Camiguin farmers are eyed to reap benefits from DA-SAAD 10’s free-range chicken project.

With the aim of empowering local communities and fostering sustainable livelihoods, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under its Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) recently distributed free-range chicken to the Owakan Chicken Farmers’ Association (FA) in Mahinog, Camiguin.

Under the Phase 2 implementation of the SAAD program, the FA received P281,500 worth of agri-inputs which includes 275 head of free-range chicken, 20 bags of chick grower feeds, and one freezer.

The initiative is aimed to address the need for income-generating opportunities in rural areas, benefiting the 25 members of the FA of barangay Owakan of said town. # (AMBM)

DA-10 reinforces the Gulayan sa Paaralan project of MNHS through the provision of agri inputs.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Aligned with its goal to urge the youth to participate in the attainment of food self-reliance and -sufficiency, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) manifests its support to the Gulayan sa Paaralan project of an Oro-based school through the provision of agricultural inputs.

DA-10 headed by Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado represented by Senior Agriculturist Nanette Gay M. Aleria and High Value Crops Development Program coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan, handed over on February 8, four pieces each of light hoe, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo, 25 pieces plastic seedling tray, and assorted vegetable seeds (Pinakbet) to Denver E. Neri, Macasandig National High School (MNHS) assistant head.

The school official said that the provisions will be used to carry on with the implementation of their Gulayan project.

He added that the activity is being adopted by the school not only to teach students on how to grow vegetables, at the same time integrate learning on entrepreneurship, as students sell the surplus of their production.

With the extended agri assistance, RED Collado pins his hopes in the continuity of the Gulayan project of MNHS, as it promotes food production activities in their community while reconnecting students to the source of their food.# (JLO)

Agri-10 provides Jasaan NHS agri inputs for their Gulayan program. 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In its continuous support of the development of Gulayan sa Paaralan projects, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), under the tutelage of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, provided agricultural materials to Jasaan National High School (JNHS) on February 8, at the agency compound.

Senior Agriculturist Nanette Gay M. Aleria and High Value Crops Development Program coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan turned over a package of agri interventions composed of four pieces each of light hoe, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo, 25 pieces of plastic seedling tray and three packets of 5-in-1 Pinakbet vegetable seed to Grenberge B. Timario II, Master Teacher/Assistant to the Principal and Josephine M. Seco, Teacher III.

According to Seco, said provision would help the school cultivate their agri area with the help of the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) parents and their children studying in JNHS.

“We are very thankful to DA-10 that they gave us planting materials with tools and equipment so we can put up a garden that is at par with the quality standards of the Gulayan sa Paaralan by DepEd,” she furthered. # (TJTL)

DA-PRDP 10 evaluates a coffee enterprise subproject in Maramag town.

MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – To gauge the emerging benefits of the interventions given by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rural Development Project to the Rural Improvement Club Federation of Kape Maramag (RIC Kape Maramag), the team from the Regional Project Coordination Office (RPCO) 10 conducted a week-long Rapid Appraisal for Emerging Benefits (RAEB) for the Coffee Processing and Marketing Enterprise subproject on February 5-9, in this town.

To successfully assess the impact of the subproject, assessment tools such as Key Informant Interviews (KII), Focused Group Discussions (FGD), Household Interviews (HH), and spot interviews were used to draw responses from the officers and members of the RIC Kape Maramag, representatives from the Local Government Unit of Maramag, traders, and stakeholders involved in the subproject.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-PRDP 10 Project Director Carlene C. Collado emphasized that the activity is vital to pinpoint the subproject’s impacts and, at the same time, take necessary actions to the concerns that were identified after the evaluation.

“Our assistance does not stop during the turnover of the project. We are aiming for the long-term benefits for our beneficiaries” Dir. Collado said.

During the spot interview, Cherewilde B. Alerta, a coffee farmer and a member of the RIC, was able to enjoy the benefits brought by the interventions of DA-PRDP to RIC Kape Maramag.

“I started planting coffee in 2004. Before Kape Maramag was established, we sold our coffee produce to other buyers at a very cheap price because middlemen kept on meddling. Now, with Kape Maramag, we are assured of a market that will pay a better price.”

He further shared, “ I felt changes when DA-PRDP assisted the RIC. Our produce is being picked-up from our farm through their hauling vehicle which helped us save for transport costs. We are no longer paying Php 350.00 per hauling.”

He said that they have access to post harvest facilities that help maintain quality of their produce and other coffee farmers have benefited from the services of RIC. For that, he extended his gratitude to the RIC and to DA-PRDP.

Another farmer-beneficiary, Cornelio G. Eraya, Jr., was also able to expand his farm through the use of the solar-drying facility.

“I am thankful to DA-PRDP and to RIC Kape Maramag for placing the solar dryer facility near our farms. This has been very useful for us in ensuring the quality of our produce, thus, helping us earn more income.”

Eraya started with just a hectare of land to plant coffee but now, he was able to buy and expand his coffee farm to 30 hectares.

