VIBRANT FINANCIAL MARKET AND STRONG PESO SEEN IN PNOY FIRST 100 DAYS: SALCEDA

LEGAZPI CITY — A strong peso and vibrant financial market were the economic consideration that President Benigno “Noynoy’ Aquino III has successfully hurdled in his first 100 days in office as chief executive of the land.

This was the assessment made recently by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, one of the top economists in the country, where in these economic factors were Pres. Aquino’s objective yardstick in measuring and comparing his performance among four past administration.

Salceda pointed out that among the past four administrations, it is under Aquino’s administration that the peso strengthened the most in the first 100 days at +.5.5% followed by Pres. Ramos at +1.85% while all the other two posted negative- PGMA at -3.53% and Erap at -3.92% .

He also claimed that Aquino has brought back business confidence a key indicator in economic growth with a positive +22 percent, followed by Ramos but still negative at -9 percent, PGMA at negative -18 percent and Estrada at -28 percent.

Salceda a former Arroyo economic adviser said that the in Aquino’s first 100 days exhibited a strong financial markets backed by "real peso votes" while stock prices and currency movements are forward looking they have been proven to be good predictor of economic trends.

They discount the forward impacts of current policies and the overall worldview of top management as they play out in the dynamics of international competition and global market trends.

He said “surely, contrary opinion would swiftly resort to OFW remittances and higher risk appetite for EMEs but these trends persisted throughout all four administrations.”

Salceda said that based on these objective measurements, President Aquino has performed best among the past four administrations.

“In short, markets uniformly and unequivocally point to better times ahead for Filipinos,” he said.

These yardstick measures indicate that at least, robust markets suggest there is fuel for Philippine growth, now it is the turn of the administration to rev up the engines to use such fuel.

He claimed that the first 100 days are affirmatively auspicious- the next 100 days are more critical in determining how the Aquino administration will convert strong financial markets into programs and projects that prompt positive consequences in the lives of ordinary Filipinos.

Aquino’s policy on good governance has created sufficient impetus for an initial spate of growth as the public trust and business confidence it elicits will lift private investment rate and tax collection efficiency to sustain public capital outlays very much the public-private partnership paradigm he has skilfully picked to sustain higher output expansion that would createjobs and lower prices, thus reduce poverty. (LGU Albay/PIA/mal)

SALCEDA: ONDOY HURTS RP TOURISM MORE THAN QUIRINO

LEGAZPI CITY — Natural calamities spawned by global warming and climate change have reduced the country’s tourism potentials far more than any political uncertainty, and disastrous typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng hurt Philippine tourism far more extensively than the recent Quirino hostage tragedy in Manila.

Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda made this observation in various lectures as he echoes Albay’s experiences on disaster risk reduction and management throughout the country, noting that “One such very recent was my presentation before 120+ participants in the Visayas Media Forum organized by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) headed by Juan P. Dayang, in cooperation with the Boracay Foundation Inc. and held in this tourist island paradise last Sep 24-26.”

“But climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction and environment protection all help in poverty reduction through good governance, and that these concerns, are themselves investments in development” said Salceda, who urged communities and leaders to invest more in these endeavors as “a feasible platform for local governance”.

Salceda, who now hops around as an international lecturer in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, was recently named Senior Global Champion by the United Nations International Strategies for Disaster Reduction and his province of Albay, a global model, yet promptly addressing deep down the local communities where adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies take root and tangibility among the people.

Among the recent forum sessions were those held alternately at the Boracay Regency, Casa Pilar and Shangri-la Resort Hotel. Its other principal speakers include PIA Director-General Joe Fabia who represented Palace Communications Operation Group Secretary Sonny Coloma and Tourism Undersecretary Simeon Marfori.

In his well-researched and documented visual presentation, Salceda noted that at an average of 20 typhoons a year, 1.5-day are loss per weather extreme, means a loss of 254,744 tourist arrivals per year based on current annual average, which translates to $255 million loss in tourism revenues.

Salceda said global warming and the average 19-21 tropical cyclones it spawns every year undermine the integrity of the country’s natural and iconic assets, as well as reduce the overall attraction of the Philippines as a prized tourist destination.

