Bukidnon towns to benefit from climate resilience agriculture project

MALAYBALAY CITY – Aiming to increase the climate resilience of rural communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a Project Briefing and Orientation of Adapting Philippine Agriculture (APA) to Climate Change Project on March 27, 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 shared the overview of the program, noting its aim of increasing resilience in agriculture and fishery areas vulnerable to climate change through Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) services.

Funded under the Green Climate Fund through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the project will be implemented by DA in collaboration with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

With Region 10 being one of the 5 pilot regions in the country, the briefing gathered relevant stakeholders, including representatives from the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Bukidnon and its twelve pilot municipalities, namely: Baungon, Cabanglasan, Dangcagan, Damulog, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Maramag, Pangantucan, Quezon, and San Fernando.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan emphasized the importance of aligning the APA project with the department’s ongoing agricultural programs to maximize its impact.

He further urged the towns to develop Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development Plans that are specifically tailored to support CRA practices to enhance their agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Following the orientation, the regional APA team will conduct Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) to identify the specific problems related to climate change within the pilot municipalities that require targeted CRA interventions. # (AMBM, Photos supplied)

52 sites in NorMin mapped for National Soil Database

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In addition to the 40 sites mapped by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) for the National Soil Database in 2024, another 52 priority areas across 5 provinces in Northern Mindanao has been mapped anew this year.

After an 18-day field survey and ground geotagging of the 52 upland towns in the region, a team from the DA-BSWM Soils Survey Division, led by Bella Noceda, DA-BSWM Senior Agriculturist, presented the team’s initial findings and recommendations to the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) management in an exit conference Friday, March 28.

Preliminary observation suggests that soil in the surveyed highland areas are generally acidic, thus the DA-BSWM discourage farmers’ use of ammonium sulphate. Instead, it is recommended for farmers in the surveyed areas to adopt balanced soil fertilization primarily by utilizing organic fertilizer.

Further, the DA-BSWM is amenable to the establishment of demo farms to showcase proper fertilization and soil-crops suitability.

Soil samples collected from the Soil Health Monitoring Sites (SHMS) in the region will be subjected to laboratory tests to determine the soil condition in the subject localities to help farmers understand the health and nutritional needs of their farm lands.

Lana May S. Racines, DA-10 Chief of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED) said the DA-10 management echoes the DA-BSWM’s stand in advocating soil health. She bared that the DA-10 is currently mobilizing regionwide soil sampling and testing as an initiative to guide farmers in proper fertilization to increase their production. .

Moreover, she also cited that the agency is scaling up its organic agriculture program implementation in the region by promoting organic rice and corn farming.

As part of the government’s National Soil Health Program (NSHP), a nationwide soil mapping is being undertaken by the DA-BSWM to design a National Soil Map as a tool for countrywide promotion of sustainable soil resource management, increased crop productivity, and improved farmers’ income.# (ATT)

DA-10, PhilRootcrops discuss potential of sweet potato as alternative staple food, plans underway

In support to the campaign toward achieving food sufficiency in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, pushes to strengthen the sweet potato industry as an alternative source for staple food.

This was discussed during the initial meeting with Philrootcrops director Marlon M. Tambis and the X Agricultural Cooperative (XAC), formerly known as Food Processors’ Association of Northern Mindanao (FOPANORMIN), at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on March 27.

Centered on the meeting are the drafting of a research proposal on Sweet Potato as Rice for implementation come 2026; focusing on the production of Philrootcrops-sourced planting materials per market demand; targeting clustered farmers in the production of raw materials for processing; and accrediting XAC as source for planting materials with emphasis in the identification of strategic practices for quality control from planting to processing as well as the submission of a business model, for potential tie-up with either of the DA’s ACPC, PRDP, HVCDP, or KADIWA.

Locally known as camote, sweet potato contributes 5.5 percent or a total of 10,772.85 metric tons production volume of selected major vegetables and rootcrops in Northern Mindanao based on the PSA data during the first quarter of 2024.# (MGBS)

Agri-10 provides agri support to Quezon town-based IP coop

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Allying with the Indigenous People (IP) to expand region 10’s agricultural lands, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) provided various agricultural inputs to Gamot Dumasilag Tribal Agricultural Cooperative (GDTAC) of Brgy. Sta. Felomina, Quezon, Bukidnon.

On March 25, at the agency compound, here, DA-10 headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan handed over vegetable seeds package, consisting of 2 foil bags of pole sitao and kangkong apiece, 4 cans of okra, eggplant, pechay and hot pepper apiece, and 3 cans of squash and snap beans apiece to Datu Kennedy Linongcay, GDTAC chairperson, in the presence of HVCDP Coordinator, Kersten S. Pagalan and Joel S. Rudinas, DA-10 technical consultant.

