PH delegation
mainstreams durian in CIIE 2023
![The Philippine pavilion during the 5th edition of CIIE in 2022](ciie-2023.jpg)
The
Philippine pavilion during the 5th edition of CIIE in 2022.
The country pavilion showcased an array of Philippine-made
food products, reflecting the country’s vibrant food
culture. |
By
CITEM
October 4, 2023
PASAY CITY – A
delegation of 17 Philippine business enterprises will return to the
2023 edition of China International Import Expo (CIIE) for the 6th
consecutive time with the theme “Share the love for Philippine
flavors.” Anchored on the increasing popularity that Durian is
enjoying in China, the delegation will put a spotlight on Philippine
Durian as the country’s key feature along with other fresh produce
and a diverse selection of uniquely Philippine-made food products.
The largest import-themed trade fair in the world will be held on
November 5-10 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in
Shanghai, China.
CIIE is a world-class expo
that provides new channels for countries and regions to do business,
strengthen cooperation, and promote common prosperity. It has three
main parts particularly: the Country Pavilion, Enterprise and
Business Fair for goods and services, and International Trade Forum.
Similar to its previous editions since 2020, this year’s edition
will be a mixture of onsite participation amplified by participants’
CIIE online account to ensure wider reach and better business
engagement.
The hybrid participation
by the country’s delegation under FOODPhilippines banner, which is
spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and
Missions (CITEM) – the export promotion arm of the Philippine
Department of Trade and Industry – aims to promote the Philippinesas
a top sourcing destination for premium food products. Working
alongside CITEM are the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry
- Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), Philippine Trade and Investment
Center - Shanghai (PTIC-Shanghai), Philippine Department of
Agriculture - Office of the Agriculture Counselor in Beijing (DA-OAC
Beijing), Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., (PhilExport),
and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce &
Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII).
Durian as a rising
commodity in China
Over the past few years,
Durian was catapulted to fame in China. It has gained increasing
popularity among Chinese consumers turning the famed tropical fruit
into a status symbol. This can be observed in Chinese weddings which
are steeped in customary practices handed down through generations.
For one, wedding guests would go the extra mile and show love for
the newlyweds by providing the spouses with exquisite gifts. These
gifts usually include food and other farm produce such as grapes,
ham sausage, milk, and dried mushrooms – all of which symbolize
wealth, abundance, and prosperity. Although in recent years, Durian
has become the go-to present, putting all its rivals on the
sidelines.
Despite its huge,
thorn-covered husk and its putrid and pungent smell, Durian has been
dubbed the “king of fruits” across Southeast Asia. This could be
attributed to the polarizing experience one would go through after
munching on the tropical fruit which boasts of its unique, creamy
texture and custard flavor that is similar to an ice cream bar.
Durian hailed “king of
fruits’, dethrones all other competitors
Accounting for 20% of
global market consumption, China is the 3rd largest consumer of
Durian across the world faring right behind Indonesia and the
Philippines. In 2022, China imported 824,000 tons of fresh Durian
which was valued at USD 4 billion. This was 4 times bigger than the
volume imported in 2017 according to a report provided by the World
Trade Organization.
Early this year, the
Philippines forged partnership with China as Chinese President Xi
and his counterpart Marcos Jr. signed 14 bilateral agreements
covering investment in infrastructure and Durian import following
the latter’s state visit to Beijing.
The Philippines is more
than capable to tap this huge opportunity and address this demand.
In 2021, the Philippines yielded more than 70,000 (73,867) metric
tons of fresh Durian, with Davao Region as the top producer after
covering 78% of the total Durian production. The country has a
well-established Durian market in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore,
Hongkong, and South Korea.
“This huge Chinese market
for fresh Durian and other related produce is seen as a great
opportunity for the Philippines,” PTIC-Shanghai Commercial Counselor
Glenn Peñaranda said.
“It’s been quite evident
that Chinese consumers have developed this keen appetite for fresh
Durian. With China being the Philippines’ largest trading partner,
it’s only fitting that we seize this opportunity and put our best
foot forward in providing aid to our local Durian farmers. Our
longstanding trade partner is cradling a huge market waiting to be
tapped,” he added.
