Are we biting the hand that feeds us? Knowing the Filipino farmer—their struggles and aspirations

by Lois Mauri Anne L. Liwanag

Bachelor of Science in Development Communication

Visayas State University

Waking up in the morning greeted by the inviting smell of freshly cooked rice for breakfast, drinking a bottle of cold buko juice on a warm summer afternoon, or coming home to a piping hot serving of sinigang loaded with fresh vegetables for dinner—these are only some of the many best things in life that most privileged Filipinos take for granted. 

Ironically enough, the persons who worked hard for the food served on dining tables are the very ones who are unable to eat a proper meal three times a day.   

Knowing the Filipino farmer

According to Asterio Saliot, the former director of the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), the average age of a Filipino farmworker is 57, with an average level of education of grade five, working on an average of a 1.5-hectare farm. 

Their job is not limited to planting vegetables or fiber. They engage in agriculture which involves cultivating field or specialty crops, handling orchards or vineyards, and raising poultry or other livestock for food, fiber, and raw materials. The crops that they mainly focus on cultivating in the country include rice, corn, coconut, sugarcane, bananas, pineapple, coffee, mangoes, tobacco, and abaca. 

The said farmer receives less than half of the wage an average Filipino worker earns; they only produce one-sixth of the value of output produced by a worker in the industry. With lower wages and even much lower productivity, farmworkers make up two of every three of the country’s working poor (Habito, 2018). 

Farmers in the Philippines are generally poor and marginalized, unlike the ones in nations like the United States, China, Japan, and Thailand, where they are given more credit, resources, and most especially—respect.   

A rice farmer in Eastern Samar

Struggles

Despite being in an agricultural country, Filipino farmers remain as one of the poorest sectors in the Philippines, with the highest poverty incidence in 2015 at 34.3 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This ironic fact has been the reality of the people who feed the population and keep the economy alive.

At present, some farmers are said to believe that there is more money with education. In hopes of continuing under the agricultural sector, they send their young ones to school in order to gain more knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, the younger generations turn away from agriculture with their favor leaning towards livelihoods far from the hardship of being under the sun or soaking in dirt and mud. 

On the other hand, there are also some farmers who let their children help in the field as soon as they start to learn how to lift or till. As a result, there is a multitude of Filipino farmworkers who are not aware of the illegal or harmful farming practices they do because of inadequate proper education. They perform kaingin or slash-and-burn and apply excessive inorganic pesticides and fertilizers, thinking that these are the normal things to do since they have already grown used to it or they have already been doing this ever since. 

Apart from this, some of the common problems of the Filipino farmer that causes them to experience poverty, unproductivity, and marginalization are: 1) insufficient government support, 2) inequality in land distribution, 3) unfair trade practices, 4) increasing population growth, 5) natural calamities, 6) unpredictable market demand, and 7) armed conflicts specifically in Mindanao.   

Aspirations

The opportunity to interview some farmers and other agricultural workers arose at the Farmers’ and Fisherfolks’ Day held last April 27, 2019, as a part of the celebration of Visayas State University’s Anniversary. 

Several of them were asked one common question: Ano ang kaunlaran para sayo? [What is development for you?]

The said interview was supposedly a requirement for a project in a Development Communication course. However, it unexpectedly reflected some of the farmworkers’ vision and aspirations:

“Kaunlaran? Syempre pagsaka o pagtanim sa sariling lupa, sa Pilipinas.” 

[Development? Of course farming or planting on one’s land, in the Philippines.]

“’Yung hindi na natin kailangang humingi ng pananim ng ibang bansa.”

[When we no longer have to ask for the crops of other countries.]

“Para sa’kin, maunlad na siguro kung hindi na kailangan gumamit ng fertilizer at pesticide sa pagtanim.” 

[For me, it would have been better if there was no need to use fertilizer and pesticide for planting.]

“Mapagtapos (ng pag-aaral) mga anak ko at matulungan pa mga kapatid ko.” 

[To make my children graduate (from school) and help my siblings more.]

Contemplating on these answers, it is quite evident that farmers desire simple yet impactful things. Amidst the countless criticisms and suggestions from politicians, academicians, and even citizens in order to improve the country’s agricultural sector and the farmers’ way of living—the answer seems so light and easy in the eyes of these hardworking people. They simply need and want a better quality of life for themselves, for their families, and if possible, for the whole nation. 

Receiving enough funding and support from the government, legally acquiring the land originally deserved, selling hard-earned products at a just and reasonable price, and experiencing a more proper and formal education—these are only some of the many other aspirations in life that most unprivileged Filipino farmers yearn for every single day. 

