Downstream Integrated Radicular Import-Substitution (DIRI): A Model for Sustainable Agriculture from Negros
By Ferdinand C. Maquito, Aladino C. Moraca, Ramon C. Uy, Jose R. Medina*
We shall present the initial results of a survey research of over a hundred small-scale Negrese farmers involved in a social network that we have referred to as the Downstream Integrated Radicular Import-Substitution (DIRI) model. In addition to articulating the DIRI model, the survey aims to analyze the diffusion and effectiveness of technological innovations introduced through the DIRI network and aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture. The radicle of this particular DIRI model is formed from the combination of a corporate entity, RU Foundry and, a civil society organization, EcoAgri Foundation. The technological innovations studied include ram pump, shredder, distiller, vermi-composting, biogas, non-GMO seeds, and marketing of organic produce.
Sustainable agriculture provides a good mechanism for achieving efficiency, equity, and environmental-friendliness. Sustainable agricultural farms are able to achieve yields that could compete with conventional practices, to reduce their use of costly external inputs, and to maintain the health of the ecological environment of the farm. Despite these benefits, however, conventional farming continues to be the prevalent form of farming in the Philippines and the world. This study hopes to shed light on this paradox.
*Assisted by Dante Escarmoso
Profile:
Dr. Ferdinand C. Maquito (nickname: Max)
Philippine Chief Representative, Sekiguchi Global Research Association (SGRA)
Through SGRA, he pursues his research and advocacy for sustainable shared growth in the Philippines through manufacturing and the empowerment of poor rural communities
Education
Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Tokyo (1996)
M.S. in Industrial Economics, Center for Research and Communication (1986)
B.S. Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Philippines (1982)
On-going Research Projects
1. Urban and Rural Poor Communities with Prof. Toru Nakanishi, University of Tokyo
2. IT Industry and Development with Prof. Hitoshi Hirakawa, Kokushikan University (Prof. Emeritus, Nagoya University)
3. International Labor Migration with Prof. Tran Van Tho, Waseda University
Some recent publications/presentations
1. “Towards a Strategy for Manufactured Exports to Japan” Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement: Strengthening the Foundation for Regional Cooperation and Economic Integration Vol. 2 Philippine Institute of Development Studies 2013 (forthcoming)
2. “The Dynamics of Social Networks in Philippine Poor Communities—From Giant Leaps to Small Steps” Philippine Journal of Labor and Industrial Relations 2012 (forthcoming) – paper submitted to the SGRA First Asia Future Conference in March 2013, where it was selected as one of the Best Papers
3. “A Comparative Economic Analysis of Japanese-Style Labor Contracts from a Shared Growth Perspective” Philippine Journal of Labor and Industrial Relations Vol. 31, Nos. 1&2, 2011(2nd author: Hitoshi Hirakawa), reprinted in The Second Book on Sustainable Employment Relations” J.V. Sibal, R. A. Asuncion, et.al. (eds.), Manila: Philippine Industrial Relations Society, Inc. 2012
4. “Mega Toushi Manira ni Okeru Kankyouteki ni Jisoku Kanou na Koutsu he no Chouzen: EDSA wo Chuushin ni” (Challenging Environmentally Sustainable Transportation in Mega City Manila: Focus on EDSA” , Proceedings of the 38th SGRA Forum in Tateshina, Japan (held July 3, 2010) SGRA Report No. 55, December 15, 2010
5. “KyouyuuGata Seichou Toshiteno Higashi Ajia Tougou” (An East Asian Integration as Shared Growth), Chapter 21 (co-authored with Hitoshi Hirakawa) in “Higashi Ajia no Shin Sangyou Shuseki: Chiiki Hatten to Kyouryoku/Kyousei” (New Industrial Agglomeration of East Asia: Regional Development in Copperation and Symbiosis), Hitoshi Hirakawa, Makoto Tawada, Ryuhei Okumura, Nobuyoshi Yamori, Jong-He Seo (eds.), Tokyo: Gakujutsu Shuppankai, November 2010
6. “East Asian Integration and Shared Growth: Some Preliminary Results of a Center for Buoyancy Approach” (co-authored with Hitoshi Hirakawa) in Proceedings of “International Conference: Industrial Agglomeration, Regional Integration and Durable Growth in East Asia” sponsored by the Faculty of Banking and Finance, and the Faculty of International Economics of the Foreign Trade University (Hanoi, Vietnam) and the Graduate School of Economics and the Economic Research Center of Nagoya University, October 28 – 29, 2010, Hanoi, Vietnam, pp. 250-267
7. “Rediscovering Japan’s Leadership in “Shared Growth” Management”, Rikkyo Business Review Number 3, July 2010, pp. 20-38 (co-authored with Henrietta Carbonel)
8. “A Roadmap for Shared Growth through the Philippine Auto Industry”, August 1, 2008, mimeo, 132 pages (submitted to a major Japanese automotive firm and the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry)
Presentation Slides
Thank you for not plagiarizing. Support us by properly citing the title, author, and seminar (SGRA 16th Sustainable Shared Growth Seminar, "The Urban-Rural Gap and Sustainable Shared Growth", August 23, 2013, College of Engineering, University of the Philippines)