Growth Features

October 11, 2023

Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano files with Malacanang a position paper asserting that DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) should have jurisdiction over animal vaccine (veterinary drugs, supplies) regulation. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has jurisdiction over food safety regulation and even registration of veterinary drugs and vaccines.  However, evaluation of such veterinary supplies is under the realm of DA-BAI as it has the human resource expertise and laboratories. This policy has become crucial with the escalating pestilence of animal diseases (African swine fever, avian flu) in livestock and poultry—needing expansive vaccination.

September 25, 2023

Melody Mendoza Aguiba

A documentary “Amazing Bamboo” has been launched as part of jumpstarting a true “Pinoy industry” in the versatile bamboo as a raw material for “10,000 products with documented uses” even as bamboo grows ubiquitously throughout Philippines.

   Authored by Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano and former Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Florentino O. Tesoro, Amazing Bamboo was launched September 18 as part of this month’s World Bamboo Day celebration.

      Also co-author of the book is Ramon A. Razal, a former dean of the University of the Philippines Los Banos-College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

   The book substantiates findings on how bamboo abates climate change and environmental threats.  Bamboo is used for soil erosion control, water conservation and moisture retention, land rehabilitation, ecotourism, and landscape beautification.

   Senator Cynthia A.Villar who graced the book’s launch said the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal recognized bamboo’s contribution to economic growth. 

   Its fast-growing nature makes it a sustainable and renewable material for many consumer and industrial products.

   “Bamboo grows very fast and can be grown easily in different climate conditions and altitudes.  It reduces the pressure on trees to produce timber for wood products,” said Villar.

   “Bamboo regrows from its own root system.  It doesn’t need to be planted again. It plays a leading role as carbon sink.  It can absorb 12 metric tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year and releases 30% more oxygen than other plants.”

   Savellano stressed that Philippines must now aggressively pursue the development of bamboo as a true Pinoy industry considering its all-pervasive presence nationwide.

   “We must develop the bamboo industry within the next five years of the administration of President (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos.  If we cannot develop it now, I don’t think we’ll be able to do it any other time,” he said.

   Savellano has spearheaded the Marcos Administration’s “Buong Bansa Magtanim (BBM) ng kawayan)” in pursuit of bamboo industrialization.

   To prop this development, he insists bamboo bills filed in Congress—mainly Senate Bill 605 and House Bill 7941—should be immediately ratified.  The proposed law provides incentives for private sector to invest in the industry. For one, government land may be used by private owners for free lease for five years.  Other incentives are easy permitting or  permit-free cutting and transportation of bamboo for as long as holders are duly government-registered.

   The bills provide for a P100 million yearly budget for the operation of the future institutionalized Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC). 

   The council was put up under Executive Order 879 which recognized in 2011-2012 the tremendous revenue potential from the global bamboo market.  Such global value is now foreseen at $90 billion before the end of 2030  from the present $70 billion.

   Asked during the book’s launch about the urgent passage of the Senate bill, Villar hinted this move may rather be pursued by her son, Senator Mark Villar.  The younger Villar presided last August 9 over the Senate hearing on the bamboo bill. 

   PBIDC Executive Director Rene Madarang said  that as government has not allocated any budget for PBIDC, it is good that the private sector has funded projects of PBIDC and Kilusang 5K.  The 5K stands for Kawayan:   Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran, Kinabukasan) Foundation Inc. which Savellano himself founded when he was yet with the private sector. 

   The pilot bamboo propagation project totalling 30 hectares in Puray and Karugo, Montalban is a multi-sectoral cooperation.  It also involved Rotary International which funded it by at least P2 million.  Other private funders of bamboo projects are Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc.

   Madarang also recognized during the book launch Edgar Mariano, president of the Karugo Agri Farmers Association. The farmers operate within Montalban which is part of the Marikina Watershed where massive deforestation has been observed in the past years.

   “If there was someone who planted the bamboo, there should be someone to look after it.  We depend on the residents in the watershed to take care of what was planted,” said Madarang.     

   The book with its complete title “Amazing Bamboo: Rediscovering its Wonders and Potentials” teaches one how to grow bamboo in the farm.

   It demonstrates bamboo’s everyday use in the life of the Filipino—including how it serves as the food “Labong.”  It shows how bamboo supports industries and feeds factories with raw materials. 

   Finally, it updates the reader on how government leads the way into the industry’s development.  The private sector has also been actively advocating the use of bamboo in many innovative and technology-driven products including engineered bamboo for construction, bamboo fiber for clothing, biomass for renewable energy, and many consumer goods.

   During the launch,  Villar noted her family’s own Villar Foundation established in 2005 a Bambusetum, a depository of bamboo genetic species meant for preservation.  It keeps 70 varieties of bamboo species.  It was also put up in order to assure a constant supply of bamboo planting materials for the Sagip-Ilog, a slope protection project along riverbanks.

