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NEWS & EVENTS

Feb 22, 2022

Shiitake production on woods highlights in-house webinar

Shiitake production on woods highlighted the DA-BAR in-house webinar on 22 February 2022. Dr. Maribel S. Bacena of Nueva Vizcaya State University served as the resource person.Dr. Bacena said that the shiitake production has a 265.24% return on investment with eight months to recover based on their 2018 BAR-funded research project. The method of production was ideal for upland communities with temperature ranging from 17 to 27°C and water temperature of around 7°C.Alder tree, an introduced species in the country, was the ideal wood media to be used. She stressed that although cutting down trees is prohibited under law, there are certain species like the Alder tree that do not require Cutting Tree Permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.To start the production, wood branches were gathered and cut at uniform length, ideally 1.2 meter for easier handling. Holes were drilled on the wood with a 30 centimeter distance, 1 cm width, and 2.5 cm depth. At least 1 gram of spawn will be inoculated per hole, then cover with candle or foam.Planted wood branches were piled to help mycelia grow. Proper distance should be observed for good ventilation and maintenance. The wood branches should be turned upside down every two to four months to even out the moisture content.After approximately eight months, the wood branches should be soaked in water for 48 hours and then incubated to stimulate growth. The branches would then be piled in a place where the mushrooms have the space to grow without external disturbance. Pinheads would pop out from the bark; hence, Dr. Bacena stressed the importance of its proper management. Once the mushrooms were fully grown, it should be harvested using clean materials and delivered to the market within 13 hours. Wood branches should be given at least one month to rest before soaking it again for another round of production. Dr. Bacena emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean environment for the production of shiitake production to prevent contamination. 

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Nov 03, 2021

Soriano takes over DA-BAR leadership from Mamaril

Dr. Junel B. Soriano ceremonially took over the leadership of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) from Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril during a welcome program for the newly appointed director on 3 November 2021.“I consider this noble task ahead of me not only as a responsibility but also as a privilege to be working with you all. To me, change in leadership does not mean a change of culture, program, and everything. I rather initiate improvement than change. That’s my direction in terms of leadership,” said Dr. Soriano in his first speech as DA-BAR’s director.As former professor at the Isabela State University and as a farmer himself, Dr. Soriano found this new opportunity as a means to bring down the theoretical information and knowledge from research and the academe to the farmers and fishers on the ground.“I am committing myself to really embrace all opportunities and to [work] with you more productively and more efficiently, for our farmers and fisherfolk,” he pledged.During the program, Dr. Mamaril’s almost one year of service to the bureau was also recognized through the presentation of a certificate and simple token of appreciation.On behalf of the bureau, DA-BAR assistant director Joell H. Lales said, “[We would like to] express our most profound appreciation to director Choy Mamaril for being so generous and patient to share his insights, knowledge, and experience as a researcher himself.”Dr. Soriano likewise expressed his gratitude towards Dr. Mamaril for serving as the bureau’s director for the past year.In his final remarks as the outgoing DA-BAR director, Dr. Mamaril expressed his gratitude and appreciation towards the bureau’s staff for supporting his decisions for the betterment of the organization.“Hindi lahat nangyayari nang madalian. There is always hardwork behind. And also there is this God’s blessing more than anything else. I consider BAR, I consider all of you, as blessings in my life. I will cherish this not in my mind, not in my memory, but all of these are in my heart. Salamat po!” Dr. Mamaril ended.Dr. Mamaril served as the director of the bureau from 3 November 2020 to 24 October 2021. Under his leadership, the bureau's organizational structure was streamlined to better serve its clients. He also impressed upon the staff and officials the importance of upholding integrity, accountability, commitment, and professionalism.He initiated the online book fair, Libreng Libro sa BAR, featuring 143 books on agriculture and fishery research for development technologies. He also strongly pushed for the automation of the bureau’s operational processes as well as the development of information systems of other relevant data that are useful for the stakeholders.Following the official appointment of Dr. Soriano as the DA-BAR director, Dr. Mamaril returned as the director of the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards. 

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Oct 04, 2021

4 facilities under the Bayanihan 2 inaugurated

To help increase the production of priority commodities in MIMAROPA, four facilities in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro were rehabilitated and established under the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR)-funded project titled, Enhancing Technology Transfer and Capacities in the MIMAROPA Region, lodged under the Bayanihan 2. Inaugurated on 4 October 2021, these facilities were: Food/Fruit Processing Laboratory, Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Lakatan Banana Tissue Culture Nursery, and Solar Power System.First, the Food/Fruit Processing Laboratory was rehabilitated to serve as a venue for processing and value-adding of potential crops in the region, as well as training for interested beneficiaries.Second, the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory was rehabilitated to enhance the production of banana and garlic tissue culture planting materials for distribution to farmers and other stakeholders in the region.Third, three units of the Lakatan Banana Tissue Culture Nursery Shed were rehabilitated.  The said plant nursery was established to support the mass propagation of the Lakatan banana quality planting materials.Lastly, the Solar Power System was installed as an alternative source of electricity in the station, as well as to promote green technology in performance of research for development.Attending the inauguration were DA-MIMAROPA officials: regional executive director Antonio G. Gerundio, regional technical director Dr. Louella Rowena J. Lorenzana, Research Division chief Marissa R. Luna, and Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Center station head Coleta C. Quindong.Joining them were DA-BAR director Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril and DA-Bureau of Plant Industry assistant director for operation Dr. Jonar I. Yago. 