He added, “I believe that the DA-PRDP and the RIC Kape Maramag, through their assistance to us, are instrumental for me to reach this feat.”

For this, he is thankful to the government through the DA-PRDP, who are instrumental in making sure that coffee farmers like him were assisted with various interventions.

Led by the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Unit, the activity is conducted a year after the subproject was turned over.

The result of the RAEB will be consolidated as it will determine the effectiveness of the subproject and will also serve as benchmark in granting same project to other beneficiaries. #

Agri 10 apprises Camiguin agri stakeholders on info on climate patterns and forecasts affecting the agri fishery sector of said province. 

MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN – In fostering resilience and preparedness within communities vulnerable to the impacts of El Niño, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through the Climate and Environment Risk Reduction Management Unit (CERRMU) conducted a Climate Information Caravan cum El Niño forum on February 6-7, in Camiguin province.

Per the report, the outlook for areas’ potential for dry, dry spells and drought conditions shows that Camiguin is likely to experience dry conditions by the end of February and is predicted to shift to drought conditions by the end of May 2024, based on the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) PAGASA data.

Around 77 participants, coming from the different government sectors and some farmer-leaders of Camiguin, convened to learn valuable information on climate patterns and forecasts affecting the agricultural and fishery sectors of the province.

The island of Camiguin is a farming and fishing province with a rich agricultural heritage and is known for its fertile volcanic soil, favorable climate, and diverse agricultural practices that primarily focus on the cultivation of crops such as rice, corn, coconut, various fruits and vegetables, and fisheries.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado said the activity aims to provide invaluable insights, knowledge about climate conditions, and information on the El Niño phenomenon and its environmental impact.

Meanwhile, Camiguin Provincial Agriculturist Aida G. Chan conveyed her appreciation to everyone in attendance for their full cooperation at the event.

“I’m thankful to DA-10, especially to Dir. Collado for granting our request to have this activity [Climate Info Car Cum El Niño Forum], as this would greatly help our sector leaders and farmers to better understand the effect of the El Niño phenomenon and its mitigation measures needed concerning the agricultural sector in our province,” she said.

Significant to its role in providing information, DA-10 Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) alternate focal person Gay Nanette M. Aleria added that the activity serves as a platform for raising awareness about the importance of climate change adaptation and the need for collective action to address the challenges posed by El Niño.

Accordingly, the agency prioritized the implementation of water management strategies and other related interventions, continuous monitoring and coordination with PAGASA regarding climate forecast, enhancement of the DA-El Nino mitigation and action plan, maximizing and optimizing production in non-threatened areas, and rehabilitation of affected areas.

Lastly, strengthened collaboration with local authorities, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders to address the anticipated changes in precipitation patterns during El Niño.

Also presented are the El Niño action plans of DOST PAGASA, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Food Authority (NFA), Philippine Crop Insurance, Corp. (PCIC), and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).# (RDME)

Agri-10 launches upland hybrid rice demo farms in barangays Sumpong and Can-ayan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To further boost Northern Mindanao’s rice production capacity, the Department of Agriculture – Region 10 (DA-10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado formally launched its first hybrid upland rice production technology demonstration farm in Bukidnon province.

Together with the Bukidnon Tagoloanon Mulahay Ha Kabukalagan Agriculture Cooperative (BUKTAMACO), Bukidnon Provincial Agriculture Office, Malaybalay City Agriculture Office and Seedwork Philippines, DA-10 recently held its inaugural planting of the three-hectare upland rice production technology trial demo farm in barangays Sumpong and Can-ayan, in Malaybalay City.

The project is designed to undergo a trial phase before full-scale implementation of the eyed 300-hectare demonstration farm, to give way for production technology fine-tuning and area compatibility assessment.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations, Cora A. Dumayaca said the project is pivotal to the DA’s goal to increase the region’s rice sufficiency by utilizing upland production areas.

Using an area modeling approach, the project will optimize the potential and opportunities in developing the Ancestral Domains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) as an upland rice production area in the region.

DA-10 Deputy Director for Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (MIADP), Joel S. Rudinas, said the project provides the base for future agricultural development.

He said by employing an area-based development system, this undertaking can spin out to other commodities in the value chain and integrate other agricultural livelihood activities that can significantly address poverty situations among the IP communities.

Using Seedworks Philippines’ TH-82 hybrid rice production technology, the upland rice demo farm is set to be fully established during the 2024 wet cropping season.

Also in attendance during the hybrid upland rice technology demo farm launching ceremony are Atty. Burt M. Estrada, BUKTAMACO General Manager, Jacqueline Julia A. Lagamon, Bukidnon Provincial Agriculturist, Engr. Richard B. Leono, Malaybalay City Agriculturist, Janet D. Lopez, DVM, DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief, Lucille T. Minguez, DA-10 Regional Crops Protection Center chief.# (ATT)

IP students in Quezon, Bukidnon receive veggie seeds to boost food and nutrition security in the town.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The ROTA Philippines Inc. on Thursday, February 1 received from the Department of Agriculture-RFO 10 several packets of vegetable seeds and garden tools intended for the high school students of Sulads Comprehensive High School for the Lumads in Sto. Domingo, Quezon, Bukidnon.

