Aggie 10 gears up for national earthquake drill

Cagayan de Oro City – In adherence with the Office of the Civil Defense – Region 10 (OCD-10) Memorandum Order no 001 s. 2026, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Aggie-10) through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Unit, convened on Friday, February 20 an officewide orientation in preparation for the quarterly National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED).

Representatives and team leaders from various Aggie-10 divisions and operating units who attended the orientation in-person and virtually, were apprised of the mechanism and procedure to be observed during the NSED.

As a member of the Regional Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council – Region 10 (RDRRM-10), the Aggie-10 is required to be part of the conduct of the quarterly NSED this year. For the first quarter, the NSED is slated on March 12. The ensuing quarterly NSED will be conducted on June 18, September 10, and November 5, respectively.

The NSED is regularly held to boost public awareness on appropriate protocol and practices in case of earthquake occurrence, and to improve disaster-responsiveness of local and national government agencies. # (ATT)

DA-10 secures continued FPA recognition for fertilizer quality testing

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with its commitment to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural inputs distributed to farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office (DA- 10) passed the recently concluded Laboratory Assessment conducted by the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) on the DA-10’s Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL).

Led by Team Leader Paul Kristian J. Berjuega, the assessment requires a comprehensive evaluation of the laboratory’s quality management system, technical competence, and compliance with FPA standards and requirements, and confirmed full compliance with no findings of non-conformity.

The milestone marks the sixth straight year that the agency’s RSL has been recognized by the FPA as an accredited laboratory for fertilizer quality testing. It is also the second consecutive year that the laboratory recorded zero non-conformity.

Further, the DA-10 RSL remains the first and only DA RSL in the country accredited and recognized by the FPA to test fertilizer quality. This highlights the RSL’s role in safeguarding farmers’ interests and ensuring the availability and distribution of quality fertilizer products across Northern Mindanao.

The assessment results indicate the agency’s continued compliance with national standards for laboratory operations. Through its RSL, the DA-10 provides laboratory testing services to its stakeholders in accordance with regulatory requirements. # (AMBM)

Aggie-10 stages 50-hectare Corn Model Farm Field Day in Cabanglasan town

CABANGLASAN, BUKIDNON – In line with efforts to accelerate the adoption of improved corn production technologies, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Aggie-10), in partnership with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Cabanglasan, staged a 50-hectare Corn Model Farm Field Day and Harvest Festival on February 19 in barangay Anlugan.

The initiative highlighted the use of agency-procured inorganic fertilizers and a hybrid yellow corn variety, which recorded crop cut yields ranging from 6-8.81 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha), improving the 6 MT/ha baseline yield of the 30 co-operators from the CPAR Farmer Partners Association.

During the program, the crop cut results were presented, covering key parameters such as the number of corn plants, number of ears, yield per plot, cob weight, kernel plot weight, shelling recovery, field moisture content, plot size, weight of seeds, population density per hectare, plant height, ear length, and ear diameter.

Implemented in recognition of corn’s economic importance, the project utilized 100 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds, 150 bags of complete fertilizer, and 300 bags of urea, costing to around PhP1.5-million. The intervention was designed to help farmers boost productivity, lower production costs, and produce quality yellow corn grains.

LGU Cabanglasan extended field and technical support in coordination with the Aggie-10 Corn Program, while the co-implementers provided the labor, area and additional farm inputs.

Euberto Flores, whose farm formed part of the total corn model farm area, accounts that since planting commenced in October 2025, his corn performed well, as witnessed in the harvest results.

“I am very happy with the results,” Flores shared. “No matter the weather conditions, the crop stood strong and looked robust.”

Likewise, he expressed his enthusiasm over how well his corn’s shelling recovery fared.

“With the variety used, if you harvest 200 sacks of fresh corn, you can still recover around 100-110 sacks after drying. The recovery rate is high,” he said.

Conveying appreciation on behalf of the group, Ricardo L. Baclawon thanked the DA-10 and the local government for the support extended to their community.

“We are truly grateful that this project was implemented here in barangay Anlugan,” he said. “This is a big help to us, especially since the seeds and fertilizers were provided free of charge.”

Delivering the message of the DA-10 management headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, Corn Program Focal Person Richan D. Lacanaria commended the farmers for their active participation throughout the four-month project cycle and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sustained technical assistance and program support.

“This activity forms part of our continuing efforts to improve corn production and increase farmers’ income,” the program coordinator said. “The corn model farm is concrete proof that with the right technology, quality seeds, and proper fertilizer, we can increase yields and reduce production costs,” he said, further underscoring that long term gains in productivity must be anchored on unity, cooperation, and determination to become successful.

