DA-10 launches the first-ever Onion derby in Oro to boost onion production in the region and at the same time promote farmers’ adoption of various onion farming technologies.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To showcase different onion varieties, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in collaboration with the City Local Government Unit of Cagayan de Oro, the Office of Congressman Rufus B. Rodriguez of the 2nd district and private seed companies, conducts an Allium Derby and Farmers’ Forum on February 15, in Tablon, this city.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado highlighted that the event aims to boost onion production in the region and promote farmers’ adoption through the showcase of various technologies.

“When the cost of onions soared last 2022, it became a challenge for us, and so we decided to come up with this Allium Derby. We hope that through this, our production of onion will improve and we will become self-sufficient,” he added.

Likewise, Dir. Collado committed to allocating onion seeds and fertilizers to the Kiapo Palalan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. (KIPAFIA), the farmers’ association (FA) tapped to assist in the derby.

KIPAFIA president Marylou P. Aljo shared, “It became a learning experience for all of us, including the seed companies, since it was our first time to plant onion in the area and we found that it is suitable for onions.”

She further noted that the onions benefitted from the greenhouses, as they provided protection from heavy rains as well as from the irrigation systems as they needed constant watering.

The FA president also mentioned that they are open to more farmers who would like to try to adopt the technology and rent their greenhouse for Php500 per month.

On behalf of Congressman Rodriguez, Atty. Craig Vincent Tibon, head of the Community Sectoral Affairs Unit, pins his hopes that the derby will bring progress to more farmers in the locality.

Meanwhile, private seed companies who have participated in the derby include the Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., Allied Botanical, Corp., and FA Greenseeds Corp., where each company was assigned to one greenhouse at 1,000 square meters each.

Following a field tour, the produce of each seed company was judged and Allied Botanical, Corp. was awarded “Biggest Yield Volume in Kilogram” and “Best Quality.”

“We are thankful to DA for pushing this great event. Through this, we are able to see the potential of onions in region 10,” shared Florencio Bellita, Marketing Development Specialist of Allied Botanical, Corp.

Following this, another onion derby will be held in DA-10’s research stations, such as the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on February 22, and Research Center for Hillyland Development in Claveria, Misamis Oriental on March 21, this year.# (AMBM)

DA-PRDP 10 spearheads pre-con conference for the stakeholders of Coco Sugar Processing and Marketing Enterprise subproject.

Tubod, LDN – In preparation for the construction of a new IREAP facility, the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project 10 holds a Pre-construction (PreCon) conference for the stakeholders of the Coconut Sugar Processing and Marketing Enterprise subproject (SP) on February 14, this town.

DA-RPCO10 project director Carlene C. Collado, emphasized that as co-owner of the project, the PGs, the contractor and the LGUs have their own specific responsibility to render from the very start of the project construction until its operation and maintenance.

Director Collado further said that “there are only two directions that are possible for this SP, it’s either up or down. In order to attain a smooth and successful implementation, we must follow the established protocols and guidelines.”

The participants are also encouraged to raise concerns about the SP implementation and iron it out before the construction commences.

The coconut sugar processing facility, amounting to PHP 6,896,000, is one of the interventions included in the Php 16.21-M worth SP.

The said SP is funded under the Additional Financing 2 and will benefit the 357 members of the Mindanao Cooperative Trades and Industries (MCTI).

In a separate interview, MCTI Chair Narciso P. Paitan shared that he has high hopes for the future of their cooperative now that the facility is underway.

“My hope for the cooperative is that when the facility is realized, we can maintain the sustainability of our enterprise and attain our target, which is the increase in income of our individual members, especially our coconut farmers from Php 8,528 to Php 21,616.”

Paitan emphasized that this is also the key to encouraging other members to patronize their cooperative and will invite more members into MCTI.

The SP’s groundbreaking ceremony, held on the same day as the conference, marks the start of cocosugar enterprise SP implementation. #

Agri-10 boosts F2C2 partnership with national government agencies through the conduct of a coordination meeting.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – To strengthen and forge potential networking and interventions among partner National Government Agencies (NGAs), the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, conducted a Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Coordination meeting on February 15-16, in this city.

Partner agencies such as the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), DA attached agencies and bureaus, Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC), Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Dairy Authority (NDA), and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), convened to assist in the implementation of various programs and projects that would enhance market opportunities, economies of scale, and improved access to resources for the region’s clustered farmers and fishers.

According to DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria, the activity is a venue to know the programs of the partner agencies that are tailored fit to the F2C2 program.

“By leveraging their collective expertise and resources, these agencies can offer valuable support and interventions to address the specific needs of the farming and fisheries sectors,” Aleria said.

