text:
Phillipines Plans to Export Hybrid Rice Seeds to Papua New Guinea
The Chairman of SL Agritech Corp, involved in the production of hybrid rice in the country, told local sources the Philippine government will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Papua New Guinea government to export rice seeds to Oceania country. He noted that the Philippine Ambassador to Papua New Guinea has presented hybrid rice samples to some government officials and private companies.
A private coffee company in Papua New Guinea is keen on producing and commercializing hybrid rice in the country and the government is reportedly supporting the firm's plans. Already a pilot program to grow hybrid rice in Papua New Guinea is being conducted by Philippines' SL Agritech, and harvest of these pilot crops is expected to to be done in March this year.
Papua New Guinea does not produce any rice and imports all the rice needed for its domestic consumption. The Chairman of Sl Agritech noted that though the lands of Papua New Guinea have been not used for agriculture so far, rice can be grown organically or with little fertilizers. He added that the Philippines is becoming a part of the history of agriculture in Papua New Guinea and help it have rice supply of its own.
USDA estimates Papua New Guinea to import around 170,000 tons of rice in MY 2014-15 to meet its annual consumption needs.
Village Garden - PNG Limited
Super Hybrid Rice Scientist from Philippines Dr. Frisco visited Gabadi Super Hybrid Rice Pilot Project and was so satisfied that Papua New Guinea proved to be the best place on earth to grow rice organically. Standing next to him is the Village Garden Managing Director Mr. Philip Davies and Philippines Ambassador to PNG H.E Dr. Bien Tejano. The event was witnessed by Philippines Embassy Staff, Mr. Potaisa Hombunaka, the SME Advisor to the Department of Trade and Commerce, Mr. Noreo Beangke, the former Chairman of Bank South Pacific Limited, Deputy Chairman Oil Search Ltd, Chairman PNG Coffee Ltd and the Managing Director Credit Corporation from Eastern Highlands Province.
Also accompanied by the Member for Wosera Gawi Hon. Joseph Yopy Yopy from East Sepik Province, the Mt. Diamond Adventist Secondary School, Project Officer of the Central Papuan Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Landowners from Abau District from Central Province, Baimuru District Manager and LLG President from Gulf Province and Brian from Markham Valley, Morobe Province.
They had all witnessed the rice grain finally shown out on the tilers at the rate which is so healthier without the use of the fertilizer and they were all speechless. The rice is grown using one of the best irrigation method and rice farming methodology and technology. Mr. Benji Flores who is the rice technical consultant from Philippines was engaged full time on the project site to transfer his experience and train the locals to be skillful with the technology to manage and grow the rice. Locals are now trained and equipped with the latest Rice farming technology.
Village Garden (PNG) Ltd is dedicated to train and equip village people to be someone skillful with rice technology which will enhance better living and shared prosperity for the community at large through the SME framework of the Government of Papua New Guinea. God bless PNG.
Papua New Guinea firm, local gov't keen on growing PH hybrid rice
MANILA, Philippines–A private company and a local government in Papua New Guinea are keen on growing Philippine-sourced hybrid rice as a field trial being done by SL Agritech is dispelling the belief that rice cannot be grown in that country.
Frisco M. Malabanan, a consultant for SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC), said Papuan coffee exporter PNG Coffee Ltd. (PCL) was considering infusing investment in growing the SL-8H rice.
"We have already created massive awareness in Papua New Guinea on hybrid rice," Malabanan said. "Our rice grains, due for harvest in March, are already filled."
He said Village Garden PNG Ltd., the local company that was pilot testing the cultivation of different SLAC hybrid rice seeds, had opened its farm as technology demonstration area for observation.
He added that PCL chair Noreo Beangke had inspected the hybrid rice "in an interest to venture in the highly promising crop." Malabanan said the demo farm was expected to yield at least seven metric tons per hectare.
"One of the demo farm's visitors is a board member of the local parliament in East Sepik province," Malabanan said.
According to Malabanan, Papua New Guinea, which traditionally imports about 300,000 tons of rice from Australia yearly, has noted the significant contribution that the Philippines is making to its rice sector even if it has its own National Agricultural Research Institute.
According to SLAC, the company is looking at business prospects related to a 300,000-hectare area for rice planting for Papuan consumption and for possible shipment to the Philippines.
Malabanan noted that the Department of Agriculture looked a few years ago at Papua New Guinea as a potential rice-growing area that could help support Philippine demand.
Malabanan said Papua New Guinea, with its vast land area suitable for rice planting, might become the Philippines' source of rice.
He said that while there was no agricultural production yet in that country, there was ample supply of water for irrigation from rivers as well as ground water available just four to five meters below the ground.
PHL to export hybrid rice to Papua New Guinea
SLAC's primary purpose is the promotion, development, commercialization, and growth of hybrid rice technology.
Coffee exporter PNG Coffee Ltd. is eyeing possible investment opportunities in order to pioneer growing hybrid rice in Papua New Guinea.
"PNG Coffee Ltd. is a coffee exporter and has vast tracts of land. It is also eyeing planting of hybrid rice," said Frisco Malabanan, SLAC consultant.
The Philippine government may soon enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Papua New Guinea consulate to begin exporting rice to the country. As part of the venture, Philippine ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Bien Tejano, has presented hybrid rice samples to PNG Coffee Ltd. Chairman Noreo Beangke.
"We have already created massive awareness in PNG on hybrid rice. Some importers have been saying that rice can't grow in PNG, but we're proving them wrong," Malabanan said. — Bea Montenegro/TJD, GMA News
Coffee exporter interested in growing Phl hybrid rice
Coffee exporter PNG Coffee Ltd (PCL) is interested in investing in a pioneering hybrid rice growing in Papua New Guinea (PNG) as the Philippines is proving wrong perceptions that rice cannot be grown in PNG.
PCL Chairman Noreo Beangke has inspected the hybrid rice supported for planting in PNG by Philippine Ambassador to PNG Bien Tejano in an interest to venture in the highly promising crop
"PNG Coffee Ltd is a coffee exporter and has vast tracts of land. It is also eyeing planting of hybrid rice," said Frisco M. Malabanan, consultant of SL-8H seed producer SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC).Village Garden PNG Ltd., the private New Guinean company conducting a pilot growing of various SLAC hybrid rice seeds, has opened its farm as technology demonstration area for observation by different PNG institutions.
"We have already created massive awareness in PNG on hybrid rice What we are proving is that based on results, rice can be grown there. Some importers have been saying rice can't grow in PNG, but we're proving them wrong. Our rice grains are already filled," Malabanan said. A
Harvest, though, has yet to be done in March. A target yield of at least seven metric tons per hectare is eyed in the pilot farm.
Government officials particularly from the East Sepik province are also expressing interest to plant rice.
One of the technology demonstration farm's visitor is a board member of the local parliament in East Sepik province, Wosera Gawik district, Joseph Yopy. The province has 200,000 to 250,000 hectares of land that may potentially be planted to hybrid rice.
The news of the hybrid rice growing has been on national television in PNG, highlighting Philippines' contribution to this, according to SLAC Chairman Henry Lim Bon Liong.
"We are happy that the Philippines is becoming a part of the history of agriculture and rice sector in a country like PNG that really needs to have a rice supply of its own," Lim said.
Not only can rice be grown in PNG. But because its land has barely been touched by modern agriculture, rice may still be grown organically or perhaps with little fertilizer.
The hybrid rice planting is also combining efficient agriculture technologies with the "sprinkler" irrigation system that substantially saves on water. This was adapted from Australia
Super Hybrid Rice from China to aid Phils get high yield of 10 ton per hectare at a cheap P5 per kilo
The target is possible as the Super Hybrid Rice that the China National Hybrid Rice R&D Center (CNHR-RDC) is developing has already hit a milestone when it reached in 2011 a goal to yield 13.5 MT. Local rice experts are also ready to demonstrate the real potential of hybrid rice to raise yield when a Harvest Festival by SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC) is conducted on April 15. This is in a farm tilled in Tabacao, Talavera, Nueva Ecija by an outstanding farmer, Ricardo Buenaventura, who is believed to be capable of producing this "10-5" target. Raising yield to lower the cost is the single biggest challenge faced by the agriculture/" title="View all articles about Department of Agriculture here">Department of Agriculture (DA) now. This will be the key to help farmers enjoy higher levels of living.
"The government's program right now is to show farmers how to earn more because what's important is how much is left in the pocket of farmers, not just how much income they make," said DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. The country is already approaching rice self-sufficiency with only 187,000 metric tons (MT) of imports this year. "But after attaining self sufficiency, our next move is to help farmers lower production cost," Alcala said.
Through the Super Hybrid Rice and 10-5 Program (SHR-10-5), government is optimistic the goal to make Filipino farmers rich is achievable. "We want to have a yield of 10 tons at a cost of P5 per kilo. That's the dream. We have a long on-going cooperation with China in Philscat. We're establishing more aggressive cooperation because China was the one that gave us initial programs on hybridization of rice," Alcala said. Yuan Long Ping, known as the Father of Hybrid Rice and CNHR-RDC director general, foresees the SHR will become a commercial success in the Philippines in three years. Yuan was premiere guest at Philippines' First Hybrid Rice Congress held last week. "We will send super hybrid varieties for testing here next year—in the dry season," said Yuan. "Maybe after three years, our super hybrid rice will be commercialized in the Philippines through our joint efforts. We will strengthen the friendship between Philippines and China through it."
The P5 per kilo production cost is possible if farmers will have an average of 10 MT yield at a P50,000 per hectare cost, according to Henry Lim Bon Liong, SLAC chairman. SLAC has a long-standing collaboration with CNHR-RDC that has resulted in the development of SL-8H hybrid rice. This has enabled farmers to yield seven to 10 MT per hectare from their former three to five MT using inbreds.
"With a progressive farmer like Mr. Ric Buenaventura,10 tons per hectare is achievable. That's why I'm inviting you on April 15 for everyone to see for themselves how Mr. Buenaventura does it. He is only an elementary graduate, but he had sent all his five children to college. He's now rich. He owns 24 hectares almost 100 percent of is planted with SL-8H," said Lim. Yuan's Super Hybrid Rice actually had in 1999 a record yield of 17.055 MT per hectare in Yongsheng County in Yunnan Province.
