the tobacco newsnovember december 2014 issue

1November-December 2014

Volume V, No. 6 November – December 2014

Pls turn to page 5

NTA AgriPinoy gets nod from

NMIS

THE Poultry Dressing Plant of the NTA AgriPinoy To-bacco Farmers Food Pro-cessing and Trading Center got certification from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) to sell its dressed poultry for public consumption. The Poultry Dressing Plant passed the standards set by the NMIS, during the certification audit of the government meat in-spection team last Novem-ber 27 and 28.

Also, the accreditation of both the Slaughterhouse and Meat Processing Plant was renewed by the NMIS upon the verification audit by the same meat inspection team on the food processing facil-ity in Brgy. Nanguneg, Nar-vacan, Ilocos Sur.

Members of the NMIS audit team were Florence V. Villaflores and Radigondes S. Maganis, both from the NMIS-NCR office.

The NTA AgriPinoy start-ed poultry dressing last No-vember 5, with the initial 1,500 birds from the first harvest of the poultry farms of tobacco farmer-coopera-

Top photo: Director Geofrey DG. Gacula (center), along with the other members of the NTA Board of Directors, and officers of the food pro-cessing plant, witnessed the initial operation of the poultry dressing facility on November 5. Bottom: Members of the NMIS audit team inspected the poultry dressing plant on November 27.

THE tobacco farmers can now depend on government support for free crop in-surance coverage from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), loan assistance from the Agri-culture and Fishery Financ-ing Program (AFFP) of the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) and a free Universal Health Coverage under the National Health Insurance program of the government.

This is according to a let-ter by NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza that the agency has been sending to farmers since November.

The letter also advised the farmers to visit the NTA branch office in their area to know the availment proce-dure of each program.Free crop insurance

To avail of free crop insur-ance coverage, farmers must be registered with the Regis-try System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSIA), a nationwide database of base-line information of farmers,

Registered tobacco farmers get more gov’t benefits

Registered tobacco farmers get more gov’t benefits

farm laborers and fisher folk from identified provinces. At present there were 11,196 tobacco farmers registered with the RSBSIA.

Registered tobacco farm-ers are entitled to free crop insurance coverage every time they avail of loans or production assistance from the NTA and other formal lending institutions, for the production of tobacco, which is considered high-value, and commercially grown crops, rice, livestock, poultry, among others.

The government’s crop insurance program is aimed at protecting the farmers from the impact of climate change. The insurable risks shall be any, all or a com-bination of typhoon, flood, drought, earthquake, volca-nic eruption, plant diseases, pest infestations and acci-dental fire; provided that the risk/s covered shall be lim-ited to those specified in the policy contract. Loan assistance

Registered tobacco farm-

ers, in coordination with the tobacco farmers’ asso-ciations/cooperatives where they are members, can avail of a loan assistance under the ACPC-AFFP, through the Land Bank of the Philip-pines (LBP), for up to three

Pls turn to page 8

Benjamin Manzano, one of the RSBSIA-registered tobacco farmers in Ilocos Sur, tends to his tobacco farm in Nalasin, Santiago, Ilocos Sur. (photo by Adonis D. Lazo/NTA Candon)

2 November-December 2014

EDITORIAL

Better irrigation system vs. climate change

Tobacco industry seeks alternatives

by Veronica A. HernandezManaging Editor, Greenfields Magazine

THE tobacco industry in the Philippines is currently facing many challenges, especially after the government increased taxes on “sin products” like cigarettes.

It was in 2013 that the government started collecting more taxes from cigarettes with the passage of Republic Act No. 10351 or the New Sin Tax Reform Law.

RA 10351 increased the tax rates for tobacco and alcohol products, and the government expects to raise P248 billion in the next five years starting in 2013. For 2013, revenue collec-tion was targeted to reach P33.96 billion out of which nearly 70 percent or P23.4 billion will come from tobacco. [The collection for tobacco has reached P67.06-B, which far exceeded govern-ment targets. - ed.]

However, as to whether the tobacco industry is heading toward extinction remains to be seen, but based on latest reports, the net income of Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. (PMFTC) dur-ing the first nine months of 2014 reached P462 million, which is a hefty drop from the P2.8 billion the company recorded in the same period last year. PMFTC blamed illicit trade in cigarettes for the drop in its net income, but the effects of the increased takes on tobacco product cannot be overlooked as a factor.

“This law will lead to the extinction of the tobacco industry,” Bernard Vicente, vice president of a local tobacco growers fed-eration, said in an article “Is the tobacco industry headed for collapse?” that was published in The Philippine Star last year.

“Sales of cigarettes will drop drastically and will in turn bring down demand for tobacco by the cigarette manufacturers. They might even close shop,” he asserted.

Because of the effects of increased sin taxes on local ciga-rette sales over the long term, the government is looking at al-ternative uses for the locally grown tobacco plant, including the export market. Two possible uses for the tobacco plant show promise: dust and pulp.

Based on a study by the NTA, there is a huge potential for tobacco dust in the Philippines because fishpond areas nation-wide would need 423 million kilos of tobacco dust for a year’s (two cycles) operation. About 250 million kilos of this volume would be used in Regions 3 and 6. Also, tobacco dust only needs the planting of ordinary tobacco plants and not the high-grade types that are suited for planting in the northern regions of the country.

Tobacco virgin pulp, which is derived from the plant’s stalks, can also be used for paper bag and commercial paper produc-tion. The stalks are usually thrown away to rot after harvest.

Stable ProductionTobacco production in the Philippines, however, has remained

stable and is even steadily increasing.NTA data showed that for tobacco season 2013-2014, the

number of farmer cooperators planting tobacco increased to 56,920 tilling an aggregate area of 39,505 hectares.

“This is a 2.6% increase and about 3.8% bigger, in number and area, respectively, over the previous year’s number of farm-ers at 55,000 with an aggregate area of tobacco farms at 38,041 hectares,” the NTA said in a press release.

Also, tobacco production for crop year 2012-2013 increased to 67.66 million kilograms, which was valued at P4.46 billion.

is published bi-monthly by the Department of Agriculture, National Tobacco Administration, Scout Reyes cor. Panay Ave., Quezon City. Tel. Nos. 3743987. Fax: 3732095. Website: www.nta.da.gov.ph.

