Bacolod town is seen to benefit from the Central food terminal funded by DA=10 through its Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To establish additional markets for farmers and fisherfolk, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turns over the P3.975-million (M) worth of Central Food Terminal (CFT) to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, on April 18.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Senior Agriculturist Rosell P. Tuba-on handed over the certificate of turnover to LGU Bacolod Mayor Judith V. Miquiabas.

Of the total project cost, P3-M is funded by the DA under the AMAD’s Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance, while the LGU Bacolod counterparted P975K for the provision of a lot for the CFT.

According to RED Collado, the facility will serve as a trading post for farmers cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) to promote agricultural and fishery production and provide the farmers the capacity to increase their income and sell their agricultural commodities to a wider market.

The agri chief exec also encouraged the FCAs to support the sustainability of the project, which will benefit more agri-stakeholders and provide more access to fresh and nutritious food.

“I am thankful to DA-10 for granting our request, and we assure to sustain the [operations of the] facility to further assist the farmers and fisherfolk to directly showcase their fresh commodities to consumers,” Mayor Miquiabas said.

Meanwhile, Agustino D. Denopol, Kahayag Agrarian Reform Committee Farmers Agriculture Cooperative chair, said that the project is a big help to the farmers.

“Malaking tulong ito sa aming mga magsasaka, magsisilbi na itong bagsakan sa aming produkto at hindi na pupunta pa sa ibang lugar para maglako sa aming mga produkto.”

The CFT serves as a centralized and upgraded hub of the town for the distribution of agricultural commodities from smaller FTs in the different barangays of the locality.

Also present at the event were Bacolod municipal agriculturist Linang S. Sanguila and other personnel from the Municipal Agriculture Office of LGU Bacolod, Lanao del Norte.# (MPMT)

DA-BSWM inspects the soils laboratory of the DA-10 as part of their yearly monitoring of the compliance of licensed and recognized soil laboratories.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Soils Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado undergoes its third annual Laboratory Inspection by the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) for the renewal of its License to Operate-Soil Laboratory (LTO-SL) on April 17-19.

The Technical Evaluation and Audit Team (TE&AT) of DA-BSWM, conducts the yearly monitoring of the compliance of licensed and recognized soil laboratories, consolidating and reviewing data as per DA Memorandum Circular No. 33, series of 2020, and prepares Laboratory Assessment Reports (LARs) containing the compliance, non-compliance, and other pertinent remarks for soils laboratories.

Headed by Florfina P. Sanchez, Chemist IV of DA-BSWM, the TE&AT assessed the region’s soils laboratory in terms of its manpower requirements, the physical layout of the laboratory facility, the available equipment and apparatus, test methods, quality control, and laboratory procedures employed.

DA-10 RED Collado said that the RSL is under the umbrella of the Integrated Laboratories Division (ILD) established for agricultural purposes, primarily for the impact on the productivity of the soil, thus ultimately assisting farmers increased crop production toward better income.

Currently, DA-10’s RSL offers soil and fertilizers tests and analyses, refill of soil test kits for mobile soil analyses, and production of compost fungus activator.

Under Presidential Decree No. 1435, the DA-BSWM is authorized to supervise, regulate, and control the establishment and operations of all soil laboratories in the Philippines.

Supporting the event were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, ILD Officer-in-Charge Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, RSL chief Engr. Elena C. Susaya and other RSL staff.#(MPMT)

Agri-10 holds a coordination meeting with the LGUs of MisOr and Camiguin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Geared toward increased agricultural productivity and income, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Coordination (F2C2) Program organized a coordination meeting with local government units in Misamis Oriental and Camiguin, on April 18, in this city.

During the activity, city and municipal agriculturists and program coordinators from the said provinces convened to discuss the program’s accomplishments in the past year, and its thrusts for 2024.

Through this, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the national agency can harmonize efforts with the local government in advancing the region’s agricultural productivity.

According to Program focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria, F2C2 has coordinated with 17 clusters in Misamis Oriental, and 2 clusters in Camiguin, which all form part of the identified 154 clusters in Northern Mindanao in 2023. Further, Aleria said that Rice farm clusters remain the biggest (36.4%) among other clusters by commodity, followed by Corn and Cassava (28.1%), High Value crops (14.9%), Fisheries (14%), Fiber (2.5%) and Livestock (2.5%).

To which Provincial Operations Center chief for Misamis Oriental and Camiguin, Wilson V. Lagdamin underscored the importance of the shared efforts in clustering and consolidation of farmers.