During the turnover, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga said that the department’s provision of vegetable seeds ensures food security in schools and communities aside from assuring available, accessible and affordable food in the locality.

DA-10 through its High Value Crops Development Program also provided garden tools which include a light hoe, plastic seedling tray, shovel, sprinkler and weeding bolo.

William Bill C. Semorlan II, Executive Director of Rota Phils. Inc. said, their effort in starting a community garden project will commence on February 2-4 in the said school to promote sustainable agriculture, community engagement, and healthy living.

“Around 230 IP students coming from different areas in Mindanao who study in Sulads CHS will profit from the project,” Semorlan added.

He shared that the community garden will not only provide fresh and locally grown produce but will also foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility among residents.

He emphasized that through DA’s support, ROTA will be making a positive impact in the community.

Supporting the activity is Richan Lacanaria, Senior Agriculturist and corn program focal person of the Field Operations Division of DA-10.#(ATC)

DA, DAR  strengthen EO 75 implementation in NorMin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR-10) Regional Director Zoraida O. Macadindang, Al Hadj, JD with its officials paid a courtesy visit to DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado in his office, here in Cagayan de Oro City, today, January 30.

The officials discussed solidifying its partnership in the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No. 75, series of 2019 through a DAR-DA joint administrative order No. 8, series of 2021.

The guidelines determine the suitability for agricultural purposes of government-owned lands (GOLs) under EO 75.

Director Collado emphasized boosting the region’s agriculture industry and strengthening the food supply, including the production areas of livestock.

Joining them were Atty. Alberto R. Lagamon, Jr., DAR-10 Assistant Regional Director Engr. Norberto R. Paquingan, DM with PARPO II Jammal G. Pangandaman, MARPO Engr. Jocelyn Valmores and PARPO I Maybelle Alcala.#(ATC)

DA-10 aids in boosting nutritious food production thru the provision of veggie seeds.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – To grow and produce nutritious food, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado distributes vegetable seeds to Mambuaya National Highschool (MNHS) on February 6, at the agency compound.

Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project Deputy Director Joel S. Rudinas together with Ronald Allan P. Camaddo, Agriculturist II of DA’s High Value Crops Development Program (DA-HVCDP) handed over 50 packets of 5-in1 pinakbet seeds to Lynne D. Soleria, Teacher I of MHNS, in this city.

Soleria said that the provision will be utilized in the school’s garden and its feeding program for the benefit of the students in the said institution.

By allocating vegetable seeds, the beneficiaries can foster the production in the range of crops, enhancing the diversity and nutritious diet for local communities. #(MPMT)

DA-PRDP turns over 5th warehouse with MPDP to Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. 

MANOLO FORTICH, BUKIDNON – With a vast agricultural land that the municipality has to offer, the fifth Warehouse with Multi-Purpose Drying Pavement was handed over by the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project 10 (DA-PRDP 10) through Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado and PRDP Project Director to the Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich on January 30, here.

In her message, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations and DA-PRDP 10 Deputy Project Director Carlota S. Madriaga said that Cebukawan deserves to have the subproject in the area.

“With large areas dedicated to agriculture, it is indeed ideal to have a warehouse with MPDP in place here. This will help our farmers have an access to post-harvest facilities that will maintain and improve the quality of their produce, thus increasing their income,” said Madriaga.

She added that the effort is the ultimate goal of DA-PRDP: bridging the gap and touching lives. She pinned her hopes that the local officials, the farmers, and the residents would give importance to the subproject.

Manolo Fortich Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño is thankful for the continuous support given by DA-PRDP, especially the numerous interventions.

“We already received various subprojects from DA-PRDP and we will continue availing projects that will bring progress to our farmers.”

Meanwhile, the son of the lot owner and one of the beneficiaries, Charles A. Relosa, expressed his heartfelt thanks for the subproject that will bring better lives to farmers in Cebukawan.

“This will be beneficial to us, farmers, having the facility close to our area. We will no longer travel to other places to dry our produce; thus, we can already save hauling costs and with that, we are thankful. “

He emphasized that his father was happy having donated his land so other farmers can also benefit from it.

Under the IBUILD Component, the warehouse with MPDP is located in sitio Cebukawan in barangay Lunocan in this municipality with a contract amount of Php 4,653,734.95 that will greatly benefit corn and cassava farmers in the area.

The same subproject can be found in barangays Sto. Niño, Kalugmanan, Mambatangan, and Minsuro of Manolo Fortich.

Gracing the activity are Manolo Fortich Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr., the members of the Sangguniang Bayan, local officials, farmers, residents of Lunocan, and DA-PRDP 10 staff. # (CRS)