NorMin organic adopters joins 1st Participatory Guarantee System Summit

QUEZON CITY — Aiming to strengthen the adoption of Organic Agriculture (OA), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convened its organic practitioners for the 1st International PGS Summit on November 26 to 29, here.

Spearheaded by the DA-National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) in collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the event aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing on experiences between the local and international stakeholders in the implementation of PGS in different countries with the theme, “Celebrating 20 years of PGS Development, Growth, and Achievements.

” In his message, as conveyed by DA Undersecretary for High Value Crops Development Program and National Organic Agriculture Board chair Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr said that it is a testament to the collective commitment to sustainability, community empowerment and to the continuous development of the OA industry in the Philippines.

“PGS embodies the spirit of collaboration, trust and shared responsibility, fostering a sense of participation and engagement among all stakeholders,” the DA chief added.

The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) is an alternative certification system organized in accordance to Republic Act (RA) No. 10068 as amended by RA 11511, otherwise known as “Amendment to Organic Agriculture Act of 2010” which aims to make rtification more accessible and affordable particularly for marginal farmers.

For Northern Mindanao, 17 delegates from the regional offices of DA and ATI, provincial agri offices of Lanao del Norte and Bukidnon, and members of the Malaybalay City Organic Farmers’ Association (MACOFA) and Tatak Organic Kauswagan Farmers’ Association (TOKFA) attended the event who also brought with them products such as herbs, rice and rice by-products for the event’s product display.

Among the Summit highlights include the launching of the OA marketplace which can be accessed via online through organic.da.gov.ph.

NOAP Director Bernadette F. San Juan shared that the development of this web-based organic platform is a joint effort of the DA and the Asian Development Bank.

“The OA marketplace connects consumers to the finest organic and naturally grown products while empowering our farmers to reach markets with ease,” the director added.

Meanwhile, the activity will run until the 29th with plenary sessions, discussions and workshops and is also aligned with the celebration of November as the Organic Agriculture Month pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1030 issued in 2015.# (AMBM, Photos Supplied)

Agri-10 eyes to augment quality corn prod’n; increase farmers’ productivity, income via interventions

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Aimed at reaching out to more corn farmers in availing assistance from the agency, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through its Corn program took part in an episode of the DA and Radyo Pilipinas’ collaborative radio program dubbed as “Usapang Agrikultura”, earlier today, November 26, baring its various interventions to radio listeners and webisode viewers.

According to Corn program focal person and Senior Agriculturist Richan D. Lacanaria, the said Program is tailored to augment the quality and quantity production of corn in Region 10, with focus in ensuring farmers’ increased productivity and profitability, as means of feeds supply in support to the livestock industry and as a source of alternative staple food crop and other value-added products.

In pursuit of such goals, the corn coordinator emphasized for farmers to enroll in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), enabling the government through the DA to identify those involved in the corn industry, and for the agency to extend them with the appropriate aid.

These range from production support services, extension support, education and training services, research and development, and agricultural machinery, equipment and facilities support services, infrastructure and irrigation network services.

Under the Production Enhancement project, Lacanaria said that the agency grants seeds (at 9 kilograms per bag) and complete fertilizers (at 50 kg per bag) to each yellow and white corn producer, especially amid the rising cost of inputs.

Given the limited funds, however, he highlighted that the priority beneficiaries for these provisions are those individual farmers whose landholding are from 0.5 to 1 hectare, adding that it only augments the input production requirement of corn farmers.

On recommending cost-effective and sustainable corn practices and technologies, the DA official added that the Program in collaboration with the local agriculture offices and model corn farms, employs the conduct of demonstration sites.

These feature packages of technology to scale up farmers’ knowledge and skills for eventual adoption in their respective corn areas, thereby maximizing yield and income, he added.

To attain economies of scale, he also urged corn farmers to form into clusters, as it is pivotal in accessing big-ticket projects from the DA such as farm tractors and corn harvesters and in achieving higher efficiencies in operations, further stressing in forging market linkages with institutional buyers.

Tying up with big feedmillers and processors, the corn focal person noted, will empower corn clusters to command premium prices for their harvests.