“Through [clustering and consolidation], the Department is better equipped to strategically mainstream its programs and services to more farmers and fisherfolk, which will result in more productive market linkages, increased income, and overall development of agriculture in the region,” Lagdamin said.

Through the F2C2 program, the DA has assisted various farmers’ cooperatives, and associations (FCAs) through market linkages with the private sector and other agri-fishery stakeholders, and has also facilitated marketing tie-ups and local market matching in cooperation with its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD).

Likewise, the program also supports FCAs by facilitating write-shops of their respective Cluster Development Plans, as well as product development and cooperative management through its capacity-building component.

Capping off the event, Aleria enjoined the participants to revisit their respective CDPs to ensure that their FCAs operate and participate in local agri-fishery production that is according to their respective LGUs’ investment plans. Present during the event were representatives from the Misamis Oriental Provincial Agriculture Office, the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office of Cagayan de Oro, and the city agriculture offices of El Salvador and Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.

Municipal agriculturists from the towns of Opol, Alubijid, Laguindingan, Initao, Naawan, Claveria, Villanueva, Talisayan, Balingoan, Balingasag, and Magsaysay were also in attendance.

From DA-10, said coordination meeting was also supported by F2C2 alternate program focal person Marnelly Ann P. Flores, and program staff.# (GDA)

DA-10 pours agri assistance to the municipality of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte.

KOLAMBUGAN, LANAO DEL NORTE — In its efforts to spur agricultural development in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over various agricultural interventions worth P8,853,424.34 to the Municipality of Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte, on April 22, in Barangay Rebucon, this town.

During the turnover ceremony, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over the 2,000-square meter biosecure swine facility worth P5,903,582.34 to Kolambugan mayor Allan M. Omamos with Municipal Agriculturist Romeo Z. Villame.

The climate-controlled, biosecure facility houses 20 pigpens, able to accommodate up to 300 pigs, each equipped with a self-feeder and watering mechanisms.

Said facility also features end-to-end industrial exhaust fans and cooling pads for optimal airflow, manually operated laminated curtain walls, waste management features, and is inclusive of office, storage, shower, and toilet facilities.

According to RTD Madriaga, the facility is a manifestation of the agency’s thrust to modernize and enhance the capacity of the local swine industry to produce a sufficient supply of hogs and pork, and foster a sustainable and self-sufficient approach for swine production in the area.

Further, Madriaga said that the infrastructure forms part of the agency’s support for livestock and swine production through its Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program, of which DA-10 has allocated P10 million for the provision of the swine facility together with other components such as pig stock, feeds, and drugs and biologics to supplement the swine facility.

Meanwhile, DA-10 has also turned over one farm tractor worth P2,949,572, funded under the agency’s Corn Program.

Said farm tractor features a four-wheel drive and a 90-horsepower engine, and also includes a package of implements such as a disc plow, harrow, and trailer.

Conveying his thanks, Mayor Omamos said that the turned over agricultural interventions will greatly benefit their town’s production and increase their income.

“On behalf of the Local Government of Kolambugan, I would like to express our gratitude for having been chosen as a recipient of these interventions from the DA. We are optimistic that this INSPIRE biosecure swine facility will enhance the town’s production of swine and increase the municipality’s economic productivity,” the local chief executive said.

He added that the facility and farming machinery turned over also aid the LGU’s strategies to lessen unemployment and encourage local producers to strive toward higher yields and income from farming.

Likewise, the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte, through Acting Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Jalandoni B. Pitiilan, signified its gratitude to the Department, and has committed its usual support for the agricultural development of Kolambugan.

Also present in support of the ceremony were Barangay Rebucon Punong Barangay Emilio C. Tumala, Barangay Committee on Agriculture chairperson Ruben Martinez, Iligan City Focal Consultant on Agriculture Kevin R. Fernan, industry partners and stakeholders, and staff from the municipal and provincial government, and DA-10.# (GDA)

Agri-10 pours P2.2-M worth of agri assistance to Camiguin province.

CAMIGUIN – To mitigate the impact of El Niño in the province, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turns over more than P2.2 million of various agricultural interventions to the Provincial Local Government Unit (LGU) of Camiguin on April 18, at the Provincial Capitol grounds, in Mambajao, here.

Handing over the certificate of turnover is DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD to the Provincial Governor of Camiguin, Xavier Jesus D. Romualdo together with Provincial Agriculturist Aida G. Chan.

Of the total amount, over P1.3-M worth of various agri inputs was received by the Provincial Agriculture Office of Camiguin; while some P256K worth of interventions was allocated to the LGUs of Sagay, Catarman (P175K), Mambajao (P287K), and P214K for LGU Guinsiliban.