Ironically enough, the persons who have the capability to make these dreams a reality are the very ones who are causing the farmers’ adversity. 

 

References

Agriculture. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pinas.dlsu.edu.ph/gov/agriculture.html

Domingo, L. (2016). Official backs IPs 'kaingin' system. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net/official-backs-ips-kaingin-system/300504/

Filipino farmers- a dying breed? (2013). Retrieved from http://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/feature/2013/02/26/filipino-farmers-dying-breed

Habito, C. (2018). Our lowly farmworkers. Retrieved from https://pids.gov.ph/pids-in-the-news/2302

Inorganic Fertilizer: Advantages and Disadvantages. (2019). Retrieved from https://agrihomegh.com/inorganic-fertilizer/

Pesticide classifications and formulations. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://westnile.ca.gov/special/category_a/?page=Chapter2.htm

Philippines-Agriculture. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/Philippines-AGRICULTURE.html

Note: 

This article was submitted by the author as a class requirement in AgSci 11, Dept of Agronomy, VSU

What does it take to be an agronomist?

By Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, Past President, Visayas State University

What does it take to be an agronomist and what lies ahead of him or her?

Here are important figures for us to consider:

·       a) In 2017, the total paddy rice output of the Philippines met 93% of the country's annual requirement. The population consumed 11.7 million tons of rice. (usual shortage of 10% and brown rice/rice bran solution).

·       b) In 2016, for every 17 births per 1000 population there were 6 deaths per 1000 population. Every minute, 2.8 Filipinos are born. Every 10 or 11 minutes, we need one new classroom and down the road each of these kids will consume 120 kg of rice per year. (why is Philippine presidency such a contested and contentious position?)

(“ang ginoo pito ra kaadlaw nagbuhat ug yuta pero ang tawo walay hunong himo ug bata”-Gov. RE Lerias)

·       c) All of the scenarios of future climate change (CC) point to increase the estimates of the number of people at risk from hunger. (ascribing everything to climate change)

This country is therefore in dire need of professionals who study plants and work for increasing their production in an economical and environmentally sustainable fashion. Mind you, it is not only this country, but the whole world. Who are these professionals?

Used to be in the 1970’s and earlier, there was not much specialization. When it was plant, agronomists took care of it. Thus, an agronomist takes care of management: soil, pest, and other growth and production issues in the field. I remember that there were only agronomy, animal science, agricultural education, and home science as major fields on this campus. (lots of fieldwork/learning by working, Agric was looked down).

Later, when Visayas Agricultural College (VAC) became a state college (ViSCA), other specializations were introduced such as arts and letters, ag. engineering, ag. economics, ag. chemistry, plant protection, plant breeding, forestry, vet. medicine grew out of animal science, ag. extension and dev. communication grew out of ag. education, food tech grew out of home science, and horticulture grew out of agronomy and, soil science was added to the agronomy department. Specializations are important for us to grow.

In the latter years of my term as president of this university, we had to “handle with care” a formal divorce of agronomy and soil science.  (jurisdiction and property distribution were quite tricky and sensitive to handle but they can’t go back living together again). 

VSU agronomists conducting a field experiment

All these specializations somehow delimit the scope of work agronomists are expected to deliver professionally. However, specialization did not and will not limit farmers’ expectations from an agronomist and other agriculture-related graduates from this university. In our national context where an agronomist most likely finds himself/herself engaging with farmers alone in the field, an agronomist is also expected to be a good soil scientist, farm economist, horticulturist, plant breeder, communicator and even good in animal production, aquaculture and forestry or NRM to name some. To farmers, an agronomist is an “agriculturist”- an embodiment of expert. (McCoy and Ormoc rice farmers, Roy and cassava growers)

What does this tell you?

Do not limit yourself to knowing only field crops and cultural management practices. Endeavor to know and master beyond crop science. I recently analyzed the CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) that governs offering of agriculture and observed that the prescribed curriculum provides graduates the sciences needed for one to become a good agriculturist (but good is not enough). However, the CMO doesn’t preclude us from adding additional fundamental and major courses especially that now, some of the general education courses have been downloaded to senior high.

