Agri-10 through the RCPC hosts a retooling and refresher course for the Bukidnon municipal surveillance officers.

DALWANGAN, MALAYBALAY CITY — With its aim to strengthen local monitoring and response against major insect pests and diseases, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) staged a two-day retooling and refresher course on the agency’s Pest Surveillance Program on October 28 to 29, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in this city.

Spearheaded by the Regional Crop Protection Center, headed by Center chief Lucille T. Minguez, the activity convened municipal surveillance officers (MSOs) from 11 towns in the province of Bukidnon to reorient on the said program, and in particular, its components for a strategic implementation in the province.

NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot said that the event capacitates agri personnel at the municipal level to take a more vigilant approach to pest and disease control, that recognizes and efficiently addresses new and recurring cases, minimizes damages to crops, and ensures agriculture remains a lucrative source of income.

Further, Lapoot, who also serves as the focal person for DA’s Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative for Agriculture (AMIA) program in region 10, emphasized the need to revisit the agency’s pest surveillance strategies in the context of climate change.

“We have to also consider climate change as a challenge [in pest surveillance], because an ever-changing climate also means a change in the manner in which common pests and diseases manifest, and we must address that accordingly,” he said.

Through its workshop component, Ruel S. Hadcan, Senior Science Research Specialist of the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute apprised the participants on identifiers for common insect pests and diseases affecting vegetables, fruit trees, and plantation crops.

Through a field observation activity, said MSOs were also able to closely inspect symptoms and manifestations of previously tackled pests and diseases; and learn about the assessment protocol for infestation and infection of insect pests and pathogens.

Consistent with DA-10’s thrust for data digitization, participants were also briefed on an online monitoring system for plant insect pests and pathogens.

As a culminating output, participants presented their plans of action for 2025, relative to their function as MSOs, outlining proposed strategies for their respective LGUs.# (GDA)

Agri-10 strengthens the promotion of integrated rice-duck farming system in NorMin.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Rice Program, held a three-day Palayamanan-Integrated Rice-Duck Farming System (Palayamanan IRDFS) Training on October 16-18 at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), here.

This, to scale up the Palayamanan System in the region, aims to enhance rice cultivation yield through various productions. Palayamanan, a term coined from the words ‘palay’ (rice) and ‘kayamanan’ (wealth), is a diversified, intensified, and integrated rice-based farming system combined with livestock, poultry, fish, and other crop production.

Senior Science Research Specialist Belen M. Tabudlong from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) – Agusan discussed the different components of the Palayamanan System.

By integrating tree production such as growing fruits, vegetables, forest trees, and bamboo, rice fields create multifunctionality with the support of windbreaks. Moreover, diversifying food-generating activities on the farm can also be done through poultry production, one of which is the IRDFS.

The IRDFS is a farming method that raises ducks in rice paddies alongside rice cultivation. Ducks eat pests in the crop, stir water, limit weeds, and manure the rice. By their presence in the field, farms become cost-efficient compared to using pesticides and fertilizers. It also improves yield as the farm becomes a dual income of other production, promoting agricultural sustainability.

As one of the adopters of the IRDFS from Lala, Lanao del Norte, James P. Longcob has shared his best practices with the participants, including the farming system’s duckling management, potential challenges, and its control measures.

As he also presented the ingredients, procedures, and uses of the concoctions he applies on his farm for both crops and livestock, Longcob urged the participants to adopt some, including Indigenous Microorganism (IMO), Fermented Plant/Fruit Juice (FPJ, FFJ), Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN), and Fish Amino Acid (FAA).

As part of its 100-hectare rice field target in the region of adopting the IRFDS, the DA-10 will distribute 15,000 ducklings, 500 rolls of net, 500 bags of feeds, 100 knapsack sprayers with 16-liter capacities, and 100 liters of organic fertilizer (soil ameliorants) to the farmers, whose farms were prior validated.

Luningning D. De Guzman from Brgy. Paitan, Quezon, Bukidnon, who and his husband manage a 2-hectare rice field, expressed her hopes and gratitude to DA-10.

“Pasalamat gyud [ko] og dako kay [ang] DA nisuporta sa amoa [mga] mag-uuma [ug] nihatag siya ani nga project para madungagan ang kita namo nga mga mag-uuma” (I am deeply grateful to the DA for supporting the farmers by providing this project to help increase our income), she expressed.

