DA reaffirms its support for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace during the Adlai Ceremonial Harvest and turnover of
10 NHA-built housing units and P4.8 -M worth of financial assistance to 20 FRs at 403rd Infantry Brigade, Camp Osito Bahian in
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on December 8, 2020.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – As a support agency to the implementation of Executive Order 70, an order calling for a whole-of-nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) advocates adlay farming as potential livelihood projects for former rebels (FRs).

The DA reaffirms its support of the government’s pursuit of inclusive and sustainable peace during the Adlai Ceremonial Harvest and turnover of 10 NHA-built housing units and P4.8 million worth of financial assistance to 20 FRs at 403rd Infantry Brigade, Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on December 8, 2020.

“DA will back up the government’s support to people who have returned to the calls of the law. All of us are working together in a whole-of-nation approach,” DA Undersecretary for Regulations, Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan said.

“It is a good thing that our FRs are safe, and now will stand for the same ideology to fight for our people, but this time in a productive way,” he added.

Ampatuan commends the Philippine Army’s effort in hosting the FRs and engaging them in adlay production and processing – a highly viable livelihood program, as the DA will be pushing adlay production in the ensuing years.

“Adlai will be a big thing. This will make the Philippine famous. No other Asian Countries produce adlay in massive scale,” he accounted.

Adlai is a tropical plant bearing tear-shaped grains slightly bigger than that of corn and rice. It is popularly used in diet owing to its anti-inflammatory properties.

It is also good for diabetes since it has low glycemic index and rich in fiber, making it in demand to consumers who’s into healthy food.

Due to growing demand, recently, adlay has been commercially produced as healthier alternative for rice and corn.

“The DA has set aside seed fund to promote adlay production. The agribusiness service of DA will be allocating P10 million to fund adlay research and support some enterprises that are developing adlay products,” Ampatuan disclosed.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga revealed, currently the DA RFO-10’s Research Division has produced various value-added adlay products such as adlay wine, cookies and cereal.

The division also developed adlay processing and packaging technologies that can be benchmarked by interested agripreneurs in the region.

In his message, the DA executive also assured the FRs of the agency’s support for their vegetable production project.

“We in the government embrace you back. You are our balikbayans. The President emphasized this will end. There will be no more rebels as people will open up their minds. We do not need war within and among us,” he said.

“I congratulate you as you renew your vow back to this peaceful society,” Ampatuan concluded. #(ATalib)

IMPASUG-ONG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao turns over P15.86 million agri interventions to barangay Kalabugao and Hagpa of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon in support to the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

Presidential Communications (PCOO) Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security – Region X (CORDS –X) Martin M. Andanar with DA Asst. Sec. for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista, DA-10 RTD Carlota S. Madriaga, and other officials led the turnover ceremony on Tuesday.

Comprising the interventions are agri machinery and equipment (mobile flash dryer, mechanical rice thresher, power tiller – pull type with trailer); multi-crop drying pavement with shed; egg incubators; agri inputs (inorganic and organic fertilizer, feeds, vegetable, sorghum, corn and rice seeds); livestock animals, drugs and supplements funded by the agency’s banner programs (rice, corn, livestock) and special project (Special Area for Agricultural Development Program).

“Sa ELCAC more than P50 million worth of ari interventions which includes equipment and machinery na ang naipamigay ng DA sa Region 10. Hindi po dito nagtatapos ang tulong namin dahil ang utos ni President Duterte ay kayo po ang nasa una sa listahan ng ating pamahalaan. Lahat ng resources natin ay para sa inyo. Sama-sama po kami, tulong-tulong whole of the government approach,” said ASEC Evangelista in her message.

ASec Evangelista further announced an additional P2 million commitment, P1 million for agribusiness capital and another P1 million for 5 units adlai milling equipment.

“Pohonan po ito (bigay po to, hindi loan) na gagamitin ninyo, para sa processing at packaging. Kailangang maibenta ninyo ng magandang presyo. Yun po ang paraan para sama sama tayong uunlad. Ang DA noon pa man, hanggang ngayon ay naririto para tulungan kayo,” she said.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga emphasized, the assistance is in support of the agency’s thrust in increasing productivity and income and reduce poverty among the marginalized sectors in agriculture and fishery in pursuit of the country’s peace agenda.