I will not interfere in the plans of this department, but I personally still subscribe to a 4-year BSA major in Agronomy curriculum rather than the 12+3. With the growing demand for climate SMART and precision agriculture, agriculturists need more mapping techniques, advanced soil study techniques, and even more understanding in biotechnology and IT. (possible from cross enrolment in the fourth year)

Furthermore, the CMO does not preclude our agronomy professors to deliver the course in a more advanced and exciting manner that students will endeavor to learn as much as possible in the course and not endeavor to end their suffering as soon as possible from taking their courses. This can only happen if professors in this department will engage in research/driven by discovery, extension work, and actual farming. (farming lessons on seeds and weeding)

Specialization is usually overcome by collaboration or partnership but, it will be hard for anyone to collaborate/partner with someone who doesn’t have anything (absolute provision). If you don’t have anything other disciplines can offer, without your partners/collaborators, you will be paralyzed/inutile and unable. A person is appreciated and recognized usually when he can deliver more than what is expected of him. (basketball experience)

So, to faculty members and students, make BSA major in agronomy broad and exciting by learning beyond your coursework and collaborating with other specialists. For example, it will not be bad if some of you do research involving drones and high spectral cameras for field observation and management delivery. It will be exciting to see our agronomy students study how to use GPS and make or handle GIS maps as tractors are now equipped with GPS, and future tractors will be dominated with robotics. It will be great to see our agronomy students use plant or crop physiology study sensors, do genetic modification in their thesis or deal with soil problems as it affects field crops. Clearly for this to happen, there is a need for different specializations to relax, weaken, and render more permeable the boundaries of various specializations of agriculture in this university and allow greater collaboration.

So, what’s the future of agronomists?

Let me say that the future of this country and this world depends on the agronomists. Agriculture is the backbone of this country and we need to feed and clothe an ever-growing population. Agronomists are simply crucial to pulling off the job.

However, they should not be agronomists as usual. There is a saying that “a solution should measure up to the problem”. The problem of food and resources in this country has become more difficult and complex than the new breed of agronomists should be armed with complex knowledge and skills. With appropriate knowledge and skills, an agronomist will be potent and can go “places”. Short of this, an agronomist is doomed to be unexciting and lame.

--------------------------------- 

Excerpt of the speech delivered during the acquaintance program, Department of Agronomy, VIsayas State University, on 31 August 2018.

Cebu Highlands: some notes on the agricultural practices and beautiful landscape

By Dr. Luz Geneston Asio

Department of Agronomy, Visayas State University

The highlands in the middle of Cebu which extends from the city in the east to Balamban/Asturias in the west presents a beautiful mixture of protected landscapes with good secondary forest cover, and crop production systems consisting of orchard particularly mango, annual crops, vegetables and cut flowers. 

Beautiful views of the Cebu Highlands

The very beautiful scenery reminds visitors of Baguio City or some foreign places like Indonesia or Taiwan. Clearly observable even on distant undulating slopes are the mango trees which are adapted to the agroclimatic conditions of Cebu. 

Mango trees are abundant in certain parts of the landscape

Cebuanos are widely known to be corn eaters. This explains why corn is the most widely grown grain crop in the highlands. On red acidic soils from igneous rocks as well as on dark calcareous soils from limestone, nutrient deficiency symptoms (N, P) are clearly observable. But the crop is still able to produce a relatively good yield.

Large and small corn plantations are common in the highlands

On degraded limestone slopes on the western side close to Balamban, coconut plantations can be seen which are also showing nutrient deficiency symptoms most probably nitrogen and iron as indicated by the yellowing of leaves (plant analysis data from comparable lands in southern Leyte indeed revealed both nitrogen and iron deficiencies). 

Coconut plantations in the western side

But the most impressive crop production venture by the people in the highlands is the one which consists of cut flowers (e.g. Chrysanthemum) and vegetables (lettuce, cabbage, chayote, etc). The cut flowers are delivered to the city while the vegetables are sold in the city and in local stores along the highway. 

Stores selling the farm products are found along the highway

It must, however, be mentioned that although contour farming can be seen on some steep slopes, unsustainable cultivation practices can be clearly observed. The most obvious is the plowing or planting of crops along the slope (top to bottom orientation). This practice promotes soil erosion and loss of nutrients from the soil. This should be taken seriously as this could lead to severe soil erosion on the slopes accompanied by the siltation of the streams below. It could have a long-term impact on the water quality and quantity in the streams.

(Report was based on the fieldwork we conducted from July 31 to August 2, 2018. I thank Dr. Vic Asio for his ideas and Julian Cumad (MSc Soil Science student) for organizing our visit. All photos are owned by the author.  

Heavy metals in vegetables sold in some cities in the Visayas, Philippines

Every time we buy vegetables in the market, we do not doubt the quality of these farm products. We think they are clean, safe, nutritious and good for our health.