Meanwhile, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga extended her gratitude to the agencies involved in contributing their various approaches and endeavors to attain sustainable and effective farming and fishing practices under the F2C2 program implementation.

“We need to have one mind, one heart and one advocacy in order to effectively and efficiently implement the programs of the agency, though the agri stakeholders are coming from different affiliations.” Madriaga conveyed.

The DA’s F2C2 program seeks to advance the interests and conditions of Filipino small farmers and fishers by encouraging them to adopt the strategy of clustering and consolidating their production, processing, and marketing activities as community business enterprises.

According to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado the strengthened partnership not only enhances the overall competitiveness of the agricultural sector but also ensures that the benefits of development are shared more equitably among all the stakeholders in the region.

Also gracing the activity is DA-10 RTD for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca together with Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD, and Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM.# (RDME)

Agri-10 turns over more than P842K agri interventions to Mambajao, Camiguin.

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – Bringing a package of interventions to the island province, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) turned over more than P842K worth of agricultural inputs and farm machinery to the Local Government of Mambajao on February 16, at the Municipal Hall, of this town.

On behalf of DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, Senior Agriculturist Richan D. Lacanaria led the turnover of agri assistance to Mambajao town mayor Yñigo Jesus D. Romualdo for use and distribution of LGU Mambajao to its constituents, comprising of farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and schools, in the locality.

According to RED Collado, said provisions are also aligned with the capital’s agenda in providing access to healthier and nutritious food for all, and at the same time aiding in further promoting and developing the agri sector of the municipality and province as well.

Particularly, some P796.5K worth of Corn program-funded assistance was accorded to the town, which is composed of 2 units corn sheller (P300K per unit), 29 bags of hybrid yellow corn (DK8899S) seed (P6K per bag at 9 kilos), and 15 bags of Open-Pollinated Variety (OPV) white corn seed (P1.5K/bag at 20 kl), to boost the municipality’s production of quality corn for food and feeds.

Pooled from the department’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) funds, LGU Mambajao also received assorted vegetable seeds and garden tools amounting to almost P46K, which are set for the food and nutrition security initiatives of Agoho and Quibiro elementary schools.

Additionally, 11 bags of complete (14-14-14) fertilizer were provided under HVCDP’s Community-Based Farm Enterprise Development Program by intercropping cacao and coffee under coconut among high-valued crops farmers.

Still from the same fund source, 22 crates were further turned over to the town for the transport and storage needs of farmers’ harvest.# (Photo supplied/JLO)

Agri-10 carries on in turning over agri inputs to LGUs, including Guinsiliban, Camiguin.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, continues the provision of agricultural inputs, this time, to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Guinsiliban, Camiguin on February 15.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca handed over eight pieces each of light hoe, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo, 50 pieces of plastic seedling tray and six packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seed to Guinsiliban municipal agriculturist Galvin E. Ladao.

According to Ladao, the provisions will benefit the schools in their locality, namely: Liong Elementary School and Maac National High School.

In which, both schools are active in urging their students to choose agriculture in their higher education, and with the former also implementing the Department of Education’s Gulayan sa Paaralan project.

The municipal agriculturist added that their office is not only looking into the availment of said agri inputs, but also tapping other government agencies or institutions for scholarship programs and ultimately, have more youth take on the path to having an agricultural profession.

“I hope that the things [agricultural inputs] given to you, you will take care of them, because in this, you may find to love what agriculture is. Without agriculture, there is no food. May you find the light to venture into pursuing an agricultural education.” Ladao conveyed to the benefitting Guinsiliban schools.

Pooled from the 2023 funds, the turned over seeds and garden tools are realized through DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program. # (TJTL)

PRDP-IREAP 10 hosts the Cacao strategic planning workshop for cacao proponent groups.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project RPCO 10 through Project Director and Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado holds a Cacao strategic planning workshop for cacao proponent groups on February 13-16, this city.

Ameroche Caba, PRDP-PSO Organizational Development Specialist said that the output of the workshop is a valuable input to the Mindanao region’s strategic directions for the cacao clusters.

These include coming up with a strategic plan for Region 10 and creating a steering committee that will oversee the implementation of the said plan.

Some members of the Balaoro Farmers Association , Inc. (BAFA) of Kadingilan, Bukidnon, and Bugcaon Kulasihan Manupali Irrigators Association (BUKUMA IA) of Lantapan, Bukidnon were capacitated to focus on setting the direction of the regional cacao cluster, including the challenges and strategies for collaboration.

It further emphasizes the formulation of vision, mission, and strategy tools like strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats which is vital in the development plan.

