DA-10 bolsters stakeholders’ collab to scale up F2C2 rollout

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), thru its Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, convened a consultation meeting with DA-10 banner programs and DA-attached agencies on September 26, in this city.

In her message, DA-10 F2C2 Alternate Focal Person Marnelly Ann P. Flores highlighted the importance of collaboration and synergy among all concerned offices to ensure cohesive planning and implementation.

“This consultation is conducted mainly to raise the issues and concerns of the F2C2 Program, especially since we rely heavily on the banner programs for funding. We are counting on your support and assistance, particularly for our farmer cooperatives and associations, as we continue to help them improve their livelihood and quality of life,” Flores said.

She noted that the meeting also serves as preparation for the upcoming Cluster Development Plan (CDP) Review and Alignment Workshop in October, which will gather national banner program representatives for the CDP harmonization.

The activity was attended by representatives from various DA-10 banner programs, the Agriculture and Marketing Assistance Division 10 (DA-10 AMAD), the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Council (RAFC-10), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI-10), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR-10). # (CRS)

DA-10 hands over Php5.5-M biosecured swine fattening facility to Pangutucan LGU

PANGANTUCAN, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Livestock Program, officially turned over a Php5.5 million biosecured swine fattening facility to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pangantucan on September 23.

Funded under the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program, the project includes 2,500 square meter fattening facility with perimeter fence, swine breeders, feeds and veterinary drugs and biologics. Delivery of swine breeders and feeds will commence upon completion of the procurement process.

Pangantucan Mayor Manolito G. Garces, expressed his gratitude to the DA-10 for its continued support, highlighting agriculture as one of the key drivers of the municipality’s economic growth.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga commended the LGU for successfully implementing the project. She expressed hope that the facility would help improve the livelihood of hog raisers in the town.

Municipal Agriculturist Teodor B. Quirante III also emphasized the project’s impact on local hog production.

“With this intervention, we look forward to uplifting the lives of our hog raisers while ensuring that they can raise hogs more sustainably, without incurring losses,” he said.

The INSPIRE program, launched in 2021, was designed to revitalize the swine industry as recovery measure to the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak. It focuses on restoring production capacity, ensuring a stable supply of hogs and pork, and securing the livelihood of hog raisers nationwide. # (CRS)

DA-10, Impasugong town breaks ground for Php10-M swine breeder facility

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10), through its Livestock Program, together with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Impasugong, held a groundbreaking ceremony on September 23, for the construction of a biosecured swine breeder facility in the municipality.

Funded under the Integarated National Swine Production Initiative for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program, the Php 10 million project includes a 30-sow capacity biosecured facility, swine breeder gilts, animal and veterinary supplies, and semen for breeding.

Impasugong Mayor Jetaime A. Okinlay-Gumban expressed her gratitude for the intervention, noting its importance in keeping the municipality free from African Swine Fever (ASF).

“We don’t have any cases of ASF in our municipality, and we hope to keep it that way. That is why we are thankful to DA-10 for providing this INSPIRE intervention,” she said.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga commended the LGU for its commitment to securing the project, stressing that such initiatives will benefit local farmers and help them thrive.

Launched in 2021, the INSPIRE program aims to revive and strengthen the country’s swine industry following the ASF outbreak. It seeks to restore production capacity and ensure a sufficient supply of hogs and pork nationwide.# (CRS)

DA-10, BPI inspect warehouses in NorMin amid rice import suspension

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Following the 60-day rice importation ban effectivity on September 1, the Department of Agriculture-Region 10 (DA-10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) through its Plant Product Safety Services Division (PPSSD), hold a joint inspection and monitoring of dry storage warehouses (DSWs) storing imported rice in Northern Mindanao, today, September 24.

The initiative is part of the nationwide warehouse monitoring effort, which commenced on September 9 and will run until October 30, across various regions in the country.

The inspection was carried out in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to suspend rice importation between September and October of this year, on account of declining palay prices attributed to strong local production and earlier import surges, which have placed the livelihood of about three million rice farmers nationwide at risk.

Among the inspected warehouses in the region were the Soda Trade Corp., in Iligan City and the BLY Agri Venture Trading in Cagayan de Oro City. The monitoring of stock inventories in their warehouses showed remaining stocks from previous shipment brought in last August before the temporary suspension took effect.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the suspension may be shortened or extended depending on the prevailing price trends and the outcome of the main harvest in the coming months. The DA likewise underscored its readiness to recalibrate policies should supply conditions tighten, while ensuring that both farmers and consumers benefit from fair and stable prices of rice.# (EJLG)

Field Day highlights Recommended Corn Prod’n Technologies in Maramag town

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – To promote corn cultivation technologies, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), in partnership with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Maramag held a Field Day on September 19 in Brgy. Kiharong, showcasing a demonstration site from the 500-hectare Recommended Corn Production Technologies (RCPT) project.

