CapSU teachers to write college textbooks

By Niño S. Manaog

University Extension Associate II

Capiz State University

  

Some 50 faculty members from across the Capiz State University (CapSU) System attended the Seminar-Workshop on Textbook Writing held on June 2–3, 2011 at the Conference Room of CapSU Roxas City Campus, Fuentes Drive, Roxas City.

BRAINSTORMING SESSIONS
Science, Filipino and English faculty
members pool to draft potential materials
 for textbook writing.

Sponsored by the Mutya Publishing House, Inc., a publishing firm based in Malabon City, the workshop featured the expertise and services of Ma. Teresa Antonino, consultant and Dr. Rolando Bernales, consultant and Mutya’s bestselling author.

During the first-day lectures, Antonino briefed the participants on the services of Mutya Publishing House and lectured on the rudiments of textbook publication. For the major part, well-published textbook author Bernales shared on publishing techniques and the ethical and legal implications of publishing including the guides against copyright infringement and plagiarism. Using varied presentation methods, Bernales stressed on the nitty-gritty and the realities related to book publishing, zooming in on what it takes to be a successful textbook author.

According to Bernales, textbook publishing accomplishes a number of tasks. First, the use of well-written textbook in the university facilitates the teaching-learning process. Next, it provides for the uniformity in the instructional materials used in the university.

Among other things, textbook publication will also facilitate CapSU’s compliance with the accreditation requirement which mandates SUC faculty to undertake research and publication. Bernales added that another purpose is to provide additional income opportunities for teachers through the royalties they will have as textbook writers.

CHARISMATIC TEACHER
Dr. Rolando Bernales engages
the participants in his lively
and witty discussions. 

In the second-day workshop, Dr. Herminia Gomez, vice-president for academic affairs, clustered the participants into four subject areas, namely—English, Filipino, Mathematics and Science.

After critiquing the groups’ proposals, Dr. Bernales and Ms. Antonino sought the commitment of the groups to accomplish the writing of the manuscripts for the books before the end of the first semester this year.

The workshop drew good feedback from the participants. Mrs. Rosella Olmo, Filipino teacher from Sapian Campus, expressed appreciation of how values should be integrated in the writing of the textbooks. Olmo also pointed out how the speaker’s approach inspired her to improve her teaching procedures and strategies.

Engr. Arlyn Olmo of Burias Campus realized the importance of effectiveness of college teaching through the use of good teaching materials, while Ms. Ma. Vincentia Olilang, English instructor at the Roxas City Campus, particularly noted the meticulous considerations required in the writing of a textbook.

In her closing speech, President Editha Magallanes urged the faculty members across the campuses to “work more” and produce significant output for publication within the year. In particular, Magallanes encouraged the younger teachers to produce more for the university.

According to Dr. Magallanes, a memorandum of agreement will then be signed between the Capiz State University and the Mutya Publishing House, Inc. to formalize the arrangement and to set the project in motion.

In the meantime, Dr. Bernales has established contact with the teachers who will write and submit manuscripts in their respective subjects and disciplines.

teachers unite to write

Under the initiative of President Editha L. Magallanes (seated, third from right), the textbook writing workshop will provide for the faculty of Capiz State University more avenues for knowledge sharing and income generation but also improve their teaching-learning dynamics in their classrooms.

Dumalag named WESVARRDEC’s best FITS center

By Niño S. Manaog

University Extension Associate

Capiz State University

Most promising, indeed.

In the first Regional Techno Gabay (TG) Summit and Technomart of the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) held on May 25–26, 2011 at the Amigo Plaza Mall in Iloilo City, the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center based in Dumalag, Capiz clinched the top prize for Best FITS Center. The FITS Center was launched only in May 2009.

Based on the citation, FITS Dumalag scored high in organization and management, delivery of FITS Services, maintenance of minimum requirements, and resource generation and linkage, four criteria announced by WESVARRDEC.

Led by FITS Manager Ronelyn De Tomas, FITS Dumalag received a certificate of recognition and cash prize from WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne and TG Coordinator Anna Mae Relingo during the closing rites on May 26, 2011 at the same venue. They were joined by Capiz State University (CapSU) TG Team Leader Eduardo Navarra.