On behalf of his fellow IP community members, Linongcay conveyed his gratitude to the department, noting that the provisions will help them diversify their source of food production and livelihood beyond rice and corn farming, at the same time aid them to sustain their Gulayan sa Tugkaran Program.

Further, the tribal leader lauded the collaborative efforts of the local and national governments, as it is the first time the 35-membered GDTAC, cultivating 60 hectares, has received agri assistance from the agency.# (JLO)

DA-10 caps off women’s month celeb

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Region X (DA-10), through its Gender and Development (GAD), concluded its Women’s Month celebration, underscoring the significant contribution of women to rural development on March 24, here.

The month of March is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in society. To honor this occasion, the department convened the outstanding rural women awardees to share their success stories, offering a platform to draw inspiration and learnings to take on an active role toward agricultural progress.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized that while farming can be a challenging profession, women can take charge and lead in their respective communities.

“The goal is not just inclusion but true empowerment. Women should not only be participants in agriculture — they can be at the forefront, empowered to pursue their potential,” she added.

The activity featured regional awardees: Mylin V. Tayapad, Fe Q. Sangco, Ma. Concepcion L. Ompoc, and Venus C. Mariano, along with former DA Employees Association President, Lourdes P. Rudinas, 2021 and 2023 YFC regional awardee, Maydene V. Demesana, and was attended by some members of the DA Women Employees Association (DAWEA), other DA-10 staff, and representatives from the DA’s attached agencies.# (MAC)

Agri-10 upskills women personnel on pastry making, food processing

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with the celebration of the 2025 Women’s Month, the Department of Agriculture, through its Women Employees Association (DAWEA), spearheaded a Community Development Training on Tuesday, March 25, at the agency compound, here.

In partnership with the CdeO – Bugo School of Arts and Trades (COBSAT), nearly 25 participants, most of whom are women personnel of the agency, were capacitated on pastry making and food processing, particularly in Empanada, Tocino and Chicken Nuggets Making.

“This activity is a form of empowerment for us women, regardless of the roles we play in society. It opens opportunities for us of bringing homemade food to our tables and share it with our loved ones,” Atty. Rachel L. Borres-Thurdis, DAWEA president remarked, citing on how the learning session can contribute to one’s personal growth and future entrepreneurial ventures.

Resource speakers from COBSAT, Vanessa Jane P. Gabrinez and Jovy May G. Mabao, have apprised the participants of an introduction to food preparation and processing; food safety and sanitation; and utensils, tools and equipment identification. They have also provided guidance on the ingredients, measurements and costing of the featured recipes.

Ensuing the discussions is a hands-on activity, where the trainees have applied what they have learned by preparing, processing and cooking for the said pastry and processed foods.

Milcah June S. Tenchavez, DAWEA vice-president, reflected on the experience, saying, “Let this be a reminder of our collective strength and resilience and ability to create change.” as she addressed, in closing, the different representatives from the department’s Administrative and Finance, Field Operations, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance, Integrated Laboratories and Regional Agricultural Engineering divisions, and from the Office of the Regional Director.# (JLO/Photo credits: JLO/AMBM)

Agri-10 grants KADIWA financial assistance to NorMin LGUs and FCA

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aiming to extend marketing assistance services in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, turns over checks under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program on March 25 to 26, at the agency compound, here.

Spearheaded by the department’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the local government units (LGU) of Impasugong, Bukidnon and Iligan City received financial support to further capacitate local agri-marketing operations and food distribution.

Of the total project cost amounting to PhP6.25-M, the LGU of Impasugong received a PhP4.5-million (M) check as the first tranche of its PhP5-M grant for the establishment of a trading post. The LGU will provide a counterpart fund of PhP1.25-M, while the remaining PhP500k from the agency will be released upon liquidation of the initial funds.

Meanwhile, the LGU of Iligan City received a PhP4.2-M check for the procurement of transport and delivery vehicles, which will support more efficient food logistics in the area. With an overall project cost of PhP5.25-M, the LGU will provide 25% equity amounting to PhP1.05-M.

With the same goal of enhancing agricultural transport, the Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative from Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, was granted PhP3.5-M, with a counterpart equity of PhP920,304 from the coop, contributing to the total project cost of PhP4.42-M.

The KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program is an initiative of the DA aimed at strengthening food distribution by directly linking farmers and fisherfolk to consumers.

Through financial grants, the DA supports Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in improving their capacity to supply to institutional buyers, transport agricultural products efficiently, and to enhance their pre-harvest, post-harvest, and value-adding activities.

