VOLUME XXXIV

Issue 7
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2014 Serving Los Baos and nearby communities
www.lbtimes.ph
Putho-Tuntungin, Bagong Silang
showcase organic produce at SyenSaya 2014
SyenSaya 2014 showcases innovations
in support of global challenges
by Charlene Ruth Espenilla
Continued on page 5
Itutuloy sa pahina 3
With the theme Los Baos Science
Community: Supporting the Nation in Meeting
Global Challenges, SyenSaya 2014 was
held on September 10-12 at the EB Copeland
Gymnasium of the University of the Philippines
Los Baos (UPLB).
Organized by the Los Baos Science
Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI),
the celebrations included a science exhibit,
a technology forum, and a research and
development (R&D) awarding ceremony.
LBSCFI member organizations and
agencies showcased their latest innovations in an
exhibit. Some of these are featured in this issue:
AMDPs smart incubator
by Remsce Pasahol
The Agricultural Mechanization
Development Programs (AMDP) egg incubator
is made from locally available materials. A
styrofoam ice chest serves as the chamber of the
incubator while an incandescent bulb serves as
source of light and heat.
Libre!
Ellen Ramos of the Gender and Development Offce assists partner farmers in selling their organic
produce to visitors during this years SyenSaya. The sales were turned over to the organic farmers of
Barangays Bagong Silang and Putho-Tuntungin at the end of the three-day mini organic market.
(Photo by CREspenilla)
nina Jeanette Ilagan-Talag at Lenie Bonapos
ng Los Baos Federation of Persons with Disabilities, Inc.
Ipinagdiwang ng Los Baos Federation of
Persons with Disabilities (LBFPWD), Inc. ang
National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation
Week (NDPR) na may temang Talento at
Paninindigan, Pasaporte sa Kaunlaran mula ika-4
hanggang ika-8 ng Agosto.
Layunin ng isang linggong pagdiriwang na
maipamalas ang kapasidad at kakayanan ng mga
mamamayan ng Los Baos na may kapansanan
sa pamamagitan ng ibat-ibang gawain. Ito ay
upang maipakita din na sila ay mahalagang parte
ng lipunan at may pantay na karapatan. Layon din
ng gawain na maitaas ang morale ng mga may
kapansanan.
Organic farmer collaborators from
Barangays Putho-Tuntungin and Bagong Silang
grossed about PhP 14,000 during the three-day
SyenSaya 2014 Wonderama held at the EB
Copeland Museum from September 10-12.
The organic produce sold during SyenSaya
included gabi (yam), kangkong (swamp
cabbage), luya (ginger), okra (lady fngers),
sitaw (string beans), and talbos ng kamote
(camote tops) from farmers who partnered with
the Local Government of Los Baos through the
Gender and Development (GAD) Offce and the
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and
Natural Resources Research and Development
(PCAARRD).
Barangays Bagong Silang and Putho-
Tuntungin were two among the six barangays
involved in the organic farming project, which
LBFPWDs, ipinagdiwang
ang Natl Disability Prevention
& Rehabilitation Week
is part of the PhP 4.6 million project
entitled Enhancing Gender-Sensitive
Sustainable Agriculture and Aquatic
Science and Technology (S&T)-based
Livelihood Enterprises in Los Baos
between PCAARRD and Los Baos
that was formalized in March earlier
this year.
Six months after the partnership
was inked, the organic farming
project has now established farmer
collaborators in the six targeted
barangays. The Los Baos LGU
plans to organize an organic market
in the new municipal hall as well as
partner with local restaurants and food
establishments to form an initial market
for the barangays organic produce.
2
LOS BAOS TIMES
Putho-Tuntungin naglunsad ng proyektong vegetable container gardening para sa 4Ps
ni Ricarda Villar
Namahagi ng mga binhi ng pipino, sitaw,
at kalabasa sa kanilang barangay covered court
ang Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin sa mga miyembro
ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
noong ika-13 ng Setyembre.
Ang pamamahagi ng binhi ng gulay ay
panimula ng proyektong vegetable container
gardening na pinangungunahan ni Kapitan
Ronaldo Oate at Konsehal Rhodora Lagman
ng komite ng agrikultura ng Brgy. Putho-
Tuntungin.
Ang mga binhing ipinamahagi ay mula
sa PAMANA Center at sa Institute of Plant
Breeding ng UP Los Baos. Paliwanag ni
Konsehal Lagman, ang pamamahagi ng binhi
or seed dispersal ay matagal at regular nang
isinasagawa ng Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin upang
matulungan ang mga residenteng magkaroon
ng karagdagang mapagkukuhanan ng pagkain.
Ani Kapitan Oate, ang proyektong
vegetable container gardening ay nabuo
matapos maobserbahan na walang
mapagkuhanan ng supply ng gulay ang mga
residente matapos masira ng Bagyong Glenda
ang mga taniman ng gulay sa bahay-bahay.
Sa vegetable container gardening, maitatago
pansamantala ang mga pananim upang hindi
ito maapektuhan ng sama ng panahon at
maaring mailabas muli pagkalipas ng bagyo.
EDI TORI AL STAF F
Ricarda Villar
Editor-in-Chief
Joyce Marie Maloles
Associate Editor
Ricarda Villar
Layout Artist
Rosa Pilipinas F. Francisco
Adviser
The Los Baos Times is produced by the students and
staff of the Department of Development Journalism
at the UP Los Baos College of Development
Communication. No part of this paper may be
reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means
stored in a database or retrieval system without
prior consent. All rights reserved.
The Los Baos Times is located at Rm. 201 B,
Department of Development Journalism,
College of Development Communication,
University of the Philippines Los Baos
College, Laguna
Tel. No.: (049) 536-2511 local 401 or 410
Email: lbtimes@devcom.edu.ph
Website: http://lbtimes.ph
NEWS
Maliban dito, makakatulong ang vegetable
container gardening na magkaroon ng
regular na mapagkukunan ng pagkain
ang kanilang mga kabarangay. Kasali sa
proyekto ang lahat ng miyembro ng 4Ps sa
Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin.