Said training also covered discussions on Climate Smart Livestock Production to equip participants with strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and on Financial Literacy, focusing on farm planning, budgeting, and record-keeping to help farmers effectively manage their resources and enhance the overall profitability of their farming operations.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 through its RAED turns over the diversion dam project to the municipality of San Fernando.

SAN FERNANDO, BUKIDNON — Aiming to increase crop yield and improve farmers’ livelihood by ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), staged the turnover ceremony of the construction of PhP8.397-million Magkalungay Diversion Dam on October 14, here.

Funded under the current year of the Department’s Rice Program, the project construction began on April 15, 2024 and was completed on October 7 of the same year. Standing at over 2.8 meters in height and with 1,460 meters attached canal lining, the dam serves approximately 100 hectares of rainfed rice production area in the town.

Said DA-10 RAED Programs and Projects Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, the active support and participation of the barangay and the municipal local government units were instrumental in helping complete the project earlier than anticipated.

“Now that water is available, farmers can plant continuously without having to wait for the dry season to end,” he added.

Through the project’s implementing objectives, both cropping intensity and crop yield will be enhanced, thereby increasing farmers’ incomes and contribute to the Department’s goal for rice sufficiency and poverty alleviation.

Further, to help sustain the viability of the diversion dam, DA-10 RAED chief Engr. Deliza T. Camaro emphasized the importance of good operation and maintenance practices such as conducting regular meetings and assigning personnel to regularly clean the surrounding environment of the dam and canal lining to preserve them for the years to come.

In closing, Makalungay Small Water Irrigation System Association chairman Margarito Oling expressed his gratitude towards DA-10, stressing that the project would greatly improve rice farming in their area.

He also pointed out that through collective collaboration, they would be able to safeguard the project for future generations.

“Our vision is not just for today; our vision is for tomorrow and the progress that our children will get to enjoy in the future,” he said.

Supporting the event were DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and from LGU San Fernando representing Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke is Councilor Richie D. Rabago, also in the presence of Bukidnon Agricultural Biosystems Engineering Division chief Engr. Deneb Ganancial, Municipal Agriculturist Coleen Alva C. Ambos, Brgy. Kagawad Larry Serrano and other local officials.# (EJLG)

DA-10 through its 4K program aids IP communities toward increased farm productivity and resiliency through the staged Livestock and Poultry Production training.

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – The Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran para sa mga Kababayang Katubo (4K) program of the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) recently spearheaded a two-day Livestock and Poultry Production Training at Sitio Kawilihan, Barangay Dagumbaan, here.

Select 30 Indigenous People (IP) participants gathered for the said training, focusing on livestock and poultry production and management, animal/poultry nutrition cum feeds and feeding, and animal/poultry health and safety.

Gilbert A. Apa-ap, 4K focal person said that through the activity the agency eyes for the IP farmers’ associations to sustainably increase their agricultural productivity and resiliency by promoting the adoption of new farming technologies.

Gathered trainees are from the Lapasak Mindawat Talaandig Community Agri-Farm of Abaca, Bamboo, Coffee Planters Association (LAMTABACPA), Panalsalan Dagumbaan Talaandig Tribe Association (PADATA), and BACLIG Farmworkers Association.

4K is a locally funded program that caters to IP farmers within ancestral domains, extending aid which are anchored on its components, namely: social preparation, production and livelihood support, and marketing and enterprise development.# (JLO/Photos supplied)

DA eyes to provide assistance to import-stricken farmers in Region 10.

Malaybalay City – The Department Agriculture is poised to provide agricultural projects to farmers and producers adversely affected by importation through the Competitive Enhancement Measures Fund (CEMF), as provided under RA 8800, also known as the Safeguard Measures Act.

In coordination with the Department of Agriculture-Region 10 (DA-10), the Project Development Service (PDS) of the DA spearheaded an information campaign to apprise Northern Mindanao’s farmers on the CEMF implementing guidelines, Wednesday, October 16 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC).

As provided under RA 8800, 50% of the fees, charges and safeguard duties collected on imports shall be earmarked as competitiveness enhancement measures for industries affected by increased import.

For 2024, more than P4-billion safeguard duties were collected as CEMF, readily accessible for funding agricultural industries most affected by importation – coffee, chicken, onion, bovine (cattle), processed meat and pork industries.

