DA-10 capacitates FCAs on integrated livestock, poultry, and aquaculture in Maramag town

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – In line with the agency’s mission to uplift Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) through inclusive and sustainable agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10), through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa mga Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, conducted a training on Integrated Livestock and Aquaculture to farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) on June 19 to 20, here.

It aims to sustainably improve the agricultural productivity, resiliency, and market access of organized IPs, farmers, and fisherfolk groups in select Ancestral Domains (ADs) in the region.

The training focused on carabao, goat, and free-range chicken production and management, as well as tilapia culture in ponds, with the goal of increasing productivity, income, and sustainable enterprise development. It also provided practical knowledge on maximizing available resources for sustainable livestock, poultry, and aquaculture farming.

Participating FCAs were Lapasak Mindawat Talaandig Community Agri-Farm of Abaca, Bamboo, Coffee Planters Association (LAMTABACPA), Baclig Farmworkers Association (BACFA), and Panalsalan Dagumbaan Talaandig Tribal Association (PADATTA).

Said training was attended by representatives from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Maramag and 30 participants from the FCAs.# (MAC)

DA-10 holds consultation-meeting for transboundary animal diseases

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To enhance the region’s preparedness and response to threats of critical animal diseases, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division, convened a multi-stakeholder consultation-meeting on Transboundary Animal Diseases (TAD) on June 26, in this city.

DA-10 Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD said the continued spread of TAD, such as Avian Influenza (AI), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), poses significant challenges to the livestock and poultry industry.

“These diseases not only disrupt food supply chains and threaten livelihood but they also undermine public confidence and our efforts towards achieving Sustainable Agriculture Development; which is why this consultative meeting is both timely and vital to collectively evaluate our strategies, strengthen our coordination mechanisms, and align our actions across sectors.” Dr. Pit said.

Technical experts from the National Veterinary Quarantine Service, National Meat Inspection Service, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau were invited to the consultation-meeting to apprise government stakeholders about livestock and poultry movement protocols, ASF surveillance in slaughterhouses, and proper identification and disposal of ASF-affected animals and wastes.

“We hope that through this meeting, we will be able to build a more integrated and responsive framework for disease surveillance, reporting, and biosecurity implementation, as well as hear recommendations from the ground, especially those that can enhance local governments’ capabilities and community engagement in animal health programs.” Dr. Pit emphasized.

The consultation was attended by Provincial and City Veterinary Officers from across Northern Mindanao, DA-10 Provincial Operations Center chiefs and representatives, and staff from the DA-10 Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Regulatory Division. # (CRS)

DA-10 turns over veggie seeds to support Oro health office’s Nutrition Month kickoff

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — As part of its commitment to combat hunger and foster sustainable food systems, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over vegetable seeds to the City Health Office of Cagayan de Oro on June 26, at the agency compound, here.

The initiative supports the 51st Nutrition Month celebration, with the theme: “Food at Nutrition Security, Maging Priority! Sapat na Pagkain, Karapatan Natin!” To advance the said advocacy, DA-10 provided 100 packets of 5-in-1 ‘Sinigang’ vegetable seeds, highlighting the importance of nutritious diets in ensuring food and nutrition security.

It also aligns the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), which aims to reduce all forms of malnutrition and food insecurity across the country.

“We are truly grateful for this generous support from the DA-10,” said Aprel Fe C. Susaya, Nutrition Officer II of the City Health Office. “These seeds will be a vital component in our kick-off activity for the Nutrition Month. It’s timely and aligned with our efforts to promote healthy eating habits.”

The distributed seeds will benefit over 500 farmers and Barangay Nutrition Scholars across the 80 barangays in the city. The turnover will take place during the official kickoff program on July 3.

DA-10’s continued seed distribution underscores the vital link between agriculture and nutrition–empowering communities to grow their own food and helping ensure a healthier, food-secure future for all.# (NQA)

DA-10 launches online KADIWA market to expand access to quality, affordable agri-products

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL — In its continued effort to modernize agricultural marketing and improve food accessibility, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), officially launched its online KADIWA marketplace on Thursday, June 26, here.

The launch marks the digital expansion of the ongoing KADIWA sa DA, a regular on-site market held every Thursday at the department’s regional office grounds in Barangay Poblacion.

The platform, accessible via ekadiwada10.com, enables consumers to conveniently purchase fresh, locally produced agri-fishery goods from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) in Northern Mindanao.

The online initiative aims to enhance market linkage, shorten the supply chain, and provide farmers and fisherfolk with improved opportunities for income generation, while ensuring affordable and quality products for consumers.

