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inside

E d i t o r i a lS t a f f

Rex C. EstoperezEditorial Consultant

Becky C. OlarteExecutive Editor

Cora L. AbioEditor

Ma. Lina G. ReyesManaging Editor

Tess P. GalvezEmmanuel J. Salonga

Cynthia L. SuarezContributing Writers

Boy T. ParaisoDesign/Lay-out Artist

Lucky CorderoNilo ManongsongManing Sadsad

Photographers

is a publicationof the National Food Authority with

editorial offices at theDepartment of Public Affairs,

3rd Flr., Philippine Sugar Center,North Avenue, Diliman

Quezon City.Address all editorial

contributions to The Editor.Email: [email protected] or

[email protected]

insideOn the cover

Angelito T. BanayoAdministrator

Ludovico J. JarinaDeputy Administrator

Pedro S. Hernando, Jr.Deputy Administrator

Jose D. CorderoAsst. Administrator

for Marketing OperationsCelia Z. Tan

Asst. Administrator for Financeand Administration

N F A M a n a g e m e n t

Vol. 40 No.3 July - September 2012

Volume 40 No. 3 July - September 2012

3Reasons to Celebrate

4Life Begins Before 40

5Anniversary Message

6Across the Country

17Ilocos Norte: A Perfect NorthernGetaway

18It’s More Fun in Rapu-Rapu withi-Rice

20Achieving Perfection

22The President’s Message

23The Secretary’s Message

24NFA Scores 40 PerformanceHighlights

2840 Wishes for NFA’s 40th

32They Make NFA Proud

34Region 12: Mindanao’s Rice Granary

36Director Cris Mangaoang:Service in Full Swing

Atty. Rafael T. Flores:Retiring with a Smile

38Manager Ruben M. Manatad:A True Lingkod Bayan

39Poetry

The NFA’s 40th an-niversary design. The NFA iscelebrating a ruby anniversary,thus the color red in the logo.The sacks of rice (buffer stocks)represent food security which iswhat NFA is all about. The greenbackground represents agricul-ture or food sufficiency.

Cover Design: Boy Paraiso

Field Correspondents: REGION I/LA UNION P.O - Frederick B. Dulay - ABRA - Nelly B. Ramos BENGUET-JenniferC. Paraton ILOCOS NORTE - Imelda R. Valdez ILOCOS SUR - Elizabeth T. Kai E. PANGASINAN - Ligaya M. Apolinario W.PANGASINAN-Chona Maramba REGION II- Fe L. Salim SANTIAGO P.O - Miguel S. Tecson TUGUEGARAO - Zeneth A.Ibanez QUIRINO - Marcelina A. Domingo NUEVA VIZCAYA - Carlito G. Caser IFUGAO - Teresita J. Arcaina ALLACAPAN -Zhanel Diorelli F. Como MT.PROVINCE - Elma Joyce M. Faniswa KALINGA - Rhoda A. Gamon REGION III -Jonathan D. YazonNUEVA ECIJA P.O. - Rosauro Asuncion AURORA - Editha D. Pingol BATAAN - Lina S. Del Mundo BULACAN -Eduardo N.Camua/William V. Balbin PAMPANGA -Myra E. Bernardo TARLAC -Georgina P. Sarmiento/Mia Kristel Y. Pineda ZAMBALES-Ronilo C. Salvador REGION IV- Ma. Luisa Marasigan INFANTA -QuirinoC.Decena MAMBURAO - Kathlyn GonzalesMARINDUQUE-Salvador Veciana OR.MINDORO-Asela P. Infantado OCC.MINDORO - Nida Nobio PALAWAN - MaritaAbadilla QUEZON - Marianita C. Zaporteza ROMBLON - Gina R. Lanting LAGUNA - Annabelle P. Oncinian REGION V - NelsieAlcantara ALBAY P.O. John Paul C. Molato CAMARINES NORTE - Josephine M. Baraquiel CAMARINES SUR - Leilani QuintoCATANDUANES - Mae Ogalesco MASBATE - Haydee C Floresta SORSOGON - Jocelyn L. Agtuca REGION VI/ILOILO P.O.- Cashmere Gemarino KALIBO - Judith Tindog ANTIQUE - Elizabeth T. Salazar/Gazelle N. Jamandron CAPIZ - Rose B. AndalecioNEGROS OCC. - Cynthia Luz F. Chua REGION VII -Ma. Lucia R. Rosales BOHOL - Jhoel J. Lim NEGROS OR.-Salvacion A. UySIQUIJOR - Elvira M. Calibo REGION VIII - Mary Agnes R. Militante N. LEYTE - Ella Vircelle Estoya S. LEYTE - Eliza AlmacinN. SAMAR - Roger E. Eriane E. SAMAR - Rialyn B. Oriondo BILIRAN - Elvira C. dela Cruz W. SAMAR - Ma. Rosario G. CadizREGION IX - Angelica M. Pellien ZAMBO CITY P.O. - Silverio M. Bandiola IPIL SIBUGAY - Catherine Joy S. Jumawan PAGADIAN- Rejorie Reyes DIPOLOG ZDN - Malou Kareen Serenas REGION X - Ma. Celeste R. Gaabucayan MISAMIS OR. P.O. - MarianTapongot BUKIDNON - Ma. Socorro Mellomida CAMIGUIN - Cristina L. Mora LANAO DEL NORTE - Floripes R. SantosMISAMIS OCC - Beverly M. Navarro CARAGA/AGUSAN NORTE - Christine S. Pariñas AGUSAN DEL SUR - Lorena C.Gunay SURIGAO NORTE - Rosendo P. Mondaya SURIGAO SUR - Amielou Jane A. Galos/Danilo E. Luna REGION XI/GEN.SANTOS - Alma T. Sañada DAVAO CITY - Anna Lea A. Altea DIGOS - Ma. Celia DV. Prestoza MATI - Jean Dulota TAGUM- Ofelia C. Taniongon COMVAL - Monaliza Grace E. Palmares REGION XII - Marissa O. Nuñez SULTAN KUDARAT - Aida A.Valencia NORTH COTABATO - Lerma I. Maranan KORONADAL (SO.COT) - Luisito N. Mangayayam REGION XIV -Umisalam D.Sarip MAGUINDANAO - Bai Norhanna Mabang Butucan LANAO DEL SUR - Khayamera H. Dialem TAWI-TAWI -Lydia I. Arsad SULU - Madania S. Kee BASILAN - Carmelita U. Pulido NCR - Carolina Manzano CDO - Melissa Joy Baluyot EDO -Heidy C. Pasion NDO - Rolando M. Belando CAVITE - Adelyn dela Peña SDO - Miraquel D. Hernandez

3Editorial


TODAY, September 26, the National Food Authority marks its 40th

anniversary with the passion, warmth and vitality of a ruby.Ruby, so-called king of the gemstones represents the number 40 when

referring to anniversary or birthday celebrations. One of the most valuablegemstones, ruby possesses an eternal inner flame which symbolizes passion,love and vivacity, warmth and strong sense of vitality. It has everything aprecious stone should have: magnificent color, excellent hardness andoutstanding brilliance.

Throughout its existence, the NFA has become the gem thatcontinuously sparks passion and dynamism, warmth and sense of responsibilityin the food industry. Being in the forefront of a volatile industry, the NFA has,to this day, been fraught with challenges that only ignite its commitment anddedication to protect and preserve the strength and stability of rice - a politicalcommodity which happens to be the staff of life of half of the world’spopulation including the Filipinos.

Rice, as the object of NFA’s mission, necessitates a truly responsive andresolute development policy and full support from the national governmentthat would ensure its availability, affordability and accessibility despite thedaunting odds that continue to inflict harm on the very existence of the foodagency. A stable NFA existence means a stable rice industry. Rice representsthe Filipinos’ basic need for food and symbolizes food security.

On its 40th year, the NFA reiterates its commitment with as much faithand hope to give the Filipino people the rice that they deserve throughmeaningful reforms that aim for satisfactory savings and respectable earningsfor the agency, greater private sector participation, less importation in favor ofintensified local procurement and enhanced domestic production.

Further reforms are happening within the agency that would sustainsupply and price stability of the staple food, farmer empowerment, availabilityof rice during man-made and natural calamities, rice fortification, pro-poorprograms and shift from “buy high, sell low” to full-cost recovery”.

Reforms in the various aspects of NFA operations are meant to supportthe development agenda being espoused by the Aquino administration tungosa matuwid na landas. The NFA hopes to achieve a level of stability that willhighlight even more its role and contribution in the food industry. The ultimateobjective is to transform the NFA into a more cost-effective government agencythat will safeguard national food security through efficient and sustainableexecution of its mandates.

Indeed, there is a striking parallelism between NFA and ruby. Ruby’sbrilliant red color and excellent hardness are qualities that resemble NFA’sbrilliance and culture of excellence especially among its people who continueto face the daily rudiments and nuances, the needs and demands, the whysand wherefores of a precarious industry with persistence and perseveranceguided by a noble mission.

This mission will see NFA through as it looks forward to more goodreasons to celebrate its existence. cla

Reasons to celebrate

4 Grainsnotes


I’m turning 40 soon. They saylife begins at 40. I don’t have to wait forthat date to enjoy life though. I try to liveeach day like it’s my last. Don’t wait for aspecial occasion to treat yourself, a goodfriend said. Just indulge. Wear yourfavorite dress. Eat your favorite food. Youcan do these without waiting for yourage to turn four decades.

I came across these wordssomewhere: Love fully, laughuncontrollably, don’t mind those whodon’t matter to you, don’t sweat on thesmall stuff, let go easily, giveunconditionally. For some people, maybethis is hard to do. But come to think of it,once you start putting these words toheart, making them a part of youbecomes effortless. It’s like turning avision into reality. Just like the NFA.

The food agency will also turn40 this year. Ever since, the NFA has beenliving up to its mission of food securityand price stabilization. Some say the NFAis no longer as relevant as it was 20 yearsago. I have only been a part of thisagency in 2000 and I never had a singledoubt of its role. For as long as there isone Filipino who consumes rice, the NFAis needed. For as long as there is onefarmer who cultivates the soil, the NFA isneeded. In other words, the NFA isneeded whatever time or season.

Then I look back to the 2008episodes where herds of ordinary citizenslined up just to get a kilo or two of NFArice. Suddenly, the cheap NFA ricebecame a star. I don’t think the private

Lina

Life

Beforebegins

traders would do the same valiant act.They will not sell their stocks at a pricelow enough for the ordinary Juan andJuana dela Cruz to afford. No way, Jose!

Quezon Representative ErinTañada introduced a bill in Congress thatwill not only strengthen the NFA buthopes to revive the agency from when itwas primarily created 40 years ago.Personally, I believe House Bill 5292,introduced by Representatives Tañada,Wilfredo Mark Emberga and MarkLlandro L. Mendoza, will revitalize a newNFA. Section 19, Chapter 4 of the said Billspecifically renames the NFA to GrainsStabilization Authority giving it additionalregulatory powers, responsibilities andbudget to cope with the challenges ofboth domestic and international tradeand to achieve the national goal to beself-sufficient in rice and corn. Under thisBill, the NFA will be mandated to buy noless than 15% of palay productionannually, directly from the farmers andfarmers’ cooperatives. I guess it’s notwishful thinking to hope that this Billbecomes a law before the NFA turnsanother 40.

This year, as we celebrate our40th year, let’s remember the things thatmade us feel great about NFA. Some of ushave spent half of our lives here. Whileothers found their best friends, somehave found romance. The NFA helpedsend kids to school, fed mouths, builthouses, transformed dreams to reality. Onour 40th year, it’s only fitting to find agood reason to thank the NFA.

5Anniversary Message


It is with great honor and privilege to greet the National Food Authorityas it celebrates its 40th Milestone Anniversary on September 26, 2012.

Throughout the years, NFA withstood storms, floods, droughts, calami-ties, food crises, and other challenges as the vast majority of the unsung men andwomen of NFA struggled and worked hard, sacrificing a lot, to fulfill the agency’smandate of safeguarding and promoting our country’s food security and rice pro-duction to serve the interests of both the farmers and the consuming public.

Admittedly, the NFA had its own problems, just like any institution. Theseproblems served as springboards for lessons learned, adjustments made, and chal-lenges overcome.

Thus, from a record 2.25 million metric tons of rice imported by NFA in2010 before the presidency of His excellency Benigno S. Aquino III, only 200,000metric tons was imported by NFA in 2011, and further reduced to onl;y 120,000metric tons in 2012. Bulk of the two year’s importations were this time done bythe private sector, which translated to huge earnings for the agency in the form ofservice fees.

From only P101 million service fees paid by private importersto NFA in 2010, service fees earned by NFA increased to P1.55 billionin 2011 and P2.64 billion in 2012!

NFA bought imported rice at a lower price average of $150per metric ton compared to NFA’s 2010 purchases for a total ap-proximate savings of $48 million of P2.064 billion in a span oftwo years, on top of the P4.19 billion cash earnings of NFA fromservice fees collected in the past two years.

It therefore goes without saying that NFA’s total indebt-edness has been drastically reduced by more than P15 billion andNFA’s total losses reduced by more than P12 billion.

To the NFA-Employees Association headed by Mr. RomanSanchez, my sincerest appreciation for all your untiring efforts inhelping management unite and professionalize NFA.

May the National Food AUthority continue to grow and over-come obstacles as it perseveres to face the challenges ahead.

As in all agencies, the organization is only as good as itspeople and NFA has some of the finest and ablest men and womenI have worked with. To all of you, I wish to say that it has been anhonor and privilege to have served with you.

