Agri-10 meets with stakeholders for the APA Project implementation that aims to improve farmers’ resilience against climate change

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Being one of the pilot regions for the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) collaborates with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) for a Regional Planning Workshop and Field Validation from September 24 to 27, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, this city.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca shared that the activity aims to present the rationale of the project and harmonize the coordination of the different agencies from the national up to the provincial level.

With a total USD 26.3-million (M) grant from the GCF and USD 12.9-M co-financing from DA and PAGASA, the project aims to enhance the resilience of rural farmers in areas vulnerable to climate change while also transforming the country’s agricultural system to adapt to these challenges.

Set to start this 2024 up to 2030, Region 10 is among the pilot regions identified as climate change hot spots based on climate projections along with the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), regions 2, 5 and 12.

For Northern Mindanao, 12 municipalities from Bukidnon province were chosen based on the assessment on climate change vulnerability, municipal profile and commitment to action. For which, interventions are intended for Rice and Corn farming with Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) technologies focusing on Rice-Onion crop rotation, Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD), and organic practices on rice and corn.

As such, the planning workshop focused on how to develop and disseminate localized Climate Information Service (CIS) and CRA products and services at the provincial level. It will then be followed by field visits in Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) villages, Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities and Farmers Information and Technology Service (FITS) centers.

Meanwhile, other implementing partners present are representatives from the Agricultural Training Institute, Agricultural and Fishery Council, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Science and Technology and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division.# (AMBM)

Agri-10 through the Regulatory Division apprises LGUs on regulations for animal and feed facilities.

LANAO DEL NORTE — The Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), through its Regulatory Division, held an orientation on September 24 in Lala town to discuss the regulations, particularly on the registration and licensing, of animal facilities and feed establishments.

The event gathered agricultural staff from local government units (LGUs) across the province to ensure compliance with the Bureau of Animal Industry’s (BAI) guidelines, as mandated by Republic Acts (RA) 8485 and 1556, and other related administrative orders (AO) and circulars (AC) from the DA.

Division’s Veterinarian III, Rhea Villa R. Chiu, DVM, discussed RA 8485, otherwise known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998,” and its amendments under RA 10631.

Said law is designed to promote animal welfare by preventing cruelty, abuse, and exploitation, ensuring animals’ physical and psychological well-being.

Chiu also covered the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2016-12, which requires the registration of animal facilities with the DA-BAI before LGUs can issue business permits.

As stipulated by DA-AO No. 8, Series of 1999, she reiterated that animal facility owners must secure a BAI Certificate of Registration before the issuance of a Mayor’s Permit. She stressed the importance of keeping facilities clean and sanitary, with BAI reserving the right to revoke registration if these standards are not met.

Further, Chiu also elaborated on DA-AC No. 04, 2016, which sets forth the rules and regulations for the registration of animal facilities. This includes the requirements, process for renewal, administrative sanctions, fees, and the minimum number of animals required per farm or facility registration.

In addition, Agriculturist I Elaine Joy D. Morante provided an overview of RA 1556, which regulates the manufacture, importation, labeling, advertising, and sale of livestock and poultry feeds.

She stressed that, as per Section 4, Subsection (d), no feeds or feeding materials in any form may be manufactured, imported, advertised, sold, or offered for sale without prior registration with the BAI Director.

Further, Morante discussed DA-AO No. 08, 2004, which amends AO No. 3, Series of 1997, detailing revised guidelines for the registration and licensing of livestock, poultry, and by-products handlers, as well as livestock transport carriers.

These licenses, as she explained, are valid for one year and must be renewed at least a month before expiration. However, renewal applicants are required to attend a seminar to stay informed about current government regulations.

Participants in the orientation were from the Agricultural offices and Business Processing and Licensing offices of the provincial and municipal governments of Lanao del Norte.

