Agri-10, COA hold entrance con to strengthen transparency, accountability

EL SALVADOR CITY, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Aligned with the administration’s goal of single poverty incidence by 2028, Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao (DA-10) Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan urged the agency employees to ensure that government investments contribute to the said objective.

He emphasized this during the Entrance Conference for Audit Engagement for CY 2025 with the Commission on Audit (COA) – National Government Agencies Cluster 8, Team 7, on April 30, here.

According to COA-10 Regional Supervising Auditor Josie J. Rodriguez, the conference is in compliance with the COA Financial Audit Manual, marking the start of the audit for CY 2025 transactions. It serves to establish the terms of audit engagement, clarify deliverables, and strengthen the coordination between the Commission as the auditing body and the DA-10 as the auditee, ensuring a common understanding and appreciation of the audit’s purpose and procedures.

“In addition, you will be informed accordingly of the audit thrusts that will be identified during the final conference to be conducted by the cluster [Agriculture and Environment],” the COA-10 official imparted.
For her part, COA-10 Audit Team Leader Atty. Sittie Aina D. Sirad-Amerol tackled on the key audit aspects, including objectives, the auditors’ responsibilities, and the agency’s financial management performance. It highlighted the limitations of the audit and stressed the cooperation from the DA-10, especially in apprising of the department’s operations and complying with requirements in relation to field inspections and observations.

“We expect to complete our audit and issue the Management Letter (ML) on March 30, 2026, subject to the availability of documentary requirements,” Sirad-Amerol detailed. The ML refers to the formal communication being issued by the Commission to the management of the audited agency, reflecting the observations, findings, and suggestions that may or not significantly form part of the audit report but are deemed important for improving agency operations.

Likewise, she outlined that the audit will evaluate the fairness of the DA-10’s financial statements, assess the effectiveness of internal controls, and review compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the delivery of its programs and projects at the grassroots level.

“We are glad to see the things that we need to understand in evaluating our performance—not only financially, but also in terms of operations,” RED Pacamalan said, further citing the audit’s value in linking fund use with field-level outcomes. “It’s always a challenge to account the [funds] [based] on field results. Our operations should know beyond the accounting of the resources.”

The conference was attended by the DA-10’s top management, division and section chiefs, banner program coordinators, special project focal persons and other DA personnel.# (JLO)

KADIWA expansion launches inside PNP Camp in CdeO

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Reinforcing its commitment to make affordable and quality food accessible to more communities, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) launched the expansion of the KADIWA ng Pangulo inside Camp 1Lt Vicente G. Alagar on Tuesday, April 29, here.

Spearheaded by the agency’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the said KADIWA inside the Philippine National Police (PNP) camp will operate twice a month, particularly on employee salary release dates. It will continue to serve as a direct marketing platform that connects local farmers, fisherfolk, and producers to PNP personnel and surrounding communities.

This initiative is part of DA’s flagship program to shorten the food supply chain by eliminating unnecessary intermediaries—ensuring better income for producers while providing consumers with goods at more affordable prices.

“This [DA-10 and PNP] partnership exemplifies the spirit of bayanihan, delivering sustainable solutions that uplift both the agricultural sector and local communities as the KADIWA program continues to expand across the nation,” said DA-10 AMAD Officer-in-Charge chief Mae Carmela G. Fabela in delivering the Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan’s message.

Further, Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) Regional Director PBGEN Jaysen C. De Guzman also expressed his appreciation for the initiative, stating that the establishment of the KADIWA within their camp significantly boosts the morale and welfare of their personnel.

“The program directly addresses the daily needs of our uniformed men and women, allowing them to focus more on their duties. This initiative demonstrates the government’s strong commitment to the well-being of public servants and promoting inclusive growth. To this, the PNP continues to strengthen its partnership with the DA, working together to improve food access and support sustainable development in our communities,” De Guzman added.

Exhibitors during the launching included:
•Fisherfolks of Agusan Aquatic Agriculture (Agusan, Cagayan de Oro)
•Miarayon Highland Farmers Association (Miarayon, Talakag, Bukidnon)
•Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (El Salvador City)
•Pathfinder Marketing (Cagayan de Oro)

Through this expansion, DA-10 reaffirms its commitment to building resilient agricultural economies while enhancing food accessibility and consumer welfare across Northern Mindanao.# (EJLG)

Baliangao town farmers’ associations to benefit from agri provisions

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – In a bid to strengthen local productivity, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) turned over two units of mini chainsaw to farmers’ associations of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental on April 25 at Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan, this city.