The workshop is in preparation for the Mindanao CAFÉ (Convergence of Agriculture and Fishery Enterprise):3rd PRDP Consultation and Workshop for Cacao Proponent Groups on the third week of February in Davao City.

Partner agencies supporting the activity comprised the Department of Trade and Industry 10, DA-Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, with the LGUs and DA-10’s High Value Crops Development Program and Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2).#

Agri-10 encourages youth’s interest in agriculture through the provision of agri inputs through Malasalug Elementary School’s Gulayan program.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – With the growing concern over aging Filipino farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) continuously supports the Gulayan sa Paaralan projects of primary and secondary schools in Northern Mindanao, as part of its effort to foster the younger generation’s interest in agriculture.

The DA-10 provided garden tools and vegetable seeds packages to Malasalug Elementary School of Sapad town in Lanao del Norte, on Wednesday, February 14.

The provision which includes 4 pieces light hoe, 25 pieces plastic seedling tray, 4 pieces shovel, 4 pieces sprinkler, 4 pieces weeding bolo and 3 packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seeds, was handed over by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations, Carlota S. Madriaga and received by Sapad OIC-Municipal Agriculturist, Fawquiah A. Acmad on behalf of the school.

Dir. Madriaga said the DA acknowledges the importance of youth involvement in advocating inclusive agricultural development in the region.

“The youths play an important role in our effort toward food security. At a young age, they must be taught practical means to produce safe and affordable food for themselves and their family,” she said.

The DA-10 vowed to continue supporting other educational institutions in the region who are planning to establish a school garden within their vicinity.# (ATT/Photo supplied)

DA-10 amps its effort to promote local food production and a healthier lifestyle through the provision of veggie seeds. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continuous bid to amp its effort to promote local food production and a healthier lifestyle, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) provides assorted vegetable seeds to one of its Oro-based partner government agencies.

On February 13 at the agency compound, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado turned over said provisions, which includes 20 packets of ‘Pinakbet’ seeds, comprising of eggplant, okra, ampalaya, pole sitao, and squash to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Said agricultural inputs were received by DICT through Acmilah Macabuat, Information Technology Officer II and Bret D. John Morales, Planning Officer II.

RED Collado urged its partner agency to ensure the planting of such seeds in the premises of their office, noting that each packet can be planted to a 1,000-square meter area.

More importantly, he added that they can help the agri department in ensuring food security in urban areas at the same time encourage their personnel to consume nutritious food come its harvest season. # (JLO)

DA-10 and PhilHealth sign a MOA to have the former’s employees be included in the Group Enrollment Program of the latter.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado inks a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Philippine Health Insurance, Corp. 10 (PhilHealth 10) on February 13, for the enrollment of its personnel to the former’s Group Enrollment Program.

The activity marks the renewed commitment of national government agencies (NGAs), including DA to work together with PhilHealth toward the common goal of improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare services in the country.

With the program, RED Collado emphasized the department’s important role in assisting for the provision of social health insurance protection to its non-regular employees such as Job Orders (JOs), Contract of Service (COS), and consultants at the same time, he further urged for its attached bureaus, agencies and corporations to do the same.

Together with the agri exec chief, PhilHealth 10 under the leadership of Regional Vice-President Delio A. Aseron II, signed the MOA for the implementation of the National Health Insurance Program through the abovementioned scheme to facilitate the mass enrollment and provision of financial risk protection to informal economy workers through social health insurance coverage.

Similarly, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have also signed the said agreement with PhilHealth.

The event is part of the 29th anniversary celebration of PhilHealth on February 14 and NHI Month every month of February.#(MPMT)

DA and PRRI eye to undertake research projects to strengthen the adoption of the latest rubber technologies among farmers. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Set to promote and strengthen the adoption of the latest rubber technologies among farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) in collaboration with the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) discussed initial steps for its upcoming research projects on February 13, at the agency compound here.

The team focused on looking into DA-10 through the Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) in Dangcagan and the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, both of Bukidnon province, as potential sites for the establishment of budwood garden and technology demonstration sites, among others.

“These research projects will have a big impact on the rubber industry in Bukidnon, especially since it is identified as a rubber growing province,” PRRI Supervising Science Research Specialist Meynard P. Abello shared.

On the other hand, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca is hopeful that the eyed endeavor through the agri department’s research stations, will greatly improve the province’s rubber production with the various introduced rubber farming technologies.

Also attending the meeting are Field Operations Division chief Luz I. Guzman, PhD and High Value Crops Development Program focal person Kersten S. Pagalan of DA-10, and PRRI Statistician I Elvert G. Simbol.#(AMBM)