Pagu-ulat Tungkol sa Industriya ng Pabo sa Pilipinas

Pagu-ulat Tungkol sa Industriya ng Pabo sa Pilipinas

By Elmer R. Esplana

(Mayo 27, 2011)

Ang industriya ng pagaalaga ng pabo or “turkey industry” sa Pilipinas ay nasa “infancy stage” pa lang.  Halos, ilan-ilan  lang ang nag-aalaga ng pabo para sa “commercial purposes. ”  Ang mga nag-aalaga ng pabo sa ibang bansa ay kalimitang white broad breasted turkey breed.  Ang breed na ito ay unang ginamit para sa commercial purposes noong mga 1950’s at noong 1960’s, marami sa mga nasa turkey industry sa Estado Unidos ng Amerika (United States), Canada, etc., ay ito ang breed na ginagamit sa kanilang pag-aalaga.  Ang mga breeds ng pabo ay Royal Palm, Bronze, Black and Narraganset.  Ang pinakamabili na “breed” ng pabo ay Black turkey tulad ng inaalagaan ng Herbest Turkey Products sa Rizal at ang nasa National Swine and Poultry Research Center ng Bureau of Animal Industry sa Tiaong, Quezon.  

Ang pagaalaga ng pabo ay ginagawa lang na “hobby” ng ilan o kaya bilang “pet animal.”   Mayroon ding ilan na ito ay nasa mga zoo sa ibat-ibang lugar sa Pilipinas.  Kalimitang mayayaman at may kaya lang ang kumakain nito sa bansa dahil sa mahal ang presyo nito per kilo (P400 to P450) para sa dressed turkey meat.  Mayroong alaga ang BAI sa Tiaong, Swine and Poultry Research Center, ngunit itoy ilan lang.  Kalimitang, ina-angkat (imported) pa natin ang mga lahi ng pabo.   Ang karni ng pabo “turkey meat” ay kilala na walang cholesterol na karmi di tulad ng manok.  

Katulad ng manok at bibi, lahat ng bahagi ng pabo ay pweding mapakinabangan. Pwedi ring i-proseso ang balat nito at gawing pagkain ang mga lamang loob, sa halip na laman lang.  Ang balahibo ay pweding gawing materyales sa pamaypay (fan) at ibang pang “ornamental products” pang dekorasyon sa bahay at mga opisina.  

Ang average price ng isang kilo ng pabo na “liveweight” ay P150 to P250/kilo.  P400 to P450 naman  mabibili sa mga supermarkets na nag-titinda nito ang kada kilo ng “frozen dressed turkey meat,” isang halimbawa ang SM Supermarket. Kalimitang imported ito. Ang isang buong pabo (dressed turkey) ay nagkakahalaga ng mga P1,200 to P1,500/ulo (head), mga 2.8 to 3.5 kilo isang buo.

Sa ngayon, gaya ng sabi ko, nasa infancy stage pa lang ang pabo. Ito ay isang emerging industriya kabilang sa “poultry industry” ng bansa. Ang “commercial market” ng pabo ay maliit pa lang  at  kalimitang mga “institutional buyers” ang mercado nito tulad ng mga ilan-ilang hotels, restaurants, supermarkets at mamimili na may mga kayang pamilya or banyaga (foreigners).  Pwedi nating maakit ang ating mga kababayan na pasukin din ang “turkey  raising” bilang alternatibo or complementary  sa chicken raising kung maitataas pa ang level ng demand  ng turkey meat para sa mga “high-end niche market” nito.  Kailangang din gumawa ng “industry analysis” at ibat-ibang scheme ng bilang ng aalagaan (halimbawa, 20 ulo, 50 ulo, 100 ulo, atbp), kung magkano ang puhunan at kung magkano ang kita kada ulo at ung “economics of scale” para sa “commercial scale operation.” 

Sa ngayon, may programa ang Bureau of Animal Industry, kaya lang hindi sya gaano “priority” ng Department of Agriculture.  Pwedi ang National Swine and Poultry Research Center ng BAI ay mag conduct ng training o seminar para sa mga interesadong mag-alaga ng pabo. Maengyanyo din natin ang mga kababayan na mag-alaga ng pabo kung magiging mataas ang demand ng karmi ng pabo para sa mga high-end niche market nito sa bansa.   Mas mataas ang level ng market demand mas marami ang mag-invest sa pag-aalaga ng pabo lalo na ang “commercial scale operation” o “turkey agribusiness.”   

Kailangang pang i-develop ang mercado ng pabo upang mas madagdagan ang mga nasa negosyon ng processing ng pabo.  Kung magiging malaki ang market nito, mas marami ang magkaka-interest na mag-alaga at mag- process na rin ng karni ng pabo, katulang ng pagbibinta ng “dressed turkey meat product”.    

Ang pabo ay kalimitang ihinahanda sa Estado Unidos dahil sa pagdiriwang ng “Thanksgiving Day” tuwing ika dalwamput lima (25) ng Nobyembre kada taon.  Ang pabo na naggagaling sa mga magsasaka sa Minnesota, Estados Unidos ay ginagawang niche product para sa bansang Tsina (People’s Republic of China).   Gumawa sila ng kakaibang luto ng galing sa pabo ayon sa Department of Agriculture ng Mimmesota, Estados Unidos.  Ito ay pinuposisyon nila hindi ka-kompetensya ng karni ng baboy,  kundi bilang mataas na uri ng karmi (higher value meat).

