DA-10 intensifies ground-level operations, eyes POC sub-office, research satellite in Talakag town

TALAKAG, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director (RED) Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, is set to intensify its grassroots presence in Bukidnon, with the establishment of a sub-office under its Provincial Operations Center (POC) and a research satellite center in this town.

The announcement follows the official turnover of the Food Terminal in Brgy. Miarayon on August 8.

The proposed sub-office will serve as a frontline operations hub for the DA-10’s field personnel, enabling them to conduct on-site probing, streamline interventions, and overall address farmers’ concerns, such as the practice of corn drying along the highways.

The agri chief exec stressed that curbing this roadside corn drying in the area firstly requires firsthand data on the local production dynamics.

“We need accurate data on farm sizes, harvest volumes, planting and harvesting calendars. With these, through the POC sub-office, we can directly consolidate and then implement both immediate and sustainable solutions,” he explained.

In a meeting with the local government unit (LGU) of Talakag, RED Pacamalan added that the agency will further augment its POC extension operations through a new research satellite office.

In support, the LGU Talakag committed to allocate areas for the establishment of the said offices.

The new POC sub-office and research satellite will both serve as a ground-level field operating center, with the latter focusing on high-value crops.

With the newly turned-over Miarayon Food Terminal, the DA-10 is set to install tramline systems, all linked to the terminal’s cold storage facility. This mechanism will ensure farmers’ product quality, facilitate faster deliveries, cut transport costs, and minimize postharvest losses.

This centralized Food Terminal also launched the 1Coop Marketplace Project, involving the indigenous Miarayon Lapok Lirongan Tinaytayan Talaandig Tribal Association (MILALITTRA) in supply operations and the FICCO Community Outreach Foundation, Inc. (FCOF) in market management.

By combining infrastructure development through private-public partnerships and with strengthened operations at the grassroots level, the DA seeks to enhance and accelerate government support services to transform food basket areas, particularly those within indigenous communities, into models of agricultural efficiency and profitability.# (BJCE)

Sumilao farmer association gains mechanization boost with DA-granted farm tractor

SUMILAO, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) officially turned over a four-wheel-drive farm tractor to the Sumilao Progressive Farmers Association (SPFA) on August 28 in Brgy. Kisolon, this town.

Funded through the Corn Program’s Agriculture Machinery, Equipment, and Facilities Support Services (AMEFSS), the unit is poised to reduce manual labor and enhance the overall farming operations of the SPFA through mechanization.

The PhP2.9-million tractor will serve the association’s 288 hectares (ha) of corn, 288 ha of cassava, and 1,000 ha of expansion areas.

In an interview, SPFA Chairperson Manuel C. Noval said the tractor will ease their farming struggles, especially during rainy seasons.

“Pareha ani karun, gaharvest nami og cassava ug corn pero maglisod mi og sulod sa amoang area tungod sa ulan. Kung magrenta pod mi sa commercial tractors kay mahal ug dili sila magpautang. Usahay mas unahon gyud to ang ilahang mga suki ilabina katong nakakontrata. Busa dako gyud kaayo ni nga tabang sa amoa sa paghaul sa amoang mga harvest”.

(Like now, we are harvesting cassava and corn, but we can hardly access our production areas for transport due to the rain. Also, renting commercial tractors charges high rental rates with no credit arrangement offers. And sometimes, these commercial tractor operators prioritize their regular clients, particularly those with contracts. That’s why this tractor is really a big help for us in hauling our harvests.)

Having long aspired to own a farm tractor, the association assured the repair and maintenance of the unit to ensure its long-term use among its members and for the community.

“Unlike sauna, karon kami na gyud ang magmanage ani nga tractor ilabina sa pagschedule ani sa paggamit. Busa kami magasaad nga we have to take care of this tractor. We have to see to it nga well-maintained gyud ang unit para makaserve siya sa amoa every time gamiton.”

(Unlike before, we now have full control in managing this tractor, which allows us to properly schedule its use for our members. We are committed to taking care of it and ensuring that it is well-maintained so it can serve us every time we need it.)

The said farm tractor is equipped with a disc harrow, disc plow, and a 5-ton capacity trailer to allow the association to maximize their land preparation and facilitate the transport of farm inputs and produce.

“Busa dako gyud among pasalamat kay Presidente Ferdinand [R.] Marcos Jr. kay dako kaayo siya’g tabang sa mga farmers sama namo sa iyang pagpanghatag ug ayuda sama niini. Ang importante lang gyud nga ang association kay ready sa mga requirements kay I know nga motabang gyud ang DA.”

