By Christele J. Amoyan and Joy Dianne J. Gumatay 

The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) President and a former chancellor of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Dr. Emil Q. Javier talked on Agriculture and Development Seminar Series (ADSS) Tuesday, August 27, 2012, at Drilon Hall, SEARCA UPLB.

According to Dr. Javier in his lecture titled “Philippine Agriculture (PA) 2020: A Strategic Plan for Poverty Reduction, Food Security, Competitiveness, Sustainability and Justice and Peace,” the study is basically adapted by the NAST from the United Nations Millennium Ecosystems Assessment (MEA) of 2005. It correlates the contribution of the ecosystem to human well-being. This strategic approach recognizes three overlapping systems implied in agriculture: agricultural system, natural resources system, and social system.

“As a social philosophy, we fully recognized that agriculture has functions in material and economic distribution. That is, agriculture has to do with the even power to Filipinos socially and politically, especially to the countryside folks,” Dr. Javier explained.

Former DOST Secretary Dr. William G. Padolina addressing his question to Dr. Javier: “What comes to be your first priority?”

He outlined three main pillars of the modernization of agriculture in Philippine context, namely:

1. the organization of agriculture as business;
2. the asset reform for low-earning farmers, and
3. the nurturing of community values.

From these given pillars, Dr. Javier drew his observations saying that the current scenario of the Philippines today is “anemic” except for the fisheries. Additionally, rural poverty is elevating rapidly, agricultural deficit is widening (from 16% in 2005 to an exponential hike to 50% in 2009) and the hasty degradation of the environment is quite tormenting.

These components, Dr. Javier proposed, can be addressed by providing seminars and skills training for the farmers. Farmers then, specifically low-income farmers, can become business entrepreneurs. Dr. Javier identified people empowerment as one of the many feasible solutions faced by poverty-stricken farmers in the countryside.

Being a farmer himself, Dr. Javier pledged to his colleague in attendance, Dr. Leonardo Gonzales that he would increase his cropping intensity up to 3.5 from the average 1.56 cropping intensity potential achieved.

Citing Fr. Francis Lucas of the Asian Non-Government Organization Coalition (ANGOC), Dr. Javier aims “to bring soul to agriculture” by emphasizing the importance on  sustainability and the promotion for the love of nature.

He announced that the Ex-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo allocated P54 billion for the Department of Agriculture during her term. Now, the incumbent admistration of P-Noy hiked this budget to P60 billion. “So money is not a problem anymore. The only problem in mind is  how to spent the money properly,” he said.

Dr. Javier receives a certificate of appreciation and token from SEARCA Knowledge Management Department Manager Dr. Celeste Cadiz for the ADSS lecture at the Drilon Hall, SEARCA.

Present in the said seminar were the Former Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Dr. William G. Padolina, also former-UPLB Chancellor Dr. Ruben L. Villareal, and Filipino Scientist Dr. Ramon C. Barba.

by Mary Rose B. Manlangit and Darryl Joi P. Fuentes

A total of 118 persons have donated blood in this year’s Sandugan bloodletting activity of the Red Cross Youth of University of the Philippines Los Baños (RCY-UPLB) in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Laguna Chapter, held August 15, 2012 at the UPLB College of Human Ecology (CHE) Lobby.

This year’s turnout is 20 percent higher compared to the 98 donors recorded last year. This is according to Blood Program Committee Head  Genevive Paroan of the RCY-UPLB citing that there were actually 150  persons who registered  but others were not  qualified as donors. She said that the purpose of the activity is to collect blood that will be used readily by patients during emergencies. The donated blood will be brought to the PRC Laguna Chapter blood bank for testing and safekeeping. Paroan explained that 500 cc or about two cups of blood is being contracted from a donor’s body and right after the procedure they assist and provide snacks for the donors.

According to Riana Joyce Ortega, a junior BS Industrial Engineering student, donating blood gives her the feeling of fulfillment because in her own way she can help the people in need of blood in the community.

Because of the RCY of UPLB’s efforts in promoting Sanduguan, people became more aware about the insufficient blood supply in local blood banks.

“Being my first time to donate blood, this is also an opportunity for me to know my blood type and to assess my health status,” said Ferdinand Esguerra, a freshman BS Electrical Engineering student here, adding that he would also want to help those people looking for blood donors.