Lacanaria also enjoined the attending farmers, extension workers, and other agri technical personnel to continue their strengthened coordination with the local and national governments that would allow the association to grow and develop, including in availing farm mechanization support and engaging into livelihood trainings that could add and diversify their income streams, on top of corn production.

Said undertaking also aligns with the current administration’s vision of a lucrative agriculture industry where farmers earn decent and sustainable incomes through the adoption of upgraded farming technologies.# (JLO)

Agri-10 eyes expanded marketing support to farmers, fishers with KADIWA Financial Grant

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aiming to strengthen market linkages and expand access to agri-fishery marketing support, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, staged a consultation on the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program on Thursday, February 19, this city.

The activity sought to provide stakeholders with a clearer understanding of the program’s implementation guidelines, eligibility requirements, and operational processes to ensure effective and coordinated implementation across Northern Mindanao.

The KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program is an initiative of the DA providing financial support to qualified beneficiaries to bolster market linkages and improve access to affordable agricultural and fishery products through the KADIWA initiative. Eligible beneficiaries include Local Government Units, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), and other accredited organizations involved in agri-fishery marketing and food distribution.

Financial assistance under the program may be utilized for the establishment or enhancement of KADIWA outlets, logistics support, marketing infrastructure, and related activities that facilitate direct farmer-to-consumer trading.

The activity gathered representatives from LGUs across the region and DA-10 technical and support staff, encouraging collaboration and alignment among stakeholders involved in the implementation of the program.

The consultation forms part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to support efficient agri-fishery marketing systems and improve access to government assistance programs across Northern Mindanao.# (EJLG)

DA allocates PhP670-M agri interventions to Lanao del Norte

Tubod, Lanao del Norte – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) has allocated some PhP670-million (M) worth of agricultural interventions for Lanao del Norte this year.

The allocation was presented by the agency, headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan through its banner program focal persons during the Agricultural Extension Workers’ (AEWs) Forum on February 16, here.

Covering the support of the banner programs, the Rice program apportioned about PhP185-M for hybrid rice seeds, fertilizer subsidies, and the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA), while the Corn program allocated the largest share at around PhP189.42-M for the agri-inputs, machinery and equipment.

Meanwhile, the Livestock program has also set aside about PhP9.3-M for production and agri-machinery equipment; the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) earmarked around PhP1.63-M for production and infra support while the Organic Agriculture PhP115K for the organic fertilizer production.

In addition, the DA has proposed 13 road segments under the regular Farm-to-Market (FMR) project, amounting to Php285-M.

During the activity, the agency also highlighted its digital reporting system, which aims to streamline the monitoring and reporting of agri concerns and enable the DA to provide timely and appropriate interventions to farmers in need.

For his part, Lanao del Norte Vice Governor Allan J. Lim expressed appreciation for the DA’s initiative in engaging AEWs. He emphasized the importance of harmonizing efforts among the provincial and municipal governments and the department to drive a more unified action in delivering efficient and responsive services to farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

Attached agencies and corporations of the DA, including the National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), along with the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Lanao Norte, also outlined their priority programs and projects during the forum.

The activity served as a venue to align project priorities and fast-track project implementation efforts aimed at boosting agri-fishery production and strengthening food security in the province.# (MGBS)

Senator Kiko Pangilinan leads Sagip Saka Act stakeholders’ meeting in CDeO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aiming to strengthen awareness and enhance the implementation of institutional market linkages for farmers and fisherfolk organizations, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan joined a stakeholders’ meeting on Republic Act No. 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act, Thursday, February 19, this city.

Senator Francis Pancratius “Kiko” Nepomuceno Pangilinan, Sagip Saka Act principal author, led the meeting to engage stakeholders in an open dialogue on the law’s implementation, including existing challenges, best practices, and opportunities to further strengthen institutional support mechanisms for the farmers and fishers.

The activity centered on discussions relative to Sagip Saka Act implementation strategies, a law designed to improve the income of farmers and fisherfolk by enabling national and local government agencies to directly procure agricultural and fishery products from accredited farmers’ and fisherfolk cooperatives, associations (FCAs), eliminating layers of intermediaries in the market.

During the activity, DA-10 facilitated the presentation of success stories from two FCAs — the Fisherfolk of Agusan Aquatic Agriculture Cooperative and the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperative. The groups shared the progress and milestones achieved through various interventions provided under the Sagip Saka Act, highlighting improvements in organizational operations, expanded market opportunities, and strengthened partnerships resulting from their participation in Department programs.

