Agri-10 drives improved agri mechanization with updated inventory

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) coordinated some of its personnel and partner agencies and corporation for a meeting to update and harmonize the inventory of distributed agri-machinery, gauging the region’s mechanization level.

The meeting convened representatives from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority – 10 (PhilFIDA-10), National Irrigation Administration – 10 (NIA-10), and the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) Mindanao – Cluster A.

As a way forward of the inventory update, the DA-10 through its Regional Agricultural and Engineering Division (RAED) is directed to integrate the Harmonized Mechanization Index (HMI) into the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Management Information System (ABEMIS).

The HMI, developed by the Bureau of Agricultural and Fisheries Engineering (BAFE), is used to evaluate agricultural operations and plan mechanization strategies.

For her part, DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga recommended for the said agencies to have direct access to the inventory templates, and allow them to directly input data.

The body also agreed to include updating production area data per commodity, linking with banner programs to classify mechanizable areas, and establishing a centralized data system. Further, focal persons will be designated to ensure continuous inventory updates.

As the next step, the DA-10 will conduct online meetings with local government units (LGUs) and other agencies by late March or early April, this year to further refine mechanization strategies and data harmonization.# (BJCE)

Newly promoted DA NorMin personnel take oath

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Four newly promoted employees of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) took their oath of office earlier today, March 24, at the agency compound, here.

Administering the oathtaking ceremony is DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, with the following advancing personnel and their corresponding positions:

Rosell P. Tubaon – Supervising Science Research Specialist
Dryan Anthony D. Illana – Administrative Officer V
Ronalyn R. Abistano – Accountant II
Mary Ann Q. Behiga – Administrative Aide VI

Also witnessing the oathtaking rite were DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca, concerned division heads, Human Resource Merit Promotion and Selection Board (HRMPSB) committee members, and other key officials of the agency.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 backs PHilMech training on rice processing enterprise mgt

TUBOD, LANAO DEL NORTE – In a bid to improve the efficiency and sustainability of rice processing enterprises, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), joined the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) to conduct a Training Workshop on the Operation and Management of the Rice Processing Enterprises under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program on Thursday, March 20, in this town.

Organized under the PHilMech’s Enterprise Development and Sustainability Support (EDSS) Program, the training aimed to enhance the entrepreneurial capability of Farmer Cooperatives, Associations (FCAs), and Local Government Units (LGUs) responsible for managing postharvest facilities.

Ferdinand F. Caraballe, Supervising Agriculturist of DA-10 AMAD, served as one of the resource speakers, providing insights on enterprise development, financial management, and marketing strategies to equip FCAs with the skills needed to efficiently manage Rice Processing Systems (RPS).

He also highlighted the DA’s marketing support through the AMAD, including the implementation of the Sagip Saka Price Act, Bantay Presyo Monitoring System, and the Food Security Emergency, the enforcement of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act and Daily Price Index Monitoring, the conduct of Kadiwa ng Pangulo, and the enhanced Kadiwa through the provision of logistics assistance and market infrastructure.

Caraballe furthered that said marketing initiatives are crucial for farmers in helping them achieve sustainable operations, secure fair market prices, and contribute to the country’s food security and agricultural development.

The training was attended by managers, bookkeepers, classifiers, warehouse personnel, and board members involved in the day-to-day operations of RPS.

DA-10 remains committed to empowering FCAs by improving market access, enhancing financial literacy, and strengthening the rice value chain in the region.# (EJLG)

Agri-10 enhances digitization program in NorMin

LIBONA, BUKIDNON — Aiming to strengthen farming assistance tailored to the region’s local agri producers, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), headed by Regional Executive Director (RED) Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, held an orientation on the Farmers and Fisherfolk Management Information System (F2MIS) on Friday, March 21, in this town.

The F2MIS is a digitization initiative of the agency designed to create a centralized and updated registry of farmers across the region. Through this system, DA-10 will be able to track cropping and harvest schedules, identify potential market linkages, and efficiently distribute agricultural interventions.

By integrating data-driven solutions, the program aims to streamline government support and ensure that timely assistance reaches intended beneficiaries.