ANGELITO T. BANAYO Administrator

6 Across the Country


CPMSD conducts briefing on CDF program

PNoy gracesMakina Saka 2012

The CorporatePlanning andManagement ServicesDepartment (CPMSD),headed by Director Ma.Mercedes G. Yacapin,conducted a briefing/orientation on CornDevelopment Fund(CDF) last June 14 at theData Center at NFAVisayas Avenue, QuezonCity.

The briefingwas participated in byselected employees fromthe central office, particularly from theGeneral Services Department (GSD),Budget, Treasury and Fund ManagementDepartment (BTFMD) and AccountingServices Department (ASD). It was meantto familiarize participants on themanagement and utilization of the CDFprojects, instill awareness regarding theoperations and structures of the CDF toallow for better performance andefficiencies, and orient participantsregarding their responsibilities in relationto the CDF program.

President Benigno S. Aquino IIIwas the guest of honor and speaker at theMakina Saka 2012 at the World TradeCenter in Pasay City last July 5. With himwas Secretary of Agriculture Proceso J.Alcala and Secretary of Science andTechnology Mario Montejo together withother executives from the DA.

Farmer groups presented to thepresident a policy document on the FoodStaples Sufficiency Program (FSSP). It isthe Aquino government’s banner programaimed at attaining sufficiency in rice andmajor staples, increasing the productivityand incomes of small farmers andfisherfolk, empowering farming and fishingcommunities, and making the country’sagricultural and fishery sector globallycompetitive.

The Makina Saka 2012 or the 2nd

Agri Machinery Roadshow showcases thelatest farm production and postharvestmachinery, equipment and technologies.The event was participated in by farmersgroups, ir rigators associations andagricultural and fishery councils (AFCs).

The NFA participated in the four-day exhibit conducting free-taste and sellingof iron-fortified rice at P27 per kilo. OtherDA attached agencies supported the eventby holding cooking demos, lectures,information dissemination and otheractivities. (TERESA P. GALVEZ)

Ms. Leah G. Rosete ofCPMSD gave an overview andsummary of the CDF. Thebriefing was followed by anupdate on NFA Corn Centerprojects provided by Mr.Diocano D. Alojado ofTechnical Research and ServicesDepartment (TRSD).

Deputy AdministratorLudovico J. Jarina, CDFcommittee vice chairman,updated the participants on thelatest development of the CDF.He said that there is a remainingP137 million in the fund that

may still be utilized by corn farmers andother CDF loan availees.

The CDF was born out of theproceeds of the 1998 corn importationundertaken by the NFA. MemorandumOrder No. 468 dated March 17, 1998provides that the proceeds of the cornimportation will be held in trust by the NFAto be used for corn development projects.The net proceed at that time was P124million which served as the seed capital ofCDF. It is available to corn industrystakeholders as grant and soft loan. (LINAG. REYES)

NFA Celebrates 40th YearIT’S ALL SYSTEMS GO for

the National Food Authority as it observesits 40th founding anniversary with a three-day activity at the Food DevelopmentCenter from September 24 to 26, 2012. Thetheme of this year ’s celebration is“Apatnapung Taon ng Kaseguruhan saPagkain, Ipagpatuloy at Pagyamanin”.

Invited to this special occasion arePresident Benigno S. Aquino III; chair of

the Senate Committee on Agriculture andFood Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan; chair ofthe House Committee on Agriculture andFood Mark Leandro L. Mendoza;Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala,former NFA administrators Jesus T.Tanchanco, Emil L. Ong, Romeo G. David,Joemari D. Gerochi, Eduardo Nonato N.Joson II, Domingo F. Panganiban, AnthonyRobert A. Abad, Rep. Arthur C. Yap,Gregorio Y. Tan, Jr., Jessup P. Navarro; andother distinguished personalities.

Administrator Angelito T. Banayowill lead the 4,637 employees nationwidein commemorating the agency’s 40-yearexistence with different activitieshighlighted by the awarding of outstandingNFA central and field offices as well asemployees under the NFA Program onRewards and Incentives for ServiceExcellence (PRAISE).

Activities include exhibitiongames, fun run and mass calisthenics;livelihood/health/psycho-social seminarsand lectures; photo exhibit and multi-mediapresentation tracing the history andsignificant achievements of NFA; raffledraw and bingo socials; special dance andmusical presentations with a special numberby the NFA chorale; a regional exhibitshowcasing the different rice and rice-based

products and noted delicacies/specialtiesof 15 regions; postharvest facilities andmachineries exhibit; feeding activityfeaturing iron-fortified rice food tasting andpromotion with the special appearance ofthe IFR mascot.

The NFA Employees Associationhas also initiated other activities such as aNational Installation Art Competition withthe theme “Sapat na Pagkain Mula saPambansang Produksiyon”; selling ofNFAEA 40th anniversary raffle tickets,shirts and souvenirs and an upland riceexhibit.

The contest is open to al lpersonnel and stakeholders of the NFAfrom all the 16 geographic regions includingthe central office. Each region shall haveone entry to the competition. One entryshall also be fielded by the central office.(CORAZON L. ABIO)

57Across the Country


Region 1

GOV. MARCOS’ VISIT. NFA Ilocos Norte leads the flag raising ceremonyon May 14, 2012 at Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol. Afterwhich, ManagerFortunato B. Bulao had a dialogue with Gov. Imee R. Marcos regarding theMOA Signing of Corn Marketing Assistance Program for Industry Producers/Users and Local Government Units Program. (DIANA MARIE AGUSTIN,correspondent)

MOA SIGNING WITH IMEE. Ilocos Norte Gov.Imee R. Marcos (Seated center ) signs theMemorandum of Agreement between the ProvincialGovernment of Ilocos Norte and the NFA underthe CMAPIPULGUs program locally dubbed as“Marketing Assistance Na Alay Ni Governor Imeesa Magsasaka ” (M.A.N.A.N.G. Imee saMagsasaka). This joint project will allow the NFAto buy corn from farmers in Ilocos Norte at acompetitive price of P13.00/kg. Seated left is RIOFrederick Dulay representing Dir. Danilo I. Pastranaof NFA. PM Bulao of NFA Ilocos Norte (right), theSangguniang Panlalawigan members and cornfarmers/ Growers Association Presidents,(standing) witnessed the MOA Signing held on May25, 2012 at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Capitol.(DIANA MARIE AGUSTIN, correspondent)

UE RED WARRIORS VISIT NFA BAGUIO. Former NFA Administrator now Team Manager of UE RedWarriors Jesus Tanchanco gamely poses with NFA Baguio employees during the team’s visit to the PineCity last July 6-7. With him was coach and former PBA player Jerry Codiñera. Provincial ManagerNicanor S. Rosario led the NFA employees in this souvenir shot. (JENNIFER C. PARATON, correspondent)

GALING BODEGA SEARCH.The Regional Evaluation Teamheaded by ARD Martinez (wearingred shirt) inspect the nominatedwarehouses of NFA Ilocos NorteProvincial Office -Dingras Duplexin Dingras, Ilocos Norte andLaoag Gid Warehouse in LaoagCi ty. Provincia l ManagerFortunato Bulao, Acting AssistantProvincia l Manager Andres,PSQAO Macusi, GOO I E.Corpuz, and WarehouseSupervisors J.Corpuz and A.Biralde joined the evaluation teamfrom NFA Regional Office. (DIANAMARIE AGUSTIN,correspondent)

ORIENTATION. A one-day orientation/briefing on Grains Procurement Policies and Quality Assurance and Control wasconducted at the NFA Ilocos Norte Provincial Office on May 29, 2012 in preparation for the forthcoming palay and cornprocurement of the Agency. Around 27 employee-members of the procurement team, accounting and economics sectionsparticipated in the said orientation. (DIANA MARIE AGUSTIN, correspondent)


Employees of NorthwesternCagayan Apayao (NCA), headed byProvincial Manager Armando Ray C.Villacorta, conducted an annual two-dayteam-building activity at the Sun CityCagayan Holiday and Leisure Resort onApril 19-20.

The two-day teambuildingrenewed the vigor and spirits of theemployees as they were subjected to variousgames and activities that tested their skillsas individuals, as well as a unified group.The group was also treated to a fine diningexperience at one of Sun City’s plushrestaurants.

The said activity furtherstrengthened the bond and relationship ofthe employees. The employees always look

NFA Zambales meets barangay captains,nutrition scholars, farmers

PFAC MEETING. PFAC Ilocos Norte Chapter Chairman Mr. Mario Macadangdang (top photo, standing), welcomes the officials and members of the ProvincialFarmers Action Council during its 2nd Quarterly PFAC Meeting on May 11, 2012 at the NFA Provincial Office. Seated from left is NFA Provincial Manager Engr.Fortunato B. Bulao and APM Eleonor A. Andres. (Bottom photo) Seated infront is the Provincial Industry Services Officer (PISO) Juan S. Padre and at his backare the 48 PFAC members. The meeting was aimed at discussing the NFA procurement outlook, CDIF, FAIR and addressing the issues and concerns of thePFAC members. (DIANA MARIE AGUSTIN, correspondent)

Region 2

NFA-NCA holds team building

NFA Zambales held a meetingwith the Association of Barangay Captains(ABCs), barangay nutrition scholars andfarmer-leaders last July 5 at the municipalityof iba. The meeting was aimed at informingthe latter about the agency’s currentprograms and activities.

ABC president Salvador Rolandoof Barangay Amungan in Iba delivered theopening remarks. NFA ProvincialOperations Officer Fe M. Yap started themeeting with a pronouncement that theNational Food Authority is supportive ofthe Department of Agriculture’s FoodStaples Self-Sufficiency Program (FSSP)through massive palay procurement thismain cropping season. She enumerated thesimplified requirements in securing farmer’spassbook for individual and cooperatives.She informed that passbook will be free ofcharge and ID pictures shall be provided

Region 3

Across the Country8

8

Employees of NFA-NCA actively participate in one of the team-building exercises.

forward to thisyearly activitysince they do notonly get to relaxand enjoy thescenic spots theyget to visit eachtime, but theyalso enjoy thecompany oftheir colleagues.

According toPM Villacorta,t h i st e ambu i l d i ngexercise is a wayof rewarding the employees’ sportsmanshipand devotion to the agency’s thrust of

strengthening intrapersonal relationships.(ZENETH A. IBAÑEZ, correspondent)

by the agency. She said that walk-in farmersmay deliver a maximum of 200 bags.

Provincial Standard QualityAssurance officer (PSQAO) jimmy M.Mallari discussed Republic Act 8976 thatcalls for the mandatory fortification of fourbasic commodities such as rice, f lour,refined sugar and cooking oil to reduce theprevalence of iron-deficiency.

PSQAO Mallari presented thenew Equivalent Net Weight Factor(ENWF) for PD1/PW1 and PD3/PW3and parameters for such varieties with thecorresponding price of palay if sold toNFA. He said that the new parameters willcommand higher prices compared to theprevious classifications that would meanmore profits to farmers. The branch willprocure wet palay based on the capacity ofdryer to better serve the farmers. He saidthat a drying incentive fee of P0.20/kg shall

be granted to palay deliveries with moisturecontent of 14% and below while a deliveryincentive of P0.2./kg shall be given tofarmer organizations and individual farmerswho delivered palay to NFA’s buyingstations.

Provincial Industry ServiceOfficer (PISO) Celso F. de Guzmandiscussed additional incentives that can beavailed of by farmer cooperatives if theysell their produce to the agency such asCooperative Development Incentive Fee(CDIF), farmer’s Incentive Rice PurchaseProgram (FAIR), Farmer’s Option to BuyBack (FOBB), Institutional farmers asDistributor/Farmers as Importer (IFAD/FAI), Grains Exchangne Program forFarmers Organizations and Retai lersAssociation (GEPFORA), and PalayMarketing Assistance Program forLegislators and local Government Units(PALLGU).

Economist III Loreta G. Asilosaid that rice distribution of NFA willdepend on the present inventory and therequired inventory level to be maintained



The NationalFood Authority Tarlacparticipated in theDiskwento Caravanproject of theDepartment of Tradeand Industry (DTI)toprovide discountsthrough mobile retailoutlets last April 20 atthe Tarlac Plazuela.

The event wasalso participated in byother governmentagencies in theprovince as well as bylocal government units(LGUs).

An i-Rice booth was set up to selliron-fortified rice at P25 per kilogram. The

NFA Tarlac joins DTI’sDiskwento Caravan 2012

based on the approved provincialdistribution target. The revisedprogrammed rice distribution of theprovince is 70,000 bags from July toDecember 31, 2012. She enumeratedpolicies in securing NFA accreditation asretail outlet of NFA rice.

The barangay captains andnutrition scholars expressed appreciationfor the initiative of NFA to inform themabout palay procurement and I-rice as wellas gratitude for the simplified requirementsin securing farmer’s passbook as a way toentice farmers to participate in palayprocurement.

Participants from remote areasrequested NFA to pick up their palay fromdesignated areas. (RONILO C.SALVADOR, correspondent)

A consumer inspects the NFA’s i-Rice booth during the Diskwento Cara-van.

i-Rice mascot was also around to provideentertainment during the caravan andattract more consumers. (MIA KRISTELY. PINEDA, correspondent)

Region 4

COURTESY CALL. Laguna Provincial ManagerApolinario J. Buerano clasps hand with LagunaGovernor-Actor Jeorge “ER” Ejercito in a courtesycall with the governor last June 18. Joining them isthe governor ’s wife and Pagsanjan, Laguna MayorMaita “Girlie” Ejercito. (ANNABELL P. ONCINIAN,correspondent)

The state recognizes thenutritional deficiency problems in thecountry and the need to fortify vital foodgroups in order to promote optimal healthin the “Filipino diet”.