![shipping of fresh Durian from Davao City to China](davao-durian.jpg)
Photo
taken during the export of the first batch of fresh Durian from
Davao City to China. (Courtesy of PTV News) |
The Department of
Agriculture (DA) set a new milestone after the first batch of
Philippine Durian was exported to China in April to May this year,
shipping a total of 586 metric tons of fresh Durian which directly
penetrated Huizhan market in Shanghai and Gaobeidian market in Hebei
Province for the northern market, especially Beijing. This momentous
trade deal is expected to generate USD 150 million worth of revenue
according to the Bureau of Plants and Industry (BPI).
“This is a significant
progress that comes with vast economic potential. Following the
export of fresh Durian along with other agricultural produce, we are
given the opportunity to generate more exports to China and to also
promote collaboration including investments in production and the
value chain. That is why our participation in this year’s edition of
CIIE can be likened to opening a treasure trove. Not only that it
enhances bilateral trade relations between China and the Philippines
but also forges stronger ties between the two countries,” Mr.
Peñaranda explained.
According to Agriculture
Counselor Ana GM B. Abejuela of the DA-OAC in Beijing, the
Philippines’ homegrown Durian variety, which slightly edged out its
competitors, took a warm reception from the Chinese consumers.
“Consumers who tasted the
Philippine Durian, especially the golden Puyat, said that the taste
is closer to Musang King, Malaysia’s Durian and the most expensive
durian in China. Thus, having Philippine Durian at a much lower
price than Musang King is a double delight for the Philippine Durian
buyers and consumers. It tastes great at an affordable price,” AC
Abejuela said.
The Philippine Pavilion,
which is located at booth no. 1.1C3-01, will be housing an array of
delectable fresh produce along with an innovative line up of
processed food products. A combination of returning and neophyte
exporters, 17 local business enterprises will be at the forefront to
push the boundaries and put onto the table a diverse selection of
fine-tasting agricultural produce which includes fresh Durian,
Coconut and other related products, Mango, and Coffee among others.
The country pavilion will, likewise, offer fun and healthy snacks
such as Banana Chips, Dried Mangoes, Coconut Products and the like.
The participating
exhibitors comprising the Philippine delegation are Century Pacific
Agricultural Ventures, Inc.; Fisher Farms, Inc.; Lionheart Farms
Philippines Corporation; Profood International Corporation; Raspina
Tropical Fruits, Inc.; Republic Biscuit Corporation; Sam Lim
Corporation; See’s International Food Mfg. Corporation; Avante-Agri
Products Philippine, Inc.; Durian Industry Association of Davao
City; Eng Seng Food Products; Eng Seng Group of Companies, Inc.;
Excellent Quality Goods Supply Company; Gerb Golden Hands; Maylong
Enterprises Corporation; Philippine Coffee Guild; and SQ Fresh Fruit
Corporation.
The Philippine
participation in CIIE 2023 is made possible through CITEM’s
partnership with Philippine Airlines, the country’s official flag
carrier.
NMP welcomes new
executive director
![National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) changed of leadership](nmp-turnover.jpg)
Press Release
October 2, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY – The
National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) has recently changed leadership
as Mr. Victor A. Del Rosario assumed as its Executive Director III
in a turnover ceremony held on 25 September 2023, at the NMP
Administration Building, Cabalawan, Tacloban City.
The ceremony, formalized
the transfer of authority and responsibility, marked by the passing
of the NMP Flag and a symbolic key.
The event began with a
welcome message from Capt. Chito Go, the NMP OIC-Head of the
Maritime Training & Assessment Division, setting the tone for the
occasion. He expressed, "Today, we welcome a new captain on board.
As we embark on this journey together, we are prepared to sail into
a promising future filled with abundant opportunities in the vast
seas of the maritime industry."
