Maramag, Bukidnon-based cooperative receives plant nursery project from DA-10.

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) together with the Philippine Coconut Authority – 10 (PCA-10) turned over a plant nursery to the Narukdukan Kisanday Banana Cassava Corn Farmers Association (NAKBACCOFA) on February 20, in Barangay Kisanday, in this town.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, the turned-over establishment amounts to a total of P465,001.15, and is eyed to benefit almost 100 farmer-members of said cooperative, consonant with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Program (CFIDP).

Leading the nursery turnover, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga urged the member-beneficiaries to take on a unified approach to utilize and maintain said establishment, so that it may continuously serve the needs of the community.

Further, she mentioned that the nursery manifests the agency’s commitment and call to farmers to boost income-earning opportunities, foster agricultural development, and promote modernized agriculture under the Department’s ‘One DA’ advocacy.

On behalf of PCA-10 Regional Manager Manuel G. Octobre, PCA Bukidnon division chief Ma. Cherilyn A. Pace congratulated the recipients and encouraged them to comply with the documentary requirements to register as a cooperative, which will allow them to avail of additional funding and support from the DA and PCA for infrastructure and processing needs.

For her part, NAKBACCCOFA president Lilibeth P. Galendez expressed her gratitude for the assistance granted to their organization, citing its significance in increasing their current production and their capacity to follow through with plans to intercrop cacao and Liberica coffee variety under coconut.

Joining the ribbon cutting ceremony were DA Provincial Operations Center – Bukidnon chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan.

The event was also supported by the Office of the Municipal Vice-Mayor represented by Administrative Assistant VI Roger Olagir, Municipal Agriculturist Armand S. dela Cruz, Punong Barangay Luciano R. Omas-as, and association members.# (GDA)

Agri-10 through its HVCDP aids Kauswagan town school’s Gulayan program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Consistent with its goal of attaining food self-reliance and self-sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, intensifies its support to promote self-help food production activities and values among schools in the region.

On February 20, at the agency compound, in this city, DA-10 Supervising Agriculturist Chona H. Nacalaban together with Sr. Agriculturist Richan D. Lacanaria, handed over agricultural inputs to Cheryl Chona N. Baguhin, Teacher III of Tacub Elementary School (ES) of Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte (LDN).

Said provision consists of 4 pieces of light hoe, 25 pieces of plastic seedling tray, 4 pieces of shovel, 4 pieces of sprinkler, 4 pieces of weeding bolo, and 3 packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds, which will be utilized for the enhancement of the school’s garden in support of the Gulayan sa Paaralan program of the Department of Education (DepEd).

In her message, Baguhin expressed her gratitude to DA-10 and to the Municipal Agriculture Office of Kauswagan, LDN, which supported the school’s availing of these agricultural inputs.

“I would like to thank DA-10 for granting us these seeds and garden materials. This provision will benefit our young learners and instill in them the value and importance of agriculture and the role it plays in sustaining our communities,” she said.

Tacub ES has been a three-peat winner in the Kauswagan town’s Agri-Aqua Livestock Trade Fair for the school gardening category. # (RDME)

DA and LGU Balingasag support Balingasag school town’s Gulayan program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 continued to strengthen its partnership with the Department of Education with the implementation of the Gulayan sa Paaralan Program with the provision of vegetable seeds and garden tools to San Juan Elementary School of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca handed some packs of vegetable seeds and garden tools which include a light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo to Balingasag Agricultural Technician Jose Maria R. Salvane on behalf of said school at DA-10 compound, this city.

According to Balingasag Municipal Agriculture Officer Karen May P. Sabugaa, the LGU through their office endorses the school’s request to DA, being one of the partners in the implementation of the said program.

DepEd’s Gulayan sa Paaralan Program is an activity that aims to promote proper nutrition and mitigate hunger among learners.

In 2023, the High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of DA-10 provided 50 schools in the region with said interventions.#(ATC)

Agri-10 continues to manifest support for agri development in 2nd district towns of Misamis Oriental.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In a shared commitment to sustain its support for local farmers here, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, convened with the Congressional Office of Rep. Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano of the 2nd district of Misamis Oriental, on February 19, at the agency compound.

Said meeting tackled the agency’s projects and interventions through its banner programs and other special programs, slated for implementation in 2024.

It also discussed points for future collaboration between the Department and the congressional office, including infrastructure, distribution of seeds and fertilizers for major crops like rice, corn and other high-valued crops, and expanded livestock support, all of which are eyed to address issues and needs of farmers in the district.