This is the main objective of theRepublic Act 8976 which establishes thePhilippine Fortification Program.

Under RA 8976 staples such asrice will be fortified with iron; refined sugarand cooking oil with Vit. A and wheat flourwith Vit. A and iron, through the “Sangkap

Iron-fortified rice,answer to nutritional

deficiencies

MEETING WITH IRRIGATOR-FARMERS. Laguna Provincial Manager Apolinario J. Buerano discussesthe new and simplified procurement procedures among 70 irrigator-farmers during the Irrigators’ Asso-ciation Congress held at the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) office in Pila, Laguna last June 25.(ANNABELL P. ONCINIAN, correspondent)

Pinoy Seal Program” which is a strategy toencourage manufacturers to fortifyprocessed foods/food products withessential nutrients at levels approved by theDOH.

The lead implementing agency isthe Dept. of Health (DOH) through theBureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) whilethe National Food Authority (NFA) assistsin the monitoring and review of theprogram relating to rice and rice productsexcept brown rice and the locally producedglutinous rice.

In compliance with the Act andin line with the Action Plan laid out by NFALaguna relative to the advocacy on i-Rice,Provincial Manager Apolinario J. Bueranoinvited some 70 Day Care children and

mothers to a feeding program on July 10,2012 at the NFA Provincial Office.Children and mothers of reproductive ageare considered as high-risk groups becausethey are usually deficient in iron.

Speakers were composed of PMBuerano, APM Sangalang, PIO Oncinianand Fideliz Verzo, a nurse. Different slogansdefining the health benefits of iron-fortifiedrice and/or iron if infused into our systemswere pinned around the venue. i-Ricefanboards were distributed for the mothersto remember the benefits of I-Rice.

To enliven and elicit the attentionof the small children, the good managereven used characters of heroism such asthe “Avengers” who are defenders of justice



Region 6

PFAB MEETING. NFA Bohol Provincial Office together with the NFA Industry Services Department(ISD) of the Central Office hosted the Philippine Farmers Advisory Board (PFAB) Second QuarterlyMeeting held at the Dao Diamond Hotel, Tagbilaran City. Photo shows ISD Director Miguel C. Wycoco(seated, second from left) with Bohol Provincial Manager Maria Fe H. Evasco (seated, second fromright) joined Mr. Deuel B. Puracan, RFAC chairman for Region VII and PFAB President and RFACChairman for Region XI, Mr. Edwin Y. Paraluman. With them are PFAB and RFAC officers along with Mr.Raul Montemayor of and NFAEA National President and Supervising Grains Operations Officer RomanSanchez and Senior Grains Operations Officer Nilo Sabado, both from ISD. (JHOEL J. LIM, correspondent)

NFA Catanduanes ensured thevisibility of the agency through regularmonitoring and inspection of grainsestablishments and other NFAaccredited outlets.

For the month of May, theprovincial office extended haulingassistance to farmers stocks sold to NFA.Provincial Manager Oscar SG. Tubalinalaccompanied by three staff graced Pres.Benigno S. Aquino III ’s visit toCatanduanes last May 5.

In coordination with LGU-SanAndres, the branch conducted Farmers’Assembly to discuss policies andguidelines on grains procurement andother programs of the agency.

In connection with thecelebration of Heritage Month, fourpairs of employees rendered Pantominadance during the Center forCatandungan Heritage, Inc. 2nd GawadKultura: Pagtaong Ondra held at ViracSports Center last May 19.

Employees together with NFAstakeholders attended briefing onGender and Development (GAD) lastMay 22. The provincial office also sentletter-reminder to LGU-Bato about their

NFA Catanduanes ensuresagency’s visibility

Region 5

statement of account as of April 12 forthe rice loan availed of by themunicipality last February and December2011.

For the month of June, thebranch donated to the gift-giving projectof Mutya ng Virac, Inc. It also hosted the2nd quarterly meeting of the RegionalFarmers Action Council (RFAC) last June5 and the PROMANCOM meeting lastJune 21.

NFA employees joined theLinggo ng Kalikasan parade with the theme“Sa Turismo at Kalikasan Nakasalalayang Matatag na Kinabukasan.” Theyparticipated in the tree planting activityat Oguis, Bato where they planted 70upland and mangrove trees.

The office also approved therequest of the Department of SocialWelfare and Development (DSWD) andthe Bureau of Jail Management andPenology (BJMP) to purchase rice fordistribution/consumption.

Meanwhile, the officecontinued with its advocacy campaign oniron-fortified rice at selected elementaryand high schools at 11 municipalities inthe province.

After one year, six months, andtwenty-two days, RD Tomas R. Escarezformally handed over the key ofresponsibility to RD Ruben J. Reside. Agesture that he is relinquishing his dutiesand responsibilities to the new chief duringthe turnover ceremony on May 21,following a chain of executive promotionsand transfers that was effected in the middleof the same month.

Director Escarez left Iloilo to takecharge of Region IV, where he started hisjourney in NFA. On the other hand,Director Reside had been handling RegionII for three years prior to this newassignment.

In his message, RD Tom recountedhis humble beginnings climbing up theladder of success. He narrated his sacrificesand stressed the importance of hard workand determination in pursuing his dreams.

RD Escarez turnsover key of

responsibility toRD Reside

assimilating i-Rice mascot as “defender ofhealth”

Except for the slight discoloration,the “impressionists” in the person ofteacher Calabia and another parent,accepted Iron Rice as ordinary-tasting riceloaded with nutrients and can be widelyconsumed by the family.

PM Buerano announced that theywill conduct a continuing advocacy on I-Rice not only in compliance with RA 8976but in combating the alarming prevalenceof Iron deficiency anemia and itsconcomitant ill effects. (ANNABELL P.ONCINIAN, correspondent)

His story is meant to inspire the new andyoung employees to cultivate the samevalues.

RD Ben said that this will be hisfirst time to be assigned outside Luzon. Healso expressed his delight that people in hisprevious post were congratulating him ashe will be going to paradise - Boracay.Furthermore, he exhorted the personnel toaccomplish assigned tasks with honesty.

The employees in the region wereboth sad and excited during the occasion.Sad that a great man is leaving and excitedthat an extraordinary man will be leading.

The turnover ceremony was heldat the region’s training center and wasfollowed by a luncheon specially preparedby the region’s staff for the two directors.(CASHMERE GEMARINO ,correspondent)



A change in leadership in an NFAprovince or region is highlighted by aturnover ceremony which depicts a certaintradition in public service. This exerciseconjures up an image of a public officialaccepting responsibility and accountability,as well as transparency that exposes himunder the gaze and scrutiny of a public eye.

Atty. Efren J. Sabong officiallycommenced his duties and function asregional director of Region VII last June11 in a simple turnover ceremony held atthe NFA Cebu Multi-purpose Center inBanilad, Cebu City replacing RegionalDirector Atty. Danilo L. Bonabon who isnow assigned at the Industry and SecurityServices Department (ISSD) in CentralOffice.

Director Sabong is new in theregion, but definitely he is not new to theoverall operations and activities of the NFAhaving been with the agency since 1986starting as Special Assistant to theAdministrator prior to his assignment as

Sabong now leads Region 7Director in various departments at CentralOffice and Regional Director for quitesome time of Region IV and NationalCapital Region.

In his speech, Dir. Sabong said hewas overwhelmed by the warm welcomeaccorded him by the employees, just likethe ardent send off given to outgoingRegional Director Bonabon. He said he isboth happy and sad of his new assignment.Happy because this is his first assignmentin the Visayas area, Central Visayasparticularly, which is noted as one of thekey cities outside Metro Manila wherepeople are warm and friendly. He said hewill definitely spend time working in Cebuwith ease and comfort compared to theamount of activityin Region IV, his previousassignment where procurement operationis a lot heavier.

Sad because he will be away fromhis family especially his beautiful wife, hissource of inspiration. He said he acceptedhis new place of assignment, “just like a

good soldier, we have to abide by whateveris demanded from us for the welfare ofthe agency.” He asked the employees to putmore dedication to their work and showprofessional competence especially with thesituation confronting the NFA now. Heinformed the employees that he will betravelling to Central Office every now andthen considering that he is also a memberof the National Bids and AwardsCommittee.

On the other hand, outgoingRegional Director Atty. Danilo Bonabonthanked Region 7 provincial managers andemployees for their unwavering support andunderstanding as well as valuable share inthe overall operational activities of theregion. He said leaving Region 7 and thepeople whom he has learned to like is adifficult experience. He accepted his newplace of assignment with utmost humilitykeeping in mind to always give the best forthe agency. (LUCY ROSALES,correspondent)

Region 7

Region 8

Employees in Southern Leytewent through a fire drill recently conductedby the Bureau of Fire and Protection(BFP). Aimed at preparing the employeesin the event of fire disaster, the fire drillinvolved establishing methods of safe andsystematic evacuation during an emergency.

Prior to the fire drill, Fire OfficerRex Austria lectured on the different kindsof fire and prevention methods. Senior FireOfficer Tereso D. Orias demonstrated theuse of fire extinguisher as the initial safetyprecaution when fire occurs inside theoffice. He also discussed basic fire safetylike leaving the building immediately uponhearing a fire alarm; walking calmly andavoiding panic; leaving valuables behindand assisting handicapped people in leavingthe building.

The employees were divided intogroups and assigned with responsibilitiesduring the drill. Provincial Manager IsaganiT. Nicandro was tapped as fire brigade chiefwho was responsible for all the groups. Thefirefighting group was assigned to help interminating the fire; the first aid group, onthe other hand, provided first aid to thoseaffected by fire; the rescue/salvaging groupwas assigned to rescue persons or importantthings that may still be saved during thefire; the traffic control group was tasked tocontrol the crowd to avoid panic andstampede; the evacuation group wasresponsible in finding safety evacuationareas. (ELISA ALMACIN, correspondent)

Southern Leyteemployees undergo

fire drill

Manager Isagani T. Nicandro (in striped shirt) and Southern Leyte employees during a fire drill conductedby the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) with the fire truck on the background.

RFAC holds quarterly meeting4. Proposed House Bill 5292 or

“The Phil ippine Farm Security andAgriculture Competitiveness Act” : forapproval by the Congress.

5. NFA-EA COURAGE Update6. PFAC’s issues and ConcernsMs. Cabato emphasized the policy

on palay and corn procurement anddistribution with the importation of ricebeing limited in consonance with thegovernment’s thrust to concentrate moreon local procurement.

She added that with regard to theissuance of passbook, the NFA shallshoulder the taking of I.D. picture of thefarmers to be put in their passbooks beforeissuance to help lessen the farmer’sexpenses in passbook application.

She said that an AO was issued toclarify that the only one requirement to be

The Regional Advisory Council(RFAC) held its 2nd quarterly meeting atRegion IX Conference Room on June 19,2012. Provincial Farmers Advisory Council(PFAC) chairpersons; Regional LicensingOfficer (RLO) Ma. Estrella l. Cabato;Provincial Licensing Officer (PLO) Mr.Silverio M. Bandiola; and two NFA regionalemployees participated in the meeting.

The meeting opened with a prayerled by Mr. Bandiola, followed by a welcomeaddress, after which, the body deliberatedon the following matters:

1. Update on Operational Policyon the Procurement and DistributionProgram for 2012

2. Search for Outstanding RiceFarmers Organization of NFA

3. Simplified Requirement forInstitutionalized Procurement Plan

Region 9



The NFA Region IX wascommended with the followingCertificate of Commendations by theNFA Central Office, during the Grains

In observance of the PhilippineArbor Day every 25th day of June of everyyear, the City of Zamboanga highlightedit with a city-wide celebration dubbed as“Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga”(Arbor Day in the City of Zamboanga,)participated in by NFA employees led byMr. Jordan L. Valente, HRM Officer I.

NFA joins Arbor Dayna Ciudad

de Zamboanga

RD Halil A. Al-Rashid Lucman (center right) shares the commendations with Provincial Managersand Regional Staff of NFA Region 9

Marketing Operations Department-National Planning Conference attended byDirector Halil A. Al-Rashid Lucman, inBaguio City on June 4-8, 2012:

·Certificate of commendation for havingattained the Highest Rice Milling Recoveryof Palay Milled from January to May, 2012;·Certificate of Commendation for havingattained the Highest Percentage of PalayMilled from January to May 2012;·Certificate of Commendation for havingattained the Highest Accomplishment inRice Distribution for CY 2011.

Director Lucman, who personallyreceived the 3 citations expressed pride andelation over the awards. “Receiving thesecommendations is significant for indeed,NFA Region IX is contributing to theattainment of NFA’s mandate ofstabilization of grains supply and prices, anaccomplishment that speaks well ofcommitment and dedication to duty,” hesaid.

During the Regional ManagersCommittee Meeting last June 22, DirectorLucman happily shared the commendationsto Provincial Managers of Zamboanga City,Dipolog City, Pagadian City, Ipil Sibugayand to NFA Regional Staff/employees.(ANGELICA M. PELLIEN,correspondent)

submitted before accreditation/issuance ofNFA’s Grains Procurement Passbook(revalidation) is:

For individual Farmers: LGU-MAO or DAR MARO Certif icationwhichever is applicable, indicating hectarageplanted to palay/corn and yield per hectarewhether area cultivated is irrigated or not.· For Farmer ’s Cooperative/Association/Organization: CDA or SECRegistration or any registration certificatefrom any government registering agencyand a list of farmer-members certified byLGU-MAO or DAR-MARO whichever isapplicable indicating hectarage whetherirrigated or non-irrigated and yield perhectare

Ms. Cabato informed that duringthe Farmers National Convention in BaguioCity last July 26, farmer leaders and officersvowed to continue to support NFAprograms to achieve the government’sthrusts for 2012 and help attain rice self-sufficiency by 2013.