Mechanization will be an important component of the SHR-10-5 which will be provided through the Philscat or the Philippine Sino Center for Agricultural Technology, a P69 million grant by China up to 2016. "In China about 70 percent of our rice field is mechanized. That includes everything, not only hybrid rice," said Yuan. Another enabling environment to make rice farming prosperous, according to Yuan, is provision of seed and tax incentives.
Agri Project (photos)
Gabadi Principal Landowner posing for a shot with the Hybrid Rice Seeds that will be planted on the 15th of October, 2014.
Recognizing the people behind PHL's thriving business landscape
IN a vastly improving economic environment, there are the entrepreneurs who serve a vital role in promoting the progress and upholding industrial sustainability; it is the entrepreneurial activities of these people that help spur economic activity and encourage business exchange.
Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (APEA) sets the series with the "THRIVE" theme in the Philippines—(from left) APEA President Dato' William Ng, Sen. Bam Aquino and Chairman Tan Sri Dr. Fong Chan Onn.
The Philippines is one thriving economic landscape and behind its current progress are the entrepreneurs, who have braved all odds, persevered through despite everything that the country has faced in the past and lingered with the goal to continue thriving.
The story of the country and its bold entrepreneurs has become an inspiration to the rest of the world. For that, both the country and its valuable entrepreneurs aregarnering international recognition.
Asia's most coveted awards for entrepreneurs
AND so the most coveted award for entrepreneurs in Asia has set foot in the Philippines.
The Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (Apea) is a regional recognition program organized by Enterprise Asia in 2007 to cite the contributions of successful entrepreneurs and also let emerging private-sector leaders take inspiration from them. It has been rolled out in 11 other Asian countries, including Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
This year the recognition program began with the "Rise" theme in Singapore; "Aspire" in Indonesia; "Ignite" in Malaysia; and "Inspire" in Hong Kong. By the end of the year, the organization would have completed all 12 editions, showcasing the greatest among Asian entrepreneurs.
In the Philippines the series continues with the "Thrive." Enterprise Asia officially announced its first batch of the country's finest entrepreneurs on November 3 at Dusit Thani Manila. Each recipient was presented with trophies and certificates by Tan Sri Dr Fong Chan Onn, chairman of Enterprise Asia; Dato William Ng, president of Enterprise Asia; and Sen. Bam Aquino, who is one of the advisors to Enterprise Asia in the Philippines.
"The Apea is aimed at promoting entrepreneurship; by receiving this recognition, it's not just glory for these deserving entrepreneurs, but also motivation and encouragement to them, to continue what they are doing and taking their businesses to the next level. In doing so, not only are they growing their empire, they're also providing more business and employment opportunity to the locals, and it is this element which spurs the country's economy forward," the chairman of Enterprise Asia said.
The judging structure of the Apea is among the most stringent in the world. The Philippine recipients were selected from among 100 short-listed candidates, ranging from talented young entrepreneurs to experienced industrialists. Each recipient had to go through prescreening by Enterprise Asia's team of analysts, compulsory site audits and interviews.
The awardees for the Outstanding Category of Apea 2014 Philippines are Angela de Villa-Lacson, president and CEO of ArthaLand Corp.; Raul Joseph A. Concepcion, chairman and CEO of Concepcion Industrial Corp.; Dr. Patrick Louvel, president and CEO of DKT Philippines; Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo, president and cofounder of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari); Gilda E. Pico, president and CEO of Land Bank of the Philippines; Johnlu G. Koa, founder and CEO of The French Baker; Minoru Iriko, president and director of Toshiba Information Equipment (Phils.) Inc.; Dr. Milagros O. How, executive vice president of Universal Harvester Inc.; and Esther Vibal, chairman of Vibal Group of Companies.
Meanwhile, the Most Promising Category recipients are Sheila Lina, president and CEO of Air21 Global Inc.; Junie S. del Mundo, chairman and CEO of Eon; Rhodora Tactacan-Tumpalan, president and CEO of First Vita Plus; Jolly Lim Ting, chairman and CEO of Jolliville Holdings Corp.; Anthony Gerard O. Leuterio, founder and president of Leuterio Realty & Brokerage; Rodrigo E. Rivera Sr., chairman and CEO of RD Corp.; Regan Rex T. King, general manager of RDAK Transport Equipment Inc.; and Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, chairman and CEO of SL Agritech Corp.
Different stories, same entrepreneurial stance
THE Philippines may be a thriving economic environment now, but it has had its point of privation, too, which is why it is not always an easy feat to be an entrepreneur in the country. And it is in these struggles that the real stories are formed.
The story of Hari's woman at the helm, for instance, is truly one of the most inspiring in the Philippine business. Perez-Agudo guided Hyundai to its lofty position as the third best-selling brand in the Philippines, with Hari expanding its dealership network to date to 42 and manned by more than 3,000 dedicated employees. She credits her accomplishments in the company partly to how she was raised. Coming from a big family with persevering parents, Perez-Agudo learned all about
resilience and hard work.
"We've had a lot of struggles to face in setting up Hari. But because giving up is never an option for us, we pushed through. I guess now we are receiving the fruits of everything that we fought for; and I truly am very thankful for that," she said.
Some recipients consider the Apea a reminder and beacon of their pursuits and missions. "At the end of the day, the success of a person lies in how much he influences the improvement of lives in his community; for a better future that will leave a legacy for generations," King said.
How, meanwhile, shared that she is receiving her award on behalf of the hardworking Filipino farmers and farmer-organizations. "This award can only further inspire us and strengthen owur resolve to see our social mission through its completion," she said.
For Lina, the Apea is a personal reflection of her life. "The victory is a challenge for me to pursue continuous advancement in all aspects of my life—from my physical well-being, to my emotional maturity in my relationships with family and co-workers, to increased knowledge about business leadership and technology and, most important, my personal spiritual development."
The recipients all agree that in any success, no accomplishment will take place without passion and dreams. Concepcion shared how he got the will to run a company: "[It was] fortified by my grandfather, when he started the company more than 50 years ago. I continue to live these tenets and pass these to my children, to our company and to our shareholders as a way of ensuring continuity of our business, and also challenging our people to dream, believe and achieve growth beyond our current horizons."
Ting advises budding entrepreneurs to "know what you want and do what you want." He also shared in Thrive, Apea's published work for its recipients, that he is not afraid to take risks, as he believes that abundant problems present abundant opportunities. To a successful entrepreneur, an ability to take risks and optimism are key to success.
Bon Liong agreed, saying: "The greatest risk of an entrepreneur is not to take risk at all." Without taking the risk, he wouldn't have been able to make a revolutionary contribution in Philippine agriculture —a hybrid rice variety that is comparable to the hybrid rice that saved China from starvation.
With all the success stories of each recipient, they were truly able to show how to overcome challenges and rigors to embody what it takes to be an entrepreneur in today's generation. They became leaders in their fields and successfully helped the Philippines become a thriving environment for businesses characterised by economic resilience.
Business of ASEAN: Preparing SMEs for AEC2015
Manila, Philippines—On October 21, 2014, Asia Society Philippines and the Asian Institute of Management's ASEAN 2015 Project, with the support of GoNegosyo, hosted the second session for its Understanding ASEAN series, Part 2: Business of ASEAN at the Asian Institute of Management's Fuller Hall.
The Understanding ASEAN series hopes to explore the implications of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 through a dynamic, engaging and multi-disciplinary series of dialogues. This session tries to delve into the impact of the regional integration on business, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Professor Federico M. Macaranas moderated a panel discussion with speakers that included the President of Roberto & Associates, Inc, Dr. Eduardo Roberto, Chief Executive Officer of VMV Hypoallergenics, Laura Verallo de Bertotto, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ofSterling Paper Group of Companies, Henry Lim Bon Liong.
Key Takeaways:
• DR. EDUARDO ROBERTO touched on the ASEAN Psyche and the importance of practicing both qualitative and quantitative market research. By having this two-prong approach, a business is able to strengthen its market management, which properly prepares them for the approaching regional integration.
• LAURA VERALLO DE BERTOTTO shared insights in her experience managing a local SME that have been able to enter the international market. She stresses the need to have an engaged and genuine relationship with customers. It is this customer intimacy that has enabled her to transcend from the local market into the broader international market. She holds authenticity as a core value she strives to maintain in her company as it fosters trust and goodwill, not only in its external relations, but also internal as well.
• HENRY LIM BON LIONG, in contrast to Ms. Bertotto, talked more about the systematic and scientific approach in which his businesses are rooted in. He highlighted the importance of research and development and quality control, and how those can be a way to change the mindset of the customers and different stakeholders. In light of the regional integration, he encourages all to see competition as a way to keep everyone from being complacent—to seek self-improvement that will reflect in business and other aspects of life.
The Open Forum gave the participants to engage the speakers by asking questions that explored the potential challenges of SMEs face. After, Professor Macaranas synthesized the key points raised and emphasized the importance of knowing the market and approaching the challenges head on.
The next session will be held on December 10 and will cover the topic of Disaster Management.
Understanding ASEAN is a four-part series that aims to explore the opportunities and challenges through a multi-dimensional series of programs. Media partners are ANC, Business Mirror, Business World, Malaya Business Insight, 99.5 Play FM, 9 News and DZAR 1026 SMNI Radio.
Rise to the Rice Bucket Challenge
I heard of the Ice Bucket Challenge which trended over the internet and news media for the past few weeks. The challenge reached our country and soon, it became viral. Even my wife and daughter did this ice bucket challenge which is for the awareness of the Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
This weekend, a new challenge started which aims to cure one of the prevalent diseases in this country: poverty. The Rice Bucket Challenge is pioneered by one of Go Negosyo's active advocates and one of the recent Most Inspiring Agripreneur awardees, Henry Lim Bon Liong. The objective is to donate buckets of rice grains to poor families. Initially, Henry donated 100 buckets of rice to marginalized communities, but pledged to give 5,000 buckets of rice every September, every year! This is the kind of challenge many Filipinos who are deep in hunger will benefit from.
This only proves that there are still people who are concerned for others, who go out of their way to help fellowmen and who aspire for a greater good. It's simple but if they will 'challenge' others, the impact of this will go a long way. Just like how Henry has said, "No amount of sharing is too small and no matter how humble it may seem, the concerted effort of many can be a gigantic leap towards easing the hunger of our fellow Filipinos."
Even Manuel V. Pangilinan accepted the challenge. I read his tweet that once he got back from abroad, he will be donating 100 sacks of rice. I, too, will be in full support of this Rice Bucket Challenge.