(The SPFA is truly grateful to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his support to farmers like us, particularly through this farm tractor. That is why associations should have the necessary requirements, because we know firsthand that the DA is always ready to help.)

In her message, DA-10’s Provincial Operations Center (POC) Chief for Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM encouraged farmer groups to be more proactive in availing government support.

“The DA is ready to extend support to associations that need agricultural equipment, services, and support, provided that they are qualified and they submit a letter of intent,” she said.

The agri chief official also underscored the importance to comply with the necessary requirements and to exercise patience, as all assistance is released only after undergoing due process.

“We encourage our farmer groups to understand that receiving such aid takes time since it undergoes the proper procedures, but rest assured that the support will come.”

Interested Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) may submit their letter of intent(s) through their respective POCs or directly at DA-10’s regional field offices in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and El Salvador.

Aligned with the current administration’s “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya, Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign to make the agricultural sector in the country a profitable industry, the DA-10 continues to broaden its efforts to help farmers and fisherfolk develop efficient logistic systems and scale up farming operations through mechanization and modernization.

Another 20 4WD Farm Tractors under the 2025 budget are set to be distributed by DA-10 to FCAs and local government units regionwide.# (BJCE)

DA-10 backs “Kabulakan Beyond Ornamentals,” promoting urban agri innovations and Gulayan initiatives

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program, (NUPAP), High Value Crops Development (HVCDP) program, Research Division, and the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), participated in the opening of the “Kabulakan Beyond Ornamentals” garden held on August 20 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, this city.

Going beyond ornamental plant displays, DA-10 showcased a range of agricultural innovations aimed at promoting food security, climate resilience, and community sustainability in urban and peri-urban areas.

Featured are the Green Thumb Portable Nursery Structure, a mobile nursery for urban growers; the application of ‘Mani-Manihan’ (Arachis pintoi) as a cover crop, livestock protein source, and nitrogen-fixing agent; and Turkey Production – PABO-RITO, an alternative poultry venture.

Other highlights included carbon sequestration and urban climate change mitigation technologies, such as live green walls and fencing, Azolla for nitrogen fixation and carbon sequestration, corn microgreens (fodder), ‘Pansi-pansitan’ as an edible ground cover, hydroponics, and Blue Pea Vine production technologies.

Featuring innovations in mobile urban agriculture, the activity also underscored DA-10’s support for the Gulayan sa Bayan initiative, in partnership with the farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs), the 4-H club, and the Rural Improvement Club of Misamis Oriental.

This initiative further supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen agricultural research and development, enhance extension services, and deepen stakeholder engagement to maximize the agriculture sector’s potential.

Complementing the agri tech exhibits were displays of artisanal woodcraft, seedlings, flowering plants, and fruit-bearing trees, exhibiting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. # (MAC)

Agri-10 backs bookkeeping, basic accounting workshop for Kadiwa farmer-bens in Mindanao

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its bid to build stronger agribusiness enterprises, the Department of Agriculture – Central Office, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), staged a Workshop on Bookkeeping and Basic Accounting for Non-Accountants on August 25 to 29, this city.

Hosted by the DA-Regional Field Office 10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the five-day activity gathered participants from Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) and Farm/Food Enterprises or Agrifood Enterprises (FFEs/AFEs) in Mindanao who are beneficiaries under the Kadiwa Financial Grant program.

The training aimed to equip participants with fundamental knowledge and practical skills in bookkeeping and basic accounting. By learning how to accurately record, analyze, and manage financial transactions, participants are expected to enhance the financial capability of their respective agribusinesses.

Topics covered during the sessions included the proper documentation of financial records, preparation of simple financial statements, and an understanding of cash flows in agribusiness operations. Likewise, practical exercises and workshops were done to reinforce their understanding of these concepts.

The workshop forms part of DA’s continuing efforts to empower farmers, fisherfolk, and agripreneurs through capacity-building interventions beyond production support, fostering financially resilient enterprises that can actively participate in markets and drive regional growth. It also supports the administration’s Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas directive, which envisions a food-secure nation through empowered and competitive farmers, fisherfolk, and agripreneurs.# (EJLG)

DA-10 accredits Oro Integrated Coop as Civil Society Organization

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) has officially recognized the Oro Integrated Cooperative (OIC) as an accredited Civil Society Organization (CSO).

On August 26, at the agency compound, DA-10 through Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, together with Ferdinand F. Caraballe, a member of the Regional Technical Secretariat for CSO Accreditation, presented the certificate of accreditation to OIC through its Business Development Officer, Grace B. Balongcas, and Recording Secretary, Grace Joy M. Villalveto.

Accreditation allows CSOs to serve as development partners of the DA in the delivery of agricultural services and implementing programs and projects.

