Agri-10 aids in boosting the high value crops production in Kalilangan town through the installation of a Solar-powered irrigation system.

KALILANGAN, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado through its High Value Crops Development program (HVCDP) turned over the Solar-powered Irrigation System (SPIS) to the Sitio Danao High Value Crops Farmers Association, Inc. (HVFAI) on April 4, in Sitio Danao, Barangay Malinao, in this town.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga handed over the said infrastructure worth P 1,012,221 to the Municipal Government of Kalilangan through Mayor Raymon Charl O. Gamboa, and to the HVFAI through its Chairperson, Manuel F. Suganob.

The SPIS, with a solar array of 12 panels and pump power of 5 horsepower (hp), can irrigate at least 10 hectares of the identified 50-hectare rainfed production area for high value crops in Sitio Danao.

Through this configuration, the irrigation system is geared at enhancing cropping intensity and crop yield, ultimately benefiting the association’s production of high value crops such as sweet potato, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and white potato.

During the ceremony, RTD Madriaga expressed her optimism for the project and its impact on the local production of high value crops in the area.

“We are thrilled that this facility was established here, an expansive area where so much potential lies for a bigger production of high value crops. May this inspire a stronger cooperation between the DA and the local government unit (LGU) and a shared interest in providing more assistance to our farmers here,” Madriaga said.

After citing the agency’s various interventions through the HVCDP and the National Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), including the provision of equipment and infrastructure (greenhouses), RTD Madriaga urged the association to actively work with the LGU to communicate their organization’s needs to the DA through a Letter of Intent.

In his message, Sitio Danao HVFAI chairperson Suganob conveyed his thanks to the agency and described the established facility as a timely provision for their association, comprising some 182 member-farmers.

“Our association is very grateful to have been chosen as one of the recipients of this new Solar-powered Pump Irrigation System (SPIS) from the DA. This provision will greatly help our association, more so now that we are experiencing the effects of El Niño,” Suganob said.

Further, he assured their organization’s responsibility to ensure that the facility remains in good condition.

Present in support of the turnover ceremony were Municipal Board of Agriculture Chairperson Loido L. Padsing, Municipal Agriculturist Edgar A. Cantones, DA-10 Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, Regional Agricultural Engineering Division – Program and Project Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, HVCDP Assistant focal person and Agriculturist II Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, association board members, and DA-10 staff.# (GDA)

DA-10 through its Corn program turns over the P3.25-million hauling truck to the Kauyagan Savers MPC on April 1, at the Impasugong Municipal Hall. 

IMPASUGONG, BUKIDNON – To ensure support for the group’s efficient supply chain management, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Corn program turned over the P3.25 million (M) hauling truck to the Kauyagan Savers Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) on April 1, at the Municipal Hall here.

Representing DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM and Corn focal person Richan D. Lacanaria handed over the certificate of turnover and key of responsibility to the Local Government of Impasugong through Mayor Anthony A. Uy, and finally, to the benefitting group, the Kauyagan Savers MPC through its General Manager, Imelda H. Esteban.

With a six-metric-ton carrying capacity, the intervention is also aligned with the current agriculture secretary’s medium-term plan to boost agricultural productivity, lower food costs, attain food security, and advance the agri-fishery sector.

“This [the hauling truck] will help modernize and industrialize the agriculture chain in an inclusive way to enhance productivity, uplift rural people from poverty, improve livelihood and increase farmers’ income,” Lacanaria cited.

According to Kauyagan Savers MPC manager Esteban, the conferred transportation vehicle is for the priority use of the 250 farmer-members of the coop as of year-ended, who are engaged in the production, consolidation, and marketing of corn.

Aside from corn, they are currently consolidating coffee and abaca, which are coming from the indigenous people communities in the upland areas of the town and its adjacent municipality, Sumilao.

“We are an agri-based coop, and among our major services is into savings and credit, but we [coop] thought there is a need to enhance our agricultural enterprise because many of our members are into farming,” the coop official said, adding that their scope of membership and operations is province-wide, with focus on the mentioned two towns.