Now, I challenge my entrepreneur friends and even my readers to donate at least one bucket of rice to those who are in need. May we all rise to the challenge!
Some people would say that the most successful businesses are in the food industry. Mainly because food is a constant need. Some foodies even travel far just to have their favorite dish. It's a good thing to have some of it here in Manila.
Like the Tim Ho Wan from Hong Kong which our good friends and supporters of Go Negosyo, Rikki Dee of Foodlink Group and Felix Ang of Cats Motors brought to Manila. The Michelin-starred restaurant is famous for its Cantonese dimsum and baked buns with barbeque pork. Rikki, who is an established restaurateur and the man behind Chin's Express and other brands in malls, now adds Tim Ho Wan to his list of restaurant ventures. As for Felix, this is I think his first restaurant venture and will sure let be a successful one.
The food business is tricky. One must know what the market demands and must reach the taste of the Filipinos in order to click.
When different ramen chains opened, people welcomed it. Ramen became a popular Japanese dish to the Filipino taste buds. So when my brother, John Concepcion, brought Ippudo to the Philippines, many are excited and delighted to have a taste of the world famous ramen.But before the Ippudo he started the Yabu: House of Katsu which became popular in the country.
Today, many Filipinos will be able to experience Ippudo. Filipinos will no longer fly out of the country just to have a bowl of their delicious ramen.
Many other food concepts and franchises have been brought in the country and we still see new ones being introduced. I heard the Costa Coffee from London will be brought also to Manila by the Robinson Retail group of Lance and Robina Gokongwei. Our British Ambassador friend Asif Ahmad must be happy to see Costa here. There will be more international concepts in the coming years as the Filipinos get global and as the demand for new concepts continues. We will see more treats for the Filipinos who love to eat out. It also means our local concepts have to step up in this ever dynamic food service and restaurant industry.
Businessman launches Rice Bucket Challenge
MANILA, Philippines - Inspired by the popular Ice Bucket Challenge that went viral on social media last month, a socially relevant version is now making waves in India.
The Rice Bucket Challenge encourages people to donate rice to poor families in "bucket or packet" form.
Pioneering the Rice Bucket Challenge in the Philippines is Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong, the producer and distributor of Dona Maria premium rice varieties. He launched his own version of the Rice Bucket Challenge in a call for the more fortunate Filipinos to help the less fortunate, most especially those who live below the poverty line and lack the stable means to meet the basic staple needs.
The beneficiaries are the families that consume less than the amount of food needed on a daily basis and experience anywhere from moderate to severe hunger.
The objective of the "Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong Rice Bucket Challenge" is to give the gift of health by giving away highly nutritious, full of antioxidants, fiber-rich brown rice to feed underprivileged Filipino families that are most prone to malnutrition.
To kick off the Rice Bucket Challenge, Lim announced during his birthday last Sept. 4, that he would give rice buckets to 5,000 poor families.
Lim also gave all employees of Sterling Paper Group of Companies a packet of brown rice each and subsequently challenged them to participate in the Rice Bucket Challenge by giving a packet of rice to the most needy in their neighborhood, share a picture of the deed on Facebook (one need not show one's face) with the hash tag #RiceBucketChallengeph, and inviting as many friends to like the picture and encourage them to do the same by posting "How to Participate."
Every year thereafter, on his birth month, Lim has pledged to repeat the undertaking. Last Friday, an initial 100 poor families received a five-kilo bucket of Doña Maria Brown Rice.
"Many of our fellow Filipinos are poor and hardly have enough to buy rice. How much more partake of brown rice that is rich in fiber, calcium, potassium, B-complex and manganese that are all essential for a healthy body?" said Lim.
"A lack in nutrition may result to a weak labor and workforce. We hope to start the awareness that such nutritious rice is very much within reach to everyone," he said.
Lim wants to change the notion that brown rice is "dirty rice" or "the poor man's rice." "The truth is, brown rice is now being eaten by health-conscious showbiz personalities and the rich, primarily due to its tremendous health benefits."
"Brown rice is also ideal for breastfeeding mothers. It is a super food that can equip new mothers with adequate milk supply. It keeps the mother's energy levels up and provides the calories needed to make the best-quality milk for the baby", according to Lim.
"I enjoin everyone to participate in the Rice Bucket Challenge. It only takes sharing a packet or a bucket of rice from one's very own kitchen. Giving even just a kilo of rice would mean the world to the poor, starving families. No amount of sharing is too small and no matter how humble it may seem, the concerted effort of many can be a gigantic leap towards easing the hunger of our fellow Filipinos. Not just a drop in the bucket. This single drop when simultaneously done by many can have the ripple effect, making an ocean of difference," Lim said.
LANDBANK recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs and corporations
SL Agritech Corporation's Chairman and CEO Dr. Henry Lim Bon Liong (4th from left) and SVP Jocelyn Farnacio accept the LANDBANK Gawad KAAGAPAY Award (Large Agri-based category) from LANDBANK president and CEO Gilda E. Pico (2nd from left), Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, and LANDBANK Agricultural and Development Lending Sector Head Executive Vice-President Cecilia C. Borromeo (1st from left).
L. Angeles Machineries Corporation's President Mr. Leonardo Angeles (4th from right) and Directors Sps. George Michael and Lorna Unas (5th and 6th from right) accept the Entrepreneur of the Year award under LANDBANK's Gawad Entrepreneur 2014 from LANDBANK president and CEO Gilda E. Pico (7th from left) and Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV. With them are (L-R): LANDBANK Director Domingo Diaz, Alternate Director/DOLE Undersecretary Reydeluz Conferido, Director Tomas de Leon, Director Crispino Aguelo, Director Victor Gerardo Bulatao, Agricultural and Development Lending Sector Head Executive Vice-President Cecilia C. Borromeo, Southern Luzon Lending Group Head FVP Daisy Macalino, and Cavite Lending Center Head Jesse Calibuso.
LANDBANK recognized the outstanding small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and corporations in its annual Gawad Entrepreneur and Gawad KAAGAPAY (Korporasyon na Kaagapay sa Ating Ganap na Tagumpay) awarding ceremonies held at the LANDBANK Plaza, Malate, Manila.
Now on its 11th year, the Gawad Entrepreneur recognizes excellent operations and significant accomplishments of LANDBANK-assisted SMEs particularly in contributing to the economic progress and social development of local communities. It also seeks to provide SMEs with incentives to motivate them to improve their businesses.
Meanwhile, the Gawad KAAGAPAY honors Bank-assisted large corporations which contributed to LANDBANK's support to its priority sectors including farmers and fishers, mirco and small and medium enterprises. Like the Gawad Entrepreneur, Gawad KAAGAPAY also aims to motivate these corporations to constantly enhance their performance.
LANDBANK hailed L. Angeles Machineries Corporation (LAMACO) as the Entrepreneur of the Year in this year's Gawad Entrepreneur. From a small welding shop that simply catered to walk-in customers, L. Angeles Machineries Corporation is now a successful business engaged in manufacturing of sheet metal and wood work machines. From its humble beginnings, LAMACO's clients now include steel forming companies such as Puyat Steel, Galva Steel and Chauyuko, among others.
The top winner of the Large agri-based category of Gawad KAAGAPAY is SL Agritech Corporation, a subsidiary of Sterling Paper Group of Companies developing several hybrid rice parental lines. From its modest operations in a land provided by the provincial government of Laguna, SL Agritech has emerged as a corporation following the first crop of harvest of its hybrid rice seeds. It has continually brought employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to the rural areas to respond to the national government's program of attaining food sufficiency.
LANDBANK President and CEO Gilda E. Pico led the conferment of the awards together with Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV who was also the Keynote Speaker. A total of 14 awards with cash prizes and trophies of recognition were given away to the winners of both Gawad Entrepreneur and Gawad KAAGAPAY.
"LANDBANK consistently recognizes outstanding SMEs and corporations who help significantly in the development of the communities where they operate, thereby revitalizing the rural economy at large," Pico said.
The national winners for this year's Gawad Entrepreneur are the following:
•Entrepreneur of the Year – L. Angeles Machineries Corporation in Bacoor City, Cavite
•Outstanding Agri-based Entrepreneur – Nature's Legacy Eximport, Inc. in Compostela, Cebu
•Outstanding Non Agri-based Entrepreneur – Southern Mindanao Institute of Technology in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat
The Gawad KAAGAPAY has four categories according to business size and nature of enterprise. The national winners are as follow:
•Large Agri-based category - SL Agritech Corporation in Makati City
•Large Non-Agri-based category - Asian Marine Transport Corporation in Cebu City
•Midsized Agri-based category - Agri-Component Corporation in Cauayan City, Isabela
•Midsized Non-Agri-based category - St. Elizabeth Hospital, Inc. in General Santos City, South Cotabato
AKSYON | Lumahok na ang isang negosyante sa 'Pinas sa nauusong "Rice Bucket Challenge" kung saan namigay siya ng isang timbang "brown rice" sa mga kapus-palad na pamilya.
Hinamon naman niya ang kapwa-negosyanteng si TV5 chairman Manny V. Pangilinan na sundan ang hamon. Ulat ni Marlene Alcaide. (Video edited by Rose Angelie Quilicol;
Video uploaded by Joey Hernandez; Edited by Seph Ubalde. For any concerns, you may E-Mail us at firstname.lastname@example.com)
SL Agritech: Sowing the seeds of prosperity
MANILA, Philippines - Exactly a week before he died of cardiac arrest in April, former Food Ministry chief Jesus Tanchanco was in a harvest festival in Talavera, Nueva Ecija. He was cheerfully advocating among the local farmers the use of hybrid rice seeds, as key to financial freedom and the country's quest for rice sufficiency.
The country's first National Food Authority chairman was specifically vouching for SL-8H, a kind of hybrid rice seed developed and commercially propagated nationwide by Filipino-Chinese businessman Henry Lim Bon Liong.
Henry Lim, Tanchanco said, is a Filipino who loves his country and intends to stay rooted in the Philippines for the rest of his life. The two gentlemen shared the same vision of a food-sufficient Philippines, backed by farmers who are not poor but living comfortably through dignified hard work.
At the very least, Tanchanco had a glimpse of that dream. After 40 years since the Masagana 99 program under his watch, the Philippines last year started exporting rice again.
