Cagayan de Oro City, July 21 – Sixteen employees from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-RFO 10) have taken their oath after their appointments and promotions were issued, in a simultaneous ceremony, held at the agency compound and virtually, in one of its research stations in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

The oathtaking was administered by DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, wherein 13 newly promoted, 1 re-employed and 2 newly appointed with Salary Grades (SG) 4 to 24 took part in the simple rites.

Included in the newly promoted roster are Pedro U. Bergado, Jr. (Engineer IV, SG 24); Lorena V. Duna (Supervising Science Research Specialist, SG 22); Berly F. Tatoy (Agricultural Center Chief III, SG 22); Catalino S. Soriano, Jr. (Agricultural Center Chief III, SG 22); Cherlie A. Simene (Senior Science Research Specialist, SG 19); Willie D. Nacalaban (Senior Science Research Specialist, SG 19); and Lucille T. Minguez (Senior Science Research Specialist, SG 19).

Also rounding up the list are Joel J. Gabo (Senior Science Research Specialist, SG 19); Maridith A. Flores (Senior Science Research Specialist, SG 19); Betty G. Betonio (Science Research Specialist II, SG 16); Albert R. Adaptar (Engineer II, SG 16); Carol Christine C. Allanic (Engineer II, SG 16); and Maria Christine G. Cabillo (Engineer II, SG 16).

Meanwhile, Ronald M. Orbeta (Engineer II, SG 16) is re-employed while Bryan R. Cubita (Engineer II, SG 16); and Elena B. Sta. Cruz (Science Aide IV, SG 4) are newly appointed.

In his message, Dir. Collado emphasized that the oathtaking serves as a milestone for DA-10, saying that amid the 15-year moratorium in the filling-up of positions and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the department persevered, resulting to the appointments and promotions of agency personnel.

“Based on the records of the Human Resource Management Section starting October 2016, we have already appointed and promoted a total of 99 employees,” Collado remarked, adding that since taking helm of DA-10, such feat was realized with help from the agency’s Placement and Selection Board (PSB).

Addressing the promoted and entrant employees, he expressed, that they have earned it with their exerted efforts, and similarly, challenging them to assume increased responsibilities and even leading their respective teams for the newly appointed and senior officials, respectively.

“Prove that you are worthy, that you are capable of doing more. Show more interest and sincerity in your functions because we are considered frontliners, and we should implement our project as desired and planned, as funds unutilized will be services undelivered,” the agency head further challenged.

As the department continues to operate under the new normal, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Collado reminded them to also put premium their health.

“In the conduct of the performance of our duties and responsibilities, we should always see to it our safety and the safety of our personnel, as well,” the agri-executive underscored.

Also present to witness the event were Personnel and Selection Board Chair and Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, and joined by the division and section chiefs of the different operating units. #

DANGCAGAN, Bukidnon– Aiming to scale-up Northern Mindanao’s corn production, the agriculture department of Region 10 features genetically modified hybrid corn varieties in the corn derby at the agency’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in barangay Barongcot.

Eight participating seed companies, Bayer Crop Science, Corteva-Pioneer, Syngenta, Asian Hybrid Seed Tech, Inc., Bioseed, RJR Agro-Industrial, AMTRAC, Green and Grow Tech Company engaged in the corn derby with 14 genetically modified (GM) hybrid corn varieties with an aim to determine the best and promising corn varieties and other component technologies appropriate for specific location.

It also aims to assess the productivity and profitability of the different varieties and component technologies demonstrated.

Carmelito R. Lapoot, OIC- Research Division of the Department of Agriculture RFO 10 said, the corn varieties are genetically engineered to adopt different agro climate condition across locations and have high tolerance/resistance to insect pests and diseases.

Richan D. Lacanaria, Corn Program Focal Person of DA-10 shared, the farmers will learn on the advantages of adopting the technologies presented by each seed company, and can choose their preferred varieties suitable in their respective areas.

“Importantly, the derby will also generate significant results of its yield, return of investment and its tolerance to the pests and diseases in the area, especially the invasive fall armyworm, which has already affected some areas in the region,” he added.

The first site of the regional corn derby was conducted at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, using varieties that thrive in mid-elevated areas, 800 meters above sea level.

The third site of the derby was conducted at DA-10’s Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD) demo farm in Lanise, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.# (EMB)

Committed to ensuring available food for all, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) continues its distribution of vegetable seeds to various stakeholders on July 16, 2020.