Further, the platform would serve as a basis for future agricultural programs, including subsidy allocation, farm-to-market coordination, and risk management strategies during unforeseen challenges such as price fluctuations or extreme weather conditions.

With its implementation, the department envisions a more responsive and transparent approach to agricultural development, reducing the gap between production and market demand.

RED Pacamalan encourages all farmers whether members of cooperatives or independent producers, to coordinate with their respective Municipal or City Agriculture Offices for registration in the F2MIS.

This initiative will not only enhance the agency’s ability to monitor agricultural activities but also ensure that farmers receive government-led support, fostering a more resilient and sustainable agri sector.# (EJLG)

NorMin’s top young farmer enterprise prepares for YFC Upscale national judging

DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY – Following the recent regional-level judging of the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Upscale component, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), sent off the region’s YFC 2024 Upscale National Finalist for a mentoring and coaching activity at the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), here.

The five-day event, held from March 17 to 21, provided participants from all competing regions with essential training in business pitching etiquette, enterprise development, financial planning and reporting, marketing and communication, as well as understanding their duties and responsibilities.

Representing Northern Mindanao in the upcoming YFC Upscale National Level Competition is OZ Fresh Greens Hydroponics, which secured the highest score during the regional competition among all the participating enterprises.

The YFC Upscale mentoring serves as the first phase of the national competition, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills before they present their business pitches to a panel of national judges.

National awardee/s will receive an additional 500k financial grant to further develop their enterprises.

With the agency’s continued support, region 10’s finalist is set to showcase innovation, sustainability, and excellence in agribusiness at the national level.# (EJLG)

DA-SAAD NorMin boosts agri support to Lanao Norte farmers

LANAO DEL NORTE – As part of its continuing commitment to bolster inclusive agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development Program Northern Mindanao (DA-SAAD NorMin) turned over recently an assortment of vegetable seeds to the Small Banisilon Farmers Association (SBFA) of Tangcal town, here.

The agricultural inputs provided include 20 packets each of kangkong, ampalaya, squash, red chili and pechay; 10 packets each of white gourd, eggplant, tomato and okra. Additionally, the association received 2 sacks peanut seeds and 10 rolls UV-treated plastic in support of its high value crops production project.

To maximize the potential of the one-hectare cumulative production area tilled by members of the SBFA, the DA-SAAD NorMin assisted the association in constructing a plant nursery by utilizing the granted UV plastic. As their counterpart, the association will provide readily and locally available materials such as bamboo and timber to build the nursery.

While capacitating the farmers in producing their own food for household consumption, the DA-SAAD NorMin also engaged the farmers to embrace agricultural entrepreneurship by assisting them in establishing community-based enterprise in their community.

According to Cairon Mapandi, SBFA president, the association has recently started processing chili garlic sauce. They have produced some 400 bottles of said product and sold them mainly in the town’s local market.

The SBFA reportedly earned over Php9k from chili garlic sauce production. The association is targeting to increase their production volume and expand their market reach to neighboring localities.

The SBFA is founded by 25 farmers who belong to Meranaw tribe – a muslim Filipino ethnic group, residing in the municipality of Tangcal.

Tangcal is a 5th class municipality with a poverty incidence rate of 44.1% according to the 2018 census of the PSA.# (ATT/Photo credits: AMS)

Malaybalay City assoc receives P1.28-M chicken multiplier farm project

To help in the increase of local chicken inventory and poultry meat supply in the province, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10, through the Livestock Program, turned over the chicken multiplier farm project to the Buoy Nahalagan Clan Association, Inc. (BNCA) on March 13, in Barangay Kulaman, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Under the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program, said project is worth PhP1.28-million which includes a unit of poultry house, 400 head of free-range chickens, egg incubator, grower feeds, and drugs and biologics.

Likewise, the project is expected to contribute in the supply of safe and nutritious poultry meat, promote quality chicken in Northern Mindanao, at the same time, provide additional source of food and income to the farmer beneficiaries.