Sa Pilipinas, ang kadalasang bumibili ng “dressed turkey meat” ay yung nagdadaos din ng “Thanksgiving Day” katulad ng ginaganap sa Estado Unidos, "embassies" at mga banyagang Americano, "Canadian", at mga kompanyang Americano, etc.  upang gawing lechong pabo or “roasted turkey”.  Mayroong bumibili upang ipang-regalo sa kanilang mga kaibigan at kamag-anak  kapag may okasyon tulad ng kaarawan, debut, kasal, etc. na kalimitang ang mga may kaya o mayayamang pamilya ang bimibili at mercado nito.  

Dynamics of the Philippine Feedmill Industry: An Assessment

Some Challenges in Agri-tourism Development in the Philippines: Part 1

 Some Challenges in Agri-tourism Development in the Philippines: Part 1

By Elmer R. Esplana, May 24, 2011

1.      Filipino farmers need to be entrepreneurial in order to develop new skills (fundamental business    competencies) required to become successful and become competitive in agri-tourism project or business venture.

2.   Economics activities on farm business advisory processes, training and support of agri-tourism development and agri-tourism business management provider/s should also be developed/strengthened.  

3. Agri-tourism has to enhance and develop community organization and partnership of stakeholders between each other in different parts of the country, based on the competitive agri-tourism resources that they have, and where they can also excel. 

4.    Agri-tourism industry players, as an agribusiness activities in the country, should learn to realize the upgrading of urban or even rural farming from a single-production function to multi-functions (diversification and integration), including comprehensive scientific research to promote agricultural efficiency and increase the farmer's or entrepreneur's income.

References

Palen, Chris and Richard Sharpley.  (April 26-27, 2010).  Agritourism and the farmer as rural entrepreneur:  A UK Analysis.  NeXT Tourism Entrepreneurship Conference. Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Sarian, Zac B. (March 5, 2010). Agri-tourism Park in Marinduque. Manila Bulletin.

Description of Rabies Cases and Deaths in the Philippines: Some Program and Policy Implications*

Elmer R. Esplana

Agriculturist II, Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture,

Presented at the 6^th Asia-Pacific Social Science and Medicine Conference, 
Guan Du International Conference Center, Guan Du Hotel,Kunming City, Yunnan, China, October 16, 2002

Executive Summary

Study Objectives

This study aims to describe and analyze the trend of rabies cases and deaths in the Philippines. It also attempts to evaluate the existing programs and policies of the government.  Its specific objectives include:  1) Identification of the programs and policies in rabies control and prevention; 2) Description and analysis of trends of rabies cases and deaths in the Philippines; 3) Determination of factors that contributed or hindered to the eradication of rabies in the country; and 4) Recommendation of strategies for program and policy strengthening.   It will serve also as baseline and advocacy information for rabies researchers, health professionals, and policy makers on the importance of fast-tracking the reduction of rabies cases and deaths in the country.

Description of the Problem

What are some program and policy options that could effectively reduce rabies cases and deaths in the country?  Who are other stakeholders that can contribute in this effort? This study discusses the cases of rabies in the Philippines and the existing programs and policies of the government on rabies control and prevention.  

Methodology

The study used the triangulation method through archival research, trend and comparative analyses, and interview with the organization’s representative.   A comprehensive review of literature was done. All human rabies cases reported at San Lazaro Hospital, Manila, and National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health, and animal bite and canine cases at the Bureau of Animal Industry from 1998 to 2000 were included in the study to determine the trend of admitted human rabies cases.  

Results

The study shows canine rabies cases are rampant in Regions I, III, IV, NCR, V and VI.  Majority of human rabies in are males (55.56%) while the rest are females (44.44%). The males age ranging from 15 to 49 years old accounted for 22.64 percent while males 1 to 14 was recorded at 19.19 percent. The study also found out that human rabies disease has a 100-percent case fatality ratio. Comparative distribution of human rabies cases from 1999 to 2000 showed that the rabies cases declined in 2000 compared to1999 by 44 percent as a result of the information campaign and rabies control and prevention programs of the government. The different programs were implemented through the concerted effort of Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Health, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Education Culture and Sports,  local government units, civil society organizations and the cooperation of the pet dog owning public through Executive Order No 84, series of 1999.  This Order created a National Rabies Prevention and Control Committee composed of government and civil society organizations to formulate policies and coordinate implementation of the national rabies prevention and control program.   On the part of the Bureau of Animal Industry rabies control program, they have distributed 1,187,481 doses of rabies canine vaccine in 1999; 366, 892, in 2000; and 637,640 doses in 2001. In 2001, they conducted 134 mass vaccination project, 22 lecture/seminars on rabies prevention and control and three rabies public awareness programs.

For the past 10 years, human rabies cases of San Lazaro Hospital, the primary leading hospital for rabies patients in the country showed a continued rise of human rabies cases with 100-percent mortality rate. On the average during the past 10-year period (1992 to 2001), admission of human rabies cases in San Lazaro Hospital has been growing annually by 4.65 percent.  Rabies cases admission in the hospital grew from 85 cases in 1992 to 110, in 1997; 93 rabies cases in 1999 to 128, in 2001. 

