DA-10 supports Buk’non-based garden advocate at 50th Gawad Saka Awards

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), supported Junah Bayag, a national finalist at the 50th Gawad Saka Awards held recently at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC).

Bayag, representing Northern Mindanao, was honored in the Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture – Macro Garden Category for his exemplary efforts in sustainable food production through his initiative, Jaya Secret Garden (JSG), located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Recognized as a Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) by the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 10 (ATI-RTC 10), JSG integrates vegetable and fruit farming, aquaculture, and free-range poultry. This diversified approach promotes food self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability in an urban setting.

As part of its continued support, DA-NUPAP has provided farming inputs to the garden, including UV film, plastic mulch, A-net, plastic crates, and water drums. These resources aim to strengthen urban farming initiatives and empower agripreneurs contributing to food security and resilient communities.

Held under the theme “50th Gawad Saka: Parangal sa mga Natatanging Magsasaka at Mangingisda,” the event honored the dedication, innovation, and resilience of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk—recognizing their vital role in nation-building.

DA Assistant Secretary for Operations and Gawad Saka Vice Chairperson U-Nichols A. Manalo, in his message, lauded the awardees for serving as role models and pillars in revitalizing the agriculture sector under the banner of “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas” under President Marcos’ administration.

Also recognized during the ceremony was Nilda B. Salas, chairperson of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), on her stint as the Farmer-Director of the DA-10 for the month of May. DA-10’s NUPAP Alternate Focal Person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo was also in attendance to show regional support.

The said awards is a testament to the often unsung heroes of the nation’s agricultural sector, highlighting stories of perseverance, patriotism, and innovation.# (NQA)

DA-10 broadens KADIWA ng Pangulo reach in El Sal, CdeO cities

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its ongoing efforts to promote food security, sustainable agriculture, and inclusive economic growth, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) has expanded its flagship KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) in El Salvador City and at two new sites in CdeO City–at The PHILPOST in Macabalan and Camp Alagar in Lapasan–on May 30.

The KNP initiative serves as a direct marketing platform that links local farmers, fisherfolk, and small-scale producers directly with consumers – primarily government employees and surrounding communities–ensuring access to affordable, high-quality, and locally sourced products while augmenting the income of rural producers.

Spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), KNP is designed to operate twice monthly, aligning with employee salary release periods to optimize consumer turnout and market activity.

By facilitating farm-to-consumer trade, especially within urban areas, the KNP aims to strengthen agricultural resilience, reduce postharvest losses, stabilize food prices, and empower agri-based enterprises. This is in line with President Marcos’ thrust of making the agricultural sector as a key driver of economic development.

During the launch, a range of exhibitors showcased their goods:

* Miarayon Highland Farmers Association – assorted vegetables, fruits, and spices
* Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives – fresh and flavored milk
* RBS Universal Grains, Corp. – rice
* MK Trading – fresh and processed fishery items
* SLERS – chicharon
* Beehive – essential goods
* Pathfinder – essential goods

Through the KNP, the DA-10 continues to scale up its agri-sector potential across the region by invigorating economic activities, at the same time creating inclusive, self-sustaining food systems that benefit producers and consumers alike.# (NQA)

DA-NorMin, BSWM ink agreement, ceremonial turnover to boost SSIP implementation thru advanced technical, scientific equipment

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a move to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of Small-Scale Irrigation Projects (SSIPs) in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Monday, June 2, at the BSWM Town Hall.

The agreement signed by DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and BSWM Director Gina P. Nilo, PhD, covers the provision of advanced technical and scientific equipment, including Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Surveying, multi-rotor drone, multi-channel geo-resistivity and current meter.

The said equipment are intended to support the efficient and accurate assessment of the technical feasibility of proposed SSIP sites across the region.

The DA-BSWM, designated under Special Order No. 310, s. 2014 as the focal office for SSIP implementation, and is responsible for the procurement of said equipment for the surveying of small-scale irrigation projects under the DA.

It is also tasked with leading the program’s implementation, providing technical assistance, and overseeing both physical and financial monitoring.

