RPAB approves FMR project for Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) of the Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP), through its Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10), has approved funding for the improvement and concreting of a Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain (AD) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In a project deliberation held on April 25, presided over by DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-MIADP 10 Project Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, the PhP21.9-million subproject eyes to link sitios Damitan and Ulangohon of Brgy. Dalwangan. The 1.184-kilometer stretch is expected to boost agricultural productivity and economic activity in the area by improving road connectivity. Overall, the subproject will help minimize postharvest losses, cut hauling costs, shorten travel time, and enhance access to essential services.

Marking as the first DA-MIADP 10 subproject to receive RPAB approval, leader-representatives of the Daraghuyan AD, including Bae Mangangapok Sildam of the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS), and its indigenous people’s organization (IPO), the Inhandig Tribal Multipurpose Cooperative through its chairperson, Datu Arding Omarol, expressed the community’s support and shared their appreciation for the anticipated benefits of the subproject.

“Dako among kalipay kay dako kaayo og tabang ang kalsada sa amoa. Ang among mga produkto pagbiyahe dili na maglisod. Ang mga bata dali na ang ilang pageskwela. Pasalamat kaayo mi sa project sa MIADP nga makatabang sa Daraghuyan.” Datu Arding remarked.

The deliberation was attended by the RPAB members from the regional line agencies, including the DA, NCIP, DAR, DPWH, Mindanao Development Authority, DENR, DILG, DTI, MIADP Project Support Office (PSO) and its regional counterpart, RPCO, the Local Project Management and Implementation Unit of Malaybalay City, and the private sector through the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council.

Aside from RPAB approval, the subproject will still undergo final review and clearance by the PSO. As the first DA-MIADP subproject of its kind in Northern Mindanao, it will also be endorsed to the World Bank for review.

In addition to the approved FMR subproject, two additional infrastructure proposals were presented: the construction of a Multicommodity Warehouse with Multipurpose Drying Pavement, and the Daraghuyan Potable Water System (Level II). These subprojects are pending RPAB approval, subject to the submission and completion of the necessary documents.
Also presented was a proposal for the Coffee Processing Facility under the project’s enterprise development component. It aims to support the local coffee industry and strengthen livelihood opportunities within the Daraghuyan AD.

The DA-MIADP seeks to uplift the quality of life of the marginalized Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs) across Mindanao through inclusive agricultural initiatives.# (KABC)

AMIA-10 convenes for 1Q review, planning workshop

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Aiming to ensure efficient implementation of its programs and projects, the Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CC-AMIA) program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convenes relevant stakeholders for its 1st Quarter Review and Assessment today, April 23, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, here.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca underscored the agency’s commitment to strengthening climate change resilience among farming and fishery communities within the region.

She added that the event aims to evaluate the program’s progress and create strategic plans for its continued implementation.

Among the topics discussed include the overview and progress report of AMIA-10 as well as the targets and accomplishments for the first quarter of the year.

Since its inception in 2017, the program has created 13 AMIA villages in Northern Mindanao, including in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental which has accumulated over 1k hectares of land for production, the largest AMIA village in the country.

Additionally, the AMIA program in Region has hosted the first ever AMIA Congress in the nation last year, highlighting the products of the beneficiaries from the Climate Resilient Agriculture practices they adopted such as Climate Information System, Sloping Agriculture Land Technology, crop calendar and drip irrigation, among others.

Meanwhile, following the said conduct of assessment, the program will be holding an AMIA Villages Planning Workshop on April 24 to 25 to review accomplishments of AMIA beneficiaries. # (AMBM)

Agri-10 backs solo parents month celebration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support and recognition for the strength and resilience of solo parents, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Gender and Development (GAD) program, held a seminar in celebration of Solo Parents Month on April 23, here.

With the theme “Empowering Solo Parents: Updates and Support Programs,” the event aimed to raise awareness and promote self-reliance by equipping solo parents with knowledge, practical skills, and access to sustainable resources.

In line with Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, as amended by Republic Act No. 11861, otherwise known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act—which designates the third week of April as Solo Parents Week—it featured demonstrations and interactive discussions on accessing government assistance, micro-greening, hydroponics, square foot gardening and financial management. These activities were designed to help enhance the resiliency, resourcefulness, and potential of solo parents.