The assistance was turned over by DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Operations Carlota S. Madriaga, along with HVCDP focal person Kersten S. Pagalan, in the presence of Provincial Operations Chief for Bukidnon Janet D. Lopez, DVM and Agriculturist II Ma. Estella I. Jalandoni of POC Misamis Occidental.

The mini chainsaws, amounting to Php12K each, will be given to the Sinian Service Provider Association and Misom Farmers’ Association.

On behalf of the beneficiaries, Reymax Omandam, agricultural technologist from Baliangao town, shared that the intervention will greatly improve the farmers’ efficiency in developing their farm areas.

Meanwhile, RTD Madriaga said that the assistance forms part of the DA’s continuing support to boost farmers’ productivity, particularly those planting coffee and cacao. The mini chainsaws are intended specifically for pruning matured cacao and coffee trees to rejuvenate them and enhance their fruit-bearing capacity.# (AMBM)

DA-NorMin hosts Mindanao leg of GSEP consultation

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In preparation for the roll out of the Goat and Sheep Expansion Project (GSEP) in Mindanao, the Department of Agriculture – Northern Mindanao Field Office (DA-NorMin) hosted the Consultation for the Development of Small Ruminant Raisers, here.

The consultation convened personnel of the DA’s Regional Livestock Program, provincial veterinarians, and livestock raisers from regions 9, 10, 11,12 and BARMM on April 23-25, to lay down strategic action plans for the GSEP implementation in Mindanao.

The GSEP is a nationwide goat and sheep breeding program of the DA designed to invigorate the small ruminant sector by introducing good genetics, strengthening the livelihood of livestock farmers and providing support to goat and sheep farms and enterprises.

According to DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Benjamin C. Albarece, DVM, under the GSEP, the DA plays a catalytic role in implementing a government-led breeding program to increase goat and sheep productivity and fertility rate in the country.

Under the GSEP, the DA aims to establish nucleus farms for purebred breeder lines of goats and sheep. This will be rolled out by partnering with commercial or smallholder raisers who have existing facilities capable of supporting the production of offspring with high-performance traits inherited from purebred lines.

In his message, DA-NorMin Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, pushes for proactive implementation of livestock programs and projects from the national to regional level. To attain sustainable livestock industry development, he urged for timely and target-oriented implementation of DA’s interventions at the ground level.

As part of the consultation, the participants were apprised on forage development technology, goat and sheep standard breeder farm management, nucleus and multiplier farm breeder program and the Animal Disease Incident Report (ADIR) – an online animal disease reporting application developed by the Bureau of Animal Industry.

The participants also visited Jerasenes Farm, a renowned dairy goat farm in Opol town, Misamis Oriental.

The visit highlighted the farm’s innovative use of silage production as a primary feed source for its goat herd, demonstrating an effective method for year-round nutrition.

In addition to goat farming, Jerasenes Farm also practices integrated farming by combining cattle, goat, swine, and duck production.

The consultation was also attended by the DA National Livestock Program Deputy Director Nover Lee P. Calub, DVM and Regional Advisory Committee for Animal Disease Control and Emergency Chair, Rodner A. Tuquib, DVM.# (ATT/CRS, Photo credits: CRS & Livestock Program)

RPAB approves FMR project for Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Regional Project Advisory Board (RPAB) of the Department of Agriculture – Mindanao Inclusive Agriculture Development Project (DA-MIADP), through its Regional Project Coordination Office 10 (RPCO 10), has approved funding for the improvement and concreting of a Farm-to-Market Road (FMR) in the Daraghuyan Ancestral Domain (AD) in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

In a project deliberation held on April 25, presided over by DA-10 Regional Executive Director and DA-MIADP 10 Project Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan, the PhP21.9-million subproject eyes to link sitios Damitan and Ulangohon of Brgy. Dalwangan. The 1.184-kilometer stretch is expected to boost agricultural productivity and economic activity in the area by improving road connectivity. Overall, the subproject will help minimize postharvest losses, cut hauling costs, shorten travel time, and enhance access to essential services.

Marking as the first DA-MIADP 10 subproject to receive RPAB approval, leader-representatives of the Daraghuyan AD, including Bae Mangangapok Sildam of the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS), and its indigenous people’s organization (IPO), the Inhandig Tribal Multipurpose Cooperative through its chairperson, Datu Arding Omarol, expressed the community’s support and shared their appreciation for the anticipated benefits of the subproject.

“Dako among kalipay kay dako kaayo og tabang ang kalsada sa amoa. Ang among mga produkto pagbiyahe dili na maglisod. Ang mga bata dali na ang ilang pageskwela. Pasalamat kaayo mi sa project sa MIADP nga makatabang sa Daraghuyan.” Datu Arding remarked.