But the worsening environmental pollution due to the overuse and misuse of agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, the improper waste disposal, the manufacturing industry, and the transportation system may be affecting the quality of the food crops we eat everyday. Specifically, heavy metals most of which are toxic to humans at elevated concentrations, are starting to contaminate the vegetables we love to eat.

The scientific principle is simple: a contaminated soil will generally produce contaminated crops.

An interesting and very relevant student research conducted a few years ago revealed such alarming reality. Conducted to determine and compare the Pb, Cu and Zn contents of Alugbati (Basella rubra), Ampalaya (Momordica charantia), Kalabasa (Cucurbita maxima), Kangkong (Ipomoea aquatica), Pechay (Brassica rapa), and Talong (Solanum melongena) sold in markets in the cities of Baybay, Ormoc, and Tacloban (Leyte, Philippines), the study revealed that Ampalaya from Tacloban and Baybay contained excessive levels of Cu and may pose health problems to consumers. 

Likewise, Pechay from Baybay, Ormoc and Tacloban exceeded the safe level for Zn. All vegetable samples collected from the three cities were not contaminated with Pb. Cu and Zn levels varied with crop (vegetable) species and origin (production area). 

The results are very relevant in that they support and confirm the fear among consumers that some food crops sold in the local markets are not safe and may be one of the reasons for the various health problems experienced by many people.

The study was conducted in 2012 by Anna Luisa Ventulan, Christine Gay Cala, and Johannes Reiner Asio, all senior students at VSU Laboratory High School. The research adviser was Luz Geneston Asio of the Central Analytical Services Laboratory, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte.

What is soil analysis?

President Rodrigo R. Duterte emphasized the conduct of soil analysis in the country during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 15, 2016. He said that “we shall also conduct a nationwide soil analysis to determine areas most suitable for rice farming to optimize production with the use of effective soil rehabilitation and fertilization.”

As an effect of this presidential pronouncement, many people including professionals from various academic fields have been wondering what soil analysis is. Several readers of this blog suggested that I write about this topic hence, this article.

Soil analysis refers to the measurement of soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. It is done, depending on the type of soil analysis, for the following purposes: 1) to evaluate the origin and formation of the soil; 2) to assess the level of contamination of the soil; 3) to characterize the soil as a habitat of soil organisms; 4) to assess the soil fertility status, and 5) to evaluate the soil’s suitability for certain crops. Soil analysis is generally synonymous with soil testing. The major steps of soil analysis are soil sampling (and field soil examination) and laboratory analysis.

Soil profile examination and sampling to evaluate the origin of the soil

The first type of soil analysis is the most difficult and complex type. It is carried out by soil specialists called pedologists.  It involves detailed field description of the soil using standard procedures such as the Guidelines for Soil Description (4th edition by Jahn et al., 2006) published by FAO, Rome. Soil description is done on newly dug soil pit at least 1.5m deep or fresh road cuts. The collection of soil samples for intensive laboratory analysis is done on every soil layer (soil horizon) down to the bedrock. Laboratory analyses include the physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of the soil. Geochemical analysis of rock samples is also necessary.

The second type is conducted by soil scientists interested in soil pollution or contamination. Soil samples are usually collected in areas where soil contamination is suspected. Soil sampling is done at random or at fixed intervals. Only the topsoil layer (0-10 or 0-20 cm) is sampled using a soil auger or a similar sampling tool. Soil samples are analyzed for their contents of soil pollutants (e.g. heavy metals) and are compared with published threshold values to know if the sample is contaminated or not.

Soil sampling to assess the contamination of Taft River in E. Samar

The third type of soil analysis is conducted to know if the soil is favorable for certain soil organisms of interest (e.g. earthworms). This is popular among soil ecologists. Soil samples are collected usually from the topsoil layer and then they are analyzed for soil physical and chemical properties. Correlation analysis is then done between the population of the soil organism and the different soil properties to know which among the soil properties influences the population of the organisms.

The fourth type is the most well-known and commonly done type of soil analysis to support crop production. The main purpose is to know if the soil is fertile or not. Specifically, it is performed to assess, using high-tech laboratory equipment,  if the soil contains sufficient amounts of the essential nutrients required by plants (crops) to grow well and produce good yield (grain, tubers). The essential nutrients that the plant takes up from the soil include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), boron (B), chlorine (Cl) and nickel (Ni). Since N, P, and K are required by the plant in the largest amounts, these three are usually the nutrients that are of limited supply in the soil. So farmers need to know how much of these nutrients must be applied to the soil through fertilizers. The final result of this type of soil analysis is a fertilizer recommendation.

