NorMin’s DA and DTI eye for a collaboration to support the coconut farmers and industry of Balingasag town.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 continues to pursue efforts to better support the coconut industry in Northern Mindanao.

On July 3, at the agency compound, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan convened with the Department of Trade and Industry – Region 10 (DTI-10) headed by OIC-Regional Director Ruel B. Paclipan, to discuss the agency’s present thrusts to bolster the region’s coconut industry.

Recalling his experience and best practices leading to the establishment of an Integrated Coconut Processing Plant in Balingasag town, RED Pacamalan emphasized that the town’s coconut production could further improve with the various programs, projects, and interventions provided by the DA and other relevant government agencies.

To this, the agri chief executive proposed a collaborative effort between the two agencies to provide production support, establish support and processing infrastructure, and develop mechanisms for market research and marketing of various coconut-based products.

Said products include coconut oil, coconut flour, as well as coconut juice and milk, all of which are eyed to be commercially available and sold at economical prices.

DA-10 also eyes the strategic provision of funding support for infrastructure and equipment for coconut, as well as other commodities such as coffee and cacao, through the clustering efforts of its Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, as well as through the enterprise development component (I-REAP) of the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

Further, through the agri dept’s data digitization efforts, RED Pacamalan also proposed the collaboration between both agencies to generate agri-production data and other pertinent information to guide its development and co-implementation of support mechanisms for farmers and producers in region 10.

DTI, who spearheads market research for said commodity, has signified its support for the initiative, and agreed to meet with concerned technical staff of the DA to determine the ways forward, respective of both agency’s established programs and interventions.

Also joining the meeting were DTI-10 Chief Trade-Industry Development Specialist Maricris I. Gabia, Supervising Trade-Industry Development Specialist Jocelyn N. Rosales, and Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialists Jill E. Maestre and Kimberly A. Bacasma.# (GDA)

DA-10 provides veggie seeds to an Oro community.

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CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, continues its efforts to support local farming communities in Northern Mindanao through the distribution of vegetable seeds to various localities in the region.

On June 18, Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Field Operations Division chief, and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, handed over 200 repacked assorted vegetable seeds to Christopher Ryan Bag-aw, representative from the Office of CdeO City Councilor Imee Rose P. Moreno, vice-chairperson and member of the committees on Education and Agriculture and Cultural Communities, respectively.

“Dako gyud kini nga tabang [sa mga mag-uuma] kay kini pod parte ni sa program ni Councilor Imee. Moadto siya sa bukid aron ihatag kini nga mga seed sa mga mag-uuma nga makapaminos sa ilang gastuhon sa pagpananum,” Bag-aw said.

(This is a big help for the farmers since this is also part of Councilor Imee’s program, where she goes to the countryside and distributes seeds to farmers that will enable them to plant at reduced cost.)

The DA-RFO 10’s seed distribution program directly contributes to the eight-point plan laid out by Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. which aims to strengthen the region’s agricultural industry through strong partnerships with farmers, fisherfolk, and the private sector.# (JLPC)

DA-10 supports community vegetable production activities of Naawan town by providing assorted veggie seeds to MSU Naawan.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a collaborative effort to revive and expand vegetable production in local communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan has provided agricultural inputs to the Mindanao State University in Naawan, Misamis Oriental (MSU-Naawan) for their community development project.

Earlier today, on June 27, Senior Agriculturist Richan D. Lacanaria from DA-RFO 10 handed over assorted vegetable seeds to Mariefe B. Quinones, Director for Extension at MSU-Naawan for distribution to the farming communities of barangays Tagbalogo and Maputi.

According to Quinones, the project is an opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between Naawan’s farming communities and MSU-Naawan, which aims to rekindle their interest in vegetable gardening and assist farmers in their food production.

“These seeds are a huge help to our partner farmers’ associations as vegetable production in these barangays have significantly declined during the pandemic,” she said.

“We also envision for the farmers to sell their harvests at their respective barangay’s weekly market day,” Quinones added.

She furthered that they plan to showcase the farmers’ produce during their annual agency product expo.

