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)

DA chief William D. Dar leads in the turnover of agri-fishery interventions to the different LGUs of Lanao del Norte. This forms part of the government’s efforts to increase farmers and fisherfolk’s productivity and income, enabling them to become more competitive.

BACOLOD, LANAO DEL NORTE – Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar leads the turnover of P93.3 million worth of agri-fishery interventions to the different local government units in Lanao del Norte on November 24, 2020.

Dar said, the assistance is part of the government’s efforts in increasing agricultural productivity and income of farmers and fisherfolk to make them more competitive.

“During the last two quarters, amid the pandemic, the agriculture sector is the only sector with a positive growth. An indication that tayo sa sektor ng agrikultura, katuwang natin ang LGUs at mas lalo pa ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda na hindi sumuko sa pandemiya,” said Dar.

Part of the department’s COVID-19 response under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) includes agri machinery, tools, corn and vegetable seeds, organic fertilizers and other inputs worth P10.5 million to the local governments of Linamon, Magsaysay, Matungao, Munai, Nunungan, Poona Piagapo, Sapad and Tangcal.

The province of Lanao del Norte received 13,583 bags of inorganic fertilizers under DA’s rice program amounting P13,583,000.00 in support of their rice farmers.

Additional P22.07 million for the 29,050 bags certified inbred rice seeds for CY 2021 season under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) – Seed Program in support to the rice farmers in the province from the Philippine Rice Institute (PhilRice).

Meanwhile, the Paglingkawas Women’s Federation of Kauswagan town is the beneficiary of the Grant for Packing House Facilities (Type A Grants) under the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program in the amount of P1 million composed of vehicle, support to capital and equipment.

Under the Philippine Rural Development Project, the Dulag Farmers Association of Iligan City received P2.9 million worth of Abaca fiber consolidation, processing, and marketing in support to the infrastructure and food security program of the department.

He also handed the P30 million award to LGU Bacolod being the 2019 national grand winner of the Malinis at Masaganang Karagatan (MMK) through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10.

In support to EO 70, LGU Kauswagan received 30,000 pieces of tilapia fingerlings worth P75,000 as livelihood intervention to the fisherfolk, while LGU Maigo received P3 million community fish landing center.

Aside from the turnover of projects, a P10 million certificate of commitment was awarded for the small ruminant production under the livestock program Bayanihan Act II for LGU Tubod and MSU Lanao del Norte Agricultural College (LNAC) in Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

“My big salute to the farmers and fisherfolk of Lanao del Norte. We want to continue that momentum, the growth must continue to be observed and felt by the farmers and fisherfolk in terms of productivity and increasing income. Dapat ang mga magsasaka at mangingingsda ay yayaman gawa ng pagtulong ng national at local government,” he concluded.

He was assisted by DA 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, BFAR 10 director Teodoro A. Bacolod, Jr. and PhilRice Agusan Branch Director Caesar Joventino Tado and local officials during the turnover ceremony.# (ATCabig)

In Maramag town, DA-10 and CMU conduct the hybrid rice derby harvest festival, to showcase the best featured rice varieties of participating seed companies.

MUSUAN, MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – To increase rice productivity in attaining rice sufficiency, the agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) and Central Mindanao University (CMU) conducted the hybrid rice derby harvest festival in said town.

On Friday, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, “we are confronted with the dipping buying prices of palay, this hybrid rice derby is one of the answers to this challenge.”

Collado conveyed, in his message, during the program with seven participating seed companies, SL Agritech, Bayer, Long Ping, Sygenta, Seedworks, Ramgo, and Bioseed.

Each seed company was allocated five hectares planted with their most leading varieties, using their own cultural practice protocol.

The remaining five hectares were utilized for the one common protocol for all cultural practices, which were adopted to all entry varieties.

“Through this harvest festival, we will be able to come up with the result to further recommend to our farmers the best variety to use,” Collado added.