On May 6, 2013, 35 metric tons of the staple was shipped from Manila to Dubai. The shipment consisted of 15 metric tons of organic black rice produced by farmers of Don Bosco Foundation for Sustainable Development Inc. in North Cotabato and 20 metric tons of aromatic long grain rice produced by Lim's SL Agritech Corp.
SL Agritech now continuously exports its Doña Maria premium rice brand to Dubai and other parts of the Middle East. France's Carrefour, Europe's biggest supermarket chain and world's second biggest retailer next to Wal Mart, offered to distribute the Philippine-grown fancy rice.
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Packed in two-kilogram, five-kilogram, and 10-kilogram bags, SL Agritech's Dona Maria rice exports are mainly meant to cater to rice-loving Filipinos in the Middle East, where they usually eat rice imported from Thailand.
"Half of the Dubai population are Filipinos," relates Donna T. Lim, the family firm's assistant vice president for supply chain. "We did a little twist on our packaging to make them support Philippine-grown rice, and therefore help Filipino farmers."
Doña Maria rice, named after Henry Lim's late visionary mother, is mainly produced in a farm in Davao Oriental through contract-growing. SL Agritech provides the seed to the farmers for free, and then buys all the harvested crops at higher-than-market prices.
The Lim family notes that if their company's export volume keeps its pace, it would be more than enough to hit the Department of Agriculture's export target of 200 metric tons for 2014.
Last October, Doña Maria rice was also placed on the shelves of supermarkets in Los Angeles, California in the US, with international retailer Triple A as distributor.
Alongside these rice exports, SL Agritech is also selling hybrid seeds to other countries, primarily, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
"It's so ironic, we sell seeds to Vietnam but buy rice from them," laments Henry Lim.
Just recently, the National Food Authority awarded to two Vietnamese companies the supply of 800,000 metric tons of rice to be imported in batches from May to August this year.
Agriculture officials explain that the rice imports, despite the country's renewed ability to export the staple mainly through private sector initiatives, are only for the government's buffer stock for the lean months of July to September, and as contingency stock for calamities.
Over a year ago, the Asian Development Bank reportedly cautioned the Philippine government from aggressively pursuing its no-importation and rice sufficiency goals. The ADB said this might muddy the country's trade commitments with rice exporting nations.
Of late, according to the Vietnam Food Association, Vietnam's rice export industry has been feeling the pinch of lower demand from major customers like the Philippines and Indonesia, which are all working for rice self-sufficiency.
Meanwhile, SL Agritech is looking at Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam for additional cultivation areas for development of more hybrid rice, even just for its SL-8H variety. The company will provide the parental seeds and technical assistance.
PUP to honor rice hybrid promoter with honorary Doctor of Science degree
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) is set to recognize the pivotal role technology takes in the country's food security as it recognizes SL Agritech Corp.'s (SLAC) Henry Lim Bon Liong for the risks he took in pioneering the hybrid rice sector.
Lim will also be the rite's commencement speaker.
SLAC, which accounts for the supply of 60 to 80 percent of the Philippines hybrid rice seeds, has enabled the country to raise its national rice yield from three metric tons (MT) per hectare to 3.6 to 3.8 MT per hectare.
Hybrid rice technology has enabled Filipino farmers to enjoy a better standard of living with net income doubling from just P50,000 per hectare to at least P100,000 per hectare using hybrid rice seeds.
PUP has been a premiere academic institution on the sciences with its course offering in all science fields (Chemistry, Physics, Biology) and engineering and technology.
While hybrid rice seeds in the Philippines only account for around five-six percent of the country's rice area of around three million hectares, Lim has spearheaded technology information that could expand the area.
He just led the development of a new rice variety, SL-18H, that gives a rice yield of a relatively stable seven to 10 MT per hectare. This is two to three times higher than the yield from inbred rice of three to four MT per hectare.
The introduction over the last two cropping seasons of SL-18H is a continuing effort through science and technology of Lim to give farmers better income and livelihood.
"SL-18 is the only variety now that can exceed the yield of our first hybrid rice variety (SL-8H)," Lim said.
Despite initial criticisms against hybrid rice and SL-8H, Lim persisted on showing farmers that hybrid rice is a technology that could pluck them out from abject poverty.
He has persuaded farmers that they only need 15 to 20 kilos of good hybrid seeds. This can well take the place of 50 to 80 kilos of inbred seeds and adequately earn for them an income two times that from inbreds.
Hybrids are a product of the breeding of two superior parents with outstanding traits like disease resistance, delicious taste and aromatic-smelling, and anti-lodging (resistance against wind) quality.
Lim risked his own money of at least P100 million for the 40-hectare hybrid rice experimental farm that he put up in Brgy. Oogong, Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
He put in a few hundred million peso more for the experiments to come up with a tropical weather-suited hybrid rice that has so far then been proven workable only in temperate zones as in China.
He even took the risk against his own life as he traveled to conflict-ridden farms in Mindanao as the company put up its seed production in Banay banay, Davao Oriental.
The good result of his experiments, that now includes Dona Maria Rice (with its tagline the best-tasting rice in the Philippines, perhaps in the whole world), comes from a trusting relationship with his scientists-breeders.
His breeders were granted to him as help by Father of Hybrid Rice Yuan Longping of China who believed in Lim's mission to contribute to reduction of global hunger.
"In three to five years, SLAC is aiming to feed 50 million people. By that time two million hectares must be planted to SLAC hybrid rice varieties," said Lim.
PUP Regents board members are Commission on Higher Education Chairman Alex B. Brillanes, Sen. Pia S. Cayetano, Rep. Roman T. Romulo, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Sec. Arsenio M. Balisacan, NEDA Deputy Dir. Gen Margarita Songco,
Science Sec. Mario G. Montejo, Philippine National Red Cross Board Sec. Corazon Alma G. De Leon, Civil Network for Education Reform President Edicio G. Dela Torre, Fed. of Alumni Association Pres. Rene A. Tanasas, Federated Faculty Assn. Pres. Edna S. Lavadio,
Anak-PUP Student Councils Fed. Pres. Ma. Alexi R. Tiotangco, and PUP Board Secretary Merito Lovensky D. R. Fernandez.
OFW saved for his farm
FORMER OFW AT RICE HARVEST FESTIVAL – Rolando Acain (second from left) is a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who had the wisdom to save his dollar earnings so he can buy his dream rice farm. A chemical engineer, he worked for more than 10 years as materials engineer for foreign construction companies which were engaged in road construction in Indonesia, Uganda, Tanzania and India. He is shown here during a rice harvest festival with, from left: Dr. Frisco Malabanan, SL Agritech chairman and CEO Henry Lim Bon Liong, Dr. Santiago Obien and Ricardo Buenaventura of the Nagkakaisang Magsasaka Agricultural Primary Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Tabacao, Talavera, Nueva Ecija.
People who know how to save become economically well-off much faster than those who don't save at all. Much more so, if they know how to invest what they save.
One former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who knew how to save is 72-year-old Rolando Acain who now grows hybrid rice on 18 hectares in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. He bought those 18 hectares, a few hectares at a time, with the dollars he earned while working overseas.
Rolando is a chemical engineer who worked for more than 10 years for foreign companies that were engaged in road construction. For six years, he was in Indonesia as materials engineer for an Italian construction company. He saved all his $1,800 monthly salary and spent only his housing and living allowances while abroad with his wife.
For two years he was next stationed in Uganda and then another year in Tanzania, doing the same job but with a higher salary. Just the same, he saved his monthly income for a farming project he had always dreamed of.
His last stop was a five-year stint with an American construction company in India. He also saved his dollar earnings so he could buy more farm land. At last in 2003, he felt it was time to give up working abroad so he can pursue his dream of rice farming in Aliaga, the hometown of his wife, the former Jovita Go.
He quipped that he was born in the little known town of Abutaya, Palawan where there was very little rice production. And so he married someone from the country's rice granary so he can have all the rice he cared to have.
Today, Rolando is a very happy gentleman farmer who plants nothing but the hybrid rice from SL Agritech during the dry season. The hybrid rice varieties developed by the company headed by Henry Lim Bon Liong are not only high-yielding, they also have superior eating quality. They are considered fancy rice so they command a higher price than the ordinary varieties.
In 2007 Rolando started planting SL-8H, the first commercial hybrid rice developed by SL Agritech. Since then, he has always planted SL-8H or the other hybrids from the same company. On the average, he gets 180 cavans or about 9 tons of grains from one hectare.
One technique he does is to store his harvest in his bodega, waiting for the price to go up when most of the harvest of other farmers have been sold. For this purpose, he has a bodega that can accommodate 3,000 sacks. When the supply of palay is plentiful, the price could be P17 per kilo. At the time of our visit, however, he was selling his palay at P18.50 per kilo. So it pays to wait for the right time to dispose of his harvest.
As a gentleman farmer, Rolando does not have to do the dirty work in the field. He has workers called "Baki" to do the hands-on operations. He has three hand tractors to plow the land. He only supervises the farming, seeing to it that the recommended protocol in growing hybrid rice is followed to the letter. He also does his own research on proper water management, use of sticker in applying pesticide, proper land preparation (the field should be level before planting), and the like.
Rolando has allocated his 18 hectares to different workers or Baki. Some take care of one or two hectares but there are others who are given bigger areas to manage. Just like Nestor Roxas who takes care of 5.5 hectares. Nestor sees to it that the plants under him are fertilized or irrigated at the right time. He sprays pesticide if necessary, and controls the weeds. He also does other chores to ensure a good harvest. In return, he gets a share of the harvest. If they harvest 180 cavans of 50 kilos each, he gets 18 cavans, plus one cavan if it is more than 180 cavans. Last dry season cropping, Nestor got a share of 98 cavans.
During the past wet seasons, Rolando has been planting inbred rice instead of hybrid because no available hybrid rice is suitable for the rainy months. Inbreds, although they yield less, are also profitable to raise. In fact Nestor got a share of 89 cavans from the inbred rice they planted in the last wet season.
Nevertheless, SL Agritech is continuing to develop a hybrid that will perform equally well during the rainy months. In fact, Rolando is trying this season one variety from SL Agritech that is supposed to be suitable for the rainy season. He is trying it in a small area though, just to observe its performance.
Overall, growing hybrid rice is profitable. Rolando said that he spends P50,000 to P52,000 to grow hybrid rice on one hectare. The costs include the seeds (P4,800), land preparation, pulling of seedlings, transplanting, fertilizers, pesticide, irrigation water, harvesting, threshing, drying and hauling. After deducting the palay given as share of the Baki, the net per hectare could still be easily more than P100,000.