Calvin Hamak, Regional Chair ofthe Farmers Advisory Council delivered theclosing remarks. (ANGELICA M.PELLIEN, correspondent)

Spearheaded by the Departmentof Environment and Natural Resources(DENR), trees were planted by some 4000individuals from private sectors, schoolinstitutions, local government units,provincial , regional, and nationalgovernment offices at the city’s designatedplanting site at Cesar C. Climaco FreedomPark at Sitio Abong-Abong, BarangayPasonanca, this city.

If the commitment and supportto this environmental activity will continueevery year, Philippines will no longer be avictim of ruthless typhoons. ThePhilippines will be able to produce moregrains for its people. (ANGELICA M.PELLIEN, correspondent)

Region IX receives commendations

ERRATUM:From last issue’s On the Cover,

we mistakenly said that Kidapawan isin South Cotabato. It is located in NorthCotabato.



June 19 marks the lives of theFilipinos, because a Hero was born.

The City of Zamboangaspearheaded the observance of the 151st

Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal byholding a commemorative program andwreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal parkof the city, participated in by the NFAfamily and other line agencies from privatesectors and government sectors.

NFA commemorates the151st birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Every first Monday of the month,a convocation participated in by local andnational government agencies is held by theprovincial government of MalaybalayBukidnon, through the office of theprovincial capitol, headed by GovernorAlex Calingasan. The agencies took turnsin hosting/sponsoring the said activity. LastJuly 2, the National Food AuthorityBukidnon was one of the sponsors togetherwith the Provincial Agriculture Office,Philippine Red Cross, Provincial VeterinaryOffice, and Provincial Welfare andDevelopment Office.

The convocation was held at theKaamulan open theater, provincial capitol,Malaybalay City. This gathering provides aGOOD venue for each agency to updatethe people and keep them abreast with theprograms they are implementing for thewelfare of the people of Bukidnon.

NFA Provincial Manager VictoriaR. Duray apprised the people of theagency’s accomplishments for the periodJanuary to June 2012. Support to farmerswas the priority of the agency by makingavailable post-harvest facilities that they

Bukidnon sponsorsconvocation

Region 10need. Thru the implementation of theIrrigated Rice Production EnhancementProgram (IRPEP), NFA Bukidnon set upfarmer’s kiosks in three strategically locatedareas: NFA Aglayan compound, NFAValencia compound and NFA Maramagcompound. Each kiosk is complete withinternet access where the farmers couldsearch for marketing linkages to suppliersof fertilizers, seeds and buyers of theirproduce. Internet access likewise providesthe farmers comparative grains pricesoutside of Bukidnon thus, giving themwider spectrum on where and when to selltheir produce to their best advantage.

Manager Duray also informedthat NFA Bukidnon has been activelycoordinating with the local governmentunits (LGUs), municipal agriculturalofficers (MAOs) and farmer organizations(FOs) in the conduct of farmers’ ugnayanto promote NFA’s palay procurementscheme: a) the simplified requirements forthe issuance of farmer’s passbooks; b) thecereal procurement fund allocation systemas introduced by Director Gil Pepito B.Paqueo which aims for equitability andtransparency, programmability of deliveriesand minimization of “first come, firstserved” basis; c) the augmentation of thefirst delivery from 100 bags to 200 bags

for farmers without passbook; d) the speedycash payment scheme which will enable thefarmer/FO for fast turn-around ofcooperative funds; d) availabil ity ofmechanical dryers; etc. Through thisugnayan , the farmers also learn andappreciate the computation of NFA buyingprice with the use of the Equivalent NetWeight (ENW) factor vs the traders’ buyingprice with the use of the “tarha”. Also, thefarmers are given a crash course/hands-on

The ceremony reminded aboutthe most significant event in the country’shistory, where heroism and patriotismprevailed for the love of country. The lifeof Dr. Jose P. Rizal symbolized this loveand is worthy of emulation.

Meanwhile, the NFA participatedin another historical event, thecommemoration of the Phil ippineIndependence Day.

Spirited and full of hopes, theZamboangaños, spearheaded by the citygovernment of Zamboanga, were joined byNFA employees with the different lineagencies of the government, in celebratingthe ‘victory’ of the Filipinos against theSpaniards.

The NFA delegation was led byAdministrative Assistant IV Cecilia TH.Maravilla. They brought flowers as offeringwhich symbolized sincere recognition ofwhat the Filipino heroes had done for thecountry. (ANGELICA M. PELLIEN,correspondent)

PM Victoria R. Duray

NFA is champ!NFA Region IX actively

participated in the celebration of the 114th

Anniversary of the Department ofAgriculture (DA) last June 25. This year’stheme was- “Sa Matuwid na Daan Pagkainay Sapat, Kabuhayan ay Angat.”

Sports activities were part of theanniversary highlights to promote

camaraderie and sportsmanship amongemployees. NFA employees participated insaid sports events together with thedifferent line agencies under the DA. Theywere divided into four groups/colors suchas: DA - green (composed of DA, FIDA,NSQCS, RAFC, PhilMench andNABCOR); NIA – red (composed of NIA,PCA and PCA-ZRC); BFAR – blue(composed of BFAR, RFTC, and PFDA);NFA – yellow (composed of NFA, BAS,NMIS, ATI, PCC, PCIC, BAI, BSWM andQuedancor).

The sports activities which weredone simultaneously on June 21, 2012. Onthe day of the anniversary (June 25), thecelebration kicked-off with a motorcadefollowed by ribbon cutting ceremony tosignal the “Tiangue, Tiangue na DA”

(Market, Market in the DA), an Agri-TradeFair, spearheaded by the DA through theAgribusiness and Marketing AssistanceDivision at the DA-Quadrangle, DASatellite Office, Zamboanga City.

During the Agri-trade fair, the DAprovided exhibitors a tent and two plasticchairs to be used in their booths. The agri-trade fair aimed to showcase priorityprograms as well as to promote and sellagri-fishery products.

During the culminating program,the NFA was awarded the over-al lchampion for winning in various sportscategories.

Indeed, DA anniversary wasmemorable especially for the NFA family -the champ! (ANGELICA M. PELLIEN,correspondent)



TURN OVER. RD Gil Pepito B. Paqueo turns over the (sym-bolic bag of rice) responsibility of taking care of the foodsecurity of the Region to incoming RD Javier P. Lozada.(MA. CELESTE R. GAABUCAYAN, correspondent)

NEW NFAEA CDO OFFICERS. It was indeed a great honor to have no less than AdministratorBanayo administering the Oath of Office of the newly elected officers of NFAEA CDO Chapterfor CY 2012-2014. Right to left: Pres. Jose Lumantas; BOD Emilio Ramos; BOD JonathanDerequito; Auditor Ma. Teresa Bombeo; Treasurer Ida F. Eli; BOD Emma Asiñero; BODYolando Abesamis; Sec. Danilo dela Vega; BOD Samuel Natavio and BOD Ma. Celeste R.Gaabucayan. (MA. CELESTE R. GAABUCAYAN, correspondent)

SYNCHRONIZED TREE-PLANTING. NFA-CompostelaValley, led by Provincial Manager Virgilio B. Alerta, par-ticipated in a synchronized tree planting activity inBarangay Pasian, Monkayo, Compostela Valley duringthe Philippine Arbor Day celebration last June 25 atLamdag Agro Eco-Tourism Complex. The province ofCompostela Valley is targeting to plant more than 20million trees by year 2015 to help address global warm-ing and climate change. (MONALIZA GRACE E.PALMARES, correspondent)

Region 11

training on grains classification and thedetermination of moisture content usingthe digital Kett moisture meter. With thesestrategies in place and the active supportof the LGU and other partners of theagency, NFA Bukidnon hopes to procuremore than their target and contribute to thegoal of self-sufficiency by 2013. (MA.CELESTE R. GAABUCAYAN,correspondent)

GENSAN i-Rice ADVOCACY PROGRAM. NFA Gen. Santos City conducted i-RiceAdvocacy and Feeding Program (I-Rice arrozcaldo) last July 13 initiated by PM LesterRomeo E. Malana and some NFA employees. The said program was coordinatedwith LGU and DepEd at Barangay Ligaya Elementary School, feeding some 600schoolchildren from kindergarten and grades 1 to 6. The school principal, Mrs. ErlindaNadela, expressed gratitude to NFA management represented by Mgr. Malana forchoosing their school as recipient of NFA Programs. (ALMA T. SAÑADA, correspon-dent)

REGIONAL GAWAD SAKA AWARD. NFA REGION XI participated in the Regional Gawad Saka Awarding Ceremony held at Grand Men Seng Hotel, MagallanesSt., Davao City on August 03, 2012. During the Opening Ceremony, NFA Region XI employees rendered the singing of the invocation prayer, PhilippineNational Anthem and Department of Agriculture Hymn. RD Edgar S. Bentulan introduced the Keynote Speaker, Hon. Corazon Malanyaon, Governor of DavaoOriental while ARD Dianne A. Silva was the master of ceremonies during the occasion. Certificates of appreciation were given to ARD Dianne A. Silva for herinvaluable effort extended as master of ceremony and to Dir Edgar S. Bentulan for NFA Region XI, exceptional performance of NFA Choir as group singersduring the Regional Gawad Saka Awarding of the CY 2011-2012 Outstanding Agri-Achievers in Region XI. The participation and support given by NFA RegionXI was appreciated and lauded by DA XI Regional Executive Director Constancio C. Maghanoy Jr. (ALMA T. SAÑADA, correspondent)



NFA Sultan Kudaratholds general

assembly on NFAprograms

NFA-North Cotabato incoordination with the Provincial FarmersAction Council (PFAC) headed by PFACChairman Francisco P. Babac conducted an“Ugnayan” at the Provincial CapitolRooftop, Amas, Kidapawan City last June22.

Around 24 FOs/Coops/IAs/FAsfrom the different municipalities ofCotabato province attended the said activity.It aimed to map out the direction of theagency and engage in aggressive palayprocurement during the harvest period toassure the build-up of buffer stocks.

NFA Regional DirectorCrestituto C. Mangaoang stressed out theimportance of NFA’s advocacy which is,procure what you need to distribute,distribute what you will able to procure.

NFA-North Cotabatoholds Ugnayanwith farmers

Regional Manager Crestituto C. Mangaoang updates Region XII employees on the improved/enhancedprocurement strategies to intensify palay procurement for the main harvest from August-December,2012 as discussed during the NFA Conference/Workshop held in Cebu City on May 02-04, 2012.(MARISSA O. NUÑEZ, correspondent)

Region 12

With the aim of creating anunderstanding and wider acceptance fromthe farmers of NFA Programs, AssistantRegional Manager/Concurrent ProvincialManager of NFA, Isulan, Sultan KudaratPangalian B. Busran conducted a briefing/re-orientation on NFA marketing and otherrelated programs by stressing the importantrole of NFA. He encouraged all employeesto go out of the box in conducting“Ugnayan” to support the slogan “Procurewhat you need to Distribute and Distributewhat you will be able to Procure”.

Acting ROO Roque C. Hilariopresented the Improved/EnhancedProcurement Strategies in support to palayprocurement for the main harvest seasonwith relaxed/simplified requirements in theissuance of passbook so that farmers could

Region XII Assistant Regional Director & concurrent NFA Sultan Kudarat Provincial Manager Pangalian B.Busran during the briefing/orientation.comply easily with the needed documents.ARD Busran emphasized that there’s a needto map out the direction of the agency andcome up with operational strategies likeextensive advocacy campaign on aggressive

procurement to hit the target this year. Inline with this, teams were created to beassigned in different areas within theprovince. (MARISSA O. NUÑEZ ,correspondent)

Seated from left to right: PM Fernando S. Nuñez; Hon. Vice Gov. Gregorio T. Ipong; Regional DirectorCrestituto C. Mangaoang; Dr. Teodora Casipe, Executive Assistant to the Governor and Francisco P.Babac, PFAC Chairperson.

To establish and strengthenlinkages with the local government, Gov.Emmylou “Lala” Mendoza was invited asthe guest speaker represented by ViceGovernor Gregorio T. Ipong. ViceGovernor stated that “We have always been

supporting the farmers, rest assured thatprograms like PALLGU will be discussedwith the Governor as part of our supportto the implementation of programsbeneficial to both farmers and the NFA.”

Attendees actively participated inthe brief workshop with NFA’sprocurement team per to come up withideas and strategies on how they can helpNFA achieve its target this year.(SHERRYL V. POLO, correspondent)

The National Food Authority inKoronadal City intensified informationdrive on i-Rice consumption during themeeting and briefing at different municipalassociation of day care workers in theprovince of South Cotabato. It was heldon May 28, 2012 to July 16, 2012.

NFA intensifiesadvocacy on i-Rice



After 22 months of overseeingNFA Cagayan de Oro City, Region X, RDGil Pepito B. Paqueo returned to where hisheart belongs, to NFA Caraga RegionalOffice.

RD Paqueo received the symbolickey of responsibility from RD Javier P.Lozada Jr. in a simple but well attendedturnover ceremony held at the ProvincialOffice, Butuan City last June 14, 2012.

RD Paqueo was accompanied byRegion X delegation who included ARDRolando M. Maravilla, PM Victoria Duray(Bukidnon), PM Raymundo Cotiangco (Camiguin), COA Auditor Virginia M. DelRosario and some members of bothRegional Office and Provincial Officestaffs.