Editor-in-Chief: Perlita L. Baula, Ph.D.Technical Editors: Rex Antonio P. Teoxon, Roberto R. Bonoan, Ph.D.Managing Editor: Neyo E. ValdezWriters:

Ilocos Norte: Divina D. Pagdilao, Elaine Arcangel Tinio; Ilocos Sur Vigan: Noralyn I. Idica, Faustino O. Taal; Ilocos Sur Candon: Orlando O. Galdones; Abra: Ped Ruben B. Barbero; La Union: Emma Beth F. Balagot, Candido I. Liangao; Pangasinan: Elizabeth Q. Biala; Ronaldo P. Molina; Cagayan: Bernadeth C. Tamayao, Gilbert A. Taguiam; Isabela: Joefrey T. Bautista, Manuel M. Beltran; FTSD-Batac: Felisa R. Aurellano, Amparo L. Tumbaga; Central Office: Raquel F. Señga, Perla C. Manzon

Consultants: Branch ManagersEditorial Adviser: Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza Pls turn to page 5

THE adverse effects of climate change on agriculture has not exempted tobacco, a drought tolerant crop, as seen in the reduced area of farms planted to to-bacco and the shift to other crops like corn by some tobacco farmers.

Those who decided to continue to plant tobacco face the risk of stunted plants with leaves of lower quality and less yield due to lack of water in the later part of plant growth and development. This also makes the plants susceptible to plant diseases which further reduce yield especially viral diseases like tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). The tobacco plants which were planted much earlier than the traditional crops manifest the advantage of having benefited from residual soil moisture as shown by normal growth, thus enabling the farmers to obtain high yield and leaves of good quality.

Cognizant of this situation, the NTA aggressively campaigned for early planting, and for the long term, is looking into ways of providing Communal Irriga-tion Systems (CISs) in the tobacco growing areas tapping run-off, rain and spring water to ensure the availability of water that is free from chlorine for the tobacco plants. This is considered a better op-tion than drawing water from the ground or aquifers, through shallow tube wells and water pumps, the continuous drawing from which results to salt water intrusion that makes leaf tobacco salty.

NTA hopes to establish the CISs in identified to-bacco growing areas to ensure that the market of Philippine tobacco is sustained amidst the threats of climate change.


Communal irrigation system gives quality water source for farmers

To pump out water for irrigation, farmers use the Shallow Tube Well Irriga-tion System (STWIS) or Open Well Irrigation System (OWIS), powered by either 5 to 8 Hp gasoline engine or 8 to 10 Hp diesel engine, respectively. STWIS is con-structed by drilling G.I. pipe into the ground until it reaches the shallow aqui-fer or water saturation point with a drilling depth of 10 to 20 meters.

OWIS operates with the same principle. The only dif-ference is the material used in the construction. OWIS utilizes concrete casings or culverts with an ideal size of 20 inches in diameter instead of G.I. pipes. These are laid down into the soil column until the shallow aquifer is reached through digging and excavation. The open well is more advantageous than the shallow tube well because it has a wider space for under-ground storage.System hazards

Today, extraction of groundwater for irrigation in the tobacco-growing areas in Region 1 is apparently in-creasing in volume as shown by the progressive increase in the number of shallow tube wells that are installed in the area due to lack of wa-ter source for irrigation and

abnormal weather condition coupled with the occurrence of El Niño. This situation poses danger in the preser-vation of quality groundwa-ter reserve of the area, es-pecially if the rate of water withdrawal is greater than the rate of replenishment or groundwater recharge from other water sources.

If this condition prevails, excessive groundwater de-pletion occurs which can reverse the normal seaward gradient of the groundwater causing saltwater intrusion which can cause massive groundwater salinization.

This is a very alarming threat, not only to the agri-cultural sector, but also to the people who depend mostly from this resource for their household consumption. In most irrigation situations, the primary water quality concern is the salinity level since salts can affect both soil structure and crop yield.

The amount of salts in groundwater may vary from one location to another, espe-cially during the dry season due to the material composi-tion and minerals present in the groundwater aquifer like lime, gypsum, and weathered soil and rocks. Excessive amount of these substances affect the quality of irriga-tion water in this area, and,

therefore, not suitable for shallow tube well and open well irrigation system.

Similarly, areas with high topography (highly elevated areas) are also not adaptable for shallow tube well and open well irrigation system. These do not have the kind of aquifer, bearing potential yield of groundwater and therefore cannot sustain the year-round crop water re-quirement due to the nature of rock formation present.

The aquifer present in this area is usually described as perched aquifer, which are held between rocks beneath the ground where water is temporarily trapped and stored through deep percola-tion during rainy season and eventually dries up during the dry season.Communal Irrigation

With the above scenario, the National Tobacco Ad-ministration (NTA), along with its priority program, Development of Irrigation System in Support of High Quality Full Flavor Tobacco Production, was encouraged to look for another source of high quality irrigation water and that is the Communal Irrigation System (CIS). This type of irrigation sys-tem stores sufficient amount of low salinity water which

LARGE areas in the tobacco-growing regions are suit-able for quality tobacco production. Unfortunately, some of these areas produced inferior quality of tobacco leaf or not planted with the desired tobacco type, like the full flavor tobacco. These areas lack sufficient irrigation wa-ter from groundwater aquifers, rivers, creeks, and other tributaries during the growing period of the tobacco, which coincides with the dry months of the year.

At present, nearly all parts of the tobacco-growing areas in Region 1 are dependent on groundwater as the alternative source to sustain the crop demand for irrigation water.

can be described as qual-ity irrigation water because these are mostly coming from rain, spring, mountain seepage, rivers, and creeks.

High quality irrigation water promotes the produc-tion of high quality tobacco leaf. Based on the previous results of an NTA study on Water Suitability Testing, conducted in Region 1 in 1998 to 2000, water from these sources has salinity level ranging from 256 to 458 mg/L of total dissolved salts which is relatively lower than groundwater sup-plied by shallow tube well and open well irrigation sys-tem which have 480 to 768 mg/L dissolved salts.

In terms of acquisition cost, the CIS is more expen-sive than the STWIS and OWIS, but can irrigate a large hectarage of farm lands up to 100 hectares. Given a climate change-resilient structure and proper mainte-nance, the CIS can last more than 30 years.Types of CIS

The CIS can be a Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) or Small Diversion Dam (SDD).

The SWIP is usually made of earthfill constructed across a narrow depression

Small reservoir irrigation system in Patpata Weste, Balaoan, La Union

Pls turn to page 7

by Engr. Leandro Bagaoisan Senior Science Research Specialist NTA Industrial Research Department


AFTER long years of being a farmer, Rico Bangibang, 44, of Cattaran, Solana, Ca-gayan, knows fully well that diversified farming could earn him extra income for his family.

Bangibang has been earn-ing a high net income from his tobacco farm for 15 years now, producing the cigar filler type. In the last crop-ping season (2013-2014), his yield per hectare was 2,705.17 with a net income of P129,046.65 .

Like other tobacco farmers in their place, he cannot find good substitute for tobacco. The crop has ready market, with full support from pri-vate buyer firms through production assistance, and it is the only commodity with a government support price (floor price).

And like other farmers in the province, Bangibang also practices total farming approach through diversified farming method. In diversi-fied farming, land use opti-mization through adoption of crop rotations, steady em-ployment of farm and family labor and more profitable use of equipment are obtained.

