To contribute in drumming up the mechanization level in the country, the Farm Machinery and Equipment Roadshow kicks off on January 29, 2019, in the town of Laguindingan.

In his message during its opening, OIC-Regional Director Carlene C. Collado said that with the increasing population, there is a need to increase the level of farm mechanization to produce more food with efficiency and quality, which will be beneficial for farmers and consumers alike.

He added, that through gaining knowledge and soon, adopting the state-of-the-art farming technologies featured in the road show, DA is hopeful that the farm mechanization rate of the country will increase from 2.31 horsepower (hp) per hectare to 4 hp/ha.

Said roadshow was realized through DA and Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization together with Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative and FIT Corea Trading Philippines. # (JLOlson)

The Mindanao Zonal Research, Development and Extension (RDE) Network assembled for its first quarter meeting on January 23-25, 2019 in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

Delegates from the Research Divisions in Mindanao along with the representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and Bureau of Soils and Water Management gathered to discuss issues and matters on research and development as well as upcoming activities for the year 2019.

Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) Regional Technical Director Carmelita T. Bajarla, who presided the meeting, presented the agenda of the activity which included the participation to the National Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) Congress, DA- Bureau of Agricultural Research’s (DA-BAR) memorandum on data validation request for DA projects, among others.

One of the issues raised was on the Intellectual Property (IP) rights application for Mindanao-generated technologies for the protection of local researchers.

To this, the researchers have agreed to elevate the issue to the Research Management Meeting next month for a more detailed discussion.

Meanwhile, in his message, DA-RFO 10 OIC-Regional Director Carlene C. Collado shared that the region is currently pushing for an agro-tourism accreditation for its research stations and encouraged the other regions to do the same.

He also noted the importance of securing land titles for DA properties and concreting of its fences to avoid issues with illegal settlers.

With this, a resolution by the body will be crafted to push for land titling on DA properties, most especially for research stations.

Meanwhile, the RDE network seeks for the unity of Mindanao researchers in addressing research and development concerns. #(AMBManto)

Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA renders his message to RAFC-10 members during its first quarter meeting on January 23, 2019 in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

To strengthen partnerships among agri-fishery stakeholders in Region 10, the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council-10 (RAFC-10) met for its regular consultative meeting on January 23, 2019 in the city of Cagayan de Oro.

RAFC-10 Chair, Edgardo D. Layug, presented the agenda which include AFC monitoring activities, 2018 Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF)-RAFC fund, 2018 adopted resolutions, 2019 DA plans and programs and other issues and concerns.

Meanwhile, Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) OIC-Regional Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized in his message, the importance of strengthening the partnership of the stakeholders in helping the agency in implementing its programs and projects for the benefit of the farmers and fisherfolk.

Collado also recognized the attendance of the uniformed personnel from the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army for their support to the agriculture sector. It can be recalled that the troops rendered their support during the conduct of the National Volunteers’ Day on December 6, 2018, held in Cagayan de Oro City.

To this, they were also awarded with certificates of appreciation along with the other stakeholders who supported the activity. He also noted that for this year, one of DA-10’s thrust is to help the uniformed personnel.

“The agency can provide the troops with farm machineries and inputs as long as they have available areas for farming in their respective camps,” Collado shared.

He then urged them to submit project proposals and scheduled a meeting with them to further discuss the details regarding the matter.

Also in attendance were line agencies such as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Crops Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) who also help the council in promoting its mandates and programs. # (AMBManto)

DA-RFO 10 Regional Director hopes that through KAMMP it will help the farmers grow.

NEW BATCH OF KAMMP TRAINEES UNDERGO PREPARATION

The Department of Agriculture, Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) thru the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) in coordination with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship Foundation, Inc. conducted another batch of the Kapatid Agri Mentor Me Program (KAMMP) on November 19-23, 2018 here in Cagayan de Oro City.

In his message DA-RFU 10 Regional Director Carlene C. Collado, CPA said that through these, DA hopes that it will help them grow. The purpose of the KAMMP is to help stakeholders be agri–preneurs and connect them to direct buyers.

It aims to equip the agri-preneurs with the proper production techniques; help farmers bring their mindset and values that are essential to run a successful agri-enterprise; and to equip agri-preneurs with practical knowledge and strategies, and consultation services to foster successful and sustainable agri-enterprises.

