LUZON UPDATES

Strengthening of member POs and NGOs

More than 200 farmers and delegates participated in the series of Farmers Forum held in five provinces of Luzon from March to May 2006. Delegates from the academe, the municipal Agricultural Office and the the Department of Agrarian Reform and other local barangay officials were also on hand to understand Masipag's processes and listen to the success stories of our farmer members in their adoption of the Masipag Farming System.

The forums aim to strengthen and consolidate the member POs and NGOs of Luzon. As a result, an Adhoc Provincial Coordinating Body of Quezon was formed while other POs and NGOs benefited in the activity as it enhanced mutual support in the implementation of the MASIPAG Programs in their respective provinces.

Peoples organization from Camarines Sur, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Pangasinan, isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Antipolo are now planning to expand and reach other groups including the Indigenous Peoples of each provinces.

Assessment of the native chicken genepool

After two years of implementation, the native chicken genepool in Nueva Vizcaya was assessed through the assisstance of Dr. Angel Lambio, scientist from the Institute of Animal Science, UPLB. The genepool is one of the pilot areas for the conservation of native livestock species in Luzon.

Dr. Lambio examined the Joloanon chicken that were collected in Nueva Vizcaya. Joloanon is a native breed of chicken which are characterized by being resistant to diseases, has average body size, good layer but has poor mothering ability which make them hard to breed and multiply. Because the chicken are still limited in number, the PO modified their targets into production for distribution to other members and expansion of collection areas in the province.

As a result, separate area for brooders and additional breeding pens will be established. A grinder and incubator will be purchased to facilitate the production and breeding of Joloanon chicken.

The activity was also attended by POs from Quezon, Rizal, Nueve Ecija, Camarines Sur and Isabela for them to fully understand the concept of genepool and what would be the possible stumbling blocks in the development of the genepool.

Developments in the marketing of Organic rice

MASIPAG-Luzon started the marketing of organic rice after the release of the grant and packaging materials with MFGS logo to Agrizkaya last April. Five POs from Nueva Vizacaya were able to benefit from the MFGS and more are expected to join after the release of the results of inspection undertaken during the first half of the year.

Internal quality control systems (IQCS) trainings were also conducted in Isabela and Camarines Sur in preparation for the MFGS in the provinces.