CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Management Committee (RMC) of the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies and bureaus in Northern Mindanao integrates its efforts in managing COVID-19 food resiliency.

Carlene C. Collado, Regional Executive Director of DA-RFO 10 and the RMC Chair disclosed during their meeting on September 2, Tuesday, the public has high expectations for DA, its attached agencies and line bureaus on the continuous food supply of agri-fishery commodities with the ongoing pandemic.

Addressing to the RMC members, Dir. Collado said, “We cannot afford to standby. We need to act, visit the field for the continuous implementation of our programs and projects even with the pandemic.”

Highlighting the agency’s focus on Plant, Plant, Plant Program or the Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) COVID-19, Director Collado noted, the CY 2020 funds were realigned, refocused to ensure sustained food production and availability, food accessibility and affordability amidst the threats of COVID-19.

He reported, as of August, this year, DA-RFO 10 has 70.28 percent financial utilization, covering its current and continuing funds.

Apart from the accomplishments, he also shared the challenges besetting the agri sector and the measures in addressing issues on African swine fever (ASF), fall armyworm (FAW), fluctuating prices of agri commodities, among others.

To date, Region 10 is still ASF free but DA and the PLGUs should not be complacent with its status, rather, strengthen its border protection and control against the dreaded disease.

Respective member agencies presented their updates, financial and physical accomplishments and 2021 targets.

Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga of DA-RFO 10 emphasized, the need for all RMC members to come up with their per district targets in preparation for the CY 2021 budget.

Composition of RMC in Northern Mindanao include NDA, NFA, PCA, PCIC, BAI-NVQS, BPI (PQS, NSQS, SPAL), BSWM, BFAR, NTA, PhilMech, PhilFIDA, FPA, ATI, NMIS, PCC, SRA and ACPC.# (ATCabig)