AAlcantara BEApa-ap LBonapos MCaringal
KSGCatapang ACenizal JMDrece JDumalaon
CREspenilla ALHerbon DLagman JLanuzga YYLasic
CAMendizabal EMMendoza NAMercado FMontemayor
JPOmac SPOrendain VOracion EPasahol TMQuilnat
DRecto CRieza KSalamatin JTalag KATolentino
PJTrianes MEValiente TKVivares
Writers
Para sa mga nais makipagtulungan sa
proyektong vegetable container gardening sa
pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga binhi o
mga plastik na botelya o lalagyan (1, 1.5, at 2
litro), maaaring makipag-ugnayan sa Tanggapan
ng Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin sa numerong (049)
536-4546.
Pinangunahan ni Kapitan Ronaldo Oate at Konsehal Rhodora Lagman ang pamamahagi ng binhi
ng gulay sa mga miyembro ng 4Ps sa kanilang barangay. Isang linggo matapos ang pamamahagi
ng binhi, bibisitahin ng barangay ang mga kabahayan upang masigurong patuloy na nakikibahagi sa
proyekto ang mga miyembro ng 4Ps.
Forum sa mga may kapansanan at social welfare, idinaos
ni Jeanette Talag, presidente ng Los Baos Federation of Persons with Disabilities, Inc.
Isinagawa ang isang forum sa
hanay ng mga may kapansanan at mga
opisina ng provincial/city/municipal
social welfare and development noong
ika-23 ng Setyembre sa Casa de Padrid
sa Bay, Laguna. Layunin ng pulong na
higit na mapaganda at mapaayos ang
relasyon sa pagitan ng mga tanggapan
at mga may kapansanan tungo sa isang
independiyenteng disabled peoples
organization (DPO).
Isa sa mga napag-usapan sa pulong ay
ang pagkakaroon ng tanggapan o ang persons
with disability affairs offce para sa mga may
kapansanan sa bawat munisipyo.
Ang naging kinatawan ng Los Baos ay
sina Jeanette Talag, presidente ng Los Baos
Federation of Persons With Disabilities, Inc.
at Angie Silva, focal person ng Persons With
Disabilities.
LB LGU, UPLB team up
for envtl summit 2014
The local government unit (LGU) of Los
Baos and the University of the Philippines
Los Baos (UPLB) held an Environmental
Summit 2014 on August 12at the Institute of
Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development
(ICOPED) Auditorium.
The summit served as venue for starting
a strong and sustained partnership between
UPLB and the Los Baos LGU in the face of
social and environmental challenges in the
by Antonio Alcantara of the Municipal Environment
and Natural Resources Offce
Continued on page 3
3
LOS BAOS TIMES
Putho-Tuntungin naglunsad ng proyektong vegetable container gardening para sa 4Ps TAG nagsagawa ng dental mission sa Brgy. Bayog
ni Ricarda Villar
Nasa 100-150 na residente ng Brgy. Bayog ang nakibahagi sa dental
mission na ginanap sa barangay hall noong ika-30 ng Agosto. Ang dental
mission ay pang-anim sa serye ng proyektong MataTAG na Ngipin ng The
Altruist Group (TAG) Los Baos sa pakikipagtulungan ng Philippine Dental
Association-Laguna Chapter.
Ang TAG ay itinatag noong ika-16 ng Nobyembre 2012 sa Los Baos.
Ang grupo ay binubuo ng mga propesyunal at mga volunteer na layong
makatulong sa ibat ibang komunidad sa Los Baos at kalapit na bayan. Ang
naunang anim na MataTAG na Ngipin 7 dental mission ay ginanap sa ibat
ibang barangay ng Los Baos.
Sa darating na ika-9 ng Nobyembre, ang MataTAG na Ngipin
7 ay gaganapin sa San Antonio Barangay Hall ng Bay, Laguna. Ang
dental mission ay isasagawa sa pakikipagtulungan ng Philippine Dental
Association-Laguna Chapter ng Los Baos, Bay, and Calauan Dental
Cub (LBBCDC) at sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Bay,
Laguna.
NEWS
CORRECTION:
In the article about senior citizens in the July 2014
issue, the 5% discount was on prime commodities,
not on farm commodities.
Nasa 7-10 na dentista ang naging bahagi ng pagbibigay ng
libreng serbisyo tulad ng dental check up o konsultasyon at
pagbubunot ng ngipin sa ginanap na MataTAG na Ngipin
6 sa Brgy. Bayog Barangay Hall. (Larawan mula sa The
Altruist Group)
LBFPWDs, ipinagdiwang...
Ang mga isinagawang akitibidades sa loob ng isang linggo ay ang mga
sumusunod:
Agosto 4 Talakayan kasama si Arthur Letim (Region IV-A Head AKAP
PINOY) tungkol sa ugnayan ng mga may kapansanan, mga kapitan ng
barangay at ng ibat-ibang social service committees gayundin ang tungkol
sa tamang paggamit ng Internal Revenue Allotment.
Agosto 5 Pagdadala sa mga amputee patients sa University of the East
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center kung saan pito sa mga
pasyente ang nasukatan para sa kanilang prosthetics.
Agosto 6 Pagdaraos ng Talentadong PWDs kung saan nagpamalas
ng angking talento ang mga may kapansanan sa larangan ng pagkanta at
pagsayaw.
Agosto 8 Pagdaraos ng sportsfest kung saan ibat-ibang palaro ang
sinalihan gaya ng wheelchair race, marathon, at swimming.
Ang pagsasagawa ng livelihood training partikular sa paggawa ng
antibacterial soap na dapat ay isinagawa noong Agosto 7 ay nalipat sa ika-30
ng Agosto 2014.
Para sa impormasyon at katanungan patungkol sa LBFPWD, maaaring
makipag-ugnayan kay Jeanette Ilagan-Talag, kasalukuyang pangulo, sa
numerong 0936-347-1973. Maaari ding bumisita sa kanilang tanggapan
sa PWD Offce, Offce of Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA) na nasa lumang
munisipyo ng Los Baos at hanapin si Lorelie Liwanag (0915-584-8844).
Mula sa pahina 1
Cathay Pacifc crew brings relief goods
for Glenda victims
by Florentino Montemayor Jr., councilor of Brgy. Batong Malake
It was neither the best time for camping or
scouting nor it was a part of their regular fight
destination, yet Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacifc (CX)
crew members visited Sitio Jamboree in Brgy. Batong
Malake on August 5 to distribute about 200 bags of
relief goods for the victims of Typhoon Glenda.
Wearing shirts, jeans, and rubber shoes, the six
crew members led by Ms. Aida Padua, president of
the Philippine Cabin Crew for Charity, Inc. (PCCI),
together with some of their family members, distributed
the relief goods.