Soil sampling for fertility evaluation

The fifth and last type of soil analysis is carried out to assess if a certain soil is suitable for crops such as rice, corn, vegetables, fruit trees, and others. This involves field soil examination to know the soil’s texture, structure, drainage, slope, and depth using the methods of the first type of soil analysis. The soil samples are analyzed for soil chemical properties such as soil pH, organic matter content, nutrient holding capacity as well as the amounts of the major nutrients (similar to the third type of soil analysis). The soil properties are then matched with the ecological requirement of the crop. The final result is a suitability map or table showing suitable crops for each soil. It also indicates the soil constraints (or problems) if a crop is grown in soil that is not suitable for that particular crop.

From the president’s pronouncement, it looks like that he meant the fifth type of soil analysis. Due to the tremendous amount of field and laboratory works, it cannot be done by the Bureau of Soil and Water Management alone. It needs the participation of universities with strong soil science program throughout the country such as Central Luzon State University, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Visayas State University, Central Mindanao State University, and University of Southern Mindanao.

Soil science students at VSU performing laboratory analysis of soil samples

The laboratory step of soil analysis or soil testing is tedious, time-consuming, and costly because the chemicals and apparatus required are very expensive. Although there are some rapid soil test kits available, they are not reliable. Also, the laboratory analysis has to be done according to accepted procedures and by trained personnel. Examples of accepted procedures of laboratory analysis of soils are:

Carter M.R. and E.G. Gregorich (Eds.). 2008. Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis (2nd ed). CRC Press, Boca Raton.

International Soil Reference and Information Center (ISRIC). 1995. Procedures for Soil Analysis (L.P. Van Reuwijk, Editor). Wageningen, the Netherlands.

Jones J. B. Jr. 2001. Laboratory Guide for Conducting Soil Tests and Plant Analysis. CRC Press, Boca Raton.

Margesin R. and F. Schinner(Eds.). 2005. Manual for Soil Analysis – Monitoring and Assessing Soil Bioremediation. Springer Verlag, Berlin.

Pansu M. and J. Gautheyrou. 2006. Handbook  of Soil Analysis. Mineralogical, Organic  and Inorganic Methods. Springer Verlag, Berlin.

Schlichting E., H.P. Blume and K. Stahr. 1996. Bodenkundliches Praktikum (Soil Science Practicum). Blackwell Wissenschaftsverlag, Berlin.

Sparks D.L., A.L. Page, P.A. Helmke and R.H. Loeppert (Eds.). 1996. Methods of Soil Analysis Part 3—Chemical Methods. Soil Science Society of America, Madison, Wisconsin.

Westerman R.L. (Ed.). 1990. Soil Testing and Plant Analysis (3rd ed). Soil Science Society of America, Madison, Wisconsin.

Refocusing Agriculture in the Philippines

Refocusing Agriculture: Excerpt from my Convocation Speech at the 45th Founding Anniversary of Visayas State University (VSU)-Alangalang Campus, Leyte, Philippines on 09 Sept 2016.

By V.B. Asio

Your theme “Agrivolution: refocusing farming for food and nutrition security” is very timely and very relevant.

When I was an agriculture student in ViSCA in 1980, the agriculture battle cry was: we need to increase crop yield by increasing the yield per unit area and by cultivating new lands because of the rapidly increasing population. The population of the country at the time was only 48 million. The hot research topic was farming system, which slowly became cropping system, then sustainable agriculture or ecological farming, and now organic agriculture. If you examine these farming strategies, they are closely related. But the last, which is organic agriculture, has become very narrow in scope and very impractical in many aspects.

But where are we now?

Now more than 30 years have passed, with a staggering country’s population of more than 100 million, we still have the same battle cry:  to increase food production by increasing yield per unit area and by opening new lands. This time though, there are a lot more complications. The problem of increasing food production has become more urgent, and very problematic. Let me cite some reasons:

1.       The gap between population increase and food production has greatly widened. Our population has more than doubled but crop yield has not doubled despite the availability of new high yielding varieties, fertilizers, and pesticides. For example, the average rice yield in 1980 was 2.3 tons/ha. Now it is only 3.8 tons/ha. What is aggravating the problem is that production cost has greatly increased, and the area of our agricultural lands has decreased.