NMP's outgoing OIC
Executive Director, Ms. Mayla N. Macadawan, reflected on the
challenges faced during the transition from being an attached agency
of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to becoming a
subsumed office of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). She
stated, 'Despite the challenges and the turbulent waters we
navigated, I take great pride that we have achieved impressive
accomplishments under my leadership from 01 July 2022, up to this
date, and all credit goes to the talented and supportive NMP
employees.' She also expressed her commitment to continue working
with the same passion and hard work as the agency’s Deputy Executive
Director (DED). She conveyed her utmost confidence that the NMP will
reach even greater heights under the nurturing leadership of ED del
Rosario.
In his Acceptance Speech,
Executive Director del Rosario expressed his gratitude and
enthusiasm. He paid homage to his predecessor, Ms. Macadawan, and
all past Executive Directors for their dedication and vision that
had charted the course of NMP's remarkable achievements.
He also outlined his
vision for NMP, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement
in maritime education and training, calling for unity and
cooperation among NMP's staff, partners, and stakeholders.
In closing, he declared,
"Together, we will navigate the challenges, seize the opportunities,
and continue to write the success story of the National Maritime
Polytechnic. I look forward to working with each and every one of
you as we embark on this journey of progress and excellence.”
The event was attended by
NMP employees and esteemed government officials, including Regional
Director Henry John S. Jalbuena and Assistant Regional Director
Norman L. Uyvico of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),
OIC Assistant Regional Director Engr. Ma. Margarita C. Junia of the
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Mr. Cydric B. Suyom
of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), OIC Regional
Director/Coordinator Mr. Marlon C. Macalla of the Department of
Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Satellite Office 8, and PO1 Benedict
B. Gloria of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The shift in the Captain's
seat ushers in a new era for NMP's leadership and direction,
offering the prospect of fresh perspectives and innovative
approaches.
592 agrarian
beneficiaries receive e-titles during BPSF launch in Leyte
![Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Leyte](bpsf-leyte-launch.jpg)
Five
hundred ninety-two agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs)
receive individual certificates of land ownership award (CLOA)
while three agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs)
receive package of support services worth P1.5 million from
the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) during the launch of
the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair in Leyte. |
By
JOSE ALSMITH L.
SORIA
October 2, 2023
TOLOSA, Leyte – A
total of 592 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) from 21 Leyte
towns and a city received their individual land titles as the Marcos
administration launched simultaneously on Saturday, September 23,
the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in four provinces in the
country.
President Ferdinand Marcos
Jr. in his message, as he led the launching in Camarines Sur, said,
“Ang programang ito ay isa lamang sa mga unang hakbangin ng
pamahalaan upang magkaroon ng bagong pag-asa at bagong simula ang
mga Pilipino. Magkakahiwalay man ang ating mga isla,
pinagbubuklod-buklod naman tayo ng isang diwa at isang pangarap,
isang bagong Pilipinas para sa bagong Pilipino.”
House Speaker Ferdinand
Martin Romualdez, who led the launching in Leyte, disclosed that
BPSF, a two-day event, is simultaneously being launched also in the
provinces of Ilocos Norte and Davao de Oro, bringing the government
closer to the people.
Romualdez spearheaded the
distribution of various assistance from about 40 government agencies
with Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, at the Visayas State University
(VSU) Tolosa campus. The affair was attended by an estimated 60,000
residents coming from the 40 municipalities and three cities in
Leyte, as BPSF brings government offices together in one venue.
In the distribution of the
electronically generated Certificates of Land Ownership Award (e-CLOAs),
Romualdez and Petilla were assisted by Department of Agrarian Reform
(DAR) Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu.
According to Yu, 665 e-CLOAs
covering an aggregate area of 997.7358 hectares of farm lots were
handed over to 592 ARBs from Ormoc City and the towns of Alangalang,
Babatngon, Barugo, Bato, Burauen, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami,
Hilongos, Jaro, Kananga, La Paz, Leyte, MacArthur, Matalom, Mayorga,
Merida, Palompon, San Miguel, Tabango and Villaba.
Yu explained that the e-CLOAs
or individual titles were issued under the World Bank-funded Support
to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project,
after subdividing the lands covered by collective CLOAs. This is to
improve land tenure security and strengthen property rights of the
ARBs, he added.