Also tackled during the meeting was the availment of funding and support from the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) for the construction of farm-to-market roads and other sub-projects that would largely benefit the district’s agricultural stakeholders.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director Carlota S. Madriaga, who presided over the meeting, expressed her gratitude to the congressional office for their enthusiasm in partnering with the agency in fulfilling its mandate to empower the farmers in the region.

“We are so grateful that the office of Cong. Bambi is here to converge, coordinate, and cooperate with the Department for the implementation of its proposed programs and projects this year, and our plans for 2025,” RTD Madriaga said.

In consonance with the discussion, the Congressional Office of Rep. Emano conveyed its usual support for the agency, underscoring the importance of this cooperation in recognizing the needs of its constituents, pursuing opportunities to augment existing interventions, and ensuring the sustainability of these interventions.

Present in support of the meeting were DA-10 Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division chief Lana May S. Racines, Regional Agricultural and Engineering Division chief Engr. Deliza T. Camaro, Provincial Operations Center – Misamis Oriental chief Wilson V. Lagdamin, banner program focal persons, and staff.# (GDA)

Agri-10 supports IP groups through the provision of livestock and poultry assistance.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY – The Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 through its Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program extends livestock and poultry assistance to three Indigenous Peoples organizations in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon on Tuesday, February 13 in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that DA continuously assists the IPs in the region to develop their ancestral agricultural lands through a sustainable livelihood program.

The Baclig Farm Workers Association of Maramag, Bukidnon received 10 carabaos that will serve as draft animals in their farm production with drugs and biologics (Fenbendazole).

Meanwhile, the Minabtan Sumonda Higaonon Tribal Organization Inc. (MISHTRIOR) of Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental and the Tagmaray Empowered Womens Association of Malitbog, Bukidnon availed 1 package (100 heads) ready to lay (RTL) chicken with electrolytes and disinfectants, respectively.

MISHTRIOR Chair Datu Tinikdawan Freddie M. Sumonda shared, “DA’s interventions provide us with opportunities for sustainable livelihood.”

Gilbert A. Apa-ap, DA-4Ks focal person said that DA, in partnership with the local government unit, is helping the IP turn their lands into productive, profitable, self-sustained, and developed resilient agricultural enterprises.#(ATC)

DA-10 continues to support the agri development of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado manifests its continued support to the agricultural development of Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental.

This after Sugbongcogon mayor Mildred L. Mondigo paid a courtesy visit to RED Collado on February 19, at the agency compound, in this city.

With the local chief executive’s clamor on the availment of various interventions to jumpstart the municipality’s agri development, Dir. Collado recommended the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sugbongcogon to finalize their proposal before submission to the agency for eventual site validation and evaluation.

Initially included in their proposal is the availment of fertilizers, hybrid corn seeds, expansion of livestock output, and livelihood projects, among others.

Also in attendance in the brief meeting are Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division chief Lana May S. Racines and Livestock program focal person Jamaica L. Docdoc of DA-10, and other personnel from LGU Sugbongcogon. # (MPMT)

Agri-10 through its AMIA program promotes climate-resilient agriculture in Iligan City.

ILIGAN CITY – A team from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through the Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CC-AMIA) Program recently promoted Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) to the Iligan City Agriculture’s Office (CAO).

Headed by AMIA focal person Carmelito R. Lapoot and Joel J. Gabo, project leader, DA-AMIA 10 apprised the head and technical staff of Iligan CAO on the Climate Resiliency and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) framework and hazard analysis that overall aids in identifying and prioritizing the most vulnerable crops and communities to climate risks.

Ensuing the presentation, a field visit was undertaken in barangays Mainit, Digkilaan, and Rogongon, which were identified as the most vulnerable to climate change impacts of said city.

Noting the vulnerability of the cited barangays together with the city’s agri development plan, also discussed was the potential of coffee, coconut, and abaca cultivation as climate-resilient crops that can provide various benefits such as carbon sequestration, soil and water conservation, biodiversity enhancement, and income generation.

As way forward, the Iligan CAO expressed its interest to continue collaborating with DA-AMIA 10 for future partnerships in order to further develop the agricultural areas in the locality while putting a premium on climate-resilient agriculture. # (AMIA)

DA-10 ManCom members and Info Management Section personnel undergo orientation on PNPKI.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To maximize technology in streamlining the agency’s transactions, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) underwent an orientation on the Philippine National Public Key Infrastructure (PNPKI) on February 13, at the agency compound.

Said activity was attended by the Management Committee (ManCom) members and personnel from the Information Management Section of DA to learn, understand and potentially adopt the PKI technology.

PKI, one of the core services offered by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) refers to an infrastructure that secures communications among individuals and government entities paving the way to a much safer, faster and more efficient delivery of services via online transactions and using digital certificates.