The Albay governor pointed out that tourism is by far the most significant Philippine sunrise industry with the largest promise for poverty reduction through its potential job generation and the vast livelihood opportunities it offers. In 2007, he added, tourism contributed $5 billion and generated some 1.4 million productive jobs.

He projected a robust tourism growth in the next three years, buoyed by the recent P600 billion tourism investments, the rise of new tourist destinations like the Bicol loop attractions including Mayon and Misibis in Albay, Caramoan in Camarines Sur, and Donsols in Sorsogon; and the expanding ASEAN open skies policy.

Adverting back to global warming, Salceda said there are six interlocking themes one needs to understand in responding to climate change: climate change adaptation (CCA), mitigation, disaster risks reduction DRR), environment protection (EP), poverty reduction and good governance.

“CCA, mitigation, DRR and environment protection all help in poverty reduction through good governance,” he stressed, adding that these concerns, are themselves investments in development.

“If climate change disasters don’t occur, adaptation and DRR build up local capabilities; if disasters occur, DRR and CCA help ensure zero casualty and less economic damage,” he explained.

This adaptation model, Salceda said, “is a feasible platform for local governance” as proven in Albay, being the physical laboratory for Climate Change Adaptation, which has achieved most of its Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations, and now helps the rapid growth of the entire Bicol region that is now shedding off its “poorest region” image.

There is a unique Albay spin- Adaptation a boon to tourism. The climate adaptation platform of Albay has enabled tourist arrivals to continue in the midst of disasters. In 2009, despite a string of calamities, arrivals in Albay increased by 47 percent. Why? Because the tourism market is aware that the province is taking care of the disaster risks so development can proceed. So, they feel safe in going to Albay. And they also know when to come due to a strong communications program while events are well-timed in climate forecasts and predictions. Assisted by climate experts, Albay uses a climate simulation model (SIMCLIM) which is a basic input into its development plans and annual investment program. (LGU Albay/PIA/mal)

BFAR-RFFC INAUGURATES P60M FISHERY FACILITIES

BULA, Camarines Sur – The Regional Freshwater Fisheries Center (RFFC) of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Bicol has inaugurated new facilities composed of post harvest building, mini-feed mill, mini-laboratory and training hall with dormitory on September 23, 2010.

These new facilities were funded by a grant from the Japanese government worth P60 million under RFFC’s Continuing Capability Building for Integrated Development of Bicol Freshwater Fisheries Project. The Department of Agriculture – National Agricultural Fishery Council (DA-NAFC) was the facilitator of this project.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Japanese officials composed of Akio Isomata, Minister for Economic Affairs; Takehiko Sakata, First Secretary of Agriculture; Hirushi Kodama, JICA expert for DA; and Etsuko Taneda, JICA representative.

According to Minister Isomata, this inauguration symbolizes Japan’s continuing efforts to provide renewed hopes and greater livelihood opportunities for the local Filipino fish-farmers.

Also gracing the affair were Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Governor L-Ray Villafuerte, Congressman Luis Villafuerte, Mayor Ben Decena, NAFC Deputy Executive Director Maria Luz Enriquez and BFAR Assistant Director Benjamin Tabios.

In his first official visit to Bicol, Secretary Alcala thanked the Japanese government for its continuing support to helping the Philippines increase the productivity and incomes of Filipino farmers and fishermen. He also introduced the “Agri-Pinoy” program of the Department in support to President Benigno Aquino III’s battlecry to address food sufficiency.

Further, he said that DA-BFAR will establish more mariculture parks in appropriate coastal areas in Bicol, in partnership with host LGUs. They will jointly identify the poorest of the poor fishermen who will be prioritized to avail of the rent to own scheme to operate fish cages.

He added that DA-BFAR and LGUs will jointly enhance the production of capiz (Placuna Placenta), which is abundant in San Miguel Bay , as source of sustainable income for fishermen and their families. Capiz is famous for its translucent shell used in handicrafts and decorative products. Its meat is edible.

Meanwhile, the government of Japan and the DA-NAFC has been extending its assistance to RFFC for almost two decades and was instrumental in transforming the center in the forefront of freshwater aquaculture production and the leading training hub on the dissemination of aquaculture technologies. RFFC has institutionalized a one-day seminar every last Thursday of the month and provides free fingerlings for fish farmers with ready fishponds.