With technical knowhow, supplemented by the farm-ing knowledge imparted to him by the NTA exten-sion workers, he now plants vegetables, rice, and corn in

RICO BANGIBANG:

SUCCESS STORIES

Model Farmer in Diversified Farm Method

addition to his major crop which is tobacco.

He believes that if he could produce much in to-bacco production, he could also do the same with other crops.

As a result of his diver-sified farming method, he earned last year a total net income of P642,396.74 in his 7-hectare farm, or a total of P596,024.44/ha. This is suf-ficient to sustain his family, together with the education of his children. He has five children and one of them has graduated from a prestigious school in Tuguegarao City.

His neighbor farmers de-

scribe him as an industrious man, the reason he prospers from farming alone. They also say he owed his prosper-ity to his name Rico, which means “rich” in the Itawis language in Cagayan.

For his tobacco produc-tion, he relies on the produc-tion assistance given him by the buyer firm (ULPI). His equity is his family labor and the income from other com-modities helped him aug-ment hired labor in tobacco production.

He attributes his success in farming to his responsive-ness to farming technology, coupled with patience and

industriousness of a farmer. He listens well during farm-ers’ meetings and never hesitates to ask questions to clarify things, especially on technology matters.

His farming pattern is quite interesting because he practices “off-season” or “palusot” vegetable pro-duction method, which, he claimed, as the better way to earn more income.

When asked why his veg-etable produce was sold at cheaper price, he said that his buyers or comprador are his relatives and they bought his produce in volume. Eventu-ally he professed that he was really blessed with farming, so selling his produce at a cheaper price to his relatives is also his own way of shar-ing his blessings to them.

It really pays to practice crop diversification. He is one of the best farmers in the province in this farm-ing method. His secret ac-cording to him, aside from hardwork, is the interaction of three major factors: avail-ability of “abundant water” source in which he is very thankful to the NTA for its Irrigation Support Project (ISP), second is “due dili-gence” in farming, and third is “prayer,” because, to him, nothing happens in life with-out Divine intervention. (Gilbert A. Taguiam)

Rico Bangibang at his corn farm in Solana, Cagayan

ROLANDO Rocapor and Fam-ily of Tabtabungao, Rosario, La Union is this year’s Gawad Saka Outstanding Farm Fam-ily Awardee. The Gawad Saka Award is an annual search for outstanding achievers in agricul-ture and fisheries that represent various stakeholders of the com-munity like the farmers, fisher folk, farm communities, scien-tists and organizations. Rocapor and his family, along with other national awardees in different categories, received the award at the PICC in Pasay City last December 18.

Previous to this, the family was the Regional Level awardee (Region 1) of the same category.

Rocapor, a Burley and native tobacco farmer, was also a re-cipient of many awards includ-ing the Gawad Saka Outstand-ing Agricultural Achievers in 2013 and the Outstanding Rice Farmer on Integrated Farming System award in 2011, both giv-en by the provincial government of La Union.

Rocapor Family adopted the modern environment-friendly farming technologies resulting in the increase of family income, job generations and food pro-duction in their community.

Other than farming, the fam-ily is also involved in community works. Wife Christine actively en-courages women of the commu-nity to engage in backyard gar-dening and shares with them her skills in fish and meat process-ing. Their daughter Christine Joy is the leader of an organization that initiates vegetable garden-

ing projects, and has helped form the Young Farmers Association (4-H Club) in their community. Son Robert is also involved in the 4-H Club. (Elvira N. Sambrana / Candido I. Liangao)

Rolando Rocapor

Family in La Union is Gawad Saka 2014 Outstanding Farm

Family National Awardee

Family in La Union is Gawad Saka 2014 Outstanding Farm

Family National Awardee


livelihood/enterprise activi-ties, and up to P300,000 lim-it per farmer, depending on the proposed undertaking.

The mode of payment may be quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, based on the cash flow of their project. A monthly interest of 1.25 percent or annual rate of 15 percent is set. The loan term will be based on the crop production or project cycle of the borrower, but will not exceed five years.

The establishment of a flexible credit facility, under ACPC, is for the benefit of small farmers registered in the RSBSIA as an alterna-tive to the rigid and stringent credit facilities usually pro-vided by banks.Universal Health Coverage

Tobacco farmers can avail of the enrollment and con-tinuing PhilHealth coverage under the National Health Insurance Program of the government, pursuant to Section 2 of Rule III of Joint Circular No. 2014, Imple-menting Rules and Regula-

tions of Republic Act 10351 (New Sin Tax Law).

The NTA will submit to PhilHealth its updated, vali-dated registry or masterlist of tobacco farmers for of-ficial enrolment under the above program. The enlist-ment of farmers for coverage and issuance of ID, through the NTA Registry/ID System (RIDS), are now ongoing in different branches of the agency.

NTA employees ass’n..., from page 11

The volume is 4.45 percent bigger than the previous year’s production of 64.78 million kilograms.

With the stable production base, the local tobacco indus-try, exports of unmanufactured and finished tobacco prod-ucts are being sustained by the country.

Based on NTA statistics, 50 percent of the country’s ex-ports of unmanufactured and finished tobacco products are exported and have nearly doubled from 2010 to 2013.

In 2010, exports of unmanufactured products reached P60.25 million while it was P143.58 million for manufac-tured tobacco products, for a total of P203.83 million.

In 2013, the value of unmanufactured tobacco product ex-

ports reached P162.55 million, while it was P214.89 million for finished products, for a total of P377.45 million.

The top five countries for the country’s unmanufactured tobacco product exports are the United States, Puerto Rico, Indonesia, Singapore, and Belgium.

Meanwhile, the top five destinations for manufactured to-bacco products are Thailand, US, Vietnam, Korea, and Ma-laysia.

Although the sin tax law can result to lowered sales of fin-ished tobacco products in the country, the NTA believes that the increasing value of tobacco exports and alternative uses for the tobacco plant like pulp and dust will keep tobacco farmers busy in the next years to come. (Reprinted from Greenfields Magazine Issue 377, December 2014)

Veronica Hernandez of Greenfields magazine (1st from right, front row) visited the poultry farm of a tobacco farmer in Marozo, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, for magazine coverage on the tobacco industry, last November 6. She was assisted by NTA Candon Branch Manager Estrella de Peralta (3rd from right, front row) and branch extension workers during her round in Ilocos Sur. Tobacco farmers, like Virginia Supnet and son Michael (right photo), are now contracted by the agency as poultry growers for its AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing and Trading Center.