Free delivery services, scheduled every Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., are offered within a 10-kilometer radius from the DA-10 office.

By integrating digital platforms into its marketing efforts, DA-10 reaffirms its commitment to advancing inclusive agri-industrial development and supporting local producers through innovative, technology-driven solutions.# (EJLG)

Aggie NorMin MisOcc operations center holds tree planting mission

In observance of the Soil Conservation Month, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10), through the Misamis Occidental Provincial Operations Center, spearheaded a Tree Planting Mission on June 19.

Led by POC Chief Engr. Bryan R. Cubita, the activity aligned with this year’s theme: “Reviving the Soil Today, Our Legacy for Tomorrow.” The team planted 50 seedlings of Polayo Tree (Syzygium Rubrovenium) provided by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Barangay Bunga, Oroquieta City.

Soil Conservation Month is observed annually in June as provided under DA Administrative Order No. 16, series of 2007, to promote sustainabnle land management practices and environmental stewardship.# (ATT/Photo Credits: POC MisOcc)

Aggie 10 hosts FY 2025 NOAP midyear performance assessment workshop

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON- To bolster the department’s commitment to the organic agriculture sector, the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP), in partnership the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Aggie 10) successfully conducted the FY 2025 NOAP Midyear Performance Assessment Workshop at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) on June 16 to 20, in this city.

The activity is a platform for the evaluation of the program’s accomplishment relative to its first-semester targets for FY 2025, as well as an opportunity to recalibrate plans for the second semester. Additionally, the workshop aimed to lay the groundwork for the FY 2027 Plan and Budget Proposal, setting the course for future initiatives for organic agriculture in the country.

Bernadette F. San Juan, NOAP Director, underscored the assessment’s objectives. “We are here to reflect, identify solutions for the gaps and challenges, particularly in physical and financial accomplishments. We must focus on our individual roles, execute our catch-up plans, and work towards achieving them effectively,” San Juan emphasized.

The workshop also served as a platform for open dialogue relative to project implementation, training, accreditations, and the overall operations of NOAP and its associated agencies.

Participants were also apprised of the Philippine National Standard (PNS) for organic swine production, which outlined the recommended practices covering essential aspects such as transport, slaughter, packaging, and labelling. This is critical to ensure that organic products maintain their integrity throughout the production chain and meet the required standards for organic certification.

According to Gabriel A. Arubio, National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) Small Farmer Representative for Luzon, the assessment allows NOAP implementers to reflect on the importance of decision-making and resiliency.

“As part of the Small Farmer Group, initiatives like this help strengthen our decision-making skills—knowing what to stand firm on, what to let go of, and what to accept. Despite financial challenges, we remain committed to supporting our farmers and fisherfolk toward greater success,” Arubio stated.

Apart from accomplishment tracking, the workshop also inspired greater collaboration among DA agencies and partner stakeholders in reinforcing collective goals of advancing organic agriculture in the Philippines. # (NQA)

DA-10 empowers IP community through Participatory Rural Appraisal

DAGUMBAAN, MARAMAG – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, conducted a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) workshop for the Panalsalan Dagumbaan Talaandig Tribal Association (PADATTA), on June 17-18, here.

The activity is in line with the DA’s thrust to develop ancestral agricultural lands of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to improve their productivity, profitability, and resiliency.

With the PRA, members of the PADATTA were capacitated to identify priority needs and concerns, and determine appropriate interventions for their association, with the guidance and support of the DA through the 4K program.

The workshop focused on the development of community-based livelihood programs while taking into account the customs, traditions, values, beliefs, and interests of the community.

Mainly, it sought to advocate the establishment of sustainable agri-fishery production enterprises to enhance household income, and strengthen community preparedness prior to project implementation.

The activity was participated in by representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Maramag and around 40 households from the tribal community. # (MAC)

DA-10 collaborates with RMFB-10 to strengthen food security among Bukidnon IP groups

In a bid to promote food security and sustainable agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10, 1004th Maneuver Company on June 19, at the agency compound.

Agriculturist II Sherafin Simon P. Calacar handed over 42 packets of Chinese cabbage, 3 cans of hot pepper and 1 can of sweet pepper seeds to Police Staff Sergeant Bryan Hope Hilado.

According to Hilado, the said initiative is aligned with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)’s efforts toward poverty reduction.

