LGU Munai receives a hauling truck to aid local farmers’ transportation and hauling expenses.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) turned over a hauling truck to the Local Government Unit of Munai, Lanao del Norte on March 22, in this city.

Said vehicle is funded under the Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Program with a total project cost of Php 2.5 million, of which 20% (P500K) came from LGU’s equity. In an interview with Munai Mayor Racma D. Andamama, she is thankful to DA-10 for the assistance since farmers in their town are coping with transportation and hauling costs.

“Our farmers have problems hauling their produce, such as unavailability of transport vehicles and expensive hauling costs, that is why, we are very thankful to the department for giving us this truck. We are looking forward for our farmers to have easier transport of their produce to the market, without spending too much in hauling,” the mayor remarked.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado hoped that the LGU Munai would utilize the said transport vehicle well and, at the same time, maintain its condition so that more farmers could benefit from it.

Present in the said turnover are Munai municipal administrator Mangontawar B. Andamama, Munai municipal agriculturist Charion B. Mayo, AMAD Assistant Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, and Provincial Operations Center Chief of Lanao del Norte, Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo.# (CRS)

R-10’s aggie department updates the city and municipal agriculturists on the F2C2 program implementation of said province.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, spearheaded a coordination meeting to discuss matters on the updates of F2C2 clusters enrolled in the province, on March 25, in this city.

About 18 city and municipal agriculturists from Bukidnon were apprised about the F2C2 program mandated by the DA’s Administrative Order No. 27, Series of 2020, which aims to establish the program towards greater inclusive agribusiness development in the country.

According to DA-10 Field Operations Division (FOD) chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD the meeting served as a platform to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making in delivering various forms of assistance to Bukidnon-clustered farmers and fishers.

“Through this, I hope we can collectively analyze the needs and priorities of the farmers and fishers, identify gaps in existing assistance programs, and develop strategies to address these gaps effectively,” she said.

Meanwhile, DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria, together with her team presented the updates on the F2C2 Cluster Development Plan, market-related activities, and capacity-building activities conducted for the province.

Based on the agency’s data for the 2020-2023 period, Region 10 has a total of 154 clustered organizations, with 64% of them coming from Bukidnon.

Guzman also emphasized the importance of F2C2 as a strategy in mainstreaming clustering and consolidation among DA banner programs, attached bureaus, agencies and corporations, and the local government units (LGUs).

“This strategy is important because this will be the basis of our intervention, especially in obtaining big-ticket projects,” she added.
Furthermore, she urged the group to establish a strong partnership with the agency’s F2C2 program to help the identified clustered farmers’ cooperatives, associations come up with their Cluster Development Plan (CDP).

The CDP is the master plan for the growth and development of a cluster through its business enterprise. It shall be a comprehensive, long-term plan that addresses a cluster’s needs for marketing; improvement in productivity, operation and organization development; financing; and sustainability.

Present during the activity is Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center (POC) chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and Bukidnon Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon.# (RDME)

Aquino Elementary School of Tangub City receives various agricultural inputs from Agri-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado continues to support the Gulayan sa Paaralan program of the Department of Education through the distribution of garden tools and vegetable seeds on March 25, at the agency compound.

On behalf of RED Collado, DA-10 Field Operations Division Supervising Agriculturist Chona H. Nacalaban together with High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, handed over the assorted vegetable (Sinigang) seeds, and garden tools such as light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler, and weeding bolo to Aquino Elementary School of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental represented by Corazon B. Pueblas, Head Teacher III.

According to Pueblas, the agricultural provisions will have a significant impact on the school, especially in implementing the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, which encourages the cultivation and consumption of vegetables for elementary students while at the same time addressing malnutrition through the conduct of feeding programs.

The agri department reiterates the importance in the distribution of seeds and garden tools, in support to increasing the availability of fresh and homegrown produce, and enhancing dietary diversity and community health outcomes.# (MPMT)

Agri-10 and 4DTS, 4ID PA target partnership for the implementation of various agri interventions with emphasis on livestock and poultry-related trainings.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — On March 26, at the agency compound, Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened with the 4th Division (Mentor) Training School (4DTS), 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army (PA) to discuss potential collaborative efforts to further advance the latter’s initiatives on peacebuilding in Northern Mindanao.

Underscoring agriculture as a vital component of resilient and food-secure communities, Lieutenant Colonel Manuel B. Estanilla, commandant of the 4DTS, 4ID, PA said that they are seeking assistance from the Department for the possible integration of agricultural production training in their existing programs at the 4DTS.

Such training includes goat and native swine production, as well as rabbit raising, and meat processing.