Tobacco industry seeks alternatives..., from page 2

the management to collabo-rate with each other, making each one as partner in their employee-employer rela-tionship. The newly induct-ed officers of the 285-strong association are: Señga, pres-ident; Charito Salazar, vice-president; Excelsior Mejia, secretary; Leonora Clarin, treasurer; Rogelio Santiago, auditor; and Chapter presi-dents Alexis Jamias (Ilo-cos Norte), Renato Aquino (Candon), Christopher Su-pang (La Union), Jose Ta-clas Jr. (Vigan), Alma Tor-ralba (Pangasinan), Ped Ru-ben Barbero (Abra), Manuel Beltran (Isabela), Roberto Pedro (Cagayan), and Ceci-lio Cabigan (Research).

After the induction was the ceremonial signing of the Collective Negotiation Agreement between NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza and members of the negotiating panel headed by Señga. Salumbides said that the CNA after submis-sion to the CSC will undergo the usual review process be-

fore its approval.Referendum of said CNA

will be held in January 2015, according to Señga.

Zaragoza was hopeful that the new CNA would give more benefits to the employ-ees, and their welfare be well protected. He challenged the officers to continue moving on as one family, one unit, and determined to achieve goals and objectives set by the agency.

that made it become suc-cessful amid challenges in implementing its mandate of serving the tobacco farmers and other stakeholders of the tobacco industry.

Resource speaker Maricar T. Aquino, Director III of Civil Service Institute (CSI) of the CSC, talked on HRM Professional Development Program. Noel V. Salum-bides, Director II of CSC-OP Field Office spearheaded the quarterly meeting. (Perla C. Manzon)

NTA hosts ... from page 11

Award: La Union: 28 farm-ers; Pangasinan: 18 farmers; and Pateg Award: La Union: 30 farmers; Pangasinan, 32 farmers.

A total of 512 TCGS farm-ers are incentive awardees for crop year 2012-2013 for all eight NTA branch offices in Regions 1, 2 and CAR.

Each branch office con-ducted its own awarding of winners in different sched-ules. (Candido I. Liangao/Elizabeth Q. Biala)

Incentive..., from page 8

Registered tobacco farmers get more Registered tobacco farmers get more ... from page 1


Dance Performances

NATIONAL TOBACCO ADMINISTRATION

2014 Year-end Convocation

THE National Tobacco Administration (NTA) held its 2014 year-end convo-cation last December 19, with the theme “Facing the Challenges of the Local Tobacco Industry.”

Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, other members of the NTA Governing Board, and Region 1 branch managers joined central office employees in the simple celebration. Highlights of the annual activity were dance performances by the different departments, awarding of winners in the sports fests, and bingo games.

Administrator Zaragoza, in his message, commended the employees for re-sponding positively to the challenges of their jobs. “The performance bonus that you are to receive this year is the best barometer of your satisfactory per-formance for the year,” he said.

Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza

Thanksgiving mass with Rev. Fr. Alfredo A. Sabado NTA Governing Board’s row Director Rogelio A. Elveña enertains em-ployees with his signatiure magic tricks.

1. Industrial Research Department; 2. Regulation Department; 3. Finance Department; 4. Corporate Planning Department and Internal Audit Service; 5. Administrative Department

1

2

3

5

4


FOR its year-end convocation, the staff of NTA AgriPinoy Tobacco Farmers Food Processing and Trading Center headed by Operations Manager Minerva P. Mizal con-ducted an outreach program for the young pupils of Nanguneg East Elementary School in Brgy. Nanguneg in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

A total of 28 Kinder and 30 Grade One pupils, along with the teachers headed by Mr. Fausto Cambe, joined the feeding, par-lor games, and gift-giving activities.

The Eucharistic celebration was offici-ated by Narvacan Parish Priest Msgr. Cos-meño Rosimo. (Noralyn I. Idica)

Outreach Program for NTA AgriPinoy staff

AppointmentsNeyo E. Valdez, Public Relations Officer III, Office of the

Administrator, Sept. 2014Resty C. Cambe, Accountant II, Abra Branch, Sept. 2014Russel T. Rutab, Financial Analyst I, Finance Dept., Sept. 2014Laarny T. Arrojo, Cash Clerk III, Finance Dept., Sept. 2014Leah C. Fiesta, Secretary I, Corporate Planning Dept., Oct. 2014

PromotionsArturo B. Barbero, Accountant IV, Finance Dept., Feb. 2014 Myrna O. Lozano, Chief Science Research Specialist, Industrial

Research Department, Sept. 2014 Gregoria L. Domingo, Computer Operator II, Internal Audit

Service, Sept. 2014Joselyn G. Miguel, Administrative Officer III, Pangasinan

Branch, Oct. 2014 Nicolas A. Mendoza, Cashier III, La Union Branch, Oct. 2014Elma C. Daquioag, Cashier II, Finance Department, Oct. 2014Marcelo T. Pascual, Supervising Tobacco Production and

Regulation Officer, La Union Branch, Dec. 2014

Lateral Position Leah Gina B. Ramboyong, Records Officer II, Administrative

Department, Sept. 2014

RetireesTeresita R. Tolentino, Supervising Cashier, Finance Dept.,

41 yrsAmanda G. Santos, Human Resource Management Assistant II,

Administrative Office, 41 yrs Evelyn C. Ligutan, Records Officer II, Administrative Dept.,

33 yrsLilia C. Maramba, Administrative Officer III, Pangasinan Br.,

33 yrsTita N. Turalva, Cashier II, La Union Branch, 33 yrs Francisca D. Sagsagat, Project Dev’t Officer IV, FTSD, 32 yrs Rafael H. Hernandez, Internal Auditor II, Internal Audit Service,

31 yrsGloria C. Germones, Secretary I, Regulation Department, 28 yrs Estelita V. Lopez, TPRO I, La Union Branch, 25 yrsNestor T. Tejada, Agriculturist II, Isabela Branch, 24 yrs

NTA Personnel Update 2014or valley to develop a reservoir that will harvest and store rain-fall or runoff for immediate and future uses. This has several advantages. SWIP can be used as soil and water conservation structure, as a source of supple-mental irrigation during wet season and main source during dry season, as fish and livestock production site, as recreation site, and as a research area.

The SDD, on the other hand, is a concrete structure construct-ed across a channel or river with continuous flow to raise the wa-ter level and allows diversion of water by gravity from the river source to the point of use. Its advantages include: use for irri-gation, protection of river bank against erosion, retardation of

flood flows, reduction of the eroding power of water, and use as recreation site.

The Philippines has adequate rainfall, but not uniformly dis-tributed throughout the year in all parts of the country. Big vol-ume of rain water is often wast-ed through excessive runoff and high flood causing soil erosion during rainy season. Thus, there is a need to impound the exces-sive rain water as major source of irrigation during dry season.

With the joint effort of the Agricultural Engineers of the NTA with experts from the Na-tional Irrigation Administration and the Bureau of Soils and Wa-ter Management, this project is expected to be implemented in year 2014-2015.