The support is in line with Executive Order 70 signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte which aims to end local communist armed conflict. # (ATCabig/Photo Credits: JCAnito)

MHFA and LGU Talakag, Bukidnon thru President Ryan Danio and Administrator Bigcas, respectively, receive their certificates of award from DA under its Enhanced Kadiwa Inclusive Food Supply Chain program, in the presence of PCOO Sec. Andanar, DA ASec. Evangelista, DA-10 RTD Madriaga and 4ID Commander Centino.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Miarayon Highland Farmers Association (MHFA) and the local government of Talakag, Bukidnon received their certificate of awards from the Department of Agriculture under the enhanced kadiwa inclusive food supply chain program on Monday, December 7.

PCOO Secretary Martin M. Andanar turned over the certificate of award to MHFA President Ryan A. Danio for the P1 million grant in support to packing house facility (working capital and equipment) and to LGU Talakag, represented by Administrator Alberto Bigcas received P14 million for the establishment of regional food terminal project, during the RTF-ELCAC meeting in Cagayan de Oro.

Assisting him during the turnover were DA Asst. Sec. for Agribusiness and Marketing Kristine Y. Evangelista, Department of Agriculture 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga and 4th Infantry Division Commander MGen Andres C. Centino.

The program, “Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant” aims to provide cooperatives additional capital to purchase supplies and equipment and help them sell their produce directly to consumers.

The grant includes vegetable crates, packing equipment, delivery truck, and revolving fund as assemblers or consolidators of fresh produce.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said, the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita program was expanded to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness by capacitating the farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives, associations to become reliable and efficient food commodity suppliers.

The Kadiwa is one of the main programs of DA under the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) facilitating the market linkage of agri producers to consumers including institutional buyers.

The program also minimizes layers of traders making fresh produce affordable.

Through the grant, cooperatives are capacitated to take on more roles in the food supply chain thus, increasing their income.

According to Danio, their association delivers 3-5 tons of assorted high value vegetables to Bulua Market in CdeO every week, which are then supplied to Luzon, Visayas and to some areas in Mindanao.

The MHFA has 25 active members tilling more than 60 hectares of land in barangay Miarayon and a beneficiary of several DA projects.

Bigcas shared, LGU Talakag will manage the regional food terminal which will be established in a 1 hectare area in barangay Miarayon, where the farm is situated.

“High value crops is available in Talakag. You can directly buy to the farmers to benefit and help them too. We have the potential to produce more, whole year round,” Bigcas concluded.# (ATCabig/Photos Supplied)

DA-NorMin emphasizes that farming technologies be integrated into agricultural production and utilization mainstream during the first annual virtual 32nd RSRDH.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The first annual virtual 32nd Regional Symposium on Research and Development Highlights (RSRDH), emphasizes facing the agriculture and natural resources (AANR) challenges with a new perspective.

Conducted by the Northern Mindanao Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (NOMCAARRD), the RSRDH aims to evaluate researches conducted by the different consortium member agencies.

On December 2, Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of the Department of Agriculture 10 (DA 10) underlines the power of research and development amidst the pandemic, in his message as the Plenary Speaker.

“We make sure that technologies and knowledge DA has produced will be integrated into the agricultural production and utilization mainstream,” said Collado.

He added, DA has set and established resiliency response research for the development program which provides pathways of support to the department’s food security and resiliency development framework.

COVID-19 food resiliency interventions provide an unhampered flow of goods and services of the agri-fishery sector in Northern Mindanao to ensure food security.

The recently concluded RSRDH promotes interaction between and among researchers, extension workers, LGUs, and other clienteles to establish a favorable direction of the AANR sector amid the ongoing pandemic. #

MOU signing of USTP’s Agropolis Techno Park – Turismo AgriKultura Initiative in Claveria, MisOr signals for the establishment of an innovation-economy-ecology system.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of USTP’s Agropolis Techno Park – Turismo AgriKultura Initiative in Claveria, Misamis Oriental advances the establishment of an innovation-economy-ecology system.