Together with Acmilah Macabuat, Information Technology Officer II, Bret D. John Morales, Planning Officer II of DICT highlighted that at the heart of PKI is the use of issued and digitally signed digital certificates by a Certificate Authority (CA), wherein PKI authenticates the data source and ensures data has not in any way been tampered with in transit.

“In this digital age, it is timely and relevant for us to maximize communication and information technology to allow remote approval of signatories within our department. Not only it will streamline our processes, but it will also help in improving turnaround times, aligning with Republic Act 11032, otherwise known as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act,” DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado remarked.

Further, Republic Act 8792, otherwise known as the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000 provides for the legal recognition of electronic signatures and imposes strict requirements before an electronic signature qualifies as a handwritten signature.

The DICT team also underscored the importance of online privacy with a focus on data handling as well as online safety against various cybersecurity threats at the same time gave time to briefly demonstrate the signing of documents using the PKI to have an overview of the process.

DICT is the government CA providing the necessary services in implementing the national certification scheme for digital signatures to promote the development and mass use of e-government services at the same time tackle authentication, integrity and non-repudiation concerns.# (JLO)

Agri-10 eyes to increase AI tech’s cash-calf incentive from P100 to P500 for every calf born alive through AI.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Following the effectivity of the revised implementing guidelines on the operationalization of the Unified National Artificial Insemination Program (UNAIP), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Livestock Program, held the UNAIP forum at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) on February 15-16, in this city.

The forum revolved around the salient amendments on Memorandum Order No. 04 series of 2023 – the “Revised Implementing Guidelines on the Grant of the Artificial Insemination Cash-Calf Incentives (AICCI) under the UNAIP for Large Ruminants”.

Under said Order, eligible Artificial Insemination (AI) Technicians in the region will now receive P500 worth of AICCI from the previous P100 for every calf born alive through AI.

DA-10 Regional AI Coordinator, Johnson C. Petalcurin said AI technicians are also required to submit geotagged photo documentation as stipulated in the Order.

Hence, the side-by-side conduct of geotagging training along with the forum.

He added that the UNAIP forum is an avenue to assess the accomplishments of the different provinces and municipalities in terms of AI technology.

Moreover, it also allows AI technicians to share experiences and exchange good practices in addressing common problems they encountered on the ground.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga stressed that the impact of AI technology in the region needs to be measured and documented as research-based and science-based references.

“When we gather these data, it will serve as our guide on what aspects need to be improved, and what aspects need to be continued. We will then propose projects for the development of AI as a result of the conducted study,” she said.

She added, “We are already far in terms of promoting AI but we can still move forward. We need to have convergence, coordination, and collaboration with the livestock industry stakeholders so we can successfully implement projects that can further develop our AI technology.”

Madriaga stressed that DA-10, headed by our Regional Executive Director, Carlene C. Collado will continue to support and assist the livestock industry in the region.

UNAIP is a program of the DA that aims to elevate the large and small ruminant industries in the country with the help of artificial breeding.

This provides a strategic direction in the current efforts of promoting AI and harmonizes the tasks of the national livestock agencies namely, the Bureau of Animal Industry, National Dairy Authority, Philippine Carabao Center, and DA regional field offices.

These agencies are also expected to be frontline in carrying out efficient and effective livestock breeding programs and producing quality genetic materials through AI technology.

The UNAIP forum was participated by AI technicians from the different municipalities in the region and provincial AI coordinators of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.

Also present in the forum are Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulation Cora A. Dumayaca, chiefs and representatives of the DA-10 provincial operations centers and DA-10 research stations, and DA-10 Livestock Program staff headed by their focal person, Jamaica L. Docdoc. # (CRS)

DA-10 provides agri inputs to boost food security efforts of schools.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) helmed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado continuously advocates for food security by allocating vegetable seeds and garden tools to help schools encourage their students to grow fresh crops.

On February 16, Joel S. Rudinas, Deputy Project Director of the Mindanao Inclusive Agricultural Development Project (MIADP) together with DA-10 High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan handed over the said interventions to Uliser B. Tual, personnel of the Local Government Unit of Aloran, Misamis Occidental on behalf of the Aloran Trade High School (ATHS).

The interventions given were 25 pieces of plastic seedling tray, 4 pieces of shovel, 4 pieces of sprinkler, 4 pieces of weeding bolo, 4 pieces of light hoe, and 3 packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds.

Tual expressed his gratitude for the DA-10’s support of ATHS’ school gardening project allowing their students to grow and harvest their food.

Dir. Rudinas urged the students to expand and maximize their food production initiative through the distribution of seedlings to other households in the area to ensure food availability.

“It is not only the students who will benefit, but also the parents, who can avail themselves of the nutritious food that they will reap someday,” he added.# (MPMT)