As one of the selected recipients, DA-RFO 10 will receive equipment valued at P15.73 million, strengthening its capability to support irrigation development initiatives in the region.

DA-RFO 10 regularly conducts investigations, site assessments, and topographic surveys, which require the use of advanced surveying instruments to ensure reliable data collection and analysis.

In addition, it implements Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS) and Shallow Tube Wells (STW), which necessitate geo-resistivity surveys to ensure accurate interpretation and sustainable groundwater development.

The provision of the said various technical and scientific equipment is vital for the timely and effective implementation of SSIPs.

The MOA signing and ceremonial turnover coincided with the 74th BSWM Anniversary, themed “BSWM: 74 Years of Excellence in the Science of Soil and Water Management and Technology.”# (ATC/Supplied photos)

DA-10 delivers PhP232K worth of agri support to remote community in MisOr

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Reinforcing its commitment to uplift remote agricultural communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, in partnership with the Philippine Army (PA), turned over PhP232k worth of agricultural assistance to Sitio Kalhaan, Brgy. Minalwang, on May 30.

The initiative is part of the DA-10’s continuing efforts to ensure food security, enhance self-sufficiency, and promote sustainable rural development. The assistance package includes the provision of farm inputs for corn, bamboo, and vegetable cultivation aimed at improving crop productivity and farmer livelihoods.

Under the Corn Program, Sitio Kalhaan received 20 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds worth PhP120k and 20 bags of inorganic fertilizer (14-14-14) valued at PhP50k. Complementing this, the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) delivered 10 sets of garden tools worth PhP5k and 11.4 kilograms of assorted vegetable seeds valued at PhP57k, to help diversify farmers’ income sources.

Jofilo T. Pina-andel, tribal chieftain of Brgy. Minalwang, expressed his appreciation for the support they received.

“Hindi nila kami binigo sa kanilang pangako at suporta, lalo na sa pagbibigay ng mga abono at iba pang tulong na tunay na nagdulot ng malaking ambag para sa pag-unlad ng Sitio Kalhaan.”

In addition to the farming interventions, DA-10 RED Pacamalan and Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L. Canatoy, GSC (INF) PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations of the 4th Infantry Division, also handed over PhP8k in financial support. The funds will be used to purchase classroom supplies, including materials for constructing a kitchen and blackboards.

Looking ahead, Dir. Pacamalan, together with representatives from FICCO, DSWD, Metrobank, FPT, and Lt Col Canatoy, assessed plans to construct three additional classrooms with a proposed budget of PhP150k. Each classroom is planned to be equipped with computers and televisions to enhance learning opportunities among children. Additionally, expansion of the existing plant nursery in Sitio Kalhaan is under consideration.

Said initiative underscores the DA-10’s sustained collaboration with marginalized communities by providing them with appropriate support to foster sustainable agricultural development.# (NQA)

DA-10 distributes PhP9.69-M worth of agri interventions in MisOr towns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Keeping up with the agency’s initiative to spur rural agri economies, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) continues to deliver PhP9,691,500 worth of agricultural interventions to the local government units (LGUs) and registered corn farmers’ associations in Salay and Sugbongcogon towns of Misamis Oriental on May 23.

Anchored in the agency’s mandate to ensure food security, the distribution spans across corn, bamboo, and vegetable seed provisions.

Under the DA-10’s Corn Program, each municipality received 550 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds (PhP3.3-M) and 550 bags of complete fertilizer (PhP1.375-M).

The DA-10 also mobilized resources from the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) to diversify income streams among farmers. It provided 12.3 kilograms (kg) of vegetable seeds to the LGU Salay (PhP61.5k) and 56 kg to the LGU Sugbongcogon (PhP280k).

Amelita P. Trabajo, member of the Kidampas Farmers’ Association in Brgy. Kidampas, Sugbongcogon, expressed gratitude for the interventions she received.

“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat sa DA dahil bukod sa tulong nila ng mga binhi at abono para sa aming kabuhayan, makakakain din kami [mula sa aming ani] dahil ipagigiling namin ang ibang mais para sa aming konsumo.”

