DA-10 distributes assorted veggie seeds during the LAB for All caravan led by FL Marcos, in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

EL SALVADOR, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Aiming to ensure food security, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by its Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan distributes vegetable seeds during the Libreng Laboratoryo, Konsulta at Gamot Para sa Lahat (LAB for ALL) caravan on May 16, here.

DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) distributed 5K packets of assorted vegetable seeds, which includes eggplant, pole sitao, squash, kangkong, pechay, ampalaya, cucumber, upo, tomato, and bell pepper.

Through the distribution and accessibility of a wide variety of vegetable seeds, communities can grow their own food; thereby, ensuring its security and sufficiency.

The caravan is an initiative program of the First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos which was attended by various national agencies and the provincial local government of Misamis Oriental under the leadership of Governor Peter M. Unabia.

Present in the activity were DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor B. Savellano, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, and other personnel of the agency.#(MPMT)

Agri-10 welcomes its fourth batch of newly appointed and promoted employees for this year, on May 15, at the agency compound.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Five newly hired and promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took their oath of office on May 15, at the agency compound.

Administering the oathtaking ceremony is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan together with Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas of the following personnel and their corresponding assignments:

Promoted

1. Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM – Chief Agriculturist, Integrated Laboratories Division
2. Samuel C. Natindim, Jr. – Agricultural Center Chief III, Research Center for Hillyland Development (RCHD), Research Division
3. Alyssa Marie Y. Cailing – Science Research Specialist I, RCHD, Research Division
Newly appointed
1. Lawrence S. Tumapon – Science Aide, Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Research Division
2. Ronalyn R. Abistano – Accountant I, Accounting Section, Administrative and Finance Division

Witnessing the ceremony were concerned division chiefs, section heads and other personnel of DA-10.# (MPMT)

Agri-10 and NORMINHOG strengthen areas for collab against ASF.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 continues to intensify its efforts to curb the incidence of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the five provinces of Northern Mindanao.

This, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan reassured, in a meeting with Northern Mindanao Hog Raisers Association, Inc. (NORMINHOG) President, Leon G. Tan, Jr. and association members on May 6, at the agency compound.

As a show of support for the newly installed agri chief executive, the swine industry stakeholder reiterated their association’s initiatives that complement DA’s present strategy on the prevention and control of ASF in the region, which include the close monitoring of suspected cases.

DA-10, through its Regulatory Division and Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL), also provides guidance and shares best practices on raising hogs and preventing ASF; collection and testing of samples; depopulation; quarantine and other key measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

During the meeting, NORMINHOG also proposed to intensify the joint efforts of the public and private sector on the dissemination of information on ASF, especially to backyard hog raisers to ensure compliance with the set standards and safety measures against the same.

In response, RED Pacamalan said that the DA-10 will revisit its current approach on tackling said disease, putting into consideration inputs from partners from the local government units and the industry.

“We have to revisit our strategies on how we handle [ASF] in the region. We also have to touch base with our local government units, especially those who we deem as high-risk, and consult on the next best steps to take on this,” he said.

Further, the agri chief exec underscored the need for a more proactive sampling and testing, and for an online-based reports system which will consolidate pertinent information on ASF incidence on the city, municipal, provincial, and regional level.

“If we make use of an online reporting system, we are able to generate analytics and visualize the trends in the communities we monitor, which in turn will influence how we at the regional level act and make decisions accordingly,” the DA official added.

Present in support of the meeting were DA-10 Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas, Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, Supervising Agriculturist Janniver C. Chua, DVM, Veterinarian III Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM, and members of the NORMINHOG.# (GDA)

DA-10 together with its attached agency, PhilMech, eye for a collaboration on a coco geonet processing project.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) welcomed researchers from Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) and University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) on May 15, 2024, to tackle possible collaboration for coconut processing project.

In a meeting with DA-10 Regional Executive Director, Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, PhilMech and USTP researchers pitch a coconut processing facility project, where coconut wastes are developed and turned into geonets, coco pots, among others.

RED Pacamalan affirms the DA-10’s support of the project considering its viability and the economic potential of coconut industry.

Dr. Andres M. Tuates, Jr., Chief of PhilMech’s Bioprocess Engineering Division, said the project will be very beneficial to coconut farmers in the region.

“PhiMech offered this program to DA-10 since (Northern Mindanao) is one of the top producers of coconut in the country. And I am glad that we have received a positive response from Director Pacamalan. We are excited to work with DA-10 and we are happy that we can serve the coconut farmers in the region” Tuates said.