Overall, the interventions are geared toward contributing to the National Corn program’s directive of reaching an average grain yield of 5 to 6 metric tons, of which Northern Mindanao now stands at 4.86 metric tons/hectare (mt/ha) for yellow corn and 2.72 mt/ha for white corn.

Capping off the discussions, Lacanaria enjoined corn farmers to coordinate with their assigned agriculture offices should they take interest in benefitting from the roster of interventions mentioned, reiterating that Letters of Intent should be endorsed by their respective local government units subject for validation.

To date, there are 178,176 registered corn farmers in the RSBSA and per 2023 PSA data, Region 10 is the second highest corn producing region with a combined production of about 1.52 million metric tons.# (JLO)

Agri-10 awards 2024 rice awareness month photo contest winners

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In line with the celebration of National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) awards the 2024 NRAM photo contest winners on November 25, at the agency compound, here.

The contest, open to all professional and amateur photographers residing in Northern Mindanao, aims to highlight the local production of staple and alternative food crops and other high-valued commodities, instilling the value of patriotism, at the same time to honor farmers, who have innovated their farming practices through the use of sustainable and resilient production practices and technologies.

On the one hand, the theme for the Rice category is “Be RicePonsible” which enjoins every Filipino to take their part in the bid toward achieving rice self-sufficiency in the country.

On the other hand, the DA category is centered on the theme “Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya, Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” which underscores farming and fishing activities, agri-innovations, agriculture technologies, and mechanization in agriculture.

Adjudged winners are as follows:

DA Category
1st Place – “Ipasa” by Hershe B. Jabines
2nd Place – “Pamukot” by Arthuro L. Nedruda Jr.
3rd Place – “Sweet Pineapple” by Nikka K. Ugsod

Rice Category
1st Place -“Hapit Na” by Patrick Ian F. Pedarse
2nd Place – “Sun drying rice in Bukidnon” by Christian Timothy T. Daamo
3rd Place – “Planting with Purpose: Be Riceponsible” by Kiara Paz Ysabelle C. Mediante

People’s Choice Award
“Bungkal” by Patrick Ian F. Pedarse, garnering 397 reactions and 807 shares

Granted each with a plaque of recognition, the 1st placers received P4K, P3K (2nd), and the 3rd prize winners earned P2K, while a special prize (P1K) was accorded for the photo with the most engagement in the DA-10’s official FB page.

Present during the awarding ceremony are DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca, RAFIS chief, Mary Grace B. Sta. Elena, and Rice focal person, Chona H. Nacalaban.# (MAC)

Camiguin, MisOcc LGUs craft agri-fishery investment, dev’t plan for 2026-2028

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division (PMED), conducted a two-day consultation workshop on the crafting of the Municipal, City, and Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development (M/C/PAFID) plan for the local government units of Camiguin and Misamis Occidental on November 21-22, in this city.

In her message, PMED chief Lana May S. Racines said that the activity aims to identify the agri-fishery sector needs of the said provinces for the 2026-2028 period in order to achieve the goals of the agriculture sector such as food security, better agriculture infrastructure, natural resource conservation, responsive food system, real-time information system, risk reduction and capacity building.

“With this workshop, we will assess the strengths and the weaknesses of your respective areas, and from there, we will identify what investments are needed and what areas needs to be developed while adhering to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). This plan will then serve as our direction.”

Racines added that the crafted plan may also be used by other agencies to determine key areas for prioritization in their provision of assistance to their targeted clienteles.

Agencies present during the said activity are the regional and provincial offices of Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agrarian Reform, Philippine Coconut Authority, Agriculture Training Institute, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and the National Food Authority.

The same activity was also conducted ahead in the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, and Misamis Oriental earlier this quarter. #

Buk’non IP farmers learn skills in corn prod’n, postharvest technologies

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — Noting the potential of Indigenous People (IP) communities to contribute toward sustainable food production, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) program, spearheaded a training on corn production and postharvest technologies on November 20-21, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, here.

Gilbert A. Apa-ap, 4K program coordinator said the capbuild aims to empower local IP corn farmers to boost their corn production in terms of quality and quantity by enhancing their crop cultivation, harvest and postharvest techniques, thereby translating to increased income and upliftment in the standard of living of the same.