Additionally, 250 bamboo seedlings (PhP50k) and 1 “Gulayan sa Bayan” package composed of assorted farm tools and inputs (PhP100k) are set to be allocated by the DA-10 to the said LGUs.

In complementary to the crop interventions, a Php990k poultry house funded under the Livestock Program was also turned over to LGU Sugbongcogon, and to further augment the livestock facilities in the municipality, the DA-10 is also set to establish a swine (PhP5.6-M) and goat (PhP2.4-M) multiplier farms.

Spearheaded by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan and Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas of the DA-10, the distribution is also attended by the representatives and other staff from the DA-10, Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC), LGUs of Salay and Sugbongcogon; and officials and members of Farmer Cooperatives, Associations (FCA).

The said initiative reaffirms the DA’s commitment to carry out close coordination with the LGUs and ensure that various farm assistance are delivered to qualified farmers.# (BJCE)

DA-10 mentors YFC awardees to sharpen business acumen

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Following the 2024 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Awarding Ceremony, around 30 young agripreneurs from Northern Mindanao move forward in their agribusiness journey through the mentoring and coaching activity, organized by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) on May 30.

Through the DA-10’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the coaching program covers enterprise development, financial management, marketing, communication, and understanding their key responsibilities as YFC awardees.

Further, the seven Start-up regional owner-awardees of the following respective enterprises: Pinces Farms, Carl’s Pabo-rito, LutyaLicious, 2A’s VeggieVerse, GL’SR Quail Qulture, La Farmia AgriNova, and Egg-cellent Harvest, participated in a mock presentation and one-on-one coaching session in preparation for the YFC 2024 Start-Up National Judging, with DTI-10 Trade Industry Development Analyst John D. Montemayor Jr. serving as the consultant.

Over the awarding ceremony, each Start-up awardee is set to receive a financial grant of PhP150k from the DA-10, providing support to boost their business innovation and operations.

This June, regional start-up awardees all-over the country will compete under a 35-slot ranking system for Phase 1. By July, the top 35 will advance to Phase 2, where only 15 are selected to receive a financial grant of PhP300k each to further develop their enterprises.

A flagship initiative of the DA, the YFC program aims to cultivate youth engagement in agriculture by offering financial and capacity-building support.

Beyond funding, the DA-10 ensures that young agripreneur awardees are equipped with skills and a supportive network to thrive in the agribusiness sector.# (BJCE)

DA-NorMin honors 2024 YFC awardees in regional recognition ceremony

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Celebrating innovation, dedication, and the growing impact of youth in agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) held its 2024 Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program Awarding Ceremony on Thursday, May 29, in this city.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the awarding ceremony honored 43 agri-fishery enterprise awardees from across Northern Mindanao, recognizing their contributions to food security and agri-business development.

Of the total number, 28 individuals and 5 groups were awarded as provincial winners under the Start-Up category. Advancing from this pool were 7 individual regional winners for the Start-Up category and 3 individual winners under the Upscale category, whose enterprises have demonstrated growth and potential for scaling up.

The awardees, ages 18 to 30, underwent rigorous screening where they presented their business model canvases, operational plans, and financial projections. A panel of evaluators assessed each based on innovation, viability, social responsibility, and entrepreneurial capability.

Provincial awardees under the Start-Up category each received a PhP80k financial grant, while regional Start-Up winners were awarded PhP150k to implement or advance their agribusiness ventures. Regional Upscale awardees, on the other hand, received PhP300k each to further expand and professionalize their existing operations.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan emphasized the importance of supporting young agripreneurs and building on the momentum of the YFC program.

“The next step for us is to groom potential young farmers so we can clearly identify how we can further contribute beyond what we’ve already done. That’s where we’ll see the true value of DA-10—not just in today’s recognition, but in the continued support moving forward. This kind of innovation challenges us to do more,” director Pacamalan said.

Echoing this call for continued support, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga encouraged all stakeholders to go beyond what is expected.

“Starting today, we should begin identifying potential young farmers in our respective localities and ensure that our efforts are aligned with the national criteria of the YFC Challenge. This way, they will be better positioned to win awards in the coming year,” director Madriaga added.

