GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) reiterates its vision toward power stability while allaying the fears of city officials and worried residents here over a “large-scale” brownout. Socoteco II management said it continues to coordinate and collaborate with the city government officials to discuss possible measure that would deter any more long power outages. This amid the National Power Corporation or NPC’s recent advisory announcing the 90 MW energy shortage in the Mindanao power grid due to ongoing preventive maintenance work on one of its coal plants.
Socoteco II general manager Rodolfo Ocat said the city government’s vision of “sustainable power supply” also epitomizes the company’s direction toward power stability for its consumers. Briefing City Mayor Ronnel Rivera of GenSan’s current power situation, Ocat assured the mayor of the possibility of no brownouts citing the cooperative’s venturing into many more projects if only to concretize the goal of “no brownouts” in line with the city government’s power sustainability program. Rivera, on this note, commended the cooperatives’ efforts to stabilize the supply of energy noting its commitment and openness to many strategies and new schemes for the welfare of its member-consumers.
To augment its energy supply, Socoteco II has recently forged a contract deal with SOEnergy International for the diesel-fired modular generator sets aside from its existing partnership pacts with Therma Marine, Incorporated and Mapalad Power Corporation. Both local energy suppliers provide 30 MW of power to Socoteco II. SOEnergy, on the other hand, is a large-scale energy solutions provider based in Miami, Florida, USA leasing for two years to Socoteco II the modular generator units.
Vickie Fernandez, Socoteco II public relations officer told PIA General Santos that the modular generator sets are now ready for use having been delivered in June this year and installed at Socoteco’s property-owned compound at New Society, Barangay Apopong here. She said Socoteco II signed the power sales agreement (PSA) with SoEnergy last May. Among the vital provisions covered in the PSA, Fernandez said include the operationalization of the modular units and the generation of 15 MW of embedded power supplies for Socoteco.
When asked of the new possible power rates as a result of PSA signing, Fernandez said its implementation has yet to begin pending approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).We are just waiting for the go signal from the commission, she added saying the ERC is thoroughly assessing, evaluating, and studying still the documents they submitted. Earlier, the cooperative said that it will look into the implementation of the so-called Interruptible Load Program (ILP) in the city tapping major industrial and huge commercial establishments enrolled in the scheme here to help generate some megawatts of power for its member-consumers.
Socoteco II believes that sharing a power load to the residents is part of the corporate social responsibility of big corporations in this area. It also urges all power consumers to implement an individual energy conservation effort at homes so they themselves can do their share in attaining the goal of no brownouts in GenSan.
Reported by Catherine T. Apelacio
Socoteco II general manager Rodolfo Ocat said the city government’s vision of “sustainable power supply” also epitomizes the company’s direction toward power stability for its consumers. Briefing City Mayor Ronnel Rivera of GenSan’s current power situation, Ocat assured the mayor of the possibility of no brownouts citing the cooperative’s venturing into many more projects if only to concretize the goal of “no brownouts” in line with the city government’s power sustainability program. Rivera, on this note, commended the cooperatives’ efforts to stabilize the supply of energy noting its commitment and openness to many strategies and new schemes for the welfare of its member-consumers.
To augment its energy supply, Socoteco II has recently forged a contract deal with SOEnergy International for the diesel-fired modular generator sets aside from its existing partnership pacts with Therma Marine, Incorporated and Mapalad Power Corporation. Both local energy suppliers provide 30 MW of power to Socoteco II. SOEnergy, on the other hand, is a large-scale energy solutions provider based in Miami, Florida, USA leasing for two years to Socoteco II the modular generator units.
Vickie Fernandez, Socoteco II public relations officer told PIA General Santos that the modular generator sets are now ready for use having been delivered in June this year and installed at Socoteco’s property-owned compound at New Society, Barangay Apopong here. She said Socoteco II signed the power sales agreement (PSA) with SoEnergy last May. Among the vital provisions covered in the PSA, Fernandez said include the operationalization of the modular units and the generation of 15 MW of embedded power supplies for Socoteco.