On the other hand, an Instructor of the Learning Place Los Baños and a graduate of the BA Communication Arts program of UPLB, Alex Crisologo, said that since he had entered college, it has been his practice to donate blood during bloodletting activities. He also added that this is his way to help a patient in need to use his blood ready during emergency.

The blood letting activity was opened to UPLB students and to all people in the Los Baños community who are willing to donate blood.  Qualifications of the donor are 16 years old and above, at least 50 kg in weight, have no tattoo and piercing, and have no open wounds. Donors who are 17 years below are to secure their parent’s consent.

The activity was conducted in partnership with the Rotary Club Los Baños Makiling,  Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Shirts Avenue, Aqua Altria, and Jerico’s Bakeshop.

The Sanduguan was the first bloodletting activity of RCY-UPLB this academic year. Annually, they have three major bloodletting activities, the Sandaguan which is being held every first semester of the academic year; the Bloodline: The Pledge of Life, during second semester where RCY-UPLB awards the eldest and youngest blood donor; and the Bloodiest Rumble which is being participated by the UPLB organizations during February Fair.

The RCY-UPLB is under the supervision of PRC Laguna Chapter wherein the facilities used as well as the two physicians and the four nurses who administered in the bloodletting activity were from the PRC Laguna Chapter.

This coming September 10, the RCY-UPLB will be holding an HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention Seminar at the NCAS Auditorium, UPLB.

by Paoloregel B. Samonte

The local government unit (LGU) of Barangay Batong Malake, in cooperation with UPLB-based organizations Venerable Knight Veterinarians (VKV) Fraternity and Venerable Lady Veterinarians (VLV) Sorority, conducted a free anti-rabies vaccination program last Saturday, July 28 at the Brgy. Batong Malake Barangay Hall.

Over twenty dogs received anti-rabies shots in the vaccination station set up by the project team spearheaded by Mr. Jair Airon Grayal, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student of UPLB and member of the VKV Fraternity. In addition to this station, a separate team was assigned to patrol the barangay vicinity in order to reach more pets in specific areas of concern which included the public market, Lopez Avenue, and the streets of El Danda and Bancal. The anti-rabies injections were funded by the local government unit.

Rabies has continued to be a public concern in the Philippines, a fact evident in the locality as well. Laguna has been named by DOH as one of the ten provinces registering the most number of human rabies cases, with the CALABARZON region one of the regions with the highest incidences of rabies-related human deaths.

Dr. Ross Antonio Banayo, the administering veterinarian and an alumnus of the VKV fraternity and of the UPLB College of Veterinary Medicine, explained that aside from the fact that this practice of securing the welfare of dogs and other animals is related to their profession as veterinarians, the activity also served as a form of public service.

“This activity is held to reinforce preventive measures for rabies. This is, of course, better than doing nothing and waiting until someone suffers. Besides, rabies is fatal once it afflicts individual dogs or humans.” Dr. Banayo added.

This biannual activity served as a continuation of an earlier anti-rabies vaccination project conducted last July 14, in which the principal areas of concern were Forestry, Jamboree, Grove, Demarses, Riverside, and Raymundo.

by Paoloregel B. Samonte and Clinton C. Ronquillo with reports from Joy Dianne J. Gumatay

Mas Masaya sa Syensya. This was the theme of the 5^th annual Wonderama launched at the Baker Hall in the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). The Wonderama is a three-day interactive science learning exhibit that will be open to the public from July 18-20. It is part of SyenSaya, the banner program of the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc. (LBSCFI) in support of the annual celebration of the National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) held every second week of July.

SyenSaya features the latest scientific research updates, breakthroughs, and technologies for commercialization. It also aims to increase the awareness of different social sectors like students, teachers, and farmers on the role of science in improving the quality of community life. Over 160 high school and college teachers and students from different schools in the region attended the opening of SyenSaya.

Participating scientific institutions and agencies showcased different agricultural products from root crops, fruit trees, poultry and livestock, and genetically modified organisms developed in the local community.

The event also served as venue for the public to see various mechanical inventions like robots, audio-visual presentations of experiments, and agricultural implements such as animal feeds, Some institutions likewise gave away information brochures to heighten public awareness about scientific researches.

Romae Zen Arganda, a BS Agricultural Engineering student, expressed her amazement with the exhibits and added, “the information on the pamphlets are very helpful in explaining the significance of science in our community.”

