Aggie NorMin rolls out rice-duck farming system to scale rice farmers’ yield, earnings

In line with the government’s goal to make rice an affordable staple for Filipinos, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 10 (Aggie NorMin) officially launched the Integrated Rice Duck Farming System (IRDFS) Technology Demonstration in Kahaponan, Valencia City, Bukidnon, for the 2025 wet cropping season.

On June 25-27, sixty (60) members of the Kahaponan Valencia City Irrigators Association (KVCIA) underwent IRDFS technical training as farmer cooperators of the season-long techno-demo.

The IRDFS is a research-based crop-livestock integrated farming technology where duck and rice are grown and raised symbiotically in the rice field.

The technology is primed by the Aggie NorMin to mitigate cost of palay production and increase farmers’ income while advocating green farming.

Aggie NorMin Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan previously affirmed that the IRDFS is part of the agency’s amplified effort in developing a farming system that would help reduce palay production cost as a pragmatic solution to cut down rice prices in the market.

As part of the DA’s intervention under the IRDFS, farmer-cooperators will be provided rice seeds, fertilizer, ducklings, feeds, and nets.

In coordination with the City Government of Valencia the Aggie NorMin will establish a total of 51 hectares IRDFS demo farms in Kahaponan. (ATT/Photo Credits: BJCE)

DA-PCA 10 salute new regional head in post ceremonial turnover

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Coconut Authority – Region 10 (PCA-10) formally welcomes Yvette B. Guanzon as the newly appointed corporation’s Regional Manager III through a ceremonial turnover on June 30, held at the PCA-10 compound, this city.

Guanzon succeeds Acting Regional Manager III Roland R. Callo, following her promotion officially issued on June 13.

In her address, the new PCA-10 executive expressed her commitment to uphold the agency’s mission.

“I am committed to continuing the work that has been started, while also introducing strategic innovations that align with our national thrust in the evolving needs of our region,” she said.

She emphasized that PCA-10 under her leadership will further strengthen partnerships with local government units, cooperatives, and industry stakeholders to foster inclusive growth, value addition, and long-term sustainability in the coconut sector.

“At the heart of our efforts will always be the coconut farmers,” Guanzon assured.

The PCA as an attached corporation under the DA works closely with the department through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) in revolutionizing the coconut industry.

Among CFIDP’s development programs is the cacao-coffee-coconut intercropping method to maximize land productivity and diversify farmers’ income.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 reinforces support to Manolo Fortich town farmers with over PhP13-million interventions

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON — Around 30 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon are set to benefit from the turnover and distribution of various agricultural interventions valued at over PhP13-million on Thursday, June 26, in Brgy. Dicklum, here.

Funded under the agency’s Corn and National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture programs, the distribution included inputs, machinery, equipment, and tools aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihood and income of local farmers.

The interventions provided were:

– 1,181 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds (LGU Manolo Fortich)
– 1,181 bags of complete fertilizer (LGU Manolo Fortich)
– 1 unit hauling truck (Bliss Lingion Multipurpose Cooperative)
– 1 unit corn sheller (Consolacion Farmers’ Association)
– 1 unit moisture meter (Sto. Niño Farmers’ Association)
– 3 units mini chainsaw (Santiago Integrated Crops FA), Consolacion FA and Guilang-guilang Diversified FA)
– 4 units pole pruner (Mantibugao Small Scale Tree Planters Association, Inc.)

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga lauded the joint effort behind the said milestone.

“All the interventions [we] are receiving today are the result of our collective efforts, this is a product of teamwork. As the saying goes, ‘No man is an island,’ which is why we work together to deliver the right services to our farmers here in Manolo Fortich,” the assistant director conveyed.

For his part, Bukidnon Vice-Governor Clive D. Quiño also praised the commitment of the FCAs, noting their role in motivating the provincial and municipal local government units (LGUs) to do more.

“The dedication of our LGUs would not be possible without recognizing the hard work and perseverance of the FCAs. You are our source of inspiration,” the provincial deputy head remarked.

He also challenged other FCAs to step up, citing that while Brgy. Mantibugao-based Bliss Lingion MPC has received a big ticket project from the department, others should work as hard to receive high-valued interventions such as a hauling truck unit, among other things.

As the town’s local chief executive, Manolo Fortich mayor Rogelio N. Quiño likewise underscored the importance of continuous learning and innovation in farming.

“Farming is crucial. It requires education to become progressive and successful,” the municipal head said, noting that’s why Manolo Fortich support initiatives ranging from soil analysis, research undertakings, to trainings and seminars.