When asked of the new possible power rates as a result of PSA signing, Fernandez said its implementation has yet to begin pending approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).We are just waiting for the go signal from the commission, she added saying the ERC is thoroughly assessing, evaluating, and studying still the documents they submitted. Earlier, the cooperative said that it will look into the implementation of the so-called Interruptible Load Program (ILP) in the city tapping major industrial and huge commercial establishments enrolled in the scheme here to help generate some megawatts of power for its member-consumers.
Socoteco II believes that sharing a power load to the residents is part of the corporate social responsibility of big corporations in this area. It also urges all power consumers to implement an individual energy conservation effort at homes so they themselves can do their share in attaining the goal of no brownouts in GenSan.
Reported by Catherine T. Apelacio
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Three farmers, a professor-scientist, and two farmer groups from Soccsksargen Region are in for the final stretch of the 2013 National Gawad Saka Search, the Department of Agriculture 12 announced today. DA 12 Regional Executive Director Amalia-Jayag Datukan said the regional office endorsed 11 nominees to the department’s annual nationwide search for individuals and institutions whose exemplary works have contributed to the country’s agricultural development. Datukan identified the farmer finalists from Region 12 as Merlito Ancheta for outstanding sugarcane farmer category, Dr. Melchor Serquiña for coconut farmer category and Leonardo Primne Jr. for fisherfolk category.
Dr. Cayetano C. Pomares of the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato is also a finalist in the agriculture scientist category. Moreover, Malandag Barangay Food Terminal is being considered for Outstanding BFT (BLGU-Operated) category while the Alamada Multi-purpose Cooperative is in for the small farmers’ organization category. Ancheta owns and personally manages a five-hectare sugarcane farm in Barangay Kibudoc, Carmen, North Cotabato. Using appropriate technologies, he said he is assured of net income of not less than P50,000 per hectare per harvest. What separates Ancheta among other farmers, however, is the regular work and assistance he provides to members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the area.
Serquiña of Kidapawan City is a veterinarian who has chosen coconut-based farming as a primary vocation. The Serquiña Farm, dubbed “Farm in the City,” grows over 400 coconuts as main crops integrated with swine production following a Korean Technology as well as production area for poultry. He also planted high value crops like kalamansi, rambutan, mangosteen and tropical fruits for consumption and income. Like other coconut farmers, the veterinarian-coconut farmer has in several times been affected by the highly variable price of copra but he got through this by establishing a coconut seedling nursery out of the mature nuts he collected from his farm. Dok Chong also produces his own bio-gas out of the different farm wastes.
Moreover, Primne of Banga, South Cotabato relies on tilapia production for family livelihood. Unlike most growers, however, Primne sell tipalia while these are still fingerlings, which he said “commands better income.” For additional income he, raises ornamental fishes. Primne , who is named as a “magsasakang siyentista” also grows palay in a two-hectare farm, which has been chosen as a Palayamanan Model Farm of the Department of Agriculture. Along with palay, he raises cows, goats, chickens and ducks. Dr. Pomares, is a multi-awarded professor at the state-owned University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato.
As an agricultural scientist, he is known for biotechnology techniques on breeding and physiology. His paramount breakthrough, the artificial insemination in goats and sheep, has been adopted by the Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Development Council and Bureau of Animal Industry, Isabela State University and other premier academic institutions . Dr. Pomares has institutionalized artificial breeding as a tool to livestock improvement through his two-way work with the DA and National Artificial Breeding Center, among others, making it as a principal component of the Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP).
He also spearheaded the genetic resources conservation of Philippine crocodiles particularly Crocodylus mindorensis by leading the establishment of the Philippine Crocodile Rescue and Breeding Center in North Cotabato. Among over 100 food terminals in the region, Malandag Barangay Food Terminal in Malungon, Sarangani is considered the most progressive village-based food terminal in the region. Starting only as a simple stall selling vegetables produced by local farmers, it has now expanded to turned into a major store in the area, adding grocery items and other household requirements to its wares.
