The golden apple snail (Pomacea Canaliculata), locally known as golden kuhol, was first introduced into Philippine farms in 1983 with the hope of providing additional protein source for dietary improvement of many poor families. But its promising potential turned into a menace for farmers when the golden apple snail became a prolific pest on rice fields. It grows and increases rapidly, voraciously feeding on any succulent greens that include newly transplanted rice seedlings. It destroys farms, livelihood, and has become a burden to rice production.

According to Maria Lizbeth Severa J. Baro of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), golden kuhol may be considered a threat in rice production, but at present many farmers are (again) looking at the golden kuhol at a different perspective. The golden kuhol being remarkably nutritious and easy to digest, farmers have discovered it to be a good source of supplementary feed for livestock and poultry. It stimulates fast growth and reproduction. The snail meat provides protein and energy-giving fat while the shell contains calcium, phosphorous, vitamins, and minerals. Now, a lot of farmers do not see these golden kuhol as a threat to the fields but rather an opportunity to improve their livelihood.

Golden kuhol are collected from the fields, crushed, mixed with raw rice bran, and then fed right away to the animals. There are times when animals are fed with pure golden apple snail straight from the fields. Studies showed that healthier and heavier livestock are produced using this feeding scheme. Ducks fed with snail meal can attain more or less than 70% increase in egg production rate. Further, due to its high nutrition, snail meal could replace fish or meat and bone meal in broiler diets.

Opportunities abound, but farmers continue to ignore them due to the laborious and time-consuming task of manually crushing the snails. But as R&D continues to find solution to farmers’ problem, researchers from the Department of Engineering and Technology of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College led by Engr. Marife L. Pesino designed and developed a mechanically operated golden kuhol grinder-crusher. This machine does not only minimize laborious work of crushing but it also saves time from manually picking the snails from the fields and different farm locations. It also gives opportunity for farmers to culture golden kuhol in one specific area mainly for feed supplement.

The opportunity of converting golden kuhol into useful feeds also saves a lot of money for our farmers, as they do not have to buy expensive molluscicide to control it, making it environment-friendly. Likewise, by converting the snails into feed supplements the farmers spend less for expensive feeds for their livestock and poultry. This likewise reduces the need for imported fishmeal feeds and save the country’s foreign exchange.

Generally, farm equipment and machineries i.e., tractor, water pump, fruit loader, thresher, etc., are never gender-friendly. Women and children who also work in the farm use machines that are laborious and strenuous to operate. But with the new kuhol crusher-grinder, which was designed and conceptualized by a lady engineer, crushing and grinding are no longer tedious as before. The machine is mobile, making it easy to transport.

The design and concept of the crusher-grinder was based on the existing hammer mill machines used in efficiently reducing sizes of feed materials but is comparably more efficient. The machine is low-cost and affordable as it is made from indigenous materials.

The golden kuhol crusher-grinder has seven main parts: mainframe assembly, hopper assembly, upper rotor housing assembly, and lower rotor housing assembly. Its rotor assembly consists of a swinging and rotating hammer blades that crush and grind golden kuhol through a replaceable perforated screen. The design of the golden kuhol crusher-grinder is not only economical and environment-friendly but more important, the machine is gender-friendly.

Performance tests showed that the machine could efficiently and perfectly crush and grind golden kuhol when operated at 1500 rpm and 2070 rpm, respectively, with the desired particle size recommended for optimum feed digestibility.

For more information, contact:

Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR)
Department of Agriculture (DA)
3/F RDMIC Bldg., Visayas Ave.
cor. Elliptical Rd., Diliman Quezon City 1104
Trunklines: 928-8505 or 927-0226
Local Nos. 2043, 2042, 2044
Fax: 920-227 or 927-5691
E-mail: misd-acs@bar.gov.ph
Web: www.bar.gov.ph

Dept. of Science and Technology (DOST)
Rm. 303 DOST Bldg., DOST Complex,
Gen. Santos Ave., Bicutan, Taguig City 1631
Telephone Nos: (632) 837-20-71 to 82
Fax: (632) 837-8937
Web: www.dost.gov.ph

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According to Agriculture Business Week, Philippines has contributed around 55 percent of the total world bangus production, and experts say growing the national fish is the next big thing.