One of the crew members and resident of Brgy.
Batong Malake, Ms. Nelda Roxas Camomot organized
the project together with the Sangguniang Barangay
of Batong Malake. The barangay, led by Chairman
Janos Lapiz, helped in organizing the activity-- from
purchasing of goods, repacking and on-site delivery of
the relief bags worth about PhP 50,000.
The distribution activity was done effciently
without much funfare amidst the entangled fallen
forest trees and against the background of some houses
without roofs.
LB LGU, UPLB...
Continued from page 2
Los Baos subwatershed and the Mt. Makiling landscape.The institutional
collaboration aimed to:
1. level off the understanding of selected environmental issues among
the stakeholders,
2. identify possible action research and development agenda, and
3. draft the work plan for future LB-UPLB collaborations.
The summit discussions tackled the protection and conservation of
Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve considering the sustainability of domestic
water supply and water quality of the surface water with changing climate,
solid waste and septage management, and disaster risk reduction and
management.
4
LOS BAOS TIMES
PHOTO NEWS
Nagtulong-tulong ang mga residente ng Purok 4 ng Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin
noong Setyembre 21 upang linisin ang mga nakabarang basura sa ilat na
dinulot ng Bagyong Glenda at Bagyong Mario. Ito ay upang masolusyunan
ang pag-apaw ng tubig sa mga kabahayan ng mga residente ng purok.
(Dory Lagman, kagawad ng Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin)
Dalawamput limang kinatawan mula sa ibat
ibang opisina ng munisipyo, konseho ng
mga barangay, civil society organizations, at
paaralan ang dumalo sa Training on News
Writing and Photojournalism sa Kolehiyo
ng Komunikasyong Pangkaunlaran sa
Unibersidad ng Pilipinas Los Baos noong
ika-8 ng Agosto.
Kasama sa nakilahok sina Teodorico
Jeramie Luzon, Patricia Mae Royena, Rosita
Emergo, Andrea Alforja, Cherry Mae Linao,
Hanna Marie Ligon, Rose Anne Tabanera,
Kacelyn Alinea, Hazel Reberique, Avygael
Timanil, Anne Bernadette Aspiras, Mika
Joy Villanueva, at Mariedel Sarmiento
ng Department of Education sa Los
Baos Community National High School
(LBCNHS); Ma. Emily Alforja at Leonida
Meneses ng Kapisanan ng mga Samahan
sa Malinta (KASAMA); Randolph Franz
Tolentino, Aristeo Jesus Isla, at Jason Austria
ng Los Baos Group (LBG); Konsehal
Fredilino Parabuac ng Brgy. Timugan;
Donato Catipon ng Malinta Railroad Site
Neighborhood Association (MRRSNA);
Francisco Carandang ng Barangay Fisheries
and Aquatic Resource Management Council
(BFARMC); Zenaida Escobin ng Offce of
Senior Citizen Affairs (OSCA); at Hanna
Erika Lavia ng Municipal Social Welfare
and Development Offce (MSWDO).
(Kuha ni REstimado)
Ilang kababaihan ng Brgy. Putho-Tuntungin ang nabigyan
ng oportunidad upang magkaroon ng karagdagang
pagkakakitaan sa pamamagitan ng Elbi Soap for Livelihood
Project. Ang proyektong ito ay sinimulan ng isang residente
ng barangay na tumulong upang magkaroon ng puhunan
ang proyekto. Bagamat hindi pa gaanong kilala ang mga
produkto, unti-unti na din itong kumikita.
Para sa mga katanungan sa proyektong ito, maaaring
makipag-ugnayan kay Dory Lagman sa numerong 0927-
321-9671.
5
LOS BAOS TIMES
FEATURE
by Kabzeel Sheba Catapang, with reports from Kimberly Salamatin,
Arron Lucius Herbon and Christian Rieza
A technology forum was held at
the New College of Arts and Sciences
auditorium of the University of the
Philippines Los Baos on September
11 during the SyenSaya science festival
for the beneft of barangay offcials,
municipal government staff, students, and
other community stakeholders.
The activity aimed to disseminate
information regarding calamities, as well
as necessary preparations and response
during calamities.
This years forum focused on
calamity in light of the recent experience
with typhoon Glenda that affected many
parts of the country and caused heavy
damage to properties, particularly in Los
Baos.
Dr. Primo Garcia, chair of the Techno
Forum Committee 2014, said that the
forum is very timely because the affected
people and communities fnd disaster
preparedness relevant and necessary.
Maraming naapektuhan noong
Bagyong Glenda noong July, particularly
sa UP Los Baos. Napapanahon po
talaga ang topic natin at napag-isapan ng
LBSCFI [(Los Baos Science Community
Foundation Inc.) na] ipamahagi sa mas
malawak na audience ang mga isyu
at mga kaalaman ukol sa disaster risk
management, Dr. Garcia said.
Barangay offcials were the primary
audience of the techno forum because they are
in the best position to effectively communicate
information to their respective constituents.
Mas madali kasi kapag barangay offcials
ang nakakaalam kasi pwede silang magkaroon
ng sarili nilang seminars at maituro nila ang
mga natutunan nila sa kanilang nasasakupan,
Dr. Garcia added.
The forum featured Ms. Bernadeth Lucillo,
chief meteorological offcer at the National
Agromet Station of PAGASA-UPLB, who
lectured on the hydrometeorological profle of
Los Baos, Laguna.
The Philippine Disaster and Risk Reduction
Management Act of 2010 was also discussed by
Mr. Elvis Cruz, assistant regional director of the
Offce of Civil Defense of Region IV-A.
The talk emphasized the importance of
the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management (NDRRM) plan in responding,
recovering, and in the rehabilitation process
concerning disasters and calamities.
NDRRM is everybodys concern. We
can minimize disaster risk by becoming more
responsible citizens even in our little own ways
by getting involved in the NDRRM efforts of
the government, Cruz stressed.
To ensure that the eggs absorb the heat, a fan distributes the
heated air while an egg turner tilts the eggs. An air vent is also
installed to regulate the temperature and humidity or the amount
of water vapor in the chamber.