According to its 2010 Annual Report, the proactive leadership of Dumalag FITS Manager Ronelyn de Tomas fully supported by the staff and the dynamic involvement of Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Randy Fancubila helped render services to some 3,500 farmers for the past year.

FITS Manager De Tomas attributes the achievement to the support of their local government led by Municipal Mayor Lilia Castro and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Capiz. Since its launch in May 2009, the Center conducted extensive trainings and activities for the Dumalag Bamboocraft Producers Cooperative (DBPC), a 28-member organization led by MS Randy Fancubila, in order to take bigger steps to improving the bamboo technologies in the municipality

WESVARRDEC’s appointment of Randy Fancubila as MS for engineered bamboo in 2010 helped usher in the effective and efficient services by the Center for the year.

In the same event, the Capiz State University booth also featured MS Fancubila’s engineered bamboo table, trophies and bamboo planks, much to the curiosity and delight of walk-in visitors. The CapSU team also brought the abaca ropes and woven materials from FITS Jamindan and abaca plant sampled from the farm of MS Igmedio Llamelo, among others.

For two days, managers and staff from FITS centers based in Dumalag, Jamindan, Dao and Ivisan, all of Capiz manned the CapSU booth, promoted their products to walk-in visitors and attended the MS and technology forums sponsored by WESVARRDEC.

Awardees and officials share the best moment
of FITS Dumalag's achievement.

CapSU, Capiz FITS centers’ products showcased in WESVARRDEC’s TG summit

By Niño S. Manaog

University Extension Associate

Capiz State University

Capiz State University maintains ten
campuses across the province of Capiz.

In the 2011 Regional Techno Gabay (TG) Summit led by the Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC) held on May 25–26, 2011 at the Amigo Plaza Mall in Iloilo City, the Capiz State University (CapSU) research and extension services were featured, along with the products of its Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) and Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) centers.

Led by TG Team Leader Eduardo Navarra, the CapSU booth featured the engineered bamboo of MS Randy Fancubila of FITS Dumalag. MS Fancubila showcased bamboo table, trophies and sample bamboo planks, much to the curiosity and delight of walk-in visitors. Navarra’s team also brought the abaca ropes and woven materials from FITS Jamindan and abaca plant sampled from the farm of MS Igmedio Llamelo. 

CapSU featured the novelty products and accessories made from coconut shells of FITS Ivisan, the vermicast bags from FITS Panay, indigenous micro-organism (IMO) used as foliar fertilizers from FITS Dao, and fisheries brochures prepared by FITS OPA Capiz. FITS Ivisan’s coco shell products are manufactured by prospective MS Roosevelt Villarde of the town, while the production of FITS Dao’s IMO foliar fertilizers is led by their Technology Services Specialist (TSS) Genes Estialbo.

CapSU's new FITS centers with their
respective focus commodities.

CapSU brought the products of the FITS Centers to open opportunities for processors and producers and usher their products into wider and bigger markets.Guided by the events theme, “Science and Technology in Every Product

According to TG TL Navarra, the partner member agency and this type of activities is the best link of the said products to potential markets and buyers. CapSU’s initiative is hinged on the consortium’s Technomart modality which aims to bring the commodities and technologies to the general public. In the two-day exposure of the CapSU FITS’ products, “we expect that Ivisan’s coco shells find bigger buyers, and Dumalag’s engineered bamboo locate potential market niches to which it can supply,” Navarra said.

The effort was supported by FITS centers led by their respective managers, namely: Ronelyn De Tomas of Dumalag, Susan Dordas of Dao, Remedios Llamelo of Jamindan, Audie Belargo of OPA Capiz, Letecia Andrada of Ivisan, Jun Hiceta of Panay and Leonardo Barcenas of President Roxas.

WESVARRDEC awards ICT equipment to FITS Jamindan

By Isaac Abello

WESVARRDEC RAC Staff

On May 10, 2011, WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne turned over the information and communications technology (ICT) equipment to the personnel of the FITS Center based in Jamindan, Capiz.

One unit of Acer desktop and its accessories plus printer and other related devices were received by FITS Manager Remedios Llamelo and Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) Igmedio Llamelo at the WESVARRDEC office at UP Visayas in General Luna St., Iloilo City.