Balongcas expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying, “We are truly grateful to DA-10 for this opportunity, as we look forward to building stronger linkages with the department. We share the same commitment in uplifting our community, particularly our agripreneurs.”

“With this partnership, we hope to extend greater support to our farmers and help the agriculture sector continue to thrive,” Balongcas added.

The recognition also supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to achieve a food-secure Philippines and transform the agriculture sector into a profitable industry through a bolstered partnership with the private sector and other key stakeholders.# (CRS)

Agri-10 affirms support to NorMin young agripreneurs thru agribiz development capbuild

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a bid to strengthen youth engagement in agribusiness, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (Agri-10) staged a Capacity Building Training and Workshop for Young Agripreneurs on August 18 to 20, this city.

Spearheaded by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the three-day activity gathered Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardees and young agripreneurs from Northern Mindanao to enhance their knowledge and skills in agribusiness development.

The training provided business development services such as mentoring, market linking and networking, and guidance on business and product registration and certification.

The initiative was anchored on the pressing concern of the aging farming population in the country. Based on the 2022 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries, the number of agricultural operators rose to 7.41 million from 5.56 million in 2012. However, younger farmers aged 15 to 29 comprised only 8.9 percent of operators, while the majority were aged 30 and above, underscoring the need to encourage greater youth participation in agriculture.

Through this activity, DA-10 sought to promote agriculture as a viable and sustainable career by equipping participants with practical tools and opportunities for enterprise development. The YFC program continues to serve as a platform for aspiring agripreneurs nationwide, supporting youth-led ventures with grant assistance, capacity-building, and mentoring.

In his message, DA-10 RED Pacamalan lauded the efforts of the young agripreneurs for pursuing agriculture despite challenges in the sector. He stressed that the youth’s creativity and openness to innovation are crucial in transforming Philippine agriculture into a more competitive and sustainable industry.

He also assured the department’s continued support in providing opportunities and interventions to help young agripreneurs grow their enterprises, emphasizing that their success contributes to building a food-secure and progressive Northern Mindanao.

The training formed part of DA’s efforts to strengthen the participation of young agripreneurs in the agri-fishery sector in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ‘s Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas directive, to promote a food-secure nation by empowering farmers, fisherfolk, and agripreneurs, while enhancing Philippine agriculture competitiveness. # (EJLG)

Libona town-based coop acquires PhP2.08-M combine harvester

LIBONA, BUKIDNON — The 108-membered San Jose Multipurpose Cooperative (SJMPC) in Brgy. San Jose received a combine harvester valued at PhP2.08 million from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) on August 20, to help mechanize the group’s farming operations.

The farm machinery, equipped with accessories such as a brand-new heavy-duty trailer, a compatible brand-new tire, and a corn and rice kit, is expected to help reduce the drudgery of manual labor, allow timely operations, and boost farmers’ productivity while lowering operational costs.

Sourced from the agency’s 2024 Corn Program funds, the unit is an advanced agricultural machinery tailored to efficiently harvest corn and rice by integrating reaping, shelling/threshing, cleaning and bagging into a single streamlined process.

During the turnover ceremony, DA-10 Field Operations Division Chief, Luz I. Guzman, PhD urged the Coop to properly care for and maximize the combine harvester’s use.

“Ampingan gyud na ninyo nga molahutay na siya [combine harvester] ug mapuslan gyud. Dili lang sa inyong grupo kon dili akip sa inyong kasilinganan,” the operations chief remarked.

(Take good care of the combine harvester and ensure it benefits not only your group but also neighboring farmers.)

Acting Libona Mayor Tawing B. Woo echoed the DA-10 official’s statement, saying: “Lig-una pa intawon ang inyong [kooperatiba], ampinga ang gihatag kaninyo sa government kay naa naman gyud [ni ang combine harvester], kay ma feel na ninyo ang government karon nga gi atiman ta.”

(Strengthen your cooperative and take care of the machinery provided by the government, now that the combine harvester is already here, you can feel the government’s presence to supporting us.)

For her part, SJMPC Chairperson Lielane Marie Dagdagan committed to the upkeep of the farm machinery, which will support the coop’s cultivation of 158 hectares of corn and 10 hectares of cassava, and 50 more hectares planned for expansion.

“Amoa ni siyang gahinan pod og mga 20% sa iyang kita, ilain namo sa iyang [repair and] maintenance,” the chairperson emphasized.

(We will allocate 20% of of the income generated for its repair and maintenance.)

Dagdagan also expressed her gratefulness for the national and local governments for their synergistic efforts in pouring assistance to their farmers’ group, paving an opportunity for them to boost their farm productivity and income.