Lamoiyan offers 100-hectare land as rice farm for SL Agritech
Chinese toothpaste maker Lamoiyan Corp. is offering a 100-hectare property for rice field trial and testing to leading hybrid seeds manufacturer SL Agritech Corp.
"We haven't considered going into commercial rice production yet. But we have a corporate social responsibility to our mute and deaf community by providing them a sure way to eat and a chance to learn farming as a livelihood," said Lamoiyan chief executive Cecilio Pedro.
Lamoiyan and SL Agritech signed Tuesday an agreement for the planting of several varieties of SL Agritech hybrid seeds starting with a one-hectare of land within the Cavinti, Laguna property to supplement food consumption of the student community in a deaf and mute school within the area.
Lamoiyan will increase the hectarage in the next cropping season to two hectares, enough to feed the entire community.
Pedro said the company planned to include rice farming as a regular activity for the students in all of its 14 centers for the deaf and mute across the country.
He said a portion of the company's newly-acquired 24-hectare property in Puerto Princesa, Palawan would also be planted to hybrid rice.
SL Agritech under the agreement will provide four varieties of high-yielding, hybrid rice seeds at five kilos of each kind to be planted on Lamoiyan's Laguna property.
SL Agritech will provide technical assistance to ensure the recommended planting protocol was strictly followed to assure high yield.
SL Agritech is one of the country's leading private companies engaged in research, development and production of superior hybrid rice seeds.
SL Agritech to supply hybrid rice seeds to Bangladesh
MANILA, Philippines - Hybrid rice seeds producer SL Agritech Corp. is in talks with the Bangladesh Ministry of Agriculture for the supply of seeds for the production of high amylose rice.
The company announced over the weekend that the mission, led by Bangladesh Agricultural Minister Matias Chowdhurry, visited the company's research center in Brgy. Oogong, Sta. Cruz, Laguna last May 23.
The mission includes representatives from Bangladesh-based Stress Tolerant Rice for Africa and South Asia (Strasa) and officials from different cities and municipalities of Bangladesh like Tangail, Barisal, and Rangpur.
SL Agritech currently supplies SL-8H seeds to Bangladesh. The rice variety which yields 10 metric tons (MT) per hectare has enabled the company to corner 20 percent of the hybrid rice seeds market in Bangladesh.
Bangdesh is interested in expanding its cooperation with SL Agritech through the supply of rice seeds for cultivating high amylose rice which is used to make parboiled rice, a major export commodity of the country.
Parboiled rice is boiled in the husk before milling, raising the nutrition content of the grain. Parboiling originated in India but has spilled over to Bangladesh where is had remained a tradition.
SL Agritech is one of the large hybrid rice producer in the country which also produces the Dona Maria brand of premium rice Miponica and Jasponica.
The company has various partnerships for hybrid rice seed production in Asian nations such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar and Cambodia.
The company has not yet made a commitment to the Bangladeshi government but is studying the possibility of adding a new variety of hybrid rice to be produced in Bangladesh. "We're very happy their minister of Agriculture visited us. We're the biggest in hybrid rice seed in Bangladesh," said SLAC Chairman Henry Lim Bon Liong.
Bangladesh is also exploring use of more stress-tolerant rice varieties like drought tolerance.
Bangladesh, like the Philippines, is now attempting to regain foothold in rice exportation after several years of importing round 500,000 metric tons MT annually. Its imports peaked to 1.48 million MT in 2011.
Gov't Welcomes Super Hybrid Rice
The Philippines has expressed high hopes in achieving greater rice yield as its collaborates with China on the development of Super Hybrid Rice.
The Super Hybrid Rice from China could help the Philippines access higher yield of 10 tons per hectare at Php 5.00 per kilogram, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.
It said the target is possible as the super hybrid rice that the China National Hybrid Rice Research and Development Center (CNHR-RDC) is developing has already hit a milestone when it reach in 2011 its goal of 13.5 metric tons.
"The Government's program right now is to show farmers how to earn more because what's important is how much is lefty in the pocket of farmers, not just how much income they make," DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said.
He noted that after attaining rice self-sufficiency, the DA's next move is to help farmers lower production cost. He said the country is already approaching self-sufficiency with only 187,000 metric tons (MT) of imports this year.
Through the Super Hybrid Rice and 10-5 Program (SHR-10-5), the government expressed optimism that the goal to make Filipino farmers rich is achievable, Alcala said.
"We want to have a yield of 10 tons at a cost of Php 5.00 per kilo. That's the dream. We have a long ongoing cooperation with China through the Philippine-Sino Center for Agricultural Technology (PhilSCAT). We're more aggressive cooperation because China was the that gave us initial programs on hybridization of rice," Alcala said.
Local rice expert are set to demonstrate the real potential of hybrid raise yield through the Harvest Festival led by SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC) in April 15.
Yuan Long Ping, CNHR-RDC director general, foresees the SHR will become a commercial success in the Philippines in three years. Yuan was premiere guest at Philippines' First Hybrid Rice Congress held last week.
"We will send super hybrid varieties for testing here next year-in dry season. Maybe after three years, our super hybrid rice will be commercialized in the Philippines through our joint efforts. We will strengthen the friendship between Philippines and China through it," Yuan said.
The Php 5.00 per kilo production cost is possible if farmers will have an average of 10 MT yield at Php 50,000.00 per hectare cost, according to Henry Lim Bon Liong, SLAC Chairman.
SLAC has been collaborating with CNHR-RDC that has resulted in the development of SL-8H hybrid rice, which enabled farmers to yield seven to 10 MT per hectare from their former three to five MT using inbreds.
DA assistant Secretary Dante Delima said the government is supporting the expansion of hybrid rice whose area is targeted to reach to 281,397 hectares in 2013. This will further expanded to 350,000 hectares by 2014.
SL Agritech eyes listing
Hybrid rice seed producer SL Agritech Inc. plans to hold an initial public offering within the year to raise up to P3 billion, its top executive said Wednesday.
"We are trying to assess at present of we are going to pursue the initial public offering probably by the end of the year. Hopefully next year, we already have it," SL Agritech president Henry Lim Bon Liong said.
"We want to raise at least P2 billion to P3 billion. The proceeds of the IPO will be used both for seed production and commercial rice production," Liong added.
Liong said the conduct of the initial public offering would depend on the company's earnings.
Rice producer in talks with First Pacific
HYBRID RICE producer SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC) plans to establish a 2,000-3,000 hectare commercial rice plantation in Iloilo this year, a top company official said yesterday, in what could involve a joint venture with Hong Kong-based conglomerate First Pacific Co. Ltd.
"We have identified a site somewhere in Iloilo, but we are still trying to finalize it," SLAC President and Chief Executive Officer Henry Lim Bon Liong told reporters on the sidelines of the media launch in Quezon City of the First National Hybrid Rice Congress in Quezon that will be held on April 3-5.
He said in a telephone interview later that the venture will add 2,000-3,000 hectares to the company's current total of 3,400 hectares in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Laguna and Pangasinan.
Mr. Lim declined to say how much rice the company expects to produce from the plantation, saying only that the output "will be used for domestic supply because we want to support the government's self-sufficiency program."
Another company official said talks are under way for a partnership with First Pacific on this project.
Asked for comment, Melody M. Del Rosario, vice-president for Corporate Communication of First Pacific unit Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), said via text yesterday that "First Pacific is the one directly involved" and that talks being held are still "preliminary."
"A joint study is being done on rice production with SL Agritech as a seed supplier," Ms. Del Rosario said after which she declined to give more details.
The government is currently implementing its Food Staple Sufficiency Program, which aims to gradually reduce rice imports by increasing local production.
This year, the country will import 187,000 metric tons of rice to be used as buffer stock, 62.6% less than last year's 500,000 MT.
Rice production target for this year is 20.04 million MT, 11.15% more than last year's actual production of 18.03 million MT.
Incorporated in 2000, SLAC -- whose products include hybrid rice seeds, rice products, insecticide and fertilizer -- plans to conduct an initial public offering this year to raise 2 billion-3 billion to finance expansion of its hybrid rice production.
First Pacific is the parent of local firms Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), Philex Mining Corp. and MPIC where the Hong Kong-based conglomerate has 25.6%, 31.2% and 55.9% stakes, respectively.
Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a minority stake in BusinessWorld
SL Agritech Corp. to push IPO this year
SL Agritech Corp., the country's biggest hybrid rice and seed producers, on Wednesday said that it plans to conduct its long-stalled initial public offering (IPO) by end of this year, citing improved market conditions.
Henry Lim Bon Liong, SL Agritech president, said that the company intends to raise P2 billion to P3 billion to expand its hybrid rice and seed production business.
"We are trying to assess our fiscal position. We will decide [if we will do the IPO] after our fiscal calendar, which ends in May," Lim told reporters.
"If not, we may try do it next year," he added.
Lim said that SL Agritech hopes to get 10 percent to 15 percent of the P450-billion rice industry, adding that they are now focused in expanding hybrid rice production both here and abroad.
The executive also noted that he has been approached by various underwriters for the IPO.
"We are planning already. But at the same time, we are looking at out earning to see if it can provide for us. But right now we have a very healthy stock market, so it's OK," he said.
SL Agritech grows and markets SL-8H Super Hybrid Rice seeds and Dona Maria brand premium rice.
"With this additional funding, we may also move from our premium rice and grow lower-priced rice," he said.
SL Agritech has formed a joint venture with the group of businessman Manuel Pangilinan for a commercial rice production venture.
Under the joint venture, First Pacific Co. Ltd. will provide the financial muscle for the venture while SL Agritech will supply hybrid seeds and the land for large-scale commercial farming.
Initially considered were cultivation areas in Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Zamboanga Sibugay, Davao del Sur, Campostella Valley, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.
Lim yesterday said, however, that SL Agritech has identified at 2,000 hectares to 3,000 hectares of cultivation areas in Iloilo.
"Iloilo rice lands ready for planting. In Mindanao, it will take time and we are trying to fast-track it," he said, noting that the produce will be allocated for domestic consumption.
"This is to support our rice self-sufficiency goals," he said.
Doble Panalo - SL-8H 2013 Winners
Hybrid-rice variety developed in PHL, popular in Bangladesh
SL-8H, a hybrid-rice variety developed in the Philippines, is gaining popularity in Bangladesh, capturing an estimated 20 percent of the South Asian nation's hybrid-rice market.