On Friday, December 4, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) – Claveria led the MOU signing with government agencies, local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations to pump agricultural-based knowledge, information, economic-state, science and technology innovation and development.

The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), as one of the partners of said initiative, envisions for a food secured and resilient Philippines with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga assured the group that DA will continuously support agri-fishery programs and projects for the province of Misamis Oriental.

RTD Madriaga added, DA will continue implementing its initiatives, programs and projects to increase agricultural productivity and profitability of farmers and fisherfolk, taking into account sustainable, competitive and resilient technologies and practices.

Citing on the holisitic approach of the Agropolis development plan will help the farmers and fisherfolk in Misamis Oriental with the combined efforts of LGUs, national government agencies and the academe in achieving agri-tourism development. # (ATCabig)

Amid the ASF threat, NorMinHog sustains it hog shipment to Luzon to augment supply. (Photo by: BAI-NVQS)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Associations, Inc. (NorMinHog) shipped 1,970 heads of hogs for the month of November alone to Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon to augment supply in the area.

According to NorMinHog President Leon Tan, Jr., they have sustained supplying other areas in the country aside from Mindanao regions.

NorMinHog’s response is in line with DA Secretary William D. Dar’s call in helping stabilize the supply and prices of pork in Metro Manila due to the devastating effects of the African Swine Fever (ASF) in some areas in Luzon.

In spite with the challenges they encountered on the limitations of hog vans, Tan shared, Oceanic Container Lines accommodated their shipment.

He also assures the public, “there is enough supply of hog with Bukidnon as the production area. The supply will come as long as the government will continue to protect the industry.”

Aside from Luzon market, their group has been supplying Samar, Leyte and CARAGA.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported, as of July 1, this year, Region 10 ranks third in production at 101,911.97 metric tons next to Central Luzon and CALABARZON, respectively.

“For now, we are only asking DA and LGU’s support in protecting the remaining green zones in the country,” Tan shared.

He added, their major problem is Mindanao, where some areas were affected with ASF.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado of DA-10 said, amid the ASF threat, region 10’s hog supply remains stable.

As of December 1, DA-10’s hog price monitoring, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), average buying price of live weight hogs for commercial farms pegs at P99 per kilogram, while backyard farms at an average of P108.30 per kilogram.

Collado added, the department closely works with the local government and continues to strictly monitor the possible entry of pork and its by-products from other areas in Mindanao.

Bukidnon alone through its Provincial Veterinary Office has established 13 provincial veterinary sanitation checkpoints to ensure all entry points will be monitored.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga added, “Because of the high demands from external markets though we have more than enough supply of pork, local price might be affected but this will not go up as high as expected because of the purchasing power of the consumers during this time of pandemic.”

With the P19 billion swine industry of Northern Mindanao and stable supply, Tan appeals to the government to give more attention to the deadly virus.

“Given with the availability of vessel and favorable condition, we can supply other areas. We need to work together to suppress this disease and help our countrymen, especially in Luzon with their supply,” he concluded. #(ATCabig)

DA-10 in partnership with 4ID launches the Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani for farmers and fisherfolk to directly sell their product to soldiers and their respective families, and other nearby camp residents at reasonable prices.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To directly link farmer-producers and suppliers to the market, the Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10) in partnership with the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army launched the Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani on December 1 at Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over the Tienda/Kadiwa outlet to Col Michele B Anayron Jr MNSA (INF) PA, Assistant Division Commander for Retirees Reservist Affairs, 4th ID, PA on behalf of MGEN Andres C Centino, PA, Commander, 4ID.

The outlet amounting to P500,000 has an area of 20 square meters with the following components: building at P280,000; equipment (P170,000 composed of freezer, chiller, weighing scale, and cash register); and a capital of P50,000 funded by the DA.

Kadiwa or Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita aimed to establish and create an alternative market outlet for farmers, especially those with lesser access to commercial markets, while providing increased accessibility to affordable fresh, safe, and nutritious farm products to consumers.

Collado shared, “In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this partnership will give another opportunity for the farmers to become more productive.”

He added, the partnership with the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, in various undertakings has resulted in the promotion of the welfare of soldiers and their families.