Communal irrigation system.., from page 3

THE Nativity Scene of NTA Candon Branch office won the Christmas Costume contest dur-ing the Feria de Candon 2014.

NTA Candon Branch Manag-

NTA Candon wins in Feria de Candon

er Estrella G. de Peralta received the cash prize and plaque from Mayor Ericson G. Singson and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod during the Seniorita de Feria Night on December 5.

The Nativity scene with the theme “The First Christmas in Bethlehem” was portrayed by the branch office staff from the Annunciation to the visit of the Three Wise Men. The materials of the belen, made mostly of hay, bamboo, and old newspapers, were put up by the creative team of Engr. Abraham Dela Peña and Arch. Mark Artates.

The Feria de Candon, originally Feria Exposicion de Candon, was established to highlight the agricultural and artistic wares of Ilocandia and other provinces. This year, all towns of the Second District of Ilocos Sur participated in the Trade Fair and Electri-cal Float Parade, Light a Tree Contest, Lighted Tricycle Parade, Lighted Belen Contest and Costume Contest.


NTA La Union, Pangasinan give incentive awards to TCGS farmers

A TOTAL of 157 tobacco farmers from different to-bacco growing areas in La Union and Pangasinan re-ceived incentive awards in various categories this year.

The awarding for La Union was held at the branch of-fice in Payocpoc, Bauang La Union last November 5, and for Pangasinan at the branch office in East Carmen, Rosa-les Pangasinan last Novem-ber 27.

Farmers under the Tobac-co Contract Growing Sys-tem (TCGS) for crop year 2012-2013 were qualified for the awards. The incentive awards are a recognition by the agency of the participa-tion of TCGS farmers in La Union and Pangasinan in the various programs and proj-ects for the betterment of the tobacco industry.

Each category has its corresponding criteria (see boxed text below) and in-centive awards that included farm tools and implements.

For individual awards, the categories and winners are as follows: Pagwadan Award: La Union: Lydia Ca-

sison (Sto. Tomas), Fernan-do Estrada (Balaoan), and Carmela Abuan (Bauang); Pangasinan: Romeo Bien, Joel Velicaria, and Antonio Castillo;

Pagtalkan Award: La Union: Richard Valdez (Agoo), Julita Catbagan and Ermelinda Cabanban (San Juan), Jhoanna Oliveras and Hector Ordinario (Balaoan); Pangasinan: Reggie Molina (San Jacinto), Antonio Cas-tillo and Joseph Pagaduan (Laoac), Alexander Batrina (San Fabian) and Rex Gon-zaga (Bulanao);

Saluad Nakaparsuaan Award: La Union: Alexander Untalasco (Bauang), Elnora Mique (Bacnotan), Leon-ardo Palabay (San Juan), and Marie Antoinette Valdez (Agoo); Pangasinan: Marino Monces (Alicia); and

Takuat Award: La Union: Purisima Dumpit (Bauang).

For the cluster awards, the categories and number of farmers awardees are as follows: Siglat Award: La Union: 27 farmers; Pangasi-nan (no awardees); Ridam

TCGS Incentive Awards CategoriesIndividual Awards

Pagwadan Award is given to a farmer who got the highest yield, highest percent grades AA-C and highest ROI.

Pagtalkan Award is given to a farmer who, because of diligence in the application of the recommended production technologies was able to pay the production assistance in full even before the set schedule.

Saluad Nakaparsuaan Award is given to a farmer with most number of tree species planted in his property during the contest year.

Takuat Award is given to a farmer who develops labor-saving devices/innovations that could be easily adopted by other farmers.

Cluster AwardsSiglat Award is given to two clusters of farmers whose

members, because of conscientiousness in the application of recommended technology and farming practices, were able to attain the highest yield, percent grades, and ROI.

Ridam Award is given to a cluster whose members, be-cause of cooperation and diligence in the application of pro-duction technology, were able to attain high income from their crop resulting to full payment of their production assis-tance within the first month of the scheduled paying period.

Pateg Award is given to members of cluster(s) who honor commitment to their contracted buyer firm.

Pls turn to page 5

SOME 130 tobacco farm-ers in Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya had established bamboo plantations with an aggregate area of about 188 hectares.

“This has exceeded our target of 160 hectares when we started the implementa-tion of the project in August last year,” said NTA Isabela Branch Manager Herman C. Torres. He added that before the intensified campaign for bamboo production by the extension workers, they only had five farmers participat-ing in the initial venture.

The areas and number of

188-ha bamboo plantation established in NTA Isabela

farmer cooperators per mu-nicipality/city in Isabela are as follows: Cabagan, 16 ha., 5 farmers; Ilagan City, 8 ha., 4 farmers; Tumauini, 15 ha., 15 farmers; Mallig, 8 ha., 5 farmers; Quezon, 18 ha., 6 farmers; Quirino, 26 ha., 27 farmers; Roxas, 52 ha., 34 farmers; Echague, 20 ha., 16 farmers; and Santiago City, 1 ha., 1 farmer.

In Nueva Vizcaya, a total of 23.4 hectares involving 18 farmers in three munici-palities: Bagabag – 21.5 ha., 16 farmers; Bayombong – 1.4 ha., 1 farmer; and Solano

NTA Isabela Branch Manager Herman C. Torres inspects bamboo seedlings ready for planting at a bamboo nursery in Ilagan City.

Pls turn to page 9

Erratum: The Tobacco News regrets the error of missing the name of Mr. Mario E. Corpuz in the caption story of the launching of the NTA Technoguide Comics, in our September-October 2014 issue. The correct caption is as follows:

From left: Estrella G. de Peralta (Candon), Minerva P. Mizal (NTA Agri-Pinoy), Engr. Cesario G. Sambrana (Pangasinan), Mario E. Corpuz (Ilo-cos Norte), Esmeralda G. Valera (Abra), Hermogenes A. Galvez (Tobac-co Dust), Luzveminda R. Truong (FTSD), Heman C. Torres (Isabela), Atty. Vicente D. Lasam, and Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan.

tors in Burgos town.As of December, the plant

has harvested 7,231 birds, weighing about 12,000 ki-lograms, from a total of 11 farmer-cooperators for the poultry project.

The whole dressed chick-en is now available at the AgriPinoy facility meatshop in its eight provincial branch offices, and at the central of-

NTA AgriPinoy..., from page 1 fice in Quezon City.The poultry dressing is

one of the components of the facility which was launched last year as an integral part of NTA’s Integrated Farming and Other Income Generat-ing Activities Project (IFOI-GAP). The project is an inter-vention program that seeks to provide tobacco farmers with additional sources of income outside their regular trade. (Noralyn I. Idica)


TWENTY-ONE employees of the NTA La Union Branch Office received Certificates of Training from the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional Office No. 1 for completing the requirements of Distance Learning Pro-gram (DLP).