Said collaboration also aligns with the vision of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. to strengthen the development of the agri-fishery sector under his nine-point plan, which emphasizes the crucial role of government offices working together to support local communities in a bid to achieve food security and sufficiency.# (JLPC)

ATI-RTC X through Dir. Echavez tackles the approaches and tools in agricultural extension delivery system during AEW Congress.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aimed at empowering the grassroots in boosting and sustaining their production and income, the second day of the staged 2nd Agricultural Extension Workers (AEW) Regional Congress on June 14, continues to bring a series of plenary sessions for capacity enhancement of the same, including on the Basic Approaches and Tools in Extension Delivery System, here.

Hosted by the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the headship of Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, Maria Lydia A. Echavez, center director of the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) rendered the topic before over 400 participants, majority of whom are development partners of the DA, the agricultural extensionists from the different local governments and members of the Philippine Association of Agriculturists, Inc. (PAA) Pineapple chapter across Northern Mindanao, and some from other parts of the country.

At the helm of the bureau, which is the DA’s training arm, here in Region 10, Dir. Echavez said that over time, extension support services has seen the development of approaches and tools similar to that of technology, in the delivery of agricultural programs, services and interventions on the ground .

She detailed the major extension approaches, starting from the transfer-of-technology approach, which is characterized in the linear transfer of technology and information from research to farmers; to the educational, systems, commodity extension; and finally, to the farmer participatory extension approach, which is a more inclusive approach that focuses on participatory learning and involves the engagement of stakeholders.

In addition, she cited the tools in extension differing from mass media, demonstrations, training visit system, and drama/theater plays, and at the center of any of these tools to be employed, is communication, a core competency essential for the correct implementation of extension tools, she added.

“Tools should not be confused with approaches. An approach is a set of steps you take to achieve a goal and tools are what you use to take those steps.” Echavez said.

In the selection of an approach and tool, the director urged for the agricultural extension workers to factor in the connectivity of one’s target audience and their literacy, such as social capital, available resources, demographics and educational level.

Challenging however are the cost, capacity and time, the director conveyed, further emphasizing that the capacity of extension providers will determine which tool can be used.

To ensure success in the adoption of an approach and tool, she likewise underscored that one should look into its potential scalability by starting small and planning ahead for possible expansion and sustainability, accounting on how long a program will run and the availability of funds for such purpose.

“Be flexible in choosing your approaches and tools for implementation. Just be guided on what really is your goal and objective to properly identify the approaches and tools to be used in your assigned locality.” she pointed out.

Revolving on the theme: “Enhancing the Capabilities of the Agriculturists through Technological Innovation Addressing Climate Change and Sustainable Development”, other featured topics during the plenary sessions covered on Conservation Agriculture and Multi-strata Agroforestry System; Soil, Water and Nutrient Management: Practical solution to Mitigate Extreme Weather impacts; and Climate information System: tools for Resilient Agriculture.

Breakout sessions were also done with lectures on Rubber Leaf Fall Disease, Digital Information on Agricultural Biosystem Engineering Management Information System, Heirloom Rice Production, System of Rice Intensification, Palayamanan: Integrated Rice Farming System, Agro-Ecology Based Rice Farming, Adlai Production Technology and Marketing Opportunities, and Bulb Onion Production Technology in Northern Mindanao Environment.# (JLO)

Paraguya from Impasugong, Bukidnon bags national award from DA’s YFC program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Leon Vincent O. Paraguya, owner of Waggling Cattle Enterprise receives P300K cash grant after being declared as one of the national awardees under the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Start-Up component 2023 of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

During the national awarding ceremony, held at the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute in the Science City of Muñoz recently, DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero delivered the message of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.

“This event marks a significant moment for our agriculture community, working in agriculture is not easy yet the dedication has been instrumental in achieving the objectives and the essential needs of farmers and fisherfolk.

Today’s agricultural society has unveiled the positive outcomes and benefits brought forth by our new generation. To this batch of YFC awardees, establishing a business is one of the hardest things to do. Yet, you remain patient and tenacious throughout your journey in generating new products, services, production processes, and organizational methods for the development of your endeavors.” the agri chief conveyed.