Most importantly it has provided additional income for its members through the expanded projects including swine and poultry production projects. Meanwhile, Alamada Multi-purpose Cooperative in Alamada, North Cotabato was established in 1991 as Agricultural Credit Cooperative (ACCA) with a meager P12,500 capital fund. Since then, it has continuously grown as a major enterprise managed and owned by farmers members that do not only come the municipality of Alamada but also the other town in PPALMA (Pigcawayan, Pikit, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap, Aleosan) alliance.
As of 2012, its total assets are valued at P114,639,646. In one year alone (from 2011 to 2012) its assets grew by over P13 million. Alamada MPC is also a multi-awarded farmer enterprise: Most Outstanding Coop 1998 to 2001, Gawad Pitak Awardee, Model Cooperative and Key Cooperative from 2003 to present, and one of the Top 30 Outstanding Time Depositors. As finalists, the aforementioned individuals and groups are being evaluated against two other nominees in their respective categories. Declaration and awarding of the national winners of the Gawad Saka Search is initially set in October.
Reported by Danilo E. Doguiles
Dr. Cayetano C. Pomares of the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato is also a finalist in the agriculture scientist category. Moreover, Malandag Barangay Food Terminal is being considered for Outstanding BFT (BLGU-Operated) category while the Alamada Multi-purpose Cooperative is in for the small farmers’ organization category. Ancheta owns and personally manages a five-hectare sugarcane farm in Barangay Kibudoc, Carmen, North Cotabato. Using appropriate technologies, he said he is assured of net income of not less than P50,000 per hectare per harvest. What separates Ancheta among other farmers, however, is the regular work and assistance he provides to members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the area.
Serquiña of Kidapawan City is a veterinarian who has chosen coconut-based farming as a primary vocation. The Serquiña Farm, dubbed “Farm in the City,” grows over 400 coconuts as main crops integrated with swine production following a Korean Technology as well as production area for poultry. He also planted high value crops like kalamansi, rambutan, mangosteen and tropical fruits for consumption and income. Like other coconut farmers, the veterinarian-coconut farmer has in several times been affected by the highly variable price of copra but he got through this by establishing a coconut seedling nursery out of the mature nuts he collected from his farm. Dok Chong also produces his own bio-gas out of the different farm wastes.
Moreover, Primne of Banga, South Cotabato relies on tilapia production for family livelihood. Unlike most growers, however, Primne sell tipalia while these are still fingerlings, which he said “commands better income.” For additional income he, raises ornamental fishes. Primne , who is named as a “magsasakang siyentista” also grows palay in a two-hectare farm, which has been chosen as a Palayamanan Model Farm of the Department of Agriculture. Along with palay, he raises cows, goats, chickens and ducks. Dr. Pomares, is a multi-awarded professor at the state-owned University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato.
As an agricultural scientist, he is known for biotechnology techniques on breeding and physiology. His paramount breakthrough, the artificial insemination in goats and sheep, has been adopted by the Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Development Council and Bureau of Animal Industry, Isabela State University and other premier academic institutions . Dr. Pomares has institutionalized artificial breeding as a tool to livestock improvement through his two-way work with the DA and National Artificial Breeding Center, among others, making it as a principal component of the Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP).
He also spearheaded the genetic resources conservation of Philippine crocodiles particularly Crocodylus mindorensis by leading the establishment of the Philippine Crocodile Rescue and Breeding Center in North Cotabato. Among over 100 food terminals in the region, Malandag Barangay Food Terminal in Malungon, Sarangani is considered the most progressive village-based food terminal in the region. Starting only as a simple stall selling vegetables produced by local farmers, it has now expanded to turned into a major store in the area, adding grocery items and other household requirements to its wares.
Most importantly it has provided additional income for its members through the expanded projects including swine and poultry production projects. Meanwhile, Alamada Multi-purpose Cooperative in Alamada, North Cotabato was established in 1991 as Agricultural Credit Cooperative (ACCA) with a meager P12,500 capital fund. Since then, it has continuously grown as a major enterprise managed and owned by farmers members that do not only come the municipality of Alamada but also the other town in PPALMA (Pigcawayan, Pikit, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap, Aleosan) alliance.
