Agri-10 and the Philippine Army collaborate for the conduct of an Onion derby at Camp Bahian, Brgy. Impalambong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
MALAYBAY CITY, BUKIDNON – With the aim of motivating farmers to pursue onion farming, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) collaborates with the 403rd Infantry (PEACEMAKER) Brigade, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army for the Allium Derby Ceremonial Planting on September 10, at Camp Bahian, Barangay Impalambong, here.
DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person Kersten S. Pagalan shared that the initiative marks the first collaboration for the conduct of an onion derby at the farmers level.
She added that the agency continues to explore options in planting red and white onions through the conduct of allium derby production in its different research stations, to determine the best climate and conditions in the hopes that the region produces its own and to easen the reliance on imports and supply from the Luzon area.
Meanwhile, 403rd IB Col Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr is grateful for the collaboration and stated that the initiative will also help former rebels and farmers in their community in learning how to plant onions through the help of different experts from seed companies.
The participating seed companies are Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., Ramgo International, Corp., Allied Botanical Corp., Harbest Agribusiness Corp. and East-West Seed Philippines.
Further, the derby is anticipated for harvest by late November to early December.# (AMBM)