The event was attended by solo parents from the DA, its attached bureaus, and other line agencies, with the shared goal of strengthening and empowering solo parents.# (NQA/Photos supplied)

Agri NorMin evaluates progress of AMIA Villages

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CC-AMIA) program, gathered key stakeholders for the AMIA Villages Planning Workshop held on April 24 to 25 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan, this city.

April Grace M. Racines, AMIA-10 focal person, said the workshop aims to review and assess the performance of the AMIA program and AMIA Villages across Region 10 as well as to craft proposed plans for their short (CY 2026-2028) and long (CY 2026-2030) term plans. The event also served as a venue for farmers and local government unit representatives from the 13 AMIA Village sites to present their accomplishment reports and best Climate Resilient Agriculture practices.

With the provision of trainings and agri-inputs they received from AMIA-10, Jerry C. Alisbo, secretary of the Guinitan Upland Farmers Association from Brgy. Pagalungan, Cagayan de Oro City, expressed his gratitude for the sustained commitment in addressing their farming needs.

“The program has provided us with additional knowledge in farming, especially [in managing our] hilly to rolling areas. Our expenses in purchasing farming inputs was also reduced through the help of AMIA, resulting in an increased income for our livelihood,” Alisbo reported.

For his part, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan affirmed the agency’s commitment to intensify its efforts to cater to the need of program beneficiaries.

As a way forward, Dir. Pacamalan said, “The integration of AMIA Village experiences into the Municipal/City and Provincial Agriculture Development Investment Plan (M/C/PAFID), alignment with the programs of line government agencies, and its incorporation into the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development Plan are being prioritized.”

He furthered that the said initiative is in pursuit of achieving better agriculture and fishery outcomes, expanding AMIA Villages into AMIA municipalities/cities with a 93% food sufficiency level.# (AMBM)

Agri-10 hosts KADIWA at Diskwento Caravan in celebration of Filipino Food Month

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In line with the celebration of Filipino Food Month or “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino”, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted a “KADIWA at Diskwento Caravan” on Wednesday, April 23, at the agency compound, here.

The activity forms part of the agency’s support for Presidential Proclamation No. 469, series of 2018, which designates the month of April as Filipino Food Month. This national observance is led by the DA, highlighting the historical, cultural, and culinary importance of Filipino cuisine while honoring the contributions of local farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers to the country’s food security and identity.

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the Diskwento Caravan, locally processed food products were made available to consumers at or below the suggested retail prices. These were offered alongside agri-fishery commodities showcased under the KADIWA initiative.

With this year’s theme, “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino: Yaman ng Ating Kasaysayan, Kultura, at Pagkatao,” the event aimed to deepen public appreciation of Filipino food heritage and support local producers by promoting their products.

Exhibitors include:
*Miarayon Talakag Highland Farmers Association – Fresh vegetables and spices
*Fisherfolks of Agusan Aquatic Agriculture (FAACO) – Fishery products
*Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) – Fresh and flavored milk
*Five (5) Individual Exhibitors – Assorted fruits and traditional kakanin
*National Irrigation Administration 10 – BBM at NIA rice (PhP29/kg)
*RBS Universal Grains Corp. – Imported rice (PhP29-37/kg)
*Pathfinder Marketing – Grocery items and basic goods
*Beehive Distributor – Grocery items and basic goods
*Julmar Commercial – Grocery items and basic goods

This joint initiative underscores the Department’s ongoing commitment to empowering agri-entrepreneurs, improving market access, and making affordable, high-quality food products more accessible to the public.

“Marketing has always been a challenge in our farming efforts. Through activities like this, may we be further inspired to strengthen our support for farmers, especially in building and improving market access,” said DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan.

“Thank you to our farmers and vendors who joined us today. Let us celebrate this occasion as a way of honoring this month’s observance—Filipino Food Month,” the director added

With the KDC, DA-10 reaffirms its commitment to supporting local producers and promoting Filipino food culture, where it continues to work closely with its partners to create more inclusive and sustainable market opportunities that celebrate the richness of local agriculture and empower farming communities across Northern Mindanao.# (EJLG)

PBBM inaugurates PhP69.7-M rice processing facility in MisOr, targets to finish and build more by 2025

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the Php69.7-million Rice Processing System II (RPS II) on April 22 in Barangay San Isidro, this town.