In line with DA’s commitment in creating a safer and more regulated environment for both animals and agricultural stakeholders in the region, the DA-10 also aims to strengthen the coordination between the agency and LGUs.# (BJCE/Photo supplied)

Agri-10, FICCO hold the first ever harvest festival for potato tubers in Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon.

TALAKAG, BUKIDNON – Aiming to provide more farming opportunities to local farmers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) headed by Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, together with the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) Community Outreach Foundation, Inc. (FCOF), conducted the first potato tubers harvest festival on September 18, in Barangay Miarayon, here.

These planting materials were developed through tissue culture technology, led by researchers from the DA-10 Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC).

On January 11, 420 Potato Plantlets from the tissue culture laboratory of FCOF were transferred to the greenhouse constructed in the locality to acclimate micro-plants and to be raised for further seed tuber production.

Following the project timeline which began in November 2021, this harvest marks the first in its ongoing phase and is referred to as Generation Zero.

Approximately 228k mini tubers were produced and 30 farmer-beneficiaries from the Miarayon- Lapok-Lirongan-Tinaytayan- Talaandig Tribal Association (MILALITTRA) will be given 1K seeds per potato farmer.

Eleazer A. Jumalon, DA-10 NMACLRC Science Research Assistant, said that the planting materials are classified as Granola Potatoes, favored by farmers due to their high yield, demand in the market, and suitability to the growing conditions in Northern Mindanao.

“It can yield between 21 to 25 tons per hectare, provided that the planting materials are clean and the area is well-maintained by the farmer. This is significantly higher compared to other varieties, which yield only around 18 to 19 metric tons per hectare,” Jumalon added.

To support the sustainability of the project, the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of DA-10, through NMACLRC, handed over 100 crates and 50 pallets to be used by FCOF for harvesting, storing, and transporting the planting materials.

Also present were NMACLRC personnel headed by its chief, Carmelito R. Lapoot, FCOF Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ernie A. Obsina, FICCO Board Director Daina Empeynado, and select staff from FCOF and FICCO.

Following the distribution of Generation Zero to MILALITTRA, DA-10 and FCOF plan to extend their services in the coming year, allowing other clients to avail of these planting materials.# (EJLG)

DA-10 through its RAED holds a coordination meeting with contractors to review its ongoing infra projects.

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a stride toward advancing agricultural development in Northern Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) convened 16 contractors for a coordination meeting to review the progress of some Php263-million worth of ongoing infrastructure projects.

Spearheaded by the department’s Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) through its Programs Project Management Section (PPMS), the meeting, held on September 12, at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, here, sought to address issues, concerns, and project timelines in the implementation of various infrastructure projects, which includes corn and rice processing centers, biosecured and irrigation facilities, among others.

Presiding the meeting was DA-10 RED Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, together with RAED chief, Engr. Deliza T. Camaro. In his remarks, the agency head emphasized the paramount importance of transparency and the timely [and quality] execution of government programs and projects.

Before the department’s resident and site engineers, PPMS chief, Engr. Romil G. Española, also presented and discussed some of the observations and challenges in implementing the different projects on the ground.

Relatedly, the contractors have outlined their action plans to address identified project bottlenecks, and likewise committed to fast-track the completion of the cited infra projects.

Highlighted also in the meeting is a briefing on the Agricultural Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS). It is a web-based system that monitors project progress in real-time from proposal, procurement, delivery/implementation, completion, and turnover/inventory, which overall aids the agency’s commitment to improving transparency and accountability across all stages of project management.

Capping off the event, Pacamalan enjoined the contractors to meet project timelines, underscoring that doing so would allow them to participate in future bids and continue their partnership with the office.# (BJCE)

Agri-10 research centers host onion derby to showcase the performance of onion seeds and production technologies across different locations.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Forming part of its bid to ensure the region’s self-sufficiency in agricultural commodities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) staged this year’s Allium Derby on September 10 and 12, in the agency’s various research centers in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

In its second year, five participating seed companies simultaneously planted their varieties for red and white onion in demonstration areas measuring 1,000-sqm within the agency’s Research Center for Upland Development (RCUD) and Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC) in Bukidnon, and the Research Center for Hillyland Development in Misamis Oriental.