Conclusions and Recommendations

Rabies is a major public health problem in the Philippines.  The World Health Organization has identified that the Philippines ranked third among those with the highest incidence of rabies cases in 2000.  The limited supply of animal vaccines being distributed by the concerned agencies has consistently contributed to the transmission of this disease to humans.  Sustainable vaccination requires committed involvement from all important sectors such as public health, veterinary and environmental services. Sustainability of the National Rabies Prevention and Control Program should be undertaken to attain the goal of eliminating rabies earlier than 2020. Efficient and effective monitoring and evaluation of projects at different levels should also be done by close coordination of national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, including the participation of communities in the prevention and control of rabies. Improvement of mass vaccination of dogs should be strengthened in the local government level through the technical assistance, support and advocacy of national government agencies. The NRPCP should improve the preparation and implementation of projects of each government agencies involved in rabies control and prevention and the creativity in sourcing funds for possible projects for both local and foreign sources.  The feedback mechanism of government (NRPCP) to its clientele and stakeholders should also be improved.  The crafting of a national program and regulatory policy should be made and implemented by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry in coordination with the local government units throughout the country to control movement of dogs not only in the urban areas but more importantly in the rural areas.  Legislation is needed to control the trade and movements of dogs and to hold owners responsible and accountable for their dogs. 

The Department of Health should lead not only in the vaccination of human rabies cases through the different government hospitals in the country but also in informing the public of the disease. The Department of Interior and Local Government should monitor and strengthen strict enforcement of ordinances relevant to rabies control and prevention and give penalty for non-compliance. 

The Department of Education should educate students by incorporating rabies control and prevention in their curriculum. NGOs should be more vigilant in assisting the government in the surveillance and reporting of rabies cases for animals and humans, and the government will improve its capability in accounting animal bites victims and human deaths cases to get a more comprehensive and accurate reporting of animal bites cases and human rabies victims throughout the Philippines. 

*One of the earlier research output I made in health economics and health social science research.

The abstract of this research was published in the Book of Abstract of 6th Asia-Pacific Social Science and Medicine Conference in 2002 (October 14-18),  when I presented it in Kunming City, China.  It was a very remarkable experience in presenting a paper in the international conference as a Filipino delegate wearing a Barong Tagalog, Philippines national dress for male.  This paper is also one of my first baseline studies on zoonotic diseases in the Philippines.God is good all the time!

Friendship Tips: In a Nutshell

Friendship Tips: In a Nutshell
By Elmer R. Esplana, November 19, 2007

What is a friend? Robert Louis Stevenson once said that “A friend is the present you give to yourself.” Dr. Harold Sala of the Guidelines for Family Living fame quoted in his book Living Joyfully as a Single in a Couples’ World, an Arab proverb which says “A friend is one whom we may pour out the contents of our hearts, chaff and grain together, know that the gentlest of hands will sift it, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away!” Actually, what a friend is varies for every person. What is important, however, is for you to at least have one. And if you look for real friendship, the following tips will help you to start one.

 1. Take the initiative. Friendship begins as you reach out to someone else. He/She can be your officemate, neighbor, churchmate, classmate, etc. At first, you may be afraid, shy, or nervous but “just do it” anyway. Remember, it is exciting to take the first step towards something worth cherishing and experiencing.

2. Be willing to take risks. Building friendship involves hardwork as well as assuming risks. This is because someone may reject your offer of friendship and hurt you. This is part of life. Many people fear friendships because when one draw closer to someone, he/she has to be open, hence, he/she becomes vulnerable to rejection and heartaches. Openness is an essential key in finding a real friendship.

3. Look for commonalities. Friendship must be about something which involves two or more people who suddenly discover that they see things the same way. You can do that by listening carefully in the conversation for possible “friendship magnets” like hobbies, interests, etc.

4. Learn to communicate. Friendship requires open communication. If you are not keen in one-on-one, you can start developing small groups that could help you build your dynamic skills in one-on-one communication. Always remember that learning to communicate effectively is a process that takes time. Sometimes, you will commit communication errors. But that’s fine. Remember that majority of your errors can be resolved fairly and quickly, if you’re willing to say the magic words: “I’m sorry. I was wrong.”

5. Take your time. Friendship takes time because it is a process. It also means taking time to listen just as Shakespeare once remarked“Taking time to listen is taking time to care.” Remember that investing your time to people for friendship will be your greatest expression of sharing God’s love to others.

6. Develop comfortable and sociable environment. Proverb 18:24 says it well: “A man who has friends must be himself friendly…” People have to feel that you are fun and wonderful to be with. When you are with someone or with a group, they have to feel a comfortable and sociable atmosphere.

7. Keep in touch. You might be busy everyday but a phone call will do for a person you’ve newly meet. If he/she has a mobile, or even an email etc. post a hello. Keeping in touch with someone, once in a while, could mean an act of caring to someone who needs your encouragement.

Source:

(http://e-esplana.blog.friendster.com, www.smileyberks.com and News Peeper Newsletter publication)

Special Feature:President Benigno S. Aquino III's Opening Statement as Chairman of the 7th BIMP-EAGA Summit, Jakarta, Indonesia,May 8, 2011

SPECIAL FEATURE 

President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Opening Statement

as Chairman of the 7^th BIMP-EAGA Summit

Cendrawasih I, Jakarta Convention Center

Jakarta, Indonesia

                                                     8 May 2011                                

I now call this meeting to order.

It is a great honor for the Philippines to chair the 7th Summit of the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

ASEAN’s goal of economic integration and a more synergistic community by 2015 stands. We recognize BIMP-EAGA’s role in achieving that goal, and gather now to reaffirm our efforts and gains in promoting economic and social development, connectivity and shared prosperity in the sub-region.

