DA, LGUs, rice producers uphold farm clustering, consolidation in NorMin

Malaybalay City, Bukidnon – Consistent with its effort to increase rice production in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) recently convened rice producers across the region for a three-day Rice Clusters Conference and Business Forum, here.
The forum calls for multilateral dialogue between the DA, Local Government Units (LGUs), and rice farmers to foster a common working ground to address bottlenecks in the development of the region’s rice industry.

Spearheaded by the DA-10 Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, the forum was attended by 66 rice clusters from the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental.

Clustering of rice farmers’ cooperatives, associations and consolidation of their production areas is one of the key strategies of the DA’s MASAGANA Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP). Under the MRIDP, the government is poised to provide harmonized and programmatic assistance to farmers across the rice value chain.

According to MRIDP Director for Clustering and Consolidation, Emerson S. Yago, being a cluster is advantageous for the farmers to have negotiating power. He stressed the need for convergence, coordination, and cooperation among key players to scale up the country’s rice industry.

To optimize their production capacity, he urged rice clusters to capitalize on the credit assistance provided by government financial entities to leverage the clusters’ operations in terms of rice production, processing and marketing.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, called on the rice farmers to voice out their opinions and recommendations during the forum as basis for policy formulations for the DA to better the implementation of its programs and projects in the region.

He also stressed that it is ripe for the farmers in the region to prepare and train the youth to take on their roles in the pursuit for sustainable agricultural development and be part of the effort to address challenges faced by the country’s farmers.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga encouraged the rice cluster leaders to keep themselves abreast with the DA’s F2C2 Program to assist them in availing DA’s assistance to spur inclusive agricultural development at the grassroot level.

Held in time with the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), the forum was also attended by the DA-10 chief of Field Operations Division Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Rice Program focal person Chona H. Nacalaban, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria. # (ATT)

Agri-10 exec highlights digitalization toward empowering key agri players, improved delivery of services during Oro’s 1st Elevate Agriculture confab

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Farmers, fishers and schools offering agriculture courses here were urged to embrace digitalization by the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) to make different farming, fishing and other agricultural-related ventures more profitable and scalable, and to fine-tune the delivery of support services for the agriculture sector.

This was underscored by Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, DA-10 regional executive director, who keynoted the three-day 1st Elevate Agriculture Convention featuring commodities such as coffee, cacao, abaca, banana, and vegetables, held recently, at the City Tourism Hall.

Before farmers, fishers and other key stakeholders from barangays Tinagpoloan, Tumpagon, Tuburan, Besigan, Mambuaya, San Simon and Balubal, the DA official encouraged them to register with the agri department’s information system, enabling to source real-time input on-the-ground such as crops to be planted and planting schedule, among other activities and needs in the attainment of their chosen agricultural endeavors.

The system, he added, is key in the regional management’s planning and decision-making processes, thereby ensuring a more seamless implementation of DA’s programs and projects, while also putting value in the processing and marketing aspects of agricultural commodities in order to command premium prices in the market.

Eyeing to capture more patrons for the harvest and by-products of different agriculture-based proprietors and farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), the DA-10 through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) also facilitated the display and selling of goods of its assisted clients, at the same time distributed information collaterals and packets of assorted vegetable seeds at the City Hall quadrangle.

With the event initiated by the Agricultural Productivity Operations Office together with the Oro Chamber of Commerce, RED Pacamalan also enjoined the mustered participants with the aid of the said partner offices to maximize such system, citing that it will form as bases in the provision of agricultural interventions and an assessment tool in the delivery and improvement of agricultural services as well.

Aligned with the DA-10 agri exec’s emphasis on digitalization, AMAD likewise presented the importance of registering in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS). It is a web-based information system tailored to assist the agency in crafting plans and programs, and in generating resources relative to enterprise development.# (JLO)

DA-10 firms up next steps for agri-fishery development in MisOr

OPOL, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) convened representatives from the provincial and municipal agriculture offices here during a two-day writeshop on November 18 to 19, in an effort to finalize the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development (PAFID) Plan for Misamis Oriental.