As of 2012, its total assets are valued at P114,639,646. In one year alone (from 2011 to 2012) its assets grew by over P13 million. Alamada MPC is also a multi-awarded farmer enterprise: Most Outstanding Coop 1998 to 2001, Gawad Pitak Awardee, Model Cooperative and Key Cooperative from 2003 to present, and one of the Top 30 Outstanding Time Depositors. As finalists, the aforementioned individuals and groups are being evaluated against two other nominees in their respective categories. Declaration and awarding of the national winners of the Gawad Saka Search is initially set in October.
Reported by Danilo E. Doguiles
GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- More than 200 farmers from South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos City (SocSarGen) joined in the recent launching here of the search and award for The Outstanding Farmers (TOFARM) of the Philippines. TOFARM is an award program of the Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCIP) and the Universal Harvester, Incorporated (UHI) “in recognition of the resiliency, ingenuity, and the strength of our hard working Filipino farmers.”
The program is anchored on promoting farming in the youth sector in all regions by encouraging participation of public and private sector stakeholders in agriculture, fisheries and livestocks. “It’s very heartwarming and motivating to see that in our quest to inspire the nation to farm, SocSarGen farmers are united and committed to our country’s struggle for food sustainability,” said TOFARM 2012 National Chairman Rommel Cunanan.
UHI Executive Vice President, Dr. Milagros Ong How underscored the importance of the program to attract new generation farmers and be proud of this livelihood. “If fewer and fewer young farmers fail to realize their contribution to nation building, we will face a food security crisis in the very near future,” she opined. The TOFARM search is open to all farmers and harvesters of rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, organic and high value crops. Fisherfolks, livestock owners, agri-entrepreneurs, young farmers, urban city farmers, agriculture cooperatives, and family farmers including agricultural innovators, local government units, private organizations and other institutions are also welcome to participate.
“This is to support and acknowledge our unsung heroes in the agriculture industry,” explained Virgilio Jose Cabanlet who is this year’s National Chairman. Cabanlet also expressed gladness over the active involvement of the participants who traveled from as far as Maitum, Sarangani and T’boli, South Cotabato just to learn for the first time the search and award that will finally recognize even small-scale farmers in their field of endeavor. Benjamin Hurtado, an inventor and designer of a mechanical equipment that can dry 1,000 sacks of corn in 1 hour expressed optimism that his work of art will be finally recognized through TOFARM.
“I am happy to note that there is a program like this, otherwise, I will just keep my invention until it decays,” he said. T’boli Municipal Agriculturist, Olivia Miramon also shared the same optimism especially for the farmers in her town. “This is one great opportunity to enhance the skills and capabilities of our farmers and at the same time to uplift their living conditions,” she said. Meanwhile, Cabanlet disclosed that submission of TOFARM nomination is extended until August 15, 2013 to give ample time for interested individuals and groups to complete the necessary requirements and/or documentation for the completion of their nominations.
For more information about the nomination one may visit www.tofarm.org and coordinate with the JCI General Santos “Twin Star” through 0932 774-3257/09089017649 or visit the Philippine Information Agency-SarGen Office with contact number (083) 301-8244. Entries can be emailed to info.tofarm@gmail.com or send it to TOFARM Secretariat Office at HCC, 10th Floor, 158 P. Tuazon Ave. cor 7th/8th Ave., Cubao, Quezon City. (By Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan /PIA-Gensan)
The program is anchored on promoting farming in the youth sector in all regions by encouraging participation of public and private sector stakeholders in agriculture, fisheries and livestocks. “It’s very heartwarming and motivating to see that in our quest to inspire the nation to farm, SocSarGen farmers are united and committed to our country’s struggle for food sustainability,” said TOFARM 2012 National Chairman Rommel Cunanan.