Of the said allocation 59.29% is appropriated for the coffee industry, 40.40% is set aside for the chicken industry while the remaining fund is shared among the other three industries mentioned.

Relatively, the DA is encouraging farmers’ cooperative/associations, and micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in the aforesaid industries to propose agricultural projects to enhance their operational capacity and competitiveness.

Depending on their qualification, proponents may be granted a project up to P50-million worth of project either for production, postharvest, processing, marketing and infrastructure, and support equipment and facilities.

On its part, the DA-10 will be endorsing projects proposed by farmers from Northern Mindanao to the DA’s PDS for possible funding under CEMF. The DA-10 will also assist in validating the proposed CEMF projects in the region.

The CEMF projects may be availed by coffee, chicken, onion, bovine (cattle) farmers and producers of processed meat and pork to complement other DA projects to scale up their operations.# (ATT)

Agri-10 features local agri-fishery produce during the observance of this year’s World Food Day through its staged Kadiwa ng Pangulo.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, observed the worldwide celebration of the World Food Day (WFD), Wednesday, October 16, by staging the KADIWA ng Pangulo exhibit at the DA compound, in this city.

Consistent with this year’s theme, “Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future, Leave No One Behind”, the KADIWA exhibit spearheaded by the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) underscored the importance of having ready access to nutritious, safe, and affordable foods.

The KADIWA exhibit showcased fresh and processed fruits, vegetables and fishery products, of farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and producers in the region, further recognizing the invaluable contributions of local farmers, fisherfolk, and producers in attaining food security and sufficiency in Northern Mindanao.

Among the exhibitors are the Miarayon Highland Farmers Association, Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC), Fisherfolk – Agusan Aquatic Agriculture Cooperative (FACO), the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), and other vendors who sold their products at economical prices.

As one of the highlight activities of the WFD celebration this year, the DA-10 hosted a Regional Poster Making Contest in early September for elementary students enrolled in public and DepEd-accredited private schools.

In said contest, Esha Cassidy S. Baja from Lourdes College, Inc. – Integrated Basic Education Department emerged as the first placer, while Esia Red Seguisabal from Kong Hua School, and Cyril Jane P. Lamban from Suntingon Elementary School Annex bagged the second and third place, respectively.

DA-10 Administrative and Finance Division (AFD) Chief, Patrick Ian F. Pedarse, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Assistant Division Chief, Ferdinand F. Caraballe, Regulatory Division Supervising Agriculturist Janniver C. Chua, DVM, led the DA-10 Management and employees in the WFD opening ceremony.

The DA-10 spearheaded the 2024 World Food Day celebration in the region together with the DA-attached agencies and bureaus, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry.# (MAC)

DA-10 and PLGU Lanao del Norte sign the MOA for the establishment of a KADIWA Trading Post in Tubod town.

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE – The Department of Agriculture – 10 (DA-10), headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Local Government Unit of Lanao del Norte (PLGU Lanao) for the implementation of the KADIWA ni Ani at Kita Program (KADIWA Financial Grant) under FY 2024-Locally Funded Project, here.

As provided in the Agreement, a PhP7-million (M)-worth of KADIWA Trading Post Enterprise will be established here, offering farmers, fishers, and other agripreneurs a platform to directly sell their produce to consumers. Of the said amount, DA-10 will grant PhP5-M, while PLGU Lanao will provide the land, site development, and initial working capital as project counterpart.

Under the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the program aims to provide financial assistance to eligible individual farmers and fisherfolk, Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and partner government agencies, including the local government units, to empower and help producers as reliable food suppliers, increase their participation in KADIWA selling activities, and promote partnerships of the same with the private sector and institutional buyers for sustainable agricultural enterprises.

Present during the MOA signing are Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Q. Dimaporo, Vice Governor Allan J. Lim, DA-10 AMAD Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe, Provincial Operations Center chief Engr. Abdulharis P. Paporo, and Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Jalandoni B. Pitiilan.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 personnel participate in the Kawayanihan’s simultaneous bamboo planting, attempting to achieve a Guinness World Record.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In an attempt to set the world record for Most People Planting Bamboo Simultaneously, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) participated in the Kawayanihan: A Circular Economy Movement on October 18, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, here.