Featuring GM hybrid yellow corn seeds, the RCPT seeks to boost adoption of recommended production practices, expand quality corn supply for feeds and food, and enhance farmers’ production efficiency and income through value chain integration.

Implemented by 12 farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) spanning the municipality’s eight barangays, it provided around PhP7.25-million worth of quality corn seeds and full fertilizer requirements to at least 723 farmers for one cropping season, with each receiving 2 bags of corn seed and 10 bags of inorganic fertilizer per hectare.

Initial crop cut results presented during the program included plant population and height; ear characteristics (diameter, length, number per plot); kernel and cob weight; shelling recovery; field moisture content; population density per hectare; pest incidence; and yield–reaching as high as 9.567 metric tons per hectare (mt/ha) and ranging down to 5.731 mt/ha.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center Chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, lauded the municipality for being one of only two RCPT project recipients this year, noting its responsiveness to help farmers augment their production and profit.

The provincial director also underscored that building strong relationships with partner agencies and officials is paramount for efficient and sustainable farming activities. “Congratulate mi sa inyong suporta sa tanang mga activities sa DA, especially sa MAO Maramag ug Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) of Bukidnon. Bisan pa man sa mga challenges ug struggles, padayon lang gihapon ta [mag-uuma] sa pagtanum,” she said.

(We congratulate you for your support in all the activities of the DA, especially with MAO Maramag and PAO Bukidnon. Despite the challenges and struggles, we farmers continue to persevere in planting.)

Representing Corn Focal Person Richan D. Lacanaria, DA-10 Corn Program Reports Officer Richard G. Apare encouraged farmers to organize into farm clusters to achieve economies of scale, strengthen market linkages with institutional buyers, and improve their access to various government interventions through DA.

At the helm of MAO Maramag, whose office provided technical assistance on the proper soil sampling and utilization of seeds and fertilizer and other production activities of farmers, Municipal Agriculturist Armand S. dela Cruz remarked: “Pinaagi sa rekomendadong teknolohiya sa produksyon, makab-ot unta nato ang mas taas na abot, mas lig-on nga kalidad ug mas dako nga kita alang sa atong mga mag-uuma.”

(Through recommended production technologies, we hope to achieve higher yields, better quality, and more income for our farmers.)

One of the RCPT project beneficiaries, Carmelito C. Balaba, president of the Dagumbaan Agricultural Farmers’ Association of Brgy. Dagumbaan, expressed his gratitude, saying that it made a difference for him and fellow farmers.

“Kay sauna kaning wala pa ning ayuda [farm inputs], ang akong mga farmers magmentinar lang og [tradisyonal nga barayti] pero menus gyud [ang abot]. Pero karon, lipay kaayo mi sa ayuda ilabi na kana nga variety [GM hybrid] kay maayo gyud, dako ang puso ug maayo lang ang area ug gwapo pod ang plastar sa yuta.”

(Before the provisions, my fellow farmers would settle the use of traditional corn varieties, but harvests were low. Now, we are very happy with the support, especially with the GM hybrid variety, which has large corn ears, coupled with us having a suitable area and a good land layout to plant.)

This initiative aligns with the current administration’s vision of a food-secure Philippines and a vibrant agriculture industry, anchored in stronger local partnerships and modern production technologies.# (JLO)

Aggie-10 F2C2 taps MisOr farmers to scale up PALAYAMANAN rice farming system

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Consistent with the government’s thrust to strengthen the country’s food system, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (Aggie-10) continues to champion innovative farming technology to boost farm productivity.

On September 15-17, the Aggie-10 Farm and Fishery Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program convened rice farmers from Lagonglong town, Misamis Oriental for the scaling up of the PALAYAMANAN farming system for rice clusters.

Members of the Rice Farmers Association of Kauswagan (RIFAK), May-ang Dampil Rice Farmers Association (MADARFA) and Tabok Lagonglong United Rice Farmers Association (TALURFA) were apprised on the concept of farm diversification, intensification and integration as PALAYAMANAN key strategies.