The certificates were hand-ed to the successful trainees by Branch Manager Giovan-ni B. Palabay in a ceremony held at the NTA-La Union Branch Office in Payocpoc, Bauang, La Union last No-vember 5.

The trainees were enrolled under the DLP curriculum on Rules of Conduct and Ethical Behavior in the Civil Service. The course, which complements the passage and enforcement of Re-public Act 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Stand-ards for Public Officials and Employees), provided the trainees a brief overview of the eight norms of conduct for government officials and employees a knowledge on the appropriate conduct of business transactions in the public sector.

The training is part of the Branch Office’s thrust to up-grade knowledge and skills of its employees on person-nel administration.

The successful trainees who each earned an equiv-alent of 40 training hours were as follows:

Potenciano Apilado, Leni Arciaga, Emma Beth Balagot, Ruby Dacanay, Corazon Dacumos, Rosita Gambito, Nora Garcia, Vir-gilio Garcia, Redel Jularbal, Felipe Gurtiza, Candido Li-angao, Nicolas Mendoza, Estrelita Nabua, Ambrocio Nisperos Jr., Joannaliza Or-dinante, Warlie Oribello, El-vira Sambrana, Aurelia San-tos, Aurie Nellie Tumbaga, Ronald Louie Turqueza, and Sinfrosa Valmonte.

NTA L.U. employees complete CSC

Distance Learning Program

SOME 176 NTA Operations officials and staff from the different branch offices at-tended the series of Tobacco Training Seminar for the agency’s Agriculturists and TPROs (Tobacco Production and Reg-ulation Officers) .

The training seminar (Burley Tobacco) for officials and staff of Pangasinan and La Union (1st group) branch offices was held on December 8 at the Pangasinan Branch Office in Rosales, Pangasinan.

Candon Branch Office in Candon City hosted the two batches of training semi-nars (Virginia Tobacco) for officials and staff of Candon (1st group) and La Union (2nd group) branch offices, the Industrial Regulations Department and the Farm Technology and Services Department on December 9, and for Candon (2nd group) and Abra branch offices on December 10.

The training seminar (Virginia and Bur-ley Tobaccos) for Ilocos Norte and Vigan branch offices was held on December 12 at the Ilocos Norte Branch Office in Batac City.

NTA holds training seminars for Agriculturists, TPROsThe training seminar for the Agricultur-

ists and TPROs of the two branches in Re-gion 2 (Isabela and Cagayan) was held on December 17 at the Isabela Branch Office in Ilagan City.

This seminar was conducted by the Agronomy Division of ULPI with Adelai-da Teneza as the main resource speaker.

Teneza gave the operations staff update on the technical knowledge of field work-ers, including he latest package of technol-ogy (POT) for tobacco production Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for tobacco, Non-Tobacco Related Material (NTRM) and awareness on Agricultural Labor Prac-tices (ALP). (Jeofrey T. Bautista)

– 0.5 ha., 1 farmer) were es-tablished.

The farmer cooperators were recruited under the Ka-huyang Pangkabuhayan at Pangkalikasan (KPP) com-ponent of the agency’s Re-newable Fuelwood Energy Farm Development Project and Restoration of Ecologi-cal Integrity (RFEFDPREI).

Bamboo production for tobacco farmers in tobacco growing areas in Regions

1, 2 and CAR, is aimed at providing bamboo materials for tobacco curing, and as a contribution in restoring a healthy environment.

The project is also an ad-ditional source of income for the tobacco farmers. The cooperators are provided with production assistance to grow bamboo seedlings (bayog and matinik variety). The farmers who joined the project were given financial

assistance that carries an in-terest rate of 6% per annum and a one-time 1% service fee, payable from four to seven years.

Before the release of finan-cial assistance, the branch extension workers gave farmer cooperators orienta-tion on the care of the plants, the economic and environ-mental benefits of bamboo production, and repayment of the production assistance.

(Joefrey T. Bautista)

188-ha bamboo plantation..., from page 8

Pangasinan Branch Office Candon Branch Office (Batch 1)

Candon Branch Office (Batch 2) Ilocos Norte Branch Office

Isabela Branch Office


TRAININGS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, CONVENTIONS ATTENDED BY NTA OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES

October - December 2014Dinah E. Pichay Annual National Convention cum

Seminar, “AGIA Supporting Public-Private Partnership for Effective Governance,” Apo View Hotel, Davao City, Oct. 8-10, 2014

Jovita G. BrionesGilbert A. TaguiamNora A. Corre

Livelihood Training on Ice Cream Making, NTA - APP, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Oct. 10, 2014

Manuel C. RamiscalMonette P. Esteban

Training on Data Analysis & Interpretation, ATI Bldg., Quezon City, Oct. 13-17, 2014

Everin F. Molina Conference of Parties 6 of the World Health Organization - Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Moscow, Russia, Oct. 13-18, 2014

Cecilio A. CabiganFeliza D. DirectoBenson B. Cariño

Supervisory Development Course Tracks II & III, CSC Regional Office Training Center, San Fernando City, Oct. 20-24, 2014

Raquel F. SeñgaCharito M. SalazarExcelsior R. Mejia

6th National Congress of the National Federation of Employees of the Department of Agriculture, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Oct. 20-24, 2014

Jovita G. Briones Livelihood Training on Dragon Fruit Production, NTA - APP, Narvacan, Ilocos Sur, Oct. 21, 2014;Supervisory Development Course Track I, CSC Regional Office Training Center, San Fernando City, La Union, Nov. 13-14, 2014

Adonis B. Yangat Myra D. Roldan Rebecca V. Molina Jannalie T. Esquierdo

Convention-Seminar, “Preparing for the Unexpected: The Financial Implication of Disaster,” CAP-John Hay Trade & Cultural Center, Baguio City, Oct. 21-24, 2014

Randy I. Abella Climate Outlook Forum for Nov. 2014 to April 2015, Amihan Conf. Rm., PAGASA Central Office, Agham Rd., Diliman, Q.C., Oct. 23, 2014

Elvira N. SambranaWarlito V. OribelloManuel M. BeltranPerpertuo C. DalloranLuzviminda U. PadayaoMyrna D. SalutMerly S. SisonOrlando O. GaldonesAmelia L. LacadenAdonis D. LazoMelben B. BejarinGilbert I. YadaoTomasito G. TalozaJovita G. BrionesMyrna P. Galaraga

CDA Standard Training Course on “Cooperative Standard,” Nueva Segovia Consortium of Cooperatives, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur, Oct. 28-29, 2014

Edgardo D. ZaragozaRafael H. HernandezAmanda G. Santos, Efraim A. Dayap, Jr.Lelito F. AnchetaMamerto T. LambenicioElvira R. Paras Perla C. ManzonFrancisca D. Sagsagat