A total of 810 packets of 5-in-1 pinakbet vegetable seeds were turned over to Abante Mindanao Party-list (ABAMIN) with 500 packets, Pakitunol, Bai, 210 packets and Department of Social Welfare and Development – Region 10 (DSWD 10) with 100 packets.

Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla and Senior Agriculturist Wilson V. Lagdamin handed said vegetable seeds to representatives of the various groups.

ABAMIN congressional staff Junriel Escobido said, the seeds they have received from DA will be given to the different communities in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental in support to their livelihood.

Meanwhile, Philene Moreno, a volunteer of Pakitunol, Bai shared, the seeds will be given to the Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers that they are assisting.

On the other hand, the DSWD-10 facility Regional Haven for Women will become the beneficiary of the vegetable seeds to support their backyard gardening endeavors, shared Manpower Development Officer I Maycel D. Jandayan.

“The agency has been advocating urban gardening through the Plant, Plant, Plant program to ensure available and safe food during these trying times,” said RTD Bajarla who further encouraged clients to avail of the agency’s vegetable seeds distribution.

As of July 11, the agency has distributed a total of 22,308 packets or 833.892 kilograms of vegetable seeds to 33 local government units, 23 associations and walk-in-clients since the start of the pandemic. # (AMBManto)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – With the aim of empowering communities in far-flung areas, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) continues to pour agriculture and fishery assistance worth more than P10 million to Impasugong, Bukidnon.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over two units floating tiller-mudboat type amounting P350,000.00, two units corn sheller worth P205,400, and 200 bags Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seeds amounting P240,000, where farmers from barangays Kalabugao, Hagpa and Bulonay of said town could benefit.

RED Collado also turned over the P1.860 million worth Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) in barangay Kalabugao, which can service 8 hectares of high valued crops.

Meanwhile, the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10 (DA- BFAR 10) also distributed 10,000 tilapia fingerlings through their Provincial Fishery Office in Bukidnon.

In his speech, RED Collado said, the assistance is aligned with the agency’s thrust towards increasing farmers’ productivity and income, covering different crops in the town which include, rice, corn and high value crops.

Impasugong Mayor Anthony A. Uy, lauded DA for their fast action and continuous support to the farmers in said town.

The team visited previous interventions of the agency for the town’s rice production, such as the electronic rice mill in barangay Bulonay and the solar dryer in barangay Hagpa, under the Special Area for Agricultural Development program.

Impasugong has 5,364 corn farmers with an average corn production of 18,000 metric tons and 1,008 rice farmers with an average rice production of 5,694.55 metric tons in 2019.

Importantly, in support to the civil-military operations of the Philippine Army and in line with Executive Order 70 which aims to end local communist armed conflict, RED Collado turned over three units 100 horsepower farm tractors with trailing harrow, disc plow and trailer amounting to P7.470 million the 403rd Infantry (PEACEMAKER) Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (PA) for its military units 8th Infantry (DEPENDABLE) Battalion, 88th Infantry (MARINGAL) Battalion and 1st Special Forces (Anytime Anywhere) Battalion. # (AMBManto)

In preparation for the upcoming rice derby in the province of Bukidnon, the DA-Regional Field Office 10 equiped the seed companies on seeds preparation for the mechanized walk-behind rice transplanter, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Six seed companies, Syngenta, Bayer Crop Science, Bioseed, Longping, Ramgo and SL Agritech participated the orientation on the actual preparation of the rice seeds which was facilitated by Rice Program staff and DA- Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech).

The participants learned the proper ratio of the hybrid seeds and the soil media using well screened top soil, vermicast, rice hull and carbonized rice hull that will be placed in the machine’s seedling trays.

The actual planting of the seedlings will start within the month at Central Mindanao University (CMU) demo farm in Musuan, Maramag, Bukidnon.

Various hybrid rice varieties will be showcased to the farmers during the farmers field day in CMU which is targeted on October 29, this year.# (EMBentulan)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon – Aiming to boost agri-fisheries production of Impasugong, Bukidnon, the agriculture department in Region 10 turned over the Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) to the local government of the town.

Said irrigation system worth more than P1.86 million will benefit the farmers of said barangay, covering eight hectares of highly elevated farmlands, planted mostly with high value crops.

It has 30 solar modules at 320 Watt Power per module to drive the 7.5 horsepower surface pump with 3 inches diameter.