   Villar cited 28 other bamboo varieties are stored at the Ramsar-listed Las Pinas Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area. 

   Las Pinas City itself has its bamboo processing facility that generates jobs for skilled craftsmen. 

   “The bamboos are sourced outside of our city and are brought to our factory to undergo an 11-step process to become the very useful and aesthetically-pleasing bamboo steps which our company buys.”

   Villar noted her hometown Las Pinas is known for the world-renowned bamboo organ and as “Parol Capital” which uses bamboo as raw material.

  It is but apt that DTI identified bamboo as a priority industry.  Bamboo is documented to have 10,000 uses, according to the International Fund for Agricultural Development.   

PHOTO: “Amazing Bamboo” authors Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (third from left) and former Science Undersecretary Florentino O. Tesoro (rightmost) are joined by Senator Cynthia Villar (fourth from left). Also in photo are PBIDC Executive Director Rene Madarang (Leftmost) and Trade Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona (second from left).

September 23, 2023

Melody Mendoza Aguiba

   The Marcos Administration will carry out a capability building program for tobacco farmers on multiple cropping system that gives farmers alternative income amid health concerns raised against tobacco.

   “We must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers,” said Marcos through a speech delivered for him by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc during the First  International Tobacco Agricultural Summit.

   “I urge the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the NTA (National Tobacco administration) — together with the academe and the private sector — to explore other crops that can be grown alongside tobacco so as to contribute to our goal of food security.”

   Marcos sees the need to introduce alternative sources of income for tobacco farmers considering intensifying health concerns raised against tobacco.

   “These past years, we had seen so much change in our health policies that affected the tobacco industry. As such, we must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers.”

   Government is committed to safeguarding the livelihood of tobacco farmers, recognizing that it is a “vibrant catalyst for economic growth in the country” particularly in Mindanao and Northern Luzon.

   In a separate farmers’ pre-tripartite conference in Vigan City, DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano said DA and NTA will encourage farmers to similarly adopt a multiple cropping system. 

   Savellano said technical assistance will be extended to farmers so they may also plant rice, corn, sugarcane, vegetables, garlic, onion, and bamboo along with other high value crops.

   Developing alternative livelihood for farmers, such as the planting of the versatile bamboo will enable farmers to no longer depend just on tobacco farming for income especially as health concerns confront the tobacco industry.

   “Don’t forget my advocacy of planting bamboo which supports the daily needs of our farmers  and fisherfolks.  Bamboo plants are versatile and are used as trellis for vegetables, ‘katig’  for fishing boats, brace for fishpens,” said Savellano. 

   For one, bamboo is used as the device where cured tobacco leaves are hung. 

   Bamboo has 10,000 documented uses as wood, pulp and paper, and raw material in many industries.

     Engaging in other businesses, such as livestock farming, will add a significant income for tobacco farmers.

   “When purchasing power of farmers is high, they are able to contribute more to economic growth as they can increase consumption of Filipino-produced goods,” said Savellano.

   The government is also implementing stricter regulations in ensuring illegal tobacco trade is curbed. 

   NTA Regulatory Head Robert Ambros said government’s revenue losses due to illicit tobacco trade is expected to exceed P30 billion by the end of the year.

   The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that illegal tobacco trade involves products that are “untaxed and unregulated, with no health warnings, packaging or labeling requirements; which makes them cheaper, more readily available and accessible, especially to young and poor people.”

   WHO said that eliminating illicit tobacco trade “will increase tobacco product prices, lower consumption, reduce premature deaths, and increase government revenues.”

   DA-NTA has a coordinating mechanism with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs in fighting illegal trade.  End

 PHOTO DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (third from left) led a farmers’ consultative conference in Ilocos Sur

September 21, 2023

By Melody Mendoza Aguiba

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to fight illicit tobacco trade that brings P30 billion in foregone revenue to government.

   The Marcos Administration will also introduce a multiple cropping system that gives alternative income to farmers amid health concerns raised against tobacco.

   In a speech delivered for him by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc during the First  International Tobacco Agricultural Summit, Marcos said the government will not let up on tobacco smuggling which likewise to date this year P16 billion in foregone revenue to the government.

   “We must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers,” said the president

   “I urge the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the NTA (National Tobacco administration) — together with the academe and the private sector — to explore other crops that can be grown alongside tobacco so as to contribute to our goal of food security.”

   Marcos sees the need to introduce additional or alternative sources of income for tobacco farmers considering health concerns raised against tobacco.

   “These past years, we had seen so much change in our health policies that affected the tobacco industry. As such, we must seek ways to protect the livelihood of thousands of our tobacco farmers.”