Funded through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech), the RPS II is projected to cut production costs, minimize postharvest losses, and enhance rice quality.

The agro-industrial facility houses a multi-stage rice mill capable of processing 2 to 3 tons of palay per hour, and 4 recirculating dryers with a 12-ton batch capacity each unit.

With a total rice area of 1,794.65 hectares, 2,754 rice farmers in the province are poised to benefit from the RPS II, through the collaborative implementation with the project beneficiary First Community Cooperative (FICCO).

For its part, the DA-Regional Field Office 10 accredited the said coop, one of the requisites to be eligible for the availment of assistance under DA-RCEF.

“Sa tulong nito, bababa ang postharvest losses ng halos 32,000 metriko tonelada kada taon— katumbas ang mahigit PhP541-M na kita para sa ating mga magsasaka,” said President Marcos in his speech.

The chief executive also emphasized that the project is part of a broader commitment to modernize and mechanize the country’s rice sector by building more RPS.

“Bahagi ito ng mas malawak nating layunin. Sa ilalim ng ating administrasyon, nakapagpatayo na po tayo ng 150 na ganitong Rice Processing System.

Makakatapos tayo sa taon ng 2025 ng 20 pa. At on the year 2025, magsisimula naman mag-construct ng [karagdagang] 50 na ganitong klaseng Rice Processing [System].”

Alongside the inauguration, President Marcos, here, also led the ceremonial turnover of Php32.2-M worth of agricultural machinery and inputs, and the launching of the Php350-M Integrated Coconut Processing Facility.# (BJCE/DA-10 Info Team)

PBBM leads turnover of DA agri support in MisOr province

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., together with Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Operations, Agri-Fisheries Mechanization, and Rural Credit Engr. Roger V. Navarro, and DA-Northern Mindanao (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, led the turnover of various agricultural interventions on April 22, this town.

The government’s package of agricultural assistance, amounting to ₱123 million (M), is aimed at boosting farmers’ productivity and income, thereby uplifting their income and livelihood.

Of the total amount, ₱90.8-M is for the construction of the Mapulog-Tuboran Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in Naawan town, funded under the DA-Philippine Rural Development Project; while the remaining ₱32.2-M, sourced from the agency’s banner programs and special projects for farm machinery, equipment, inputs, draft animals, veterinary drugs and biologics, to benefit 28 Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) and eight Local Government Units (LGUs) across the region.

In his remarks, President Marcos emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering Filipino farmers by addressing bottlenecks in the agricultural value chain.

“Tinitingnan natin kung ano ‘yung magiging problema sa value chain, how do we find savings for the farmer…‘Yun po ang tinitingnan namin para kung saan ‘yung mga kulang ay doon papasok ang DA, doon kami papasok at ibubuo namin ‘yung mga supply chain ninyo,” the chief executive said.

He also cited the big-ticket FMR project saying that is expected to improve transportation logistics and raise farmers’ income.

In an interview, Juanito S. Yugom, Samay Multipurpose Cooperative chairperson, expressed his gratitude for the hog delivery truck granted by the government through DA-10.

“We are very grateful to the DA for providing us with a hog delivery truck. This will help increase the income of every member of the cooperative and contribute to improving our livelihood. We will take care of this [assistance] so that we can also help our local community.”

Meanwhile, Mervin M. Obsioma, First Community Cooperative (FICCO) Grains Processing Center manager, highlighted how the farm machinery granted to them will aid farmers.

“This support allows rice farmers to rent a rice combined harvester at a minimal cost. Our cooperative is also committed to buying their palay at a fair price. We thank the agency for this valuable farm machinery that will benefit both our cooperative and the farmers we serve,” he conveyed.

Close to capping off his message, the president underscored the importance of continuous development and embodying patriotic values among farmers.

