AGRICULTURAL PERFORMANCE 2008

CY 2008 was another year full of challenges for us. The region attained an average performance of 84% in all programs implemented vis-a-vis targets for the year. We continued implementing our mandate, particularly the FIELDS as a strategic focus of the Ginintuang Masaganang Ani Programs. The current global economic crisis somehow affected us. But, with our resiliency, we have sustained the delivery of our services in addressing the situation.

Under the Fertilizer Component of FIELDS, the GMA-Rice Program as to our targets for the year, distributed a total of 163,904 (100%) inorganic fertilizer discount coupons covering 8,192 hectares. Some 350,673 packs of BIO-N (100%) covering 175,336 hectares were also distributed. Other soil ameliorants distributed in support to rice production were 17,143 kg of zinc sulfate, 10,000 bags of organic fertilizer, 33,122 kg. muriate of potash and 2,822 packs of granular fertilizer. Continued efforts to promote use and precise farming technologies, location specific interventions such as distribution of soil ameliorants, soil inoculants and chemicals were undertaken. Results of these various interventions posted higher yield per hectare as yield increased from 3.73 metric tons per hectare of the previous year to 3.79 metric tons in 2008, posting significant increase of 12 cavans per hectare. Rice surplus during the year was also computed at 52,589 metric tons.

Supporting corn production in Zamboanga Peninsula, one (1) Bio-N Mixing plant was established. Some 146,000 cards of trichogramma evanescens were also distributed and 522 hectares corn areas were covered with soil ameliorants distributed. However, total corn production was affected by continuous rainfall experienced by all provinces in the region. Harvest area also decreased due to significant number of marginal farmers shifted planting to other cash crops like cassava, mongo and peanut considering the high prices of fertilizer (BAS-IX). Corn supply remains deficit at 164,290 metric tons.

Under Irrigation and Infra Component of FIELDS, some 1,055 hectares and 782 hectares respectively of existing irrigated areas were restored and rehabilitated. Moreover, 17 units hand tractor and 52 units drum seeder were distributed to the farmers particularly those in identified rice cluster areas.

Under Extension and Education Component, six (6) Farmers Field Schools for rice and twenty five (25) FFS for corn were conducted. Fourteen (14) TOTs for HVCC were conducted and participated by 280 farmers. Some 1,000 farmer-students completed the course on poultry and hybrid though the University -on-the Air (UOA) program Conducted in Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur provinces, respectively.

For Loans and Marketing Component, three cooperatives were assisted in facilitating the availment of loans. Market fairs facilitated/participated totalled three (3).

For Dryers and Post Harvest Component, construction of one unit Food Terminal is ongoing with MLGU Salug, Zamboanga del Norte as the recipient. Barangay Bagsakan established totalled 12 units while another two (2) bagsakan centers were established and completed under ZIADP and GMA Program.

Under the Seeds and Other Genetic Materials Component, vis à vis our targets for the year, subsidized hybrid and certified seeds distributed and planted totalled 14,298 bags (79%) and 78,854 bags (100%) respectively. Likewise, 11,834 bags of Hybrid corn and 700 bags of OPV corn were distributed. For GMA Livestock, 1,300 semen straws were distributed and 16,221 heads of poultry and livestock were also dispersed under the AHMP.

On selected crops, other champion crops like calamansi,, banana, cabbage and cassava posted increases during the year. Support from the San Miguel Corporation with LGU tie ups contributed to the increase of cassava by 5.57 % (BAS IX).

In fisheries, commercial fisheries went up by 5.49% or 33,625.76 M.T. more than the previous year. Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay contributed to the increase. The municipal fisheries sector also indicated an increase of 5.52% attributed to the abundance of pelagic fishes BFAR interventions like distribution of fishing gears and less encroachment in municipal waters.. Aquaculture continuously increased by 5.49% as more farmers preferred seaweeds planting than fishing and the LGU and BFAR support in the region.

The livestock and poultry population continue to increase in the three (3) quarters of the year with 10,850 metric tons of poultry meat and 64,273 metric tons of meat surplus with swine registering the highest surplus at 51,419 metric tons. Under this sector, the department continues to focus on regulatory and training services.

On Infrastructure Development, the ZIADP, SELAP, InFRES, MRDP and GMA-Rice Programs supported the agriculture sector in the region. During the year, a total of 81 farm-to-market road segments covering 347.53 kilometers were approved and are at various stages of construction/rehabilitation. The GMA Rice and Corn and ZIADP programs distributed eleven (11) units 4-wheel farm tractors to six (6) rice cluster areas and five (5) corn cluster areas respectively. The region is also a recipient of 42 units flatbed dryers with biomass furnace from BPRE. Under SELAP, construction/rehabilitation of six (6) diversion dam (DDs) projects are ongoing at various stages mostly in Zamboanga del Sur. However, MRDP-APL II implementation of infra support projects will start in 2009 caused by delay in the financial arrangements between the GOP counterpart, loan proceeds and LGU counterpart.

The region also garnered two (2) National Gawad Saka Awards for Outstanding Corn Farmer in the person of Mr. Edilberto Bitacura and Outstanding Small Animal Raiser for Ms. Annie Sitjar, all from the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

Given all this attributions, we will sustain or if not surpassed the momentum of growth given the opportunity of additional funding to the region. Our performance will not be tarnished by setbacks. We will continue to serve our farmers and fishermen.