According to Regional Management Information System (RMIS) Coordinator Nilo Araneta, the provision of ICT equipment will “help enhance the delivery of services of the FITS Center to farmer beneficiaries.”

The new equipment will also facilitate easy access to and production of needed IEC materials, technology updates and other similar resources to be sourced from the said municipality.

FITS Dumalag's new facilities launched

By N. Manaog

University Extension Associate


It's a bigger and better Dumalag FITS Center.

After some nine months of construction and refurbishing of their facilities, the officials and personnel of the Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Center based in Dumalag, Capiz led the inauguration and blessing of their new facilities on May 4, 2011 in Poblacion, Dumalag, Capiz.

The new facilities are a two-room dormitory for male and female, a Training Hall that can accommodate 100 persons, and an 8m x 10 m Display Center which houses their bamboo products, vegetable and crops. Now, FITS Dumalag also boasts of the two refurbished offices, namely: the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist and the office of the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council (MAFC).

Backed by Dumalag Mayor Lilia Castro, FITS Manager Ronelyn De Tomas welcomed some 200 guests representing 16 barangays of Dumalag town including farmers, government personnel, 4-H Club members and ordinary townsfolk. FITS Manager Ronelyn De Tomas attributed the achievement to the full support that FITS Center enjoys with a number of agencies and offices.

After De Tomas urged the farmers to patronize and maximize the use of these facilities, she thanked the agencies who helped and provided various types of assistance to FITS Center Dumalag—including PCARRD-DOST, WESVARRDEC, DTI Capiz and the Capiz State University, its partner member agency. De Tomas credited the full support of Vice-Mayor Eriberto Castro, chairman on agriculture Leo Teves and MAFC Chairman Noe Fantilaga and the entire personnel of Department of agriculture detailed in Dumalag.

The efforts and initiative of the center were well lauded by WESVARRDEC Director Joseph Edward Idemne, Provincial Board Member Emile Ardivilla, DTI Capiz Director Ermelinda Pollentes and Techno Gabay Coordinator Anna Mae Relingo, who witnessed the said rites.

According to WESVARRDEC Director Idemne and RTGP Coordinator Relingo, FITS Dumalag ranks top in the FITS centers list, being equipped with a training hall, dormitory and display center. For its big number of activities and involvements in the consortium work in the past two years, the officials recommended the Center for nomination in the Best FITS Center in the Techno Gabay Awards this year.

For his part, Techno Gabay Team Leader Eduardo Navarra of the Capiz State University takes pride in the Center’s full involvement in the engineered bamboo, now considered a promising commodity nationwide. According to Navarra, regional and national PMAs are interested in visiting FITS Dumalag to see and learn firsthand the engineered bamboo technology of its Magsasaka Siyentista Randy Fancubila. Anytime soon, Capiz State University will facilitate said initiatives for the FITS Center.

Other representatives came from the DTI Capiz, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Region VI, Capiz State University and Pioneer Hybrid Seed Company.

BIGGER AND BETTER

The new facilities include (clockwise from left) a display center 
which houses their bamboo products, vegetable and crops, 
dormitory for male and female and a Training Hall 
that can accommodate 100 persons.

With Reports from Isaac Abello

WESVARRDEC RAC Staff

Coconut Breeding and Trials Unit (CBTU)

Burias, Mambusao, Capiz

Vision

To help promote accelerated development of coconut and other palm oil industry for farmers in particular and the entire nation in general, the following are the projected goals of CBTU:

 Mission

To complement on-going national research program for coconut varietal improvement and improved agro-technological systems that will suit the conditions of Panay and nearby areas for the systematic development of coconut in the region.

Goals and Objectives

The Coconut Breeding and Trials Unit (CBTU) continually seeks to:

• breed various coconut varieties of PCA and select suitable planting materials for conservation, replication and distribution;
• facilitate the release of planting materials for small coconut farmers organizations (SCFOs);
• record and release observations on coconut growth and development conducted in Capiz State University and compare them with those done in other locations;
• conduct research activities and demonstration trials on to coconut-based farming systems, integrated pest management and cultural management practices in the area; and
• establish and maintain a databank of all existing coconut collections.

Beginnings

I

n a ten-year development program for the coconut industry proposed by then Panay State Polytechnic College (PSPC), the University sought to replicate of the coconut germplasm collection from the Philippine Coconut Authority’s Zamboanga Research Center (PCA ZRC).