Said seed companies were the Pilipinas Kaneko Seeds, Corp., Ramgo International, Corp., Allied Botanical, Corp., Harbest Agribusiness, Corp., and East-West Seed Philippines.

According to HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, the derby serves as an opportunity for the seed companies to showcase their production technologies and seeds’ performance, relative to the environmental conditions unique to each of the aforementioned derby sites.

Further, Pagalan said that the derby remains faithful in serving the interests of local farmers, as it provides the avenue for farmers to learn about these new agricultural technologies, particularly its implications on key considerations such as crop yield and resistance.

The derby is slated to run for approximately three months, when the onions have matured and ready for harvest, by late November to mid-December.

The second allium derby was spearheaded by the HVCDP, supported by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, NMACLRC chief Carmelito R. Lapoot, RCUD chief Catalino S. Soriano Jr. and RCHD chief Samuel C. Natindim Jr., and the Regional Crop Protection Center through Senior Science Research Specialist Tito P. Mañigos Jr.# (GDA)

DA-10 holds a blessing and turnover of its new building in El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) marks a milestone with the blessing and turnover of its newly constructed three-storey building with a roof deck on September 12, in Brgy. Poblacion, here.

The event was led by DA-10 Regional Executive Director (RED) Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, along with other key officials and personnel from DA-10.

Designed to accommodate the growing operational needs of the regional office, the new building spans a floor area of 5,170.43 square meters costing more than PhP156-million for phase 1.

As a symbolic gesture of turnover for the said building, Department of Public Works and Highways Regional Director Lilibeth N. Aparecio, DM, represented by the Chief of Construction Division, Engr. Vergie G. Nayve, handed over the project documents to RED Pacamalan.

In his message, the agri chief exec expressed his gratitude for the new facility and its potential to improve the delivery of agri-services.

He also announced plans for possible expansion, which includes in housing the Integrated Laboratory in the same facility, where it would enhance the department’s capacity in extending laboratory services to its agricultural clienteles.

As the mother agency, the relocation of the DA-RFO 10 office to El Salvador City further paves the way to be in proximity to its attached bureau and agency, namely: the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center X and the National Meat Inspection Service – 10.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 through its F2C2 program spearheads a training on product development and marketing strategy to 20 different FCAs with existing value-added products. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In order to aid the Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) in the region in terms of product marketability, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, conducted a training on product development and marketing strategy on September 4-6, in this city.

Marnelly Ann P. Flores, F2C2 alternate focal person, said that they invited leaders and representatives from 20 different FCAs with existing value-added products to join the said training in order to improve their product branding, packaging, labeling and its overall marketability.

Topics in the training include Product Label Design and Development of Product Creation, which was discussed by Joycedel C. Macias, a chocolatier and agripreneur from Davao City.

Marketing strategies and product consultation was also discussed by Greenly L. Batucan, Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist of the Department and Trade and Industry-10.

Meanwhile, DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria added that the activity is important for the FCAs to generate brand awareness in order to nurture customer relationships which will eventually lead to paying customers.

“DA-10 F2C2 will continue to bring trainings and workshops to FCAs in the region to capacitate them and help them achieve their goals as a farming [and fishing] cluster,” she furthered.# (CRS)

Agri-10 through its F2C2 program spearheads a training on product development and marketing strategy to 20 different FCAs with existing value-added products. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In order to aid the Farmers’ Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs) in the region in terms of product marketability, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, conducted a training on product development and marketing strategy on September 4-6, in this city.

Marnelly Ann P. Flores, F2C2 alternate focal person, said that they invited leaders and representatives from 20 different FCAs with existing value-added products to join the said training in order to improve their product branding, packaging, labeling and its overall marketability.