In a statement, SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC), the producer of SL-8H, said that since starting production in 2006, its hybrid-rice variety now occupies a significant share in Bangladesh's hybrid-rice seed supply.
The country uses 60 varieties: 50 from China; three from India; four from the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute; and three from the private sector, with SL-8H being one of them.
The planting of hybrid-rice seeds in Bangladesh is expected to stop its importation of rice this year, according to Anwar Faruque of the Bangladeshi Ministry of Agriculture, who recently visited the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños town, Laguna province, with a team of Bangladeshi seed experts.
He said Bangladesh used to import half-a-million tons of rice annually.
As of 2012, the hybrid-rice area of Bangladesh is only about 600,000 hectares; the country has nearly 10 million hectares of rice lands. With each hectare yielding an estimated 10 metric tons (MT) of rice, hybrid-rice production was estimated to have reached 600 million MT—more than enough for Dhaka to suspend importing the crop this year.
Bangladesh's imports of SL-8H have benefited an estimated 300,000 farmers after the Dhaka-owned Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corp. and SLAC signed a seed-production deal.
"This [SL-8H] is the only hybrid-rice seed produced 100 percent in Bangladesh. Other companies import their seeds. We have a very good agreement with SLAC. They provide all the technical support through Dr. [Weijun] Xu and Philippine scientists," Faruque said.
"The Philippines allowed us to grow the seed in Bangladesh under SL Agritech's technical assistance. That is a mode suitable for the local growth of our hybrid rice," he added.
Live Interview on ANC with Coco Alcuaz
Single-use sachet of rice in the market
Many companies sell their products in the form of millions of single-use sachets, particularly in developing and emerging markets.
Single-use sachet makes some brands affordable to people with low incomes. They give people the opportunity to buy products in small quantities when they need them.
Just like any other company that is into small packaging, SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC) has unveiled their premium quality rice in 300 -gram sachets – a third of a kilo – for P25 each.
"Everything is in sachets now, like shampoos, soaps, coffee, so I figured that maybe rice can come into sachets, to make it more affordable to the poor and also for everyone to have a taste of Dona Maria rice," said SLAC Chairman Henry Lim Bon Liong.
According to Lim, one sachet makes three to four cups of cooked rice.
"Eighty grams is already one cup of rice," he explained.
He added that they are trying their best to see how to make it available in sari sari stores as well. Dona Maria rice right now is sold only in leading supermarkets nationwide.
The Dona Maria Jasponica and Miponica varieties are the products of SLAC, developed with the company's own Research and Development Center in its 40-hectre farm in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
Meanwhile, SLAC together with Manuel V. Pangilinan's Metro Pacific Corp. (MPC) is scouting for a 1000-hectare area for hybrid rice cultivation as their part in making the Philippines self sufficient in rice by 2013.
A preliminary investment of $10 million is allotted to the joint venture, according to Lim.
"When we met with MVP, he said they've been in agriculture with 1.5 million hectares in Indonesia planted to palm oil and rubber. So of course they won't stop at 1,000 hectares (in the Philippines)," said Lim.
"SL Agritech will provide the technology, the hybrid rice variety seeds, together with the technical assistance," he added
"It will be a very good tie-up with Metro Pacific's financial muscle and SL Agritech's technology. We'll go to the next step of firming our relationship," he added.
The MPC-SLAC partnership is now identifying its initial target area through state-run Philippine Agribusiness Development Commercial Corp. (PADCC).
Potential areas in Luzon, according to SLAC Hybrid Rice Specialist Dr. Frisco M.Malabanan, are Palawan and Occidental Mindoro; Iloilo and Negros Occidental in the Visayas; and in Mindanao, Zamboanga Sibugay, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
"They really want to start with a big area at once, at 2,000 hectares. But we told them it's hard to find a big area right away, so we're starting with just 1,000," Lim explained.
Planting will start as soon as the area is made available by PADCC, he said.
The tie-up may pave the way to MPC's first investment in agriculture as MPC eyes other plantation-type crops like banana, pineapple, and rubber.
The initial investment in the hybrid rice program will go to infrastructure--irrigation, farm to market roads, and post harvest facilities. The needed investment will depend on the condition of the land--whether there is already an existing infrastructure.
Lim said the partnership will also involve coordination with local government units (LGU) which can aid farmers through financing or some type of subsidy for hybrid rice.
Phil to begin exporting rice next year - Alcala
Manila, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said yesterday the Philippines will begin exporting rice next year.
Alcala said hybrid rice producer SL Agrictech, which businessman Manny V. Pangilinan is considering to invest in, is planning to produce the rice seed varieties for long grain and aromatic rice for export.
"We will start to export (rice) next year whatever happens because we need to develop the market," he said during the release of the first semester farm output report. "We are in the process of determining the volume."
In an earlier press conference, Pangilinan said his group is interested in making new investments in agriculture, particularly with SL Agritech. Pangilinan recently said that First Pacific Co. Ltd. is in talks with the hybrid rice seed producer about a partnership in large-scale commercial farming.
"We were approached by them," said Pangilinan. "They will supply the hybrid seedlings then we will provide the land for large-scale commercial farming," Pangilinan told reporters.
He said talks with SL Agritech are still in the initial stage.
"It is still in the initial stage although they have good products so they should be encouraged," he said.
Pangilinan said the group is also interested in banana and sugar projects in Mindanao.
He noted that agriculture is a neglected sector in the Philippines while agriculture in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and even Myanmar is vibrant.
SL Agritech ships parental lines of hybrid rice seeds to Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The parental lines are cultivated in these countries to produce the seeds that are sold to farmers.
The firm is considering to start exporting seeds to Nigeria and is planning to expand its operations in Indonesia, Bangladesh and Myanmar as well as in Vietnam where currently exports it seeds.
SL Agritech is a subsidiary of the Sterling Paper Group of Companies. It was formed in 1998, performing research work on hybrid rice.
The company has been planning to conduct an initial public offering but has decided to defer it for next year, believing that tension between Filipino and Chinese naval forces in the Panatag Shoal can disturb trade relations between China and the Philippines and upset the stock market.
Alcala earlier said he would resume talks with Pangilinan regarding possible investments in the agricultural sector.
[-Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star) -August 14, 2012]-
'Hybrid Rice' pioneer to address graduates
The man behind Hybrid Rice Production in the Philippines, Henry Lim Bon Liong, will address the graduating class of Foundation University during the 2012 Commencement Exercises on Sunday, March 18.
Mr. Lim is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the SL Agritech Corp. (SLAC), the leading research development and production of superior hybrid rice in the country.
He will address the 415 graduating University students at the Sofia Soller Sinco Hall at 3 p.m., which will be covered live on SkyCable and Fil Products Cable TV.
This year's batch has one Magna Cum Laude in the person of Christopher Marco, from the College of Business Administration's B.S. Accountancy program.
There are also 14 Cum Laudes this year. They are Michael John Sola, Lynn Francine Batalan, Raymark Anthony Saloria, Merazil Gabutero, Cristine May Delan, Je-Ann Carias, Margie Lorejo, Leigh Ann Torres, Jemarie Murallo, Hyagrace Tolero, Radhiya Ababon, Pureza Nema Catalonia and Jela Mae Tanilon.
Mr. Lim's address is expected to touch on modern trends in business and agriculture.
With farmers getting as much as 12 tons per hectare with SLAC's hybrid rice variety SL8H, agriculture experts see the country gaining self-sufficiency in rice by 2013.
The government has a goal of expanding hybrid rice coverage of 500,000 to 700,000 hectares by 2013 from the current coverage of 375,000 hectares. [-Taken from Dumaguete Metropost -March 21, 2012]-
SL Agritech aggressively pushes hybrid technology
SL Agritech Corp. has been sponsoring hybrid rice harvest festivals all over the country to promote the benefits of hybrid rice technology to boost farm productivity, according to Henry Lim, the firm's president and chief executive officer (CEO).
The first two harvest festivals held this harvest season were in La Paz , Tarlac last March 16, and in Urdaneta, Pangasinan last March 30.
The next will be in Nueva Ecija, in Sto. Domingo on April 11 and in Sta. Rosa on April 12; and Alcala in Cagayan on April 20.
Lim said 10 other rice harvest festivals are scheduled to be held in May this year.
Special guests at the La Paz harvest festival, which was attended by over 350 hybrid rice farmers and community leaders, were Tarlac Gov. Victor Yap and Mayor Michael Manuel. Special guest at the Urdaneta affair was Mayor Boom Perez.
The theme of this year's festival is "Mula sa Kawalan, Tungo sa Kaunlaran."
Among those who had graced the festivals which SL Agritech Corp. has been sponsoring since 2006, were President Aquino's sisters Maria Elena "Balsy" Aquino-Cruz and Pinky Aquino Abellada, former Agriculture Secretary Arturo Yap, National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Lito Banayo, Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali, Tarlac Gov. Victor Yap; provincial, town and barangay officials including provincial and municipal agriculturists.
"We are indeed happy to note that more and more farmers in many parts of the country are now planting our high-yielding hybrid rice seed variety, notably our SL-8H and using the latest farming technology," Lim said.
"We can't rely solely on traditional inbred seeds variety," he said, adding that "while we are all aware of the important role played by technology in our massive food production efforts, there is the need for all of us to keep abreast with the various technological approaches and to continuously be in search of new and better systems toward increased productivity." -[Daily Tribune -04/02/2012]-
Tarlac execs urge tillers to adapt modern know-how
Tarlac Gov. Victor Yap has urged farmers in the province "to work doubly hard to boost our farm productivity and income."
In a brief talk at a hybrid rice festival sponsored by SL Agritech Corp., Gov. Yap said "there is apparent need for all of us to keep abreast with the various technological approaches and to be continuously in search of new and better systems toward increased food productivity."
During the same occasion, La Paz Mayor Michael Manuel expressed high hopes that by embracing the new hybrid rice technology, "our farmers will substantially increase their production and income, so much so that it will become our stepping stone toward the improvement of our community and people."
Among those present during the festival, which has for its theme "Mula sa Kawalan Tungo sa Kaunlaran," and attended by over 350 farmers and community leaders, were Henry Lim, SL Agritech chairman and CEO; former Food Minister and NFA Adminsitrator Jesus Tanchanco; and Fr. Ed de la Torre, representing Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.