Coined after the words “Palay” and “Kayamanan”, the PALAYAMANAN farming system urged rice farmers to integrate cash crops, livestock, fish, fruits, trees and biomass products to rice farming as means for farmers to diversify their income.

The training particularly espoused rice-duck integrated farming, with James P. Longcob, a renowned rice-duck farmer in the region as resource person. He upskilled the rice farmers on the rice-duck farm management, undercrossing key practices to integrate duck raising in rice production.

Having been a rice farmer for more than a decade, Danilo O. Mesiona, RIFAK president, noted that the PALAYAMAN farming system is advantageous for the rice farmers to mitigate risk of losses.

“Kinahanglan bahinon ang basakan – sa usa ka ektarya magtanom ta og humay, vegetable, ug mamuhi sad ta og hayop. Kay in case ma-failure naa pa kay laing pamaagi nga maka-income ka. Modako sab imong income sa intero kung makaharvest ka tanan sa imong pananom,” he said.

(We need to divide the rice field – in one hectare, we should plant palay, vegetables, and raise animals. In case of failure, you still have a way around to earn income. Your overall income will also increase if you harvest all of your crops.)

He also expressed his interest in rice-duck integrated farming to minimize pest infestation in rice fields and ease the effect of rising prices of farm inputs.

“Willing ko mo-adopt ining integrated rice duck-farming, ug ako sad ni i-open sa among federation kay maayo kini – makaminimize ka na sa fertilizer, tambal, ug unsa pay idapat nimo diha sa imong gitanum, unya makadugang pa sa atong kita,” he furthered.

(I am willing to adopt integrated rice-duck farming, and I would also open this to our federation because it is helpful – you can minimize the use of fertilizer and chemical treatment, and also earn added income.)

To underscore the importance of employing value chain approach in farm clustering, the Aggie-10 F2C2 also capacitated the rice farmers in market linkage and financial management to scale up their farm operations. # (ATT)

DA engages R-10 cassava buyers to address pricing concerns

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Following initial discussions held early in the third quarter of this year, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through its National and Regional Corn programs, convened a stakeholders’ meeting on September 17 with major fresh cassava tuber buyers across Northern Mindanao (NorMin). The meeting aimed to set a reasonable and sustainable pricing for both cassava buyers and growers, along with exploring additional forms of support for stakeholders in Region 10.

It gathered key processors—Bio Green Processing and Manufacturing, Inc. and Phil Agro Industrial, Corp. from Bukidnon, and San Miguel Foods, Inc. and Daesang Philippines, Corp. from Misamis Oriental—with current buying prices ranging from PhP3.00 to PhP3.50 per kilogram.

NorMin continues to be one of the leading cassava-growing regions, with 15,582 Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA)-enrolled cassava farmers contributing to a total production of 633,397.62 metric tons in 2024, according to PSA data.

Leading the discussions were Deputy Director Engr. Maria Christine C. Inting and technical consultant Candido B. Damo, PhD of the DA National Corn Program (NCP).

For the DA-NCP’s part, Damo outlined major interventions to enhance cassava production for starch processing in the agricultural supply chain. These include the provision of cassava seed pieces, fertilizers, production and cluster development training, as well as agricultural machinery and equipment such as farm tractors, hauling trucks, and weighing scales for 2025–2028.

In support of the sector’s development, among the discussions of the body was the plan to expand international market linkages to boost opportunities and increase sourcing from local farmers.

Also tackled was the revival of the cassava starch processors’ association in the region and the formation of a joint growers and processors group to better advocate for the industry’s growth.

To protect local producers, cassava processors were urged to submit a resolution to increase tariffs on imported cassava starch, in coordination with and under the guidance of the DA. They also expressed interest in exploring the conversion of cassava waste from starch plants into value-added products to enhance sustainability and profitability.

“Tulungan natin ang industriya ng cassava para sa economic development ng buong Pilipinas…sama-sama sa cassava!,” Dir. Inting remarked in her closing message.

This ongoing dialogue underscores the DA’s commitment to building a food-secure and sustainable agricultural sector under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration by strengthening partnerships between the public and private sectors, particularly within the cassava industry. The agency intends to elevate these discussions to the national level for policy consideration.# (JLO)

DA-10 employees hailed NorMin’s Lingkod Bayani awardee

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Two employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA- 10), led by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, were honored by the Civil Service Commission- Region 10 (CSC-X) as regional awardees of the prestigious Gawad Lingkod Bayani during the 125th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Civil Service on September 17, held here.