Capping off the said ceremony, RTD Madriaga urged for the FCAs to communicate their needs to the LGU, especially to the Municipal Agriculture Office headed by Gemma G. Cania to avail various agri assistance in the near future.

“We will never get tired of helping our farmers. Just let us know what you truly need, and we will do our best to respond.” the operations director concluded.

Said activity also forms part of DA’s thrust in strengthening FCAs to develop resilient value chains for different agricultural commodities, especially for corn and high-value crops.# (JLO)

Dagumbaan rice farmers gain boost with new DA-assisted drying facility

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON — A total of 313 rice farmers is poised to benefit from the recent turnover of a multi-purpose drying pavement to the Dagumbaan Communal Irrigators Association, Inc. (DCIAI) on June 27, in Brgy. Dagumbaan, here.

The PhP1.7-million facility, funded under the DA – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Rice Program, aims to improve the overall efficiency of rice production in the area.

Spanning 780 square meters, the drying pavement can accommodate between 195 to 260 bags of 50-kilogram palay, depending on the spread density.

With 270 hectares of irrigated land and 147 hectares of rain-fed areas, the association, through the new facility, is expected to reduce postharvest losses, improve product quality, minimize time and labor, and enhance drying efficiency.

Romar Ramos, president of the DCIAI, expressed his gratitude to the current administration and the agency.

“Sa atoang pinalanggang Presidente [Bongbong Marcos], salamat kayo nga ang DCI [AI] nakabahin sa mga proyekto nga inyong gihatag [pinaagi sa DA].

(To our beloved President Bongbong Marcos, thank you for including our association in your projects through the DA),” Ramos said.

“Sa DA, salamat kaayo sa inyong walay undang nga pagsuporta ninyo sa amoa.”

(To the DA, thank you for your unwavering support),” he added.

The new infrastructure marks another step toward strengthening postharvest support for local rice farmers in Bukidnon.#

DA-10 capacitates FCAs on integrated livestock, poultry, and aquaculture in Maramag town

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – In line with the agency’s mission to uplift Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) through inclusive and sustainable agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10), through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa mga Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, conducted a training on Integrated Livestock and Aquaculture to farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) on June 19 to 20, here.

It aims to sustainably improve the agricultural productivity, resiliency, and market access of organized IPs, farmers, and fisherfolk groups in select Ancestral Domains (ADs) in the region.

The training focused on carabao, goat, and free-range chicken production and management, as well as tilapia culture in ponds, with the goal of increasing productivity, income, and sustainable enterprise development. It also provided practical knowledge on maximizing available resources for sustainable livestock, poultry, and aquaculture farming.

Participating FCAs were Lapasak Mindawat Talaandig Community Agri-Farm of Abaca, Bamboo, Coffee Planters Association (LAMTABACPA), Baclig Farmworkers Association (BACFA), and Panalsalan Dagumbaan Talaandig Tribal Association (PADATTA).

Said training was attended by representatives from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maramag and 30 participants from the FCAs.# (MAC)

DA-10 holds consultation-meeting for transboundary animal diseases

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To enhance the region’s preparedness and response to threats of critical animal diseases, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division, convened a multi-stakeholder consultation-meeting on Transboundary Animal Diseases (TAD) on June 26, in this city.

DA-10 Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD said the continued spread of TAD, such as Avian Influenza (AI), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), poses significant challenges to the livestock and poultry industry.

“These diseases not only disrupt food supply chains and threaten livelihood but they also undermine public confidence and our efforts towards achieving Sustainable Agriculture Development; which is why this consultative meeting is both timely and vital to collectively evaluate our strategies, strengthen our coordination mechanisms, and align our actions across sectors.” Dr. Pit said.

Technical experts from the National Veterinary Quarantine Service, National Meat Inspection Service, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau were invited to the consultation-meeting to apprise government stakeholders about livestock and poultry movement protocols, ASF surveillance in slaughterhouses, and proper identification and disposal of ASF-affected animals and wastes.

“We hope that through this meeting, we will be able to build a more integrated and responsive framework for disease surveillance, reporting, and biosecurity implementation, as well as hear recommendations from the ground, especially those that can enhance local governments’ capabilities and community engagement in animal health programs.” Dr. Pit emphasized.

The consultation was attended by Provincial and City Veterinary Officers from across Northern Mindanao, DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chiefs and representatives, and staff from the DA-10 Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Regulatory Division. # (CRS)

DA-10 turns over veggie seeds to support Oro health office’s Nutrition Month kickoff

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — As part of its commitment to combat hunger and foster sustainable food systems, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over vegetable seeds to the City Health Office of Cagayan de Oro on June 26, at the agency compound, here.