What makes this invention a smart incubator is the
automation system used in the machine called Arduino
platform (Gizduino X derivative). This tool acts like the central
processing unit of a computer to control the fan, light bulb, and
egg turner based on the input and the environmental conditions,
such as moisture and temperature. Since the incubator is no
longer manually operated, it is more precise and accurate in
maintaining a temperature range of 37
o
to 38
o
C, the desired
temperature for better egg incubation.
AMDP is under UPLBs College of Engineering and Agro-
Industrial Technology (CEAT).
BPI-LBNCRDCs vermiculture, vermicomposting
by Bea Elisha Apa-ap and Toni Krizia Vivares
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)-Los Baos National Crop
Research and Development Center (LBNCRDC) introduced the African
Night Crawler, known scientifcally as Eudrilus eugeniae, to elementary
and high school students who crowded the booth of BPI-LBNCRDC to
see and touch the earthworms encased in a small glass as the exhibitors
explained and gave out leafets about vermiculture and vermicomposting.
Vermiculture is the cultivation of earthworms while
vermicomposting is the production of quality organic fertilizer through
vermiculture.
Eugenia Buctuanon of BPI explained that vermicompost is a
frst-class fertilizer because it gives the soil higher levels of nitrogen,
phosphorus, and potassium. Vermicompost also enhances the growth of
plants and prolongs plant life.
Buctuanon further explained that the technology of vermicomposting
is environment friendly and can be adopted by families in their homes to
eliminate a huge bulk of household biogdegradable wastes.
Techno Forum:
Handa KNB sa oras ng kalamidad?
Finally, Mr. Martin Q. Imatong,
Los Baos Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management consultant, delivered a lecture
on the possible disasters that could be
experienced by the Los Baos community
such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes,
tsunami, and typhoons. Mr. Imatong
discussed the precautionary measures that
could be done by the community for disaster
preparedness.
The forum was organized by LBSCFI
in cooperation with its partner organizations
namely: Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources (BFAR), Laguna State Polytechnic
University (LSPU), Bank of the Philippine
Islands (BPI), Ecosystems Research and
Development Bureau (ERDB), UPLB Offce
of the Vice Chancellor for Administration
(OVCA), UPLB Offce of the Vice
Chancellor for Academic Affairs (OVCAA),
Laguna Lake Development Authority
(LLDA), Boy Scouts of the Philippines
(BSP)-Laguna, Department of Education
(DepEd), and Department of Science and
Technology (DOST).
The techno forum started several years
ago to showcase technological advances to
the people. It focuses on agriculture, water
technology, and other innovations that beneft
the local community.
SyenSaya 2014 showcases...
Continued from page 1
Continued on page 6
6
LOS BAOS TIMES
Using the term kaibigang bulate, Melinda Mondoedo,
research assistant at BPI, encouraged the children to hold the
African night crawler while telling them that farm wastes are still
helpful when converted to farm by-products like animal feed and
organic fertilizer.
A 10-year-old student screamed when she was asked to
hold the earthworm, but with Mondoedos encouragement, she
enjoyed the feel of the animal on her hands.
Mondoedo said, Malamig [yung bulate], lalo na kapag
gumagapang sa kamay kasi sa malamig din syang environment
[lugar] nago-grow [nabubuhay]. Minsan kasi natatakot ang mga
bata kapag nakikita pa lang nila. So pinapaliwanag natin na ito ay
kaibigang bulate, na hindi naman sila masama, at ginamit ito para
sa organic farming.
The earthworms are used in vermicomposting. Mondoedo
explained that farm wastes are turned into organic fertilizers with
the help of these earthworms. She added that based from results
of their experiments, soil with vermicompost has more nutrients
compared to soil that has been fertilized using organic materials.
Eggpplant, cabbage, caulifower, tomato, onion, cucumber,
sitao, and okra exhibit outstanding growth because of this so-
called kaibigang bulate.
CINTERLABS 3D avatar-based virtual envt prog
by Angelica Cenizal
The Computational Interdisciplinary Research Labs
(CINTERLabs) 3D avatar-based virtual environment can create
a virtual UPLB campus, which can be used for campus tours. The
application makes possible navigating through buildings, feeling
the environment, and having a glimpse of the university.
It can also be used as a virtual classroom. Students can create
their own avatar and, as long as they are connected to the website
or to the same network of the application, they can see other
avatars as if in a classroom set-up. They can also interact with one
another through chat and voice, and do simple gestures such as
raising their hands. The users are also allowed to upload fles.
This project, however, is still in its beta phase. Not all
buildings in the campus are ready for navigation yet, as the
developers have only fnished the buildings for the Main Library,
Student Union, College of Arts and Sciences Annexes 1 & 2,
Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physical, and Institute of
Biological Sciences. There is no defnite date yet on when the
program will go live.
CINTERLabs is under UPLBs Institute of Computer Science
(ICS).
SyenSaya
ANONG MASASABI MO SA SYENSAYA 2014 ?
this is bringing science to the students. Gusto
nating makita nila yung practical applications
ng science . If you keep on producing science
research tapos hindi naman nagagamit ang
results, its a wasted investment. But through
this exhibit, gusto nating maipakita sa lahat na
may practical applications ang science and that
everybody should know it.
- Dr. Rex Cruz, UPLB Chancellor
mula sa mga panayam nina Camille Ann Mendizabal, Emmanuelle Dominique Mendoza,
Neil Arwin Mercado, Johanna Marie Drece, Joie Lanuzga, at Yunika Ysa Lasic
Ang pinaka-objective natin [ay] yung mga batang
ito [ay] mag-take ng science and technology
courses. Aim natin na mag-recruit ng best and
brightest sa mga high schools na magiging
scientists in the future kaya ini-invite natin lahat ng
mga elementary at high school sa UPLB.
- Dr. Roberto Cereno, SyenSaya 2014 organizer
[Nandito ako] para din makakuha ng bagong knowledge
about sa science, para rin mag-enjoy, and bonding na rin
kasama yung mga friends ko, schoolmates, para makakita
ng makabagong bagay sa exhibit. Enjoy siya at yung mga
nakikita namin dito marami kaming nalaman. Nakita namin
yung ibat-ibang bagay sa bawat lugar at kung anong
naitutulong nito.
-Abigail Venteza, Dayap National High School, Calauan
Mas comprehensive ngayon at mas well
[prepared] yung mga information materials nila
at saka mas friendly siya sa mga tumitingin.
-Reymuel Salongkong, Brgy. Bambang
SyenSaya 2014 showcases...