To preserve the collection, Deputy Administrator for Research Nebuchadnezzar P. Arboleda, through the support of Dr. Ernesto V. Botin, then PSPC President, conceptualized the Coconut Breeding Trials Unit (CBTU), the first of its kind authorized by PCA’s research branch.

After an agreement was entered into between PSPC and PCA in 1991, CBTU was formally implemented in 1993. Through the years, CBTU propelled its operations, even engaging in active participations with partners and stakeholders until PSPC evolved into what is now Capiz State University. 

Then, in 1999, under the leadership of President Rochellir D. Dadivas, CBTU was formally cited to have the biggest collection of coconut genetic resources among all state colleges and universities in the world. This was certified on May 10, 1999 by Carlos B. Carpio, PCA’s Deputy Administrator for Research and Development. At the time, Carpio was a member of the Malaysia-based International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) and the Bureau for the Development of Research in the Tropical Oil Crops (BUROTROP) based in France.

After some two decades, the Coconut Breeding and Trials Unit (CBTU) has maintained 100 coconut varieties since its inception and implementation. It also continues to provide varieties both for study and commercial purposes.

The Capiz State University has since maintained this profitable project for the University’s Research department while it continually sets itself to provide livelihood alternatives to the people in the community.

Project Rationale

Coconut plantings in the Panay Island are comparatively smaller than in other Visayan islands. Conditions prevailing here allow opportunities for evaluating and conserving genetic resources that are already available and testing them in a range of environmental conditions.

• The Island represents three coconut suitability classes, namely: a) highly suitable (Capiz, Aklan, Northern Antique, Northern Iloilo); b) suitable (Iloilo and Guimaras) and fairly suitable (Southern Antique)
• CBTU makes these test materials available for access, distribution and monitoring.
• Absence of typhoons and other climatic disturbances makes the area an ideal collection site. Except common diseases of coconut, there was no reported disease of unknown etiology.
• CBTU can sustain a few varieties in greater number to serve as immediate sources of improved planting materials following controlled pollination for distribution to nearby areas.
• Duplication of valuable coconut collections is necessary to safeguard the materials from genetic losses.

Site Location

Situated some 107 kilometers from Iloilo City, the Western Visayas regional hub and some 43 kilometers off Roxas City, Capiz’s provincial capital, the Coconut Breeding and Trials Unit (CBTU) based at the Capiz State University Burias Campus is enclosed between barangays Burias and Caidquid, Mambusao, Capiz. The said location is bordered by the mountains of Jamindan, Capiz in the west; Altavas, Aklan in the north; Burias in the east, and barangay Caidquid in the south.

Projects and Activities

The Coconut Breeding and Trials Unit (CBTU) undertakes these activities.

Coconut

Varietal collection and development

Nursery management

Plantation management

Coconut ecology and physiology

Farming systems

Crop protection

Product development and processing

By-product utilization

Post-harvest handling and storage

Soil fertility management and development

Socioeconomics, marketing and promotion

Production

Increased seed nuts production and generated income

Improved production of complimentary crops and livestock

Extension

Production and distribution of high yielding seed nuts and seedlings to coconut farmers

Demonstration of Coconut-Based Farming Systems (CBFS)

Conduct of field days and harvest festival for coconut farmers and enthusiasts

Participation in R&D activities with WESVARRDEC, among others

CBFS awareness campaigns for farmers resulting in increased demand for planting material

Academic Research

CBTU is used as a social and field laboratory by Capiz State University students and faculty and those from other institutions

Site Profile*

Total Project Area	64 hectares
Area Planted To Collections	36:67 has.
Water-Logged Areas & Rice Fields	5 hectares
Border Rows And Vacant Areas Due To Blocking Design	24.33 hectares
Average Area Planted Variety	0.40 hectare
Total Germplasm Collection	86
	Tall	Dwarf	Hybrid
	52	24	12
Total Existing Palms
	Tall	Dwarf	Hybrid
	2,412	1,091	953
Borders	612

 *Data as of October 2002

For a More United PSPC Feeling

By Catalina L. Leonor

All other things being equal, an individual who works under wholesome and favorable circumstances can be more efficient and productive than the one who works under a hostile environment.