There have been steady gains in ASEAN economic integration, as manifested by the operationalization of sub-regional economic cooperation such as BIMP-EAGA. For the past 17 years, BIMP-EAGA has served as a vital mechanism in the process of actualizing our collective vision as brother nations, and we are confident of its continued significance in such crucial initiatives as those in transport connectivity, and trade facilitation. 

BIMP-EAGA has been positioning itself as a food production hub, as well as a premier ecotourism destination taking in account the richness of our biodiversity.  In achieving these strategic thrusts, convergence and complementation of support across sectors and stakeholders will be very crucial. Our presence here, as leaders of BIMP-EAGA, is a concrete manifestation of our firm support for this subregional cooperation.

I look forward to an active and productive exchange among us leaders. Through dialogue based firmly in trust and collective responsibility, we will be able to move forward with the goals and objectives of BIMP-EAGA.

May I invite Minister Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, as representative of BIMP-EAGA Ministers, to give the presentation on recent developments in BIMP-EAGA.

A Baseline Study on Beekeepers Who Participated during the 8th National Beekeeping Convention cum Symposium in December 2009

A Baseline Study on Beekeepers Who Participated during the 8^th National Beekeeping Convention cum Symposium in December 2009

Elmer R. Esplana

National Secretariat Coordinator, National Price and Volume Watch, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Department of Agriculture (DA) &

President, Corps of Philippine Researchers for Development, Inc. (CPR4DEVT)

Paper presented at the 9^th National Beekeeping Convention

Southern Luzon State University, Lucban Quezon, Philippines 

with the theme “Beekeeping: A Tool for Productivity and Environmental Conservation ”

February 2-4, 2011  

ABSTRACT

This paper is a baseline study on the beekeepers who participated during the 8^th National Beekeeping Convention cum Symposium in December 2009.  The study aimed to determine the baseline information about the participants of the 8^th National Beekeeping Convention cum Symposium. The study used a survey questionnaire.  Of the 108 registered participants, 66 (60%) respondents participated in the baseline survey, including selected resource person-beekeepers. The study indicates that majority of the beekeeper-respondents are living in Luzon regions, particularly in Regions I, III, CAR, NCR and IV-A.  Majority are male participants. Most of the interest/inclination of beekeepers are in the production, delivery of honey products and by-products and supply chain management. Most of the beekeepers are using mobile phones as their major tool in communicating among their clients and  between each other. Majority of the beekeepers have more than 10 colonies with Apis Mellifera as the common culture species.  A very small number of beekeeping activities is being done on Apis Cerana and Trigona. The study also indicates that beekeepers with bigger number of colonies of about 20 to 150 colonies started their beekeeping in the early 1990’s or in the early 2000’s.  The survey also showed that start-up capital in establishing apiary/bee farm ranges from a low of PhP3,000 to a high of PhP100,000. Majority of the respondents are connected with either their local or national beekeeping association. Most of the beekeepers are open for collaborative research in the following areas: honeybee breeding, production, processing, product development, and marketing of bee products and by-products. This baseline study was able to identify and determine the characteristics and practices, including the interest/inclination of beekeepers in the country. This study also demonstrated that beekeepers are supportive in the conduct of collaborative researches on bee breeding, production, processing, pest & disease management, queen rearing and hive management, training and extension, product development and marketing bee products and by-products. This collaborative behaviour/attitude among the local beekeeper-respondents may help the country to have a better and sustained honeybee industry performance in the succeeding 5 to 20 years.  This study basically supports the goals and objectives of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) in contributing to food security, poverty alleviation, improved productivity, increased income and global competitiveness of the high-value honeybee products and by-products in the country. 

Keywords:  Baseline Study, Survey, Beekeepers, 8^th National Beekeeping Convention cum Symposium, December 2009 

A visit to Filipina-Bruneian agribusiness of Cinta sauce products

A visit to Filipina-Bruneian agribusiness of Cinta sauce products in Brunei Darussalam  

by Elmer R. Esplana, May 17, 2011

In my last day in Negara, Brunei Darussalam I got the chance to visit with BFAR-Region 12 Director Sani Macabalang to a Filipina (Hjh. Khadijah Mangate) who married with a Bruneian, Mr. Hj. Ilias Bin Matusin. Khadijah Mangate originated from Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur.  She has been in Brunei since 1984. She has been about 26 years in Brunei. They have seven children, six girls and one boy. Mrs. Mangate and her husband is now an owner of a chili sauce business establishment which they called as Sahamada Corporation Sdn. Bhd.