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Feb 23, 2022

Garlic experts recommend varieties based on multi-location adaptability trials

To expand the garlic production area and increase yield, experts from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), DA-Ilocos Region, and DA-Bureau Plant Industry (BPI)-National Crop Research Development and Production Support Center recommended registered varieties and cultivars based on multi-location adaptability trials.In 2017, DA-BAR tapped garlic experts and initiated the said research in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Cordillera Administrative Region.The project team analyzed the biophysical and climatic characterizations of potential garlic growing areas, as well as pest and disease incidences. Trials were laid out following the Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The plot size was 2 x 5 meters with a planting distance of 20 x 20 cm. The improved package of technology for garlic by MMSU was followed for cultural management. Various activities to encourage the farmers, especially those in areas where garlic is not commonly planted, to venture into garlic production were done.MMSU reported that Cagayan Valley and CAR are potential areas for expansion where Ilocos Pink, Ilocos White, Mexican, Miracle, and Tan Bolters are suitable varieties. While the produce from the provinces of Benguet, Isabela, and Nueva Vizcaya was recommended for black garlic processing.DA-Ilocos Region identified the top two performing varieties Miracle as ideal for Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Pink for Ilocos Sur, and one cultivar Batanes White for Pangasinan. Thirteen municipalities showed potential as expansion sites. Eight municipalities expanded their area adopting the technologies farmed by 19 farmers and planting adoptable varieties in 9,723 sqm.DA-BPI Los Baños found that Ilocos White, Batanes White, and Mexican were suitable in Tarlac, Duran Albay, San Carlos City Negros Occidental, and Miag-ao Iloilo.The project team also recommended the following measures to encourage and institutionalize garlic production in these areas: conduct capacity-building activities, operationalize garlic laboratory for virus indexing, identify molecular characteristics of garlic, and standardize procedure on garlic seed production and certification.They also advised strengthening partnerships among DA, state universities and colleges, and local government units on pest identification and management, implementing farm consolidation clustering of garlic farmers for expansion sites, and providing market support.Consolidated recommendations of the project were submitted to the bureau in February 2022, while the terminal review was conducted in December 2021. 

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Oct 04, 2021

Calamansi stakeholders convene to discuss industry’s future in Oriental Mindoro

In response to Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s pronouncements during a field visit in September 2021, a meeting on the possible actions for the enhancement of calamansi industry in Oriental Mindoro was held at theDepartment of Agriculture (DA)-MIMAROPA satellite station, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on 4 October 2021. DA-MIMAROPA regional executive director Antonio G. Gerundio, together with DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) director Dr. Vivencio R. Mamaril and DA-Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) assistant director for Operations and Technical and Production Services Dr. Jonar I. Yago presided over the meeting.Joining them were DA-MIMAROPA regional technical director Dr. Louella Rowena J. Lorenzana, Oriental Mindoro provincial agriculturist Christine M. Pine, Mindoro State University (MinSU, formerly known as Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology) president Dr. Levy B. Arago, Jr. among other technical staff and representatives. DA-BPI assistant director Yago explained that the secretary wanted to expand the calamansi production area, identify existing cultivars or accessions, determine the package of technologies for calamansi production, and establish an indexing facility. Meanwhile, DA-BAR director Mamaril detailed how the bureau can give its assistance to improve the calamansi industry.Further, DA-MIMAROPA regional executive director Gerundio provided his inputs on how the regional field office and MinSU can efficiently and effectively work together to address the challenges of the calamansi industry.Another meeting will be set later this year to discuss the outputs and deliverables of the stakeholders present and ways forward. 

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Oct 14, 2021

Milkfish project envisions fry, fingerlings increase following launching, MOA signing

With the goal of providing the needed agricultural support to hatchery and nursery operations of cooperators in Central Luzon, the “Enhanced Productivity and Resiliency through Improved Milkfish Hatchery and Nursery Protocols in Central Luzon” project was launched and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on 14 October 2021 via Google Meet.Spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), the project aims to increase the number of fry and fingerlings of milkfish, which will then help increase the income of fisherfolk. In close collaboration also with the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Central Luzon and Zambales local government unit, the project will specifically strengthen the milkfish hatchery and nursery, as well as the development of a linkage system to grow-out farmers in the said province. According to DA-NFRDI Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center chief Dr. Maria Theresa Mutia, this project in Zambales is the second part of the milkfish project since the first one was successfully implemented in Quezon.Despite the challenges with regards to the operations of milkfish hatcheries and nurseries, DA-BFAR Central Luzon regional director Wilfredo Cruz in his opening remarks, mentioned that these two phases (hatcheries and nurseries) of the research are still crucial for the country’s milkfish industry.“Itong project na ito ay napakahalaga and relevant lalung-lalo na in terms of bangus....To the cooperators, I would like to encourage everybody na mahalin natin ang project na ito. Nakikita ko ang ibibigay nito na assistance in terms of materials,” DA-NFRDI acting executive director Dr. Lilian Garcia highlighted.With the project being funded by the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), director Dr. Vivencio Mamaril, mentioned that the bureau aims to fund development projects or research that have a direct impact on the farmers and fisherfolk.Hence, more than gratitude, DA-BAR director Dr. Mamaril emphasized in his message, “Ang biyaya ay pinagyayaman, pina-uunlad, at pinagtatagumpayan,” as he hopes to witness growth and improvement in the lives of the bureau’s beneficiaries. After the key messages, as well as presentation of the project— DA-BFAR Central Luzon regional director Cruz and DA-NFRDI acting executive director Dr. Garcia then led the MOA signing activity. 