Many of the new high yielding varieties which showed great potential in the experimental stations have failed to show their yield potential in the actual world-- in farmers’ fields. According to Dr. Francisco of Philrice in an undated paper, the yield gap ranges from 2 t/ha in the wet season, to 3.9t/ha in the dry season. This also partly explains why we cannot find our new high yielding varieties (say, of sweetpotato) in farmers’ farms in Leyte and Samar.

2.       There is increasing soil degradation due to destructive farming practices, resulting in a decline in soil fertility. This is coupled with increasing incidence of pests and diseases. The latter triggers the farmers to over-apply pesticides. In our on-going ACIAR-funded soil research, vegetable farmers in the Visayas and some parts of Mindanao just apply any amount of fertilizers without a scientific or logical basis. Worse, they over-apply a cocktail of pesticides, 2-3 times a week, endangering the health of the consumers.

3.       As if to make the matter more difficult for the next generation, the widespread soil degradation is accompanied by the shrinking of our prime agricultural lands because of urbanization. Urbanization is eating fast our rice lands. In many parts of the country, you would see former productive rice lands have become subdivisions, factory sites and shopping malls.

4.       Climate change has entered the picture. It has changed the rainfall pattern, temperature fluctuations, and occurrence of typhoons, floods, and drought. Crops are now subject to extreme weather conditions. In short, we are in more challenging and exciting agriculture.

5.       As a result of the over-application of farm inputs, there is also a degradation of the environment. Soil, water, and air pollution are very serious in many places.

6.       This has led to the rise of the organic agriculture movement. The Philippine government has enacted the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. But we know that organic agriculture cannot produce the amount of food required to feed the fast-rising population of the country. Organic agriculture cannot feed our more than 100 million population.

So, we are now facing a dilemma:  protect the environment even if the food production is low, or continue the environmentally damaging practices but with higher food production. This is like the choice between the ocean and the deep blue sea.

7.       The Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) technology hold great promise for some crops, but are we sure that they are safe? The debate is raging in the international scientific community. Time will tell if GMO crops are really safe for our health and to the environment.

8.       Despite the more than 40 years of designing of agricultural implements, most of our farmers are still practicing manual labor due to a lot of reasons. Have we really looked into why the majority of our farmers are not using modern farm implements until now?

9.       What threatens further our agriculture is the decreasing interest in farming among our young generation. It seems everybody wants a happy and easy life. Interest in agricultural science has continued to decline as reflected by the general the decline in enrollment in universities and colleges around the country (fortunately, our enrolment in agricultural sciences at the main campus has continued to increase in the last five years).

10.     The mainstream media are partly to blame. Just observe what kind of TV programs are created and promoted. To cite an example, beauty contests are very popular because of the intense media campaign. No wonder many young girls dream to be a beauty queen instead of becoming scientists. The media have failed to create awareness among the youth about the importance of agriculture or about science. And of course, our government institutions too. Much of the blame should go to them.

What should we do? How can we refocus farming or agriculture?

The problem is so serious and so complex. It needs the active participation of all sectors involved. As an academician, I will just focus on the things that we can do in the academe.

1.      There is a need for retooling of those involved in teaching students agriculture. Agricultural science now is different in many aspects from that 30 years ago.

2.       We need to revise and improve our curricula and the courses we are offering. The recent move by CHED is to change the agricultural science curriculum (i.e. BSA) by adding more entrepreneurship courses. Is this the solution to the problem in our agriculture? To me it is a big NO. It is like changing the wrong tire. If it is true that more entrepreneurship courses in our BSA curriculum will produce more agri entrepreneurs, then why is it that graduates of BS Agribusiness and other business courses have not accomplished this. On the contrary, this will greatly weaken agricultural science in the country.  

3.    We need to change our strategy in promoting agriculture. If we still project agriculture using the image of a farmer with the plow and the carabao, we will not gain bright young students to agricultural science.

4.       There is a need for more involvement of our students in OJT in successful and progressive farms.

5.      We need more reliable data on the effects of fertilizers on crop yield. In the last decade, everywhere, there has been sprouting of all kinds of organic fertilizers whose efficacy has not been scientifically verified. Proponents just cite anecdotal evidence to promote their products. This has led to erosion in people's confidence in organic fertilizers.

6.     We need to change our strategy in extension. We need to educate more our farmers. How? It is for all of us to think about.

Before I end my talk let me quote Masanobu Fukuoka, a Japanese farmer and philosopher. He said:

 “The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”

Thank you for your kind attention. Happy 45th Anniversary to VSU-Alangalang!

Organic Fertilizers, Organic Plant Growth Regulator, and Organic Plant Supplement as defined in the new Philippine National Standard for Organic Fertilizer

The new Philippine National Standard (PNS) for Organic Fertilizer was published in 2013 by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS) of the Department of Agriculture (PNS/BAFPS 40:2013).