Caraga Regional employeeswelcomed back their dynamic mentor andbade farewell to their distinguished eligiblebachelor by singing tribute songs. Bothdirectors received special tokens fromCaraga and Provincial employees and staff.They expressed high hopes for aharmonious working relations with RDPaqueo and grateful for the memories andmoments with outgoing RD Lozada. Foodand drinks were served after the program.(CHRISTINE S. PARIÑAS, correspondent)

NFA Caraga Regionwelcomes back

RD Paqueo

Caraga

ARMM

Consumers give their thumbs-up sign after buyingrepacked NFA i-Rice priced at P28.00 per kilogramfrom a rolling store deployed by Central District Officein Luneta Grandstand during the celebration of the114th Anniversary of the Philippine Independencefrom June 11 to 12, 2012. (CAROLINA B.MANZANO, correspondent)

NCR

NCR Central District Office Special CollectingOfficer (SCO) Jocelyn Joaquin explains toconsumers the procedures in cooking NFA i-Riceand the benefits of eating the staple to controlmalnutrition. i-Rice paraphernalia like fan boardsand brochures were distributed to the public duringthe rolling store deployment last June 11 to 12 tostrengthen advocacy in the consumption of i-Ricein Metro Manila. (CAROLINA B. MANZANO,correspondent)

NFA Provincial Manager AvelinoM. Usman, organized an advocacy team sothat the general public will be betterinformed on the current program of theagency.

“We should promote andpatronize i-Rice because the NationalNutrition Council and Department ofHealth mandatorily endorsed the saidprogram and has proven effective infighting anemia among children, pregnantand lactating mothers.” Mgr. Usman said.

NFA is tasked to fortify rice withiron in compliance with Republic Act No.8976 also known as “The PhilippineFortification Act of 2000”.

Assistant Manager Angelina M.Lucena, over all coordinator on i-Riceadvocacy team said, “We have sufficientsupply of iron premix to produce ironfortified rice when needed anytime by thedirect consumer, LGUs, DSWD and otherline government agencies who want to avail,we can assure these are ready and available.”

The NFA hopes that thefortification of rice will lessen the cases ofanemia and help combat problem on micronutrient deficiency. (LUISITO N.MANGAYAYAM, correspondent)

Incoming RD Gil Pepito B. Paqueo (left) receives the key of responsibilityfrom outgoing RD Javier P. Lozada, Jr.

I-RICE ADVOCACY CAMPAIGN. Information Officer Bai Norhanna M. Butucan discusses the benefitsof iron fortified rice and its blending process to the locals of Parang Municipality in Maguindanao Province

during the 1st Cluster“Angat Tayo Caravan” heldlast May 31. The saidCaravan is one of theactivities under the HungerAlleviation and ImprovedNutri tion (HAIN) of theNational Nutrition Council(NNC), an attached agencyof DOH. The said activityis a great help for NFAMaguindanao for i tsad vo ca cy / i n fo r ma t i oncampaign on RiceFortification Program. (BAINORHANNA M.B U T U C A N ,correspondent)


Venue forteam-building

activities

Administrator’s Office

Internal Audit Department (IAD).

NFA Mamburao

NFA employees fromCentral Office and otherField Offices visited IlocosNorte during their team

building activities: NFA Mamburao last June 2;Administrator ’s Office employees on May 12, 2012;Regional Office La Union on May 10, 2012; GMODon May 5, 2012; NFA Cabanatuan on April 27, 2012;NFA Isabela on March 29, 2012; and the IAD Teamafter their exit conference onMarch 19, 2012. Touristguides from NFA Ilocos Norteshowed them the differenthistorical places and touristspots in the province.

Featuring world classhistorical landmarks, religious andcultural places, presence of naturaland man-made attractions, IlocosNorte is now rapidly becoming thenew tourist destination of choice.

Situated in the northern part of the country(Ilocos Region), the province offers not only the arts andsights but the cuisine as well, notably bagnet, longganisaand cornik in Paoay,empanada in Batac,biscocho in Pasuquin,pakbet, among others.

Visiting IlocosNorte means learninghistory and also impliesa chance to relax frommonotonous life.

The mouth-watering bagnet

A P N G

erfectorthern etaway

Ilocos Norte:A P N G

erfectorthern etaway

By Diana Marie Agustin

The world-famous Bangui Wind Farm

The remarkable Kapurpurawan rock formations

17Features

The small paddle boat or “sibid-sibid” that takes Dir. Alan Borja and Aireen Poyatosat the shoreline of Barangay Buenavista.

It’s More Fun inRapu-Rapu withi-Rice


Call time was set at 5:00 amat the Legazpi Pier. NFA Team fromRegion 5 and Albay Provincial Officeincluding myself arrived at theappointed place ahead of time with ourbags packed with clothes and somefood stuffs ready for an overnight stayat Rapu-Rapu Island where an advocacyon I-Rice feeding activity and livelihoodseminars are to be conducted in twobarangays on July 5, 2012. We weretold that we will spend the night at thecamp site of Rapu-Rapu PolymetallicProject (RRPP) which is jointly operatedby the Rapu-Rapu Minerals Inc andRapu-Rapu Processing Inc.

The Rapu-Rapu PolymetallicProject, considered a pioneer inpolymetallic mining, produces copperand zinc concentrates, with gold andsilver by-products. It has a MineDevelopment Area (MDA) of about 180hectares in the Ungay-Malobagomineral reserve within Rapu-RapuIsland.

As part of its corporate socialresponsibility (CSR), RRPP implementsseveral community developmentprograms in the municipality of Rapu-Rapu under its CommunityDevelopment Assistance Program(CDAP) in partnership with localgovernment units, governmentagencies, private and civicorganizations. RRPP provides funds,logistics support and manpowerskills to

By Ma. Cynthia L. SuarezPhotos by Aireen Poyatos & Nelsie Alcantara

implementits CDAPprogramsguided bythe UnitedNationsMillenniumGoals(UNMDG)and theneeds of theresidents.Rapu-RapuMineralsInc. recentlyreceived thetop honors in the Social Empowermentcategory of the Asia ResponsibleEntrepreneurship Awards (AREA) 2012for South East Asia for implementingtheir Community DevelopmentAssistance Program.

The NFA team, all ten of us wasled by newly installed Region 5 Director,Alan Borja. All first timers, NFA team(Tay Edwin, Nelsie, Bel, APM Tonette,Aireen, Jun, Allan, Ronald and me)boarded the motorboat that will bringus to Barangays Morocborocan andBuenavista.

After ironing out some hitchesand completing the other members ofthe group that include Ms. CecilleCalleja, Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Inc. V icePresident for

Public Relations & Corporate Affairs andher staff, representatives from theDepartment of Trade and Industry,Rapu-Rapu Environment People’sOrganization, National Commission onCulture and Arts, we finally left LegazpiPier at past 6:00 in the morning whilethe sun began to rise. What a beautifulsight!

While traversing the Albay Gulffor more than an hour, we slowly lostsight of Mayon Volcano but saw thesplendor of other creations of the GodAlmighty as we passed by the smallislands around the gulf with its greenfoliage. Soon, we forgot the bustlingcity life as serenity enveloped us in this

distant island.After more than two

hours of motorboatride, we finally arrivedat our first destination,BarangayMorocborocan. It isone of the 13barangays comprisingthe Rapu-Rapu island.The island is one ofthe three islands thatmake up theMunicipality of Rapu-Rapu. The town wasclassified as a 4th classmunicipality in theprovince of Albayprior to theoperations of themine; in 2009 it wasreclassified as asecond classmunicipality. Theother two areBatan Island andGuinayan Island.

Uponalighting atBarangay

18 Features


The success and positiveresults of the Regional Conference andWorkshop on Rice Fortification held inRegions 5, 6 and 9 funded by the UnitedNations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)encouraged NFA management toduplicate similar activity nationwideusing its corporate funds.

Adjacent regions were joinedtogether totaling to six the number ofconferences held nationwide from Aprilto June 2012. NFA facilities were usedin the conduct of the conference exceptin those areas where there are notraining facilities.

The regional conference ofNCR and Region 3 was held at the FoodDevelopment Center in Taguig; Region 4in NFA-Batangas; Regions 7 & 8 and theprovincial offices of Basilan, Tawi-Tawiand Sulu at NFA-Cebu; Region 10 andCARAGA and the provincial office ofLanao del Sur in Balay Mindanao in

Participants from NCR and Region 3 at the Food DevelopmentCenter in Taguig City.

Participants from Regions 7 & 8 and the provincial offices of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Suludisplay their certificates proudly at the conference at NFA-Cebu.

i-Rice advocates from Regions 11 & 12 in a group photo after the conference at NFAGeneral Santos City.

i-Rice conference goes nationwideCagayan de Oro; Regions 1 and 2 atNFA-Baguio City and Regions 11 and 12at NFA-GenSan City.

The conferences wereconducted by the Technical WorkingGroup (TWG) of the Committee on RiceFortification Program headed by Dir.Rex C. Estoperez of the Public AffairsDepartment. Republic Act 8976 or theFood Fortification Law was revisited

while nutrition updates, iron deficiencyanemia, status of the Rice FortificationProgram in the areas of production andtechnology, marketing and distribution,advocacy and promotions werediscussed. As an output, each provincialoffice was asked to prepare an actionplan for implementation in theirrespective areas until December of thisyear. (MA. CYNTHIA L. SUAREZ)

19Features

Morocborocan wharf, the groupimmediately proceeded to our host,Barangay Captain Winifredo Bonanza.

The group poses for a souvenir photo upon reaching Barangay Morocborocan

Aftertaking ashort rest, itwas nowtime toproceedwith themainbusiness.MadamCecilleCalleja ofRRPPannouncedthat

Barangay Morocborocan will be arecipient of their CDAP’s Feeding ofInfants and Toddlers (FIAT) for the next

six months in partnership with the LGUin the area and the NFA for the supplyof I-Rice. FIAT is one of the programsbeing initiated by RRPP to help addressthe severe malnutrition problem in thearea. A total of 25 children aged zero toseven years old including ten pregnantwomen and 19 breastfeeding mothersin Barangay Morocborocan and 21children aged zero to seven years old inBuenavista with six pregnant womenand 34 breastfeeding mothers areexpected to benefit from this feedingprogram. The beneficiaries will be givena one-day meal served with I-Rice forthe next six months. Baseline weight of

Turn to page 20

Photos by Maning Sadsad

20 Features


What’s in store for NFA? Thisis the so-called one-million dollarquestion that needs a sure answerespecially at this time when the agencyis coming full circles as it enters a newphase of existence. Year- in-and-year-out we would find ourselves askingwhether there’s still time allowed forNFA to do its work. We are wont tohearing incredulous innuendos andcaustic criticisms that undermine orthreaten its existence. We are used toconfronting and witnessing incisiveinterpellation by policy makers orlegislators both in the upper and lowerchambers. We are mind-and-heart-

By Cora L. AbioPhotos courtesy of CPMSD

the beneficiaries will be taken prior toand regularly during the feedingprogram to monitor their weight

improvement.When NFA’s turn

came, Dir. Alan Borjadelivered a short messagefollowed by APM AntoniaRañeses’ briefing on I-Rice, its nutritionalbenefits and cookingprocedures. Afterwards,the children and theaudience feasted on the I-Rice “lugaw” prepared bythe volunteers.

After taking asumptuous lunch of fish,ginataang langka andmalunggay, the group hadto leave BarangayMorocborocan for its next

Children line up for their share of i-Rice “lugaw”

it’s more fun...Continued from 19

destination, Barangay Buenavista.As we board again the

motorboat, we left Jingle, a staff ofMam Cecille and Connie from DTI whowere going to conduct a “Fish and ChipsDelight” Workshop, a joint project ofRapu-Rapu Environment People’sOrganization and CDAP through theirHELP or Hope throughEntrepreneurship and LivelihoodPrograms for the benefit of householdmothers in the barangay. The workshopis designed to empower the locals byproviding sustainable livelihoodopportunities and promote the use ofindigenous resources and skills. Theywill also be conducting a similarworkshop in Barangay Buenavista thefollowing day.

Normally, the trip fromBarangay Morocborocan to BarangayBuenavista would only take about 20

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A P

chievingerfection

conditioned to feel blessed with a noblemission that brings us worries anddespairs at the same time. And as longas NFA is here as part of our system andas a major cog of a volatile industry, weare to face a myriad of challenges andadjustments appurtenant to thechanging political and economiclandscape. Let’s face it: the one milliondollar question would remainunanswered. No…nothing is definite.Everything about this agency is likecomparing it with life itself – walangkasiguruhan ang lahat. We can only

deal with the present albeit we canprepare for an unknown future.

And so what are we to donow? Let’s not complicate – in ourhands lay limited power and influence –and yes, resources. We focus then ourdiscussion on the 2012 NationalPlanning Conference held last May 2-4in Cebu City. The planning aimed todissect major areas in ourorganizational and operationalstructures. It was a thoroughinvestigation, so to speak, intocorporate details or areas that wouldimpact on NFA in the years to comesuch as: NFA’s VMG (vision-mission-goals) following the Road Map;marketing operations policies;maintenance of good quality bufferstocks and proper disposal; plantillapositions; asset rationalization plan;prioritization of proposals and annualbudget; performance evaluationsystem; transport facility andequipment rationalization; real estateconcerns; liquidation of specialaccounts/funds; disposal of NFA’s non-serviceable assets; capital assetsespecially the NFA Council-approved;and so much more.