According to DA-10 Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division chief Lana May S. Racines, the activity revisits the initial inputs shared during the provincial consultation meeting held last October, to further contextualize the shared vision for agri-fishery development, and reinforce identified strategies for addressing local gaps and concerns in sector growth.

“The PAFID plan must emanate from the municipalities to the province, so we are more assured that the plan is really geared at meeting the province’s strategic targets for [agri-fishery development], and most especially, in addressing what other forms of support these towns need,” she further said.

PMED Planning Section chief Gladys A. Emperado also said that the firming up of the PAFID for MisOr aids the preparation of the agency’s budget plan for FY 2026, slated during the first quarter of 2025, as it outlines strategic investments and PPAs for the province consistent with identified sector development goals.

Drawing the participation of municipal agriculturists, agricultural technicians, and representatives from 16 municipalities and one city here, the workshop enjoined participants to identify key actors for programs, projects, and activities (PPAs) that address priority goals for 2026 to 2028, including an increase in the region’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in agriculture and fisheries, achievement of zero hunger and poverty reduction, an increase in income and employment, and the improvement of the resiliency of local farmers and fisherfolk.

The final document, to be consolidated at the end of the month by the Provincial Agriculture Office of Misamis Oriental with assistance from the DA-10 PMED, will be presented during the year-end assessment of the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) alongside the PAFID plans of other provinces in Northern Mindanao.

The writeshop is spearheaded by the DA-10 PMED, in coordination with the Provincial Operations Center for Misamis Oriental, headed by its chief, Wilson V. Lagdamin.

Also present in support of the event were MisOr OIC-Provincial Agriculturist and Provincial Veterinarian Benjamin S. Resma, DVM; and League of Municipal Agriculture Officers, Municipal/City Agriculturists of the Philippines, Inc. (LeMMCAP) – Misamis Oriental Chapter President Eddie C. Maape Jr.# (GDA)

MIADP-10 strengthens support for ancestral domain development  in Bukidnon

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON — Aiming to lay the groundwork intended for services to eligible Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) or Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), staged a community assembly on November 12 at the Council of Elders of Bukidnon Tribal Association, Inc. Ancestral Domain (CEBUKTA AD), Sitio Olanga, Brgy. Lourdes, here.

The said information and education campaign aims to deepen understanding of approved DA-10 MIADP projects that will sustainably increase agricultural productivity and improve access to markets and services among organized farmer and fisherfolk groups in select ancestral domains (ADs) and commodity value chains in Mindanao.

To set off the implementation of approved projects, MIADP-10 is grounded on its key components — Ancestral Domain Planning and Social Preparation (Component 1); Resilient Ancestral Domain Agri-Fisheries Infrastructure (Component 2); Ancestral Domain Agri-Fisheries Production and Enterprise Development (Component 3); and Project Management and Support, Monitoring and Evaluation (Component 4).

Lana May S. Racines, MIADP-10 Component One head highlighted that community-driven initiatives are highly encouraged to facilitate efficient project execution within their planned timeframes.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 and Free, Prior, and Informed Consent of IPs were discussed by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), one of MIADP-10’s partners in championing ICCs or IPs’ welfare, apprising the participants on how to promote and protect their rights.

“To this day, neither the government nor private organizations can initiate projects without consent from those in the domain,” said NCIP Technical Management and Services Division chief Engr. Chona B. Lebanon.

In support of the event, Valencia City Mayor Azucena P. Huervas also expressed her appreciation to DA-RFO 10, noting that such projects rely on cooperation, thus, enjoining in attendance to contribute in ways they can.

As part of the ways forward, MIADP-10 is set to conduct various workshops and orientations with CEBUKTA AD volunteers to further inculcate roles and responsibilities for approved project design centered on support services in their domain.

IPs are among the most vulnerable in the Philippines and are in subsistence agriculture, yet, vast areas of land in ADs remain unused due to isolation and lack of support services.

Also present during the community assembly were Brgy. Lourdes captain Abraham N. Eslawan, CEBUKTA AD representative Datu Macario Loking along with other Datus and Baes, and select NCIP and MIADP-10 Component One staff.# (EJLG)

DA-10 upskills farmers on mushroom prod’n for alternative income

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Aiming to upskill farmers on sustainable farming practices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 conducts a training on Mushroom Production on November 7-8, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Dalwangan, this city.

