaimed Duyapat.
“The World IP Day is observed on August 9 every year and there are 12 million indigenous peoples in the Philippines and the participation of the three IP leaders who will be going to Geneva will speak up, tell their stories and demand that the government should heed their call for their right to self-determination and the United Nations urge and pressure the Republic of the Philippines to address justly, without discrimination, the issues of land rights, militarization, access to justice and protection of indigenous beliefs and practices. ATM will support the initiative of these IP leaders to explore and maximize international venues where they can assert their rights to pursue the protection and enrichment of their indigenous cultures.” said ATM Coordinator Jaybee Garganera.
The CERD is a body of independent experts which monitors the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) by its State parties. The Philippine government, having ratified ICERD is obliged to regularly report to the Committee on how it is being implemented. However, the Government has failed in the required regular reporting, and its current report covers the period of 1998 to 2008.
The ATM is an alliance of mining-affected communities and their support groups of NGOs/POs and other civil society organizations convened by HARIBON, Legal Rights and Natural Resources -Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC/FOEI) and PhilDHRRA.
For more information:
www. Phillippines-cerd.blogspot.com
Jaybee Garganera, ATM Coordinator, (0915) 315.37.19
Lodel Magabanua, PIPlinks (0917) 887.0109
NVizcaya to celebrate World IP Day
Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (4 August) — People’s organizations here will be celebrating the World Indigenous Day on August 8 in observance of the recently-approved United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRiP).
Ronald Allan Barnacha, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) trustee and coordinator of the event said the activity will be held at the Tonus Gymnasium of the St. Mary’s University with the theme: “Protect our Tribe, Defend our Patrimony, Strengthen IP Partnerships.”
The IP day will be attended by members of the NV People’s Organizations (NVPO) said Peter Duyapat, NVPO chair such as the Didipio Earth Savers Multi-Purpose Association (DESAMA), Lower Muta Valley Farmers Federation (LMVFF), Kasibu Inter-Tribal Response for Ecological Development (KIRED), Malabing Valley Tribal Development Association (MVTDA), papaya Farmers Association (PFA) and Quezon Multi-Sectoral Conference (QueMSec).
The objectives of the activity are 1.) Raise awareness of the United Nations’ Concern for Indigenous Peoples, 2.) Impart to the local indigenous communities the assertion of self determination, 3.) Build awareness of local authorities on human rights and mining, 4.) Identify possible campaign and advocacy activity support to the communities and 5.) Call for collaborative effort in support to intensifying provincial campaign and advocacy to respect and support indigenous Peoples in the province. (PIA NVizcaya)
Sorsogon City, Magallanes receive P3M fishery livelihood fund assistance
by MA Loterte and BA Recebido
Sorsogon Province (31 July) — Sorsogon City and Magallanes town have received a total of P3 million financial assistance for fishery livelihood projects for the local fisher folks.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), through its Bicol regional office, awarded the P2 million check to the local government of Sorsogon City to finance the implementation of fishery livelihood projects for fisher folks, especially those directly affected by red tide in Sorsogon Bay.
The amount was turned-over recently to Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic Dioneda in a ceremony witnessed by other city officials, Rep. Salvador Escudero III, BFAR Bicol regional officials, fisher folk-beneficiaries and stakeholders, and the media.
Escudero was instrumental in the release of the funds and facilitated the realization of the livelihood assistance for his constituents in the province’s first congressional district.
Dinoeda stated the city government intends to utilize the financial assistance for seven livelihood projects identified by the guidelines set by BFAR.
“These include sea weed farming, culture of bangus and saline tilapia in fish cages, culture of grouper and other high value species, provision of non-motorized bancas, technical skills development training, self-employment assistance through micro-enterprise and post harvest facility for marine products,” he said.
Nelson Del Socorro, BFAR Bicol regional director, said the financial assistance was extended to the fisher folks to eradicate pervasive poverty among coastal communities, specifically among those directly affected by the recurrence of red tide in Sorsogon Bay.
He noted red tide has been recurring in Sorsogon Bay for the past 3 years, displacing thousands from their means of livelihood and costing millions of pesos loses on the shellfish industry.
Magallanes town meanwhile has received the P1 million check from BFAR Bicol to purchase non-motorized bancas and fishing nets for subsistence fishermen who were greatly affected by calamities that this in the municipality recently.
Melchor Deramas, BFAR Bicol Fisheries Extension and Training Division chief awarded the check to Magallanes Mayor Abelardo Arambulo in the presence of Escudero, municipal and barangay officials, and local fishermen.
BFAR also distributed 300,000 prawn post larvae and 30,000 tilapia fingerlings to fishpond operators in the municipality.
The livelihood fund assistance is in consonance with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s directives to the Department of Agriculture to extend support to the fishery sector and to ensure sufficient and affordable food for everyone. (PIA Bikol)
