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)

Agri-10 drives improved agri mechanization with updated inventory

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) coordinated some of its personnel and partner agencies and corporation for a meeting to update and harmonize the inventory of distributed agri-machinery, gauging the region’s mechanization level.

The meeting convened representatives from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority – 10 (PhilFIDA-10), National Irrigation Administration – 10 (NIA-10), and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) Mindanao – Cluster A.

As a way forward of the inventory update, the DA-10 through its Regional Agricultural and Engineering Division (RAED) is directed to integrate the Harmonized Mechanization Index (HMI) into the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

The HMI, developed by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), is used to evaluate agricultural operations and plan mechanization strategies.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga recommended for the said agencies to have direct access to the inventory templates, and allow them to directly input data.

The body also agreed to include updating production area data per commodity, linking with banner programs to classify mechanizable areas, and establishing a centralized data system. Further, focal persons will be designated to ensure continuous inventory updates.

As the next step, the DA-10 will conduct online meetings with local government units (LGUs) and other agencies by late March or early April, this year to further refine mechanization strategies and data harmonization.# (BJCE)

Newly promoted DA NorMin personnel take oath

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Four newly promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took their oath of office earlier today, March 24, at the agency compound, here.

Administering the oathtaking ceremony is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, with the following advancing personnel and their corresponding positions:

Rosell P. Tubaon – Supervising Science Research Specialist
Dryan Anthony D. Illana – Administrative Officer V
Ronalyn R. Abistano – Accountant II
Mary Ann Q. Behiga – Administrative Aide VI

Also witnessing the oathtaking rite were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, concerned division heads, Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB) committee members, and other key officials of the agency.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 backs PHilMech training on rice processing enterprise mgt

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE – In a bid to improve the efficiency and sustainability of rice processing enterprises, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), joined the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) to conduct a Training Workshop on the Operation and Management of the Rice Processing Enterprises under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program on Thursday, March 20, in this town.

Organized under the PHilMech’s Enterprise Development and Sustainability Support (EDSS) Program, the training aimed to enhance the entrepreneurial capability of Farmer Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs), and Local Government Units (LGUs) responsible for managing postharvest facilities.

Ferdinand F. Caraballe, Supervising Agriculturist of DA-10 AMAD, served as one of the resource speakers, providing insights on enterprise development, financial management, and marketing strategies to equip FCAs with the skills needed to efficiently manage Rice Processing Systems (RPS).

He also highlighted the DA’s marketing support through the AMAD, including the implementation of the Sagip Saka Price Act, Bantay Presyo Monitoring System, and the Food Security Emergency, the enforcement of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and Daily Price Index Monitoring, the conduct of Kadiwa ng Pangulo, and the enhanced Kadiwa through the provision of logistics assistance and market infrastructure.

Caraballe furthered that said marketing initiatives are crucial for farmers in helping them achieve sustainable operations, secure fair market prices, and contribute to the country’s food security and agricultural development.

The training was attended by managers, bookkeepers, classifiers, warehouse personnel, and board members involved in the day-to-day operations of RPS.

DA-10 remains committed to empowering FCAs by improving market access, enhancing financial literacy, and strengthening the rice value chain in the region.# (EJLG)