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Archives
March 16-31, 2000
BAR
proposes development project for typhoon-prone areas
by Thea Kristina M. Pabuayon
To address the problems and issues confronting
the farmers and fisherfolk of the typhoon-prone areas
of Regions 2,5, and 8, the Bureau of Agricultural Research
(BAR) has proposed a project that is expected to improve
the agricultural productivity and increase the income
of the above-mentioned regions through effective agricultural
management.
This transpired in a meeting held last
29 March 2000 at the CERDAF Boardroom, attended by representatives
from Regions 2, 5, 8 , Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI),
the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and the Bureau
of Agrarian Reform Bemeficiaries Development of the
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-BARBD). The participants
discussed the problems in agriculture and fisheries
in the areas of Cagayan Valley, Bicol, and Eastern Visayas
and came up with strategies that will increase the productivity
of priority commodities, and support services that can
be provided in the areas.
The proposed project will involve a collaborative
effort among DA-RFU 2, 5 and 8, BPI, PCA, Department
of Agrarian Reform (DAR), with BAR as the funding agency.
According to BAR Director Eliseo R. Ponce, the projects
to be identified must be geared towards the goals of
AFMA, specifically, food security, poverty alleviation,
people empowerment, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
Moreover, he stressed that the projects should not only
address improvement of crop management but more importantly,
the socio-economic factors and values. Aside from these,
Dr. Ponce spelled the importance of alternative livelihood
opportunities that can ensue from the projects. These
in turn can benefit the farmers and fisherfolk of the
said areas.
For Region 2, the development of corn
varieties with long dormancy that can withstand prolonged
submergence to water and strong winds was identified
as a potential project. For Regions and 8, a potential
project is the utilization of coconut husks (commonly
regarded as waste product in the area) as pots for seedling
production, which are biodegradable and more environment-friendly
in place of the usual plastic bags.
To improve the drafting and identification
of projects, it was suggested that a Technical Team
composed of experts on agronomy, agricultural engineering,
economics, and agricultural meteorology be formed. Moreover,
a committee that will monitor and document the progress
of the projects must be created.
The three regions have been identified
as typhoon-prone areas because of its geographical location
along the Philippine’s eastern seaboard. Oftentimes,the
areas suffer high economic and agricultural losses due
to tropical cyclones and depressions. Although the areas
have its own management practices to address the destructiona
nd losses, further improvements, interventions, and
support in terms of technology and infrastructure area
needed.
The proponents are still in the process
of consultation with the concerned agencies. The framework
of the project, the project formulation teams terms
of reference, and membership have still to be identified
and finalized. 
March 16-31 2000 Articles: ::
BAR-SEARCA
grant vehicles to RIARCs/RIFRCs
::
BAR
proposes development project for typhoon-prone areas
::
CPT
to review RDE agenda for white potato
::
Consultation workshop on national RDE rootcrops held
::
CSC
holds 1st congress of HRM practitioners
::: More March 2000 articles :::
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