Agri-10 holds operations planning, workshop

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Ushering the year, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) led by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan conducted an operations planning-workshop and presentation on January 2 to 3, here.

The said activity was staged for the agency to move forward effectively, revisiting key strides and bottlenecks encountered in the previous year which have altogether contributed and challenged to the DA-10’s attainment of its deliverables.

Importantly, it paved way to pinpoint best practices adopted and make them a baseline to scale up in the delivery of agri-fishery interventions and services to farmers and fishers in the current year.

Factoring in the discussions, RED Pacamalan further enjoined the DA-10 personnel to redefine their focus and energy, bringing along the lessons learned to ensure that 2025 targets are met, with emphasis on aligning all efforts and initiatives toward Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.’s ten-point agenda of achieving food security by amplifying agricultural production and developing the agri-fishery sector as a profitable industry.# (JLO/Photo credits: JLO/CRS)

Agri dept delivers corn seeds to Iligan City

ILIGAN CITY – Aimed at addressing farmers’ productivity and profit, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) delivered 100 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds (DK8899S) to the Office of Congressman Celso G. Regencia, Lone District of Iligan City, on December 26, in Brgy. Hinaplanon, here.

Funded under the agency’s Production Support Services for CY 2024, the department through the Corn program handed over the said provisions to the said office, which was received by Pablito D. Oblimow, Jr.

Packaged at 9 kilos per bag, the hybrid corn seeds are to be planted to a half hectare of land this dry season, with an estimated average yield of 8.26 metric tons per hectare.

With the conferment of such agri inputs, the DA-10 further eyes for Iligan City farmers to contribute in the region’s bid toward sufficiency for food, feed and industrial purposes.# (JLO/Photo supplied)

Agri-10 hosts AMIA year-end assessment

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) hosted the 2024 Yearend Assessment of the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) program from December 3 to 6, here.

Organized by the DA Climate Resilient Agriculture Office (CRAO) and DA-10 through its AMIA team, the gathering served as a platform for evaluating the program’s progress, exchanging knowledge on various aspects of AMIA implementation, and sharing ongoing climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) initiatives among AMIA regional focal persons and teams.

In his message, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan lauded the success of the AMIA program, noting its efforts of helping farmers to counter the effects of climate change and weather through climate-resilient agriculture.

Citing the use of different CRAs such as but not limited to stress tolerant crop varieties, relay and rotational cropping systems, irrigation, water harvesting, soil conservation, and crop diversification, among others, the agri exec pins his hopes that the farmers trained by the program will go beyond capacitation and translate these learnings in their farms—growing, harvesting, processing and marketing more, and result to the local government units’ integration of AMIA initiatives into their development plans.

He also underscored the adoption of digitalization as embodied in the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) project, which provides real-time data to enhance information systems, further urging for the refinement of data collections in the next phase, aligning them with clear and measurable success indicators.

For her part, CRAO Director, Alicia G. Ilaga stressed the program’s strides, which includes its advocacy campaigns, the AMIA members’ recognition at the Philippine Resilience Awards, the AMIA’s involvement in COP29, an initiative to help marginal farmers with sustainable solutions, among other concerns.

She likewise enjoined the attendees to continue working together to strengthen the agricultural sector amid the challenges on climate change toward a more resilient and prosperous Philippines.

During the assessment, DA-10 was also recognized for clinching third place for its AMIA team’s financial performance in terms of obligation, at the same time received a special award for initiation and organizing the first-ever AMIA Congress in the country.

Also in attendance to receive the honor is Climate Change-AMIA focal person, Carmelito R. Lapoot, along with the program staff.# (MAC/Photos supplied)

DA-10, Taparak coop, FICCO ink MOA for swine prod’n farm project

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), led by the Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Taparak Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative of Alubijid town and the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) under the Modified Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) program, on December 27, here.

The signing was attended by key stakeholders, including the LGU Alubijid, represented by Municipal Mayor Emmanuel L. Jamis and the Taparak Farmers’ Cooperative through its chairperson Gaudencio B. Jadol and FICCO represented by its Chief Executive Officer Edgardo A. Micayabas. Of which, the said proponents will each receive one unit of a 30-sow level production farm project.