DA-10 partnered with CMU for the 27-hectare hybrid rice derby which aims to increase national agri-fishery output through intensified use of quality seeds, appropriate inputs and modern technologies to increase levels of productivity, availability, accessibility, and affordability amidst the threat of COVID-19 pandemic.

“We target to contribute in increasing the 87 percent rice sufficiency level of the country, including the farm mechanization rate of 2.31 horsepower per hectare,” Collado said.

Region 10 targeted for 94 percent sufficiency level, a 12 percent increase from its preceding year target with various mitigating programs implemented to boost rice production.

DA’s Rice Resiliency Project (RRP), a quick response measure that addresses food security concerns amid the pandemic, focuses to intensify the campaign for the adoption of hybrid rice technology among local farmers, which intends to produce more rice to increase rice sufficiency level.

Philippine Statistics Authority bared the region’s first semester palay production at 1.11 percent, both for rainfed and irrigated.

“We are DA’s partner in the development of enhancing food production in feeding the people,” CMU President Jesus Antonio G. Derije said.

CMU will continue to improve their production and the whole area will be utilized with DA’s partnership and the seed companies.

The hybrid rice derby harvest festival is fitting for this month’s celebration of National Rice Awareness Month, focusing on being Riceponsible. Highlighting on the theme, Grow local. Buy local. Eat local. Support our rice farmers. #(ATCabig)

R-10’s aggie department urges for the adoption and support to OA, as Proclamation No. 1030 provides the observance every month of November as the Nat’l. OA Month. (L-R) Kicking off the celebration is Samuel C. Natindim, Jr., reg’l. OA focal person, Carlene C. Collado, regional executive director, Mylin Verador Tayapad, organic practitioner and proprietor of MYLIN Herbal Products of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, and Carlota S. Madriaga, regional technical director. (Photo Supplied)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) continues to push for the adoption and support to organic agriculture (OA).

Proclamation No. 1030, declares the observance every month of November as the National OA Month.

Marking its sixth year, said celebration is in support to Republic Act 10068 or otherwise known as the OA Act of 2010 and the National OA Program (NOAP) with the aim of mainstreaming OA practices throughout the country.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado bared, this year’s theme focuses on ‘Pagsasakang Organiko, Ani at Kita ay Sigurado. Kalusugan ay Garantisado‘ during its kick-off activity on Wednesday, November 18.

Collado added, through the NOAP, the department has vigorously promoted OA to contribute to the overall agricultural growth and development of the country in terms of sustainability, competitiveness and food security.

“It will also aid in enriching the fertility of our soils, increase farm productivity, at the same time, preserve the environment and protect the health of farmers and consumers,” he added.

DA targets to have at least five percent of the nation’s total agricultural area practice organic farming.

Previous year’s record indicates, the Philippines has more than 52,500 hectares organic area, attributing 12,786.67 of these to Region 10.

Specifically, the province of Misamis Occidental leads NorMin with the biggest OA area at of 7,376 hectares, followed by Lanao del Norte (2,495.5), Misamis Oriental (2,053), Bukidnon (656.17), and Camiguin, pegged at 52 hectares.

Collado accounted Region 10’s strides, which includes being the home of 3,058 organic practitioners with 4 organic third party certified farms, namely: Tropical Harvest Farm (Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental), MOMS Happy Farm (Mambatangan, Manolo Fortich), Potter’s Garden and Alomah’s Place (Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich).

He noted also, the total volume of production for Region 10 is listed at 5,166.37 metric tons.

With OA as one of the banner programs under the department, he stressed, the effective and successful implementation of the program and projects of DA needs strong coordination among relevant government agencies and stakeholders through the conduct of sustained and massive national and community-based action.