The ceremony brought together awardees, mentors, local government representatives, and institutional partners who have played a vital role in guiding the youth through their entrepreneurial journey in agriculture.

Below is the list of 2024 YFC Awardees:

2024 Start-Up Provincial Awardees

*Pinces Farm (Bukidnon)
*EleSnacks (Bukidon)
*2A’s Lettuce Chips (Bukidnon)
*Pigs Production (Bukidnon)
*Drumstick Tree Enterprise (Bukidnon)
*KAMPAI: Adlay Wine (Bukidnon)
*Kubo-Redilla Fish and Salsa (Bukidnon)
*RTL Chicken Enterprise (Bukidnon)
*Farm Goodies Buddy (Bukidnon)
*Shan’s Cassava Farm (Bukidnon)
*Oink and Quack Farms (Bukidnon)
*Solar Smart- Batoy Hydro Farm (Bukidnon)
*La Farmia Cornana (Bukidnon)
*LCO Food Products (Cagayan de Oro)
*JE Probiotic Free Range Native Chicken (Cagayan de Oro)
*Kagay-anon Youth Network Alliance (KAYA NA) (Cagayan de Oro)
*Crayfish Farming (Cagayan de Oro)
*Project 3K’s Lettuce Chips (Cagayan de Oro)
*GL’SR Quail Farming (Misamis Oriental)
*JC Chilli Garden (Misamis Oriental)
*Lady Luck Agri Farm (Misamis Oriental)
*Nutri-Coco Ventures (Misamis Oriental)
*Tobacco Farm (Misamis Oriental)
*Carl’s Turkey Farm Alubijid (Misamis Oriental)
*LJL Bangus Fingerlings (Misamis Occidental)
*Yolks and Shells (Misamis Occidental)
*Soil Weavers Agri-Ventures (Misamis Occidental)
*Daily Harvest (Misamis Occidental)
*Mr. and Mrs. JD Farmhouse (Lanao del Norte)
*Munai Chili Oil Products (Lanao del Norte)
*PISO: Poultry meat production Income Strengthening Opportunity (Lanao del Norte)
*M&A Farming (Lanao del Norte)
*Magtagad’s Sustainable Swine Farming (Lanao del Norte)

2024 Start-Up Regional Awardees

*Pinces Farm (Bukidnon)
*Egg-celent Harvest (Bukidnon)
*2A’s VeggieVerse (Bukidnon)
*La Farmia AgriNova (Bukidnon)
*LutyaLicious (Cagayan de Oro)
*Carl’s Pabo-rito (Misamis Oriental)
*GL’SR Quail Farming (Misamis Oriental)

2024 Upscale Regional Awardees

*Anitu Forest Food Processing (Bukidnon)
*Isidro’s Integrated Farm (Misamis Oriental)
*OZ Greens Vegetable Farm (Misamis Occidental)

Through this regional recognition, DA-10 reaffirmed its support to young farmers and agripreneurs, committing to help them become agents of agricultural modernization, rural economic growth, and inclusive development in Northern Mindanao.# (EJLG)

Aggie NorMin capacitates community organizers on Participatory Rural Appraisal

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In an effort to harmonize Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) methodologies across its programs and projects, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) conducted a Collaborative Training on PRA from May 27 to 29 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Convened in the capbuild are the personnel assigned in the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, Research Division, Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) and the 4K (Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo) Program of the DA-RFO 10, which aims to equip the body’s knowledge and practical skills in conducting PRA, enabling them to effectively engage with rural communities. Likewise, it is designed as a platform for field practitioners and researchers to share and exchange best practices, fostering collaboration and consistency in community-based approaches across the agency’s programs.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca emphasized that the PRA aids in empowering community members to participate in identifying and addressing their respective challenges toward a more sustainable and inclusive way in the delivery and maximization of agricultural interventions.

Meanwhile, resource speaker, Rachel V. Polestico, highlighted the need to consider the interplay of people, institution and resources when conducting rural appraisals and utilizing diverse PRA methods such as transect walk, problem tree analysis, and seasonal calendar, among others.

