DA-10 holds a Kadiwa at Diskwento Caravan in time for the Filipino Food Month celebration.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In celebration of the Filipino Food Month (FFM), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry-10 (DTI-10) initiates a Kadiwa at Diskwento Caravan on April 15-16, at the agency compound, in this city.

Under Presidential Proclamation No. 469 signed in 2018, the FFM is observed annually every month of April.

This year’s celebration centers on the theme, ‘Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago’ which aims to preserve the culinary culture and food sustainability.

According to DA-RFO 10 Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado, the activity is a joint effort of the DA and DTI to link farmers and producers to consumers and promote locally grown produce by offering goods at discounted prices.

He said such effort is consistent with the DA’s effort to attaining food security in the region.

Six exhibitors took part in the activity namely, the Tagpuangi Fisherfolks Association (TAGFA), Miarayon Farmer’s Association, Highland Fresh, Prism Soda Rice, Universal Robina Corporation (URC), and MC Coffee, who sell their fresh agricultural commodities and quality processed goods at reasonable prices.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca together with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) led the opening of Kadiwa and Diskwento Caravan, highlighting the importance of patronizing local farmers and fishers’ products.# (MPMT)

DA-10 and Nestle Philippines, Inc. eye to jointly laud the invaluable contributions of coffee farmers in Mindanao.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) is set to stage a formal recognition of the region’s coffee farmers and their invaluable contributions to the development of the coffee industry in Mindanao.

In a courtesy call to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado on April 15 at the agency compound, Nestlé Philippines, Inc. through Government and Industry Affairs Executive Donnel Jun M. Tiedra bared its plans to partner with the DA to conduct a stakeholders event that showcases coffee farmers, as well as their coffee production processes that employ Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and regenerative farming methods.

The event will draw partners from the national and local government, as well as prominent farmer-leaders and producers of coffee in Mindanao who share in the success of the growing coffee production and industry in the region and the country.

Tiedra further said that the event is also an opportunity for partners in the government and private sector to revisit the salient points of Senate Bill No. 321, otherwise known as the Coffee Development Act of 2016, which aims to advance an industry-wide development of coffee in the Philippines through systematic programs geared toward effective coffee production systems, provision of technical assistance and processing technologies, research, and marketing and promotion of coffee for domestic and export markets.

Slated to be conducted in the month of May, the event coincides with the annual celebration of the National Farmers and Fisherfolk Month, to which RED Collado said is an opportune time for stakeholders in the public and private sector to reiterate their support for the said key actors in agriculture.

“We want to maximize this event not only by recognizing our coffee farmers in the region, but also by responding to their needs for agricultural inputs, machineries, and equipment. It is exciting that we will conduct this event with the support of the DA through Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., our lawmakers, and partners in the local government,” RED Collado said.

DA-10 through its High Value Crops Development Program led by focal person Kersten S. Pagalan will coordinate with Nestlé Philippines on the necessary preparations for the said event.# (GDA)

DA eyes to boost the goat and cattle production initiatives of Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) will capitalize on expansive and inclusive goat and cattle production programs to boost Northern Mindanao’s agriculture industry.

In a meeting with DA Undersecretary Roger V. Navarro and DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants Benjamin C. Albarece on April 8, DA-10 management led by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado crafts improved plans and programs for goat and cattle production in the region.

The DA-10 is set to scale up its research facilities and services at the Malaybalay City Stock Farm, the DA-10’s animal research center, to cater to a wider range of livestock farmers while aptly recording all project information in a database.

To increase quality goat and livestock inventory, the DA-10 will be establishing nucleus farm and multiplier farms by optimally utilizing imported goat and cattle breed procured by the agency.

Similarly, the DA-10 is told to employ harmonized animal disease management strategies to curb unwanted mortalities.

Cognizant of goat and cattle economic potentials, the DA-10 will implement a production program in partnership with the private sector and the Local Government Units.

This is particularly relevant to massively campaign for artificial insemination technology, and getting the backyard raisers onboard the program for comprehensive implementation.