The vegetable seeds will be distributed to Indigenous Peoples groups in Talakag, Bukidnon, specifically to the Kalatungan Farmers United Rise Association and the Paganan Farmers’ Association. # (AMBM)

Aggie NorMin hosts DA regulatory support program’s mid-2025 assessment

Cagayan de Oro City – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Aggie NorMin), through its Regulatory Division hosted the 2025 midyear assessment of the Department of Agriculture’s agri-fishery regulatory support program on June 17-20, here.

Convened by the Office of the DA Assistant Secretary for Policy and Regulations, Atty. Paz J. Benavidez II, the assessment is an avenue to gauge the performance of the DA operating units and regulatory agencies in the implementation of their committed Programs, Activities and Projects (PAPs) for the first semester of the year.

Further, the assessment is geared toward the attainment of an integrated and streamlined approach in the delivery of the DA’s regulatory services.

The regulatory cluster team also levelled off on the status of crafting the DA’s regulatory roadmap in line with the department’s goal to scale the country’s up agricultural productivity, profitability and resilience.

The DA’s regulatory functions hinged on the enforcement of government regulations relative to food safety, animal and plant health, and good agricultural practices.

The assessment was attended by regulatory division personnel of 16 DA regional field offices, and DA-attached regulatory agencies:

Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)

Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)

Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)

National Tobacco Administration (NTA)

Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA)

Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA)

Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)

National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS)

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (PFA)

Bureau of Agriculture and Fishery Standards (BAFS)

Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE)

Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM)

(ATT/Photos: ATT/EJLG)

Benteng Bigas Meron Na launch in NorMin benefits 3,250 minimum wage earners

Cagayan de Oro City – A total of 3,250 minimum wage earners in Northern Mindanao availed of Php20 rice as the Department of Labor and Employment – Region 10 (DOLE-10), Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10), National Food Authority – Region 10 (NFA-10) together with the DA’s Food Terminal, Inc. (DA-FTI) formally launched the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na in the region Friday, June 13, here.

As pilot recipients, members of the Del Monte Bugo Cannery Labor Union, Cagayan Corn Product Independent Union, Macajalar Labor Union and Associated Labor Union availed 10 kilos of rice at PhP20 each during the BBM Na roll out.

As an expansion to the government’s PhP20 rice program, the BBM Na aims to provide affordable rice to low-income workers in the country.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan said the program is a realization of President Marcos’ vow to make rice affordable, particularly for the vulnerable sectors.

In line with the government’s PhP20 rice campaign, Director Pacamalan bared the DA-10’s amplified effort to develop and promote a farming system that would help farmers reduce rice production cost, to lower rice prices in the market.

“To lower rice prices in the market, we have to reduce production costs on the farm. Right now, we are focused on developing the integrated rice-duck farming system. Through this technology, coupled with mechanization support, and rice seeds and fertilizer subsidy, the DA-10 aims to capacitate our rice farmers to reduce production cost by 40% and increase yield by 5-10% annually,” he said.

NFA-10 Assistant Regional Manager Rejorie R. Onde assured the BBM Na beneficiaries of the quality of NFA rice distributed to them. She also disclosed that the NFA-10 has prepositioned an inventory of 440,000 bags palay (50kg/bag) and 60,000 bags well-milled rice (50kg/bag) across Northern Mindanao as buffer stock for calamities and ready support to the PhP20 rice program.

In view of the BBM Na roll out, DOLE-10 Regional Director, Atty. Joffrey M. Suyao calls for not just whole-of-government approach, but the whole-of-society approach to address high prices and insufficiency of food commodities.

Capitalizing on their network of labor unions and labor management council, he urged for collaborative initiative to help not just the labor sector, but more so the farmers and fishers.

Overall, a total of 32,500kg of PhP20 rice were distributed to the minimum wage earners in Northern Mindanao during the nationwide simultaneous launching of the BBM Na. The rice were co-subsidized by the DA-FTI and the participating labor unions.

Marilyn C. Oba-ob, a member of the Del Monte Bugo Cannery Labor Union is among the thousands of PhP20 rice BBM Na beneficiaries.

“This is a great help for workers like us and our family, especially with downtime at work now. We thank PBBM for making this possible for us,” she said.

For ease of logistics, the DA-10 assisted the labor unions in hauling the rice to their respective institutions.

The BBM Na launch preludes the phase 3 roll out of LGU-subsidized PhP20 rice in Northern Mindanao, slated in September. Areas with high poverty incidence rate are prioritized for the LGU-led PhP20 rice program.

Reflective of President Marcos’s directive to make rice an affordable staple for all Filipinos, the DA-10 continuously championed forefront agricultural services in synergy with other government and private instrumentalities. # (ATT/Photo credits: ATT & EJLG)