According to this new PNS, Organic Fertilizer is “any product in solid or liquid form, of plant (except by-products from petroleum industries) or animal origin that has undergone substantial decomposition that can supply available nutrients to plants with a total Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) of five to seven percent (5-7%). This may be enriched by microbial inoculants and naturally occurring minerals but no chemical or inorganic fertilizer material has been added to the finished product to affect the nutrient content.”

Organic Plant Growth Regulator/Promoter is “any compound of organic origin, in liquid or solid form, which in low concentration promotes or modifies physiological process in plants.”

Organic Plant Supplement is “any compound of organic origin in liquid or solid form which in low concentration promotes or modifies physiological processes in plants. Total NPK is not lower than 0.5% and not more than 2.5% (0.5-2.5%) and may contain beneficial microorganisms, micronutrients and plant growth regulators. These plant supplements include, but are not limited to: FPJ (Fermented Plant Juice), FFJ (Fermented Fruit Juice), FAA (Fish Amino Acid), FE (Fish Emulsion), Seaweed Extracts, Vermi Tea, Compost Tea and the like.”

The Technical Working Group which prepared the new/revised PNS was composed of: Dr. Leo P. Caneda, Executive Director, BAFPS (Chair) and the following members: Dr. N.B. Inciong (Professional Regulation Commission), Dr. E.P. Paningbatan Jr (Univ Philippines Los Banos), Dr. E.S. Paterno (UPLB), Dr. P.B. Sanchez (UPLB), Dr. V.C. Cuevas (UPLB), Dr. G.V. Pangga (UPLB), Dr. B.M. Calub (UPLB), Dr. N.E de la Cruz (Central Luzon State University), Dr. V.B. Asio (Visayas State University), Ms. J.B. Lansangan (Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority), Ms. P. Orpia (Bureau of Soil and Water Management), Ms. L.K. Limpin (Organic Certification Center of the Phil), Mr.  A. Aquino (Negros Island Certification Agency), and Mr. P.Belisario (Organic Producers and Traders Association).

Some notes on the soils and use of fertilizers and pesticides by vegetable farmers in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

The gently rolling topography which typifies a large portion of the volcanic landscape in Claveria makes it ideal for intensive large-scale vegetable production. The widely grown vegetables include cabbage, beans, tomato, sweet pepper and eggplant.

The breathtaking volcanic landscape of Claveria, Misamis Oriental

But the strongly weathered soils which range from Oxisols in the lower slopes (about 400 to 600 m above sea level or asl) to Ultisols in the upper slopes (about 600 to 900m asl) are a major constraint to vegetable production in the area. Oxisols (also called Ferralsols) and Ultisols (also called Alisols and Acrisols) are clayey, reddish, acidic and nutrient-poor soils although they generally have good physical properties like good structure and moderate to high porosity. As in other volcanic landscapes, the oldest and most infertile soils (Oxisols) are formed on the older and stable lower slopes.

Dr. Apol & Nelds Gonzaga, Ruby Gabaca, Dr. Steve Harper & myself in front of an Ultisol soil at 920m asl. 

Farmers are apparently aware of the chemical and nutrient limitations inherent in these soils. That is why they apply lime and a variety of chemical and organic fertilizers. Rates of application are, however, not based on soil/plant tissue analysis but on what the farmers perceive as necessary. Thus, the rates appear to be insufficient in the case of lime, but excessive for the chemical fertilizers. This undoubtedly increases the production cost and can lead to more soil and environmental problems like acidification and groundwater pollution, respectively.

Heavy fertilizer application is done starting at planting of vegetables

Pest and diseases are also greatly affecting vegetable production in the Claveria landscape. As a result, farmers practice excessive application of pesticides which poses a serious threat to the health of the farming families, the consumers in urban centers, and the environment in general. The lack of awareness among farmers about the proper application of pesticides can be seen from their improper handling of these hazardous chemicals and from the fact that they just leave the pesticide containers at the farm borders.

It is common for farmers to mix two pesticides with water and spray the cocktail to the vegetables twice a week

The above observations strongly justify the urgent need for research on soil and nutrient management as well as integrated pest management in Claveria.

Renowned Australian soil scientist visits Visayas State University

Prof. Neal Menzies, professor of soil and environmental science and head of the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences at the prestigious University of Queensland, Australia, visited the Visayas State University (VSU), Leyte, Philippines from September 16-19, 2014. 