Enabling appropriations will be proposed under the DA Livestock Program to fund the goat and cattle production programs.# (ATT)

Agri-10 imparts Hydroponics technology to social welfare clients.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To strengthen urban gardening practices, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the helm of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado holds a Hydroponics Training on April 5, at Bahay Silungan, Barangay Alae, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Around 30 participants, comprising children in street situations, homeless families, out-of-school youth, children in need of special protection, and women who are victims of domestic violence have joined in the said activity.

According to Dir. Collado, the training is beneficial among the clients of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-10 (DSWD-10), as it fosters a sense of appreciation for agriculture and discipline, enabling the group to learn and engage in food production while they take refuge in a sheltered home and even as a livelihood option.

DA-10 Field Operations Division Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo discussed the benefits of establishing urban gardens, mainly employing hydroponics, a technique of growing plants using a water-based nutrient solution instead of the conventional soil.

Camaddo demonstrated how hydroponics works and immersed the participants in a hands-on activity, which, he added, augments the Food Always in the Home (FAITH) program of the government, at the same time capacitating individuals to grow vegetables and other crops in limited spaces.

Said event was initiated by the DSWD-10 headed by its Regional Director Ramel F. Jamen and supported by the DA-10 through its High-Value Crops Development Program.#(MPMT/Photos supplied)

DA aims to improve strategies for a stronger livestock sector in Region 10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Through a shared interest to strengthen the region’s livestock industry, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado met with DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminants Benjamin C. Albarece to discuss proposed refinements for the agency’s protocols and strategies geared at supporting local livestock farmers and producers in Northern Mindanao.

Held recently at the agency compound, the meeting drew stakeholders from the private and government sectors, as well as personnel from the agency’s regulatory bodies to tackle existing protocols and documentary requirements for the compliance of livestock farmers and producers who wish to export their livestock, and in particular, swine and pork products.

According to ASec Albarece, the meeting aims to gather inputs and insights on a proposed streamlining of DA regulations and protocols, that is receptive to the concerns and suggestions raised by local farmers and producers.

“These discussions are done in light of adapting to global standards for exporting livestock products. We discern how best we could assist and support the capacities of our local farmers and producers to export said agricultural commodity, especially now with the market becoming more competitive,” the DA official said.

One of the proposed measures to fine-tune said protocols is the conduct of a technical review of the documentary requirements for compliance, to determine which permits and certifications are most necessary and correspond to trade standards for export.

Also discussed in the meeting were strategies to enhance coordination between the DA, the local government units (LGUs), and the private sector for the efficient delivery of services.

“We have invited stakeholders from the local government to ensure our policies are more responsive to the needs of the LGU. The DA is pro-farmer and we hope that, through this cooperation and coordination, we make it easy [for our] farmers, as we navigate rising prices due to inflation,” Albarece said.

Key points and inputs gathered during the meeting will be escalated to the national level for appropriate action.

Expressing his support for the newly appointed assistant secretary, RED Collado reassured the region’s cooperation with the former’s office, to which he pins his hope of achieving more feats in Northern Mindanao under the Livestock program.

Present in support of the meeting were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas, Regulatory Division chief Eduardo N. Pit, PhD, and Integrated Laboratories Division chief Viralou L. Tuquib, DVM.

Also in attendance were DA-Bureau of Animal Industry Regional Veterinarian Dale Franco B. Llentic, DVM, and Misamis Oriental Provincial Veterinarian Benjamin S. Resma, DVM, who also serves as the officer-in-charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office.# (GDA)

Agri-10 provides a farm tractor unit to PFA of Libona town to amplify their corn and cassava production. 

LIBONA, BUKIDNON – To ensure faster and easier land preparation activities of the 140-active-membered group, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the Corn program turned over the P2.9-million (M) farm tractor to the Palabucan Farmers Association (PFA) on Thursday, April 11, in barangay Palabucan, here.

With a 90-horsepower engine, the machinery also comes with a package of implements such as a disc plow, harrow, and trailer, which is overall seen to boost the 200-hectare corn and 50-hectare cassava production of the association, with a potential area for expansion of 50 hectares.

Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Richan D. Lacanaria, Corn program focal person, and Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) chief, Carmelito R. Lapoot of DA-10, led in handing over the certificate of turnover through the Local Government of Libona headed by Mayor Aurelio B. Lopez, and finally, to the recipient, the PFA through its President Melagros J. Mansibogan.