Continued from page 5
Continued on page 7
7
LOS BAOS TIMES
SyenSaya
ANONG MASASABI MO SA SYENSAYA 2014 ?
2014
mula sa mga panayam nina Camille Ann Mendizabal, Emmanuelle Dominique Mendoza,
Neil Arwin Mercado, Johanna Marie Drece, Joie Lanuzga, at Yunika Ysa Lasic
Masaya kasi nakikita mo yung interactions ng
mga student from high school at elementary.
Makikita mo kung gaano sila ka-curious sa mga
technologies na meron tayong ipo-provide.
-Antoni Kristofer Lim,
UP Open University student
Yung mga interdisciplinary kasali na sa exhibit
so mas maraming nagparticipate na exhibitor at
mas maraming interactive na activities para sa
mga bata.
-Engr. Marife Santiago, UPLB Agricultural
Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center
Nakikita ko yung impact nya sa mga bata. Mabuti yung
bata palang sila, ipakita mo na yung mga pwede nilang
gawin para pagtanda nila, mai-apply nila. Sa pamamagitan
ng events na ganito, nagiging aware sila. Halimbawa dito
sa booth namin, nalalaman nila na meron palang organic
agriculture, meron pala tayong native pig at native chicken.
-Oliver John Gomez, owner of Makiling Hillside Delicacies
Nakakatuwang tingnan yung mga batang natututo dahil sa
equipment na sinet-up namin. At tsaka natututo din naman
kami sa booths ng iba.
-Matthew Frias, Ecosystems Research
and Development Bureau
DOST Region IV-As Project HaNDA
by Kristina Aloida Tolentino
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region
IV-As Project HaNDA is an information and communicaton
technology (ICT)-based system that disseminates disaster-related
information and weather bulletins to concerned government
agencies in Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon
provinces.
Using a top-down approach, the system gives updates
within minutes of notice. Concerned government agencies like
PAGASA and Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS) channel information to DOST Region IV-A from
time to time. DOST then updates the website and notifes local
units of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offces
(DRRMOs) through SMS.
The website includes a map and provides visual
representations of real-time situations on specifc regions. It
also includes weather bulletins and modules on dissemination,
feedback, and public inquiry.
According to France Lagro, DOST project coordinator,
there is a need for more funding, research, and acceptance of
these disaster risk reduction and management programs since the
country is constantly experiencing calamities. He added that these
are useful tools to keep people informed and to minimize disaster
impacts. The system was developed in 2010 and is accessible
through this website drrm.region4a.dost.gov.ph.
IPBs corn grits, organic seeds, hydroponics
by Kabzeel Sheba Catapang, with reports from Therese Marie Quilnat
Corn grits or milled white corn is being promoted for mixing with
or as an alternative to rice, according to Meg Grulla of the Institute
of Plant Breeding (IPB). Compared with white rice, corn grits are
healthier and a better source of protein. It is also more flling, making
the consumers reach satiety faster, and relatively cheaper because a
kilo of corn grits can be purchased for only PhP 30 at IPB.
IPB produces organic seeds, which have undergone open
pollination, which is pollination by natural mechanisms, and were not
cross-pollinated, to ensure the preservation of desirable characteristics
and traits such as crop yield and quality of produce across generations.
Carefully packed seeds of okra, cucumber, white squash (upo),
squash, and other vegetable seeds were sold for PhP 40 per pack.
The simple nutrient addition program (SNAP) of IPB also known
as hydroponics or soil-less farming entails transferring a week-old
plant to the nutrient-enriched hydroponics set-up. Plants should be
at least a week old to ensure germination and the nutrient-absorption
capability of the roots.
The nutrient solution is made by mixing one cup each of SNAP
A and SNAP B solution with 10 liters of water. The solution has been
formulated to provide all the nutrients the plant needs for proper
growth, even in the absence of soil. This way of farming is proving to
be benefcial and ideal for urban locations where ample land area for
planting is scarce.
Continued on page 8
Continued from page 6
SyenSaya 2014 showcases...
8
LOS BAOS TIMES
PCAARRDs Red Nile tilapia
by Kristina Aloida Tolentino
The Red Nile tilapia, a crossbreed of Mozambique tilapia and
Nile Tilapia, is known for its appealing red color. Originally imported
from Singapore in 1978, it has been improved as an alternative to the
locally available tilapia and to expensive marine species.
According to Willie Ibarra, science research specialist at the
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (PCAARRD), PCAARRD hopes to
inform people about the emerging market by showcasing the Red
Nile tilapia, a Class A breed of tilapia. The market for Red Nile
tilapia was hampered by the common grey Nile tilapia, which is
cheaper.
PCAARRD partnered with the National Tilapia Research
and Development Program and Central Luzon State University-
Freshwater Aquaculture Center (CLSU-FAC) on the project.
LWDs water sampling analysis
by Kabzeel Sheba Catapang with reports from Vhernadette Oracion and
Stephanie Pearl Orendain
The Laguna Water Districts (LWD) water-testing process ensures
the quality of tap water in Los Baos. The process was available for
observation on the frst day of the SyenSaya.
Alma Grace Velasquez, microbiologist of LWD, used three water
samples to demonstrate the water testing process. Of the three samples,
two tested positive for coliform and E. coli, which are common disease-
causing bacteria. Among the diseases brought by these organisms is
diarrhea.
The Colilert-18 Test is used to test water samples in Laguna.
Colilert-18 reacts with the enzymes present in the two types of bacteria
and will turn the water yellow if coliforms are present. However, for
samples with E. coli, the water will turn blue if observed under the UV
light.
Hindi naman nagpa-positive sa coliforms at E. coli ang tubig dito
[sa Laguna], Velasquez assured. However, during outbreaks involving
coliforms and E. coli, the LWD increases the dosage of the disinfectant
chlorine dioxide as counter measure.
Throngs of high school students from various parts of
CALABARZON lingered in various booths for their turn
at trying out the samples, games, and activities prepared
by the SyenSaya 2014 exhibitors.
(Photo by CAMendizabal and NAMercado)
SyenSaya 2014 showcases...