According to DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, the integration of various agri inputs is essential in building resilience within the farming community and ensuring food security in the face of El Niño-induced challenges.

“I hope that these interventions could be of great use to our farmers here in Camiguin since this will help increase their efficiency in farming and eliminate postharvest losses, especially during this time of El Niño,” she said.

In line with its objective to strengthen the agriculture sector, Gov. Romualdo expressed his gratitude to the DA for the interventions they have received that would enhance and increase farmers’ productivity and profitability, and thus, address the food security and sustainability concerns of the province.

“Here in Camiguin, our vision is centered around transforming the island into a self-sufficient province when it comes to food production. That is why we are dedicated to implementing strategies that will drive the growth and development of our agri sector,” he averred.

Romualdo added that the province is keen on promoting sustainable farming practices that prioritize the use of technologies and organic ways of farming to minimize negative impacts.

Recognizing the importance of attracting young talent, he also emphasized the significance of encouraging the younger generation to consider a profession in the field of agriculture, as it helps address the growing concern of an aging farming population.

Meanwhile, Guzman encouraged the beneficiaries to allocate funds toward the preventive maintenance and ensuring the long-term operability of the machinery and equipment.

Said agri assistance is funded under the HVCDP of DA-10, Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), and the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) for the year 2023.

Present during the activity were DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chief for Misamis Oriental and Camiguin Wilson V. Lagdamin, NUPAP alternate focal person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, and other DA-10 staff.

From the province of Camiguin are House representative Lone District of Camiguin Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo, Provincial Vice Governor of Camiguin Rudin M. Romualdo, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member; Chairman on the Committee in Agriculture Louis S. Bollozos, DVM, Liga ng Barangay Chairman; Vice Chairman on committee in Agriculture, Peter Dan C. Romualdo, Provincial Veterinarian Lordgin V. Gamo, DVM; and concerned municipal agriculturists. # (RDME)

DA-10 continues to promote vegetable production and food security in communities through the provision of veggie seeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support of its community development initiative, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over 25 packets of assorted vegetable seeds (Sinigang variant) to the Golden City Eagles Club (GCEC), a club duly affiliated to The Fraternal Order of Eagles.

On April 18, at the agency compound, DA-10 through Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca conferred the said provisions to the club representative, Brian Paje on behalf of its Club President, Dino C. Paradero.

According to Paje, the received agri inputs will be used in their upcoming planting activity for their select benefiting community at Sitio Santa Cruz, Barangay Gimaylan in Libertad, Misamis Oriental.

With the granted veggie seeds, RED Collado pins his hopes that the community will bring about food security in the said locality, as they can produce, harvest, consume, and even sell their surplus produce. # (JLO)

Agri-10 holds a training on DRRMIS for its DRRM report officers.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit (CERRMU), conducted a three-day training on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Information System (DRRMIS) for the agency’s DRRM report officers on April 16-18 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan here.

DRRMIS is a web-based system that allows the automation of reporting damage and losses by the DA operating units during calamities.

Allan Earl S. Labrador and Marianne Merhiel G. Icawat of the Disaster Risk Reduction Office, Mark Adrian L. de Jesus of the Operations Management Information Section, and Princess Joy T. Garcia of the Disaster and Climate Information Office, all from the Field Programs Operation and Planning Division of the DA-Central Office served as the resource persons.

In Garcia’s presentation, she mentioned that the primary objective of the DRRMIS is to digitalize the established processes and workflows and, at the same time, function as the central portal for data collation and reports generation of damage and losses in agriculture.

DA-10 Field Operations Division chief and DRRM focal person Luz I. Guzman, PhD, imparted the significance of the said capacity enhancement among DRRM report officers.

“We are dealing with reducing the effects of disasters, thus swift action is expected from us, especially during the onset of a calamity. We also want that the information gathered are real-time, as much as possible,” said Guzman.

She pins her hope that through the said training, the participants will learn new ways of becoming more prepared; whether climate-related, pest and diseases, or human conflict.

“I also hope that the participants, as the first-hand learners, will share this knowledge with others so additional manpower who are also knowledgeable can assist,” Guzman added.

Meanwhile, Sherafin Simon F. Calacar, CERRMU focal person, shared that they will cascade the training down to the local government units (LGU) level as they are on the frontline in facing and coping with various calamities.

“We also wanted to capacitate our LGU counterparts for them to better understand the system and reflect real-time or almost real-time data. This will be beneficial to identify the best approach in dealing with these disasters properly.”