The deliberation was attended by the RPAB members from the regional line agencies, including the DA, NCIP, DAR, DPWH, Mindanao Development Authority, DENR, DILG, DTI, MIADP Project Support Office (PSO) and its regional counterpart, RPCO, the Local Project Management and Implementation Unit of Malaybalay City, and the private sector through the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council.

Aside from RPAB approval, the subproject will still undergo final review and clearance by the PSO. As the first DA-MIADP subproject of its kind in Northern Mindanao, it will also be endorsed to the World Bank for review.

In addition to the approved FMR subproject, two additional infrastructure proposals were presented: the construction of a Multicommodity Warehouse with Multipurpose Drying Pavement, and the Daraghuyan Potable Water System (Level II). These subprojects are pending RPAB approval, subject to the submission and completion of the necessary documents.
Also presented was a proposal for the Coffee Processing Facility under the project’s enterprise development component. It aims to support the local coffee industry and strengthen livelihood opportunities within the Daraghuyan AD.

The DA-MIADP seeks to uplift the quality of life of the marginalized Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICC/IPs) across Mindanao through inclusive agricultural initiatives.# (KABC)

AMIA-10 convenes for 1Q review, planning workshop

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – Aiming to ensure efficient implementation of its programs and projects, the Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CC-AMIA) program of the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) convenes relevant stakeholders for its 1st Quarter Review and Assessment today, April 23, at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex (NMACLRC), in Dalwangan, here.

DA-10 Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Cora A. Dumayaca underscored the agency’s commitment to strengthening climate change resilience among farming and fishery communities within the region.

She added that the event aims to evaluate the program’s progress and create strategic plans for its continued implementation.

Among the topics discussed include the overview and progress report of AMIA-10 as well as the targets and accomplishments for the first quarter of the year.

Since its inception in 2017, the program has created 13 AMIA villages in Northern Mindanao, including in Magsaysay, Misamis Oriental which has accumulated over 1k hectares of land for production, the largest AMIA village in the country.

Additionally, the AMIA program in Region has hosted the first ever AMIA Congress in the nation last year, highlighting the products of the beneficiaries from the Climate Resilient Agriculture practices they adopted such as Climate Information System, Sloping Agriculture Land Technology, crop calendar and drip irrigation, among others.

Meanwhile, following the said conduct of assessment, the program will be holding an AMIA Villages Planning Workshop on April 24 to 25 to review accomplishments of AMIA beneficiaries. # (AMBM)

Agri-10 backs solo parents month celebration

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In support and recognition for the strength and resilience of solo parents, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10), through its Gender and Development (GAD) program, held a seminar in celebration of Solo Parents Month on April 23, here.

With the theme “Empowering Solo Parents: Updates and Support Programs,” the event aimed to raise awareness and promote self-reliance by equipping solo parents with knowledge, practical skills, and access to sustainable resources.

In line with Republic Act No. 8972, otherwise known as the Solo Parents’ Welfare Act of 2000, as amended by Republic Act No. 11861, otherwise known as the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act—which designates the third week of April as Solo Parents Week—it featured demonstrations and interactive discussions on accessing government assistance, micro-greening, hydroponics, square foot gardening and financial management. These activities were designed to help enhance the resiliency, resourcefulness, and potential of solo parents.

The event was attended by solo parents from the DA, its attached bureaus, and other line agencies, with the shared goal of strengthening and empowering solo parents.# (NQA/Photos supplied)

Agri NorMin evaluates progress of AMIA Villages

MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON – The Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10) through its Climate Change – Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (CC-AMIA) program, gathered key stakeholders for the AMIA Villages Planning Workshop held on April 24 to 25 at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, in Dalwangan, this city.

April Grace M. Racines, AMIA-10 focal person, said the workshop aims to review and assess the performance of the AMIA program and AMIA Villages across Region 10 as well as to craft proposed plans for their short (CY 2026-2028) and long (CY 2026-2030) term plans. The event also served as a venue for farmers and local government unit representatives from the 13 AMIA Village sites to present their accomplishment reports and best Climate Resilient Agriculture practices.

With the provision of trainings and agri-inputs they received from AMIA-10, Jerry C. Alisbo, secretary of the Guinitan Upland Farmers Association from Brgy. Pagalungan, Cagayan de Oro City, expressed his gratitude for the sustained commitment in addressing their farming needs.

“The program has provided us with additional knowledge in farming, especially [in managing our] hilly to rolling areas. Our expenses in purchasing farming inputs was also reduced through the help of AMIA, resulting in an increased income for our livelihood,” Alisbo reported.

For his part, DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan affirmed the agency’s commitment to intensify its efforts to cater to the need of program beneficiaries.