“With the different challenges besetting the agriculture sector amid this ongoing pandemic, the adoption of OA as a farming system is a sustainable tool in attaining increased yield and income,” Samuel C. Natindim, Jr., regional OA focal person concluded.# (JLO)

DA-RFO 10 RED Collado and RTD for Operations Madriaga meet with COA Team in Region X for the Entrance Conference Audit for CY 2020 together with heads and representatives of the agency thru a virtual conference.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Commission on Audit (COA) in Region X with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducted an Entrance Conference Audit for CY 2020 on November 5, 2020.

DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said, audit engagement is arranged to perform audit of the department’s accounting records and financial statements to uphold the highest standards of public service.

The Audit Team is headed by its Regional Supervising Auditor Josie J. Rodriguez and State Auditor II and Acting Audit Team Leader (ATL) Nashiba L. Macaraob.

DA-RFO 10 presented its financial position, financial performance, and cash flows, following the Philippine Public Sector Accounting Standards.

Discussed further were the objectives, focus, and limitations of the audit, including the responsibilities of the auditors and the management.

Rodriguez expressed, “We are here as your partners, even an enabler. We are here to support the agency on its aim to give exceptional service to farmers and fisherfolk along with good governance through transparency and accountability.”

She added, the mark they can give to the agency is set forth on the requirements relevant to the audit of financial statements.

Also present thru virtual conference were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Carmelita T. Bajarla and Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga with the members of the ManCom of DA-RFO 10. # (Irish Mae Juntahan)

DA-10 RTD Madriaga handed over 100 packets of vegetable seeds to Maribojoc Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative- President, Diomedes O. Tapulgo.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The provision of free assorted vegetable seeds is eyed to boost the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10)’s advocacy on food security.

On November 4, Diomedes O. Tapulgo, president of Maribojoc Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MACOFARCO) received a total of 100 packets of vegetable seeds, comprising of radish, lettuce, tomato, carrot, and okra from the department.

Tapulgo said, they will be distributing these to their 70 active members to plant their own food.

“Tungod sa COVID-19, nakatuon ang katawhan sa pagtanom aron adunay makaon. Pinaagi sa buhatan sa DA naka-avail mi ug libreng vegetable seeds nga mas nahatagan ug importansiya ug kasigurohan nga adunay pagkaon,” he shared.

[With COVID-19, the people learned to plant their own food. Through DA, we were able to avail of free vegetable seeds, giving more importance to food security.]

He added, aside from vegetable gardening for daily consumption, they will sell the surplus of their harvests to the local market as an additional source of income.

Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10 regional technical director for operations remarked, “With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has confronted challenges on food security and sufficiency, and to curb these, we have been pushing to accelerate food production to ensure its sufficient supply through the Agri 4Ps (Plant, Plant, Plant Program).,”

Otherwise known as the “Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) laban sa COVID-19, the Agri-4Ps is the flagship program by DA to ensure the country’s food sufficiency, availability, accessibility, and affordability level during this health emergency situation trigged by the pandemic. #

DA-NFA NorMin, PLGU Lanao Norte converge efforts to aid rice farmers in commanding better prices for their produce.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Food Authority (NFA) are pushing for competitive palay buying price following reports of dipping farmgate prices.

Due to peak harvest season, palay prices plunged to as low as P12 per kilo for fresh weight in October, based on DA-10’s palay price monitoring report in the different provinces in Region 10.

The provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao del Norte sell dry palay while Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin sell fresh palay.

As the price lowers, NFA 10 assures rice farmers in the region of its continuing effort to purchase their palay at a higher, profitable price.

“We are buying dried and clean palay at P19 per kilo. The price is set based on a standard P12 per kilo for production capital. Minus all postharvest costs, the farmers can earn an estimated P6 per kilo net income if they sell their palay to us,” said NFA 10 Regional Director, Engr. John Robert R. Hermano.

He added, since October they have procured roughly 300 thousand sacks of palay regionwide. By the end of November, they anticipated the figure to be at 500 thousand sacks.