Sleek and silvery, beloved because of its mild, sweet flesh and its melt-in-the-mouth belly fat, the milkfish or bangus, our national fish, is a favorite Philippine fish. Today, bangus is making waves in such countries as United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong where Filipinos are either working or living.

The Philippines is one of the top bangus producers in the world, along with Indonesia and Taiwan. “Until recently, the country has contributed around 55 percent share of the world bangus production,” reports the Laguna-based Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).

Bangus is one of the most important fishes raised by Filipinos. Because of its adaptability to aquaculture, it is widely cultured in brackishwater fishponds, fishpens and recently, in marine cages. Data from the Bureau of Agrictiltural Statistics (BAS) of the Department of Agriculture on bangus production by sector showed an increasing trend from the aquaculture sector: from 210,882 metric tons in 1990 to 360,018 metric tons in 2004.

On the other hand, bangus production in the municipal sector showed decreasing trends: from 2,869 metric tons in 1990 to 438 metric tons in 2001. In 1995, the municipal sector contributed 7,466 metric tons of the total production of 158,615 metric tons harvested that year. In the commercial sector, bangus production was posted at six metric tons in 1990 and went up to 222 metric tons in 1997 but went down to five metric tons in 2001 (a trend that started in 1999).

PCAMRD reported that bangus production is expected to ascend, based on current trends, to 382,000 metric tons in 2008 and 451,000 metric tons in 2010 (as assumed at 11 percent annual growth). As President Gloria Macapagal-Arrovo said during the First Bangus National Congress, the country is emissioned to reach to major markets/countries with exports volume of 15,000 metric tons “in five years time.”

The Philippines exports bangus in frozen, canned, dried, smoked or marinated forms. Banguts in frozen form is exported in 30 countries.

Those in canned form are sent to 23 countries and dried or smoked bangus are sold in 17 countries. The United States, Saudi Arabia and Guam are major export markets for specific product forms.

In the local front, domestic consumption of bangus is expected to increase, too! In order to meet the demand of the growing population, the Philippines will have to expand production at the rate of 5 percent per year. Per capita consumption of bangus is estimated to be 1.96 kilograms per year.

Bangus is nearly related to tuna and salmon because of its fusiform shape and migratory nature. There is only one species of bangus (”Chanos chanos”) known all over the world and most of them are found in the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan.

According to PCAMRD, Taiwan is adopting the intensive culture system because of its limited area for fishpond development. It involves stocking of 10,000 to 25,000 fish per hectare, use of mechanical aerators and feeders and stock manipulation in deep-water ponds. With this method, Taiwan can produce 8,000 to 12,000 kilograms per hectare compared to the national average production of 300 to 1,000 kilograms for Indonesia and 600 to 800 kilograms for the Philippines.

In the Philippines, bangus production is primarily dependent on the availability of brackishwater fishpond (over 190,000 hectares), fertilizers, pesticides, lime, fishfarm implements such as nets and bancas and special equipment like aerators and pumps particularly for the intensive method.

Is there a way the Philippines can still compete with other bangus exporting countries? The answer is affirmative, if the country ANA only do the following suggestions from PCAMRD:

1. Increase production of export-sized fish (500-600 grams) should be done through the low-intensive method, considered the best technology for producing high quality bangus at lower cost;


2. Initiate in processing milkfish into value-added products to create a good expert market demand at attractive prices; and


3. Continue allocate funds from the government in the form of credits to support private sector activities.

If coconut is the “tree of life,” then bangus is its marine equivalent - with nearly all of its parts being good for something. Health experts recommend eating fatty fish at least twice a week. Fish is a good source of protein and do not have the high saturated fat that fatty meat products have. Likewise, fish is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which is good for the heart.