As a way forward, Dir. Pacamalan said, “The integration of AMIA Village experiences into the Municipal/City and Provincial Agriculture Development Investment Plan (M/C/PAFID), alignment with the programs of line government agencies, and its incorporation into the Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development Plan are being prioritized.”

He furthered that the said initiative is in pursuit of achieving better agriculture and fishery outcomes, expanding AMIA Villages into AMIA municipalities/cities with a 93% food sufficiency level.# (AMBM)

Agri-10 hosts KADIWA at Diskwento Caravan in celebration of Filipino Food Month

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — In line with the celebration of Filipino Food Month or “Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino”, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), conducted a “KADIWA at Diskwento Caravan” on Wednesday, April 23, at the agency compound, here.

The activity forms part of the agency’s support for Presidential Proclamation No. 469, series of 2018, which designates the month of April as Filipino Food Month. This national observance is led by the DA, highlighting the historical, cultural, and culinary importance of Filipino cuisine while honoring the contributions of local farmers, fisherfolk, and food producers to the country’s food security and identity.

In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the Diskwento Caravan, locally processed food products were made available to consumers at or below the suggested retail prices. These were offered alongside agri-fishery commodities showcased under the KADIWA initiative.

With this year’s theme, “Sarap ng Pagkaing Pilipino: Yaman ng Ating Kasaysayan, Kultura, at Pagkatao,” the event aimed to deepen public appreciation of Filipino food heritage and support local producers by promoting their products.

Exhibitors include:
*Miarayon Talakag Highland Farmers Association – Fresh vegetables and spices
*Fisherfolks of Agusan Aquatic Agriculture (FAACO) – Fishery products
*Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperatives (NMFDC) – Fresh and flavored milk
*Five (5) Individual Exhibitors – Assorted fruits and traditional kakanin
*National Irrigation Administration 10 – BBM at NIA rice (PhP29/kg)
*RBS Universal Grains Corp. – Imported rice (PhP29-37/kg)
*Pathfinder Marketing – Grocery items and basic goods
*Beehive Distributor – Grocery items and basic goods
*Julmar Commercial – Grocery items and basic goods

This joint initiative underscores the Department’s ongoing commitment to empowering agri-entrepreneurs, improving market access, and making affordable, high-quality food products more accessible to the public.

“Marketing has always been a challenge in our farming efforts. Through activities like this, may we be further inspired to strengthen our support for farmers, especially in building and improving market access,” said DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan.

“Thank you to our farmers and vendors who joined us today. Let us celebrate this occasion as a way of honoring this month’s observance—Filipino Food Month,” the director added

With the KDC, DA-10 reaffirms its commitment to supporting local producers and promoting Filipino food culture, where it continues to work closely with its partners to create more inclusive and sustainable market opportunities that celebrate the richness of local agriculture and empower farming communities across Northern Mindanao.# (EJLG)

PBBM inaugurates PhP69.7-M rice processing facility in MisOr, targets to finish and build more by 2025

BALINGASAG, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the Php69.7-million Rice Processing System II (RPS II) on April 22 in Barangay San Isidro, this town.

Funded through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PhilMech), the RPS II is projected to cut production costs, minimize postharvest losses, and enhance rice quality.

The agro-industrial facility houses a multi-stage rice mill capable of processing 2 to 3 tons of palay per hour, and 4 recirculating dryers with a 12-ton batch capacity each unit.

With a total rice area of 1,794.65 hectares, 2,754 rice farmers in the province are poised to benefit from the RPS II, through the collaborative implementation with the project beneficiary First Community Cooperative (FICCO).

For its part, the DA-Regional Field Office 10 accredited the said coop, one of the requisites to be eligible for the availment of assistance under DA-RCEF.

“Sa tulong nito, bababa ang postharvest losses ng halos 32,000 metriko tonelada kada taon— katumbas ang mahigit PhP541-M na kita para sa ating mga magsasaka,” said President Marcos in his speech.

The chief executive also emphasized that the project is part of a broader commitment to modernize and mechanize the country’s rice sector by building more RPS.

“Bahagi ito ng mas malawak nating layunin. Sa ilalim ng ating administrasyon, nakapagpatayo na po tayo ng 150 na ganitong Rice Processing System.

Makakatapos tayo sa taon ng 2025 ng 20 pa. At on the year 2025, magsisimula naman mag-construct ng [karagdagang] 50 na ganitong klaseng Rice Processing [System].”

Alongside the inauguration, President Marcos, here, also led the ceremonial turnover of Php32.2-M worth of agricultural machinery and inputs, and the launching of the Php350-M Integrated Coconut Processing Facility.# (BJCE/DA-10 Info Team)