He added one of the goals of this program is to address problems with coconut waste, at the same time, add value to the waste which can serve as an extra income to our coconut farmers.

Together with Dr. Tuates are Dr. Greg M. Cubio, Director of USTP Research Center and Institute and Dr. Arnil C. Emata, a Research Consultant also from USTP. # (CRS)

Agri-10 culminates the Filipino Food Month celebration with an adobo cooking contest.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In culmination of the annual celebration of Filipino Food Month, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), staged an adobo cooking competition at the agency compound, on April 30, in this city.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the event serves as an avenue for personnel of the DA-10 to showcase their skill and creativity in cooking the Filipino culinary favorite, as a manifestation of a shared appreciation for the local cuisine, as well as our farmers and fisherfolk who produce the ingredients for said dish.

The event drew representatives from the Department’s eight divisions, all of whom demonstrated their unique techniques, recipes, and innovations for the classic Filipino dish.

Criteria for judging include Taste (50%), Presentation and Innovation (20%), Costing (15%), and Cleanliness (15%).
Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) President and chef Jeffrey G. Limbonhai, who served as lead judge, was accompanied by fellow judges: chef Catherine L. Dano, Bite Me Up Food, Corp. Managing Partner; and COHARA Executive Officer Leonila S. Arguelles.

Declared as the champion of the cooking competition was the Integrated Laboratories Division, which garnered a total score of 86%, followed by the Regulatory Division (81%) as the 1st runner-up, and the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (80%) as the 2nd runner-up.

In closing, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga expressed her gratitude to the judges and her congratulations to the participating personnel of the Department.

Further, RTD Madriaga encouraged them to maintain their appreciation for Filipino cuisine even after the monthlong celebration.

In support of the event were Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca; AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman with Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, and staff.# (GDA)

Agri-10 strengthens MisOr’s backyard gardening initiative thru the provision of assorted veggie seeds

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of the agency’s efforts to foster self-sufficiency and food security through backyard gardening initiatives, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds to Barangay Betahon, Lugait, Misamis Oriental on May 17, at the agency compound.

On behalf of RED Pacamalan, DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD with High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan led the turnover of some 100 sachets of assorted vegetable seeds to Punong Barangay Dennis M. Yurong.

According to Yurong, the seeds will be used for their barangay’s implementation of the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) program of the national government, which aims to foster sustainable agriculture initiatives in the barangay level through the establishment of community gardens.

Further, Yurong said that the HAPAG program is being implemented across their barangay’s seven puroks, who have all expressed their interest in cultivating agricultural produce to secure their own supply of fresh and healthy vegetables.

The barangay official thanked DA-10 and expressed optimism for more collaborations and support from the national agency in the future.# (GDA)

DA-10 supports Liceo’s upcycling and urban gardening initiative in Brgy. Bonbon, CdeO City.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Through a shared interest in promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, turned over an assortment of vegetable seeds to the Liceo de Cagayan University in support of the latter’s initiative on upcycling and urban gardening, on May 3, at the agency compound, in this city.

Funded under the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program, some 30 packets of vegetable (Pinakbet) seeds were turned over by Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas to Jamaela Danielle L. Bulajao, a student-representative of the university’s Pharmacy program.

According to Bulajao, the seeds are supplemental to their student-organized community project dubbed, ‘Waste-Wise Warriors: A Community Seminar-Workshop on Understanding Beach Pollution and Microplastics’ Impact on Ocean Life and Health’ which aims to apprise the local community in Barangay Bonbon on sustainable measures to reduce plastic usage.

One of which, Bulajao said, is the repurposing of large-capacity water bottles as planting pots for use in small-scale and backyard gardening setups.

“Through our workshop segment [PlastiCraft], we aim to reuse plastic materials by turning them into [planting pots] for various vegetable [seeds], and contribute to the establishment of urban gardening in Barangay Bonbon, thereby promoting environmental awareness,” Bulajao said.

As a sustainability measure, Bulajao further said that the project will be conducted in close coordination with their school’s National Service Training Program office, who has already identified around 50 beneficiaries, aged 18 to 30 years old and residents of said barangay who are already engaged in the Urban Community Household Gardening program of the local government unit.# (GDA)

Agri-10’s celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s month underscores the local agri-fishery sector and produce.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — To honor the role of local farmers and fisherfolk in the region’s agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) formally staged its celebration of the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month on May 15, at the agency compound, in this city.

During the opening ceremony, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan said that the annual celebration is pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 33 issued on May 21, 1989 which declares the month of May as the Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month.