For her part, Senator Imee Marcos said that she hopes that the YFC challenge will continue to thrive and prosper, expecting constant dealings, help, and affirmation that the Filipino farmer can afford to feed his or her fellow Filipinos as well.

“Ang mga batang magsasaka ang siya’ng good news ng agriculture. Mayroon pa rin mga kabataan na ninanais na manatiling mambubukid, mangingisda, processor at iba pang negosyante hinggil sa ating agrikultura,” the official added.

The YFC encourages young people to get involved in agriculture, agribusiness, and agri-entrepreneurship as agents and partners for sustainable development, and empowers young farmers and fisherfolk to be active partners in food security and agricultural development and modernization.# (MPMT/Photo credits: DA-AFID)

Agri-10 through its Regulatory Division meets with the attached agencies and bureaus, as well as concerned partners from the local government for a better implementation of animal welfare regulations in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 reiterates its commitment to ensure the region’s compliance with regulations and standards on animal welfare and management.

On June 19, DA-10 through its Regulatory Division convened with representatives from its attached agencies and bureaus, as well as concerned partners from the local government, to discuss the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 8485, otherwise known as the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot welcomed the participants and enjoined their full participation to the activity, underscoring the same as a vital mechanism by which the Department is able to ensure the coordinated inter-agency approach toward animal welfare and safety in Northern Mindanao.

He added that the activity guides the concerned government instrumentalities to ensure that government-owned facilities remain as ‘model’ establishments for partners and stakeholders from the private sector.

“Through this activity, we at the DA can revisit our compliance to animal industry standards and regulations, which determines our performance through in-house and external evaluations. Perhaps we can discuss these here today and agree on the ways forward, especially on areas of concern we may identify along the way,” Lapoot said.

DA-10 Veterinarian II and AWA focal person Dianara Celeste O. Ua-o, DVM apprised the participants on the salient provisions of the AWA, as well as the duties and functions of the DA Committee on Animal Welfare, composed of government agencies, professional organizations, and non-governmental organizations with a shared interest in animal welfare.

Meanwhile, Registration and Licensing Section chief Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM, also discussed the minimum standards for the welfare of animals, as well as the requirements for the registration of government-owned and operated animal facilities.

Chiu said that, pursuant to DA Administrative Circular 4 series of 2015, a Certificate of Registration issued by the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry is a prerequisite for all animal facilities to legally operate. These include but are not limited to animal control facilities, laboratory animal facilities, pet shops, aviary, cattery, as well as hog, poultry, cattle, and goat farms.

Chiu added that interested groups or individuals may coordinate with the Regulatory Division for registration assistance, animal facility inspection, and issuance of the aforementioned certificate.

Further, participants were also briefed on ASEAN biosecurity management protocols for commercial farming which include basic concepts of farm-level biosecurity, diseases of concern and bioexclusion and biocontainment measures, and operational biosecurity procedures which outline farm, personnel, and operational standards.

Participants were also able to discuss the practical application of said technical guidance and concerns on its implementation at the local level through the activity’s workshop and open forum component.

Present during the event were representatives from the DA-10 Research Center for Hillyland Development, Research Center for Upland Development, and the NMACLRC; representatives from the NorMin offices of the National Dairy Authority, Philippine Carabao Center, and Bureau of Animal Industry – National Beef Cattle Research and Development Center; and the Provincial Veterinary Office of Bukidnon.# (GDA)

On its 126th founding anniversary, DA, including its regional field office in NorMin, through RED Pacamalan reaffirms the agency’s commitment to strengthen its delivery of service to farmers and other agricultural stakeholders.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) will continue to strengthen its services delivery to stakeholders from the region’s agriculture and fisheries sector.

This, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan reaffirmed, during a special ceremony held on June 24, at the agency compound here, in line with the national celebration of DA’s 126th founding anniversary.

In his opening message, RED Pacamalan said that the anniversary celebration is an opportune time for the DA-10 management and workforce to revisit the reforms, refinements, and innovations it has implemented in its delivery of agri-fishery services to stakeholders in the region during the past years.