According to Maj. Hermilando T. Corvera, Jr., 4DTS, 4ID, PA, this initiative is aligned with their strategic push to establish and support an agri-based livelihood for civilian volunteers of the PA under its Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

To determine appropriate training for the 4DTS, RED Collado said that the DA will closely coordinate with the infantry unit through its Research Division and arrange for a site tour and benchmarking of livestock production at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Further, the agri chief exec invited the 4ID to explore similar collaborative efforts with the DA’s partner agencies, bureaus, and corporations, particularly the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), for more in-depth agricultural and livelihood skills training.# (GDA)

Agri-10 hands over the hauling truck funded under the enhanced Kadiwa program to KAMADA ARCC.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — With its aim to empower farmers and increase agricultural productivity in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over a hauling truck to the Kabangasan Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (KAMADA ARCC) on March 26, at the agency compound, in this city.

Funded under the DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program, RED Collado led the turnover of 1 unit hauling truck worth P4.375 million (M), of which P3.5-M is the project grant amount, while the remaining 20% (P875K) came from the cooperative’s equity.

According to Director Collado, the provision is aligned with the agency’s efforts to amplify the capacities of farmers’ cooperatives, and associations to become reliable food commodity suppliers and actively participate in the region’s food supply distribution system.

In response, KAMADA chairperson Weny N. Enterina expressed their gratitude for the provision, citing its significance in driving their cooperative’s agricultural productivity and profits upward, aligned with their organization’s mission and vision.

“We are very thankful for the assistance given to us by the DA over the years in line with our shared vision for the growth and development of the cooperative. Along with other government agencies who actively seek to meet the needs of our organization, the Department has helped us fulfill our goal to elevate KAMADA, most especially its members and their livelihoods,” Enterina said.

Organized and duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in 2001 as the Kabangasan-Mapua Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative and later on, expanded to what is known today as KAMADA, the coop produces bio-organic fertilizers, as well as agricultural products, including coconut, cassava, abaca, and banana.

Also present in support of the ceremony were DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) assistant division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, KAMADA General Manager Engr. Rico Badilla, and organization members.# (GDA)

DA-10 gets approval for its 2025 budget proposal from the RDC-X. This is to fund priority agricultural development programs and projects in the region.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Upon endorsement by its Economic Development Committee, the Regional Development Council – Region 10 (RDC-X) approved for endorsement the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao region’s (DA-NorMin) proposed 2025 budget on Monday, March 25 during its Full Council Meeting, in this city.

DA-NorMin is proposing a P20.32 billion budget in 2025 to fund priority agricultural development programs and projects in the region.

Farm mechanization, farm-to-market road development, production and facility support services, irrigation network services, corn processing center expansion, and metropolitan and agri-based products clustering are among the flagship agricultural programs sought to be funded by the DA-NorMin next year.

DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, told local chief executives present during RDC-X Full Council Meeting that the agency can also support the Halal Food Industry Development Program of the local government units through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), a World Bank-funded special project of the DA.

Some 24% of the proposed budget will be lodged under Tier 1 of the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), while the remaining 76% will be proposed under Tier 2.# (ATT)

DA-PRDP 10 groundbreaks the Coco Sauce Processing and Marketing subproject in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.

MAGSAYSAY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Another IREAP facility will soon rise as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 holds a groundbreaking ceremony for the processing facility for the Coconut Sauce Processing and Marketing subproject on March 19, in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental.

The said SP, funded under Additional Financing 2 and the European Union (AF2-EU), will include a processing facility and other interventions such as machinery, equipment, and a delivery vehicle totaling Php 23,511,962.42 will benefit the 243 members of the Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MINFARCCO).

On behalf of Regional Executive Director and PRDP-10 Project Director, Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, and SES Unit Head, Cora A. Dumayaca congratulated the cooperative for attaining such achievement.

“The sustainability of the project is our priority. We want to achieve at least 90% food sufficiency. No matter the project’s cost, if we choose to take care of what we receive, we can be successful,” said RTD Dumayaca.

She hopes for the success of the project to benefit the farmer-members of the cooperative.

“Let us look at the projected income for the next 2-3 years and focus on that goal,” Dir. Dumayaca added.

With PRDP’s interventions, the SP’s goal is to increase the farmer’s annual income from Php 79,515.20 to Php 199, 661.19 or 151% after the first year of operation; improve the recovery rate of coconut sap to coconut sauce conversion from 30% to 50%; and increase the number of farmer-members.

Magsaysay Mayor, Charlie B. Buhisan, also graced the ceremony. In his message, he shared that he welcomes any business that will help the community rise from hardships.

“The people of Magsaysay are the most important to me. This facility will help our people to rise from adversity. I envision MINFARCCO to be the mother and model cooperative for Magsaysay because I have so much trust in them. Their coconut sauce is standard for export. I hope that we can sustain this project so we can maintain the livelihood of the members,” Mayor Buhisan said.

In a separate interview, Ediver Joy V. Buyan, MINFARCCO General Manager, expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders who helped realize the beginning of the subproject.