During which, the DA commemorates and pays tribute to Filipino farmers and fisherfolk for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the region’s agri-fishery sector.

RED Pacamalan also encouraged employees of the DA-10 to remain committed in service of the agri-fishery stakeholders, reiterating the Department’s mandate to empower farming and fishing communities.

To further celebrate said key players of the agri-fishery sector, DA-10 through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) also staged a KADIWA ng Pangulo exhibit, where some 11 agri-fishery enterprises and producers from the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon displayed their products for sale at economical prices.

Said exhibitors from Misamis Oriental included HNZ Lumbia Goat’s Milk, Claveria Municipal Federation of Cooperatives, Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives, Ganddz Freshwater Fish Farm, Tagoloan Black Rice, and Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative.

From Bukidnon, Valencia City-based chips producer 7K’s Food Products and Bahalinana known for their ‘suka sinamak’ in Kadingilan town also displayed their best-seller products.

In addition, farmers associations from Cagayan de Oro, Tagpuangi Fisherfolk’s Association, Canitoan Farmers Cooperative, and CDO Small Farmers sold various fruits and vegetables as KADIWA exhibitors.

In support of the event were DA-10 Farmer-Director for the month of May, Nilda B. Salas; Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas; and Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 10 (ATI-10) Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez.

Also present were chiefs of various DA-10 divisions, namely: AMAD chief Larry E. Paraluman; Administrative and Finance Division chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse; Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD; and Research Division chief Lorena V. Duna.# (GDA)

Agri-10 provides agri inputs to MisOr corn farmers.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In line with its commitment to support corn growers in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan turned over some 150 bags of hybrid yellow corn seeds (DK 8899S) and 100 bags fertilizer worth P1.15-M to Misamis Oriental corn farmers on May 17, at the agency compound in this city.

As part of said provision, the Sitio Catuan Integrated Farmers Association (SCIFA) of Jasaan town received 13 bags of hybrid corn seeds and 13 bags of fertilizers, while the Maribojoc Coconut Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MACOFARCO) of Tagoloan was given 23 bags of corn seeds and 23 bags fertilizer.

Similarly, corn farmers associations in Claveria town represented by Nelson B. Tabamo, also received 114 bags of hybrid corn seeds and 64 bags of fertilizers.

The said farm inputs were distributed to the farmers in time with the wet planting season.

According to DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, the provision of corn seeds and fertilizers to farmers is an essential support of the DA-10 Corn Program to corn farmers in augmenting their farm production.

“By providing farmers with high-quality seeds and fertilizers, they are equipped with the necessary resources to improve their yields and overall productivity, resulting in higher income,” she said.

Meanwhile, SCIFA president Joy N. Sabundo expressed her gratitude to the agency for the farm inputs they received.

“Lubos akong nagpapasalamat sa DA sa pagbibigay sa amin ng libreng abono at binhi ng mais. Malaki talaga ang maitutulong nito sa amin, dahil mababawasan nito ang gastosin sa aming pagsasaka,” she said.

Furthermore, RTD Madriaga urged the beneficiaries to encourage their farmer members to register in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) for them to also benefit from other agriculture-related programs and services of DA.

Witnessing the turnover are DA-10 Field Operations Division chief, Luz I. Guzman, PhD and Corn Program focal person, Richan D. Lacanaria.# (RDME)

Agri-10 under the leadership of the newly installed RED Pacamalan, reaffirms support for the development of NorMin’s livestock industry during a meeting with DA ASec Albarece.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 reaffirms its support for strategic plans and programs geared toward the development of the livestock industry in Northern Mindanao.

In a meeting with DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM on May 8, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan expressed its continued interest in supporting the production of livestock in the region, and reassured its cooperation with the former’s office in implementing tailor-fit strategies for livestock in region 10.

It can be recalled last April, ASec Albarece met with DA-10 management to discuss improved plans and programs for the production of goats and cattle in the region.

Forming part of said efforts is the planned upscaling of DA-10’s research centers and services to cater to a wide range of livestock farmers, as well as the implementation of harmonized animal disease management strategies to curb unwanted mortalities.

To ensure the optimal implementation of such projects, RED Pacamalan said that DA-10 remains receptive towards key stakeholders in the local livestock sector, citing their invaluable role in ensuring an informed and pragmatic approach to support livestock farmers and producers here.

Present in support of the meeting were Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas, Farmer-Director Nilda B. Salas, and Floro V. Dalapag of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC).# (GDA)