   He recognized that the tobacco industry is a “vibrant catalyst for economic growth in the country” particularly in Mindanao and Northern Luzon.

   In a separate farmers’ pre-tripartite conference in Vigan City, DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano said DA and NTA will encourage farmers to adopt a multiple cropping system. 

   Savellano said technical assistance will be extended to farmers so they may also plant rice, corn, sugarcane, vegetables, garlic, onion, and bamboo along with other high value crops.

   As part of the aim to raise farmers’ income, DA will carry out an intervention program for the industry. 

   There are six important things to take note of in improving the quality of tobacco, Savellano said.  These are 1.  Water 2.  Fertilizers and pesticides as prescribed by agronomists  3.  Good-quality fuel wood  4.  Upgraded flue-curing barns  5.  Greenhouses 6.  A research and development program. 

   “Our main goal is to export our tobacco.  That’s why we should produce high quality tobacco in order to be competitive in the world market and earn the dollar revenue we deserve,” said Savellano.

   NTA Regulatory Head Robert Ambros said government’s revenue loss due to illicit tobacco trade is expected to exceed P30 billion by the end of the year.

   The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that illegal tobacco trade involves products that are “untaxed and unregulated, with no health warnings, packaging or labeling requirements; which makes them cheaper, more readily available and accessible, especially to young and poor people.”

   WHO said that eliminating illicit tobacco trade “will increase tobacco product prices, lower consumption, reduce premature deaths, and increase government revenues.”

   DA-NTA has a coordinating mechanism with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs in fighting illegal trade.

   While critics hit tobacco’s role in the economy, Marcos noted that the tobacco industry

is a “significant source of tax revenues that are used to fund government programs.”

   “It is an indispensable bedrock that generates income, livelihood, opportunities, and employment, particularly in areas where its cultivation spans generations and holds pivotal significance in the way of life of its communities,” said Marcos, also DA secretary.

  The tobacco industry provides livelihood to 2.1 million people including more than 89,000 direct labor force in tobacco farming consisting of farmers, laborers, and helpers, according to Savellano.

   These are the other significant contribution of the tobacco industry to the economy, Savellano said:

1.  Tobacco collections are reinvested into tobacco producing regions via beneficiary local government units (LGUs).  A total of P19 billion was released in 2020 from tobacco excise tax which LGUs use for their priority programs.
2.   The tobacco industry is a key contributor to public sector revenues.  Excise tax collection amounted to P 160 Billion in 2022.   Tobacco comprises 54% of sin tax collection in 2022.
3. The tobacco industry is a foreign exchange generator and finances the government’s health programs.  Export values rose by 46.3 % from 2018 to 2022.  The tax revenue from tobacco products is reinvested in government’s universal healthcare program (UHP).  A total of P74.48 billion has been earmarked for (UHP)  in 2022 out of the  tobacco excise tax collections.

High quality tobacco for export

   DA-NTA will increase the quality of tobacco for export to make products more competitive for the export market.”

   “We will create more employment .  We will lower cost of production to increase the income of our farmers.  We will facilitate partnerships between farmers and  their buyers or with manufacturers that use their produce as inputs.”

   LGUs will play a vital role in helping tobacco farmers improve their tobacco to make it of high quality for export.  LGUs should partner with DA-NTA’s in introducing interventions to tobacco farmers.

   “LGUs receive excise tax from the production of tobacco, so they should be proactive in partnering with DA and NTA in helping farmers improve productivity.  Our goal is to raise our production and raise the quality of our products so we can up the dollar value of our export,” said Savellano.

   Developing alternative livelihood for farmers, such as the planting of the versatile bamboo will enable farmers to no longer depend just on tobacco farming for income especially as health concerns confront the tobacco industry.

   “Don’t forget my advocacy of planting bamboo which supports the daily needs of our farmers  and fisherfolks.  Bamboo plants are versatile and are used as trellis for vegetables, ‘katig’  for fishing boats, brace for fishpens,” said Savellano. 

   For one, bamboo is used as the device where cured tobacco leaves are hung. 

   Bamboo has 10,000 documented uses as wood, pulp and paper, and raw material in many industries.

   DA-NTA will continue to engage in programs that will improve sustainability of the tobacco industry—both as a nature-friendly activity and as a constant source of livelihood for farm families.

   “When I was a member of the House of Representatives, DA, NTA, and my office formulated the step (Sustainable Tobacco Enhancement Program),” said Savellano. 

   Engaging in other businesses, such as livestock farming, will add a significant income for tobacco farmers.

   “When purchasing power of farmers is high, they are able to contribute more to economic growth They can increase consumption of goods,” said Savellano..