SL Agritech has been holding hybrid rice festivals since 2006 in towns and provinces to promote the hybrid rice technology.
Encouraged by the benefits of hybrid rice technology, Lim said several Asian countries have already been using his firm's rice technology — Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, Nigeria, Malaysia and Bangladesh including Vietnam, where, he said, "we import billions of pesos worth of rice every year." -[Daily Tribune 03/19/2012]-


text:
What is the best herb to use for a man to build up sperm count?
go to jackinworld.com it will tell ya.
Try a mixture of wild oats, damiana and saw palmetto… and be patient!
Any "fix" for sperm count problems is going to take time.
I suggest making a tea of the herbs and drinking a 6 oz. cup of it twice a day. Depending on the cause of the problem, you should see results in 30-90 days according to my experience.
There are no herbal treatments that will change this. Your sperm count is determined by genetics.
what do u mean?
go to sperm lab
Here is a list of herbal supplements that can help increase your sperm count.
Of all the various aspects of the male human body, few are as variable from individual to individual as semen. The color, texture, and quantity — not to mention the force of ejaculation — vary greatly. Based on outward appearance we are all amazingly similar: virtually everyone has eyes, ears, a nose, and a mouth in the same place. But semen just doesn't work that way.
Just like penis size, ejaculation volume and force are highly variable from individual to individual. Most guys want to ejaculate more semen with more force.
If you've done exercises like Kegels For Men, yes, it may have increased your distance — but probably not your volume. There's a *huge* variation from person to person with regard to ejaculation force as well as volume, and neither has anything to do with anything important (such as having children).
A lot of guys would love it if they could make like one of the characters in Scary Movie and ejaculate so much that they plaster their girlfriends against the ceiling. And although that won't likely be happening anytime soon, it's believed that wheat germ increases seminal output. Bon appétit.
(Butter's note: I only tried it once and it thickened my load like I've rarely seen before. Eat with oatmeal for better results)
Amino acids, if taken regularly, are generally believed to increase ejaculate fluid. On the other hand, zinc seems to improve both the amount of sperm produced as well as the sperm's ability to move spontaneously and independently. Together with amino acids, this will increase normal sperm count and volume significantly.
Amino acids are believed to increase ejaculate fluid (not the amount of actual sperm necessarily) if taken regularly. Some amino acids include:
Studies show sperm and semen volume doubles, fertility improves (even among men with low sperm counts or poor sperm motility), and sperm health and activity increase with supplementation. Arginine is found in high concentrations in nuts and seeds like peanuts and almonds. It can also be found in chocolate and raisins. Some Natural Sources: Nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, chocolate, popcorn, raisins, brown rice, carob, gelatin desserts, oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and protein rich foods.
Researchers find that this amino acids plus zinc increases sperm produced, stimulates testosterone production, and improves semen quality.
Sometimes called "horny goat weed," this botanical boosts libido and testosterone levels for greater sperm production for a strong ejaculation.
Has been shown to increase number of sperm and sperm motility by 80% to 200% by aiding testosterone synthesis.
This amino acid is found in high concentrations in healthy sperm. Proven to significantly increase the percentage of highly motile sperm.
Brazilian herb that strengthens the libido, and nourishes the entire male reproductive system.
Supports prostate health and hormonal production. While they may not readily increase sperm volume, they do enhance prostate health and testosterone production.
Legendary South American botanical proven to promote libido, potency and energy.
Ginseng Y
ohimbe bark
Vitamin C, E
(Butter's note: Lecithin added daily increases amount, not thickness)
Zinc has been shown to improve both the amount of sperm you produce and the sperm's ability to move spontaneously and independently. Coupled with amino acids (see above), this will increase sperm volume significantly.
(Butter's note: Not as miraculous as they make it sound, but regular zinc intake (50mgs a day) does increase quantity somewhat.)
Whatever a pill company's claims are, you can probably do just as well with zinc and lecithin supplements. (Use zinc supplements in moderation; too much zinc intake can be dangerous.) For some guys, these nutrients do have a noticeable effect on ejaculation volume, and they're a lot cheaper and easier to get. In general, stay away from mail-order pills sold by less-than-reputable companies; you really don't know what's in them, and their claims are almost always untrue or at least greatly exaggerated.
PC Exercises:
While Kegel exercises can help you last longer, they can also aid in increasing sperm volume. There are a host of exercises you can do to keep your penis in great shape and shoot like a champion.
(Butter's note: PC muscle exercises have proven to help reduce prostate troubles in advancing age, but I have yet to see improvements in my ejaculate's volume through this method)
Frequency of sexual activity also contributes to volume — although only to a certain degree. If you abstain for a day or two, you'll certainly produce more sperm than you would ejaculating every few hours. But any longer than this one- to two-day timeframe, and you won't see much of a difference, as semen reservoirs will have stopped building up a supply.
(Butter's note: True, the body will evacuate excess semen through urine & etc. so abstinence over 3 or 4 days will not continue increase of quantity. Usually, 2 or 3 days should be enough to reach maximum potential… but there are exceptions!)
And for those of you who wrote in asking if semen is a good source of protein, its protein content is roughly equivalent to that found in the egg white of a large egg. So you're probably best off sticking with the eggs.
Consistency of semen isn't very consistent; you've probably noticed that the thickness of your ejaculate can vary from day to day. This is because the quality of the fluid is very susceptible to a number of factors. Diet, exercise and frequency of sex can all dictate how thick or watery your emissions are, as can the tightness of the clothes that you wear (tight clothing will increase body temperature and can thus impact sperm motility.
While there is a lack of supporting scientific evidence, a number of ingredients are said to help thicken up semen. Because of their protein content, egg whites and gelatin are often recommended. Wheat germ, omega-3 oils, selenium, and zinc are all also believed to improve consistency.
(Butter's note: Tomato-based products, soy-based products, oatmeal, and celery have also proven to help thicken the load, at least in my case!)
Vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and essential fatty acids are found in the prostate in high levels, and are all necessary to produce semen. Low zinc levels have been connected to decreased production of seminal fluids, as well as lower testosterone levels. A healthy balance of nutrients is important for maintaining vascular health as well, which improves your ability to achieve and maintain erections. There isn't a need to go popping extra vitamins if you are already eating a diet rich in nutrients, particulary from fruits and vegetables. Essential fatty acids are found in certain kinds of fish (like salmon) and nuts.
Celery is one of food products known to have great properties for sexual stimulation. It contains androsterone, an odor free hormone which is very inviting for women. Raw celery is the best way to increase that desire.
Oysters are rich in zinc and are know to increase sperm and testosterone production. It contains dopamine which increases the sexual desire.
Bananas, Avocado and Almond or other nuts are some of the other food products which help in this matter.
from http://www.hotlib.com/articles/show.php?t=Increase_Sperm_Count:_10_Ways_you_can_Increase_Your_Sperm_Count
10 Ways you can increase Your sperm count:
1. Have sex & masturbate less often – the more times you ejaculate, the less dense your semen will be. Maintain a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations.
2. Refrain from habits like smoking, alcohol consumption etc. – Alcohol affects your liver function, which, in turn, causes a dramatic rise in estrogen levels. Even two drinks a day will have long-term effects on sperm production
3. Exercise regularly.Exercising your PC muscle can help you shoot further than ever before.Read How to Exercise your PC muscles at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/penis_enlargement_stretching.htm
4. Eat Nutritious Food – Diet that's low in fat, and high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your health and for your sperm. Avoid bitter, astringent and spicy foods.Reduce caffeine intake
5. Avoid heating of testicles – Wear loose, cotton boxer shorts, Avoid hot baths and saunas
6. Lose any excess weight, which tends to cause testosterone/oestrogen imbalances.
7. Reduce stress levels by learning relaxation techniques – Keep your mind and body healthy by regular practice of YOGA and MEDITATION.
8. Massage body with herbal oil, which improves blood circulation. Try Penis Massage Oil available at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/penis_enlargement.htm
9. Try supplements – Certain natural supplements promise to increase sperm production.
10. Make love in the early morning or afternoon. Sperm levels are often highest in the mornings.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
1.4 oz fuel cell 2 pack. For use with the NR90GR gas-powered framing nailer.
NOTE: Cannot be shipped by air.
7.2 Volt, 1.4 Amp-hr rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery. For use with the NR90GC and NR90GR gas-powered framing nailers.
Hot Tool Deals!!!
DeWalt DWHT10272 Folding Pocket Knife
Stainless steel blade for durability and rust resistance.
See LARGER IMAGE ,
Skil SPT67WM-22 7-1/4" Sidewinder Skilsaw Special
See LARGER IMAGE
7-1/4" Diablo Demo Demon Framing/Demolition Saw Blade 2 Pack
24 tooth ATB, 0.059" kerf, 5/8" arbor. Diablo's ultimate framing/demolition saw blade is specially formulated to deliver superior cutting performance in the most extreme construction situations.
LeadCheck Instant Lead Testing Swabs
Self-contained test units which provide a rapid, easy to use, specific test for lead on any surface.
100 Pc Master Screwdriver Bit Set
Includes phillips, slotted, torx, clutch, spline, square, spanner, hex, triwing, pozi, metric bits and holders.
Add items to cart before calculating charges.
No Promo Codes are available at this time


text:
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
This Frank Gehry structure is almost as awe-provoking on the outside as the treasures it houses within, boasting works from artists such as Picasso, Pollack and De Kooning.
This Frank Gehry structure is almost as awe-provoking on the outside as the treasures it houses within, boasting works from artists such as Picasso, Pollack and De Kooning.
