A joint team assesses the composting facilities for biowastes in Region 10.

 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The assessment team for the composting facility for biodegradable wastes (CFBW) paid a courtesy visit to the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado discussing their field assessment for Composting Facility for Biodegradable Wastes (CFBWs) in Misamis Oriental, at the agency compound.

The team is led by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering, Bureau of Soils and Water Management, National Organic Agriculture Program, High Value Crops Program with the UPLB- Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC).

AMTEC Director Dr. Arthur L. Fajardo said that it aims to determine the operational status of said agricultural facilities, as well as to further optimize their use for converting agricultural wastes into biomass to be mixed with other organic materials.

It covers the CFBWs distributed in Cagayan de Oro City, the cities of El Salvador and Gingoog, and from the municipalities of Talisayan, Balingoan, Sugbongcogon, Salay, Lagonglong, Balingasag, Jasaan, Tagoloan, Villanueva, Claveria, Gitagum, Initao, Libertad, Lugait and Opol of Misamis Oriental.

Results of the said validation will be presented to the DA-10 management for recommended action, Fajardo said.

Meanwhile, RED Collado underscored the importance of said activity in determining the impact of agricultural facilities provided by DA to the communities, especially in line with the agency’s bid to promote and develop organic agriculture within the region.

“Through this assessment, we strive to engage with our local communities, not only to determine the state of these CFBWs, but also to foster a renewed appreciation and understanding for organic agriculture, and address concerns accordingly,” RED Collado said.

AMTEC is responsible for conducting laboratory and field tests on all agricultural machinery to verify machine specifications, performance quality of manufacturers, and their suitability to local farming conditions.

Said meeting was attended by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and members of the validation team, including Engr. Madel E. Vidallon BAFE, and Science Research Specialist I Raffy Reydado from the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Standards (BAFS), and supported by DA-Regional Agricultural Engineering Division and Organic Agriculture Program.# (DLV)