Continued from page 7
Continued on page 9
9
LOS BAOS TIMES
COMMUNITY POSTS
Iskedyul ng koleksyon ng basura
MataTAG na Ngipin 7
Simula Setyembre 15, ang iskedyul
sa paghahakot ng basura ng truck ng
Mayondon at munisipyo ay:
Nabubulok (Lunes,
Miyekules, at Biyernes)
Di nabubulok (Sabado)
Ang basura ay dapat ilabas mula
8-9 pm. Ang paghahakot sa lahat ng
nakatakdang araw ay tuwing 9 pm.
(Matet Caringal)
Magsasagawa ng MataTAG na Ngipin 7
dental mission ang The Altruist Group (TAG) - Los
Baos sa ika- 9 ng Nobyembre sa San Antonio
Barangay Hall ng Bay, Laguna. Ang dental mission
ay isasagawa sa pakikipagtulungan ng Philippine
Dental Association-Laguna Chapter at ng Los
Baos, Bay, and Calauan Dental Cub (LBBCDC)
at sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng lokal na pamahalaan ng
Bay, Laguna. (Dory Recto)
Parol-Making Contest (December 1)
Open to all non-government organizations, civil society organizations
and private organizations within Los Baos, Laguna
Submission of entries for display in the Old Municipal Hall
Covered Court is on Nov. 30
For inquiries, contact 0927 995 9798/ 0920 501 6991
Pasko sa Barangay (December 1)
Barangay Hall Christmas Decoration Contest
For inquiries, contact the Municipal Tourism Offce (MTO)
at (049) 530-2818 local 205
Hataw at Galaw Pasko (December 11, 7pm)
Dance contest open to all dance groups (Open category)
to be held at the Old Municipal Hall Compound
For inquiries, contact MTO at (049) 530-2818 local 205
Himig Pasko 2014 (December 13)
Old Municipal Compound
Deadline of entries is on Nov. 28
For inquiries, contact (049) 530-2818 local 305 or 306
UPOU promotes organic agri
by Mary Edrielle Valiente
With the theme Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and Natural
Resources Management Through Open and Distance E-learning, the
University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) showcased
different organic products in its booth. Also featured were native
chickens, pigs, organic feeds, and plants, which are some of the
products of one of its students - OJ Gomez - in the non-formal course
on organic agriculture. A chef by profession, Gomez said he wants
to promote organic agriculture because of its health benefts. He also
wants to develop a breed of native pigs that will be best for cooking
lechon.
According to Gomez, he also wants to promote organic farming
for the sake of fair practice.Do you know what conventional farmers
do? They mass produce plants grown with chemicals and sell it to the
public. But they plant a small amount of vegetables organically, and
thats what they eat because they know its the healthier option. Thats
not fair practice, he said.
With the traditional way of growing pigs, you depend
on the income you earn to buy more and more feeds. But with
organic farming, you can feed your pigs anytime because it
requires you to plant the vegetables that your pigs will eat.
These plants are self-sustaining, he added.
Further, Gomez said that organic farming enriches the soil
because you use natural produce as fertilizers. Even the animal
excretions become benefcial.
He added that less than one percent of the farmers in the
Philippines practice organic agriculture. That is why he is trying
to promote it by participating in various science fairs, SyenSaya
being one of them.
Los Baos Quadricentennial Celebration
Continued from page 8
SyenSaya 2014 showcases...
10
LOS BAOS TIMES
Para sa akin, ang bayani sa komunidad
namin ay ang mga barangay tanod. Kasi ang
barangay tanod ay 24 oras na nagtatrabaho
at nagseserbisyo sa mga programa ng ating
barangay.
-Cherry Walet, Brgy. San Antonio
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Ang tunay na bayani ay ang mga nanay dahil
sila ay naglilingkod sa mga anak at asawa na
walang hinihingi na kapalit.
-Mayette Sinson, Brgy. San Antonio
Yung tatay ng mga anak ko. Kasi siyempre,
sa lahat ng problema namin, sa saya at hirap
namin, naitataguyod at nabibigyang solusyon
niya. Kahit na marami kaming anak ay
nagagawan niya ng paraan yung mga problema
namin sa araw-araw at napapag-aral pa niya
yung walo naming anak.
-Tata L. Usman, Brgy. Batong Malake
Ang mga manggagawa ang mga bayani
dahil sila ang kumikilos para sa ekonomiya at
nagbabayad ng buwis para sa pag-unlad ng
ating bayan.
-Priscila Abdani Tamban, Brgy. Batong Malake
Ang bayani para sakin si tatay. Kasi buong
buhay nya dinedicate niya para sa amin. Wala
siyang ibang iniisip kundi yung ikabubuti namin at
hindi siya nagsawa sa mga pangaral at pag-aaruga
kahit na minsan medyo mahigpit siya samin.
-Aleli Legaspi, Brgy. San Antonio
Para sakin mga teacher. Kasi kahit na mababa
ang sahod nagtitiyaga sila para lang mabigyan ng
kaalaman ang mga bata.
-Francis Raytana
Wala ka naman kasing makikitang tao na
matatawag mong bayani dito satin. Hindi naman
sa pagiging nega pero iba-iba naman kasi tayo,
bawat isa pwedeng maging bayani para sa sarili
nila.
-DV Marie Maculado, Bay
Ang mga bayani ay ang mga estudyante kasi
buong loob nilang inilalagay ang sarili nila sa pag-
aaral kahit na hindi naman lahat sila ay ginagawa
ito kahit na hindi naman lahat nang natututunan sa
paaralan ay nagagamit sa araw-araw.
-Michelle Delminguez, Brgy. Bayog
Sinu-sino ang mga bayani sa inyong komunidad?
Bilang paggunita ng Araw ng mga Bayani
noong ika-25 ng Agosto, aming kinapanayam ang
mga taga-Los Baos para alamin kung sino ang mga
itinuturing nilang bayani sa kani-kanilang barangay.
ANONG
MASASABI
MO?
by John Paul Omac
Reviving the tree of life
Heralded as the tree of life, coconut and its by-
products have been considered the lifeblood of Philippine
agriculture, topping the list of Philippine agricultural
products for export. However, the devastation brought
about by coconut scale insects (CSI) or cocolisap has
threatened the industrys vitality.
Scientists are continuously developing innovations
which can help revitalize the Philippine coconut industry,
as highlighted by the exhibit of the Philippine Council for
Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and
Development (PCAARRD) in the SyenSaya on September
10-12 at the EB Copeland Gymnasium at the University of
the Philippines Los Baos.