“By mechanizing farm operations using the farm tractor, the department is optimistic for the farmer-members to reduce their production cost [for corn and cassava] so they can generate savings and use it for their other farm needs, with emphasis on producing more in lesser time, but with greater efficiency,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said.

On behalf of Libona mayor Lopez, Sangguniang Bayan councilor Noel B. Woo noted the synergistic efforts of the national, municipal and barangay governments, for the acquisition of the said big-ticket project for the remotely located, barangay Palabucan.

The town official also reminded the association to set aside funds for the upkeep of the said machinery to sustain its operability in the years to come.

For the agency’s part, Guzman lauded the PFA for being one of the unit beneficiaries, given the overwhelming requests for the availment of a farm tractor from the department.

Agreeing with the councilor’s statement, she further encouraged the association to set policies on the use of the farm tractor, giving paramount importance to serving its farmer-members, in the locality and other adjoining barangays.

On the other hand, Mansibogan expressed her gratefulness for the DA’s continued support to them, saying it is their first farm tractor from the department, and further recounting previous interventions such as their cassava chipper, mechanical corn sheller and composting facilities.

“Maraming salamat sa binigay ninyong oportunidad [for our association to prosper]. Pagsisikapin talaga namin na mayroon kaming mailalaang pondo para sa pagkukumpuni at pagpapanatili sa naibigay na farm tractor nang sa gayon magsilbi kaming halimbawa sa kapwa naming mga asosasyon,” the president conveyed.

Attuned to the agency’s hopes of maintaining the said machinery, reportedly, the association eyes to using and engaging it into a business enterprise through servicing it to members and non-members alike at a minimal fee.

Pipelined charging for the availment of the farm tractor is P3K per hectare (ha) for members, while P3.2K for non-members, of which a portion is for the defrayment of the repair and maintenance of the unit.

On optimizing the available resources for the benefit of the association, Lapoot likewise underscored for them to exercise good financial management and record keeping, citing that it will be instrumental in having a well-managed association that would encourage for more government assistance to come in.

Pooled from the agency’s 2023 funds under the Agricultural Machinery, Equipment Facilities, and Infrastructure Program, the delivery of the farm tractor is in the form of a grant from the agri department with the provision of a shed as counterpart of the PFA.

Also witnessing the turnover ceremony were the agricultural technologists and staff of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Libona headed by Pepe M. Capangpangan, a representative from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources office of LGU Libona, barangay officials, other PFA officers and members, and other personnel from the DA-10 Corn program.# (JLO)

Agri-10 through its AMIA program holds an agro-climatic advisory portal training and survey, in the province of Camiguin.

In a bid to promote Climate-Resilient Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) conducts various Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Program activities, in the province of Camiguin on April 2-3.

Spearheaded by AMIA-10 focal person Carmelito R. Lapoot and Project Leader Joel J. Gabo, the team conducted an Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP) Training cum Updating of Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) gathering 16 participants from the agriculture and planning offices of the provincial and municipal governments of Camiguin.

Said group was briefed on Agro-Climatic Advisory Portal (ACAP), a digital service designed to provide agricultural and other relevant stakeholders with timely and relevant information and updates concerning climate and weather.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado shared that the interventions under AMIA aim to capacitate and empower farmers through modern technological advancements, enabling them to access advisory services tailored fit to their geographical locations and crop types.

In addition, the team also conducted a Climate Information System (CIS) and Climate Risk Assessment (CRA) survey in its AMIA village in Alangilan, Sagay to collect data to help improve the system as well as in the attainment of AMIA’s goal of building climate- and economic shock-proof farming and fishing communities.

Meanwhile, Senior Agriculturist Fedil A. Tapales of the Camiguin Provincial Agriculture Office conveyed that the training is opportune and will help farmers in their locality, as the information and updates can be used as guide for their planting calendar.# (AMBM with reports and photos from AMIA-10)

Agri-10 focuses on the invaluable contribution of farmer- and fisher-producers in its Filipino Food Month celebration kickoff.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Recognizing local and national cuisine as important elements of Filipino heritage, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) formally launched the Filipino Food Month (FFM) celebration in Northern Mindanao, on April 8, at the agency compound, in this city.