DA Reg’l Info Officers, farmcasters conference underscores SOA livestreaming

“If we, the farmcasters won’t use social media, who else will persuade younger people to get back and do farming as a business?,” Region 11 School-on-the-Air (SOA) anchor Janoz S. Laguihon said during the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Information Officers (RIOs) and Farmcasters Conference cum Assessment and Workshop, held in Davao City.

As part of the event speakers, Laquihon, also known as “Kuya Janz” of DXFE 1197 AM Radio – “Balik Kita sa Uma” host imparted the transition of the 45-year old program originally hosted by his father in terms of technology. As he can recall, his father used to repeat his audio recording several times early in the morning just to come up with a better output. Today, audio recording can be polished through audio editor.

In 2016, Laquihon realized the need of reviving the program with the evolution of communication and technology, pushing him to engage the program into social media through Facebook.

He said, social media plays a significant role in the conduct of School-on-the-Air (SOA) programs, a distance learning system employed by DA to educate local farmers using radio stations. Since it is a web-based program, it can engage netizens who care about farming not only in the region, but as well as other countries.

Further, he introduced the use of Open Broadcasters Software (OBS), a free and open-source streaming application for video-sharing via internet.

With OBS, agricultural information-dissemination will become more convenient and efficient thru Facebook Live. Moreover, SOA will be enhanced digitally even without the radio station equipment and can be previewed through the record setting.

The event is spearheaded by DA-Central Office, thru the Agricultural and Fisheries Information Division (AFID) from November 19-21, 2018. # (EMB)

DA updates animal prod’n personnel on Phil-AHIS

Cagayan de Oro City – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 thru its Livestock Program held the 9th Annual Regional Philippine Animal Health Information System (Phil-AHIS) Conference on November 21-22, 2018, here in the city.

Regional Phil-AHIS Coordinator, Dr. Rhea Chiu said that the activity is an avenue to discuss the status of Phil-AHIS, its current system updates, accomplishments and challenges, including the potentials and future actions to improve the reporting system.

Phil-AHIS is an integrated system designed to enhance the animal health and management capability of the country by providing standard, timely and improved quality information through the use of automatic data generation.

Importantly, DA-RFO 10 OIC-Regional Director Carlene C. Collado encouraged the local government units’ active participation and utilization of the system for the development of the livestock and poultry sector.

The Provincial/City Veterinary Offices (P/CVO) presented their reports on animal health services which include vaccination, spaying, neutering, among others.

Meanwhile, one of the highlights of the conference is the tarpaulin design and layout contest that encourages the Phil-AHIS counterparts on how to convey a clear message in maximizing the use of the system relative to animal health monitoring, routine services and vaccination.

OIC-RD Collado awarded all the top 5 winners with certificates and corresponding cash prizes. The following are: 1st placer – PVO Bukidnon with a cash prize of P5,000; 2nd – CVO Cagayan de Oro City (P3,000); 3rd – PVO Lanao del Norte (P2,000); 4th – PVO Camiguin (P1,000); and 5th placer – PVO Misamis Occidental with a cash prize of P1,000.

The tarpaulin design and layout were adjudged based on the selection criteria: content (50%), design and layout (30%), overall impact (10%) and written explanation (10%).

On the other hand, Ma. Lourdes M. Sypiecco, Livestock Program coordinator posed a challenge to the participants, comprising of Phil-AHIS report officers, encoders, provincial/city/municipal veterinarians from the five provinces of Region 10, in sustaining the gains of the system.

Further, Dr. Leo Mira, the regional veterinary quarantine officer and Dr. Imer Dante Occena of the National Veterinary Quarantine Services of the Bureau of Animal Industry presented the issuance of permits and other transportation document requirements of animals.

Jaypee Pichay of DA-RFO 10 presented the Phil-AHIS updates while Dr. Alanita Jumalon, Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory chief likewise presented their services, including its protocol on laboratory samples collection and submission. # (ATCabig)

Rice Program Focal Person Chona H. Nacalaban gives details on the SEEDEX Program

DA EMPOWERS RICE FARMERS THRU THE SEED EXCHANGE PROGRAM

To help raise small farmers’ productivity and income, the Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 conducted a Seminar on Seed Exchange Program (SEEDEX) to rice farmers on November 20-21, 2018 at the Research Complex for Upland Development, Dangcagan, Bukidnon.