The purpose of his visit was to attend, as a collaborating scientist, the meeting of the ACIAR (Australian Center for International Agricultural Research) - funded Soils Project (Soil and Nutrient Management Strategies for Sustainable Vegetable Production in Southern Philippines- SMCN/2012/029) attended by scientists from the Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (Dr. Stephen Harper and Ms. Zara Hall) and partners from the Visayas State University, University of the Philippines Los Banos, Bureau of Soil and Water Management, Landcare Foundation Philippines Incorporated, Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) and the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF). 

Prof. Neal Menzies (middle) with the ACIAR Soil Project partners

He also visited the proposed project site in the central highlands of Leyte (740m above sea level) and was able to observe firsthand the soil problems and fertilization practices of the vegetable farmers in the area (among the most important soil problems is related to the very high phosphorus fixing capacity of the young volcanic soils (Andisols) which developed from andesitic Quaternary volcanics). He also visited the different academic and research units of VSU particularly the Department of Agronomy and Soil Science which prides itself as one of the leading soil science departments in the Philippines today.

Prof. Menzies was elected as Vice-President of the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the global organization of 55,000 soil scientists, from 2006 to 2010. He has also served as Secretary, Vice-President and President of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Society of Soil Science Inc. (ASSSI). He has published more than 200 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals many of which have received high citations in international publications.

Prof. Menzies with vegetable farmers & project partners in Cabintan, Ormoc, Leyte

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ACIAR Soils Project (SMCN/2012/029): 2014-17

Project Leader: Dr. Stephen Harper, Principal Research Scientist
Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (QDAFF)
Collaborating Scientist: Prof. Neal Menzies, Professor of Soil and Environmental Sciences
University of Queensland, Australia
Project Coordinator (Philippines): Dr. Victor B. Asio, Professor of Soil Science & Geo-ecology
Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, Philippines
Project Partners: Dr. Pearl B. Sanchez (UPLB); Dr. Gina Nilo & Karen Bautista (BSWM),
Dr. Apol Gonzaga & Dr. Nelda Gonzaga (MOSCAT), Dr. Ben Aspera, Emily Garcia & Edwin Sardido (Landcare Foundation Phil Inc), and Dr. Jun Mercado (ICRAF).  

SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair 2014 winners

The renowned Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) established in 1966 by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) announced in its website (www.searca.org) the 2014 winners of the prestigious SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair awards. Below is the complete press release:

SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair honors champions of sustainable agricultural and rural development

For their outstanding contribution to agricultural research and development, five outstanding Southeast Asian academicians have been conferred the SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair in April 2014. They are Dr. Orville L. Bondoc, Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas, and Dr. Dinah Pura T. Depositario, from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB); Dr. Victor B. Asio from the Visayas State University (VSU); and Dr. Mohd. Razi Ismail from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Dr. Bondoc, a Professor of Animal Breeding, has been awarded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Professorial Chair in 2012 among his many accolades. His lecture will be on “Organic Livestock Farming and Breeding towards Food Security of Smallholder Farmers in the Tropics.”

Dr. Cuevas, the 2012 Hugh Greenwood Environmental Science Awardee is a Professor of Botany at UPLB. Her lecture is titled “Ecological Succession in Areas Covered by Mine Tailings in Mankayan, Benguet.”

Dr. Depositario is an Associate Professor at the Department of Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship. She has been a recipient of the 2011 UPLB Centennial Professorial Chair and CEM Outstanding Researcher in 2010. Her lecture will be on “Climate Change Adaptation Strategies of Philippine Agribusiness SMEs.”

Dr. Asio is the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and a Soil Science Professor at VSU. Recognized as one of VSU’s Outstanding Academicians, Dr. Asio will lecture on “Bio-physical Characteristics and Sustainable Management of Marginal Uplands in the Philippines.”

Dr. Razi is a Senior Professor and Deputy Director at UPM’s Institute of Tropical Agriculture. He specializes in Plant Eco-Physiology and will deliver a lecture on “Managing Plants under Climatic Stress: A Challenge for Food Security.”

The SEARCA Regional Professorial Chair, which started in 2011, was established to recognize exemplary Southeast Asian academics who have made significant contributions in the field of agriculture and related science. The award carries with it a USD 5,000 endowment.

As SEARCA gears up for a new strategic 5-year agenda, its Regional Professorial Chair Grant will now focus on outstanding university academicians in Southeast Asia who have championed inclusive and sustainable agricultural and rural development through their instruction, research, and extension activities in their country and in the region.

Source: www.searca.org