By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 469, series of 2018, the DA is joined by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Department of Tourism – Philippines in cooperation with the Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement in a monthlong celebration of local and national culinary traditions that fosters a renewed appreciation for Filipino culture.

Consistent with this year’s theme, “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago”, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said that the celebration does not only recognize the contribution of local farmers and fisherfolk in food production, but also invites the youth, particularly young farmers, to participate in nurturing our culinary heritage and achieving national food security.

In a special talk, Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association Vice-president and professional chef Cathy Dano underscored the invaluable role of farmers and fisherfolk and their efforts to bring fresh, local ingredients and produce, thereby taking part in shaping regional and local culinary favorites.

She also expressed optimism in the adoption of emerging technologies and agricultural processes to revitalize food production such as vertical farming, hydroponics and aquaponics, natural farming, integrated farming systems, and the use of precision farming to complement existing production practices.

“Let us continue to explore, savor, and share the flavors of Filipino cuisine, ensuring that our culinary heritage thrives for generations to come,” Dano said.

Capping off the commencement activity, DA Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Roger V. Navarro enjoined DA personnel to join and support the current administration in its programs, especially on digital transformation and mechanization, to empower local farmers and transform the agri-fishery industry for enhanced food production.

In line with the monthlong celebration, DA-10 through AMAD is set to conduct various activities at the agency compound, including talks on consumer awareness (April 15) and anti-illegal real estate practices (April 22); FFM 2024 Trade Fair (April 15 to 16); and a division-wide Adobo cooking competition (April 30).

DA-10 is also set to showcase local food processors and producers in the 16th Philippine Food Expo on April 12 to 14 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, and the FFM 2024 Fair on April 26 to 28 dubbed ‘Ang Sarap: Philippine Food Festival’ at the SM Megatrade Hall 1, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.# (GDA)

DA-10 supports the P300-M proposed Integrated Water System of LGU Tangub.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado vowed to support Tangub City’s proposed Integrated Water System in a meeting with Tangub City Mayor, Sabiniano S. Canama on April 3, at the agency compound in this city.

According to Collado, the water system project will be included as a sub-project under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-up for 2024.

As transpired, the construction of Integrated Water System Level II was endorsed for the second prioritization run with an estimated project cost of P300 million.

Said project offers alternative water and sanitation services for rural communities experiencing water scarcity, and is expected to benefit 10K households.

Canama said the project will greatly help Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the hinterlands.

“I am grateful for this opportunity since the water system will provide our IPs with access to clean water and effective farming irrigation, both of which will support the community’s economic stability,” he said.

With the agency’s commitment to the project, Collado urges the city government to create a City Project Management and Implementation Unit (CPMIU) to fast-track the preparation of documentary requirements for the PRDP scale-up proposal.

Canama also expressed his intent to avail other agricultural infrastructure projects such as cold storage, and other DA interventions that could boost the agriculture sector of the city.

Also present during the meeting are DA-RFO 10 Regional Technical Director for Operation Carlota S. Madriaga, Michael A. Varquez, PRDP Rural Infrastructure Engineer, Emerson C. Dablo, Tangub City Planning Coordinator, and Vilmar A. Matalines, OIC-City Engr. # (RDME)

Agri-10 supports the 89th IB’s initiatives in a fight against insurgencies.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY- In aid to fight against insurgency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) turned over assorted vegetable seeds to the 89th Infantry “Makatao” Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division on April 5.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Field Operations Division Supervising Agriculturist Chona H. Nacalaban and HVCDP Focal Person Kersten S. Pagalan turned over vegetable seeds such as pole sitao and kangkong (15 foil packs at 1kg each), squash (45 tin cans at 100g each), pechay (15 tin cans at 100g each), ampalaya (45 tin cans at 50g each) and tomato (30 tin cans at 25g each).

89th IB Community Development Officer Cpt. Kevin B. Bautista shared that they will be distributing said provisions to farmer associations in San Fernando and Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

“Nagkakaroon ng insurgency because of poverty, and mostly in our area are farmers, so we would like to help them. It is in development projects like these that we are able to opt them to be pro-government,” Bautista added. # (AMBM)