This strategy provides an alternative market outlet for the residents of the 4ID, and one of the prime projects of the department in response to the declaration of Pres. Duterte, one of DA’s moral obligation is to make food available for every Filipino.

The institutionalization of Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani will sustain the benefits derived by armed forces servicemen therefrom in the form of fresh and low-priced farm produce and aqua-marine products.

“Tienda para sa mga Bayani is strategically designed to lessen the cases of our soldier senselessly killed by the NPA while at the same time, a market scheme to provide farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers to sell their products directly to the consumers at farm gate price – a win-win partnership on both ends,” MGEN Centino’s message delivered by Col Anayron, during the launching.

He concluded that agriculture remains the primary backbone of the economy amidst the pandemic.

The Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani is regularly open every Fridays and Saturdays at the 4ID.#(ATCabig)

MisOcc receives P17.61-M worth of interventions for the development of the agri-sector of said province.

ALORAN, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – Nine towns from the first district of Misamis Occidental received agri interventions from the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao on Thursday, November 26, 2020.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado handed P17.61 million worth of agri interventions under the first congressional district office of Representative Diego C. Ty, who was represented by Nesty Gonzales.

Collado said, DA’s support to the local government units is part of the initiatives of the government in escalating productivity in terms of agricultural development to ensure food security.

The provincial local government of Misamis Occidental received 1 unit four-wheel drive tractor worth P1.2 million under DA’s rice program in support of their rice farmers.

Meanwhile, the towns of Panaon, Calamba and Lopez Jaena received one unit each of mobile rice mill with a total amount of P1.19 million, and 1 unit riding-type direct seeder worth P1.98 million for the town of Jimenez.

Under DA’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD), P7.71 million of agri inputs were provided to the towns of Aloran, Panaon, Concepcion, Baliangao and Sapang Dalaga.

Such inputs includes garden tools, biologics, agricultural machineries, tools, organic fertilizers, corn and vegetable seeds with an aim to increase efficiency and combat scarcity among the marginalized sectors.

With DA’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), a P3.5 million assistance was turned over to Paglaum Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Plaridel, which comprised of 1 unit cacao facility, 1 unit combined solar/mechanical dryer, and 15 metric tons of wet cacao beans.

The sub-project aims to achieve at least 70 percent of the total production of good quality fermented beans with the use of GMP-compliant fermentary and drying facility, increase the annual net income of the coop, increase farmer-members’ net income and generate more jobs for the enterprise.

Meanwhile, the Aloran Integrated Cooperative received a corn mill facility amounting to P2 million in support of the food security program of the department which will benefit 1,310 corn farmers residing and farming in 16 barangays of said town.

“This facility will aid the farmers to be contributors of the challenged economy, especially in this pandemic we are facing,” said Aloran Mayor Juniepher A. Roa.

Vernan Q. Buensalida, consultant of Aloran Integrated Cooperative shared, “Pinaagi niining pasilidad ma menusan ang galastuhon namo pag-adto sa sentrong bahin sa lungsod ug madugangan na among potensyal nga makita sa mais. Dili na kami mapugos ug baligya sa among mga mais ug maka-apas nami sa insaktong presyo. Dili na pod kami mabalaka nga mapundo among mais kay aduna kiniy luag-luag nga area nga mapunduhan.”

[With this facility our transportation expenses will be lessened, which will increase our income. We can store our corn produce which can command higher prices. It also lessens our worries in storing our produce having provided with proper storage.] #(JCAnito)

Capping the NRAM celebration in November, DA-10 and ATI underscores the need to patronize locally produce rice to support rice farmers while recognizing LGUs Lanao Norte and Valencia City as R-10’s National Rice Achievers awardees for their invaluable contribution to food security.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) and the Agricultural Training Institute – 10 (ATI-10) capped the National Rice Awareness Month on November 27, 2020 at ATI, El Salvador City.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga stressed the need to patronize locally produced rice at a reasonable price.

“Let us be reminded, there will be no food on the Filipino people’s table if it were not for the farmers,” she added.

DA has provisions of seeds, farm machinery, equipment to different farmers cooperatives, associations aside from other programs that could help them in attaining food security.