Marivic Mendoza, 61, a
mother of three from Capoocan town, and a recipient of 2.2 hectares
farm lot, was so thankful that they now have their individual titles
without spending a single centavo, while Evelyn Dayon, 66, from
adjacent Kananga town, is hoping that they are included in the
condonation of debts and amortization as mandated by Republic Act
No. 11953, which was recently signed by the President.
Aside from the e-titles,
farm machineries and equipment amounting to ₱1.5 million from the
DAR were likewise turned over on the same occasion to the Calaguise
Agriculture Cooperative, Taytay-Iphag-Gapas Irrigators Association,
and the Pong-on Farmers Association from the towns of Leyte, Jaro,
and Matalom, respectively.
CARD MBA marks 24th
year with AcciPlan launch and notable achievements
![AcciPlan launch](AcciPlan-launch.jpg)
During
the 24th anniversary of CARD MBA, seven MBA Coordinators were
hailed as regional winners during the 8th awarding ceremony for
the “Natatanging MBA Coordinator” on September 07, 2023 held in
Maharlika Square Events Place in San Pablo City, Laguna. |
By
JOSEPHINE M. RAMOS
October 1, 2023
SAN PABLO CITY – CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), the microinsurance arm
of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), highlighted
its latest microinsurance product, AcciPlan, during its 24th
anniversary celebration, on September 7, 2023.
AcciPlan will deliver comprehensive accident insurance coverage for
both its members and their legal dependents. The product will
undergo pilot testing in select provincial offices starting October
1, 2023.
CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn A. Dequito emphasized the Association’s
unwavering commitment for the vulnerable communities. “Our focus has
always been the protection and well-being of our members and their
families. Our new product underscores this dedication and commitment
to safeguarding Filipinos amid uncertainties.
Natatanging MBA Coordinator Awardee
Meanwhile, the program also awarded outstanding MBA coordinators,
namely, Rowena Sumilang from VisMin Region as the 2023 NMC National
Winner; Jessa Bulos from Luzon 2 Region, 1st place; and Anna Sheila
Raut-raut from Luzon 2 Region, 2nd place.
Each awardee received a cash prize, a plaque of recognition, and a
token of appreciation.
The event was graced by Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime
Aristotle Alip, Managing Director Aristeo Dequito, CARD Bank
President/CEO Marivic Austria, CARD SME Bank President/CEO Cynthia
Baldeo, CARD RBI President/CEO Elma Valenzuela, CAMIA President and
General Manager Vener Abellera, MIMAP Vice President Silvida
Antiquera, Insurance Commission Commissioner Atty. Reynaldo Regalado,
some of the CARD MRI senior advisers, staff, CARD MBA Board of
Trustees, and MBA coordinators.
Adding to the roster of its achievements, CARD MBA has been
recognized among the Global 500 ranking of the largest mutual and
cooperative insurance companies in the world.
The celebration also highlighted the leadership transition,
introducing Reazhyle Francisco as the new president of the CARD MBA
Board of Trustees with six newly elected trustees.
As of July 2023, CARD MBA had a total of 7,349,281 active members.
136 female trainees
benefit from NMP ‘Serbisyo Para Kay Juana’ Training Program
![NMP female trainees](nmp-female-trainees.jpg)
By
NATIONAL MARITIME POLYTECHCNIC
October 1, 2023
TACLOBAN CITY – One
hundred thirty-six (136) determined female trainees have embraced
the opportunity to advance their maritime careers and availed of the
NMP’s "Serbisyo Para Kay Juana" Program. Female trainees were
offered free training and dormitory accommodations during the
celebrations of the National Women's Month (March), Day of the
Seafarer (June), and National Maritime Week (September) of every
year, reflecting the agency’s unwavering commitment to fostering
inclusivity and empowering women in the maritime sector.
These 136 female trainees,
representing diverse backgrounds, enrolled in various NMP regular
training courses to enhance their maritime knowledge and skills.