Kawayanihan: A Circular Economy Movement, led by the 1st congressional district of Bukidnon in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – 10 (DOST-10), is an initiative to raise awareness on the potentials of bamboo to promote circular economy, climate resilience, and sustainability by starting with a Guinness World Records (GWR) attempt.

With 100 planters assigned to a bamboo each, the DA-10 employees, together with its attached agencies, adhered to the strict guidelines of the GWR, and planted bamboos at exactly 9:00 A.M. (Philippine Standard Time).

Said number forms part of the 19 involved areas from the different parts of Mindanao with more than 4k bamboo planters from the local government units, national government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, educational institutions, and the private sector.

After the attempt, the personnel of DA-10, along with its attached agencies, continued to plant 900 more bamboos in its research centers, bringing to 1k of bamboos planted. These research planting sites include NMACLRC (Malaybalay City) and Research Center for Upland Development (Dangcagan) of Bukidnon, and the Research Center for Hillyland Development, in Claveria town, Misamis Oriental.
The result of the GWR attempt will be announced on November 28, during the 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week celebration of DOST-10. # (CRS/Photo credits: GDA, BJCE, CRS)

NOAP of DA leads the conduct of an FGD with MACOFA to solicit inputs for profit profile and success stories within the organic agri sector.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Geared toward soliciting inputs for profit profile and success stories within the organic agriculture sector, the National Organic Agriculture Program (NOAP) in coordination with its regional counterpart in Northern Mindanao of the Department of Agriculture (DA), leads the conduct of a focus group discussion and field visit on October 18, here.

Facilitated by the DA-NOAP team composed of development management officers, Frances Pamela R. Reyes and Kristine Gabrielle O. Soriano, and the OA program of DA-Regional Field Office 10, the activity sought to draw information on organic rice production as priority scope from the core group of the Malaybalay City Organic Farmers’ Association (MACOFA), an organic certified Farmer-Community Association under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).

Discussions centered on the materials used and cost structure of growing organic rice from land preparation until its market, including its sales and returns in engaging the production of such and alternative sources of income, to maximize the returns of their harvests.

The MACOFA-PGS is an association of PGS-certified farmers based in the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia, Bukidnon who are noted producers of certified organic farm products such as rice, herbs and spices, and vegetables. The first in Bukidnon to be accredited by the DA-Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) in 2023, they comply with the requirements, standards, and norms of organic agriculture.# (JLO/Photos supplied: OA program)

DA-PRDP through its Deputy Project Director Madriaga leads the groundbreaking of the more than P309-million FMR project in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

CABANGLASAN, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10), held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 10 for the Concreting of Iba – Cabulohan – Paradise Farm to Market Road in this town.

The 10.863 km FMR, funded under the PRDP Scale up, is implemented by the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Bukidnon and the Municipal LGU of Cabanglasan with a contract cost of Php309,332,908.40.

Bukidnon Governor Rogelio Neil P. Roque expressed gratitude to all involved in securing the approval of the subproject, acknowledging the challenges of the process.

“I salute the technical working group and everyone who contributed to the approval of this subproject by DA-PRDP. This is a collective effort aimed at serving the people of Bukidnon, particularly those in Cabanglasan, “ he stated.

In response to the positive collaboration from the Municipal LGU of Cabanglasan, Governor Roque assured continued support for future subprojects under DA-PRDP.

Cabanglasan mayor Lolita N. Bullecer also shared her enthusiasm for the assistance received by their municipality, especially given that the PLGU Bukidnon covered the required counterpart funding.

“We are a small municipality and cannot afford the 10% counterpart. Therefore, I see this as a tremendous blessing for the people of Cabanglasan, particularly our farmers. This project demonstrates that with unity and teamwork, we can achieve our dreams for community improvement,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and DA-PRDP 10 Deputy Project Director Carlota S. Madriaga praised Bukidnon’s active participation in the DA-PRDP initiatives.

“Bukidnon is one of the provinces in Northern Mindanao benefiting from numerous DA-PRDP subprojects, which are crucial for your residents, especially our farmers. I encourage the province to continue requesting subprojects under DA-PRDP, as we aim to gradually enhance the lives of our farmers,” she said.

The said FMR, which stretches to five barangays namely Iba, Anlugan, Mandaing, Cabulohan, and Paradise, significantly benefits residents and farmers engaged in cassava, banana, coconut, rubber, and oil palm cultivation, among others.#