Aside from the Wonderama, the UPLB Institute of Cooperative and Bio-Enterprise Development a forum on health, environment and livelihood intended to promote awareness of the member agencies regarding certain issues in the scientific community on July 19.

Under the guidance of Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso, the University of the Philippines Open University is this year’s organizer. Chancellor Alfonso is also the president of the LBSCFI.

Mr. Florante A. Cruz, a member of the Syensaya Exhibit Committe and a University Researcher from the UPLB Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension, explained that SyenSaya started way back in 2008 as part of UPLB’s centennial year celebration under the then Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco and was organized by the members of LBSCFI.

LBSCFI also recognized excellent research and development projects conducted by its member agencies gave the Research and Development (R&D) by honoring the agencies with awards in a ceremony held at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Auditorium on July 20 (Friday). The Philippine Agriculture and Resources Research Foundation, Inc. (PARRFI) was awarded the outstanding R&D work in the agriculture, forestry, and environment sectors.

SyenSaya was was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the members of the LBSCFI in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).

by Jenalyn Audrey D. De Guzman

BAY, LAGUNA — The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) conducted a tree planting activity at San Antonio Elementary School last March 16, 2011.

BCPC, representatives and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts— the smiles on their faces are priceless after conducting the tree planting activity.

It is one of the local institutions that can attend to the needs and rights of children. “Promoting of the best interest of children and the opening and maintenance of playgrounds and day care centers and other services that are necessary for child and youth welfare are some of BCPC’s concerns. Kaugnay nun napagdesisyunan naming na magconduct ng isang activity katulad nitong tree planting,” explained Eddrine Paul Papa, co-chairman of BCPC.

Planting trees with a helping hand is easy. The local community joined forces in order to make San Antonio Elementary school have a pleasant place for their education.

The tree planting activity was made possible by BCPC in cooperation with Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD), Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention (CAPIN), Philippine National Police Bay (PNP), and Bay Rescue Force.

The Sangguniang Barangay of San Antonio, Bay, Laguna was also actively participating in the said event. “First time itong gagawin sa aming barangay, gusto rin naming makatulong sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng lilom at pagprevent sa baha,” Kagawad Cornelio V. Masarap, councilor in charge of health.

The assembly was at the barangay hall of San Antonio at 8 am and together, the BCPC and representatives of the partner organizations and institutions, arrived at San Antonio Elementary School.

They were gladly welcomed by Elena Caldo, president of San Antonio Elementary School. According to Caldo, “malaki ang maitutulong nga mga punong itatanim nila dito sa aming paaralan, dahil sa init ng panahon ay kinakailangan naming ng shade o lilom dito para na rin sa mga batang nag-aaral dito.”

Lei Untalan, MSWD Social Welfare Aid, said that the ones available are 50 Mahogany trees provided upon request from the Department of Agriculture. The MSWD representatives are also present for supervising the said activity.

Some Bay PNP representatives were also there to support the tree planting activity. “In accordance to the PNP mandate or yung kada pulis may anim na punong itatanim sa isang buwan, ito yung panawagan ni PNoy na Billion Trees Project until February 2013, pero bukod dito ay naging advocacy na rin namin, dahil ito’y napapanahon at para makatulong” ayon kay PSI Melissa Malayo, when asked about why the PNP cooperates with the activity.

Some non- government institutions representatives were also present, Maan Aldipollo from Child Abuse Prevention and Intervention Network (CAPIN) and the Bay Rescue Force.

“Tree planting is a very enjoyable activity. Fulfilling siyang gawin. Kaya’t gusto kong maipromote na rin yung ganitong klaseng activity” according to Barangay Administrator Romel Ilagan of the Bay Rescue Force.

The tree planting activity proper was done by the BCPC, representatives, and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of San Antonio Elementary School. The planting ended at 11a.m. and they are off to Galvez Elementary School to plant some more.

Henry James Amotorio, Kelly Boy Tandang and John Mark Ulyado, Boy Scout Grade 6 students of San Antonio Elementary school, participated in the tree planting activity. “Masayang magtanim ng puno at nakakatulong ka pa” said Kelly Boy. “Gusto ko sanang maulit itong ganitong Gawain,” John Mark added.

“Marami na ring nagtanim dito sa amin. Sana nga lang sa susunod ay mga kagaya na ng puno ng Narra ang itanim kasi pagtagal ay hindi din nakakasurvive yung mga punong itinanim, tila napapahiya lamang sa bandang huli,” requested by President Caldo.