“Ato ning i-avail na gihatag sa DA…kay mapadali ug mapa less ang atong gasto ug dako pod ang income sa atong panguma,” she capped off her message.

(Let us utilize what the DA has provided us—it will ease our work, reduce costs, and increase our income.)

Reportedly, the combine harvester has a grain tank capacity of 400 kilograms, a harvesting loss of only 0.52%, and an actual field capacity of 0.555 hectare per hour.

The said provision further aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to achieving food security and transforming the agri-fishery sector into a more lucrative industry, with key priorities such as mechanization, modernization, and the enhancement of production and postharvest systems.# (JLO)

Aggie NorMin promotes mushroom cultivation as alternative income

In a bid to promote mushroom production as a viable source of additional income, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted a two-day Package of Technology (POT) Training on Mushroom Production on August 6-7, 2025 at the Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC) in Catarman, Camiguin.

Spearheaded by the agency’s National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), the activity gathered 30 farmers, CPSC students and staff from the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Catarman.

Participants were taught on the cultural management practices of mushroom production.

DA-10’s Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) Mushroom Production Project-in-Charge, Decheryvie P. Largo, shared that the initiative is a promising livelihood option for local communities while contributing to food security.

She noted that mushroom can be grown anywhere, provided that appropriate growing conditions, suitable substrates, and proper knowledge are in place.

Largo furthered that mushrooms are among the most sought-after vegetables, especially by vegans, and continue to enjoy strong demand both in the local and global markets.

Participants engaged in lectures and hands-on activities covering spawn preparation, substrate bagging, sterilization, incubation, care and maintenance, post-harvest operations, and identifying common pests and diseases.

This initiative forms part with the DA’s plan to achieve food security through boosting agricultural production to ensure accessibility to affordable and nutritious food. # (AMBM, Photo credits: NUPAP-10)

DA-10 trains youth in DSWD rehab center on urban gardening, food value-adding

GINGOOG CITY- The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Gender and Development (GAD) Program, spearheaded a training on Corn Value Adding, Micro-Greening, and Hydroponics Pot for 82 youth at the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (DSWD-RRCY) on August 12, here.

The training was conducted using a hands-on approach, allowing the youth to actively engage in the learning process, providing the youth practical learning experiences for future livelihood opportunities.

For corn value-adding, the participants were taught chocolate-flavored corn polvoron making. They were also trained on soil mixing, fermentation, and proper plant care through the micro-greening training session. In the hydroponics pot module, they were trained on soilless gardening with hands-on preparation of hydroponic pots. These activities aimed to equip the youth with agri-livelihood skills that promote self-sufficiency, innovation, and potential income generation.

Rhoda P. Barnido DA-10 GAD Focal Person, emphasized the agency’s commitment to honing the youth and equipping them with relevant livelihood skills to be future-ready.

For his part, Roy Anton Ortizo DSWD-RRCY Supervising House Parent, expressed his gratitude to the DA-10 for imparting valuable knowledge and skills to the youth under their care. He also encouraged the youth to apply their learnings not just as a productive activity but also as a potential source of income in the future.

This initiative is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal of strengthening food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and empowering the youth through capacity-building programs to build inclusive and resilient communities. #(NQA)

Improved Adlay varieties showcased during Adlay Farmers’ Field Day in NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, through its Research Division and in collaboration with the DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), showcased eight improved Adlay varieties during the Adlay Farmers’ Field Day on August 14 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan.

With the theme “Bridging Adlay Improved Mutant Lines and Farmers’ Cultivation Practices for Enhanced Seed Production,” the event highlighted a collaborative project led by DA-NMACLRC and DA-PhilRice. These Adlay lines exhibit improved traits like higher yield potential and shorter plant height, which promote easier harvesting and reduce post-harvest losses.

Farmers had the opportunity to observe standing Adlay crops and assess these improved lines firsthand. Alongside technical demonstrations, local farmers shared indigenous knowledge and traditional practices in soil management, fertilization, pest control, and harvesting. Said exchange underscored the program’s commitment of combining scientific innovations with on-the-ground realities in Adlay cultivation.

The event gathered small- and large-scale farmers, as well as agricultural technicians from Malaybalay City and Impasugong, Bukidnon, including project beneficiaries and partner stakeholders from Sitio Kibuwa. Their participation added grassroots perspectives to the discussion and supported inclusive collaboration in advancing Adlay development in the region.

This event aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a food-secure Philippines and a profitable agriculture industry, with focus on strengthening research and extension to unlock the Adlay sector’s full potential.# (MAC)