Present during the event were DA-10 OIC-Regional Technical Director for Operations Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM, DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief Wilson V. Lagdamin, representatives from the Local Government Unit of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, and other stakeholders.

The meeting served as a platform for information exchange and coordination among stakeholders to align strategies and reinforce collaboration in advancing the objectives of the Sagip Saka Act across Northern Mindanao. # (EJLG)

DA-AMAD links NorMin coffee farmers to U.S. buyer

BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), facilitated the visit of U.S.-based Teofilo Coffee Company to key coffee-growing communities in Northern Mindanao from February 11 to 13 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the region’s coffee industry.

Led by AMAD representatives and Teofilo Coffee Company Chief Executive Officer Ron Dizon, the delegation engaged directly with local coffee farmers and cooperatives in Bukidnon to explore potential opportunities and expand international market access for locally produced coffee.

The team met the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain–Inhandig Tribal Multipurpose Cooperative and the Impalutao Dalwangan and Sawaga (IMDALSA) Agrarian Reform Cooperative in Malaybalay City. They also toured Finca de Garces in Pangantucan, Milalittra Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (MILFACO) in Lantapan, and Misty Mountain Coffee Farmers Association in Talakag.

Teofilo Coffee Company has purchased two kilograms each of green coffee beans—Robusta, Red Bourbon, Typica, and Ethiopian Landrace—for comprehensive sampling and quality evaluation.

These selections will be featured at the upcoming World of Coffee 2026 in San Diego, California, where they will be showcased as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to quality excellence and global market engagement.

During the meetings, Dizon underscored the company’s commitment to promoting not only the quality of Northern Mindanao’s coffee but also the stories of the farming communities behind each product.

“We want to bring the farmers’ stories to the international level. We aim to highlight not only their products but also the people and communities behind them,” he said.

The initiative aims to strengthen market linkages between local farmers’ cooperatives and global buyers, creating greater economic opportunities for coffee-growing communities across the region.

Merly Umaros Suday, general manager of the Daraghuyan community, shared how the community transformed its coffee production from backyard production for household consumption into a sustainable and reliable source of income for local families.

“Before, we planted coffee only for daily consumption. When we engaged with the DA, we realized that coffee could provide additional income to support our families and livelihood. That inspired our community to expand our coffee farms. We are truly grateful for the assistance of various agencies, especially the DA,” she said.

The activity aligns with the national government’s efforts to revitalize the Philippine coffee industry, enhance farmers’ incomes, and position local coffee products in the global market. # (MAC)

Aggie-NorMin, MisOcc PLGU bolster agri-fishery programs interfacing

Oroquieta City – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Field Office (Aggie NorMin) recently convened with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Misamis Occidental for the DA-PLGU agricultural and fishery programs interfacing during the first ASENSO Agricultural Summit.

Organized by the PLGU, the summit seeks to align provincial priorities with the DA and its attached agencies’ programs, projects and activities (PPAs) in 2026 to ensure coordinated and demand-driven implementation in the province.

In his presentation, Aggie-NorMin Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan conveyed the Php571-M worth of agricultural projects for Misamis Occidental as proposed under various programs of the DA this year.

Under PRDP Scale-Up IBUILD, the province has 2 ongoing Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) projects worth ₱323.3M and 6 proposals under compliance totaling ₱1.415B. A Php350-M Integrated Coconut Processing Facility is also proposed for the province under the same project.

Additionally, under the regular FMR project of the DA, 9 road segments were proposed for Misamis Occidental amounting to Php390-M.

DA-attached agencies such as the Philippine Coconut Authority – Region 10 (PCA-10), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR 10), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and the National Irrigation Administration – Region 10 also presented their priority programs and projects before the local chief executives of towns and cities in Misamis Occidental.

As a platform for multilateral dialogue, the summit allows the DA and the LGUs to level off in resolving Issues and concern material to agri-fishery programs implementation, and set a common ground for collaborative government service delivery.

Governor Henry S. Oaminal prompted unified action among the LGUs, national government agencies and stakeholders to promote food security, sustainable livelihoods, and inclusive growth for farmers and fisherfolk in the province.

As a step forward, Director Pacamalan urge for the creation of Misamis Occidental’s Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Investment and Development Plan for 2027, underscoring among other key focus areas, the agricultural production and development plan, LGU’s digital agriculture infrastructure and services, capacity building and training programs, market access and trade development, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and monitoring, evaluation and learning. (ATT/Photo supplied POC MisOcc)

Agri-NorMin convenes RMC to align 2026 agri-fisheries programs, digital initiatives

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, convened the DA Regional Management Committee (RMC) meeting on Wednesday, February 11 at the agency’s new regional office, this city.