Spearheaded by the National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), Alternate Focal Person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo shared that the said initiative aims to teach the management practices of mushroom production and promote mushroom as an alternative source of income.

Around 35 farmers from the province of Bukidnon were given hands-on training on mushroom cultivation techniques from substrate preparation up to harvesting by NMACLRC Science Research Assistant Eleazar A. Jumalon.

A guided farm tour also took place on the second day of the event where participants visited the Mushroom City in Kalasungay, Malaybalay City which allowed the participants to observe mushroom farming operations and value-adding technologies.

With this training, the agency eyes to boost local food production to contribute in attaining food security through sustainable livelihood initiatives.# (AMBM/Photo credits: NUPAP-10)

DA-10’s newly promoted, appointed take oath of office

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two newly promoted and one appointed employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) took their oath of office, November 8, before DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan at the agency compound, here.

The newly promoted and appointed employees are as follows:

Promoted:
Sky Love A. Sarmiento
Supervising Administrative Officer
Monaliza G. Rivera
Administrative Assistant II (Clerk IV)

Appointed:
Rlyn B. Dacar
Administrative Aide IV (Clerk II)

Also present during the oathtaking ceremony are Regional Technical Director for Operations and Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board Committee headed by its chair, Carlota S. Madriaga, Administrative and Finance Division chief, Patrick Ian F. Pedarse, and Integrated Laboratories and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance division chiefs, Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM and Larry E. Paraluman, respectively.# (MAC)

LGU Catarman benefits over 300K worth of agri interventions

CATARMAN, CAMIGUIN — Consistent with its efforts to advance agricultural development in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over various agricultural interventions to the Municipal Local Government Unit of Catarman, on November 12, in this province.

During the turnover ceremony, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan handed over various agricultural inputs and interventions worth PhP366,158 to MLGU Catarman, received by Municipal Mayor Kiterio Antonio U. Palarca II with Municipal Agriculturist Joseph F. Navales, and supported by Provincial Agriculturist Aida G. Chan.

According to Mayor Palarca, the activity is a manifestation of the agency’s support for the town, particularly for the development of the local agri-fishery sector.

Further, the local chief executive said that with the help of DA and other concerned agencies, agriculture and fisheries will remain a lead priority in Catarman, especially as they strive toward increased production to meet food sufficiency at the local level, and meet market demand for local produce.

Meanwhile, RED Pacamalan also expressed the potential for the establishment of a coconut processing center in Camiguin, emphasizing that the island stood over 2 million coconut trees, referencing latest data from the PSA. This bolds Camiguin potential in producing agri commodities across other islands with its famous lanzones, and other crops.

Funded under the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), MLGU Catarman received 1 unit mini chainsaw and 2 units pole pruner.

Meanwhile, 100 bags of complete inorganic fertilizer, 27 bags of organic fertilizer, and 500 pieces of cacao seedlings were turned over to the LGU, through the agency’s Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

Further, through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program, the LGU also received inputs for poultry production, including plastic live poultry coop, waterer, feeders, egg tray, garden hose, and shovel.

With most of its supply coming from the main island of Mindanao, LGU Catarman aims to achieve food sustainability from its local produce together with the help of the DA.# (BJCE/GDA)

Aggie dept equips Buk’non IP farmers on product, enterprise development

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To equip farmers on possessing an entrepreneurial mindset, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa mga Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, spearheaded a two-day Training on Product Development and Enterprise Development recently, in Dalwangan, here.

Select 30 Indigenous People (IP) participants from the towns of Impasugong and Malaybalay City, Bukidnon convened for the said training with the goal of apprising IP farmers as well as enhancing their skills in product development, accentuating agripreneurial assistance to develop their products’ labelling and packaging.

Through participatory discussions, Gilbert A. Apa-ap, 4K focal person remarked that the capbuild eyes in aiding the benefitting IP communities to establish their own enterprises through the provision of technical assistance, with the ultimate target of added knowledge on value-adding of select commodities such as rice wine and cacao, and crafting an initial enterprise plan.