Likewise, the manager conveyed their gratitude for the provision, citing that collaboration and shared vision with the national and local governments in seeing the coop members enjoy a better quality of life, have been the key in providing the unit to the Kauyagan Savers MPC.

With the addition of the turned-over facility, she shared that the coop is set on embarking on brighter prospects, which include being an assembler for cassava, and at the same time, extending help for the vegetable gardeners in the locality to command fair prices for their produce.

For the agency’s part, Lacanaria lauded the cooperative, even more so that they are one among the recipients of the five hauling truck recently granted by the Corn program, and underscored in sustaining the government’s investment to them by apportioning a pool for funds to ensure the repair and maintenance of the unit.

“This victory [turnover of hauling truck] is not only for the employees and officials of Kauyagan, but for all the members of coop. Let us patronize the services and products of our coop and also follow the policies set forth by it.” Esteban remarked while enjoining her fellow coop members to help it thrive in the years to come.

Formed in 2044 with only 27 members, the Kauyagan Savers MPC is previously known as the Kauyagan Savers Cooperative. Chaired by Paul Richard A. Paraguya, it has now grown to around 2,600 members with additional services such as loans, bill payments, ATM services, and educational assistance.

Supporting the ceremony were Impasugong municipal agriculturist Engr. Roan R. Fernandez, in the presence of local and coop officials and members, and other regional and municipal agri staff. # (JLO)

DA-PRDP 10 holds a preconstruction conference for the coco sauce processing and marketing subproject in Magsaysay town.

MAGSAYSAY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Another IREAP facility is underway as the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducted a Preconstruction Conference (PreCon) for the Coconut Sauce Processing and Marketing subproject on March 19, 2024, in this town.

Funded under Additional Financing 2 and the European Union, the subproject, which is the first of its kind in Northern Mindanao, is valued at Php 23,511,962.42 includes processing machinery and equipment, delivery vehicle, and the construction of the coconut sauce processing facility.

The Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10) team leveled off with the Mindulao Farmers Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (MINFARCCO), Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Misamis Oriental, LGU Magsaysay, Barangay LGU of Cabubuhan, and the contractor on policies and requirements from each component and unit.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations and DA-PRDP 10 SES Unit Head Cora A. Dumayaca encouraged the stakeholders to raise any concerns to the team to have a smooth process in complying with the documentary requirements needed for the implementation of the SP.

“A checklist is provided to see if there are still requirements that need to be provided. I hope we can comply with all of these documentary requirements,” said RTD Dumacaya.

She further encouraged everyone to voice out concerns on the implementation of the subproject, with PreCon as an avenue to discuss the agreements and how to accomplish the target timeline.

Meanwhile, Romel C. Ratilla, MINFARCCO Chairman, shared that the SP will help the cooperative to bounce back their operations since they have been heavily affected by the pandemic.

“COVID-19 affected our operations, but we have high hopes that through this subproject, we can recover our loss from the pandemic. We have gone through so much to have this subproject approved; our vision is finally becoming a reality.”

With the subproject, the cooperative aims to expand the coconut sauce processing and marketing activities.

PRDP’s interventions will aid in increasing the volume and improve the coconut syrup outputs leading to more opportunities for their members. #

MIADP-10 hosts a pre-con for FPIC for the project’s targeted communities in the region

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), in collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), conducted a pre-conference for Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) community validation and assessment for the communities within the Ancestral Domains (AD) of Nabunkatol/Kalawan (CADT No. R10-GIN-0116-203) and Bukidnon Tagoloanon (CADT No. 10-IMP-0914-174) in preparation for DA’s intervention through its Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP).

The FPIC is a process to engage tribal leaders in decision-making regarding proposed interventions within their territories.

Through this activity, the DA-10 aimed to secure consent and gather insights from the IP communities of Sitio Kibuwa, Impasug-ong, and Sitio Impahanong, Malitbog, both in the province of Bukidnon, before implementing the MIADP program.

MIADP-10 Deputy Project Director Joel S. Rudinas explained the project to NCIP and tribal leaders, emphasizing its goal of enhancing agricultural productivity in the two IP communities of Northern Mindanao.