Attended by 25 IP farmers from the towns of Bukidnon, the training staged lectures and participatory discussions on Corn Production with emphasis on the selection of good quality seeds, land preparation activities, planting, and care and management of the crop. Likewise, it tackled on Nutrient Deficiencies, Signs and Symptoms, Pest and Diseases Management, and Postharvest Management.

Select participants came from six IP farmers’ organizations, namely: Panalsalan Dagumbaan Talaandig Tribe Association (PADATTA) and Baclig Farmers’ Association of Maramag; Pigbuligaan Farmers’ Association, Batiaw Upland Farmers’ Association and Kahugpungan sa Mag-uuma sa Ulayanon of Impasugong; and Minole Tigwahanon Manobo Matigsalug Tribal Association (MINTIGMAMATA) of San Fernando.

Marking as tenth conducted training of the program for this year, 4K is a locally funded program catering to the agricultural productivity needs of IPs within their ancestral domains, with the ultimate goal of generating more jobs within their community.# (JLO/Photos supplied)

Agri-10 supports XUCN’s community veggie prod’n

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In support of their community-based project, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) turned over assorted vegetable seeds and Ultraviolet (UV) film to Xavier University – College of Nursing (XUCN) students on November 25.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca and National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP) Alternate Focal Person Ronald Allan P. Camaddo turned over 10 packets 4-in-1 Garden Salad and 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds apiece, and a 100-meter UV film roll to XUCN 4th year students Nellalen G. Lagutin and Louise Margarette Escobia.

Lagutin shared that the said agri-inputs will be used for a Hydroponics project for their Community Health Nursing Duty in Sitio Macapaya, Brgy. Camaman-an.

“Our goal is to have a tangible project that will be turned over to the community. Since the residents are far from the market and have difficulty with accessing fresh vegetables, we plan to make a hydroponics project for them to maximize their space and have ready access to vegetables,” she added.

Lagutin furthered that they are thankful for DA-10’s provisions, noting the agency’s efforts in putting value to requests of students like them.# (AMBM)

MIADP-RPCO 10 conducts Stakeholders training on Environmental and Social Management Framework

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project–Regional Project Coordination Office 10’s Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit conducted the second batch of the Stakeholders training on the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) on November 19 to 20.

It was attended by representatives from the Local Project Management and Implementation Unit of the cities of Valencia and Malaybalay, Malitbog and Impasugong of Bukidnon, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-10 (NCIP-10).

The training aimed to deepen the participants’ understanding of the 10 Standards of the ESMF and align strategic planning for SES activities with compliance requirements under MIADP’s Project Management, Support, Monitoring, and Evaluation (Component 4).

They were oriented on the processes, procedures, and requirements for managing the environmental and social risks and impacts of MIADP.
Led by PSO SES Officer Mark Wensil B. Lacaba, the intensive discussions and interactive sessions eyed for knowledge sharing and collaborative planning for future SES activities.

Further, it guided the MIADP team in engaging select Ancestral Domains (ADs) while ensuring compliance with environmental and social safeguards.#

DA-10 fuels up 377 Lantapan farmers’ agri machinery with PhP1.13-M assistance

LANTAPAN, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) released around PhP1.13-million (M) worth of fuel assistance to 377 farmers on November 22, in this town.

Said figure is part of the estimated 159,617 farmers nationwide set to benefit from the Fuel Assistance to Farmers Project (FAtFP).

In coordination with the DA and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), said project under the Special Provision No. 19 of the FY 2023 General Appropriation Act (GAA), aims to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs on farmers through the provision of fuel assistance.

Each farmer received a DA Intervention Monitoring Card with credited PhP3K to defray for their fuel expenses.

Farmers, to qualify as beneficiary, should own or lease operational machinery enrolled in the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

Moreover, beneficiaries must be listed in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) and/or encoded in the Farmers and Fisherfolk Registry System (FFRS).

However, farmers who are not yet registered with the RSBSA can still avail the assistance, provided that they enroll.

Benedicto S. Oroyan, a rice farmer who owns a floating tiller (turtle handtractor) from Kulasihan, Lantapan, expressed his gratitude to the agency for the fuel subsidy.

“Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa DA sa ilang gihatag nga fuel assistance sa akong turtle [handtractor]. Dako na kaayo ni nga tabang sa akoa kay dili ko makapalit sa krudo.” (I am very grateful to the DA for the fuel assistance because this saves me from buying gasoline), said Oroyan, in an interview.

Present also in the distribution led by the DA-10’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) were the Municipal Agriculture Office of Lantapan and personnel from the Universal Storefront Services, Corp. (USSC) as DBM’s FinTech partner.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 Agribiz capacitates MisOr, Buk’non FCAs on agripreneurship

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted a capability building on agribusiness viability and financial preparedness to farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) as potential beneficiaries of the Agri-Entrepreneurship Capability Enhancement Assistance (AECEA) program, on November 22, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, here.

Per Republic Act No. 11321, otherwise known as Sagip Saka Act, the DA is directed to strengthen its farmers and fisherfolk enterprise development program (FFEDP) to achieve sustainable modern agriculture and food security.

Pursuant to its mandate, the agency aims to provide a comprehensive package of support to help FCAs become viable business partners with agro-industry players, improve their business acumen, and strengthen agri-fishery enterprise development services.

In his opening remarks, AMAD assistant chief, Ferdinand F. Caraballe, emphasized that the DA-AMAD 10 is committed in equipping FCAs with the knowledge and skills needed for their enterprise success through topics such as SWOT analysis, digital agriculture, and strategies to enhance entrepreneurial skills.

On working smart by maximizing the use of technology, DA-10 Information Technology Consultant, Noel M. Degamo, tackled DA-10’s web-based information system, a platform that facilitates the monitoring of crops grow and its planting and harvesting schedule, potential market tie-ups, and requests for interventions and support from the DA.

For his part, Caraballe also underscored to the FCAs to treat any government support from the DA as business opportunities, noting that every time they earn, they accumulate savings.

Overall, participants engaged in focused group discussions, drafting of business proposals, and consultation of their proposed enterprises.

Key officers and members of the FCAs, namely: BALUGTO “Hope” Agroforestry Association, Inc., Pag-ugmad sa Kaugmaon Agriculture Cooperative, and Cogon Gardeners Association (COGARAS) were in attendance.

Further, they underwent enterprise profiling and assessment and are halfway through their Civil Society Organization (CSO) accreditation, a key evaluation requirement for cooperatives and associations seeking financial grant assistance and other forms of support from the DA.# (MAC)

DA-10 strengthens support for animal welfare in NorMin

LANAO DEL NORTE – Aiming to capacitate stakeholders in the protection and promotion of the welfare of all animals, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Regulatory Division, staged a training for the Animal Welfare Enforcement Officers (AWEOs) from November 19 to 21, in Lala town, here.

In her message, Veterinarian ll of the Regulatory Division Kristine B. Paño, DVM, emphasized that the training equips the officers with the skills needed to protect animals, enforce animal welfare laws, and advocate for ethical treatment.

“This prepares you [AWEOs] to make a meaningful impact in safeguarding animal welfare while fostering a respectful and humane society,“ she said, addressing particularly the attendees from the Philippine National Police and local government units from Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental, and the City Veterinary Office of Iligan.

As provided in Section 10 of Republic Act (RA) 8485 as amended by RA 10631, the Secretary of the DA shall authorize trained AWEOs from non-government organizations, community organizations, citizens groups and other volunteers. Additionally, it stipulated the deputation of law enforcement agencies as well as the local government units, who will be responsible in the seize and rescue of illegally traded and maltreated animals, and arrest violators of the said law, adhering to the legal guidelines on arrest and detention.

During the training, the DA-10 Regulatory Division also partnered with resource speakers from the Bureau of Animal Industry-10 (BAI-10) to highlight discussions on Animal Welfare concepts, roles and responsibilities of AWEOs, animal welfare violations, cases management, and the analysis of case studies through simulation exercises and actual case exposures.

The capbuild likewise enabled participants to share their insights and learnings through workshops, group discussions, and presentation of group outputs.

In closing, Paño noted that the agency will continue to provide services dedicated to enhancing knowledge and skills aimed at promoting animal welfare and the implementation of laws that protect the most vulnerable.# (EJLG)