The initiative supports the 51st Nutrition Month celebration, with the theme: “Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!” To advance the said advocacy, DA-10 provided 100 packets of 5-in-1 ‘Sinigang’ vegetable seeds, highlighting the importance of nutritious diets in ensuring food and nutrition security.

It also aligns the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), which aims to reduce all forms of malnutrition and food insecurity across the country.

“We are truly grateful for this generous support from the DA-10,” said Aprel Fe C. Susaya, Nutrition Officer II of the City Health Office. “These seeds will be a vital component in our kick-off activity for the Nutrition Month. It’s timely and aligned with our efforts to promote healthy eating habits.”

The distributed seeds will benefit over 500 farmers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars across the 80 barangays in the city. The turnover will take place during the official kickoff program on July 3.

DA-10’s continued seed distribution underscores the vital link between agriculture and nutrition–empowering communities to grow their own food and helping ensure a healthier, food-secure future for all.# (NQA)

DA-10 launches online KADIWA market to expand access to quality, affordable agri-products

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — In its continued effort to modernize agricultural marketing and improve food accessibility, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), officially launched its online KADIWA marketplace on Thursday, June 26, here.

The launch marks the digital expansion of the ongoing KADIWA sa DA, a regular on-site market held every Thursday at the department’s regional office grounds in Barangay Poblacion.

The platform, accessible via ekadiwada10.com, enables consumers to conveniently purchase fresh, locally produced agri-fishery goods from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in Northern Mindanao.

The online initiative aims to enhance market linkage, shorten the supply chain, and provide farmers and fisherfolk with improved opportunities for income generation, while ensuring affordable and quality products for consumers.

Free delivery services, scheduled every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., are offered within a 10-kilometer radius from the DA-10 office.

By integrating digital platforms into its marketing efforts, DA-10 reaffirms its commitment to advancing inclusive agri-industrial development and supporting local producers through innovative, technology-driven solutions.# (EJLG)

Aggie NorMin MisOcc operations center holds tree planting mission

In observance of the Soil Conservation Month, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10), through the Misamis Occidental Provincial Operations Center, spearheaded a Tree Planting Mission on June 19.

Led by POC Chief Engr. Bryan R. Cubita, the activity aligned with this year’s theme: “Reviving the Soil Today, Our Legacy for Tomorrow.” The team planted 50 seedlings of Polayo Tree (Syzygium Rubrovenium) provided by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Barangay Bunga, Oroquieta City.

Soil Conservation Month is observed annually in June as provided under DA Administrative Order No. 16, series of 2007, to promote sustainabnle land management practices and environmental stewardship.# (ATT/Photo Credits: POC MisOcc)

Aggie 10 hosts FY 2025 NOAP midyear performance assessment workshop

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON- To bolster the department’s commitment to the organic agriculture sector, the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), in partnership the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Aggie 10) successfully conducted the FY 2025 NOAP Midyear Performance Assessment Workshop at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) on June 16 to 20, in this city.

The activity is a platform for the evaluation of the program’s accomplishment relative to its first-semester targets for FY 2025, as well as an opportunity to recalibrate plans for the second semester. Additionally, the workshop aimed to lay the groundwork for the FY 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal, setting the course for future initiatives for organic agriculture in the country.

Bernadette F. San Juan, NOAP Director, underscored the assessment’s objectives. “We are here to reflect, identify solutions for the gaps and challenges, particularly in physical and financial accomplishments. We must focus on our individual roles, execute our catch-up plans, and work towards achieving them effectively,” San Juan emphasized.

The workshop also served as a platform for open dialogue relative to project implementation, training, accreditations, and the overall operations of NOAP and its associated agencies.

Participants were also apprised of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for organic swine production, which outlined the recommended practices covering essential aspects such as transport, slaughter, packaging, and labelling. This is critical to ensure that organic products maintain their integrity throughout the production chain and meet the required standards for organic certification.

According to Gabriel A. Arubio, National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) Small Farmer Representative for Luzon, the assessment allows NOAP implementers to reflect on the importance of decision-making and resiliency.

“As part of the Small Farmer Group, initiatives like this help strengthen our decision-making skills—knowing what to stand firm on, what to let go of, and what to accept. Despite financial challenges, we remain committed to supporting our farmers and fisherfolk toward greater success,” Arubio stated.

Apart from accomplishment tracking, the workshop also inspired greater collaboration among DA agencies and partner stakeholders in reinforcing collective goals of advancing organic agriculture in the Philippines. # (NQA)