Partic ipants tothe 2012 Na-tional PlanningConference inCebu listen in-tently.

Directors huddled together during a brainstorming session on NFA specialprojects during the National Planning Conference.

21Features


minutes. But because it was low tideduring our trip, we took a longer routethat delayed us for another 20 minutes.

It was past 2 pm when ourmotorboat docked about 500 metersaway from the seashore of BarangayBuenavista. Most of us took the smallpaddle boat or what they call “sibid-sibid”, which could accommodate onlytwo passengers, to reach the seashore.

As we walked our way towardsthe barangay day care center about halfa kilometer away, we marveled at howGod endowed this place with richnatural resources. But upon reachingour destination, we were also saddenedat the gaze of infants and toddlers whoare poorly nourished.

The heavy rains startedpouring and the lowly barangay daycare center is now filled to the rafterswith mothers and children eagerly

waiting us. Madam Cecille personallytook the baseline weight of the childrenincluded in the feeding program whilevolunteers started cooking I-Rice“lugaw” to be served afterwards.

APM Tonette Rañesesdiscussed with the mothers about theRice Fortification Program of the NFAand encouraged them to eat I-Rice.After the briefing, the three big pots ofhot I-Rice “lugaw” were emptied in just30 minutes as children lined up to gettheir share until they were full. Thesight was melancholic, seeing thosesmall children seemingly deprived ofthe basic needs in life. But knowing thatthere are groups who care for them,there is somehow a ray of hopeawaiting these children in this distantisland.

The original plan to stayovernight at the island changed as time

permitted the group to return back toLegazpi City. Before the sun set, thegroup left Barangay Buenavista, tired ofthe day-long activities yet happy andcontented for a mission wellaccomplished.

On our trip back to LegazpiCity, we had a chance again toappreciate the beauty of the islandsthat surround the Albay Gulf. We evendropped by the luxury Misibis BayResort and Hotel in Cagraray Island butsince it was already dark, we were notable to see how majestic the place isexcept for the lights that were litaround the bay.

It was already past the hour of8:00pm when our motorboat docked atthe Legazpi Pier, It was a tiring day forall of us but the experience was allworth it. After all, it’s more fun in Rapu-Rapu.

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As in the past, the planning is ahealthy exercise of constantly searchingfor ways to improve the situationbesetting the NFA; of being productive,responsive, feasible and sustainable inlight of global economic storms; risingunemployment trend; business slowdown; worldwide financial and creditmarkets upheaval; and a plethora offiscal and social crises thatbespeak real tough times.

It is said that weare not perfect – but we cantry to achieve perfection.This must be the guidepostthat silently rules ourcorporate existence fromthe time that this agencywas created up to this daythat we keep our resolve towork hard to institutereforms and introduce newprograms for this agency toinsulate our people fromprice shocks and economicpressures and offer withoutreservation greater andbetter public service.

Of course, ourstrength and resiliency as acorporate family wouldmake a difference. As long

as we keep our focus on ensuringnational food security and sufficiency;on working for the prosperity of ourfarmers and fishers; on contributing ourshare in poverty alleviation and hungermitigation; on making sure that our

country’s staple food – rice - remainsavailable, accessible and affordable;then we can move forward to achievingperfection in our common aspiration totake responsibility for our nation’sfuture.

TOP PHOTO: NFA Executives fromvarious locations nationwide duringnthe Planning Conference. BELOW:NFA Executives from the Central andField Offices pose for a souvenirphoto after the National PlanningConference held in Cebu City.

24 Special Feature


NFA Scores

Performance Highlights By Corazon L. Abio

Photos by Maning Sadsad

The creation of the National Grains Authority on September 26, 1972 is a major breakthrough in the historyof the grains industry. The reason was timely and significant: to oversee the growth and development of the grainsindustry. It was a boom-bust cycle of existence as the agency has sailed through a meaningful journey ofreconstruction as well as renewal. Treading the exact route to progress and aiming for the best solutions to problemshad not been easy. Yet the agency had almost measured up to the standards of excellence that has become a wayof life in its daily struggle to ensure the food needs of the nation. To this day, the agency strives to crown itsexistence with the kind of social responsibility that brings about positive change and security in the food industry.

As the NFA marks its 40th founding anniversary, it is but fitting to chronicle its major achievements as anorganization tasked with a special mission that addresses a basic human need.

25Special Feature


1. Under the leadership of its first administrator,Jesus T. Tanchanco, NFA operated on seven majorprograms: procurement, distribution, production services,processing, infrastructure development, businesspromotion and regulation, as well as research andextension services.

2. Embarked on massive facility build-up in 1975. Itsfood infrastructure program aimed to build adequatephysical capability to effectively stabilize supply and pricesof basic food, reduce postharvest losses and improvequality of food commodities. To this day, NFA maintainsmodern post-harvest and warehousing facilities, driers,rice mills, and others.

3. Made first rice export to Indonesia on November28, 1977 with a shipment of 10,000 metric tons with 5,000MT exported two weeks later. Aside from Indonesia andMalaysia, Brazil also imported 32,030 MT of Philippine rice.The country was characterized by surplus not only in ricebut in major staples as well in 1978 resulting in anotherrice delivery to Indonesia and Malaysia.

4. NGA organized subsidiaries in 1978: NAPHIRE onMay 24, QUEDAN on June 9, GRAINSCOR on October 3,and the Food Terminal, Inc. on March 27.

5. Ventured into commercial food processing orcommercial utilization of grains by-products. Establisheda pilot rice bran oil extraction plant at the CabanatuanCity grains complex. Large scale production began at theSouthern Philippines Grains Complex in Tacurong, SultanKudarat. Also ventured into fabrication of bricks from palayhusks, alcohol from grains, parboiled rice and the use ofrice flour as wheat extender. Went into commercialprocessing of garlic and onions processing them intopowder, flake and tablet forms and eyed for foreignmarkets.

6. Established the Rice Parboiling Project – the pilotplant was donated by the Food and AgricultureOrganization (FAO) and installed at the NGA CabanatuanCity grains complex.

7. Witnessed the peak in export program in 1980with 230,624.95 metric tons exported to eight countries,among them Senegal, Mexico and Vietnam. A shipmentof 83,000 MT was also made to Vietnam, Brazil andIndonesia as part of previous commitments. Exportdeliveries from 1977 to 1981 totalled 502,832 MT valuedat $144.56M. Experimental shipments at minimal volumesof different food delicacies, fruits and vegetables weremade to Singapore and Middle East.

8. The first Kadiwa center rose on FTI grounds on April14, 1980. The agency authorized FTI to handle the directsupervision of the Kadiwa centers in Metro Manila. NFA-produced rice bran oil was sold in the Kadiwa centers.

9. On January 14, 1981, the NGA was reconstitutedto NFA through Presidential Decree 1770 to cover otherfood commodities aside from rice and corn. This also meantadditional powers: registration, licensing and supervisionof entities engaged in wholesale, retail, processing,manufacturing, storage, transporting, packaging,importation, export of food commodities and other relatedactivities. The reconstitution also authorized NFA to importand export food products of raw materials, equipment andfacilities needed in the manufacture of food.

10. Aside from cereals, NFA bought other foodcommodities, such as vegetables and meat products directfrom producers and channeled to consumers at reducedprices through the Kadiwa centers. There were more than200 Kadiwa centers established nationwide located in theheart of thickly populated middle and low incomecommunities.

11. Marketing linkages with farmer organizationsand cooperatives through various buying centers orstations.

12. The NFA’s Corporate Farming Program allowedfirms to engage in the production of food commoditiesaside from cereals. NFA embarked on direct farmproduction. Under the modular farming concept, farmersget technical assistance from NFA extension workers in theproduction of specific food products. The CorporateFarming Program was instrumental in boosting the countrytowards food sufficiency and surplus, and hastened thetransfer of technology and farm management techniquesto the countryside.

13. Exhibition of KKK products at the Bloomingdalecomplex in New York and at the World Fair in Knoxville,Tennessee in 1982. The agency was tapped to become thelead agency in the marketing aspect of the KilusangKabuhayan at Kaunlaran.

14. In 1984, the NFA became the government’sofficial wheat importer and distributor. This did not sit wellwith the private sector but was loaded by most sectors asrampant flour hoarding was averted.

26 Special Feature


15. In 1986, NFA redefined its operations and shiftedto four missions: stabilization, marketing development,industry regulation and corporate administration.

16. The NFA was realigned under the Departmentof Agriculture on January 30, 1987 to respond to policychanges with emphasis on private sector participationtowards liberalization, privatization and deregulation.

17. Monitoring of DA’s Project Self-Reliance in 1991.18. In 1992, the NFA initiated flagship programs such

as Farmers’ Option to Buy Back (FOBB), Grains InventoryFinancing Technique for Small Farmers (GIFT), Farm LevelGrains Center (FLGC), Farmers’ Incentive Rice PurchaseProgram (FAIR), and the Farmers’ Grains Exchange Program(FGEP), aimed at transforming the NFA into a servicecorporation. During the rice crisis in 1995, NFA undertookspecial activities such as intensified market monitoring,creation of complaints and action centers, institutionalsales, OPLAN watchpoint, investigation and enforcementactivities.

19. Implementation of two major components ofthe DA’s Gintong Ani Program: Infrastructure Developmentand Marketing Assistance.

20. NFA’s exclusive authority to import rice whilerestoring its prerogative to allocate import quotas on riceto local importers in cases of production shortfalls wasstrengthened under Republic Act No. 8178 known as theAgricultural Tariffication Act.

21. Stabilization of the farmgate price of sugar whichhad gone down below production cost.

22. Implementation of the Philippine GrainsStandardization Program (PGSP) which prescribesstandards on quality, packaging, labeling and weighing ofrice for greater efficiency, transparency and discipline inthe grains marketing industry.

23. Annual nationwide celebration of the NationalGrains Industry Week from September 20 to 26 by virtueof Proclamation No.1058 signed by Pres. Ramos on August20, 1997. NFA is mandated to spearhead the celebration,in collaboration with the Philippine Grains Industry Counciland its member-agencies.

24. Enhanced Retail Access for the Poor (ERAP)Program to serve the residents in remote and depressedareas across the country. The program consisted of theERAP rolling stores, the ERAP tinda vans, ERAP sari-saristores and Palengke ng Bayan. NFA was also authorized tointervene in the stabilization of the price and supply ofbasic food items.

25. ESTRADA or Electronic System of Trading inAgriculture via the agency’s nationwide computer network.Today, the NFA has ventured into Electronic-IntegratedFinancial and Operations Management Information Systemor e-IFOMIS which is a web-enabled on-line informationsystem consisting of NFA operations and financialtransactions that are linked together accessing one database.

26. Lingap Para sa Mahihirap Program with fourproject components: Farmers Alleviation Project, ERAP Sari-Sari Store Project, Emergency Relief Assistance Project andthe Rice Subsidy Project.

27. A Memorandum of Agreement with theDepartment of National Defense for the implementationof the CAMP or Commodity Assistance for MilitaryPersonnel. NFA made available its quality rice and othergoods to personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippinesas part of its rice incentive program.

28. The agency’s distribution program ensures theavailability, accessibility and affordability of rice throughits more than 20,000 accredited rice outlets nationwide.NFA maintains throughout the year an average stockinventory equivalent to 16-day national consumption basedon the daily requirement of 27,000 MT.

29. Twenty-four units under the Gawad-Kalingaproject were sponsored by the NFA. Certificates ofownership and symbolic keys representing the variousdonors from both the NFA central and field offices were

25Across the Country 27Special Feature


As NFA enters a new phase of existence, it looks forward to not just sustaining the gains of food securitybut attaining financial viability as well. It aims to shift from a “buy-high, sell low” to “full-cost” recovery throughphased adjustments in selling prices and national government support of its rationalized operations. This shifthas been expected to reduce the agency’s huge indebtedness. And from huge volumes of rice importation in2010 (2.45 million metric tons), the NFA is importing in 2012, only 500,000 metric tons, with 380,000 for privatesector funding, and only 120,000 for government account. The agency is instituting reforms to strengthen itsfoothold in the industry as the guardian of food security and to contribute its share in the attainment of theDepartment of Agriculture’s Food Staples Self-Sufficiency Program.

awarded to the beneficiaries. The NFA raised a total ofP1,267,459.95.

30. The NFA implementsRepublic Act 8976 or the PhilippineFood Fortification Act of 2000 whichwas signed into law on November 7,2000 which mandates the fortificationof basic commodities such as flour withVitamin A and Iron, edible oil and sugarwith Vit. A, and rice with Iron.

31. The agency’s Program onAwards and Incentives for ServiceExcellence (PRAISE) continues to giverecognition or special citations tooutstanding employees and central andfield offices as well as winners ofvarious contests within and outside theagency. Seminars and trainings formanpower development remain apriority.

32. NFA’s social responsibilitycomplements the government’sagenda on poverty alleviation andhunger mitigation. Low-incomefamilies continue to benefit from theagency’s pro-poor programs.

33. Issues of abolition, privatization or regularizationremain a threat to the NFA’s existence but the agencypersists on fulfilling its twin mandates of food security andstabilization at all times and circumstances. It remainscommitted to make available, affordable and accessible thenation’s staple food despite these threats and the reductionof its annual subsidy allocation.

34. As one of the lead implementers of theInternational Year of Rice in the Philippines in 2004, theNFA figured prominently in various activities such as riceindustry summit, international rice forum, farmers’ night,and rice festival. The IYR was highlighted by the declarationof the national rice awareness month as an annualcelebration.