They were entitled to a free training fee and complimentary
dormitory accommodation in non-air-conditioned rooms, creating a
conducive and supportive learning environment. Those opting for
air-conditioned rooms can avail it at a 50% discounted rate.
The active participation
of these female trainees is testament of NMP’s dedication to
fostering diversity and equality within the maritime community. This
visionary initiative significantly contributes to the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goal No. 5: Achieving gender equality and
empowering all women and girls, and to highlight the important
contribution of women all over the world to the maritime sector.
NMP extends its heartfelt
congratulations to these remarkable women who have chosen to embark
on this transformative journey, inspiring others to shatter gender
barriers and embrace excellence within the maritime industry.
Being a strong and
consistent advocate on gender and development in the maritime
industry, the said program was launched as one of the advocacy
campaigns of the agency to promote empowerment of Filipino women
seafarers encouraging them to pursue senior management level
positions.
For more information about
NMP "Serbisyo Para Kay Juana" program and its ongoing commitment to
gender equality in the maritime sector, please visit the Agency’s
Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nmptrainingcenter) or website
https://nmp.gov.ph.
Catch wall built in
Brgy. Nabang to protect motorists
![Brgy. Nabang catch wall](brgy.nabang-catch-wall.jpg)
By
FLORSELISSA A. JUSAYAN
September 30, 2023
CALBAYOG CITY –
Samar First District Engineering Office has completed the
construction of a concrete catch wall in Brgy. Nabang, Calbayog
City, Samar.
It has a total revised
contract amount of P38.40 million funded under the General
Appropriations Act (GAA) 2023.
The abovementioned
structure was built intermittently to cover all areas that needs
protection from landslides or rockslides. The above structure spans
158 meters in total and 5-meter in height. The scope of work
includes road re-blocking with a length of 101 meters and
installation of eight (8) solar LED lights.
A concrete catch wall is
built to seize falling rocks and dirt fragments, mainly on sloping
terrain. Because of its mountainous surroundings, Barangay Nabang is
prone to rockslides and landslides caused by the collapse of a
weakened slope caused by heavy rains, natural ground movements, or,
in extreme cases, earthquakes. It can be recalled that a landslide
occurred in the area in October 2020, closing three lanes due to
tropical storm "Quinta."
PSA turns over 100% of
2022 CBMS PSA-funded to 5th and 6th class municipalities in Southern
Leyte
![PSA turn over of 2022 CBMS to Southern Leyte towns](psa-cbms-southernleyte.jpg)
Witnessing
the 2022 CBMS Data Turnover Ceremony (DTC) for Southern
Leyte LGUs were (from left) Zonia Salazar, Mae Almonte,
Eutemio Llevado and Dir. Wilma Perante, all of PSA-RSSO 8,
MPDC Edmar T. Tambis of Tomas Oppus, MPDC Raul B. Fajardo of
San Juan, Mayor Reynaldo Saludo of San Juan, Mayor Melchor
Petracorta of Limasawa, Mayor Evelyn Lee of Hinundayan,
Mayor Benedicta Tiaozon of San Francisco, MPDC Rea Lynd
Andena of Anahawan, and MPDC Ma. Bella Gilbuena of
Hinundayan. |
By
PSA-8
September 30, 2023
MACROHON, Southern
Leyte – The Philippine Statistics Authority -Regional
Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA-RSSO 08) and its Provincial
Statistical Office (PSO) -Southern Leyte, turned over 100 percent of
the 2022 Community-Based Monitoring System (2022 CBMS) results to
the following 5th and 6th class Local Government Units of Southern
Leyte, namely: Anahawan, Hinundayan, San Francisco, San Juan, Tomas
Oppus and Limasawa, during the recently concluded Data Turnover
Ceremony (DTC). This is in addition to the municipalities of Padre
Burgos, San Ricardo, Pintuyan and Libagon who have already received
their PSA-Funded 2022 CBMS data. Meanwhile, PSA also held the DTC
for LGU-Funded 2022 CBMS in St. Bernard town.