During the meeting, DA-10 Regional Executive Director and MIADP-10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado, pledged livelihood support to each community, including five live pigs, vegetable and corn seeds, and fertilizers.

Collado will also coordinate with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to obtain tilapia fingerlings, supporting agri-fishery production.

Datu Nomer S. Melendez of Bukidnon Tagoloanon AD and Datu Loreto G. Lirawan of Nabunkatol AD expressed their support and cooperation for the successful implementation of MIADP.#(ECPT)

Agri-10 convenes with representatives from the Office of Senator Zubiri and Bukidnon province for the sustainable agri plans and programs of said province.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In a meeting with Representatives from the Office of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Bukidnon 3rd District Congressman, Jose Maria Zubiri, Jr., on April 2, Department of Agriculture-Region 10 (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado affirmed the agency’s support for sustainable agriculture plans and programs in Bukidnon province.

Director Collado emphasized that DA has pipelined strategic interventions such as grant of farm machineries under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program, and proposals for infrastructure projects for farm-to-market roads and silo which sought to address the corn farmers’ problems during post-harvest.

He also briefed the respective offices on the salient details of the Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), a special program of the DA funded by the World Bank, encouraging Local Government Units (LGUs) to create proposals to augment the income and agricultural productivity of farmers and fisherfolk in Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs).

Representing Senator Zubiri and Congressman Zubiri’s office were Political Affairs Officers, Jim Chavez and Raymund Mutia.#(MPMT)

LGU Munai receives a hauling truck to aid local farmers’ transportation and hauling expenses.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) turned over a hauling truck to the Local Government Unit of Munai, Lanao del Norte on March 22, in this city.

Said vehicle is funded under the Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant Program with a total project cost of Php 2.5 million, of which 20% (P500K) came from LGU’s equity. In an interview with Munai Mayor Racma D. Andamama, she is thankful to DA-10 for the assistance since farmers in their town are coping with transportation and hauling costs.

“Our farmers have problems hauling their produce, such as unavailability of transport vehicles and expensive hauling costs, that is why, we are very thankful to the department for giving us this truck. We are looking forward for our farmers to have easier transport of their produce to the market, without spending too much in hauling,” the mayor remarked.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado hoped that the LGU Munai would utilize the said transport vehicle well and, at the same time, maintain its condition so that more farmers could benefit from it.

Present in the said turnover are Munai municipal administrator Mangontawar B. Andamama, Munai municipal agriculturist Charion B. Mayo, AMAD Assistant Chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, and Provincial Operations Center Chief of Lanao del Norte, Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo.# (CRS)

R-10’s aggie department updates the city and municipal agriculturists on the F2C2 program implementation of said province.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, spearheaded a coordination meeting to discuss matters on the updates of F2C2 clusters enrolled in the province, on March 25, in this city.

About 18 city and municipal agriculturists from Bukidnon were apprised about the F2C2 program mandated by the DA’s Administrative Order No. 27, Series of 2020, which aims to establish the program towards greater inclusive agribusiness development in the country.

According to DA-10 Field Operations Division (FOD) chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD the meeting served as a platform to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making in delivering various forms of assistance to Bukidnon-clustered farmers and fishers.

“Through this, I hope we can collectively analyze the needs and priorities of the farmers and fishers, identify gaps in existing assistance programs, and develop strategies to address these gaps effectively,” she said.

Meanwhile, DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria, together with her team presented the updates on the F2C2 Cluster Development Plan, market-related activities, and capacity-building activities conducted for the province.

Based on the agency’s data for the 2020-2023 period, Region 10 has a total of 154 clustered organizations, with 64% of them coming from Bukidnon.

Guzman also emphasized the importance of F2C2 as a strategy in mainstreaming clustering and consolidation among DA banner programs, attached bureaus, agencies and corporations, and the local government units (LGUs).

“This strategy is important because this will be the basis of our intervention, especially in obtaining big-ticket projects,” she added.
Furthermore, she urged the group to establish a strong partnership with the agency’s F2C2 program to help the identified clustered farmers’ cooperatives, associations come up with their Cluster Development Plan (CDP).