She also stressed the importance of thoroughly documenting the entire process as it provides essential baseline data.

Following the discussions, the participants also underwent a field practice in the rural community of Brgy. Kibenton in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

Of which, the team immersed with around 30 participants, comprising of local government unit representatives in the barangay and municipal level and farmer-members of Kibenton High Value Crops Farmers’ Association, who are mostly planting potatoes, chayote, cabbage and other high valued crops. # (AMBM)

NorMin showcases agri products at IFEX 2025

PASAY CITY, METRO MANILA — In support of promoting local agri-based enterprises and expanding their market reach, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), participated in the 2025 International Food Exhibition (IFEX) Philippines held from May 22 to 24 at the World Trade Center, here.

The agency’s participation in the international expo served as a platform to highlight agricultural products from Northern Mindanao and establish linkages with both local and international buyers. This initiative aligns with the DA’s goal to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), strengthen agri-food value chains, and position the region as a competitive player in the global food industry.

Representing the region, the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives from Poblacion, El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, featured their range of dairy products, including fresh and flavored milk, yogurt, milk bars, and white and Gouda cheese. Nature’s Fresh Pineapple, Inc. from Quezon, Bukidnon, also took part in the Export Trade Hall to promote their high-quality pineapples.

During the event, Nature’s Fresh Pineapple, Inc. has established partnerships through business-to-business meetings, leading to confirmed export orders from buyers in South Korea and Taiwan. Both countries agreed to purchase 60 metric tons of pineapples weekly, with each contract valued at United States Dollar (USD) 42,000.

The three-day expo also allowed exhibitors to connect with industry leaders, gain market insights, and explore new trends to enhance their product offerings.

With its involvement in IFEX 2025, DA-RFO 10 reaffirmed its commitment to helping local enterprises grow, expand their market access, and elevate the region’s agricultural competitiveness on the international stage.# (EJLG)

DA-NorMin to rev up local rice productivity via integrated rice-duck farming system

To scale up Northern Mindanao’s rice production, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Field Office (DA-NorMin) is set to prime the Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System (IRDFS) Technology Demonstration Farm in the region in time with the 2025 wet planting season.

As a flagship initiative of DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, the IRDFS is deemed an expansion to the Organic Rice Production Program of the agency, offering farmers substantial economic benefits in rice farming.

The IRDFS is an integrated agricultural production system where ducks are raised alongside palay crops, creating a mutually beneficial environment for optimum growth and yield.

The symbiosis between duck and palay crop enhances yield and profitability for rice farmers by reducing costs on fertilizer and pests and weeds control, while enabling farmers to diversify their income streams by producing rice and duck and duck products – meat, eggs, chicks.

The DA-NorMin through its Rice Program targets to pilot a 60-hectare IRDFS demonstration farms in Valencia City, Bukidnon in cooperation with the City Government of Valencia and farmer-cooperators from the Kahapunan Valencia City Irrigator’s Association (KVCIA).

These demonstration farms will serve as the DA’s research site to study the effectiveness of organic rice production technologies by gathering comparative data on crop management practices, soil condition, water usage, input application, and yield performance as foundational data for monitoring, evaluation, and future scaling of the project.

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

As partner LGU, Valencia City also provided rice seeds and vermicompost to early planting farmer cooperators.

The farmers will also be provided technical assistance for the season-long cropping period, including the conduct of soil analysis, natural pest and disease control measures using Biological Control Agents (BCAs) and disease and health monitoring of the ducks.

The IRDFS is also being promoted by the DA-NorMin as a farm diversification concept under the Palayamanan System, with which the department urges farmers to adopt crops and livestock integration farming practices for optimal productivity.

The Palayamanan System will be rolled out in the provinces of Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental and Camiguin.

In consonance with President Ferdinand Marcos’ administration’s thrust on food security and sustainable agriculture, the DA-NorMin continuously advocate groundbreaking farming methods to revolutionize rice production technology in the region.# (ATT/NQA Photo credits: NQA)