Because of its flavor, bangus is a favorite all over the country. In Metro Manila, bangus is rated first-class. The popularity of bangus can be gleaned in such recipes as “Btlnyus en Tocho” (fried bangus served with a sauce of either “tahure,” “tokwa” or “tausi’), “Bulanglang na Bangus” (with eggplants, ampalaya, sitaw, malunggay, onion, tomatoes, rice washing and “bagoong”‘), Rellenong Bangus” (formerly a party dish; now available even in school cafeterias), “Bangus Lumpia.”

There are several excellent sources of bangus in the country. One of the most important sources is Dagupan City. A couple of years back, bangus brought fame to the city after beating Pent with the longest barbecue title in the Guinness Book of World Records. A report disseminated by news agency Bukithit carried this information: ‘Talk of bangus, however, and you talk of thousands of families here making a living from this industry. Commercial fishing trade has flourished with families engaged in the processing of bangus, or deboning. Wonder how many children are raised and brought to school - and even opulence to a few - because of this.”

Here’s a report published in a national daily on the significance of bangus in Dagupan City: “Bangus plays an important role in the city’s economy as its production, trade and processing benefit hundreds of fishpond owners, caretakers, fish vendors and processors. Every day, about 30 tons of bangus are harvested in the city’s fishponds. Records of the city agriculture office showed that almost 1,000 hectares of fishpond owned by 540 fish farmers grow bangus. The production is complemented by 28 hectares of fish cages in the city’s rivers owned by 850 businessmen.”

Filipinos living or working abroad can always buy bangus of the Alsons Aquaculture Corporation based in General Santos City. “We follow where our fellow Filipinos go. They are still our biggest market. This way, we make them feel like they are still in the Philippines because they can easily buy bangus products,” Laurente Montilla, Alsons processing plant manager, told a local daily.

The idea of selling bangus in countries where Filipinos abound was the brain child of Alejandro Alcantara. Marketed tinder the brand name Sarangani Bay, Alsons processed fresh frozen deboned bangus, fresh frozen marinated deboned bangus, frozen smoked deboned bangus, and the all-time favorite “Relleno.”

“Named after the marine sanctuary it calls home, Sarangani Bay has built a reputation for growing and processing premium aquamarine products.” Alcantara said.

Alsons blazed the export market for bangus through its sprawling 300-hectare fishponds sitting in the vast Alcantara estate that measures more or less 1,000 hectares. “Per week, we can harvest 80 tons to 90 tons of bangus in different sizes,” Montilla said, adding their daily average, from Sunday to Friday, hits at least 15 tons. Efforts are going on to expand the fishpond areas by about 70 hectares more to meet the growing demand locally and internationally, Montilla said.

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With the ratification of the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), many farmers believed that it will open up new markets for the agribusiness sector, specifically for saluyot or jute producers. This belief was firmed up after a study was released by the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) researchers showing that an enterprising farmer can easily earn a fortune from the once "lowly saluyot."

Scientifically named Cochorus olitorius, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that it is popularly known as saluyot (Ilokos), tugabang (Bisaya), bush okra (English), jute mallow or Jew’s mallow, jute, and nalta. Named molokheya in Egypt where it known to have originated, it is widely cultivated in the Sub-Sahara wet regions and North Africa’s drier areas.

Saluyot responds especially to warm, humid weather and is often grown near riverbanks and waste places. Cold weather and severe periods of drought can kill the crop. A loam or silty-loam soil and plenty of organic matter is ideal. It tolerates soil pH of 4.5 to 8.0, but more extreme pH conditions will reduce the availability of iron in the soil.

UPLB researchers Dr. Rodel Maghirang, Ma. Luisa Guevara, and Gloria Rodulfo compute computed that in one regular season or up to seven months, a saluyot grower can earn a net income of around PhP 411,349.00 per hectare. The cost and return analysis assumed that a one-hectare saluyot farm needs an initial investment of PhP 228,651.00 to cover labor cost, materials needed, and fixed costs.

The UPLB paper also revealed that in a season, the farmer can harvest an average of 80,000 bundles of saluyot per hectare. At a cost of PhP 8 per bundle, that translates to a gross income of PhP 640,000.00.

With high potential to earn income for farmers and to promote production of this green leafy vegetable, the Los Baños-based Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCARRD) and DOST Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) has published a “Saluyot Production Guide.”