Mr. Richan D. Lacanaria, Senior Agriculturist of the Field Operations Division was lauded as recipient of the Gawad Lingkod Bayani ng Pangulo, while Mr. Silvan B. Acas, Laboratory Aide II of the Integrated Laboratories Division, was named Gawad Pagasa awardee.

Both were recognized for their exceptional contribution to advancing agricultural development in the region. Their unwavering commitment to public service embodies the values of dedication, integrity and excellence.

This year’s theme, “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” recognized the efforts of civil servants who go above and beyond in serving the public.

In addition to the individual recognition, DA-10 was also commended as CSC’s partner agency for its outstanding government service delivery, reinforcing its pivotal role being in the forefront of government’s thrust to drive economic transformation through agriculture.

The award is part of the President’s initiative to honor government employees who continue to serve selflessly to champion the welfare of every Filipino. #(MAC)

Aggie-10 ramps up effort for Mobile Soil Lab rollout in NorMin

Cagayan de Oro City – The Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (Aggie-10) is intensifying its preparations for the rollout of the Mobile Soil Laboratory (MSL) across Northern Mindanao within the year.

As part of its technical capacitation efforts, the Region 10 Regional Soils Laboratory (RSL), in partnership with the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM), hosted the Soil Chemistry Training on September 8–12.

The activity upskilled the MSL teams of DA Regions 8, 10, and 13 in conducting analyses for soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, exchangeable bases (K, Na, Ca, Mg), and trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn).

This partnership ensures that MSL personnel and counterparts are technically prepared to operate the mobile laboratory equipment and deliver accurate, reliable, and science-based soil test results to farmers.

Featuring the DA’s “Mobile Soil Laboratory,” the initiative embodies the 3As of Soil Health: Accessible, Available, and Accurate Solutions. It aims to provide farmers with timely and science-based recommendations on balanced fertilization and soil health management practices—right at the convenience of their localities.

It further supports the government’s drive to modernize Philippine agriculture through innovative programs designed to boost productivity and uplift farmers’ incomes.# (ATT/Photo credits: RSL)

Valencia farmers get PhP4.15-M fuel assistance as DA-10 boosts farm mechanization support

VALENCIA CITY, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) released PhP4.152-million worth of fuel subsidy to 1,384 Valencia City farmers during the Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project (FAtFP) Caravan on September 9-10 in Brgy. Pinatilan.

Through the FAtFP, the DA supports farmers’ full mechanization on their farms, while alleviating the burden of rising fuel costs. Each farmer-beneficiary received the DA’s Intervention Monitoring Cards (IMC), with PhP3k worth of fuel subsidy credit.

To qualify for the fuel assistance, farmers must be registered owner or renter of operational machinery registered in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS). They also must be registered in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and/or in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS).

To be eligible of the agency’s mechanization assistance, the DA-10 through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), urged farmers to register their farm machinery and equipment to the Registration of Ownership of Agricultural and Fisheries Machine and Equipment System (RAFMES).

“I encourage our farmers to register their farm machinery and equipment so that the government can keep a proper inventory of how many machines a farmer or association owns, as well as the production area they cover. This will help us provide the appropriate machinery to qualified farmers,” said Engr. Romil G. Española, RAED OIC-chief.

He also emphasized the proper utilization of the subsidy, reminding beneficiaries that the assistance may be availed 24 hours after the issuance of their IMCs at gasoline stations equipped with a Point of Sale (POS) system.

Jocelyn A. Casino, a corn farmer from Brgy. Concepcion, said the subsidy would help ease their fuel expenses in farming.

“Naa mi maisan nga duha ka ektarya. Kada harvest, magrenta mi sa sheller nga tag-40 centavos ang bayad kada kilo ug ilaha na ang gasolina. Busa, isip usa sa mga mag-uuma nga garenta lamang sa makinarya, dako kaayu ni og tabang sa amoa kay pinaagi niining fuel subsidy, mas makabarato mi sa pagrenta kay amoa naman ang gasolina,” Casino said in an interview.

(We have a two-hectare cornfield. Every harvest, we rent a sheller at 40 centavos per kilo, and we are the ones who shoulder the fuel costs. That’s why this fuel subsidy is a big help for us machinery-renters, because with the fuel covered, we can save more on rental fee.)

The DA-10, in coordination with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and its FinTech partner Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC), is set to distribute another PhP40.122M fuel subsidy, funded under the 2024 budget, to 13,374 farmers regionwide.

This initiative forms part of the current administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign with the DA at the forefront to boost agricultural productivity through mechanized farming system.# (BJCE)