The total project cost is PhP10-million (M), which includes PhP 6-M for the construction of bio-secured facility, PhP1.71-M for 38 head of vaccinated gilts, and a package apiece of PhP2.195-M of animal and zoological supplies and semen amounting to P95k.

In his message, DA Undersecretary for Operations, Engr. Roger V. Navarro, expressed his optimism for the successful partnership between DA-10 and that of FICCO, and Taparak.

He highlighted the significance of scaling up agricultural projects in the region, emphasizing that Region 10 has the potential to lead pilot initiatives and make significant strides toward agricultural development.

“With this partnership, we hope to achieve the goals of the INSPIRE project and move forward in creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector,” said Navarro.

Present during the MOA signing were Livestock focal person, Jamaica L. Docdoc, Municipal Agriculturist, Frederick L. Labis, Municipal Accountant, Dollyn Jean A. Sabellina, Board Secretary, Pedro L. Leono, Jr., FICCO’s Board Secretary, Ester D. Mambayas, and Assistant Treasurer, Nicolas H. Veronilla.# (MAC)

DA management visits newly turned over IREAP subproject

In support to PRDP’s goal to provide quality projects based on the World Bank standards, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) Project Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan together with DA Undersecretary Engr. Roger V. Navarro visits the Abaca Fiber Processing and Marketing IREAP subproject in Cadayunan, Iligan City on December 27.

The enterprise, valued at P9.1 million, consists of a delivery truck (P2.09 million), a hauling tractor with trailer (P1.94 million), a baling machine (P1.3 million), a spindle stripping machine (P800,000), decorticating machines (P600,000), a weighing scale (P140,000), and raw materials worth P2.2 million.

The subproject is expected to benefit 156 IP farmer-members cultivating abaca across approximately 82.7 hectares by improving product quality and reducing postharvest costs.

Funded under AF2-EU, the subproject was turned over on December 9, 2024.

The visit was accompanied by Agriculture focal person, Kevin R. Fernan with Lanao del Norte Provincial Operation Center chief, Engr. Abdulharis Paporo. # (IAgawin)

DA-NorMin showcases local tastes at World Bazaar Festival 2024

PASAY CITY – In a stride to highlight the best tastes of the region while supporting charitable endeavors, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) participated as one of the exhibitors of the DA Pavilion at the World Bazaar Festival 2024, held at the World Trade Center from December 13 to 22.

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), DA-NorMin extended its full support to the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) awardee and Farmers’ Cooperative Association (FCA) to partake in the country’s “longest-running annual charity bazaar.”

This initiative served as a platform to showcase the region’s agri-innovations, as well as to promote local products on a grand scale.

NorMin’s FCA First Community Cooperative (FICCO) Integrated Coconut Facility, assisted by Market Specialist I Karen Andrea Noob, also displayed adlai and some coconut-based value-added products, including sap and skimmed milk drinks in the exhibit .

Meanwhile, DA-Normin’s YFC awardee, OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, represented by Jury Rey Catapang and assisted by the Market Development Section Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Dryan Anthony D. Illana, also showcased pesto paste in the pavilion.

Catapang expressed his beatitude for the support his products received, sharing “I’m happy that all 72 jars of my pesto paste were sold out by the second day of display.” He added that the positive reception inspires him to continue innovating and offering high-quality, sustainable products.

The YFC awardee also encouraged fellow young farmers, whether working on small-scale backyard setups or larger commercial farms, to participate in events like the WBF and such. He highlighted that such platforms allow them to connect to people who can help refine their products, gain market awareness, build networks, and showcase their hard work to a broader audience.

“Thank you to the DA for providing this incredible platform to showcase the passion and potential of Filipino farmers.Together, let’s grow and inspire”, he expressed.

With the agency’s support in product display, Chino’s Deli, a local delicatessen in Cagayan de Oro City, also participated in the bazaar, displaying their homemade meat products such as bacon, ham, and sausages.