35. NFA’s disaster and crisis preparedness programis geared towards addressing calamities and emergencieswhile ensuring the availability of rice within the 24-hourresponse time, and causing to stabilize prices within a two-week period. NFA supplies rice to relief agencies and localgovernment units on credit during calamities andemergencies through a memorandum of agreement.Search and Action Response Team of NFA is well trained toassist relief agencies and LGUs in search and rescue,evacuation and relief operations in calamity-affected areas.

36. NFA maintains strong working relationships withits major stakeholders such as farmer organizations andcooperatives, various retailer associations and consumergroups as well as kindred organizations in the industry suchas the Philippine Grains Post-Production Consortium, thePhilippine Agricultural Journalists, the DevelopmentCommunicators Network, etc.

37. Importation is resorted to whenever the NFAcovers the shortfall in local palay production which isaffected by several factors: climate change, naturalcalamities, land conversion, increasing demand for biofuels,problems in irrigation, etc. To this, the NFA shares in thenational efforts towards environmental protection andpreservation. It has initiated symposium on climate changeand food security.

38. NFA also oversees corn, the other importantgrain of the Fil ipinos. The agency spearheads theimplementation of the Corn Development Fund to servethe corn industry stakeholders. The CDF is the proceedsfrom the importation of corn held in trust by the NFA tobe used for corn development projects such as in the formof soft-loans and grants, seminars and trainings as well asin the purchase of postharvest facilities and equipment.

39. Not only does NFA procure and distribute rice.It also promotes the conservation of the staple. The DAand NFA have a joint Rice Conservation Program markedby a nationwide advocacy campaign aimed at raising publicawareness and consciousness as well as support on riceconservation. Related to this, the agency undertakes a TotalRice Quality Management Program that protects andpreserves rice stocks in the agency’s warehousesnationwide. Since its inception, the NFA has always beenpromoting rice conservation.

40. NFA fully supports the national agenda on riceself-sufficiency. Self-sufficiency would result in the stabilityof the supply and prices of the staple food. It is a safetynet against inflation and other erratic behavior in the foodmarket.

32 Features


WE ARE THE CHAMPION. Thefamily of NFAEA National President RomanM. Sanchez poses for a souvenir photowith the board of judges after receiving thechampionship award for the 2012 IsuzuFamily Challenge in Southern Tagalog heldin San Pablo City and Batangas on May 5,2012. The competition was all about themost economical run for 102 kilometersfrom San Pablo City to Matabungkay,Batangas using the D-Max SL3 3.0 Literwith an average fuel consumption of 16.95km per liter. Mr. Sanchez received theaward with his eldest son Rel, daughtersMira and Leona and wife Abeth. Includedin the photo are members of the judges:Isuzu Vice President for Asia DaisukeInaba, GENCARS, INC., Vice PresidentsCarlos Baviera & Rolando Gabriana,Managers Fidel Delos Reyes, William Abril& Bob Mendoza.

Honesty is the best policy,indeed, in any situation. This timelesstruth on the cornerstone of characterhas been proven again in this presentday and age.

At about 10:00 o’clock in themorning on May 22, 2012, NeliaLitrero Hilario, cashier of NFA SultanKudarat Provincial Office for 33 yearswent to the Land Bank of thePhilippines (LBP) branch in themunicipality of Isulan of said provinceto encash a check amounting to, moreor less, P233,000.00 that is intended for

T MHEY AKE NFA PROUD

A S E R I E S.................................................................................................................

Nelia litrero hilario:Cashier, NFA-Sultan Kudarat

the salaries of regular employees.Immediately after receiving from thebank teller the envelope containing thecash, she headed back to the provincialoffice with the thought that theamount is exact as it normally happensthroughout the long years of regularlytransacting with the bank’s localbranch.

After completing the processof putting the corresponding amount ofcash of each employee’s salary in theindividual pay envelope and afterthoroughly double-checking them didshe finally conclude that thereremained indeed, excess cash. Itamounts to P100,000.00. At once, shenotified PM Pangalian B. Busranregarding the incident whoimmediately instructed her to go backto the bank branch office to return theexcess amount.

“Salamat gid, Nel,” the bankteller heartily expressed when Ms.Hilario handed to her the envelopecontaining the excess amount of theearlier encashed check.

The bank Branch Managerthen sent a letter to the NFA provincialoffice commending and thanking Ms.Hilario for her honesty and integrityadding that “she is an example for us tolive by”.

She was awarded a Certificateof Commendation in a simple butfitting ceremony last July 9 by theRegional Management Committee(RMC) headed by Dir. Crestituto C.Mangaoang and witnessed by Dir. JudyCarol L. Dansal, Department Managerof HRMD, during the monthly RMCmeeting held at Lake Sebu in SouthCotabato for her exemplary andextraordinary act of honesty, integrityand professionalism in the highestdegree lauded and thanked by themanagement of LBP.

But for Ms. Hilario, it wasnothing out of the ordinary in her morethan three decades of dischargingcashiering functions in NFA. For her,she just simply did “what is normal”and “what is right”.

Indeed, honesty and, to add,humility are cornerstones of a person’scharacter. (AGERICO B. BAQUIRAN,correspondent)

33Features


Mr. Tominaman M. Usop, security guard III based in CentralOffice has topped a recent NFA Security Refresher Course held at thetraining center of the Valiant Security Training Center, Inc. in Boni Ave.,Crame, Quezon City.

The Board of Trustees of the Valiant Security Training Centercomposed of Training Director and President Vicky G. Ballesteros, GeneralManager Manelle B. Robles and Training Officer Mary Ann Bulan-Mendietacited Usop’s outstanding leadership skills during the 17-day security re-training course.

Usop was awarded a Certificate of Recognition during thegraduation rites where he delivered a speech for being the class president.“I hope and pray that we will put to good use what we have learned fromthis training for the benefit of our agency. We should prioritize what we cando for our agency and not what our agency can do for us,” he said.

Usop expressed gratitude to the NFA and the Training Center for theopportunity given them to update their knowledge and skills specifically onthe revisions or changes in the implementing rules and regulations ofRepublic Act 5487 that they can share with their colleagues. RA 5487 is anact governing the security industry including government security forces.(CORAZON L. ABIO)

Carlo Francisco Y.Manatad is a son every parent wouldbe proud of. He’s got accomplishmentsunder his belt that can leave anyonegreen with envy. First stop, his degree.He’s a Bachelor of Arts in Films andVisual Arts graduate from the Collegeof Mass Communication of theUniversity of the Philippines in Diliman(UP-CMC), aside from a scholar of theAsian Film Academy. Considering thathe only graduated in 2011, he’s beenreaping one award after another for hisvarious works in film.

Carlo, the only son of NorthernSamar Provincial Manager RubenManatad, has been joining film festivalshere and abroad. Last February 11 – 17,his short film “Oasis” starring SidLucero was shown in the prestigious

Carlo Francisco Y. Manatad:Director, Cinematographer, Editor

Berlin International Film Festival. Carlowas one of 350 filmmakers from 99countries invited to this festival.

In 2010, he was selected as afellow in the Asian Film Academy 2010in Pusan, South Korea from September30 to October 17. Interestingly, only 24students from 16 Asian countries wereselected and Carlo was the youngest inthe said batch.

His film thesis Hungkag, ashort digital film with him as thedirector, producer, writer, sounddesigner, editor, and colorist was one often nominees for Best Short Film in the34th Gawad Urian Award. Although hisfilm was not chosen during theawarding ceremonies, having beennominated for the prestigious awardamong hundreds of short films in thecountry is an honor in itself.

Hungkag was actually awardedby the UP Film Institute for Best Thesisfor Narrative in 2010. This film wasscreened, nominated and awarded invarious film festivals including, AniShorts: The City in Indie Cinema,Cinemalaya 2010; Southeast AsianCinemas Conference, Ho Chi Minh,Vietnam; International College PeaceFilm Festival, Overseas Student Non-Competition Section, Seoul, SouthKorea on October 27, 2010; and BestCinematography, Ateneo Video Open2011.

The same film, “Hungkag” wasexhibited as a non-competition film inthe Overseas Student category underAsian Premiere of the InternationalCollege Peace Film Festival inChuncheon, Korea on October 28, 2010and Oct. 29, 2010.

This 2011 UP-CMC NatatangingMagaaral awardee is also active in filmediting. In fact in Dagim, a narrativefeature length film directed by JoaquinPedro Valdes, Carlo, along with othereditors, was adjudged Best Editingfor Cinema One Originals in November2010.

His list of achievementsdoesn’t stop there. His narrative film,Ihadya Mo Ako Sa Masama, with himas director, producer, writer,cinematographer, editor, and coloristwas adjudged Best Picture and BestCinematography at the Twenty Quatro24 Hour Guerilla Filmmaking Contest,DLSU-College of St. Benilde. This filmalso made it as finalist to the SMBigshot 2010, Manila.

At the moment, this BerlinateTalent Campus-educated film geniusteaches film-related course at DelaSalle University, College of St. Benildewhile busy conceptualizing anothermasterpiece. Now that’s one talentedson of a provincial manager the entireNFA community is truly proud of. (MA.LINA G. REYES)

tominaman m. usop:Security Guard III - NFA Central Office


34 Features

The NFA regional office inSouthern Mindanao is nestled inTacurong, Sultan Kudarat. With a totalland area of 15,340 hectares, Tacuronghas the smallest land area among the12 municipalities of Sultan Kudaratprovince. The NFA has three provincialoffices in the region including SultanKudarat provincial office in Isulan,North Cotabato provincial office inKidapawan and South Cotabatoprovincial office in Koronadal, formerlyMarbel. The Southern PhilippinesGrains Complex in Tacurong, originally aseparate provincial office, is nowattached with the Sultan Kudarat office.

Regional Director CrisMangaoangsaid that the NFA remains asignificant force in the entire region.“We are still considered as the ricegranary in Mindanao. In terms ofproduction, we are 5th in the entirecountry. We are still a relevant agency,”Mangaoang emphasized during ourinterview.

The Director said that althoughit’s quite tough, the NFA will try asmuch as it can to compete with privatetraders in encouraging farmers to selltheir produce to the food agency.“During the national planningconference in Cebu, it was agreed thatwe will relax in some of our policies tocater to their needs. The changes are abig leap and we’re hoping they willproduce the best results,” Mangaoangsaid. He was referring to the enhancedprocurement strategies which the foodagency now implements nationwide.One of these strategies is the issuanceof the farmer ’s passbook for free. Also,farmers who deliver their palay to NFApersonally may be allowed to deliver amaximum of 200 bags instead of theusual 100 bags maximum. “We will alsodeploy mobile procurement teams inareas where they are needed. If wehave to borrow trucks from other

A farmer tills a ricefield with the NFA Lebak warehouse at the background.

R egion 12: M

r gindanao’s

ice ranary

By Ma. Lina Gabilan – ReyesPhotos by Lucky Cordero

Regional office employees led by Director Cris Mangaoang (Standing, 8th from left).

agencies, we will do so,” Mangaoangsaid. The Regional Director will alsohold monthly meetings with farmerorganizations to acquire feedback as

well as to maintain a good workingrelationship with farmers.

It was also revealed thatfarmers from Lebak, a surplus rice-


35Features

Acting Assistant Regional Director Pangalian B. Busran (seated, 7th from left) with NFA Isulan and SPGCstaff.

SGOO Richard Balbin

WS Nestor Auza

Provincial Manager Avelino M. Usman (seated, center) with his staff from Koronadal provincial office.

Manager Fernando S. Nuñez (seated, center) and his staff from NFA Kidapawan provincial office.

production area 180 kilometers fromTacurong City, who used to sell theirproduce to the NFA warehouse in thearea, are now selling them to traderswho directly go to Lebak. Thishappened recently after the roadsleading to the area had been cementedby the government. According toWarehouse Supervisor Nestor Auza,who supervises the GID I warehouse inLebak, the NFA used to be the farmers’only choice in the area. “This haschanged after the roads were paved.Now rice traders from Cotabato or evenas far away as Davao are our biggestcompetition. Normally it takes aroundseven to eight hours to get to Lebakfrom Isulan. But with the good roads,traveling now only takes three to fourhours,” Auza shared. He said the NFALebak warehouse at that time wasbursting at the seams, so to speak. Atleast 80,000 bags of palay were storedin the warehouse at that time. Thispaved the way for the construction ofGID II warehouse.

Senior Grains OperationsOfficer Richard Balbin, who supervisesthe GID II warehouse, said thatprocurement has really slowed down.But he said the NFA will continue toencourage palay farmers to sell to NFA.“If the NFA needs to increase its buyingprice to compete with traders, I believeafter careful study, we should do so,”Balbin said.

The NFA’s presence is asimportant as the staple it represents.Director Mangaoang said that withoutNFA, expensive rice will flood themarket and ordinary consumers will nolonger have a choice. “If you take theNFA out of the league, our people willsuffer,” he said. Mangaoang pointed outthat the NFA plays a vital role especiallyin times of calamities. “We are the onlygovernment agency that can infuse rice

in the market during emergencies. Thisis a social responsibility most privatetraders can’t perform,” DirectorMangaoang said.

Director Mangaoang said thatthe NFA in the region will continue toassure NFA’s presence and relevanceamid challenges that confront theagency day in and day out. A vow whichevery NFA employee must takeseriously.


36 Features

We are all wanderers. Wecan’t always be in a single place forever.We need to move on and find anotherplace to explore, another nook to callour comfort zone. Sometimes, leaving isour only choice. This holds true withstate workers. No matter how muchenjoyment and fulfillment we getworking with our co-workers slashfriends, there will come a time whenwe must leave and bid our agencyadieu. No matter how painful thethought is to some people, this is areality we can’t pass up.