There are exotic travel locales all over the world, but there's no guarantee they'll stick around. It's too late to hit these 10 destinations. They've imploded, sunk and otherwise crumbled into oblivion, so why don't you read about them instead? See more »
For some people, the trip is the food. It's called gastro-tourism, and we have a list of destinations you should visit to eat the best food in the world. See more »
Hotels are usually just a place to toss your bags, rest your head and clean up before going out and really enjoying your vacation. But what if the hotel itself is the destination? See more »
If you want to do more than shop, dine and take photos, these landmarks are for you. They'll get your blood pumping and test your determination. See more »
There's something about these interactive pedestrian puzzles that really captures people's interest. It could be the sense of accomplishment when you reach the end, or it may just be a fun activity to do with family and friends. See more »
For modern archaeologists, the ancient world continues to hold many secrets. Civilizations disappear -- thousands of years later, researchers are left to pick through the ivy-covered ruins of their cities. See more »
As much as tourism can pay the bills for a community, it can also hurt it. What happens when popularity becomes the death of a destination? See more »
It may not seem like it when you're driving down the highway, looking at the same boring lodging options, but there are some truly bizarre hotels out there. Kick the standard sleeping options to the curb and find out how much you know about the world's craziest hotels by taking this quiz. See more »
With a missing nose and weather-beaten body, the Sphinx really shows its age. Or does it? Some archaeologists have evidence that the Sphinx is older than the ancient Egyptians. See more »
It's nature's light show, and we'd all like a front-row seat. But these mysterious flashes of pseudo-dawn can only be seen in certain parts of the world at certain times. Where and when? See more »


text:
Learn more about AMD FireMV 2200 - 128MB:
ATi's FireMV multi-view 2D workstation acceleration cards are designed exclusively for the financial and corporate marketplaces. Offering dual and quad monitor cards based on the PCI Express bus architecture, FireMV products ensure system compatibility and investment protection.
Customer Reviews of AMD FireMV 2200 - 128MB
Satisfactory Product for a Programmer2/16/2008
I bought this board to add dual monitor capability to a Windows Server 2003 box that I use as for Visual Studio .NET programming. Even though the manufacturer states that they do not support Windows Server 2003, the board installed without much difficulty. I don't find the display to be as sharp as that previously provided by the HP/Compaq motherboard video adapter, but it is clear enough to serve its purpose of providing me two monitors - which has enhanced my productivity. I rather doubt if a hard core gamer would be thrilled with this board's performance.
Easy to install, configure,....6/8/2007
I purchased it to handle 2 monitors and it does that beautifully. It came with eveything you need and it was very easy to install and configure. It performs well for regular office applications. I recommend this card to everyone who seeks a card to support dual monitor.


text:
Marc Hassenzahl explains the fascinating concept of User Experience and Experience Design. Commentaries by Don Norman, Eric Reiss, Mark Blythe, and Whitney Hess
User Experience and Experience Design !
Joyce, Elisabeth, Butler, Brian and Pike, Jacqueline (2011): Handling flammable materials: Wikipedia biographies of living persons as contentious objects. In: Proceedings of the 2011 iConference 2011. pp. 25-32. Available online
Butler, Brian, Joyce, Elisabeth and Pike, Jacqueline (2008): Don't look now, but we've created a bureaucracy: the nature and roles of policies and rules in wikipedia. In: Proceedings of ACM CHI 2008 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems April 5-10, 2008. pp. 1101-1110. Available online
: [Not yet published]
: [Not yet published]
Join our community and advance:


text:
For Scalia, Kennedy and his colleagues have already decided that state marriage bans are unconstitutional.
As Forbes points out, the bill would likely be ruled an unconstitutional attempt to regulate interstate commerce.
Any time that the government takes action motivated by bias towards one particular group, that action is unconstitutional.


text:
Originally written on Fox Sports | Last updated 11/15/12
The top minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees is looking to northeastern Pennsylvania's history for its new identity. After spending all of last season as the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the club renamed itself the RailRiders on Wednesday in a nod to the region's railroading history. The new logo features a porcupine mascot in navy and gold with maroon lettering for the team name. The porcupine is native to the area and had been among the other candidates for the team name. The club spent all of last season without a home stadium amid a $43 million renovation project at PNC Field, just outside Scranton. The team played 37 ''home'' games in Rochester, N.Y.
Comments are closed.
What do you think?To leave a comment, you can:
MLB News
Delivered to your inbox
You'll also receive Yardbarker's daily Top 10, featuring the best sports stories from around the web. Customize your newsletter to get articles on your favorite sports and teams. And the best part? It's free!
Follow us on Twitter
|Best of Yardbarker
|NFL News
|MLB News
Today's Best Stuff
For Bloggers
Join the Yardbarker Network for more promotion, traffic, and money.
Company Info
What is Yardbarker?
Yardbarker is the largest network of sports blogs and pro athlete blogs on the web. This site is the hub of the Yardbarker Network, where our editors and algorithms curate the best sports content from our network and beyond.
|© 2015 Yardbarker, Inc. All rights reserved. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. (What's New?)


text:
Weapon of Choice
Go Forward
- (5 Ratings)
Head: Emperor X6
Shaft: Surgeon Sci ti
Pocket: low
Jima Soft
Shaft: Surgeon Sci ti
Pocket: low
Jima Soft
an ePlayer affiliate site
© 2015 American City Business Journals. All rights reserved. Use of this Site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 12/23/13) and Privacy Policy (updated 12/23/13).
Your California Privacy Rights.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of American City Business Journals.


text:
NOVA scienceNOW | Cosmic Ray Danger | PBS
Duration: 03:45
Program: NOVA scienceNOW
Berries may alleviate cellular damage caused by cosmic radiation.Tags:
NOVA scienceNOW | Space Dangers | PBS (#501)
Can we protect Mars-bound astronauts from deadly meteoroids, radiation, and other hazards? 13:19
NOVA scienceNOW | What Are Animals Thinking? | PBS (#605)
Full Program: Probe animal morality, the "swarm intelligence" of a beehive, and more. 53:37
NOVA scienceNOW | How Smart Can We Get? | PBS (#603)
Full Program: See inside Einstein's brain, boost your memory, meet post-injury savants, and more. 53:37
Savant Kim Peek | NOVA scienceNOW | PBS
NOVA scienceNOW host David Pogue will take over the @novascinow Twitter account Wed., October 24th from 10-11pm ET... 00:51
NOVA scienceNOW | Can Science Stop Crime? | PBS (#602)
Full Program: Explore the genetics behind criminal minds, the latest in lie detection, and more. 53:10
NOVA scienceNOW | Think Outside the Box | PBS
What happens when tech guru David Pogue is stuck inside the box? Find out on this season of NOVA scienceNOW, starting... 00:31
NOVA scienceNOW | Preview | PBS
David Pogue, popular technology reporter for The New York Times, is the new host of the critically acclaimed science... 03:09
NOVA scienceNOW | Five Reasons to Eat Insects...
Watch NOVA scienceNOW's "Can I Eat That?" Airing this fall on NOVA scienceNOW on PBS pbs.org Looking for a culinary... 02:10
NOVA | The Secret Life of Scientists: Alan Sage...
Alan Sage is only in his first year as an undergraduate, but he's already doing some exceptional biology research.... 01:51
NOVA scienceNOW | Bird Brains, Space Storms,... (#304)
Full Program: "Finch Brains"--What can the songs of zebra finches tells us about the human evolution of language? A lot more than... 51:53
NOVA scienceNOW | Dinosaur Plague | PBS (#403)
Insects caught in amber spark a controversial theory about what killed the dinosaurs. 15:05
NOVA | The Secret Life of Scientists: Emily...
Engineer Emily Whiting studies the principles behind historical buildings to help architects design new buildings. She... 01:47
NOVA scienceNOW | Profile: Andre Fenton | PBS
Can we erase bad memories with a shot? This neurobiologist has glimpsed the possibility. 14:18
NOVA scienceNOW | Lice and Human Evolution | PBS (#505)
Icky and itchy, yes, but lice hold important clues to human evolution. 10:53
NOVA scienceNOW | Revealing the Origins of Life... (#505)
How did molecules first make the leap from non-living to living? 10:51
NOVA scienceNOW | Where Did We Come From? | PBS (#505)
Full Program: Explore the origin of our solar system and the start of life itself. 51:30
NOVA scienceNOW | Detecting Earthquakes | PBS
Can we predict earthquakes? NOVA scienceNOW visits Haiti in search of answers. 10:39
NOVA scienceNOW | Social Robots | PBS (#506)
Would you want a robotic friend who could chitchat, do chores, even take care of you? 11:37
NOVA scienceNOW | Robotic Cars | PBS (#506)
Tiny, battery-powered cars called EN-Vs can talk to each other and drive themselves. 06:34
- Watch more video from this program
Post Date: December 1, 2010


text:
Alyse Eady
|Beauty pageant titleholder
|Alyse Cynthia Eady
March 15, 1988
Fort Smith, Arkansas, U.S.
|Ouachita Baptist University Universidad de Alicante
|Hair color
|Eye color
|Miss Teen Arkansas-America 2004
Miss Arkansas 2010
|Miss America 2011 (1st Runner-Up)
Alyse Cynthia Eady, (born March 15, 1988) is an American news anchor and beauty pageant titleholder who was Miss Arkansas 2010. Eady was named first runner-up at the 2011 Miss America pageant, which was won by Miss Nebraska Teresa Scanlan. [1]
She is a graduate of Ouachita Baptist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications and Speech Communication. She competed at Miss Arkansas as Miss South Central Arkansas and also won a Preliminary Talent Award and the Coleman Overall Talent Award at the pageant. Her platform is the Boys and Girls Club of America and her talent is a Variety Act, in which she both sings and does ventriloquism to the song "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart."[2] She also held the title of Miss Teen Arkansas-America 2004, which is now known as Miss Arkansas' Outstanding Teen.[3] She performed her current talent as a special guest during one of the Preliminary Competitions at Miss America 2007 as well as her yodeling abilities.[4] Alyse currently works as a morning news show co-anchor for Gannett Company-owned KTHV-TV, the local CBS-affiliated television station in Little Rock, Arkansas.[5]
At the Miss America pageant in 2011, Eady was first runner-up.
- ^ "2011 Miss America Pageant Returns to Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas!". Miss America Organization. July 22, 2010. Retrieved July 25, 2010.
- ^ "About Alyse". Miss Arkansas Organization. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
- ^ "MAOT History". Miss Arkansas Organization. Archived from the original on 7 July 2010. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
- ^ Chiberoshka. "The Clog Dancing Ventriloquist Beauty Queen". YouTube. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
- ^ http://www.thv11.com/news/article/163144/139/Alyse-Eady/
External links[edit]
- Alyse Eady on Facebook
- Alyse Eady at the Internet Movie Database
- Alyse Eady on Twitter
- Alyse Eady's THV11.com biography
|Awards and achievements
|Preceded by
Sarah Slocum
|Miss Arkansas
|Succeeded by
Kristen Glover
|Preceded by
Lindsey Wright
|Miss Teen Arkansas-America
|Succeeded by
Hannah Joiner
|This biography article about a United States contestant in a beauty pageant is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.