UHI Executive Vice President, Dr. Milagros Ong How underscored the importance of the program to attract new generation farmers and be proud of this livelihood. “If fewer and fewer young farmers fail to realize their contribution to nation building, we will face a food security crisis in the very near future,” she opined. The TOFARM search is open to all farmers and harvesters of rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, organic and high value crops. Fisherfolks, livestock owners, agri-entrepreneurs, young farmers, urban city farmers, agriculture cooperatives, and family farmers including agricultural innovators, local government units, private organizations and other institutions are also welcome to participate.
“This is to support and acknowledge our unsung heroes in the agriculture industry,” explained Virgilio Jose Cabanlet who is this year’s National Chairman. Cabanlet also expressed gladness over the active involvement of the participants who traveled from as far as Maitum, Sarangani and T’boli, South Cotabato just to learn for the first time the search and award that will finally recognize even small-scale farmers in their field of endeavor. Benjamin Hurtado, an inventor and designer of a mechanical equipment that can dry 1,000 sacks of corn in 1 hour expressed optimism that his work of art will be finally recognized through TOFARM.
“I am happy to note that there is a program like this, otherwise, I will just keep my invention until it decays,” he said. T’boli Municipal Agriculturist, Olivia Miramon also shared the same optimism especially for the farmers in her town. “This is one great opportunity to enhance the skills and capabilities of our farmers and at the same time to uplift their living conditions,” she said. Meanwhile, Cabanlet disclosed that submission of TOFARM nomination is extended until August 15, 2013 to give ample time for interested individuals and groups to complete the necessary requirements and/or documentation for the completion of their nominations.
For more information about the nomination one may visit www.tofarm.org and coordinate with the JCI General Santos “Twin Star” through 0932 774-3257/09089017649 or visit the Philippine Information Agency-SarGen Office with contact number (083) 301-8244. Entries can be emailed to info.tofarm@gmail.com or send it to TOFARM Secretariat Office at HCC, 10th Floor, 158 P. Tuazon Ave. cor 7th/8th Ave., Cubao, Quezon City. (By Nirvana Alpha Vita G. Fruylan /PIA-Gensan)
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Around 290 flood victims from two barangays of Isulan received relief food packs of noodles, rice, bottled water, canned goods and some milk from home-based non-government organization. The Rotary Club of Isulan distributed Tuesday, relief goods to affected families of the flood that left rice fields and homes underwater in the two barangays of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday.
Mark Phillip Mariveles, president of the Rotary Club of Isulan (RC Isulan) said the packs are donations from fellow Rotarians, some members of REACT Capitol group and private individuals who were touched of the unfortunate state of the affected families. He said, he is very glad and thankful to those who responded to his call and volunteered to share their time, money and actively participated in the distribution of relief goods to the affected families.
“Having this kind of activity embodies the ideals of being a Rotarian. It is nice to see Rotarians working and pooling resources together to help the less fortunate ones. It is like putting into action the theme for the Rotary Year “Engage Rotary, Change Lives,” Mariveles said. He also expressed his gratitude to the members of PNP, BFP, REACT, Rotaract Club of Isulan, and staff of Radyo Natin Isulan and Radyo Natin Tacurong who volunteered in the repacking of the sacks of rice, boxes of noodles and cans of goods.
“It is a good thing that some officers and members of the PNP and BFP are Rotarians which made the influx of volunteers overwhelming,” Mariveles said. Of the 290 households from Puroks Sikat, Bagong Pag-asa II and Roxas of Barangay Bambad and Puroks Santan, Riverside and San Francisco of Barangay Kalawag 3, only 150 families Bambad evacuated to Maremco Elementary School while the affected families in Kalawag 3 decided to stay with their homes and to wait for the flood to subside.
Around 1:00 on Saturday morning the water level of Allah river rose and overflowed to the farm lands and houses of affected barangays. This is due to heavy downpour of rain in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces. (By Aida C. Agad PIA 12/Jemuel Dael-RN Isulan)
Mark Phillip Mariveles, president of the Rotary Club of Isulan (RC Isulan) said the packs are donations from fellow Rotarians, some members of REACT Capitol group and private individuals who were touched of the unfortunate state of the affected families. He said, he is very glad and thankful to those who responded to his call and volunteered to share their time, money and actively participated in the distribution of relief goods to the affected families.