With the addition of the new facilities, RFFC will be elevated from being a production-based center to a one-stop-shop of freshwater fisheries technologies, thus boosting the overall aquaculture system in the region.

RFFC owes much of its development to the unceasing efforts and dedication of BFAR Regional Director Dennis del Socorro who led the development of the 34-hectare center which was donated by the Department of Agrarian Reform to the DA in 1989. He was the original project manager of RFFC since its foundation up until he was promoted as BFAR Regional Director in 2007.

The inauguration ceremony was highlighted by the cutting of ribbons, unveiling of the brass markers and educational tour in the four facilities of RFFC. (RCAnabe, BFAR V/PIA/mal)

KALAHI-CIDSS PROJECTS UPBEAT IN MASBATE TOWN

LEGAZPI CITY— Local folks in the municipality of Cawayan, Masbate will now be taking charge of the implementation of KALAHI-CIDSS: KKB following the conduct of the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF).

MIBF is a public gathering of community volunteers, municipal representatives, non-government organizations and other groups and individuals within the municipality. It is a unique KALAHI-CIDSS mechanism whereby the community proposals presented by the volunteers are ranked for possible funding under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS: KKB).

The community volunteers together with the local officials have already complied and submitted the distinct requirements required by the Project for the release of KALAHI-CIDSS grant fund.

DSWD Regional Director Remia T. Tapispisan, through its Regional Project Management Team (RPMT), has already undertaken final review of the project proposals, procurement and financial reports and submitted to the DSWD central office the barangay’s request for fund release.

Out of the MIBF, 20 barangays were prioritized, including Panan-awan, Mactan, Pulot, Libertad, Recodo, Looc, Pin-As, Punta Batsan, Guiom, Calapayan, Begia, Villahermosa, Itom-Bato, Cabungahan, Lague-lague, Madbad, Cabayugan, Malbug, San Vicente and Brgy. Chico.

Most of the proposed projects were construction of school buildings and health stations. The KALAHI-CIDSS: KKB grant for the 20 barangays reached P16.6 million.

These barangays are now waiting for their grant fund which will be released directly from DSWD central office special amount at Land Bank of the Philippines to the accounts of the community.

KALAHI-CIDSS project is a revolutionary approach to poverty alleviation being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Cawayan is the only municipality in Bicol for additional 16 municipalities to implement the Project nationwide. (CLMartinez,DSWD V/PIA)

HERITAGE LECTURES AND MUSEUM VISITS HIGHLIGHTS KASANGGAYAHAN 2010

SORSOGON CITY — The Sorsogon Arts Council (SAC), in partnership with the Sorsogon Museum and Heritage Center, Incorporated (SMHCI) and the Kasanggayahan Foundation Incorporated (KFI), will highlight the Kasanggayahan Festival 2010 with the Sorsogon Heritage Lectures and the Bisita Museo sa Kasanggayahan.

Dr. Stephen Henry Totanes, a Sorsogueño historian, book author and former professor of the Ateneo de Manila University, will discuss “The First Decade of American Rule in Sorsogon (1900 to 1910),” on October 15, 2010, 1 p.m. at the Sorsogon Museum and Heritage Center which will serve also as the opening program for the museum tours.

“It’s a combined lecture based on about four published papers which I never got to deliver at length here in Sorsogon,” Totanes said as a background on the content of his discussion.

The Sorsogon Heritage Lectures is a series of discussions on Sorsogon’s historical and cultural heritage which was launched by the SAC in the late 1990s as a continuing commitment in promoting Sorsogon’s distinct history and culture fittingly scheduled during the annual Kasaggayahan Festival. On the other hand, Bisita Museo is a guided museum tour at the Sorsogon Museum and Heritage Center (SMHC) launched during Kasanggayahan Festival 2009.

This year, these two separate activities will be harmonized as one major event with the Sorsogon Heritage Lecture slated on October 15, 2010, 1 p.m. at the SMCH that will service as an opening activity for Bisita Museo which will run from October 15 to 30, 2010.