PHOTO DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (third from left) led a farmers’ consultative conference in Ilocos Sur

Tobacco leaves are hung for drying on bambo poles. Credit-Philstar

September 19, 2023

Senator Cynthia A. Villar (middle) led Monday the inauguration of the PBIDC Shared Service Facility (SSF) in Marikina City which will help boost Philippines’ vision to industrialize bamboo.     

   Shown is a display at the SSF of a Filipino-designed bicycle that uses bamboo.    

   Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (right) assisted Villar on a tour of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council’s (PBIDC) SSF which is housed at the Center for Innovation and Technology for Enterprise (CITE) in Marikina City. 

   The SSF has training machines, equipment, function rooms, a dormitory for in-house training, and offices. The CITE also has a Bambusetum, a depository of bamboo genetic species. PBIDC-SSF offers training on bamboo propagule production and bamboo product processing. The global bamboo industry generates $70 billion in yearly revenue—growing to $100 billion before end-2030. (Melody Mendoza Aguiba)

September 15, 2023

By Melody Mendoza Aguiba

The Department of Agriculture (DA) will put up a Livestock Animal Registry (LAR) as part of ensuring legitimate livestock farmers get the benefit from DA programs and in order to carry out repopulation amid diseases like the African swine fever (ASF) that brought farmers huge losses.

   DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano told the general assembly of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc.(NATFED) that DA will partner with the private sector in establishing the LAR.

   “This will identify how many and where are the different farm animals and to whom should the government give any form of subsidy from funds earmarked by the government.”

   DA’s partnership with the private sector will also ensure accurate industry data.  This will ensure industry leaders will be able to come up with best business decisions.

   “Philippine Statistics Authority  reports there are 10.2 Million Pigs.  But in fact it could be just around 7.5-8 million if industry stakeholders said the industry lost around 40% from African Swine Fever from 2019,”  Savellano said.

   DA will also study ways to help livestock farmers cut costs of farm inputs –  feed ingredients and livestock genetics (superior breed of piglets, calves, chicks).  The aim is to ease farmers’ burden on these costs that represent the sizable 70% of producing meat, milk, and egg.

   Indemnification system will further be improved to aid livestock owners who lost from ASF and other diseases.

   Savellano said DA will also be transferring to farmers the technology that have long been developed in the country’s state universities and colleges (SUC). This may include vaccines and other modern farming systems and technologies that will be adopted in partnership with the Department of Science & Technology.

   “The concern of neglect in our agriculture for decades (as aptly described by our (DA Secretary President BongBong Marcos) should be resolved. One of the solutions is to closely study  particular farm inputs in livestock production,” said Savellano.

   Tax reductions suited to the livestock sector will also be considred.

   A statement released by the Department of Budget and Management indicated that out of the proposed P197.84 billion budget of DA, the National Livestock Program will get a share of P4.3 billion.  Also, based on the proposed budget, P2.22 billion will be allotted for the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion program (INSPIRE). 

   DA’s thrust is to repopulate hogs amidst the continuing threat of ASF.  DA will ensure that the vaccine under trial will be proven safe and effective.  The vaccine should follow all universally acceptable protocols.

  These will be implemented by DA:

1.   Promotion in the rural barangay levels of the propagation of different kinds of farm animals.  Such operations should follow strict biosecurity practices.  Genetic improvement will be introduced for profitability and sustainability.

   “Government may help farmers in market identification for small farm holds, semi and commercial scale farms.  It will give direction to livestock farmers on how they can reach their target market.  DA will help them sell direct to retailers and end consumers in order to gain greater margin.

• DA will curb all kinds of smuggling, hoarding and profiteering.

   “We will find ways to produce more and lessen importations of pork and other food animal products.  We will consult livestock stakeholders on how much each sector can locally produce.  We will study the minimal quantity the private sector and government will  import in order to stabilize consumer market prices and make animal protein source products affordable to consumers.”

• The focus for the DA Livestock Group will 1) Produce more livestock and products locally in large volumes, (2) Balance local production with minimal importation (3 Ensure enticing profit margin for livestock farmers, creating more livelihood and jobs.

   “Let us campaign for more production– cook more and eat more pork from 10.7- 11 kilos per capita consumption to about 14-15 kilos in the coming years towards BBM- Big Boost for Meat Production.”

   The livestock industry has been pushing for a bigger budget considering that poultry and livestock contribute 30% of the entire agriculture revenue.  In budget, it gets only around 3-4%. 

      Savellano committed to holding regular consulations with industry leaders “in order to hear directly from your end, where and how your government under the PBBM Administration can fully support the food security goal .”

PHOTO: DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor B. Savellano (Left) and Alfred Ng, National Federation of Hog Farmers vice chairman