Joining the training are the heads and report officers of the DA-10 banner programs, provincial operations centers, and other operating units.# (CRS)

DA-10 through RED Collado manifests his support to the proposed assessment of the comms strategy for ASF in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Consistent with its recent efforts to curb disease-caused swine mortality in some areas in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) commits to support a proposed assessment of the communications strategy for African Swine Fever in Northern Mindanao.

Through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 will be coordinating with the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) National ASF Prevention and Control Program (NASFPCP), supported by the United Nations – Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) for the conduct of a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey in Misamis Oriental.

Said KAP survey will involve stakeholders, including meat vendors, hog raisers and concerned farmers’ associations, viajeros, as well as ASF coordinators and focal personnel from the DA, Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinary Office, and the city veterinary offices of Cagayan de Oro and El Salvador.

Discussions to be covered during the said activity include current policies and activities spearheaded by local stakeholders to communicate key information about the disease.

During the recent courtesy visit to RED Collado, UN-FAO Regional ASF Advocacy and Communications Specialist Domingo Caro III, PhD, said the undertaking seeks to evaluate the regional implementation of the National ASF Communications Strategy and determine whether it has met its communication objectives.

“Primarily, we seek to know more about how the previous communications strategy for ASF was implemented [in region 10]. The information we will be able to collect from this would be the baseline for a refined communication strategy for ASF,” Caro said.

RED Collado expressed his support for the activity, citing its implications on improving public awareness of the disease, thereby fostering a more proactive stance against ASF in Northern Mindanao.

DA-10, through its Regulatory Division, will assist in facilitating the KAP survey with the city veterinary offices of Cagayan de Oro (April 16 to 17) and El Salvador (April 18).

Also present during the meeting were DA-10 Regulatory Division Veterinarian III Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM; BAI-NASFPCP Regional Field Coordinator Wilgen Khen Marie Palma, DVM, Information Officer Flordeliz Samonte; and staff from the BAI and UN-FAO.# (GDA)

DA-10 through RED Collado reaffirms support for MILDUBKAAC’s production of abaca.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) reaffirms its commitment to support smallholder farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in the region, consistent with its thrust to boost agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and increase the income of farmers and fisherfolk in Northern Mindanao.

On April 16 at the agency compound, the Mindanao Lumad Dumagat Beterano Para sa Kalamboan Agriculture Cooperative (MILDUBKAAC) paid a courtesy visit to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado to discuss the agency’s programs and projects geared at assisting their cooperative’s production of agricultural commodities.

Retired General Jessie Alvarez, representing MILDUBKAAC, said that they are looking at the production of abaca as its initial crop, which they hope to kickstart with support from the DA.

Having apprised said cooperative of DA’s banner programs and projects, RED Collado reassured the agency’s assistance on the matter and enjoined the cooperative to seek additional technical support from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (DA-PhilFIDA).

He further encouraged MILDUBKAAC to avail of the loan assistance offered by the Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC) for the cooperative’s future expansion.

Duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in September 2023, MILDUBKAAC is based in Sitio Mapait, Danatag, Baungon, Bukidnon and is composed of more than 100 members, including those of the Dumagat tribe and other indigenous peoples groups, retired military and police officers, and civilians.# (GDA)

In talks with DA Asec Albarece, the aggie department is considering Bukidnon province as a model province in the genetic system for goats.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Ruminants, Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM bared on Thursday, April 11 of considering Bukidnon as a model province in the genetic system for goats.

This, he disclosed in a meeting with the Bukidnon Small Ruminants Raisers Association (BSRRA) and local government units of said province to align with the DA’s Breeder Production Pyramid: National Livestock Program in increasing goat production and strengthen the breeding program in Northern Mindanao.

He also presented the genetic improvement of goats including the strategies of DA in attaining such a plan and the need to boost DA-10’s Malaybalay Stock Farm in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City in Bukidnon for the production of quality goat semen.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado conveyed support, saying that DA-10 will extend efforts for the implementation of the said project.

He underscored how essential for the livestock industry to flourish in Bukidnon and become a source of breeds not only to other provinces in Northern Mindanao but including other regions.

DA’s Livestock Program will reinforce the establishment of a goat multiplier farm package which includes a goat house, animal stocks, forage chopper, and drugs and biologics.

Northern Mindanao is one of the top three goat producers nationwide with a production of 7,631.24 metric tons in 2021 based on PSA data.

Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil Roque supported said meeting together with its Provincial Veterinary Office, DA attached agencies which include the Philippine Carabao Center, Bureau of Animal Industry and National Dairy Authority.#(ATC/Supplied photos)