This year’s heritage lectures and museum visits are also supported by Senator Francis Escudero, Congressman Salvador Escudero III, Mr. Mitch Sulit, Aguador and Oua’s On Wheels. (JJJPerez, SAC/PIA)

RH ADVOCATES TO BISHOPS: PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH, LEARN RESPECT
“Respect Separation of Church and State, Respect Views other than Yours”

MANILA — Amid heated arguments sparked by ‘civil disobedience’ and ‘excommunication threats’ thrown by some bishops on the highest official of this land, free thinking Catholics surfaced to express discontentment on some of the Catholic bishop’s position on matters of reproductive health and women’s rights.

According to Dr. Edelina de la Paz, National Coordinator of Catholics for RH Movement their organization is not against the Catholic Church. De la Paz said that members of the Catholics for RH Movement remain strong in their faith, but they are free-thinking Catholics and there are views by the Catholic hierarchy on matters of reproductive health and women’s rights that they strongly disagree on.

Dr. de la Paz explained “you don’t stop being a Filipino just because you are disappointed or angry at your leaders. The same goes for our love and faithfulness to the Catholic church.” Quick to elaborate, she said, “we remain very strong and faithful to the Catholic Church, but we strongly disagree with the Bishops’ stance on family planning and reproductive health.”

Meanwhile, Ben de Leon, The FORUM for Family Planning and Development President, hits the Catholic hierarchy on their meddling with the government affairs. “It is not wrong to have an opinion on matters, even on the issue of family planning and reproductive health, which in the first place these bishops have no personal experiences to base their opinions on,” said De Leon. “But,” he stressed, “when you threaten local and national leaders of ex-communication for being pro-choice, then that to me is meddling and the Separation of the church and State is violated.”

De Leon further explained the Philippine Constitution is very clear about the Separation of Church and State. However, having worked in the population and development field for almost four decades De Leon shares that Roman Catholic Church leaders have always been vocal of their opinions on family planning and reproductive health.

“There is nothing wrong with expressing their opinions, but the problem is that they go overboard. They not only meddle in government affairs, but they also threaten supporters of family planning and reproductive health. Worse, their favorite targets are politicians because they believe they can hold them hostage by threatening to withdraw support.” De Leon said.

De Leon also shared that in the 14th Congress, the CBCP and anti-RH Catholic groups have called on Congress members to be absent during RH Bill deliberations. Thus the quorum had always been a means to delay the deliberation and its passage. “But this time around, many of the lawmakers, including the President, have stood firm on their pro-choice stance.” he said in closing. (VBLlorin, PLCPDFI/PIA/mal)

Northrail contract renegotiation to depend on DOTC review - Palace

The contract renegotiation of the North Rail Project will depend on the result of the ongoing review by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Malacanang said Monday.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the status of the $503-million North Rail project which remains unfinished is being reviewed by DOTC Secretary Jose De Jesus to find out if there is a need to renegotiate its existing contract.

“The results of the review are forthcoming,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the DOTC reassumes jurisdiction over the project after the previous administration gave administrative jurisdiction to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

He recalled that Sen. Franklin Drilon recently exposed the alleged overpricing of the project, making it the most expensive railway in the world at $25 million per kilometer.

Lacierda said there are also allegations that $299 million was added as a “cost overrun” to the $503 million original contract price given to contractor China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. Group (CNMEG).

The 32.2-kilometer North Rail project runs from Caloocan City in Metro Manila to Malolos City in Bulacan province.

Palace calls for sobriety over reproductive health issue

As the issue on reproductive health heats up, the government is calling for sobriety in efforts to promote a healthy dialogue on the methods of family planning.

In a media briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Malacanang welcomes any actions that would promote a dialogue on the issue instead of being confrontational.

“We are calling on all parties, the church and those who are for reproductive health to be sober in their actions and statements,” he said.

Lacierda said President Benigno S. Aquino III is looking forward for a meeting with the bishops.

The President, he said, is expected to clarify with the Catholic bishops that his position on responsible parenthood is not pro-abortion, which is totally against the Constitution.

Earlier, President Aquino expressed willingness to help underprivileged Filipinos in planning their families, leaving to couples the choice of the birth control method they want to use.

“I think the government is obligated to inform everybody of the responsibilities of their choices. At the end of the day, government might provide assistance to those who are without means if they want to employ a particular method,” the President explained.

“But after saying that, I will not embark on a situation that forces couples to go one way or another,” the President added.