PSA RSSO 8 Regional
Director Wilma A. Perante, in her opening message, commended the six
(6) municipalities for their full support in the 2022 CBMS
implementation in their respective municipalities. She mentioned
that the 2022 CBMS answers the desire of LGUs to have barangay level
data as basis in the formulation of their plans and programs. With
2022 CBMS, LGUs will be able to correctly hit the program
beneficiaries in their communities. She also emphasized that the use
of Computer-Aided Personal Interview (CAPI) facilitated the entire
CBMS operation. Director Perante commended the Local Chief
Executives (LCEs) for leading its implementation and thanked the
enumerators, processors, supervisors and barangay officials who all
contributed to the success of the 2022 CBMS.
National Statistician and
Civil Registrar General Claire Dennis S. Mapa, in his recorded
message, cited the LGUs for their full support in the CBMS
implementation. He also emphasized the relevance of CBMS results in
their program formulation, particularly those that were geared
toward alleviating poverty situation. He encouraged the local
officials to turn data into meaningful action and make CBMS an
integral part of their governance framework.
Provincial Director Danilo
A. Laguitan of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
said that all development efforts of the government are geared
towards reducing poverty. However, this cannot be done without the
correct baseline data and disaggregated information for diagnosing
poverty at the local level. CBMS is the long-awaited government
effort of generating data up to barangay level for an
evidenced-based program planning.
Provincial Director Rey
Noel R. Collera of the Department of Information and Communications
Technology (DICT) reaffirmed in his recorded message his commitment
in the CBMS implementation. He emphasized that with the shared
vision of becoming a data driven community, the voice of the
constituents will be amplified and be given appropriate action. Data
from CBMS will serve as catalyst of change if the responsibility and
challenges of CBMS are embraced by the community and its officials.
PSA RSSO 8 Chief
Statistical Specialist Mae R. Almonte and Supervising Statistical
Specialist Zonia C. Salazar presented the 2022 CBMS highlights of
the Municipalities of Anahawan, Hinundayan, San Francisco, San Juan,
Limasawa and Tomas Oppus on the following: basic services such as
access to electricity, internet, main sources of water, service
level of toilet facility, households’ perception on safety when
walking alone in the community, household food insecurity experience
in the past 12 months socio-demographic characteristics, education,
reasons for not continuing school, education facilities, labor force
and employment, barangay health facilities, housing units
characteristics and disaster preparedness.
Symbolically the following
LGU officials accepted the CBMS data and expressed their gratitude
and appreciation to PSA: Hinundayan Mayor Evelyn T. Lee, San Juan
Mayor Reynaldo Saludo, San Francisco Mayor Benedicta Tiaozon,
Limasawa Mayor Melchor Petracorta, Anahawan Mayor represented by
Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) Realyn Andena,
and Tomas Oppus MPDC Edmar Tambis. They also committed to utilize
the 2022 CBMS results for the betterment of the lives of their
constituents.
Ms. Binky D. Vasquez,
Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator (PPDC) of Southern
Leyte, thanked PSA and everyone who form part of the success of CBMS.
The MPDCs of the 6 LGUs discussed the different uses of CBMS data in
their respective municipalities. They also committed to ensure
compliance to the requirements of data privacy as managers of their
CBMS data.
In closing, CSS Eutemio
Llevado, Jr. of PSO Southern Leyte thanked everyone for the support
which contributed to the success of CBMS implementation in the
province. Supervising Statistical Specialist Elissa P. Carbonilla
described the LGU’s CBMS journey as smooth and successful even
though there were bumps along the way. The success was made possible
because of the strong support and cooperation of all the local
officials of the municipality.
CBMS is an organized
technology-based system of collecting, processing and validating
necessary disaggregated data that may be used for local planning,
program implementation, and impact monitoring while empowering
communities to participate the process. It involves the generation
of data at the local level, which serves as basis in targeting
households for government programs geared towards poverty
alleviation and economic development.
Samar mayor
acknowledges DAR’s continued support to farmers
![Malino Small Farmers Association (MSFA)](dar-jiabong.JPG)
The
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) turned over P465,000
worth of farm equipment and farm inputs to the Malino Small
Farmers Association in Jiabong, Samar. |
By
JOSE ALSMITH L.