Data from the Guide shows that in 2006, the 692 ha of land planted with saluyot throughout the Philippines produced a total of 1,949 tons. Top producers are Ilocos (particularly Pangasinan) (213 ha) and Western Visayas (154 ha). The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAS), however, that "market gardens around Metro Manila are increasing and are more productive."

The UPLB researchers said that saluyot can be harvested 30 days after transplanting by cutting the crop at 20-25 centimeters from the ground. The plants are harvested at one to two weeks interval for up to seven months.

The most common outlets of saluyot harvest are local markets. However, as a result of increasing commercial uses of the crop, more markets are opening up.

About 15 years ago, saluyot became a “food fad” in Japan after Japanese health buffs found that it was a low-calorie food and rich in Vitamin A and minerals such as iron, calcium, and protein. They used dried saluyot powder as an ingredient in meals and soups.

DOST’s Dr. Lydia Marero once reported: “Saluyot leaves are rich in beta carotene for good eyesight, iron for healthy red blood cells, calcium fro strong bones and teeth, and vitamin C for smooth, clean skin, strong immune cells, and fast wound-healing.”

Actually, powdered dry saluyot had been produced mainly to cater to expatriate Filipinos, particularly Ilocanos, in the United States and Middle East. But it later found a large market in Japan.

Among those who ventured into this income-generating activity a decade ago was the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), which produced powdered saluyot and exported it to Japan.

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The author added the blog’s privacy policy in compliance with the requirements set by Google Adsense for publishers running interest-based ads. The modification in policy includes the inclusion of a link to the Google ad and content network policy.

This is the new privacy policy:

At Seek No More, the privacy of blog visitors is of extreme importance the author. This privacy policy document outlines the types of personal information received and collected by Seek No More and how it is used.

Log Files

Like many other Web sites, Seek No More makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol (IP) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider (ISP), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site, and gather demographic information. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

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A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s computer tied to information about the user. Seek No More does use cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information on which pages the user access or visit, customize Web page content based on visitors browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.

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• Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to your users based on their visit to your sites and other sites on the Internet.


• Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL - http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html

These third-party ad servers or ad networks use technology to the advertisements and links that appear on Seek No More send directly to your browsers. They automatically receive your IP address when this occurs. Other technologies (such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons) may also be used by the third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and/or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

Seek No More has no access to or control over these cookies that are used by third-party advertisers.

You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. Seek No More privacy policy does not apply to, and it cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

Contact Information

If users have any questions or suggestions regarding this privacy policy, please contact the author by filling up the contact form.

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Many references and journals define e-games as video games played online. It involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. The word video in video game traditionally referred to a raster display device. However, with the popular use of the term "video game", it now implies any type of display device.

The electronic systems used to play video games are commonly known as platforms. Examples of these are personal computers and video game consoles. These platforms are broad in range, which may include large computers and small hand-held devices. Specialized video games such as arcade games, while previously common in the mid 90's, have gradually declined in use.

The input device normally used to manipulate video games is called a game controller, which varies across platforms. For instance, a dedicated console controller might consist of only a button and a joystick, or feature a dozen buttons and one or more joysticks. Early personal computer based games historically relied on the availability of a keyboard for gameplay, or more commonly, required the user to purchase a separate joystick with at least one button to play. Many modern computer games allow the player to use a keyboard and mouse simultaneously.

Beyond the common element of visual feedback, video games have utilized other systems to provide interaction and information to the player. Chief examples of these are sound reproduction devices, such as speakers and headphones, and an array of haptic peripherals, such as vibration or force feedback.

The recent evolution of e-games play an important economic role that continues to expand the boundaries of gaming. The gaming industry can now classify online gambling as the latest modification in the array of possibilities in the realm of e-games. These online gambling sites may raise some legal and moral issues in some sectors of society, but one thing is clear - it offers a more targeted service to a particular group of individuals who can afford to take the high risk involved.

In the Philippines, e-games has vastly improved to allow Filipinos to pit their skills and abilities to compete with some of the best in the world in an online arena. The number of Filipinos actively playing fantasy or gambling e-games has increased through the years, which prompted the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to introduced a new opportunity to a few enterprising individuals.