“Having this kind of activity embodies the ideals of being a Rotarian. It is nice to see Rotarians working and pooling resources together to help the less fortunate ones. It is like putting into action the theme for the Rotary Year “Engage Rotary, Change Lives,” Mariveles said. He also expressed his gratitude to the members of PNP, BFP, REACT, Rotaract Club of Isulan, and staff of Radyo Natin Isulan and Radyo Natin Tacurong who volunteered in the repacking of the sacks of rice, boxes of noodles and cans of goods.
“It is a good thing that some officers and members of the PNP and BFP are Rotarians which made the influx of volunteers overwhelming,” Mariveles said. Of the 290 households from Puroks Sikat, Bagong Pag-asa II and Roxas of Barangay Bambad and Puroks Santan, Riverside and San Francisco of Barangay Kalawag 3, only 150 families Bambad evacuated to Maremco Elementary School while the affected families in Kalawag 3 decided to stay with their homes and to wait for the flood to subside.
Around 1:00 on Saturday morning the water level of Allah river rose and overflowed to the farm lands and houses of affected barangays. This is due to heavy downpour of rain in South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces. (By Aida C. Agad PIA 12/Jemuel Dael-RN Isulan)
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- The Department of Agrarian Reform in South Cotabato has signed a memorandum of agreement with state-run Mindanao State University in General Santos City to prepare agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBO) before they are granted assistance. Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Felix Frias said the MOA he signed with MSU-Gensan Campus Chancellor Atty. Abdulrrahman T. Canacan on July 23 would help beneficiaries in managing their enterprises.
Per agreement, MSU will conduct Organizational Enterprise Needs and Design Assessment (OE NADA) for beneficiary organizations which are recipients of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS). The OE-NADA would focus on the Glamang Communal Irrigators Association (GCIA) in Glamang, Polomolok, and the Banga Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (BARCCO) in Malaya, Banga, all in South Cotabato. Both ARBOs are set to receive common service facilities (CSFs) relative to mechanized corn production.
As a partner service provider, MSU will assess the ARBOs in terms of access to market and credit, enterprise capacity, crop and farm productivity, capability of the organization, and the suitability of intervention. These are factors considered vital in the management of their projects to eventually increase their farm productivity and income, Frias explained. ARCCESS is a project of DAR aimed at increasing farm productivity, improving net income and sustaining livelihood of agrarian reform beneficiaries.
An important component of the initiative is tapping professional service providers such as agricultural extension and business development experts to coach the organizations on farm technologies and enterprise development and management. ARCCESS also provides common service facilities (CSF). These CSFs include farm equipment, machineries and implements that they ARBOs could use in their operations and business enterprise. At the signing of the MOA, Atty. Canacan expressed confidence they could surpass their previous similar engagements with DAR South Cotabato.
Meanwhile Frias urged the subject ARBOs to fully cooperate with MSU team on the assessment to make sure that their needs will be comprehensively addressed before they begin with their respective projects. He also thanked MSU for their assistance in the ARCCESS and the other initiatives of DAR. Early this year, MSU conducted similar assessment and coaching to two ARBOs, namely: Cebuano Small Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Barangay Cebuano Tupi, and Maguad Farmer Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Brgy. Kusan, Banga. Maguad Farmers Irrigators MPC received P1.76 million worth of CSF, including four hand tractors, three power cultivators, and six threshers in April. The Cebuano Small Coconut Farmers MPC also received similar assistance.
Reported by Danilo E. Doguiles / PIA 12
Per agreement, MSU will conduct Organizational Enterprise Needs and Design Assessment (OE NADA) for beneficiary organizations which are recipients of the Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS). The OE-NADA would focus on the Glamang Communal Irrigators Association (GCIA) in Glamang, Polomolok, and the Banga Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (BARCCO) in Malaya, Banga, all in South Cotabato. Both ARBOs are set to receive common service facilities (CSFs) relative to mechanized corn production.