Central to the purpose of the meeting is the presentation of the DA-members agencies’ programs, interventions, and target deliverables under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), aimed at aligning agricultural development initiatives of the DA and strengthening service delivery across Northern Mindanao.

The DA-RFO 10 also presented a digital monitoring system designed to provide accessible information for both farmers and agriculture personnel, particularly for monitoring project implementation activities and enhancing preparedness during potential weather disturbances, including incoming typhoons in the region. The system is expected to support improved coordination and timely reporting among concerned offices.

Meanwhile, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) highlighted the Deployment and Advancement of Responsive Extension on Agriculture for Community Holistic Development (DA REACH), which aims to enhance the competencies of DA Contract of Service (COS) and Job Order (JO) personnel serving as community-based technical facilitators and program support staff. The initiative focuses on strengthening field-level support mechanisms and improving the implementation of agricultural programs at the local level.

Director Pacamalan emphasized the importance of strengthened collaboration among RMC member-agencies to improve coordination and program implementation. He also recommended the adoption of a common reporting platform to streamline monitoring processes, enhance data sharing, and support unified reporting across the DA RMC.

The DA RMC meeting is a coordination mechanism streamlining interagency plans, addressing agri-fishery program implementation concerns, and ensuring complementarity of programs in support of the Department’s priority initiatives for 2026.

The meeting was attended by executives and representatives from the National Dairy Authority – Region 10 (NDA-10), Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Philippine Coconut Authority-Region 10 (PCA-10), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources -Region 10 (BFAR-10), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority – Region 10 (PhilFIDA-10), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), along with staff from the DA-10 Operating Units.# (EJLG)

DA-MIADP breaks ground on landmark ₱17-M road project in Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain

MALAYBALAY CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP) Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10) held a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on February 10 for its first infrastructure subproject in the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain (AD). The 1.184-kilometer Farm-to-Market Road (FMR), which connects Sitio Damitan and Sitio Ulangohon in Barangay Dalwangan, marks the beginning of the project’s full-scale implementation in the region.

During the event, DA-MIADP Project Support Office (PSO) Project Director Macario D. Gonzaga underscored the project’s dedication to providing community-responsive interventions. He stated, “Kini nga Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) gituman ug gitumong aron makatabang sa atong mga igsuon nga IP Farmers nga dugay na nga panahong naglisod og hatod sa ilang produkto sa merkado tungod sa kalisod sa dalan ug sapa nga tabokon.”

Director Gonzaga added that the FMR offers hope for stable economic opportunities and encouraged the residents to monitor the construction as the primary beneficiaries of the road.

Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran expressed the city government’s full support, emphasizing the need for indigenous communities to increase their agricultural yields to sustain the investment. In his message, he remarked, “Importante kaayo mapalambo nato atong mga produksyon kay kini nga project, gi loan kini ug dapat mabayaran nato pinaagi sa pagpalambo sa atong economic activity.”

DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Executive Director and DA-MIADP RPCO 10 Project Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan likewise lauded the strong coordination between the local government and the Daraghuyan community. He shared, “Mapasalamaton kami sa kusog nga pakigtambayayong, labi na sa Daraghuyan AD nga kini atong gihimo karon nga FMR masugdan na. Na appreciate namo ang kusog nga suporta sa local nga pangagamhanan sa Malaybalay kay mao pud na ang nakapa-paspas sa pagpatuman niini.” Director Pacamalan noted that the department remains committed to the upliftment of the ICC/IPs of Bukidnon.

In her response, Bae Inatlawan expressed her gratitude for the progress, stating, “Namunga ug namulak gayud ang atong pag-paningkamot. Dili lang unta diri taman ang pag-paningkamot sa tribu kay basin muabot ang panahon nga ang Daraghuyan mahimong modelo dinhi sa Malaybalay ug sa probinsya sa Bukidnon.”

The two-lane FMR, which has a total budget of ₱17,008,435.87, officially began construction on February 6 and is expected to be completed within 195 working days. The infrastructure is projected to benefit 244 households and support the transport of priority commodities such as coffee, banana, abaca, and corn.

The ceremony was attended by key officials from the City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Malaybalay and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Bukidnon, represented by Provincial IPMR Datu Makayuba Renato Sumbongan. National government agencies, including the NCIP and DENR, were also present alongside leaders from the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) and the Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) of the Daraghuyan AD. # (K. Chan-MIADP 10)