Topics in the training include Product Label Design and Development of Product Creation, which was discussed by Joycedel C. Macias, a chocolatier and agripreneur from Davao City.

Marketing strategies and product consultation was also discussed by Greenly L. Batucan, Senior Trade Industry Development Specialist of the Department and Trade and Industry-10.

Meanwhile, DA-10 F2C2 focal person Gay Nanette R. Aleria added that the activity is important for the FCAs to generate brand awareness in order to nurture customer relationships which will eventually lead to paying customers.

“DA-10 F2C2 will continue to bring trainings and workshops to FCAs in the region to capacitate them and help them achieve their goals as a farming [and fishing] cluster,” she furthered.# (CRS)

DA’s Kadiwa ng Pangulo showcases fresh, low-priced agri-fishery produce during ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ in MisOr

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Consistent with its aim for safe, high-quality, and accessible food in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, staged a Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) exhibit during the nationwide conduct of the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ event on September 13.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), and in partnership with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, the KNP gathered various farmers’ cooperatives, associations (FCAs) and agri-fishery enterprises across the region, during which they sold their fresh produce and processed agri-fishery products at economical prices.

Participating merchants include the Balugto Hope Agriculture Cooperative (BHAC), the Fisherfolks of Agusan Aquatic Agriculture Cooperative (FAAACO), the Claveria Municipal Federation Cooperative (CMFC), the Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC), Tagoloan Farms, Lagonglong Integrated Farmers Turmeric Producers and Women’s Association (LIFATPWA), Titing’s Fish Products, the Mindanao Integrated Duck Raisers Association (MIDRA), and the Miarayon Highland Farmers’ Association (MHFA).

Also included in the roster of participating vendors were the Local Government Unit of Magsaysay, Magnolia Chicken, and the DA-10 Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC).

In a statement, AMAD Assistant Division chief Ferdinand F. Caraballe reiterated the rationale of the KNP, which is to provide the masses access to fresh, high quality, safe, and reasonably priced products, toward achieving food security in the region and the country.

“Among the goals of the DA through its KNP is accessibility to food, the growth of local markets that enable the creation of more jobs, and take part in reducing poverty incidence,” Caraballe said.

Further, he called on local consumers to support the local production of agri-fishery produce by purchasing from the KNP exhibit.

“We encourage the public to support the KNP program, especially since this is a direct assistance provided by the DA to our farmers, which not only benefits them but also you, our consumers, who will now be able to buy these products at lower prices,” the DA official said.

The said initiative, simultaneous with the nationwide conduct of the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ turnover of government services and interventions, is a manifestation of the policy thrusts of the DA through Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., to whom food security and accessibility remains a paramount consideration.# (GDA)

Agri-10 through its F2C2 program spearheads a training on product development and marketing strategy to 20 different FCAs with existing value-added products. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In support of the nationwide, simultaneous distribution of government assistance through the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ event, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, spearheaded the distribution of vegetable seed packets in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Bukidnon, on September 13.

Through the agency’s High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), the DA has apportioned 250 packets of Chopsuey seeds to Misamis Oriental.

DA-10 has also apportioned 480 packets of Pinakbet seeds and 360 packets of Sinigang seeds to Bukidnon for walk-in clients and interested individuals.

Meanwhile, through the agency’s National Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture Program (NUPAP), the DA-10 has apportioned 120 seed packets to Camiguin for distribution during the nationwide activity.

To complement the said agri inputs, DA has also distributed various information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on the production of various vegetables and crops, which are seen to guide and support the small-scale, backyard gardening efforts of said beneficiaries.

Brynn Verano, a resident of Barangay Lanise in Claveria, Misamis Oriental expressed his thanks to the agency for the provision of seeds, saying these inputs are sure to benefit his own backyard gardening efforts.

“Thank you DA for the vegetables you have provided. While [this is] not my first time [with backyard gardening], these seeds and production guides are still beneficial because it adds to my knowledge with planting, especially on those new practices I have yet to learn,” Verano said.