Their corporation has been producing eight classes of chili sauces with the following names: 1) Sos Chili (Chili Sauce), 2) Sos Cili Pedas (Extra Hot Chili Sauce), 3) Sos Pencicah Serbaguna (Multi-purpose Dip Sauce), 4) Sos Pencicah Ikan Tahai (Dip Sauce with smoked fish), 5) Sos Cili Nasi Ayam ( Chicken Rice Chili Sauce) and  6) Sos Lobak Merah Bersama Cili (Carrot Sauce with Chili).  Their two latest products include Sos Halia Bersama Cili (Ginger Sauce with Chili) and Sos Bawang Puteh Bersama Cili (Garlic Sauce with Chili.  Their brand name is called as "Cinta" which means "love" or "sinta" in the Tagalog word. The success of their business is product of the love of this couple.   They have started  their chili sauce company in 2003 as a cottage industry business at the residence of Haji Ilias with only one small blender.  His family members are the workers of the business.   At that time, there are only three types of Chili sauce products namely Sos Cili, Sos Pencicha Serbaguna and Sos Cili Pedas.  The bottle filling is done manually at that time.  They are just using a small cooking pans before in processing their sauce products. During that time, they are using computer-made stickers in their company brand name "Cinta". Around 50 bottles are sold each day to friends and relatives. The small family business started a capital of only B$1,000.  After 7 years (in 2009) of their operation, the company had already been employing 12 personnel.  There production output have reached 20,000 bottles per day.  Their capital have increased to B$600,000.  In August 2009, Ho Tai Company Sdn. Bhd. was declared as the sole distributor of Cinta Chili Sauce products.  The company was awarded as "Progressive Entrepreneur 2009" during the Agrifood Expo 2009 held in Tungku, Gadong, Negara Brunei Darussalam. In 2010, they have already made a trial export to Czech Republic.  The have new distributor for Brunei market, the Malar Setia Sdn. Bhd.  In 2010, they also started to supply Cinta Chili Sauce to Royal Brunei Catering (RBC).  For this year, they are targeting going into the the global market by exporting more of their products. The have also aimed to be more competitive both in local and in the global market. They also would like to improve the quality of chili sauce by establishing effective GMP, HACCP Food Safety System and having an ISO 22000. 

Aside from an award in 2009, the company had an Halal Certificate  from Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei in 2008.  There is also an ongoing ISO 22000 program under the National Standards and Accreditation Centre Brunei Darussalam.   In the interview with the couple the vision of the company is "to produce healtheir and highly quality products." 

My picture with the couple Haji Ilias Matusin, Khadijah Mangate, Dir. Sani Macabalang



The company brand logo for "Cinta"



The eight different chili sauce that they are producing in their sauce processing plant

The Chili sauce which they market for the food service establishments

Matusin receiving an award from Brunei Sultan Hasannal Bolkiah

His Majesty Sultan Bolkiah signing guest book in one of the exhibition in Brunei with Ilias Matusin

One particular achievement of the company is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with a  company in Japan in 2006 for supplying for the Japanese market.  They started exporting chili sauce to Japan for their Sos Pedas and Sos Pencicah Ikah Tahal.  They have also exposed the company in overseas product exhibition such as in Japan, Dubai, Uman, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.  For this year, for their participation to the International Food Expo and Exhibition this May 2011 and Agrilink this coming October 2011, they believed they would be able to get Filipino clients and be able to initially market their sauce products in the Philippines. They are also planning to have an alternative supplier of chili raw materials,  including the supply of bottle from the Philippines.  For more information about Sahamada Corporation, Sdn. Bhd. you can contact Hj. Ilias Bin Hj. Matusin at email address shahmada@yahoo.com or contact them at Telefax No. 673-2791348 or visit their office at Unit G4 & G5, Block G, Menteri Complex, Kampong Menteri, Jalan Kota Batu BU 1929, Negara Brunei Darussalam.   

Pagbabaliktanaw: Minanang Awitin Muling Pagyamanin, Isang Konsiyerto at Lektura

Title of the Event in Crossroad 77 with the picture of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal holding a guitar

from left  Dr. Mike Coroza with the Mabuhay Singers Emma Lucero, Cely Bautista, Peping de Leon, and Jimmy Salonga

Lorenzo, Miko, and the Tres Rosita, Dr. Mike Coroza

Infront duet singing, Raye Lucero and Peping de Leon

The Mabuhay Singers team

Willie Samson, Fanny Paragas, Bernie Berida Jr. and Sadi Yuro

At the middle Elder Fanny Paragas

,

Farewell presentation

Pagbabaliktanaw: Minanang Awitin Muling Pagyamanin,  Isang Konsiyerto at Lektura sa Crossroad 77 Convenarium

by  Elmer R. Esplana,  Mananaliksik at Ekonomista ng Sining, May 14, 2011

Ang katatapos lang na isang pagtatanghal na pinamagatang "Minanang Awitin Muling Pagyamanin, Isang Konsiyerto at Lektura" na inihandog ng historyko.org  at C Futures  ay tagumpay. Ito ay ginanap sa Crossroad 77 Convenarium, Bread of Life Ministries International, Mother Ignacia Avenue cor. Scout Reyes Street, Brgy. Paligsahan, Lungsod ng Quezon, Metro Manila, Pilipinas. Ito ay ginanap noong ika-7 ng gabi, Mayo 13, 2011.  Sa aking palagay, ito ay naging isang matagumpay na pagtitipon, pagpapakilala at pagpapakita ng mga likas at likha na mga awiting Filipino, lalong-lalo na ang Kundiman.

Isang lektura ni Dr. Mike Coroza, isang kilalang makata, manunulat, tagapagsalin, at editor ng National Language of the Philippines, Associate Professor ng Ateneo de Manila University na nagbigay ng panimulang pampagana na tulang pagpapakilala sa mga manunuod ng pagtatanghal na ito.

Sinimulan nyang ipakilala ang kanyang sarili sa pamamagitan ng kanyang tulang pagpapakilala. Sinabi nya ang ang Kundiman na syang tampok na "genre" ng gabing iyon ay hindi lamang kanta ng pag-ibig o awit sa panliligaw ng dalaga, kundi ito rin ay isang awit ng makabayang Filipino.   Kundiman ang mag-uugnap sa tunay na "Kalayaan" at ang ideyal ng naisin ng mga Filipino para sa bansang Pilipinas.   Ito ay awit ng mga bayaning Filipino, kahapon, ngayon at bukas. Sinabi nya na bagaman ito ay nahahawig sa awitin ng mga Europeo, ito ay dapat angkinin ng mga Filipino sapagkat ito ay nilapatan ng sariling salita na Pilipino or wikang katutubo, at marami dito ay Kundimang Tagalog. Ilan sa mga sikat na mang-aawit at kompositor or gumagawa ng mga awit Kundiman na binaggit nya sa kanyang lektura ay ang pambansang bayaning si Dr.  Jose Rizal, sina Joselina Baliwag, Antonio Molina, at maraming pang iba, na naging kabahagi na ng kasaysayan ng Kundiman sa Pilipinas.

