As part of the DA
Resource Team, Mr. Rufino B. Ayaso, Dr. Veronica Berenguer, Dr. Anthea
Naputo and Mr. Fabian S. Aldiano were in attendace. On the other hand,
various media outlets in Region 8 were duly represented.
The RETA Roundtable
Discussion is just one of the projects initiated by the newly
organized media association in Eastern Visayas in its effort to
provide factual developmental information to its populace.
On the Regional Rice
Program updates, the Department of Agriculture targets a 5% increased
palay production annually. It also projects to attain self-sufficiency
on rice production by 2013 where presently, the three
Samar provinces
are under a sufficiency threshold which is lower than 100%.
Furthermore, it is expected that the region could at least contribute
to the national palay production in an average of 5.45% annually.
Statistics reveal that
the rice sufficiency index for 2010 was reduced by 14%, having
recorded 106% in 2010 compared to last year’s 120%. On the other
hand, a remarkable increase from 113% in 2009 to 127.24%in 2010 in the
per capita consumption of rice was attributed for such increase.
According to Dir.
Cañeda, the increase in per capita consumption is reflective of an
improved quality eating habits of the people. It would also mean that
an available supply of such commodity is affordable.
In response to the
public criticisms that the DA has been presenting unrealistic reports,
the Director made it clear that Region 8 is a “surplus rice producing
region” at 120% self sufficiency. “From the soil, we have enough. Rice
seeks its own level. In fact, we are feeding Region 7 with most of our
rice products brought by our traders outside the Region. Rice is a
political commodity. We must remember that we are in a market-driven
economy. Considering that we are in a democracy and on a free
enterprise, we cannot just stop these people from bringing our
products outside the region,” explains Cañeda.
Meanwhile, DA
announced that out of the 68 greenhouse units in
Eastern Visayas,
Samar is lucky to have the biggest functional greenhouses engaged
solely in organic farming in the country. The director is referring
to the newly inaugurated greenhouse in Brgy. Limarayon,Calbayog city,
which is being effectively managed by the
Social Action Center
of the Diocese of Calbayog. Organic farming is encouraged for being
cost effective and for having less contaminated products.
On vegetable
production, the region has not come to par yet with 14 kilo-per-person
annual consumption. DA advocates for more vegetable production to
address health and malnutrition. Likewise, fruit production on six (6)
products has negative growth rates due to climate change.
Furthermore, DA
reports on various livestock programs such as the continuous
artificial inseminations. It was worth noting that
Samar has the
most number of Carabaos from among the regions. People use carabaos in
farming and at the same time as carabeef which is proven to have less
cholesterol content. No animal outbreaks were reported.
Dir Leo Cañeda is
hopeful that the inclusion of Samar, as a priority, in the hunger
mitigation programs of the government will improve the lives of the
Samareños. Other programs include Rapid Seed Supply Financing Project
(RaSSFip), Irrigated Rice Production Enhancement Program (IRPEP) and
other LGU Initiatives.
DA acknowledged the
support of Calbayog, Sta Rita and the Provincial Government of Samar
for committing P6,959,600 as its financial counterpart on various DA
programs.
The discussion
ended with a forged partnership between the DA and the RETA in
ensuring that DA services are delivered effectively. Dir. Cañeda
assured the group of the DA’s transparency efforts. In this regard, he
considered creating a DA Regional Website that would publish updates
on ongoing programs.