If one knows he is taken by the system for what he is and his contribution to the system is accepted and recognized no matter how small and insignificant it may appear to be; if he knows that he is treated fairly well and his welfare is being taken care of; if he is made to feel that he or she is an indispensable part of the big wheel which keeps the organization moving, there is no denying that an individual in his proper mindset would do everything for the success of that organization.

The Panay State Polytechnic College (PSPC) is an organization (we would like to call it a family) composed of intellectuals who know very well their duties and responsibilities as well as their rights and privileges.

Just like any other big family we would like that harmony and understanding would prevail among its members.

This important facet of any progressive organization is taken for granted or overlooked, such that if this is allowed to go uncorrected, cracks may develop in this otherwise happy and prosperous family which is PSPC.

It must therefore be the policy of the College to create and provide a wholesome climate within and among the campuses conducive to higher efficiency and productivity.

How can we attain this favorable climate conducive to self-satisfaction, harmonious relationship and professionalism among the expanding PSPC family?

Consider these strategies which I suggest be implemented as guidelines in our official functions.

1.      Regular values reorientation seminar program for all faculty and employees including the administrators of the College

2.      Clear job description and expectations  for each employee

3.      Clear statement of organizational policies

4.      Association of faculty and employees in each campus and a federation of these associations

5.      Provision for incentives and merit awards for outstanding performance

6.      Prompt and fair action on complaints and problems

7.      Clear policy on recruitment and filling up of vacancies

8.      Democratization of administrative and management functions

9.      Screening committee on scholarship and seminars

It is envisioned that the implementation of these guidelines go a long way in helping improve the organizational climate within and among the PSPC campuses.

Portions of Catalina L. Leonor's “For a more United PSPC ‘feeling.’” Published in From An Educator’s Perspective, Panay State Polytechnic College Faculty Forum 1 (2): 3, 9–10. Mambusao, Capiz: Panay State Polytechnic College, 1989.

DA 6 shares R.A. 10068 to Dao, Capiz

By Niño S. Manaog

University Extension Associate

Capiz State University

During the Seminar on Mitigating Climate Change Impact in Agriculture Through Organic and Natural Farming Technology held in Lolet’s Eco Park in barangay Duyoc, Dao, Capiz on March 16, 2011, Dr. Hector Peñaranda, officer-in-charge of the Specials Concerns and Institutional Development Unit of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 6, zoomed in on practices which the farmers can adopt to fully participate in the advocacy campaign for climate change.

Peñaranda presents the hierarchy and the mechanisms involved in the regional
implementation of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. As per the said law,
DepEd is also urged to have Organic Agriculture embedded across the learning curricula.

Among other measures, local farmers can implement changes in cropping pattern; adoption of appropriate technology; establishment of adjustment crops; alternative livelihood; buffer stocking which provides for the farming resiliency in dire times; and organic farming.

Peñaranda also discussed the nitty-gritty of the effects of agro-climatic in-disease. Peñaranda cited the gross emission of greenhouse gases such as nitrous oxide, methane and carbon dioxide most probably produced by agricultural sector worldwide. “We can only limit, mitigate but not stop [the adverse effects of] climate change,” Peñaranda said.

DA’s Peñaranda covered discussions of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, otherwise known as Republic Act 10068, citing that there is an urgent need to campaign, promote, and practice organic farming practices by institutionalizing it through the government agencies concerned.

According to Peñaranda, DA Region 6 recently partnered with three NGOs—two in Negros Occidental, one in Iloilo—jointly pursuing organic agriculture campaigns and advocacies. Such partnerships will allow for more participation and implementation of organic agriculture advocacy and development plans.

Five municipalities in Capiz applied for organic agriculture programs seeking grants for implementation. Penaranda urged the Capiz constituents to work toward realizing it.

Peñaranda presented the hierarchy and the mechanisms involved in the regional implementation of the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010. As per the said law, DepEd is also urged to have Organic Agriculture embedded across the learning curricula.

In the same initiative attended by some 80 participants representing many sectors in Dao, Capiz, FITS Dao Manager Susan Dordas also lectured on the global climatic events brought about by climate change, citing likewise the causes, effects and impact of the said phenomenon on agriculture industry.