“Hinihikayat ko po kayong pagyamanin at alagaan ang mga handog na ito. Patuloy kayong matuto, gumamit ng makabagong teknolohiya, maging huwarang Bagong Pilipino—magsasakang marunong, may dangal, at may pagmamahal sa ating bansa.” PBBM stressed.

The event also marked the awarding of ₱78.1-M worth of rice farming technologies from the DA-Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and launching of the ₱350-M Integrated Coconut Processing Facility.# (MAC/DA-10 Info Team)

Agri-10 preps for coco facility launch

The working committee for the launching of the PhP350-million Integrated Coconut Processing Facility Project held a coordination meeting on April 16, in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental.

The meeting was presided over by DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, and in the presence of DA Undersecretary Engr. Roger V. Navarro.

The launching, to be held in San Isidro, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, will feature a project pitching by Director Pacamalan for the said facility to be replicated in other and nearby parts of Region 10.

This public-private initiative aims to transform the coconut industry by producing high-value products such as cocopallets, activated carbon, virgin coconut oil, coco flour, skim milk, and coconut water, making coconut a key local economic driver beyond the traditional copra.#

DA-10 conducts training on livelihood initiatives, empowers Kibuwa community in Impasugong town

BUKIDNON — Consistent with its goals in strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting sustainable agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) empowered the indigenous people (IP) and non-IP farmers of the Kibuwa community in Impasugong, Bukidnon through a “Training on Backyard Gardening and Presentation of Feasibility Study for Kibuwa Community-based Participatory Research (CPAR)” on April 15 to 16.

The study, “Enhancing Sustainable Livelihoods through Community-led Initiatives with Scientific-Based Technologies,” aimed to assess the long-term sustainability of proposed livelihood programs tailored to the unique biophysical and socioeconomic landscape of Sitio Kibuwa.

At its core, the initiative emphasized the importance of grounding development efforts in community readiness, synergy among partner agencies, and the consolidation of resources to ensure the program’s success.

Training sessions covered topics such as soil media preparation, nursery management, organic farming, and climate-smart agricultural practices.

As additional support, gardening tools, including slashing and weeding bolos, A-Nets, chicken nets, and cyclone wire fences, along with seeds and organic fertilizers, were distributed to the Cluster 1 members of the project.

The training were attended by 24 officers and members of the Kibuwa-CPAR project together with the representatives from the local governments of Impasugong town and Bukidnon province.

With DA-10 at the helm, this said capbuild highlights the critical role of empowering communities to lead their livelihood programs toward agricultural resilience and economic self-reliance.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 continues YFC 2024 judging for Start-up and Upscale categories

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In support of young agripreneurs across Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted the second batch of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) 2024 Provincial Start-Up and Regional Upscale Judging on Tuesday, April 15, here.

This initiative, spearheaded by the DA, aims to build entrepreneurial capacity among the youth and promote inclusive, innovative, and sustainable agri-fishery ventures.

For the Start-Up category – Provincial Level, six individuals pitched their respective agri-fishery business proposals:

Oink and Quack Farms
Solar Smart – Batoy Hydro Farm
La Farmia Cornana
Magtagad’s Sustainable Swine Farming
RTL Chicken Enterprise
Farm Goodies Buddy

Each of these proponents stands a chance to receive PhP80k in financial grant as seed capital to implement or enhance their proposed agri-enterprises. Winners at this level will move forward to compete in the regional level of the competition.

Meanwhile, for the Upscale category – Regional Level, two previous YFC awardees returned to vie for the PhP300k grant intended to support the expansion and sustainability of their operations. These include:

Isidro’s Integrated Farm (YFC 2023 Provincial Awardee)
Dream’s Arabica Coffee (YFC 2023 Provincial Awardee)

Said component is open exclusively to former YFC Start-Up awardees who have demonstrated commitment and progress in running their enterprises and are now seeking to scale operations through upgraded facilities, expanded production, and improved market reach.

Participants in both categories were evaluated by a panel of judges from the DA-10 and partner institutions based on criteria such as innovation, enterprise viability, social responsibility, and growth potential.

Through the YFC program, the DA-10 continues to encourage the youth to become active players in agriculture, strengthening food systems and generating livelihood in their communities.# (EJLG)