The water that comes from Kalabugao River will be pumped up into an elevated concreted reservoir with a capacity of 27 cubic meters.

DA- 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, the project is funded under the department’s High Value Crops Development Program, which started on February 17, this year and completed on June 21.

“Amid the ongoing health crisis, DA has worked hard to complete the project as soon as possible to help the Kalabugao farmers conveniently irrigate their vegetable farms. With this, they can utilize their time with other productive activities while coping with the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he stressed.

The Kalabugao SPIS is DA-10’s 9th small scale water impounding system project in Bukidnon.

According to Impasugong Mayor Anthony A. Uy, DA’s SPIS project is significant to irrigate the farms in the barangay, which is planted mostly with tomatoes, bell pepper, squash and cabbage.

He hopes that DA-10 will continue to assist the town’s farmers and fisherfolk to become more productive, thereby uplift their economic status.

At present, Impasugong has a total of 3 hectares vegetable production area.

“Farmers are starting to plant vegetables in different areas with the availability of water through the SPIS,” said Dianne Jane Gante, the Report Officer of the municipal agriculture office of said town.

Along with the turnover of the SPIS, the town has also received other agri-fishery interventions from DA-10 that will also benefit other barangays.#(EMBentulan)

Amidst looming COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao flares its agricultural services, reaching out to its clientele in the ground level.

Spearheaded by Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, DA-10 conducts on Thursday, July 9, 2020, a coordination meeting with the Provincial, City and Municipal Agriculturists of Lanao del Norte at the province’s agriculture office in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The meeting was an avenue to brief and consult them on the revised implementing guidelines of the Rice Resiliency Project (RRP), particularly in the granting of fertilizer subsidy to rice farmers in the province.

Similarly, they were re-oriented in the full-blown implementation of the Registry System on Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) in Northern Mindanao/

RED Collado urged the PLGU to register all farmers in their respective areas to the RSBSA.

Other agri-related concerns in the province were also discussed during the said gathering which includes proposed interventions, plans and actions at a consensus of all stakeholders present.

The meeting was attended and facilitated by Lanao del Norte Provincial Agriculturist Letecia Ditucalan together with DA-10 team in the regional and provincial levels.#(Azbie Talib)

Nineteen promoted and newly hired employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) recently took their oath of office before DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado.

Among the newly promoted employees include: Deliza T. Camaro, Engineer IV, Sansen O. Tejano Agricultural Center Chief II, Junel W. Ablanque Engineer III, Romil G. Española Engineer III, Mischelle F. Egama Agriculturist II, Marnelly Ann P. Flores Agriculturist II, Jurrybe J. Lachica Agriculturist II and Alta L. Viña Administrative Officer I.

Meanwhile, 11 new entrants hired for Engineer I position, namely: Sherlyn I. Binayao, Cristina A. Malibog, Bea Khessa Czarina T. May-as, Jullibee V. Montecañas, Marlene B. Naluan, Leslie C. Paano, Rynell Richard U. Pahente, Quinah Marie O. Raiz, Jon James P. Salva, Reggie T. Vivas, and Grace T. Yagonia.

“We greatly appreciate your involvement and participation that developed DA sufficiently, including the direction that you have provided. The years you have worked with DA guiding and inspiring everyone in the office has given us the opportunity to work with your innovation,” RED Collado remarked.

Present during the ceremony were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla, who also chairs the Promotion and Selection Board and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga. #(AMBManto)

The agriculture department (DA) adds another partner to its roster of food security advocates, as the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology – Regional Field Office 10 (BJMP-X) thru its jail facilities is now headed to grow their own food with their received vegetable seeds on July 7, 2020.

Handing over the inputs is Carlota S. Madriaga, regional technical director of DA-Regional Field Office 10 which was then received by Jail Inspector Haidee G Macanoili, officer-in-charge of the Regional Welfare and Development, BJMP-X.

Said start-up provisions, comprising of 30 packets of veggie seeds (okra, ampalaya and pechay) are eyed to make Persons Deprived of Liberty and BJMP-10 personnel more productive amid ongoing lockdown of jail facilities to curb the spread of COVID-19. Of which, has prevented the entry of visitors and all of their service providers temporarily suspended.

The seeds assistance will help in their urban gardening activities, which they regard as a good provider for their own food and source of livelihood and income. #