Trainees hail from IP organizations, namely: Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative of Malaybalay City, and from the municipality of Impasugong, Magana Tribe Farmers’ Association, Magbuliga Farmers’ Association, and Kahugpungan sa Mag-uuma sa Ulayanon.
Grounded on its social preparation, production and livelihood, marketing assistance and enterprise development, and program management components, 4K is a locally funded program which focuses on empowering IPs as entrepreneurs, and developing agribusiness enterprises and its sustainability.# (JLO/Photos supplied: 4K-10)

The National Rice program conducts an assessment, emphasizing programmatic and consultative bottleneck resolution to advance rice production in the country.

Cagayan de Oro City – Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Engr. Christopher V. Morales urged DA-Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs) to formulate programmatic and multi-year regional rice industry development plan to address rice production bottleneck for the next 4 years, during the National Rice Program (NRP) 2024 3rd Quarter Assessment, held in this city.

The assessment convened DA regional executives, rice program focal persons, LGU representatives and farmer leaders nationwide on November 4-8, as part of the agency’s initiative to address challenges impeding the rice program implementation, as well as aligning the NRP and the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program’s (MRIDP) goals with the needs and perspective of the country’s rice industry stakeholders.

The MRIDP is anchored on four core MASAGANA strategies: 1) MAtatag – Resiliency and stability in climate change adaptation; 2) SAma-sama – unity and convergence in farm clustering and consolidation; 3) GAnado – motivated and enthusiastic farmer-entrepreneurs in the rice value chain, and 4) NApapanahon – timeliness and relevant focus on digital transformation.

“The MRIDP is the overarching framework of the (rice) program with which interventions are coursed through different pathways but for the same direction and aims, harmonizing the NRP, Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the LGUs’ programs towards improvement of the rice industry” Usec. Morales said.

With the adverse climatic condition taking a toll on the rice industry this year, the DA official urged rice program implementers to rebound by exploring the possibility of “double dry” cropping method in the next dry planting season to maximize the dry season’s potential for rice yield increment.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga welcomed the delegates to the NRP 3rd Quarter Assessment by reiterating the DA’s role to increase food production and modernizing agriculture as a major pillar of the Philippine economy.

“By increasing our rice sufficiency we will be able to lessen rice importation. This in return will help our farmers to be more prosperous and profitable with our end goal to be self-sustaining, having enough rice supply for local consumption” she remarked.

The assessment will be capped with an inter-stakeholders consultation putting forward resolutions on issues relating to project implementation guidelines, gap in communication, intervention distribution schedule and monitoring and evaluation mechanism.# (ATT)

Agri-10 promotes the Be RICEponsible campaign as it kicks off the 2024 Rice Awareness Month celebration.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) kicks off the National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) celebration today, November 5, during the second day of the National Rice Program (NRP) 3rd Quarter Assessment and Bottleneck Resolution Workshop, in this city.

Spearheading the launching ceremony, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga echoed the call to sustain the future of the rice industry in the country.

“Reducing food waste not only demonstrates responsibility but also shows appreciation for those who labored. By embracing this, we all contribute to the shared pursuit of rice self-sufficiency and sustainability,” she said.

The NRAM is observed annually under Proclamation No. 524, s. 2004, highlighting rice as a staple food. With “Be RICEponsible” as its six-year theme until 2028, the celebration advocates for responsible rice consumption.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, led the Be RICEponsible pledge, an oath urging Filipinos to consume alternative carbohydrates-rich food, to eat brown rice, to consume rice responsibly, and to support Filipino farmers by purchasing local rice.

DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development Program, Engr. Christopher V. Morales, along with other DA national and regional executives graced the NRAM launching, where attendees get to taste different rice varieties, rice value-added products, and alternative staple crops on display.

The launching ceremony also showcases entries to the 2024 NRAM Photo Contest, featuring “Rice” and “DA” categories—centered around the themes “Be RICEponsible” and “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya, Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” to promote food conservation and agricultural innovation. # (BJCE)