SORIA
September 30, 2023
JIABONG, Samar – herof this towxpressed gratitude to the
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for continuously supporting the
farmers by providing them with various assistance.
Cereno, who witnessed the
turnover of P465,000 worth of farm equipment, hybrid seeds and
fertilizers to Malino Small Farmers Association (MSFA) last month,
thanked Samar Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO
II) Alfonso Catorce and other DAR officials present during the
occasion for including agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs)
from this town in the list of recipients of DAR support services.
Catorce led in the
turnover of the said assistance which also included starter feeds,
pellet feeds, vitamins, dewormer and cylindrical automatic pig
feeders for the MSFA’s hog raising livelihood project. Earlier, MSFA
was provided with 6 piglets as additional livelihood to their
vegetable production.
Catorce explained that DAR
does not stop in the distribution of lands alone. DAR continues to
help agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) make the land awarded to
them productive by providing them support services. This agency also
encourages ARBOs to venture into livelihood activities for
additional source of income, he added.
Chief of DAR Samar’s
Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD), Thelma Alfaro,
disclosed that the above-mentioned package of assistance was funded
under the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support (CRFPS)
program for Sustainable Livelihood Support to Disaster Affected
Areas.
Alfaro also explained to
the recipient ARBO that Catorce and MSFA president, Emma Pabua, will
sign a Trust Agreement stating that DAR will monitor, within the
period of six months, the farm machineries and equipment provided to
them if they are being used and accordingly managed.
If the said common service
facilities (CSFs) will not be used within the said period or used
for other purpose in violation of the Trust Agreement, the DAR will
pull them out and transfer to another interested ARBO, she added.
However, if the CSFs are
used and well managed, the DAR will execute a deed of donation to
MSFA, Alfaro stressed.
Provision of modern farm
equipment, fertilizers and other farm implements and inputs is among
the priorities of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.
Meanwhile, Pabua assured
the DAR officials that their organization will treasure everything
given to them so that they can still avail of other assistance from
DAR in the future.
On the other hand,
Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Annaliza Gutierrez
encouraged the 43-member MSFA, of which 30 of them are ARBs, to make
this opportunity an inspiration to grow as an organization and
inspire other ARBOs as well.
![DAR with Jiabong Mayor Julie Cereno](dar-jiabong2.jpg)
CARD RBI offers solar
loans to combat rising power costs
By
MARY ROSE JAVIER
September 30, 2023
SAN PABLO CITY – In
a move aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to
create a sustainable future for all, CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CARD
RBI) has rolled out its solar loan product. This step is geared
towards encouraging affordable, green energy adoption among its
clients.
"CARD RBI's solar loans
underscores our dedication to promoting renewable energy, combating
climate change, and upholding the social objectives of the bank,"
said CARD RBI President and CEO Elma B. Valenzuela.
“This effort is not just
an environmentally conscious initiative but also aims to help
Filipino households to reducing electricity bills. Solar-powered
devices not only reduce electricity expenses but also have a
positive environmental footprint,” added Valenzuela.
For the bank, this solar
loan program further defines their commitment to creating a
brighter, sustainable future for everyone.
Valenzuela added,
"Prioritizing our clients' needs has always been essential to our
institution's values. CARD RBI has consistently rolled out products
and services tailor-fit to their needs.”
The solar loan caters to
various needs, with a range of appliance bundles based on the
client's usage and capacity. Among the considered high-technology
items is a dual-function solar fan and light. This easy-to-install
unit can operate for up to 24 hours.
Merlita Llantos, 59, a
resident of West Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna, and an early client of
CARD RBI’s solar loan, shared her experience. “It does not take too
long to arrive and is easy to install. The transaction will only
take a day, very convenient.” Llantos, who has been using the solar
appliances for weeks, expressed satisfaction with its performance,
noting that all the devices are functioning optimally.
CARD RBI will continue to
work towards providing rural communities with access to financial
services and products that aids in environmental and social
sustainability.