Public learning session (live-out), “Surviving Retirement: Leave Job, Live Life,” St. Giles Makati Hotel, Makati City, Oct. 29, 2014

Giovanni B. PalabayHermogenes A. GalvezMarcelo T. PascualElvira N. SambranaWarlito V. OribelloPotenciano H. ApiladoDominador B. Coy-om,Aurie Nellie A. Tumbaga Christopher R. Supang

Briefing/orientation on the system and procedure in the availment of the free crop insurance coverage of tobacco farmers under the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture conducted by the PCIC, NTA-Pangasinan Branch Office, Rosales, Pangasinan, Oct. 29, 2014

Edna R. Simeon Livelihood Training on Novelty Items Making, MMSU-College of Teacher Education, Laoag City, Nov. 8-9, 2014

Rex Antonio P. TeoxonRoberto R. BonoanMaybelen B. DictaanDinah E. PichayMario E. CorpuzCesar G. SambranaMinerva P. MizalEstrella G. de PeraltaHerman C. Torres

13th National Annual Executive Service Conference, Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City, Nov. 12-14, 2014

Lina A. CeraAlex L. BorjePerla C. ManzonExcelsior R. Mejia Marivic G. EspolongManuel C. RamiscalRogelio C. SantiagoRandy I. Abella

Supervisory Skills Training for the Middle Level Managers of the DA Bureaus & Attached Agencies conducted by the Agricultural Training Institute, Rural Development Education Center, Diliman, Quezon City, Nov. 17-18, 19-20, 2014

Edgardo D. Zaragoza CSI Leadership Series, “Transformational Leadership,” AIM Conference Center Manila, Makati City, Nov. 19, 2014

Rex Antonio P. Teoxon Manuel C. Ramiscal

Assessment and Strategic Planning of the Project Development Group of the DA,” Legaspi City, Albay, Dec. 1-5, 2014

Roberto R. Bonoan DA-BAR CY 2014 Climate Change R&D Agenda Review & Planning Workshop, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Dec. 2-5, 2014

Managers/TPROs/Agriculturists, Pangasinan & La Union Branch Offices

Burley Tobacco Training Seminar by ULPI, Pangasinan Branch Office, Rosales, Pangasinan, Dec. 8, 2014

Managers/TPROs/Agriculturists, Candon, La Union and Abra Branch Offices

Virginia Tobacco Training Seminar by ULPI, Candon Branch Office, Ilocos Sur Branch, Dec. 9-10, 2014

Managers/TPROs/Agriculturists, Ilocos Norte & Vigan Branch Offices; FTSD Staff

Virginia and Burley Tobacco Training Seminar by ULPI, Ilocos Norte Branch Office, Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Dec. 12, 2014

Managers/TPROs/Agriculturists, Isabela & Cagayan Branch Offices

Burley & Dark Air-cured Tobacco Training Seminar by ULPI, Isabela Branch Office, Ilagan City, Isabela, Dec. 17, 2014

Roberto R. BonoanMaybelen B. DictaanMario E. Corpuz,Estrella G. de PeraltaGiovanni B. Palabay Esmeralda G. Valera

Study of the continuous production concept and bulk curing process of the PMFTC Tobacco Project in Claveria, Mis. Oriental, Dec. 16-18, 2014

by Raquel F. Señga, EANTA National President

EANTA 25th anniversary celebra-tion and induction of officers. From left: NTA Administrator Edgardo D. Zaragoza, EANTA National President Raquel F. Señga, Administrative De-partment Manager Dr. Cristina C. Lo-pez, Treasurer Leonora Clarin, Vice President Charito Salazar, Chapter Presidents Alexis Jamias (Ilocos Norte), Jose Taclas Jr. (Vigan), Re-nato Aquino (Candon), Christopher Supang (La Union), Alma Torralba (Pangasinan) Ped Ruben Barbero (Abra), Manuel Beltran (Isabela), Roberto Pedro (Cagayan), CSC Di-rector Noel Salumbides, and Deputy Adminstrator for Support Services Atty. Everin F. Molina.


NTA employees ass’n turns 25THE Employees Associa-tion of the National Tobacco Administration (EANTA) celebrated its 25th founding anniversary at the NTA Cen-tral Office in Quezon City last November 21.

EANTA National Presi-dent Raquel F. Señga said the celebration also marked 25 years of cooperation be-tween the association mem-bers and the management of

the agency.Director Noel V. Salum-

bides of the Civil Service Commission, as Guest of Honor, administered the induction of the new set of EANTA officers, both national and branch office chapters.

Salumbides stressed so-cial dialogue in his message. He urged employees and

Pls turn to page 5

THE National Tobacco Ad-ministration (NTA) hosted the 4th cluster meeting and year-end get-together ac-tivity of the Civil Service Commission – Office of the President (CSC-OP) Field Office last December 10 at the Training Room of the NTA central office in Que-zon City.

Dr. Cristina C. Lopez,

NTA hosts CSC-OP field office cluster meeting

Manager of the Administra-tive Department of the NTA, welcomed 42 participants, who are human resource management officers and practitioners, commission-ers and directors of different government agencies. Dr. Lopez, in her address, talked on the vision, mission and quality policy of the agency

From left: Dr. Cristina C. Lopez, Administrative Department Man-ager; Noel V. Salumbides, Director II of CSC-OP Field Office; and CSC-OP cluster meeting and year-end get-together participants.

Pls turn to page 5

IT has been 25 years since NTAEA, also known as EANTA, was first regis-tered and accredited by the Bureau of Labor Relations of the Department of Labor and Employment and by the Civil Service Commission through the initiative of Atty. Rodelio B. Punzalan.

In the past, our agency went through rough and tough times and through these all, NTAEA remained to be a responsible associa-tion within the agency. It is one with Management in the implementation of relevant and responsive programs and projects of the agency in line with its role in the develop-ment of the local tobacco industry and its mandate to serve the best interest of the stakeholders, including us, employees.

A collaborative relationship with the agencyA collaborative relationship with the agency

by Raquel F. Señga, EANTA National President

The toughest time of them all was during the Rational-ization of the agency which dragged on for years. It was a bittersweet pill to swallow because it resulted in the streamlining of the various functions of the agency and the reduction in the number of employees by more than 50 percent. NTAEA then actively participated in the deliberations and argumen-tation during the rationaliza-tion process but NTAEA re-spected the final verdict.

Then there was the dark part in our history when the agency was struggling for funds, almost cash-strapped, and we were not receiving our salaries on time. NTAEA, though with meager funds, was able to help its members somehow, while the agency vigorously and successfully pursued pioneering and in-come-generating programs and projects. Now, we are enjoying the fruits of these collaborative efforts.