Isa sa tampok sa pagtatanghal na ito ay ang pag-awit ng Mabuhay Singers ng higit sa tatlongpung mga awitin at kaharamiran sa kanilang inawit ay mga Kundiman, katulad ng: Aawitan Kita, Bundok Banahaw, Kalesa,  Habang-Buhay,  Magbabakya, Dahil sa Iyo,  Pakwan, Hahabol-habol, Kung Ako'y Magaasawa, Pintasan, Lawiswis Kawayan, Mutya ng Pasig, Bol-anon, Hatinggabi, Lulubog-lilitaw, Bingwit ng Pag-ibig, Madaling Araw, Balut, Kuratsa, Pobreng Alindahaw, Pamulinawen, Pista sa Nayon, Ako ay Pilipino, Pilipinas, at maraming pang iba. 

Tatlo sa orihinal na mang-aawit ng Mabuhay Singers na nag-angat ng ating mga ikinararangal na awiting Pilipino ay kinabibilangan ng mga Reyna at Hari ng Kundiman na sina Cely Bautista, Raye Lucero at si Jose "Peping" de Leon.   Kasama rin sa mga umawit si Emma Lucero, anak ni Raye Lucero at ang kanilang mga kasamang mang-aawit-musikero-gitarista na sina Eddie Suarez at Jimmy Salonga.  Makikita nyo ang kanilang Facebook account nila na may pamagat na Mabuhay Singers kung inyong nais silang imbitahin upang magtanghal.

Kabilang din sa mga umawit ang sinasabing Tres Rositas na mga mag-aaral ng Conservatory of Music sa Universidad ng Pilipinas (University of the Philippines) na sina Janine, Roxanne, Charlene.   Kasama rin sa mga umawit ang anak ni Dr. Coroza na si Miko at isa pang sa nitong kasama na si Lorenzo.  

Isang rin sa espesyal ng pagtatanghal ang ginawa ng E4 (Four Church Elders) ng Bread of Life (BOL) na sina  Sadi Yuro, Bernie Berida Jr, Fanny Paragas at Willie Samson. Umawit sila ng mga Original Filipino Music (OPM) katulad ng Akoy Pinoy, Tayo'y mga Pinoy, Bakit Labis Kitang Minahal.  Isa sa hinangaan sa kanilang pagtatanghal ay ng awitin nila ang "Anak" na sikat na awitin ni Freddie Aguilar na isinalin sa ibat-ibang wika ng ibat-ibang mga bansa.

Pagkatapos ng mga awiking ng E4, nagbigay ng isang maikling mensahe ang tagapamahala ng Historyko.org na si Elder Willie Samson. Sinasabi niya na ang Kundiman ay "awitin ng mga bayani." Isa pa, "ito ay di pweding talikuran ng bawat Filipino." Ang mga awitin na nasulat at nalikha na Kundiman ay paglalarawan  ng pagmamahal sa ating bayan.  Nagbanggit sya ang apat na dahilan ng pagbagsak ng mga bansa mula sa dati nilang kadakilaan, kasama na rito ang Pilipinas. Una, ang pagbagsak ng kalidad ng edukasyon. Sa mga bansa sa Asya, walang universidad sa Pilipinas na kasali sa limampung pinakamagagaling. Naunahan na tayo pati ng bansang Indonesia na kasali sa ika-apatnaput siyam. Ikalawa,  ang pagkawala ng paggalang sa mga tradition,  tulad ng paggalang sa matatanda. Ikatlo, ang pagdami ng mga taong nahuhumaling sa materyal na mga bagay.  Isa sa halimbawa nito ang magdami ng mga Pilipinong paikot-ikot sa mga malalaking mall upang bumili ng mga bagay na pang samanantala lamang gayong ang Pilipinas ay isa sa mahirap na bansa sa Asya.  Kahit anong oras sa maghapon ay maraming Filipino ang nagpapaikot-ikot sa mga mall, para maglakwatsa at magpalipas lamang ng oras, samantalang sa ibang bansa ay hindi ganito ang ating makikitang kanilang ginagawa. 

Sa madaling salita, sayang ang oras ng isang tao kung ang oras nya ay ginagamit lamang sa paglalakwatsa katulad ng mall, lalo na kung wala naman importanteng pakay dito or  kung may pakay man dito ay magwawaldas lang ng salapi sa halip na ipunin upang magamit na pang-invest upang lalo pang dumami ang kanilang pera o itabi upang magamit sa oras ng pangangailangan ng pamilya.   Sa mga bansa sa Asya, isa ang Pilipinas sa pinakamababa ang "savings rate" kada taon.  Kung ganito ang ating karanasan,  panahon na upang mag-impok tayo upang paunlarin natin ang ating mga likas na yaman katulad ng agrikultura at  magagandang lugar na pang turismo. Mangyayari lamang ito kung may pagbabagong magaganap sa ating pag-iisip, mananaw sa buhay, at magkakaroon ng pagdidisiplina sa paggamit natin ng pera, hindi upang ito ay waldasin kundi upang magamit sa mas makabuluhang bagay tulad ng gawaing pangkabuhayan (livelihood project), pagi-impok (savings), pag-invest sa pagnenegosyo (business or agribusiness venture).