She also emphasized DA’s implementation on programs and projects that will result in an increased agri productivity, competitiveness and profitability and sustainability.

Meanwhile, ATI NorMin Center Director Ma. Lydia A. Echavez said, “We take time to honor our farmers as well as encourage every Filipino to be one of us, to do our small share of being riceponsible by valuing every grain of rice that our rice farmers produce.”

ATI is one with the DA in the celebration of the month of November as NRAM with the theme, Buy local. Support local. Eat local. Support our rice farmers.

The celebration is in support to the Filipino rice farmers for their hard work in producing the most important staple in the country – which is rice.

Northern Mindanao National Rice Achievers awardees were recognized for their invaluable contribution to food security.

Outstanding provinces are the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Lanao del Norte del Norte for Category A and the PLGU Bukidnon for Category B, with an award of P4 million worth of livelihood projects each related to rice production.

Category A is for provinces with production performance greater than or equal to 250,000 metric tons per hectare (MT/ha) and area harvested of 500,000 ha.

Meanwhile, under category B, provinces with a production performance less than 250,000 MT/ha and area harvested of 25,000 ha are included.

The City of Valencia in Bukidnon is one of the Outstanding cities for its support and efforts in addressing the plight of smallholder rice farmers and for contributing largely to rice productivity. They received an award of P1 million.

The celebration does not only highlight the marketing and consumption aspect, but also the production of local rice, encouraging various stakeholders to support the Filipino farmers. # (ATCabig)

Among the interventions poured out to LGU Baliangao is the construction of a P5-M warehouse that aims to address farmers’ needs of having a storage area for their farm inputs, harvest, machineries and equipment for safekeeping, with accessibility to the production area; thereby, saving on hauling and other additional costs.   

BALIANGAO, MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL, November 25 – A total of P6.9-million (M) worth of various agri-interventions from the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) were poured out to the Local Government Unit of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental at barangay Landing, this town.

Of the total amount, P5-M is apportioned for the construction of a warehouse. Said facility aims to address the farmers’ clamor of having a storage area for their farm inputs, harvest, machineries and equipment for safekeeping, with accessibility to the production area; thereby, saving on hauling and other additional costs.

“Majority of our constituents are farmers and they are in dire need of such facility, considering the town is home to 750 hectares of irrigated and 22 hectares rain fed rice areas,” Agne S. Yap, Sr., the municipal mayor cited.

With the impending establishment of the warehouse, Yap envisions a more developed and progressive agricultural sector in said town.

He challenged his staff to support more farmer-cooperatives and associations in drafting resolutions, assisting them in their project proposal preparation.

Funded by the Rice Program, the soon-to-rise warehouse has a total area of 255 square meters with a 252-ton capacity, which can hold about 5,000 sacks.

“Sa pagkakaron, ang mga mag-uuma gabaligya sa ilang abot sa P13-15 kada kilo sa kasikbit nga munisipyo kung diin pribado kini. Pero sa itukuray nga warehouse, mapondo na among abot ug mapalit kining bulto sa National Food Authority (NFA),” said Marlyn P. Gumahad, Landing Farmers Cooperative president and MAFC Baliangao.

(Currently, farmers are selling palay at P13-15 to neighboring towns which are privately-owned and operated.  With the availability of a warehouse, our harvest can be properly stored which can be bought in bulk by NFA.)

At the same time, about P1.9 million worth of various agri-interventions funded by the department’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) were handed over to the municipality.

This includes 2 units mobile rice mill, 3 units power tiller, 3 units hand tractor/multi-crop cultivator, 68 bags Open Pollinated Variety (OPV) corn seeds, 378 packs OPV vegetable seeds, 130 bags organic fertilizer, 46 boxes antibacterial sachets, 28 canisters wound spray, 49 packs vitamin A, D and E, and 11 boxes electrolytes-dextrose-nutrient celycine.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado expressed, “the department sees the farmers as significant part of nation-building and assured that delivery of services will continue, especially during this ongoing pandemic.”

He hoped, that Baliangao will grow into one of the agricultural hubs in Misamis Occidental, as it is bounded with land and seascapes, adding for more interventions to be poured in to the town. # (John Carl R. Anito)