As a partner service provider, MSU will assess the ARBOs in terms of access to market and credit, enterprise capacity, crop and farm productivity, capability of the organization, and the suitability of intervention. These are factors considered vital in the management of their projects to eventually increase their farm productivity and income, Frias explained. ARCCESS is a project of DAR aimed at increasing farm productivity, improving net income and sustaining livelihood of agrarian reform beneficiaries.
An important component of the initiative is tapping professional service providers such as agricultural extension and business development experts to coach the organizations on farm technologies and enterprise development and management. ARCCESS also provides common service facilities (CSF). These CSFs include farm equipment, machineries and implements that they ARBOs could use in their operations and business enterprise. At the signing of the MOA, Atty. Canacan expressed confidence they could surpass their previous similar engagements with DAR South Cotabato.
Meanwhile Frias urged the subject ARBOs to fully cooperate with MSU team on the assessment to make sure that their needs will be comprehensively addressed before they begin with their respective projects. He also thanked MSU for their assistance in the ARCCESS and the other initiatives of DAR. Early this year, MSU conducted similar assessment and coaching to two ARBOs, namely: Cebuano Small Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Barangay Cebuano Tupi, and Maguad Farmer Irrigators Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Brgy. Kusan, Banga. Maguad Farmers Irrigators MPC received P1.76 million worth of CSF, including four hand tractors, three power cultivators, and six threshers in April. The Cebuano Small Coconut Farmers MPC also received similar assistance.
Reported by Danilo E. Doguiles / PIA 12
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Fifteen weather devices have recently been installed in different parts of Soccsksargen Region, according to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) 12. Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan, regional director of DOST 12, the installation of the weather tracking devices form part of the continuing nationwide effort to mitigate disasters and hazards due to typhoons and heavy rains. Laidan said, these included seven Automated Rain Gauges (ARG), four Automated Weather Stations (AWS), and four Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS).
ARGs were installed in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; Carmen and Alamada in North Cotabato; Kiamba and Malungon in Sarangani; Tupi and Koronadal City in South Cotabato. Meanwhile, AWSs were established at the People's Palace in Cotabato City; Barangay Badyangon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; North Cotabato provincial capitol compound in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City; and the General Santos City airport complex. WLMSs were located at Lumayong Bridge in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Kalawag III Bridge in Allah River, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; New Dumangas Bridge in T'boli, South Cotabato; and Upper Buayan Bridge in Malungon, Sarangani.
The Doppler antennas in Tampakan, South Cotabato and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur have already functioned to forecast weather conditions in Mindanao. "These are modern devices that provide real-time weather data," Laidan said. Each AWS is equipped with sensors capable of measuring weather parameters, wind speed and directions, air temperature, air humidity, and air pressure as well as rain volume, duration and intensity, she explained further. ARGs gather and record the amount of rain fall over a set period of time.
The WLMS is a stand-alone equipment with solar panel panel and makes use of an ultrasonic sensor to measure the rate of change of water level using the principles similar to radar and sonar. "Weather and rainfall data are sent wirelessly through short message system (SMS) or text message. Each station is equipped with data logger platform GSM Data Acquisition Terminal (GDAT), which serves as a mini-computer or brain that intelligently controls all functions and data communications," a briefer on the automated weather station said. "Deployment of these modern tracking equipment would eliminate subjective weather forecasting that would eventually help keep our communities alert to possible calamities and untoward incidents brought about by heavy rains and typhoons," Laidan said.
She said these projects are implemented in coordination with Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), which helped develop the needed instruments to assist the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its weather monitoring and forecasting functions. These are in partnership with local government unuts which provided the area and security of the devices, These tracking devices are among DOST Secretary Mario Montejo's initiative for a "Smarter Philippines," which utilizes science and technology in assisting and ensuring the safety of every Filipino through disaster preparednesd and mitigation under the DOST's Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards.