Lacierda said the Palace will study the pending Reproductive Health Bill, noting that the President has yet to read it. There are two versions of the Reproductive Health Bill pending approval in Congress and the Senate.

DepEd: All systems go for World Teachers' Day

MANILA — "The Department of Education and our partners are ready for the grand celebration of World Teachers' Day on October 5. Because our dear teachers work hard in their profession, we've also prepared hard to give them the utmost recognition they deserve on this special day," said Education Secretary Armin Luistro.

Through the collaboration of various divisions, centers, and units of DepEd Central Office, in partnership with other government agencies, preparations for the World Teachers' Day have been finalized. With the theme, "My Teacher, My Hero," different partners and institutions have contributed to make this event possible as they publicly express their support to the growth and development of teaching profession in the country.

"We are hoping that through this celebration, with all efforts put into it, we will achieve our very purpose of putting our teachers in the pedestal because that is where they should be. They are noble souls who teach simply to make a positive difference," told Luistro.

The October 5 celebration will be held at the PhilSports Arena (formerly ULTRA). Among the personalities who will grace the event are Commission on Higher Education Chairman Patricia Licuanan, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Director-General Joel Villanueva. The department has also invited the President, vice-president, members of the upper and lower houses, and cabinet members.

7 year old Cris 'Kesz' Valdez, a member of the Dynamic Teen Company, will be at the forefront of this tribute by leading the national prayer for teachers. The prayer will be done simultaneously nationwide at 10:05 AM.

"I am sure each one of us has a recollection of a particular teacher who, as we matured, has become even dearer and appreciated. Teachers inevitably will leave a mark on us and influence how we deal with lifes challenges. This is how powerful our teachers are and this is the very reason why we are making October 5 officially their day," furthered Luistro.

Luistro called upon the participation of everybody to make this event memorable, honoring the teaching profession that opens minds and expands hearts so that each generation makes this world better for succeeding ones.

Simultaneous to the PhilSports Arena event, there will also be various activities within the DepEd Complex. There will be an open house in all offices from 8AM-5PM; Medical Check-up and Health Services by the Health and Nutrition Center from 9AM-5PM; Promotional Booth and product sampling by the Administrative/General Services Division from 9AM-5PM; Workshops on Wellness and Stress Management from 9AM-5PM, Personality and Communication Skills Enhancement from 1:30-2:30PM, and Livelihood/Entrepreneurial Skills from 2:30-5PM by the Human Resource and Development Service. (PIA V Release)

DOE, 35 other gov't agencies ink energy-saving program

MANILA — A more efficient, cost-effective, environment-friendly, and energy-saving program in government offices will now be in place, as the energy department and 35 other government agencies will forge an agreement called the Government Office Retrofit program.

Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras will sign the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with other heads of government agencies, including the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), at the DOE head office today (October 5, 2010).

The MOA will push for the replacement of the existing T12 (40W and 20W) and T8 (36W and 18W) fluorescent tubes, standard electromagnetic ballasts, and lighting fixtures being used in government offices, with T5 (28W and 14W) or the revolutionary compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

Compared to standard fluorescent tubes and incandescent light bulbs, CFLs are four times energy efficient, 10 times longer in life-span, and emitting same or better light output as that of an incandescent.
CFLs are also mercury-free, thus, reducing the incidence of air and water pollution when disposed of. Studies likewise showed that using CFLs can lessen by half-ton of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

From heirloom to hybrid rice ? the future is in the past

by International Rice Research Institute

LOS BAÑOS, Philippines (5 October) — More than 57% of China's rice crop is composed of hybrid rice, which is credited with helping to boost the nation's rice yields to more than 6 tons per hectare ? one of the highest averages in Asia.

In the final edition of Rice Today for 2010, which is the International Year of Biodiversity and the 50th anniversary of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), we share a series of articles that showcase the importance of conserving the genetic diversity of rice and how genetic diversity remains the key to better future varieties of rice.

Hybrid rice is one way genetic diversity can be harnessed. Successful hybrid rice varieties can have 15% higher yields than the best available non-hybrid, thanks to a natural phenomenon called "hybrid vigor." In this issue, we look at China's lead in adopting hybrid rice and how other countries are following suit.