NTAEA is affiliated with the NAFEDA, COURAGE, PGEA and KAMAGGFI;

it works closely with the members of these organiza-tions as regards benefits and incentives, and relevant is-sues concerning government employees’ welfare. We are one in asking the govern-ment to think of more ways and means to alleviate the plight of government em-ployees, and not to disallow or stop the incentives and other benefits we are previ-ously allowed to receive.

I would like to emphasize that though NTAEA is af-filiated with these organiza-tions, it remains objective in its pursuit of financial ben-efits and incentives for its members, and maintains col-laborative, not adversarial, relationship with the Man-agement. It continues alle-giance to the NTA and re-mains to be an active partner of the Management in car-rying out the agency’s goals and objectives. After all we, the rank and file, constitute the major workforce, or the “backbone,” of the Organi-zation.

NTAEA is represented in

various committees that de-liberate on employees’ af-fairs, welfares, grievances, among others. At this point, NTAEA would like to thank the NTA Management under the leadership of Adminis-trator Edgardo D. Zaragoza for the support it extends in some of our requests.

However, lest it be mis-construed as a rubber stamp or mere puppet of the Orga-nization, it is imperative to clarify that NTAEA has one other important and critical function—that of being the “watchdog” of the Organi-zation, always quick to air its observations, grievances, and suggestions as it deems necessary. NTAEA shall continue to be of service, to be constantly updated and have deep concern about the welfare of all NTA employ-ees, hopefully, for the next 50 years.

Congratulations and Ma-buhay ang EANTA! (Speech delivered during the EANTA’s 25th anniversary celebration on November 21, 2014 at NTA Central Office)


NTA expands “Oras ni Mannalon ti Tabako” broadcast coverage

THE National Tobacco Ad-ministration has expanded coverage for its “Oras ni Mannalon ti Tabako” Radio Program for 2014-2015 to-bacco cropping season, with additional three radio sta-tions, bringing to six radio programs for its branch of-fices in Region 1 and Abra.

OMT programs started its broadcast in five radio sta-tions: DZVV Vigan (Decem-ber 6), DZTP Candon (De-cember 15), DZPA Bangued (December 14), DZSO San Fernando City and DZVR Laoag City (December 13). The sixth OMT program will start its broadcast in DZRD Dagupan on February 6, 2015.

OMT, a component of the agency’s Communication Support Program, had its successful run (November to March) in three radio sta-tions last cropping season. Since its relaunching during crop year 2011-2012, OMT has been aired weekly (No-vember to March) in DZVV, DZTP, and DZPA.

Programs in DZVR and DZSO have twice-a-month schedule while the program in DZRD has monthly sched-ule from February to June.

Except for DZPA (15 mins) and DZRD (1 hr), each OMT program is aired for 30 min-utes.

The expansion of cover-age was brought out during the meeting of OMT proj-ect coordinators from the different branch offices last November 28 at NTA Can-don Branch Office. Assess-ment of listeners, per survey results, gave the program a high score on technol-ogy transfer and information about NTA projects and pro-grams, according to Neyo Valdez, PRO III, central of-fice project coordinator.

OMT Anchors of the dif-ferent radio stations are as follows: Nora Corre (DZPA), Adonis Lazo and Marcelia Pulgar (DZTP), Jose Taclas Jr. and Noralyn Idica (DZVV), Jesusa Cala-no (DZVR), Elizabeth Biala (DZRD), Aurie Nellie Tum-baga (DZSO).

The OMT radio program has been helping the agency in upgrading the knowledge and competencies of tobac-co farmers on quality pro-duction. The program also serves as a venue to clarify issues, particularly on the to-bacco price and grading sys-tem during the trading sea-son. The interaction with the farmers through the broad-cast is also a good supple-ment to technology updating being conducted regularly by the agency’s extension workers.

The OMT program is un-der the direct supervision of the branch manager of the covered area.

A TEAM from the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) conducted last December a farm survey and area validation at the expanding Virginia tobacco farm in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Members of the team that conducted farm visits and interviews with tobacco farmers were Department Managers Dr. Roberto R. Bonoan (Industrial Research) and Maybelen B. Dictaan (Regulation); and Branch Office Managers Estrella G. de Peralta (Ilocos Sur – Candon), Dr. Giovanni B. Palabay (La Union), Mario E. Corpuz (Ilocos Norte), and Esmeralda Valera ( Abra). They were assisted by Mercedes Ayco, extension worker assigned at the agency’s outreach station in Northern Mindanao.

The visitation and farm survey of the NTA team are a part of the regulatory functions of the NTA

Northern Mindanao, particularly in Misamis Oriental, has been eyed as area of expansion of Virginia tobacco production in the country. In 2013, Cigarette manufacturer PMFTC started commercialization phase of its Virginia production, or a year after establishing its first Virginia tobacco experimental farm in Barangay Ane-i, Claveria.

PMFTC is investing more than $50 million or over P2.2 billion in growing Virginia tobacco leaves in Mindanao over the next five to six years, according to a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer in December last year.

Virginia tobacco production in Claveria, Misamis Oriental

Engr. Jesusa Calano, Agriculturist I of NTA Ilocos Norte Branch Office, anchors “Oras ni Mannalon ti Tabako” (OMT) radio program of the Na-tional Tobacco Administration at DZVR Bombo Radyo in Laoag City.

MMSU studes conduct research on tobacco farming households

SEVEN Bachelor of Science in Economics students of the Mariano Marcos State Uni-versity in Batac City con-ducted for their undergradu-ate thesis a study on the socioeconomic analysis of tobacco farming households in Regions 1, 2, and CAR.

The research study con-ducted last December, in coordination with the Farm Technology and Services Department (FTSD) of the NTA, tried to determine the profile, living condition, and aspirations of the tobacco farmers; the kinds of assis-tance they get from govern-ment and non-government institutions; the reasons why they continually plant to-bacco; and their problems

regarding the industry. The result of the research

will serve as benchmark of the NTA policy-making body in the development of projects for the tobacco-growing families.

The BS Economics stu-dents from the MMSU Col-lege of Business Adminis-tration, Economics and Ac-countancy were Leonimar Belarmino, Joseph Galano, Jenny Guillermo, Jenevie Ibus, Razel Mar Romerona, Ana Carmela Tablatin, and Aileen Tolentino.

Meanwhile, NTA Ilocos Norte Branch office accom-modated five Human Re-source Development Man-agement graduating students of MMSU for their on-the-

job training with the agency. The HRDM students who

completed 256 hours of training from November 5 to December 22 were Judelea Pucan, Marvin Quiaoit, Ro-chelle Ann Quiaoit, Felma Ranes and Krismary Sher-maine Yapo. (Felisa R. Aurellano/Elaine A. Tinio)

the tobacco newsnovember december 2014 issue

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