Ikaapat, ay ang paghinga ng pundasyon ng kultura ng isang bansa dahil sa inpluwensya ng mga banyagang kultura katulad ng mga bansa sa Kanlurang Amerika, Europa, at marami pang iba.  Dahil maraming kabataan na hindi na nila alam ang mga panitikang Filipino na syang pundasyon ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang isang bansa. Ilan sa mga halimbawa nito ang Kundiman, Epiko, Sarswela at Balagtasan. 

Isa rin sa mensahi at magandang pag-aambag ng pagtatanghal na ito para sa bawat isa ay ang pagpapa-alaala sa ating lahat na mga Filipino, upang ating muling sariwain at pagyamanin ang mga awiting ipinamana sa atin ng ating mga ninuno, isa na rito ang Kundiman. Kung mapapagyaman natin ang Kundiman,, ito ay isa sa magiging batayan ng ating pag-unlad bilang isang bansa, para sa ating pagsulong sa hamon ng ika-dalwamput-isa hanggang ika-dalwamput-dalawang siglo (21st to 22nd Century Philippines) ng lahing kayumanggi at sa pag-usad ng kasaysayan ng bansang Pilipinas.    

Sa aking pagmamasid at pagbabaliktanaw, ang pagtatanghal na may pamagat na "Minananng Awiting muling Pagyamanin, Isang Konsiyerto at Lektura" ay kinasiyahan ng lahat ng manunuod na karamihan ay mga miyembro ng Crossroad 77-BOL Ministries International. Ang perang kikitain sa pagtatanghal na ito ay gagamitin para sa mga gawain ng Meridian International Learning Experience or kilala sa tawag na MILE. 

Ang sabi nga ng Presidente ng MILE  na si Elder Bernardo Berida Jr. "Ang Meridian ay nagmula sa isang pangarap na magbubunga ng isang henerasyong may kakaiba, positibo at matayog na pananaw sa kanilang sarili at sa kanilang bansa. (www.themeridian.edu.ph)" Kasama na rito ang pagmamahal sa Dios at sa bansa upang magkaroon ng pagbabahagi ng sarili, maging halimbawa sa lahat, pagkakaroon ng kaibahan at pagsisikap para sa sarili, para sa pamilya, para sa ibang tao, at sa ating bansang Pilipinas sa kabuuhan para sa susunod na saling lahi ng mga Filipino, sa ano mang dako ng mundo.  

Mabuhay ang Filipino! Mabuhay ang lahing Kayumanggi!  Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!  

Mabait talaga ang Dios sa atin!

Development in the Supply Chain of the Philippine Goat Industry: An Assessment

Development in the Supply Chain of the Philippine Goat Industry:An Assessment/1
Esplana, R. Elmer/2, Lary Nel B. Abao/3, Rolando M. Vasquez/4

ABSTRACT

The study documents the development of the Philippine Goat Industry within the supply chain.The study used triangulation method that comprising of archival research, key informant interviews, benchmarking, competitiveness and profitability analysis. The study indicates that there have been many improvements in the supply chain of the Philippine goat industry from input supply to consumption. There were also some best practices that can be emulated among the goat industry stakeholders. The study also suggests for more investment opportunities for the goat production. Also, it indicates that the Philippine goat meat (chevon) product is competitive compared with other countries, such as Australia, United States and Canada, in terms of price competitiveness and the goat production is a very profitable entrepreneurial project. This underscores for a better outlook of the industry, in terms of better prices and supply, and higher consumption for both the local, and potentially export market in the coming years. The study results support the goals and objectives of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) in contributing to food security, poverty alleviation, improved productivity and increased income and global competitiveness of the livestock sector, in general, and goat industry, in particular.

1/ Received the Grand Prize Winner for the Best National R&D AFMA Paper Awards for Socio-economics Research Category. 19th National Research Symposium (NRS), Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), Department of Agriculture, October 6, 2007. The 2007 NRS had a theme “Agriculture and Fisheries R&D Toward Agribusiness Development and Agro-Industrialization.” The main author can be contacted at email address: elmer.esplana@gmail.com or mobile no. +63 922-8117367.
2/ Agriculturist II, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and President of the Club of Professional Researchers (CPR), with current organization name now as Corps of Philippines Researchers for Development, Inc. (CPR4DEVT).
3/ Agriculturist II, BAI, CPR Treasurer.
4/ Agriculturist II, BAI, CPR Member

A Supply Chain Assessment of the Philippine Fruits Industry: Towards Sustained Profitability, Improved Productivity and Pro-active Response to the Impact on Climate Change

A Supply Chain Assessment of the Philippine Fruits Industry: Towards Sustained Profitability, Improved Productivity and

Pro-active Response to the Impact on Climate Change

                                 Lustria, Jose Ulysses, Jr.[1] and Elmer R. Esplana[2]
                                                          

ABSTRACT

The study documents the development of the Philippine Fruits Industry within the supply chain. The study used triangulation method that comprising of archival research, key informant interviews, benchmarking, competitiveness and profitability analysis. The study indicates that there have been many improvements in the supply chain of the Philippine fruits industry from input supply to consumption. There were also some best practices that can be emulated among the fruit industry stakeholders. The study also suggests for more investment opportunities for fruit production particularly exotic fruits such as guapple/guava, durian, mangosteen, avocado, and watermelons, given the initially-developed export market for these fruits.  Also, it indicates that the Philippine fruits, specifically banana and pineapple, is highly competitive compared with other countries, such as Thailand, India, Brazil, and China in terms of price competitiveness. This underscores for a better outlook of the industry, in terms of better prices and supply, and higher consumption for both the local, and potentially export market in the coming years. The study results support the goals and objectives of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) in contributing to food security, poverty alleviation, improved productivity and increased income and global competitiveness of the high-value commercial crops sector, in general, and fruits industry, in particular.