Through an initiative like this, the DA continues to encourage young farmers, cooperatives, and local businesses to drive advancements and gain wider recognition in food innovation

DA-10 drums up promotion of onion cultivation in NorMin

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In line with its goal to scale up local production of onions in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) concluded its Allium Derby in a Harvest Festival and Farmers Forum today, December 20, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Center (NMACLRC), this city.

Kersten S. Pagalan, High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) focal person, shared that the event aims to showcase the potential of onion for massive production in the region by pinpointing well-suited variety for local cultivation.

The derby was participated by four (4) private seed companies who planted their respective red and white onion varieties within a 700 square meter demonstration farm. They were then judged based on yield and quality of onions produced.

Allium derby results are as follow:

Red Onion Category
1st Ramgo International Corp. (Red Dragon)
2nd Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds Corp. (Red Moon)
3rd Allied Botanical Corp. (Onion 88)

White Onion Category
1st Ramgo International Corp. (Yellow Superex)
2nd Allied Botanical Corp. (White Onion Vidalia)
2nd East West Seed Company (Golden Pinoy)

The derby was staged in collaboration with Harbest Agribusiness Corp., for the establishment of a low tunnel greenhouse and with private chemical companies such as FMC Agro Philippines, Inc. and AVC Chemical Corp.

Meanwhile, around 100 farmers were invited to learn firsthand information regarding onion production technology for possible adoption and replication in their locality.

“As a farmer-practitioner, I applied what I learned from the previous allium derby in my own farm and was able to harvest what I planted,” shared Square Honorio S. Cervantes, owner of Square Foot Gardening Learning Site in Cagayan de Oro City.

He further encouraged other farmers to plant onions to help boost the local production to be at par with Luzon in terms of onion production.

The said festival marks the first batch of harvest from three DA-10’s research stations. # (AMBM)

DA-10 supports Oro law students’ urban gardening campaign

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aiming to extend its services to small-scale agricultural initiates, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds and gardening tools to law students’ organization of the Liceo de Cagayan University School of Law in support of their pursuit to reach out to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the Cagayan de Oro City Jail in the spirit of the holiday season.

Led by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, and Agriculturist ll Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, 10 packs of garden salad vegetable seeds and 10 pcs. of hand trower were handed to the said organization on December 16 at the DA-RFO 10 compound.

The said provision is seen to aid the PDLs in their food gardening project as part of the reformation activities of the correctional.

In line with the DA’s plans and program in achieving food security for the Filipino people, the agency continues to boost agricultural production at the community level by supporting civic groups that share the same green initiatives.# (EJLG)

DA-10 bolsters agri productivity in Buk’n town with P12-M worth agri infra projects

SAN FERNANDO, BUKIDNON — In a bid to increase agricultural productivity in the region’s rural towns, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) recently turned over three agricultural infrastructure projects amounting to more than P12 million (M) to the Local Government Unit of San Fernando, Bukidnon.

In a turnover ceremony on December 18, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan handed a certificate of turnover for P7.4-M worth of Solar-powered Irrigation System (SPIS) to San Fernando Municipal Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke, and Barangay Captain of Cayaga, Noel R. Espares, in the presence of Municipal Agriculturist, Coleen Alva C. Ambos.

Funded under DA’s Rice Program for FY 2024, the SPIS, with a solar array of 80 panels and pump power of 22 kilowatts (kW), can service up to 20.5 hectares of rainfed rice production area.

This configuration, Espares said, benefits local farmers by ensuring easy access to irrigation, ensuring optimal cropping intensity and yield, higher productivity, and increased income.

“In the past, water used to be sourced from the creek, making our farming dependent on days when there is heavy rainfall to meet our needs for sufficient irrigation. Our farmers will largely benefit from this solar-powered pump provided to us by the DA,” he said.

Also funded by the same program under FY 2023, the DA-10 also turned over the improved and rehabilitated Candelaria Diversion Dam worth P4.5-M, to the Candelaria Balongkot Irrigators’ Association, through its chairperson Ben C. Cayang.

The improved 500 meters diversion dam located in Sitio Riverside, spanned across 60 hectares agricultural production areas, paving the way for increased productivity of farmers in the vicinity.