The exhibit presented the Industry Strategic S &T Plan
(ISP) for coconuts, which hopes to address the major issues
and concerns of the coconut industry through the use of S
& T innovations.
According to Ervin Naval, science research analyst of
PCAARRD, the aim of the ISP for coconuts is to increase
palm production and reduce losses due to pest.
This will lead to the increase not just of the farmers
income but the whole industry as well, Naval added.
Currently, the coconut palm covers most of the
landscape in the countrys 68 out of 79 provinces, with
more than 3.4 million farmers directly relying on it.
However, the national average yield is 46 nuts/tree a
year way below the global benchmark of 120/nuts a year.
The dwindling productivity of coconuts, among other
factors, ultimately makes coconut farmers one of the most
vulnerable in the agricultural sector.
About 96% of coconut farmers are considered non-
bankable by corporate banking sector, preventing them
from borrowing capital they can use to improve their farms.
As part of the Coconut ISP for 2013-2015, genomics-
the sequencing and rearranging of DNA- will be primarily
employed to improve desired traits such as high nut yield,
high oil yield, pest resistance, and drought resistance.
By 2015, they aim to increase the yield of coconuts
from 46/nuts a year to 100/nuts a year.
Naval also said that if plans materialize by 2015, they
would have reduced yield losses by up to 13.8 million nuts.
The reduced yield losses and other innovations to
develop high value products like cocosap, cocosugar,
and others would lead to a 44% increase in income of the
farmers, he added.
Aside from coconut, PCAARRD also showcased
their innovations for banana, mango, and tilapia. In the
end, they envisioned the Philippine agri-fsheries industry
to be smarter and more sustainable through scientifc
innovations.
PCAARRD bares plan
for coco industry revitalization
11
LOS BAOS TIMES
OPINION
Saan at paano nagsimula ang infestation
ng coconut scale insect o cocolisap?
Ayon sa Philippine Coconut Authority
(PCA), nagsimula ang infestation na ito
sa Tanauan, Batangas noong 2010. Noon,
inakalang ito ay isa lamang sa ating native
species ng coconut scale insect na nagiging
problema tuwing tag-araw ngunit nawawala
din sa tag-ulan. Ngunit nang manatili pa rin
ang mga coconut scale insect sa paglipas
ng taon kahit tag-ulan, nag-suspetsya ang
UP Los Banos (UPLB) na ito ay bagong
species.
Bakit ito tinawag na coconut scale insect?
Ang ibig sabihin ng scale ay kaliskis. Ito
ay parang kaliskis ng isda at makikita sa
ilalim ng mga dahon ng niyog. Sumisipsip
ito ng katas sa mga dahon na nagiging
sanhi ng paninilaw ng mga dahon hanggang
sa matuyo. Kakaiba ang insektong ito sa
kadahilanang kapag nagsimula na itong
manginain sa dahon ay nawawalan na ito ng
mga paa.
Paano kumakalat ang insektong ito?
Kapag nawalan na ng paa ang coconut scale
insect, magsisimula na itong mangitlog.
Sa pagkapisa ng mga itlog, lalabas naman
ang tinatawag na crawlers o yung mga may
paa. Ang mga crawlers ay maglalakad para
makalipat ng puwesto at magsisimula na
namang kumain. May mga panahon naman
na sila ay bumibitaw sa dahon at nililipad ng
hangin kaya sila kumakalat.
Bakit itinuturing na peste ang cocolisap?
Ito ay isang introduced o bagong species at
nasa outbreak stage sa ngayon. Ibig sabihin,
mabilis ang pagkalat at pagdami nito. Sa
pagdating nito sa ating bansa, hindi niya
dala ang kanyang mga natural na kalaban
kung kayat ito ay dumadami.

Saan nanggaling ang cocolisap?
Ang mga specie na ito ng coconut scale
insect, ayon sa kasaysayan at tala sa
siyensiya, ay makikita lamang sa Indonesia.
Ano ang mga palatandaan na may
inpestasyon ng cocolisap ang mga niyog?
Ang pinakapalatandaan ay ang paninilaw
ng mga lumang dahon. Nagsisimula ang
paninilaw mula sa ibabaw ng dahon. Sa
pagdami ng cocolisap sa dahon, ang mga
dating magkakahiwalay at batik batik na
paninilaw ay nagdidikit-dikit at nabubuo.
Ano ang extent ng damage ng coconut
scale insect lalo na dito sa rehiyon ng
CALABARZON?
Ang inpestasyon nito ay concentrated sa
CALABARZON. Sa ngayon, ang estimate
na inpestasyon nito sa CALABARZON
Ano nga ba ang tinatawag na coconut scale insect o ang
tinatawag na cocolisap?
Ating alamin mula kay Dr. Celia dR. Medina, director ng Crop Protection Cluster
ng University of the Philippines Los Baos College of Agriculture.
Para sa mensahe, kumento, o suhestiyon na
maaaring mapag-usapan sa Dito sa Laguna,
tumawag o mag-text: Send LAGUNA <name>
<address> <message> to 0916-188-DZLB (3952)
o tumawag sa 536-2433.
Ang Dito sa Laguna ay nasa ilalim ng produksyon
at pamamahala ng Department of Development
Broadcasting and Telecommunication ng UP Los
Baos College of Development Communication
Ang bahaging ito ay sa produksyon ng mga
sumusunod: Ma. Teresita B. Osalla (Project
Coordinator); Cleofe S. Torres at Sherwin Joseph
Felicidario (Program Hosts); at Ma. Ciejay Calara
(Episode Producer).
ay dalawang milyong mga puno ng
niyog. Naapektuhan na nito ang 87 mga
munisipalidad mula Cavite, Laguna, Batangas,
at Quezon. Ayon sa PCA, anim na porsyento
pa lamang ng mga puno ng niyog ang apektado
sa buong bansa.
Ano ang malawakang epekto nito sa
industriya ng niyog?
Sa kasalukuyan, dahil anim na porsyento pa
lamang ng mga tanim ang naapektuhan, wala
pa itong malaking epekto sa industriya. Ngunit
kapag nagkaroon ng malawakang inpestasyon,
mapapabagsak nito ang kabuuang produksyon
ng niyog.
Gaano kalaking halaga na ang nawawala sa
industriya ng niyog dahil sa insektong ito?