Reported by Danilo E. Doguiles
ARGs were installed in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; Carmen and Alamada in North Cotabato; Kiamba and Malungon in Sarangani; Tupi and Koronadal City in South Cotabato. Meanwhile, AWSs were established at the People's Palace in Cotabato City; Barangay Badyangon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; North Cotabato provincial capitol compound in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City; and the General Santos City airport complex. WLMSs were located at Lumayong Bridge in Kabacan, North Cotabato; Kalawag III Bridge in Allah River, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat; New Dumangas Bridge in T'boli, South Cotabato; and Upper Buayan Bridge in Malungon, Sarangani.
The Doppler antennas in Tampakan, South Cotabato and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur have already functioned to forecast weather conditions in Mindanao. "These are modern devices that provide real-time weather data," Laidan said. Each AWS is equipped with sensors capable of measuring weather parameters, wind speed and directions, air temperature, air humidity, and air pressure as well as rain volume, duration and intensity, she explained further. ARGs gather and record the amount of rain fall over a set period of time.
The WLMS is a stand-alone equipment with solar panel panel and makes use of an ultrasonic sensor to measure the rate of change of water level using the principles similar to radar and sonar. "Weather and rainfall data are sent wirelessly through short message system (SMS) or text message. Each station is equipped with data logger platform GSM Data Acquisition Terminal (GDAT), which serves as a mini-computer or brain that intelligently controls all functions and data communications," a briefer on the automated weather station said. "Deployment of these modern tracking equipment would eliminate subjective weather forecasting that would eventually help keep our communities alert to possible calamities and untoward incidents brought about by heavy rains and typhoons," Laidan said.
She said these projects are implemented in coordination with Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), which helped develop the needed instruments to assist the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its weather monitoring and forecasting functions. These are in partnership with local government unuts which provided the area and security of the devices, These tracking devices are among DOST Secretary Mario Montejo's initiative for a "Smarter Philippines," which utilizes science and technology in assisting and ensuring the safety of every Filipino through disaster preparednesd and mitigation under the DOST's Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards.
Reported by Danilo E. Doguiles
But the mayor assured them that his administration will be just and transparent and that the Muslim community's voices will be heard in the development undertakings and processes of the city government. Rivera, who accompanied by Vice Mayor Shirlyn Bañas-Nograles, said the city government will continue to work for Muslim “mandatory representation in the city council and the establishment of a Muslim cemetery.” Both leaders also said that they will exert effort to eliminate discrimination of Muslims residing in the city especially in applying for employment citing his administration’s full support of Madaris program.
Mayor Rivera also disclosed that under his administration the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the city chief executive will synchronize their actions thru the Executive-Legislative Agenda or ELA. The new mayor also bared his plan to forge strong collaborative efforts with neighbor, Sarangani Province for possible partnership to scale up fishery, tourism, and other related service delivery for the benefit of the marginalized constituents in both areas. In a meeting with leaders of the South Cotabato Swine Producers Association (SOCOSPA) at the City Hall conference room Tuesday (July 2), Rivera said he envisions to positioning General Santos as “center for agro-industrial, financial, and service hub of the South.”
Rivera cited that aside from being the “Tuna Capital” of the Philippines, the city could also be developed as “agro capital” of the country. SOCOSPA, was the sponsor and organizer of Tuesday’s 4th Lechon Festival of the city, staged as part of the monthly celebration of Yaman GenSan (YG), which kicked off on June 20 and will end on July 19. Rivera also reiterated same view in his speech during the Livestock Sector and Suppliers Night, still in celebration of YG business month held Tuesday night at the KCC Convention Center here.
On Monday’s Flag raising ceremony at the Oval Plaza’s Covered Court, Mayor Rivera addressed city hall employees for the first time urging them to unite with him and help him propel GenSan even more to greater heights. Mayor Rivera vowed and assured them that he would fulfill his promise to build “a better GenSan” echoing his inaugural address call for the need to “create a city bound by common vision…and embracing a culture of great collaboration.” (CT Apelacio, PIA-12 General Santos City/With reports from Ping Aponesto, CPIO)
