In Zamboanga City, land preparation for upland palay was in progress at the Vitali District. Most lowland farms were on vegetative and reproductive stages. At the Manicahan District, palay harvesting activities were carried out. Harvesting of green corn continued.
In Zamboanga del Norte, sizeable quantities of mango and Hawaiian pineapple were harvested in Sindangan and Dipolog City and in Polanco and Piñan, respectively. On the other hand, standing palay was harvested during the early part of April. For the last two weeks, land preparation was carried out in some palay farms. For corn, 70 percent were on vegetative stage.
In Zamboanga del Sur, some fruit trees on flowering stage were infected by fungal disease resulting from irregular rains.
In Zamboanga Sibugay, planting of irrigated palay areas in Titay, Diplahan and Siay was on-going. Seed growers from Kabasalan, Siay, Titay, Buug, Ipil and Alicia confirmed that they already released an estimated 1,400 bags (40 kilograms per bag) of certified palay inbred seed varieties to palay farmers. The seed varieties released were RC-160, RC-18, RC-226, RC-214, RC-216, RC-218 and RC-122. Certified seeds were being planted from the last week of April until the start of May 2012.
2. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY
In Zamboanga del Norte, livestock and poultry immunization continued.
In Zamboanga del Sur, backyard poultry flocks suffered from respiratory illness due to exposure to intense heat and sudden rains.
3. FISHERIES
In Zamboanga City, fish production at the commercial and municipal landing centers decreased during the first quarter owing to fish moratorium and fuel cost increase. On the other hand, seaweed production slightly increased as more farmers engaged in seaweed farming for sustenance.
In Zamboanga del Norte, supply of sardines and tuna-like species was available at different landing sites, sold at public markets and brought by single motorcycles called “habal-habal” in remote barangays. Likewise, harvests of bangus and shrimps in fishpond areas increased.
In Zamboanga del Sur, fish catch, particularly, of frigate tuna, skipjack and anchovies slightly increased on account of good weather.
4. PRICES AND MARKET SUPPLY
In Zamboanga City, swine inventory for the first quarter of 2012 increased by 4.99 percent. Local commercial hog raisers complained about the inflow of live swine causing a fluctuation in liveweight price which ranged from P88.00- P92.00 per kilogram.
In Zamboanga del Norte, production of rubber improved as a result of good weather condition.
Price of Indian sardines (tamban/tuloy) was low as supply was abundant. Prices ranged from P15.00-P25.00 per kilogram at the New Ipil Public Market. On the other hand, lower supply of native pechay and tomato caused higher retail prices per kilogram ranging from P60.00-P70.00 and P50.00-P60.00, respectively.
5. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, PROGRAMS, POLICIES AND GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS
On April 17-20, 2012, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) technicians of Sibugay conducted blood testing routine to detect the presence of diseases such as Avian Influenza for ducks and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) for commercial goats. Blood samples for laboratory testing were taken from 210 head of muscovy duck from Malangas, Diplahan, Imelda, Siay, Tungawan, and Ipil while 16 head of commercial goats were sampled in Ipil. On April 23-24, 2012, blood samples were taken from cattle and swine to determine Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). A total of 30 samples was tested in Ipil and blood samples were sent to Zamboanga City for the laboratory test.
On April 24, 2012 the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) dispersed seaweed inputs (planting materials) to seaweed farmers in the coastal municipalities of Ipil, Tungawan, R.T. Lim, Naga, Payao, Alicia, Malangas, Olutanga, Mabuhay, Talusan and Buug. The project aims to assist seaweed farmers to improve seaweed production in Zamboanga Sibugay.
In Zamboanga City, farm to market roads were constructed in Merloquet, Buug Mundo, Sibulao, and Vitali District.
A group of Dipolognon spearheaded the installation of concrete coral reefs off the coast of Barangay Miputak. Fifteen (15) coral reefs were dropped to the bottom of the ocean. This aimed to address the dwindling number of fish in Zamboanga del Norte. Efforts were also made by the group to implement a seasonal ban on fishing to allow fishes to lay and hatch eggs. On the other hand, construction of the steel bridge to replace the old bridge was on-going in Barangay Piao.
The local government of V. Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMA) distributed 6,143 pieces of assorted fruit seedlings and 2,080 rubber and 1,760 coconut planting materials to eight (8) barangays. The budget was taken from the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP) fund. Fifty (50) constituents received 240 pieces of rambutan seedlings; 76 farmers received 5,200 pieces of lanzones seedlings; 17 farmers received 160 pieces of durian seedlings; nine (9) farmers received 543 pieces of mangosteen seedlings; 26 farmers received 2,080 rubber planting materials; and 22 farmers received1,760 coconut planting materials.
In Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, the OMA distributed 48 bags (at 20 kilograms per bag) of certified corn seeds (OPV-10) to corn farmers as part of the “Binhian Program”.
6. TRAINING, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS
The Technical Working Group for Regional Statistical Coordination Committee held a meeting on April 17, 2012 in Zamboanga City to discuss the results of the 2010 Census of Population and Housing and Annual Survey on Establishments and Census on Philippine Business Industry.
A one-day meeting with the Provincial Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise Development Council was carried out by the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce and Industry last April 13, 2012 at the Bamboo Garden. It was participated in by 32 delegates. One of the agenda was BFAR’s concern on escalating prices in the market.
A one-day seminar on vegetable production was conducted last April 13, 2012 in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur through the MAO. The seminar was spearheaded by the Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Council (MAFC) Chairman and was attended by 33 participants from each barangay. The seminar aimed to augment farm income through gardening.
On April 10-13, 2012 the MRDP staff conducted the Agro-Forestry Technical Training and Mangrove Rehabilitation Project Implementation Program in Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay. It was participated in by NRM staff, Information Knowledge Municipal Officer, Municipal Technical Working Group, and People’s Organization. During the training, members of the POs were instructed mainly on the methods of planting mangroves, rubber trees and some fruit trees such as lanzones, rambutan and durian. About 82 hectares in Talusan were projected to be planted after the training.
On April 3, 2012, 40 corn farmers who are members of the Multi-Purpose Cooperative and women members of the Women’s Association from Makilas, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay participated in the “Exposure Trip” held at the Corn Farm of Mr. Leonardo Talania in Kalawit, Zamboanga del Norte where they learned best practices in corn production.
On April 19-20, 2012, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) conducted rubber management training at Villacastor, Buug. There were 58 farmers who participated in the training.
7. WEATHER SITUATION
Sunny days with isolated rainshowers and drizzle usually during afternoon and night time as influenced by the ITCZ and LPA were experienced across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Note: This report covers all provinces in the region.