“We will make this anniversary as a [time to look back] on the changes that we have done, the things we need to improve, and the things we need to know better [for the benefit] of our farmers and fisherfolk in the region,” the agri exec said.

Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Yvy B. Emano, who spoke as the event’s guest of honor, extended her congratulations for the agency’s extensive years in service and underscored the Department’s interventions as largely beneficial to local farmers and fisherfolk, particularly in remote areas of the city where interventions for agriculture are well needed.

Founded as the Department of Agriculture and Manufacturing, DA became one of the first government agencies created just eleven days after the proclamation of the Philippine Independence in 1898.

As the lead government instrumentality for advancing the interests of Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and the agri-fishery sector, DA’s engagement with its partners and stakeholders is guided by the policy thrusts of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., particularly through the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ brand of governance.

In a message addressed to the agency’s workforce, Sec. Laurel, Jr. recognized the men and women behind the agency’s strides in bolstering the country’s agri-fishery development.

“Sa selebrasyong ito, mahalaga na tandaan natin ang malaki nating papel sa pagbuo ng isang matatag at maunlad na bansa. Nais ko pong bigyang pugay ang bawat isa sa inyo sa DA family na nagsilbi at patuloy na nagsisilbi para sa magsasaka, mangingisda, at iba pang stakeholders ng agriculture sector,” the agriculture secretary said.

“Malaking bahagi po kayo kaya patuloy tayong nakakapaghatid ng sapat na pagkain sa bawat hapag ng pamilyang Pilipino. You are the unsung heroes behind the achievements of this Department,” the agri chief also said.

Acting through the same spirit, DA-10, through its Program on Awards and Incentives for Service Excellence (PRAISE), has also recognized outstanding individuals from its workforce for their display of exemplary qualities and performance throughout their years in public service.

In support of said event, the DA Employees Association – Region 10 (DAEA-10) also staged its KADIWA Bazaar, through which agency employees and the public may purchase various agri-fishery commodities and products at economical prices.

Supporting the regional participation of the Department’s 126th founding anniversary is Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, members of the Management Committee (ManCom), and personnel and support staff of the DA-10.# (GDA; Photo credits to JLPC, JCSO, JRBT)

Agri-10 turns over P8-million worth of cacao processing facility to MCCGAC to boost their cacao production, processing and marketing activities.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To provide additional support in the expansion of cacao in the locality, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turns over the P8-million cacao processing facility under the Cacao Community-Based Development Enterprise project to the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Malaybalay, on June 21, here.

DA-10 led by Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo handed over the certificate of turnover to Malaybalay mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran and Jerome N. Ramirez, MC Cacao Growers Agricultural Cooperative (MCCGAC) chair.

Camaddo shared that the project is funded under the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) Regular Fund, which includes nursery establishment and planting materials, processing building, equipment, and administrative-related costs.

Included in the package of interventions are the provision of a P1-M processing facility, nursery establishment (P500K), solar dryer (P500K), hauling truck (P2-M), and P4-M for the roasting machine, huller, grinding machine, tempering machine, fermentation box, vacuum pack sealer, cooling rack, production table, moisture meter, grass cutter and 28,571 pieces of cacao seedlings.

Lopez added that the project signifies a great potential for the cacao industry to grow, at the same time increases the value of raw cacao beans through local processing, which benefits farmers and the community by boosting its profitability.

“I am very happy to those who have helped us. Dako kaayo kini nga tabang sa mga miyembro sa cooperative, mamahimo kaming malampuson pinaagi sa tabang sa ahensya ug sa lokal na gobyerno dinhi sa siyudad.” Ramirez said.

For his part, Mayor Pabillaran expressed his gratitude for the constant support of the DA-10 for the agricultural development of the farmers in the city and hopes that the project will aid in the marketing of cacao by obtaining a certified operating license to increase the facility’s credibility in the market.