More or less, this is howDirector Cris Mangaoang is feelingright now. He is scheduled to retire inDecember. For him, it’s a bittersweetgoodbye. “I’m happy and grateful forthe NFA. I have no regrets,” DirectorMangaoang revealed during aninterview conducted in his office inTacurong City. A graduate ofAgricultural Engineering from G.Araneta University, Director Cris saidalthough he looks forward to hisretirement, he can’t help but reminiscethe 38 years he spent with NFA. “Istarted as a contractual consultant in1974. Then in 1976 I was the first

division chiefof theResearch andExtensionProgram,whicheventuallybecame theTechnicalResearch andServicesDepartment(TRSD) oftoday,” henarrates. Heonly left TRSDand got hisfirst fieldassignment in2009 asdirector inCaraga.

Weconducted

S F SERVICE IN ULL WINGDIRECTOR cRIS mANGAOANG:

the interview in late May and hedoesn’t show any signs of slowingdown. “I still have plenty of things todo, more tasks to accomplish,particularly here in Region 12,” he said.His staff attest to the fact that theenergetic Director Cris visits provincialoffices under his care even onweekends. The NFA is like no other, heenthuses. Here you’ll find co-workerswho will sympathize with you in timesof trouble. When I got sick, he shares, Ifelt the loving care of my staff which Icouldn’t receive from my family at thattime because of distance. The directorsays his staff will constantly remind himto take his medicines and to take thingsslow. “I feel honest to goodness TLC(tender loving care) and I bet if I weresomewhere else, I will not get the samewarm treatment,” he said.

Director Cris plans to teach inLa Union, his hometown, after hisretirement from the food agency. “I willstill be very busy after NFA. But thistime, I will have more time to spendvaluable time with my family, especiallywith my three apos.” Asked to whichfruit he can compare the NFA, DirectorCris gamely said NFA is like a banana“because of its accessibility”. He saidthat through NFA he was able to servemany people and have gone to severalplaces. “I will remember NFA whereverI go. I owe most of what I have to thisagency. I had the chance to work withamazing individuals. What more can Iask for?” he declares.

We spend most of our wakinghours in the office. Truly, when you’vespent a whole lifetime in an agency andmade friends with your colleagues,leaving becomes an arduous task. Someeven go through serious case ofseparation anxiety. But for Director Cris,he’s leaving with happy thoughts. He’sabout to conclude his remainingmonths in the agency with flying colors.As parting words, Director Cris wishesto thank his colleagues in the NFA. “Iam not only leaving behind an agencywhich became a part of me for 38years. I’m also leaving behind friends,”he said. (MA. LINA G. REYES)

Photo by Lucky Cordero


37Features

A retired employee I will be,at the close of business hours ofOctober 23, 2012. By then I have loggedmore than three decades and a half ofgovernment service. I started workingwith then NGA as a Casual FieldInvestigator at P23.00 per day.

To my recollection, I had beenassigned ‘in the interest of the service’to five different departments and fourdifferent executive offices, aside frommy appointment as the NFA CouncilSecretary for two years. And I am alsoconcurrently the Corporate Secretary ofthe Food Terminal Incorporated, asubsidiary of NFA, since 1997 up to thepresent. All my assignments are here atthe Central Office. Once I desired to beassigned at the Field Office, but thechance never came.

Even as I only have the NFACentral Office as my place ofassignment, working with the NFA gaveme the opportunity to see differentplaces in the Philippines, as I from timeto time, went on travel to our regionaland provincial offices. My travelsenabled me to meet newacquaintances, aside from my co-employees in the Central Office. Manyof them, whether assigned here at theCentral Office or at the Field Offices,became not only my acquaintances butmy friends.

As they came from differentbackgrounds and persuasions, relatingwith them broadened my knowledge onhuman relationships. I came to learnhow to appropriately fine tune mybehavior as I relate with them. It was alearning that became an asset of mine.Basically knowing with whom I wasworking, lessened the burden of mywork, as I slowly climb the NFAcorporate ladder. This circumstance hasconstantly reminded me to sincerelyperform my work, lest I betray the trustand confidence that my co-employeeshave entrusted upon me.

As an aside, sometime in July2001, when I underwent a quadruple

Photo by Nilo Manongsong

R setiring with a mileAtty. Rafael t. Flores:

heart bypass at the Philippine HeartCenter, the outpouring of prayers andfinancial support of NFA employees wastremendous. And my wife wassurprised by the show of support, asthey came not only from here at theCentral Office but also from our officesfrom tuguegarao to Jolo and Tawi-Tawi.I told her, “Ma, the outpouring ofsupport is a classic proof that NFAemployees are indeed friends when weneeded help”.

Working with NFA undeniablyenabled me to earn a decent living, payfor our children’s education, have ahouse of our own and enjoy theamenities that came with it. As amatter of fact, I owe it likewise to themanagement of NFA that I was able tosee the United States and other Asiancountries on several occasions.

In retrospect, I now thank theAlmighty, who in His eternal goodnesshad given me the graces to remain trueto my oath as a public servant. And notonly that, He also had already providedfor, as early as the initial date of mygovernment service, what I will reap asmy retirementbenefits.

Whator how will I beafter NFA?

I willbe workingwith the officeof my latefather-in-law.By that time,my boss willnot be anadministratorbut mycommander inchief, a ladyboss whom Imarried 37years ago.


38 Features

At first glance, NorthernSamar Provincial Manager Ruben M.Manatad projects extreme simplicity.Clad in slacks and folded long-sleevespolo, I’ve seen him work quietly and gotcaptivated by his work ethic. Indeed,silent workers produce better resultsthan those who trumpet theirachievements to high heavens.

As I was sifting through asummary of his accomplishments, Ican’t help but heave more sighs ofadmiration for Manager Ruben. Heearned his Doctorate Degree inManagement in Human Resources inMarch 2008 from the Naval StateUniversity in Biliran. This is on top of hisdegrees in Agricultural Extension andBachelor of Laws. In 2003, he wasconferred the Career Service ExecutiveEligibility (CSEE) by the Civil ServiceCommission. At the moment, he is theincumbent National President of theAssociation of Resident Ombudsmen inGovernment Agencies (AROGA) afterhaving been elected in 2009 at theGrand Men Seng Hotel in Davao Cityduring the 2nd National Convention ofResident Ombudsmen. AROGA iscomposed of 535 resident ombudsmenfrom different government agenciesnationwide.

Another interesting tidbitabout Manager Manatad is that in2003, he made it to the semi-finals ofthe Search for Outstanding PublicOfficials and Employees Lingkod Bayancategory. Not all governmentemployees make it to this search. Andjust last year, he was nominated againfor the same category but declined dueto a pending criminal case.

A rue ingkod ayan t l bManager ruben manatad:

A deadman walking iswhat ManagerManatad isbecause in 2007,he was includedin an Order ofBattle for hisalleged role as atop leader of theCommunist Partyof thePhilippines-NewPeople’s Army(CPP-NPA) inEastern Visayas.He believes thathe’s the onlyliving person onthe list. “I’vebeen stronglyadvised to hidebut I don’t thinkit’s a good idea. Ijust try to limitmy movements,”Manatad said.This Order ofBattle stemmedfrom 13 counts of murder charges filedagainst him and other co-accused bythe Philippine National Police region 8resulting to the discovery of a massgrave where he was implicated.

Interestingly, he’s got an alibi.In his 102-page self-written defense,Manager Manatad claims that it wasimpossible for him to be involved in thesaid case. “For a ten-year period as NFAemployee, I have an average of 1.5 daysabsent/year. So there was no way Icould be involved in such activity,”Manatad pointed out. So the case wasultimately dismissed.

Ironically, however, he wasagain accused of murder following thediscovery a new mass grave. This case isnow pending in a trial court inHilongos, Leyte. “My conscience isclean. I was never involved in anymurder and I will never be,” Manatadsaid stressing his innocence.

Currently, Manager Manatadjuggles his career as manager of theNorthern Samar branch and part-timeprofessor at the Graduate School of

Eastern Visayas State University inTacloban City. “Teaching is beneficial.My students and I learn from eachother. I guess this is the secret why Ialways look so young,” Manatad teases.

The 56-year old managerstarted his career with NFA in 1983 as acasual Quality Assurance Officer inBiliran town. After only four years, hewas assigned as a WarehouseSupervisor in Leyte in 1987. He becamean officer-in-charge in NFA Biliran in2003 prior to his present assignment.

Manager Manatad proudlyshares that being an active member ofboth BAYAN and COURAGE unions inTacloban afforded him with the rightexperience to hone his managerialskills.

The father of Chelou - agraduate student, and Carlo Francisco -a multi-awarded indie filmmaker, sayshe enjoys working at NFA. “At my age, Istill have a lot to do. I want to continueworking with the NFA and contributemy talents,” he promised. (MA. LINA G.REYES)

Photo by Maning Sadsad


PoetryRUBYIsinulat ni Judith T. Tindog

NFA Aklan

Papuri at pasasalamatAlay po sa Iyo Panginoon

Biyayang hatid sa NFAWalang Humpay at umaapaw

Selebrasyon ng ika-40 AnibersaryoBilang Ruby ay kumikinang

At sa matingkad nyang kulayAng simbolo ng pag- asa ay buhay na buhay.

Ang iyong pinagdaananAt maging sa ngayon

Kahit masalimuot ay di bumibigayMaaaring hindi kapanipaniwala

Nguni’t isa-isa kung di man lahatnalalampasan

Mga hamon ng panahon matapang nahinaharap

Sa bawat pagsubok tuwid na pananaw anghawak

Kahangahanga ka NFA ikaw ay makabayan.

Sa mahabang panahonmga kawani moy nandito pa rin

Maputi man ang buhok at sa kabila ngkatandaan

sigla ay di napaparamSumasabay sa bawat pagbabago at

kaganapanTungo sa kaunlaran ng magsasaka sa buong

kapuluanSapat na pagkain at pag-angat ng

kabuhayanSa tuwid na daan ay mararating na tunay.

Magkapit-bisig harapin ang bagong hamonKrisis na pangkalahatan

Bayan ni Juan huwag pabayaanBago o datihang kawani man

Serbisyong tunay ay bigyang buhayAt sa mga kawaning may bago nang landas

Mula sa puso aming pasasalamat.Hangad ay kaligayahan at sa kasaganaan ng

bukas.

Dakila ang MaykapalBumawas man ang bilang ng mga kawani

ngayonSa Kanyang gabay sumapit muli ang

selebrasyonIto’y takda at hiningi ng pagkakataon

Isang bagong baitang sa yugto ng atingbuhay

May dahilan at kung minsan ay di inaasahanPasaning mabigat, kakaiba ngunit makulayHuwag mabahala may biyaya sa kabila ng

lahat.

Yakapin bagong umagaManalig habang nabubuhay may pag-asa

Katok ng pagkakataon ay bihiraBigyan ng halaga at saysayHabang may panahon pa

Paglilingkod sa kapwa sa kapangyarihan ngMaykapal ipaubaya

Tayo’y magtulong-tulong bilang isangpamilya

Ihatid sa bayang seguridad ng pagkain sapuso, diwa at gawa.

NFA MABUHAY KA!

A NEW LIFE AT 40By: OBED B. TAVERNER

NFA-NCR

Life begins at forty (40). Wise men sayIs this a fiction or is this a reality?

Is this a fact or the start of a destiny?But it’s Biblical, my friends, not a hearsay

Let us give credit to the notes of long agoForty years the Israelites wandered with sorrow

But the Lord commanded them that they must goThe Promise land they saw, as mild breeze blew

The earth was flooded forty nights and forty daysInside the Ark, Noah and family calmly stay

When the rain stopped, a new life was on its wayOver the horizon the sun unleashed its mighty rays

Our Savior fasted forty days and forty nightsThe devil came to make the situation very tight

But our Lord stood His ground, defended the lightAnd survived the temptation and all became bright

Jesus ascended to heaven forty days after resurrectionAccording to the Holy Bible this is the great revelation

After milestone of sacrifices He went up to ZionHis great achievements must always be our inspiration

Now that the NFA has reached forty years serving the nationIt sounds music to our ears in its mildest tone

The highest pedestal we aim for a stable throneWe must serve the nation with pleasure as we move on

A new and more bright life is waiting for this agencyLife after forty years is no longer a malady

NFA has survived the turmoil along the wayA Royal Celebration must be done, Happy Anniversary!

(Notes: Book of Genesis, Book of JoshuaBook of Luke, Book of Acts)

It is our 40th anniversary and we thought of coming out with anexplanation of the NFA seal which was adopted during the NGA time through anationwide contest won by a UST student whose name has slipped our memory.Our aim is for employees, especially the new ones, to revisit and understand the

meaning of the seal as a symbol of the NFA’s role in thefood industry.

“The white portion of the seal is a rice stalk, with aplanted grain at the left and a sprouting grain signifyingbountiful harvest at the right. This portion, when tracedcarefully, spells out letter N.”

“The left portion of the seal is colored red tosymbolize the revolutionary changes that haveoccurred in the agency since the advent of the New

Society. The red side of the seal also stands for letter G.”“The NGA is a government institution. Thus, blue, and the other color

of the Philippine national flag, has been added at the right side and shaped likean A.”

“The seal is validly a true symbol of what the NGA is: a governmentagency that rightfully seeks to find all feasible means in promoting theintegrated growth and development of the grains industry as a means ofproviding a better life for the Filipino people.”

What the NGA seal is all about…

inside - nfa.gov.phnfa.gov.ph/images/files/grains/grains3qtr-2012.pdf · marinduque-salvador...

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