In the rice-importing nation of the Philippines, farmers in the Cordillera region - home of the world heritage Banaue Rice Terraces - are embracing heirloom rice varieties and looking at specialized export markets for their unique product. The genetic history of heirloom varieties is further explored by the head of the International Rice Genebank, Dr. Ruaraidh Sackville Hamilton, in his Grain of Truth article.

We take a journey to follow "Carolina Gold" rice from its likely homeland in Indonesia to Madagascar in the 1st century AD, on to North then South America in the 1600s and 1800s, respectively, then back to Africa, and finally returning to settle in the United States in the 1980s.

And, in a twist on the theme of genetic diversity, we explore a modern way the genetic makeup of rice can be changed in a feature on "Clearfield rice" - herbicide-resistant rice bred to help the U.S. rice industry manage red rice - a weedy and problematic relative of rice.

Weed management and other aspects of rice production were all part of IRRI's 2010 Rice Research to Production course where the next generation of rice scientists and experts got a dose of practical experiences and science theory to help prepare them for their careers.

Nutrient management, another practical part of rice production, is soon to be freely delivered to farmers by mobile phones. The technology was introduced in the last edition of Rice Today and, in this issue, we showcase Nutrient Manager for Rice Mobile.

The potential effect of rising wheat prices on rice prices is the topic of this edition's Rice Facts by IRRI's Dr. Samarendu Mohanty. In our mapping feature, we show the value of rice production around the world - with Asia highlighted as the location where rice production is worth the most.

We also feature the host nation of the upcoming International Rice Congress 2010 (IRC2010) - Vietnam - in our country profile. The 2010 IRRI Outstanding Alumni award winners announced in this edition will be presented with their awards at the IRC2010 in November.

And in celebration of IRRI's 50th anniversary, the final installment in the reflective Pioneer Interview series features a potpourri of opinions, ideas, and anecdotes from a cross-section of those IRRI pioneers interviewed over the last 5 years.

All of these, plus the latest news, views, and books, are available now in Rice Today October - December 2010. Free online registration for the full content and notification of future issues of Rice Today is now available. Subscribers' copies are being mailed. (PIA V Release)

Satellite imagery to boost RP agricultural productivity

MANILA — The Congressional Commission on Science Technology and Engineering (COMSTE) is currently developing an ICT system that uses satellite imagery to provide real-time data and modeling for local farmers.

Senator Edgardo J. Angara, Chair of COMSTE, said that, "we can use S&T to help our farmers with the development of an accurate, real-time decision support system that can maximize crop harvests."

Former Department of Science and Technology (DA) Secretary Dr. William G. Padolina, Chair of the Agriculture and Food Panel of COMSTE, provided an overview of the need for ICTs in the agricultural sector, stating that: (1) most poverty-related problems in the country occur in the far-flung rural/agricultural areas; (2) the health of the sector also relies on the health of each individual farmer; and (3) the import of accuracy and timeliness of information delivery to farmers.

Dr. Josefino Comiso of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) said that satellite imagery comes from their Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), which can provide data measuring land-vegetation index, oceanic parameters such as sea surface temperature, ocean color, and many others due to its ability to capture data in 36 spectral bands. The information is free and accessible due to the recent purchase by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) of a MODIS receiver.

The project was identified by the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Agriculture panels of COMSTE, as part of a plan to deliver basic services such as decision support systems for the agricultural and rural sectors, and improving services delivery to the poor and far-flung areas, said Angara.

According to a COMSTE report, the project aims to take advantage of structures already in place, specifically the far-reaching private telecommunications infrastructure all over the country, and the MODIS receiver currently with PAGASA. Given that satellite data from NASA through MODIS is free, and the means for distributions is already in place, then the challenge of setting up the project is in information processing, not funding for infrastructure.

The main challenge of the project would be translating scientific, even numerical data, from the satellite into applicable data for the use of farmers and fishermen. The translation comes in two steps: (1) analysis of numerical data from satellite, and with field data for calibration and confirmation, translate these into maps and models; (2) translation and simplification of scientific data and its implications into relevant information that farmers and fisher folk can understand and use, according to the report.

The NASA MODIS traverses the entire earth every 1-2 days on two satellites, providing real-time data which is freely accessible with a MODIS receiver. (PIA V Release)