By providing direct support to the LGUs and farming communities, the DA-10 continues to empower local agricultural stakeholders, ensuring sustainable food distribution and economic growth in the region.# (EJLG)

DA-NorMin enforces PhP49 MSRP for imported rice

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Following the issuance of the DA Administrative Circular No. 5, series of 2025, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Regional Field Office 10 (DA-NorMin) enforced the nationwide implementation of PhP49 Maximum Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for imported rice (5% broken).

To impose the circular, the DA-NorMin has released an advisory to the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) of the different municipalities, cities, and provinces in Northern Mindanao for the implementation of the PhP49 MSRP for imported rice (5% broken) in public and private markets (palengkes) in the region effective March 10.

Prior to the MSRP implementation, the DA-NorMin through its Bantay Presyo Monitoring Team (BPMT) has mobilized stakeholders’ consultation with rice retailers, wholesalers and importers, local government units, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) and the DA-attached agencies in the region.

The proposed PhP49 MSRP was decided on account of the rice price trend, cost structure and impact on the rice stakeholder.

It can be recalled that the MSRP for imported rice was first imposed by the DA in January this year to stabilize an extraordinary hike in rice prices in the National Capital Region.

As provided under DA Administrative Order No. 07, s. 2015 – the rules and regulations implementing RA No. 7581 (Price Act) in relation to agricultural commodity, the DA secretary may issue “Suggested Retail Price” upon recommendation of the Bantay Presyo Technical Committee or the Regional Executive Directors on a national, regional or per province basis.

Owners of establishments selling imported rice (5% broken) exceeding the imposed MSRP may be sanctioned for profiteering under the Price Act.

The DA-NorMin BPMT in coordination with the LGUs’ LPCC is beefing up its monitoring of the rice prices in local markets to ensure compliance to fair and legal rice trading landscape across the region.# (ATT/Photo Credits: EJLG/DA-10 BPMT)

Agri-10 holds anti-rabies vaccination drive for DA-10 pet owners

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In celebration of the Rabies Awareness Month, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), conducted an anti-rabies vaccination drive for cats and dogs on March 21, at the agency compound, here.

With the theme “Rabies-free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino”, the activity aims to vaccinate pets of DA-10 personnel and local stray cats, particularly within the agency’s premises. This initiative eyes to reduce rabies risk within the office environment.

In her statement, DA-10 RADDL Veterinarian IV Oryza Kristy B. Baylo emphasized the importance of vaccinating pets against rabies.

“Anti-rabies vaccination in dogs and cats is one of the effective control measures to significantly reduce rabies incidence in both humans and animals.

By increasing immunity within the animal population, we effectively break the cycle of disease transmission, safeguarding animal health and consequently, public health.” Baylo said.

Recognizing the need to extend said service to a broader community, she is inviting everyone for the second leg of the rabies vaccination drive, scheduled on March 28, at the agency compound, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

“During the vaccination drive, please bring your pets, either on a leash or in a secure carrier, and bring their existing vaccination records, if available. Let us be responsible pet owners and let us lower the risk of rabies cases in our community.” Baylo pointed out.# (CRS)

DA-10 strengthens public-private partnership to mobilize agri programs in NorMin

Cagayan de Oro City – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) welcomed the support of major cooperatives in Northern Mindanao to strengthen public-private partnership in mobilizing agricultural programs in the region.

In a round table meeting, Thursday, March 20, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan bared the DA-10’s priority programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) to the region’s leading cooperatives to forge possible collaborative agricultural undertakings with the DA-10.

As part of the effort to re-invent agricultural program implementation in the region, RED Pacamalan stressed that partnership with established cooperatives as off-takers of the DA’s big-ticket projects will significantly impact the projects’ operationalization and sustainability.

The DA-10’s partnership with big cooperatives, will pave ways for the latter to support and assist smaller farmers’ cooperatives, thus enabling the DA to reach out to more farmers in the region.

In said meeting, the agri chief exec pointed out potential partnership for the production, processing and marketing of agricultural commodities such as coconut, coffee, cassava, swine, upland vegetables and corn.

The DA-10 is also open to partnership proposals from the cooperatives for other agricultural commodities supported by the DA’s banner programs and special projects.

The round table meeting was also attended by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, chief of the different DA-RFO 10 divisions and management representatives of Bayanihan Millenium MPC, Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, PITAC MPC, Oro Integrated Cooperative, MASS-SPECC, Mindanao Consolidated Cooperative Bank, Oro Savings and Sharing MPC and Sta. Ana Multipurpose Cooperative.# (ATT)