The activity was attended by BNCA officials, Local Government Unit of Malaybalay City staff, Malaybalay City Veterinary Office personnel, and the DA-10 workforce.# (CRS/Photos supplied)

DA-10 supports veggie garden initiative of LAGTAS Battalion

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – As partners in promoting peace and development, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10), under the leadership of Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, has turned over agricultural inputs to the 504th Combat Engineer (LAGTAS) Battalion, Combat Engineer “Pacers” Regiment, Philippine Army (PA), on March 20, at the agency compound.

In support to the vegetable initiative of the said unit, the agency handed over packets of 5-in-1 Sinigang seeds, and tin cans of snap beans, eggplant, ampalaya, sweet pepper, pechay, squash, and cucumber seeds, as well as farm tools such as 10 trowels, gloves, and bolos apiece.

“This initiative is part of the Philippine Army’s Army Green Camps Program, which aims to provide fresh produce for personnel while promoting self-sufficiency and wellness. I am grateful to the department and to RED Pacamalan for supporting our initiative by providing these inputs.” Staff Sgt McJohn F. Pedarse, PA said, who received the provisions on behalf of the company.

Also present during the turnover were High Value Crops Development Program Coordinator Kersten S. Pagalan and Administrative and Finance Division Chief Patrick Ian F. Pedarse.# (MAC)

Maramag farmers receive agri intervention thru DA-10 HVCDP

Five farmers’ associations have received a mini chainsaw from the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), funded by the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) on March 10, in Maramag, Bukidnon.

Overall valued at PhP76,250.00, a mini chainsaw was distributed each to the representatives of La Roxas Growers Association, New Mahawan Highland Coffee Growers Association, Mahawan Farmers, Lapasak-Mindawat Taalandig Community Agro-Farm of Abaca, Bamboo, Coffee Planters Association, and Catal Lumad Development Association.

The provision of said compact and lightweight tool is primarily seen to help rejuvenate old coffee and cacao trees, as well as activities such as clearing, pruning and maintenance, among other purposes.

The turnover ceremony was facilitated by the Municipal Agriculture Office of Maramag headed by Municipal Agriculturist Armand S. dela Cruz.# (CRS/Photo credits: MAO Maramag)

Lanao farmers expand SAAD livelihood project with peanut farming

To diversify their income stream, the Department of Agriculture Special Area for Agricultural Development Program – Northern Mindanao (DA-SAAD NorMin) recently trained members of Kadoldolan Farmers Association (KFA) of Linamon town and the Sustainable Agri-Integrated Farmers Association (SAIFA) of Matungao town, Lanao del Norte in peanut production.

Peanut production is deemed an expansion to the existing Integrated Livelihood Project granted by the DA-SAAD NorMin to the KFA and SAIFA.

Banking on the capacity of their members, currently both associations are engaged in producing and marketing vegetables such as okra, string beans, pechay, eggplant and white gourd as part of the effort to establish community-based agricultural enterprise in their locality.

The KFA has also started producing its trademark product, the Spicy Suka Sawsawan to pool added income for the association.

“Dako kayong amoang pasalamat sa SAAD Program sa paghatag sa amoa og mga seeds ug garden tools apil pud sa mga training para mapadaghan pa amo produksyon sa vegetable garden apil pud ning sa mani para amoa pud masulayan pagtanum dinhi sa amoang area ug mahimo kini dugang nga income para sa amoang mga farmer beneficiary,” said Hermocilla Generalao, SAIFA president.

(We are truly grateful to the SAAD Program for providing us [vegetable] seeds and garden tools, as well as training which enable us to increase our vegetable garden production, and now we get to try peanut farming in our locality as extra source of income for our farmer beneficiaries)

As bonafide beneficiary of the DA-SAAD NorMin, the KFA was granted agricultural interventions such as cattle, veterinary drugs and biologics, vegetable seeds, garden tools, organic fertilizer, technical capacity training and value-added product processing.

On the other hand, the SAIFA received abaca stripper, hybrid corn seeds, vegetable seeds, garden tools, urea, fertilizer and technical capacity training.

To advocate sustainable agriculture in low-income and isolated areas, the DA-SAAD NorMin capacitated the farmers to embrace diversified farming by producing varied locally viable products with high market potential.# (ATT)