Founded in 2017, MCCGAC is composed of 28 active members planting more than 50 hectares of cacao, and processing them into tablea for market in their locality.
Also present were the Department of Trade and Industry Bukidnon Provincial Director Famelah D. Villanueva, Department of Science and Technology-10 Bukidnon Provincial Director Ritchie Mae L. Guno, and other personnel from DA-10 and Malaybalay City Agriculture Office. # (MPMT)

AFF clusters under the Mt. Inayawan-Illana cluster convergence initiative undergo an enterprise assessment and evaluation in Iligan City.

ILIGAN CITY – After five years from its launching, the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) conducted an enterprise assessment and evaluation for two Agriculture, Fishery, and Forestry (AFF) clusters in Mt. Inayawan – Illana Cluster Convergence Initiative on June 25-28, in this town.

The two clusters assessed are Buriasan Gamal Sapad Pili Dansalan (BUGAS PIDA) Marketing Cooperative of Sapad town and Barangay Calube Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BACFA-MPC) in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, both from Lanao del Norte.

In an interview with Marineh V. Ambrosio, Executive Assistant III of NCI-SRD, she said that the goal for conducting the activity is to fully assess the AFF clusters to be able to identify the necessary interventions that can help them with their respective enterprises.

“After the assessment report is furnished, we will endorse this to the agencies that are part of the convergence initiative which is DA, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). From there, we hope that they will identify interventions that their respective offices can offer for the AFF clusters to elevate their enterprise to a higher level.”

Luzviminda F. Tolentino of DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service and also a member of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishery Enterprise Cluster and Business Development Component Working Group (AFFECBDO CWG), was glad that the members of the convergence are well represented for the said activity.

“I’m happy that everyone from the four agencies are present for the assessment. This is an assurance of our convergence efforts. I am hoping that the results of our assessments will soon be realized so we can help these clusters have a better way of living” Tolentino said.

Other AFFECBDO CWG members present in the assessment are Alvin Paul Dirain of DA, Randelle Ralph Canicosa of DENR, and Agnes U. Rojas of DAR. Regional counterparts form DA, DENR, DAR, and DILG are also present in the said assessment with the assistance from the Provincial Agriculture Office of Lanao del Norte.

The Convergence Area Development Plan of Mt. Inayawan-Illana Cluster, which comprises the municipalities of Kapatagan, Nunungan, Sapad, and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte was launched in August 22, 2019.

The said cluster was also chosen by the NCI as one of the ten initial Local Convergence Agro-Enterprise Cluster pilot areas in the country. # (CRS)

Agri-10 through RED Pacamalan joins the initiative for the development of coconut and bamboo, attending the inter-agency collaboration for said commodities’ development enterprise in Agusan Norte.

BUTUAN CITY – Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan attends the Inter-Agency Collaboration for Coconut and Bamboo Development Enterprise for Agusan del Norte on June 28, at the Caraga State University, this city.

Agusan del Norte Vice-Governor Enrico R. Corvera shared that said initiative aims to gather the stakeholders to tap on their expertise as well as on programs and projects from agencies to develop the coconut and bamboo industry.

“We hope that our collaborative efforts will uplift the living conditions of farmers,” he added.

As guest speaker, RED Pacamalan shared his experience and best practices leading to the establishment of the Integrated Coconut Processing Plant in Balingasag town, Misamis Oriental, and Bamboo and Rice-Duck Farming system.

He said that the coconut processing plant will be operational by September this year which is projected to increase the buying price of coconut up to Php16.00 per piece.

The DA-10 official also shared plans to have this facility present in all provinces in region 10.

RED Pacamalan also highlighted the importance of geo-referencing and digitizing agri-data to help in making informed decisions such as geotagging coconut and bamboo trees to organize its supply.

Further, the director also noted that DA’s special projects such as the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP) and the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) particularly its enterprise development component (I-REAP) may also be tapped for the convergence initiative.

For his part, DA-13 Arlan M. Mangelen also conveyed, “I am excited on the inter-regional collaboration for high impact projects for coconut and bamboo industry development between the two [Caraga and Region 10] that will result in positive impact for the farmers.”

Also present in the activity are representatives from the provincial and municipal agriculture offices, Caraga State University, and from agencies such as the Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Technical Education And Skills Development Authority, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Tourism. # (AMBM)