---

[1]  Project Development Officer IV, DA, and Vice-Chair (External Affairs), Club of Professional Researchers (CPR).

[2] Agriculturist II and National Secretariat Coordinator, National Task Force on Price and Volume Watch, DA-BAI. Mr. Esplana received the Grand Prize Winner for the Best National R&D AFMA Paper Awards for Socio-economics Research Category. 19th National Research Symposium (NRS), Bureau of Agricultural Research, Department of Agriculture, October 6, 2007. The 2007 NRS had a theme “Agriculture and Fisheries R&D Toward Agribusiness Development and Agro-Industrialization.” He is the President of Corps of Philippine Researchers for Development, Inc.  and former General Manager of Andria's Taste Restaurant in Intramuros, Manila. 

(Source:www.elrondconsultancy.multiply.com, August 29, 2009)

Volunteerism by Elmer R. Esplana

Volunteerism
by Elmer R. Esplana, November 1, 2007

Volunteerism  is what  we need today;
Volunteerism to express our  basic human rights;
Volunteerism to express  our  civil responsibility;
Volunteerism  to  participate actively
      in  the lives of other people.

Volunteerism is what God's people can offer;
Volunteerism that becomes supplementary;
Volunteerism that becomes alternative;
Volunteerism that fills the gaps  of
      both government and for-profit sector.

Volunteerism is the reason "I thank you";
Volunteerism that touches the hearts of His people;
Volunteerism that shares victory and hardship;
Volunteerism that edify friends, officemates,
     acquintances, and loved ones.

Volunteerism is my challenge to everyone;
Volunteerism that will mold our values;
Volunteerism that will improve our quality;
Volunteerism that will benefit the lives
     of our community and our countrymen;

Volunteerism should be our common goal;
Volunteerism that is capable to reach out to our brethren;
Volunteerism that is capable of reaching out to the unsaved;
Volunteerism that will advance the Kingdom of God
     in our own country and the whole world.

(Source: www.elmer2007.multiply.com)

Ilaban Natin ni Elmer R. Esplana

Ilaban Natin
Ni Elmer R. Esplana, November 4, 2007

(A poem inspirationally written from the
corporate slogan of the Land Bank of the Philippines in 1997,
"Lahat ay kakayanin, Lahat ay gagawin. "  This slogan is related to the
vision of Philippines 2000 of former President Fidel V. Ramos.  The poem was delivered by the author during the closing  program of the three-day
Orientation/Re-orientation Seminar-Workshop  held at the Philippine
Animal Health Center Conference Room,  Bureau of Animal Industry, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, October 6, 1999).

Lahat ay kakayanin,
Lahat ay gagawin,
Dahil sa pangitaing,
Kay Kristo nanggaling.
Puspusang paghahanda,
At pagsasanay gawin,
Alang-alang sa Inang Bayang,
Kinamulatan natin.


Ang  magsilbi sa bayan,
Dapat nating isaisip at gawin,
Upang ang natatanging talento't kalooob,
Ay  maibahagi natin,
Upang sa araw ng pagtutuos,
Ay maialay natin,
Sa Dios na lumikha,
Sa bawat isa sa atin.

Ang aking paalaala,
At hamon para sa bawat isa,
Ang ating  bahagi ay mahalaga,
Kung kayat, ito'y
Dapat nating ikasaya,
 "Ilaban natin,
Ang panawagan natin,
Kasama ang Dios natin."

(Source: www.elmer2007.multiply.com)

Ang Buhay:Isang Tula ni Elmer R. Esplana

Ang Buhay:Isang Tula  


Sulat ni: Elmer R. Esplana, November 4, 2007
(This is a poem in "Tagalog" that expresses the importance of life and how to use it to the fullest for the glory of God -the Mighty Creator - for the Filipinos.) 

Buhay, ano nga ba ito?
Ang buhay ay  pinahiram lang sa atin,
Sa pamamagitan ng ating mga magulang,
Nagmula sa Dios na may akda nito.
Buhay ang regalo ng Dios sa mundo,
Upang alagaan, pagyamanin at ingatan ng tao,
Buhay na walang maaaring umako,
Kaibigan,tanging ikaw lang ang tagapamahala nito.
Ang buhay ay parang isang gulong,
Minsan nasa ibabaw, minsan nasa ilalim,
Sino nga ba ang makapagsasabing,
Siya lang ang buhay mo at buhay ko.
Masasabi mo bang ikaw ay may buhay?
Buhay na may kasayahan at kalungkutan,
Buhay na may kasaganaan at kasalatan,
Buhay na may katagumpayanan at kabiguan.
Sayang lang ang buhay sa araw-araw na lumilipas,
Kung di ito nagagamit ng husto,
Kung di ito nagagamit ng wasto,
Lalo na kung ang buhay ay di mahalaga sa yo.

(Source: www.elmer2007.multiply.com)