Currently, NFA allocates an average of P48 million weekly funds to procure palay in the region depending on the agency’s target procurement per week.

NFA can absorb 8-10% of the region’s palay production, which is equivalent to 560 thousand to 700 thousand bags, considering the region is producing 7 million bags of palay per production cycle.

“We have no problems with funds. We can always accommodate farmers that intend to sell their palay to us,” he added.

Aside from regular palay farmgate price monitoring, NFA deployed mobile procurement teams to penetrate far-flung rice areas and non-traditional palay sources in the region.

The agency’s effort is highly concentrated on areas where palay prices are low.

“One of the reasons why our farmers cannot sell their palay at a higher price is because we are short of drying facilities. Wet palay are sold cheaper. That is why we are proposing for the establishment of two more drying facilities in Lanao del Norte and another two in Bukidnon,” Hermano disclosed.

In the meantime, NFA welcomes farmers who wish to use their drying pavements to dry their produce.

He vouched for every farmer who will seek NFA’s assistance will be accommodated and treated fairly.

“We highly encourage our farmers to sell their palay to us. Not only their palay will be bought at a higher price, but they can also contribute to the region’s food security, as well,” Hermano remarked.

NFA is guided by its minimum palay buying specifications of 14% moisture content, 13% discolored and damage kernel, and 90% purity, in assessing farmers’ palay quality.

PLGU Lanao Norte’s initiative

According to Hubaib Cayongcat, Lanao del Norte’s Provincial Grains Processing Center’s (PGPC) manager, amid plunging palay price, the provincial government is reaching out to the farmers by buying their palay at a standard of P1-2 pesos higher than local palay traders’ price.

“By buying the farmers’ harvest at a higher price, we can directly and indirectly help our rice farmers by compelling traders to catch up with PGPC’s price,” Cayongcat said, explaining the local government’s strategy in keeping the palay price advantageous to the rice farmers.

He added, the facility (PGPC) is born of the local government’s intent to help the rice farmers in the province by mitigating a decent palay buying price.

The PGPC has been operational since 2012. In cooperation with the Provincial Agriculture’s Office of Lanao del Norte, the facility has bought 516.7 metric tons of palay from farmers in the province in 2019.

“With this facility, we were able to somehow free our farmers from being tied to traders-decided palay price,” Coyongcat accounted.

He also shared, they are planning to establish a mechanical drying facility in the future which will help their farmers improve the quality of their palay, especially during the rainy season.

“The PGPC will always find ways and stick to its objective in helping our farmers in Lanao del Norte,” he vowed.

DA-10’s resolve to address plunging palay price

On the other hand, DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) is closely monitoring the palay price situation in the region.

According to Carlota S. Madriaga, DA-10’s Regional Technical Director for Operations, the agency is on top of the situation and is primed to provide the needed technical and bureaucratic interventions and assistance to local government units (LGUs) and the farming sectors should the scenario snowballs.

“Keeping the palay price high and competitive requires the concerted effort of all concerned sectors. Government agencies, the LGUs, and the farmer organizations should reach out to each other to come up with a cohesive action plan,” said Madriaga.

She also cited the “big brother-small brother” marketing strategy to help farmers command a better market prices for their products.

According to her, through the big brother-small brother strategy, rice farmers cooperatives, associations in an area will be clustered, where one association will lead the converged groups (as a big brother) to consolidate farm products of other allied associations (small brothers) for bulk selling to potential buyers, thus enabling them to profitably market their produce.

The said strategy will be widely implemented in the region as DA-10 will put in full swing the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program next year.

“With the pandemic adversely affecting our agriculture sector, we are appealing to our private partners, the agri traders to help our farmers by buying their produce be it palay, corn and other produce at a higher price. Our farmers need our help more than ever this time,” she concluded. # (Azbie Talib)

DA targets farmers and fisherfolk to register in FFEDIS, to maximize efforts in pooling resources for enterprise development.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, November 1 – Escalating efforts in the pooling of resources for enterprise development, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) is urging farmers and fisherfolk to register in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS).