On the same occasion, the DA-10 turned over a 180-sqm nursery worth P496.95K to the Organisasyon sa Nagkahiusang Ipalambo ang Katawhan ug Kinaiyahan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ORGANIKK MPC), through its chairperson Nicolas T. Filipino. The said project is funded under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan.

Situated in Barangay Halapitan, the said nursery boasts a capacity to house over 20 to 30 thousand coffee and cacao seedlings and is seen to benefit the organization’s membership of over 200 coconut farmers.

“Prior to the establishment of this nursery, our group did not have a set area to grow seedlings provided to us by the government. Now, our group can comfortably grow seedlings here, and we can ensure the success of the projects provided to us by [the government], especially since we are also eyeing the intercropping of coffee and cacao in the future,” Filipino said.

The activity was graced by Sangguniang Bayan Agriculture Committee chairperson Dante C. Dy and SB member Richard Taboclaon.

Also present are Engr. Arlene Almo of the DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center and Engr. Romil G. Española, Project Management Section chief of the DA-10 Regional Agricultural Engineering Division.# (GDA)

DA-NorMin highlights Local Farmer Technicians’

roles in streamlining rice extension services

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-NorMin) recognized the imperative roles of Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs) as front-runners in streamlining its rice program extension services in Northern Mindanao.

On the December 16 episode of the “Usapang Agrikultura” of Radyo Pilipinas 1 DXIM, Marnelly Ann P. Flores, Agriculturist II of the DA-RFO 10’s Field Operations Division, underscored the indispensable roles of the LFTs in augmenting the delivery of agricultural extension services to rice farmers, given the country’s limited Agricultural Extension Technicians (AET), which has a ratio of only 1 to every 150 barangays (1:150).

In corollary, the DA developed the concept of farmer-to-farmer extension modality by tapping the LFTs as its key partners in fortifying agri-developments, to top up the limited AETs in the local government units (LGUs).

According to Flores, the LFTs facilitate the adoption and replication of advanced rice production technologies in the local communities such as the Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System (IRDFS).

Among their responsibilities, the LFTs also assist in the implementation of Rice Program interventions, including the enrollment of farmers in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), the distribution of rice seeds, fertilizers, and other DA provisions, collection of pest incidence data, and the monitoring and validation of crop damages caused by pests, typhoons, and other calamities, along with other assigned duties.

Flores emphasized that, as stipulated in Memorandum Order No. 007, Series of 2024, the DA-NorMin provides the LFTs a Php 4,000 monthly performance incentive (Php 48,000 annually), contingent on the submission of a monthly accomplishment report duly approved by their local agriculturist.

In coordination with the municipal, city, and provincial agricultural offices, the DA will select LFTs who graduated in rice-related training/s and are engaged in cultivating or managing a rice field. Additionally, they must be members of an Irrigators’ Association, registered in the RSBSA, and endorsed by their Local Chief Executive (LCE).

Moreover, selected farmers must be willing to share their knowledge and experience in rice farming and are also willing to undergo appropriate training, briefings, and orientations. The DA-NorMin coordinates with the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 10 (ATI-RTC 10) to ensure that all LFTs undergo the required training.

Further, Flores stressed the importance of communication skills for LFTs.

“The LFTs need to be physically fit, have good moral character, and, of course, good communication skills. Relational skills are essential for LFTs as they mobilize the delivery of information and services to their fellow rice farmers in their locality.”

LFTs will serve for one year based on the guidelines stated in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the DA, LGU, and the LFTs. However, the re-appointment can be done every year upon the approval of the Municipal Agriculturists based on their performance and qualifications.

In 2025, DA-NorMin will contract 84 LFTs across the five provinces of Northern Mindanao, 43 of them from Bukidnon. This reflects the strategic allocation of LFTs based on the size of rice farms in the areas.

Interested farmers who wish to become LFTs can visit their municipal, city, or provincial agricultural offices for more information.

The “Usapang Agrikultura” airs Monday to Friday from 5 to 6 A.M. to provide Filipino farmers with the latest updates and innovations in agriculture.# (BJCE)