Rice Program Focal Person Chona H. Nacalaban said that the project aims to empower rice farmers use high-quality inbred rice seeds in an informal farmer production and exchange system, and enhance access to appropriate inbred rice varieties, and impart advantages of using high-quality inbred rice seeds.

With SEEDEX, it produces high-quality rice seeds that’s available, accessible, and affordable at all times. # (SVA)

UAS Orientation-Workshop. Representatives from the different OUs of DA-10 listen close as they get to familiarize themselves in flying the drone, which has a maximum altitude of 1,640 feet high.

DA-10 CAPACITATES OUs ON UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM

Cagayan de Oro City – With the objective of producing an efficient and effective agricultural land photo and video surveillance and area mapping system, the Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) initiated a five-day orientation and workshop on Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), starting November 5, 2018.

The participants, composed of the department’s operating unit representatives were capacitated on making flight plans of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) using the Mission Planner and Google Earth software application.

The UAS involves the use of UAV for a specific mission, combined with various other sub-systems in achieving its purpose.

There are two types of UAVs presented in the workshop, the quadcopter (4-propeller UAV) multi-rotor aircraft and the fixed-wing plane.

The multi-rotor aircraft also known as Dynamic Remotely Operated Navigation Equipment (DRONE) is a type of vehicle which uses its propellers for flight and sideward motions with a maximum altitude of 1,640 feet high. It also requires small flat areas as it can be launched and landed anywhere. While, the fixed-wing UAV uses its wings and two propellers for lifting and flight. It can fly at a maximum altitude of 26,000 feet high with at most one hour battery power. To land the vehicle, it should have at least 50-100 meters of straight clearance approach, depending on the length and size of the unit. Considering its higher flight altitude capacity, a wider angle of the area can be captured by the camera.

Aside from the actual flying of the multi-rotor aircraft, the participants learned on how to fly the fixed-wing plane using a software application called the simulator, in which the unit’s remote control is attached to a computer or laptop.

At the end of the training, the participants were grouped into three teams: the operator or controller, in-charge of the actual flight in the field; the visual spotter, responsible in the general condition of the location; and the telemetry, task to monitor and provide regular feedback to the UAV operator based on the flight plan programmed in the computer. Each was assigned based on the results of the written and practical examination conducted by the resource speaker Reginald Alfred P. Braceros, a member of Davao AUS. # (EMB)

OIC- RD Carlene C. Collado of DA- RFO 10 commended the cooperation of the rice retailers for the realization of the SRP launching in Region 10. He likewise assures the public the availability of commercial rice at reasonable prices.

DA-NFA LAUNCHES SRP FOR MILLED RICE IN R-10

Cagayan de Oro City – The Department of Agriculture – National Food Authority (DA-NFA) in Region 10 launches the suggested retail price (SRP) for rice, earlier today, November 8, 2018 in Cogon Market, here in the city.

The government’s move was welcomed and supported by Helen M. Fernandez, president of the Grains Retailers Confederation of Region 10 and Misamis Oriental, citing that the government is continuously pursuing initiatives for the welfare of the populace. Further, she said the launching of SRP is a crisis of change but will help more the consumers. As she has pronounced, her group will always support the government’s plans and programs.

On the other hand, DA-RFO 10 Regional Director, Carlene C. Collado emphasized that the activity is in response to the agenda of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to provide affordable and available food for the people. Importantly, the activity was simultaneously conducted in other provinces in the region like Camiguin, Misamis Occidental and Bukidnon.

According to NFA-10 Regional Director, Dianne A. Silva, the joint effort is in response to the directive set by DA and NFA pursuant to Memorandum AO-2018-10-056 issued by DA Secretary and NFA Council Chair, Emmanuel F. Piñol.

The launching of the SRP for rice will be set according to the milling grade: regular milled, well-milled and premium. The SRP are as follows: P39/kg for local regular milled rice, P44/kg for local well-milled rice and P39/kg for the imported well-milled; P47/kg local premium grade and P40-43/kg for imported. No SRP for special rice like malagkit and denorado.

The activity was supported by other agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine National Police, City Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro and different retailer associations. # (ATCabig)