As provided in Republic Act 11321 or otherwise known as the Sagip Saka Act and DA Memorandum Circular 25 series of 2020, FFEDIS is a web-based information system that contains a list of possible and implemented programs and projects, a registry of agricultural and fisheries enterprises, and a roster of private companies engaged in such enterprises.

Its scope includes farmers and fisherfolk enterprise and other enterprises engaged in agriculture and fishery related economic activities.

“This [FFEDIS] will assist the government in formulating plans and programs on enterprise development,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said.

He further noted, this will also empower producer groups, the private sector, the local governments, and potential donors to respond to the needs of the markets.

Two modes of registration are being employed, either via the FFEDIS Registration Desk at the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) or thru Web-Based Registration using the link: ffedis.da.gov.ph.

Documentary requirements include accomplished FFEDIS enrolment form, valid business permit, and applicable certificate of registration (SEC/CDA/DTI).

Upon completed validation of said documents, the registration officer of DA-10 thru AMAD shall prepare and endorse the FFEDIS Certificate of Registration to the agency head for approval.

Once approved, the data on the Enrolment Form shall be encoded in the DA FFEDIS database.

“With the inclusion of our farmers and fisherfolk in the enterprise registry system, the agriculture department targets to improve their production, productivity and access to financing; and provide business support and development services and access to improved technologies,” Collado concluded.

For further queries, the Registration Desk of AMAD Region 10 may be reached thru mobile number 0906-505-5442. # (JLO/Photo credits: EMB)

DA-RFO 10 presents the 312 gallons of disinfectants for distribution across the region as ASF preventive measure with (L-R) Dr. Rhea Villa Chiu, RED Carlene C. Collado, RTD Carmelita T. Bajarla and Dr. Julesben Caesar Maquiling. #

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With nearby regions stricken with the disease, the Agriculture department in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) continues to intensify its preventive measures to maintain Region 10’s African Swine Fever (ASF)-free status.

Through its Regulatory Division, the department has procured 317 gallons of disinfectants amounting to ₱412,100 for distribution to the different provinces, cities and municipalities within the region.

Dr. Julesben Caesar Maquiling, Veterinarian II of DA-10 said, to combat the growing threat of ASF and other animal-related diseases in the region, the department strengthens its support to the local government units by augmenting their supplies of disinfectants.

Maquiling added, this will be sprayed on vehicles entering the region and to be used in footbaths in their veterinary quarantine checkpoints.

Further, this has been reinforced with the recent installation of automated disinfectant systems in Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental, including Malaybalay Stock Farm, DA’s research station in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

As of October 28, a total of 130 gallons of disinfectants were already distributed to the DA- Bureau of Animal Industry National – Veterinary Quarantine Services-10 (DA-BAI-NVQS-10) and the provincial and city veterinary offices across the region.

Thru the veterinary quarantine checkpoints, apprehension, confiscation and condemnation of undocumented or smuggled pork meat or its by-products coming from ASF-affected areas are being enforced.

“ASF can significantly affect the hog industry in the Northern Mindanao, that is why, tighter security measures are being observed, beefing up our efforts, especially in the regional borders,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado explained.

Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported as of first semester this year, Region 10 ranks third in hog production  registering at 101,911.9 metric tons, with a swine inventory  of 620,866 and 492,038 heads for backyard and commercial farms as of July 1 this year, respectively.

“By maintaining Northern Mindanao’s ASF-free status, this will also help in ensuring adequate pork supply and stabilizing pork prices,” the agency head added.

Information and education campaign efforts are being carried out by the department along with its other engagements with other national government agencies, local government units and the private sectors such as the OroVets and NorMinHog.

ASF is a fatal and contagious hemorrhagic viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, of which no vaccines and treatment are currently available. # (John Carl Anito)