Filipinos can now own and operate their own PAGCOR e-Games Cafe for as low as PhP 1.5 million. Even if it is prioritizing sites outside of Metro Manila, except in the provinces of Batangas and Pangasinan, PAGCOR recognized the potential of of this type of business, especially in times of economic slowdown.

As an initial guide, PAGCOR prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for those who are planning or considering putting up an e-Games Cafe.

1. What is a PAGCOR e-Games Cafe?
   
   
   • It is an internet Cafe dedicated to casino games
   • A great Business opportunity anybody can own
   • New games are added every three (3) months


2. What games can be played in a PAGCOR e-Games Cafe (Game Distribution)?
   
   
   • Table Card Games 13 percent
   • Video Poker 20 percent
   • Slots 39 percent
   • Other Games 28 percent


3. Who Plays (Player Demographics)?
   
   
   • Male -- 55 percent
   • Female -- 45 percent


4. Why a cafe instead of online, web-based?
   
   
   • Not many Filipinos have credit cards. Those that do, don't want to use them for internet transactions.
   • Not many Filipinos own their own computers.
   • A cash business is much simpler for entrepreneur-operators.


5. What is PAGCOR?
   
   
   • The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is the government-owned and controlled corporation established to regulate all games of chance in the Philippines.
   • It was created in 1976 to oversee the operation of gaming casinos, to generate funds for the government's developmental projects, and to help curb illegal gambling. By virtue of R.A. 9487, its franchise was extended for another 25 years starting 11 July 2008.
   • PAGCOR is a vital arm of the government in nation building. The State-owned firm is the second biggest source of government funds with 2007 annual revenue of PhP 27.7 billion.


6. How about its partner, PhilWeb Corporation?
   
   
   • Founded in 2000, PhilWeb is the Philippines' first listed internet company (PSE: Web), and the largest in terms of market capitalization. We are PAGCOR's principal technology enabler, and assist PAGCOR in operating their e-games cafes. Their goal is to deliver safe, secure and fair electronic gaming to Filipinos.


7. What does PHilWeb Provides?
   
   
   • Totally secure and fair gaming servers certified by PAGCOR
   • 24/7 technical help and customer support for PAGCOR e-games cafe operators
   • 24/7 cash and security support


8. Why is PAGCOR e-Games cafe one of the best investments one can make?
   
   
   • No Franchise fee
   • Typical startup capital is PhP 1.2 million to PhP 1.5 million only
   • Monthly revenue is 28 percent of casino win
   • Typical payback is 12 months.


9. How can one open their own PAGCOR e-Games cafe?
   
   
   • Step 1. Locate a site and have it inspected by PAGCOR
     
     The site must be at least 200 meters (center-to-center) from any school/educational institution or place of worship/religious center, It should also ideally be in a high-traffic area with reasonable security.
   
   
   • Step 2. Letter of intent
     
     This a letter that formally announces commitment to the business.
   
   
   • Step 3. PAGCOR will issue a certificate to operate (CTO)
     
     This gives an individual the assurance that PAGCOR approves of their proposal.
   
   
   • Step 4. Obtain Consent from the Local Government Unit (LGU)
     
     Preferably obtain a Letter of No Objection (LONO). This helps ensure that the operator will get the right permit before they invest money in the business.
   
   
   • Step 5. Build/Install Cafe
     
     The owner can choose between a rented space or a modular PAGCOR e-Games cafe built into a jumbo 45-ft shipping container (see above photo).
   
   
   • Step 6. Obtain Mayor's Permit
     
     Every business needs a Business Permit from the LGU.
   
   
   • Step 7. Launch!
     
     PhilWeb will support the operator with marketing materials and strategies.


10. How about the cost?
    
    
    • Package cost is PhP 1.5 million for the basic model and PhP 1.8 million for the deluxe model with roofdeck. Package is a complete turnkey solution; includes 16 gaming computers, cashier's computer and network partitions, all furniture, lighting and bathroom fixtures.

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