Ang rough estimate ay 6% ng 1 bilyong
dolyares. Matagal makabawi ang industriya
ng niyog. Halimbawa na lamang sa Batangas
na tinamaan ng inpestasyon noong 2010.
Aabot sa tatlo hanggang apat na taon mula sa
inpestasyon bago ito makabawi.
Paano maiiwasan ang pagkalat ng cocolisap?
Nagdeklara ng quarantine ang coconut scale
insect (CSI) task force simula Nobyembre
2013 kung saan hindi maaaring maglabas ng
dahon at punla ng mga buko at niyog mula sa
mga apektadong lugar.
Ayon sa BPI Administrative Order No.1, Series
of 2013, maaari lamang itong mailabas kapag
may clearance na aprubado ng mga checkpoint
na itinalaga para suriin ito.
Totoo ba na nagdudulot ng pangangati kapag
nadapuan ng coconut scale insect?
Mayroon pang isang stage ang coconut scale
insect kung saan ang mga lalaking insekto
ay may pakpak at nakakalipad. Kung ito
man ay dahilan ng pangangati, maaaring ito
ay dun lamang sa mga sensitibong tao. Ang
mas inaalala namin ay ang kakayahan nilang
makapuwing sa kadahilanang maliliit talaga
ang insektong ito.
Ano ang mga aksyon at hakbang na
ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan para
matugunan ang problemang ito?
Binuo ang CSI Task Force ng Department of
Agriculture noong Agosto 2013. Nahahati ito
sa dalawa: ang una ay grupo ng Research and
Development (R&D) o mga mananaliksik
na pinangungunahan ng UPLB, Philippine
Coconut Authority (PCA), at DOST-
PCAARRD; at ang isa pang grupo na
tinatawag na operations na pinangungunahan
ng PCA, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
Quarantine, at ang mga lokal na pamahalaan
naman ang siyang agad na uma-aksyon sa mga
natutuklasan ng R&D.
Maliban sa quarantine, gumawa din ng
ilang mga hakbang ang task force upang
masugpo ang inpestasyon gaya ng pruning
o pagtatanggal ng mga apektadong dahon.
Depende sa klasipikasyon ng inpestasyon,
hindi dapat lumagpas sa kalahati ng dahon ng
niyog ang tatanggalin kapag low at moderate
ang inpestasyon. Para naman sa severe ang
inpestasyon lalo na kung ang puno ay 60 taon na,
pinapayagan na ng PCA na ito ay putulin.
Gagawin din ang malawakan at sabay sabay
na paggamit ng trunk injection. Isa ito sa mas
madaling pamamaraan para sa mga niyugan
na nasa bundok. Sa pamamaraang ito, inaani
muna ang lahat ng bunga ng buko at niyog,
saka bubutasin ang puno at ilalagay sa loob
ng katawan ng niyog ang insecticide. Ayon sa
pag-aaral, kayang pabagsakin ng trunk injection
ang populasyon ng cocolisap sa loob lamang
ng apat na linggo. Sa pagbagsak ng kanilang
populasyon, nahihirapan na itong makabawi.
Lumalabas na gagastos ng PhP 29 sa bawat
puno at sa loob lamang ng 51 araw ay wala nang
natitira sa katas at laman ng niyog na mga bahid
ng insecticide.
Ang isa pang paraan ay ang organic spraying.
Bagamat halos kapareho lamang ng presyo
ang nagagamit dito kada puno, ang paraang ito
ay kailangang ulitin ng tatlong beses sa isang
buwan o kada 10 araw.
Marami pang mga dapat gawin katulad ng
organic spot spraying, pagpapakawala ng mga
predators, pagpapalit sa mga pinutol na puno ng
niyog at ang pag-aabono.
Ano po ang inyong maipapayo patungkol sa
usaping ito?
Sa oras na may makitang mga nagsisimulang
paninilaw sa inyong niyugan, ipagbigay alam
agad sa pinakamalapit na municipal agricultural
offcer upang hindi na ito kumalat sa mga hindi
pa naapektuhang bayan para sa maaga at maagap
na pamumuksa sa mga pesteng ito.
Ang Dito sa Laguna ay isang programang ipinalalabas tuwing Sabado sa Community Cable Channel 8
sa ganap na ika-10 ng umaga. Laman nito ang mga magagandang kwento, masasayang karanasan, at
makabuluhang mga usapan patungkol sa Laguna. Ang replay ay tuwing Lunes (2PM), Miyerkules (4PM),
at Biyernes (10PM) sa parehong istasyon.
by John Paul Omac
There is a common belief that agriculture banks purely on manual
labor, and that machinery would be odd in such a setting. However,
for the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technologys
(CEAT) research development and extension arm the Agricultural
Mechanization Development Program (AMDP) is challenging that
notion as it envisions a productive and sustainable agriculture.
As shown in their SyenSaya exhibit at the annual Los Baos
science fair held from September 10-12, AMDP has developed various
technologies and machinery to help farmers improve their production
and practices.
Among these machines featured in their exhibit were the UPLB
hand tractor, a simple hand tractor that can operate at lower power
engines than those used by other tractors; the animal-drawn plow-
mounted corn seeder, which aids farmers to plant their corn seeds
mechanically with even spacing; and the UPLB two-drum corn sheller,
which automatically separates corn kernels from its core and husk.
According to Mario Bueno, university extension specialist, AMDP
is committed to serve the Philippine agri-fsheries sector through
mechanization. We envision the Philippines to be responsive to the
challenges of food security, energy sustainability, and environmental
protection, he said.
We also serve as a clearing house of mechanization researches
in other SUCs, Bueno added.
Bueno also explained that they try to be as hands-on as they can
with their work, which includes community visits, mechanization
needs assessments and analysis, and even trainings for the farmers and
When farms
and machines fuse
fshermen. Their benefciaries have even extended to as far as
Bohol and Mindanao.
Even young students who went to the fair showed
appreciation for the program.
Albert Pena, a grade six student from Tadlac Elementary
School, said that he is glad that there are efforts to help the
farmers. Dapat po kasing tulungan rin ang mga magsasaka
dahil sila ang nagbibigay ng pagkain sa mga tao, Pena said.
For their contribution to research and extension in
agricultural mechanization, AMDP has been recognized as
the Outstanding Research Program during the UPLBs 104
th

Foundation Anniversary.
However, for people in the AMDP, the contribution they
have done is more than the award itself. Its [award] more like
a bonus, Bueno said.
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