The CDP is the master plan for the growth and development of a cluster through its business enterprise. It shall be a comprehensive, long-term plan that addresses a cluster’s needs for marketing; improvement in productivity, operation and organization development; financing; and sustainability.

Present during the activity is Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center (POC) chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and Bukidnon Acting Provincial Agriculturist Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon.# (RDME)

Aquino Elementary School of Tangub City receives various agricultural inputs from Agri-10.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado continues to support the Gulayan sa Paaralan program of the Department of Education through the distribution of garden tools and vegetable seeds on March 25, at the agency compound.

On behalf of RED Collado, DA-10 Field Operations Division Supervising Agriculturist Chona H. Nacalaban together with High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, handed over the assorted vegetable (Sinigang) seeds, and garden tools such as light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler, and weeding bolo to Aquino Elementary School of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental represented by Corazon B. Pueblas, Head Teacher III.

According to Pueblas, the agricultural provisions will have a significant impact on the school, especially in implementing the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, which encourages the cultivation and consumption of vegetables for elementary students while at the same time addressing malnutrition through the conduct of feeding programs.

The agri department reiterates the importance in the distribution of seeds and garden tools, in support to increasing the availability of fresh and homegrown produce, and enhancing dietary diversity and community health outcomes.# (MPMT)

Agri-10 and 4DTS, 4ID PA target partnership for the implementation of various agri interventions with emphasis on livestock and poultry-related trainings.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — On March 26, at the agency compound, Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado convened with the 4th Division (Mentor) Training School (4DTS), 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army (PA) to discuss potential collaborative efforts to further advance the latter’s initiatives on peacebuilding in Northern Mindanao.

Underscoring agriculture as a vital component of resilient and food-secure communities, Lieutenant Colonel Manuel B. Estanilla, commandant of the 4DTS, 4ID, PA said that they are seeking assistance from the Department for the possible integration of agricultural production training in their existing programs at the 4DTS.

Such training includes goat and native swine production, as well as rabbit raising, and meat processing.

According to Maj. Hermilando T. Corvera, Jr., 4DTS, 4ID, PA, this initiative is aligned with their strategic push to establish and support an agri-based livelihood for civilian volunteers of the PA under its Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU).

To determine appropriate training for the 4DTS, RED Collado said that the DA will closely coordinate with the infantry unit through its Research Division and arrange for a site tour and benchmarking of livestock production at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Further, the agri chief exec invited the 4ID to explore similar collaborative efforts with the DA’s partner agencies, bureaus, and corporations, particularly the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), for more in-depth agricultural and livelihood skills training.# (GDA)

Agri-10 hands over the hauling truck funded under the enhanced Kadiwa program to KAMADA ARCC.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — With its aim to empower farmers and increase agricultural productivity in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over a hauling truck to the Kabangasan Mapua Dahilig Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative (KAMADA ARCC) on March 26, at the agency compound, in this city.

Funded under the DA’s Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Program, RED Collado led the turnover of 1 unit hauling truck worth P4.375 million (M), of which P3.5-M is the project grant amount, while the remaining 20% (P875K) came from the cooperative’s equity.

According to Director Collado, the provision is aligned with the agency’s efforts to amplify the capacities of farmers’ cooperatives, and associations to become reliable food commodity suppliers and actively participate in the region’s food supply distribution system.

In response, KAMADA chairperson Weny N. Enterina expressed their gratitude for the provision, citing its significance in driving their cooperative’s agricultural productivity and profits upward, aligned with their organization’s mission and vision.

“We are very thankful for the assistance given to us by the DA over the years in line with our shared vision for the growth and development of the cooperative. Along with other government agencies who actively seek to meet the needs of our organization, the Department has helped us fulfill our goal to elevate KAMADA, most especially its members and their livelihoods,” Enterina said.

Organized and duly registered with the Cooperative Development Authority in 2001 as the Kabangasan-Mapua Agrarian Reform Community Cooperative and later on, expanded to what is known today as KAMADA, the coop produces bio-organic fertilizers, as well as agricultural products, including coconut, cassava, abaca, and banana.

Also present in support of the ceremony were DA-10 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) assistant division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, KAMADA General Manager Engr. Rico Badilla, and organization members.# (GDA)