“We are grateful for our partner stakeholders, especially DA-PRDP because this will be the answer to improving the lives of our coconut farmers. Based on our experience, our farmers only earn Php15,000 per month without the interventions, but with PRDP, there is an assurance for them that there is a facility that will process their produce,” said Buyan

He further shared that their projected income is to increase beyond Php 20,000 per month and he is looking forward to its sustainability.

The groundbreaking ceremony will mark the beginning of the construction of the civil works and is targeted to be completed by December 2024.#

Region 10’s DA and NMIS officials gather for the latter’s infrastructure proposal.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The officials from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and National Meat Inspection Service-10 (NMIS-10 ) Regional Technical Director Dr. Neonette K. Agreda convened to discuss their infrastructure proposal, recently, at the agency compound.

Said meeting aims to seek advice from the agri chief exec, as they eye for the establishment of a meat laboratory, which is crucial in ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and standards.

Particularly, the laboratory is necessary for the provision of analytical services to detect physical, biological, and chemical contaminants in meat and meat products as mandated by the Republic Act 10536, otherwise known as “The Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines.”

Director Collado advised them to present their proposal to the Regional Development Council (RDC) for endorsement for possible funding of their proposal.

RDC is mandated by Executive Order No. 325, series of 1996 to review and endorse national plans, programs, and projects proposed for implementation in the region.

The NMIS is a specialized regulatory agency of the DA that is the country’s sole national controlling and competent authority on all matters of meat inspection and hygiene both for locally produced and imported meat.# (RDME)

AEWS and rubber farmers from Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental undergo a training on rubber production with emphasis on PLFD.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To ensure a sustainable rubber industry, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, hosts training on Rubber Production and Pest Management on Pestalotiopsis Leaf Fall Disease (PLFD) at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, here.

On March 21-22, 29 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and 21 rubber farmers attended the training from the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental, which aims to educate them to adopt new technologies in rubber production, especially in determining the effective control measures for PLFD, among others.

With recently validated PLFD sightings in some parts of MisOr and Bukidnon, Director Collado emphasized that the capabuild will equip them to maximize rubber yield with an emphasis on adopting sustainable farming practices to ensure the industry’s long-term viability.

Philippine Rubber Research Institute Senior Science Research Specialist Jill D. Villanueva, PhD explained that PLFD is an airborne pathogen causing leaf fall of rubber caused by Pestalotiopsis sp., which affects a plant’s productivity by 30-90%.

Likewise, Dr. Villanueva tackled the prevalence of PLFD on rubber, proper management and its surveillance, while PRRI Science Research Analyst Ronie A. Magdua discussed the establishment and management of rubber nurseries.

To curb the production challenges of rubber, according to Lucille T. Minguez, DA-10’s Regional Crop Protection Center (RCPC) chief, the center increases its surveillance to find new cases, helps farmers with technical support, and campaigns for the use of fertilizers and the adoption of other Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among rubber farmers.

She added that RCPC is also increasing its production of biological control agents (Trichoderma harzianum) and improving pest diagnosis to correctly identify PLFD, while involving rubber producers, the local government units, and other relevant stakeholders in the process.

Reyzel A. Matawhay, Agriculturist II of the Bureau of Plant Industry – Plant Quarantine Services also underscored their office’s directive for border control and safe agricultural trade, which prohibits the movement and carrying of plant parts and planting materials made of rubber from infected to non-infected areas.

Lemuel Aldin T. Yongco, a rubber technician of Impasug-ong town, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the training, adding that his learnings will assist his fellow rubber farmers and the 500-hectare rubber plantation in their community.

“Thankful kaayo ko kay kini nga training usa ka dako nga oportunidad para sa amoa, daghan ko og nakutlo nga pagtulon-an, especially on how to do preventive measures.” he remarked.

Said activity was spearheaded by DA-10’s Various Production Support Services with its focal person Marnelly Ann P. Flores.# (MPMT)

DA-10 through its AMIA conducts an Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal data gathering in Baungon, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao through its Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CC-AMIA 10) conducts an Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP) data gathering on Friday, March 22, in Baungon, Bukidnon.

Held during the annual general assembly of the Liburan Samahang Nayon Multipurpose Cooperative, the CC-AMIA 10 team headed by Carmelito R. Lapoot and Joel J. Gabo aimed to customize the ACAP, a digital platform for the generation and dissemination of climate-weather-based farming advisories.

Accordingly, the agri department conducted a Climate Information Services User Needs Assessment of said town, to establish farmers’ understanding and their level of awareness about agro-meteorological and climate-associated hazards.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that it also helps a community identify its existing farming practices and how these are influenced by climatic conditions; thereby, making the necessary adjustments to mitigate potential risks.

Overall, the results of said activity will aid the department through its CC-AMIA 10 in the development of services and interventions tailored fit to the community, whereby farmers are empowered to make informed decisions and adopt farming practices toward a more resilient agricultural future.

Also in attendance are Baungon Mayor Rogelio D. Jaraula, with its Municipal Agriculturist Janel C. Redondo and staff.# (AMIA)